Tag Archives: responsibility

Jasper John Dooley: Public Library Enemy #1

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Mayhem ensues when Jasper gets his library book wet and dad decides that drying it in the oven would be a good idea.

Jasper is back for another fun beginning chapter book story. This is the sixth book in a series that follows Jasper on his comical adventures. With loving help from his parents he manages to navigate the bumps of early elementary and learn a few life lessons along the way.

A good transitional beginning chapter book that children will enjoy.
Lexile level 570 / guided reading level M grades 2/3

Out of Tune Gail Nall

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Maya Mae is a typical pre-teen.  She is obsessed with her friends, her phone, and her hobby.  In Maya’s case, her hobby doubles as her dream – she wants to be a famous country singer.  She is well on her way when the reality TV show, “Dueling Duets” announces an audition in Nashville, Maya’s hometown. Maya is doubly delighted when she has a plan to audition and her crush, the cute and talented, Jack, asks her to be his partner. Then, without warning, her life changes as her parents announce that they are selling the family home and moving into an RV to travel the country.  In an instant, Maya’s life is turned upside down.  The book focuses on Maya’s repeated attempts to get home to Nashville in time for her tryout. Along the road, new friends are made and her resolve is tested. Will Maya make it back in time for her audition or will she embrace a new life of adventure and memory making with her family? Will Maya’s parents realize the importance of Maya’s dream?

Each chapter starts with a countdown to audition day.  Maya tells the story and paints an accurate picture of the emotional pain of leaving friends and dreams behind. In the end, Maya demonstrates a love for her family and capacity for compassion when she realizes that she has a lifetime to pursue her dream and she puts the needs and desires of others before her own. Meanwhile the parents’ ability to understand the immensity of the impact such a decision would have on their children is downplayed. This story is told through Maya’s eyes – a girl without a choice in her family’s decision to pick up roots, a girl who tries to be obedient but doesn’t know how to confront her parents about such a drastic move, a girl who is desperately holding on to a dream of her own and trying to balance her wants and desires with those of her family. At times funny, sad, and frustrating, Maya takes the reader on a journey of growing up.

The No-Dogs Allowed Rule

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Ishan (pronounced E-Shan) a third grade boy and his brother Sunil, a fourth grader, desperately want a dog.  However, Mom has a “no dogs allowed” rule.  Ishan goes to great lengths to try to persuade his Mom into a “dogs allowed” rule.  He helps his elderly neighbor walk his dog to prove he can be responsible (ok and to also get his dog fix for the day).  He tries to cook a special meal to please his mom and try to win her over. He even changes all the family pictures in the house to dog pictures.  Each well intentioned act becomes more of a disaster than a gift.  So much so, that Ishan is grounded to the house during a neighborhood block meeting held at his home.  During the meeting an emergency involving his neighbor occurs and Ishan saves the day.  Will this be the action that changes mom’s mind to allow a dog to enter the family home?

Written with realistic speech patterns and plausible scenarios this multicultural novel introduces readers to foods of India, Hindi words and social interactions of Indian culture and family life.

Snorkeling With Sea-Bots!

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Kolten goes out into the water for some snorkeling fun.  What he discovers is an underwater city of hard working robots whose job it is to keep the ocean running smoothly.

I feel comic books and graphic novels are a great way to draw reluctant readers into reading.  Comics Land stories I believe are trying to do just that – draw in reluctant readers.  The stories are brightly colored, easy to read and follow and are written with a touch of unexpected humor.

I like that the back matter includes a “word power” section where readers can check the glossary for unknown words.  Here they will also find a pronunciation guide as well as the meaning of the word.  Each book in this series also contains questions to aid in critical thinking skills, vocabulary scramble, word/picture match, find the hidden objects and a how to draw section.

Yes the story line does not hold much weight, but the beauty in these little gems (the Comics Land series that is) is that this format is highly appealing to young readers.  Beginning readers will gain confidence in their skills in a easy to access manner and learn along the way.

The Good, The Bad and The Monkeys

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Jake has an unusual job of herding monkeys.  When monkey rustlers come and try to steal his “herd”, Jake acts responsibly to tend to his small group.

I feel comic books and graphic novels are a great way to draw reluctant readers into reading.  Comics Land stories I believe are trying to do just that – draw in reluctant readers.  The stories are brightly colored, easy to read and follow and are written with a touch of unexpected humor.

I like that the back matter includes a “word power” section where readers can check the glossary for unknown words.  Here they will also find a pronunciation guide as well as the meaning of the word.  Each book in this series also contains questions to aid in critical thinking skills, vocabulary scramble, word/picture match, find the hidden objects and a how to draw section.

Yes the story line does not hold much weight, but the beauty in these little gems (the Comics Land series that is) is that this format is highly appealing to young readers.  Beginning readers will gain confidence in their skills in a easy to access manner and learn along the way.