What Jamie Saw

What Jamie Saw

Author: Carolyn Coman

Cover Artist: Carolyn Coman
Genre: Fiction

Subgenre: Realistic Fiction
Primary Characters: Jamie, Nin, and Patty

Secondary Characters: Van, Earl, and Mrs. Desrochers

Publications: Front Street 1995

Awards: Newbery Honor 1995

Theme: Inner strength can help one overcome any tragedy or obstacle that one experiences.

Summary: When Jamie saw his younger half-sister get thrown across the room by his mother's boyfriend, his world was turned upside down. His mother grabbed the children and some of their belongings and fled to her friend, Earl's, house. They move into a trailer behind his house, and stick together like glue. They live in constant fear and uncertainty. The story tells of their journey and struggles as they recover from their tragic experience.

In a classroom, this book can be used as an independent reading book.

Turtle in Paradise

Turtle in Paradise

Author: Jennifer L. Holm

Cover Artist: Jackie Parsons

Genre: Children's Literature
Subgenre: Fiction
Primary Characters: Turtle, The Diaper Gang, and Sadiebelle

Secondary Characters: Aunt Minnie, Uncle Vernon, Archie and Slow Poke

Publications: Random House 2010

Awards: Newbery Honor 2011

Theme: Don't be afraid to try new things or embark on adventures.

Summary: During the Great Depression, Turtle's mother gets a job that does not allow her to have children in the house. She has to move to Key West, Florida with her Aunt Minnie and her cousins the Diaper Gang. It tells of all their adventures while she lives in the new town. During one of their adventures, they get stranded on a key after finding a hidden treasure. Her mother arrives shortly after hearing the news. Turtle learns that her mother has recently gotten engaged to Archie. Unfortunately, Archie leaves Turtle and her mother in Key West. In the end, they decided to live with their family on Curry Lane.

In a classroom, this novel can be used as an independent reading book.

Everything on a Waffle

Everything on a Waffle

Author: Polly Horvath

Cover Artist: Gina Freschet

Genre: Fiction

Sub Genre: Comedy

Primary Characters: Primrose, Uncle Jack, Miss Honeycut, Miss Bowser, and Miss. Perfidy

Secondary Characters: Evie, Bert, and Mrs. Witherspoon

Publication: Farrar Straus Giroux 2001

Awards: Newbery Honor 2001

Theme: Over coming challenges can improve one's self esteem.

Summary: Primrose Squarp loses her parents out at sea and is then made to live with her Uncle Jack. This story is about tha events that happen to her while she awaits her parents' return. She writes down recipes throughout the book from a diner in town who serves everything on a waffle. In the end, her parents finally return despite everyone's beliefs.

In a classroom, this book can be used as a silent reading book, or as a read aloud book in the fourth or fifth grade. Everyday a new chapter is read the corresponding recipe could be made to enrich the reading experience. It can teach students to be positive and to have a good self esteem.