by Lorna McGrath | Adolescence, Book Reviews, Book Reviews TC MAY 2021
by Dawn Quigley
This is the story of a girl in middle school whose name is Apple. Her mother was a Native American who died hours after Apple was born and her father was a very well-to-do European American who was left to raise Apple. From her birth to middle school Apple knew little to nothing about her mother, her mother’s family, or her Native American heritage. But she knew quite a bit about being judged by the color of her skin, about feeling lonely and friendless, and about never really fitting into the European American culture in urban Minneapolis where she was growing up. Life for Apple changed dramatically the summer between 7th and 8th grades. Her parents (European American father and step-mother) decided that the family needed a change that summer. Apple was to go and spend the summer with her Native American grandparents in North Dakota whom she had never met nor with whom she had a relationship. Apple learned a great deal that summer about herself, her Native American heritage, the love of heritage, the love of a family, and friendship.
I recommend this book for 11-15-year-olds at school or at home. It will probably raise many questions for young people. I suggest that it be part of a family book club or a school reading group so that questions and feelings can be shared and discussed with others.
by Lorna McGrath | Book Reviews, Book Reviews TC MAY 2021, Infant-Toddler (0 to 3), Kindergarten, Lower Elementary (6-9), TC May 2021
A New Alphabet for Humanity
Written by Leesa McGregor
Illustrated by Daniela Sosa
This is a very well-done children’s book. It includes not only content that is so greatly needed for our world today, it shows realistic illustrations of a diverse range of children and adults. It gives children a set of words and their descriptions to help people understand how we can think and act in ways that will create peace in our world. Just as an example: G is for Gratitude – Gratitude is thinking about all the things that make me smile. I am grateful when I give thanks for my day and the people I love.
When you purchase this book, you can access their online site, where they offer a free printable alphabet poster and other learning materials. My only suggestion would be to add the lower-case alphabet letters next to the upper-case letters in the book because, generally, in Montessori classrooms, we don’t introduce upper-case letters until children reach first grade and above. If you have a young child, kindergarten and younger, they will be more apt to recognize the lower-case letters, and you can begin to help your child make the connection between lower and upper-case and that they sound the same. Always remember that in Montessori we also concentrate on the sound that letters make before the names of letters.
I highly recommend this book for children from 2-8 years old in your homes and in your classrooms. It can be purchased at www.amazon.com or www.alphabetforhumanity.com.
by Lorna McGrath | Book Reviews, Book Reviews TC MAY 2021, Lower Elementary (6-9), TC May 2021, Upper Elementary (9-12)
Finish Strong: Seven Marathons, Seven Continents, Seven Days
Written by Dave McGillivray with Nancy Feehrer
llustrated by Shululu
This book is categorized as a children’s non-fiction, biography for ages 7-10 years old. I think many children as young as five years old would enjoy it. It’s the story of Dave McGillivray, Boston Marathon Race Director. He starts by having to find a sport that he could be good at for his size and stamina, which turned out to be running. It is inspiring, interesting, and includes quite a bit of humor, too! On almost every page, there is a box at the bottom with some words of guidance, humor, or encouragement as he tells the story of the World Marathon Challenge. In this book, dreams, goals, charity, courage, and friendship are promoted as Dave runs around the world. Montessori students will appreciate the map of Dave’s journey as well as a sort of surprise letter and advice in the last few pages of the book.
by Lorna McGrath | Book Reviews TC MAY 2021, Lower Elementary (6-9), Montessori Education, Science, TC May 2021, Upper Elementary (9-12)
from Tomorrow’s Child Magazine – May, 2021 | by The Montessori Foundation
Picture Book Science Series: The Earth, The Stars, The Sun, The Moon
Written by Laura Perdew
llustrated by Li Hui
This series seems like it would be suited to and appeal to lower elementary students. There is quite a bit of text for students to read, and the vocabulary is above an emerging reader’s level. Obviously, there’s no harm in an older student/sibling with more reading proficiency or an adult to read it to a younger child. Although there is a lot of information in the books, it is wrapped in stories and illustrations of imaginary creatures. Again, this would definitely appeal to elementary-age students, but it might be a little out of a younger child’s ability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. These books provide a fun way to look at information about the stars, the earth, the moon, and the sun. There are other books in the series that take a closer look at different types of animals, as well. They are published by Nomad Press and can be purchased at www.amazon.com.
by Lorna McGrath | Book Reviews, Book Reviews TC MAY 2021, Lower Elementary (6-9), TC May 2021, Upper Elementary (9-12)
Seeds and Trees
Written by Brandon Walden
llustrated by Kristen& Kevin Howdeshell
I have to admit when I read the “Letter From the Author,” I became a little skeptical about whether or not this would be a well written book. Luckily, it turns out that it is written just fine. The story uses tree seeds as a metaphor for words and that words can be kind, supportive, and respectful (green seeds) or the opposite (dark seeds). In the beginning the prince gathers, plants, and nurtures both the green and the dark seeds, and both kinds flourish. After years, he realizes that the trees from the dark seeds were overtaking the trees from the green seeds. Fortunately, the prince has a friend, who helps him to get rid of the dark trees and only replace them by planting green seeds. The author conveys a message through this imaginary story in a way that children will probably be able to relate to. The illustrations are not only lovely, but they really depict the differences between the dark trees and the green trees. Children from 4-9 years old will enjoy reading and discussing the ideas in this book.
