Oops!: Poetry, Various Forms (Used in Lesson Plan)

Oops! written by Alan Katz and illustrated by Edward Koren
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books

Pages:160
Genre: Poerty
Rating: Thumbs Up!!

This is a fun collection of poetry! Alan Katz uses his typical humorous style to write on various children related topics. There are poems on siblings, school, cookies, swimming, animals, balloons, getting in trouble, and much more!

I rated this book a "Thumbs Up!!" because of the fun and diversity of the collection. I enjoyed reading the poems to my children, as well as they enjoyed listening. The book offers quick reads that remind children that literature can have different appearance and format.

Freddy To the Rescue - Book Three in the Golden Hampster Saga: Series Study, Fantasy, Fiction

Freddy To the Rescue - Book Three in the Golden Hampster Saga
written by Dietlof Reiche, translated by John Brownjohn, and illustrated by Joe Cepeda
Publisher: Scholastic Press

Pages:242
Genre: Fantasy, Fiction
Rating: Thumbs Up!

Once again Freddy Auratus is up to his writing and creating trouble. This story takes off as he is using his writing skill on the computer to internet to save the lives of an endangered tribe of field hampsters. Though Freddy cannot directly speak to humans, he can write to them. The promblem is that Freddy does not want to reveal his genius, and he wants his secret and safety to remain the same. In this fun and adventurous saga, Freddy goes against city hall and bulldozers, with the help of his usual aides, Sir William the cat and the 2 guinea pig opera singing poets, Caruso & Enrico. In the end, the point of the story is to entice readers to become aware of the needs of animals, hear their cries, and take action to save them.

I gave this story another thumbs up. This is due to the enjoyment of the storyline, the fun black/white/penciled illustrations that leave room for imagination, and the actual message that was delivered within the fun text.

Freddy In Peril - Book Two in the Golden Hampster Saga: Series Study, Fantasy, Fiction

Freddy In Peril - Book Two in the Golden Hampster Saga
written by Dietlof Reiche, translated by John Brownjohn, and illustrated by Joe Cepeda
Publisher: Scholastic Press

Pages: 214

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction

Rating: Thumbs Up!!

Here comes Freddy again, and he is in trouble! As he is a new writer and likes to get feedback, Freddy finds trouble on the internet. He posts his story, "Curse of the Weasel", only to be discovered by the evil Professor Fleischkopf - otherwise known as Professor Schmidt. When Mr. John refuses to give the Professor English lessons, the plot begins to thicken. By the end of the story, Freddy is kidnapped. The Professor knows he can hear, understand, and write back to humans - though he cannot speak to us. He then desires to disect Freddy and figure out why he is so brilliant. Freddy's friends cannot allow this to happen! Sir William the cat, the two singing poets - Enrico & Caruso, and some new friends from the sewer, all come to his resue.

I loved this book from the series the most! It was given a rating of "Thumbs Up!!" due to the ease of reading, the mystery and adventure, the illustrations, and the excitement. The author does an excellent job of beginning and ending the books to connect readers to past information and think of new saga's that may occur in the future. This story was fun!

I, Freddy - Book One in the Golden Hampster Saga: Series Study, Fantasy, Fiction

I, Freddy - Book One in the Golden Hampster Series
Pulbished: Scholastic Press

Pages: 214

Genre: Fantasy, Fiction

Rating: Thumbs Up!!

In this book we are introduced to Freddy Auratus, a glorious golden hampster, who lives in the pet shop. He is not like other hampsters and does not like the wheel or other joys of the other hampsters. His only fear is the eternal hibernation to which many of his family members have went. In this, he seeks to be adopted by a family. In the end he is adopted by Sophie, a little girl who is learning to read and loves Freddy very much. Freddy learns to read very quickly, but cannot communicate. He also is always locked in his cage, and he wants freedom - freedom from the cage and freedom to read whatever, whenever he would like. He does figure out how to get out of his cage, but then the MOM gets rid of him to Mr. John's. Sophie can still visit, but Freddy is very sad. Adjustments and new friends are made at Mr. John's, and Freddy's secret is revealed with the use of a computer (and keyboard).

I rated this book a "Thumbs Up!!" because it was a fun story. I did think it was somewhat hard to get into in the first two chapters, but then the story quickly picked up. The author and translator have created a very fun, interesting, and descriptive book that is appropriate for boys and girls, alike. All can enjoy this exciting tale!

Superfudge: Author Study, Realistic Fiction

Superfudge, written by Judy Blume
Publisher: Puffin Books

Pages: 178

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Rating: Thumbs Up!

This is the story of Peter Hatcher and his family. Peter has one little brother, Fudge (Farley Drexel Hatcher), and a little sister on the way who is known as Tootsie when she arrives. In this fun book, the family moves temporarily to Princeton in a family friends home while the father writes a researches for a book. Peter and Fudge are not thrilled with the move or the idea of a new sibling. The story goes on into family dynamics, meeting new friends, and maintaining old friendships.

I really liked the funny retelling of everyday family dynamic events. Children of all ages can relate to the various characters and learn from their trials and victories. I rated this story a "Thumbs Up!" due to the authors use of realistic stories, interesting dialogue, and great descriptive detail.

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret: Author Study, Realistic Fiction

Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret

written by Judy Blume

Pages: 152

Genre: Realistic Fiction

Rating: Thumbs Up!!

Margaret Simon is an 11 year old sixth grader who recently moved with her parents from a New York apartment to a house in Farbrook, New Jersey. She not only is experiencing many new physical changes, but she also must adjust to a new school and meet new friends. In this story, she gains the friendship of a neighbor girl, Nancy Wheeler, and the rest of the PTS girls (Pre Teen Sensations). They together discuss many things, like; body odor, bra's, bumps, make-up, pimples, boys, kissing, and even religion. This is the journey of Margaret in learning about physical change and religion. In the end, she changes physically, and decides that there must be a God. She also concludes that she doesn't need a specific religion right now - she can figure that out later!

I rated this book a "Thumbs Up!!" because it addresses the many awkward topics and questions that young girls may be afraid to talk about. Though the book is a bit older, the topics for young girls are still similar. The author uses an inviting story to confront the different fun, exciting, and terrifying events of growing up, girl.