People by Peter Spier*

A wonderful book to reveal how unique everyone is and to celebrate it!
Mr. Spier takes a close look at eye color/shape but also helps readers to realize how many different languages, types of houses, talents, pets, feasts/holidays, foods/drinks, religions exist.
I used this book in children's church when the lesson focus was on how God made each person uniquely and that is to be celebrated!
*Highly recommend.

The Colors of Us by Karen Katz*

Lena and her mother walk around town noticing all the tones and shades of people's beautiful skin.
Great descriptive words!
Fun art project-look at everyone's different skin tones and try to create paint in that exact shade.
*Highly recommend.

Pie by Sarah Weeks*

All her life Alice has spent hours with her Aunt Polly in her pie shop.  Her Aunt Polly is generous-no one has to pay for their pies but when she passes away, she takes her famous pie crust recipe with her.  Everyone-all over the country-wants that recipe!  Alice and her friend Charlie solve several mysteries concerning a break-in at the pie shop, a stolen pie and a catnap.  Most importantly, Alice and her family learn to  be grateful for their gifts/talents they possess.
*Highly recommend.
A fun read!   A new pie recipe is included at the beginning of each chapter.
Guided Reading Level: Q (4th grade)

A Prairie Boy's Summer by William Kurelek

William continues to relate what life was like on the prairie during the summer months-lots of field work!
I liked his winter book better (the topics were more interesting and exciting) but a child who enjoys tractors and field work will love this book.
Strategies: summarizing, check for understanding, main idea/details, expanding vocabulary, inferring

The Misadventure of Sweetie Pie by Chris Van Allsburg*

Sweetie Pie, a hamster, is excited to picked and leave the pet store.  What ensues is a series of owners and some misfortunes.  In the end, Sweetie Pie finds the ideal living space-not what the reader will except!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: predicting/confirming, check for understanding, inferring

The Spectacular Tale of Peter Rabbit by Emma Thompson illustrated by Eleanor Taylor

Ms. Taylor illustrates in a style similar to Beatrix Potter-full page, adorable illustrations!
Peter and his cousin Benjamin are suppose to be walking to Cousin Lupin's to pick blueberries.  The fun-fair just happens to be along the way and the two cousins decide to check it. As always, Peter finds adventure!
*Highly recommend.
My version came with a CD that has Emma Thompson reading aloud the story.  Great gift idea for Beatrix Potter fans!

Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls -Moving Day by Meg Cabot

Allie Finkle, a fourth grader, keeps an on-going list of rules to help her navigate through tumultuous friendships.  When her parents announce they are moving to an old Victorian home in the middle of the school year, Allie tries everything in her realm of power to prevent the move.  Most of the story takes place at her old house/school-in the last chapter she actually moves.
Lots of friendship drama-not my favorite subject manner!  I like how strong of a character Allie is and sticks up for herself even when bullied.  The book ends with her having a positive attitude about her new house and school.
A good book to read with daughter and discuss what a true friend is.

Points to discuss/warning: Allie's uncle permits her to watch horror movies which results in her imagining zombie hands trying to kill her and her family at the new house; a couple of girls in Allie's class are really mean; friendship drama; parents keep a "swear jar" and money is added to it a couple of times as the story progresses-no swear words are mentioned, though.

A Prairie Boy's Winter Paintings and Story by William Kurelek*

Twenty vignettes describe a boy's winter in Canada, on the prairie, during the 1930's.  Each vignette is paired with a painting about the subject manner.
My boys really enjoyed it!
So many possibilities with this title!!---
Strategies: summarizing, main idea/detail, context clues, expanding vocab., visualizing
Pair with Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder, Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat
Great addition when studying history.
When this book was published it said Mr. Kurelek's paintings were displayed in Museum of Modern Art in New York, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa and the London Art Museum in England.
What a great follow up to his books-to go to one of these museums and view his work!
*Highly recommend.

The Boys' Book -How to be the Best at Everything by Dominique Enright and Guy Macdonald illustrated by Nikalas Catlow*

A fun book!
Step by step instructions how to do many activities  . . .a great way to encourage screen-free time!
Some activities included:
1. How to play a blade of grass
2. How to eat in a fancy restaurant
3. How to mummify an ancient Egyptian
4. How to pop a wheelie
5. How to prove you're not bigheaded!!
*Highly recommend.

Uni the Unicorn by Amy Krouse Rosenthal illustrated by Brigette Barrager

"A story about believing"
Uni the unicorn knows little girls exist despite what her friends and parents believe.
An unique perspective!!
Very bright, bold illustrations.

