Emma

Donahue
Annotated Bibliography

Biography

Mone Davis: Remember My Name

By: Mone Davis with Hilary Beard
2015
HarperCollins
Biography
Characteristic of Difference Gender Equality
Pages 208

Summary:

Mone Davis: Remember My Name is the story of a 13-year-old girl named
Mone Davis who is the first female pitcher to win a game in the Little League World
Series. Her story is one to inspire girls from all around, one of determination and
hard work to accomplish her goals. Mone grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
playing baseball with the boys where she developed an incredible fastball. She has
the ability to throw so fast that she is changing the phrase throw like a girl into a
positive message for girls to follow. Not only did Mone win a Little League World
Series game but she also was featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated magazine
(the first in the 60 years it has been run). With everything that she has done Mone
has earned a place amongst the best in the National Baseball Hall of Fame as of
2014. At only 13-years-old Mone has changed the perspective of girls everywhere.
Personal Response:

I chose to read Mone Davis: Remember My Name because her story is truly
inspiring to young girls. As an athlete you gravitate to those who came before you
looking to them for guidance and encouragement. I am amazed at all the Mone has
done for sports; baseball, softball and girls in general. She has proven that she can
play with the boys, as well as beat them at their own game. Because of Mone women
dont have to stay behind men in sports we can be just as good or better when we
set our mind to it.
Strengths / Weaknesses:

S: A strength that this book has is it was co-written by Mone Davis along
with Hilary Beard. As readers we get to her exactly what Mone was thinking and
how she was able to accomplish her dreams. Having the chance to experience the
game the same way the Mone did helps to give outsiders and dreamers a different
perspective.

W: This book is geared toward girls because of its strong push for equal
opportunities for girls in baseball. It may be hard to encourage a boy to read this
story even if he might enjoy it. Boys often do not hold women and sports to as high
of respect this can only be blamed on society and what we teach young boys.
How this book might be used:

I would use this in a read aloud with 4th or 5th graders. I believe anyone can
learn a lot from Mones story even if they dont necessarily like sports. I would read
this book as a read aloud because the message it shares is important for all students

to hear and can be beneficial if boys and girls learn it together. If you forget that the
story is specifically about a girl, then it simply become a story about a person with a
dream and a will to be the best. That is what I want my students to be able to take
away from this book, any dream a can be reached no matter how big or small it is.
What you learn on your journey will be just as important as the end result that you
achieve.

Realistic Fiction
Perfect Chemistry
By Simone Elkeles
2009
Walker & Company
Realistic Fiction - Characteristic of Difference Ethnicity Hispanic American
Disabilities
Pages 357

Summary:

Perfect Chemistry is about two seniors from different sides of the tracks in
Chicago. When they are forced to be partners in chemistry class, Alex and Brittany
will be forced to acknowledge their differences but also their similarities in life. As
the two get to know each other they will have to face judgment and rejection from
the people in their lives. Sometimes differences attract and help to change people
and the world around them, whether the world is ready or not. This book addresses
the issues of disabilities; as well as racial discrimination is a modern and relatable
story.
Personal Response:

I loved this book it allowed me to learn about a different culture and way of
life from the text. The contexts of this story happen in everyday life where people
fight to make cultural changes in the way people view others. The issues that are
discussed in the book happen to many people even if culture isnt a factor. Getting to
read about a sibling who has a disability allows readers to understand the
challenges families face everyday who have a child with a disability.

Strengths / Weaknesses:

S: There is a lot of true to the culture that is discussed, the author Simone
Elkeles grew up and lives in Chicago so she has a real perspective of the city and
cultural issues it faces. The book has a powerful message on standing up for what
you believe in and fighting for what is right. The way the book is written makes the
reader fall in love with Alex and Brittany, you will laugh and cry as they go through
life being faced with difficulties.

Simone Elkeles was honored by being named the Illinois Author of the Year
by the Illinois Association of teachers of English.

W: This book is written in a simple manner however it discusses some
harder topics that may not be appropriate for younger readers. If the student is
mature enough for the topic I feel they can learn a lot from reading Perfect
Chemistry.

How this book might be used:

I would recommend that this book be read in 7th or 8th grade as an
independent read. If students were reading books that had similar themes such as
disabilities or discussing the challenges of relationships that span cultures. I would
have the students meet as a group to compare the book as well as how the book
dealt with the issues brought up. It is important for students especially middle
school to be exposed with the many different experiences so they have some
background on how to handle the when they arise.

Historical Fiction
Cheyenne Again
By: Eve Bunting, Illustrated by Irving Toddy
1995
Clarion Books
Historical Fiction Characteristic of Difference Ethnicity Native American
Boarding Schools
32 Pages

Summary:
Cheyenne Again is about a young boy named Young Bull who is an Indian.
Young Bull lives with his family and tribe until the white men arrive, they require
Indian boys to leave their homes to be sent to a boarding school. The purpose of the
boarding schools is to separate Indian children from their background and culture.
The boarding schools teach Indian children to think, act, talk and dress like the
white people. Cheyenne Again follows the story of one boy sent to a boarding school
and his struggle to maintain his memory of who he is; an Indian inside.

