The Other Side of Truth

The Other Side of Truth
by Beverley Naidoo

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2001.

Smuggled out of Nigeria after their mother's murder, Sade and her younger brother are abandoned in London when their uncle fails to meet them at the airport and they are fearful of their new surroundings and of what may have happened to their journalist father back in Nigeria. Winner of the 2000 Carnegie Medal.

Lexile Number: 710

--Follett Library Resources : http://flr.follett.com

Reflection : This story deals with lots of issues such as bullying in school, telling the truth and what sometimes happens to innocent people because of the telling, refuges and foster care.

Lesson Connection : Social Studies/Research Nigera and discuss current events. Pose the question : What would you do if you suddenly found yourself on the street with no one to turn to, and hunger and cold weather to overcome?

Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse

Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse
by LeoLionni, 1910-1999
Alexander, the mouse, makes friends with Willy, a toy mouse, and wants to be just like him until he discovers that Willy is to be thrown away.

Publisher: Knopf , Distributed by Random House, 1987, c1969.

--Follett Library Resources / http://flr.follett.com

Reflection : This is a story about friendship and what one friend would do to save another. In this case, Alexander must change a granted wish to save Willy from the dust heap.

Lesson Connection : Character education/friendship may be discussed. Writing session : students write what they would do if given one wish. What would you do if you had one wish and you really wanted something -- but, your friend needed your wish more?

Dr. Doolittle

Doctor Doolittle : Video

"Rex Harrison and Anthony Newley are featured in this 1967 live-action classic about an English doctor who walks and squawks with the animals. The good doctor gets himself into all sorts of funny predicaments in this Academy Award nominee for Best Picture that combines terrific music, fine acting, lovable creatures and a joyous fantasy tale. Based on the Newbery Award-winning (1923) book by Hugh Lofting, The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle."

Copyright 1967: Rated G, Grades 1-6, Approved by the DOVE Foundation, Kids First! Endorsed. 1923 Newbery Medal Winner.
--libraryvideo.com

Reflection : Students will enjoy this 1967 film that goes along with the award-winning book. I like the older movies. This one is a Family Feature film, which is a good indicator of clean language and scenes. Those who have seen the Eddie Murphy version can add comments, reflections to the discussion session.
Lesson connection : Students read the book in small groups, taking turns reading chapters to each other. Class watches portions of the movie and compare the book to the movie. Discuss differences.

Because of Winn Dixie

Because of Winn-Dixie : Video

"Annasophia Robb and Jeff Daniels star in this live-action film based on the Newbery Award-winning book by Kate DiCamillo. After moving to a new town, ten-year-old Opal makes her first friend when she happens upon a lovable stray dog. Opal and the scruffy, fun-loving pooch form a special bond that works magic of her reserved dad and their eccentric neighbors over the course of one unforgettable summer. Rated PG for thematic elements and brief mild language, the film costars Cicely Tyson, Dave Matthews and Eva Marie Saint. "
Grades 2-Adult, Rated PG, Copyright 2005. Kids First! All Star,
2001 Newbery Honor Book

--libraryvideo.com

Reflection : This is a good story put to film. The movie has made the book so popular that I ordered extra copies to check to patrons. The copies stay checked out.

Lesson Connection : Students may read the book together as a class and watch portions of the movie afterward. Compare the book to the movie and discuss differences.

3-D shapes are like green grapes!

3-D shapes are like green grapes!
by Tracy Kompelien

Publisher: ABDO Pub., c2007.

Series: Math made fun
"Introduces three-dimensional shapes through the use of simple sentences and everyday examples. "
--Follett Library Resources, http://flr.follett.com

Reflection : Photos are intermingled with bold colors and shapes to encourage attention to the shapes on the pages.

Lesson Connection : Use this picture book to relate lessons on geometric shapes.

Grizzly Bear Family

Grizzly Bear Family
by Audrey Fraggalosch
illustrated by Donald G. Eberhart.

Publisher: Soundprints, 2003.

Series: Amazing animal adventures
"A mother grizzly bear teaches her cubs to find food, protects them, and helps them to prepare for winter hibernation. "
--Follett Library Resources, http://flr.follett.com

Reflection : This easy picture book title is for younger children, K-3. Nice illustrations with lots of bold colors to catch attention.

