Horrible Harry Bugs the Three Bears by Suzy Kline illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz

Harry rewrites Goldilocks and the Three Bears to incorporate . . . bugs, of course!
A perfect book to showcase when studying fairy tales/folk tales.
A play is included in the back which my second grader wants to act out at home!
A definite series to have in a 1st-3rd grade classroom!
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.4

A-Z Mysteries The Haunted Hotel by Ron Roy

Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose go undercover to discover how someone is impersonating a ghost.  Because of the ghost, guests have left and the owners will be forced to sell to a real estate agency.

Warning: The ghost part can be  bit scary.  My preschooler wanted me to read this book aloud to him but only during the day!!
Great series for transitional readers, reluctant readers and for building stamina.
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2
Guided Reading: O (third grade)
If I taught 2nd-4th grade, I would add this series to my classroom library.

Otis's Busy Day by Loren Long*

Penguin Young Readers Level 1 (Emergent Reader)
Guided Reading Level: C (end of Kindergarten)
Mr. Long incorporates a lot of Otis's friends and scenes from his longer picture books but simple words make this story accessible to beginning readers.
*Highly recommend.

The Plot Chickens by Mary Jane Auch illustrated by Herm Auch*

Another poultry parody by this team!
In this story Henrrietta loves books and reading so she decides to write her own story.   This book takes readers through the steps in writing an exciting story and the disappointed an author feels when his/her book is rejected.
Teaching idea:  A perfect book to read to students when explaining the writing process and how to write a well written story.
*Highly recommend.

Up and Down by Oliver Jeffers

The boy and penguin are back (from Lost and Found).  In this story penguin longs to fly.  The boy tries to convince him that it is not possible but penguin is determined.  Boy is determined to save penguin.
A sweet story about loyalty and friendship.
Guided Reading Level: K (2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3

Maudie and Bear by Jan Ormerod illustrated by Freya Blackwood

Six short stories about Maudie and her friend bear.  Although Maudie is diminutive compared to Bear, she rules the relationship.  My preschooler and I discussed how Maudie was rude and selfish while Bear was patient and forgiving.
Strategy: inferring-character traits

Baby Bear's Books by Jane Yolen illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Baby Bear loves his books any time of the day.
Rhyming text.

Dog and Bear: Two Friends, Three Stories by Laura Vaccaro Seeger*

Three separate stories about  a stuffed bear and dog.
Perfect for beginning/transitional readers. who are building stamina.
Part of a series.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: inferring
Grade Level Equivalent: 1.7
If I taught K-1st, I would add this series to my collection.

Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka illustrated by Brian Biggs

Frank Einstein loves science and living with his scientific grandfather while his parents travel.  He is determined to win the Midville Science Prize but his archenemy, T. Edison, utilizes his wealth and prestige to thwart the plans. Fortunately, Frank uses his intellect and observation skills to outwit his rival.
Full of scientific references and applications.

Matter notes in the back plus an experiment and humorous tidbits.
#1 in a new series Mr. Scieszka is creating.
Lexile: 730L

Strategy:  check for understanding (the book uses "flashback" structure plus lots of scientific references)

Horrible Harry Cracks the Code by Suzy Kline illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz*

My son is enjoying this series and reading it to himself.
He said he liked "when Harry figured out the code in order to earn a special coin.  Then an annoying girl, Mary, in his class tattled on him!"
This book discusses the Fibonacci code (unique sequence of numbers found in nature and musical cords) in the back and explains how the sequence work.
*Highly recommend.

Dog and Bear Tricks and Treats by Laura Vaccaro Seeger*

I love this new book by Ms. Seeger!
Perfect for beginning readers-three short chapters about the same two characters-dog and bear at Halloween.
Each ending is funny.
Opportunities to predict and infer.
*Highly recommend.
Three other books in the series.

I Like Me! by Nancy Carlson

This book was a bit too much about "liking me".  I want my children to know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made but this book was a bit too much for me-especially when the narrator begins the book with, "I have a best friend.  That best friend is me!".  Maybe I am being too harsh?!

