"Airman" by Eoin Colfer

Airman by Eoin Colfer


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Even though it took me forever to read this book, I really enjoyed it! Colfer has a gift for description, point of view, and creating sympathy for his characters. I think the greatest weakness of this novel was the villain. He was so purely, predictably evil that it seems unlikely that he gains any trust at all. That was the greatest weakness, but it was easy to overlook because the main character, Conor, was so engaging.

This novel did include violence and some language. It's more appropriate for 6th grade and up.

Fun, good read!

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Looking forward

In January, we'll be starting out the year with some curriculum. We'll be discussing the Dewey Decimal System with grades 2-5. (Hopefully our 6th graders already have this figured out!)

The second week in January, we'll be working on the PTA Meet the Author program, including works by Mo Willems, Judy Blume, and Gordon Korman. Here's a review of one of the Mo Willems books we will be looking at.

My Friend is Sad: An Elephant and Piggie Book by Mo Willems


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just love Mo Willems! His sense of humor always makes me happy! I love reading his books aloud because they are almost like plays--they beg to be performed!

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Have a great holiday! We'll have a great start to 2010!

Holiday Reading

We've been reading holiday stories during these last few days of school before our winter break. For our younger grades, we've been reading Snowmen at Christmas by Carolyn and Mark Beuhner. The illustrations are great, and have an "I Spy" element. The author listed a few items that are hidden in each painting. The items were hard to find when the illustrations were projected on our screen, but they're much easier to find when you are able to look at the actual pages.

Our middle grades heard a story from one of our many Christmas Treasury books. The story was called "Christmas Cobwebs", and is about the beginnings of tinsel.

When Paul Genesse came to our school, he talked about his "Revenge of the Little Match Girl" from "Terribly Twisted Tales." As a result, we had so many requests for "The Little Match Girl" by Hans Christian Andersen, that I found an online copy of it to read to our students. After reading this version, we watched the animated Disney/Pixar version of the story.

Next week, we'll be reading "A Wish for Wings that Work: an Opus Christmas Story." It's a delightful story about being grateful for who you are and the abilities you have.

Meet the Author

This week, we're participating in the PTA's Meet the Author program. We've got different authors for different groups of grades. Check them all out!

For grades K-2, we're learning about Leo Lionni. Today, we read A Color of His Own to our Kindergartners. A Color of His Own by Leo Lionni


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
A fun book about one chameleon's desire to have a color of his own. He finds that change isn't so bad when you have a friend to share it with. Great for ages 4-7

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This week, we will read another selection by Leo Lionni called Alexander and the Wind Up Mouse. Alexander and the Wind-Up Mouse: by Leo Lionni


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This sweet story tells about a mouse who spends lonely nights wishing he was a toy instead of a real mouse. Then, he would be loved and cuddled like the toy mouse in the house--Willy. When Willy's owner gets some new toys, Willy is placed in a box and he prepares to be thrown away. Alexander changes his mind about what he would wish for, and sees his life as pretty good after all. Read the book to find out how Alexander finds happiness for himself and for Willy.

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For our 3rd and 4th graders, we'll be studying the classics by E.B. White. A master of writing style, White enchants his readers with a new way of seeing the world. We'll be reading excerpts from "Trumpet of the Swan", "Stuart Little", and "Charlotte's Web".

Our 5th and 6th graders will be hearing the first chapter of Katherine Paterson's "Bridge to Terabithia". Mrs. Wadsworth couldn't help but slip into a southern accent while reading this chapter--which says a lot for Mrs. Paterson's ability to create a voice!

Paul Genesse

Last month, we had a meet the author assembly with Paul Genesse! It was great to hear about his recent book tour, and exciting to hear that he ended the tour by visiting our school. "The Hobbit" by J.R.R. Tolkien was his favorite novel while he was growing up. Mr. Genesse mentioned how important it is to enjoy reading.


"The Golden Cord" is the first book in his Iron Dragon series. It was wonderful to hear him read the first chapter! If you're interested in reading the first chapters, or hearing them read via podcast, check out Mr. Genesse's website: PaulGenesse.com










Mr. Genesse had the kids anxious to read his "Terribly Twisted Tales", as he gave a particularly memorable twist to Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl."

A word of wisdom from Mr. Genesse: The secret of success is who you know. If you're shy and have a hard time meeting people, stretch yourself and learn how to make friends. When you work on being published, you need to know people--from people who can strengthen your writing to people who know how to market your published book. When people know you, they are more likely to give you an opportunity that you wouldn't otherwise have. So, be friendly!

Following our assembly, Mr. Genesse taught a writer's workshop. They created a character, tortured that character--in other words, gave the character very difficult problems to face--and gave the story a twist. He also taught about ending the story with a hook, or a cool closing line that makes the reader remember your story.

Thanks for visiting us, Mr. Genesse!