Benjamin Pratt and the Keepers of the School-We the Children #1 by Andrew Clements

Ben was the last one to talk to the school's custodian before he died.  In the hallway before the ambulance takes  him away, the custodian gives Ben a coin with an engraved message from the school's founder.  Ben, with his friend, Jill, begin to investigate and undercover some mysteries and possible corrupt adults.
This book is the first in a series.  When we finished this book, we almost had more questions than answers!  Certainly a way to encourage the reader to continue reading the series!
The last chapter is mostly about Ben racing his boat-lots of nautical terms which may cause comprehension issues if the reader is unfamiliar with the terms.  I was a bit impatient and wished the last chapter was more about the development of the mystery.

Points to discuss/warnings:  Ben's parents are separated and there were several parts that dealt with his emotions to this change.  It was a bit much for me since I was reading it aloud to my boys for the adventure/mystery.  The custodian dies and his replacement is quite mean.  It seems like Ben is developing feelings for Jill.

George Muller-Faith to Feed Ten Thousand by Renee Taft Meloche illustrated by Bryan Pollard*

"Heroes for Young Readers"
In rhyming text, readers can read about Mr. Muller and how he helped feed and house orphans in England.
Full page illustrations and not overwhelming text make this book (and series) a great first biography for younger readers.
Great for building stamina in nonfiction reading.
Many other titles in the series.
*Highly recommend.

Ramona the Brave by Beverly Cleary*

My second grade just finished this book.
He liked the part when Ramona shows she is brave when a mean dog approaches her.
He and I agree Ramona is quite naughty but creative.
He enjoys these books.
*Highly recommend any book by Beverly Cleary.
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.5
Guided Reading Level: O

Rain Reign by Ann M. Martin*

This book will make you cry.
Ms. Martin portrays Rose, a fifth grader with Autism (high functioning, very intelligent) with sensitivity and insight.  Rose loves homophones (she calls them homonyms), rules, and numbers ( prime numbers).  But ultimately she loves her dog, Rain, who her father found in the rain.
During a hurricane, her father leaves Rain outside to do her business and she does not return.  The story relates how Rose searches for her and ultimately must make a tough decision.
*Highly recommend.

Points to discuss/warnings:  Two times the father swears-pg. 93 and pg. 127.  The father drinks too much and almost hits Rose but instead slams his fist into her dog's back.  In the end her father drops her off at her Uncle Weldon's house and does not return (for her own good which the reader can infer the father really does care about her and recognizes how he is not fit to raise her). Death of her mother (Rose does not find out until the end of the story).  Autism (portrayed well and with sensitivity).  Affects of a hurricane.

Claude in the Country by Alex T. Smith*

We love Claude the dog and his best friend, Sir Bobblysock, a sock!
British humor-very fun!
In this adventure Claude and Sir Bobblysock visit the country and help farmer, Mrs. Cowpat (!) prepare for the County Fair which she is hosting.
Highly recommend.
Perfect for transitional readers.

Flora and the Penguin by Molly Idle*

I liked this one better than Ms. Idle's Flora and the Flamingo!
Flora is ice skating and a penguin emerges from the ice.  The new friends need to resolve some difference.  A happy ending!
Fun lift the flap illustrations.
Wordless.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: sequencing, cause/effect, predicting, inferring

Mr. Miracle by Debbie Macomber

I usually avoid romance but enjoyed Ms. Macomber's Mrs. Miracle Hallmark movies so I was curious about this new book.
It is a sweet book about new starts, tying into the theme of Charles Dickens' Christmas Carol.
The only intimate scenes are kissing plus some verbal banter about intimacy.
I do not fully agree with Ms. Macomber's theory on angels.

When Lunch Fights Back Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses by Rebecca L. Johnson*

The title really says it all!  The book is divided into eight chapters, featuring an animal (or even plant)that has an unique to defend itself against its predator.  Each chapter has a section called "The Science Behind the Story" where the defense is further explained.
Great photographs.
Text features: table of contents, photographs, bold/colored print, arrows, fact boxes, headings, glossary, "more to explore"-books, websites, videos to watch the creatures in action!!, index
**Highly recommend!!

The Salmon Princess An Alaska Cinderella Story by Mindy Dwyer*

When a salmon fisherman remarries, his daughter is stuck gutting all the fish he and his stepsons catch.  When the Silver Salmon festival arrives, she longs to dance and enjoy festivities.  A magical Eagle helps her achieve this dream and her life is forever changed.
A very clever twist on the traditional Cinderella.  Heaps of Alaskan culture!
Lots of similes!
Strategies-inferring (character traits, feelings, similes), connections (T-T)
*Highly recommend.

