Tuesday, June 5, 2018

How I Did It! by Linda Ragsdale -- ADVISABLE

Ragsdale, Linda How I Did It! Illustrated by Anoosha Syed. PICTURE BOOK. Flowerpot Press, 2017. $17. 9781486712113

The letter I was just hanging out in its spot in the alphabet when it decided to try to be a little more like its neighboring letters. Becoming H was easy; it just required a bit of rotating. J was trickier because of the rounded edge, but I was determined to try. Soon I was traveling throughout the alphabet, imitating all of the other letters. Not everybody approved, but that didn't stop I, who was on a roll. Until, suddenly, reached the end of the line.

This is a fun and encouraging look at trying new things, coloring outside the lines, and being who you want to be -- even if others disapprove. Because of the advanced vocabulary (e.g. quipped, harrumphed) and the spots with cursive, the target audience is unlikely to be able to read it without a helpful adult. Better yet, it can be used as a whole-class read-aloud, especially for a review of all the letters of the alphabet (perhaps at the beginning of first grade?), or in a discussion on growth mindset, persistence, and being yourself to stand out from the crowd.

Pre-K, EL (K-3) -- ADVISABLE.

Sydney G., K-6 Library Media Specialist

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