#characterswithsuperpowers

[simplydifferentkidlit-blog]

Wonder

Written by: R.J. Palacio

Publication date: February 14, 2012

Publisher: Penguin Random House

Summary: A young boy named August “Auggie” Pullman lives in Upper Manhattan with his family; sister, Mom and Dad. Auggie is introduced from the beginning as a young boy with multiple medical facial deformities. Due to the many surgeries and hardships, Auggie is homeschooled, until the summer before entering middle school. The story describes the relationships surrounding this young boy.

Author’s Writing Style: I found this book to be unique in the way the author tells the story. She uses all the characters to describe the story. In the beginning, she uses Auggie to set up the story, using several chapters to paint a picture of the setting, conflicts and other characters. But then she switches to other people’s reactions to situations, conflicts or points of view. The story continues on with other character’s and their perception. The author also gives opinion and conflict. The author’s talented way of weaving emotions, situations and opinions, while adding to the story is brilliant. Any age group could relate to this story.

Reflection: While reading this story, I felt many emotions for this

Fictional family. The author had a strong message from the first lines of the book. I was invested as soon as the story began. I feel as though any age reader could enjoy this book. There is something for everyone. The lessons embedded into the story can touch just about anyone. With such a heavy emphasis now a days on bullying, adults and children can identify how it comes in several forms. The author depicts bullying more than just with children on the playground. It can be infectious and not with just children. At the end of the story, the touching speech the Principal gives to the graduating class is touching. It ties into all the conflicts that make the ending worth while. As a teacher, I am not going watch the movie! The book was incredible. I have such a vision of what each character looks and acts like that I will not ruin this incredible story with a motion picture :)

[simplydifferentkidlit-blog]

I love Saturdays y domingos

Written by: Alma Flor Ada

Illustrated by: Elivia Savadier

Publication date: 2002

Antheneum Books for Young Readers

Simon and Schuster Children’s Publishing

Summary: A young girl describes her weekends spent with her two sets of grandparents, both from two very different cultures, but share common bonds in things she does with each set. The comparisons and similarities draw the reader into the wonderful story of a love for the weekends with two sets of loving grandparents.

Illustrators illustrations: The illustrator has a fabulous way of finding details to foster the written text. Each page explodes with color. The two different cultures mesh together. In reference to the pages about the Grandfather’s or “Abuelito’s” one Grandfather shows the young girl his aquarium and the other brings her to the seashore. Both pictures have detail, pulling the reader into the story, almost like watching through a window.

Author’s Writing: In my school district, there is a high population of native spanish speakers. The author using both English and Spanish text to recite the story. For instance, when counting, the author uses English and Spanish to compare across pages. When describing the Grandmother’s, the author uses both languages “Grandma has a tabby cat. Her name is Taffy.” In similarity, she uses Spanish too, “Abuelita has a dog. His name is Canelo.” The setup of how the author tells the story is fun and predictable. Children know what to expect as they read. Teachers can use this predictability to their advantage!

Reflection: I love how the two cultures blend together as one family. The little girl finds love and encouragement in each side of her heritage. I find that this story brings a happy twists on living biculturally. Often times there is a problem in a story but instead, this only focuses on the joy of each difference.