Submarine Outlaw

Author:  Philip Roy   Copyright Date:  2008

Submarine Outlaw takes you on the wild ride of a young boy on the Rock (Newfoundland) dreaming of a life beyond fishing.  What he really wants  to do is explore and along with an eccentric junk yard mechanic he dreams of exploring in a submarine.  Philip Roy’s Submarine Outlaw has lovable and believable characters, bringing alive a well-written, evenly paced story.  You will be required to suspend your disbelief and join them on this fantastic journey.
Rating: #1(Highly Recommended) ✓    #2        #3         #4 (not acceptable)

Interest Level:  Grade 4-6        Reading Level:  Grade 5 +

Curriculum Area: Language Arts, Social Studies

Theme(s) Topic(s):  adventure, solving problems, life on the coast
This book would be suitable for:    ✓ Lit Circles  ✓  Kit Materials ✓Read-Aloud (Gr.) 4,5

Diamond Willow 2009

CM Review
First  chapter makes good read aloud although other chapters might work as well, whole book would be worth it if it fit your curricular interests.

Eye of the Crow – The Boy Sherlock Holmes

Author:  Shane Peacock      Copyright Date:    2007

Have you ever wondered how Sherlock Holmes grew to be the man he was?  Wonder no longer, Shane Peacock weaves the tale.  With an intricate and involved plot and compelling characters, the Eye of the Crow takes you back in time to 19th Century England and the life of the working poor.  Mixed up in events beyond his control the boy Sherlock strives to untie the bonds of poverty and injustice in his life.  Peacock’s novel explores themes of poverty, violence and racism.  This novel makes substantial demands of the reader.   It is a well-woven story well worth the time and effort to read.

This book would be suitable for:    ✓ Lit Circles  ✓  Kit   ✓ Materials Read-Aloud (Gr.) 5+

Snow Willow 2009

Other review

Rating: #1(Highly Recommended) ✓    #2        #3         #4 (not acceptable)

Interest Level:  Grade  6-9        Reading Level:  7+
Curriculum Area: Language Arts
Theme(s) Topic(s): Mystery, justice, bigotry, intolerance, historical fiction

Teaching Comprehension Strategies
Looking for details, making predictions, inferencing
Possible Read Alouds
p.27-29 nature of racism and discrimination
74-77 making the key from porridge (predictions)

Fiddle Dancer

Authors: Anne Patton and Wilfred Burton
Illustrator: Sherry Farrell Racette

Fiddle Dancer portrays the relationship between a boy and his grandfather as the boy learns traditional Metis jigging. Told through vibrant pictures which are somewhat inconsistent in quality, some superb, some not quite, this well paced story features important content.  A much needed addition to the cultural content for Canadian schools.

Interest Level: Grade 2-4 Reading Level: Grade 3

Curriculum Area: Language Arts, Social Studies

Theme(s) Topic(s): Family, dancing, Métis life, New Year’s traditions, fiddle music

This book would be suitable for: ✓ Lit Circles ✓ Kit Materials ✓Read-Aloud (Gr.) 2-5

Shining Willows 2009

Useful for teaching Métis culture/content, family relationships

Other review, purchasing information