This was a nice informational text that takes what many of us believe about forest fires and turns it upside down. Forest fires can be good - it can create homes for many new species of plants, flowers, etc and - as this book focuses on - is important for many species of birds in nesting and survival. Beautiful photographs, good back matter, not too long, good text placement. Overall a solid nonfiction selection.
This was a really intersting take on the Rapunzel story. In this version, Rapunzel is very innocent and truly loves the Witch. So much so that she threatens would be rescuers and wants to forget all about them. The Witch "allows" her to forget. But then there is Jack - the Beanstalker - he shows up more than once and won't let Rapunzel forget. Together they leave the tower in search of the truth. Along the was Rapunzel finds out more than she may have wished and learns about love, forgiveness, and sacrifice.
I really enjoyed this version. I have to say it did take me awhile to get into and finish. Partly because of the beginning of the school year and partly because of the length. I could have done with about 100 pages less and I worry that my students may be overwhelmed with the length and not stick with it.
I am such a nerd - I loved this!!!!!!!
In this graphic novel - new student Hopper and her friend Eni start to discover the secrets of their strange school. They notice a weird pattern with the owls around the school who have multiple eyes. They discover a turtle robot who does the work of the ground's keeper. They discover a secret passageway and how to unlock it. In addition, Hopper hears a bit about her father who has disappeared.
This was short, had some cool introductory coding (with a website), and there will be more.
I have been teaching coding at my school and I thought this was quite clever. I have added the website to my page and want to try it out with kids.
'
Christa's family has been spending the summers on Whitefish Lake in Wisconsin for a long time. But Christa's dad has lost his job and now the cottage is up for sale. But what if Christa and her new friend Alex could find Al Capone's legandary hidden money?
Aided by Alex's grumpy grandfather and his mysterious connection to Al Capone, Christa and Alex try to find the money and thwart attempts to sell the cottage.
I liked the book for the most part but was disappointed with the resolution - Al Capone's money was found in theory but never followd through. Instead reward money solved the family crisis... Just didn't work well for me.
Hoodoo was named in anticipation of his ability to do hoodoo. But he has never been able to cast a spell or do any magic. Then a Stranger comes to town looking for something...and he thinks Hoodoo has it. Filled with dreams, visions, magic, curses, and more this was a creepy little story. I think students who enjoy R.L Stine books, etc will probably like this.
Overall, I wasn't a bit fan...a bit too creepy for me with the curses and hoodoo magic but I do think it would find an audience. Torn about whether I will get it for my library.
