On this page you will find a list of books that I read over the past year. I read them primarily to be able to help students choose books that are appropriate for their reading ability and interests. By reading these books myself I can make suggestions with confidence and hopefully success. In addition, I hoped to find some great read alouds for teachers or parents. You will find the newest books in print, as well as the most classic. I hope you enjoy these books as much as I did. I would love to be able to share your thoughts on these books. Check back from time to time for new reviews. Happy reading!
Not worth your time!
A good read.
A great book that I am sure all will like.
An excellent book that should not be missed!
*Fall 2011 additions...
*The Lemonade Wars by Jaqueline Davies
At the end of summer, Evan discovers that his younger sister, Jessie, has just skipped third grade, will be in his fourth-grade classroom. Normally buddies, they find themselves at odds are and are determined to earn more money than the other before school starts. Lemonade stands, entrepreneurial schemes, and dirty tricks find their way into the competition before Evan and Jessie fess up to the concerns that are really worrying them. Each chapter begins with a business-oriented definition and the book ends with a poster entitled "Ten Tips for Turning Lemons Into Loot."However, the basics of economics take a backseat to Evan and Jessie's realizations about themselves and their relationship. This book shows the siblings'strengths, flaws, and points of view in this engaging chapter book.
*Spaceheadz by Jon Scieska
New kid Michael K. gets stuck sitting next to the two other new kids in his class, who everyone assumes must be foreign. This isn’t far from the truth; they’re from another planet, where they feed on our wayward TV and radio broadcast waves. They find Michael because he once starred in a cereal commercial. They need him to help them on their mission-to convert millions of kids into Spaceheadz (aka SPHDZ), or there will be disaster aplenty. The book has four different Web sites are already in place to bring kids into the SPHDZ ranks, with more promised for further books in the series.
*Clara Lee and the Apple Pie Dream by Jenny Han
*Blue Princess Takes the Stage by Alyssa Crowne
*You Can't Spike Your Serves by Julie Gassman
From a new series from Sports Illustrated-Alicia wants to help her pen pal, Jenny, earn money to purchase new pom-poms, and when an Olympic volleyball player comes to school to teach the fourth graders her sport, Alicia comes up with the idea of a tournament to raise the needed funds. Manga-style graphics give this book a cutting-edge look and enhance understanding of the text. Short chapters, colorful cartoon illustrations, and engaging subject matter make this title appropriate for those new to chapter books as well as older readers.
*My Shoes and I by Rene Colato Lainez
In this story of a difficult journey, Mario and his father leave their home and friends in El Salvador for a reunion in the United States with Mama. The child is sad to go, but his mother has sent a pair of new shoes that "will take me anywhere." Along the way, they face many obstacles: a pack of hungry dogs steals their food in Guatemala City and Papa loses his wallet at the bus terminal in Mexico City. They cross deserts, mountains, and rivers-and three borders. This inspiring tale soars with real emotions, even as it celebrates the resiliency of children.
Emmaline and the Bunny by Katherine Hannigan
Emmaline wants a bunny, but Emmaline lives on Shipshape Street in the town of Neatasapin. Enforcing the tidiness is Mayor Oliphant, who insists that children be silent and spotless and houses be spick-and-span. All of the people in the town listen to the Mayor-even the children. But Emmaline is different, and the other kids won’t play with her. So she seeks out a wild bunny, which she finds, and loses, and finds again, and in the process changes both her parents and her town. Told in very short chapters and using language in unusual ways, this is a small delight. Most children will simply enjoy listening to the story—again and again. Great Read-a-Loud!
Toys Go Out: Being the Adventures of a Knowledgeable Stingray,A Tuffy Little Buffalo and Someone Called Plastic- Emily Jenkins (BEGINNING CHAPTER BOOK)
As the subtitle indicates, the movers and shakers in Little Girl's world are astingray, a buffalo, and "someone called plastic." The first episode, "In theBackpack, Where it is Very Dark," finds the three friends (and rivals forLittle Girl's affections) bouncing along in a backpack. They're afraid: Will
they be thrown away? Are they going on a scary trip? Why does it smell sobadly in the backpack? Fortunately they're the starring attraction at Little Girl’s Show and-Tell.
Lost and Found By Andrew Clements (REALISTIC FICTION)
Lost and Found" is an entertaining story about twins who, due to a clerical error when they enroll in a new school, are registered as one student. So one twin hides in the garage (until the parents leave for work, then he goes in the house) while the other goes off to school, and they switch roles every day.
Sunny Holiday By Coleen Murtagh Paratore (REALISTIC FICTION)
Fourth-grader Sunny is dealing with a lot in her young life. Her father is in prison, her school is in danger of being shut down, and she is trying to come up with new holidays so that every month has a fun day.Sunny knows that her daddy went to jail because he made a mistake trying to take a shortcut to success. Her mother, who works as a maid and is taking college courses one at a time, emphasizes that success only comes from hard work. The mayor visits RiverviewTowers, an "ugly cement-gray building" where Sunny lives, and she decides to tell him about her idea for January's holiday, Kid's Day. When she gets her chance to speak, she finds herself telling him about all the things he needs to do for her and her neighbors, like fixing the community pool, finishing the park he started, and cleaning up the river. While Sunny's life still isn't perfect, the novel has a happy ending.
