Started: The New Teen Titans Volume 12 by Marv Wolfman

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4aFU2ze       (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Mickey 17: Movie Review

(Movie Review)

This is my first time watching this movie, so according to my new rules, I'm doing this as a video only review.

Mickey 17: Movie Review

Links to stuff mentioned: 

6th day - Clone strips and steals the clothing from his real person: https://youtu.be/sC5gXkf_4h4?si=GWNDaHVeyfGQhZtf

Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mickey_17

Related Playlists: 

Movie Reviews Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x6N06WoIoV2fLb6xRYrepTk&si=iWMhXdwlxxKxm6r6

Movies that I watched in 2025: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x67grGI4ZJsBc8QYFa5cSvu&si=oZDgEqLXtgLsGB2A

Check out this movie on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KEaYf1             (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Gula Hymn of Bullutsa-Rabi (from Before the Muses by Benjamin R. Foster): Summary and Discussion

(Book Review--Blogging the Canon, Classics)

From my reading of Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Edited by Benjamin R. Foster

Gula Hymn of Bullutsa-Rabi (from Before the Muses by Benjamin R. Foster): Summary and Discussion

Links to stuff mentioned:

* My video on the Epic of Anzu: https://youtu.be/4N19KSSkuRY

* Wikipedia article on Bullussa-rabi's Hymn to Gula (stub): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullussa-rabi%27s_Hymn_to_Gula

* Wikipedia article on Bullussa-rabi: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bullu%E1%B9%ADsa-rabi

Related Playlists

* Classic Books Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x53EsuWSZ-z0uFGL_0Jl6F1&si=giDKwvKMzCWtXvzl

* Book Review Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7dao6py7ODX_PkUvrAEch7&si=kiFeTonJJ3Ux5H1T

* Books I read in 2025: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7Fev7Uv6_tzuSf84LtYwQu&si=Im1rdozRXrgGnr99

* Babylonian / Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5BtyzrSv3NMPA3VpzLIuq8&si=x0yeQPCkXyxtPCr4

* Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x4Cvg1Yw4LQyKEXIwDwo1m0&si=X6OZ7Ectw-fzHbCn

* Akkadian Literature: The Mature Period 1500-1000 BC Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x545tikwEDqcgD_qmFqtLUF&si=XlI2gaYNnh1HGPyf

I was able to read this book thanks to the Michigan statewide state-wide interlibrary loan service called MeLCat, which may be in danger thanks to a Presidential executive order.  If you, like me, enjoy using MeLCat, contact your local representatives and let them know. 

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k08VgZ            (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

A Fish Out of Water by Helen Palmer

(TESOL Materials--Story Time)

I've posted versions of this book twice before (here and here), but I've retooled this for one of my Story Time lessons.  I used the images on this youtube video for creating the slideshow.

My materials for this book are below:

Google Drive HERE

Slideshow: slides, pub

A great sequencing activity can be found here on Teachers Pay Teachers.  (This particular resource is free, although you will need to create an account and log-in.)

Coloring sheet: docs, pub

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pPoP0O     (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Big Dog... Little Dog by P.D. Eastman

(TESOL Materials--Story Time) 

Once again, I've already done this book before as part of my Storybooks ESL Listening, but I was doing it for a Kindergarten class recently, and so I found it useful to convert it into another format.  I found a copy of the book online here.

In my class, we read through the book together as an all class activity.  Then we did a compare and contrast worksheet. [It's actually all contrast.] I also created a coloring sheet (using Google Gemini) for fast finishers.

Supplementary Material:

Google drive HERE: 

Google Slides: slides, pub

Compare and Contrast sheet: docs, pub

Coloring Sheet: docs, pub

I also found this website to have some good ideas for how to teach this book.

My video HERE

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4pKNzHt      (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Etana (from Before the Muses by Benjamin R. Foster): Summary and Discussion

(Book Review--Blogging the Canon, Classics)

From my reading of Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Edited by Benjamin R. Foster

Etana (from Before the Muses by Benjamin R. Foster): Summary and Discussion

Links to stuff mentioned:

* The Eagle and the Fox: https://youtu.be/1n46tTZGhSU

* Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Etana

Related Playlists

* Classic Books Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x53EsuWSZ-z0uFGL_0Jl6F1&si=giDKwvKMzCWtXvzl

* Book Review Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7dao6py7ODX_PkUvrAEch7&si=kiFeTonJJ3Ux5H1T

* Books I read in 2025: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7Fev7Uv6_tzuSf84LtYwQu&si=Im1rdozRXrgGnr99

* Babylonian / Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5BtyzrSv3NMPA3VpzLIuq8&si=x0yeQPCkXyxtPCr4

* Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x4Cvg1Yw4LQyKEXIwDwo1m0&si=X6OZ7Ectw-fzHbCn

* Akkadian Literature: The Mature Period 1500-1000 BC Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x545tikwEDqcgD_qmFqtLUF&si=XlI2gaYNnh1HGPyf

I was able to read this book thanks to the Michigan statewide state-wide interlibrary loan service called MeLCat, which may be in danger thanks to a Presidential executive order.  If you, like me, enjoy using MeLCat, contact your local representatives and let them know. 

