Kindness Wins by Galit Breen

Genre: Non-Fiction, Informational, Teens and Adults

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I originally agreed to read and review this book because it sounded like something I needed on my school shelves.  I had no idea how right I would be.  This book was written after two major events in

 the author's life.  The first event involved an article she had written for The Huffington Post. She suddenly found herself a victim of cyberbullying.  The second event was her daughter wanting to post things to social media.  Because of her previous experience she realized how important it was to teach her daughter social responsibility on social media.   This review came at a most opportune time in my school year.  We recently had a group of kids making negative comments to each other through something as simple as clapping.  Clapping toward a person was the same thing as calling them a very negative name.  When I spoke to each of my classes and explained that this was a form of bullying and would not be tolerated and that administration had been alerted to this form of bullying it stopped, or so I thought.  Two days later a young lady asked to show me her Instagram. She was upset by the next level these students had taken the clapping.  They were told to mention the name of the person and to send the clap on through to their followers to gather claps.  She was very disturbed by this.  For this reason I am glad I read the book this weekend.

This book has taught me a parent of grown children and a teacher several things.  First I need to make sure I check and double check my own responses.  I need to take time to address my students on the issue of social responsibility on social media.  I've seen several of them on Facebook and I have had private conversations about what they are posting.  It seems that I should just assume that not all parents are going to teach their children and I will do so. This week is our last week before Spring Break and end of the quarter.  I am going to dedicate one of those days to this lesson.

Lessons can be taken straight from her table of contents.  We must always remember that there is someone on the other side of the screen.  One of the most important things she talked about was not talking about someone's body.  That means good or bad.  My favorite was Chapter 6, "If You Wouldn't Say It or Show It to Your Mama, Keep It Offline". This is the one I am going to start my class with.  I need to remind my students that "The Internet Isn't Permanent, But It Is Public and It Is Loud" (Chapter 8).  Students don't think about this at all. Chapter's 9 and 10 are the other two that I find so important to discuss with my students.  Chapter 9 is called "Just Because You See It, Doesn't Mean It's Yours".  Kids seem to have a real problem, as do some adults, understanding this. Finally, Chapter 10 teaches that we are responsible for every word we write online.  Just because we post something as anonymous doesn't mean we aren't responsible.  I guess I've always figured if I was ashamed to put my name to it then I didn't need to post it.  

This is a book that all parents and teachers should read and share with their kids.  It is probably one of the most valuable books around.  It teaches lessons that not only kids but adults need to know as well.

About the Author

Galit Breen was a classroom and reading teacher for ten years. She has a master's degree in education and a bachelor's degree in human development. In 2009, she launched a career as a freelance writer entrenched in social media. Since then, her work has been featured in various online magazines including Brain, Child, The Huffington Post, TIME, and xoJane. Breen lives in Minnesota with her husband, three children, and a ridiculously spoiled miniature golden doodle. You can learn more about Galit by visiting:

Blog:  http://TheseLittleWaves.com

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/galitbreen

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/GalitBreen

Pinterest:  https://www.pinterest.com/galitbreen/

Instagram:  https://instagram.com/galitbreen/

Google +:  https://plus.google.com/app/basic/101326805216591048482

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5769668.Galit_Breen?from

Student Saturday: The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Student Reviewer: Logan C.
Genre: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade

The characters are twelve year old Hugo, Isabelle, the toymaker, the stations inspector and Hugo's uncle. The setting is at the train station, the toymaker's house, and in the toymaker's shoe.

the major plot points are that Hugo is taught his uncle's craft after he is orphaned. His uncle goes missing and Hugo has to keep the clocks working. He found an automator in the fire that killed his father. They realize that the toy maker was a movie maker in the past.

Some connections I had with this book is that Hugo is my age, and likes to explore, take things apart, and make new things. I would recommend reading this book because even though it's thick it is really a quick read. I thought the book was better than the movie because the characters seem more real. This book also uses real antique photos as well as award winning drawings.

A Noble Paradise by James Crawford

Genre: Adult, Realistic Fiction
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. the opinions expressed here are my own.

