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Tuesday Tales – The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Tuesday Tales

When I was teaching 6th grade Language Arts, I tried hard to keep up to date on books that my students were reading. Thanks to the kids, I was introduced to The Series of Unfortunate Events, Harry Potter, and even Twilight. I loved reading the books and keeping up with the latest and greatest children’s chapter books. These days, I am not as in the know, but am working on it since NHL is now 7 and being pushed to read chapter books. I know he likes to read, but the larger number of pages, smaller print, and lack of illustrations scare him. We have found some books and are working our way there since I know he is ready.

A few weeks ago, my friend Nancy (Life with My Boys) mentioned a book on her blog that caught my eye. Her mysterious review made me especially intrigued. Within the comments section, several other people raved about the book. Moments later, I went and requested the book from our local library. Going to pause here to say something quickly. Nancy – Thank you, thank you, thank you!

So, what was the book? It was. . .

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

I purposely read little about the book and just wanted to wait to read it myself.

A little about The Invention of Hugo Cabret:

ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together…in The Invention of Hugo Cabret.

This 526-page book is told in both words and pictures. The Invention of Hugo Cabret is not exactly a novel, and it’s not quite a picture book, and it’s not really a graphic novel, or a flip book, or a movie, but a combination of all these things. Each picture (there are nearly three hundred pages of pictures!) takes up an entire double page spread, and the story moves forward because you turn the pages to see the next moment unfold in front of you. (From the web site on Hugo Cabret – which also has details about the upcoming movie)

The Invention of Hugo Cabret – Written and illustrated by Brian Selznick – Scholastic Books – January 2007  – ISBN78-0439813785  – 544 pages – Ages 9-12

What I thought:

As I mentioned, I knew less than I mentioned above about The Invention of Hugo Cabret before reading the book. The only item I knew was that it had won the 2008 Caldecott Medal. This made me even more intrigued since it is not typical for a book of this type to win the Caldecott Medal. If you are not familiar with the Caldecott, here is the criteria for the award (via Wikipedia):

  • The book must be published in English in the United States during the preceding year.
  • The illustrations must be original work.
  • The artist must be a citizen or resident of the United States.
  • The book must be considered for the artistic technique employed; pictorial interpretation of story; appropriateness of style of illustration to the story; delineation of plot, theme, characters, setting mood or information through the pictures; and recognition of a child audience.
  • The book must display respect for children’s understandings, abilities, and appreciations.
  • The book must be a self-contained entity, not dependent on other media for its enjoyment.

The book arrived quickly and I started reading late last week. Within two days, I had finished. I can not recall the last time that I was so engaged in a book. I literally could not put it down and wanted to go further and further into Hugo’s world to solve the mystery of the book. I loved how Selznick incorporated the illustrations and words to create a unique book experience. When you see his simple, yet detailed drawings you will understand. I know that it sounds like I am contradicting myself, but I really am not.

Like Nancy, I think I am going to be vague in my review. All I will say is that I highly recommend this book. I think adults and children will appreciate the unique mix found within this novel. For me, the historical flavor blends well with the storytelling skills of Brian Selznick. If you have read the book, there are also games and items available from Scholastic on their website.

So what have you read recently? Please be sure to link up to your Tuesday Tales and/or leave a comment below. Include something you read on your own, with a child or someone else. Tuesday Tales are all about spreading the love for books. 

** Linky coming soon. The website hosting them is down right now.

TheAngelForever

Disclosure: I took this book out of our local library compliments of our tax money. The opinions expressed in the review are my own and were in no way influenced by anything. The widget within the review is an Amazon Affiliate where I will receive a percentage of money for the sale of the books should you opt to buy the book mentioned.

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Think pink October 2010

Today is October first and begins National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Last year, I wrote about two people in my life that are survivors of this nasty disease. Unfortunately, not everyone diagnosed with Breast Cancer is that lucky. Many brave women lose their battle with this beast.

Below, in the middle, is my friend Debra. She is a fellow Disney fanatic that I spent time with at BlogHer in August.

Think pink at BlogHer 

Debra (A Frugal Friend) lost her mother to breast cancer almost five years ago. In her memory, Debra is hosting her 2nd Annual Breast Cancer Awareness Event . To find out more about the event please click on the button below.

Frugal Friend

I hope you will join me in supporting Debra’s event in honor of those that have had their lives forever changed by Breast Cancer.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Please remember to check your breasts every month, or remind the women in your life to do so. Don’t put off having your yearly mammogram and be sure to have a baseline done when your doctor recommends it if you have never had one before. Early detection is key!