Personal Response:
I chose this book because I do not have very much background knowledge on
Native Americans or the boarding schools the children were forced to attend. It was
fascinating to have a realistic account of what it was like to grow up as a Native
American during these times of change. Today majority of people know about
Native Americans due to the movies that show only one side of the story. I would
love to watch a movie produced by an individual of Native American decent so I can
learn true facts about the culture and customs.

Strengths / Weaknesses:
S: Eve Bunting has written many books that discuss challenging topics often
avoided by other authors. Eve was inspired to write Cheyenne Again because of an
actual drawing a student of an off-reservation boarding school had done. This
picture laid the foundation of the book helping to give a realistic account of what
young children were going through. Irving Toddy the illustrator is a former student
at the Intermountain Indian School in Utah. Toddy lived the life he drew for

this book, these are his memories that we get to see.

W: Eve Bunting shared the truth of what the Native American students went

through however; Bunting left a lot of information out about the death and harsh
conditions. Pieces of the story were fabricated to make it appropriate to young
children, actual conditions were much harsher.

How this book might be used:
I would recommend that this book be used in 2nd grade as a whole class read
aloud. I want my students to understand where we come from, even though
students nationalities are different we now all live in the same country and I believe
we need to be aware of the countries history. It would be appropriate to use this
book in 2nd grade because it talks about the harder topics without getting into areas
young students may not be ready for. With this book I would be able to bring up the
topics of racism, and equality. As well as the idea of right from wrong, in terms with
separating families in order to change an ancient culture.


Fantasy Annotation

Pete the Cats Groovy Guide to Life
By Kimberly & James Dean
2015
HarperCollins Publishers

Fantasy Characteristics of Difference Animal Fantasy
Pages 45

Summary:
Pete the Cats Groovy Guide to Life follows a cat named Pete as he provides life
lessons to the reader. Each page of the book contains a famous inspirational quote
as well as words by Pete the cat. He makes each quote applicable to young children,
providing an insight on positivity during any point in his life. Petes positive outlook
on life inspires him to treat others how he wants to be treated and think of himself
as always learning valuable lessons.

Personal Response:

I chose this book because of its usage of quotes. At this point in my life I am
finding a lot of meaning in quotes, I look to quotes as a point of inspiration in my life.
Quotes provide a way to simplify my thoughts and feelings while still providing a
powerful message. In life I try to always see the positives instead of focusing on the
negatives. By doing this I find that I can be a happier person and have a stronger
impact on the people around me. In our world today it is so easy to complain about
everything and focus on how bad something is, rather than making your brain work
a little harder to remind you, that not everything bad can happen.

Strengths/ Weaknesses:

S: This story has a very powerful message of having a positive outlook on life.
No matter what situation Pete the cat is in, he stays positive. The whimsical way that
this book is written provides a fun carefree atmosphere that students can learn

from. The images help share the story of a typical cats life, whether it be
encountering a dog or observing birds in a tree; students will be able to find
connections that they know about cats from their background knowledge.


W: This book says it is for children ages 4-8 however the words chosen make
me believe otherwise. A child that young would not be able to read this book with
out support from someone else. What Pete interprets from the quotes would be at
an appropriate level for 8-year-olds they would struggle with the famous quote.


How this book might be used:

I would use this book in 2nd grade as a whole class. I would want my
students to interpret the quotes for themselves; we would have group discussions
on some of the quotes to help explain them in greater detail. Then after we have
talked about them, students would choose the quote that they wanted to work with
and come up with their own meaning like Pete the cat did. I want my students to
understand that you can apply any of the quotes from the text to their own life.
Using this book in my classroom will also be a reminder to look at the positives in
life instead of the negatives.


Traditional Literature

Mafaros Beautiful Daughters An African Tale
By John Steptoe (Writer and Illustrator)
1987
Scholastic Inc.
Traditional Literature Characteristic of Difference Ethnicity - African
American Good vs. Evil
Pages 30

Summary:

This is an African tale of the story of Cinderella. It follows the lives of two
very beautiful daughters both vying for the heart of the king in search of his queen.
One of the sisters is mean and self-centered, whereas, the other sister is kind to
everyone she meets. The sisters each journey on a different path toward the king in
hopes of becoming his wife; on their journey they meet characters that expose who
they really are.

