Wong, Li Keng. (2006). Good Fortune: My Journey to Gold Mountain. Atlanta: Peachtree Publishers.
Grades: 4 - 7
Book Type: Auto-Biography
Curriculum Links: Social Studies
Author Credibility: Li Keng Wong wrote this book which tells of her experience as a child coming to the United States to live. In the author`s note, she says that she was the first in her family to attend college. She taught elementary school for over thirty-five years in the San Francisco Bay area. This book is her first one for young readers.
Awards: 2007 Notable Social Studies Tradebook
Summary:
This is a biography of Li Keng Wong`s life that tells of her journey to Gold Mountain in the 1930s. It begins by describing her life with her sisters and mother in the village of Good Do Hong, a very poor but peaceful area in China. Her father was the only one in the village who had traveled to the United States in search of a job that paid great money. Her father, Baba, had been gone for several years. Baba sent money back and forth to his family, but rarely visited them. Li Keng and her family did not have to work hard in the fields like their neighbors, because of the money Baba sent them. La Keng barely knew her father and was very excited when he wrote to them about coming home soon. Baba was preparing for his family to travel to the United States with him. The United States was given the name, Gold Mountain, by the Chinese because it was the land of opportunities. In this book, Li Keng talks about how her life changed after coming to Gold Mountain. It tells of the good and bad experiences her family faced. Her family struggled financially for many years and had to be careful for fear of being deported. However, they were happy for their family to finally be together. They always celebrated the little fortunes or happy moments, even in times of great struggle. Li Keng liked living in San Francisco. This book is told through her eyes as a child coming to a foreign place where their would be greater opportunities for her family.
Standards: Culture; Time, Continuity, and Change; Individual Development and Identity
Illustrations: The only illustrations in the book are black and white photographs of her family found in the author`s note.
Access Features: Table of contents, author`s note, information about Angel Island and the Chinese Exclusion Act, web resources, and related texts
Classroom Use: I would use this book to discuss how many people migrated to the United States in search of jobs and better pay. The Chinese Exclusion Act could be discussed.
Response: I really enjoyed reading this book. It was a wonderful biography, and I loved the story it told about Li Keng`s journey to Gold Mountain. It cast a new perspective on what it was like coming to the United States and leaving the only land you had ever known. I think older children would really like this book a lot!
Related Texts:
Kai`s Journey to Gold Mountain by Katrina Currier
The Chinese American Family Album by Dorothy and Thomas Hoobler
Journey to Gold Mountain: The Chinese in 19th Century America by Ronald Takaki
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Emeka`s Gift: An African Counting Story by Ifeoma Onyefulu #33
Onyefulu, Ifeoma. (1995). Emeka`s Gift: An African Counting Story. New York: Puffin Books.
Grades: PreK-1
Book Type: Picture
Curriculum Links: Math, Social Studies
Author Credibility: The author`s own son, Emeka, is written about in this book. Onyefulu wrote this story which presents the math concept of counting by telling a story about his very own son.
Awards: African Studies Children`s Association Book Award
Summary:
Emeka lives in southern Nigeria in the village of Ibaji with his family. He wants to take his grandmother a present, but can`t decide what to bring her. Giving simple gifts to family members is part of their culture. In the book, Emeka is seeing different things he could give his grandmother like a necklace, an instrument, and a hat. This book presents a very simple story about counting 1 – 10 through the photographs. The author in a very special way brings in information about their culture. We not practice counting, but also learn about the games, instruments, and families that live in Ibaji. The book contains full-color photographs taken by the author himself of his very own village and people.
Standards: Math - Number and Operations (NCTM); Social Studies – Culture Strand
Illustrations: Beautiful full-color photographs taken by the author are used to illustrate this simple counting story. They capture they spirit and culture of the village.
Access Features: Author`s note, the number and words are displayed in a large font, the text is framed in an African-like décor
Classroom Use: This book could be used in pre-kindergarten to focus on the concept of counting. Also, a discussion of how parts of the world are different from where we live could be brought in by reading this book.
