Inside Out & Back Again

Lai, T. (2011). Inside out & back again. New York: Harper.

Overview: The story is written in verse. A powerful story about a refugee fleeing Vietnam during the end of the war. The emotions of the main character Ha are so powerful and shared so vividly through the text. This book is a great resource for teaching empathy for students who are new to America. The journey that Ha and her family take from Vietnam to Alabama is mind-blowing to a reader who has not had to live through a time of war. A great resource for libraries and ELA classes. The book would make a great read aloud with class discussions.

Level: Middle Grades
Reading Level: Lexile 800
Genre: Verse Novel, Historical Fiction

Resources:
Authors Website
Classroom Teaching Ideas from The Classroom Bookshelf
Book Club Ideas
Publishers Resources
Questions and Worksheet

Step Right Up: How Doc and Jim Key Taught the World About Kindness

Bowman, D. J. (2016). Step right up: How Doc and Jim Key taught the world about

kindness. New York: Lee & Low Books Inc.

Overview: A fantastic story about a former slave who overcame prejudice. His use of kindness toward animals is a great lesson to share with others. Doc takes in a horse that is not doing well who he nurses back to health. She has a foal that is not developed completely. Doc cares for Jim and raises him to be a strong horse. He also learned that Jim was smart and able to learn skills. Doc taught him to spell and count. Jim Key is an amazing horse.

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 910

Genre - Biography

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Author’s Website

Teaching Guide from Publisher

Grandpa's Hal-La-Loo-Ya Hambone!

Hayes, J. (2016). Grandpa’s hal-la-loo-ya hambone!. El Paso, Texas: Cinco Puntos

Press.

Overview: Interesting and unique story about a hambone that was used over and over again to flavor the beans for Sunday dinner. A tall tale that exaggerates the story of flavoring beans. Grandpa sure likes the flavor and so does the other people in town. Mom shares the hambone with others. Grandpa would get an invite to the dinner the neighbors would make with the hambone. One day Grandpa went to clean up before he went to dinner at a neighbors. His teeth fell into a well. The hambone was used like a worm on a fishing line to catch the teeth. The teeth loved the hambone flavor so much they bit down right on it. Unfortunately when the teeth were pried off the bone the bone fell in the well. From that day forward people fetched their water to boil beans with from the well because of the hambone flavor. Great story to study tall tales.

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 790

Genre - Tall Tale - Everybody Book

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Publishers Website

Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics

Engle, M. (2017). Bravo! Poems about amazing Hispanics. New York: Godwin Books.

Overview: A wonderful collection of poems about influential Hispanics in history. The book opens the opportunity for a reader to want to learn more about the person in the poem. A great mix of men, and women from a variety of Hispanic countries. The book starts in 1713 and goes through 1984. Plus in the back of the book is additional men and women. Engle gives additional notes about the people she wrote poems about. A great book to add to the library collection for Hispanic Heritage Month.

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 1150

Genre - Biography

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Author’s Website

TeachingBooks.net Resources

How to Avoid Extinction

Acampora, P. (2016). How to avoid extinction. New York: Scholastic Press.

Overview: Leo is a simple boy who is responsible to keep up with where his gram has disappeared. His grandfather past away almost a year before. His mother works and is super busy trying to provide for his small family. His Gram usually turns up at the doughnut place near their house when she goes missing. One day he finds her and she is looking at a map of Utah. She wants to drive there to see the allosaurus. His cousin Abbey loves dinosaurs and encourages Gram to go on the adventure. Gram tells Leo that she is going and he is welcome to come. So Leo decides to go on the trip to watch out for his grandmother. They stop in Chicago and see dinosaurs. They meet Honey who loves dinosaurs as much as Abbey. They detour to Iowa to take her home. While there Gram takes off on her own and leaves them behind. Leo and Abbey have to set out to find her. They must contact Leo’s mom for help. How will their adventure end?

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 610

Genre - Realistic Fiction

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Author’s Website

Publishers Page with excerpt

Chef Roy Choi and The Street Food Remix

Martin, J. B. & Lee, J. L. (2017). Chef Roy Choi and the street food remix. Bellevue,

Washington: Readers to Eaters.

