Barthe declements biography of albert

Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade, a novel by Barthe Declements, won several awards for being the most popular children's book in thirteen states.

It's a story set in an elementary school, involving a student, Jenny, who is initially repulsed by a new transfer: morbidly obese classmate Elsie Edwards. At first, Jenny can't stand Elsie any more than the other kids, especially after Elsie is caught stealing her classmates' lunch money from their desks so she can buy food. However, one day, she runs into Elsie crying in the girl's bathroom. Inconsolable, Elsie spills out her life story to Jenny, along with the details on her cold, unloving mother. Jenny, beginning to see her as human for the first time, vows to stick up for her-- which she does. Despite resistance from other kids, she eventually brings over one-- and then two-- of her friends to her side.

Over time, Jenny tries to deal with her own personal problems (having a hard time with math, her parents' occasional arguments), as well as help Elsie with her own. Unfortunately, Jenny's attempts to right things sometimes cause more trouble-- or trouble just arises through other means-- but things gradually get better over time.

Near the end, when Elsie has been doing well, one of Jenny's friends thumbs a ride and hitchhikes, and Jenny and the rest (including Elsie and Elsie's little sister) go along for the ride out of fear of leaving their friend behind. The man drives far away from the kids' intended destination, and they eventually end up having to escape the man's truck. When they do, Elsie's little sister stupidly goes back in the truck to retrieve her purse, and it drives off with her in it. The kids, horrified, walk to the nearest building, a tavern, and call the police. Yet another strike against Elsie, just when her mom was starting to (maybe) warm up to her. Or at least not be a total bitch to her.

Things get better over time even with more disasters and strikes against Elsie's good behavior, and i

There’s nothing better for a child than to read or be read to — especially when there’s a personal connection with the material. We’re in a golden age of children’s literature, especially books about learning disabilities and ADHD.

Variety, creativity in both text and art, and specialization of subjects give kids today amazing opportunities to learn about themselves through the books they read. And we, as parents, can learn about our children from them, as well. There are some wonderful books geared specifically toward kids with ADHD and learning challenges, helping to ease fears about doctors and school, and letting them know they’re not alone.

The following books all feature characters with ADHD or dyslexia, and for many, I’ve created value-added family activities that will help reinforce the themes for your child. I promise they’ll comfort and inspire your children as they enter this school year.

ADHD Books

Shelley the Hyperactive Turtle(#CommissionsEarned)
by Deborah M. Moss (Woodbine House, 1989); hardcover used from $0.64, paperback from $87.47
ages: 4-8
topics: hyperactivity/impulsive behavior, understanding ADHD, visiting the doctor, taking medication

“I want to be good more than anything in the world, but by the time I think about what I’m going to do, I’ve already done it,” says Shelley, the star of this preschool page-turner. Shelley’s journey from jittery behavior in school to his ADHD diagnosis and treatment will resonate with young ADHD children, helping to ease fears about doctors, medicine, and being different.

Shelley demonstrates how isolating ADHD can be. Since he’s portrayed as a turtle – an animal that is usually mellow – children can see how they resemble the mellow members of their family in some ways but are different in other ways.

ACTIVITY: At the zoo or when watching a movie about animals, point out slow-moving creatures to your kid