I Survived Series

I Survived Series

By: Lauren Tarshis

            This has to be one of my all time favorite series of books. Lauren Tarshis does a great job of hooking readers into reading her books. These short little novels are about major events in history, but coming from the eyes of characters who could of possibly been there, but weren't. Historical fiction as reader teachers call it.

    

          Tarshis has a book for the following events: Titanic, Chicago Fire, The Great Shark Attack, Pearl Harbor, Nazi Invasion, Sept 11, Japanese Tsunami, The Battle of Gettysburg, Pompeii, Hurricane Katrina, and San Francisco Earthquake. The events of the story are true to fact, but the characters are people readers can possibly relate to. The stories are quick reads and very interesting. If you are interested in history than this is the series for you. You find yourself going to find a new book in the series. I can say that this year I had more students read these books than ever before. I was very excited.

          I would highly recommend these books to all readers. I hope Lauren Tarshis comes up with more books about events in history in this format. I hope you enjoy the book trailer for I Survived the Attack of Pearl Harbor, 1941.

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El Deafo by Cece Bell

 El Deafo

By:Cece Bell

               Another graphic novel review, El Deafo by Cece Bell. El Deafo is a Newberry Honor Book.  I am not a big fan of graphic novels, but am learning to enjoy them more and more. I am also understanding how pictures would be beneficial for struggling readers. I think a great aid for ESL students.

             El Deafo is a novel that reminded me of my childhood. The author Cece Bell who is also the main character mentions things like: Little House on the Prarie, John Boy from The Waltons, Hostess Cherry Pies, etc. Cece is a girl who loses her hearing from sickness. She tries to transition to the hearing world and creates El Deafo aka her Superperson. She journals her adventures of trying to fit in a world of hearing and dealing with looking odd with wires going to her ear due to her Phonic Ear amplifier.

            The story deals with many things that kids can relate to. For example looking different than others is something Cece tries to figure out. Another is moving to a new neighborhood and school. Many kids go through this and this could possibly hook students to read this. The graphics are good, and Cece does a great job of telling her story.

            I would definitely recommend this to other students and teachers. My only fear is that it is lengthy. El Deafo might be a book you build up to a class and show the book trailer that I have added to the blog. Enjoy and let me know what you think.

One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Katherine Applegate's book One and Only Ivan is a great book. I have seen the book many times at book fairs and finally took it upon myself to buy this. Well it helped that it was buy one book and get one free. I know you don't judge a book by the cover. I did that and so regret it. Ivan is the main character of the story. He is a gorilla who lives in an exhibit that helps his owner make money. Ivan becomes friends with Stella an elephant, Bob a homeless dog, and Julia a young girl who comes to the exhibit because her dad George works there. The story is about Ivan who has no recollection of his life as a child, but is unsure about being animal or human. He is a side show for Mack his owner. He doesn't seem to be pulling in money like he use to so Mack buys a baby elephant named Ruby. Ruby is unsure of what to think but learns to become friends with everyone and Stella takes Ruby on as family. As time goes on a tradegy happens and everyone tries to figure out how to overcome it. Ivan makes a promise and hopes to be able to keep it. Will Ivan figure out if he is more human or animal? Will Ivan be able to keep his promise? Read this and you will find out all the answers. I would definitely recommend this Newberry Medal winner. Katherine Applegate's story of these animals is very touching. If you like books about animals and how they can overcome things, this is the book for you.

Bluford Series

So I have been reading the Bluford series with my READ 180 students. These books have been in my room for several years. I finally broke down and decided to read the series. Let me tell you it was the best decision I made. Now I can really tell all my students now and in the future about these books. They are really great books. Students can relate to some of the issues that each book portrays. The characters in the books all have contact with one another. Darcy is one of the main characters that definitely represents many of the students in school. I would call this the Sweet Valley High of the 2010. I would say this series is definitely a must for struggling readers who are into high school drama or just trying to find something to connect to, I would say read this series. I luckily have several students reading the series. One told me why did you wait so long to tell me about these books. School is almost out and I don't have the books. Well luckily for them I do have an answer for them. Bluford has the audio books online. It is free and anyone who loves these books can have access to them without having the book. A definite must for all those who are looking for books for their struggling middle school or high school students.