August Carnival of Children's Literature

The August Carnival of Children's Literature is up at In Need Of Chocolate! I am pleased to say I remembered the deadline and submitted something this time. It has a "Back to School" theme, so you know I am loving that. But more importantly, there are many good things to read. Check it out!

Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff

Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Someone told me that their daughter thought this book was "a LITTLE sad." Umm, try uncontrollable crying. Maybe it was just me feeling sentimental, but I thought this book was so sad. But sad like you feel for the characters, not like a tragedy happens during the story. You already know the tragedy before the story starts. It is the healing process that made me so weepy. Definitely a book I will recommend to my students. Don't think I could get through reading it aloud. I know the cover will totally turn off any boy fifth grade readers, but I would still try.

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It Was September When We Ran Away For the First Time by D. James Smith

It Was September When We Ran Away the First Time by D. James Smith


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This trilogy (So far) really intrigues me! I stumbled upon one of D. James Smith's books way back when I started my blog. I accidently read the second book before the first, but it didn't matter. Now there is a third story about Paolo and his Italian-American family.
I love the voice of Paolo. He has some great lines in this book. (I returned it to the library, so I can't quote any...) His family life is so interesting to me. I love the big family he has.
Another point of interest to me is the historical aspects of the series. This book is no exception. The story is set in 1951 and it brings up many great topics for that time period.
I think this is a time period that would be foreign for most students in fifth grade, so I would use it in a read aloud setting. I think sixth or seventh grade students would like it as well.

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Rissa Bartholomew's Declaration of Independence by Lydna Brill Comerford

Rissa Bartholomew's Declaration Of Independence by Lynda Brill Comerford


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I liked this book because it is something I can recommend to some girl readers. Especially those going into middle school like my fifth grade girls. It was a fun read, but it wasn't life changing or anything. It showed the dynamic of change lots of people experience in middle school. I also like how it showed a girl trying something new and different. One thing I didn't like was how over the top Rissa often was in her relationships.

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Summer Carnival of Children's Literature

The Summer Edition of the Carnival of Children's Literature is up at Here in the Bonny Glen. It encompasses both the months of June and July. It is very easy to read and separated into categories of posts. Thank you, Melissa Wiley for a great Carnival. I am sorry to say I missed the submission date. Next month's Carnival is listed at In Need of Chocolate.