I Love My Hair

I Love My Hair


Author:  Natasha Anastasia Tarpley
Illustrator: E. B. Lewis
Genre:  Contemporary Realistic Fiction/Multiculturalism
Published:  9/28/2001

  This book is about a little girl named Keyana would sit between her mamma's legs and get her hair combed.  No matter how hard or soft Keyana would say it hurts.  Her mama continued to tell her she had a good head of hair and assured her of her beauty each time.

The different hair styles such as the locks or braids all had significance to them.  The lock and braids were as corn rows in a field.  She also told her that African American hair on brown girls went through metamorphis and could relate to anything.  One particular style was said to look like a globe of the world.

This book also gives children the courage to embrace what they look like and who they are.  It teaches them to appreciate who they are and where they came from.  Cultural appreciation and value of their differences.


Reader Response Questions:

•   What did you learn from the different examples of hair styles and their relation to the world?
•   What other cultures could gain appreciation of this book about hair other than African     Americans?

The Babysitter's Club

The Babysitter's Club


Author:  Ann Martin
Published:  1986-2000

The Babysitters Club is a must read for teenage girls.  It's about a group of middle aged childrens who start a baby sitting business for parents in their community.  They started out with four and ended with ten.  The first novel was released in 1986 and the last in 2000.

They received strange phone calls whenever they were babysitting.  They believed it to be the jewel thief.  They also had a rival club called The Babysitter's Agency.

This is a very good series of novels to keep young girls reading and interested in the sequels during off times.

Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Twilight

Twilight



Author: Stephanie Meyer
Published: November 21, 2008
Genre: Fantasy/Drama/Romance



This book is geared towards teenagers and falling in love.  Although this is between a vampire and a living person, one could gather the same concepts of Romeo and Juliet.  It alludes to how teenagers fall in love and go above and beyond to protect the one they love.

In this book, Edward believes that Emily is his soul mate and when the other vampires come to town he has to try to keep them from killing her.  He loves her.

 

Reader response questions:

1.   What is love?
2.   What would a vampire choose to love or to kill if the mortal they loved was last on earth?

This Little Piggy

This Little Piggy


Author & Illustrator:  Tim Harrington
Published:  5/4/2013
Genre:  Nursery Rhyme

This Little Piggy is a nursery rhyme that has been around for a long time.  Many parents have used this nursery rhyme as a play tool with their children.  It allows counting skills to be developed while entertaining the child.

Good read for ages 4-8

The Hungry Caterpillar

The Hungry Caterpillar


Genre: Children's Picture book
Published: 1969

The Hungry caterpillar capitalized on his appetite.  The caterpillar is hungry and he eats different food items in a short amount of time.

This book eludes to his transformation from caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly.  It teaches the counting of the days, weeks, and life stages.   Even the different types of foods that are appealing to children.

Although eating too many different foods is not a good idea, the caterpillar's appetite was getting the best of him.  He was craving and craving for different foods.


Author & Illustrator:  Eric Carle

Reader Response Questions:

• What is metamorphosis?
• Why is it not good to eat various foods at the same time?

Caught up in the Drama

Caught up in the Drama!!


Author: ReShonda Tate Billingsley
Published:  2010


This is a great read for high school girls that are facing the most emotional times of their lives.  This book talks about a young lady named Alexis who is known for her talent as a dancer.  All of her friends knows that she is a very good dancer but no one knew she could sing.

Alexis goes on the search for a star competition they were astonished by her overwhelming gift to sing.  As time grew Alexis began to face challenges with her boyfriend, friends, and struggling family problems.  Dealing with family divorces, sickness, and other problems can be overwhelming for teenagers and they must find an avenue for venting and consoling.

This author nailed it with this read.  She grabs the attention of teenagers across this country.  They also finds out she is very much a diva.  All teenage girls across this country as well as adults have this image in mind to be a diva.  Diva's look good, dress good, and just has it all together.  Alexis is a total diva now.


Reader response questions:

• How would you feel if this happened to one of your friends?  Would you react the same as Alexis' friends?
• How do you cope with your problems?
• Do you think Alexis is making mature decisions?

Curious George

Curious George



Author & Illustrator:  Margaret Rey, H. A. Rey
Published:  1941
Genre:  Picture Book/Fiction

Curious George is a book about a monkey who was taken by a man with a big yellow hat.  He despite the man's doing, continued to get into trouble.  George after getting into trouble and going to jail finally gets out and ends up in his new home with the man with the big yellow hat.


Any child who maybe in foster care, or adopted may be able to relate to this book.  It tells how a complete stranger can give you the love and home a child needs.  Not only does it fosters the love and appreciation George may be feeling, it also encourages adults to continue to love their children despite what they get into.







Reader response question:


Why do you feel the man wanted and kept George after getting into trouble?

Do you think George learned any lessons and changed his behavior?