Otherwise, I really like it because it contains mostly sight words or uses words that can be decoded or figured out by looking at the illustrations.  Daily CAFE website recommends using to model reading sight words.
Grade Level Equivalent: 1.3

The Bear Ate Your Sandwich by Julia Sarcone-Roach*

A long explanation is shared how a bear ate someone's sandwich.  A surprise narrator is revealed at the end, so no peeking ahead.
Perfect for when modeling schema-when the bear enters the city, he uses his schema from the forest to make sense of the city.
I loved the end pages in the front-all different types of sandwiches-made me very hungry!!
*Highly recommend.

Horrible Harry and the Green Slime by Suzy Kline illustrated by Frank Remkiewicz*

My second grader enjoys this series.
He read it to himself.  He said each chapter was a different story.  His favorite one was the "slime one".  The kids had to demonstrate something.  The principal attended and was a good sport as the narrator spiked his hair!
Great series for reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: L (end of second grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.3

Who Put the Cookies in the Cookie Jar? by George Shannon illustrated by Julie Paschkis

In rhyming text the author shares how many different people and cultures make it possible for us to bake cookies (from the person who makes the cookie sheet to the oven mitts to the sugar cane to churning the butter to delivering the goods to the store to the people who stock the shelves.
I liked the diversity of individuals represented.
I have read more interesting books about this same topic, though.

Trust Me, Jack's Beanstalk Stinks! by Eric Braun illustrated by Cristian Bernardini

"The Story of Jack and the Beanstalk as told by the Giant"
Funny!  The above line summarizes the story best.
More books in the series-
Believe Me, Goldilocks Rocks!
Honestly, Red Riding Hood Was Rotten!
Seriously, Cinderella is SO Annoying!
A fifth grade teacher I know used these books to help her fifth graders think from the villain's point of view  and then write their own fairy tale, telling it from the villain's perspective.

Star Bright-A Christmas Story by Alison McGhee illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds

Two big names in children's literature come together!  Ms. McGhee, author of the Bink and Gollie series and Peter H. Reynolds the illustrator of the Judy Moody series.

A new angel wonders what she can give to the new prince (Jesus) upon His birth.
I don't agree with their depiction of angels.  The story is sweet, though.
My favorite line is "Light in the darkness-the best gift of all."

The Prince's Poison Cup by R.C. Sproul illustrated by Justin Gerard*

Ella Ruth is sick and needs to take yucky medicine.  When she asks her grandfather why the medicine to make her well tastes so bad, he proceeds to tell her the story about a prince who must drink poison to make people well.
A great book to explain the gospel to children.
R.C. Sproul provides questions in the back with verses as answers.
*Highly recommend.
R.C. Sproul has written several children's picture books and we own most of them.  I think I like this one the best.
Strategies: inferring, author's purpose, main idea/details

A Chair for My Mother by Vera B. Williams*

Award-winning book-Caldecott Honor Book
A young girl, her mother and grandmother save any extra money in a huge jar.  A year ago their house and all their possessions burn in a house fire.  Generous neighbors share various household objects but they are still in need of a comfy chair in which her mother can relax.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: check for understanding (the girl flashes back to a year ago and explains what had happened; then returns to the present), Daily CAFE website recommends using it to model "skip the word, then come back".
Guided Reading Level: M (third grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.8

There Was a Coyote Who Swallowed a Flea by Jennifer Ward illustrated by Steve Gray

To the familiar rhyme "There Was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly", is a coyote in a desert swallowing lots of animals and items.  His stomach swells but even pursues the moon!
Not all the animals/objects he swallows follow a logical order.
Strategy: connections (T-T)

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart -The Mission to Find Max #14 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

My second grader is very sad he finished this series.  His favorite part was when Jack finds his brother Max.
We emailed the author and she said she is working on more titles for the series (yeah!!) but they will not be published for another year.

*Highly recommend.