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k08VgZ            (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Young Stalin by Simon Sebag Montefiore: Book Review

This is part of my so-called "Scripted Review" series, in which I make a Youtube video based on an old blogpost.  For more information on what this is and why I'm doing it, see HERE:

https://youtu.be/HgneyXvRI04  

and HERE: https://joelswagman.blogspot.com/2018/12/vlog-scripted-book-reviews-i-ramble-on.html

In this case, the old blog post is here: https://joelswagman.blogspot.com/2013/12/young-stalin-by-simon-sebag-montefiore.html

Links to stuff mentioned:

Revolutions Season 10: The Russian Revolution by Mike Duncan: Review: https://youtu.be/8qtlXSyhitE

Related Playlists:

Book Review Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7dao6py7ODX_PkUvrAEch7

Scripted Reviews Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5BKcEIufNKlS58JHU_glyL&si=Pje0KQqIqOgWGGUI

Scripted Book Reviews Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x53WSp_2mGcDRHBR7ubQkDa&si=T_0QPBDOZqhqN-oa

2013 Reading List Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x71U4c9suM2hOQ2sBqH8kKx&si=OeWUjD8kJ50oqLvW

History Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x52uI39vSXVrJvUFjdN9QkL&si=IkwsRH5HTXptL1kk

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/48drtb1       (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

The Adapa Story (from Before the Muses by Benjamin R. Foster): Summary and Discussion

Summary of:

* Adapa and the South Wind

* Adapa and Enmerkar

(Book Review--Blogging the Canon, Classics)

From my reading of Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Edited by Benjamin R. Foster

The Adapa Story (from Before the Muses by Benjamin R. Foster): Summary and Discussion

Links to stuff mentioned:

Descent of Ishtar to the Netherworld: https://youtu.be/Mz1ZGspCJW8

Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adapa

Related Playlists

* Classic Books Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x53EsuWSZ-z0uFGL_0Jl6F1&si=giDKwvKMzCWtXvzl

* Book Review Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7dao6py7ODX_PkUvrAEch7&si=kiFeTonJJ3Ux5H1T

* Books I read in 2025: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7Fev7Uv6_tzuSf84LtYwQu&si=Im1rdozRXrgGnr99

* Babylonian / Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5BtyzrSv3NMPA3VpzLIuq8&si=x0yeQPCkXyxtPCr4

* Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x4Cvg1Yw4LQyKEXIwDwo1m0&si=X6OZ7Ectw-fzHbCn

* Akkadian Literature: The Mature Period 1500-1000 BC Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x545tikwEDqcgD_qmFqtLUF&si=XlI2gaYNnh1HGPyf

I was able to read this book thanks to the Michigan statewide state-wide interlibrary loan service called MeLCat, which may be in danger thanks to a Presidential executive order.  If you, like me, enjoy using MeLCat, contact your local representatives and let them know. 

Support This Blog: 

Did you enjoy this review? Consider supporting me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/joelswagman

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/JoelSwagman

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k08VgZ            (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Nergal and Ereshkigal (from Before the Muses by Benjamin R. Foster): Summary and Discussion

(Book Review--Blogging the Canon, Classics)

From my reading of Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Edited by Benjamin R. Foster

Nergal and Ereshkigal (from Before the Muses by Benjamin R. Foster): Summary and Discussion

Related Playlists

* Classic Books Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x53EsuWSZ-z0uFGL_0Jl6F1&si=giDKwvKMzCWtXvzl

* Book Review Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7dao6py7ODX_PkUvrAEch7&si=kiFeTonJJ3Ux5H1T

* Books I read in 2025: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7Fev7Uv6_tzuSf84LtYwQu&si=Im1rdozRXrgGnr99

* Babylonian / Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5BtyzrSv3NMPA3VpzLIuq8&si=x0yeQPCkXyxtPCr4

* Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x4Cvg1Yw4LQyKEXIwDwo1m0&si=X6OZ7Ectw-fzHbCn

* Akkadian Literature: The Mature Period 1500-1000 BC Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x545tikwEDqcgD_qmFqtLUF&si=XlI2gaYNnh1HGPyf

I was able to read this book thanks to the Michigan statewide state-wide interlibrary loan service called MeLCat, which may be in danger thanks to a Presidential executive order.  If you, like me, enjoy using MeLCat, contact your local representatives and let them know. 

