The First Part Last

Bibliographic Information: Johnson, A. (2003). The Firs Part Last. New York, New York: Simon and Schuster Books for Young Readers.

Brief Annotation: In this novel, Bobby is a teenage boy who becomes a father at the age of 16. This story is told now and then style throughout the book, unveiling the struggles in Bobby's life and how he has to become a man. It is a heart-wrenching book that makes you feel for Bobby and his situation until the end. The detailed scenes and senses create a great picture.

Genre: Contemporary Realistic Fiction

Grade Level: 6+

Readers who will like this: Readers who like sad, yet somewhat happy books.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4. This was a great book, well written and detailed. I liked the now and then aspects because you had to read the whole book to get the whole story. There could be a lot of predicting throughout this book.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever struggled with something and needed help? Have you felt that you've had to grow up too fast?

Black Cat

Myers, C. (1999). Black Cat. New York, NY: Scholastic Press.

Brief Annotation: This book follows the trail of the black cat. He does many things around the city but where does he live? Where does he sleep?

Genre: Picture book

Grade Level: 1-5

Readers who will like this: Children who like cats, adventure, and picture books.

Response/Rating (1-4): 4; I really like this book, the illustrations are beautiful. It would be a good book to introduce the issue of homelessness.

One question you would ask before a read aloud: Have you ever seen an stray animal?