A Quick Refrence

Little Fish

Little Fish - A Memoir by Ramsey Beyer

Overview: A story about a girl raised in a small town tackling the city of Baltimore and college. An autobiography told through real journal excerpts, artwork and lots of lists. 

Target Audience: Grades 7 and up

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age Range 12 and up

Overall Rating 19/20:

-It was a bit difficult to rate this book since it is a autobiography style book but I did the best I could removing the sections of the rubric that seemed unnecessary. I found it unfair to judge it on diversity because if the author would have added more diverse characters that didn't exist in her life it wouldn't have made the story authentic ad an autobiography. 

-The book does have illustrations that are visually appealing but the rubric above doesn't rate on that, it rates on the depiction of the reality and that is something only the author knows since it was her life.

-The book was relatable because it shows the life of a person who we can all relate to in one way or another. Again, it was hard to judge but I thought this was what was fair.

Literary Elements:

-Autobiography

-Character

-Style

 Beyer, R. (2013). Little Fish: A Memoir From a Different Kind of Year. San Francisco, CA: Zest Books. 

Enemy Pie

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson Illustrated by Tara Calahan King

Online Link: StoryLineOnline - Enemy Pie

Overview: A young boy is looking forward to what should have been the perfect summer. His hope is ruined when Jeremy Ross moves into the neighborhood and becomes his top (and only) enemy. The young boy tells his dad about his enemy and they make an enemy pie to get rid of him.

Target Audience (according to amazon.com: Preschool - 7

Reading Level (according to lexile.com):

Lexile Measure AD330L

Overall Rating 25/28:

- I chose to give the book a 2/4 in diversity because although the characters in the book don't qualify as "diverse" based on what is shown in the book. What is not said in the book is what intrigued me. The young boys mom is not mentioned which leaved room for students to come up with their own ideas. Maybe he has two dads? Maybe his dad is a single parent? Maybe his dad is a stay at home dad and mom is at work? or maybe she passed away? Its up to the reader to decide that!

Literary Elements:

-Conflict

-Characterization

-Moral

 Munson, D., & Manheim, C. (2012, May 21). Enemy Pie - Storyline Online. Retrieved January 18, 2016, from http://www.storylineonline.net/enemy-pie/ 

To Be a Drum

To Be a Drum by Evelyn Coleman art by Aminah Brenda Lynn Robinson

Online Link: StoryLineOnline - To Be a Drum  

Overview: Daddy Wes tells the story of how Africans were brought to the Unites States as slaves using a drum to tell the story. He tells his children to listen to the beat of the earth and encourages them to continue beating. 

Target Audience: This book is great for children and adults alike. Using a drum to tell the history of Africans. 

Reading Level: N/A

Overall Rating 32/32:

-This book tells the story of African slaves being brought to the United States, it evokes a lot of emotions. It gives a raw visual of how things happened and puts an image to a piece of history we all know often gets sugar coated. For this reason I gave the book a 4/4 in critical thinking. I would love to hear of discussion of how this makes students feel after reading it.

-Even though some images may not be visually appealing (because of how sad it is that this actually happened) I rated it 4/4 because its a piece of history that should be shown in its truest form.

Literary Elements:

-Climax

-Tone

-Theme

Coleman, E., & Jones, J. E. (2012, May 21). To Be a Drum - Storyline Online. Retrieved January 23, 2016, from http://www.storylineonline.net/to-be-a-drum/ 

A Bad Case of Stripes

A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon

Online Link: StoryLineOnline - Bad Case of Stripes

Overview: Camila Cream is a people pleaser, more specifically a peer pleaser. What others think of her is very important to her. So important that she doesn't eat lima beans (even though she likes them) because her friends don't like them. She is so worried of what others think of her that she breaks out with a bad case of the stripes. 

Target Audience: K-3rd grade

Reading Level (according to amazon.com and lexile.com):

Age Range 4-8 years

Lexile Measure AD540L

Overal Rating 25/28:

-The book follows Camila through her journey of having the stripes, the characters in the book besides her parents aren't very diverse in terms of their race or ethnicity based on what is shared about the characters given the reason I rated it 3/4 in diversity. It is still a book I would read in my future classroom because of the thoughtful message it has.

-Although it challenges students to be themselves, it doesn't allow much room for critical thinking because it gives you everything you need to know and lays all the details out for the reader which is why I gave it a 3/4 in critical thinking. 