Lesson Connection : Older students can be paired with pre-k or kindergarten students to read the story to them.

Gecko gathering

Gecko Gathering
by Vanessa Giancamilli
illustrated by Kristin Kest
Publisher: Soundprints, 2004

Series: Amazing animal adventures

Fiction, picture book, 3-D, Toy.

"Includes a tear-out poster!"--Cover. A gecko spends an exciting night searching for something to eat while avoiding being eaten by some other creature. Includes a tear-out poster."
--Follett Library Resources, http://flr.follett.com

Reflection : This is a good book, series for younger children.

Lesson Connection : Pair older students with younger students and have them read during "story time."

Homecoming

Homecoming
By Cynthia Voigt
This fictional story begins when Dicey's mother leaves Dicey and her younger siblings in the family car at a supermarket. When she doesn't return, Dicey and her brood set off to find a grandmother they don't know.

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, c1981.

Lexile Number: 630

--Follett Library Resources / http://flr.follett.com

Reflection : This is one of my all-time favorite books. I couldn't put it down because I wanted to find out how Dicey and the children made it after their mom went crazy.

Lesson Connection : Students could pair this title with research on family domestic abuse or mental illness.

Uncharted

Uncharted
By Angela Elwell Hunt
"Six men and women who forged a unique friendship at Florida State University more than twenty-five years earlier are once again brought together by tragedy and a trip that will changes their lives forever."
--Follett Library Resources, http://flr.follett.com

Publisher: WestBow Press, c2006.

Reflection : This is one of my new favorite titles! If you like the TV Show, Lost, you'll love this one! The pages keep turning and the plot keeps twisting until the very end...and it's a good one.

Lesson Connection : Use this Christian Contemporary Fiction title to research unexplained events or places, such as the Bermuda Triangle.

Hatchet

Hatchet
By Gary Paulsen.
"After a plane crash, thirteen-year-old Brian spends fifty-four days in the Canadian wilderness, learning to survive initially with only the aid of a hatchet given him by his mother, and learning also to survive his parents' divorce. "

Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, c1987.

--Follett Library Resources, http://flr.follett.com

Lexile Number: 1020

Reflection : The boys in our media center keep this book checked out! It's a story about survival and Brian must use his untested survival skills to stay alive. Great story by a terrific author.

Lesson Connection : Students could partner Guts: The True Story of Hatchet with this title to find out about Gary Paulsen and his many escapades that inspired his fiction stories.

Angel of hope

Angel of hope
by Lurlene McDaniel
Christian, contemporary realistic fiction.

"After her older sister Heather, enthusiastic about changing the world, returns from doing medical missionary work in Uganda, seventeen-year-old Amber feels ignored and confused about her own future and decides to go back to Africa in Heather's place. "
--Follett Library Resources, http://flr.follett.com

Publisher: Bantam Books, c2000.

Lexile Number: 640

Reflection : The girls in our media center like the Lurlene McDaniel books. We can't keep them on the shelves! This title, like the others, involves emotional plots, morals and possible death of a loved one.

Lesson connection : Students could pair this fiction title with a study of Uganda.

The Farm Animals

The Farm Animals
by Rolando Merino

This digital online talking eBook includes clickable sounds on all the animals in the story. Each page can be read, as well as each word in this picture book.

Learning Connection : This book is for pre-school to kindergarten aged children. The book can also be used in helping non-English speaking children to learn the English language.

http://magickeys.com

Grammar in Rhyme

Grammar in Rhyme

Routledge's New Sixpenny Toy Books, 70
Crane, Walter, 1845-1915

This digital book is in a special historical collection through the University of Florida. The parts of speech are illustrated.
Lesson Connection : Students study historic literature, language, advertising (on back cover) and compare this title to a similar modern title.

Evans, Edmund, 1826-1905 (Engraver)
Evans, Edmund, 1826-1905 (Printer)
ca1872
Children's poetry -- 1872.
Publishers' advertisements -- 1872.

http://www.uflib.ufl.edu

Ciconia Ciconia, White Stork

Ciconia Ciconia, White Stork
Author/Illustrator Andrea Petrlik.
In this digital title, the white stork's Croatian village is destroyed by war and he must search for a new place to live.