Overview: Meet Chef Roy Choi a Korean chef who grew up in Los Angeles. He

worked in restaurants but became overworked and tired. He wanted to give

back to the community by serving fast food that was healthy and tasty. He started

a food truck called Kogi. He mixed all the different cultures together in his food.

Korean and Latino together to make his Kogi tacos. He is bringing goodness to all

the neighborhoods in Los Angeles that might not have the opportunities to

explore fresh ingredients.

I really like the Korean culture that is shared throughout the story. Also in the index

of the book the author and illustrator share about how they created the book. Man

One is a street artist who was sponsored my Kogi in 2009 for a solo exhibition.

The book also includes links to resources for the reader to check out if they want

to learn more.

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 710

Genre - Biography

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Classroom Ideas from CLassroom Bookshelf

TIA 2018 - New Technology for the Classroom

I attended two full days of learning at TIA 2018 - Denton ISD’s technology conference. I learned so many great technology tips to use in the classroom with students from prek to middle ages. Here are some of my favorites:

GooseChase

This app is compatible with iPad and smartphones. It is not usable on Chromebooks yet. The purpose of the app is to create a scavenger like game for students to engage learning concepts. Then the students/groups play and earn points for the questions/problems they solve. The teacher is able to push out comments and feedback throughout the game and after. The free version the class can play in 5 groups and the teacher paid for versions give you more capabilities. I played during the session on my iPad.  It was fun, new and exciting! Students will love it. I am considering making an orientation game in the library by using this app.

Project Based Learning

What is it? How do you know you are doing it right? Andre Daughty presented a session on clarifying what is really is. It is not just a fun project that a kid makes and forgets about. Visit Buck Institute for Education to learn the ends and outs for your next PBL. The website has great resources to help you with your next project. I am going to try and pair up PBL’s with the maker-space this year at my school. Allowing the students to be the creators and information consumers.

Coding with Elementary Kids

Why code? Well it is a great way for kids to start to develop the skills they need for the real world. Coding can be done even with our youngest kiddos in Kinder and Pre-K. The session I went to provide a Symbaloo with links to fabulous free coding sites that can be used. If you want to try coding out with your students check out the Symbaloo and start coding.

Nearpod

A great tool to engage all students during a lesson. Create an interactive lesson at the touch of a button. Students can answer questions and share responses with the class and/or the teacher. Similar to the Pear Deck platform, but Nearpod will upload PowerPoint and other windows documents.

Thinkalong

A new product that uses resources from  PBS, NPR and other public media stations. Middle aged students through high school can learn about current events and create their views on a topic with a variety of resources. The program provides audio, visual and type resources for each topic. If you are a social studies teacher this is a resource you will want to check out. They also provide note taking graphic organizers for students to use.

Need some new Google Hacks - Check out this presentation from Frank Murray from Wichita Falls ISD. I guarantee you will learn something new. 

Stef Soto Taco Queen

Torres, J. (2017). Stef Soto taco queen. New York: Little, Brown and Company.

Overview: Stef’s father owns a food truck called Tia Perla. Stef just started middle school and feels like her parents do not trust her. She wants more independence. Her parents are first generation immigrants. They are very conservative on what they allow Stef to do. Stef is embarrassed by Tia Perla. She is made fun of by another student that makes her self conscious. Stef slowly starts to get more independence from her parents. Tia Perla is at risk of going under when the city tries to pass new rules for food trucks. She helps her dad with completely understanding the English letters. Stef’s favorite thing to do is draw and create. The art class is at risk because they are really low on supplies. The students in the art class brainstorm ideas to raise money. The kids decide on putting on a dance. Lots of teamwork is illustrated in both saving the art program and the food trucks. This book has lots of potential in the classroom. Research on food trucks could be done by students, menus for food trucks could be created in math class with word problems, advertisement posters could be made, debate over two opinions, etc...

