Mazon Productions (Producer). Astronomy 101. (1995). ASIN: 6303366724
Plot Summary
This short 23-minute video shows viewers how to be an astronomer in their own homes. The host is a girl named Michelle, who is about ten years old. She and her mother buy a telescope and study the stars at night. Michelle shows viewers some of the most famous constellations, and she explains how some of them got their names. She also explains how astronomers use the constellations to locate the positions of stars they want to study.
Michelle and her mother also point out some of the largest craters and landmarks to look for.
Critical Evaluation
Michelle and her mother explain how telescopes work, which is an essential part of studying astronomy. This video, overall, shows that astronomy is something fun that kids and parents can do together. It also suggests that it is not difficult to begin life as an astronomer.
Reader's Annotation
This short 23-minute video shows viewers how to be an astronomer in their own homes.
About Mazon Productions
Established in 1993, Mazon Productions Inc. is a private company that focuses on Video Tape Production. The company is located in Northbrook, Illinois.
Genre
Multimedia (astronomy)
Curriculum Ties
Science (astronomy)
Booktalking Ideas
Did you know that you can see details on the moon with a good pair of binoculars? Join Michelle and her mother as they discover simple ways to become an astronomer in your own homes. Check out Astronomy 101!
Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 2-6
Reason for Book Selection
Younger students tend to be fascinating with the study of the earth. Astronomy, in particular, interests students the most.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Coulter, Laurie. Secrets in Stone: All About Maya Hieroglyphs. Black Walnut/Madison Press; Reprint edition (2010). ISBN-10: 189733057X
Plot Summary
It took many years for archeologists to unravel the secrets of Mayan writing, which are presented here in photographs and drawings. Follow these archaeologists and they show readers various aspects of everyday Mayan life, such as chocolate money, the calendar, and the number system. Crafts and activity ideas are provided at the bottom of several pages. And, the final pages are the “Glyphmaster”, which includes raised edge hieroglyphs that can be rubbed onto paper with a pencil to make your own message, or to write your name in real hieroglyphics.
This books is a 2003 Silver Birch Award nominee, a 2004 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award nominee, and a Center for Children’s Books Best Books of 2001.
Critical Evaluation
This book reminds readers that the Mayans were an amazing civilization with over a hundred temple cities throughout Mexico. A fun aspect of this book is the “activities” section, which has ideas including how to write a secret Mayan code.
Reader's Annotation
Follow these archaeologists and they show readers various aspects of everyday Mayan life.
About the Author
Laurie Coulter is an author of children’s books. Her works include non-fiction such as Ballplayers and Bone Setters, Cowboys and Coffin Makers, Kings and Carpenters, and When John and Caroline Lived in the White House. Today, she lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband.
Genre
Nonfiction (ancient history)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Studies
Booktalking Ideas
Mayan hieroglyphs are a mystery! Follow archaeologists as they work to unlock the secret codes written in stone. Read Laurie Coulter’s Secrets in Stone: All About Maya Hieroglyphs.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 8-12
Reason for Book Selection
I love any books related to the study of ancient history!
Plot Summary
It took many years for archeologists to unravel the secrets of Mayan writing, which are presented here in photographs and drawings. Follow these archaeologists and they show readers various aspects of everyday Mayan life, such as chocolate money, the calendar, and the number system. Crafts and activity ideas are provided at the bottom of several pages. And, the final pages are the “Glyphmaster”, which includes raised edge hieroglyphs that can be rubbed onto paper with a pencil to make your own message, or to write your name in real hieroglyphics.
This books is a 2003 Silver Birch Award nominee, a 2004 Hackmatack Children’s Choice Book Award nominee, and a Center for Children’s Books Best Books of 2001.
Critical Evaluation
This book reminds readers that the Mayans were an amazing civilization with over a hundred temple cities throughout Mexico. A fun aspect of this book is the “activities” section, which has ideas including how to write a secret Mayan code.
Reader's Annotation
Follow these archaeologists and they show readers various aspects of everyday Mayan life.