Support This Blog: 

Did you enjoy this review? Consider supporting me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/joelswagman

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/JoelSwagman

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k08VgZ            (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

The Complete Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy Volume 19: 1959-1961: Book Review

 (Book Review--Dick Tracy)

Started: October 28, 2025

(This is my first time reading this book, so according to my new rules, I'm doing this as a video only review.)

The Complete Chester Gould’s Dick Tracy Volume 19: 1959-1961: Book Review

* My review of the first Dick Tracy volume here: https://youtu.be/SNIiK2H_ggs

* My review of volume 13 here: https://youtu.be/TFSI6SRDA_E

* My review of Volume 15: https://youtu.be/ib5tKpYTeT8

* My review of Volume 16: https://youtu.be/5D_lW0psQdM

* My review of volume 17: https://youtu.be/ga1P1J0YaMs

* My review of volume 18: https://youtu.be/vkB-_o_H8EM

Related Playlists:

Dick Tracy Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7MsTIqdx2oSof-kvNCbeVj&si=f151y-QuLV7qPeB9

Graphic Novel Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x6NMoYW6CBw6Qj_cqK8DIeb

Book Review Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7dao6py7ODX_PkUvrAEch7&si=EJ7CG8iO9IouNaYY

Books I read in 2025: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7Fev7Uv6_tzuSf84LtYwQu&si=Im1rdozRXrgGnr99

I was able to read this book thanks to the Michigan statewide state-wide interlibrary loan service called MeLCat, which may be in danger thanks to a Presidential executive order.  If you, like me, enjoy using MeLCat, contact your local representatives and let them know. 

Support this Blog:

Did you enjoy this review? Consider supporting me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/joelswagman

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/JoelSwagman

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oeFGdl       (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Started: Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3KsUs1f        (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Descent of Ishtar to the Netherworld translated by Benjamin R. Foster (from Before the Muses): Review

(Book Review--Blogging the Canon, Classics)

From my reading of Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Edited by Benjamin R. Foster

Descent of Ishtar to the Netherworld translated by Benjamin R. Foster (from Before the Muses):Review

Here are the Sumerian names I had trouble remembering in the video:

Ishtar= Inanna

Tammuz= Dumuzi

Wikipedia article is here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Descent_of_Inanna_into_the_Underworld

Related Playlists

* Classic Books Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x53EsuWSZ-z0uFGL_0Jl6F1&si=giDKwvKMzCWtXvzl

* Book Review Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7dao6py7ODX_PkUvrAEch7&si=kiFeTonJJ3Ux5H1T

* Books I read in 2025: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7Fev7Uv6_tzuSf84LtYwQu&si=Im1rdozRXrgGnr99

* Babylonian / Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5BtyzrSv3NMPA3VpzLIuq8&si=x0yeQPCkXyxtPCr4

* Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x4Cvg1Yw4LQyKEXIwDwo1m0&si=X6OZ7Ectw-fzHbCn

* Akkadian Literature: The Mature Period 1500-1000 BC Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x545tikwEDqcgD_qmFqtLUF&si=XlI2gaYNnh1HGPyf

I was able to read this book thanks to the Michigan statewide state-wide interlibrary loan service called MeLCat, which may be in danger thanks to a Presidential executive order.  If you, like me, enjoy using MeLCat, contact your local representatives and let them know. 

Support This Blog: 

Did you enjoy this review? Consider supporting me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/joelswagman

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/JoelSwagman

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k08VgZ            (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

The Avengers: Movie Review

This is part of my so-called "Scripted Review" series, in which I make a Youtube video based on an old blogpost.  For more information on what this is and why I'm doing it, see HERE:

https://youtu.be/HgneyXvRI04  

and HERE: https://joelswagman.blogspot.com/2018/12/vlog-scripted-book-reviews-i-ramble-on.html

In this case, the old blog post is here: https://joelswagman.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-avengers.html

Related Playlists:

Scripted Reviews Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5BKcEIufNKlS58JHU_glyL&si=Pje0KQqIqOgWGGUI