Personal Response:

This book is based on the notion of good vs. evil and with that the idea of
outward vs. internal appearance. Growing up I was taught that it doesnt matter
what someone looks like on the outside but it matters what he or she is like on the
inside. This holds true to my own beliefs, I would rather have people know that I
care about others and what I stand for rather than my outward appearance. It is
important to take care of yourself however I dont feel it is essential to wear makeup
and spend 45 minutes getting ready if there is another way to better spend my time.

I could really identify with Nyasha, the kind sister, I do my best to be nice to
everyone and give back to my community and those in need. I would rather be
remembered as kind than for my beauty.

Strengths / Weaknesses:

S: This story has a very strong message about being a good person. Through
the characters you learn how important it is to represent yourself how you want to
be see. John Steptoe was an author to 15 picture books some of which he also
illustrated. Even though he had a short career due to an early death in 1989, he
received national attention starting with his first book at age 18. Steptoe has
experience as an author and illustrator that add to the depth of this book.


1988 Caldecott Medal


1988 Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrators

W: This book is long and may lose the interest of young elementary students.
It also was written in the 80s and some of the language may be difficult for young
elementary students to understand. It would be important that the reader be able to
supply alternative words or phrases to allow for students understanding.

How this book might be used:

I would use this book in a 1st or 2nd grade classroom for a read aloud or in
small groups. I would connect it to social studies and culture; it would be a great
way to bring the culture of Africa, specifically ruins from Zimbabwe. Folktales pull
from the culture that they were adapted by, reading this version of Cinderella we
can learn a lot about the values of Zimbabwe. Together we would look at the cultural
and physical differences we can observe in this region of Africa as well as the
characters.


Poetry
Science
Halleys Comet by J. Patrick, Lewis, from Doodle Dandies

I am
A cosmic
Snowball made
Of dusty ice and gas
Once or twice a century
I pass the earth and
Sun. See ya next
Time around
In 2061!

Source: Lewis, J. Patrick (2000) Doodle Dandies pg. 28
Why: I love how the poem reflected the actual comet. I dont have much knowledge
about space, so seeing a drawing of what the comet could look like significantly adds
to my understanding of the poem.
How and Who: I would use this poem as a reference to 3rd graders, providing an
example of how the image can add to the words. I would read it out loud, and then
have the students write their own poems and illustrate their own drawings to add
onto them.


Language Arts
English Lessons By: Brian P. Cleary, from Rainbow Soup

If its I sit today

But yesterday I sat.

Could it be said I bit today,

But in the past, I bat?


And with that bat, if I should hit,

Shall it be said, Ive hitten?

For if that bat should bite me,
You can bet your butt, Im bitten.

And if that bite should mend itself,

One might proclaim, Im healed.

But people ask me how it felt

And never how it feeled.

Source: Cleary, Brian P (2004) Rainbow Soup- pg. 17
Why: I found this poem and loved how challenging it is to read due to the improper
English. Anytime when a short piece is hard to read due to its structure or word
choice I almost always love it.
How and Who: I would use this poem as a read aloud a 2nd or 3rd grade classroom.
It would be a good chance for the whole class to work together to understand the
correct words to use in the poem.



Math
Smart by Shel Silverstein


My dad gave me one-dollar bill
Cause Im his smartest son,
And I swapped it for two shiny quarters
Cause two is more than one!
And then I took the quarters
And traded them to Lou
For three dimes I guess he dont know
That three is more than two!

Just then, along came old blind Bates
And just cause he cant see
He gave me four nickels for my three dimes,
And four is more than three!

And I took the nickels to Hiram Coombs
Down at the seed-feed store,
And the fool gave me five pennies for them,
And five is more than four!

And then I went and showed my dad,
And he got red in the cheeks
And closed his eyes and shook his head
Too proud of me to speak!

Source: Silverstein, S. (1974) Where the Sidewalk Ends- pg. 35

Why: I love this poem! When I was young math was really hard for me, I struggled
every year not matter the content. My mom would sometimes read me poetry
before bed; I can remember hearing this poem for the first time and actually
understanding why this kids math was wrong. I had never been able to identify
tricks in math until now and I was so proud.
How and Who: I would use this poem as a read aloud in my 1st or 2nd grade
classroom. It would be best to read the poem multiple times, the second time
reading I would use the board and help students to understand what is happening in
the poem that would make the kids math incorrect.


Social Studies
Five Little Turkeys Contributed by Leanne Guenther
5 little turkeys standing by door,
One waddled off, and then there were 4.
4 little turkeys under a tree,
One waddled off, and then there were 3.
3 little turkeys with nothing to do,
One waddled off, and then there were 2.
2 little turkeys in the noonday sun,
One waddled off, and then there was 1.
One little turkey better run away,
For soon will come Thanksgiving Day.

Source: Guenther, Leanne. (1998-2015). http://www.dltkholidays.com/thanksgiving/m-fivelittleturkeys.htm
Why: I have always loved Thanksgiving and the atmosphere that surrounds it. It
was also one of my favorite holidays from school. The content that we got to learn
intrigued me while poems such as this mad it fun.
How and Who: I would use this poem in K or 1st grade. It would be a fun way to add
some movement into the classroom while also giving kids a chance to show their
personality.



