Tutto Va Benne

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Granny Torrelli Makes Soup

Sharon Creech

published by Harper Collins 2003

Summary: "With the help of her wise old grandmother, twelve-year-old Rosie manages to work out some problems in her relationship with her best friend, Bailey, the boy next door."

The layout of the book with two separate sections and different chapters allows the reader to consider each story separately. Many children will relate to having problems with friends, jealousy, and having someone who helps make everything all better. The book is very well written and tells a great story full of Italian phrases and genuine charm.

Wood Carvings and Release from a Cage

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The Tiger Rising
Kate DiCamillo
published by Candlewick Press, 2001

Summary: "Rob, who passes the time in his rural Florida community by wood carving, is drawn by his spunky but angry friend Sistine into a plan to free a caged tiger."

This beautifully written book shares a compelling story of two children experiencing loss. Students may relate to this feeling of loss or to the feeling of being picked on by other students. I literally laughed and gasped aloud throughout the story as I got to know each of the distinctive characters. Family and friendship are themes throughout the book. Some of the elements of loss may be a little touchy for younger students.

"of the humming and the thrumming of her purr"

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title quote from page 112

Hate That Cat
Sharon Creech
Published by HarperCollins, 2008

Summary: "Jack is studying poetry again in school, and he continues to write poems reflecting his understanding of famous poems and how they relate to his life."

This book was another creative insight into the mind of a student learning poetry and dealing with meta-cognition. Learning about the character, his family, and his environment through his own poetry allows for a different perspective. I personally am more of a fan of cats than dogs and was surprised that this well-written and poetic book gave me a new outlook on cats and pets in general. Teachers could use this to teach different elements of poetry, such as onomatopoeia and alliteration. In addition, students can learn about other poems through this book or create their own journal of poetry.