Book Review - Stand Straight, Ella Kate

 

In this series of book reviews celebrating National Inclusive Schools Week, I am focusing on a story about a slightly different kind of special needs. 

 

Author: Kate Klise
Illustrator: M. Sarah Klise
Publisher: Dial Books for Young Children (April 29, 2010)
Reading Level: 3rd to 5th grade
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Description from GoodReads:

Ella Kate Ewing was born in 1872. She started out small, but she just kept on growing. Soon she was too tall for her desk at school, too tall for her bed at home, too tall to fit anywhere. Ella Kate was a real-life giant, but she refused to hide herself away. Instead, she used her unusual height to achieve her equally large dreams.
The masterful Klise sisters deliver a touching and inspiring true story about a strong-minded girl who finally embraced her differences. It’s the perfect book for every child who has ever felt like an outsider.

Familiar to me for their creative and humorous 43 Old Cemetary Road Series, the talented Klise sisters take on the true story of Ella Kate Ewing.   Imagine living in the late 1800's in Missouri and exhibiting amazing growth?  In Stand Straight, Ella Kate, Klise tells Ewing's story with matter of care and just the right balance of humor.  Ewing began her accelerated growth at age 7 and by the time she was 17 she stood 8 feet tall.  Throughout her childhood, Ella Kate was teased by those around her.  Unable to find clothes that fit properly or to even place her legs under a desk, Ewing coped by attempting to slouch.  Her supportive parents would remind her to "stand straight".  At 17 years of age, Ella Kate was offered a job in the Museum of Chicago.  Despite her parents' concern and her own insecurity about her height, Ella Kate accepted the job.  Her time with the museum taught her that she could use her height to her advantage.  Not only did she become an exceptional business woman which allowed her to help care for her parents, but she was also able to build a home that was designed to fit her.  When she accepts a position in the circus as "The tallest lady on earth", her life veers into an adventure with  experiences that were not typically available to women during that time period.

There were quite a number of things that I really enjoyed about this book.  There is a timelessness to this story that will make it appeal to readers of various ages.  Young children will appreciate the book from the perspective of hearing a well developed story.  Older children can learn from the book how to appreciate individual differences and to face diversity.  Ewing was able to turn what might have been seen as a negative into a chance to live her life financially comfortable but to also travel the world.  Sarah Klise's illustations add an extra dimension and perspective to the book.  And at the conclusion of the book there is information about Ewing's medical condition (gigantism) and a photo of the real Ella Kate. 

It was interesting to see how the author and illustrator work together to provide a wonderful story with illustrations that truly enhance the reader's understanding.  A solid addition to any classroom collection of books on celebrating/recognizing differences.

As part of this week's series, I am giving readers a chance to win one of three books.  Please check out the details here.

Book Review - The Junkyard Wonders

As part of this week's focus on positive portrayals of children with special needs in literature, I am taking a minute to discuss author/illustrator, Patricia Polacco's newest book - The Junkyard Wonders.

Author/Illustrator: Patricia Polacco
Publisher: Philomel (July 8, 2010)
Reading Level: 3rd to 6th grade
Source: Personal Collection
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Description from GoodReads:

When young Trisha finds out her class at the new school is known as “The Junkyard,” she is devastated. She moved from her old town so she wouldn't be in a special class anymore! But then she meets her teacher, the quirky and invincible Mrs. Peterson, and her classmates, an oddly brilliant group of students each with his or her own unique talent. And it is here in The Junkyard that Trisha learns the true meaning of genius, and that this group of misfits are, in fact, wonders, all of them.
Based on a real-life event in Patricia Polacco's childhood, this ode to teachers will inspire all readers to find their inner genius.

About a month ago, I had a rare experience of seeing author/illustrator, Patricia Polacco at a Literacy Tea held in Carlsbad, California.  I didn't care that I had to drive 2 hours to get to the event.  Polacco lives in Michigan and does not fly.  Since she managed to come out by train, I could tolerate 2 hours both ways in a car.  As I listened to her speak about her life and her stories, I realized that I was experiencing a piece of literary history.  

Polacco has written many of her books from a deeply personal place and The Junkyard Wonders is no exception.  In some ways the sequel to Thank You, Mr. Falker, this books looks at Trish who has left California for Michigan to hopefully be someone different.  However, when she arrives at Room 206 and learns that the other students in the school refer to her class as the "junkyard".  Through the loving and wise, Mrs. Peterson, Trish and her classmates learn that just as a real junkyard is a place of wonderful possibilities so are they.  With the use of "tribes", Mrs. Peterson divides the class into small learning communities that must explore the junkyard and create something special.  Trish and her group settle on creating a plane.

Of course, the book wouldn't be complete without some kind of conflict.  The school bully is determined to foil the Wonders attempt to fly their plane.  Yet the children in Mrs. Peterson's class do not allow this to become an obstacle but instead pull together to do what they have said they would.  In honor of one of their classmates who has recently passed away, the students of Room 206 learn an important life lesson.

Be prepared to whip out a tissue when reading The Junkyard Wonders.  It is a tender, and moving story about what a group of children can do under the guidance and support of a loving, and wise teacher.  Every teacher new and old should read any of Polacco's tributes to teachers (Thank You, Mr. Falker; Mr. Lincoln's Way; or The Junkyard Wonders) and be reminded what is truly important in teaching.  As I think back to the children that I have instructed, I hope that I was that kind of support and tender heart when they needed. 



To celebrate this and several other wonderful books, I am hosting a give away.  One lucky reader will get a chance to win a copy of either -   Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper or The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon or The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco. 


