Stefoff, Rebecca. Me, Myself, and I: The More Grammar Changes, the More it Remains the Same.

Stefoff, Rebecca. Me, Myself, and I: The More Grammar Changes, the More it Remains the Same.  Capstone Publishers  2018     32p  $27.32    ISBN 978-1-5157-6387-1    elem/ms   E-BNS  series: Fact Finders: Why Do We Say That?

We love this grammar book for upper-elementary and middle-school kids! It starts out by making it easy to decide which pronoun to use (me, myself, or I), by stating that if the subject of the sentence is "I", then, and only then, should "I" be used. Nicely put, and I wish that more adults could get their heads around that concept! The book goes on to discuss grammar and its evolution in the English language, which is helpful and informative. There is also a section on the use of "myself," which is very instructional and a topic not often discussed. The example sentences that the author uses are humorous, and she keeps the tone of her instruction light and fun. Organization is good, with a glossary, an index, references for further research, chapters, and appropriate illustrations.

The author touches upon rules, punctuation, Old English, modern English, grammar changes, emojis, Internet language, and the future of language. Students are also given opportunities to try writing sentences using the proper pronouns.

The author includes color photographs, interesting “Did You Know” facts, a glossary of terms, a list of recommended books, critical thinking questions, a special code to use on FactHound for more fun, and an index. The title would make a great addition to an elementary or middle school collection for teaching grammatical concepts.    

Summary: This is a good book on grammar, and specifically the use of first-person pronouns, for any age (really), but geared toward upper-elementary and middle-school readers. Well organized and fun to read, it is also very informative.

English-language Grammar  --Carol Kennedy and Charleen Forba-MacCain

Berne, Emma Carlson What Is An Idiom When It's At Home?

Berne, Emma Carlson           What Is An Idiom When It's At Home?       Capstone Publishers 2018   32p     27.32  978-1-5157-6388-8            elm/ms                       VG-BNS           

“An exploration of idioms, covering what they are, providing examples, and including related exercises.”      Upper elementary and middle school students who enjoy learning about English language will appreciate this new title on idioms in the “Fact Finders: Why Do We Say That?” series.  Written in an easy-to-read format, students gain a better understanding of what idioms are and will be able to provide solid examples to others.  The author touches upon figurative and literal meanings, as well as phrasal verbs and clichés.  Students will be able to identify the idiom and its literal meaning with real world examples.  The author provides students with a history of idioms and how they are used worldwide, as well as providing insight to the future of idioms with today’s technology and use of emojis.

The author includes colorful illustrations, tables, charts, “Try It Out” sidebars, “Did You Know” facts, a glossary of terms, recommended books, critical thinking questions, a special code to use on FactHound, and an index.

            Fact Finders (Capstone)       As of this review, four titles have been published in this new series, Fact Finders: Why Do We Say That?   Each title reviews  parts of speech & basic grammar properly in a fun way to teach students.       Forba-MacCain, Charleen Idioms ; Language Arts. 

Blashfield, Jean F. California Gold Rush and the 49ers

Blashfield, Jean F.      California Gold Rush and the 49ers            Capstone Publishers 2018   32p     27.32  978-1-5157-7116-6            elm/ms                        VG-BNS           

“Readers will learn about the California Gold Rush, the people who went there to find their fortunes, and how this event shaped the history of California and the United States.”  Upper elementary and middle school students who enjoy learning about United States history will enjoy this new title on the California Gold Rush in the “Fact Finders: Landmarks in U.S. History” series.  Written in a story-like fashion, students gain a better understanding about the California Gold Rush.  From the deadly journey to California through challenging terrain and weather to the actual discovery of gold for some adventurers, students become aware of the difficulties many faced while trying to strike it rich.  Fortune seekers came by land and sea and didn’t realize the dangers, including death from disease that this journey took.  The author touched upon the miners and basic mining, as well as women who played a role in the gold rush.  Students learn how the Gold Rush played a vital role in the development of California and its diversity.

The author includes both color and black-and-white period portraits, interesting “Did You Know” facts, maps, sidebars, a glossary of terms, critical thinking questions, recommended books, a special code to use on FactHound, and an index.

For schools who participate in Accelerated Reader, an existing test is available for students to take (AR Quiz # 189870).           Fact Finders (Capstone)     As of this review, four titles have been published in this new series, Fact Finders: Landmarks in U.S. History.  Each title shows the daring adventurers and  why what they did helped shape the United States.  Titles include the Pony Express, Lewis & Clark, the California Gold Rush, and the Santa Fe Trail.           Forba-MacCain, Charleen Gold Rush : U.S. History ; California Gold Discoveries.

Stefoff, Rebecca Me, Myself, and I: The More Grammar Changes, The More It Remains the Same

Stefoff, Rebecca         Me, Myself, and I: The More Grammar Changes, The More It Remains the Same         Capstone Publishers 2018   32p            27.32  978-1-5157-6387-1            elm/ms                       E-BN   

This is a good book on grammar, and specifically the use of first-person pronouns, for any age (really), but geared toward upper-elementary and middle-school readers. Well organized and fun to read, it is also very informative.   I love this grammar book for upper-elementary and middle-school kids! It starts out by making it easy to decide which pronoun to use, (me, myself, or I), by stating that if the subject of the sentence is "I", then, and only then, should "I" be used. Nicely put, and I wish that more adults could get their heads around that concept! The book goes on to discuss grammar and its evolution in the English language, which is helpful and informative. There is also a section on the use of "myself," which is very instructional and a topic not often discussed. The example sentences that the author uses are humorous, and she keeps the tone of her instruction light and fun. Organization is good, with a glossary, an index, references for further research, chapters, and appropriate illustrations.
            Fact Finders (Capstone)       Within the Fact Finders series, this is also part of a smaller series that includes books on similes and metaphors, idioms, and cliches.       Kennedy, Carol