Movie Reviews playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x6N06WoIoV2fLb6xRYrepTk&si=EDHi2_Y41ACLnCmA

Scripted Movie Reviews playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x49ts8TV1DbXQo8zN_e65us&si=_gzqGAmaz337NVCP

Marvel Cinematic Universe playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5wTdrBQte2L3AUPIJWAiuD&si=VQDQDsAgNLD6So0h

The Avengers Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x6c26HSTygIDNPySWGOGvyj&si=sHD_RHLc0zJ1j_sg

Support This Blog: 

Did you enjoy this review? Consider supporting me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/joelswagman

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/JoelSwagman

Check out this movie on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3LNOMPU       (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

The Tudors: TV Show Review

Links to stuff mentioned:

* Monarchy From the Middle Ages to Modernity by David Starkey: Book Review: https://youtu.be/6Qe8C8LP1mM

* This Sceptred Isle Radio Show: Review: https://youtu.be/9v3CkrEhEbY

* A History of Britain (TV series) by Simon Schama: Review: https://youtu.be/3EnUWkNYY6A

* The Borgias: TV Show Review: https://youtu.be/ktslcFen7pU

This is part of my so-called "Scripted Review" series, in which I make a Youtube video based on an old blogpost.  For more information on what this is and why I'm doing it, see HERE:

https://youtu.be/HgneyXvRI04  

and HERE: https://joelswagman.blogspot.com/2018/12/vlog-scripted-book-reviews-i-ramble-on.html

In this case, the old blog post is here: https://joelswagman.blogspot.com/2013/11/bible-mysteries.html

Related Playlists:

Scripted Reviews Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5BKcEIufNKlS58JHU_glyL&si=Pje0KQqIqOgWGGUI

TV Review Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x6YpO1G45qHp2EEa5bGZLns

History Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x52uI39vSXVrJvUFjdN9QkL&si=IkwsRH5HTXptL1kk

Support This Blog: 

Did you enjoy this review? Consider supporting me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/joelswagman

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/JoelSwagman

Check out this series on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3K5Od3d       (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

The Myth of the Plow translated by Benjamin R. Foster (from Before the Muses): Summary & Discussion

(Book Review--Blogging the Canon, Classics)

Other titles: Dynasty of Dunnum, Theogony of Dunnum, Theogony of Dunnu, The Harab Myth

As I mentioned in the video, this is a reread of sorts, because I read this myth before when reading Babylonian Creation Myths by W.G. Lambert.  But since I opted not to review it then, I'm counting this as a first time review.

From my reading of Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Edited by Benjamin R. Foster

The Myth of the Plow translated by Benjamin R. Foster (from Before the Muses): Summary & Discussion

Links to Stuff mentioned: 

* Starting: Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Edited by Benjamin R. Foster: https://youtu.be/GntFy0nIRPA

* My review of Babylonian Creation Myths by W.G. Lambert: https://youtu.be/0o7NpluHywc

* My review of The Routledge Handbook of Greek Mythology by Robin Hard: https://youtu.be/8yuLBgQbJ8A

* Oldest Stories Podcast episode: https://youtu.be/a9CG1KG-sb0?si=VSPG3ohcfek7mxZS

* Dynasty of Dunnum Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynasty_of_Dunnum

Some other interesting articles: https://ancientstudies.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum9421/files/ancientstudies/files/theogony_of_dunnu_edition_lambert_mc_16_01.pdf

http://www.melammu-project.eu/database/gen_html/a0001475.html

Related Playlists

* Classic Books Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x53EsuWSZ-z0uFGL_0Jl6F1&si=giDKwvKMzCWtXvzl

* Book Review Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7dao6py7ODX_PkUvrAEch7&si=kiFeTonJJ3Ux5H1T

* Books I read in 2025: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7Fev7Uv6_tzuSf84LtYwQu&si=Im1rdozRXrgGnr99

* Babylonian / Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5BtyzrSv3NMPA3VpzLIuq8&si=x0yeQPCkXyxtPCr4

* Before the Muses: An Anthology of Akkadian Literature Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x4Cvg1Yw4LQyKEXIwDwo1m0&si=X6OZ7Ectw-fzHbCn

* Akkadian Literature: The Mature Period 1500-1000 BC Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x545tikwEDqcgD_qmFqtLUF&si=XlI2gaYNnh1HGPyf

I was able to read this book thanks to the Michigan statewide state-wide interlibrary loan service called MeLCat, which may be in danger thanks to a Presidential executive order.  If you, like me, enjoy using MeLCat, contact your local representatives and let them know. 