Publisher Kašmir Promet - Croatia. 2003. Awards Grand Prize, Oita Biennial of Illustrations http://www.childrenslibrary.org Lesson connection : Students learn about the culture of Croatia.

Handyong

Handyong
By Dettee Lorenzo Abrera
This digital book is a folk story about a brave warrior from named Handyong from Ibalon. AHe protects his people from a one-eyed, three-throated monster and a deceitful snake that turns into a woman.
Publisher : New Day Publishers, Phillipines; 1984.
14 pages.
Lesson Connection : Include this digital folk tale with lesson on traditional folk tales.

http://www.childrenslibrary.org

Schnitzel is Lost

Schnitzel is Lost
In this digital title, a dog named Schnitzel gets separated from his best friend, Pretzel, when he ventures from his back yard to chase leaves.
Written and illustrated by Hans Wilhelm.

The books has 30 pages and is available in English and French as a digital book. Soft watercolor illustrations enhance the dialogue between two dogs.
Publisher Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers - United States.
Lesson Connection : Introduce students to digital format of books online. For science, gather leaves to compare; draw and color.

http://www.childrenslibrary.org/

The Beast Arises

The Beast Arises

by Jerry B. Jenkins

"After a deadly earthquake fulfills yet another deadly prophecy in Jerusalem, Judd and Lionel make a startling discovery and try to warn kids around the world about what's ahead."
(--Follett Library Resources, http://flr.follett.com)

Publisher: Tyndale House, c2003.

Lexile : 690

Reflection : This book is a part of the popular Christian fiction series. It's interesting to read these books, along with the adult series. Settings, time frame and some characters overlap in the stories.

Charlie Bone and the Hidden King [sound recording]

Charlie Bone and the Hidden King [sound recording]

by Nimmo, Jenny.

Publisher: Listening Library, New York : p2006.

Compact disc.;Read by Simon Russell Beale. "When an ancient enchanter is released from the grounds of Bloor's Academy, threatening both of Charlie Bone's parents, the only way Charlie and his friends can defeat him is by finding the red king himself."

(--Follett Library Resources, http://flr.follett.com)

Lexile Number: 630

Reflection : The Charlie Bone series is a favorite in our media center. Charlie finds out he can hear thoughts from people in pictures and the Children of the Red King series follows his adventures. Charlie has been compared to "Harry" of the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. I see several similarities, but there are many differences in the story and characters. Read this one to see for yourself!

Uglies

Uglies

by Scott Westerfeld

"Tally is faced with a difficult choice when her new friend Shay decides to risk life on the outside rather than submit to the forced operation that turns sixteen year old girls into gorgeous beauties, and realizes that there is a whole new side to the pretty world that she doesn't like."

Publisher: Simon Pulse, 2005.

Lexile : 770

(--Follett Library Resources, http://flr.follett.com)

Tally is almost 16 and 0n her birthday, like everyone else, she'll undergo extensive surgery to become a Pretty. She's only known life as an Ugly (everyone's considered hideous before surgery), whereas after she "turns," she'll have the huge eyes, perfect skin, and new bone structure that biology and evolution have determined to be objectively beautiful (Kirkus Review starred (February 15, 2005).

Lexile Number: 770

Reflection : Everyone thinks they're ugly until they have surgery at age 16. When I started reading this book, I didn't think I would like it. I figured there would be a superficial teenage plot. I was wrong. The story engages the reader from the start, raising ethical and "what if" questions. This is a good one!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

by Rowling, J. K.

Year 7"--Spine.;Sequel to: Harry Potter and the half-blood prince. "Follows the journey of the series' protagonist Harry Potter as he attempts to bring an end to his archenemy, Lord Voldemort."

Publisher: A.A. Levine, 2007.

(--Follett Library Resources: http://flr.follett.com)

Lexile Number: 980

Reflection : It's a little sad when Harry is seen in the Dursley's home for the last time, remembering some of his escapades. Harry is a character who draws sympathy for the situation he's in and the life he's given.

Brave Story

Brave Story
by Miyabe, Miyuki, 1960-

"In order to bring his family back together, ten-year-old Wataru voluntarily enters a fantasy world to gain the attention of a goddess who has the ability to change destiny, and may grant his wish."