Literary Elements:

-Conflict

-Climax

-Characters

Shannon, D., & Astin, S. (2012, May 21). A Bad Case of Stripes. Retrieved January 25, 2016, from http://www.storylineonline.net/a-bad-case-of-stripes/ 

Catching the Moon - The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream

Catching the Moon  by Crystal Hubbard Illustrated by Randy DuBurke

Online Link: StorylineOnline - Catching the Moon

Overview: Marcenia loves baseball, but her parents, peers and coach didn't believe she belonged on the field because she was a girl. She continued to play baseball and soon earned her respect on the field and a place in baseball camp. 

Target Audience: Children who enjoy sports or need inspiration to conquer their dreams. 

Reading Level:

Age Range 6-10 years

Lexile Measure AD760L

Overall Rating 31/32:

- I rated the book 4/4 in theme/storyline because it tells a beautiful story about a young girl, it flows nice and builds to a natural climax.

-I rated the book 3/4 in critical thinking because it doesn't leave much room for students to think critically, it is a bit predictable and lays everything out for the reader.

-The book has awesome illustrations that depict the race of the characters accurately which is why I rated it 4/4 in illustrations. 

Literary Elements:

-Conflict

-Resolution

-Setting

 Hubbard, C., & DuBurke, R. (2005). Catching the Moon: The Story of a Young Girl's Baseball Dream. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books. 

The Zoo Box

 

The Zoo Box by Ariel Cohn Illustrated by Aron Nels Steinke

Overview: Erika and Patrick get to stay home alone while their parents go out. They decide to play dress up in the attic where they find a box with a label that says "DO NOT OPEN" like most kids, they open it anyway and out of it comes a herd of animals. They follow the animals and where they go next is unbelievable. Luckily, they make it home on time before they are caught. 

Target Audience: Students who love animals.

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age Range 5-7 Years

Overal Rating 25/28:

- This book can relate to many social justice topics revolving animals (also known as animal rights.) In the book the tables turn, and there is a human zoo instead of the traditional animal zoos we attend. This can evoke a good conversation in the class, which is why I rated the book 4/4.

-The main characters in the book are two American children who seem to live in a traditional middle class neighborhood, the only other characters shown in the books are the parents and the animals. I really enjoyed the book but had to rate it 1/4 in diversity. 

Literary Elements:

-Onomatopoeia

-Title

-Personification

Cohn, A., & Steinke, A. N. (2014). The Zoo Box. New York, NY: First Second. 

The Flying Beaver Brother and The Hot-Air Baboons by Maxwell Eaton III

Overview: The Beaver Brothers are having fun in the snow when all of a sudden, it all turns to water. Wondering what happened, they see a group of beavers. The Baboons are the ones melting the snow to make "pools" for the beavers. With help from an old enemy, they get rid of the Baboons but then have a new problem. 

Target Audience: Students grades one through four. 

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age Range 6-9 years
Lexile Measure GN230L

Overall Rating 24/24:

-I decided not to rate the book on diversity because its a book with animals as characters where they don't talk about race, ethnicity, religion, or economic status. 

-No facts or cultures were presented in the book so I decided not to rate in on accuracy. 

-The Baboons are trying to take the resources the Beavers have, this can provoke critical thinking about resource management and taking care of the Earth we live in.

-I rated the book 4/4 in theme/storyline because its an interesting story that happens smoothly, it has a conflict and the main characters are abel to come up with a resolution.

Literary Elements:
-Onomatopoeia

-Title and Subtitle

-Setting

 Eaton, M., III. (2014). The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Hot-Air Baboons. New York, NY: Alfred A. Knopf. 

Estrellita en la Ciudad Grande - Estrellita In the Big City

Estrellita en la Ciudad Grande - Estrellita In the Big Cit by Samuel Caraballo Illustrated by Pablo Torrecilla

Overview: Estrellita and her family just moved to New York from Puerto Rico. Missing her grandma, she called her to tell her all about her first day in New York and to tell her how much she misses her. 

Target Audience: Kindergarten and up

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age Range 5 years and up

Overall rating 32/32:

-I really enjoyed reading this book, I am lucky to have not had to go through the same thing as Estrellita, but it is something my parents experienced. Reading the book about her missing her grandmother broke my heart. I feel like many students can relate to having to move or leaving something/someone they love behind which is why I rated the book 4/4 in relatability.

