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Tuesday Tales – I Survived: The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863

Flash back to when I was in 5th grade. That was the year that I read Anne Frank’s Diary in school. This began my appreciation for books about that historical time, but also historical fiction in general. Some of my favorite trade books to teach are from this genre because there are so many ways to extend lessons.

September 11th book for childrenI have been very intrigued with Scholastic’s I Survived Books by Lauren Tarshis. The first time I noticed them was in a store and I saw I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001. Since that day, I bought the book to read with my oldest book next year together.

The I Survived Books are unique and tell the story of a young boy that lives through a horrific event from history. The other five in the  series include:

  • The Sinking of the Titanic, 1912
  • The Shark Attacks of 1916
  • Hurricane Katrina, 2005
  • The Bombing of Pearl Harbor, 1941
  • The San Francisco Earthquake, 1906

The latest book in the series was just released and I was able to preview it thanks to Scholastic.

I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863

I Survived the Battle of Gettysburg, 1863  – Written by Lauren Tarshis –   Scholastic Books – February 2013 – ISBN 9780545459365 – Paperback 112 pages – Ages 7+ – $4.99

This book is set during the Civil War. Thomas and his little sister Birdie are living as slaves on a farm in Virginia. Then, one day, Thomas knows that he has to do something drastic. The two escape from where they are and go on the run. They must stay away from slave hunters as they move along the way. Thomas saves the life of someone, who in turn takes the two children along as they move northward toward Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

Inside I Survived - The Battle of Gettysburg, 1863

The book literally makes you feel like you are there with Thomas and Birdie. You can sense the danger, the horror of the war, and the seriousness of slaves getting freed. I really like the way it tells the story around a historical events. These books are great for children, especially boys, that want to read where a male character is the main focus. Thomas had great strength, cared for his sister, and never gives up even when things looked bleak. This book would be great additions to any classroom that is studying the Civil War, or for a child that wants to learn more. Scholastic even has more facts about the time period on their website that features this book. I know that I look forward to reading more of the earlier books in this series with my boys and will definitely suggest them to parents who have children that are interested in history.

Have you read any of the I Survived Books? Do your children like to read historical fiction stories? As always, please share what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

It's Me

Disclosure: I received a NetGalley preview of this book courtesy of Scholastic Books in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. The opinions expressed in the review are my own. Amazon Affiliate links are included in this post for several of the book mentioned. I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to buy the book through that link.

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iPad Apps For Kid For Dummies

Reading iPad Apps for Kids for DummiesSeveral months ago, we received an iPad. I knew that we would adore this amazing piece of technology, but it was a bit confusing to me. There are so many apps out there and my boys were hungry to try different items. Some apps are free, but others have price tags that range from $1 to $10 or more. Reviews at the app store left me curious for more information. When we were given the opportunity to review the new iPad Apps For Kids For Dummies, I knew it was a resource we needed. The minute it arrived, the boys took it over.

My oldest, NHL 9,  read it to my kindergarten kid, JSL 5. They sat, looked, read, and plotted what apps they were going to ask us to purchase. The color photos kept them engaged, but my older son enjoyed reading what Jinny Gudmundsen wrote about each of the items that he was interested in. NHL was even curious to compare what he thought of some apps that we already had to the thoughts in the book (I was wondering the same thing).

iPad Apps for Kids for Dummies

As my kids found out, iPad Apps For Kids for Dummues follows the traditional easy to follow layout of the other Dummies books. This book is broken down by age groups, book apps, app themes, and more. Here is a quick overview of why this resource is so easy to use.

  • Chapter 1: Using an iPad with Kids – Tips for parents/caregivers on using password locks, making folders, buying covers, and other items that will be useful when sharing your iPad with children.
  • Chapter 2-4: Age Collections – App collections for toddlers, preschoolers, and kindergarten aged children.
  • Chapter 5: Art – Apps that help kids to draw, be creative, and learn about Art.
  • Chapter 6-7: Book Apps – Broken down into suggestions for younger kids and older kids.
  • Chapter 8: Cars, Trucks, and Things That Go Vroom
  • Chapter 9: Co-op and Multiplayer – This included apps like Uno and Blokus HD. I liked that Gudmundsen explains that the popular Uno translates well onto the iPad format. It is also great to see that there are tutorials to help people to learn the strategy behind Blokus.

Inside iPad Apps for Kids for Dummies

  • Chapter 10: Creativity, Storytelling, and Journaling
  • Chapter 11: Dinosaurs
  • Chapter 12: Games – Includes Angry Birds and other popular games like Peggle, Where’s My Water?, Plants vs. Zombies, and more.
  • Chapter 13: Games Great for Kids – This includes LEGO Harry Potter which both of the boys are begging for.

