How's it going?

I'm not huge into reading and never really have been. I was the kid who would rather be playing outside or watching t.v., doing anything but reading! However, after reading all of these wonderful children's books for class, I have discovered that I've actually missed out on a lot! Reading these books has been very enjoyable. I find myself getting sucked into books and not being able to put them down, a feeling I have never really felt before. Also, just learning about the variety of children's book available has been overwhelming. I would have never guessed there would be books about the L.A. riots, how sardines are produce, or even why it is okay for boys to play with dolls.
I also really enjoyed working on the genre project. When I choose to work with graphic novels I was not too excited. I think I can honestly say that I have never read a graphic novel in my life... but since researching and reading a variety of these novels and topic I can guarantee graphic novels will be a genre read in my classroom. Like we talked about in class, there is great variety with a graphic novel. A student who may not like reading pictures books or chapter books may become enthralled with graphic novels and gain a love of reading.

Hair in Funny Places by Babette Cole

Wow. I can honestly say I have never read a book like that in my life! Judy Bloom, yes... a picture book on how girls and boys will grow and develop, no! I understand why this is considered a controversial book. It's a difficult subject for anyone talk about... children and adults alike, but I don't think I would have my students, or my own children for that matter learn about the changes in their bodies and what puberty is through a book like this. The book did make me laugh and I thought the pictures were humorous... but that's about where it ends for me.

Arlene Sardine by Chris Raschka

So, controversial book... I don't know, but is this subject really in a children's book?? I grew up with a family of fishermen. We would go out in the summer on my grandpa's boat, fishing and swimming all day in the Mississippi River. Afterwards, we would go home and cook/eat our catches of the day. In the winter we would do the same thing, except this time instead of basking in the sun, I would be sitting on top of a bucket on a thick slab of ice... so needless to say fishing does not bother me or disgust me one bit. However, this book was not an enjoyable read for me. Informational, Yes. Fun reading, No!

Arlene is a sardine. She dies and the author makes it sound like the best thing ever. She was put with fish her own size, got to take a salty bath, she was smoked delicately, and felt well rested on the conveyor belt. SERIOUSLY?! If I wanted to learn about the process of packing sardines I would watch the Food Network or Discover Channel... not read a children's picture book about it.

Smoky Night by Eve Bunting

First off, I love the illustrations in this book. With caricature paintings on one side of the page to show the reader what is happening to the main character, Daniel, and actual real elements on the other side that help us understand that show us sometimes what is going on outside during the riots. The elements shown really made me as the reader stop and think, "Okay, so what's going on here, what are they trying to convey?"

As for the actual story of the book, it was quite moving and touching for me. So many times when events like this happen we are forced (by media mostly) to only see one side of the story. Too many times we as the public forget about what is happening behind the scenes. What is happening to the people who live these events or disasters everyday?? How are they coping and what is happening to the children? This book helps to show us how events (rioting) can affect even those not directly targeted and how even in the darkest of times how good can come out of a bad situation. One line in the book I love... after Mama confesses that she thought the two cats didn't like each other, Daniel replies, "They probably didn't know each other before, now they do." The little boy is teaching the adults to get to know someone before you decide you don't like them.

William's Doll by Charlotte Zolotow

You know what... I appreciate a story like William's Doll. This book is about a little boy who wants a doll more than anything. Because of this his brother calls him 'creepy,' his neighbor calls him a 'sissy,' and he dad will by him any other toy other than a doll. Finally his grandma comes to visit and William explains to her that all he wants doll to play with and take care of. Finally someone understands and grandma pulls through.

There is nothing wrong with a boy wanting to play with a baby doll. In fact, I think it's a good thing. Boys should be exposed to things like dolls and Barbies, just like I think girls should be exposed to trains, sports, action figures, etc. I thought this message was very endearing showed little boys that it's okay to want different things. The one drawback for me with this book is that it is a little outdated. I don't think I would have this book in my classroom, but I would probably read it with my own son.

Happy to be Nappy by Bell Hooks

So the first thing that came to my mind when I saw this book was Don Imus. A few year back this radio personality used the term 'nappy' to refer to the women's basketball team at Rutgers. Immediately there was backlash towards him and he eventually was fired from CBS. 'Nappy' is a frowned upon term to use, this book however celebrates 'nappy' hair.

Truthfully, I don't don't really see the need for a book like this? I think the underlying message of this story to celebrate who you are, what you have, you are beautiful... is a great message, but is this really the best way to portray that message? I don't know. On top of not really liking this book I thought some words were incredibly difficult to read because of the text font in cursive. Overall, I appreciate what this author is trying to do, I just think there are more appropriate books out there that would get the same message across.

The Misfits by James Howe

So, that was totally not the ending I saw coming! Colin likes Joe back!?!
While reading the first half of this book I couldn’t really figure out why this was such a controversial book. Big deal, Joe likes boys. He wasn’t forcing it or his views upon anyone, he wasn’t making a big scene about it. He was just being himself. However, after reading the ending, I can somewhat understand why it is lumped in a controversial listing… all because a boy actually liked him back. Blah! I don’t really buy it. I really enjoyed this reading and I think the overall message of kids treating each other with respect and working to stop name calling (because it does hurt) is a much more important message and lesson to get from this book than oh my gosh, someone in middle school might be gay!
This book definitely took me back to my middle school days, which I have to admit I didn’t mind. For me middle school wasn’t the worst time in my life… in fact, I can barely remember it (which can maybe be seen as a good thing-I didn’t have anything super embarrassing/life-changing/etc. happen). I do remember kids in my school who were like the misfits and those that were the ‘popular’ kids. I wasn’t either, I just kinda sat in the middle. I admire the misfits and Bobby in particular. I loved how he came out of his shell in the end and rocked it! I wish I could take a cue from him in that area. I think what Bobby went through in the end of this book goes to show us that finding ourselves and being happy with yourself may take time, but be patient... you will get there.