Big Red Lollipop by: Rukhsana Khan, Illustrated by: Sophie Blackall

                                      Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Summary:

Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother demands that she bring her little sister along. However Rubina is upset that she needs to share this time with her sister, and cannot convince her mother that you just don't bring your younger sister to your friend's party. So both girls go, and Sana her sister begins winning at all the party games. Rubina does not buy into these tactics of her sister.

Evaluation of Genre:

This book is a Realistic Fiction in today's children's literature. "Big Red Lollipop" is set for young children in 1st grade, ages 5-7. The author Rukhsana Khan is elaborate with this real-life scenario that brings attention to social issues, family, and siblings. 

Illustrations:

The text is descriptive as Rubina is the narrator and lives her anguish in the storytelling. She uses appropriate language and text features for young readers to understand the emotion she encounters. The illustrations by Sophie Blackwell exhibit many vivid colors and shows a multi-cultural family has traditional that other families may not experience, such as inviting a sibling to a birthday party.

Rubina is excited she received a goody bag with a Big Red Lollipop

Reading Questions and Activity:

1.What is Rubina's reaction to her sister going to her friend's birthday party?

2. Could this happen to someone close to you?

3. Does Rubina seem happy or sad in the end?

Activity:

*Arts and Crafts

Create a big, red lollipop with construction paper and sticks. When done, write words from the book that describes Rubina's generosity to her family.

                                           

About the author:

Rukhsana Khan is an award-winning author and storyteller. She was born in Lahore, Pakistan and immigrated to Canada at the age of three. She has published eleven books. She has appeared on television and radio numerous times, has been featured at international conferences in several countries. 

 

*One of Saint Leo's common core values is Respect. 

Saint Leo Core Values: Respect - Animated in the spirit of Jesus Christ, we value all individuals' unique talents, respect their dignity and strive to foster their commitment to excellence in our work. Our community's strength depends on the unity and diversity of our people, on the free exchange of ideas and on learning, living and working harmoniously.

• In this book Rubina shows respect to her mother by obeying what she asks of her, even though it upsets her. This book shows other children that respect is important in our environment and our everyday lives. 

                                                          Other related books to enjoy:

Bibliography: 

Khan, Rukhsana, Big Red Lollipop. Viking 2010

The Voyageur's Paddle By: Kathy-Jo Wargin and Illustrated by: David Weister

Historical Fiction

The Voyageur's Paddle by: Kathy-jo Wargin

The Voyageur's Paddle is a Historical Fiction book that is a good selection for readers ages 6-9. The author displays a legendary story of the Great Lakes Region during the seventeenth century. This book allows readers to engage in the voyage of men and women who traveled in this century and the harsh weather and experiences they endured as their family waited for them to return.

Evaluation of Genre:

This book engages the young readers to explore this mythical and historical fiction. The book is a display of courage and strength in which the voyageur's son, Jacques dreams about following his father's footsteps to travel by canoe and paddle to be able to visit the native villages to trade goods.

Text and Illustrations:

The text provides the readers a feeling of emotion, courage and curiosity. It's descriptive language puts readers into the times in which the story took place. Jacques imagination is built into the story to give curiosity to the story line. The illustrations provide bold and colorful pictures of families and villages that Edouard encounters in his voyage, Overall, the text uses scenes in the illustrations that is more traditional and historical to the approach of the setting. 

Guided Questions and activity:  (1st-2nd grade)

1. What time period does the setting take place?

2. How does Edouard show his love for the voyages?
3. Why is Jacques fascinated about the voyages his father goes on?

*Activity:
Discuss and highlight New Words to Learn: Avant, Brigade, Bourgeous, en Derouine
Draw and illustrate a picture of the canoe and paddle that Edouard used in his escapades.

About the author:

Kathy-jo Wargin is the bestselling author of more than 45 books involving children's classic books.
She is dedicated in promoting quality reading in children's literature and has been writing professionally for over twenty years now. She is also known for her other classics like "The Legend of Sleeping Bear" and "Michigan". She continues to visit schools to perform small and large group presentations teacher-in service programs.