Draw! by Raul Colon*

A boy who resides in the city imagines what it would be like to go on a safari and draws the animals he sees.
Wordless book.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: sequencing, cause/effect

Rainstorm by Barbara Lehman*

This is my favorite book by Ms. Lehman.
A wealthy boy is lonely on a rainy day.  Then he finds a key which leads him to a secret passageway and new friends.
*Highly recommend.
Wordless book
Strategies: inferring, sequencing, cause/effect

Quest by Aaron Becker*

A continuation of Journey -the boy and girl help a king win back his kingdom.
I like this one a lot more than the first one.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: inferring, sequencing

The Truth and Myths About Thanksgiving by L.A.Peacock*

Think you know the whole story about Thanksgiving?  Read this book!
In question/answer format, readers will learn many interesting facts about this holiday.
The truth/myth boxes are fun to quiz each other.
Text features: headings, glossary, fact boxes, maps
*highly recommend.

Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi illustrated by Brendan Wenzel*

Rhyming text takes the reader on a fun ride, looking at various insects and their unique capabilities.
The main verbs in the text are a different color (which makes this book a fun one  to use when discussing verbs).
Great book to read when introducing an insect unit.
Love the last two pages-a huge spread of the backyard with all the scenes in the book on one huge scene.
Also, a two page spread of all the bugs featured with name labels.
The illustrations are adorable with lots of humorous scenes.
*Highly recommend.

A Bed for Bear by Clive McFarland

Bear has no desire to sleep all winter with the fellow bears so he goes out to search for the perfect bed. He encounters various animals and their homes, finding issues with each one. The reader can predict what will be wrong with each home.
No place like home!
Strategies:  predicting, sequencing

We're Going on a Book Hunt by Pat Miller illustrated by Nadine Bernard Westcott

Three bears and their teacher visit the library and try to pick the "just right" book.
Perfect for the beginning of the year when sharing how to pick a "good fit" book, how to act in the library, how to page through the book etc.

The Best Place to Read by Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom illustrated by Michael Garland

A young boy tries to find a comfortable place to read.  Sweet ending!

The Best Time to Read by Debbie Bertram and Susan Bloom illustrated by Michael Garland

A young boy tries to find someone to listen to him read aloud.  No one, however, has time.

Too Big, Too Small, Just Right by Frances Minters illustrated by Janie Bynum

A pair of rabbits try to find the perfect fit while riding bike, dancing, seesawing etc.
Recommend to read aloud when talking about "good fit books".
Daily 5/CAFE

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry*

Newbery Medal-Award winner
Annemarie and her family reside in Copenhagen, Denmark during the Nazi occupation.  Her best friend is Ellen, a Jew.  When the Germans begin to transport Jews away, Annemarie's family must make decisions that place them in harm's way.
An amazing story to give us a glimpse of the bravery of the Danish people.
*Highly recommend.
Warning: In Ch. 16. pg. 125 word "damn".
Pair with Lauren Tarish's I Survived The Nazi Invasion.
Guided Reading Level: U (5th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.2

The Imagination Station #10 Challenge on the Hill of Fire by Marianne Hering and Nancy I. Sanders illustrated by David Hohn*

Patrick and his cousin Beth travel back to Ireland and the Druids.
They meet King Logaire and Bishop Patrick.
My second grader brought home this book from his school library and read it to himself.  He thought it was exciting and liked the part when Patrick (the cousin) was able to meet the king.

Tap to Play! by Salina Yoon*

Another fun interactive book!
In this book the reader is tapping, tilting, shaking etc. to help the Blip win the game.
*Highly recommend.

Ernie Follows His Nose by Constance Allen illustrated by Maggie Swanson*

Ernie takes readers around his neighbor and investigates various smells.
Rhyming text.
*Highly recommend.

Where's My Nose? by Susan Ring illustrated by Stephanie Peterson*

An ongoing question is 'where is my nose?"  Babies proceed to look everywhere for his/her nose.  At the end is a mylar mirror for the baby to see his/her nose on her face.
Very cute!
*Highly recommend.

Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew #1 Sleepover Sleuths by Carolyn Keene illustrated by Macy Pamintuan*

Adult fans of Nancy Drew will be delighted to share this series with their children.  This series focuses on Nancy, Bess and George when they are eight years old and in 3rd grade.
Nancy, Bess and George prove their detective skills when they find a missing doll for their classmate.
Two craft ideas in the back.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: N (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.2

Miracles on Maple Hill by Virginia Sorensen*

*Newbery Winner
Marly and her family travel to her mother's family home to allow her father to recover from his service in the war.  The outdoors, maple sugaring and kind neighbors help her father find hope again plus unify the family  in new ways.
I love the description and celebration of nature.  Made me want to buy hundreds of acres of land so my boys could explore for hours!
Strategies/skills: inferring-character traits, character development, figurative language/word choice, summarizing
*highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: R (fourth grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 6.1 

