Module 15: Lunch Money

Lunch Money

written by Andrew Clements

illustrated by Brian Selznick

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2005

ISBN: 0689866836

Price: $15.95

Greg Kenton certainly has the ability to "turn over a buck." Lunch Money by Andrew Clements tells the story of a young entrepreneur who works hard, makes plans to make money, and has to solve the problem of product competition from his neighbor Maura Shaw who designs and sells her version of a mini comic book. One of my favorite descriptions of the characters in the story is the description of Mr. Z the math teacher. When Greg describes how much his favorite teacher Mr. Z loved math he states, "He lived math. His wife taught geometry at the high school, so you could even say that he had married math." Clements mixes humor with this money making adventure of two young people who finally decide to work together and share some of their profits with their school library. Use Lunch Money by Andrew Clements when teaching an economics unit in social studies!

Reviews:

Kirkus Reviews: "Clements weaves intriguing information about comic book illustration into this entertaining, smoothly written story. Selznick's accompanying black-and-white drawings have the appearance of sketches Greg might have made himself."

MacKay, Carolyn L. "Lunch Money." Kirkus Reviews 73, no. 12 (2005) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=17513539&site=ehost-live.

School Library Journal: Carol MacKay writes, "The characters are rich with interesting quirks and motivations, including M. Z, a blood-phobic math teacher."

MacKay, Carolyn L. "Lunch Money." School Library Journal 51, no. 8 (2005) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=17853792&site=ehost-live.

Module 14: The Edison Mystery

The Edison Mystery

written by Dan Gutman

Publisher: Simon & Schuster, 2002

Price: $5.99 (paperback)

Wouldn't it be great to travel backwards or forwards in time! I have always enjoyed reading books where time travel is possible, especially H.G. Wells', The Time Machine. But until then a reader can begin with Dan Gutman's, The Edison Mystery. Everyone needs an avenue to vent their frustrations and Qwerty Stevens' avenue is digging in the ground. When he digs up a strange box he realizes he has found something unusual. After all, it is not every day that you find something with Thomas Edison's name on it. Stories within the story will keep readers engaged in this suspenseful, humorous, tale with facts woven throughout this well written adventure of a brother and sister. Use The Edison Mystery to introduce your next unit on inventors.

Review:

School Library Journal: "Overall this is an entertaining novel that should draw fans of time-ravel stories, Gutman's other books, historical fiction, and light fiction. Pass it on to readers who are looking for something good and funny."

"The Edison Mystery." School Library Journal 47, no. 8 (2001) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=4975341&site=ehost-live.

Module 13: Abduction!

Abduction!

Written by Peg Kehret

Publisher: Dutton, 2004

ISBN: 0525472940

Price: $16.99

Every parents worst nightmare is that their child could be abducted. Peg Kehret weaves suspense and modern day vocabulary into this story that fortunately has a happy ending. Young Matt is kidnapped by his father (who he does not know) which is not so far from reality in today's world. The search ensues and all means are employed to find the missing child. This book is for older readers but could cause some to feel uneasy given the nature of the plot.

Reviews: 

School Library Journal: "Diana Pierce writes, "This novel has enough suspense to keep children interested, and it will also appeal to reluctant readers."

Pierce, Diana. "Abduction!." School Library Journal 50, no. 12 (2004) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=15396939&site=ehost-live.

Booklist: Kathleen Odean writes, "The fact that the characters are largely one dimensional, especially the villainous Denny, mutes the emotional angst readers might have felt, leaving them free to enjoy the plot-driven thriller with a happy ending."

Odean, Kathleen. "Abduction!." Booklist 101, no. 5 (2004) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=15089308&site=ehost-live.

Module 12: Otto's Orange Day

Otto's Orange Day

written by Jay Lynch

illustrated by Frank Cammuso

Publisher: Raw Junior, LLC

ISBN: 9780979923821

Price: $ 12.95

Children who love cartoons and magic and will get their fix with Otto's Orange Day. A special gift from Otto's Aunt Sally Lee turns everything in Otto's world his favorite color orange. Even Otto's food is orange and some things do not need to change, especially in regards to color. Otto learns his lesson and gets the genie to make things normal once again. While this book is designed for K-3 readers, younger readers will "read" from the pictures while the older readers will enjoy both illustrations and text.

Reviews:

School Library Journal: Joy Fleishhacker writes, "Clear chapter divisions, a clean graphic design, and large-size print make this title more appropriate for early readers than most comic-book offerings."

"Otto's Orange Day." School Library Journal 54, no. 5 (2008) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=31965747&site=ehost-live.

