That's right. You read the title correctly. Must-read with CAUTION. Have you ever been so stinkin' excited about a book in a series that you love, only to be extremely disappointed in it? It just happened to me. Ugh!
If you've followed my blog for a while, you know I'm a BIG FAN of the Gooney Bird Greene series. I love that she's a fellow second-grader and that she marches to the beat of her own drum. I also LOVE the fact that the books "teach" kids about a genre of writing - stories, poems, fables....
Well, we finally got around to reading the newest book in this series, which I actually mentioned in my very first Must-Read Monday post. SO DISAPPOINTED!
So, I'm giving you caution. If you're a fan of this series, or are thinking about trying it because of my past posts...you might want to leave this one off of your list.
It makes my heart sad. I was a little disappointed when I realized this book wasn't going to teach a writing style. Instead it integrates the class's study of the human body (digestive system, muscular system, etc). Okay - I can leave with that. The "teaching" parts come through little "riddles" left on a traveling skeleton throughout the school and they, at times, seem a bit forced. Again, I can live with it.
But then, the book mentioned a "wine glass", a "cigarette", and used the word "sexist" - none are really words that spark conversations that I want to have with seven-year-olds! *sigh*
Don't let this discourage you from reading the other fabulous books in this series, but proceed with caution with this one.
What are you reading this week? Link up below!
Don't let this discourage you from reading the other fabulous books in this series, but proceed with caution with this one.
What are you reading this week? Link up below!
Oh, that's disappointing. I would be reluctant to teach a book like that to second graders. I just linked up for the first time today. Thank you for hosting.
ReplyDeleteHow disappointing!! =( Like Mary, I just linked up for the first time!
ReplyDeleteI would also love to invite you to my blog for a monthly link up beginning this Wednesday! Details here: http://bighairandbooks.blogspot.com/2014/05/way-back-wednesday-link-up.html
I read the first one in the series. It did a great job with showing how to write narratives, but was way above my students' level, it seemed. We just couldn't get into it. Thanks for the heads up with this book, too!
ReplyDeleteWhat I Have Learned
Yikes! We were just thinking about looking into this series. Glad you said something about this book!
ReplyDelete:) Tamra and Sarah
First Grade Buddies
Oh no! I always hate it when books use words that are inappropriate for our second graders. At least words that I think are inappropriate! So sorry to hear that one of your favorite series let you down this time around, but we appreciate you sharing!
ReplyDeleteAimee
Primarily Speaking
Thanks for the heads up. We are in the middle of the first one in the series, as a read aloud, based upon your previous recommendation. And, of course we are all loving it. I will be sure to not order this one for our class library.
ReplyDeleteSad here too. I love Gooney Bird Greene. I just spent a lovely chunk of the schools money yesterday in Lubbock at the Scholastic Warehouse sale. I spent a smaller chunk of my own as well :) Some wonderful prices... definitely worth checking out!
ReplyDeleteAs a fellow Gooney Bird fan I HIGHLY recommend the book "Love, Ruby Lavender". I promise, you will not be disappointed.
Cori in TX (formerly WA)