Secret Files #15-The Hardy Boys Ship of Secrets by Franklin W. Dixon illustrated by Scott Burroughs*

My second grade son read this book to himself.
He said, "The book was exciting.  The brothers took a cruise.  A valuable watch was missing and they found it."
*Highly recommend the series.
Perfect for transitional readers.

Winter Bees and Other Poems of the Cold by Joyce Sidman illustrated by Rick Allen*

What a beautifully illustrated book (print linoleum blocks/hand colored and then digitally scanned and layered)!!!
The poems describe various creatures plus  trees and plants and their survival in the winter. (plus a poem about snowflakes!).  I like how the poems progress from end of autumn until early spring.  A fact box accompanies each poem, explaining the science behind the subject manner.
A glossary is included at the end.
***Highly recommend.
This book I had to purchase!

If You Want to Find Golden by Eileen Spinelli illustrated by Stacey Schuett*

In the city, a boy and his mother walk through their neighborhood, experiencing the various sights of the city.  Their day is explained via color poems.  Each poem contains the same opening and ending lines which beg readers to create their own color poems!
After reading Horrible Harry and the Dead Letters, I "needed" to read this book!
*Highly recommend.

Do Hard Things by Alex and Brett Harris*

"A Teenage Rebellion Against Low Expectations"
Two nineteen year old twins write about how society has low expectations of teen and how teens can rise above this detrimental mindset.  With many examples, the brothers prove their point and offer practical ways teen can make a difference in the world, right now.
A book written for teens but youth workers, parents, school administrators/teachers will gain insights and a renewed perspective.
****Highly recommend.

Snowman's Story by Will Hillenbrand

A wordless book.
When a magic hat lands on the animal's snowman, he comes alive and reads to them.  A rabbit hiding in the magic hat steals the book.  The snowman and his friends chase after him to retrieve the book.
Very cute!
I love Mr. Hillenbrand's books!
Strategies: inferring, predicting

A Weekend With Wendell by Kevin Henkes*

Wendell spends the weekend at Sophie's house-tormenting her each moment.  She cannot wait until he goes home (neither can her parents!!).  Then Sophie sticks up for herself and the weekend takes a turn for the better.
I read this aloud to my preschool children's church when we were discussing loving our "enemies" or people who are unkind to us.  Wendell is the perfect example of a difficult person to love!!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: personal connections, inferring

Ruby, Violet, Lime by Jane Brocket*

"Jane Brocket's Clever Concepts-Looking for Color"
What beautiful photographs!  Once again, Ms. Brocket organizes the book well, beginning with primary colors, then secondary, then white, black, gray,  metallic colors, and hues of the colors.
I especially love her adjectives-(for example for green: "lime frosting, mint-green striped socks, emerald lettuces, and jade gardens")-because her word choices shares the different names a color can be called.  It is not just always called "green"!
*Highly recommend.
A must for any color unit and any art teacher!

Circles, Stars and Squares by Jane Brocket*

"Jane Brocket's Clever Concepts-Looking for Shapes"
With amazing photographs, Ms. Brocket shows the reader various flat and solid shapes.  Organized well-first she focuses on flat shapes and then moves onto solid shapes.
She describes the characteristics of each shape.
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for preschool  and primary teachers (K-1st).

Unwrapping the Greatest Gift by Ann Voskamp*

"A Family Celebration of Christmas"
Based on her book for adults-The Greatest Gift- Ms. Voskamp has written a book suitable for children.  Like the adult version, the book provides Scripture reading for each day from Dec. 1- Dec. 25th, along with her own explanations/poetic writing about the topic and then a couple of questions and a family activity to apply the concept.
Her writing is very poetic and quite dramatic at times.
Beautiful illustrations/artwork.

An Elephant and Piggie book-Waiting Is Not Easy by Mo Willems*

We gave this book to our five year old for Christmas.  I could not WAIT to read it to him!
Piggie has a surprise for Gerald but Gerald struggles waiting the entire day for the surprise.  He states that her surprise is not worth the waiting.
A spectacular ending!
The end pages in the this book are different than the rest of the Elephant and Piggie books.
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for: beginning readers, transitional readers, stamina, reluctant readers
Strategies: accuracy (cross checking), fluency
**Award-- 2015 Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor book!

