"Junie B. Jones Is A Beauty Shop Guy!"

Junie B. Jones Is A Beauty Shop Guy!
Author: Barbara Park
Illustrator: Barbara Park
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Fiction, Humor
Theme: Future Goals, Asking for Help
Primary/Secondary Characters: Junie B. Jones, Daddy, Maxine, Mrs. (Junie's Teacher)
Date of Publication: Year 1998
Publishing Company: Random House Books for Young Readers

Summary: Junie B. Jones tags along with her father to the beauty shop to get his hair cut, by Maxine, the beautician. Junie B. is fascinated by the spinny chair and all the cool tools that the "beauty shop guy" gets to use. Junie B. then decides that she wants to be a beautician when she grows up, and that that will be her goal in life. Junie B. decides she needs practice, so she cuts the hair of her elephant, Phillip Bob, trims her bunny slippers, and then decides to cut her own hair. Junie B. fails miserably, and has to go to school the next day with a hat on, covering her awful mistake. Junie B. is afraid to tell anybody what happened, and eventually realizes that she msut ask her teacher, who she refers to as "Mrs." for help. Mrs. helps Junie B. and her father takes her to Maxine. She quickly fixes her hair, and Junie B. loves her new hair. She then realizes if it wasn’t for her cutting her own hair, this new haircut wouldn’t have happened, so all her hopes and dreams of being a beauty shop guy aren’t crushed after all, and she reaches into her drawer and pulls out an extra pair of scissors. She learns to never do things she knows nothing about, and to always ask for help in a time of need. Children in the classroom can greatly benefit from this book as they learn to never do something they are to not do, especially when their parents tell them otherwise. Junie B.'s use of inappropriate grammar and foolish acts teaches students what not to do, and how to make better decisions, which is crucial at a young age. Keeping this book in the classroom for pleasure reading is also a great idea, as these books spark students' interest and keep them wanting to read more.

"Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping!"

Amelia Bedelia Goes Camping
Author: Peggy Parish
Illustrator: Lynn Sweat
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Humor, Children's Fiction
Theme: Camping, Literal Thinking
Primary/Secondary Characters: Amelia Bedelia, Mr. Rogers
Date of Publication: Year 2003
Publishing Company: Harper Collins Publishers

Summary: Amelia Bedelia, everyone's favorite maid, goes on a camping trip with her employers. Mr. Rogers decides to teach Amelia everything he knows about the great outdoors, but Amelia takes everything with her literal mind. For example, Mr. Rogers tells Amelia to "pitch the tent" and she throws it into the bushes, because that is what she thought he wanted her to do. Mr. Rogers told Amelia they had to "hit the road", so Amelia took a stick and began to hit it on the road, as that is what made sense to her. She eventually gets the hang of the whole camping thing, and learns how to fish, and how to survive in the outdoors. But she is not hesitant to get back to her regular life, and her humor and entertaining acts keep the reader tuned in. This could be used in a classroom for a fun and easy read for students. Students can learn a thing or two about camping, and practice their reading skills as Amelia practices life skills that she is not familiar with. The books are in a series, so students can be hooked on these books and further their reading abilities with Amelia Bedelia.

"Junie B. Jones Is A Party Animal"

Junie B. Jones Is A Party Animal
Author: Barbara Park
Illustrator: Barbara Park
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Fiction, Children's Humor
Theme: Elegance, Fancy Fun, Crazy Girls
Primary/Secondary Characters: Junie B. Jones, Grace, Lucille, Lucille's Grandmother, Junie B.'s Grandmother
Date of Publication: Year 1997
Publishing Company: Random House Books for Young Readers

Summary: Junie B. Jones and her friend Grace are invited over to Lucille's grandmother's house for a sleepover. The three girls are in the same class together, and Lucille has a bit more fancy lifestyle than the rest of the class. Junie B. notices that everything at the grandmother's house is very elegant, even the glasses they drink from at supper. Junie B. accidentally breaks an expensive glass, as she is clumsy and not used to this lifestyle. While there, Junie B. and Grace help Lucille beg her "richie nana" for a poodle, as her grandmother had the money to easily pay for one. Junie B. decides she wants to live like this someday, but she would rather "party" and drink from her own grandmother's plastic cups now, as that is where she feels at home. This book can be used in the classroom, as this book is part of a large and intriguing series to young readers. Young students, especially young girls, admire Junie B. and find her humor entertaining, as she deals with life situations at home, and very frequently at school. Students will face the same challenges Junie B. faces, and the lessons in each book will provide knowledge and insight to just how to deal with them.