My question to you this week:

Do you know someone that has battled Breast Cancer? Please take a moment to leave a shout out in their honor.

Also be sure to enter my CardsDirect $50 gift card giveaway. TechyDad is also hosting a LuLu.com Photo Book and  Ziploc product giveaway.

 TheAngelForever

_____________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An<br<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
/><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Island<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Life

Aloha #119

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Teach: Tony Danza on A&E

I still remember the moment like it was just yesteday. My first day in a classroom, my own classroom. Nerves would be an understatement. I felt like I knew nothing and was not sure how to break the ice with my new students. There is no doubt that I was awkward those first few days and probably even weeks, but I was learning. Teachers learn in the classroom that they teach in, and even veteran teachers will tell you that they constantly are taking in things with the new classroom dynamics that they face each year.

Teach: Tony Danza

That first year was a tough one. My students challenged me and I had to learn the politics within a school (politics are rampant in all schools – don’t kid yourself). I pushed myself to create innovative hands on learning experiences to actively engage my kids. Yes, as the days went on, my students were my kids. I thought about them inside the classroom and outside. When I was at home, I was constantly thinking about ways to connect my subjects their lives. At the same time, I had to earn the respect of parents. As a young teacher, many questioned my experience. Sure, I had been a substitute teacher for a while, but this was an entirely new world. Now, it was my responsibilty to communicate to parents. My anecdotal record book kept track of phone calls home to families about concerns, and also praise about things that I saw. My e-mail and websites were other ways that parents could keep in touch. Of course, the most important part of my first year were the mentors in my world. The other teachers in the building took me under their wings and helped me through this year. I learned from mistakes and fine tuned lessons to use from that point on as I would never again be a first year teacher.

Enter Tony Danza. Yes, THE Tony Danza from "Taxi" and "Who’s The Boss" fame. Tony went to college to become a teacher long before his Hollywood success. His life path changed and the entertainment world became his career. At 60 years old, he is looking at how to make a difference in the world and wanted to head into the classroom to teach for the first time. Teach: Tony Danza premiers this Friday on A&E 10/9C.

Teacher Tony Danza

About Teach: Tony Danza on A&E

Long before his iconic acting career, which includes roles in “Taxi” and “Who’s The Boss,” Tony Danza received a degree in History Education. During the 2009-2010 school year, he took on his most challenging and rewarding role yet as he stepped into the classroom as a full-time teacher at Philadelphia’s Northeast High School. “Teach: Tony Danza” follows the first year-teacher as he instructs a 10th-grade English class with 26 students in back-to-back 45-minute periods.

The series will look at the challenges Danza faced and the rewards he experienced as a first-year high school teacher. Under the watchful eye of Northeast Principal Linda Carroll and in-classroom teaching coach David Cohn, Danza applied incredible creativity and ceaseless dedication in his day-to-day tasks of planning lessons and executing them in the classroom, administering quizzes and exams, grading homework, eng aging in small learning communities with other faculty, and meeting with parents. Beyond the real-life duties of teaching, Danza took on quite a few additional roles outside the classroom including helping the football team, the band, and the debate team, and organizing a successful fundraiser for the school. And he became a true member of the Philadelphia community, partaking in events with the mayor, singing the national anthem at a Phillies game and lending his support to a variety of charity and fundraising events.

“BACK TO SCHOOL” – Friday, October 1 at 10/9C

Mr. Danza arrives at Northeast High School in Philadelphia and meets most of the faculty, including his teaching advisor, David Cohn, and ball-busting principal, Linda Carroll, who warns Mr. Danza that if he screws up, he’s out. On the first day of school, he meets his diverse class of students, but soon learns that teaching is harder than he realized when one student questions whether or not Mr. Danza is qualified to be teaching anything. And, in an attempt to bond with two of his students on the football team, he becomes an assistant coach.  He then realizes he knows far less about coaching football than teaching English and questions whether or not he made a mistake becoming a teacher.`

“TESTED” – Friday, October 8 at 10/9C

After half the class fails their first quiz on “Of Mice and Men,” Mr. Danza fears that most of his students aren’t doing their work. As a result, he risks legal repercussions when he denies three of his “special needs” students the use of the resource room because he thinks they’re being lazy. And to make matters worse, Mr. Danza’s brightest student wants to drop out of his English class because he isn’t being challenged enough. Pushed to the limit, Tony breaks down in tears.