Other books written by Kathy-jo Wargin:

Wargin, Kathy-jo, The Voyageur's Paddle, Sleeping Bear Press, Copyright 2007

The Time Machine Written by: H.G. Wells, Illustrated by: John Edens

                                                                    Science Fiction

"The Time Machine" is an edited version from its original published date of                                       1895 and written by H.G. Wells.

Summary:
The inventor makes a time machine that can go into the future or visit any historical time. His circle of friends do not believe in such things and as he tells them of his invention they mock and laugh at his theory. Soon they will begin to see he is not some magician but an inventor of a masterpiece.




Evaluation of Genre:
This book is a mysterious Science Fiction classic that allows young readers to learn about the curiosities of  science and inventions. The inventor tells the story in first person which makes his theory much more believable. As he leaves the comforts of his home to travel into the year 802,701 A.D., he doesn't feel welcome in this new land that surrounds him.

Illustrations and Text:
The text is descriptive and appropriate for children in grades K-3rd. The text displays appropriate language for this age group and keeps the readers intrigued by painting a picture of the future that he has just fallen into. H.G.Wells describes the grass being green and hail being white to portray the new world he has encountered through his eyes. Illustrations done by John Edens is black and white pencil drawing that shows the character's emotions in each illustration throughout. The time traveler will soon discover horrible stories of what the future holds.

Questions and Lesson:

1. Do the friends of the inventor believe his story right away about the time machine?
2. How does the inventor meet Weena?
3. How does Science fiction allow us to be creative?

Lesson and Activity:
*Start with organizing post reading activities.
*The students will go on to read chapter four again of The Time Machine, noting both the time traveler’s descriptions of the new world of 800,000 ACE, and the conclusions the main character draws as a 19th century man. Students will think of a time-traveling character and setting (time and place) they will send that character. Students will then create a two-paragraph description that focuses on a) interesting details of the setting, and b) what conclusions the time traveler makes in this new time. This lesson emphasizes idea development and voice.

Personal notes of book:
I enjoyed this book very much. I have always seen and heard of this book but it was interesting to see the various experiences that he went through on his journey. Many times he was quite surprised of the reactions and demeanor that the people of the future displayed before him. A good read from start to finish.


Readers who chose this book may also like:

Bibliography: 

Wells, H.G., The Time Machine, Random House, A Stepping Stone Book, Copyright 1990

Inside Out & Back Again by: Thanhha Lai

Summary:

This Non-Fiction book represents award winning themes. This book was written about a young elementary aged girl who experiences war while living in times through the Vietnam War. She is vibrant and carefree in this book. The author Lai re-tells this in 1st person and delivers her free-will to her readers in this book.

Evaluation of Genre:

The book is a Non-Fiction book suited for readers ages 8-12. It displays real events of life in Saigon Falls for Tha. She is enjoys the simplicity of being with her family and when she is torn out of her comfort zone of Saigon Falls, she begins to view the world differently.

Text:

Exploring herself and the world around her, she delivers creativity in writing about her world through her own eyes. Shes experiences many things while moving away from all that shes ever known and the text provides details of her change as well as her family when they move to the United States.

Guided Questions:

1. Why is Thanhha not impressed with her new homeland in Alabama?
2. What other ways does she prepare herself for the move?
3. Does Tha believe in family's decision to leave Saigon Falls?

Activity for grades 5th-6th:

*Write a summary of what it would be like to move to a foreign country you've never visited.
*Was the author delivering information to better help us understand her emotions and struggles?

                                                          Readers also enjoyed this book:















Lai, Thanhha. Inside Out & Back Again. Harper Collins Publishers, 2013

Goldilocks and the Three Bears by: Jan Brett

Summary:

Goldilocks and The Three Bears is a classic folklore written for younger children. This book by Jan Brett describes curiosity at its best. The story is a definite classic tale and the author presents many vivid details throughout. 









Evaluation of Genre:

This classic tale tells us of Goldilocks and her encounter with the three bears. A must read for younger children for storytelling and for beginning readers as well. 



Illustrations/Text: 

Jan Brett presents fluid curiosity within her lavish pictures. She truly engages new readers to evaluate what they are reading, and in the end this is a book you will re-read over and over. She uses descriptive language in her text as well to keep them engaged throughout the story.