Response: I thought this was a lovely little book about counting. It takes a very simple concept in math and brings in a culture view of southern Nigeria. It is definitely not what you expect to see in most counting stories. Young children would love this book!
Related Texts:
A is for Africa by Ifeoma Onyefulu
Grades: PreK-1
Book Type: Picture
Curriculum Links: Math, Social Studies
Author Credibility: The author`s own son, Emeka, is written about in this book. Onyefulu wrote this story which presents the math concept of counting by telling a story about his very own son.
Awards: African Studies Children`s Association Book Award
Summary:
Emeka lives in southern Nigeria in the village of Ibaji with his family. He wants to take his grandmother a present, but can`t decide what to bring her. Giving simple gifts to family members is part of their culture. In the book, Emeka is seeing different things he could give his grandmother like a necklace, an instrument, and a hat. This book presents a very simple story about counting 1 – 10 through the photographs. The author in a very special way brings in information about their culture. We not practice counting, but also learn about the games, instruments, and families that live in Ibaji. The book contains full-color photographs taken by the author himself of his very own village and people.
Standards: Math - Number and Operations (NCTM); Social Studies – Culture Strand
Illustrations: Beautiful full-color photographs taken by the author are used to illustrate this simple counting story. They capture they spirit and culture of the village.
Access Features: Author`s note, the number and words are displayed in a large font, the text is framed in an African-like décor
Classroom Use: This book could be used in pre-kindergarten to focus on the concept of counting. Also, a discussion of how parts of the world are different from where we live could be brought in by reading this book.
Response: I thought this was a lovely little book about counting. It takes a very simple concept in math and brings in a culture view of southern Nigeria. It is definitely not what you expect to see in most counting stories. Young children would love this book!
Related Texts:
A is for Africa by Ifeoma Onyefulu
Math Fables by Gregg Tang #32
Tang, Gregg. (2004). Math Fables. New York: Scholastic Press.
Grades: PreK – 1 (ages 3 – 6)
Book Type: Picture
Illustrator: Heather Cahoon
Author Credibility: Greg Tang has a M.A. in Math Education from New York University. He is the author of The Grapes of Math, a New York Times Bestseller. He enjoys writing books that help further extend math concepts and make math fun.
Awards: none given
Summary:
In this book, the author has written short fables that introduce the numbers 1 – 10 by counting. But, he also shows each number in different ways in terms of grouping them. This book encourages children at a very young age to start thinking about math in different ways. The illustrations are whimsical and cartoon-like, and they are inviting for children. They also help present the concepts laid out in the book.
Standards: Number and Operations Standard (NCTM)
Illustrations: The illustrator Heather Cahoon created the illustrations in this book using a computer and various graphics. The illustrations correspond with the short fables and math concepts presented in the book. They are very beautiful to look at, and children would definitely enjoy looking at them.
Access Features: Author`s note, practice Challenges for kids working with numbers, headings for each new fable that are big and colorful
Classroom Use: I used this book to present the math concept of counting in different ways, while teaching pre-kindergarten last year. My children loved it! They enjoyed looking at the pictures and were able to grasp the concept in a different way.
Response: I think this is a great book for very young children! The earlier math concepts like these are presented the better! I liked that it didn`t just focus on counting like 1,2,3, and so on, but it shows how numbers can be grouped in different ways. The book really makes math fun, and that is so important to teaching math concepts.
Other Books in this series by Gregg Tang:
The Grapes of Math
Math for All Seasons
The Best of Times
Math Appeal
Math-terpieces
Grades: PreK – 1 (ages 3 – 6)
Book Type: Picture
Illustrator: Heather Cahoon
Author Credibility: Greg Tang has a M.A. in Math Education from New York University. He is the author of The Grapes of Math, a New York Times Bestseller. He enjoys writing books that help further extend math concepts and make math fun.