Judy Moody and Friends -Rocky Zang in The Amazing Mr. Magic by Megan McDonald illustrated by Erwin Madrid*

Rocky is trying to perfect his magic tricks.  Judy Mood of course wants to help but she adds her own twist to the tricks which Rocky does not appreciate! In chapter three, Rocky redeems himself by pulling a great magic trick on Judy.
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for transitional readers-bold, colorful full page illustrations, just three chapters long

My Weirder School #11-Miss Klute is a Hoot! by Dan Gutman illustrated by Jim Paillot

To help the students' reading scores improve, the Reading Specialist brings in a therapy dog by the name of Miss Klute.  The children love her and love reading to her.  They, however, decide she seems sad and asks to take her out to recess.  With adult permission they play with her outside. . .then a squirrel appears and disaster follows!
Lots of humor-short chapters.  I am seeing repeated jokes/humor in this series.
Warning: unkindness, potty talk, "making out" phrase is used again, poor attitude about school/learning

My Weirder School #7-Miss Kraft is Daft! by Dan Gutman illustrated by Jim Paillot

When Mr. Granite goes home sick with a cold, Miss Kraft, a magician, substitutes.  She makes learning a bit more interesting!
A.J., the main character, acts as a silly, entertaining character.
This series is highly popular and I can see why-humorous, short chapters.  Reluctant readers will devour.
Warning: potty humor, the phrase used my grown ups asking how things are going-"making out" which the kids respond with "Gross! Making out!".  This phrase made me decide I could not recommend the series.
The children are not nice to each other either (name calling, lots of put downs, mean thoughts).
Guided Reading Level: O

Spuds by Karen Hesse illustrated by Wendy Watson*

Three children, tired of observing their mother work so hard but not bring home much income, decide to take leftover potatoes from a neighboring field.  While their mother works the night shift, they load up their younger brother in their red wagon and pick up potatoes in the dark.
A huge surprise awaits them when they dump their sacks on the floor and bigger surprise makes a lasting impact when they approach the farmer the next day.
A great book about honesty and generosity.
Strategies/skills: inferring-figurative language, word choice/expand vocab., sequencing, cause/effect
The "countrified" vocabulary and dialect may make this difficult for less confident readers.
*Highly recommend.

One is a Feast for Mouse-A Thanksgiving Tale by Judy Cox illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler*

The humans are sleeping after their satisfying Thanksgiving feast. Mouse spies a pea and creeps out to collect it, for one bitty piece of food is a feast for a mouse.  Then he spies all the other scrumptious food lying on the table and begins a balancing act, carrying "just one more" food item back to his hole.
In a mouse story there needs to be a cat which this one fulfills!!
adorable illustrations!
Strategies/skills: word choice/adjectives/, sequencing, cause/effect, predictions
*Highly recommend.
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.6

The Mouse Who Ate the Moon by Petr Horacek*

Mr. Horacek's books always prove interesting and unique.
A favorite author of mine to share with toddlers and preschoolers.
In this book the mouse wishes she could have a piece of the beautiful moon in her house.  The next morning when she exits her hole, she finds a slice of the moon at her doorstep (a banana).  She proceeds to eat some of it and then worries that the moon won't be round anymore.
"A Peek- Through Story Book"-fun little cutaways-holes to peer into the next page.
*Highly recommend.

Silly Goose's Big Story by Keiko Kasza*

I love books by Ms. Kasza!
Goose is a great storyteller.  He leads his friends in many imaginative games.  In his stories, he is always the hero and soon his friends tire of this pattern.  I love how the illustrations reveal his friends slowly growing weary and then mad about his selfishness.
A wolf appears on the scene testing Goose's thinking skills and his friends' loyalty.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: predicting, sequencing, cause/effect

Bear Sees Colors by Karma Wilson illustrated by Jane Chapman*

A wonderful addition to the many books about colors.
Mouse and Bear are enjoying a companionable walk when they observe the different sights around them and their colors.
Rhyming text and full page illustrations with the focused color dominating the page.
The previous page also gives enough clues (rhyming word and small illustrations) that the reader can predict the next color.
The ending pages have all the objects seen throughout the book at a picnic with friends.  Adorable!
Strategy: predictions for young ones
*Highly recommend.

My Book Box by Will Hillenbrand

What can the elephant do with his box?  Fill them with books of course!
A perfect book to share when introducing book baskets/bins.
Recommend to use when implementing Daily 5/CAFE.
More appropriate for K-1st .

