Ida B : . . . and Her Plans to Maximize Fun, Avoid Disaster, and (Possibly) Save the World
Summary: Ida B is an only child with plenty of time on her hands. She is home schooled and spends much of the day having fun: exploring the family farm and visiting the apple orchards. When an unexpected event turns Ida’s world upside down, she feels angry and betrayed. Ida vows to turn her heart to stone and declares war: against her family, against her new classmates, and most determinedly against herself. However, with the help of a compassionate teacher and the support of her parents, Ida begins to heal.
Reading Level: 4.8
Rating: 8 ½ stars
Kids: You’ll like Ida B’s character, her sense of humor and her attitude about life. Ida B is more of a girl’s book and there isn’t much action. However, the story is heartwarming and not too sad. I think you’ll like it.
Parents: Ida B is a safe, wholesome story. You will find no foul language or situations that might be deemed inappropriate. Strong characters model compassion and forgiveness.
Teachers: A good book for literature circles and a possible read aloud. Great, strong main character with whom readers can easily connect. No foul language or mature subject matter. Themes of family, forgiveness and trust.
Accelerated Reading Test: Available (check your school)
Awards:
Publishers Weekly Best Book
School Library Journal Best Book
New York Public Library's "One Hundred Titles for Reading and Sharing"
IRA/CBC Teachers' Choice
Quill Award Nominee
Book Sense Honor Book
Borders Original Voices
ALA Booklist Editors’ Choice
If you liked Ida B, I’d recommend:
Rules by Cynthia Lord
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer
So B. It by Sarah Weeks
ISBN 0060730242
Summary: A soft-hearted farmer, Bernie, takes in forlorn animals including Whittington the cat, who shows up one fall day. When the year’s first snowstorm traps the bored animals in the barn, Whittington becomes a storyteller. As the barn animals and Bernie's two grandchildren listen, Whittington recounts the adventures of his namesake, Dick Whittington, whose good fortune was brought on by hard work and advice from his cat. Meanwhile, Ben, Bernie's grandson, has dyslexia and may be held back at school. With the help of his sister and the support of the animals, Ben learns to overcome his reading difficulties.
Reading Level: 5.8
Rating: 7 ½ stars
Kids: Whittington is a sweet story, but very slow. It is similar to Charlotte’s Web, but not quite as good. The best parts are when Whittington the cat describes the adventures of Dick Whittington. If you like animal stories, you might enjoy this one. But beware. It moves very slowly.
Parents: Whittington is an old-fashioned tale similar to Charlotte’s Web. References to opium and hashish occur about mid-way through, though most children would probably gloss right over them. No foul language.
Teachers: This book is very slow and difficult to read. I question its Newbery recognition. The characters are one-dimensional and I found them difficult to care about. Sentences are often choppy and pretentious. While written with the most basic of constructions, the vocabulary and comprehension level is somewhere in the sixth grade. I can’t recommend it for a read aloud or for literature circles. Themes of loyalty, trust and friendship.
Accelerated Reading Test: Available (check your school)
Awards:
WINNER 2006 - Newbery Medal Winner
WINNER 2006 - ALA Notable Children's Book
If you liked Whittington I’d recommend
Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very
Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
Ginger Pye by Eleanor Estes
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
ISBN-10: 0375828656