About the Author
Laurie Coulter is an author of children’s books. Her works include non-fiction such as Ballplayers and Bone Setters, Cowboys and Coffin Makers, Kings and Carpenters, and When John and Caroline Lived in the White House. Today, she lives in Toronto, Canada, with her husband.
Genre
Nonfiction (ancient history)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Studies
Booktalking Ideas
Mayan hieroglyphs are a mystery! Follow archaeologists as they work to unlock the secret codes written in stone. Read Laurie Coulter’s Secrets in Stone: All About Maya Hieroglyphs.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 8-12
Reason for Book Selection
I love any books related to the study of ancient history!
Waters, Kate. Samuel Eaton's Day: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Boy. Scholastic Paperbacks (1996). ISBN-10: 0590480537
Plot Summary and Evaluation
Through this book, we, the readers, get to see what life was like in the earlier part of the 1600s. The character in this book, Samuel Eaton, was an actual Pilgrim boy who lived in Plymouth. Readers will spend an entire day with him during the very important harvest season. Through him, we see what people ate, how they dressed, and what their chores were like. This book, and the companion book Sarah Morton’s Day, is illustrated with photographs from the Plymouth Plantation, an outdoor living history museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Reader's Annotation
This book shows what the early 1600s were like through the eyes of Samuel Eaton, an actual Pilgrim boy.
About the Author
Kate grew up part of a large family. Her mother often read to Kate, her two sisters, and three brothers. She recalls that, as a child, the most important things in her life were books and her dress-up box. Kate has written several books that showcase the Pilgrim time period. She often works with Russ Kendall, a photographer, when writing children’s books.
Genre
Nonfiction (history)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Studies
Booktalking Ideas
Have you ever wondered what life was like for a Pilgrim living in 1627? Check out Kate Waters’ book about Samuel Eaton’s first day as a man. We learn about his work in the fields, and what clothing and homes were like. An interesting read!
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 8+
Reason for Book Selection
This books showcases a single boy and what his daily life was like as a Pilgrim.
Plot Summary and Evaluation
Through this book, we, the readers, get to see what life was like in the earlier part of the 1600s. The character in this book, Samuel Eaton, was an actual Pilgrim boy who lived in Plymouth. Readers will spend an entire day with him during the very important harvest season. Through him, we see what people ate, how they dressed, and what their chores were like. This book, and the companion book Sarah Morton’s Day, is illustrated with photographs from the Plymouth Plantation, an outdoor living history museum in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Reader's Annotation
This book shows what the early 1600s were like through the eyes of Samuel Eaton, an actual Pilgrim boy.
About the Author
Kate grew up part of a large family. Her mother often read to Kate, her two sisters, and three brothers. She recalls that, as a child, the most important things in her life were books and her dress-up box. Kate has written several books that showcase the Pilgrim time period. She often works with Russ Kendall, a photographer, when writing children’s books.
Genre
Nonfiction (history)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Studies
Booktalking Ideas
Have you ever wondered what life was like for a Pilgrim living in 1627? Check out Kate Waters’ book about Samuel Eaton’s first day as a man. We learn about his work in the fields, and what clothing and homes were like. An interesting read!
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 8+
Reason for Book Selection
This books showcases a single boy and what his daily life was like as a Pilgrim.
Cleary, Beverly. The Mouse and the Motorcycle. Rayo (2003). ISBN-10: 0060000570
Plot Summary
In Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle Keith leaves his toy motorcycle on the bedside table at the hotel where his family is staying. When Ralph, a young mouse, scampers up the telephone cord, he tries the motorcycle on for size. Ralph soon discovers that the motorcycle is a great fit, so he hopps on and scoots the bike around by his feet. Then, a terrible thing happens—the telephone beside him rings! He crash lands into the trashcan! He fears that the maid will soon come to empty and burn the trash in an incinerator. Keith saves Ralph and a true friendship develops between the two of them.
Critical Evaluation
The Mouse and the Motorcycle is a lovely story about friendship. Keith and Ralph develop an unlikely bond as they share a tiny red motorcycle. Students (and adults) will enjoy the storyline, as it is full of humor and adventure.
Reader's Annotation
An unlikely friendship develops between Keith and a mouse called Ralph.