The Secret of the Indian by Lynne Reid Banks illustrated by Ted Lewin*

This is the third book in the series.
Omri and Patrick find more adventure with the magic cupboard that transform plastic figures into alive figures.  Patrick time travels (and turns miniature) to visit Cowboy Boone's town.  When Patrick returns he brings a natural disaster with him that actually helps prevent adults discovering their magical cupboard and key.
My second grader was reading this at school (his independent reading) and I decided to read it too to make sure he was understanding it.
Strategies: Check for understanding (the chapters switch between Omri's point of view and Patrick's point of view when Patrick is visiting Boone's homeland), inferring-context clues, word choice/vocab
Grade Equivalent Level:  6.1
Warnings: Omri's father swears (pg. 3), Alcohol use- Part of the story takes in the "Wild West" in a saloon, Boone and his friends from the west really enjoy their "likkor".  Omri's father catches him sneaking alcohol from his stash (it was for Boone) and proceeds to make Omri drink it!, lying

The Little Prince by Antoine De Saint-Exupery*

My dear friend from China gave this book to me for Christmas since it is her favorite book. I had never read it. The version she gave me is the "deluxe pop-up"-unabridged text.
Of course, then, my two sons, loved paging through it and making the pictures "move".
As a result, I read it aloud to them.  They loved it and so did I!
A classic-so many themes and quotable lines!
A book enjoyed by people from various cultures must indicate it is a book to be read!


The narrator's plane crashes into the Sahara Desert.  As he is trying to repair the plane, he meets the Little Prince .. .who is a prince of a small planet, three volcanoes (one is extinct) and a flower.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: check for understanding (story switches settings and time periods), synthesizing, inferring, predicting

Read aloud-my boys, ages 8 and 5, enjoyed hearing it read aloud to them.  They probably do not understand the deeper aspects/themes of it but could still understand and love the main story.  The pop up pictures and movable pictures also fostered a love towards it!!

Top readers in 3rd-4th grade could read and possibly understand this book but older readers will appreciate the richness, the themes and what it has to offer even more so.

Pair with picture book by Peter Sis-The Pilot and the Little Prince (a biography about Antoine De Saint-Exupery).

Goodnight Already! by Jory John illustrated by Benji Davies*

I may be purchasing this book!  So many ways to utilize it!
Bear is so excited to crawl into bed for the night.  Duck, his next door neighbor, is soo awake!  You can guess what happens next!
I love how the entire story is told via dialogue.  Perfect for Reader's Theater for two people or "Read to Someone" in Daily 5.
Strategies: fluency/accuracy-reading with expression, reading punctuation
                 predicting/confirming predictions, inferring, character traits
*Highly recommend.

Secret Agent Jack Stalwart -The Hunt for the Yeti Skull #13 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt*

Jack travels to Nepal (Mount Everest) to search for a missing scientist team who may have discovered a Yeti skull.
My second grader read this book to himself.  He said he liked it because one of the "bad guys" was his one of classmates which made it exciting.
*Highly recommend the series.

Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan*

Anna is helping the doctor in town so she gives Caleb the responsibility of recording the family events in a journal.  At first he is reluctant but when a mysterious man appears in their barn one snowy evening, he suddenly has plenty to write!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: predicting, inferring, main idea/details
Guided Reading Level: R (beginning of 4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalency: 3.1

Goldie Takes a Stand: Golda Meir's First Crusade* by Barbara Krasner illustrated by Kelsey Garrity-Riley

Goldie is bothered by the fact her that some of her classmates cannot afford to purchase textbooks.
She and a group of Jewish girls come together with determination to raise money for their friends.
In this book Goldie is only in 4th grade but has responsibilities and the determination that children in our modern society cannot even comprehend.
A great book to inspire children-to show them that they "can do hard things" and make a difference.
*Highly recommend.
Although the text is easy reading for 4th-6th graders, they would still benefit from reading it and being inspired from Goldie's leadership skills.

Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan*

The sequel to Sarah, Plain and Tall.
Sarah has married Papa.  The summer brings a drought and lots of dust to the plains.
Sarah takes the children to her old home in Maine to escape the harshness.  Papa remains on the farm to rebuild the burnt barn.  Caleb worries that they will not be a family again.
Beautiful writing.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: main idea/details, inferring
Guided Reading Level: R (Beginning 4th grade)
Grade Equivalent Level: 3.3

George Washington's Rules to Live By by K.M. Kostyal illustrated by Fred Harper*

"National Geographic Kids"
"A Good Manners Guide from the Father Our Country"
Ms. Kostyal features some of George Washington's most interesting "rules".  Underneath each rule, she explains it so readers can relate it to modern day.  She also provides additional tidbits about the rule or George Washington and what life was like at the time in history.
At the end is a complete listing of all of his rules (110 rules!).
Text features: introduction, table of contents, headings, bold print, text size, index

The Dragon in the Sock Drawer by Kate Klimo illustrated by John Shroades

I was reading this book aloud to my 2nd grader and preschooler but stopped because my oldest was becoming freaked out by the hint of the mysterious dragon slayer.

Jesse lives with his cousin Daisy and her parents while his parents live abroad.  One day while rock hunting with his uncle, Jesse finds an unusual rock which sounds like it is talking to him!  A dragon eventually hatches out of it and the two cousins must research to discover how to care for the dragon.  A mysterious car seems to be following them.

The chapters were a bit long so maybe not a good fit for a reluctant reader.
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan*

*Newbery Medal
Papa puts in an advertisement for a wife.  Sarah answers and travels from Maine to join the family.  Anna and Caleb fear that Sarah will not like them and leave.
A sweet story-well written.
Shorter chapters so perfect for reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: main idea/details, inferring
Guided Reading Level: R (middle of 4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2

How to Outrun a Crocodile When Your Shoes Are Untied by Jess Keating*

Seventh grader Ana is struggling to survive the rest of the year without her best friend who moved to New Zealand.  As she navigates loneliness, bullies, a crush, and a fear of public speaking, Ana begins to discover who she is and gains self-confidence.
Serious issues but Ms. Keating offsets them nicely with humor provided by Ana' brother Daz and the fact the family lives at the zoo.
Interesting animal facts begin each chapter with a comment from Ana.
Chocolate lipgloss recipe is shared in the back.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: predicting, inferring, main idea
I am looking forward to reading the sequel-How to Outswim a Shark Without a Snorkel

Hedgie's Surprise by Jan Brett*

Henny is tired of the Tomten stealing her egg each morning for breakfast.  Her friend Hedgie comes up with plans to deter him but when the Tomten threatens to eat Henny, Hedgie must create a mega plan!
We love Jan Brett's books but somehow missed reading this one prior to today.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: predicting, sequencing, story elements/retelling

The Grapes of Math by Greg Tang illustrated by Harry Briggs*

"Mind-Stretching Math Riddles"
Riddle rhymes that offer clues how to solve a math problem instead of just counting.
A great book to bridge addition to multiplication.
*Highly recommend.
My boys love the math riddle books by Mr. Tang!

Chocolate Fever by Robert Kimmel Smith*

Henry Green loves chocolate and eats it at every meal.  One day he breaks out in chocolate spots all over his body.  After running away from the doctors at the hospital, he hitches a ride with a truck driver to hide from society.  A series of exciting events helps Henry realize his deeper issue than just loving chocolate too much!
Warning: The truck driver and Henry are hijacked.  The thieves have guns and threaten them with the guns.  Henry runs away and hitchhikes.
Guided Reading: O (third grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.8
Text set: The Chocolate Touch, Chocolatina, Smart About Chocolate: A Sweet History

Math for All Seasons by Greg Tang illustrated by Harry Briggs*

My boys (ages 5 and 8) love these math riddle books.
In rhyming riddles, the author presents problems to solve and gives a hint the best way to solve it.  Illustrations on the opposite page also assist in the problem solving.
*Highly recommend.
This book is best for ages 5-8.

In My Tree by Sara Gillingham and Lorena Siminovich*

An interactive board book equipped with an owl puppet.  Young child can learn some basic facts about owls in a fun manner.
*Highly recommend.
Other titles in the series: In My Pond, In My Nest, In My Den

In My Nest by Sara Gillingham and Lorena Siminovich*

A cute board book that introduces how a nest is made.  A puppet bird is in the center of the nest.  Cut out nest shapes on each page allow the bird puppet to be nestling in the nest.
Part of a series--other titles In My Pond, In My Den, In My Tree.
*Highly recommend.