Dewey: 895.6

Publisher: VIZ Media, 2007.

(--Follett Library Resources: http://flr.follett.com)

Dewey: 895.6

Reflection/Lesson Connection : Look at fantasy genre titles and discuss. This story has a great plot idea and readers will crave the next page to find out what will happen.

Black Hands, White Sails :The Story of African-American Whalers

Black Hands, White Sails : The Story of African-American Whalers

by McKissack, Pat, 1944-

Includes bibliographical references (p. 144-147) and index. "A history of African-American whalers between 1730 and 1880, describing their contributions to the whaling industry and their role in the abolitionist movement."

Publisher: Scholastic Press, 1999. Dewey : 632.2

(--Follett Library Resources: http://flr.follett.com)

Lexile Number: 1130

Lesson Connection : Students research African Americans in history through Galileo databases and with Boolean searches.

Jazz on a Saturday night

Jazz on a Saturday night
by Lee Dillon
CD includes original song by Leo and Annie Dillon.;Includes discography. "A crowd gathers on a Saturday night to groove to an evening of jazz played by a "Dream Team" of musicians including Miles Davis on trumpet, Max Roach on drums, Charlie Parker on alto saxophone, John Coltrain on his sax, Thelonius Monk on piano, Stanley Parker on bass, and Ella Fitzgerald at the microphone. Includes a companion CD."

Publisher: Blue Sky Press, c2007.

Dewey: 781.65
(-- Follett Library Resources: http://flr.follett.com)
Lesson Connection : Students research music biographies with key-word searches. Evaluate web sites. Collaborate with music teacher for a lesson on Jazz and its history.

Twelve Rounds to Glory : the Story of Muhammad Ali

Twelve Rounds to Glory : The Story of Muhammad Ali

by Smith, Charles R., 1969-

"Grades 5-8. Smith and Collier takes an in-depth look at Ali’s life through 12 rhyming poems. Smith’s eccentric rhythm seems at first not to scan, but the longer one reads it aloud, the more it begins to sound like the meter of Ali’s famous rhymes. Includes many excellent quotes from both historical sources and Ali himself..." --Booklist starred (February 1, 2008 (Vol. 104, No. 11)
Cover Image -- Follett Library Resources: http://flr.follett.com.)
Publisher: Candlewick Press, 2007.

Dewey: 796.83

Lesson Connection : Research African Americans or sports personalities through Galileo databases.

Interactive 3-D maps : American History : Easy-to-Assemble 3-D Maps That Students Make and Manipulate to Learn Key Facts and Concepts--in a Kinestheti

Interactive 3-D Maps : American History : Easy-to-Assemble 3-D Maps That Students Make and Manipulate to Learn Key Facts and Concepts--in a Kinesthetic Way! / by Donald M. silver and Patricia J. Wynne.

"Twenty-six reproducible interactive three-dimensional maps on American history for grades four through eight designed to develop students' understanding of historical events and facts."

(--From Follett Library Resources: http://flr.follett.com)

Publisher: Scholastic, c2005

Dewey: 372.89

Lesson Connection : Students will learn about United States history, geography and maps.

(Cover image and cataloging information from Follett Library Resources: http://flr.follett.com)

3-D Explorer Rain Forest

3-D Explorer Rain Forest

By Green, Jen

Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books, 2008

This book offers a 3-D view of the rainforest. Hidden items are listed in key resources. Interest level 3-6.

(Cover image : Follett Library Resources http://flr.follett.com)

Dewey: 550

Lesson connection : Students can use this title as a catalyst for a lesson on the rainforest.

The Poet slave of Cuba : a Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

The Poet Slave of Cuba : A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano

By Margarita Engle.

This is a portrait in poems of Juan Francisco Manzano, the poet who was born a slave in Cuba in 1797.

"This biography-in-verse pays tribute to Juan Francisco Manzano, who lived between 1797 and 1853. Like many verse novels, the biography is told through alternating points of view, including Juan's as he grows from childhood to adulthood. Separated from his mother and father, Juan is reared by a slaveholder who adores his genius with words. When he is 11, she passes away. Even though she promised him his freedom upon her death, he remains enslaved, this time to a mentally unbalanced woman who abuses him unmercifully."
Publisher: Henry Holt, 2006.