This book hooks you from the beginning. So let me give you a warning. if you are looking for a feel good book; put this one down and find something else to read.

We have David Noble a single father raising two kids. This book touches many ares in my own past. Like David so many single parents try not to involve their children in the ugly parts of a divorce. He tries to provide support and balance to his children's lives. David's ex-wife, tired of paying child support and wanting her daughter listens to friends who tell her how she can get the kids back and destroy David.  It is a shame that this happens not only in books but in real life. They use the past of David's girlfriend as part of the ammunition. David has to battle not only his ex-wife but the accusations that so many of his friends are willing to believe. Anytime lies are told and children are caught in the middle, you know that things are going to go terribly wrong.  Will the tragedy that David must face bring about a change and possible healing?

For me the indicator of a good book is how well it ramps up my emotions. This book put them over the top. I was furious with Kim, David's ex-wife and all of her friends.  I was sad for David and all that he had to go through because of lies. Mostly I was angry that these children were caught in the middle of something that was not their fault. This is a must read book and one a recommend.

Chinese Turkestan: A Photographic Journey Through an Ancient Civilization by Ryan Pyle

Genre: Photographic Journal

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Ryan Pyle is well known around the world through his writing for newspapers and magazines and his wonderful photographs. In his book Chinese Turkestan he is able to capture the everyday life of the Chinese people, and give us a look at what few would ever be able to see.

There is a raw beauty as you look at the old buildings in contrast to the new construction.  There is a lot of construction as old buildings are torn down to make better, earthquake resistant buildings.  When looking at these photographs you often feel as if you have traveled back in time.  There are horse drawn carts alongside old cars. There are large markets everywhere.  Many in the markets sell items they have learned to make from previous generations, such as knives and other metalwork pieces.  The people are predominantly Muslim.  There are mosques everywhere.  A lot of their customs are things we no longer allow in the United States, such as cock fights.  This look at old and new gives us the impression that time runs slower there.  As busy and bustling as things are, looking at the pictures creates the illusion that everything these people have not made a lot of forward progress.  It is as if they are stuck in a simpler time, however it still seems as hectic as today.

This is a wonderful book.  As I looked at the photographs I kept wondering what the people in them were thinking.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would definitely read more by this author.

Links to his work:

Book Title: Chinese Turkestan (on Amazon)

Link : Click Here

YouTube Video of Images

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgqXLEjN74M

Annenberg Centre for Photography Lecture (Los Angeles)

LINK: http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/54072887

BBC World Interview - Ryan Pyle on Chinese Turkestan

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rHtL5fqv-zM

HiFi HD Television Interview - Ryan Pyle on Chinese Turkestan

LINK: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnZ10qV-Rt0

Determined: The Story of Holocaust Survivor Avraham Perlmutter

Genre: Adult, Autobiography
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Avraham (Av) Perlmutter is an amazing man. As a young man his mother put him and his sister on a train, part of the Kindertransport, and sent them to the Netherlands.  It was the last time he would ever see his mother.  He and his sister were shipped from one refuge camp to another. Eventually they would be separated.  What is so amazing about this man is his attitude.  He was determined to survive like so many other Jews.  He lived life to the fullest. This book is his story of survival, perseverance, ad hope.  Multiple times Av had run into Germans. Most of them were with the Nazis. Many were caught up in something they wanted no part of, but had no choice in. As Av moved from one safe house to another he found may Christians who were willing to put their own lives on the line for the welfare of the Jews.  In this book he speaks highly of those people. He tells of how they hid him.  I was amazed at how much he thirsted for knowledge.  In one instance he asked the man hiding him to get him textbooks where he taught himself English, French and Spanish.  After being liberated he wanted to do more. He fought in the war that created the State of Israel. He was reunited with his sister who had survived a death march.  He wanted to further his education so he moved to the United States. He was not satisfied with just one degree.  He holds multiple degrees as do his children.  This man has done more for mankind.  I found it interesting that one of his goals was for he and some of his friends to meet Albert Einstein.  He set out to reach that goal and actually accomplished it.