About the Author
Beverly Cleary was born Beverly Bunn on April 12, 1916. Her mother, Mable, was a school teacher, and her father, Chester, was a farmer. They lived in Yamhill, Oregon, on the family farm. Beverly was the only child of the family. Growing up, Beverly’s mother taught her that reading was an important and pleasant activity. She recalls, “My mother read aloud every evening to my father and me. She read many books. She really read quite a variety of things, and I loved those evenings. I wish more people read aloud.”
Beverly’s family moved from the farm to the city of Portland, Oregon, when she was just six. During Beverly’s first year in school year, she missed many days from school for chicken pox and small pox. As a result, she began to struggle with her reading so her teacher placed her in the lowest reading group. She remembers, “I was hopelessly lost in reading.” Later, Beverly’s second grade teacher helped her improve her reading skills, but Beverly did not enjoy reading outside of school. One day, her mother found a box of books in the Sunday school basement. One book was The Dutch Twins, and Beverly finally had a book she truly enjoyed reading.
When Beverly went to college, she worked as a children’s librarian. She noticed many boring children’s books there and thought to herself, “I can write a better story than that!” When she finally began to write, she knew she wanted to write about ordinary children doing ordinary things. Her first book was a humorous book about an average boy named Henry Huggins. Mrs. Cleary wrote several books about Henry and his dog Ribsy.
Another series of books by Beverly Cleary are about a girl named Ramona. Ramona began as an extra character in the Henry Huggins stories, but her publisher suggested she write a book just about Ramona. The Ramona books are probably Cleary’s most popular books. (I loved these books when I was growing up!) Mrs. Cleary has written many other books. Most are humorous, and all are about ordinary kids. Even though some of her books were written many years ago, they are still enjoyed by readers today because they are about the funny things that happen to regular children all the time.
Genre
Fiction (humor)
Fiction (action and adventure)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts
Booktalking Ideas
Read aloud from the book:
That half ring was enough. It shattered Ralph’s nerves and terrified him so that he forgot all about steering. The momentum of the motorcycle carried him forward, over the edge of the table. Down, down through space tumbled Ralph with the motorcycle. . . He grabbed in vain at the air with both paws. There was nothing . . . to save him . . . That was the instant the motorcycle landed with a crash in the metal wastebasket. Ralph fell in a heap beside the motorcycle and lay still.
How will Ralph get out of the wastebasket before the maid comes to burn the trash in the incinerator? Find out how and enjoy many more adventures with Ralph by reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 8+
Reason for Book Selection
When I taught English Language Learners several years ago, they absolutely loved this book. What a timeless classic!
Plot Summary
In Beverly Cleary’s The Mouse and the Motorcycle Keith leaves his toy motorcycle on the bedside table at the hotel where his family is staying. When Ralph, a young mouse, scampers up the telephone cord, he tries the motorcycle on for size. Ralph soon discovers that the motorcycle is a great fit, so he hopps on and scoots the bike around by his feet. Then, a terrible thing happens—the telephone beside him rings! He crash lands into the trashcan! He fears that the maid will soon come to empty and burn the trash in an incinerator. Keith saves Ralph and a true friendship develops between the two of them.
Critical Evaluation
The Mouse and the Motorcycle is a lovely story about friendship. Keith and Ralph develop an unlikely bond as they share a tiny red motorcycle. Students (and adults) will enjoy the storyline, as it is full of humor and adventure.
Reader's Annotation
An unlikely friendship develops between Keith and a mouse called Ralph.
About the Author
Beverly Cleary was born Beverly Bunn on April 12, 1916. Her mother, Mable, was a school teacher, and her father, Chester, was a farmer. They lived in Yamhill, Oregon, on the family farm. Beverly was the only child of the family. Growing up, Beverly’s mother taught her that reading was an important and pleasant activity. She recalls, “My mother read aloud every evening to my father and me. She read many books. She really read quite a variety of things, and I loved those evenings. I wish more people read aloud.”