Kirkus Reviews: "Low on violence and high on production values, this comics-format "Toon Book" will leave emergent readers wishing for more."

"Otto's Orange Day." Kirkus Reviews 76, no. 9 (2008) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=32118602&site=ehost-live.

Module 11: Cirque Du Freak

Cirque Du Freak: A Living Nightmare

written by Darren Shan

Publisher: Little, Brown and Company, 2001

ISBN: 0316603406

Price: $15.95

Looking for a good vampire story? This series may not "quench your thirst" but it will wet your appetite for the genre. Fans of the Twilight series might find this book interesting. There is enough suspense, gore, and the supernatural to get them hooked into the next book of this series. Coincidentally the main character and the author share the same name but hopefully not the truth. Twelve year-old Darren, trying to save the life of his friend, makes a pact with a vampire. Darren has to fake his own death and actually get buried in order to be able to be the vampire's (Mr. Crepsley) assistant.

Hopefully the characters will become more rounded as the series continues. Shan shares his feelings regarding his family and the scenes with the grieving family and friends are brief although sprinkled with a few intense moments. 

Reviews:

School Library Journal: Timothy Capehart writes, "The slowness of the plot in the beginning might turn some readers off, but once the supernatural enters, they will be hooked. The fun here is in the details and in the uniqueness of the non-evil vampire monster."

Capehart, Timothy. "Cirque Du Freak." School Library Journal 47, no. 5 (2001): 159. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=442967&site=ehost-live.

Publishers Weekly: "With strong sales overseas and a movie deal in the works, book one in The Saga of Darren Shan series is poised to capture a wide audience of series horror readers."

Zaleski, Jeff, Diane Roback, Jennifer M. Brown, and Jason Britton. "Cirque Du Freak." Publishers Weekly 248, no. 8 (2001): 92. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=4126230&site=ehost-live.

Module 10: The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux: 

Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread

written by: Kate DiCamillo

illustrated by: Timothy Basil Ering

Publisher: Candlewick, 2003

Price: $17.99

Author Kate DiCamillo effectively weaves four stories within the life of a very tiny extraordinary mouse named Despereaux Tilling in her adventurous novel the Tale of Despereaux, winner of the 2004 Newbery Award. Readers will cautiously turn each page in anticipation of what lies in store for the tiny mouse who refuses to be "just an ordinary mouse" willing to expect nothing more out of life or others. More is what he gets and so does the reader of the tale.

Review:

School Library Journal: "With memorable characters, brief chapters, and inventive twists, this fast-paced romp is perfect for reading alone or sharing aloud."

"The Tale of Despereaux: Being the story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread." School Library Journal50 (2004): 28. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=12773960&site=ehost-live.

Booklist: Ilene Cooper writes, "Part of the charm comes from DiCamillo's deceptively simple style and short chapters in which the author addresses the reader: "Do you think rats do not have hearts? Wrong. All living things have a heart." 

Cooper, Ilene. "The Tale of Despereaux: Being the story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup, and a Spool of Thread." Booklist99, no. 21 (2003) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=10407834&site=ehost-live.

Module 9: Harvesting Hope

Harvesting Hope: the Story of Cesar Chavez

written by: Kathleen Krull

illustrated by: Yuyi Morales

Publisher: Harcourt, 2003

ISBN: 0152014373

Price $17.00

Harvesting Hope received the 2004 Jane Addams Award and the illustrations from Harvesting Hope by Yuyi Morales received the Pura Belpre Award, 2004. How do you teach children they can make a difference? Share Harvesting Hope, the Story of Cesar Chavez by Kathleen Krull. Krull vividly describes the young life of Cesar Chavez as happy, prosperous and full of family events until the drought of 1937. The family could no longer make a living on the land so they moved to California and became migrant workers. Hard work, little pay, no respect made Cesar realize something needed to change. Trying to honor his mother's teaching,  Cesar tried to create change with his words and not violence. He organized La Causa which became the National Farm Workers Association.

Review:

Book Links: 'The immense challenges farmworkers faced come through clearly, and Krull effectively puts Chavez's struggles and successes into context as he began a lifelong fight for fair and safe working conditions."

Tilottson, Laura. "Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez." Book Links 13, no. 3 (2004) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=11866003&site=ehost-live.

The Reading Teacher: "This book would enrich study of the struggle for equal rights in the United States and be a valuable addition to biography and hero and heroine study."

