A New Twist on Concept Books

Click here to check out a new concept book which is specifically designed for the visually impaired. It utilizes both specific language choice and Braille to create a concept book. It's a really neat idea!

Wordless Graphic Novel

Author: Regis Faller
Title: The Adventures of Polo
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press, 2002.

Grade Level: K-2

Summary: Polo the dog goes on many adventures around the world and even into outer space in this wordless graphic novel.

Strengths: I think this is the best graphic novel I have come across for young readers. Stereotypically, graphic novels are reserved for older audiences or fantasy fans, but Polo is a loveable, adventurous dog that young children will enjoy. I praise Faller for is wordless story and the challenge of creating such a book. The illustrations were playful and bright, which seemed to suit Polo. Overall, it was an enjoyable book.

Concerns: I personally did not fully grasp the graphic novel. I understand Polo is going on adventures, but I found the absence of words particularly damaging to my overall understanding. Despite the artist’s attempt there were sequences which I could just simply not understand on their own.

Classroom Use: Students may enjoy retelling or creating a story based upon this wordless novel. Since there is not written plot, students have almost free reign in creating and supplementing Polo and his adventures. Young artists in the class may also enjoy creating other Polo adventures by drawing pictures similar to the ones found in this book.

*Capitol Choice Book, 2007

(image from Amazon.com)

“Some Pig”

Author: E.B. White
Title: Charlotte’s Web Publisher: Harper Collins Publisher, 1980.

Grade Level: 3-5

Summary: The story of Wilbur, Charlotte, and Fern as they learn about friendship, death, and other life struggles.

Strengths: I LOVE Charlotte’s Web! Hands down this is my favorite book from my childhood. White’s introductory sentence has been praised as one of the best opening sentences in children’s literature. The story is simple, yet remarkable. One thing I particularly appreciate is the fact that yes, this is a fantasy book with talking animals, but the reader is not bogged down with that information, but is focused on the story. Another praise for White is the tough issues, especially death, that he is able to incorporate and allow for children to digest in his work. From the very beginning when Wilbur is born to Charlotte’s death, children are exposed, yet never overwhelmed by death. I certainly believe that every child should read Charlotte’s Web.

Classroom Use: I think children would appreciate reading and then watching the movie of Charlotte’s Web. Teachers may incorporate comparison techniques or even graphic organizers to help enhance the students’ understanding. I also think Charlotte’s Web would be a fun Reader’s Theater or even play to do as a class.

(image from Amazon.com)

No Better Than A Slave

Author: Katherine Paterson
Title: Lyddie
Publisher: Lodestar Books, 1991.

Grade Level: 4th & up

Summary: Lyddie, a poor farm girl from Vermont, goes to Lowell, Massachusetts to work in the mills in order to help her family.

Strengths: Paterson uses beautiful, vivid vocabulary which makes the reader feel like they are hiding from the bear in Vermont or in the loud loom room in Lowell. Paterson’s description helps the reader relate to Lyddie and her environment. I think this is a great example of historical fiction and is on a topic that is rarely covered by children’s authors. I think the historical accuracy should also be commended, which is certainly a vital part of writing good historical fiction.

Concerns: Lyddie’s mother being committed, the death of the baby, Diana’s pregnancy, and Mr. Marsden’s sexual advances may be tough to comprehend or swallow for young readers. Another concern is the interest level. I personally enjoyed Lyddie as a young girl, but I worry that its interest is limited.

Classroom Use: Lyddie is a great historical fiction read, whether completed as a class or independently. Teachers can utilize Paterson’s description of Lyddie’s life at Lowell to help better explain the textile industry in nineteenth century America. I also think this is another great example of a book that should be a part of the classroom library.

(image from Amazon.com)

Gutsy Gilly

Author: Katherine Paterson
Title: The Great Gilly Hopkins
Publisher: Thomas Y. Crowell Co., 1978.

Grade Level: 3-5

Summary: Gill struggles in the foster care system to find her place and her “family.”

Strengths: Gilly is one of my all time favorite characters. She is tough, independent, gutsy, and longs to find a place to call home. She’s the picture of perseverance and the results of being knocked around in the world. I think readers are shocked by Gilly, yet root for her throughout the book.

Concerns: Language, racism, and a tough ending are my main concerns with this book. The language and the racist remarks must be taken in context, yet teachers and parents must be aware of it. As for the ending and the tough message, I applaud Paterson for not wrapping this book up neatly. It’s not how Gilly would have wanted it. Paterson isn’t afraid to tell her reader that not everything is easy, not everything ends up like you would like it to, but that’s where perseverance and endurance comes into play. Maybe as an adult I can appreciate that message more, but Gilly is certainly not to be dismissed due to these concerns.

Classroom Use: I think this would be a great class read aloud. This would provide the opportunity for teachers to skip the language and explain some of the tough issues and messages of this book, without missing out on Gilly.

(image from Amazon.com)

Ramona Strikes Again!

Author: Beverly Cleary
Title: Ramona’s World
Publisher: Scholastic Inc., 1999.

Grade Level: 3rd & up

Summary: This story follows Ramona through her fourth grade year and the struggles she faces during this year.

Strengths: Ramona is fun, loud, spunky, and loving. She’s a great girl and I know I’d like to be friends with her. Beverly Cleary has such a gift for creating characters and giving them life, and Ramona is one of her best examples. Students, especially girls, can relate to big sisters, new babies, friends, spelling, and class adversaries. The reader struggles and triumphs with Ramona throughout. I also appreciate the pictures and simplicity of the story, which I think makes the chapters more manageable, especially for reluctant or young readers. Another plus, is that Ramona continues her adventures in other books, which is a great resource for students that want to read more Beverly Cleary books and learn more about Ramona.

Classroom Use: A possible use might be for a character study of Ramona, utilizing Beverly Cleary’s books to help with their study. Children may also enjoy writing their own versions of Ramona adventures, giving life to her in a new way.

*CAC Audio Book Choice, 1999

(image from Amazon.com)

The Trunchbull and the Bookworm

Author: Roald Dahl
Title: Matilda
Publisher: Puffin Books, 1988

Grade Level: 3-5

Summary: Matilda applies her “untapped potential” to deal with the evil headmistress Trunchbull.

Strengths: This is certainly a childhood favorite of mine. I look Matilda. She is strong, bright, loving, hungry for knowledge, and loves books. Despite her circumstances Matilda is able remain optimistic and fully engrossed in her books. Each character in this book is wonderful. The evil Trunchbull is feared by the children in the book and the reader. Matilda’s parents are despised, feared, and rooted against by the reader. Miss Honey is adored, cherished, and gratitude is shown for her special protection of Matilda. I love the language the Dahl uses to bring Matilda and her story to life.

Classroom Use: Matilda is the perfect example of perseverance and love of books. I think every child should read at least one Roald Dahl book. A possible classroom use would be an author study, where different groups of students read Dahl’s books in a book club format. Each group could then be responsible for presenting Dahl’s book to the class.

(image from Amazon.com)