The Misfits By: James Howe (Chapters 13-End)

I continued to enjoy this book through the end. Although I enjoyed the book I had a couple of issues with the book. The first issue was the dialogue. I had difficulty following which character was saying what. I also had trouble wrapping my head around the idea of this story happening in real life. I am glad that everything worked out the way that it did, but everything working out so well, like in this book does not happen all that often. Other than those difficulties I thought the book was great. I really like some of the themes such as bullying that come through. I think there are many good themes in the book for middle school students to read about. I also think that there are many middle school students who can relate to at least one of the characters in the book. If I taught in a middle school I would definitely want this book in my classroom.

The Misfits By: James Howe (Chapters 1-13)

So far I have really loved this book. I have been really drawn to the book and I have had a hard time putting the book down. I am really interested in all of that characters. They all have their unique personalities that make the book really fun to read. There are many themes that are starting to come about through the story. So far the issues have been very realistic to issues that I am able to relate to in a variety of ways. The book is easy to to follow and flows very well. I want to save my longer and more in depth entry for after I finish the books, so that I can gather all of my thoughts at once, but so far the books has been great and I can't wait to finish it!

Manneken Pis By: Viadimir Radunsky

I have mixed emotions about this book. I loved the pictures. The painting of them made the book really come alive. I also liked the historical point of view that the book brought about. The picture of the Manneken Pies statue on the last page is really neat. I think the book touches upon war which may help discuss war a little easier with students. The issues I have with this book is that I do not think that promoting the idea that children should just pee wherever they want is a good thing. I think using this book to help discuss war to seven or eight year old is fine, but I do not think that is book should be read to a three year old. I do not feel like most three years old should be exposed to the fighting that happens in this book. There are also some sad and dark parts of the story that I do not feel are appropriate for younger children. Like I said before there are aspects of this book that I think are really cool, but I also have issues with this book. I would have to continue to think about whether or not I would allow this book in my classroom.

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble By: William Steig

The controversy of this book is that the animals in the story portray certain type of people. For example, the donkeys are the community people and the pigs are the police. There was an issue with the police officers being the pigs. I understand the controversy of this book, but I do not necessarily agree with it. The first time I read through the book I could not find why it was on the controversy book list. I had to look up online why it was on the list. I understood the explanation that was given online, but I do not think that children will pick up on this connection. I was reading this book to analyze it and I did not make the connection, so I do not think that children who are simply reading the book for enjoyment will make the connection that police officers are depicted as pigs. I think this is a creative story that uses animals rather than people and human situation. Cute book!

The Stupids Take Off By: Harry Allard

This book is very funny. But why does the name stupid need to be used. I think the book would have been just as funny if the author would have used a different name that is not offensive. I do not think that book is appropriate for school because the word stupid is not appropriate for school. I would not want a students in my classroom saying the word stupid, therefore I do not want my students hearing of reading the word stupid either. Seeing, hearing, and reading the word stupid in a book only causes children to want to say the word more. I think the character in the story story are very funny and play their roles well. The pictures do a great job of adding humor to the story, but this is not a book that I would all in my classroom.

And Tango Makes Three By: Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell

I think that this is a great book. The controversy of this book is that it promotes gay relationships. I think this book is a great book to have in a classroom. Every family is different and there are many children who do not have the typical one mom, one dad family. I think this book is a great book that many children are able to relate to. Sometimes it is hard for adults to talk about issues such as relationships with their students, so I think this is a great book to use in a classroom if that is the issue. The story is very good and I was interested throughout the whole book. I think the pictures are very cute and help explain the story well. Great book!

The Night Kitchen By: Maurice Sendak

This book has created controversy because on many of the images there is a picture of a little boy who is completely naked. I do not think that pictures of a little boy completely naked is appropriate for children to be reading in school. Most children I know would find this book as a joke and would laugh all the way through it rather than focusing on the story. I also do not think that book is appropriate for school because it may bring up conversations among the students that are not appropriate for school. I think this may be a book that I would read to children at home. If the book is read at home then there is more time to explain the pictures. Other than the controversy that comes about in this book I do think that this is a cute story. I like the pictures and think they flow well with the story, but I do not think the nakedness of the young boy was necessary to get the point across