Final Reflection

 https://www.imagineforest.com/media/s/stories/pdf/k15v6/teaching-students-in-the-digital-age.pdf?t=1722384236

Book Review: Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary

 Alexander Hamilton, Revolutionary by Martha Brockenbough

Bibliography:

Brockenbrough, M. (2019). Alexander Hamilton, revolutionary. Square Fish/Feiwel And Friends.

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Plot Summary:

This book is a biography about Alexander Hamilton. You follow his life story through struggle, scandal and renowned.

Critical Analysis:

This book is advertised as a read for fans of the Musical, Hamilton. This Musical is widely popular. This book would also be very appealing to a young adult due to its readability. At times the author writes in a detailed story telling manor and at other times she lists succinct facts about Hamilton. The reader is drawn in more to this book by the display of real photos, maps, artifacts, etc.

Awards:

"A highly enjoyable, well-researched biography of Alexander Hamilton that both applauds his significant accomplishments and highlights his flaws." —School Library Journal

"Brockenbrough’s ambitious and impressively researched project gives equal weight to Alexander Hamilton’s personal and professional lives and to the history of the founding and early years of the United States." —Publishers Weekly

Connections:

Compare this book to another informational book on Hamilton.

Compare this book to a fiction book about the topic.

Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson

Book Review: Not Your Princess

 Not Your Princess, Voices of Native American Women Edited by Lisa Charleyboy and Beth Leatherdale

Bibliography:

Mary Beth Leatherdale, & Charleyboy, L. (2017). #NotYourPrincess : voices of Native American women. Annick Press Ltd.

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Plot Summary:

This book is a collection of stories told by Native American women.

Critical Analysis:

This book is a great example of how informational books can take different forms. This is a collection of interviews, stories and poems. Young people can relate to the women who tell of their accounts. In doing so, readers can reflect on the social impact of the experiences of these women. This book is suited for later middle school and high school students.

Awards:

American Indian Youth Literature Award for Best Young Adult Book (2018)

Norma Fleck Award (2018)

Young Adult Library Services Association Award for Excellence in Nonfiction finalist (2018)

Amelia Bloomer Book List Top Ten.

Kirkus Best Book of 2017 in the Teen category

Connections:

Can be read alongside and compared to Dreaming in Indian from the same editors.

Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson

Book Review: King George: What was his problem?

 King George: What Was His Problem?: Everything Your Schoolbooks Didn't Tell You About the American Revolution by Steve Sheinkin

Bibliography:

Sheinkin, S., & Robinson, T. (2015). King george, what was his problem?: The whole hilarious story of the american revolution. Square Fish : Roaring Brook Press.

Plot Summary:

This informational book on the history of the Revolutionary War is fresh and funny. You go through topics like How to Start a Revolution, Showdown at Saratoga and Will We Ever Win This War? The author presents real information on this war through a comical lens of storytelling.

Critical Analysis:

This book is incredibly appealing to a young adult/student audience because it is challenging a thought or concept which comes innately to this demographic. This book is teaching the history of the American Revolution through comical stories that appeal to a student's silly side. The author is masterful with adding little details, like specific fonts, page organization and visual references that appeal to the younger reader, keeping them engaged and interested.

Awards:

A Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year

A New York Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

Connections:

Compare this book to another informational book on: Revolutionary War, King George

Compare this book to a fiction book about the topic

Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson

Nearpod Lesson for the Library

 https://app.nearpod.com/?pin=B4A8B84FC5CA1FC7820D81E2138E797F-1&&utm_source=link

Book Review: Sunshine

 Sunshine by Robin McKinley

Bibliography -

Mckinley, R. (2010). Sunshine. Berkley Books.

Plot Summary -

You follow the character Sunshine as she becomes captured by vampires. She makes a surprising friend and you follow her and Constantine as they navigate the challenge of escaping.

Critical Analysis -

This book is a modern take on vampire fairy tale. It is a refreshing fantasy read because it is not like anything I've ever read. It includes aspects of high fantasy but also supernatural fantasy elements. It is an enchanting read and takes you to a different world with a specific setting and vocabulary. There are themes in this book that are typical of fantasy and endear the reader to the characters like introspection, inner strength and bravery. The author writes in a stream of consciousness type of style that is appealing to some and not to others.

Awards/Accolades -

Mythopoeic Award for Adult Literature

NPR's Top 100 Science Fiction Fantasy Books

“A gripping, funny, page-turning, pretty much perfect work of magical literature." - Neil Gaiman

Connections -

This book is a great example to to compare other fairy tales to.

