43
44
Figure 1 - Ryan's Pic Collage
The Value of the Optimal Learning Model
By
Heather Johnson
46
Classroom CloseUP
Raving Reviews
A look at today's best trade books & professional books
The first couple years of teaching my class had a bad case of, “I can’t find anything I want to read.” Despite having bins of award winners, popular series, and some funny picture books, my humble library struggled to keep my students satisfied. My initial attempts to
.
.
Scythe
Author: Neal Shusterman
Grade Level Appropriate: Grades 7+
Independent Reading Level: Ages 12-99, Lexile 830L
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Genre: Young Adult - Science Fiction/ Dystopian
Scythe by Neal Shusterman is the first book in the Arc of a Scythe series. In Scythe, the two main characters, Rowan and Citra have both had previous run-ins with grim reaper-like beings called “scythes.” In a world that has eradicated disease, scythes are the only way a person can die. Rowan and Citra unwillingly become apprentices to the same scythe, the likes of which has never happened before. Eventually, in their training on “the art of killing,” they learn a piece of information that will tear them apart from each other physically, but they must figure out how to maintain the friendship and care they have for each other. Neal Shusterman leads readers down the twists and turns in this dark book by using the journal entries of Rowan and Citra among the journal entries of various famous scythes in the community. This book keeps readers on the edge of their seats, cheering for Rowan and Citra’s friendship through all the struggles and triumphs. Shusterman has released the second book in the Arc of a Scythe series, Thunderhead, and readers are waiting with anticipation for the third book of the series, The Toll.
Kori Chrismer
My Mouth is a Volcano
Author: Julia Cook
Appropriate grade level: K+
Independent reading level: 3.8
Rating: 5 stars
Genre: Fiction
My Mouth is a Volcano by Julia Cook is a great book to introduce to your child or class about interrupting when they have something to say. This book gives children an insight into how to keep their important words in their head out of respect for the person talking.
This story is told from the perspective of a boy named Louis’ who has a “volcano mouth”. He cannot control his important words from coming out of his mouth. He always interrupts and finds it difficult to keep his thoughts to himself until it is a respectable time to talk. Louis’ family and teachers are frustrated with him constantly interrupting them until others start to interrupt him and learns a valuable lesson. He then finds a way to cope with his important thoughts in his head.
I very much enjoyed this book, and read it aloud to my class when the reminder is needed. It gives a funny, and unique way of showing children the value of listening to others, waiting patiently to speak, and finding the appropriate time to share your thoughts. I would recommend My Mouth is a Volcano to any parent or teacher looking for an engaging way to teach a child about blurting out.
Taylor Willimann
.
.