The Interrupting Chicken

David Ezra Stein's Interrupting Chicken is a wonderful picture book. I think I enjoyed this book even more than some of the other picture books I have blogged about because I enjoyed it on READEO. If you aren't familiar with www.readeo.com, you need to check it out. Readeo lets you skype with a friend and read books together. My son and I read Interrupting Chicken numerous times because it is the March free book of the month. This book is perfect for reading aloud and so much fun for kids to share read. I give this book 5 stars.

Me Frida

Me Frida
By: Amy Novesky

Frida Kahlo has always fascinated me. This wonderfully illustrated picture book will make you love her even more. Novesky brings Frida to life with her adventures in San Francisco. I feel compelled to mention the illustrator, David Diaz, who brings Frida and Diego alive before your eyes. I encourage you to use this book as a read aloud with your students; they will appreciate the artistic ability of the author and illustrator.

Olivia Goes to Venice

Olivia Goes to Venice
By: Ian Falconer

What is not to love about Olivia? She is one of my favorite book characters, look at this voice thread and see why.....

They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group

They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group
By: Susan Campbell Bartoletti

For those of you who loved award winning, Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow, you will love, They Called Themselves the K.K.K.: The Birth of an American Terrorist Group, as well. This non-fiction book captures you from the beginning. The pictures, the diaries, and the history are profoundly moving. I give this book 5 stars! Watch my book trailer...

Grandma's Gift

Grandma's Gift
by: Eric Velasquez

This is such a lovely story. Mr. Velasquez tells a childhood adventure he had with his beloved grandmother. His vivid memories and special advocate detail a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Velasquez's Puerto Rican culture is evident in this book and such a treasure for children. I give this book 5 stars.

Mirror Mirror - A Book of Reversible Verse

I love this book! Cinderella's Double Life, The Sleeping Beauty and the Wide-Awake Prince, Rapunzel's Locks and so much more. The verse is entertaining and clever. I give this book four stars. Check out my book trailer...

Out of My Mind

Out of My Mind
By: Sharon Draper

Melody has cerebral palsy. She has spent her life looking at other children speak and move around. She doesn't have the luxury of speech or movement, but Melody is intelligent. Melody shows strength and character as she people get to know her. This is a great book that can be used in many different capacities in the classroom. I give this book 5 stars. Watch my book trailer....

The Hate List

I give this book 5 stars. I LOVE THIS BOOK. Jennifer Brown was able to give depth to her characters. Nick Levil loves Shakespeare, loves Val, but hates the injustice of high school bullying. Valerie is in love with Nick. He is thoughtful and understanding of the torment she endures. Together they write a Hate List. The list documents the people who they don't like for one reason or another. Valerie has no idea that Nick will use the list as targets for a school shooting. The tragedy leaves many dead, including Nick. Valerie survives the ordeal physically, but emotionally she must pick up the pieces. This is a great novel for high school students.

The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children

The Witch's Guide to Cooking with Children
By: Keith McGowan
Illustrations by: Yoko Tanaka

Imagine a family distantly related to Hansel and Gretel. A stepmother and father who were going to lose out on an inheritance if they had children. In fact, the inheritance would go to the children if children existed. Solomon and Constance had no idea that their parents didn't want them anymore. Mr. and Mrs. Blink wanted their children to meet up with the dreadful Witch Fay Holaderry. Witch Holaderry gladly took unwanted children and cooked recipes with them. Students will love this novel and enjoy it's characters. I give this novel 4 stars.