Neighborhood Sharks by Katherine Roy*

"Hunting with the Great Whites of California's Farallon Islands"
Very well researched.
Ms. Roy shares how great whites attack their prey; then cleverly weaves in how their body structures have been created to attack.
Topics include:  their prey-elephant seals, the great white's body structure, their ability generate warm blood, their amazing vision, teeth, projectile jaws, tagging of the sharks by scientists, food chain, migration

Blood is drawn so not for the squeamish!!

Text features: headings, cross sections/cut aways, labels, diagrams, close ups, arrows, author's note with more information, online resources, map
**Highly recommend.

The Story Keepers-AD 64 Sink or Swim by Brian Brown and Andrew Melrose*

Very exciting stories which take place during the Roman persecution of the early Christians.  In this book, Ben, his wife Helena and the orphaned children search of Justin's father.  While searching for him on a Roman slave ship, they find themselves trapped on board when the ship departs.
My second grader checked out this book from the library and enjoyed reading it to himself.
*Highly recommend.

The Crippled Lamb by Max Lucado illustrated by Liz Bonham*

Joshua the crippled lamb always feels left out. One night he and his best friend, Abigail (a brown cow with white blotches) are left behind in the stable and experience the best gift ever!
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: O (third grade)
Grade Equivalency:  2.9

Six Snowy Sheep by Judith Ross Enderle and Stephanie Gordon Tessler illustrated by John O'Brien

Six sheep receive a perfect Christmas gift to play in the snow.
Repetitive text make for an opportunity for listeners to join in the reading or great for beginning readers.
Lots of Alliteration!
Guided Reading Level: I
Grade Level Equivalency: 1.7

Tyrannoclaus by Janet Lawler

A dinosaur "twas the night before Christmas" version.
A must read for all dino lovers at Christmas!
Rhyming text

The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg*

A very well known book!
The narrator longs to believe in Santa and the North Pole.  On Christmas Eve a train stops at his house and transports him to the North Pole.  Here he is chosen to select the first gift of Christmas.  He chooses a bell from Santa's reindeer's harness.  Years later he still hears the ring but many others cannot hear its ring.
Strategy: inferring
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: N (beginning of third grade)
Grade Level Equivalency: 4.9

Little Owl Lost by Chris Haughton

Little Owl falls out of his tree.  Forest animals try to locate his mother by his description.  In the course of time he meets many different woodland creatures.
Funny ending!
Bold illustrations-pencil and digital media.

The Bravest Woman in America by Marissa Moss illustrated by Andrea U'Ren*

Ida Lewis loved the sea and maintaining the lighthouse with her father. She was his diligent student.  When he became ill, she was more than prepared to assume his duties.  Written in an exciting narrative, this book would be a great one to use when introducing biographies.
Officially she saved 16 lives but in actuality it was more like 25 lives.
*Highly recommend.
Author's note includes more details about her life.

The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau by Jon Agee*

Famous painters gather in Paris, France to display their amazing artwork.  At first everyone scoffs at Felix Clousseau's duck painting but then it quacks!  He quickly rises to stardom but just as rapidly falls when his paintings cause havoc.  One painting may just save his life.
A wonderful, surprise ending that will make readers ask questions and think!!
Daily CAFE recommended using this book to model finding word parts to read larger words.  I would use it for the primary grades (K-2nd) to model this skill.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies/skills: decoding, asking questions, predicting, inferring

Jesus by Anselm Grun illustrated by Giuliano Ferri*

This book begins with Mary finding out she will give birth to the son of God and continues to narrate Jesus' life from his birth until his resurrection.  Included stories are the calling of the disciples, miracles, blessing the children and a parable.  Each snippet is contained on one page with a two page spread illustration.
*Highly recommend.

Horrible Harry and the Dead Letters by Suzy Kline illustrated by Amy Wummer*

Harry and his classmates have a real post office set up in their room.  When bookmarks go missing and are found mysteriously in the class mailbox, Harry and Doug know they have a mystery to solve.
Perfect book when students are learning about the postal system (postal terminology is explained).
The class also writes color poems based on Eileen Spinelli's book If You Want to Find Golden.
Lots of ways to utilize this book in the classroom!
*Highly recommend.
Grade Level Equivalency: 2.3

The Fourth Wise Man retold by Susan Summers illustrated by Jackie Morris*

"Based on the story by Henry Van Dyke"
Artaban is eager to join his fellow astronomers following a brilliant star to Jerusalem.  Since he helps a hurt man along the  way, he does not make it to the designated meeting place.  This story then focuses on how Artaban spends his entire life seeking the King and living a life of compassion along the way.
*Highly recommend.