The Secret of the Attic by Sheri Cooper Sinykin

Four friends find a golden key and return it to their new neighbor.  The neighbor allows them to play in her amazing attic.  They find themselves transported back in time to the 1930's when their neighbor was a young girl.
The now adult neighbor invites them to continue their adventures in her attic.
Book #1 in Magic Attic Club.
I would have loved this book as second/third grader.
Strategy: check for understanding (There is no main character so at times it is confusing which character is talking/thinking.
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.4 (no guided reading level available)

Blizzard by John Rocco**

A new favorite!!
Mr. Rocca tells how he and his family survived the blizzard of 1978 on Rhode Island.  He specifically relates how he used rackets as snow shoes to walk to the grocery store for his neighbors and family.
I love, love the pull out page which expands into four panels and shows his path from his house to the grocery store.
I also love how he cleverly displays which day of the week it is.
Very clever and creative book.
A mentor text for a personal narrative.
***HIGHLY RECOMMEND.

Sequoia by Tony Johnston illustrated by Wendell Minor*

Beautiful illustrations by Mr. Minor!
Ms. Johnston has the Sequoia share its perspective through the seasons.
More detailed facts about the sequoia in the back-provided by the author.
Great book to use when teaching figurative language.
Full of personification.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: personification/figurative language

The Legend of Saint Nicholas by Anselm Grun illustrated by Giuliano Ferri*

Mr. Grun relates several stories about the real Saint Nicholas and the impact he made in others' lives.
A definite read for Christmas time.
*Highly recommend.

Little Elliot Big City by Mike Curato*

Little Elliot struggles day to day to survive in the big city.  His short stature make life a bit complicated.  One day he sees a mouse, much smaller than he is, struggling.  Because of his experience of being small, he immediately has compassion and assists him.
Sweet ending!
A great book to discuss how hardships make us more compassionate people and more willing to help others.
Strategy: main idea
*Highly recommend.

Big Rig by Jamie A. Swenson illustrated by Ned Young*

An eighteen wheeler talks to the reader with trucking lingo as he delivers a important cargo.
Bold, bright illustrations.
Last page has a trucking glossary.
Strategies/skills: onomatopoeia, inferring-context clues (the trucking vocab.)
*Highly recommend.

Hippos Can't Swim and Other Fun Facts by Laura Lyn DiSiena and Hannah Eliot illustrated by Pete Oswald

Part of the "Did You Know?" series
More fun surprising facts about animals.
Format is in a fun, humorous manner so this series will appeal to children who normally do not enjoy nonfiction.

Chickens Don't Fly and Other Fun Facts by Laura Lyn DiSiena and Hannah Eliot illustrated by Pete Oswald

Part of a series "Did You Know?"
A fun nonfiction book which shares familiar facts along with surprising facts.  A tidbit from the previous page leads to a new topic each time.
More Fun Facts about each animal on the last page.

Vanilla Ice Cream by Bob Graham

A sparrow from India changes a toddler's life significantly.
Strategy: inferring
Sparse text.

What the Moon Said by Gayle Rosengren*

Esther's family moves from Chicago to a farm in Wisconsin.  The Depression has caused her father to lose his job so they try to find success in farming.  Esther loves the farm but slowly the family's food rations dwindle.
This book offers an insight into the Depression era but explores so much more---contending with Old Country superstitions, defining love, and becoming one's own person.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: check for understanding, synthesizing, inferring-character traits

The House on East 88th Street by Bernard Waber*

An oldie but a goodie!
When the Primm family moves into their new home on East 88th Street, imagine their surprise to find a crocodile in the bathtub.  A note from the crocodile's former owner explains that his name is Lyle and how to take care of him.  Lyle immediately charms the family and finds a place within the family.  All too soon, Lyle's owner returns for him.  How can the Primm family survive without their beloved Lyle?
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: L (end of second grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.4