A Moose That Says MOOOO by Jennifer Hamburg illustrated by Sue Truesdell

A girl imagines how animals would be like if she created her own zoo.
Silly antics (like sharks reading books, pillow fights, tap dancing) will make young readers giggle.
Rhyming text.

Poopendous! by Artie Bennett illustrated by Mike Moran

"The Inside Scoop on Every Type and Use of Poop!"
The illustrations are comic-like and colorful.
Very funny nonfiction!

Trainstop by Barbara Lehman

A girl goes with her parents on a train ride.  While all the adults fall asleep, the train stops and she enters a magical world where her help is needed.  The last page is fun to further the reader's inferring skills.
Strategies: retelling, sequencing, inferring
Wordless book.

Elizabeth, Queen of the Seas by Lynne Cox illustrated by Brian Floca

In New Zealand an elephant seal by the name, "Elizabeth", has made her home in the Avon River in Christchurch.  This story shares how she was basking in the street so the concerned town folk took her to the far ocean to live.  Each time she returned to the Avon River.  The people had to make provisions so she would not be run over by a vehicle!
A story about determination!

Moses the Kitten by James Herriot illustrated by Peter Barrett*

James Herriot discovers a black kitten in the middle of winter huddled in the rushes.  A farmer and his wife help revive the bitty animal.  Months later Mr. Herriot has a surprise of his life when he sees the kitten and its adoptive mother and family!
*Highly recommend.
Challenging words so makes a great title to read for expanding vocabulary.
Beautiful illustrations.
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.9

The Girl Who Heard Colors by Marie Harris illustrated by Vanessa Brantely-Newton*

An excellent introduction to synesthesia (when a sense triggers a perception).
The young girl in this story for every sound she hears, she sees a color.
Other senses are included/explained.
*Highly recommend.

Brownie and Pearl Hit the Hay by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Brian Biggs*

A sweet series about a girl and her cat, Pearl.
Perfect for beginning readers.

The Book With No Pictures by B.J. Novak*

So funny!
Perfect for reading aloud at story time.
A great book to talk about one aspect of reading-reading the words!
*Highly recommend.

Anna and Solomon by Elaine Snyder illustrated by Harry Bliss*

A sweet true story of immigration.
Solomon comes to the U.S.A to earn money to bring over his bride.  When he goes to pick her up at the dock, he is in for a huge surprise-a couple of times!
A great picture book to include during an immigration unit.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring- character traits and feelings

Mr. Putter and Tabby Ring the Bell by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Arthur Howard*

Mr. Putter misses attending school.  He comes up with a scheme so he can enjoy its atmosphere once again.  He and Mrs. Teaberry along with Tabby and Zeke, enter the building and of course, cause craziness!
Funny!
Perfect for beginning reader to build stamina.
*Highly recommend.

The Tree that Time Built selected by Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston

"A Celebration of Nature, Science and Imagination"
This anthology came with a CD.  My two boys enjoyed hearing the poems read aloud by the poets and Ms. Hoberman.
I love nature so I enjoyed the topics of these poems.
Some poems have comments from Ms. Hoberman and Ms. Winston.
Points to discuss/warnings: A lot of references to Darwin and his theories.

Dragon Masters Rise of the Earth Dragon by Tracey West by Graham Howells*

My second grader loved this book!  He read it to himself. He liked being able to read a chapter book about dragons.
Perfect for younger readers who love fantasy.
Guided Reading Level: P (3rd grade)
Grade Equ. Level: 2.2
*Highly recommend.
Four books in the series.

Stories of Famous Americans Albert Einstein Genius of the Twentieth Century by Patricia Lakin illustrated by Alan and Lea Daniel

"Ready to Read" Level 3 (reading proficiently)
In six chapters a reader learns about Mr. Einstein's life from infant to an elderly person.  Comprehensive-includes his struggles, accomplishments and quirkiness.
The author does a great job explaining his accomplishments/theories in a manner children can grasp it (Grades 4th and up).
Text features: time line, glossary
More biographies in "Stories of Famous American" series

The Landry News by Andrew Clements illustrated by Salvatore Murdocca*

Cara Landry has moved to a new school.  Her teacher has seemed to have given up on teaching and life in general.  While he buries his face behind a newspaper, the students are left to their own devices.  In this atmosphere, Cara creates her own newspaper.  Her editorial piece awakes her teacher from his stupor and in the end, helps the class understand the freedom of speech.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss: divorce
Guided Reading Level: R (fourth grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 6.1

Claude at the Circus by Alex T. Smith

Funny-punchy humor  . . .like Claude the dog's best friend a sock called "Sir Bobblysock".
In this book he and Bobblysock save the day for the circus.
My preschooler got a kick out of this book.
The chapters are short so this series would be good for reluctant readers and for building stamina.
Illustrations are on every page-the hues are pinks/salmons and black/grey.
More titles in the series.