-Like stated in another post before, latinos come in different shades of skin colors from super pale to super dark. Many books show latinos as the typical brown/tan skin tone but in this book the latinos were lighter than we usually see which is why I rated the book 4/4 in stereotypes.

-Estrellita now lives in New York, where there is lots of people of varying backgrounds. When showing Estrellita in New York it looks very realistic which is why I rated the book 4/4 in accuracy. 

Literary Elements:

-Dialouge

-Setting

 Caraballo, S., & Torrecilla, P. (2008). Estrellita en la ciudad grande / Estrellita in the big city / by Samuel Caraballo ; illustrated by Pablo Torrecilla. Houston, TX: Piñata Books. 

¡Si, Se Puede! - Yes We Can! Janitor Strike in L.A.

¡Sí, Se Puede! - Yes, We Can! Janitor Stike in L.A. by Diana Chon Illustrated by Francisco Delgado 

with an essay by Luis J. Rodriguez

Overview: Carlitos is a young boy who lives in Los Angeles with his mom and grandma. At night after tucking in Carlitos, his mom goes to work as a janitor cleaning offices in sky scrapers. When Carlitos mom tells him that the janitors in L.A. are going on strike him and his classmates decide to make signs and help them.

Target Audience: K-2nd Grade

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age Range 5-7 years

Overall Rating 31/32:
-The book received 3/4 in relatability because not many students can relate to the story of a child who sees a parent struggle to make ends meet. Although many students can relate to living in a single parent household.
-I rated the book 4/4 in theme/storyline because it does a good job with combining a real life event with a story of a young boy. It also could be used as a piece of history (because thats what it is) and connecting it to a personal story which makes it more realistic for students.
-I rated the book 4/4 in appropriateness because it has language appropriate for students. The images are also very appropriate and don't show violence.

Literary Elements:

-Character

-Setting

-Conflict

Cohn, D., Delgado, F., & Rodriguez, L. J. (2002). ¡Sí, Se Puede! = Yes, We Can!: Janitor Strike in L.A. El Paso, TX: Cinco Puntos Press. 

Famous Fenton Has a Farm - Sign Language for Farm Animals

Famous Fenton Has a Farm by Dawn Babb Prochovnic Illustrated by Stephanie Bauer

Overview: A rhyming book similar to "Old McDonald Had a Farm" with sign languag translations of the animals in Famous Fenton's farm. 

Target Audience: Anyone who enjoys the old classic, animals and learning something new. 

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age range: 4 and up

Overall Rating 25/28:

-I rated the book 2/4 in relatability because although many students like animals, there wasn't a real story being told in the book. It was a re-make of Old McDonald Had a Farm which is a song many students know. I still feel like its a good book because it teaches students sign language, from the alphabet to farm animals.

-I rated the book 3/4 in critical thinking because like stated previously, there is no real story being told but it still allows for students to think about others who may be deaf and have not heard the Old McDonald Had a Farm song and can create a good conversation about disabilities.

Literary Elements:

-Rhyming

-Onomatopoeia

-Setting

 Prochovnic, D. B., & Bauer, S. (2010). Famous Fenton Has a Farm: Sign Language for Farm Animals. Edina, MN: Magic Wagon. 

Gracias - Thanks

Gracias - Thanks by Pat Mora Illustrated by John Parra

Overview: We follow a young boy throughout his day as he tells us what he is grateful for. An inspiration to appreciate the little things in life.

Target Audience: Preschool - 2 grade

Reading Level (according to amazon.com)

Age Range 5-9 years old

Lexile Measure AD1040L

Overall Rating 30/32:

-I rated the book 3/4 in relatability because not everyone feels like they need to appreciate everything and thats ok. I still felt like many students could relate to the main character because we don't think about all the little things that make us happy throughout the day that we should be grateful for.

-I rated the book 3/4 in stereotypes because hispanics in the book are depicted as "brown" or "tan" when in reality hispanics come in many different shades of skin tones. 

Literary Elements:

-Bilingualism 

-Onomatopoeia 

-Protagonist

 Mora, P., & Parra, J. (2009). Gracias - Thanks. New York, NY: Lee & Low Books. 