You could use this book to study and model character development.

Book review by Barbara Jean Thompson ‌

Book Review: The Gilded Wolves

 The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chockshi

Bibliography -

Chokshi, R. (2019). The Gilded Wolves. Wednesday Books.

Plot Summary -

This heist tale is the first in a three book series. You follow an unlikely group of 6 characters as they track down a highly sought-after artifact. Follow this group as they go on a treasure hunt and all of the drama that goes along with it.

Critical Analysis -

This is an interesting showcase of fantasy that includes aspects of historical fantasy and supernatural fantasy. Chockshi does an amazing job of endearing you to this diverse group of characters and it is thrilling to the watch the story unfold. The author does a great job of creating tense, suspenseful moments, funny, relieving moments and also sweet, endearing moments.

Awards/Accolades -

NYT Bestseller

Indie Next Pick for the Winter 2018-2019 Kids List

"An opulent heist adventure that will leave readers voracious for more." - Kirkus Reviews

“Part political misadventure, part puzzle and thoroughly charming, with a band of rapscallions and a string of surprises.” ―New York Times bestselling author Holly Black

“A masterpiece of imagination.” ―New York Times bestselling author Stephanie Garber

Connections -

As I read this book, I noticed connection and similarities to other books like the Six of Crows. You could read these book in a series to discuss and compare.

Book review by Barbara Jean Thompson ‌

Book Review: Matched

 Matched by Ally Condie

Bibliography -

Condie, A. (2011). Matched. Penguin.

Plot Summary -

This book is a dystopian romance that takes place in a society where everything is choses for its members. Like most dystopian fantasy novels, this book focuses on the main character Cassia. You follow this introspective character as she goes through a tug-o-war of emotions leading to a very important decision.

Critical Analysis -

This is book #1 of a 3 book series. The number of pages is approachable for the intended audience. This book relates to its audience by presenting circumstances that are similar to what young people are experiencing. Some of these include loss of control and young love.

Awards/Accolades -

Popular Paper Books for Young Adults 2012

2012 Buckeye Children's Book Award

Teen 2012 Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award

Young Adult 2012 Rhode Island Teen Book Award

2012 South Carolina Children's, Junior and Young Adult Book Award -- Young Adult

2012 Volunteer State Book Award -- High School

2013 California Young Reader Medal -- Young Adult

2013 Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award -- Grades 6-8

"Will draw you in and leave you wanting more." - Cassandra Clare NYT Bestselling Author

Connections -

There are aspects of this book that are similar to other fantasy novels. You could organize a Book Talk about this book specifically but also comparing and relating to other fantasy novels. In doing this, students would learn characteristics of this fantasy novel while at the same time generating interest for other reads.

Book review by Barbara Jean Thompson

Wakelet Gallery Walk

 Exploring the resource Khan Academy. 

https://www.canva.com/design/DAGLH0sX30M/ajVca08XuWkrjDJt2uvrTg/edit?utm_content=DAGLH0sX30M&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=sharebutton

Library Floorplan

 Library Floorplan

Book Review: Salt to the Sea

 From Salt to Sea by Rupta Sepetys

Bibliography -

Ruta Sepetys. (2016). Salt to the Sea. Penguin Books.

Plot Summary -

This captivating novel is even more interesting as it is about subject matter that has not been deeply explored. This novel showcases the stories of 4 characters through this maritime tragedy. The characters this author has chosen to feature are all different ages and from different backgrounds/experiences. This piques your interest because although they are all different, they are now all experiencing this same tragedy. All of these people have come to this vessel to seek refuge but in turn experience the largest loss of life in maritime history aboard the German Wilhelm Gustloff in 1945. 

Critical Analysis -

Despite the somber subject matter this book is interesting and inspires you to read how these events unfolded. The characters, dialogue and interactions are believable and realistic to the time period. Many books have been written about this time period, but not this event, which is like discovering hidden history. 

Awards/Accolades -

#1 New York Times bestseller 

Winner of the Carnegie Medal

"A superlative novel . . . masterfully crafted."--The Wall Street Journal

Based on "the forgotten tragedy that was six times deadlier than the Titanic."--Time

Connections -

What other historical events aren’t getting the attention they deserve? Students could research and uncover other events like this one and present to each other. 

Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson

Book Review: Churchill's Secret Messenger

 Churchill's Secret Messenger by Alan Hlad

Bibliography -

Hlad, A. (2021). Churchill’s Secret Messenger. A John Scognamiglio Book.

