"Holes"

Holes
Author: Louis Sachar
Illustrator: Adam McCauley
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Fiction, Mystery
Theme: Punishment and suffering for your actions, Humor and Friendship
Primary/Secondary Characters: Stanley Yelnats/Zero & the Warden
Date of Publication: Year 2001
Publishing Company: Random House Children's Books

Summary: Stanley Yelnats, a teenage boy, is sent to Camp Green Lake, a detention facility, as he was accused of stealing a famous baseball players shoes from a charity auction. At the camp, he is with other teenage boys who have misbehaved and were sent to the camp as well. At the camp, the boys must dig 5 foot by 5 foot holes in the hot sun, with a scarce amount of water. The boys believe they are digging for punishment, when in actuality, they were digging to find the lost loot of Kissin' Kate Barlow, a wild west outlaw. The boys are tortured and catch on to why they are digging the holes, and one day, Stanley actually finds a lipstick tube from Kissin Kate, and the warden confiscates it immediately. The story tells the struggles of the boys, the friendships they make, and at the end, Stanley is released, has a suitcase full of family bonds in it, and with that he makes a new famous product, called "Sploosh", a foot odor blocker. The warden had to sell Camp Green Lake, and it was then taken over by a group of Girl Scouts. This book provides humor to young teens, and shows them consequences that come from misbehaving actions. It is a great book to introduce mystery and thrill, and also a teenage read.

"Bridge to Terabithia"

Bridge To Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson
Illustrator: Donna Diamond
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre:Young Adult, Fiction
Theme: Discovery, Children's Imagination, Struggle with Death & Overcoming It
Primary/Secondary Characters: Jess Aarons & Leslie Burke/Gary Fulcher, Janice Avery
Date of Publication: Year 1977
Publishing Company: Fitzhenry & Whiteside Limited, Toronto
Awards: Newbery Award Winner

Summary: Jess Aarons was a young boy in elementary school, who was very active and thought himself to be the best and fastest runner at school. In his neighborhood, a young girl named Leslie Burke moved in with her family, whom Jess became close friends with. Leslie's family was quite odd, as they didn't own the technology that Jess's family had, but their house was full of books. Leslie had quite the imagination, and created the imaginary land of Terabithia, where she and Jess could play and have fun away from any pesky classmates or siblings. The two had a close bond that was unexplainable, and were best friends. One day, while trying to reach Terabithia during a storm, Leslie drowns and dies. Jess is on a field trip at the museum, and after finding out, he blames himself for Leslie's death. After a harsh time of coping, Jess decides to build a bridge to Terabithia, and invites his younger sister, May Belle, to accompany him, as he had always denied May Belle access into the imaginary land. Terabithia prospers, and the friendship Jess had with Leslie was a great memory Jess never dismissed. This book is great for young teenage readers who want a book with drama, friendship, and tragedy. It is a great free read book, and teaches children many lessons on friendship, and should be provided in every classroom.

"Bud, Not Buddy"

Bud, Not Buddy
Author: Christopher Paul Curtis
Illustrator: N/A
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Theme: Diversity, Struggles and Triumphs
Primary/Secondary Characters: Bud Caldwell, Todd Collins & Herman E. Calloway
Date of Publication: Year 2004
Publishing Company: Random House Children's Books
Awards: Newbery  Honor & Coretta Scott King Award

Summary: During the Great Depression, Bud Caldwell, a ten year old boy, resides in an orphanage in Flint, Michigan. His mother died when he was young, so he knew orphanages and foster homes too well. He lived with the Collins family for quite some time, and the youngest child, Todd Collins, abused Bud and in turn, Bud ran away. The only remnants Bud had from his mother's life were a bag of stones and a photograph of her when she was a young girl, which he brought with him, as he was determined to find his father, Herman E. Calloway. With him, Bud has a flyer from his fathers old jazz band that is his only clue in finding him. Bud locates the jazz band, and Herman E. Calloway, and finds out that Calloway is not his father, but his grandfather. Bud's mother was Calloway's daughter, who had run away a long time ago. The relationship between the two begins at this point, as they have a bond that was formed at sight. This is a great book for young teenagers, as it teaches them perseverance and some about history and music. This is great for both girls and boys, and could be taught during a diversity, music, or history lesson.

