Book Reviews
  

Book Review: Blocks and Beyond: Strengthening Early Math and Science Skill through Spatial Learning
I recently had the good fortune to attend a conference on Friedrich Froebel, the founder of kindergarten. In the months before, I had slowly been reading more on him and his original philosophy, specifically on the manipulatives he developed for ages 3-7. Coincidentally, I came across a newly released book, Blocks and Beyond, whose author also attended the Froebel conference. After reading the book and attending the conference, I am fascinated, and plan on furthering my study because of the broad applicability and potential his materials hold. [Added 10-24-10]

Book Review: Eagle Eyes: A Child's Guide to Paying Attention
While on a hiking trip with his family, Ben notices every little detail of the trail: from the eagle flying over head to the deer tracks in the snow. However, Ben always seems to be moving a little too fast and can sometimes miss the big picture, or wreak havoc on his family's life. Ben often asks himself the question, “Why didn't I think of that?” after he has made a mistake from not thinking before he acts. [Added 6-29-10]

Book Review: The Alphabet War: A Story about Dyslexia by Diane Robb
“Saw” and “was,” the letters p, q, b, and d; how was anyone supposed to learn to read when they all look the same? “I can't do that,” thought Adam, when he was a student in kindergarten, so instead of reading, he chose to color or mold clay. When Adam entered first grade, his teacher told him he needed to put the letters together and read the word. “I can't do that,” Adam would say, and that was the beginning of the alphabet war. [Added 3-11-10]

Book Review: Brain Rules by Dr. John Medina
This book provides 12 principles for surviving and thriving at work, home and in school. Even if you have read other books on the brain do not pass this one up. The Brain Rules might just influence and change the way you teach and the way you work forever! [Added 4-9-09]
 

Book Review: The Don’t-Give-Up Kid and Learning Differences
“My mom calls me the Don’t-give-up Kid because I keep finding ways to ask the same question. I want to be an inventor when I grow up, but dad says before I can do that I have to learn how to read and behave at school. That’s where I stop being the Don’t-give-up Kid. That’s where everything goes wrong.”
 

Book Review: The Book Whisperer – Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child
"When I received an email recommending The Book Whisperer – Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child by Donalyn Miller, I knew I had to read it right away. Since I teach a Language Arts and Linguistics methods grad course, I was immediately drawn to the part of the title that said Awakening the Inner Reader in Every Child."
 
Book Review: How the Brain Learns to Read by David A. Sousa
Dr. Sousa does a terrific job of presenting scientific literacy information about how the brain learns to read in layman’s vocabulary. [Added 4-9-09]
 
Book Review: ADHD: Living Without Brakes by Martin L. Kutscher MD
I purchased this book because the title ADHD: Living without Brakes and the initial quotes were definitely attention grabbers! [Added 4-9-09]

Book Review: Self-Advocacy Skills for Students with Learning Disabilities Making it Happen in College and Beyond - A Resource for Students, Parents, and Guidance Counselors

This book is extremely easy to read, easy to follow, and full of practical tips. Not only would individuals with learning disabilities find it useful but many of the strategies would be helpful for all students, parents and guidance counselors. [Added 9-22-07]

Book Review:  “It’s So Much Work to Be Your Friend” by Richard Lavoie (2005)
The title itself might not have you thinking that this is a book about social skills.  However, the fine print goes on to say … “Helping the Child with Learning Disabilities Find Social Success”. [Added 12-6-05]