One Bowl Baking by Yvonne Ruperti*

"Simple, from Scratch Recipes for Delicious Desserts"
WOW!! I want to buy this recipe book.
I made two recipes and they are out of this world good!! (Fudgy Brownies and Mega Crumb Cake)
Ms. Ruperti gives helpful hints too (room temp. milk vs. fridge cold milk; filling pastry bags etc.)
**Highly, highly recommend.
Warning: She uses lots of butter which does not bother me.

Clipper Ship by Thomas P. Lewis illustrated by Joan Sandin

"An I Can Read Book" Level 3 (Grades 2-4)
My second grader brought this book home from his school library to read to himself.
It tells how the clipper ship, Rainbird, made its way from New York to CA.  It is based on many tales of clipper ships and the wives of the captain who helped sail.
Pair with Dare the Wind by Tracy Fern.
GLE-3.4
Guided Reading Level: N

The Story Keepers Trapped! by Brian Brown and Andrew Melrose*

My second grader brought this book home from his school library.
During the time of Nero, Ben and his wife Helena take in orphan children and tell them stories of Jesus.  In this book they help out a Roman solider who has surrendered his life to Christ.
*Highly recommend.

Winter Is Coming by Tony Johnston illustrated by Jim LaMarche*

I love any book illustrated by Jim LaMarche!
The reader witnesses a young girl retreating into the woods each month to observe wildlife from her special platform in the tree.
The reader can predict about what the girl is doing by clues in the illustrations and the prediction is confirmed by the back end pages.
The refrain, "winter is coming", is repeated.
Strategies: predicting, inferring-figurative language

Goldilocks and Just One Bear by Leigh Hodgkinson*

What happens when baby bear (now grown up) wonders into the city and needs a place to eat and sleep?  I just wonder into whose high-rise apartment he may wander?
A fun extension of a fairy tale/folktale.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: Readers will need to use their schema to make good predictions.

The Third Gift by Linda Sue Park illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline*

Ever wonder what myrrh was and how it was "produced"?  Ms. Park wondered that too as a child and has written a fictional book about a boy and his father going into the desert to find specific trees that will "weep" out tears.
*Highly recommend.
Beautiful illustrations.
The reader has to infer who the three men are who purchase the biggest tear of myrrh.
Ms. Park has written a few pages about the wise men and myrrh for more interesting reading.

Disaster Strikes Tornado Alley by Marlane Kennedy illustrated by Erwin Madrid*

Wyatt is not too thrilled at the prospect of entertaining his girly-girl cousin Alison from New York City.  When he, Alison and his two best friends Joshua and Jackson find themselves fending for their lives against two tornadoes, attitudes and perspectives shift drastically.
Very exciting!
Facts and more information about tornadoes are included in the back.
Perfect for reluctant boy readers.
This series shares the aftermath of the disaster.
*Highly recommend.
I will be purchasing this series.

Where's Mommy? by Beverly Donofrio illustrated by Barbara McClintock*

My favorite aspect of this book is the illustrations.
Dual stories are being told with the same plot.
A mouse and a girl are friends but keep it a secret in fear of grown up reaction.
One night Maria, the girl and Mouse-Mouse, are getting ready for bed but cannot find their mothers to tell them a story.  A surprise ending!
*Highly recommend.

Ninja Red Riding Hood by Corey Rosen Schwartz illustrated by Dan Santat*

Recommend reading The Three Ninja Pigs by the same team first.
The wolf, defeated by the ninja pigs, is starving.  So to be able to capture his prey, he takes classes.
He is  not prepared for Red Riding Hood and her grandmother!
Fun!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: connections (t-t), compare/contrast

Snoring Beauty by Bruce Hale illustrated by Howard Fine*

Told from a frog's point of view, he tells the story of a princess who, on her sixteenth birthday will be run over by a pie cart and turn into a sleeping dragon.
A fun twist on the Sleep Beauty fairy tale!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: connections (t-t), compare/contrast

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett illustrated by Jon Klassen*

Simple text where the illustrations tell the meat of the story.  The reader needs to pay attention to the illustrations to fully appreciate all the layers of the book.
The ending will cause a lot of discussions about what the author/illustrator are trying to communicate.
Some adults read this book and "did not get it"-it is not a neat, typical story.  I did not like the ending at first but as I reread it, I appreciate how it makes the reader think and analyze!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, check for understanding, asking questions
Real Reading = thinking!

