For my graphic novel I read smile. I loved so many different things about this book. For one, it is SO relatable! Reading this truly brought me back to my awkward stage in middle school, when my mouth was covered in train tracks. Anyone who has had, will have, or has braces should read this cute and hilarious book. Also, being from the bay area I loved the references to the 89′ earthquake/world series (which the A’s won ;) ).  I have never read a graphic novel before, so this was new to me. I think that books like this would be a great resource for English language learners, or those who struggle with reading. The pictures help tell the story and make it feel like you aren’t even reading and I know kids would love that!

For my chapter book I read Speak. I read this when I was in middle school so I already  had some background knowledge. The second time around I have picked up so much more from the book. I know that people disagree on what age this book is appropriate for, and I think that it could be read by children as young as sixth grade. Although it talks about hard topics, there are many young boys and girls who have to deal with things like that in their own life every single day. Speak is important and should be read by many, young and old. One thing I noticed in the book was the art teacher. Every other teacher ignored her and treated her like dirt! This book shows that teachers need to keep their eyes open and be aware of what is going on in the lives of their students. Without the art teacher, i’m not sure how she would have made it through school. The book also shows that parents need to be present with their children. So much was going on in her life and her parents didn’t even take the time to pay any attention. Teachers, students, and parents should all read this novel, it is an eye opener.

Brown Girl Dreaming has been a struggle for me so far. I LOVED my last book, so I was hoping to feel the same about this one. I think that I have two problems with the book. One is that I have never been a huge fan of poetry. I feel like it is hard for me to connect with the author because of the way that it is written. I feel like I read the book a lot slower just because of the format of the book. I have so far read about 70 pages and have not yet been drawn to the book. The other problem I have is that she somewhat talks about herself in third person. She describes her birth as if she was there. I hope that I can find a way to get into this book because I think it is important for people to read books that touch on the way African Americans were being treated in our country. This would be a good read for middle school aged students, because although it is not a tough read, it is long and hard to get into. Although I have not yet gotten into this book, I hope I do!

I decided to write both poems because I did not have much to say about my book.

Cento poem:
We all have the same dream… to live equal in a country that’s supposed to be the land of the free

When there are many worlds you can choose the one you walk into each day

At dusk just as the fireflies flicker on, my grandfather makes his way home

Will we always have to choose between home and home?

Love that Dog:

So much depends

upon

A teacher

Hardworking and enthusiastic

or lazy and angry

The futures of the students depend on this.

For my series book I am reading The Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This book is creative and funny, and I really enjoy reading it. The thing I like most is that it really puts you in the perspective of a middle school aged boy. Reading his diary is like a little outlet into his personal life. I feel like I can easily put myself in his shoes when he talks about his family life or little problems like having the stinky cheese touch. This shows that the little problems that children face seem very big to them.

I think that the older elementary grades like 3^rd through 5^th would enjoy this book. Maybe even 6^th and 7^th graders depending on their reading level. Kids like reading books about older students because it allows them to visualize their future self.The central character in the book is Greg. He is the author of the diary. Greg’s best friend in the story is Rowley. He is also a middle school aged boy. Rowley is a little strange and sometimes Greg gets embarrassed of him. Two more main characters are Greg’s brothers Rodrick and Manny. Rodrick is older, and Manny is much younger.The assumptions about childhood made in this book are that there are lots of little struggles. Greg does not have to deal with terrible issues, but he does have to deal with siblings, social problems, and school.

I have been loving Miller’s book. Chapter two had so many great ideas that teachers everywhere could use. One thing I liked was that she talked about how to build a library. Everyone tells you that you will need a ton of books as a teacher, but you are never told how to organize them, or what books to kick out of the collection. I also love how she mentioned the method she used to check books out. Booksource’s Classroom organizer app is something that I will be using in my classroom. Also, I love how she mentioned that it is important to make class rules about how to take care of the books. When the students make the rules themselves it holds them accountable for how they treat the books. I have loved this book and am planning on sharing it with my mother who is an English teacher!