Awards: none given
Summary:
In this book, the author has written short fables that introduce the numbers 1 – 10 by counting. But, he also shows each number in different ways in terms of grouping them. This book encourages children at a very young age to start thinking about math in different ways. The illustrations are whimsical and cartoon-like, and they are inviting for children. They also help present the concepts laid out in the book.
Standards: Number and Operations Standard (NCTM)
Illustrations: The illustrator Heather Cahoon created the illustrations in this book using a computer and various graphics. The illustrations correspond with the short fables and math concepts presented in the book. They are very beautiful to look at, and children would definitely enjoy looking at them.
Access Features: Author`s note, practice Challenges for kids working with numbers, headings for each new fable that are big and colorful
Classroom Use: I used this book to present the math concept of counting in different ways, while teaching pre-kindergarten last year. My children loved it! They enjoyed looking at the pictures and were able to grasp the concept in a different way.
Response: I think this is a great book for very young children! The earlier math concepts like these are presented the better! I liked that it didn`t just focus on counting like 1,2,3, and so on, but it shows how numbers can be grouped in different ways. The book really makes math fun, and that is so important to teaching math concepts.
Other Books in this series by Gregg Tang:
The Grapes of Math
Math for All Seasons
The Best of Times
Math Appeal
Math-terpieces
Mississippi River by Peter Lourie #31
Lourie, Peter. (2000). Mississippi River: A Journey Down the Father of Waters. Honesdale, PA: Boyds Mill Press.
Grades: 3 -6
Book Type: Photographic Essay
Curriculum Links: Social Studies
Author Credibility: Peter Lourie has traveled and studied places all over the world. For this book, he also traveled down the Mississippi River beginning at Lake Itasca near Canada and ending near the Gulf of Mexico.
Awards: Best Books of 2000 (Center for Children`s Books)
Summary:
This book is told through the eyes of the author, Peter Lourie. He actually canoed with a friend from Lake Itasca all the way down the Mississippi River ending near the Gulf of Mexico. Throughout the book, he discusses his experiences during his journey and provides information from the past and present about people and places along the way. The illustrations provide a photographic journey of his travel down the river along with historic photos of important places. The book is told in a very conversational tone that makes you feel like you are right there with him on his journey.
Standards: People, Places and Environments
Illustrations: The illustrations are full-color photographs taken along Peter Lourie`s journey down the Mississippi River. Also, black-and white photographs are dispersed throughout the book that show some historical places and people related to the Mississippi River.
Access Features: Prologue, table of contents, chapter headings, index
Classroom Use: This book could be used during a study of important rivers in the United States. It has so much history, past and present, that it would be a great book to use to discuss the geography of the Mississippi River and learn about the stories of the river.
Response: I really liked this book, because it was so interesting! There is so much fascinating information in this book about the river and people and places that live near the river. I enjoyed learning more about a river that is so important to the United States and our area!
Other books by Peter Lourie:
Amazon
Hudson River
Yukon River
Eric Canal
Everglades
Rio Grande
Grades: 3 -6
Book Type: Photographic Essay
Curriculum Links: Social Studies
Author Credibility: Peter Lourie has traveled and studied places all over the world. For this book, he also traveled down the Mississippi River beginning at Lake Itasca near Canada and ending near the Gulf of Mexico.
Awards: Best Books of 2000 (Center for Children`s Books)
Summary:
This book is told through the eyes of the author, Peter Lourie. He actually canoed with a friend from Lake Itasca all the way down the Mississippi River ending near the Gulf of Mexico. Throughout the book, he discusses his experiences during his journey and provides information from the past and present about people and places along the way. The illustrations provide a photographic journey of his travel down the river along with historic photos of important places. The book is told in a very conversational tone that makes you feel like you are right there with him on his journey.
Standards: People, Places and Environments
Illustrations: The illustrations are full-color photographs taken along Peter Lourie`s journey down the Mississippi River. Also, black-and white photographs are dispersed throughout the book that show some historical places and people related to the Mississippi River.
Access Features: Prologue, table of contents, chapter headings, index
Classroom Use: This book could be used during a study of important rivers in the United States. It has so much history, past and present, that it would be a great book to use to discuss the geography of the Mississippi River and learn about the stories of the river.
