Reflection

I really have enjoyed the first part of children's literature. I have already learned so much about different types of literature, genres, authors, and reasons why to use books in my classroom. I believe writing blogs is broadening my view on literature and what types of books to choose to read to students. I also believe these blogs have helped me see different opinions of other future teachers and why particular books are important to them.

As I look back on my classroom experiences in elementary school. I don't remember using reading for openings or cross curricular, we just read during reading time. I believe using books throughout the classroom and throughout the school day will not only give the students a variety of knowledge of books but also it will get them excited about reading. This part is very important for myself. If I want students to get excited about reading and examples of many different types of literature I need to choose books that will right for them.

This class is going well so far and I'm excited to put this knowledge to use in the classroom and with future children I work with:-)

The Misfits by James Howe

I'm not finished with this book yet, only on chapter 20, but so far I really enjoy this book. I think what I enjoy about this particular book is that it's unlike anything I have ever read before. The types of families, personalities, lifestyles, and characteristics of each character is well thought out and I think is what totally makes this book work. Bobby is an overweight 7th grader who lives with his dad in a trailer home, Addie is an outspoken and girl who has very strong beliefs, and Joe is gay boy who has no problem being himself. It represents all types of middle school students and that's why I think is enjoyable about The Misfits. They have crushes, have difficulities with teachers, have a particular table in the lunch room, and gossip is always fun.

The book being centered around a campaign is a great idea. First of all it's something that is seen in many middle schools today but there is rarley a group or person who disagrees with this campaign. I think this format of the book and after you understand who the characters are it really makes the reader see the importance of standing up for who you are and what you personally believe in. That it is okay to be different and it is okay to have a different opinion than the rest of your peers. Not everyone is the same or views things in the same manner the most important part of this book is realizing who you are and standing up for what you believe.

Hiroshima No Pika by Toshi Maruki

This book is about the bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima and how it affected the lives of the people who lived there. The pictures in the book are very dark and disturbing. It shows dead people floating in the river, the flames of the fires, and naked people because they lost everything. I do not see this book as problematic to children I do think the story should be told. I just don't think the pictures would be right to show the children, at least young children. I think the older they get the more they will understand but also feel the emotions these families are going through. I think the end of the book is what is most shocking. The girl never grew taller, her mother still finds pieces of glass in her head, people were still in hospitals and there is no cure for what happened that day. It's a very emotional book but one that should be understood in this families perspective otherwise we would not see the problems that were caused because of this bomb.

Uncle What-Is-It Is Coming to Visit by Michael Whilloite

This book is very interesting and I'm not sure I would be totally comfortable bringing this topic up in my classroom. Just like the book about how babies are born I believe this topic is for outside of school. I know now there are more types of families and some children will not be exposed to families with gay parents. I'm not sure this should be talked about it in school. Maybe that's not what I mean...I don't think I should talk about it in school. It depends on how comfortable the teacher is with the children and how comfortable the teacher is with talking about this subject. The problem I have is that I don't want to feel like I am singling out certain students or putting them down by any means. I don't want them to feel uncomfortable, that would be the biggest part of my concern.

I enjoy how the book uses stereotypes of gay people when learning about their uncle. I know this seems weird but I think it is a good idea to talk about stereotypes because students might have their own personal opinions but should not judge a person by what the culture perceives them as. At the end of the book I like how once they meet their uncle they realize he is exactly like everyone else.

I Never Knew Your Name by Sherry Garland

I thought the pictures in this book related perfectly with the book. I noticed that there was not much detail put into each picture: the faces, eyes, clothing, street signs...etc throughout the book. I think it relates well with the book because this boy really wanted to meet this boy and become his friend but he never got too close to understand or see the details of his life. He always wanted to say hi or go fishing with this boy but always found an excuse to do something by himself. This boy he wanted to be friends with was having problems and finally committed suicide. Once this happened the one boy regrets not getting to know him better and the opportunities he missed to become a friend.

I believe this is a very good book. It was really sad but it also gives the reader a perspective of life. It teaches everyone on how to be a better friend and how everyone out to people who might seem to need the help. There is always an opportunity to cheer someone up or make them laugh each day because you wouldn't know what they are dealing with.

This book reminds me of an e-mail I have received many times about a boy who is walking home with all his books because he is going to commit suicide. Then all of a sudden another boy runs over, asks him if he needs help carrying the books then asks him to play. These boys became best friends. On graduation day this boy thanked his best friend for taking the time to make him feel noticed because he was carrying home the books to commit suicide. It's important to know how a little difference can go a long way; even save someones life.

White Wash by Ntozake Shange

I was shocked when I realized this was based on a true story. I experienced emotions with this girl who's face was spray painted white by a white gang that attacked her and her brother after school one day. Her brother got punched in the face while she got spray painted white. The gang was saying how she should be white for a day and be American. I think this is a great book to read with children either in the school setting or at home because of the ending of the book.

This girl was very embarrassed of what happened and stayed in her room for a while. She didn't want to go to school at all. One day when she opened her door all her friends from school standing there waiting for her. They said, " If we all stick together, no one will bother you or anyone else." I really like this quote in the book because there is not only significance to the book but to a culture in the United States. It shows children that if we stand tall together side by side no matter what we look like we can face the troubles in the world that might be wrong or difficult to side with. Everyone has a right and should stand up for their rights or what they believe in.

Mommy Laid an Egg or Where Do Babies Come From by Babette Cole

I think this story is very funny and cute in a way. I like how at the beginning of the book the mom and dad want to tell their kids where babies come from and they say weird things. For example girl babies are made of sugar and spice, some are brought by dinosaurs, grow as plants, and an egg. Then the kids say to the parents that they are wrong and they will teach them how babies are born.

What I thought was very controversial are the pictures the kids draw to show the mom and dad how babies are born. Phrases like, "this fits in there" or "different positions that mom and dad fit together," are just a little over top to me. I do believe this book is a good idea but I believe that how babies are born should be understood at home and not in school. I not only think kids will laugh and giggle at these sorts of things but I also think they might try to investigate these things at school. I think that because it is in a book these children will think it's okay to do and experiment with. It doesn't seem like the right place to read this book to students I think it should stay at home for the mother and father to take care of.