Art/Music
Untitled Poem, By: Natalia M. Belting, From Poetry Matters

The dark gray clouds,

The great gray clouds,

The black rolling clouds are elephants

Going down to the sea for water.

They draw up the water in their trunks.

They march back again across the sky.

They spray the earth again with the water,

And men say it is raining.


Source: Fletcher, Ralph J. (2002) Poetry Matters pg. 38
Why: I chose this poem because I love that you can close your eyes and see exactly
what the author Natalia M. Belting is seeing in her mind.
How and Who: I would use this with 1st or 2nd graders as a listening activity. I
would read the poem out loud to the class and then have students draw their
favorite part. Eventually I would use this poem as a model for students to write their
own descriptive poetry.


Health
Germs
When you cough or when you sneeze,
will you think of others please.
Use a tissue or your hand,
so on friends your germs won't land.

Source: Child Fun, (1994-2014). http://childfun.com/index.php/activitythemes/people-house-home/235-health-and-hygiene-activity-theme.html?start=4
Why: This is just a fun reminder poem for students. Anytime writing can be gross
students tend to love it more. Germs is a rhyming poem that is short and to the point.
How and Who: I would use this poem in K or 1st grade, I would have a large copy
and put it on the wall. I would also use it as fluency practice where the students
would say it at the same time as me.


Nonfiction Annotations
Social Studies Text
Title
The West Today
Author and Illustrator
Author: National Geographic
Illustrator: Photographs from multiple sources
Publisher, Year Published and pages
National Geographic, 2004 and 32 pages

Summary:
This book is about anything and everything that you would find in the modern day west. You
will find information on travel, past inhabitants, the people and movies created there, tourist
activities, folklore and technology and change.

Related CCSS, Iowa Core or Professional Standard:
SS.K2.G.4
Essential Concept and/or Skill: Understand how geographic processes and human actions
modify the environment and how the environment affects humans.

Age/ Grade Level and How It Would Be Used:
I would use this book in 4th grade to get the students interested in all that the modern day west
has to offer. Using this text I would have students identify sections that they would like to learn more

about and use that to propel their curiosity. It contains a vast selection of facts and interesting points
about the west. This book would be good to have in the classroom library to help fit the needs of all
students in the classroom.

Science Text
Title

The Life Cycle of a Shark

Author and Illustrator
Author: John Crossingham and Bobbie Kalman
Illustrator: Barbara Bedell, Crystal Foxton and others

Publisher, Year Published and pages
Crabtree Publishing Company, 2006 and 38 pages
Summary:
This book as everything you could want to know about sharks. There is information about
sharks life cycle as well as shark facts and dangers to them. The book highlights why humans are
dangerous to sharks and their habitat. The pictures complement the text to enhance the readers
experience learning about sharks. This is a great book for students to become interested in sharks
and then learn what they want to know more about.

Related CCSS, Iowa Core or Professional Standard:
S.35.LS.1
Essential Concept and/or Skill: Understand and apply knowledge of organisms and their environments,
including:
Structures, characteristics, and adaptations of organisms that allow them to function and survive
within their habitats.
How individual organisms are influenced by internal and external factors.
The relationships among living and nonliving factors in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
S.35.LS.2
Essential Concept and/or Skill: Understand and apply knowledge of environmental
stewardship.

Age/ Grade Level and How It Would Be Used:
I would use this text in 3rd grade as informational science text; many students love to learn
about sharks and what lives in the ocean. It would be a good introductory to learning about life
cycles; there are a lot of easy to use sources in this book that students can use as a reference.

Math Text
Title:
The Greedy Triangle
Author and Illustrator
By: Marilyn Burns
Illustrated by: Gordon Silveria

Publisher, Year Published and pages
Scholastic, 1994 and 36 pages

Summary:
This book is about a triangle that is tired of only being a triangle, so he asks the shape shifter to
turn him into a different shape. When the triangle becomes a new shape, it explores all the different
places that he can find his new shape in the world. The triangle continues to ask the shape shifter to
alter his shape until he no longer knows what shape he is.
Related CCSS, Iowa Core or Professional Standard:
2.G.A.1
Recognize and draw shapes having specified attributes, such as a given number of angles or
a given number of equal faces.9 Identify triangles, quadrilaterals, pentagons, hexagons, and
cubes.

Age/ Grade Level and How It Would Be Used:
I would use this book in 2nd grade as a way to introduce the similarities and differences of
shapes in a fun creative way. I would read this book out loud to the class, then the students
would be responsible for finding the different shapes in their daily life and draw/write about
what they found out. The more that students can find examples of geometry in their daily life the
more inclined they will be to learn more.