Dewey: 861

(Kirkus Review (March 15, 2006) Cover image
from Follett Library Resources: http://www.flr.follett.com)

Lesson Connection : Students will research slavery, which happened in countries other than the United States. Biographies, poetry, Cuban cultures are all topics to be studied. This book could be a good catalyst for research on the subjects mentioned.

The Amazing Pop-up Stonehenge

The Amazing Pop-up Stonehenge

by Richards, Julian C.

Illustrator: Birkinshaw, Linda

Pop-up pages. This is a pop-up book for elementary readers that describes Stonehenge.

Publisher: English Heritage, 2005.

Dewey: 936.2

From Follett Library Resources : http://flr.follett.com

Lesson connection : Students could research Stonehenge with the electronic version of Encarta and use key word searching techniques in Galileo.

600 Black Spots : A Pop-up Book for Children of All ages

600 Black Spots: A Pop-Up Book for Children of All Ages

by David A. Carter.

Publisher: Little Simon, c2007.
Dewey: 516
Interest Level: 3-6
Reading Level: 5.5
"A follow-up to David A. Carter's One Red Dot and Blue 2, 600 Black Spots serves as a visual scavenger hunt. Kids will stay on their toes, searching for the many black spots that adorn the abstract art pop-ups. Using only primary colors, white, and black, Carter pairs each paper sculpture with a short piece of poetry and the relevant number of black spots. "
(Publishers Weekly (August 27, 2007); From Follett Library Resources : http://www.flr.follett.com.)

Lesson Connection : Students create their own art, using primary colors, white and black. Then, create an original poem. Students could discuss and make their own art and include hidden pictures for their classmates to find. Fun!

Adventurous Women: Eight True Stories About Women Who Made a Difference

Adventurous Women: True Stories About Women Who Made a Difference by Penny Colman.
Henry Holt Books for Young Readers
144pp.
"This book pulls together eight women adventurers born in the 1800s, each of whom went beyond boundaries to make a difference. ...The spacious layout and the chatty style are inviting, and Colman clearly documents her many primary sources, enabling today's Web-savvy researchers to find out more for assignments or for personal interest."

(Booklist (February 15, 2006 (Vol. 102, No. 12) Cover image from -- Follett Library Resources : http://flr.follett.com)

Publisher: Holt, 2006.

Dewey: 920.72

Profiles include a woman who served who served on hospital transport ships during the Civil War, an Arctic explorer and an industrial environmentalist, among others. This book includes an author’s note, selected bibliography, source notes, webliography and index.

Lesson Connection : Use the Webliography to research more about the eight adventurers. Create reports using Microsoft Power Point presentations. This source on women biographies makes history interesting!

Let it begin here! Lexington & Concord: First battles of the American Revolution

Let it begin here! Lexington and Concord: First battles of the American Revolution by Dennis Brindell Fradin.

The action, drama, and pathos in this re-telling of the events at Lexington and Concord create a story rich in human interest and historical fact. A “who’s who,” as well as a “what happened to the people,” provide rich contextual information. Includes a bibliography.

(School Library Journal (July 1, 2005) ; Cover image from Follett

Illustrator: Day, Larry

Publisher: Walker, 2005.

Dewey: 973.3

Library Resources, http://flr.follett.com)

Georgia Performance Standards:

SS8H3 The student will analyze the role of Georgia in the American Revolution.
SS8H4 The student will describe the impact of events that led to the ratification of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights.

Lesson Connection : Students in Grade 8 will:

Research the American Revolution and Georgia’s role during that time on the media center’s automated card catalog and search primary sources, including personal diaries, on the Galileo databases.
Record findings on Microsoft Word document; cite source and give attribution.
Locate reference books in the media center for information using keywords “Colonial Georgia” and “Diary,” or “American Revolution” and “Journal.”
Locate non-fiction books in the media center using the Call Numbers and card catalog and take notes on information found.
Create a classroom blog on research findings. Use information from books and Galileo to post ideas. (Each student will need a gmail account. Signed Internet Agreements must be turned in prior to participation.)
Use Flip Camera to record the group dramas representing a re-enactment of a scene from Georgia’s Revolutionary War.