Wanda's Roses

Brisson, P., & Leffler, M. (1994). Wanda's Roses. Honesdale, Pa.: Caroline House, Boyds Mills Press ;.

Readability lexile: AD740L

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:

When Wanda discovers a thorn bush growing in an empty lot, she's quite sure it's a rosebush ready to bloom. So she clears away the trash, checks on it every day, and brings water from the butcher shop across the street. But no roses appear. Wanda's neighbors and friends are all doubtful, but when she invites them to a tea party in her "rose garden" one day in June, they're in for a big surprise. 

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 helping the environment. This book could be used to teach about how to support someone in something they believe in, such as Wanda's neighbors believing she could turn her "rosebush" into something beautiful. This book could also be used to talk about talents and how it takes tremendous amounts of determination to become successful.

In the Ten Steps for Reviewing Children's Literature by Norton, I think this book addresses the relationships between people. Wanda had wonderful relationships with her neighbors and Wanda really admired them, as much as they admired her.

Literary Elements:

1. Setting: Empty corner lot at Fillmore and Hudson.

2. Theme: Gardening; Determination; Perseverance; Neighborhood Life; Friends and Friendships.

3. Tone: The reader gets wrapped up into Wanda's determination to make her "rosebush" grow and the strong relationships she shares with her neighbors. 

Mini-Lesson:

The lesson I would teach would be about the environment. I would talk about the importance of taking care of our environment and what it takes to make something grow. I would have students decide on what they would like to grow as a class and record what it takes have something grow successfully.

Target Audience: Grades K-2

My personal reaction to this book was that I really enjoyed the illustrations. I thought they were well done and I really enjoyed the story line. I think it would easily grab the attention of a young reader.