 

Here is a preview of the show:

 

What I thought:

 

As an educator, I was intrigued with this this show. I was curious how Tony Danza would interact in the classroom and what problems he would be faced with. The reality is that, even as a celebrity teaching 10th grade English, Danza was hit with many  items that other new teachers have. While in front of students, he showed his nerves. He saw how difficult it is to manage time within a class period and he learned how easy it can be to talk too much. Within the first episode Danza also realized, with the assistance of his mentor David Cohn, that sometimes you need to step back. The awkward silence in a room may be tough to take, but feeding students answers does not help them to learn. Finding the balance within a classroom to keep the attention of students, while also providing an authentic learning experience can be difficult.

 

Tony Danza sees in the first week that teaching is tough. He is touched by the parents that reach out to him at a football game. It seemed like he was not expecting this to happen and it hits him hard. He seems genuinely concerned about whether or not he can do this. I think most teachers question this at one point or another. This would probably be why so many educators leave the profession within their first five years. Wise words from principal Carroll remind Danza that you are not born a teacher, you evolve into one. AMEN!

 

I know that my DVR is set to continue to watch "Teach: Tony Danza." I want to see how he focuses on the task at hand, reaching his students and making them the best that they can be. I also want to see how vital his mentors are in making him settle. From this short glimpse, I think the show will be an eye opener to Americans about the real world of teaching and the hurdles that educators must face within the day with their children. I also believe that the timing of this show is nice given the enormous need for Educational reform.

TheAngelForever

 

Disclosure: I am a Lifetime Mom affiliate. As a part of this, I was offered a screener DVD  of "Teach: Tony Danza" to view. No compensation was given and the opinions expressed in the review are my own.

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Happy Birthday to my California Cousin

Growing up, I still remember the summers that my cousins MC and DN would come from California to stay and visit us in New York.

Four cousins

They would stay a block away at my Nana and Papa’s house. Over the years, MC and I became closer. (I grew up and stopped being a complete brat). I recall polishing Nana’s bracelets together, knitting, swimming, having cherry pit spitting contests and more. We sent snail mails to each other like pen pals (dinosaur days before e-mail). I still remember my first cross county trip to her Bat Mitzvah. It was an adventure that included sleeping in O’Haire International Airport in Chicago on the floor on the way back home.

Touring California in rental van

We saw a lot of the San Francisco area and beyond while spending time praying for our lives in a rental van. (Above: Back row Moi and MC. Front row DN and my little brother). We were quite the mix during that trip. Here is another photo of our Nana, MC, me and my brother when we went to see a robotic dinosaur exhibit at Berkley. This was long before the days of Walking With Dinosaurs.

Checking out robotic dinosaurs at the museum

When TechyDad and I were planning a trip to Las Vegas as a last hurrah before starting our family, MC and her parents met us there for a few days. The three of us had a blast walking around and seeing the sites. We explored all of the resorts that were featuring the Cows on Parade. Then, one night, we went to see an old style Vegas show. We had no clue it was going to be topless. Rather than be uncomfortable, the three of us sat there and made up a game. The "R" and "F" game. You know… R = Real or F = Fake. I kid you not, the three of us played this game for quite some time and had a blast. Must locate some of the photos from that trip – NOT that show!

Today is Cousin MC’s birthday and I wish I could be there to give her a hug in person. We do not see each other in person nearly enough. Still, my boys talk about Cousin MC and her hubby BP. They remember seeing them in the snow storm when they visitied over a year ago. MC is also one of the people that inspired me to start my own blog. She had a blog that she wrote on regularly. My cousin has quite the talent for the written word. So, today, I wanted to thank her for being my California Cuz and being such a special person in my life. I miss you and hope to see you for an extended time again soon.

Love,

TheAngelForever

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School Open House Memories

Open House at school is big this time of year. Kids help teachers to decorate their classrooms with their work/projects. Teachers stress about meeting parents. And yes, even parents get a bit worried about what to expect each year. I have now done Open House as a parent for four years This year, we went to one for each of the boys at two schools. We just went to the one at NHL’s school and saw his room, desk, work and lots of writing projects. Here are some of the things that we saw:

NHL's 2nd Grade Open House

My question to you this week:

What are some of your fondest memories of Open House at school – either as a child, a teacher (if you are one) or parent?

TheAngelForever

_____________________________________________________________________________

Thanks to Kailani at An Island Life for starting this fun for Friday. Please be sure to head over to her blog to say hello and sign the linky there if you are participating.

Aloha Friday by Kailani at An<br<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
/><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Island<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
Life

Aloha #118

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