Uncle Pirate

Here's a popular book that was recommended in a recent assembly at our school. Not sure I agree with what was said about this book...

Uncle Pirate by Douglas Rees


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
This book was clever and creative, but there were a couple of messages there that I didn't appreciate. The school that the boy attends is in chaos. The kids behave horribly and the administration behaves even worse. There are three instances where the students recite the Pledge of Allegiance--only the Pledge isn't recited. It is revised and almost mocked. I don't think kids should be reading things that downplay patriotism and paint school administrators in such a negative light. That being said, the Uncle Pirate was able to restore order to the school by giving responsibility to those who needed it, and uniting the students in a common goal--to keep their classrooms ship-shape and Bristol fashion. Clever idea. Fun "piratey" language. Easy read. Not the best book for children.

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Fancy Nancy

If you haven't met Fancy Nancy yet, you are missing out. Jane O'Connor's books about Fancy Nancy have adorable illustrations, and every book has a lesson--how to deal with disappointment, how to manage your time, how to be a good friend, how to be yourself and allow others the same privilege. Plus, Nancy uses "fancy" words and defines them! Expand your child's vocabulary and life skills with Fancy Nancy!

The Cow That Laid An Egg

The Cow That Laid an Egg by Andy Cutbill


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Cute book with adorable illustrations. I wondered for a moment if it would be like "Horton Hatches the Egg", and the egg would hatch with a cow-chick inside. The slight difference was clever and cute.

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Always in Trouble

Always In Trouble by Corinne Demas


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is a fun book about a rambunctious dog who is "Always in Trouble." Toby gets into the garbage, chews up everything he can get his teeth on, and digs up petunias. Even after some time in obedience school, Toby can't behave. Finally, Toby's owners send him away for a week. You'll have to read it to find out what happens! Cute illustrations.

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Too Many Toys

Too Many Toys by David Shannon


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Spencer is spoiled. He has so many toys, and wants to play with all of them. This book reminded me of why i so often cleaned a toy closet while my children were at school. In a nice twist, at the end of the book, Spencer discovers that the best toy of all is fueled with his imagination. A funny book to read to your kids when they're getting a bit spoiled.

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Dooby Dooby Moo

Dooby Dooby Moo by Doreen Cronin


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
"Dooby Dooby Moo" brings the fun characters from "Click Clack Moo:Cows that Type", and puts them in a talent show. This author shows her fun sense of humor as the Farmer Brown keeps his eye on his talented farm animals, who continually outsmart him. The animals might even win a prize at the fair!

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Big Chickens

Big Chickens by Leslie Helakoski


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book has fun illustrations of chickens who overreact when they are afraid. Their actions lead them straight into the situations they fear the most, and without even knowing it, they somehow survive. "Big Chickens" is a fun story about being brave!

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New Books in the Library

With the book fair, we will be getting a few new books in the library! I'll be posting about the new books, so keep an eye open for them.

Book Fair!

We will have the book fair set up in the Media Center this week! That means you won't be checking books out from the library this week, but come and see the great titles you can buy! Books make a great reward for good grades! If you see a book you really like and want the library to have an extra copy of, be sure to let Mrs. Wadsworth know!

How I Learned Geography

One of the books we will read in the library in November is "How I Learned Geography" by Uri Shulevitz. I took pictures of each of the illustrations in this book and put them into a PowerPoint presentation so the students can see the illustrations on the movie screen in the media center. Ask your students about this book! It's a Beehive Nominee for 2010, and a Caldecott Honor winner in 2009.


How I Learned Geography by Uri Shulevitz


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
In this wonderful book, Uri Shulevitz reveals how he learned Geography. In war-torn Europe, Mr. Shulevitz spent time studying, copying, and daydreaming about a wall-sized map his father bought when he didn't have enough money to feed his family. Full of colorful illustrations, this book emphasizes the power of the imagination to overcome meager circumstances. It gives a wonderful perspective for children who often take their education for granted. A must read for teachers, parents, and students alike!

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Holly Newton's Book News

On Tuesday, we had an assembly with Holly Newton, who has reviewed children's books for ten years. Her website, http://newtonsbook.com is full of short reviews of dozens of books, and those reviews are grouped into categories. Her website isn't geared toward children and isn't particularly interesting to look at, but it is an excellent resource for parents who want ideas on books that get their children reading.

Holly Newton has been an educator for 25 years, teaching grades K-7. She reviews books for Meridian Magazine, as well as for a newspaper in Missouri. Holly also won the Literacy Award from the International Reading Association.

Meet the Author--Andrew Clements

Our PTA is sponsoring a Meet the Author program. Our author this month is Andrew Clements! We'll be talking about this prolific and versatile author in the library and reading from a few of his books. To read his biography, check out his website!



For grades K-2 we'll be reading "Dogku". Illustrated by Tim Bowers, this adorable book about a stray dog finding a home will please children--and possibly make them want a pet of their own. It's called "Dogku" because the story is told through a haiku on each page!









