readalouds

My Read Aloud Recommendations
Home About Me Resume Loop Around Game Letters of Recommendation
Summary	Chrysanthemum is a young mouse who was raised in a house whose parents believed she was absolutley perfect just like her name. Chrysanthemum had the most positive outlook on life and loved everything about her own life, especially her name. It was not until Chrysanthemum began school that she became ashamed of her name. She was teased and harassed at school for having such a ridicualous name that could, "scarcely fit on a name tag." She was very sad and there was little anybody could do to make her feel better. Finally, the music teacher comes to Chrysanthemum's defense and changes the minds of all the other students, that Chrysanthemum was a terrific name. Chrysanthemum became proud again of her name and her identity.	Mr. Lincoln's Way is about an African American principal of an elementay school, Mr. Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln is having trouble with a bully at his school, Eugene. Eugene is picking on the other students and has learned racist perspectives from home. His racial slurs and derogatory phrases are too much for Mr. Lincoln, who seeks a unique way of getting through to Eugene. Through cooperative learning and getting Eugene focused on a positive and productive task, Mr Lincoln shows Eugene that "sometimes people get trapped in their thinking." Eventually Eugene gains a new perspective on people around him and reassures Mr. Lincoln that he "showed me (Eugene) the way out."
Recommendation for Parents	Chrysanthemum is a colorful entertaining story that teaches children about manners and teasing. They can relate to Chrysanthemum's feelings and longing for social acceptance. Children will giggle at the silliness of the story and root for Chrysanthemum throughout every page.	Parents can use this book as an opportunity to teach their children that people come from different backgrounds and it is these differences that make our world so special. Children will love the illustrations and story while gaining a new insight on the different lifestyles other children live. This story has a great happy ending where both of the main characters learn a valuable lesson.
Recommendation for Teachers	This book is rich with new vocabulary words that can be taught and explored by your students. Chrysanthemum offers a perfect opportunity to discuss the importance of "treating others the way you would like to be treated." The repetive nature of this story is a great chance to have the students chime along with you as you read the story. Role play activities are also possible with the recognizeable characters and entertaining dialog.	Teachers can use this story to address problems that may arrise in the classroom dealing with bullies. This story is also a great source for introducing new students or cultures and how important it is to be accepting and appreciative of the differences in each other. Each illustration portrays vivid detail about the actions and feelings of the characters which will be beneficial to your English Learners. The moral of the story is clear and can be followed up with writing prompts and class activities that promote social acceptance.
Bibliographic Information	Title: Chrysanthemum Author & Illustrator: Kevin Henkes Publisher: Scholastic, New York Copyright: 1991	Title: Mr. Lincoln's Way Author & Illustrator: Patricia Polacco Publisher: Scholastic, New York Copyright: 2001
Personal Note	Chrysanthemum touched my heart with her positivity and optimistic demeanor. She also breaks me heart when her bright and shiney persona is darkened by the rude insensitive classmates. The lack of assistance from Chrysanthemum's teacher is all too familiar to me and inspires me to be more like the music teacher who finally spoke up for Chrysanthemum. It is so easy to take on the passive role but much more effective to become the active body who leaves everlasting impressions.	This story inspired me to become an educator that takes the extra intiative to reach out to all students. The persistence and patience it took Mr. Lincoln in finding a unique way to helping the school's bully offers a model that future and current teachers can learn from and follow. Rather than punishing the problematic bully, Mr. Lincoln takes the more rigourous and challenging approach which in turn leaves long lasting effects.