Response: I really liked this book, because it was so interesting! There is so much fascinating information in this book about the river and people and places that live near the river. I enjoyed learning more about a river that is so important to the United States and our area!
Other books by Peter Lourie:
Amazon
Hudson River
Yukon River
Eric Canal
Everglades
Rio Grande
Solar System by Dr. Mike Goldsmith #30
Goldsmith, Mike. (2004). Solar System. Boston: Kingfisher Publications.
Grades: PreK - 3
Book Type: Picture
Curriculum Links: Science
Author Credibility: Dr. Mike Goldsmith has a Ph.D. in astrophysics and continues to study all about space and the solar system. He has authored more than twenty nonfiction books for children, most of which are on the topic of space.
Awards: 2005 Junior Aventis Prize
Summary:
This book contains engaging illustrations along with important information about each of the planets. It begins by giving an overview of the solar system in general. Then, it breaks down each of the planets by providing a vivid description, intriguing details, and keywords that are important to remember. The book also contains information about related topics such as astronauts who have traveled to space, asteroids, and shooting stars. The author uses a conversation tone throughout the book. The giant illustrations along with big text provide children with an interesting look into the great solar system.
Standards: Earth and Space Science (national science standards)
Illustrations: The information in each section is presented on a two-page spread. Many of the images come from NASA, the author notes. The images are very big and colorful and offer an up-close view of the solar system.
Access Features: Table of contents, giant headings that are very intriguing, bolded words that could be used for vocabulary study, step-by-step instructions for some interesting science projects, and an index
Classroom Use: This book could be used during a study of the planets and the solar system.
Response: I used this book to help with a unit during student teaching. I read parts of it aloud, and the children really enjoyed it. They really liked the big illustrations that were so colorful and interesting. This book contains really good information about the solar system and related topics. The author lays out the information in a very simply way.
Grades: PreK - 3
Book Type: Picture
Curriculum Links: Science
Author Credibility: Dr. Mike Goldsmith has a Ph.D. in astrophysics and continues to study all about space and the solar system. He has authored more than twenty nonfiction books for children, most of which are on the topic of space.
Awards: 2005 Junior Aventis Prize
Summary:
This book contains engaging illustrations along with important information about each of the planets. It begins by giving an overview of the solar system in general. Then, it breaks down each of the planets by providing a vivid description, intriguing details, and keywords that are important to remember. The book also contains information about related topics such as astronauts who have traveled to space, asteroids, and shooting stars. The author uses a conversation tone throughout the book. The giant illustrations along with big text provide children with an interesting look into the great solar system.
Standards: Earth and Space Science (national science standards)
Illustrations: The information in each section is presented on a two-page spread. Many of the images come from NASA, the author notes. The images are very big and colorful and offer an up-close view of the solar system.
Access Features: Table of contents, giant headings that are very intriguing, bolded words that could be used for vocabulary study, step-by-step instructions for some interesting science projects, and an index
Classroom Use: This book could be used during a study of the planets and the solar system.
Response: I used this book to help with a unit during student teaching. I read parts of it aloud, and the children really enjoyed it. They really liked the big illustrations that were so colorful and interesting. This book contains really good information about the solar system and related topics. The author lays out the information in a very simply way.
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
A Picture Book of Lewis and Clark by David A. Adler #29
Adler, David A. (2003). A Picture Book of Lewis and Clark. New York: Holiday House
Grades: K – 3
Book Type: Picture, Partial Biography
Illustrator: Ronald Himler
Author Credibility: The author provided a bibliography of books that were used for the information provided in this book. They also acknowledge three people – David S. Lavender (author), Dr. Joseph Mussulman, and Bob Moore (park historian of the Jefferson National Expansion) – for their contributions.