Support This Blog: 

Did you enjoy this review? Consider supporting me on Ko-fi: https://ko-fi.com/joelswagman

Support me on Patreon: https://patreon.com/JoelSwagman

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4k08VgZ            (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Rosie: A Visiting Dog's Story by Stephanie Calmenson and Justin Sutcliffe

(Graded Readers)

Yet another book that I used in my reading groups just because my school library had multiple copies of it.  When every student can follow along with their own copy, it makes it was easy to use as a class reader.

I'd never heard of this book before.  It looks like it was published in 1994, so after my elementary school days.  Although with the stilted "made-for-school" style the book is written in, one could easily imagine it having been published in the 1970s or 1980s.

Everyone likes a cute dog story, so this book works well enough in my classroom.  Although when my students asked what Rosie is doing now, I had to tell my students that Rosie is most likely dead at this point.  (That's the problem with cute dogs.)  Which sobered the mood of the class a bit.

I was able to easily find ready made Kahoots on this book, which indicate it must be popular in other classrooms.

Speaking of which, here are the Kahoots: Rosie, the Visiting Dog's Story comprehension test, Rosie, A Visiting Dog's Story. I used both of these Kahoots in my class, and also combined them into one Kahoot.  That Kahoot is here.  

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49hY3cy      (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Wacky Wednesday by Dr. Seuss

(TESOL Materials--Story Time) 

I've already done this book before as part of my Storybooks ESL Listening, but I was doing it for a Kindergarten class recently, and so I found it useful to convert it into another format.  I found a copy of the book online here.  I also used screenshots from a Youtube video that counted all the wacky things.

In my class, I did most of this as an all class activity, but for the final wacky count, I gave students each a copy of the page, and they tried to circle all the wacky things, before I revealed the answers.

Supplementary Material:

Google drive HERE: 

Google Slides: slides, pub

My video HERE

I also found coloring pages can also be found at this link here.

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3JSeC4p      (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry G. Allard Jr. and illustrated by James Marshall

 (Graded Readers)

Once again, I selected this book for my reading group primarily just because the school library had multiple copies of it.  

However in this case, this is also a book that I have fond memories of from my own childhood.

It's a book in which the teacher wins against the children, so it's not the type of book that children are children are supposed to like.  And yet it's done with such humor, and such funny illustrations, that it's easy to like.  I liked it as a kid, and my students now really liked it.  (They've even asked to read it multiple times.)

According to Wikipedia, this book is the first book of a series of Miss Nelson books.  I think I may even vaguely remember the other books from childhood, but I'm not 100% sure.

Supplemental Materials:

Kahoots: I found two kahoots suitable for use in the classroom here and here.  I combined them both into this kahoot.

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/49PVrTk      (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)

At War With Asia by Noam Chomsky: Book Review

This is part of my so-called "Scripted Review" series, in which I make a Youtube video based on an old blogpost.  For more information on what this is and why I'm doing it, see HERE:

https://youtu.be/HgneyXvRI04  

and HERE: https://joelswagman.blogspot.com/2018/12/vlog-scripted-book-reviews-i-ramble-on.html

In this case, the old blog post is here: https://joelswagman.blogspot.com/2013/12/at-war-with-asia-by-noam-chomsky.html

The first 10 minutes are just me talking about Noam Chomsky in general.  I don't actually start talking about this book until about 10:00

For my other videos on Noam Chomsky, see this playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x4asr_lA15vM0dubN_1WoTZ&si=6j8q4GyrJN31-Zaa

As I mentioned in the video, the articles which make up this book can be found here: https://chomsky.info/articles/

Related Playlists:

Book Review Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7dao6py7ODX_PkUvrAEch7

Scripted Reviews Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x5BKcEIufNKlS58JHU_glyL&si=Pje0KQqIqOgWGGUI

Scripted Book Reviews Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x53WSp_2mGcDRHBR7ubQkDa&si=T_0QPBDOZqhqN-oa

2013 Reading List Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x71U4c9suM2hOQ2sBqH8kKx&si=OeWUjD8kJ50oqLvW

Books About Cambodia Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOY-0V_l_9x7Idx2itq2yFM9e1OFejNCR&si=TfrissAswF7k8uu8

Support This Blog: 

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Starting: Foundation by Isaac Asimov   (This is a reread.  I originally read it in 11th grade, and in fact I posted my high school book report here, and did a video based on that old report here.)

Check out this book on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3X5aBwN         (This is an Amazon Associate's Link.  If you buy anything through that link, I get a commission.)