Screaming at the Ump by Audrey Vernick*

Casey lives with his father and grandfather in NJ at the "third best" umpire school in the nation,Behind the Plate (there are only three umpire schools in the nation!).  At Behind the Plate, the umpires are taught that the rules are the rules and you call it with confidence.  When Casey stumbles upon a potential mind-blowing story to write and print in his school's newspaper, he discovers that a story may have different angles, not like umpiring where there is one right angle for viewing the play.  Maybe he can apply this new perspective in his own life concerning his mother who left him and his father for another man.
This story contains many opportunities for discussion:  middle school, integrity in journalism, substance abuse, divorce.
*Highly recommend.

Blue on Blue by Dianne White illustrated by Beth Krommes*

Experience the gradually appearance of storm clouds, then a blast of rain and thunder/lightning, and the fun aftermath.
Rhyming text.  The amount of words per page match the mood of the storm.
Words are few but well selected (swell, looming, streaming, gushing, hounding, sneaks).

I especially like the illustrations -scratchboard and watercolor.  Ms. Krommes won the Caldecott for The House in the Night (2009).  Distinctive style.
My preschooler immediately noticed that she was the illustrator from one of our favorite books Swirl by Swirl!  If a preschooler can observe her style without adult prompting, then it is very distinct!!

Jane Brocket's Clever Concepts-1 Cookie, 2 Chairs, 3 Pears Numbers Everywhere *

Ms. Brocket takes colorful, eye-catching photographs.  My favorite photos were: the five toes on a huge statue and the fork/knife pairings.
Especially like this counting book because it includes numbers beyond twenty.
On some pages, the layout of objects lends itself to adding and discussing what two numbers added together make the sum.  Equal groupings also encourage counting by twos or threes.
*Highly recommend.
A must book for toddlers, preschoolers and Kindergartners!

The Torchlighters-Heroes of the Faith DVD series**

I normally post comments about books but I wanted to remember this DVD series.  I checked out a few DVDs from this series from our library but we do not have time to watch a lot of TV/DVDs.
This animated series shares the lives of individuals who stood up for their faith even if they faced imprisonment or death.
The producers also provide documentaries that show the actual locations and even interviews with relatives if possible.
Here is a list of some of the titles:
The Perpetua Story (early church Christian)
The John Bunyan Story (author of Pilgrim's Progress)
The Richard Wurmbrand Story (communism in Romania)
The Gladys Aylward Story (saves hundreds of children in China)
The Corrie Ten Boom Story (World War II)
Here is a link to more titles-http://www.torchlighters.org/

The age recommendation is 8-12 years  . . .there is violence and blood sometimes.  They portray a real picture of their lives, the historical time and sufferings.
***Highly recommend.
Pair with the book Hero Tales-by Dave and Aleta Jackson.
Plus pair with the Jackon's Trailblazer series-http://www.trailblazerbooks.com/Frame-1.html

Five O'Clock Charlie by Marguerite Henry illustrated by Wesley Dennis*

I loved this book as a child.  So I was excited to share my childhood copy with my preschooler.  He "sort of liked it"!
I still highly recommend it-great vocabulary, figurative language and a must for horse lovers and those who love England.
Charlie is a retired work horse who must live out the rest of his years eating thistles and chickweed in an old field.  The worse part about retirement is not being able to trot to the Boar's Head Inn for his daily apple tart.  He finally has had enough and takes matter into his own  hands . . .then life once again has meaning.
*Highly recommend.

Warning: The author mentions Birdie's (the cook at Boar's Head Inn) rather robust bosom.  Another sentence has, "she always jumped and grabbed herself as if an icicle had dropped down her bosom."  It creates a rather vivid picture and a humorous one.  I skipped over it when reading aloud to my child who cannot read.

Shh! We Have a Plan by Chris Haughton

Four brothers (?) venture out to capture a bird.  The fourth brother (and the littlest) seems to ruin their capture plan each time.
Funny ending.
Unique illustrations (digital).

