No, David!

Shannon, D. (1998). No, david. New York, NY: Blue Sky Press.

Age Range: This book is suitable for readers four and up.

Summary: This book is full of illustrations that follow a child named David making continuous mistakes. David's mother looks at these mistakes as being naughty and always says "No, David!" There are several events of cause and effect. For example, David tracks mud into the house and the result is his mother scolding him. The illustrations throughout the book help the events become reality and understand the havoc David seems to create in his house.

Reflection: Most children enjoy this book, because they can easily relate to the main character. The illustrations are so realistic they can easily picture themselves doing the same things as David. All children have experienced a mistake with a parent correcting them. Realistic fiction focusing on families, such as this, are great additions to any library. It could even be used with older students (3-5) to show examples of cause and effect. It would be difficult for students in the middle grades and up to relate to the text and get beyond its overall appeal to younger children.

Big Question: Why do you think David's mother continues to scold him? What could David do to not continue to get in trouble? In the end, David's mother says "I love you, David." Why do you think she does this? Have you had any experiences similar to David? If so, explain what happened and why?

By the Light of the Halloween Moon

Hawkes, S. & Stutson, C. (1993). By the light of the halloween moon. New York, NY: Lothrop, Lee & Shepard Books.

Age Range: This book is suitable for readers in grades P-3. It could even be suitable for the upper grades when used with a literary concepts.

Summary: This book has a Halloween setting with a twist. There are no trick-or-treaters, simply a girl and for the majority of the book, her toe. The majority of kid friendly Halloween creatures appear, such as a witch, fairy, bat, and ghost. There are some slightly scary parts, but most are amusing. Illustrations are used throughout the book to show the actions of the creepy characters throughout the text and the girl's struggle with the consist conflict of creepy characters interrupting her music. The plot is progressive throughout the story with a clear resolution.

Reflection: I would recommend this book to others. Elementary teachers could use it to teach sequence and conflict easily since the plot is in sequential order and the main character is struggling with multiple conflicts throughout the story. Teachers of grades 4-8 could use it to teach alliteration and repetition. For example, alliteration is used when the author says, "That taps the tune in the dead of night, By the light, by the light, By the silvery light of the Halloween Moon!" The author also continues to repeat these lines throughout the book, "By the light of the Halloween moon!"

Big Questions: Why did the main character wait to stop the creatures that disturbed her? How do the creatures interact with each other? How do these interactions stop them from achieving their goal?

Go Ask Alice

Anonymous. (1971). Go ask Alice. New York, NY: Simon Pulse.

Age Range: Young adults in grades 9-12 would be able to connect with this story. Readers would, however, have to be on a mature level to grasp the overall text.

Summary: This book is written in a journal format. It is told in a first person point of view from a fifteen year old female who is part of a successful family. The main character who goes without a name throughout the text and is simply referred to as "Anonymous." Anonymous struggles adolescence, family, friends, school, and growing up in a drug infused era. There are major changes in the character throughout the book that continues to keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Reflection: This book is widely known for its graphic storyline and believed truthfulness. It was a book I could not put down, because I was hoping until the end that everything would work out. The style of the book makes it an easy read for any reader. I would not, however, recommend it to any of my students because of its graphic nature. High school students could relate with the main character's struggle to be accepted by her peers and family. This book can even appeal to adults who would understand the difficulty with drugs during the 1960's and 1970's. Overall it clearly shows a main theme of how a desire to be accepted can lead down a dangerous road that can sometimes be difficult to leave. After reading this book, I just couldn't understand how I hadn't picked it up as a child. I guess teachers were scared to recommend it to me, but I think it really shows how struggles with peer pressure can take a turn. I would have loved to read it as a teenager, because it is just so unbelievable!

Big Question: After reading this book, do you believe that the main character was at fault for her actions? Did she have the ability to change her life or was she stuck in a downward spiral? Did she make a mistake in the end or was someone else at fault? How did the main character's setting impact her life?
Answers to these questions would be very interesting, because they all require some sort of opinion, but with something to back them up.

Introduction

Hi, my name is Ciara Wheatley. I currently teach seventh grade language arts at Lebanon Middle School in Lebanon, Kentucky. This is my second year teaching, but my first year in seventh grade. I taught sixth grade last year, which was completely different. I graduated from Campbellsville University with a Bachelor's degree in middle grades education with an emphasis in English and social studies and a minor in psychology. I started graduated school at CU last year focusing on the special education program, but quickly realized that I wanted to focus on reading so I transferred to University of the Cumberlands. I am currently in the Reading and Writing Specialist Program.

My husband and I have one daughter, Makenna. She is a rambunctious six year old. I like to spend time with my family, read, and travel during my spare time. I always like to read books that I could recommend for my students. I just finished up Go Ask Alice, which I would not recommend. I am currently working on the remainder of the Life as We Knew It series and The Secret Circle. I did read The Vampire Diaries, which I loved, but that is about the only vampire book I can get into. I can't wait until this fad is over!