Esperanza Rising

Title: Esperanza Rising 

Author: Pam Muñoz Ryan
# of Pages: 262

Published by: Scholastic (May 1, 2002)
Age Range: 8+
Grade level: 6-7

In this book Esperanza must learn to live a new life as a poor migrant in California after her after is killed and her nice home is destroyed in mexico. Esperanza is forced to rise above the cruel treatment of her uncles, who have ruined her life. She must learn how to adjust to becoming a migrant worker, when she has always been the daughter of a rich and powerful family in Mexico. On the eve of her thirteenth birthday, Esperanza's father is murdered. Mama refuses to move to California. But when their house burns down they don't have any other option. Mama is forced to marry Tío Luis to escape from Mexico. Mama and Esperanza leave for California in the middle of the night. They must leave their grandma, Abuelita behind because she is injured. Their new house is small and duty with a lot of people living in it. Esperanza learns the discrimination that Mexicans face in the United States. Mama gets very sick in a dust storm and is in the hospital for a little while. When Mama gets home from the hospital they plan to use their saved money to bring Abuelita home, but Migues has taken their money. Esperanza is very mad. It turns out that Miguel brought Abuelita to California! Esperanza realizes that there is hope in the new land!  On her fourteenth birthday, she is grateful for all that she has! 

This book teaches a lot about the cultures of both Mexico and America. It also discusses the current discrimination that is going on and the force of labor towards immigrants. This book has accurate details and facts but also portrays a plot. This makes for a wonderful read! Students may have questions after reading it though. But I love this book and would recommend it to anyone! 

Classroom Activities and Lesson Ideas: 

• Teach about the culture
• Explain Migrant workers
• Teacher's Guide
• Literature Circle Activities

Here's the book trailer: 

Bud, Not Buddy

Title: Bud, Not Buddy 

Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
# of Pages: 288

Published by:Laurel Leaf; Reprint edition
Age Range: 8-12
Grade Level: 3-7

In this book. ten-year-old Bud Caldwell is on his own. Although that may sound like fun, life alone isn't as fun as it may seem. He has to deal with hornets, vampires, starvation, and muskrat stew. He had to sleep outside under trees, walk miles and miles, couldn't trust anyone, and there's no one to love him or give him a hug. Doesn't that sound quite lonely? This book takes place during the Great Depression and being on his own was about he worst thing that could have happened, especially because Bud is an African American who lives in a very racist place. It is 1936 and cold and rainy in Flint, Michigan. Bud goes to the mission for free food and there's always a long line. No one feels bad for the starving children because most kids and many adults are also starving. When bud was only six years old, his mother died. He's been in many orphanages and in and out of foster homes. Bud has never met his father. Bud's mother had a picture of his father, Bud stole this a long time ago and this is his only clue as to who his father may be. Bud runs away in search of this man, his father, not knowing whether it is truly his father or not; but just forms the assumption because this is the picture his mother had. The picture was on a flyer. Bud gets a ride to Grand Rapids and finds Herman E. Calloway, the man he believes is his father. Bud don't get the reception he imagines, and Herman doesn't believe that Bud is his son. Further in the story, it turns out that Bud is his grandson. Bud's mother had gotten into a fight with Herman and had never spoken to him again. Herman did not even know that she had died. This book ends with everyone still in shock about the death of Herman's daughter, and Bud and Herman begin a fragile relationship.

This book teaches many details about the time of the Great Depression, poverty, racism, blues music, and orphans. The facts are are accurate and it enables students to experience this time period. This novel is historical but also has a great storyline. The issues are conveyed in an honest way and display the views of that time. The writing is written targeting elementary students and the readers can comprehend what is taking place in this story. It is a very emotional book, students may be sad or have questions, but it is a wonderful book to read as a class.

Classroom Activities and Lesson Ideas:

• Character map, summary and discussion questions 
• Close reading 
• Teach about the Great Depression 
• Geography lesson on Flint, Michigan and Grand Rapids, Michigan 
• Teach about money: saving, counting, spending, purpose, uses, etc

Here is a book trailer: 

Storm Runners

Title: Storm Runners 

Author: Roland Smith
# of Pages: 143 pages 

Published by: Scholastic Paperbacks
Age Range: 8-12 years
Grade Level: 3-7

This book is part of a trilogy of books about a boy named Chase Masters and his father who are storm runners. They travel across the country to areas where natural disasters have hit. Chase's mother and sister died in an accident. Shortly after, his father was struck by lightning. This gave him a new focus on life: storm running. They have a winter home in Florida, and Hurricane Emily is coming. There are high winds, flooding, and escaped exotic animals. His dad's business was to help rebuild after a storm. This time Chase's father wanted to go to the heart of the storm where it would hit. Chase is learning more on the road than hew would in class, but the road is more dangerous. They now find their selves stranded in the middle of a hurricane. Chase's school bush crashes. This book is action packed, exciting, and funny. This book ends with a cliff-hanger ending. You will have to read it to find out how it ends, and tun read the second book to see what happens next.

