What Was Pompeii? by Jim O'Connor illustrated by John Hinderliter*

A great book to have in the classroom when studying about Roman life and the Vesuvius eruption.
Vesuvius erupting is the premise for the book but Mr. O'Connor delves into the various aspects of Roman life during that time period.  A chapter is dedicated to the discovery of buried Pompeii.
Lots of text features: diagrams, table of content, picture captions, 16 photographs, headings, bold font, time lines, index.
Written in a manner that shows how exciting history is!
*Highly recommend.
Pair with I Survived the Destruction of Pompeii 79 AD and Pompeii . . .Buried Alive! Step into Reading

The Incredible Words of Wally McDoogle #1 My Life as a Smashed Burrito with Extra Hot Sauce by Bill Myers

Wally is being forced to go to camp.  The trip does not begin very well when he by accident sits in the bully's seat on the bus and proceeds to smear Gary "Gorilla"'s hand with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich (by accident, of course.).  This action commences an all out "war" at camp, the campers vs. Gary "Gorilla" and his goons.
The camp is a Christian run camp and Dale, the head counselor, tries to impart the importance of wisdom and making wise choices throughout the week.  As Wally learns that one unwise decision leads another and another and another until life is out of control.  He also realizes how to love his enemy and value of befriending people who will not lead you astray with your walk with God.
I did not like how "Christian" kids repeatedly called Wally a "dork-oid" and how none of the kids at the Christian camp acted very  Christ-like.
My second grader could read and understand this book but the content would not be appropriate for him (in my opinion): see below-
Warnings/points to discuss: Mr. Myers talks about girls developing chests like Marilyn Monroe (What is the point of offering another opportunity to put those thoughts in boys' heads??), campers making out in the bushes and campers sneaking off to smoke.  The kids at the camp were very cliquish-"jocks", "babes", "dork-oids", "egg heads" etc.

Grade Level Equivalent: 4.8

Thunder Cake by Patricia Polacco*

Trisha is afraid of a lot things on her Babushka's farm but especially thunderstorms.
To help her overcome her fear, her grandmother introduces to the art of baking "thunder cake"-gathering ingredients, mixing them and baking the cake while the thunder rumbles in the distance and then enjoying the luscious chocolate and strawberries while the rain pours.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: M (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.5
Strategies: cause/effect, connections, inferring

Hansel and Gretel retold by Rika Lesser illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky*

**Caldecott Honor Book
Old-painting-like illustrations and wonderful word choice make this book an excellent choice to share this old tale.
Ms. Lesser's retelling is based on Wilhelm Grimm's first transcription.
*Highly recommend.
Warnings: witch, adult cruelty to children, the witch is burned to death, abandonment by parents, death
Guided Reading Level: N (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2

I Am Walt Disney #11 by Grace Norwich illustrated by Phil Parks*

Beginning with Walt Disney's childhood, Ms. Norwich shows how Disney developed a hard work ethic at a young age and how he pursued his dreams despite a lot of set backs.
Written in an interesting manner which will keep even reluctant readers' attention.
Text features: table of contents, introduction, bold font, character overview, time line, picture captions, photos, fact boxes, headings, two sections of extra fun facts about Disney, glossary, places to visit, index
*Highly recommend
Lots of other titles in the series-Sacagawea, Albert Einstein, Helen Keller, Martin Luther King Jr., George Washington, Harriet Tubman, George Lucas, Roberto Clemente, John F. Kennedy.
A must series for any 2nd-5th grade classroom!
Guided Reading Level: S (4th/5th)
Grade Level Equivalency: 5th grade

A Praying Life by Paul E. Miller**

"Connecting with God in a Distracting World"
This book will challenge your view of God and transform why and how you pray.
The book is thought provoking yet very practical.  One of the best nonfiction, Christian, "spiritual" books I have ever read!
***Highly, highly recommend.

Animal Teachers by Janet Halfmann illustrated by Katy Hudson*

The author introduces the main idea of the book by asking the reader who taught them everything.  Then, after that, a two page spread features a different animal and how its parent taught them to survive.  The section ends by turning the attention to the reader by asking them a question about the topic.
"More Animal Facts" at the end share more facts about the animals featured in the book.
Absolutely love the end pages for the book-beautiful!!
*Highly recommend.
A great book to share with preschoolers and early elementary to introduce nonfiction text.

