Read Aloud Recommendations
The Great Fuzz Frenzy Author:   Janet Stevens Publication date:  2005 Publisher:  Harcourt Children's Books Summary      Deep, deep down in their underground town, the prairie dogs live in harmony - until a mysterious, fluorescent, very fuzzy thing (otherwise known as a tennis ball) rolls down their hole.  When the prairie dogs discover that they can pluck and pull the fuzz into fabulous fashions, their fear quickly turns to curiosity, then delight, then pure greed.      The frenzy that erupts threatens to tear apart the prairie-dog town forever.  But when mean ol' Big Bark is kidnapped after taking all the fuzz for himself, the prairie dogs come to the rescue and remember the true meaning of community. Recommendation for Parents      This is a great book for children of all ages because the story is light and silly.  It's great to read the parts of the different prairie dogs in an animated voice.  It is a fun book to read together, and possible discussion topics could be about being introduced to new things or children relating to the prairie dogs' curiosity. Recommendation for Other Teachers      For ELLs, it might be helpful to bring in a tennis ball and discuss the outer layer of fuzz.  To take the story further, the children could act out the parts of the characters since there are so many.  A possible follow-up activity could be to discuss curiosity or greed and draw and/or write about a personal experience. Personal Note      This is a funny story that children and adults can't help but to laugh out loud to.  It has a playful tone throughout, but at the same time, it teaches a lesson about greed and love.  The illustrations are wonderful and relate to the story well.
The Name Jar Author:  Yangsook Choi Publication date:  2001 Publisher:  Knopf Books for Young Readers Summary      Having just moved from Korea, Unhei is anxious that American kids will like her. So instead of introducing herself on the first day of school, she tells the class that she will choose a name by the following week.  Her new classmates are fascinated by this no-name girl and decide to help out by filling a glass jar with names for her to pick from.       But while Unhei practices being a Suzy, Laura, or Amanda, a classmate comes to her neighborhood and discovers her real name and its special meaning.  On the day of her name choosing, the name jar has mysteriously disappeared.  Encouraged by her new friends, Unhei chooses her own Korean name and helps everyone pronounce it - "Yoon-Hey." Recommendation for Parents      This heart-warming story touches upon many topics, such as self-identity, culture, family, friendship, and school.  The storyline is easy to follow, and the illustrations are very meaningful.  Possible discussion topics could be about the importance of identity and respect for other cultures. Recommendation for Other Teachers      One discussion topic from this story could be about the importance of a respectful classroom community.  Students can relate to the story whether they have personally experienced frustration with their names or whether they feel for and understand these students.  This book could pave the way for multicultural lessons on names and diversity.  A possible follow-up activity could be to research the meaning or history of students' names. Personal Note      I love this book because of the characters' genuine emotions, and I believe many students can relate to Unhei, particularl ELLs.  The Name Jar stresses the importance of one's culture and identity, and it's a good lesson for all to cherish.