Beverly’s family moved from the farm to the city of Portland, Oregon, when she was just six. During Beverly’s first year in school year, she missed many days from school for chicken pox and small pox. As a result, she began to struggle with her reading so her teacher placed her in the lowest reading group. She remembers, “I was hopelessly lost in reading.” Later, Beverly’s second grade teacher helped her improve her reading skills, but Beverly did not enjoy reading outside of school. One day, her mother found a box of books in the Sunday school basement. One book was The Dutch Twins, and Beverly finally had a book she truly enjoyed reading.
When Beverly went to college, she worked as a children’s librarian. She noticed many boring children’s books there and thought to herself, “I can write a better story than that!” When she finally began to write, she knew she wanted to write about ordinary children doing ordinary things. Her first book was a humorous book about an average boy named Henry Huggins. Mrs. Cleary wrote several books about Henry and his dog Ribsy.
Another series of books by Beverly Cleary are about a girl named Ramona. Ramona began as an extra character in the Henry Huggins stories, but her publisher suggested she write a book just about Ramona. The Ramona books are probably Cleary’s most popular books. (I loved these books when I was growing up!) Mrs. Cleary has written many other books. Most are humorous, and all are about ordinary kids. Even though some of her books were written many years ago, they are still enjoyed by readers today because they are about the funny things that happen to regular children all the time.
Genre
Fiction (humor)
Fiction (action and adventure)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts
Booktalking Ideas
Read aloud from the book:
That half ring was enough. It shattered Ralph’s nerves and terrified him so that he forgot all about steering. The momentum of the motorcycle carried him forward, over the edge of the table. Down, down through space tumbled Ralph with the motorcycle. . . He grabbed in vain at the air with both paws. There was nothing . . . to save him . . . That was the instant the motorcycle landed with a crash in the metal wastebasket. Ralph fell in a heap beside the motorcycle and lay still.
How will Ralph get out of the wastebasket before the maid comes to burn the trash in the incinerator? Find out how and enjoy many more adventures with Ralph by reading The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 8+
Reason for Book Selection
When I taught English Language Learners several years ago, they absolutely loved this book. What a timeless classic!
Cleary, Beverly. Ribsy. HarperCollins (1992). ISBN-10: 0380709554
Plot Summary
Ribsy’s problems all began with a hungry flea. That pesky flea hid under his dog collar, biting Ribsy over and over again. Ribsy’s owner, a boy named Henry Huggins, took Ribsy’s collar off so Ribsy could have a good scratch. When the family heads over to the shopping mall, they leave Ribsy in the car. After he accidentally escapes, he gets lost without his collar. Eventually, a family full of little children takes him home. And, Ribsy’s troubles only get worse—the children of the family give him a bath!
Critical Evaluation
I have always been fond of “dog” books. Children, especially, can relate to Henry Huggins’s determination to find his missing dog. The book is easy to read, and it is holds the attention of younger readers. Both boys and girls will find this book a joy to read.
Reader's Annotation
Henry Huggins’s dog, Ribsy, gets into some trouble after discovering a flea and having his collar is removed.
About the Author
Beverly Cleary was born Beverly Bunn on April 12, 1916. Her mother, Mable, was a school teacher, and her father, Chester, was a farmer. They lived in Yamhill, Oregon, on the family farm. Beverly was the only child of the family. Growing up, Beverly’s mother taught her that reading was an important and pleasant activity. She recalls, “My mother read aloud every evening to my father and me. She read many books. She really read quite a variety of things, and I loved those evenings. I wish more people read aloud.”
Beverly’s family moved from the farm to the city of Portland, Oregon, when she was just six. During Beverly’s first year in school year, she missed many days from school for chicken pox and small pox. As a result, she began to struggle with her reading so her teacher placed her in the lowest reading group. She remembers, “I was hopelessly lost in reading.” Later, Beverly’s second grade teacher helped her improve her reading skills, but Beverly did not enjoy reading outside of school. One day, her mother found a box of books in the Sunday school basement. One book was The Dutch Twins, and Beverly finally had a book she truly enjoyed reading.
