Growing Minds Through Reading

  I’m the Big One Now! Poems about Growing Up BIBLIOGRAPHY Singer, Marilyn. 2019. I’M THE BIG ONE NOW!  POEMS ABOUT GROWING UP. Pennsylvania; Highlights. ISBN 9781629791692 PLOT SUMMARY As children grow, there are so many exciting things that happen.  Singer has compiled a collection of poems about what children encounter as they are growing up.  There are the first-time adventures such as going to the ocean, riding the school bus and attending a big-kid birthday party.  There are also the accomplishments that make them feel proud such as sitting quietly in the theater to watch a movie, counting money and cooking for mom.  The experiences that change a child like becoming a big sibling.     CRITICAL ANALYSIS Singer’s compilation of poems about growing up are simple and children will be able to make a connection to more than one.  The rhythm in each poem will be evident when read aloud and will be inviting for children to repeat...

Red Sings from Treetops a Year in Colors BIBLIOGRAPHY Sidman, Joyce. 2009. RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS A YEAR IN COLORS. New York; Houghton. ISBN 9780547014944 PLOT SUMMARY Colors are seen throughout the four seasons and each has a different job in each.  In the spring, many colors come alive from red to yellow and purple who hold hands as the flowers bloom. In the sky, white comes alive in storms and blue with its need of the yellow sun.  In the summer, as opposed to spring, green is the color that overtakes the season. Blue stands out in many different shades. And black at night holds many summer secrets. In the fall, green allows brown to take over as fatigue overtakes him.  Brown, yellow, purple, orange, black and white are seen all over fall. In winter, only a few colors are visible as many have gone as they await their season where they glow. No matter the season, red is always seen. CRITICAL ANALYSIS There are some rhyming words throughout the book that ha...

 HIDDEN BIBLIOGRAPHY Frost, Helen. 2011. HIDDEN. New York; Frances Foster. ISBN 9780374382216 PLOT SUMMARY Eight-year old Wren Abbot was hiding in the back seat when her mom’s car was stolen.   When they arrive at the man’s house, Wren finds a place to hide in the garage trying to figure out the best way out.   Darra Monson whose dad is the one who stole the car knows that Wren is there. Darra speaks to Wren and without seeing each other leaves food and water for her.   Finally, Wren finds a way out and escapes.   Six years later, Wren and Darra are attending the same camp.   The girls recognize each other instantly.   Both girls try to stay away from each other to avoid talking about the past.   After a game called Drown Last, the girls are finally able to talk about what transpired six years ago which helps them have some closure and start a new friendship. CRITICAL ANALYSIS This novel in verse will captivate young readers from its sus...