This book is very informative about storms and what storm catchers do. It talks about the various hurricanes that have happened and other severe natural disasters. This book don't contain too many historical elements except the pst severe natural disasters. it is still a good read though and students would enjoy this action packed realistic and relatable story.

Classroom ideas and activities:

• Curriculum from the author 
• Chart weather in the classroom 
• Teach about weather and severe forms along with natural disasters

Here's the book trailer: 

Ben and Me

Title: Ben and Me

Author: Robert Lawson
# of Pages: 114

Published by: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Age Range: 8-12
Grade Level: 3-7

Ben and Me is a historical novel by Robert Lawson. This book takes place in Philadelphia in the 1700's during the time of the American Revolution. A mouse plays the main character of this book and his name is Amos. Benjamin Franklin is the other main character. Amos the mouse likes to help his family through devastating times. He also likest to go help Ben along the way. Amos is a creative, smart mouse who likes to help his family at hard times. Ben is courageous, experimental, and inventive. One day, Amos goes into Benjamin Franklin's house, because he wanted to make a deal that he would work of him if he provided his family with food, water, blankets, and clothes. Amos then meets Ben and makes the deal. Later, Ben invents a kite-flying machine that ends up being a disaster because of a storm. After that, Ben accidentally invents electrical tubes that shock Amos. Amos told Ben Franklin that there should be no more electricity. Ben agreed and went on not using Electricity. The book continues to go through Ben Franklin's life as told by Amos the mouse. 

The plot to this book was ok, it's facts were true but sometimes altered to come from Amos' perspective.  Ben Franklin probably did not go to mice for advice, but this book is a way to get student's reading about history and the life of Ben Franklin. This book would be for middle to younger aged elementary school students. It's funny and there are a lot of images. This was a cute historical book for younger children. 

Classroom activities and lesson ideas: 

• Use this book for reading groups
• Teacher's guide 
• Have students narrate their own life in the perspective of one of their pets or an animal
• Literature Unit 

Here’s a passage from Ben and Me:

Of course during these stirring times I came in contact with all the great men of the Colonies. The one who impressed me most was, naturally, General George Washington.Not only was he a magnificent figure of a man and soldier, but the wheat grown at Mount Vernon was of a superb quality. Here were always a few grains to be found in his boot-tops and pocket flaps. Quite a few crumbs too, so I always looked forward to seeing him.

A Long Way From Chicago

Title: A Long Way From Chicago 

Author: Richard Peck
# of Pages: 148 pages 

Published by: Puffin Books
Age Range: 8-12 years
Grade Level: 3-7 years

This story takes place during the years 1929-1942, and told in eight episodes. This book is funny and fresh and tells the story of a boy and his sister's annual summer trips to rural Illinois to visit their grandma. Grandma Dowdel is larger than life, and astounds her grandchildren with her nonconformist behavior and her take-charge attitude. Joey's sister, Mary Alice and him go to this tired old Illinois town for the summer to meet with their grandma. Some examples of the summer events include seeing their first corpse, grandma fights back with a bottle of mice and a dead mouse after the Cowgill boys terrorize the town, and they help their grandma trespass and catch the sherif in his underwear, and this is only one day! Joe and his sister make several summer trips to visit their grandma and they turn into great adventures. 

The language used throughout the book displays the time period. Readers feel immersed in the time by the actions of Joey and his sister and how the towns are run and the actions of others. The facts are true and historically accurate. This book was very enjoyable to read and was a great plot line. It teaches many lessons and is relatable to students who take many trips to their grandparent's house. 

Classroom Activities and Lesson Ideas: 

• Discussion Questions and Subject Integration Activities 
• Webquest, Lessons, and Planning tools 
• Teach about the 1920's-1940's time period 
• Geography lesson on Chicago and Illinois and compare/contrast to your own home town

Here's a great book review: 

Number the Stars

Title: Number the Stars

Author: Lois Lowry
# of Pages: 156

Published by: HMH Books for Young Readers
Grade Level: 4-7

This book takes place as the German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all Jews of Denmark in the early 1940s. Main character Annemarie Johansen's family takes in her best friend Ellen Rosen and makes her part of the family. This book is written in the point of view of ten-year-old Annemarie, we watch the Danish Resistance smuggles  almost the entire jewish population of Denmark, almost 7,000 people across the sea to Sweeden. Throughout the book, Annemarie learns more about the war and exactly what is taking place. This book doesn't have the happiest ending, but these were not the happiest of times. Read this book to experience this time period, what the war was like, and what Annemarie and her family went through. 

This book was amazing! However, kids need to be informed of details and aware of what they are going to read. Students may have questions or might not understand what was taking place. The details were accurate and the facts were true. This is a great book for students who may be interested to WWII, the holocaust, or history at a young age. The main character is 10 years old, so students reading this can put theirself in her shoes. This book is a light read that will leave you more appreciate of the times. 

