My Book Journal

Take a look at the Favorite Reads of 2012-2013 tab to hear more about my book journal!

A new title

This one might take me a few days, but I figured that a new blog title was in order.  Off to find some inspiration in the great Edward Gorey!

A year after the first five

Well, that did not go so well. I did not post anything the whole year! 

The good news is this blog can now be about whatever I am reading personally not just what I am reading as part of my career because we have a new website and blog for work. Yippee!

5 Years Later

I began posting to this blog over 5 years ago for a class in graduate school. When the class ended so did my posting! After working as a Children's Librarian in a public library I moved on to an elementary school where I have been the Librarian for 6 years. This year will be 7!

I have wanted to get back into the habit of writing about what I read for several years. With the start of a new school year approaching, now is a great time!

Hope you enjoy reading!

Al Capone Does My Shirts!

Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko tells the story of a family who moves to Alcatraz Island in 1935 so that his father can work as a prison guard and his siter, Natalie can attend a special school in San Francisco.

The story is written from the point of view of 12 year old Moose Flanagan who is saddened by the thought of leaving behind old friends and missing out on playing baseball. Creeped out by the fact that he is surrounded by criminals, Moose still tries to make the best of his situation by making friends. One friend is Piper, the Warden's daughter. Piper crafts a scheme to make money by telling classmates, "Once in a lifetime opportunity! Get your clothes laundered by Al Capone and other world-famous public enemies!... Only costs 5 cents." Moose helps for fear of getting his family kicked off the island. Moose tries to stay on Piper's good side because he feels his older sister, Natalie's behavior could get them kicked off the island.

This book expertly handles historical accounts of the time. As well as being historically accurate, it shows the human side of a family struggling with difficulites.

Suggested reading level: 4-8

Keywords: Alcatraz Island, Al Capone, autism, prisons, criminals

"No pick flowers!"

Bigfoot Cinderrrrrella by Tony Johnston, illustrated by James Warhola is a twist on the traditional Cinderella story. A stepchild, here known as "Rrrrrella" who lives in the old growth forest must win the heart of the Bigfoot Prince to escape her wicked step sisters.

The familiar plot is evident. Rrrrrella is mistreated and made to work day in and day out for her step mother and step sisters. She is described as "woolly" with large feet. She "loves nature and will harm no creature." When the Bigfoot Prince announces his annual "fun-fest" the step sisters plan to win his affections. Rrrrrella is, of course, excluded and goes to the river in sadness. At the river's edge she makes a wish on a fish and meets her "beary godfather" who gives her bark-clogs to wear to the fun fest. Does Rrrrrella live happily ever after? You must read the book to find out!

I enjoyed this story and have used it as a read-aloud in the library for students in grades K-4. Comments are always made about the terminolgy that is used that is specific to Bigfoots/Sasquatchs and the state of California. Students love the glossary of words and the fact that Rrrrrella's name is spelled with five R's. Students are known to roar or growl each time Rrrrrella's name is read aloud. The story is both full of humor and endearing.

Suggested grade levels: K-4

Keywords: Bigfoot, Cinderella, California, Prince, Step Sisters, Step Mother