Showing posts with label cultures. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cultures. Show all posts

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Review: If You Were Me and Lived In...Renaissance Italy by Carole P. Roman #multicultural #newseries #childrensnonfiction




In an upgrade from her original non-fiction series, "If You Were Me and Lived In...", author, Carole P. Roman now takes children on a historical ride. Children can emerge in cultural periods around the world while learning the experiences of children of the time period.

Some similarities in format are the same as the original series: foods eaten, clothes worn, and games played. However, this series is for the older child who wants to learn even deeper lessons in cultures. The reading is more complex with less illustrations. Although, the illustrations that are included are boldly done and add to the book.

One of my favorite sections of this book is page 16 and 17 where the author outlines how one's house, of richer means, would look in Florence, Italy. Page 17's illustration is a simple hand-drawn outline of the inside of the house. I loved this because again, the illustration perfectly showed what the author herself just wrote. As one who is a somewhat visual learner, this was perfect!

As a pseudo bonus, in the back of the book is an extension of some of the art and people who were important to the Renaissance period. Several additional pages are included and is an excellent source for a child (or adult) who wants to know more and why their importance was necessary for this time period. Also included, i  the ever present glossary which is a staple for the original series and much needed in this new series.

Excellent works all around and I am looking forward to reading more. If you don't believe in my review here, it should be noted that this book series has already won several awards and is considered a good source for homeschool.

5 stars!

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the author. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the author:


Thursday, August 1, 2019

Swing by Kwame Alexander Part 2 Activities #BLINK Summer Reading Tour


From the Urban dictionary: "HUG LIFE-
A way of life in which rather than let someone push you around, you hug anyone who stands in your way..."

Recently, I wrote a REVIEW about the book, Swing. I will wait while you check it out. *play elevator music*  I suggest you get you a copy if you would like to. This is marketed as a YA book but I think an older preteen would understand the concepts here too.

Today I want to follow up with the book by giving you some ideas/activities you could do to go along with the book.

1. Start a petition about something that is unjust. Get signatures for it and send it to your local congressperson.

2. Visit your grandparents or visit a nursing home. Video a conversation with them asking about events in their life that you might not know about. Make sure to ask how they might have met their spouse or significant person in their life. Revisit as you can.

3. Research love letters back from the 19th century or before. Make some art based on those letters.

4. In the book, "Swing" embraces the "HUG LIFE" and has it tattooed on his arm. Write some positive  messages on some sticky notes along with #HUGLIFE and post them around your town.

5. Start a conversation on social media simply by posting the poster below. Remind people that this is a positive only post.



6. Volunteer to work with veterans. Talk with them what is important to them.

7.. Start a club...even with just two people. Read the book Swing and discuss how you can make a difference in your school. Or how you can be a friend to someone who needs it. Invite others to join.

8. Learn about different cultures and religions different from your own.  Plan a bbq at a local park, ask your neighbors to come, Ask local police departments if they will host the bbq and promote it around town. Have information via posters about what you learned around the park.

9. Make a poster that says, "Free Hugs" on it. Stand out on the street somewhere and give them out.

10. Be a friend. Simply remember that everyone is different and that you can learn something from everyone.

Happy reading and living the #HugLife,
Michelle