"Through My Eyes"

Through My Eyes
Author: Ruby Bridges
Illustrator: None
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Biography, Racism
Theme: Acceptance, Discrimination
Primary/Secondary Characters: Ruby Bridges, Mrs. King, Dr. Coles
Date of Publication: Year 1999
Publishing Company: Scholastic Press
Award: Orbis Pictus Award Winner

Summary: Ruby Bridges was a six year old black girl who just wanted an education, just like any other child. Ruby was protected in school by four U.S federal marshalls, as they made sure she was not harmed by the angry racist mobs and protestors. White parents of students in Ruby's class complained that there was a colored girl in the class with their child, and eventually all the children were taken out of the school to protest. ruby was the only student left in the classroom, and her dedicated teacher, Mrs. King decided to still teach Ruby, as she believed every student deserved an education. The year after, Ruby got another teacher by the name of Mrs. Henry, who she admired and became very attached to. Segregation at this time was at a high, and Ruby even had a psychiatrist by the name of Dr. Coles who talked to her about her issues and concerns. When the school was filled back up with students, Ruby felt different from all the other children, and although it was integrated, her life was changed forever. This book can be used in the classroom when teaching about racism and discrimination. Ruby was denied an education by the public because of her color, but because of one dedicated teacher, Ruby pushed on. Children can be inspired by Ruby as they learn that even if someone tells them that they cannot do something, that they can accomplish anything they put their mind to. Teaching children about discrimination is extremely important, especially when it still exists, in parts, today.

Summary:

"Let It Shine"

Let It Shine
Author: Ashley Bryan
Illustrator: Ashley Bryan
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Spiritual Songbook
Theme: Religion, Cultural Diversity
Date of Publication: Year 2007
Publishing Company: Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing Division
Award: Coretta Scott King Award Winner (Picture Book)

Summary: This book is a mix of three different Spiritual songs that children learn at young ages. The three songs include, "This Little Light of Mine", "When the Saints Go Marching In" and "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands." The beautiful illustrations and colors on the pages of the book really give the songs character, and they show the world from different perspectives. The last few pages of the book are the songs with the sheet music, with more plentiful illustrations. This could be used in the classroom as it provides religious insight, and would be a great addition to a personal classroom library. Students will be attracted to the pretty colors and be able to relate to these words that many had possibly learned at a young age.

"Emma's Poem"

Emma's Poem: The Voice of the Statue of Liberty
Author: Linda Glaser
Illustrator: Claire A. Nivola
Genre: Poem Picture Book
Subgenre: Immigration
Theme: Statue of Liberty, Nationalism
Primary/Secondary Characters: Emma, Immigrants
Date of Publication: 2010
Publishing Company: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Poetry Book

Summary: Emma was a young girl growing up in New York city in a nice house, with nice belongings. Emma grew up and became a writer and visited NY Harbor, where she saw a bunch of immigrants looked tired and sad, just wanting a place to call home. Emma made friends with many of the immigrants, and had heard about France sending a statue to the United States, as a gift of friendship. To raise money to get the statue to the country, Emma created a poem, which was sold to many, and in 1886 Emma passed away. The statue was then brought over to this country, and students in classrooms all over the country continued to read Emma's work, and saw what one person can do for the entire country. This book can be used in the classroom as it teaches of the Statue of Liberty, and why our country received it. It discusses the topic of immigration, and this book could be used in either a poetry unit, or a history lesson, as well. Students can be inspired by Emma as her writing inspired many others, and it impacted the world.