Frerichs, Joy. "Harvesting Hope: The Story of Cesar Chavez." The Reading Teacher 58, no. 3 (2004): 268. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=15022084&site=ehost-live.

Module 8: Bertie Was a Watchdog

Bertie Was a Watchdog

written by John Walton

illustrated by Arthur Robbins

Publisher: Candlewick, 2002    

ISBN: 0763613851   

Price: $ 10.99

If you like to see the "underdog" triumph then you'll love Walton's, Bertie Was a Watchdog.

Bertie was not a watchdog in the "protect the family, ferocious sense." He was called a watchdog because he was not bigger than a watch. What he lacked in size he made up for with brains and courage. He foils a robber who breaks into his house and becomes a hero. The medal is even bigger than Bertie. The illustrations add to the humorous text. Expect this to generate some laughs and cries of "read it again!"

Reviews:

Kirkus Reviews: " Brains overcome brawn once again in this laugh-out-loud encounter between a huge, leering burglar and a minuscule canine guardian."

"Bertie Was a Watchdog." Kirkus Reviews 70, no. 9 (2002) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=6715488&site=ehost-live.

Publishers Weekly: " Youngsters will be won over as well--both by the pooch's brainy pluck ad the reassuring moral that right can triumph over might."

Zaleski, Jeff, Diane Roback, Jennifer M. Brown, and Jason Britton. "Bertie Was a Watchdog." Publishers Weekly 249, no. 18 (2002): 56. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=6635294&site=ehost-live.

Module 7: Bed Hogs

Bed Hogs

written by: Kelly DiPucchio

illustrated by: Howard Fine

Publisher: Hyperion, 2004

ISBN: 0786818840

Price: $15.99

Ah, the grass is always greener on the other side or so thinks Little Runt who can't sleep in a bed crowded with very active sleepers. When he finally roots everyone out of the family sty he discovers that he is lonesome and cold and gets everyone to crawl back into 'bed." Children will laugh hysterically at the antics of the colorful pigs as you read this during your next story-time!

Reviews:

Kirkus Reviews: "A good start for the author and hilarious work from Fine."

"Bed Hogs." Kirkus Reviews 72, no. 7 (2004) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=12902600&site=ehost-live

School Library Journal: "The hog-wild illustrations expand the laughter generated by the text, and the rosy palette adds warmth to the pages."

Janssen, Carolyn, and Phyllis L. Mandell. "Bed Hogs." School Library Journal 50, no. 5 (2004) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=13074221&site=ehost-live.

Module 6: Going North

Going North

Written by: Janice N. Harrington

Illustrated by: Jerome Lagarrigue

Publisher: Melanie Kroupa/Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2004

ISBN: 0374326819

Price: $16.00

Moving is never easy, especially if you are an African American family during the 1960's. Limited resources are available to the family only because of race not money. Beautiful illustrations and rhythmic language allow a young girl to share her story of apprehension, racism and optimism as the family moves from Alabama to Nebraska. Share this "moving" story with children and wait for the questions. They will come!

Reviews:

School Library Journal: "On the endpapers, an outline map showing the family's journey is painted on a road map, setting the tone for the book."

Jones, Trevelyn E. "Going North." School Library Journal 50, no. 10 (2004): 115. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=14695057&site=ehost-live.

Kirkus Reviews: "The impressionistic, color-rich paintings are as warm and expressive as the lyrical story ..."

"Going North." Kirkus Reviews 72, no. 15 (2004): 742. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=14076967&site=ehost-live.

Module 5: Pinduli

Pinduli

Written and illustrated by Janell Cannon

ISBN: 9780152046682

Publisher: Harcourt, 2004

Price: $16.00

Winsome illustrations of Pinduli help soften the image of an animal not well loved by most. Pinduli uses her wits to outsmart her bullies into leaving food for her. Children of all ages will identify with the struggles Pinduli goes through. Janell Cannon has woven in bits of facts with her folktale-like story of an unusual animal we come to love.

Reviews:

Teaching Pre-K -8: Katherine Pierpoint writes, "Now, as a hugely successful author and illustrator, Janell Cannon just can't keep herself from bringing unloved and sometimes misunderstood animal friends to our doorsteps. With her latest offering for children, Pinduli (Harcourt, 2004), Janell has shed light on yet another oft-maligned creature - the hyena.

Pierpoint, Katherine. "Janell Cannon: Mysteries of the Misunderstood." Teaching Pre K - 8 35, no. 7 (2005): 42-44. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=16489100&site=ehost-live.

Library Media Connection, Nancy Keating writes, " This picture book is great to use for science lessons about animals with younger children. The information contained in the book, however, would make it of interest to older children."