Thunder Bird by Jim Arnosky*

"Nature's Flying Predators"
This book features eagles, hawks, falcons, owls, vultures, herons, egrets, pelicans, loons, cormorants, and gannets.
Fold out pages enable the reader to visualize how big some of these creatures are.
The table of contents indicates where there are fold outs.
Text features: table of contents, headings, labels, picture captions, charts, close ups, actual size/fold outs, author's note
*Highly recommend.

Disaster Strikes -Volcano Blast by Marlane Kennedy*

Siblings Noah and Emma take a vacation with their parents to Alaska where their father, a volcanologist, wanted to study a stratovolcano.  Noah is less than thrilled.  Then he, his sister and new friend Alex find themselves contending with a dangerous volcanic explosion.
My second grader read this book to himself and enjoyed it.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: Q (beginning of 4th grade)

Mary Smith by A. U'Ren*

Before there were alarm clocks, there were "knocker-ups"!
A entertaining story about a real Mary Smith whose job was to wake up the town for the day!
*Highly recommend.
Daily CAFE recommends using this book when teaching -looking for word parts.

Golden Boy by Tara Sullivan**

What a captivating book about a very unknown issue-the killing of Albinos in Tanzania for their body parts.  For the past fifteen years, the killing of albinos has been rising as people believe their body parts bring good fortune.
This fictional story of Habo brings to life the very real issue.
Habo feels rejected by his family members and is always the outsider in every situation.  When their family farm fails, they move to Mwanza, along Lake Victoria to live with Habo's aunt.  Unbeknownst to the Habo's mother, the people in this town kill albinos for their body parts.  He flees for his life to Dar  es Salaam where people are more accepting of his condition.  Here is taken in by a blind wood carver.  Here Habo develops a sense of self worth for the first time.
A celebration of human life and worth.
Compelling.  This book could be a catalyst for discussing human worth with teens.
A glossary of Kiswahili  words and phrases included.  A few pages of resources and links to further understand this issue plus ways one can help.
Well -researched.
Lots of similes that utilize the African culture and natural surroundings.
***Highly recommend.

Duck to the Rescue by John Himmelman

Very funny!
Duck sees various people and animals on the farm that need his assistance.  Does he improve the situations?  Readers can infer via the illustrations.  Sweet ending.
Mr. Himmelman has written several other books about the other animals on the farm "helping" (Chickens to the Rescue, Pigs to the Rescue, and Cows to the Rescue)
Strategy: infer

Oh no, George! by Chris Haughton

The illustrations are unusual-don't know how to quite to describe them! Readers witness George, the dog, give into temptation (eating cake, chase a cat,dig in dirt) while his owner is away.  How will his owner react when he comes home and sees a messy house?

Bark, George by Jules Feiffer

George's mother is concerned that when he barks, he does not say "Arf"; he says other animal sounds.  So she takes him to the vet.  Readers will laugh when they discover George's problem!  Funny ending too!
Strategies: prediciing, inferring

Soccer Star by Mina Javaherbin illustrated by Renato Alarcao*

Paulo Marcelo Feliciano dreams how he and his soccer team will be soccer stars like Pele and others.
This book focuses on a boy's love for soccer but I love how it also gives readers a chance to see how others live in the world.  It was good for my boys to see how majority of the world fights daily against poverty.
The book was not preachy-just gently brought the reader into Paulo's world.
The physical size of the book is larger than average so great for story time.
**Highly recommend.

As an Oak Tree Grows*

The reader witnesses the growth of an oak tree and how humans transform the landscape over a 200 time period (1770's-2000) (twenty-five year increments)
A time line runs along the bottom of each page and the current year is in bolder font.
A wonderful way to examine history and how times change!

A pull out poster is included-On one side is a stump with rings.  Coming out of the rings are circles featuring significant historical events/inventions that changed America.  On the other side various activities-life cycle of the tree, facts about oak trees, sequencing activity, search/find for objects in the book, a season matching activity and a coloring page.
*Highly recommend.

Tiny Creatures The World of Microbes by Nicola Davies illustrated by Emily Sutton*

Fascinating subject not usually expounded upon in children's books.
Ms. Davies, as usual, explains the subject in a manner to which children can relate.
Lots of comparing in size illustrations and magnified illustrations.
*Highly recommend.