Want an inspiring book to read?  This is definitely the book you must read. It is quick, only taking me two hours to complete. This is not only a great book for adults and for the classroom shelf, it makes a great resource for students.  This one I highly recommend.

Saving Mim: Charlie Kadabra Last of the Magicians by Nan McAdam

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

Source:  I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Charlie Kadabra was abandoned as a baby. He is bullied at school and just can't seem to get a break, until the day his science teacher comes at him with a knife. Suddenly, he learns that things aren't what they seem. He is talked to by a white rabbit, he goes through a shiny curtain and ends up in another dimension. The girl who was always nice to him at school now has pointy ears and multicolored ears. Charlie learns he comes from a long line of magicians. He is Mim's last hope. If Dr. Pi has his way he will destroy Mim. 

This is the type of book I think my sixth graders will love. They will be able to relate to Charlie in so many ways. In this book they will take a journey with Charlie through the halls of school into a fantasy world. They will find a hero they ca root for.  I am definitely looking forward to the second book in this series.

Nan McAdam Bio

  

Nan McAdam has had a prestigious career in the agricultural and financial sales arena.  She trained, coached, and mentored individual sales, as well as sales teams, for over 20 years. 

As an author of two blogs, Nan has been a fan of self-improvement for many years, and has passed her knowledge of leadership, parenting, and how to live a more enriched life to the readers of her blog:  http://www.selfimprovementinformation.com. Nan is also the author of an elder care blog:  http//:www.caring4youragingseniorcitizen.com.  She has been published 78 times in numerous publications.

Nan has spent over 15 years caring for elderly loved ones.  In 2013, Surviving the STRESS of Your Parents’ Old Age, was published.  It is a non-fiction book born from Nan’s experience as a caregiver. 

2015 is destined to be another great year.  It is the year that Nan’s first children’s book will be published.  It is a middle grade fantasy adventure for ages 10 and up.  Charlie Kadabra, Last of the Magicians will begin a series with the first book, Saving Mim.

When Nan isn't caregiving or writing, she is spending time with her family.  She is married, has three adult children, and two grandchildren.  She makes her home in the midwest where she lives with her husband and 3 furry four legged family members.

Student Saturday: Bogus by Karla Oceanak

Student Reviewer: Darrell S.
Genre: Middle Grade, Graphic

Bogus is a funny book. I can sit there for hours and read this book. It's about a boy named Aldo Zelnick.  This is the sequel to the book "Artsy-Fartsy". The book "Bogus"  is about when Aldo, Jack and Bee find a ring. Aldo thought that the ring was super bogus. But, Jack thought it was real. When aldo had the ring he lost it. The next day there was an article in the newspaper. It turned out that the ring was real and someone had a $1,000 reward for whoever could find it. One of the best books ever. If you want to find out what happened, then I want you to read this book.


Teacher's Note:
This student was so into this series that his giggles and sharing with his neighbor, along with his, "You have GOT to read this Mrs. Stiles", prompted me to read Artsy Fartsy.  He was right, I loved it.

The Sound Catcher by Graham Garrity

Source: I purchased

Genre: Middle Grade, Fantasy

I purchased this book because it sounded interesting.  I thoroughly enjoyed it.  Chloe is a young girl who had an accident and ended up with a bump on her head.  As a result of that bump she keeps seeing colored clouds. Her mom has kept her home for several days and finally decides she needs some fresh air.  Chloe goes to the old quarry and sees a funny looking man on a funny looking tricycle below her.  When she finally meets him she learns he is the Sound Catcher.  He catches stray sounds.  He tells her it is strange that she can see him as he is invisible.  Then he learns she can see sounds in the form of colored clouds.  He is trying to prove everything about himself when Chloe tells him about a strange stray sound. It was a whisper that makes her think that something bad is going to happen.  Because those particular sounds were green they began to gather up green clouds and finally figured out what the situation was.  What do you do when you hear that someone is going to steal the crown jewels? This is what Chloe and the Sound Catcher must figure out.

