Back-to-School!

How to Read a Story by Kate Messner (picture book, K-3)

What's your favorite way to read a book? Snuggled up in a favorite chair? Outside? With a buddy? This charming step-by-step book shows children how to best read a book. The book begins with step one: finding the perfect book. Then, the book shows how to find a snuggly reading buddy, how to find the perfect reading spot, and the best ways to read the story together (including using a loud, clear voice and sounding out words). How to Read a Story is perfect to read to a class at the beginning of the school year to introduce the many concepts of choosing books, reading buddies, and general reading skills. This book would also be great when teaching "how-to" writing.

School's First Day of School by Adam Rex (picture book, K-3)

Teachers and students have a "first day of school" each year but what about the school itself? How does it feel on the first day of school? Frederick Douglas Elementary School was recently built and is physically ready for students to arrive but it is nervous. What will happen when the students arrive? Will the students be nice? The doors open and the students come but with the help of a kind janitor, the school soon learns that the first day isn't so scary after all. This book is perfect for a read aloud for the first day to ease first day jitters (even covers fire drills). It's also great when teaching personification.

Happy reading!

Alexander Hamilton

With the Alexander Hamilton musical being so popular, students are sure to ask if we have any books about him in our library.  I was surprised to find that we did not have any books about Alexander Hamilton in our school library!  I am guessing that he gets overlooked because he was not a president or a great inventor or an explorer.  However, he did accomplish so much for our country. Luckily, several new books have been published recently to help remedy this.  Here are book talks for two books that would be appropriate for K-8 libraries.

Alexander Hamilton: The Making of American by Teri Kanefield (biography, grades 4 & up)

Sure, Alexander Hamilton was one of our "Founding Fathers" but what else do you know about him?  Did you know that he basically grew up as an orphan on a small island in the Caribbean and was a poor American immigrant?  Did you know that he loved to write poetry?  This biography begins by drawing readers in with Hamilton's famous duel with Aaron Burr that led to his death.  Then, the author goes back to the beginning of Hamilton's life and details all of his accomplishments.  The illustrations and photographs in the book are helpful as are the text boxes that explain different terms and important documents.  Finally, the book ends with a timeline and excerpts from some of Hamilton's writings.  This 200 page chapter book biography might not be for everyone, but it is perfect for students (or adults!) who really want to learn more about Hamilton and his time period.

Aaron and Alexander: The Most Famous Duel in American History by Don Brown (nonfiction picture book, grades 2-6)

What would lead two prominent Americans to challenge each other to a duel?  Aaron Burr and Alexander Hamilton both grew up as orphans, both were very intelligent, and both became lawyers who were actively involved in the American Revolution.  The two were even friends for awhile.  Why did Burr eventually challenge Hamilton to a duel?  This picture book compares and contrasts the two historical figures and outlines the events leading up to the duel as well as the duel itself.  There is an extensive author's note at the end.  This is a very accessible picture book that is packed with information and is great for students wanting to learn more about these important people in America's past.  It would also be a good book to use when discussing compare/contrast in the classroom.

Happy Reading!!