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher

The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison Levy

Overview: In this book we have four unique brothers with varying interest. First we have Sam who is 12, Jax who is 10, Eli who is also 10 but still younger than his brother Jax and Frog who is 6. Each chapter starts with a sticky note that is usually from their parents, Dad and Papa, and in each chapter you get to know a different brother more intimately which is very fun. They have pets and an new neighbor who is not so friendly. 

Target Audience: 4-7 Grade

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age Range 9-12 years
Lexile Measure 0750

Overall Rating 28/28:

- I rated the book 4/4 in critical thinking because although the boys have two dads, its not a big deal in the book. The gay parents aren't presented as an issue to deal with or something abnormal, they are parents like any other parent(s). This allows students to discuss why we make it such a big deal or an "issue" in other books or in real life.

-The book not only has two parents of the same gender, but four adopted children who are all very ethnically diverse and unique in their own way. Which is why I rated the book 4/4 in diversity.

-The book received a 4/4 in relatability because of how different the four boys are, there is a character for everyone in this book. Wether you have a dilemma between two interests like Sam or you have a grumpy neighbor. 

Literary Elements:

-Characters

-Setting

-Beginning, Middle and End

 Levy, D. A. (2014). The Misadventures of the Family Fletcher. New York, NY: Delacorte Press. 

The Year of Billy Miller

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

Overview: Billy's family is on vacation before Billy is about to begin second grade. While on vacation, he slips and next thing he remembers is waking up in a hospital bed with a lump on his head. Billy is excited but worried for second grade but he is in the same class as his best friend, Ned, their teachers name is Ms. Silver and she assigns them a diorama project. Billy's mom is  a teacher and his dad stays at home and takes care of Sal, Billy's little sister. Billy and Ned's diorama ends up being a success. Their diorama gave Billy's dad some inspiration since he is an artist himself. Billy now has to read a poem so he decides to do it about his mom and perform it at the last event of second grade, although he gets nervous and forgets some words he was able to memorize it and make his mom proud. 

Target Audience: 3-7 Grade

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age Range 8-12 years old

Overall Rating 28/28:

- I rated the book 4/4 in Theme/Storyline because the book was excellent, it followed Billy through second grade combining his home and school life. Billy's stay at home dad added a nice twist to the story and the author makes you fall in love with the characters.

-Although it seems like the typical book of a boy its a book that allows for good discussion with students about family structures. Students who don't often see a stay at home dad or are skeptical to the idea can see that a family can still function with the mom being the breadwinner. That is why I rated the book 4/4 in critical thinking. 

-I rated the book 4/4 in relatability because one way or another, we can relate to Billy or his family. Wether its handling someone you don't like at school, having an annoying sibling (or being one), having a parent who helps you with school assignment or having a parent who is really busy working to support the family. 

Literary Elements:

-Personification

-Imagery

-Narration

 Henkes, K. (2013). The Year of Billy Miller. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. 

Jacob's New Dress

Jacob's New Dress by Sarah and Ian Hoffman Illustrated by Chris Case

Overview: Jacob likes playing dress up, and he enjoys wearing dresses. Jacob's parents are a bit skeptical at first but end up agreeing to let him wear his dress to school. Despite being made fun of, Jacob continues to be non-conforming and wearing what he wants to. 

Target Audience: This book is great for any student because we all like to be non-conforming in one way or another. 

Reading Level (according to amazon.com): 

Age Range 4-8 years old

Lexile Measure AD400L

I 

Overall Rating 32/32:

-I rated the book 4/4 in relatability because even if there is students who conform to gender expectations, we all are non-conforming to something. There will always be someone who isn't happy about what they are doing and how they are doing it. Jacob teaches students to be themselves regardless of what others tell them and he teaches parents to support their children. 

- I rated the book 4/4 in diversity because Jacob's decision to wear a dress isn't what majority of the students would do. In addition to that, students in Jacob's class are very diverse and show how our classrooms really look.

-Although the topic wouldn't be accepted by all parents. The topic is very appropriate for students at any age and the book doesn't have any vulgar language or images. 

Literary Elements:

-Setting

-Theme

-Protagonist

 Hoffman, S., Hoffman, I., & Case, C. (2014). Jacob's New Dress. Chicago, IL: Albert Whitman & Company. 

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grade by Mary Hoffman and Caroline Binch

Overview: Grace loves hearing stories her grandma and mom tell her, but more than that, she loves acting out the stories. She always chooses the main character to act out and gets her friends and family to act out the rest. Grace really wants to play Peter Pan in her school play, but her classmates tell her she can't because she is female and black - things Peter Pan isn't.