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 780

Genre - Realistic Humor - Latino Culture

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Author’s Website

Wedgie and Gizmo

Selfors, S. (2017). Wedgie and Gizmo. New York: Katherine Tegen Books.

Overview: Humorous story about an evil genius and his nemesis a dog. Gizmo is a pet rodent. His owner Elliot just moved in with a new family. Gizmo is the pet dog of his new family. The book goes back and forth between the two animals different points of view. Throughout the story the people who live in the house has dialogue that is written apart from the regular paragraph structure. This book can be used for practice dialogue with students. Struggling readers will like the book with the added pictures and visuals, plus the silliness.

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 550

Genre - Humor

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Educators Guide and Videos

Garvey's Choice

Grimes, N. (2016). Garvey’s choice. Honesdale, Pennsylvania: WordSong.

Overview: The book Garvey’s Choice is a verse novel. The poem style used in the book is Tanka. Tanka is an ancient poetry from Japan. In the back of the book the author shares information about the poetry style. Each poem is like a new chapter in the book. The story tells about a boy named Garvey. He uses food to deal with his emotions. He is not what his father wants him to be. Kids at school bully him. He makes a friend named Jo that helps him feel accepted. He struggles with his relationship with his father. His father loves sports and always tries to get Garvey to participate in sports. Garvey is not an athlete. He likes Sci Fi books and music. He joins the chorus at school and really finds his niche. He does not tell his family about it, until the end. He invites them to the performance. At the end his relationship with his father changes and they discover they have music in common.

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 620

Genre - Realistic Fiction - Poetry

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Educators Guide

Author’s Website

Amina's Voice

Khan, H. (2017). Amina’s voice. New York: Salaam Reads.

Overview: Amina is a Pakistani American Muslim. She is in middle school with her best friend Soojin. Amina loves music and singing. Their music class is going to be putting on a performance. She agrees to play the piano, but not sing. Throughout the school year she is forced to struggle through changes in relationships with her her best friend. Dealing with the uncomfortable feeling of jealousy when Emily is invited into their group. Amina has trouble forgiving Emily’s behavior from when they were younger in elementary school. Emily and her group of friends would make fun of Amina’s and Soojin’s cultural differences. The reader also sees an insight into the Islamic experience. I learned a lot of new vocabulary and activities that the Islamic religion experience in their lives. A reader will learn about the differences in others experiences by reading this book which can increase a readers empathy to Islamic people. In the story Amina’s families Islamic Center is vandalized and set on fire. This deeply upsets the Muslim community of Milwaukee. I like how the story concludes with her friends of different races and religions come together to support the Muslim Community. A powerful book for our youth to read to gain understanding of other people's experiences.

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 800

Genre - Realistic Fiction - Cultural Diversity, Friendship and Social Issues

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Reading Group Guide

ADL’s Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan for Accepting Islam

Hello, Universe

Kelly, E. E. (2017). Hello, universe. New York: Greenwillow Books.

Overview: Hello, Universe is a story about Virgil and 3 other kids his age. The story gives viewpoints from all the kids perspectives. Virgil is a shy eleven year old boy. It is the beginning of the summer and he is upset that he never followed through with the one thing he wanted to do all school year. Become friends with Valencia. His best friends are Gulliver his pet guinea pig and Kaori who goes to a private school. Kaori is one with the universe and likes to read fortunes. She wants to help Virgil align his stars with Valencia so they can be friends. Valencia goes to Virgil’s school and the resource room on Thursday’s just like him. Unfortunately, they have not spoken, since they work with different teachers and Valencia is deaf. Chet is a bully at their school who harasses both of them. He is scared of what he does not understand - their differences. The universe works in mysterious ways to pull Virgil and Valencia together. I also like the mythical stories that are shared throughout by Virgil’s grandmother Lola. She is from the Philippines.

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 690

Genre - Realistic Fiction - Friendship, Disabilities, Bullies

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Author’s Website

Book Trailer

Discussion Questions

Teaching Ideas

Vocabulary Word Lists by Chapter

Spirit Hunters

Oh, E. (2017). Spirit hunters. New York: Harper.

