Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson

Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson and illustrated by E.B. Lewis (published 2012). Picture book. 570L, RL 3.1.  This a story about the importance of not missing the opportunity to show kindness.

Booklist starred (August 2012 (Vol. 108, No. 22))

Grades K-3. Starting with the title, this quiet, intense picture book is about the small actions that can haunt. As in collaborations such as Coming on Home Soon (2004), Woodson’s spare, eloquent free verse and Lewis’ beautiful, spacious watercolor paintings tell a story for young kids that will touch all ages. In a first-person voice, Chloe speaks about how a new girl in class, Maya, gets the empty seat next to her and tries to be friends. But Chloe and her clique will have none of the poor white kid in her old ragged clothes, and their meanness intensifies after Maya asks to play with them. Then Maya’s family moves away, and she is “forever gone,” leaving Chloe without the chance to put things right. Chloe’s teacher spells out lessons of kindness, but the story is most powerful in the scenes of malicious bullying in the multiracial classroom and in the school yard. It is rare to tell a story of cruelty from the bully’s viewpoint, and both the words and pictures powerfully evoke Chloe’s shame and sorrow over the kindness she has not shown, as she looks at the empty seat next to her in the classroom, and then, alone and troubled, throws a stone in the water and watches the ripples move out and away. HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: The combined talents and star power of Woodson and Lewis will undoubtably create plenty of pre-pub. buzz.

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Along with many teachers at my elementary school, I like to start each new school year by sharing this book.  It is one of those books that touches students of all ages.  Students can relate to both Maya, whose attempts at friendship are not received by her peers, and Chloe, who struggles with her actions toward the new student who is a little different than she and her friends.  It is one of those books that helps create a classroom culture on how we will and will not treat each other through a shared experience discussing this book.  In addition to this powerful story, I also like to share The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig.

Posted by Kellie Hale

Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna

Mr. Peabody's Apples by Madonna and illustrated by Loren Long (published 2003).  32 page picture book. AD860L, RL 3.8. Grades 4-5.  This book tells a story of how our words can hold great power for good or for bad.  

Horn Book Guide (Spring 2004)

Madonna credits an unnamed "nearly three hundred year old story" as the inspiration for her second picture book, about a boy who learns about the destructive power of gossip when a friend starts a rumor that the respected Little League coach is a thief. The story is preachy but somewhat redeemed by its fablelike structure, and while it has cutesy touches it doesn't go on for too long. The Thomas Hart Benton-style paintings give an appropriately folksy tone for the small-town setting.

 As a school librarian, I have often been asked for a book that teaches consequences, has a good moral message, or is just a story with a strong message.  This is one of my favorite recommendations.  In this book, Mr. Peabody is the victim of mistaken information and gossip.  When students hear the message relaying how damaging gossip can never be completely untold, it opens the doors for student led discussions about telling stories about fellow students.  Lately, it has opened opportunities to help students realize the dangers and repercussions of internet postings and how they can never be completely "undone".

Posted by Margo Irving

Go Big or Go Home by Will Hobbs

Go Big or Go Home by Will Hobbs (published 2008). 185 pages. 700L, RL 3.9. This book entertains intermediate level children with the possibility of a meteorite giving super-human powers to an average boy.

                                                      

KIRKUS REVIEW (January 1, 2008)

Extreme sports and extraterrestrial bacteria that thrive in extreme environments are the ingredients for Hobbs’s latest adventure. A meteorite plunging through 14-year-old Brady’s bed begins an exciting summer in South Dakota for Brady and his visiting cousin Quinn. Bike riding up and down the mountains, exploring an unknown cave, fishing for lake trout from a flimsy rubber boat and watching a full-size catapult hurl a discarded toilet bowl are all part of the action. The long-dormant extremophile bacteria from the meteorite revive to infect Brady. The first symptoms are positive—he can bike faster and longer than ever before. But soon he has disturbing episodes of total paralysis. On top of that, his long-time enemies, the Carver boys next door, get possession of the stone. The Black Hills setting is well drawn, including interesting details about the Crazy Horse Memorial, where Brady’s father is a construction worker. With convincing, first-person narration, a fast pace and plenty of suspense, this is a welcome addition to Hobbs’s extremely reader-pleasing work. (Fiction. 10-15)

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This story had my fourth grade class begging for more each time I placed my bookmark between the pages, signaling the end of our read aloud time. They were riveted to the story line, guessing what would happen next and what they would do with the super-human powers Brady experienced. It led to a great writing activity where the students all imagined what they would do to help make their world better if they found themselves suddenly gifted with super-human powers. Some critics may think that because it has boy characters, meteorites, and debilitating bacteria, that is not well-received by more feminine students. However, this was not the case. All of my students were engrossed and engaged in this fun read aloud. An extra bonus was that my students all sent letters to Will Hobbs (who resides in Colorado) afterward, and he was so gracious to respond quickly to our class.  

Posted by Liz Stafford