Target Audience: Students who don't like to conform to gender roles are put down because of their ethnicity.

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):
Age Range 4-8 years
Lexile Measure 680L

Overall Rating 32/32:

-I  rated the book 4/4 in critical thinking because I think this is a great book to start a conversation about issues that are still relevant now. Recently, there has been sequels or remakes of movies with characters of a different race than the original actor and it has caused a lot of commotion. Also, it brings up issues of gender inequality and gender bias.
-I rated the book 4/4 in relatability despite it having a "girl power" message because everyone has felt excluded or discouraged from doing to becoming something they wanted to be for varying reasons and a lot of students could relate to Grace.

-The book received a 4/4 rating in illustrations because they depicted the characters and setting accurately without biases. 

Literary Elements:
-Ellipsis
-Conflict
-Plot

 Hoffman, M., & Binch, C. (1991). Amazing Grace. New York, NY: Dial Books for Young Readers. 

Heather Has Two Mommies

Heather Had Two Mommies by Lesléa Newman Illustrated by Laura Cornell

Overview: Heather lives with her two pets, and her two mommies. On her first day of school Heather's teacher reads them a book about veterinarian and the students begin to discuss the occupations of their parents. Heather questions if she is the only student without a daddy. Heathers teacher decides that all the students should draw a picture of their family. Once everyone is done, they put the pictures of their families around the classroom.

Target Audience: Students with a diverse familial structure. 

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):
Age Range 3-7 years
Lexile Measure AD760L

Overall Rating 30/32:

-I rated the book 3/4 in relatability because although many students know someones who identifies as LBGTQ, there are still many who don't.

-Heather Has Two Mommies received a 3/4 in theme/storyline because the climax wasn't too defined or natural. 

-I rated the book 4/4 in diversity because not only are the protagonists of the story diverse but the students in Heathers class are diverse and so are their family structures. 

Side note: I love that there are many LGBTQ pictures books and that more seem to be written and accepted more widely. One thing I have noticed though, is that many of the protagonists of these books are caucasian. It would be nice to see a minority be a protagonist in a book that deals with LGBTQ issues.

Literary Elements:
-Story structure (beginning, middle, end)
-Setting
-Narration

 Newman, L., & Cornell, L. (2015). Heather Has Two Mommies. Somerville, MA: Candlewick Press.

New 2015 edition from the original 1989 version.

Gracefully Grayson

Gracefully Grayson by Ami Polonsky

Overview: Grayson is a transgendered girl who throughout the book becomes her true self. She lives in Chicago with her aunt and uncle. Although Grayson is a bit conflicted with telling others her secret, she has the support of her teacher and friend. Grayson, like many LGBTQ students, deals with bullies and disapproval form other adults. 

Target Audience: 5th grade and up students who identify as LGBTQ.

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):
Age Range 10-14
Grade Level 5-9

Overall Rating 27/28:

-I rated Gracefully Grayson 3/4 in relatability because not many students can understand transgenderism or know someone who is trangender. It will help them think critically of the struggles people who identify as LGBTQ go through and what goes on inside in their minds which is why I rated it 4/4 in critical thinking.

-I rated the book 4/4 in theme/storyline because it depicts the reality of young students who are transgendered. From the bullying, to the struggle of coming to terms with the reality of their situation.

Literary Elements:
-Point of view: first person
-Characterization
-Conflict

 Polonsky, A. (2014). Gracefully Grayson. New York, NY: Hyperion. 

Call Me Tree - Llamame arbol

Call Me Tree - Llamame arbol by Maya Christina Gonzalez

Overview: Call Me Tree is a bilingual book (Spanish & English) about a child who goes on a journey of self discovery, growing with the tree and being free. As the child grows he discoveres the sky, birds, more trees and children.

Target Audience: K-3 students.

Reading Level: N/A

Overall Rating 27/28 (based on rubric posted above):

-I chose to omit accuracy because there was no real facts presented in the book. Also, the book is gender neutral and doesn't depict a specific culture.

-I rated the book 3/4 in relatability because the child in the book became one with a tree and it seems like a difficult concept for students to be able to relate to.

-On the other hand, the book received a 4/4 in critical thinking because although it may be an unusual concept for children to think about (one connecting with nature and gender neutrality) it allows for a good discussion to develop.