For 3rd and 4th grades, we'll be reading from "Frindle". This story is about a fifth grader who discovers the power of words by creating one.


















For 5th and 6th grades, we'll be reading from "Things Hoped For". In the first chapter, I focused on a wonderful description of Gwen's musical ability and how she rehearses for her upcoming audition. Clements has a gift for metaphors!














Ask your students about these books, and keep your eyes open for other titles by Andrew Clements!

Road to Success!

1.5 million minutes! That is our school reading goal this year! The Road to Success is a program which encourages students to read at least 20 minutes a night. It is a 30 week program--from now until May--and the prizes are fantastic. 6 bikes will be available for students to win, as well as a Barnes Noble gift certificate and 4 $50 college scholarships.

Check out the Road to Success website for a list of sponsors and ideas to get your children reading!

M is for Mischief

M Is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children by Linda Ashman


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book was really fun, with creative pictures and rhyme. Parents and kids will get a kick out of this book, and it could spark some good conversations about appropriate behavior and being a good citizen. Kids who are already mischievous might just get ideas, though. I've had a few smart-alec students who might try to copy some of these behaviors. I'm not sure I'll read it at school, but I'd read it to my kids.

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This is Just to Say

Here's a review of my favorite poetry book since I started reading Beehive Nominations for 2010.

This is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness by Joyce Sidman


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book of poetry was my favorite so far! The poems in this book were written by 6th graders and their teacher. The first half of the book is poems of apology--the students wrote poems to someone they hurt about what they did to hurt that person. Some are funny, and some are heart wrenching. Many show an incredible depth and maturity, especially given the young age of the authors. The second half of the book is poems of forgiveness, written by the people the first group of poems were written to. There are a couple of poems with strong language, but overall, this book really impressed me and makes me want to teach a poetry writing class!

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The Graveyard Book

I finished this book last night. Here's my review. This novel is appropriate for 5th grade and up, though the book begins with a grisly murder of a family, leaving an infant boy orphaned and alone. The murder is bloody for a child's book, and some children may be disturbed by the images invoked.

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This story felt a bit slow for the first 2/3 of the book. It was interesting--an intimate look at the unseen life that could go on in a graveyard--and the character Bod was endearing. There were many times when I felt like the reader missed out on moments of conflict that would have strengthened the narrative and kept the plot moving. In fact, that was probably this novel's greatest weakness--lack of conflict. From about page 180 on, it got more interesting. The climax of the novel relied on the descriptive "down time" that had felt so slow earlier on, so that gave those slow scenes more meaning. Books that cover a long length of time seem to have this flaw--they feel episodic and less cohesive, and the reader must read with faith that everything will tie together in the end. This novel did tie together, and I liked it much better by the time I got to the end of it. Overall, entertaining.

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Cabinet of Wonders

This book is appropriate for 5th grade reading level and up.

The Cabinet of Wonders by Marie Rutkoski


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I loved this book! I am very picky about novels that I read in my free time. I expect a novel to grab me right away. I expect interesting characters and an involved plot that is driven by character choices. This novel had all of that. Easily rivaling Harry Potter with its magical qualities and endearing characters, this novel is enchanting, heart-wrenching, and well worth your time!

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The library is open!

Hello, Bella Vista students! Our library is now open! You'll be able to check out books, but be sure you can check them back in! During the first week of library services, we'll read "What Happened to Marion's Book?" to the students. Parents, ask your children about the things they need to do when they borrow a book from the library--then ask them about the things they shouldn't do.



What Happened to Marion's Book? by Brook Berg


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Marion is a little hedgehog who needs to learn how to care for her library books! This book is great to help students learn about taking responsibility for the books they borrow from the library. A great read at the beginning of the school year.

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Reading Goals

It's important to set goals because they give you direction. Ever spent a summer without any goals? You sit around and do nothing until your mom gives you something to do, right? I have set a goal this school year to read all of the Beehive nominees for 2010. The first book I read in an effort to accomplish this goal was "The Cabinet of Wonders" by Marie Rutoski. I will write my book review soon.

Set a few goals this year! Your first goal, of course, should be to read the books you need to read for your classes. Having a hard time deciding what books to read in your free time? Check with your librarian for ideas!

Want to go places you've never been and meet people you've never met? Want to learn something new and experience something out of the ordinary? Read a book!

BEE a booklover!

The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.

--Dr Seuss

Reading is important in school and in your life. Frequent reading will increase ability, fluency, and comprehension. Reading helps you to use your imagination, so the more you read, the more creative you will be!

So, BEE a booklover!

Bella Vista Book Lovers

Welcome to Bella Vista Book Lovers! This blog is a tool to help promote literacy for elementary school students, particularly our wonderful Bella Vista Tigers! Check back at least once a month to see which books our students are reading. Also check here to learn more about the literacy programs in our school.

Enjoy!