Silly Street by Jeff Foxworthy (Primary Poetry due May 27th)

APA Citation: Foxworthy, J. (2009). Silly Street. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.

Summary: The easiest way to summarize this book would be to say that it is just plain fun. It kind of reminds me of a Dr. Seuss book in a way, however, Jeff Foxworthy uses more made up instances, such as pink elephant races, instead of made up words. The book consists of multiple poems that are fun for children to read and use different types of technique so that the book doesn't seem repetitive. There are short poems and longer poems that all have a common theme, they are all places you can visit on Silly Street.

Read alike: If you liked this book you might like to read Dirt on My Shirt by Jeff Foxworthy.

Discussion Questions: After you take your poetic stroll down Silly Street, create your own building that you would own on this street and write a short poem about it.

Reread the poems Pets-a-Palooza and Costumes 'n' More. Compare these two poems and tell me if they are written using the same pattern or if they are written using different patterns. Have evidence to support your answer.

Website:

http://www.jefffoxworthy.com/homepage.shtml

This website is the official website for Jeff Foxworthy, the comedian. I was unable to come up with any site that featured Mr. Foxworthy as an author.

Uncovering Mummies: An Isabel Soto Archaeology Adventure by Agnieszka Biskup (Intermediate Graphic Novel for May 25th )

APA Citation:

Biskup, A. (2010). Uncovering mummies: An Isabel Soto archaeology adventure. Mankato, MN: Capstone Press.

Summary: This book is an explosion of adventure, history, mystery, time travel and more. Dr. Soto has the ability to travel where ever she wants with the use of a time-travel portal. She is on an adventure to rescue Dr. Powers, a fellow explorer that has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom. The interesting thing about this book is the side bar information boxes and the wealth of information about ancient mummies and how bodies were mummified. It also takes the reader to various locations throughout the world, such as the Jungle of Central America, Egypt, London, Peru, Italy, Denmark, and the United States. These various locations are presented in present time and in historical settings. The glossary at the end helps the reader better understand confusing words that are used in the mummification process.

Questions:  Imagine you are a time traveler like Isabel. Map out the places you would travel and the things you would see when you were there.

Create a chart showing the different ways various cultures use for mummification.

If you like this book you may like to read: This book is actually part of a series of book called Graphic Expeditions. The titles include: Building the Great Wall of China, Exploring Titanic, Investigating Machu Picchu, Rescue in Antarctica, and Tracking Bigfoot.

Website: I was unable to find an actual author website for Agnieszka Biskup. There were websites that mentioned her books, but none that were focused on her as an author.

Brooklyn Bridge

Book Cover:

My choice for my Historical Fiction book is Brooklyn Bridge by Karen Hesse.

Summary: Fourteen year old Joe has only one thing on his mind and that is being able to visit one of the most amazing places for a young boy at his age, Coney Island. However, his parents have just embarked on a new business that keeps young Joe and the rest of his family very busy. His father has gone from being a candy story owner (which he was able to run with the help of his mother) to a skyrocketing new business that will change the entire families lives forever. Joe's parents immigrated from Russia during a time of hardship and social injustices to live in a Jewish community in Brooklyn, NY. Joe's extended family has also come to America and bring stories of their own to tell.

This book has multiple themes going on all throughout the story. Joe experiences falling in love, falling out of love, growing from a boy playing street ball to a young man who feels he has to step up occasionally for his family business, and all the time longing to be able to go to Coney Island. Another theme throughout the book is that of the street children that aren't as lucky in life as Joe. They have to live under the Brooklyn Bridge at night, joining alliances to fend of the Radiant Boy, a ghost that represents death and terrorizes the homeless children.

APA Citation: Hesse, K. (2008). Brooklyn bridge. New York, NY: Feiwel and Friends.

One read alike: If you like this book, you might also like to read The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Two discussion questions: What do you see as other possible outcomes for Joe's life? Give two examples of how things could have been different for him and his family?

What were some of the motives behind Joe being so negative about his father's new business? Write a short paragraph highlighting the instances that Joe spoke negatively about being in the teddy bear business.

Author website: http://www.childrensliteraturenetwork.org/aifolder/aipages/ai_h/hesse/html