Me and My Big Mouse by Ethan Long

A boy and his HUGE pet mouse are together all the time.  The boy becomes annoyed by it.  In the end together, they establish boundaries.
Not my favorite Ethan Long book but a good one to use when discussing boundaries in friendship.

A Ghost Tale For Christmas Time by Mary Pope Osborne illustrated by Sal Murdocca*

My second grader read this book to himself.
Jack and Annie travel back in time to London during the Industrial Revolution.  Here they meet a disheartened Charles Dickens and help revive his creativity and love for life.
My son said he liked the magic violin and how Jack and Annie help Charles Dickens so he can write "the Scrooge story".
*Highly recommend series.
Pair with any version of A Christmas Carol and Ms. Osborne's Fact Tracker-Rags and Riches-Kids in the Time of Charles Dickens.

Math Appeal by Greg Tang illustrated by Harry Briggs*

"Mind-Stretching Math Riddles"
My boys loved this book!  Rhymes pose a math problem to solve.  Pictures on the left side provide a visual while problem solving.  They want to read the rest of the books in this series (The Grapes of Math, Math for All Seasons,  and The Best of Times).
*Highly recommend.

Batman Science by Agnieszka Biskup and Tammy Enz *

"The Real-World Science Behind Batman's Gear"
We did not read this book from cover to cover because it is quite involved.  The boys each choose a few sections for me to read aloud.
Very clever-the book takes Batman's amazing equipment and gadgets and explains how real people/institutions use them in our world.
Text features: table of contents, picture captions, fact boxes, headings, bold font, photos, labels, close ups, index
*Highly recommend.
Perfect for older elementary/junior high individuals who are reluctant readers.
The library had this book labeled "Young Adult".

House of Robots by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein illustrated by Juliana Neufeld*

Sammy's parents are unique-mom's a robot inventor; dad's a ninja comic creator.  His sister has an immune disorder and is home schooled by a robot.
The house is full of robots performing various jobs.  Then Sammy's mom designs one to attend school with him.  The first day with "E" the robot does not go well and does not help Sammy's already unpopular reputation.
I really like how Sammy is loyal to his sister.  In fact, she is his best friend!  Also, Sammy's parents seem to have a solid relationship.  Refreshing!
Points to discuss: bullies; word "dumb" is used often in the beginning of the story
*Highly recommend.

Secret Files #6 The Hardy Boys -The Bicycle Thief by Franklin W. Dixon*

My second grader read this book to himself.
During  a bike race, Frank's tire blows and then the bike is missing.
Numerous suspects emerge as the day progresses.
**Spoiler Alert**-My son liked how everyone was putting the bike different places to keep it safe.
Perfect series for mystery lovers, reluctant readers and for building stamina.
*Highly recommend.

Walk a Mile in My Farm Boots by Philip Herr, Pennsylvania Farm Boy*

"An Exciting Exploration of American Dairy Farming!"
Written by an eleven year old farm boy from Lebanon, PA!
With interesting photos and an entertaining yet very informative narrative, Philip shares about the birth and development of calves, the milking process, how milk is processed into foods we eat, how crops are harvested and stored plus many other interesting tidbits.
Lots of fact boxes, clever layouts and an adorable cat named "Cutie" who pops up on random pages.
Very well organized.
Text features: diagrams, picture captions, fact boxes, charts, bold font, glossary
A couple of recipes are in the back too!
**Highly recommend.

Arcady's Goal by Eugene Yelchin*

Arcady's parents were arrested and killed because they were "enemy of the people/Soviet state".  His life is defined by his ability to score soccer goals in the orphanage yard.  These goals earn him food rations and respect.  Inspectors come to view the orphanage.  "Butterball", the director, demands that Arcady show off his soccer skills in front of the inspectors with the loose promise that maybe one of the inspectors is a soccer coach for the Red Army Soccer Club.  One of the inspectors is impressed by Arcady . . .but not with his soccer skills but with his courage.  "Ivan Ivanych" adopts him and the two of them help each other process the evil of Communism and thrive despite its threats and affects.
*Highly recommend.
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