Books of the Month 2007-2008

One of the strategies used in the America's Choice Program to encourage students to read is the Principal's Book-of-the-Month. The chosen book is read in class and students are encouraged to discuss the book and to write a response to literature piece.

September-Sharing

Cookies: Bite-size life lessons by Amy Krouse Rosenthal/Jane Dyer (illus.)

This book presents a great opportunity for students to get off on the right foot for school, learning manners and how to treat others.  The author uses a cookie to teach respect, trustworthiness, politeness. patience, and loyalty.

October- Caution

Los tres pequenos jabalies/Three little javelinas by Susan Lowell/Jim Harris (illus.)

Presented in a bilingual format, this is a Southwestern version of the three little pigs.  The illustrations are quite funny and students will be able to make text to text comparisons with the traditional version of the story.

November- Generosity

The elves and the shoemaker retold by John Ceck/Kirill Chelushkin

This is a classic Brothers Grimm folktale that has been retold by John Ceck.  It tells the story of a poor cobbler who benefits from the generosity of “someone” that appears during the night and makes the most beautiful pair of shoes which the cobbler sells for twice their value.  This continues, allowing the cobbler and his wife to get out of their desperate situation. Students will appreciate this simpler version of Grimm’s tale.

December- Friendship

Owen & Mzee: The language of friendship by Isabella Hatkoff, et al.

One of the world’s most unusual friendships is the subject of a series of books about a tortoise (Mzee) and an orphaned hippo (Owen) which came about as the result of the December 2004 tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia.  Teachers can easily develop lessons around the text (effects of natural disasters on the earth, people and animals).  A fiction version is also available.

January- Courage

Campy: The story of Roy Campanella by David A. Adler

Through easy to read prose and outstanding oil paintings, students will gain an appreciation for the strength and courage of one of America’s foremost baseball players.   Roy Campanella experienced many “firsts” for African Americans.  Due to a tragic car accident he became a quadriplegic, but perseverance and courage made him an outstanding baseball coach and champion for the disabled. This short biography will definitely become a favorite as it gives many positive messages to young people.

February- Strength

A picture book of George Washington by David A. Adler

David Adler is a favorite with teachers and students as he is able to convey the life stories of famous people in terms that students can understand in his “A picture book of . . .” series.  This story is about our first President, George Washington.

March- Determination

Hiromi's hands by Lynne Barasch

This is the true story of a Japanese girl named Hiromi whose father comes to the U.S. to open his own sushi restaurant.   As a young girl, Hiromi wants to learn the art of sushi, but it was a male-dominated profession.  She would not have been allowed to pursue it if she lived in Japan. Through her determination and her father’s willingness to help her learn the art, she becomes the first female sushi chef recognized by her Japanese counterparts.  The book includes a brief biography and picture of Hiromi and a glossary and pronunciation guide.  This book is great for students to learn about another culture, its food, and language.

April- Happiness

In Aunt Giraffe's green garden by Jack Pretlusky/Petra Mathers (illus.)

This is a wonderful book written by the nation’s first children’s poet laureate.  Its whimsical illustrations enhance this very funny and upbeat book of poetry.  The poetry is geared to young children, but older students can enjoy its lightheartedness.  Several poems involve cities in the U.S. which can be turned into geography lessons.

May- Perseverance

Wind flyers by Angela Johnson/Loren Long (illus.)

This picture book is a wonderful tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen of World War II.   It is the story of a young boy who wants to fly and never gives up on his dream as he uses his great-great-uncle’s story as a Tuskegee airman for inspiration.  It is a great history lesson on overcoming obstacles.

June- Love

Papa, do you love me? by Barbara M. Joosse/Barbara Lavallee (illus.)

Set in Africa, the exceptional illustrations make this story of a Maasai father’s unconditional love for his son very touching, as the son asks his father, “Do you love me?”  The book presents an opportunity for students to learn about the culture of the Maasai tribe and the animals of Africa.