Granny Torrelli Makes Soup

                                       

Creech, S. (2003). Granny Torrelli Makes Soup. NY: Harper Collins

A twelve year Rosie and her best friend Bailey are not always on the best of terms. Rosie's grandmother, Granny Torrelli, knows exactly when something is not right with Rosie. Granny Torrelli knows how to correct things by giving Rosie advice through the experiences that she has lived through. Rosie, Bailey and Granny Torrelli make soup together for a pasta party and that is when they realize that love and friendship are more than important in life than being angry with one another.

I enjoyed this!! There is some humor throughout the book, especially if you can imagine the story playing out in movie or cartoon. I love how Granny Torrelli, gives Rosie advice without really giving her advice by telling her stories similar to what Rosie is going through.

Rules

     

 

Lord, C. (2008). Rules. NY: Scholastic.

This is a story of a 12 year old girl, Catherine, dragging her brother, David, to the car. David is autistic and Catherine does not understand what being normal is. She always worries about others making fun David, she does not feel comfortable going out in public with him due to the attention he receives. One day she goes to OT with David and befriends another boy with a disability however she can't bring herself to tell other about him because she is embarrassed. It isn't until she hurts his feelings does she realize that it is okay to befriend others who don't fit the norm.

I enjoyed this book, I didn't even  think that there were books about befriending others with disabilities. I like how this author is writing books about this topic it helps kids find acceptance and have a better self esteem. I definitely recommend this book to everyone. It is a MUST read!!

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Cleary, B. (1983). Dear, Mr. Henshaw. NY: Morrow.

Dr. Mr. Henshaw is a well written book it has humor and life events that children go through on a daily basis. It is about a boy Leigh Botts who is going through the difficult times with the divorce of his parents, moving to a new town,  insecurity, the struggle to make friends and bullying. After writing a letter to his favorite author, Boyd Henshaw, for a class assignment they form a friendship. This friendship changes Leigh's life as it helps him get through his difficult time. 

I enjoyed reading this book!! I love how the author writes  through the eyes of a sixth-grade boy. As well as it being written as a journal with dates and not by specific chapters. Overall, I think it is a really good read for children, it teaches them that they can overcome difficulties in their lives. When you click the link below you will find a list of characters and books that Clearly (author) that are similar to Dr. Mr. Henshaw. 

The World of Beverly Cleary

Bridge to Terabithia

                                           

                                                                                          
Paterson, K. (1977) Bridge to Terabithia. New York: Harper Collins.

I  have no idea why I did not read this book sooner!! This is a BEAUTIFUL book,  I'll be honest it did make me tear up a bit.  I love how this book shows that you can overcome the most tragic things.

Jess practices his running all summer long so he can be the fastest kid in the 5^th grade. His plan of being the fastest boy does not happen when the new girl, Leslie, beats every boy. They become friends in the most unusual way and they create their own magical kingdom called Terabithia. Leslie teaches him to use his imagination. During a rain storm tragedy hits. Once Jess comes to terms to the reality of what happened he finally finds the courage and strength that Leslie has given him to continue on. 

I hope you all enjoy this book as much as I did! I am currently trying to get some of my students to read it.

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