Introduction

"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be."

~Shel Silverstein

Hello and Welcome!

My name is Trace Hart and I am currently in the Teacher Education Program at the University of Great Falls. In addition to being a student I am also a mom and a wife. My husband, Steve, and I have been married for 12 years and have three adventurous children.

As I am working through my senior year and preparing for student teaching I am excited to see my dreams of teaching so close to coming true. I am one of the few future teachers that does not necessarily have an ideal grade to teach. I am just looking forward to being an elementary teacher. I had some amazing teachers that fostered my love of learning and I hope to be able to impact my future students in the same ways.

The purpose of this blog will be to evaluate children's books. Each book will be identified by suggested grade level for reading and evaluated according to the following rubric:

	3 Bookmarks	2 Bookmarks	1 Bookmark	0 Bookmarks	Comments
Plot	These books consist of a well-developed plot which includes all five elements of a good plot structure (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution).	These books have a defined plot that might be lacking one of the five elements of plot structure.	These books have a weak plot that is difficult to follow and/or is missing two or more of the five elements of plot structure.	These books do not have a defined plot structure which leaves the reader trying to guess the purpose of the story.
Character Development	These books have well rounded, believable characters with sufficient depth and personality.	Characters in these books are fairly well rounded but might be lacking in depth or personality, or believability.	Characters in these books are underdeveloped and lacking detail needed to have depth and believability.	Characters are evident but not developed.
Pacing	The story moves and flows freely without feeling too rushed or too slow.	The story mostly moves and flows freely with occasional instances of being to slow or too fast.	The story often feels like it is moving too fast or too slow.	The pacing is entirely off causing the story to feel disjointed or illogical.
Overall	These are excellent books and are highly recommended.	These are good books and are recommended.	These books are okay and would only be recommended with reservations.	These books are considered poor choices and are not recommended.