Bramble and Maggie-Spooky Season by Jessie Haas illustrated by Alison Friend*

I love this series for new readers who love horses.
It is fall and Bramble has to adjust to the new sights--especially costumes.
Three short chapters-perfect for beginning/transitional readers who are building stamina.
*Highly recommend.
Two other books in the series.

Dory Fantasmagory by Abby Hanlon

What an imagination Dory has!  It annoys her sister, her brother, her mother and her father.  Since her older sibling often do not include her, Dory finds herself lost in her imaginary world or desperately trying different antics to win their approval or inclusion.


Points to discuss/warnings: "stupid" is stated a few times-"heck" one time; the siblings are not nice to Dory at all; Dory is quite strong willed and disrespectful (shoves a lollipop stick into the doctor's leg); parents yell at her often

Disaster Strikes-Blizzard Night by Marlane Kennedy*

#3 in series
My second grader read this book to himself.  He liked it because it was exciting.
Once again Jayden is living with a new foster family.  He and the family are taking a trip to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan when a snow storm cause the van to crash.  Jayden, an avid reader, uses his knowledge to help him and his foster siblings survive.
*Highly recommend.
The books in this series are short (100 pages) so they appeal to reluctant readers or transitional readers who are building stamina.
Grade Level Equivalent: 4th grade
Guided Reading Level: Q (beginning of 4th grade)

From Sea to Shining Sea by Callista Gingrich illustrated by Susan Arciero*

"Part of the bestselling Ellis the Elephant series"
Travel with Ellis the Elephant and see how our country expands via Lewis and Clark's expedition.
Great two page map of the the United States in the early 1800's.
*Highly recommend.
Adorable illustrations.
Lots of resources in the back for further reading/exploration.

Bink and Gollie -Two for One by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee illustrated by Tony Fucile

In this sequel, Bink and Gollie spend a day at the State Fair-trying to whack a duck and participate in a talent contest.  The whack duck contest really made me laugh!!
Sweet friendship story.
Warning: The girls visit a fortune teller who gazes into a crystal ball.  Fun to infer how she knew the topics she stated.
 

The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee*

Wordless book.
A farmer awakens to complete his chores.  Imagine his surprise when a clown who is a child topples off a passing train.  His day and his life is forever changed.
Strategies: inferring; sequencing

Thanksgiving Day for Emily Ann by Teresa Johnston illustrated by Vanessa Bramtley-Newton

Emily is not thankful on Thanksgiving Day!  Visiting family and occupied members have her very grumpy.
In a short amount of time, her mood is transformed.
Rhyming text.

Shooting at the Stars by John Hendrix*

"The Christmas Truce of 1914"
Told via  letter written to his mother, a young solider shares the miraculous truce during World War I on Christmas Day.
Incredible illustrations.  My second grader and I had some interesting discussions why Mr. Hendrix choose to include some aspects of the illustrations and why he drew some objects to dominate the page.
Well written-shares the facts in an interesting manner.
*Highly recommend.
Mr. Hendrix shares the history of the war before the story begins.
Text features: author's note with a photo of the truce,  glossary,  index, map/diagram of the battlefield

The Animal's Santa by Jan Brett

On Christmas Eve, Big Snowshoe excitedly shares with his younger brother, Little Snow, about the animals' Santa.  As the Arctic animals share the presents the animals' Santa has given them, Little Snow scoffs at the idea.  None of the animals have seen the Santa so he cannot be real, Little Snow reasons.
Big Snowshoe comes up with a clever plan so everyone can witness the animals' Santa in action.

Beautiful illustrations as always!  As usual the borders share a story within the story.

El Deafo by Cece Bell*

In a graphic novel, Ms. Bell relates the trials and humorous moments growing up being hearing impaired.
Very insightful-can help facilitate discussions on kindness and how to interact with the hearing impaired or anyone who has a disability/impairment.
Ms. Bell also handles the ups and downs of friends and first crushes with humor and sensitivity.
A memoir.

Points to discuss/warnings: Cece overhears her teacher swear-the word is written in the book (pg. 41) and the illustrations depict teachers taking a smoke break. pg. 162 she lipreads someone saying the word for fudge "but for real" (actual word is not written but can infer easily). Cece develops a crush on a boy.  pg. 203-word breast is mentioned-not inappropriately but she sort interprets it that way.
*Highly recommend.