Awards: 2004 Notable Social Studies Tradebook
Summary:
This is a picture book that tells of Lewis and Clark`s expedition where they explored the land west of the Mississippi River. The beginning of the book gives information about each of their lives. Lewis and Clark both had met while serving in the army. After Thomas Jefferson appointed Lewis to lead the expedition, Clark answered the call to help with it. The Corps, the name given to the mission and explorers involved, began on May 14, 1804. Along with them, were Sacagawea and Charbonneau who helped interpret when needed. Throughout their journey, they sent reports back to Thomas Jefferson on the animals, plants, and the Indians they had encountered along the way. In November of 1805, the Corps reached the Pacific Ocean finally. Lewis and Clark were real heroes, because of their successful exploration of the west. They had become real American pioneers. This book had a narrative tone, and the facts were presented in a simplistic manner.
Standards: Time, Continuity, and Change; People, Places, and Environments
Illustrations: The illustrations appear to be drawings that have been painted to give off a canvas-like appearance. There are many two-page spreads of the illustrations that give the reader a view of what it was like for Lewis and Clark during their expedition. Also, a map is provided in the book that outlines the course that Lewis and Clark traveled to reach the Pacific Ocean.
Access Features: Author`s note, timeline, bibliography, and related websites
Classroom Use: I would use this book in my classroom to discuss how expeditions like Lewis and Clark`s were very important to understanding what exactly was out there in terms of the undiscovered lands of the west. Their expedition played an important role in providing information about the land, animals, plants, and Indians of the west of the Mississippi River. It would be important to discuss how there were no maps of this area at the time, so expeditions like these were the only way to gather information.
Response: I thought this was a great book that offered information about Lewis and Clark in a simplistic way. It would be a great read for young readers. Also, I thought the illustrations were very beautiful.
Related Texts:
A Picture Book of Sacagawea by David A. Adler
Lewis and Clark: Explorers of the American West by Steven Kroll
Off the Map: The Journals of Lewis and Clark by Peter and Connie Roop
Lewis and Clark by Conrad Stein
Grades: K – 3
Book Type: Picture, Partial Biography
Illustrator: Ronald Himler
Author Credibility: The author provided a bibliography of books that were used for the information provided in this book. They also acknowledge three people – David S. Lavender (author), Dr. Joseph Mussulman, and Bob Moore (park historian of the Jefferson National Expansion) – for their contributions.
Awards: 2004 Notable Social Studies Tradebook
Summary:
This is a picture book that tells of Lewis and Clark`s expedition where they explored the land west of the Mississippi River. The beginning of the book gives information about each of their lives. Lewis and Clark both had met while serving in the army. After Thomas Jefferson appointed Lewis to lead the expedition, Clark answered the call to help with it. The Corps, the name given to the mission and explorers involved, began on May 14, 1804. Along with them, were Sacagawea and Charbonneau who helped interpret when needed. Throughout their journey, they sent reports back to Thomas Jefferson on the animals, plants, and the Indians they had encountered along the way. In November of 1805, the Corps reached the Pacific Ocean finally. Lewis and Clark were real heroes, because of their successful exploration of the west. They had become real American pioneers. This book had a narrative tone, and the facts were presented in a simplistic manner.
Standards: Time, Continuity, and Change; People, Places, and Environments
Illustrations: The illustrations appear to be drawings that have been painted to give off a canvas-like appearance. There are many two-page spreads of the illustrations that give the reader a view of what it was like for Lewis and Clark during their expedition. Also, a map is provided in the book that outlines the course that Lewis and Clark traveled to reach the Pacific Ocean.
Access Features: Author`s note, timeline, bibliography, and related websites
Classroom Use: I would use this book in my classroom to discuss how expeditions like Lewis and Clark`s were very important to understanding what exactly was out there in terms of the undiscovered lands of the west. Their expedition played an important role in providing information about the land, animals, plants, and Indians of the west of the Mississippi River. It would be important to discuss how there were no maps of this area at the time, so expeditions like these were the only way to gather information.
Response: I thought this was a great book that offered information about Lewis and Clark in a simplistic way. It would be a great read for young readers. Also, I thought the illustrations were very beautiful.
