Laura Simms

I adored this book! I was able to make connections between Melissa and myself at her age. Like Melissa, I was nervous when it came to speaking in front of my classes and wasn't always confident when it came to my show and tell options. I really like that most kids will be able to relate to Melissa and will hopefully feel inspired by her.

I honestly thought this book was a little gross, but that's because I hate teeth. Everybody's got something. ANYWAY. I didn't like the way the teacher handled the situation, but I definitely agreed with the way the father resolved the situation at the end of the book by explaining Melissa should have asked him before taking the teeth, but also explaining how show and tell can be a wonderful and interesting way to interact with her class.

Rotten Teeth was a priceless story told about a young girl building up the courage to do show and tell in her class. When it doesn't go according to plan Melissa Herman gets discouraged but comes back again to become the best "show and teller" in the class. I really liked this book because little Melissa does what her brother says and gets in trouble for it. I can't tell you how many times I followed my brother or sister's advice and ended up having negative consequences. I love how Simms show more shows that she is not the bravest child and for someone like her standing up in front of class is one of the scariest things ever. I don't know if anyone gets over the fear of public speaking entirely. It takes a lot of humility to represent yourself aloud in front of your peers. This book does a great job of capturing how it feels to overcome this fear. I also really loved how the relationships between Melissa and her father and brother were portrayed. show less

This folktale of the Modoc was first recorded in writing in about 1900. It tells of young Nulwee, who along with his grandmother, is the last of his people. Kokolimalaya "The Bone Man" had drunk the river dry and devoured everyone else in their tribe. Nulwee's ancestors had predicted that Nulwee would one day bring back his people. In this David and Goliath story, Nulwee defeats the awful Bone Man, throws his heart into the sky, and in this way, brings water and life back to the world. The show more illustrations by McCurdy are extremely scary, but perfectly match the story. Children should love this folktale. show less