The Fourteenth Goldfish by Jennifer L. Holm*

"Believe in the impossible possible"
What a fun book!!
Sixth grader Ellie has enough adjustments but when her grandfather shows up as a teenager!!, her life takes paths she never imagined!  Her grandfather has two PhD and has discovered a way to reverse aging.  Through lots of discussions about various scientists (Curie, Falk, Oppenheimer, Newton, Pastuer), cooking from her deceased grandmother's recipe box and discovering new friends, Ellie learns a lot about the precious gift of life and using it wisely/for the good.
I love how Ms. Holm takes many different topics -science, becoming of age, the tumultuous adolescence stage, family members quirks-and weaves them into a superb story that causes one to think.  To achieve all of "that", now that is talent!!
*Highly recommend.

Mr. Putter and Tabby Turn the Page by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Arthur Howard*

Mr. Putter loves to read with his cat Tabby.  When he sees an opportunity to read at the library, Mr. Putter signs up.  Of course, his dear friend and neighbor, Mrs. Teaberry wants to join in the fun.
Written so beginning/transitional readers can read successfully, Ms. Rylant has such a gift of creating lovable, believable characters.
*Highly recommend.
Award---Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Book for 2015

Audrey Bunny by Angie Smith illustration by Breezy Brookshire*

The bunny, Audrey, has a black smudge on her chest.  It has hindered her chances of being selected at the toy store.  When Caroline picks Audrey for her toy, Audrey is elated!  She, however, is careful to hide the smudge from Caroline, fearing she will return her to the store.
A great book to reinforce how God made each of us uniquely and wonderfully.
I find a lot Christian books sacrifice good story lines for pounding a message.  This one, however, is an excellent story.
Adorable illustrations.
*Highly recommend.

Heroes for Young Readers-Nate Saint by Renee Taft Meloche illustrated by Bryan Pollard*

Nate longed for the Auca Indians in Ecuador to learn about Christ.  Any outsider who dared to  approach the tribe was killed.  Gradually he earned their trust.  Unfortunately, one of the natives lied about the Nate and his friends to cover up a wrong he had done.  As a result, Nate and his friends were killed.  Nate's sister returned to the tribe and led many to Christ.
Points to discuss/warning: death; one tribesman spends a night with an unmarried woman and then lies to cover up his wrong.

The Kingdom of Wrenly #3 Sea Monster! by Jordan Quinn illustrated by Robert McPhillips*

My second grader likes this series.  He read this one to himself and liked the part when the kids find a sea monster.
A sea monster is frightening the kingdom so Prince Lucas and his friend Clara go to find the monster.
Perfect series for transitional readers-lots of illustrations, short chapters.
*Highly recommend.
My son did not want to read book #4 about a witch and curse-said it looked too scary.

Born in the Wild by Lita Judge*

"Baby Mammals and Their Parents"
An adorable nonfiction book.
I like the organization of it-A two page spread announces a new section with large illustrations. Then the next two pages share examples that support the section.
Text features: headings, colored font, "more about the animals sections", glossary, websites
Multi aged book.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: main idea/details

Amy Carmichael -Rescuing the Children by Renee Taft Meloche illustrated by Bryan Pollard*

Rhyming text shares how Amy Carmichael begins her journey for helping children.
*Highly recommend.
A great biography series.
Read aloud to preschoolers, K-1st.  Older children can read it independently.

365 Days of Wonder by R.J. Palacio*

"Mr. Browne's Book of Precepts"
To fully appreciate this book, one should read Ms. Palacio's book, Wonder.
Ms.Palacio has created a book around her fictional character, Mr. Browne, a teacher in Wonder.  At the beginning of each month, Mr. Browne shares a precept and then requires the students to write an essay containing their thoughts about the precept.
Wonder's theme was kindness so many of the precepts in this book focus on kindness and the good of mankind.  Precepts are from various sources-classical fictional characters, classic books/authors, ancient sayings/proverbs, religious leaders, presidents, pop culture and regular real kids.  Each day of the year has a precept assigned to it.
At the end of each month, the fictional character Mr. Browne shares a short provoking essay which usually includes insights or notes from the characters/students from the novel Wonder. 
The quotes reflect a secular worldview.  No matter your background, however, they will provoke lively discussion and thought.
*Highly recommend.

