I love Manhattan. It
is a magical city. We went earlier in
the month for a mini vacation filled with shopping and eating. Waiting in line for a burger from the Shake
Shack is so worth it!!! Walking through the neighborhoods I am still blown away
by the density of people and everything that comes with that.
 |
| Me in front of the Lego Store at Rockefeller Center |
I love Lego. It is a
magical invention. I played with it when
I was a kid, and am amazed on all the choices today. I really want the Death Star kit!!! In my
classroom is large tub of the remaining Lego of my youth. At the beginning of each year I explain that
there aren’t figures etc., and each year students create the same type of
things I did as a kid. Kids use imagination
regardless.
Anyhow, combine Manhattan and Lego into one book and you have
me. Otis
Dooda Strange but True by Ellen
Potter does just that. Otis and his
family have to move to New York because his dad has a new job. At the start we are introduced to Otis’
family. His brother refers to him as
“Lego Nerd”. Funny that reading that it
is easy to figure out kids that fit that name!
Moving to New York means living in an apartment.
Middle grade books that take place in apartment building are
great because in a small space there are so many different types of
characters. This is true in Otis
Dooda. There is Julius the doorman (he is
in control), the Plant Guy (more on him in a bit), Perry (soon to be best
friend, and Cat (short for Cat Girl). In
one short week Otis makes friends, and experiences some strange
situations. I mean getting shot in to marshmallow
fluff sound like fun! The one thing that
bothers everyone in the building is the Plant Guy. Someone is hiding behind the
large plant in the lobby and expects payment to get by. The three new friends decide they are going
to figure out whom it is. They plan and
plan, and well you have to read the book to find out.
I enjoyed reading Otis Dooda. I plan on getting a few copies to use in a guided group. It is a fatter book then most books at a low
third grade level. This is good because
kids will feel successful finishing a bigger book. It will also be useful for discussing
setting.
I want to thank Ellen Potter for sending me a copy. I am sorry I couldn’t get it together to
participate with your book tour. Packing
up to move schools was more emotional than I anticipated.
