Title"Eating Gluten-Free with Emily"

Author: Bonnie J. Kruszka

Illustrator: Richard S. Cihlar

Publisher: Woodbine House Inc.

Publication Date: 2004

ISBN: 1-890627-62-3

Rating: 5/5

This adorable story is about a little girl who discovers something special about herself. After going through lots of tests on her stomach, Emily realizes that she has Celiac Disease, and she has to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Emily feels uncomfortable at school and at other houses, because sometimes she won't have gluten-free food to eat. Her mom always tries to pack her a gluten-free snack, though. At the end of the story, Emily meets Nate who also is gluten-free, and she doesn't feel so alone anymore.

I give this book a 5/5, because it helps children who are gluten-free feel less alone and uncomfortable. This disease is new and upcoming, and a lot more people are being diagnosed with Celiac Disease. This book helps young children who are diagnosed with the disease learn about it and learn that they are not alone. Also, this book could be used to help students without the disease understand why some students can't eat the same things. 

Title" "Coming to America"

Author: Betsy Maestro

Illustrator: Susannah Ryan

Publisher: Scholastic Inc. 

Publication Date: 1996

ISBN: 0-590-44151-5

Rating: 5/5

"Coming to America" is a story about America as a country of immigrants. The story starts by describing how Christopher Columbus came to America which was already inhabited by Native Americans. These new adventurers came over on rocky boats, and eventually brought slaves over from Africa. As time went on, the Americans moved west and created the Trans-Contintental Railroad. Many of these new immigrants struggle in the new country, especially those who are refugees. The book shows, though, that immigrants feel at home when they are accepted by Americans and are given the opportunity for a better life.

During a time when immigration is a controversial issue, I think it's important that we teach children to appreciate immigrants and realize that we are a country of immigrants. By using this book students will learn to appreciate the diversity in our country, and it will help newly immigrated children realize they are not alone. This book teaches the history of the United States, while also teaching children about respect of others. 

Title: "Cells are Us"

Author: Dr. Fran Balkwill

Illustrator: Mic Rolph

Publisher: William Collins & Son Co Ltd.

Publication Date: 1990

ISBN: 0-87614-762-7

Rating: 4/5

"Cells are Us" in an informational science book that teaches children how we were created from a sperm and an egg cell. The book talks about DNA, and how cells divided and specialized to become the cells that make up our body. We can see these cells with a microscope. Then, the book goes through the specialized cells in our body and their functions such as: the skin cells which protect the body, The blood cells which carry oxygen, the immune system cells which destroy infections, and the bone cells which make us strong.

I give this book a 5/5. I think it's important to teach students about science from a young age. My concern is that this book focuses on a lot of very sophisticated science vocabulary and it is extremely long, so it may be difficult for children to stay focused. I think children would take a lot out of this book, though, and would be able to learn a lot about their bodies and what we are made up of. Little kids are often very curious, and I think this book would answer some of their questions.