The Kingdom of Wrenly #2 The Scarlet Dragon by Jordan Quinn illustrated by Robert McPhillips*

Prince Lucas and his new friend Clara continue their adventures in this second book in the series.
The Prince finds a rare dragon egg and takes the baby dragon back to the castle as a pet.  When the dragon becomes sick, he must find special berries to make a healing potion. . . which are only found in the land of trolls.
My son liked this book because the Prince has a pet dragon.
Perfect for transitional readers and for building stamina.
*Highly recommend.

The Kingdom of Wrenly #1 The Lost Stone by Jordan Quinn illustrated by Robert McPhillips*

Another great series for transitional readers!
My second grade son is loving this series (reading it to himself).
Prince Lucas and the seamstress' daughter, Clara, explore the kingdom to find his mother's emerald pendant.
A map of the kingdom is displayed on two pages in the beginning of the book.
Short chapters, lots of illustrations (adorable, by the way) perfect for building stamina in transitional readers.
My son said he likes this one because they go on an adventure.
*Highly recommend.

This Is the Rope by Jacqueline Woodson illustrated by James Ransome

"A Story from the Great Migration"
The author uses her family history of moving from the south to the north (New York City) in the 1960's to create this book.
The reader observes an African -American family leaving the south for the north and watching the family grow, mature, marry and have off-spring.  A rope first used to tie down their luggage is seen and used in various manners through all generations.  The author mentions in her "note" that the rope represents "hope".

Always Daddy's Princess by Karen Kingsbury illustrated by Valeria Docampo*

Sweet rhyming book that follows a daughter and her father's relationship from the time she was born and until she marries and gives birth to her first child.
Shows the impact a faithful father can have.
Bible verses on each page reflect the main theme.
*Highly recommend.

The Princess in Black #1 By Shannon Hale and Dean Hale illustrated by LeUyen Pham*

A new series for beginning/transitional readers.  So excited about this one!!
Princess Magnolia appears to be your typical princess-dresses in pink, wears glass slippers, afraid of snails, and sneezes in the sunlight.  But she has a secret!  Duchess Wigtower comes for a visit and is determined to discover her secret.
*Highly recommend.
I read this book in one sitting to my two boys and they enjoyed it (even though my oldest is repulsed by anything princess!!).
Besides the Duchess and the Princess, other fun characters make this book engaging--monsters!!, an unicorn (or is he really an unicorn?!) and a goat boy (who is totally boy-he is a goat herder).
Colorful illustrations are on almost every page.
Perfect for building stamina.
Strategy: check for understanding (each chapter goes back and forth between different characters' points of view).

A Perfectly Messed Up Story by Patrick McDonnell

The main character tries telling his story by is interrupted by food and drink dribbles plus other smudges.
A great book for Reader's Theater-the main text could be the narrator and the speech bubbles another individual.
Strategies: fluency, accuracy, reading with expression etc.
Reminds me of Jon Scieszka's Battle Bunny!

Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty illustrated by David Roberts*

Iggy has wanted to be an architect since he was a toddler and would use unique objects to build constructors. When he enters second grade, his teacher thoroughly discourages his passion and he becomes apathetic.  Then the class goes on a trip and find themselves in a predicament.  Only Iggy and his knowledge of architect can save them.
Rhyming text.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies:  main idea, cause/effect

Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty illustrated by David Roberts*

Rosie loves to create contraptions.  When her uncle laughs at one of her creations, she is deflated and hides them under her bed.  Another relative revives her desires and helps her see that failure is an opportunity to improve.
Fun, rhyming text.
*Highly recommend.

Mystery at the Army-Navy Game-Rivalry by John Feinstein

Football loving boys will probably enjoy this book.  I did not! In fact, I am not finishing it.   I do not have much schema for football so my interest waned quickly.
The two main characters, Stevie and Susan Carol, are fourteen year old sports journalists.  They attend professional games and write articles about them.  They usually stumble upon something suspicious and report it, causing them to "get into trouble".
This book requires a lot of "check for understanding" as the book begins at the day of the game and then flashes back to  about a week before the game.  The chapters also switch from Stevie and Susan's points of view continuously.  Lots of characters are introduced too so the reader has to keep track of all of them.
Points to discuss/warning: A romance is developing between Stevie and Susan Carol; an adult swears on pg. 12 (h).

My Nose is a Hose by Kent Salisbury*

"Pop into Phonics"
An interactive book that allows the reader to see word families.
*Highly recommend.

