The Fault in Our Stars: Book Review

Author: John Green
Genre: Young-adult fiction
Publisher: Dutton's Children's Books, a division of the Penguin Group
Pages: 315

Rating: High School 4 (recommended)
This book is meant for 14+ years of age. The age range reflects readability and appropriateness. This book would be perfect for high school students who are interested. This book is written in more of a higher reading level. I gave this book a 4 for my recommendation because it will be readable and enjoyable to most students.  It is very easy to follow along and understand what is going on in the story, it gives great mental pictures, and  it will give the more advanced readers more of a challenge.
Summary:
Hazel Grace is a 17 year old girl who is dying of caner, but because of a new drunk her disease is delayed. Because of her type of cancer she has to carry around an oxygen take at all times to help her breathe. Her mom finds her to be very depressed, so she brought her to a cancer support group, where she meets the love of her life Augustus. His disease is delayed as well because the doctors amputated his leg. Hazel is obsessed with the author named Peter Van Houten. She feels his books describe her life events. Come to find out, his books are about his daughter who died when she was 8 of cancer. Augustus surprises her with a trip to Amsterdam to meet the author. When they met the author he was crabby and rude. He had nothing positive to say to her about her cancer or about live. They leave his house upset and confused asking why is he so bitter? They then return to their hotel room and express their love for each other. That next morning, Augustus tells Hazel Grace that his cancer has returned. When they get back to the states, they do everything they can to ensure they are spending quality time with each other before something bad happens to one of them. Augustus got sicker and sicker and asked Van Houten to use his words and write a eulogy for Hazel Grace if he were to pass away. He wants her to know how much he loves her and how she lived her life. So what happens? Do they live happily ever after?

Educational Purpose: This is another great life lesson book. Cancer is killing more and more people today. We want people to learn to have compassion for others because you don't know what they are going through on an everyday basis. It also teaches us to care and love for those who are suffering everyday. It helps you appreciate all the things you have in life. This book really teaches the value of life and how we should live it to the fullest!

If I Stay: Book Review

Author:
Genre: Young-adult fiction
Publisher: Penguin Young Readers Group
Pages: 320

Rating:
High School 4 (recommended)
This book is meant for 14+ years of age. The age range reflects readability and appropriateness. This book would be perfect for high school students who are interested. This book is written in more of a higher reading level. I gave this book a 4 for my recommendation because it will be readable and enjoyable to most students.  It is very easy to follow along and understand what is going on in the story, it gives great mental pictures, and  it will give the more advanced readers more of a challenge.

Summary:
Mia is a 17 year old very gifted musician with plans to attend Julliard. Her parents were also punk rockers back in their day and she had a 7 year old brother named Teddy. You could say this family really loved each other. One day, because of a huge amount of snow fall, the kids had a snow day. The family decided to go on a road trip to visit friends when suddenly a truck struck their car. Mia was is on the edge of life of death. She is in a coma and has an out of body experience after the crash. She sees everything that happened after the crash and the events that happen in the hospital. Of course she was so scared and concerned for her family but she soon found out her parents died instantly and her brother made it to the hospital but didn't make it. Throughout the movie it shows many flash blacks of Mia and her family. One of the flash backs explains her love for a talented guitarist named Adam. But because of the accident he wasn't able to see her to tell her he loves her too. Her grandparents are the only family left in her life. While Mia is still in her coma, she hears two nurses telling the grandparents that its her decision if she wants to fight to live or not. Her grandpa is holding her hand telling her that it is okay if she wants to go and how much they love her. Adam finally gets to the hospital and rushes into her room. He kisses her on the lips and tells her how much he loves her. Does the power of his love make her fight to live or does she let go?

Educational Purpose:
I feel this book could show many things to high school students. It shows them how fast life can be taken from you. It shows to always tell your loved ones how much you love them and appreciate them. The most important purpose is to watch what you say to others. I can't imagine what it would be like to say a rude comment and bully someone and then the next day they are gone. After I read the book and watched the movie, I drove home just to tell my parents how much I loved them. I called family and friends who I haven't seen or talked too in a long time just to let them know how much I appreciate them. This book really teaches the value of life and how we should live it to the fullest!

Introduction Blog

Introduction:

My name is Kelci May and I am from a small town called Choteau Montana. I am  currently a senior at the University of Great Falls. I am studying elementary education with an emphasis of communication arts. I cannot wait to pursue my dreams of becoming an elementary teacher.

 

What is the purpose of this blog?

The purpose of this blog is to show my students that learning is EVERYWHERE! Most learning is learned outside of school. Children tend to learn more because of what surrounds them. Not only is this a great way to engage all my students, but it can be used anywhere that has internet connection.  Also, reading is a very important aspect of learning. If you cannot read, how are you supposed to learn? Teaching students how important reading is crucial. With that being said, my students will be able to look at books that I rate, read them and communicate with their classmates and I about them.
 I will be rating the books on a 5 star rating:



Reading level system:

Pre-School books will not have much reading content. They will mostly consists of pictures with a word or two to describe what the picture means.
Early Elementary books are going to be in the pre-school through second grade reading level and they will be books that focuses on learning the words and how a book works.
Elementary books will be kindergarten through sixth grade. Unlike the early elementary books, these books will be more focused on the text and not so much pictures.
Middle School books are going to be in the sixth grade through eighth grade level. More text will be represented to ensure full knowledge is being gained.
High School books are going to be eighth grade through twelfth grade the books will be more complex. A more mature reader will steam from reading this level.


My favorite children's book.
Title: Ruby the Copycat
Author: Peggy Rathman