"Catalyst"

Catalyst
Author: Laurie Halse Anderson
Illustrator: None
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Mature Young Adult
Theme: High School/Drama
Primary/Secondary Characters: Kate Malone/Teri Litch & Mitch
Date of Publication: Year 2002
Publishing Company: Viking, Penguin Books

Summary: Teenage Kate Malone is the preachers daughter, a good girl gone bad. She lives her life day to day praying she gets into MIT, the college her mother who passed away, went to. Her neighbor next door, Teri Litch is out to get Kate, and ends up having to move in with the Malone family after her house burns down. Mitch, Kate's boyfriend, is the only positive thing in her life it seems. Kate finally gets the letter from MIT, to realize she was rejected. Everything in her life spirals downward, and she can't seem to get a hold on life. This book is a mature read, but would spark the interest of teenagers, as it presents situations they could relate to. This would be a great free choice read for a high school aged teen, as some language and mature situations are present.

"Wild About Books"

Wild About Books
Author: Judy Sierra
Illustrator: Marc Brown
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Reading is fun and beneficial
Primary/Secondary Character: Molly McGrew/Zoo Animals
Date of Publication: Year 2004
Publishing Company: Alfred A. Knopf, Random House Children's Books

Summary: Librarian Molly McGrew drives her bookmobile into a zoo on accident, and begins to read aloud. The zoo animals begin to listen and become interested, and take books for themselves to read. Some begin to write books themselves, and read to each other. The joys of reading are shown through this book, as the zoo animals are reading for enjoyment.

"My Kindergarten"

My Kindergarten
Author: Rosemary Wells
Illustrator: Rosemary Wells
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction/Informational
Theme: Teaching, The School Year of Kindergarteners
Primary/Secondary Characters: Protagonist (Emily Rabbit)/Miss Cribbage & Classmates
Date of Publication: Year 2004
Publishing Company: Hyperion Books for Children

Summary: Emily Rabbit, the main character, is beginning her first day of school, in kindergarten. The book takes the reader through the year, through certain lessons, holidays, occasions, and life skills learned. It tells of the friends Emily makes, and the bonds she forms with her teacher. The students learn about measurement, money, weather, and other important things about life. This great book needs to find it's way into every kindergarten classroom, as it covers many basics taught in kindergarten.

"The Boy Who Was Raised By Librarians"

The Boy Who Was Raised By Librarians
Author: Carla Morris
Illustrator: Brad Sneed
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Education, Librarians
Primary/Secondary Characters: Melvin/Librarians: Marge, Leeola, Betty
Date of Publication: Year 2007
Publishing Company: Peachtree Publishers

Summary: Melvin, a young boy, spends all his time in the library reading up on whatever he feels like that way. He forms a close relationship with the three librarians: Marge, Betty and Leeola, and they are always so happy to see him. Melvin grows more and more every year, and is more successful with every passing year. The three ladies stay close to Melvin, and they even go to his high school graduation. One day, a small boy named Sterling enters the library, questioning the species of bugs he has with him, and the person to help him was Melvin. Melvin became a librarian because he was so inspired by the three ladies who had helped him all through his childhood and adolescent years. This teaches children the worth of librarians, and how they can be of such help and inspiration to them. This also teaches children that they can be successful in whatever they do if they apply themselves.

"David Goes To School"

David Goes To School
Author: David Shannon
Illustrator: David Shannon
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Bad Behavior/Discipline, Praising for good work
Primary/Secondary Characters: David/David's Teacher
Date of Publication: Year 1999
Publishing Company: The Blue Sky Press, Scholastic

Summary: David, a student in elementary school, is always misbehaving in the classroom. His teacher always yells for him to behave, and tells him when he is wrong. One day, David draws all over his school desk, and his teacher just had it with him, and made him stay after and wash all the desks. After he had finished, his teacher praised him for doing such a great job, and David got to go home. This teaches children the unacceptable acts performed in the classroom setting, but when they obey, they will get praised.