"The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler"

The Life and Death of Adolf Hitler
Author: James Cross Giblin
Illustrator: None
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: History, Biography
Theme: Holocaust, Life of a Villian
Primary/Secondary Characters: Adolf Hitler
Date of Publication: Year 2002
Publishing Company: Clarion Books, Houghton Mifflin
Award: Robert F. Sibert Award Winner

Summary: This books discusses the rise and fall of the most dangerous and destructive twentieth-century dictator, Adolf Hitler. The story begins with Hitler's birth and growth in Austria, and follows his years as a WWI soldier and his abilities as a political orator. The book discusses Hitler's gradual rise to power, as well as his associations with the Nazi Party. and his current political and economic conditions at the time. It outlines Hitler's life and career, and at times focuses on his commitment to Lebensraum (what is described as the additional "living space" for Germany) which triggered the series of invasions that pushed the world into another war, WWII. Hitler was a gifted individual that did not put his talents to proper use, and ended up ruining the lives of many. Hitlers actions had forever impacted the world, as his cruelty and inhumane acts were unfathomable by many, if not all. This could be used in the classroom when teaching history, especially the Holocaust. This early twentieth century happening has impacted the world forever, and children are to know about this important, yet horribly cruel event in their history. No child under the age of about seventh grade should be exposed to this book, as its gruesome details `and truthful acts would scare a young student. Many projects and papers could be based off this Bibliography and students could use its strong content in many ways.

"Over A Thousand Hills I Walk with You"

Over a Thousand Hills I Walk With You
Author: Hanna Jansen
Illustrator: Elizabeth D. Crawford
Genre:  Chapter BookNonfiction
Subgenre: Nonfiction, Real World Issues, History
Theme: Rwandan Genocide
Primary/Secondary Characters: Jeanne, Adoptive mother, Hutus, Tutsis
Date of Publication: Year 2006
Publishing Company: Carolrhoda Books
Award: Mildred L. Batchelor Award Winner

Summary: This nonfiction book is based on the true story of Jeanne, who is caught in a war of ethnicities in Rwanda. She was only eight when the Genocide occurred. Jeanne experiences the deaths of her mother and brother in the Genocide, and is forced to take on life by herself. The main reason for the Rwandan genocide is ethnic violence ­between the Tutsis and Hutus, and Jeanne is thrown into the middle of it, all by herself. The Tutsis were hunted down and betrayed by their neighbors and friends, the Hutus. Jeanne is not sure who she can trust, and has nobody there to stand by her side. Jeanne becomes wise as a young girl, and knows how to keep herself alive. The story is told by Jeanne’s adoptive mother, who becomes her guardian and mother figure, since her mother had passed away.Jeanne deserved a positive future, just like every other girl her age, and the Genocide was something that scarred her life forever. It tells of the detailed acts of Genocide happening in Rwanda in 1994, and the emotional, italicized dialogue from her real mother speaking to her tell of the feelings during this time. This novel can be used in the classroom when teaching about the Rwandan Genocide, but definitely not in a younger classroom. The gruesome details and truth to the event are descriptive, and would frighten young children. The thoughts felt and the actual historical truths in this book would teach children about this important fraction of history, and enable them to put themselves in the shoes of the characters.

"Dory Story"

Dory Story
Author: Jerry Pallotta
Illustrator: David Biedrzycki
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction, Adventure
Theme: Food Web, Sea Life, Imagination
Primary/Secondary Characters: Danny, Sea Life, Mom
Date of Publication: Year 2000
Publishing Company: Charlesbridge Publishing

Summary: Young Danny decided he wanted to learn more about the life of plankton in the sea, so he rowed his dory out into the middle of the ocean to find them. His mother always told him not to go out alone, but he figured he would be alright. Soon, the animals started a chain reaction and demonstrated the food web, as the sand eels were eating the shrimp, the mackerels eating the sand eel, and the bluefish eating the mackerel. Killer and humpback whales were in the food web, as well, and they knocked the dory right over, and Danny had to swim to safety. He made it on top of a huge rock, away from all the danger, when he heard his mother's voice. Danny had been using his imagination the whole time, and in reality, was playing with his toys in the bathtub. This story could be used in a classroom as it teaches about the food web in a fun and adventurous way. Children will learn what eats what, and just how the web functions. This could be used in an ocean and animal unit, and also keeps students attention with the action and twist at the end of the book.

"Where's My Teddy?"

Where's My Teddy?
Author: Jez Alborough
Illustrator: Jez Alborough
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Fiction
Theme: Comfort, Child's Toys
Primary/Secondary Characters: Eddie, Freddie, Big Bear, Small/Large Teddy
Date of Publication: Year 1992
Publishing Company: Candlewick Press

Summary: Eddie loses his teddy bear Freddie somewhere in the woods. As he searches to find Freddie, he comes across a huge teddy bear, that just could not be his teddy bear. He hears a loud crying, to realize it is a big live bear holding a tiny teddy bear, wondering why his teddy bear got so small. He sees Eddie holding the huge teddy bear, and realize that they have each others' bears! They each swap teddy bears, and go to the homes to cuddle with their rediscovered teddy bears. This could be used in the classroom as the rhythmic words can be easily understood and paid attention to by young readers. Children will learn to love this book, and the fast paced action really keeps children's interest.