Room for Bear by Ciara Gavin

Bear visits the duck family one spring and never leaves!  Their home, however, does not quite accommodate bear.  Sadly Bear must leave and live in his own cave.  As he longs for the duck family's companionship, he comes up with a way they can live happily together.
Soft, pastel illustrations.

Very Little Red Riding Hood by Teresa Heapy and Sue Heap

Love the end pages with a map of the various fairy tale characters.
Very Little Red Riding Hood walks through the woods to go to her grandmother's for a sleep over.  When she encounters the wolf, she is too little to realize that she should be scared!
A very different ending.
I did not care for how Very Little Red talks-like a toddler (guess she is very little) -for example-"I go see Gramma with cakes." or "No touch my cakes!".
Strategies: connections (T-T), compare/contrast

Mesmerized by Mara Rockliff illustrated by Iacopo Bruno**

"How Ben Franklin Solved a Mystery that Baffled All of France"
Ben Franklin travels to France to convince them to offer financial support to the Colonies during the Revolutionary War.  Ben finds France. . .entranced. . .mesmerized by Dr. Mesmer.  Dr. Mesmer can make any ailing person feel better by waving his wand.
Ben utilizes the scientific method to test Dr. Mesmer and his "amazing" wand.
The perfect book to tie history and science together!
Lots of French words throughout the book (I would have liked a translation page for all of the French words.)
Readers learn about the scientific method, the placebo effect and the origin of the word "mesmerize".
In the back the author goes into more detail about Ben Franklin, Dr. Franz Mesmer, science and the state of the world during this time period.
Well researched but presented in an interesting, fun manner.
Love the end papers-optical illusions!
**Highly, highly recommend this book.
Pair with: Hot Air: The (Mostly) True Story of the First Hot Air Balloon Ride by Marjorie Priceman, The Case of the Missing Moonstone-The Wallstonecraft Detective Agency Book 1 by Jordan Stratford

Shoe Dog by Megan McDonald illustrated by Katherine Tillotson*

From the cover to the title page, the reader can begin making predictions about this story's plot.  I love when a book embraces all features of itself to tell the story!
The main character, a dog, is sooo happy when a lady adopts him from the local shelter.  He settles into his new home well until he finds her shoes and has a good chew.  His shoe chewing is an ongoing problem so much that he is fearful of returning to the shelter.  An unexpected discovery solve this problem in a sweet way.
Shoe Dog tells the story but whenever his owner speaks, her words are featured in speech bubbles with the color background reflecting her mood.
What I loved: the word choice (similes, strong verbs) and how Ms. McDonald reveals the perspective of a dog very well with her word choice-"New Box" "Noisy Paper", "Corner Rug", "Big Bed", "Land of Upstairs", "She Herself"

**Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, expanding vocab/word choice, figurative language-similes

Secret Agent Dingledorf-The Case of the Drooling Dinosaurs #4 by Bill Myers illustrated by Meredith Johnson

Bernie Dingledorf is presenting his report about dinosaurs to his classmates when his tiny plastic dinos come alive!  Then his underwear begins beeping.  Big Guy, the head of the secret agency, is calling him to help . . . .a machine is making all kinds of dinosaurs come to life and only Secret Agent Dingledorf can stop the machine.
As Bernie scrambles to save the city, he learns a thing or two about the importance of rules and following them.
This book is considered "Christian" but God or straight Biblical references are not included.  A verse about following rules is featured the opposite page of the table of contents.
LOTs of onomatopoeia words (I found it rather it annoying but kids may find the amount and frequency of them humorous?!).
Short, fast paced chapters make this a good match for reluctant readers.

Who Was Jesus? by Ellen Morgan illustrated by Stephen Marchesi*

In brief, informative chapters, Ms. Morgan shares Jesus' life from his birth through his resurrection and ascent into heaven.
She also includes interesting historical tidbits from that time.
*Highly recommend.
Text features: table of contents, fact boxes, map, labels, headings, time lines
Read over 96 titles in this series Who Is? . . .Who Was?-perfect for older, reluctant readers.

Charlie Plays Ball by Ree Drummond illustrated by Diane deGroat*

In this book, Charlie describes all the different sports the children play on the ranch.  After all that exercise, Charlie really looks forward to the snacks and spaghetti and meatball dinner!
A recipe for spaghetti and meatballs is included in the back.
*Highly recommend.

This Old Band by Tamera Will Wissinger illustrated by Matt Loveridge

Cowboys (and a cowgirl!) use various tools and items around their campsite to make music all day and into the night.
A great book for music teachers to use when introducing the topic of instruments-how anything can be an instrument!
 It includes the concept of counting down to from ten to one.
The flow/rhythm was not smooth for me so I did not enjoy reading it aloud.  But maybe it was me?