I thought it was quite unique to see the sounds as colored clouds.  I loved how inside the special tank used to hold them they form layers like the rainbow.  The red clouds were those that were pleasant such as a baby's giggle.  Yellow were those annoying sounds like lawnmowers.  This was a unique book. For someone like me who is very visual I loved this book.  It combined sounds and sights magnificently.  This book sounded interesting so I figured I would read it before I purchased it for my classroom shelves.  This is one that will go on my list to purchase.  I look forward to reading more by this author.

Five Books For All Ages

Angel and Granny: The Broken Winged Butterfly by Doreen Linda Funk

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

This is a beautiful story about change. Angel is a young girl who is meeting her grandmother for the first time. Angel wasn’t sure about spending time with her grandmother. Her grandmother was a bug scientist, and Angel didn’t like bugs. A special delivery to granny’s house changed all of that. With Granny’s help with her science fair project, Angel learns all about painted lady butterflies.  In the process she frees her thinking about bugs, much like a butterfly frees itself from its chrysalis. It is wonderful to watch things change and grow. Often children don’t see that they, like butterflies must change and grow. Beautiful pictures and so much to learn. I really enjoyed this book. I learned so much more about the process of metamorphosis.

Silly Socks by Sandra Novello

Genre: children's Picture Books

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Help a young girl find her silly socks in this book. They are never where they should be. She finds them on her lampshade and in her toy box, but not where they should be.

Clive the Clever Crow – Sandra Novello

Genre: children's Picture Books

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Clive is a very clever crow. He eats what is left out for him. In each page of the book you need to find where Clive is hiding. Look closely because he is a very clever crow.

The Nectar of Friendship - Gramps Doodlebug

Genre: children's Picture Books

Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Cindy was preparing some nectar to take to her friend Susie. Susie hurt her wing in the wind. As Cindy flies through an orchard she meets a moth who needs her help.  He tells her that a friend is trapped in a web.  Will Cindy help the moth free her friend or will she travel on to Susie’s house? I loved the theme of paying it forward in this book.

Hissy Fitz by Patrick Jennings

Genre: Upper Elementary/Middle Grade, Adventure

Source:  I won a copy form Kids Buzz. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Hissy Fitz is a house cat. He has several humans he lives with. He loves to cuddle with Georgie, but she won’t stop talking. Abe talks to Hissy through a sock puppet. Then there is the terror of the house, Zeb.  He is Abe’s twin. He is hyper to the point of being aggressive. Hissy Fitz can’t seem to get any sleep. He roams the town paying visits to his friends. He is becoming exhausted. Will he ever get the rest he needs? This was a cute book by the author of “Guinea Dog”. I know my students are going to love this one.

Retaliation by Yasmin Shiraz

Genre: Young Adult, Realistic Fiction
Source: I received a copy to facilitate my review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

From Goodreads:
Violence runs rampant on the streets of Washington, DC, and on one seemingly quiet day, the Odom family finds its world destroyed when seventeen-year-old Tashera is brutally attacked by a group of high school girls. 
Retaliation exposes the corrupting existence of violence in our communities and the retaliatory measures families go through to protect themselves and their children.

My Thoughts:
This could have been ripped right out of the headlines of today's newspaper.  Tashera is a seventeen year old high school girl who is attacked while on her way home.  She is jumped by three girls she goes to school with.  She doesn't know why.  Her mother is very angry. The streets have already claimed one child. Her son Kahlil was paralyzed while running with a gang. Her oldest son has gotten out and become a lawyer. The problem is that the violence doesn't stop here.  They each find a way to retaliate for what was done to Tashera.  This is a problem in a lot of inner city areas.  The circle of violence just keeps going around and around.  However, as realistic as this book is, it leaves you with a feeling that there is always hope. The author has even included conflict resolution tips at the end of the book.  This would be an excellent book to be read aloud in the classroom.   I have been lucky in my life and career to not have experienced this situation.  However, last year I had a student who wrote a poem in which he expressed his biggest fear is dying in a drive-by shooting. This is something that happens often in his neighborhood.  If this book can be used to give even one student hope then it is most definitely worth the read.  It is a book I highly recommend.