Plot Summary -

You follow the brave character, Rose, as she works in Churchill’s War Room during WWII. Rose has lost everything so all her loyalty is now directed into this one purpose. Through work and earned trust she becomes a vital part of special operations exercises. This next undertaking is captivating as Rose parachutes into France on a reconnaissance mission. The connection between Rose and Lazare keeps you reading. 

Critical Analysis -

The author does a great job of showing these character’s stories through their connection with each other which is a connection of what they've lost. These characters are a beautiful example of the grit of young people. You are endeared to them through their endurance to not give up and are motivated to read to find out what happens to them. The experiences of these characters are told beautifully over the backdrop of war, espionage, danger and loyalty. 

Awards/Accolades -

"A rousing historical novel." - The Akron Beacon Journal, Best Books of the Year for Churchill's Secret Messenger

“A riveting story of World War II and the courage of one young woman as she is drafted into Churchill’s overseas spy network, aiding the French Resistance behind enemy lines and working to liberate Nazi-occupied Paris.” - Goodreads

Connections -

Connect this book to actual historical events that happened in this book like: Churchill’s role in England’s defense during WWII

Compare to another Hlad Historical Fiction book - Long Flight Home

Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson

Book Review: The Book Thief

 The Book Thief by Marcus Zuzak

Bibliography -

Zusak, M. (2005). The Book Thief. Knopf.

Plot Summary -

This book follows the main character, Liesel Meminger in 1939 Germany during World War II.  Based on the title, The Book Thief, you follow this young girl in her pursuit for books, but it’s not just that, it is the pursuit of truth, freedom and the opportunity to live. This beautiful story is about the human right to be given the chance to live. So much literature has been written about this revolutionary, devastating time in history, but this book is different. It is light and dark, happy and sad, searching but satisfied.

Critical Analysis -

This book is a beautiful and captivating selection of Young Adult Historical Fiction. It is because it isn’t blatantly in your face Historical Fiction, which can be off putting to some readers as they revert back to a student with a text book. The character development in this book is extraordinary because the author endears you to each character through how they are all interconnected. The events in this book are historically accurate and very much believable by the reader. The historical events are interwoven into the personal happenings of the characters making it all that much more believable. You learn of the suffering and sacrifice this family had to endure to just live and exist. This book makes you want to read more of this time period.

Awards/Accolades -

#1 New York Times Bestseller 

One of Time Magazine's 100 Best YA Book of all Time 

“The kind of book that can be life-changing.” —The New York Times

 “Deserves a place on the same shelf with The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank.” —USA Today

Connections -

This book would be amazing to read alongside a nonfiction selection about this time period. 

Do a character study of the characters in this story - can compare alongside real people in history. 

Reflection: Would you have taken the same actions of Liesel Meminger? 

Book Review by Barbara Jean Thompson

Using Universal Design

Pertaining to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), I am already using the aspects:

As a current Kindergarten teacher, I do include aspects of choice and preference for my students. But, I have also included limits to those, so I am not using a true UDL model. The UDL planning model is a valuable resources to compare my current practices with. Regarding these, I am goal setting, planning and providing reflection based on student learning. 

Pertaining to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), I could integrate these aspects right now:

I am going to start with changing how I make goals for my students. With a UDL model goals needs to be more clear but flexible to accommodate all learners and all needs. Comparing goals, my original goal might be: Students will be able to respond to the prompt in their journal. A UDL goal would be more like: Students will be able to draw a picture and will talk about it. The UDL goal still has the end in mind but opens up possibilities for students to gain success by communicating in different ways. We need to make sure there isn't just one way for students to show what they know. 

Pertaining to Universal Design for Learning (UDL), I might need some help implementing these aspects:

I need to differentiate more in my mind and teaching the differences of UDL and DI (differentiated instruction) because they aren't the same. They are similar but have different learning outcomes. 

DI - Information/content/expectation are presented to the student by the teacher to meet their needs, but there is no choice or preference considered for the student

UDL - Students are offered a "buffet" of information/content for them to choose. They are taught how to effectively choose by learning "multiple means of action and expression." This opens up options for students as they learn to monitor their perception and comprehension. Instead of immediately closing off options for students, all of the possibilities are there at the beginning. Then, they are able to filter through what would be best for them as an individual learner. To make this shift as a teacher I would utilize these resources as a guide: 

Unlearning: Changing Your Beliefs and Your Classroom with UDL by Allison Posey and Katie Novak

Equity by Design: Delivering on the Power and Promise of UDL by Mirko Chardin and Katie Novak  

Blog: The UDL Project 

How to Start UDL