Classroom activities and lesson ideas:

• Holocaust lesson plan 
• Study Guide
• Holocaust activity 
• Book ideas 
• Explore the author's website 

The Lions of LIttle Rock

Title: The Lions of Little Rock 

Author: Kristin Levine
# of Pages: 304

Published by: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for young Readers (January 5, 2012)
Age Range: 10 and up
Grade Level: 5 and up

This book takes place in Little Rock, Arkansas in 1958. This time in history was called the Lost Year. Little rock closed the schools to block desegregation. The protagonist in this story, Marlee Nisbitt, is a 12 year old girl of silence. She would rather count prime numbers in her head than speak to another person. This all changes when she meets a new girl in her first week of school. Her new friend is named Lis Fullerton, a confident young girl who was the exact opposite of Marlee. ON the first day of lunch Lis goes up to Marlee during lunch and starts a conversation; this was the start of their friendship. Liz wants to help Marlee conquer her fear of speaking and convinces her to participate in an oral presentation with one of their classes. On the day of the presentation, Liz is absent. It turns out she was pulled from the school because she was caught "passing" which is an African American trying to pass as white for a better education and more opportunities. Marlee was devastated, but her and Liz found ways to still see each other in secret. During their times spent together they would do many unfortunate and heroic events. This book is filled with facts and educates readers about this year in Little Rock. Marlee and Liz's friendship makes this story beautiful, and shows love, true friendship, ignorance, and  allowed these young girls to find their voice in these difficult times. 

This book is truly a beautiful story that is also very factual and informative. The facts are accurate and is very educational. It is an amazing story about education and friendship. Although students may not be able to relate to this story, they can connect it to their own friendship and school experiences. The time period is greatly portrayed accurately and there are many lessons to be learned from this book. I love this book and should be a must read! 

Classroom Activities and Lesson Ideas: 

• Teach about the education during the lost year
• Geography about Little Rock, Arkansas 
• Common Core matching lesson plans 
• Fun activities such as making a newspaper, role play lawyers in court, character comparisons, etc.

Here's the book trailer: 

One Crazy Summer

Title: One Crazy Summer

Author: Rita Williams-Garcia
# of Pages: 240

Published by: Amistad; Reprint Edition
Age Range: 8-12 years
Grade Level: 4-7

Delphine and her two younger sisters are sent across the country from New York to Oakland , California to meet their mother. Their mother is a woman who abandoned the girls and their family when they were very young. Their mother, Cecile is not liked by their grandmother, Big Ma and their father. Cecile did not ask for the girls to come visit her, the girls' father decided it was time for them to go. Delphine takes the motherly role for his sisters always stopping their fights, standing up for them, and taking care of them. her sisters names are Vonetta and Fern. The girls envisioned an amazing vacation filled with excitement and finally getting to meet their mother, but boy were they wrong! Their mother wasn't even welcoming. She did not hug them or love them. She was very cold.When they got to her house, they were not allowed in the kitchen, there were no toys, not even a television. The girls spent the rest of the summer trying to figure out who their mother is, why she is so cold, and what she is hiding from the girls. They take gradual steps. This book does have a happy ending, but I do not want to give it away because it is such a wonderful read. 

The information and facts in this book are accurate. This allows readers to step into that time period and experience what it was like to be a young black girl in California. This book is heartbreaking and unfunny, and very hard to forget. It is apart of a trilogy as well! I love that the title of every chapter has so much meaning to the story. I would recommend this book to students who may be experiencing diversity, has parents who are divorced or are interested in the time period. I could see myself using this book in the future as a novel study or literature circle book.

Classroom activities and lesson ideas:

• Teach a lesson on the time period 
• Use this discussion guide
• Make a story timeline of events as a a class
• Teach about poetry and have a poetry slam! 
• Use this blog for other ideas 

Here's a book trailer: 

Brown Girl Dreaming

Title: Brown Girl Dreaming
Author: Jacqueline Woodson
# of Pages: 336
Published by: Nancy Paulsen Books, First Edition
Awards Won: Newberry Medal, National Book Award Winner

This book is about a true story about author Jacqueline Woodson. She was raised in both South Carolina and New York. Throughout the book she writes about what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960's and 1970's and in the era of the Civil Rights Movement. She uses poetry to write this unique story. Throughout reading the story her voice clearly shows through and you truly get to know her. When she was a child she struggled with reading, however she learned to love stories and inspired her to become a writer herself.

This story uses unique voice and the poetry style of writing which truly makes it a wonderful book to read. I would recommend this book for any child interested in learning about the Civil Rights era, a struggling reader, or someone who has a passion for writing.

Some Classroom Activities Could Include:

• Using this book for literature focus unit or literature circles
• Lessons on the Civil Rights Era or Jim Crow Laws 
• Poetry lessons 
•  Teaching Students about Voice