Amazing Faces

Amazing Faces is a collection of poetry by Lee Bennett Hopkins and illustrated by Chris Soentpiet. This book is featured on the 2011-12 Texas Bluebonnet list. The illustrations of people in this book are beautiful and I really enjoyed the poems. The poems and illustrations represent people from many cultures and backgrounds. Even though the book reflects the diversity of America, it also shows how much alike we all are and how we experience the same feelings and emotions - all of which are reflected in our faces!
I am always amazed how poets can say so much and make you understand their feelings with so few words. This book is extra special because the ilustrations are also very powerful. Every detail is perfect. What kind of poetry do you like? Think of your favorite poem and then try to think of how you would illustrate it. Do you think the meaning of a poem can be changed if you match it with a different illustation?
Checkout the author interview and links on Teachingbooks.net and let me know what YOU think!

FALLING for Great Books

This month our fifth grade book club has been reading Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper. This book really amazed me. It tells the story of Melody who is brilliantly intelligent but because of a life long medical condition has been unable to communicate with anyone. Reading about Melody's life really inspired me but at times I was so mad at the injustices she suffered. I think Sharon Draper did a great job of letting the readers glimpse at what life is like for someone who struggles with some profound disabilities but also possesses some incredible gifts. I think the character of Melody is really well developed and she has great voice. I loved the way Melody pushed herself and stood up for herself when she was treated unkindly. What did you think? Did Melody inspire you? Did you get mad when you read this book?