Model 2: The Cat Ate My Gymsuit

image from: http://www.betterworldbooks.com/the-cat-ate-my-gymsuit-pb-id-0786272678.aspx

Summary:
The story is about a girl named Marcy Lewis that goes to Dwight D. Eisenhower Jr. High.  The only close friend that she had was named Nancy Sheridan and thought that maybe she was her friend because she had to be.  Throughout the book, Marcy was a very insecure young girl which her father had a lot to do with it.  The title of the book means one of many excuses why Marcy would not change during P. E. due to the fact that she considered herself very large.   She then had the chance to meet a special teacher that changed everything around for her and many of her peers.  Ms Finney encouraged everyone to voice out what they believed and taught her lessons differently than other teachers.

Review:
Gr. 5-8.  Published in 1974 and considered a "modern classic," Danziger's novel about overweight teenager Marcy Lewis is an excellent choice for a multicast performance.  The story contains lost of dialogue and characters with distinct personalities.  Written during an era when calling oneself "Ms." was radical, principals unilaterally suspended students, and adults routinely smoked cigars and cigarettes, the story holds up amazingly well.

Beauregard, S.  (2005, April 1).  The cat ate my gymsuit.  [Review of the book The cat ate my gymsuit, by P. Danziger].  Booklist, 101(15), 1400.  Retrieved from http://www.boolistonline.com

Impressions:  
I liked how the character changed from being very afraid and negative about herself to someone that was standing up for what she believed in and not be afraid of anything and anyone.  I could relate to that character because I was always scared and respected my elders even though they might have been wrong at times.  This will help some students that are in that situation to be more independent when solving problems.

Suggestions:
Students can create a quilt of memories that a teacher has impacted their education just like the main character encountered.  This would be great to display their quilt made of pieces of paper tied together with ribbon during teacher appreciation week.

Bibliography:
Danziger, P. (1974).  The Cat Ate My Gymsuit.  New York, NY: G D Putnam.

Module 2: The Little Engine That Could

Image from: http://margotmagowan.wordpress.com/2012/01/09/would-the-little-engine-that-could-get-published-in-2012/ 

Summary:
The story is about a train that was supposed to send toys and food for the boys and girls that live over the mountain.  On the way over there, the train suddenly stopped and could not go on.  The toys started to ask for help with other trains that were passing by.  Each engine had its own excuse in not helping the toys out.  One was a passenger train, the other was a freight train that only moved big machines around, and a rusty train that was too tired to move anything around.  At the end, a little blue train stopped to help them and was having a hard time going over the mountain at first.  The train said, "I think I can."  The train was able to do it and the toys and food were safely delivered to the boys and girls.

Review:
Preschool-Gr. 5. For decades, Piper's inspirational story of the courageous little blue engine has taught children about the value of inner strength.  Bright, Whimsical illustrations add to the visual appeal of both these delightful stories.

Stern, S. (2006, July 1).  Two of a kind.  [Review of the book The little engine that could, by W. Piper].  Book Links, 15(6), 6-8.  Retrieved from http://www.booklistonline.com/booklinks

Impressions:
The color on the illustrations will definitely help capture the young readers on the story about the little engine.  The illustrations and descriptions of the objects being sent to the young boys and girls how much older the book really is.  This helps the children to see what was out there at the time and what objects seemed to interest those children.

Suggestions:
This book can motivate students to give children a book that they might not be able to buy during the Christmas Holidays.  Students can write letters to children and donate a book that they may no longer use anymore.  It is great to discuss that giving is also as great as receiving.

Bibliography:
Piper, W.  (1976).  The little engine that could.  New York, NY: Platt & Mink Publishers.

Module 1: Rainbow Fish

Image from: http://handmadebeginnings.blogspot.com/2010/06/story-and-art-rainbow-fish_19.html

Summary:

Rainbow Fish was admired by those who knew him because he looked different from others.  Some started to ask Rainbow Fish if he can give one scale to each of them and Rainbow fish said no because Rainbow Fish didn't consider them as unique if he did.  So everyone started to avoid him when Rainbow Fish was around.  Eventually Rainbow Fish started to feel lonely and spoke to starfish about his issue.  Starfish suggested to talk to Octopus which everyone considered him smart and knowledgeable.  Octopus suggested to give away the scales and Rainbow Fish was not too thrilled with the idea.  Rainbow Fish now has to decide to be the most unique fish underwater or not be unique but have more friends than before.

Review:

Gr. 1-4.  This well-loved story follows a selfish fish that finally makes friends by sharing its colorful scales.  Beautiful purpler, blue, and pink tractions depict the scales that are the envy of the other fish.

Stern, S. (2009, July).  The rainbow fish.  [Review of the book Rainbow fish, by M. Pfister].  Book Links, 18(6), 23.  Retrieved from www.booklistonline.com/booklinks


Impressions: 
This is a really cute book to help young students to realize that a friendship needs to be cared for by caring for others whether it is in good times or in bad.  The main character learned that giving friends the time and effort is much better than having so many things but without being able to share it to anyone.

Suggestions
Prior to visiting the library, a notification can be made telling the students to bring their favorite object as a show and tell and explain to everyone why the object makes them feel special and happy at once.  This is a great opportunity to get to know the students better and enjoy a good time.

Bibliography: 

Pfister, M. (1992).  Rainbow Fish.  New York, NY: North-South Books.