"White Socks Only"

White Socks Only
Author: Evelyn Coleman
Illustrator: Tyrone Geter
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Realistic Nonfiction
Theme: Discrimination and Racism
Primary/Secondary Characters: Grandma, Young Girl, Chicken Man, Big White Man
Date of Publication: Year 1996
Publishing Company: Albert Whitman and Company

Summary: A young girl asked her Grandmother is she could go into town by herself, when in turn her grandmother told her a story from her childhood. She had gone into town alone, with 2 eggs in her pocket. She had passed the house of the well-known "Chicken Man" who was known to do great things, and nobody ever dared to mess around with him. She made it into town, and decided to test to see if eggs could really fry on the hot pavement, and they did. She was ever so hot, and decided to take a drink of water at the drinking fountain, yet it had a sign on it that read "whites only." Not knowing any better, she took off her black shes and exposed her white socks, and began to drink. A big white man came over and shoved her off and began to beat her, when more black people approached and started drinking from the fountain. More white people showed up and the big white man began beating the black people with his belt. At this time. the Chicken Man pushed through the crowd and drank from the water fountain, and all of the uproar grew silent and everyone left. He helped her back up, gave her a chicken feather from his hat, and took her back to her house. The sign on the fountain was then removed, and never appeared ever again. This book can be used in a classroom when teaching students about racism and discrimination. Children need to learn about how strong discrimination was in the past, and how some still exists today. They will become more familiar with how blacks felt at that time, as the viewpoint of the story is told by an elder black lady with a loving granddaughter.

"The Ugly Duckling"

The Ugly Duckling
Author: Hans Christian Anderson, Adapted by Jerry Pinkney
Illustrator: Jerry Pinkney
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Fiction, Acceptance
Theme: Not fitting in, Judgement
Primary/Secondary Characters: Mother Duck, 4 Ducklings, the Ugly duckling, Old Woman, Hen and Cat, Good man and his Family, Swans
Date of Publication: Year 1999
Publishing Company:  Harper Collins Publishing
Award: Caldecott Honor Book


Summary: Mother duck had hatched 4 beautiful ducklings, and came to realize that the fifth egg would not hatch.
When it did eventually hatch, the duckling was not beautiful, but a brown ugly duckling that did not look like the rest. Every animal at the pond made fun of the Ugly Duckling, even his brothers and sisters. A hunter attempted to shoot the flock, and everyone flew away, but the Ugly Duckling could not fly. He hid in the brush and was discovered by a hunting dog, who thought him too ugly to pay any attention. The Ugly Duckling was very sad, and found a cottage where an old woman and a hen and cat resided, and those animals made fun of the duckling, as well. The duckling stayed there 3 weeks, and was actually welcomed, but all he wanted to do was swim, so he fled from the cottage into the real world. A good man and his family found the Ugly Duckling stuck in ice in the pond, and rescued him and brought him back to his family. His family took care of the Ugly Duckling, who came to realize he was not ugly anymore, but a beautiful, flying swan. This novel can be used greatly in the classroom when teaching acceptance and the impact of negative words on others. Students can see how hateful words effected the Ugly Duckling, and see how they can adapt their attitudes towards their fellow classmates. They can also realize that looks are not everything, and that everyone is a beautiful human being.

"Nobody Likes Me!"

Nobody Likes Me
Author: Raoul Krischanitz
Illustrator: Raoul Krischanitz
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Fiction, Animals
Theme: Friendship and Loneliness
Primary/Secondary Characters: Buddy the dog, Rabbits, Mousey, Sheep, Cats, Fox
Date of Publication: Year 1999
Publishing Company: North-South Books

Summary: Buddy the dog is sad that nobody wants to be his friend. He asked Mousey to play with him, and Mousey ran back inside his hole. He asked the rabbits, sheep, and cats to play with him, and they all ran away from him. Buddy cried and cried because he thought that nobody liked him, until the Fox came along and asked Buddy why he was crying. Buddy told him that nobody liked him and that everyone ran away from him, and the Fox asked Buddy if he had asked the animals why they all ran away. Buddy and the Fox went and talked to all the animals, and the animals stated that they were all afraid of him, and that they actually wanted to be friends. All the animals were happy, and Mousey had run away because he was making a cake for everyone to enjoy, together. This book can be used in a classroom as it teaches of loneliness and how people feel if others ignore them, or run away form them. Children can relate as they are worried about what others may think of them, when they are just wanting to make friends. It teaches children of acceptance, and being a friend to everyone that they encounter.

"Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters"

Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters, An African Tale
Author: John Steptoe
Illustrator: John Steptoe
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Folktale, Culture
Theme: Greed, Sibling Rivalry, Marriage
Primary/Secondary Characters: Mufaro, Manyaya, Nyasha, Nyoka
Date of Publication: 1988
Publishing Company: Scholastic Inc.
Award Winner: Caldecott Honor Book

Summary: Mufaro was the father of two daughters, Manyara and Nyasha in Africa. His goal was to find a man to be the King of the Empire, and one of his daughters to be the queen, Manyara was very greedy, and wanted the Kingdom all to herself, and felt as though she needed to be the queen. Nyasha was very humble, and knew what would happen would happen for the best. Nyasha tended to her garden and cared for the snake within it, fed the hungry children, and cared for the elders. At the same time, Manyara ignored the hungry children, did not have her own garden, and was so certain she would be the queen that she told everyone to bow down to her. As Nyasha was admiring the Kingdom and it's beauty one day, the snake from her garden, Nyoka, approached her, and told her that he was the King in disguise, and that he had seen all her good deeds, and she deserved to be the queen. Manyara became the servant and Nyasha rose as the Kingdom's queen. This book can be used in a classroom in many ways, as books of culture are not abundant in the curriculum. When learning about different cultures, this book could be used to set the scenery and demonstrate the qualities of other cultures, as well as provide entertainment at the same time. Children could learn from this book and the cultural value that comes along with it.

"Lunchtime for a Purple Snake"

Lunchtime for a Purple Snake
Author: Harriet Ziefert
Illustrator: Todd McKie
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction,Art
Theme: Creativity, Learning from Elders
Primary/Secondary Characters: Grandpa, Jessica
Date of Publication: Year 2003
Publishing Company: Houghton Mifflin Company

Summary: Jessica is a young girl who visits her grandfather, who is a painter. Her grandfather instructs her how to paint, and just how to make the perfect picture. He teaches Jessica what colors mix together to make other colors, and what colors mix together to make a not so pretty color. He teaches Jessica how to not ruin her pictures by adding too much paint, and then tells her to create her own masterpiece. She creates a picture of a snake, and her grandfather adds his own personal creativity to it, and then tells her to title her own picture. She names it "Lunchtime for Purple Snake", as it is a photo of a snake in the garden, eating a big green insect. This book can be used in the classroom, especially in an art setting where students are learning colors and what mixes together. It can be used alongside an art project, as its concepts easily relate. It also teaches students how their elders can teach them life lessons, and talents that they possess, as well. Students can identify easily with this book, and it's concepts should be addressed in the classroom.

"Hoot"

Hoot
Author: Carl Hiaasen
No Illustrator
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction, Mystery
Theme: Crime and Vandalism, Bullying, Suspense
Primary/Secondary Characters: Curly,Officer Delinko, Roy Eberhart, Mr. & Mrs. Eberhart, Dana Matherson, Beatrice, Mullet Fingers
Date of Publication: Year 2002
Publishing Company: Random House Children's Books
Award: Newbery Honor Award Winner 

