Module 4--Realistic Fiction

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo is a precious glimpse into the life of India Opal Buloni. She has moved to a small Florida town with her father, a local preacher. One day in the Winn-Dixie, she claims a stray dog who she swears, smiles. Follow the adventures of India Opal as she learns more about the townspeople and herself.

I thought this story was charming. India Opal was a wonderful character that brought you into her world. This book is a great read for elementary aged students.

Review: “Do libraries need another girl-and-her-dog story? Absolutely, if the protagonist is as spirited and endearing as Opal and the dog as lovable and charming as Winn-Dixie. This well-crafted, realistic, and heartwarming story will be read and reread as a new favorite deserving a long-term place on library shelves.” -Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.

This is another great book to study characterization. The characters, such as Otis and Gloria Dump, are well-developed. The story can also be used for teaching voice and writing skills.

Module 3--Picture Books

The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle is a picture book for young children. The reader is taken in by the little caterpillar that eats multiple items each day of the week until he gorges himself on the last day before he becomes a chrysalis. The children love to watch the beautiful butterfly emerge.

This book is a well-loved classic of many pre-school and young school children. The vivid illustrations of Eric Carle evoke wonderful memories from adults, too. The way the book is constructed is also unique and adds more information and interest to the story.

Review: “Carle's classic tale of a voracious caterpillar who eats his way through the days of the week and then changes into a beautiful butterfly has been reissued in a sumptuous twenty-fifth anniversary edition with a shiny, silver-coated cover and wonderfully thick, durably pages.”
-The Horn Book Guide Volume VI, Number 1 July-December 1994

There are endless ways this book can be used in a library setting. It is a wonderful read-aloud. It also teaches vocabulary, sequencing, math, science and nutrition. The book is perfect for acting out or Reader’s Theater.

Module 2--Award Winners

The Graveyard Book, by Neil Gaiman, is the story of Nobody Owens. Nobody would seem to be a regular boy with the exception of being raised in a graveyard. This tale is one of friendship, mystery, and things of the dead. Nobody has been given the “freedom of the graveyard” and can interact with all of its inhabitants.

I personally was weary of the book during the first two pages. As a mother, I was disturbed. But by taking the time to read on, I felt an attachment to Nobody. I took him in like his graveyard family. I think this might be a difficult read for my K-4 students. There were references to mythical creatures and bits of history that young elementary children might have trouble with. However, I would recommend this book to older children. The audience is listed for 10 and up. I thought the violence depicted on the first few pages was well-written. Even though the subject matter was disturbing, it was not graphic. The statements were succinct and to the point.

Review: Gaiman has created a rich, surprising, and sometimes disturbing tale of dreams, ghouls, murderers, trickery, and family.—Megan Honig, New York Public Library --Megan Honig (Reviewed October 1, 2008) (School Library Journal, vol 54, issue 10, p144)

I would use this book in an intermediate or middle school. I think this would be a good book to study character development or imagery. Nobody’s character and those around him became vivid in my mind. The author made the images of the graveyard and its inhabitants jump off the page. Students could use the author’s work as an example of good writing.

Module 1

Ramona Quimby, Age 8, is about a typical third grade girl. However, her life is about to change. Her father is going off to college to follow his dream and her mother is having to get a job to help support the family. Ramona is forced to become independent. With independence comes responsibility.

I thought this book was a little dated but Ramona’s thoughts and feelings could stand up with today’s readers. Ramona is a timeless character that is loved and remembered by decades of readers.

Review: As always, Ramona's thought processes are amusing, touching, and revealing. Once more, Cleary shows us life through Ramona's eyes and shows her young readers that they are not alone. (Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 1981)

This book can be used in a library setting to teach character development. It would be interesting for a book club to read all of the Ramona books and see her development over time.

Looking ahead!

What a great week! I have started classes at the University of North Texas on my way to becoming a librarian. I have also had a wonderful few days working in my new library. I got a lesson in cataloging and entering books into Horizon from Cindy. I now have lots of practice--I have entered all the old STAR kits and am now beginning on the class sets of paperbacks. I also think I will be on a total high this year with the students and teachers. I let the summer school kids come and check out books. The students and teachers got to FREELY choose any books from ANY shelf. They hadn't been able to do that in years. I got told how wonderful I was and how nice I was. Nothing like that for an ego boost!

I didn't realize how much I will love being a librarian. I should have done this years ago. However, there is a right time for everything and this is the right time. I look forward to reading and reviewing the literature for my class. Wow--required reading--totally not a burden at all!