Related Texts:
A Picture Book of Sacagawea by David A. Adler
Lewis and Clark: Explorers of the American West by Steven Kroll
Off the Map: The Journals of Lewis and Clark by Peter and Connie Roop
Lewis and Clark by Conrad Stein
When I Was A Soldier by Valerie Zenatti (4 books) (235 pages) #25, #26, #27, #28
Zenatti, Valerie. (2002). When I Was a Soldier. New York: Bloomsbury Publishing.
Grades: 9th and up
Book Type: Biography
Curriculum Links: Social Studies
Author Credibility: This is Valerie Zenatti`s own story of becoming an adult in the Israeli Defense Force as a soldier. She tells of her experiences and how life changed for her after serving in the army.
Awards: 2006 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book
Summary:
This book is about Valerie Zenatti`s life and how it changed after being required to serve in the Israeli army for at least two years after turning 18. From her experiences, we can see how life was different living in Israel. Her family moved when she was 13 to Beersheva, a part of Israel that didn`t have much to offer her. It was difficult for her moving not knowing the Hebrew language. But, as she got older her friends and others were always asking her to speak in French, because they liked her accent. After enlisting in the army, she realizes that she is changing. She faces a difficult time when she is hospitalized after suffering from a breakdown. Her story really shares the emotional aspect of serving in an army that is not even in her homeland. Being away from family and friends was very difficult for her and especially dealing with questions about why she was even having to serve.
Standards: Culture; People, Places, and Environments; Individual Development and Identity
Illustrations: This book contains no illustrations.
Access Features: The only access features this book contains is headings for each new section of the book and an author`s note at the end.
Classroom Use: I would use this book in older grades to discuss how life is different in other parts of the world. For example, young adults being required to serve in the army for two years after finishing school. We could discuss the changes a young adult would go through having to face such grown-up responsibilities at such a young age.
Response: I have to admit that when I first got this book, I was not really looking forward to reading it. But, then after I started I realized it was a very different read than I had expected. I thought it was going to be about politics and bloodshed. It was nothing like that at all. It was about a young girl facing the army at such a young age and how she faced emotional struggles like missing her family and questioning her life throughout her two years in the army. This book really told the story of Valerie Zenatti growing up in a very different land.
Grades: 9th and up
Book Type: Biography
Curriculum Links: Social Studies
Author Credibility: This is Valerie Zenatti`s own story of becoming an adult in the Israeli Defense Force as a soldier. She tells of her experiences and how life changed for her after serving in the army.
Awards: 2006 Mildred L. Batchelder Honor Book
Summary:
This book is about Valerie Zenatti`s life and how it changed after being required to serve in the Israeli army for at least two years after turning 18. From her experiences, we can see how life was different living in Israel. Her family moved when she was 13 to Beersheva, a part of Israel that didn`t have much to offer her. It was difficult for her moving not knowing the Hebrew language. But, as she got older her friends and others were always asking her to speak in French, because they liked her accent. After enlisting in the army, she realizes that she is changing. She faces a difficult time when she is hospitalized after suffering from a breakdown. Her story really shares the emotional aspect of serving in an army that is not even in her homeland. Being away from family and friends was very difficult for her and especially dealing with questions about why she was even having to serve.
Standards: Culture; People, Places, and Environments; Individual Development and Identity
Illustrations: This book contains no illustrations.
Access Features: The only access features this book contains is headings for each new section of the book and an author`s note at the end.
Classroom Use: I would use this book in older grades to discuss how life is different in other parts of the world. For example, young adults being required to serve in the army for two years after finishing school. We could discuss the changes a young adult would go through having to face such grown-up responsibilities at such a young age.
Response: I have to admit that when I first got this book, I was not really looking forward to reading it. But, then after I started I realized it was a very different read than I had expected. I thought it was going to be about politics and bloodshed. It was nothing like that at all. It was about a young girl facing the army at such a young age and how she faced emotional struggles like missing her family and questioning her life throughout her two years in the army. This book really told the story of Valerie Zenatti growing up in a very different land.
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