Going Up by Sherry Lee reviewed by Susan Kennedy As we are going back to school in whatever form that is taking, hopefully we are returning to writing. I love writing with students and hearing them storytell their narrative plans. Returning to school this fall, I hope we'll start with some narratives: small moments, memoirs,… Continue reading Going Up by Sherry Lee
Tag: Fiction Writing Mentor Text
Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins
Rowboat Watkins’ Most Marshmallows has been floating around my book collection since February without a permanent home. Currently living in my love this book but what category bin, on the surface Most Marshmallows is a wonderfully silly tale about marshmallows. The publisher’s summary includes most marshmallows like to watch television and lead normal lives-but some… Continue reading Most Marshmallows by Rowboat Watkins
A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese
This story starts with a wish and ends in a crime. The wish isn't granted, and the crime is never punished. Life is like that sometimes. But that isn't always a bad thing... -Keith Calabrese A Drop of Hope is a book that my sixth graders describe as "a very different kind of mystery," with… Continue reading A Drop of Hope by Keith Calabrese
Carmela Full of Wishes
She stared down at the dandelion in her hand.It seemed so much more importantnow that she knew it was a place to put her wishes. What if she made the wrong choice? Carmela is excited to accompany her older brother into town for the first time. Although her big brother isn't happy to have her,… Continue reading Carmela Full of Wishes
The Field
The Field by Baptiste Paul, illustrated beautifully by Jacqueline Alcantara A winner of many awards in 2018, The Field shows and tells the story of a girl, her brother and some friends as they pick up a soccer game in rural St. Lucia, the author's home of origin. Through stunning illustrations full of movement… Continue reading The Field
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar, Illustrated by Alea Marley
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh has been a favorite read aloud as I’ve visited K-2 classrooms this fall. Harpreet is a school-aged boy who wears a small turban, called a patka, in the tradition of the Sikh religion. Harpreet changes the colors of his patka based on his mood - pink for celebrating, red… Continue reading The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh by Supriya Kelkar, Illustrated by Alea Marley
The Little Guys by Vera Brosgol
A cautionary tale from Caldecott Honoree Vera Brosgol We are the Little Guys. Yes, we are small. But there are a lot of us. Together we are strong, and we can get all we need. A new addition to my coaching bag is a sleeper tale, The Little Guys. This versatile book made the rounds of my… Continue reading The Little Guys by Vera Brosgol
Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube
There’s a quiet to Kate Berube’s books that holds young listeners in a state of wonder. Mae is not going to school today, no matter what her mother, father, or other parents on the playground say to persuade her. But when she scurries into a tree to hide from the opening bell, she learns that… Continue reading Mae’s First Day of School by Kate Berube
Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
Teacher Thoughts… You will fall in love with Louie and his family and friends as they come together to save Winslow, a sick, newborn donkey. Winslow connects all of the characters and caring for him helps them to work through difficult situations in their own lives. Once again, Sharon Creech creates vivid characters. Her descriptions… Continue reading Saving Winslow by Sharon Creech
The Word Collector
Ask a baseball fan about his card collection, or a teacher about her library, and it will open up a world of conversation. Whether it be seashells or stamps, bugs or books, collections bring comfort to people of all ages. Jerome’s collection is one that he could add to throughout each and every day... because… Continue reading The Word Collector