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

Lang, Diane & Michael Buchanan Fat Boy Chronicles

Lang, Diane & Michael Buchanan Fat Boy Chronicles
Sleeping Bear Press(Cengage) 2010 222p 9.95
978-1-58536-543-2 ms/hs -Conduct of life - High Schools E-BN


The ninth grade journal of a fat boy. Jimmy who just entered ninth grade and what should be the best year of his life turns into the most miserable and the bully of the school has it out for him. It is how Jimmy handles this horrible and difficult situation that will make a difference in his life. “Middle school stunk big time” so begins Jimmy’s journal in ninth grade in high school. His English teacher is requiring all her students to keep a journal for that year. She gave out the rules to follow and told the students that they were allowed to have entries labeled Please Don’t Read This Page.

Jimmy is a good student and loves playing the Saxophone but he is overweight and that makes him the brunt of many jokes and cruel tricks. He is a victim of bullying. Through his journal we get a glimpse of what his life was like as he struggled with his weight, the bullying, the rejection, and his relationship with the few friends he has. Although he has loving parents, his mom allows him to overeat and sometimes rewards him with food when he is down, lonely or hurt. His friends are kids who have problems of their and as they share their worries and hurt with Jimmy we also get chance to see that aside from overweight problems there are other problems that are not seen but can cause serious incidents that will forever change the kids lives. A truly inspirational book that shows both side of the bully and the one being bullied. The book takes you into the school and into the classroom where you feel like you are watching all the terrible incidents as they happen. Jimmy also shows you how teachers feel when they are the victim of vicious students out of control. You will rejoice with Jimmy when he takes control of his life and share with you his struggles to change his circumstances and to help his friends find their way too. There is always hope we just have to find it and hang onto it until it become a part of us.

Inspired by a true story this story will capture your heart and will take you into the lives of the children who suffer from the school bullies. When you close the book at the end, tears will spring into your eyes because Jimmy triumph.

Every school should have a copy of this book and I would go as far as to say every child should read this book. It may change their life for the better. Conflict Diaz, Magna

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