When Beverly went to college, she worked as a children’s librarian. She noticed many boring children’s books there and thought to herself, “I can write a better story than that!” When she finally began writing, she knew she wanted to write about ordinary children doing ordinary things. Her first book was a humorous book about an average boy named Henry Huggins. Mrs. Cleary wrote several books about Henry and his dog Ribsy.
Another series of books by Beverly Cleary are about a girl named Ramona. Ramona began as an extra character in the Henry Huggins stories, but her publisher suggested she write a book just about Ramona. The Ramona books are probably Cleary’s most popular books. (I loved these books when I was growing up!) Mrs. Cleary has written many other books. Most are humorous, and all are about ordinary kids. Even though some of her books were written many years ago, they are still enjoyed by readers today because they are about the funny things that happen to regular children all the time.
Genre
Fiction (humor)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts
Booktalking Ideas
Read aloud from the book:
Water splashed all over the row of four little girls, who screamed with delight and would not let him out of the tub. Ribsy barked to tell them he did not like this one bit. . . The four little girls took their washcloths and went to work. Their efforts made Ribsy even more miserable. He was sad and he was soggy. Then two fat little hands, one of them clutching a plastic bottle, pushed between the girls. Crowing with delight at his own cleverness, George emptied an entire bottle of violet-scented bubble bath over Ribsy.
Will this bath ever end? Will Ribsy find his way back to his best friend, Henry Huggins? To read about this dog’s many adventures, check out the book Ribsy by Beverly Cleary.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12
Reason for Book Selection
I distinctly remember reading many Beverly Cleary books as a child. If I remember correctly, her works are what inspired me to go to the library. And, this book, in particular remind me of my own dog – a modern day Ribsy!
Plot Summary
Ribsy’s problems all began with a hungry flea. That pesky flea hid under his dog collar, biting Ribsy over and over again. Ribsy’s owner, a boy named Henry Huggins, took Ribsy’s collar off so Ribsy could have a good scratch. When the family heads over to the shopping mall, they leave Ribsy in the car. After he accidentally escapes, he gets lost without his collar. Eventually, a family full of little children takes him home. And, Ribsy’s troubles only get worse—the children of the family give him a bath!
Critical Evaluation
I have always been fond of “dog” books. Children, especially, can relate to Henry Huggins’s determination to find his missing dog. The book is easy to read, and it is holds the attention of younger readers. Both boys and girls will find this book a joy to read.
Reader's Annotation
Henry Huggins’s dog, Ribsy, gets into some trouble after discovering a flea and having his collar is removed.
About the Author
Beverly Cleary was born Beverly Bunn on April 12, 1916. Her mother, Mable, was a school teacher, and her father, Chester, was a farmer. They lived in Yamhill, Oregon, on the family farm. Beverly was the only child of the family. Growing up, Beverly’s mother taught her that reading was an important and pleasant activity. She recalls, “My mother read aloud every evening to my father and me. She read many books. She really read quite a variety of things, and I loved those evenings. I wish more people read aloud.”
Beverly’s family moved from the farm to the city of Portland, Oregon, when she was just six. During Beverly’s first year in school year, she missed many days from school for chicken pox and small pox. As a result, she began to struggle with her reading so her teacher placed her in the lowest reading group. She remembers, “I was hopelessly lost in reading.” Later, Beverly’s second grade teacher helped her improve her reading skills, but Beverly did not enjoy reading outside of school. One day, her mother found a box of books in the Sunday school basement. One book was The Dutch Twins, and Beverly finally had a book she truly enjoyed reading.
When Beverly went to college, she worked as a children’s librarian. She noticed many boring children’s books there and thought to herself, “I can write a better story than that!” When she finally began writing, she knew she wanted to write about ordinary children doing ordinary things. Her first book was a humorous book about an average boy named Henry Huggins. Mrs. Cleary wrote several books about Henry and his dog Ribsy.
Another series of books by Beverly Cleary are about a girl named Ramona. Ramona began as an extra character in the Henry Huggins stories, but her publisher suggested she write a book just about Ramona. The Ramona books are probably Cleary’s most popular books. (I loved these books when I was growing up!) Mrs. Cleary has written many other books. Most are humorous, and all are about ordinary kids. Even though some of her books were written many years ago, they are still enjoyed by readers today because they are about the funny things that happen to regular children all the time.