Summary: Officer Delinko was a police officer in Florida and got a call that the site for the future home of "Mother Paula's All-American Pancake House" had been vandalized, by a local man named Curly. Delinko checked out the site and Curly had informed him that there were owls living there, and their home was about to be destroyed. The next day, alligators has been found in the port-a-john and it was apparent that someone was trying to hurt the workers and protect the owls. In the meantime, Young Roy Eberhart recently had moved to Florida from Montana, and absolutely hated it. She did not like his school, Trace Middle School, and constantly got bullied on the school bus by a fellow classmate, Dana Matherson. One day,  Roy spotted a boy with no shoes sprinting down the sidewalk, and it appeared he had no destination in mind. Roy grew curious and he saw it the next day, and decided to follow the boy. As he went to exit the schoolbus to follow the running boy, the bully Dana began to choke Roy, and Roy bunched him and broke his nose, then sprinted after the boy. Later in the story, Roy met the boy, and he eventually found out he was the individual attempting to save the owls. Roy decided to help him and petition, with a few of his classmates: Soccer player and bully Beatrice, Dana, and the boy, who was named "Mullet Fingers". The group was successful, saved the owls, and Roy grew to love Florida and look at the positive side of things.
This is a great novel to use in the classroom. It teaches children determination, and to fight for what they believe in. It also teaches them about conservation, and saving the homes that animals reside in, not building and destroying natural habitats. It also touches upon bullying, and how to deal with it, as Roy wrote and letter and apologized to Dana in person for the violent act he put on him. This novel could be used when teaching about animal conservation, especially with older elementary-aged students. The mystery within the novel will keep children wanting to read more, and the happy outcome in the end results in an overall great evaluation for this book.

"Saran, Plain and Tall"

Sarah, Plain and Tall
Author: Patricia MacLachlan
No Illustrator
Genre: Chapter Book
Subgenre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction
Theme: Family Loss, Hope for a new future
Primary/Secondary Characters: Anna, Caleb, Papa (Jacob), Sarah
Date of Publishing: Year 1985
Publishing Company: Harper Collins Publishers
Awards: Newbery Award Winner & Scott O'Dell Historical Fiction Award Winner

Summary: The mother of young Anna and Caleb died when Caleb was born. The two children were left to grow up motherless, with a single father who had an entire farm to care for in itself. Papa is lonely as he tries to take care of the two children, but a mother figure was definitely needed in the household. Their neighbors are far away, and the farm seems lonely and isolated, so there are no women for papa to potentially meet. Caleb always asks Anna what life was like when Mama was around, and she wish he had gotten to know her, just as she had. Papa puts an ad in the newspaper for a potential wife, and gets a response from a woman from Kansas, named Sarah. Sarah writes the family letters, as they ask her questions; Anna even asks Sarah if she can braid hair! Sarah is a lanky woman who considers herself "plain" and fairly simple. Sarah moves to the farm with the family, but grows homesick. She returns to Kansas for a short trip and the children are worried she will never return, as they had grown close to Sarah as she treated the children as their own. Papa ends up marrying Sarah and the children have a woman figure to love and care for them, even if she is just "plain and tall".
This novel could be used in the classroom in a variety of ways. I, personally, was motherless as a child and know what it is like. Many children experience the loss of a parent, and are left with an empty void that only a mother figure can fill. This book allows children to relate, as Anna and Caleb are young like many other children, and feel the same feelings many children may be feeling. As this book takes place in the early 1900's, some history shows through, which can be informative to the young reader, as well. This short chapter book is an easy read, and many children will be able to relate to the circumstances present.

"The Pumpkin Runner"

The Pumpkin Runner
Author: Marsha Diane Arnold
Illustrator: Brad Sneed
Genre: Picture Book
Subgenre: Realistic Fiction, Generosity
Theme: Being humble and generous, Determination
Primary/Secondary Characters: Joshua Summerhayes, Yellow Dog, Aunt Millie, Damien
Date of Publication: Year 1998
Publishing Company: Dial Books for Young Readers

Summary: Joshua Summerhayes always ran through his fields with his best pal, Yellow Dog. He has been running for fifty years straight, powered by eating his own pumpkins that he had been harvesting for years. Just a slice of pumpkin would enable Joshua and Yellow Dog to run for miles. The pair registered for the Koala-K race in Sydney, Australia and nobody believed that Joshua could participate, as he was 61 years old. His opponent, Damien, had cheated and hired a hot air balloon to help him get ahead of Joshua and win the race. Aunt Millie drove a jeep Joshua had borrowed and gave him pumpkins along the way, and he ended up winning the race. He split the prize of $10,000 with all the other runners, even Damien, and kept only enough to buy himself a new pair of boots and overalls.
This should be used in a classroom as it teaches determination to accomplish goals, no matter what is standing in the way. It shows children not to cheat to get what they want, because it will not work out in their favor. Joshua is an admirable character as he is humble about his win and splits the winnings with all the other runners, even though they treated him poorly. It teaches children to be kind to everyone that they meet, and to set an example with their actions. The use of pumpkins in this story would make the story great to read to a class during the fall.