Overview: Horror is not my genre of choice. I get goose pimples very easy from spooky movies and stories. With that said, I really liked Spirit Hunters. It was spooky in parts, but the author really helps the reader develop a relationship with the characters. The Korean cultural aspects that Oh added to the book is very interesting. 

Harper the main character was injured and had memory loss. Her family just moved into a new home in the DC area. The home is old, built back in the 1800’s. Throughout the story she keeps a journal to record information/memories that begin to come back to her. The only thing is she does not know if they are fact or fiction. She makes a new friend in the neighborhood that tells her the rumors that her new home is haunted. Yuna her mom, Kelly her older sister, Micheal her younger brother and her dad Peter live with her. The book covers the first 10 days in there new house. All the odd things that happen to her family. The family lives closer to their grandmother know but their mother does not want to see her. Harper so wants to visit her grandmother it has been 5 years since she has seen her. Soon Harper begins to remember things that have happened to her and her best friend Rose the ghost that lives in the mirror in the foyer. Michael is changing and is not himself. He tells her about Billy who does not like her. Harper is really worried about how to help him? What will she do? How will she get the bad ghost out of her house?

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 680

Genre - Horror

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Author’s Website

Book Trailer

Next book - Book 2 Released July 31, 2018

The Harlem Charade

Tarpley, N. (2017). The Harlem charade. New York: Scholastic Press.

Overview: A great multicultural mystery. This book could be incorporated into the classroom in many different ways. It will be a great read aloud. Or could be used as a spark to ignite a research unit on the history of events or art.  Jin is a Korean American who was adopted by an older Korean couple, who she calls her grandparents. They live in Harlem and run a Bodega. She has an assignment for school to research a part of Harlem’s history and create a report. She becomes fascinated by Alex a fellow classmate that is a mystery to her. A mystery soon begins to unfold and the girls with the help of their new friend Elvin, search for paintings that are hidden. Jin collects important information in her notebook as they investigate. Danger soon finds them. The story revolves around the art world. So much happens in this story, it is fast paced and twisty turny. At the end of the book the author talks about key events that really happened in Harlem’s history. The book is fiction, but some of the big events are loosely woven into the story. The art world the kids investigate is based on the 1960’s African American art history.

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile 800

Genre - Mystery

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Author’s Website

The Classroom Bookshelf Teaching Ideas

#metkids

Me and Marvin Gardens

Sarig King, A. (2017). Me and Marvin Gardens. New York: Arthur A, Levine Books.

Overview: Obe is a country kid who is being dragged
into suburban America if he likes it or not. His family owned
the land being developed 100 years ago. He is very tied
to the history and loyalty to the land. The Devlin Creek is
where he spends a lot of his time. He picks the litter out
of the creek so it does not go into the Pacific Ocean.
Throughout the book he struggles with relationships
with friends and family. He is a good moral character. He
wants to help keep the world clean. One day he discovers
a new type of animal that eats plastic. Will it be the answer
to the pollution problems or cause more problems for the
environment? A great book that focuses on environmental
concerns and friendship at the middle grades. I think this
book would be a great read aloud in April during Earth Month.
Students could also try to draw what they think Marvin looks
like as an activity. Lots of different inquiry research could stem
from this book.

Level: Middle Grades 
Genre - Science Fiction / Fantasy

Resources:
2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Author’s Website

Book Details from the Publisher

Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Become A Hero

McCormick, P. (2017). Sergeant Reckless: The true story of the little horse who
became a hero. New York: Balzer + Bray.

Overview: The narrative in the book is neatly displayed with in the illustrations
throughout the book. The story is about a horse that is found during the
Korean War. The Marines take the horse into their camp and he becomes one
of them. He is trained to carry ammunition to the battlefield. In return he is
feed and cared for. Reckless is the only animal to officially a hold military rank.  
A great piece of history that kids will like to read about. The illustrations are
fantastic in this book by Iacopo Bruno.

Level: Middle Grades

Written on reading level - Lexile

Genre - Nonfiction

Resources:

2018-2019 Texas Bluebonnet Nominated Book

Educator’s Guide

Author’s Website