"Tommy the Timid Turtle"

Tommy the Timid Turtle
Author: Neva Swartz
Illustrated By: Larry Steinbauer
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Folktale
Theme: Being Shy, Friendship and Perseverance
Primary/Secondary Characters: Tommy the Turtle/Forest friends of Tommy
Date of Publication: Year 2004
Publishing Company: Mayhaven Publishing

Summary: Tommy the turtle was very shy, and hid in his shell all day. He did not want to come out and play with his friends that wanted to spend time with him. He was too shy, worried, alarmed, fearful, insecure, and had other negative feelings. Sammy the sun shone one day, and Tommy stayed in his shell. But Sammy did not give up on Tommy, and shone everyday until Tommy grew the courage to come out of his shell. This teaches children that there is no need to be shy and lack courage, and that no matter what the sun will always shine.

"A Fine, Fine School"

A Fine, Fine School
Author: Sharon Creech
Illustrator: Harry Bliss
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction
Theme: Developing, Learning in a school environment
Primary/Secondary Characters: Tillie & Mr. Keene/Classmates & Brother
Date of Publication: Year 2001
Publishing Company: Harper Collins Publishers

Summary: Tillie, a young girl in elementary school goes to school every week, Monday through Friday. Her principal, Mr. Keene, takes pride in their school and pushes for school Monday-Friday, as well as the weekends. This makes Tillie happy at first, but her brother and dog Beans are not happy having to play and learn to skip and play on their own. Mr. Keene then pushes for school on holidays, and during the summer, and all the children grow upset. Tillie speaks with Mr. Keene and tells him that not everyone is learning, as she is unable to teach her brother to skip or swing or play outside. Mr. Keene realizes this, and makes school return to just Monday-Friday yet once again, and everyone is thrilled. This teaches children it is important to go to school, but learning outside of school is also significant, as well. Children can easily relate to Tillie, and her hobbies outside of the classroom.

"Giraffes Can't Dance"

Giraffes Can't Dance
Author: Giles Andreae
Illustrator: Guy Parker-Rees
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Folktale
Theme: Self satisfaction, trying your best
Primary/Secondary Characters: Gerald the giraffe/the jungle animals
Date of Publication: Year 1999
Publishing Company: Orchard Books, Scholastic

Summary: Gerald the giraffe had no talent for dancing. No matter how hard he tried, he could not dance like the other jungle animals. One day, while alone and sad, a grasshopper told him that if he tried and found music he liked, he could dance to his own beat. He listened to the sounds in the night, and the grasshopper played his violin for Gerald, and he began to dance. The jungle animals were astonished that Gerald could actually dance, and he told the animals that "we can all dance when we find music that we love". Children would enjoy this book as Gerald the giraffe is a lovable character, and he shows them that they can do whatever they want if they set their mind to it.

"Click, Clack, Moo: Cow's That Type"

Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type
Written By: Doreen Cronin
Illustrated By: Betsy Lewin
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Folktale
Theme: Compromising and Humor
Primary/Secondary Characters: Cows and Hens/Ducks
Date of Publication: Year 2000
Publishing Company: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division

Summary: A group of cows on a farm get a hold of Farmer Brown's typewriter, and begin to leave the farmer notes about how the barn is too cold, and they would like some electric blankets. The Farmer says no, so the cows decide not to produce any milk. The hens decide that the want electric blankets, so they decide not to produce any eggs. The Farmer then got out another typewriter and wrote the animals a note, saying he would not stand for any of this, and gave it to the duck to deliver.The cows decided to compromise, giving Farmer Brown the typewriter back in exchange for the blankets. This teaches children that issues can be solved with simple compromise, and provides humor to them, as well.

Test Post

Testing Testing!!!