Book Title: Junie B. Jones- Jingle Bells, Batman Smells! (P.S. So Does May)
Author(s) and Artist(s)--if applicable: Barbara Park and Denise Brunkus
Publisher: Random House
Copyright Date: 2005
Selection Choice: Part of a Series
Brief Annotation: Junie B. Jones and her class are going to have a secret Santa party. Junie B. draws the worst name possible, May’s name. Junie B. is then given the opportunity to give May the present she deserves. Will it be worthwhile for Junie B. to follow through with her plan?
Your Rating: 5/5
Readers who will like this book: Young readers who are learning to read. Junie B. Jones represents a great portrayal of a first grader so students will be able to relate to her easily.
Question to ask about this book before reading: Have you ever been so mad at someone that you wanted to get back at them by doing something bad?
Question to ask about this book during reading: Do you think Junie B. will follow through with giving May coal for her secret Santa gift? What do you think will happen to Junie B. and May if Junie gives her coal?
Question to ask about this book after reading: Why do you think Junie B. felt so good after giving May the squeeze a burp present?
Optional, but noted as extra effort:
1. Interest Level (age): 7-10
2. Grade Level Equivalent (grade): 3-5
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3. List awards
I wonder if this is your first Junie B . . . if so, then congratulations on discovering the wonderful world of Junie. I can't urge you enough to check out the audio-version of these books. Make sure the narrator is a woman named Lana Quintal. In my opinion, she voices Junie exactly right. When you have your own classroom--even if it's not a first grade class--you will have grateful students if you include "real" copies of these book, along with audio recordings in your listening center.
ReplyDeleteYou may remember my telling you that some teachers object to these books because Junie is not always respectful toward adults, and because her grammar is often "wrong", and teachers worry her way of speaking will rub off on readers. Hmmm . . . what do you think about that criticism?