Rules of the Giveaway
1.  All participants must be 13 or older.
2.  Contest ends on Saturday, December 11, 2010 at 11:59 P.M. PST.
3.  This contest is open to international participants.
4.  Please remember to comment on the post but do not leave personal information.  Any comments including personal information will be deleted.
5. Only one entry per person.


Good luck with the contest.

Book Review - The Pirate of Kindergarten

As part of National Inclusive Schools Week, all reviews this week will features stories about characters with special learning needs. Today's book:  The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon.

Author: George Ella Lyon
Illustrator:  Lynne Avril
Publisher:  Atheneum (June 22, 2010)
Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8 years
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Description from GoodReads:

Ginny was not born a pirate. But since her birth she was headed in that direction.
This book tells the story of Ginny's voyage towards earning herself an eye patch - a voyage made mostly at school.  No other kid there had the honor.  Words and pictures offer up a double helping of surprise on the subject of seeing.

When I opened this book and started to read it, I was planning on being a little skeptical.  However, I found myself quickly loving this book.   The author did a remarkable job dealing with the main character's vision issues and explaining it in a way that young children will be able to understand it.  Ginny is a child who loves school and wants to enjoy but is finding that some things are just hard. 

Through the illustrations, the reader is provided a visual on what Ginny is seeing (particularly the blurred/double-vision).  As to be expected, Ginny doesn't realize that how she is seeing the world isn't how everyone else sees the world until an eye test at school reveals that there is a concern.  Lyon nails it with this point.  There are so many parents that think their preschooler or kindergartner is seeing fine because they aren't complaining but this is in part due to the fact that children in this age range would have nothing to really compare it with.

Once her vision concern is identified, Ginny must wear a corrective patch.  The idea of the patch being similar to the pirate can be a fun way to help a child accept the eye-patch which can be uncomfortable to wear and make the child feel self-conscious.  

Overall, this is book is an excellent addition to any classroom or school library and a great book to read to celebrate National Inclusive Schools Week.  

Check in tomorrow for a review of The Junkyard Wonders by Patricia Polacco and a chance to win either The Pirate of Kindergarten or The Junkyard Wonders.  

National Inclusive Schools Week

Celebrate the 10th Annual Inclusive Schools Week December 6-10, 2010

“Awareness to Action: 10 Years of Celebrating Inclusive Schools”

Inclusive Schools Week highlights the accomplishments of families, schools, and communities who promote inclusive education for all children across the world. The Week celebrates the progress that schools have made in implementing inclusive practices to ensure a quality education for an increasingly diverse student population, including students with disabilities, those from culturally, linguistically diverse backgrounds and those who are economically disadvantaged. The Week is also a wonderful opportunity for educators, students, and parents to discuss what else needs to be done in order to ensure that their schools continue to improve their ability to successfully educate all children. Go to www.inclusiveschool.org to learn more about how your school and community can celebrate this exciting event and to take action throughout the year!

As a former Special Education Teacher who worked as an inclusion teacher, and as a current principal of a school that has had an extensive inclusion program for nearly 20 years, I couldn't let this week pass and not mention it on the blog.  Though we should be living lives that are welcoming to all children and adults despite their individual needs, it is important to constantly raise awareness of the issues and concerns related to individuals with disabilities. 

In anticipation of National Inclusive Schools Week, I began reading Sharon M. Draper's OUT OF MY MIND with my fourth graders about a month ago.  This is a class that has several students fully included full-time.  The students have been familiar with making adjustments for children with autism who might have some quirky behaviors or for a student with Down Syndrome, who requires more support to keep up.  However, they have had limited contact with children with severe physical disabilities.  When I come across this book back in July, I knew it had to be a read aloud.

Sure enough, this has been a very powerful book and the students have been asking some really tough questions as they seek to understand Melody and her disability.  As a result, we are progressing slowly through the story. 

By the way, if there are any awards committees out there listening - there are several staff and 34 children who would vote "two-thumbs up" for this book.  If you are interested, I reviewed Out of My Mind over on Young Adult Literature Review back in July (click here for my review).

Over the course of this week, my teachers and students will be engaging in disability awareness discussions, reading stories which positively feature characters with disabilities, and engaging in activities to better understand what life might be like for a child with a disability.  I do have to say that I am very proud of my students.  Since the school has had such a prominent focus on inclusion, most of our students just see this as a regular part of life.  Yet, it is still good to have these discussions.

On the blog this week, I will be reviewing a variety of books which feature characters with disabilities.  Remember to check daily because I will be giving readers a chance to win one of the books I feature this week.

In the comment section, please share what is your favorite book that features a character with a disability? 

Book Review - Together Forever

Author/Illustrator: Per-Henrik Gurth
Publisher: Lobster Press (October 1, 2010)
Reading Level: Ages 4 to 8 years
Source: Copy for Review
Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Description from GoodReads:
Little Bear loves to tumble in the snow, but what if he wanders too far from Mother Bear? He learns that just like the Great Bear and Little Bear stars in the sky, they will always be together. 

 This is what I call an "awww" book.  Lovely illustrations, feel good text that conjures up a mother and child curled up together reading at bedtime.  Together Forever is certainly one of those books.  It also is a message that beautifully addresses a common fear/concern of small children - what happens if mommy and I get separated?!

In this installment of Gurth's books, Mother Bear warns Little Bear not to wander away or get lost.  When Little Bear looks worried, "Mother Bear tells him to look into the sky for Great Bear and Little Bear and wait for her to find him".  As predicted, Little Bear is distracted by snowflakes and wanders away.  He follows his mother's advice and watches the bears in the sky.  When Mother Bear finally locates her little one, a joyous reunion takes place.  

Together Forever fits nicely in any mother-child picture book collection.  It makes for a lovely gift and it is a book that will be read over and over again.