Literary Elements:

-Rhyming

-Point of View: First Person

-Bilingual

 Gonzalez, M. C. (2014). Call Me Tree - Llamame Arbol. New York, NY: Children's Book Press. 

Stella Brings the Family

Stella Brings the Family by Miriam B. Schiffer Illustrations by Holly Clifton- Brown

Overview: Stella's teacher is hosting a Mothers Day party for her class and each student is allowed to bring a special guest. Stella is worried on who she will be inviting since she doesn't have a mom, she has two dads. Her friends try to help her come up with solutions and she decides she is bringing her whole family.

Target Audience: Students with lgbtq parents.

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age Range 5-8 years

Lexile Measure N/A

Overall Rating 30/32 (based on rubric above):

-The reason the book received a 2/4 in relatability is because unfortunately, not many students are exposed to the reality of our world. One of those realities is the LGBTQ community. Thankfully, society has become more accepting (although I am sure there is a lot more battles to fight) and its very common to see families with LGBTQ members. 

-I rated the book 4/4 in diversity mainly because of the LGBTQ parents mentioned in the book but also because it showed diversity in the rest of the characters in the book. Something that particularly stuck out to me was that one of the students in Stella's class mentions that they will be bringing their grandmother to the mothers day party because the mom was away, which leaves space for students who may be in a similar situation where there mom works a lot, is in jail or just simply isn't as involved in the child's life.

-All of the images and language used in the book was appropriate for K-5 students and to the LGBTQ topic and community. Which is why the book received a 4/4 in appropriateness.

Literary Elements:

-Mood

-Conflict

-Point of view: third person omniscient

 Schiffer, M. B., & Clifton-Brown, H. (2015). Stella Brings the Family. San Francisco, CA: Chronicle Books LLC. 

Henry Holton Takes the Ice

Henry Holton Takes the Ice by Sandra Bradley Illustrated by Sara Palacios

Overview: Henry Holton comes from a family of hockey lovers. Everyone in his family has played hockey, from his grandma to his cousins. For some reason, Henry isn't into hockey like the rest of his family. One day, his mom and him see a flyer for a figure skating event and they decide to attend. After the event, Henry decided that he too wants to be a figure skater but first he has to convince his family.

Target Audience: Children who enjoy sports, particularly hockey or dancing.

Reading Level (according to amazon.com):

Age Range 5-8 years

Lexile Measure AD570L

Overall Rating 29/32 (based on rubric above):

-I gave the book a 1/4 in Diversity because all of the characters in the book were caucasian and had mainstream lives. There was no characters with diversity in gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, economic status, family structure or religion. There was opportunities for the author/illustrator to incorporate diverse characters even if it wasn't in Henrys own family.

-I thought the book had a very relatable theme for students, often times society and families try to put children in boxes based on their gender. In the book, Henry was expected to play hockey because of his family history but when he expressed he was interested in figure skating his family was hesitant and his sister told him that figure skating was for girls. As we grow up we are taught that certain activities are only for a certain gender and we eventually conform but Henry teaches children that they should do what they are interested in regardless of gender.

Literary Elements:

Title & Subtitle

Climax

Conflict

 Bradley, S., & Palacios, S. (2015). Henry Holton takes the ice. New York, NY: Penguin Group. 

Tally Cat Keeps Track

Tally Cat Keeps Track by Trudy Harris Illustrated by Andrew N. Harris

Overview: Tally Cat likes to keep track of who is the tallest, smartest and wettest, he keeps track of it all day by scratching tallies on the wall. Somehow, Tally Cat always wins but when he is in trouble his friends come together to help him and he finally admits to the truth. 

At the end of the book you can find a mini-math-lesson on what tallies are, how we count with them and how they can be used for different things.

Target Audience: Students who love math, cats or a good lesson on friendship.

Reading Level (according to Amazon.com):

Age Range 5 and up

Lexile Measure 570L

Overall Rating 28/28 (based on rubric posted above)
-I decided not to rate the book on diversity because all the characters in the book are cats. Also, there was an equal amount of male and female cats.
-I rated the book 4/4 in critical thinking because it had a good lesson to teach students about cheating (something most can relate to) and adds a mini-math-lesson at the end of the book.

Literary Elements:
-rhyming
-onomatopoeia
-personification

 Harris, T., & Harris, A. (2011). Tally Cat Keeps Track. Minneapolis: Millbrook Press.