Unstoppable by Tim Green*

What a captivating story!
Harrison, an eighth grader, has been in and out of foster homes all of his life.  The story begins with him living at a farm where he works hard and is treated with contempt and disrespect.
His anger gets the best of him one day and he finds himself on a path of despair.  One kind social worker sees through his anger and circumstances and provides a second chance. . .with her own daughter and son-in-law.  The son-in-law, "Coach", happens to be a junior high football coach and helps Harrison redirect his anger to the aggression needed to play football well.
Then Harrison finds a new challenge-cancer and an amputated leg.
A story of perseverance and unrelenting love.
The Coach and his wife pray before meals and regularly attend church but God is not mentioned in their daily lives and decisions.  Those added pieces (prayer and church) were refreshing in a secular, fiction book, though!

Points to discuss/warnings: physical/ental/emotional abuse; Harrison contributes to the farmer foster parent's death; some boys in the story are really mean to Harrison; cancer; death

Great Joy by Kate DiCamillo illustrated by Bagram Ibatoulline*

Frances notices an organ grinder and his monkey out on the cold street playing music.  She wonders where they go each night.  One night she forces herself to stay awake and sees them huddled against a city building.  On the night of her pageant, she invites the organ grinder and his monkey to her pageant.
Sweet ending with "great joy!".
Strategy: check for understanding, inferring (character traits and feelings)

Room for a Little One by Martin Waddell illustrated by Jason Cockcroft

A kind ox allows various animals to come into the stable for warmth.  His  reply, "There's always room for a little one here." provides comforting repetition for the younger children.  Incompatible animals find rest and comfort there (dog vs. cat, cat vs mouse).  A subtle way to reinforce how Christ came to this earth to bring the perfect kingdom and reign. Ultimately Christ is born in this stable.

He's Got the Whole World in His Hands by Kadir Nelson

Beautiful illustrations by Mr. Nelson.
The text is simply the song!

Little Poems for Tiny Ears by Lin Oliver illustrated by Tomie dePaola*

Poems with subjects relevant to babies (toes, strollers, my first word, car seat, high chair, peekaboo, diapers etc.).
My five year old was not interested in the poems at all!
My favorite poems were My Nose, Sneeze, My High Chair
I would recommend this poetry book to an expecting mother or a new mom.
*Highly recommend.

Saturday is Dadurday by Robin Pulver illustrated by R.W. Alley*

Mimi loves Saturdays because she and her dad make a list of fun things to do.  Then they spend the day having fun together!  Then her dad informs her that he will have work on Saturdays . . . Dadurdays turn into Badurdays, Madurday, Sadurday.
Her transformed attitude is fun to observe!
*Highly recommend.

David and Goliath The Brick Bible for Kids by Brendan Powell Smith*

Basically the illustrations are made from Legos.
Lego fans will love this version of the Bible story!
*Highly recommend.

Henry and Mudge and Annie's Perfect Pet by Cynthia Rylant illustrated by Sucie Stevenson*

Henry and his parents help Annie find the perfect pet.
Love this series!
Four short chapters.  Ideal for transitional readers.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: J (beginning 2nd grade)

Ed and Ted and Ted's Dog Fred by Andy Griffiths illustrated by Terry Denton

"My Readers  Classic Stories Classic Characters"
A silly story about Ed, Ted and Fred.
Lots of "ed" words plus words like "dead/read" that are pronounced with like "ed".  Perfect for modeling cross checking and flipping the vowel sound.
Good fit for beginning readers.

The Iridescence of Birds-A Book About Henri Matisse by Patricia MacLachlan illustrated by Hadley Hooper

In simple text, Ms. MacLachlan relates how even though Henri Matisse grew up in a gray, dreary French town,  his mother provided lots of opportunities to experiment with color and painting.  It also reveals the impact one's childhood can have on one's future career.
Warning: One two page spread has the back's of naked people-not much is seen.

Only a Star by Margery Facklam illustrated by Nancy Carpenter*

A child asks her father what decorated Jesus' stable that first Christmas morning.  Her father replies, "Only a star."  But the book goes on to show how the brightness of the star illuminates the creatures creeping and moving around the stable (spider web, dragonfly, scarab, doves, donkey, jerboas, snail and nightingale).
On the last two pages the authors gives more information about each of the animals that lived in the Holy Land that first Christmas morning.
I like when Christmas books add to one's knowledge of what life was like back when Christ lived on earth.
*Highly recommend.