The Green Eyed Reader

Rapunzel Retold & Illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky Overview: In this retelling of the story of Rapunzel, a man and his wife became pregnant with a child. The woman often sat by a small window in their house that overlooked a garden owned by a sorceress. One day the man snuck into the garden to steal some of the rapunzel that grew there because his wife was craving it. After his wife ate it, she wanted some more. So the next day, the man went back to steal some more, but he was caught by the sorceress! When she threatened his life, the man explained his situation and the sorceress said that she would forgive him if the couple gave them their baby once she was born. Out of fright and uncertainty, the man agreed. And so it was that a baby girl was born and the old woman named her "Rapunzel" and cared for her as her own and then eventually kept her in a tower.  When Rapunzel became older, a Prince discovered that she lived in the tower and climbed up to her by the use...

When I Was Young in the Mountains By Cynthia Rylant & Illustrated by Diane Goode Overview: This is a story of a girl who reminisces about the all of the time and adventures that she spent in the mountains as a young girl. She spent this time on a ranch with her Grandmother, Grandfather, and younger brother. She remembers how her Grandfather worked in the coal mines and her Grandmother cooked delicious meals. She remembered taking trips to the swimming hole and pumping water from the wall. She also remembered her Grandmother killing snakes and them holding them up as trophies. Lastly, the little girl remembers how she never wanted to go anywhere else for she was perfectly happy in the mountains. This beautifully illustrated book is an easy read that would be great for read alouds and independent reading for 1st-3rd graders. The language of this book is repetitive and fun to make predictions about. Awards: Caldecott Honor Book To order your own copy:  https://www.amazo...

Last Stop On Market Street Words by Matt de la Pena & Pictures by Christian Robinson Overview: This is a story about a little boy named CJ and his Nana as they take a trip after church on Sunday. At many points in the trip, CJ asks his Nana why they are doing the things that they are doing and his Nana always has an answer that either educates the child or makes him think about their situation in a different way as  they make their way down to their local soup kitchen in order to help serve the people there. This is a beautifully written and illustrated story that helps put life in perspective for not only children, but also for adults. It helps you appreciate life and helps you see to give back to the community. It also helps the reader understand that you can find beauty in every situation. This is a wonderful book for read alouds and children in 2nd-4th grade would enjoy reading it on their own. Awards: The 2016 Newbery Award, A Caldecott Honor, & A Corett...