Genre
Fiction (humor)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts
Booktalking Ideas
Read aloud from the book:
Water splashed all over the row of four little girls, who screamed with delight and would not let him out of the tub. Ribsy barked to tell them he did not like this one bit. . . The four little girls took their washcloths and went to work. Their efforts made Ribsy even more miserable. He was sad and he was soggy. Then two fat little hands, one of them clutching a plastic bottle, pushed between the girls. Crowing with delight at his own cleverness, George emptied an entire bottle of violet-scented bubble bath over Ribsy.
Will this bath ever end? Will Ribsy find his way back to his best friend, Henry Huggins? To read about this dog’s many adventures, check out the book Ribsy by Beverly Cleary.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 9-12
Reason for Book Selection
I distinctly remember reading many Beverly Cleary books as a child. If I remember correctly, her works are what inspired me to go to the library. And, this book, in particular remind me of my own dog – a modern day Ribsy!
Yee, Lisa. Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time. Scholastic Paperbacks (2007). ISBN-10: 0439622484
Plot Summary
Stanford Wong's life passion is basketball. He is unable to go to summer basketball camp because he flunked English. Not only did he flunk English, but his report card, with a big red F, is posted on the refrigerator. Stanford’s dad is furious with him about his grades. So, his parents hire a tutor, of all people, Millicent Min! Stanford thinks Millicent is “a jerk and poster girl for Chinese geekdom.” Stanford ends up sneaking to summer school because he doesn’t want his basketball friends to know that he has flunked English. Stanford’s summer takes a turn for the better when he meets a friend of Millicent’s, the beautiful Emily Ebers. In trying to improve his looks and impress Emily, Stanford decides to go to a fancy hair salon instead of “Super Fast Cuts” to get his hair done. Stanford is used to paying $12.00 at Super Fast Cuts and when he is told he owes one-twenty for his new style he almost dies.
Critical Evaluation
Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time is Lisa Yee’s second novel, and it is hilarious! Lisa Yee’s use of language and nicknames are very funny. For example, Stanford nicknames himself SSSSpy for “Super Stealth Stanford Spy” as he ducks from cover on the way so school. Stanford’s nickname for Mr. Glick, his summer school teacher, is “Teacher Torturer.” And, Millicent’s nickname for Stanford is “Stanj-turd.” Another example of Yees funny play on words is when Stanford is talking about what Millicent is making him read: “The Mixed-up files of Ms. Franks and Beans, or something like that.”
Reader's Annotation
Stanford Wong earns and F in English and later discovers that Millicent Min, the social out cast, is going to be his tutor.
About the Author
Growing up, Lisa attended Alhambra High School in California, and she was on the debate team and a member of the honor society. At USC, she majored in English and Humanities. During her time at USC, Lisa interned at KCET, the L.A. PBS station, and she worked on an interactive kid’s magazine. After college, Lisa held numerous positions, some including: copywriter, associate director of a creative think tank, account executive for 7-Up Foods, and writer/producer for Walt Disney World.
Today, Lisa Yee is the author of Millicent Min, Girl Genius, Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time, So Totally Emily Ebers, and Good Luck, Ivy! Her novels have received numerous honors. Her first novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the Sid Fleishchman Humor Award.
Genre
Realistic Fiction (humor)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts
Booktalking Ideas
Poor Stanford! After earning an F in English, Stanford’s parents hire Millicent Min to be his tutor. But, Millicent and Stanford despise each other! Stanford, however, has big worries.
Will he be able to pass summer school, handle Millicent Min, and impress Emily Ebers? Will Stanford be able to deal with his angry father who is up for a promotion and does nothing but work and fight with his mother? And, to top it off, Stanford’s perfect sister Sarah is coming home over the Fourth of July holiday! Find out what happens with Stanford Wong in Lisa Yee’s Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time. This book will have you laughing out loud in no time!
Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 4-7
Reason for Book Selection
This books is the follow-up to Millicent Min: Girl Genius. Because I laughed so much in the first book, I thought I ought to read the second. I’m glad I did!
