WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW by Sonya Sones

Bibliography

Sones, Sonya. 2001. WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN’T KNOW. New York: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers. ISBN 0-689-84114-0

Plot Summary

Through a series of poems, the teenage narrator, Sophie, tells the story of her first experiences with love. Focusing on universal experiences of adolescence, she discusses her relationships with family, friends, and boys as she struggles to reach adulthood. This free verse, quick read, is very realistic about the power of peer pressure, and very touching.

Critical Analysis

WHAT MY MOTHER DOESN'T KNOW is an honest and heart touching book about a girl being true to herself, trusting her friends, and having the strength to love what makes her heart happy. Sones's lovely poems are wonderfully written. Sones captures the nervousness of dating a guy, the way friends can get jealous, the sorrow at realizing that you just don't like him anymore, and finding the strength to love what makes your heart happy. We should all be so brave.

Review Excerpts

International Reading Association Young Adult's Choice 2003

2001 Booklist Editor's Choice

American Library Association 2002 Top Ten Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers

American Library Association 2002 Best Book for Young Adults 

Connections

Chose any of the following story starters or use the following as journal topic entries.

• If I were in this story, I would/wouldn't have...
• I really admire the character of __________ because...
• I realized...
• I can't really understand...
• I did/didn't like the way...
• The character of _________ reminds me of myself when...
• I know the feeling of ...
• I began to think of...
• The biggest thing that the character of ________ learned in this story was...
• The most important lesson that I, the reader, learned in this story was...

BUTTON UP! WRINKLED RHYMES by Alice Schertle Pictures by Petra Mathers

Bibliography

Shertle, Alice. 2009. BUTTON UP! Ill. By Petra Mathers.  New York:  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. ISBN 978-0-15-205050-4

Plot Summary

BUTTON UP! will make a delightful addition to any poetry collection. Author, Alice Shertle introduces her reader to fifteen critters whom are wearing what might be their favorite article of clothing. The reader will read the point of view of each fifteen articles of clothing all the way from Emily’s frilly undies to Bertie’s shoelaces. Readers will probably recognize at least one thing you or someone you know treasures.

Critical Analysis

Schertle’s text’ is perfectly complemented by illustrator Petra Mathers. Mathers's signature-style mice, bears, and alligators give the voices of each article of clothing. Perfectly illustrated spreads of art suit each character in their favorite article of clothing.

Review Excerpts

". . . these creatures have personality, exuberance and high style that perfectly match the verses. Loads of fun."--Kirkus, starred review

 "From delicately comical to downright funny, the art perfectly reflects the contagiously rhythmic, playful verse. Made for sharing, and worth learning by heart, too."--Horn Book, starred review

 ". . . these poems will give readers a new perspective on getting dressed . . . Playful spreads and spot art suit the small, snappy verses beautifully. This whimsical little volume will make a delightful addition to poetry collections."--School Library Journal, starred review

 "The whimsical illustrations pair perfectly with the wittiness of the text, and the whole is a clever and original poetic treat."--Booklist, starred review

 “. . . enjoyable sound effects . . . Tone varies from sturdy support of ‘Bob’s Bicycle Helmet’ . . . to the playfulness of ‘Wanda’s Swimsuit . . . the extraordinary precision of Mather’s [sic] delicate brush strokes result in collagelike textures and crisp solidity . . . sure to tickle youngsters.”--The Bulletin

Connections

During read aloud time demonstrate to students an individualized expressive reading voice for each character in the book.

Use this book to introduce how to write from another point of view. Provide students with an item from home and ask them to write a story or poem from that particular item's point of view.

(Book images from www.amazon.com)



SOUP FOR BREAKFAST POEMS AND PICTURES by Calef Brown

Bibliography

Brown, Calef. 2008. SOUP FOR BREAKFAST POEMS AND PICTURES. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 978-0-618-91641-2

Plot Summary

In the delicious book, HAVE YOU EVER EATEN SOUP FOR BREAKFAST? young readers will enjoy a smorgasbord of weirdness through poems and pictures of Calef Brown's imagination. In "Architots" one particularly irresistible poem Brown begins with the line, "Lots and lots of architects begin their lives as architots.'" Readers watch these children building houses, schools, and shops. Further along in the book, readers will meet an artist who uses a very peculiar medium, he paints on toast. After priming the toast with butter, the artist uses blueberry jam to create a “beautiful sky” that is dotted with cream cheese clouds. If you think this is odd, then prepare yourself for more as you read Calef Brown’s HAVE YOU EVER EATEN SOUP FOR BREAKFAST?

Critical Analysis

Calef Brown really has a unique style and voice. His bright acrylic illustrations extend the silliness with images of noodles tucked into haystacks and a spread of wildly colored donuts. His unique illustrations and creative short poems are both fun and thought provoking. It is a wonderful poetry book that is sure to engage children's imaginations and interest. Brown's somewhat "folk art" style of illustrations will have it’s readers laughing out loud at times.

Review Excerpts

"As in Flamingos on the Roof (2006) and Brown’s other titles, the words’ playful sounds are a big part of the fun for young readers, and the lines are filled with the weird puns and unexpected rhymes . . . A good choice for energizing poetry units."—Booklist

"[Brown] once again demonstrates his inventiveness, both through his poetry and his pictures."—Horn Book

Connections

Reading these poems aloud will surely have an audience's full attention. This is a grat read aloud.

Sharing poetry collections such as this will bring out your most reluctant readers and writers. Encourage students to take an ordinary item and express themselves in poem or writing.

(Book images from www.amazon.com)