Guided Questions:

How do we know this genre is a folklore?
What other ways does the author present curiosity in the characters?
Are the characters real?

Class activity:

Create a color by number with Goldilocks.

Readers who read this also enjoyed these books:

Brett, Jan. Goldilocks and The Three Bears, Puffin, 1996

Magic Tree House and "Carnival of Candlelight" By: Mary Pope Osborne, Illustrated by: Sal Murdocca

Jack and Annie are on another part in their mission into fantasy land. This book is part of a series of books called "Magic Tree House", written by Mary Pope Osborne.The main characters are in their own fantasy escapade of traveling back into time more than 250 years to Venice, Italy. The author provides a mysterious journey for other children to enjoy from this story of the series. 



Evaluation of Genre:

This book displays an immense fantasy escapade for a young boy and girl. Their mission in Carnival at Candlelight is how to help out Merlin on another Merlin Mission.  Although, this time they go back into history to the streets in Venice, Italy. With the help of a research book, a book of magic rhymes, and a set of mysterious instructions from Merlin, the heroes will save the beautiful city from a flood. The book from the series "Magic Tree House" will engage kids with history, sorcery, and nonstop action from beginning to end.

Illustrations and text:

The illustrator continues to highlight through dark tones using pencil illustrations and straight lines throughout. The text includes appropriate language to engage the young reader into the fantasy spot in Italy. The informational text also includes excitement! There was anticipation leading up to events which is wonderful for readers who want to take an adventure in their reading.

Jack and Anne ask for help 

Lesson activities: 2nd-4th grade

Have the class work on:

• Pre-writing
• Short crossword puzzle

Response Questions:

1. What genre book does this represent?
2. How do Anne and Jack work together in their adventure?



About the author:

Mary Pope Osborne is an award winning author of many novels, story collections and non-fiction books. She is well known for her series of  books called "Magic Tree House". She is highly recommended by educators and parents worldwide.






Other Books to enjoy by Mary Pope Osborne:

Osborne, Mary Pope, Magic Tree House #33/Carnival at Candlelight, Random House, 2005

Who Was Anne Franke Written by: Ann Abramson Illustrated by: Nancy Harrison

Summary: 

This biography is an interesting read for young readers who wish to learn of a young girl who went through many struggles in her youth. She and her family were faced with their worst fears of the Nazi leadership by Hitler and were forced to go into hiding.


Evaluation: 

Anne Abramson does a wonderful job with delivering this Biography according to the young girl, Anne Franke. Anne's childhood was suppressed through the work of the author with emotion and vivid facts that Anne Frank lived through. Her submission of this memoir helps for juvenile readers to grasp the meaning of the "Holocaust" and what is what like to be a kid living and dying through her struggles.

Illustrations and Text:

The text in this book is honored by many bold illustrations by Nancy Harrison. The illustrations include maps, timelines, and black and white pencil drawings that display the dark and cold times Anne Frank witnessed until the age of fifteen. The text gives us boldness and headings in the story line too.  I enjoyed the book more from the text as well that was put forth in this book. Also many pieces of factual information displayed the book was accurate and concurrent with Anne's original diary.

Map of the Secret Annex The Franke family took in hiding

Guided Questions:

• How did Anne Frank's family survive the Holocaust for so many years?
• Was Anne different than other kids her age in today's time?

Class Activity: 

*Have the class do a vocabulary worksheet with terms form the Holocaust and World War I, II.
*Students should write in their reading/writing journals for 7-10 days about their daily activity to establish mood and emotion in writing. Then form an essay of the journal writings.


   *This book displays one of Saint Leo's core values like "Integrity".

         The author uses integrity by portraying the character "Anne" just as she was. Abramson uses integrity within the context of being truthful and accurate when giving names of family and events. She does not use any facts out of context and is accurate in her findings to the readers.

  
Personal experience within the reading:

         I enjoyed this book so much that I want to read more of Anne Frank's books that other authors have written. I feel this book sets and emotion that she and her family experienced and was without a doubt a hero to her father.

Readers of this book may also read: 

Abramson, Ann. Who Was Anne Frank? Grosset and Dunlap, Copyright 2007