What Was Ellis Island? by Patricia Brennan Demuth*

This book shares the history of Ellis Island --from what the Native Americans called it to Samuel Ellis who bought it after the Revolutionary War to the construction of the buildings to the shut down of Ellis Island to its remodeling phase for a historical site.
Very interesting-a must book to add to one's immigration collection.
Frequently throughout the book are inserts about interesting people who were an integral part of the island.
The chapters are short with plenty of illustrations so the book is perfect for reluctant older readers.
"16 pages of photographs".
Text features: table of contents, cross section, maps, fact boxes/pages, headings, photographs, timelines, bibliography
*Highly recommend.
More books in the series for "What Was?"-Alamo, Gettysburg, Boston Tea Party, First Thanksgiving, Gold Rush, March on Washington, Pearl Harbor, Pompeii, Underground Railroad
"Must Have series for classroom library"3rd-6th

Charlie and the Christmas Kitty by Ree Drummond illustrated by Diane deGroat*

Charlie is working hard to decorate and prepare for Christmas.
Christmas morning brought him a surprise-a new kitty.  At first Charlie decides he does not like this new addition and tries to ignore it.
Funny!  One part had my preschooler belly-laughing.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: inferring
Recipe for Christmas cookies in the back.

Charlie and the new Baby by Ree Drummond illustrated by Diane deGroat*

One spring day Charlie finds a newborn calf using his bed, receiving all the tender loving care and the food.  How will he survive?
Plenty of humor and life from a dog's point of view!
Recipe for "egg in a hole" from Pioneer Woman in the back.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: inferring

Charlie the Ranch Dog by Ree Drummond illustrated by Diane deGroat*

Meet hard-working (read: hardly working) ranch dog, Charlie.  In this first book we also meet Suzie another dog who, of course, does not contribute much to the ranch!
A yummy lasagna recipe from Pioneer Woman is in the back.
Strategy: inferring

Claude on the Slopes by Alex T. Smith

Claude, the dog, and his best friend, Sir Bobblysock (a sock) wait until Mr. and Mrs. Shinyshoes leave for the day to have adventure.  In this book they discover snow for the first time and enjoy all the sports and activities that snow has to offer.
Warning: In small print at the library is a poster that says "Fifty Shades of Beige-Your Guide to Paint" . . .don't know if was intentional to hint to the reference of the other book.  I don't like any references to it!!

Guided Reading Level: O
Grade Level Equivalency: 5

Judy Moody and Friends-Stink Moody in Master of Disaster by Megan MacDonald illustrated by Erwin Madrid*

Stink is my favorite character in the Judy Moody  books.
In three longer chapters with plenty of illustrations, Stink sleeps outside with his sister Judy, survives an asteroid crash, and comes up with a perfect name for a star.
Perfect book for transitional readers.
*Highly recommend.

Completely Clementine #7 by Sara Pennypacker illustrated by Marla Frazee*

In this seventh book in the Clementine series, Clementine must face saying good-bye to her third grade teacher, persevere in giving her father the silent treatment, and anticipate a new baby in the house.
Humorous and heart warming!
*Highly recommend.

Ms. Rapscott's Girls by Elise Primavera*

Where do girls with busy parents go to learn to brush their teeth, how to ride a bike, how to get along with others, write a proper thank you note, and most importantly, "how to find their way"?  The answer is obvious, one sits in cardboard box and flies over to Ms. Rapscott's lighthouse school.
Girls of the five busiest parents in the world fly in to spend a semester with Ms. Rapscott-Beatrice, Mildred, Fay, Annabelle and the ever lost Dahlia.
The girls spend many days on fantastical adventures learning about themselves and trying to earn their way to the top of the birthday cake!
Some reviewers have equated this book to Mary Poppins and Ms. Piggle-Wiggle.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, figurative language

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place-The Mysterious Howling #1 by Maryrose Wood

Penelope Lumley feels well prepared to be a governess.  Graduating from the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, she has had a solid education and wise mentors.  Then she meets her charges . . .children Lord Ashton has found in the woods who have been raised by wolves it seems.
Mysteries abound in the large estate.  At the conclusion, there are more issues unresolved so the reader will want to read the other titles in the series.
The only thing I do not like about this book is how the adults do not treat the children kindly-or less than human or less important.  It seems like a common theme in some series (Series of Unfortunate Events, for example.).
The book is well written with a dry sense of humor comments from the author.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

