I have never laughed out loud so much at a book in my life. This one takes the cake - and even as I reread it, Holling Hoodhood still makes me giggle. Quick Summary: Set in 1967, Holling Hoodhood lives "in between" in suburban Long Island; not on the north side with the Jewish families or the South end with the Catholics. He is Presbyterian, therefore he does not attend Hebrew School or Catechism on Wednesday afternoons. So instead, he is stuck with Mrs. Baker, his English teacher, who "hates him with heat whiter than the sun" (1). Everything seems to get him in trouble, even when he is not trying: incidents with cream puffs, rats falling from the ceiling, and yellow tights on stage. Even though it seems like he is being tortured, Holling begins to embrace the assignments Mrs.Baker gives him. He learns Shakespeare and runs around hurling Shakespearean insults at people. The book displays a growing relationship between a teacher and student - one where they eventually come to understand each other's perspectives. Pros: The writing! Holling's first person narration is funny, sarcastic, and witty! His voice is vivid and engaging and the jokes are funny enough to make you laugh out loud. Schmidt is a master at crafting subtle figurative language that creates hilarious images in the reader's mind. Also, there are Shakespeare references galore to slowly introduce a student to titles and lines from Shakespeare. Plus, Holling thinks Shakespeare is cool, so your students will, too! Cons: The only con that possibly comes to mind is that it may be more of a boys book. The main character and narrator and his friend are big baseball fans. There are only a few female characters for a girl to latch onto, but personally it didn't bother me, and it may only bother your more girly-girls. Classroom Uses: I used this book as a mentor text to introduce figurative language to my students last year. I also used it as a personal mentor text while I was writing an essay where I wanted to create humor. This year I will be using it as a read aloud. It will be my first attempt at a whole book read aloud, but I know this book can keep students' attention! Verdict: Should I read it? You will love it. From a teacher's perspective, I valued the way this book allowed the student's view of the teacher and her life outside of school to change. Both Mrs. Baker and Holling understand each other by the end of the book. Also, the Shakespeare references may go over a 7th grader's head, but you will get them - and it will make you laugh all that much harder. Can I share this tomorrow with my students? Middle School Students: Yes! Any grade 6-8, especially boys! High School Students: I would try it on a reluctant reader if you really need one that will get them going since the protagonist is only in 7th grade. ___ Allison Petersen @alcp
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One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt I've been hearing teachers on twitter RAVE about this book for about a year now. I wasn't sure based on the summary that it was a book I would like, but I was looking for a good read. I started this book using a sample from Amazon Kindle. By the time I was done with the sample, I had to click buy. I had to know more. Quick Summary: Carley Connors is thrown into foster care because her mother is in the hospital. She is placed with a family that is so far on the other end of the spectrum from her own that she doesn't know what to do with herself and wishes she could escape. But it doesn't take long before this sweet family with three boys, a Red Sox loving dad, and a loving mother creep into Carley's heart. Pros: Well-written is always key to a successful book in my opinion. The writing style expresses the personality of Carley and added her humor to every page. The book is broken into short chapters, which makes the pace seem fast. It would be a great first read for a reluctant reader. Cons: The only negative to this book is that Carley comes from an abusive family. Her step-father was abusive enough to put her mother into the hospital. There is also signs that the mother was abusive to Carley. The content is mild, but it may be a little shocking to a more sheltered reader. Classroom Uses: This book has potential as a read aloud if you preview the content with students. It would also make a GREAT Book Talk to interest readers, just read the first two chapters to them. Or use it as a mentor text to talk about short chapters and developing a character's voice. Verdict: Should I read it? Yes! With a box of tissues by your side. Can I share this tomorrow with my students? Middle School Students: I would say best for 7th grade and up. 5th-6th graders may be new to abusive family content. High School Students: Yes, especially 9th-10th graders. Carley is an 8th grader in the book. --- Allison Petersen @alcp |
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