Book Review: The Fisherman's Wife by Dianne G. Sagan

Title: The Fisherman’s Wife

Author: Dianne G. Sagan

Genre: Middle Grade
Publisher: Buoy Up Press

ISBN: 978-0-937660-63-8

Paperback: 107 pages

Price: $11.95

Would you like to travel back to biblical times and experience the life of the wife of a fisherman from Capernaum?  Then you would enjoy “The Fisherman’s Wife” by Dianne Sagan. 

Dianne Sagan’s historical fiction is rich in Jewish customs and traditions.  After formalized negotiations between their fathers, Simon asked for Johanna’s hand in marriage. 

“Simon took her hand and placed a gold coin in herm palm as a sign of their betrothal.  He said, ‘Behold, you are consecrated unto me with this token according to the law of Moses and Isreal.’”

Johanna’s happiness eventually soured after repeated tries to give birth ended in disappointment and shame.  Her inner turmoil was matched by the society turmoil that existed from the cruel treatment by the Roman Empire.

“Johanna heard screaming and thundering horse’s hooves in the street….. One of the soldiers threw a net over two men running in front of them.  The two men fell and rolled in the net like fish trying to swim free.”

When Johanna’s husband and several others left their boats to follow a traveling Rabbi, Johanna was left wondering who would provide for her and her sick mother.  Bitterness grew in her heart.  Johanna faced the biggest decision of her life.

“The Fisherman’s Wife” will captivate those eight years old and up.  As a retired teacher I recommend this book for home, school and church libraries.

Reviewed by Kathy Stemke, Author/educator

http://educationtipster.blogspot.com

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Selecting Great Non-fiction Books for Kids

Giving children many sources of informational books will stimulate growth in general knowledege, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. It is essential that we choose challenging, quality, high-interest books for young children. Many reading experts agree that including non-fiction books in primary education experiences will make for a smoother transition into middle and high school level reading. There are several keys to picking great informational books for your children.

CATCHY COVERS

The cover of a book must invite the reader to come inside an exciting new world of learning. A good cover should include brightn and intriguing illustrations or photographs that grab a child's attention. The title needs to be short and understandable with large clear font. But the main job of the title is to ignite interest in the topic.

TERRIFIC TOPICS

The topic should be age appropriate and relevant to the child's world view. For example, you might have a funny bumble bee teach children about flowers. However, it is important that the information is accurate and backed by reliable referrences. To hold the attention of children the topic should have an element of mystery and be full of surprises. In fact, there should be at least one surprise on every page.

INTRIGUING ILLUSTRATIONS

Each page needs to contain a balance of beautiful illustrations with clear, easy to read captions, and informational text. The illustrations should explain and enhance the factual information. For instance, photographs or diagrams on a light background can add a pleasing contrast to a good book.

ORIGINAL ORGANIZATION

Many good non-fiction authors use sub headings to help the young reader understand and retain the information. These subdivisions guide the children effortlessly through the information like a treasure map leads you to a pirates chest. A table of contents, glossary and index will help them browse through unique topics. Fonts should be large, consistent in spacing and placement and easy to read.

With today's wide selection of non-fiction books available it doesn't have to be difficult to pick the right books for your children. Inspect each book for the four key ingredients listed above and you will glide through the selection process.

A LIST OF GREAT NON-FICTION BOOKS:

Family Pictures / Cuadros de Familia
by Carmen Lomas Garza
Children's Book Press, 1993
Grades pre K-4

Author: A True Story
by Helen Lester
Houghton Mifflin, 1997
Grades K-4

In a Circle Long Ago: A Treasury of Native Lore from North America
by Nancy Van Laan, illustrated by Lisa Desimini
Knopf, 1995
Grades K-5

Eric Carle's Animals, Animals
By Laura Whipple (compiler), illustrated by Eric Carle
Puffin, 1999
Grades pre K-6

Hottest Coldest Highest Deepest
by Steve Jenkins
Houghton Mifflin, 1998
Grades pre K-3

Children of the Wild West
by Russell Freedman
Clarion, 1990
Grades 3-8

We Were There, Too!: Young People in U.S. History
by Phillip M. Hoose
Farrar Straus & Giroux, 2001
Grades 5-12

NO BONES ABOUT IT!
The Sum of Our Parts Series
Academic Wings
Author: Bill Kirk www.billkirkwrites.com
Artist: Eugene Ruble
Guardian Angel Publishers
http://www.guardianangelpublishing.com/


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http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
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DON'T MISS THIS LINK TO GREAT BOOK TRAILERS!

CHECK OUT THESE MANY BOOK GENRES, AND HUNDREDS OF SHORT EXCITING BOOK TRAILERS! THERE ARE MANY EDUCATIONAL BOOKS WITH TEACHER RESOURCES! SUPER RESOURCE!!http://www.blazingtrailers.com/browse.php?txt=GAP%20books

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http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
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Sight Words: Tips for Parents

Just click on the link below to read the rest of this great article! Sight Words: Tips for Parents
Parents are often asked to help their children learn the sight words which are esstential to becoming a fluent reader. Use the tips and activities in this article to help your child succeed.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/1006776/sight_words_tips_for_parents.html