Museum Trip by Barbara Lehman*

A boy goes on a field trip to the museum with his class.  An untied shoe causes him to lose sight of his class.  Instead he enjoys an unforgettable adventure of his own.
My preschooler loved this one the best out of Ms. Lehman's wordless books so far.
For kids who love mazes, this book will thrill them!
Wordless book.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, cause/effect, sequencing, retelling

The Red Book by Barbara Lehman*

Award winning-Caldecott Honor Book
On her way to school a girl discovers a red book protruding from a snow bank.
The book gives her an adventure and a break from the winter doldrums.
Great ending!
Wordless book.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, sequencing, cause/effect, retelling

The Secret Box by Barbara Lehman*

A box is filled with tidbits of information including a map.  It is placed under the floorboards.  Time passes. It is discovered and brings adventure to some children.
A wordless book.
I love this author/illustrator.
Strategies: retelling, sequencing, inferring, cause/effect

An Elephant and Piggie book I Am Going! by Mo Willems*

Gerald and Piggie are enjoying the day until Piggie informs Gerald that she is going.  Gerald panics and begs her not to leave-what will life be without his best friend?
*Highly recommend all of these books!

Phoebe and the General by Judith Berry Griffin illustrated by Margot Tomes*

The year is 1776.  Colonist and the British are at odds.  Phoebe's father, a freed African American, runs an inn where Patriots gather.  Her father is good at listening and has learned that someone wants to take George Washington's life.  When George Washington and his family move close by the inn, Phoebe's father sends her to be one of the servants so she can find out who is intending to take the General's life.
A short book full of excitement and good character development.
I have seen this book titled, Phoebe the Spy but my library had the older copy with this title.
*Highly recommend.

Agatha Girl of Mystery-The Curse of Pharaoh #1 by Sir Steve Stevenson illustrated by Stefano Turconi*

Dash attends a secret agent school.  The school sends him to Egypt to find a missing tablet that has a message that could lead archaeologists to a pharaoh's tomb.  Dash asks his intelligent cousin, Agatha and her over-sized butler, to help him with the mission.
Exciting!
Points to discuss/warnings: Agatha lies to her parents when they ask where she is; the villain points a gun at the cousins and the butler.
*Highly recommend.

100 Things That Make Me Happy by Amy Schwartz*

The bright, colorful cover and end pages will brighten any reader's mood.  Next come the fun rhyming words and sweet illustrations.
A cheerful addition to any library!
Read to a grumpy child on a gray day.
Mentor text for creative writing-lists/poetry
*Highly recommend.

The Princess and the Packet of Frozen Peas by Tony Wilson illustrated by Sue deGennaro*

After observing his brother's wife, Eva-a true princess, Henrik decides he does not want  a real princess for a wife.  Is his true love right in front of his nose?!
A fun twist on the Princess and the Pea.
*Highly recommend.

Time for Bed, Fred by Yasmeen Ismail*

Fred, the dog, does not want to go to bed.  In this humorous picture book, the reader can witness a dog's method of avoiding bed!
Beginning readers will be able to enjoy reading this book-simple words, not a lot of words per page.
*Highly recommend.
Pair with Harry the Dirty Dog.

Ivan The Remarkable True Story of the Shopping Mall Gorilla by Katherine Applegate illustrated by G. Brian Karas*

Pair this book with Ms. Applegate's chapter book-The One and Only Ivan.
Real photographs of Ivan are in the back along with more factual information about his life.  A copy of one his paintings is included!!
*Highly recommend.

How to Bake a Book by Ella Burfoot

A great book to read when introducing/reviewing the writing process.
Rhyming text.
Sweet illustrations.
I wish we could have read the story the main character had created.

Telephone by Mac Barnett illustrated by Jen Corace

Birds are sitting on a telephone wire.  Mama pigeon asks the bird next to her to tell her son Peter to come home for dinner.  Bird passes message to the next bird and so on.  The message changes with each passing.  Will the owl maintain his reputation of being wise and intelligent?

Funny! 

Illustrations are adorable and include human children playing below and racing home for dinner. 

Strategy: cross checking/accuracy

Buried Beneath Us by Anthony Aveni illustrated by Katherine Roy

"Discovering the Ancient Cities of the Americas"
Budding archaeologist will love this book as the reader can learn about ancient cities under our modern day ones.
History of city building and the strategical thought process.
Points to discuss: Old Earth viewpoint
Text features: table of contents, headings, bold print, italic print, maps, labels, picture captions, diagram, pronunciations, index

The Map Trap by Andrew Clements illustrated by Dan Andreasen*

At an early age Alton fell in love with maps.  Now as an observant sixth grader he makes maps of everything-even people's brains!  In an attempt to impress a "popular" classmate, Quint, he shows him his folder of secret maps.  Then the maps go missing and Alton to fearful that his maps will hurt classmates and even teacher's and principal's feelings.
*Highly recommend.
A great book for older readers who may not be reading at grade level.
Points to discuss: identity, friendships, being confident in one's unique self
Strategies/skills:  inferring, character traits, character development

Thirteen O'Clock by James Stimson

Enter a spooky house which has a clock that strikes the thirteenth hour.
Illustrations are in black, white, eerie green, browns.
I did not care for it but it was well written and contained great word choice and word play.
Warning:  witches, ghosts etc.

