You are probably busy with parties, Valentines, and kids with sugar rushes, so I thought I’d find a few new books that might interest you. Be warned; there is no theme to this list. I just picked some books that are new to my library that I thought would be good for yours, too.
I just got this book, Ellen’s Broom, about a Black family during Reconstruction. The parents, former slaves, had been married by jumping the broom and have learned that they now can be legally married. The whole family goes to the courthouse for the marriage ceremony and they take the broom along.
I found this series of books published by ABDO Publishing to help kids get a job over vacations or during the summers. It is the Cool Kid Jobs set from the checkerboard How-To Library. Each book is arranged the same way and has lots of good information such as making a plan, setting realistic goals, getting permission, making business cards, a flyer, and a customer agreement. Each of these is tailored toward the particular subject the book covers. Then there is other information specific to the subject.
The book for kids who like kids includes ideas of what kind of job they might like to do such as hosting a weekly play group or craft club, a helper for a busy family (someone to play with their kids so the parent can get something else done), a coach’s helper, or putting on a puppet show or a play. Lots of hints and ideas for being safe and successful on the job are also given.
Most elementary students don’t realize how much responsibility is involved in getting a job These books point this out for the kids in a way that is helpful, but not preachy like a parent might be. On the page that describes the play group activity the sidebar has these ideas for the student while they are on the job. 1. Plan indoor and outdoor activities for each session. Then you’ll be ready if it’s too cold or rainy to go outside. 2. Think about games you enjoyed playing when you were younger. Will those games work in the space you have? 3. Pay equal attention to all of the kids. 4. Make sure everyone plays fair and gets a turn. 5. Some kids may have special needs, so take that into consideration. 6. Look for books on kids’ games at the library.
Another book by ABDO Publishing is called “Super Simple Breakfasts” and all the breakfasts are easy and any recipe that needs cooking is done with a microwave and not an oven or stove. Cooking terms and measuring are described and pictured and an ingredient list is also included. If you have students who don’t always eat breakfast, this may be a way to encourage them.
I like the Breakfast in a Cone recipe. Mix cottage cheese, a little powdered sugar and chopped canned peaches together, put in a waffle cone bowl, top with a maraschino cherry and enjoy. The waffle sandwich looks like great recipe kids will like, too. Take two frozen waffles and toast them. Spread peanut butter on one half and top with sliced bananas. Spread jam on the other half and press the waffles together. Eat or wrap in aluminum foil for a ‘to-go’ breakfast.
“North” is the story of Arctic migration. This book included many animals that migrate every spring such as the gray whale, white cranes, wolves, and caribou. The watercolor illustrations by Patrick Benson are soft and realistic. It is appropriate for all ages.
Do you have any books by Deborah Hopkinson? She writes lots of historical picture books. ‘Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt’ and ‘Abe Lincoln Crosses a Creek’ are two that may be in your libraries now. Her newest one is ‘A Boy Called Dickens’ about Charles Dickens’ childhood. As I was reading it, I realized that he probably wrote ‘Oliver Twist’ from experience.
I hope you have seen a few books that interest you. If you have any subjects or age levels that you would like suggestions for, let me know. I really love spending other people’s money!
Have a great week,
Audrey
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