The Return of the Dragon by Rebecca Rupp*

Sequel to The Dragon of Lonely Island.
The children return to the island and Fafnyr.  Once again they listen to his stories but his existence may be threatened by a wealthy man.
My second grader read this to himself (years earlier I had read it aloud to him).  He said he enjoyed the second one even more than the first one.  He asked if a third book was published.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: S (4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalency: 6.7

Charlie Goes to School by Ree Drummond illustrated by Diane deGroat*

This picture book shows Charlie's family in the middle of school-at home.
Charlie decides to run his own school with Suzie the dog, Kitty Kitty, the ranch horses, and Walter, the dog.  Running a school is not as easy as it looks!
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: connections (T-W-connect to the Pioneer Woman TV show)

Charlie the Ranch Dog-Stuck in the Mud by Ree Drummond illustrated by Diane deGroat*

I Can Read! Beginning Reader-Level 1
Charlie joins the family in rounding up cattle.  Unfortunately he and Abigail, a young steer, end up stuck in the mud.
Readers will enjoy searching for the chipmunk in all the books in this series.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: connections

Charlie the Ranch Dog-Charlie's Snow Day by Ree Drummond illustrated by Diane deGroat*

I Can Read! Level 1  Beginning Reader
Charlie joins his family in sledding down a huge hill.  Sledding down is a wonderful experience but trudging up the hill is a different story!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, connections

I Can Read-Charlie the Ranch Dog Where's the Bacon? by Ree Drummond illustrated by Diane deGroat*

Level 1 -Beginning Reading
Charlie, the ranch dog, is not enjoying sharing his bacon, Mama or bed with Rowdy the visiting dog.
A couple of idioms/cliches in this story ("run a tight ship", "the final straw")
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: inferring, connections (text to world-if reader has seen TV show featuring the Pioneer Woman and her pets).

A Wonderful Year by Nick Bruel*

I loved this book!
The author relates four separate stories centered on the same girl during the four seasons.
Humor abounds.  Mr. Bruel captures each season and its traits very well.
*Highly recommend.
Spring Splendor offers the perfect opportunity to read for fluency and expression.

Tap Tap Boom Boom by Elizabeth Bluemel illustrated by G. Brian Karas*

What happens when it rains in the city?
Rhyme, rhythm, onomatopoeia make this book a delight to read aloud.
Strategies: vocab. expansion/word choice, onomatopoeia, inferring
*Highly recommend.
A perfect book to read on a rainy, stormy day!

A Bucket of Blessings by Kabir Sehgal and Surishtha Sehgal illustrated by Jing Jing Tsong

A mother and son wrote this book together.
This Indian myth reinforces how we may bless others without realizing.
The land is dry and the animals are concerned.  Monkey has heard that peacock can dance to make it rain so he sets off to make his request known.  When the peacock informs him that he needs water to make it rain, monkey is delighted when he discovers a cave with a spring.  He lugs a bucket full of water back to peacock to realized the bucket had a leak.  Surprising results occur and teach a meaningful lesson.
Strategies: main idea

Balto and the Great Race by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel illustrated by Nora Koerber*

My second grade checked this out of his school's library.
He liked it because he thought it was amazing that Balto knew exactly where to go and knew when the ice was too thin.
Not only does this story relate how Balto brings an antitoxin serum to relieve the Nome residents who have succumbed to diphtheria, it also shares the aftermath of Balto's life until his death.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: P (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalency: 3.5

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbit*

What would you do if you had the opportunity to live forever?  Winnie is faced with this decision when she encounters the Tuck family who by drank from a spring, not knowing the water would allow them to live forever.
Lurking behind the scenes is a stranger who knows exactly what he wants to do with the water.
I love all the figurative, descriptive language in the book.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: V
Grade Level Equivalency:  5.9
Points to discuss/warnings: Ma Tuck murders a man, kidnapping

Witness by Karen Hesse

Eleven different characters narrate through free verse their perspectives of the affects and attitudes towards the recent invasion of the Klu Klux Klan in this small Vermont town in 1924.

Very insightful and well written.

Some characters do change their views on Blacks and Jews in a positive way.

I did not like how the pastor in the story "forced himself on a small child" (not many details were given) so I am not recommending the book.

Warning: strong racial hatred against Jews and Blacks, attempted murder, suicide, rape/child molester, swearing (d-)

Guided Reading Level: Z

Grade Level Equivalent: 5.9