Plot Summary
Stanford Wong's life passion is basketball. He is unable to go to summer basketball camp because he flunked English. Not only did he flunk English, but his report card, with a big red F, is posted on the refrigerator. Stanford’s dad is furious with him about his grades. So, his parents hire a tutor, of all people, Millicent Min! Stanford thinks Millicent is “a jerk and poster girl for Chinese geekdom.” Stanford ends up sneaking to summer school because he doesn’t want his basketball friends to know that he has flunked English. Stanford’s summer takes a turn for the better when he meets a friend of Millicent’s, the beautiful Emily Ebers. In trying to improve his looks and impress Emily, Stanford decides to go to a fancy hair salon instead of “Super Fast Cuts” to get his hair done. Stanford is used to paying $12.00 at Super Fast Cuts and when he is told he owes one-twenty for his new style he almost dies.
Critical Evaluation
Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time is Lisa Yee’s second novel, and it is hilarious! Lisa Yee’s use of language and nicknames are very funny. For example, Stanford nicknames himself SSSSpy for “Super Stealth Stanford Spy” as he ducks from cover on the way so school. Stanford’s nickname for Mr. Glick, his summer school teacher, is “Teacher Torturer.” And, Millicent’s nickname for Stanford is “Stanj-turd.” Another example of Yees funny play on words is when Stanford is talking about what Millicent is making him read: “The Mixed-up files of Ms. Franks and Beans, or something like that.”
Reader's Annotation
Stanford Wong earns and F in English and later discovers that Millicent Min, the social out cast, is going to be his tutor.
About the Author
Growing up, Lisa attended Alhambra High School in California, and she was on the debate team and a member of the honor society. At USC, she majored in English and Humanities. During her time at USC, Lisa interned at KCET, the L.A. PBS station, and she worked on an interactive kid’s magazine. After college, Lisa held numerous positions, some including: copywriter, associate director of a creative think tank, account executive for 7-Up Foods, and writer/producer for Walt Disney World.
Today, Lisa Yee is the author of Millicent Min, Girl Genius, Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time, So Totally Emily Ebers, and Good Luck, Ivy! Her novels have received numerous honors. Her first novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the Sid Fleishchman Humor Award.
Genre
Realistic Fiction (humor)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts
Booktalking Ideas
Poor Stanford! After earning an F in English, Stanford’s parents hire Millicent Min to be his tutor. But, Millicent and Stanford despise each other! Stanford, however, has big worries.
Will he be able to pass summer school, handle Millicent Min, and impress Emily Ebers? Will Stanford be able to deal with his angry father who is up for a promotion and does nothing but work and fight with his mother? And, to top it off, Stanford’s perfect sister Sarah is coming home over the Fourth of July holiday! Find out what happens with Stanford Wong in Lisa Yee’s Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time. This book will have you laughing out loud in no time!
Reading Level/Interest Age
Grades 4-7
Reason for Book Selection
This books is the follow-up to Millicent Min: Girl Genius. Because I laughed so much in the first book, I thought I ought to read the second. I’m glad I did!
Yee, Lisa. Millicent Min, Girl Genius. Scholastic Paperbacks (2004). ISBN-10: 0439425204
Plot Summary
Millicent Min, Girl Genius is Lisa Yee’s first novel about an eleven-year-old genius who is a social out cast. Millicent Min, also known as Millie, is funny and quirky. Millie happens to be having a bad summer. She is hated by her peers for going to high school and setting the curve, her grandmother Maddie is moving, and her parents signed her up for volleyball. To top it off she has to tutor Stanford Wong. However, Millie’s summer takes a turn for the better when she meets Emily. Emily thinks Millie’s cool, but she doesn’t know she’s a genius. Millie worries constantly that Emily will find out. They quickly become best friends, but Emily becomes terribly upset when she finds out Millie has lied to her. Throughout the novel, Millie thinks her mother is dying throughout the story. It turns out towards the end of the book that Millie’s mom was pregnant!
Critical Evaluation
This book is hysterically funny. Millicent's ridiculous antics and over the top way of thinking truly make this book a laugh-out-loud comic. Her interactions with other children are realistic, and her fears are honest fears that students her age encounter.
