nicolejoerger's reviews
124 reviews

My Princess Boy by Cheryl Kilodavis

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5.0

NON-FICTION - Ed 230
My Princess Boy is about a young boy named Dyson who loves pink, sparkles, dresses, and his princess tiara. Dyson struggles with staying strong when the other boys at school tease and laugh at him, but ultimately realizes the importance of staying true to himself.
This is an extremely important topic for students to learn about, and beneficial for students who may relate with Dyson, or students who have been bullied in the past for various reasons. We need to teach our students about unconditional love and tolerance, and discuss the importance to putting an end to bullying, which My Princess Boy does flawlessly. The message in My Princess Boy is blunt and powerful, letting children know it is okay to express their true selves, and the importance of acceptance.
Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman by Kathleen Krull

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5.0

NON-FICTION - Ed 230
This book is about the famous African American Olympian who was the first American woman to win three gold medals at one Olympic Game. Rather that just covering that amazing accomplishment alone, the story goes deeper and discusses how Wilma suffered from Polio as a child. She was actually told by her doctor that she would never be able to run, but through determination and dedication she proved everyone wrong.
This is a powerful and encouraging story that I hope to use to teach my students that they can overcome any obstacle they put their mind to. This reaches out to students who have been told they cannot do something and lets them know that they can do anything they put their mind to. It also teaches students to never underestimate themselves, or their peers.
Nasreen's Secret School: A True Story from Afghanistan by Jeanette Winter

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5.0

NON-FICTION - Ed 230
A young girl Young Nasreen, is living in war struck Afghanistan and is struggling with coping after the disappearance of her parents. Since girls are not allowed to attend school, her grandmother decides to enroll Nasreen in a secret school for girls. Her grandmother hopes that receiving an education will inspire Nasreen, and to end Nasreen's speaking strike. Will a devoted teacher, a new friend, and the worlds she discovers in books be enough to draw Nasreen out of her shell of sadness?

I loved this book, it is probably one of my favorite from the term. Discussing equality issues both in the United States, and over seas, is extremely important to begin covering in the classroom, which this book does well, while showing readers the life changing power of education, and the healing power of family, friendship, and love.
Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World about Kindness by Donna Bowman Bratton

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5.0

NON-FICTION - Ed 230
This story follows a freed slave, William Key who loves working with animals. His experience comes from during his time as a slave he traveled around to different plantations to take care of sick and wounded animals. When the Civil War ended and Doc was freed, he began to dream of breeding a winning racehorse. But those dreams were dashed when his colt was born weak and sickly. Although many people would have euthanized the colt, Doc nursed him back to health and named him Jim. After being freed, William breeds attempts to breed a race horse, but the horse is born sickly. However, he notices that the horse trains easily and responds to kindness, so he begins to teach the horse numerous tricks such as how to recognize letters, read, write, add, subtract, and more.
I thought this story was extremely interesting! I had never heard about this amazing horse, and I'm sure that students would love to read about this astounding horse. Also the book teaches the importance of patience and kindness towards animals and people, rather than cruelty.

Marvelous Cornelius: Hurricane Katrina and the Spirit of New Orleans by Phil Bildner

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5.0

NON-FICTION - Ed 230

This is a true story about a man who lived in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. He saw the immense amount of damage among the streets and decided to take the responsibility of cleaning them. He also took it upon himself to dance around and help lift everyone's spirits.
I loved this story because it shows how much of an impact one person's actions can have on the people around them, which is an important lesson I want to teach my students.
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

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5.0

MULTICULTURAL- Ed 230

In The Name Jar a little girl named Unhei has just immigrated to the United States from Korea. Unhei trying to find an American name to go by since she feels it will help her to fit in more. Her new class decides to help her by writing down numerous names and placing them in a jar for Unhei to draw from. However as the book continues Unhei begins to make new friendships and becomes comfortable with her new American home. This results in the realization that she does not need a new American name in order to be accepted.
This story reaches out to the students in the classroom who have immigrated to the United States, who have a different cultural background, or even to those who have recently moved from another state/city, or those struggling to feel accepted. It also teaches the importance of being brave in new situations, being supportive and accepting towards others, and ultimately about being yourself. I also really like how it enlightens readers about a culture that may not be their own. These are extremely important lessons for students to learn at a young age, this is why I enjoyed this book so much.

Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson

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5.0

MULTICULTURAL- Ed 230
This story tells the story of generations of strong women in Soonie's family. Soonie's grandma was just seven years old when she was sold to a big plantation, all she had to her name was some fabric and needles. She decided to begin a quilt made of bright patches with secret meanings, to make into quilts called 'Show Ways.' These quilts were used somewhat as a map for slaves to follow to freedom. When Soonie's grandma grew up, she passed it down to her little girl. Generations later Soonie too passed it down to her own daughter, teaching her the story behind he quilt and the importance of being strong through difficult times.
I enjoyed this book so much because not only does this book give students knowledge about slavery, but it also teaches the importance of staying strong through difficult times.
A Day's Work by Eve Bunting

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5.0

MULTICULTURAL- Ed 230

Francisco, a young Mexican-American boy, has to work every day as a migrant worker to support his family, so when his grandfather comes to live with them the two go out together to find work. His grandfather does not know english so Francisco does all the translating and accepts a gardening job, even though the grandfather knows nothing about gardening.
The story hits on the concept of lying. The boy helps them get a job by lying about the grandfather's qualifications as a gardner. However, since the two lacked prior gardening knowledge, they make a huge mistake. The grandfather then teaches the boy a lesson about honor and telling the truth, which of course is important for all children to learn.