LEGO Harry Potter app

  • Chapter 14: Girl Power – Heroines, Fashion, and Princesses.
  • Chapter 15-19: Learning Apps – Broken down into Language Arts, Math, Reference, Science, and Social Studies.
  • Chapter 20: Monsters & Aliens
  • Chapter 21: Music
  • Chapter 22: Puzzles
  • Chapter 23: Road Trip Apps
  • Chapter 24: Special Needs
  • Chapter 25: Toy Ads-Ons – So many of these items like The Game of Life ZappED are out and this chapter talks about them.
  • Chapter 26: Ten Favorite Free Apps for Kids
  • Chapter 27: Ten Favorite Kid Apps – We will be reading this more closely since we are intrigued with Toca

For parents that are not sure of a starting point on apps for their children, I really adore this book. It is a resource that helps busy families to break down possible apps that their children may enjoy. Even the Appendix with the Apps by Age Groups is a huge asset to someone like me.

Oh and if you were wondering, we did look and compare a few apps that we already owned with the pages in the book.

Comparing notes in iPad Apps for Kids for Dummies

We definitely agree with what was written about Angry Birds and Where’s My Water? by Jinny Gudmundsen. She explains what the game is about, how there is an educational twist, and what families may enjoy. There are also warnings about some links on the apps and other pointers about upgrading the Angry Birds.

If you have apps that you adore for your kids, I would love to hear about them. I know our list of apps to purchase is growing thanks to iPad Apps for Kids for Dummies and the pointers within the valuable resource.

It's Me

Disclosure: I wrote this post as an Ambassador for Dummies books through a Global Influence campaign. I received a copy of this book for review purposes, but as a fan of Dummies books, the opinions expressed are 100% my own and no other compensation was received. An Amazon Affiliate link is included in this post for the Dummies book mentioned. I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to purchase it through that link.

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Tuesday Tales – Wooby & Peep

Do you have a friend that you never would have guessed you would hit it off with? Perhaps that person likes rock music while you prefer things that are a little big more country. Maybe you love to do arts and crafts, but your friend is more creative in the kitchen. That is the beauty of friendships, we often do not know who we will hit it off with and learn so much from others and their unique personalities.

Enter the new book from Sterling Children’s Books  called Wooby & Peep: A Story of Unlikely Friendship by Cynthea Liu (February 2013, ISBN: 9781402796449).

Wooby & Peep by Cynthea Liu

When we received this book to consider it for review, my kindergartener immediately ran off with it. JSL was fascinated with the fun comic book style illustrations from Mary Peterson. He looked over the story alone and eventually came back to read it together.

We start off meeting Wooby. He is living a happy life with his goldfish Wendy. He adores his quiet street, home, and yard. Of course, the house next to Wooby’s is for sale and the next thing we know, Peep is moving in and it causes quite the commotion in the neighborhood.

Peep moves in by Wooby

To get to know everyone, Peep decides to have a party and invites everyone to come. Unfortunately, they all appear to have other plans. Peep’s party does not turn out very well.

Wooby goes to Peep's party

This is just the start of some tough times for Peep that we experience with him and Wooby. The pictures in the book make it seem like we are right there with the unlikely duo. I am not going to ruin those parts of the story, but as you can tell from the title of the story, the two close neighbors become friends. This is a great book to read with younger and older children about patience with new peers, getting to know people, and trying to find things in common with others.

As always, please share what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

It's Me

Disclosure: My family received the book mentioned above from Sterling Children’s Books in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. The opinions expressed are my own. An Amazon Affiliate link is included in this post for the books mentioned. I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to buy the book through the link.

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Tuesday Tales – African American Poetry

As a teacher, I loved teaching a poetry unit to my classes each year. We would spend time learning the different styles, getting creative, and sharing items with each other. It was a great way to break the ice when the school year started. As a parent, I have many poetry books in our house. There are silly poems, kid poems, and more.

Recently, Sterling Children’s Books contacted me about a new poetry book from their Poetry for Young People Series. Poetry for Young People: African American Poetry is edited by Arnold Rampersad and Marcellus Blount with illustrations by Karen Barbour (Sterling Children’s Books, ISBN13: 9781402716898, January 2013).

Poetry for Young People - African American Poetry

The book begins with an introduction that gives a history of the emergence of African American poets. We learn how Phillis Wheatly published her poems about being forced from Africa to America in 1773. Then George Moses Horton shares how he battled the mindset that slaves should not express their views. The history lesson unfolds and poems from the people are within the pages of the book. We are able to read from multiple well known African American poets from over time including Langston Huges, Gwendolyn Brooks, Alice Walker, Maya Angelou, and more.

Each page of the book has a poem, the authors name, and a little history about them. The 34 poems within the volume help to tell a story along with the beautiful illustrations on each page.

 Inside African American Poetry

I really like the idea of this book and the series. Not only would it be a great addition to a unit on Black History Month, but also the history of poetry in different periods of time. I know I am now curious to see some of the other books in the Poetry for Young People series including those about Edgar Alan Poe, Maya Angelou, Emily Dickinson, Lewis Carroll, and others. Teaching more generations to love poetry is crucial and these books will be a great resource for families and classrooms.