Reader's Annotation
Millicent Min is smarter than most people she knows, and she is considered a social out cast. That is, of course, before she meets Emily.
About the Author
Growing up, Lisa attended Alhambra High School in California, and she was on the debate team and a member of the honor society. At USC, she majored in English and Humanities. During her time at USC, Lisa interned at KCET, the L.A. PBS station, and she worked on an interactive kid’s magazine. After college, Lisa held numerous positions, some including: copywriter, associate director of a creative think tank, account executive for 7-Up Foods, and writer/producer for Walt Disney World.
Today, Lisa Yee is the author of Millicent Min, Girl Genius, Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time, So Totally Emily Ebers, and Good Luck, Ivy! Her novels have received numerous honors. Her first novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the Sid Fleishchman Humor Award.
Genre
Realistic Ficiton (humor)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Science
Booktalking Ideas
Millicent Min is a girl genius who is having a terrible summer. She has no friends, she finds out that her grandmother is moving, and she discovers that she has to tutor Stanford Wong. On page 52 she says, “It isn’t just that Sanford is stupid, it’s that he’s spectacularly stupid. Words float in through one ear and out the other. Books go unread.” If you’d like to know more about Millie, then read Millicent Min: Girl Genius by Lisa Yee.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 8+
Reason for Book Selection
I have spent the last several years teaching students who are considered “gifted.” Millicent’s quirkiness reminds me of many of my own students throughout the years.
Plot Summary
Millicent Min, Girl Genius is Lisa Yee’s first novel about an eleven-year-old genius who is a social out cast. Millicent Min, also known as Millie, is funny and quirky. Millie happens to be having a bad summer. She is hated by her peers for going to high school and setting the curve, her grandmother Maddie is moving, and her parents signed her up for volleyball. To top it off she has to tutor Stanford Wong. However, Millie’s summer takes a turn for the better when she meets Emily. Emily thinks Millie’s cool, but she doesn’t know she’s a genius. Millie worries constantly that Emily will find out. They quickly become best friends, but Emily becomes terribly upset when she finds out Millie has lied to her. Throughout the novel, Millie thinks her mother is dying throughout the story. It turns out towards the end of the book that Millie’s mom was pregnant!
Critical Evaluation
This book is hysterically funny. Millicent's ridiculous antics and over the top way of thinking truly make this book a laugh-out-loud comic. Her interactions with other children are realistic, and her fears are honest fears that students her age encounter.
Reader's Annotation
Millicent Min is smarter than most people she knows, and she is considered a social out cast. That is, of course, before she meets Emily.
About the Author
Growing up, Lisa attended Alhambra High School in California, and she was on the debate team and a member of the honor society. At USC, she majored in English and Humanities. During her time at USC, Lisa interned at KCET, the L.A. PBS station, and she worked on an interactive kid’s magazine. After college, Lisa held numerous positions, some including: copywriter, associate director of a creative think tank, account executive for 7-Up Foods, and writer/producer for Walt Disney World.
Today, Lisa Yee is the author of Millicent Min, Girl Genius, Stanford Wong Flunks Big Time, So Totally Emily Ebers, and Good Luck, Ivy! Her novels have received numerous honors. Her first novel, Millicent Min, Girl Genius, won the Sid Fleishchman Humor Award.
Genre
Realistic Ficiton (humor)
Curriculum Ties
Language Arts, Social Science
Booktalking Ideas
Millicent Min is a girl genius who is having a terrible summer. She has no friends, she finds out that her grandmother is moving, and she discovers that she has to tutor Stanford Wong. On page 52 she says, “It isn’t just that Sanford is stupid, it’s that he’s spectacularly stupid. Words float in through one ear and out the other. Books go unread.” If you’d like to know more about Millie, then read Millicent Min: Girl Genius by Lisa Yee.
Reading Level/Interest Age
Ages 8+
Reason for Book Selection
I have spent the last several years teaching students who are considered “gifted.” Millicent’s quirkiness reminds me of many of my own students throughout the years.
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