Poppy by Avi (FANTASY)
Do you want to read an adventurous, dangerous story that will keep you on your toes? Well, Poppy, by Avi is the the book for you! This story is about a family of mice that live near a forest. The main character is an adventurous mouse named Poppy. She has a BIG job to do! You see, her family is running out of food and Poppy must ask Mr. Ocax (the vicious, ruling owl of the forest) for permission to move. This turns into a harder job than she ever thought it would be. She has many dangerous adventures along the way.
Great Read Aloud.
Melonhead by Katy Kelly (REALISTIC FICTION)
Adam Melon, Melonhead to his friends, brings his own brand of logic to his endeavors. The 10-year-old concocts grand plans that never quite come off as intended. His climb up a tree requires the Jaws of Life to free him, a first for the Washington, DC, fire department. His essay on head lice wins him the Homework of the Week award and his mother's consternation. When Adam and his friend Sam catch a snake, Sam's baby sister carts it around at night and drops it in her parents' bed. Adam struggles with the right idea for his science project; his experiments with plaster of Paris (never pour it down a drain), diapers, and mosquitoes produce typical Melonhead disasters. The final invention will entertain and educate readers. This book is laugh out funny
The Spoon on the Bathroom Wall- Tony Johnston (FANTASY)
Tony Johnston, a former fourth-grade teacher, has written many books for children. This funny, magical spoof of the legend of The Sword in the Stone is full of big laughs and conveys some poignant truths about teaching, leadership, and the responsibilities we have to one another.
Moon Runner by Carolyn Mardsen (REALISTIC FICTION)
A simple story that explores issues of friendship and being true to oneself. Fourth-grader Mina is relieved to be accepted into "the Fellow Friends" group of Ruth, Alana, and Sammy. Mina considers herself a "girlie girl," not athletic like Ruth. But during a tryout for the track team, she surprisingly finds herself flying around the track and almost beating Ruth. Frightened at ruining their friendship, Mina purposely loses a race and then faces the consequences of her own disappointment as well as Ruth's reaction. The conflict reaches a satisfying climax when Mina gathers the courage to confront Ruth, though the ending–a relay race when their team wins. Great reading for a third grader.
The Seven Wonders of Sassafrass Springs by Betty G. Birney(REALISTIC FICTION)
This is a book with an old-fashioned, folk-tale feel. Eben is fascinated by the seven wonders of the world, and his father challenges him to find seven wonders right in his small, rural home town of Sassafras Springs. Eben and his faithful dog search the entire town for wonders, meeting all sorts of characters along the way. This is a perfect book to read aloud to third or fourth graders . It will inspire children to see their own communities in a different way, celebrating the small things that make us all unique . This is one of my favorite books.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum (FANTASY)
A classic that withstands the test of time.
The Secrets of Droon Series by Tony Abbott (FANTASY)
A Hidden Door. A Magical Staricase. Discover the World of Droon! Eric, Julie, and Neal have just found something magic in Eric's basement. They have discovered a staircase to another world! The world of Droon is amazing - full of magic, flying lizards, and fun, furry creatures. But how will Eric, Julie, and Neal find their way home? Maybe their new friend, Princess Keeah, can help? This book has many characters and is a bit challenging. But if you love Harry Potter’s magic you will love this series.
Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers (Fantasy)
I love this old classic! Try reading this and comparing it to the well known Disney version.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater (Humorous)
Mr. Popper changes his occupation from house painter to trainer of a penguin vaudeville troupe. This is a terrific book to read aloud if you are studying penguins. It highlights their behavior and traits. An oldie but a goody !
Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lundgrin
I never read this book as a child, but I must say that this was a great read. Pippi is a strong character who amuses and amazes you in each chapter. It is another terrific read aloud or can be enjoyed by a capable reader.
Hank Zipzer Series by Henry Winkler(REALISTIC FICTION)
Inspired by the true life experiences of Henry Winkler, this winning series about the world's greatest underachiever is funny, touching, and deals with learning differences in a gentle and humorous manner. This is a great series for fourth graders.
Kids of Polk Street SchoolSeries by Patricia Reilly Giff(REALISTIC FICTION)
Newbery Honor-winning author Patricia Reilly Giff has used her writing talents and experience as a teacher to create the beloved PolkStreetSchool books. This is a fantastic series for those entering the "Chapter Book" level". The library has just purchased fresh editions that are sure to please.
Jake Drake Series by Andrew Clements (REALISTIC FICTION)
Jake drake books are funny and they always have a great message in the end. These books are well written with strong character development.They are a really nice series for fouth graders.
Room One by Andrew Clement (REALISTIC FICTION)
Room One: A Mystery or Two is about a sixth-grade boy named Ted who loves nothing more than a good mystery. He attends school in a one-room schoolhouse in Nebraska and lately there have been a couple of big mysteries in town. When Ted spots the face of a girl in an abandoned farmhouse, suddenly he has a real mystery to solve. Room One: A Mystery or Two has some important things to say about current issues. It's also a nice story of kindness and caring.At the end of the book, there's a note from Andrew Clements revealing some of the real-life sources from which he drew from for this book. I really liked this book-but I love all of Andrew Clements titles.