Keating, Nancy. "Pinduli." Library Media Connection 23, no. 7 (2005): 72. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=16602966&site=ehost-live.

Module 4: El Cucuy!

¡El Cucuy!

Retold by Joe Hayes

Illustrated by Honorio Robledo

ISBN: 0938317547

Publisher: Cinco Puntos, 2001

 Price: $15.95

Elements of Cinderella sneak into this Southwestern tale about a giant old man (El Cucuy) with a large red ear and extraordinary hearing. He hears when children act out and comes to steal them away to his cave high in the mountains. A widowed father with three daughters becomes upset with two of his daughters who are lazy and never help their kind and loving younger sister. He threatens to call El Cucuy to come for them if they do not straighten up. Feeling no guilt the sisters continue to play and skip out of helping their father and sister until one evening El Cucuy comes down from the mountain to steal the girls away. A happy ending with the family reunited and the girls changing their attitudes will ease young readers minds.

Reviews:

Publishers Weekly writes, " Robledo's shadowy, stylized paintings with background shadings reminiscent of ElGreco's works capture the terror of the wide eyed sisters.

"El Cucuy!." School Library Journal 47, no. 7 (2001): 94. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=4748277&site+ehost-live.

School Library Journal writes, "This bilingual retelling is a welcome addition for Spanish speakers who may recognize the bogeyman as el Cucuy. The vividly colored illustrations add much to the tale, especially the characters' large eyes, which give an erie feel to the story."

"El Cucuy!." School Library Journal 47, no. 7 (2001): 94. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=4748277&site+ehost-live.

Module 3: David Gets in Trouble

David Gets in Trouble 

Written and illustrated by David Shannon

ISBN: 043050227

Publisher: Scholastic/Blue Sky, 2002

Price: $15.95

What was your favorite excuse as a kid? David knows them all! Everyone at some point in their life has seen or knows a character like David. He is as full of energy as he is excuses. Children will relate to the simple text and colorful illustrations as they follow David through his endless excuses for everything. After all its not his fault!

Review:

School Library Journal: "Stylized illustrations in pleasingly garish colors perfectly capture the personality of this irrepressible youngster."

"David Gets in Trouble." School Library Journal 49, no. 10 (2003): 36. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=11122418&site+ehost-live.

Module 2: Make Way for Ducklings

Make Way for Ducklings 

written and illustrated by Robert McCloskey

Publisher: Penguin Group, 1941

ISBN: 9780670451494

Price: $15.19

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey received the Caldecott Medal in 1941."Don't you worry," said Mrs. Mallard. "I know all about bringing up children." "And she did." Mothers can be a very determined bunch when it comes to raising their brood and this mother duck is no exception. Various people in parts of the busy city of Boston stop their activity to "make way for ducklings" as they quack and waddle their way to the perfect home.

Review:

Carolyn Brodie of School Library Media Activities writes, "This book was published sixty-eight years ago and has sold more than two million copies. Since receiving the Caldecott Medal in 1942 as "the most distinguished picture book for children," this timeless story has been shared by several generations of children."

Brodie, Carolyn S. "Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey." School Library Media Activities Monthly 25, no. 8 (2009): 33-35. http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=37557719&site+ehost-live.

Module 1: "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More"

I Ain't Gonna Paint No More 

Written by Karen Beaumont 

Illustrated by David Catrow

ISBN 0-15-202488-3

Price: $16.00

An explosion of color! "I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!" by Karen Beaumont is a hilarious, colorful story about one very independent thinking young artist who cannot resist painting everything inside the house until Mom tells him, "Ya ain't gonna paint no more!" The budding young artist can't resist and happily covers himself from head to toe with beautiful bold patterns bright with color. Even the family dog is on the receiving end of this paint brush. Sing this story to "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More, No More."

Reviews:

Publishers Weekly states, " Given the plot's premise, Catrow's humorously hyperbolic art fittingly takes center stage here, growing increasingly flamboyant and electric as the boy embellishes more an more of his anatomy - and his playful pooch becomes equally well decorated."

"I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!." Publishers Weekly 252, no. 16 (2005) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=16793649&site=ehost-live.

Kirkus Reviews: "... the text leads its protagonist from initial misdeed to his mother's injunction against painting to a clandestine orgy of self-decoration, body part by body part ..."

"I Ain't Gonna Paint No More!." Kirkus Reviews 73, no. 6 (n.d.) http://ezproxy.twu.edu:2052/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=16598536&site=ehost-live.