Hooway for Wodney Wat- Helen Lester

Having been introduced to this story at the beginning of last semester, I had to reread the story of Wodney Wat. This short story about a rat named Rodney who has trouble pronouncing his r's, encounters the real life of bullying and being different because of the way that he talks. After a new bigger bully moves into town, Rodney soon realizes that he isn't the only one who is bullied. Although his speech was something that he was constantly picked on for, his impediment actually leads Rodney to save the class from the biggest bully yet, Camilla Capybara. As he mispronounces the word rest, and in actuality says, "go west," the class is saved from Camilla. Rodney is a hero!

This story will be used in my classroom not only because I think speech impediments are endearing, but also because of the subtle ways that Helen Lester uses this story to portray differences and the need for acceptance. I can assure that this book will be used to teach children the importance of loving others for who they are, and embracing differences because that it is what makes us all unique!

Fiction

Thank You, Mr. Falker- Patricia Polacco

This story by Patrica Polacco is one that I heard about last semester. After reading this book once, I knew it was worth another look. The book tells the story about the author herself as a young girl who wasn't able to read and write well in school. After years of fooling teachers and acting as if she knew what she was doing, a gentle spirited Mr. Falker sees through her inabilities. This teacher not only encourages her where she is but continues to show her that she can and will succeed.

This story is one, that in my opinion, should be in every classroom. The continued support of Mr. Falker and the perseverance he demonstrated in helping Tricia, is the kind of help students long for. Not only does this book teach educators how to perform but this story also provides students with the drive to move forward in all that they do. Of course there is still the sense of bullying within the story that can also be used to teach those lessons that are often taught often in the elementary setting on being encouraging and not negative towards others.

Fiction