Black and White by David Macaulay

Caldecott Medal
Four different stories occurring simultaneously in four different panels.
Readers will have to think/infer how the four stories are tied together.
Strategies: predicting, inferring

My Teacher is a Monster! (No, I Am Not!) by Peter Brown*

Robert thinks his teacher is a monster because of her tone of voice and just maybe he throws a few paper airplanes in class.  To his horror, he encounters on a Saturday at his favorite spot to play!
A fun book to which most kids can relate (and teachers!!).
*Highly recommend.
Watch the illustrations of the teacher/monster carefully!

The Growly Books Begin #1 by Philip and Erin Ulrich*

*Highly recommend.
A rare find-a well written fantasy for older elementary that is wholesome!
Growly embarks on his three month adventure that all Bears in his village experience at his age.  When he is about to fill up his jar from the Honey Well, a bird that has been seen a couple times before, communicates with him that a valued member of the Bear community is in danger.  What is more startling, this member, CJ, had disappeared before Growly was born.  Growly has grown up hearing stories about this adventurous, intelligent bear and has grown to love him like a family member.  Growly must make a quick decision-to ignore the bird and be safe; or follow the bird and possibly never see his family or village again.
Exciting moments and sweet moments of friendship, honor and adventure in one story!!
Three books in the series:
1. Begin
2.  Widewater
3. Morning
http://www.thegrowlybooks.com/
Perfect for reading aloud to a mature preschooler through third grade.  Fourth-Sixth graders can read on their own.  Of course, some advanced third graders could read it to themselves too.
Unfortunately our public library system does not own this series.  The only way to purchase it is through Amazon or a book store.  Barnes and Noble only has the third one available to purchase.

Sector 7 by David Wiesner*

A boy goes to the Empire State Building for a class field trip.  On the observation deck, he encounters a friendly cloud and his day is transformed.
A wordless book.
A wonderful, imaginative book!  My boys loved it.
Strategies: asking questions, inferring
*Use with a cloud/weather unit.
*Highly recommend.

Arthur's Thanksgiving by Marc Brown

Arthur is the director for his class's Thanksgiving play.  Everyone refuses to play the role of the turkey, the vital but unappealing role.
My preschooler loves this series.  Perfect for 1st-3rd graders too for building stamina and fluency/accuracy.

Guided Reading Level: L (2nd grade)

Leo Geo and His Miraculous Journey Through the Center of the Earth by Jon Chad*

In comic-style, readers can learn about the different layers of the earth and other interesting science facts.  Some encounters are fantastical but make the reading more fun!
Points to discuss: Science is the "ultimate answer" to every question.  Old earth view is promoted.
*Highly recommend.

How To Dig a Hole to the Other Side of the World by Faith McNulty illustrated by Marc Simont*

A great book to share when a child is curious what is inside the earth.
Not overly didactic in style but one learns a lot!
*Highly recommend.

Imagination Station #9 Escape to the Hiding Place by Marianne Hering and Marshal Younger illustrated by David Hohn*

Patrick and Beth travel to Holland and witness how the Dutch help the Jews escape the Nazi soldiers.
My second grader brought this home from his school library.  He is enjoying reading this series to himself.  He liked when the cousins helped a baby escape.
This book focuses on Corrie Ten Boom

Ready to Read Level 1 Wonders of American The Statue of Liberty by Marion Dane Bauer illustrated by John Wallace*

Even though the pages have only one sentence per page, the reader will learn a lot the Statue of Liberty and its origins.
Text features: close up, map, cut away/cross section, graph (school buses on top of each other to reveal how tall the statue is), more facts at the end
*Highly recommend.
More in series.

The Hungry Billy Goat by Rita Milios illustrated by Ching

Follow a billy goat who eats everything . . . so many items that the boy telling the story flees to save his own life!
Rhyming text.  Illustrations support the words=perfect for beginning reader.

Dirty Larry by Bobbie Hamsa

"A Rookie Reader"
Larry is always dirty.  Many little boys will be able to relate to this story!  One simple sentence per page.
Perfect for the beginning reader-illustrations support the text.