A Bad Case of Stripes - Read by: Sean Astin

Shannon, D. (2004). A Bad Case of Stripes. New York: Scholastic.

*ONLINE RESOURCE*

www.storylineonline.net

This website features various videos of actors/actresses that read children's storybooks. 

Here is the link that will take you directly to the video:

http://www.storylineonline.net/a-bad-case-of-stripes/

Readability lexile: AD520L

Adult Directed - Picture books often get an AD or "Adult Directed" code. They're usually read to a child, rather than a child reading them independently. Although seemingly easy reading, some picture books actually have pretty high Lexile measures, and could present a challenging independent reading experience to an age-appropriate reader. Initially, an adult may want to read the book along with the child. 

Summary:

Camilla Cream loves lima beans, but she never eats them. Why? Because the other kids in her school don't like them. And Camilla Cream is very, very worried about what other people think of her. In fact, she's so worried that she's about to break out in ... a bad case of stripes!

Evaluation of the text based on Donna Norton's characteristics of high quality literature (Norton, D. (2011):

This book could be used as high quality literature, because it serves for multiple avenues of learning. For example, this book could be used to teach about something students really love or love doing, but are afraid that if they tell what that something is they will no longer be liked because of it. This book could also be used to talk about fitting in and what individuality means.

In the Ten Steps for Reviewing Children's Literature by Norton, I think this book addresses the story line the best. The book's story line is very current with something that is going on in today's classrooms. Many young students are afraid of fitting in and worrying too much about what other people think of them. They are caught up in trying to impress their peers that they are not taking the opportunity to find themselves and what makes them unique. 

Literary Elements:

1. Conflict: Camilla is worried to tell the truth about her love of lima beans in fear that people will judge her.

2. Genre: Comedy and Humor

3. Theme: Fitting in; Individuality

Mini-Lesson:

There are various activities that you could do using this book. The following are some ideas:

-Tell or write about a time you were sick.

-Tell or write about your experience at your doctor's office.

-Write or cut out words to make a collection of disease words.

-Tell or write about something that you have been teased about.

-Discuss or write about why lima beans cured Camilla.

-Using pictures and/or words make lists of favorite foods/least favorite foods to eat.

-In the book, it says the old woman was "as plump and sweet as a strawberry." This kind of writing is called a simile, because it compares two things using like or as. Write some similes comparing people or food.

Target Audience: PreK-3

Wemberly Worried - Digital Mentor Text Presentation #5

Henkes, K. (2000). Wemberly Worried. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Readability lexile: AD170L

Adult Directed - Picture books often get an AD or "Adult Directed" code. They're usually read to a child, rather than a child reading them independently. Although seemingly easy reading, some picture books actually have pretty high Lexile measures, and could present a challenging independent reading experience to an age-appropriate reader. Initially, an adult may want to read the book along with the child. 

Target Audience: Grades K-2

Theme: Confronting and Resolving Fears; Back-to-School Experiences; First Day of School 

In the following video presentation, I discuss a little bit about the book, the themes, a getting ready activity, and different activities and writing techniques that I would use if I taught this book with my students.

ALSO, find out why this book is my personal favorite!

Owen - Digital Mentor Text Presentation #4

Henkes, K. (1993). Owen. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Readability lexile: 370L

Target Audience: Grades K-2

Genre: Classics

Theme: Parents; Transitions 

In the following video presentation, I discuss a little bit about the book, the themes, and different activities and writing techniques that I would use if I taught this book with my students. 

Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse - Digital Mentor Text Presentation #3

Henkes, K. (1996). Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Readability lexile: 540L

Target Audience: Grades K-2

Genre: Comedy and Humor

Theme: Elementary School Manners and Conduct 

In the following video presentation, I discuss a little bit about the book, the themes, and different activities and writing techniques that I would use if I taught this book with my students. 

Chrysanthemum - Digital Mentor Text Presentation #2

Henkes, K. (1991). Chrysanthemum. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Readability lexile: 460L

Target Audience: Grades K-2

Genre: Comedy and Humor 

Theme: Elementary School Individuality, Pride, and Self-Esteem 

In the following video presentation, I discuss a little bit about the book, the themes, a getting ready activity, and different activities and writing techniques that I would use if I taught this book with my students. 

Digital Mentor Text Presentation #1

Kevin Henkes

The author that I chose for my Digital Mentor Text Presentation videos is Kevin Henkes.

In the following video, I introduce Henkes, the books that I chose for my Digital Mentor Text Presentations, other books he has written, a common theme that I saw in the books I chose, and different crafts of writing that he uses in his books.

The other video presentations to follow will pick apart and dive into a book by Henkes individually that will introduce the book, state the theme(s), and activities and writing techniques you could use to teach your students. 

My Name is * Me llamo Celia

Brown, M., & Pez, R. (2004). My name is Celia: The life of Celia Cruz = Me llamo Celia : La vida de Celia Cruz. Flagstaff, Ariz.: Rising Moon.

Readability lexile: N/A

Summary:

This bilingual book is about Celia Cruz and her life as a singer, dancer, and salsa queen! It takes you through her journey starting off in Cuba and ending up in America. Celia never stopped inspiring people with her love of music. 

Evaluation:

The story did not have any noticeable stereotypes and is inspired by a Cuban woman who had a passion. It teaches children to never give up on their dreams, and to always try your best. The illustrations are fun and joyful, which perfectly describes Celia Cruz. They are very bright and engaging.

It is a great story to teach about cultural backgrounds, especially since the story is written in both English in Spanish. Celia Cruz represents people from all over the world. She has a huge leadership role seeing as how she was a leader and not so much a follower during her lifetime, which is why she is such an inspiration to so many Cuban women as well as women form around the world who were able to hear her voice or see her perform.

The book reflects a variety of settings from Cuba to America. There are values being explored instead of preached and there are lesson to be learned. An example is to never give up on your dreams. This story is another wonderful example of power. 

Literary Elements:

1. Setting: Cuba; New York; Miami.

2. Onomatopoeia: The sounds such as clap, boom, shake.

3. Simile: "My songs sounded like the waves of the ocean hitting the roof of my mouth ..."

Mini-Lesson:

The lesson I would teach my students is about setting since it is a very important part in Celia Cruz's life. I would ask how her life might have been different if she would have stayed in Cuba rather than if she moved to New York. 

I would also like to take the opportunity to explore the Spanish culture and vocabulary. I learned Spanish at a young age and I really enjoyed it.

Target Audience: Grades 1-5