I would love to hear about poets that you learned about and read as a child or with your children. As always, please share what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

It's Me

Disclosure: My family received the books mentioned above from Sterling Children’s Books in order to facilitate this review. No other compensation was given. The opinions expressed are my own. An Amazon Affiliate link is included in this post for the books mentioned. I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to buy the books through the links.

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Tuesday Tales – Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food (and other life lessons)

Autism RibbonImagine living in a world where you are not even aware that others do not see, hear, feel, and understand things the way you do. That is the reality for children, like my son, who have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. Autism is a reality in our family that we fought hard to figure out. I have written in the past about the long struggle to connect the dots for our son. Getting a diagnosis meant that we had to revamp a lot of parenting styles, rethink how we reason with him, and be bigger advocates at school to address his rights.

My son is nine years old and VERY literal. He is honest to a fault and brags about being a math wiz because he doesn’t get that it can be interpreted in a bad way by his peers. His hunger for friends means that he can be easily victimized by children who take advantage of his being socially naïve. Sarcasm is my second language at times and it has been hard to grasp that NHL may never be able to take it and dish it back to me. To a stranger, my son would probably not catch your attention on most good days. Of course, should he get upset about something and start to cry it becomes obvious that something is going on. NHL’s feelings are raw and something that I wish more people understood. He feels on a level that is pure and not based on trying to butter someone up. When he gets nervous or upset, he get anxious and talks, moves around, and fixates on items. These are all coping strategies and ways that he stims. The problem is that most of his peers and a lot of people in the world of education do not get this. Often times, I forget since this is so new and fresh.

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food ( and other life lessons ) by Jodi Carmichael with illustrations from Sarah Ackerley is a must read. My mind is racing after reading the book and all for good reasons.

Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food by Jodi Carmichael 

The main character of the book is Connor and we read about segments of a day in his life at school. Each chapter begins with a life lesson that Connor learns.

Inside Spaghetti is NOT a Finger Food

The illustrations and story really take you inside the mind of a child with Asperger’s. Two quotes from the book really hit me:

Sometimes it’s tiring having to explain myself.

The best thing about math is that it follows set rules that never change. Ever. If two times two equals four today it will equal four tomorrow.

I can only imagine this is something that my son may be feeling at times. I know I feel that way as the parent trying to be his advocate. People in the neuro-typical world often forget how literal our Aspies are and that changing rules of life confuse them and can make them more nervous.

Some of the items that I liked about this book:

  • We see that Connor does not pick up on body language of others. This includes with his teacher, the principal, and other student.
  • Sarcasm and abstract phrases are not understood by Connor. His gym teacher keeps using the same thing and each time it goes over his head.
  • Sensory issues are addressed. We first see this when Connor is waiting to see the principal and notes how he loves the smooth blue chair. Later, he states that smooth items are less confusing in the world.
  • Connor is a creature of habit. He wants to get to his spot in the cafeteria for lunch. He likes to be near the fire exit and will search them out when in a room.
  • Feeling bouncy seems to be how Connor “stims” and tries to cope with items or express his excitability with items in life.
  • Dogs, dinosaurs, and other topics are huge in Connor’s life. He likes to share his knowledge and does not know how to stop sharing when others have heard enough.
  • When trying to teach Connor a lesson, he needs them to be direct or he will interpret things in a different manner (see incident with stool in the library).
  • Connor is honest to a fault and it was witnessed when he told his teacher something that was not socially acceptable.

Constructive criticism about the book:

  • I wanted to read more about Connor. It was great seeing him at school, but I was also curious about life outside of school. Carmichael mentions that Connor is in third grade and that things are different this year with the principal. It made me wonder if he was just diagnosed.
  • I kind of wish Connor had said he was an Aspie so children reading could identify this. Perhaps when he went to see Mrs. Rossetti (social worker or psychologist) it could have been mentioned.
  • I wonder why Connor is sent to the principal by his teachers. It may be a way to help him settle, but to some readers it may be interpreted as something else like a punishment.

TechyDad has also read the book and we are trying to find a time to share it with both of our boys. Lots of lessons to be learned from this and we can use it to help NHL identify as an Aspie and even JSL (5) to see more from his big brother’s point of view. I definitely recommend it to all children (and adults) because it does help to give you a perspective of life with Asperger’s. Oh and I just heard back via Twitter that Connor will have another adventure coming soon. Check out the Tweet from Jodi Carmichael.

Tweet from author Jodi Carmichael

Have you read any books that capture the essence of children with special needs? I would love to know what they are. As always, please share what you have read recently. Be sure to link up to your book posts in the comments below. Include something you read on your own, with a child, or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books.

It's Me

Disclosure: We purchased this book on Amazon to read because social media chatter intrigued us from Little Pickle Press. If you are a member of Amazon Prime it is also available via loan to read on the Kindle. An Amazon Affiliate link is included in this post for the book mentioned. I will receive a percentage of money for the sale should you opt to buy the book through that link. The Autism Awareness ribbon icon above was created by Melesse and comes from Wikimedia Commons.

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