The Ghost Eye Tree

Written By:  Bill Martin JR and John Archambault

Illustrated by: Ted Rand

1988 Henry Holt and Company/ New York

This is a story about a boy and his older sister walking across their neighborhood in the dark night to get a pail of milk for their mother.   The young brother is frightened the entire way because he knows they have to pass the scariest tree of all; however he is trying his best to act cool in front of his sister.  Mean while, the sister is skipping ahead and calling back to the brother that his hat makes him look stupid, and hurry up scaredy cat. 

Once the two are returning with their pail full of milk they begin to move faster to get home.  When they walk past the ghost eye tree they hear a scary sound that sends them running.   As soon as they reach a safe distance from the tree the two stop and notice the boy's hat had flown off.  The sister ends up running back to get her brother's hat, who is filled with admiration for his brave sister. 

This is a wonderful story for parents to read to their children, especially those that have siblings.  Even for the single child families this is a great picture book for the fall and winter months.  The story captures the fright of the night and the dynamics of sibling relationships. 

In the classroom this is would be an excellent way to introduce a writing assignment, the illustrations and text make this exciting for the audience.  This book lends its own writing prompt.  After reading this story the class is sure to want to share their frightening stories or their times with siblings. 

Jeremy and the Wappo

Written By:  Sharon Elwell

1991 Rattle OK Publications/Napa CA

This fiction chapter book combines history and fantasy to create a wonderful story of a fifth grade boy who falls asleep during a social studies lesson.   Jeremy awakes to find himself in the middle of a Wappo sweathouse with the Native American chiefs.   Jeremy's identity is mistaken for a messenger from the gods.  Jeremy is able to put off delivering the message and has adventurous days with the son of one of the chiefs.  Jeremy learns the way in which the native tribe lived their daily lives before the arrival of the settlers. 

Boys and girls beginning chapter books would enjoy reading this book because it balances the historical aspects with modern living that allow for the reader to easily relate to the characters.   This story captures the imaginations of the class that make it an excellent choice for a read aloud, especially when the class is studying Native American Tribes.