McBroom's Wonderful One-Acre Farm by Sid Fleischman illustrated by Quentin Blake*

Three tall tales told from Farmer McBroom's point of view.
Humorous stories about the family's fertile one acre farm and how they often outsmart their mean neighbor Mr. Heck Jones and the weather.
*Highly recommend.
Both my boys enjoyed these tales.  My eight year old read the book to himself and was eager to listen to the tales again when I read it aloud to my six year old.
Strategies: inferring, figurative language
Guided Reading Level: O (third grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.9

Betsy-Tacy by Maud Hart Lovelace illustrated by Lois Lenski*

How did I miss this series as a child?!
Betsy longs for a friend to play with on her street.  Then one snowy spring day a large family moves in across the street.  Betsy and Tacy's first encounter does not seem promising but as they work through a misconception, a solid friendship blossoms and thrives.
A sweet friendship that celebrates creativity and imagination.
*Highly recommend.
This series follows Betsy from a five year old until she is an adult and married.  Ms. Lovelace based the series on her own childhood and her childhood friend, Bick.
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2

The Day the Crayons Came Home by Drew Daywalt illustrated by Oliver Jeffers*

The much anticipated sequel to The Day the Crayons Quit!
Duncan's crayons send him post cards sharing where they are located around the house and even the world.  All post cards included are retro and older.
Mr. Daywalt uses different color crayons (neon red, maroon, pea green, glow in the dark, a toddler crayon!,  plus more) and also includes our friends yellow and orange crayon from the first book.
Lots of clever humor which will delight readers of all ages!
A book we are purchasing!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: fluency (have various students be a different crayon and turn story into a Reader's Theater), connections 
Mentor text for creative writing: Have students select a crayon and describe where its owner left, following Mr. Daywalt's example.  Also a mentor text for point of view.

The Classic Tales of Brer Rabbit retold by David Borgenicht illustrated by Don Daily*

After reading The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Thorton Burgess, my boys were reminiscing about a ride at Disney World that told the stories of Brer Rabbit.  So we checked out three books containing the classic tales collected by Joel Chandler Harris.
I like this one the best because of the illustrations.
Seven humorous stories will delight readers.
*Highly recommend.
Point to discuss/warning: These are trickster tales so the characters are not always honest.

Adventures of Riley -Tigers in Terai by Amanda Lumry and Laura Hurwitz illustrated by Sarah McIntyre*

Riley's Uncle Max (a world-renowned biologist) asks him to join him in Nepal to search for and document the presence of tigers.  As Riley, Uncle Max, Aunt Martha and cousin Alice explore the Terai Arc, they discover all interesting creatures and enjoy some adventures.
My six year old does not prefer nonfiction but while I was reading it, he informed that he really liked it and wanted to read more from this series!
The authors mix a fun story with interesting facts that truly keep the reader engages.
Photographs are mixed in with the illustrations.  Fact boxes share more information about the animals Riley encounters.
Text features:  photographs, fact boxes, bold font, map, further information page which also includes a glossary, defining the bold face words throughout the main text
*Highly recommend.
Part of a series-Safari in South Africa, Project Panda, South Pole Penguins, Polar Bear Puzzle, and Dolphins in Danger

Waiting by Kevin Henkes

Five toys sit on a windowsill, each appreciating different aspects of their life.  Each one waits for its highlight throughout the year.  The pig anticipates rain while the owl looks forward to the moon.
This is a quiet book with not any action.  As my six year old and I read this together, I found myself asking him a lot of questions and having him make inferences.
Strategies: asking questions, inferring
This is a sweet book but I am not sure how many children will want to read it again.  This book is probably my least favorite by this author.

The Full Moon at the Napping House by Audrey Wood illustrated by Don Wood

Over twenty years later his husband and wife team create a sequel to their beloved The Napping House.  
In this book the same characters (granny, child, dog, cat, and mouse) are featured.  They, however, are not sleeping . . . the full moon is making them restless.
What can soothe them so they can settle down and sleep?  Another insect arrives on the scene to change the course of the story.
My six year old and I did not like this one as much as The Napping House.
I, however, would recommend reading  it to toddlers and preschoolers.  For early elementary, it would be a meaningful exercise to compare/contrast the two books.
*Mentor text for word choice/using the thesaurus (older readers/K-4th)
Strategies: compare/contrast (this book vs. The Napping House), word choice (once again Ms. Wood utilizes a lot of different words to describe two concepts- restless/being awake and then being calm.)

The Napping House by Audrey Wood illustrated by Don Wood*

A classic!
What happens on a rainy afternoon?  Why, a granny, a child, a dog, a cat and a mouse curl up on a cozy bed to snooze.  What happens when a wakeful flea bites the mouse?  Chaos breaks loose!
A cumulative rhyme.  Very rhythmic text.
I especially appreciate how the color of the text reflects the mood of the story and also the progression of a rain storm.
Warning: My youngest son was scared of the wide-eyed cat when I read this to him when he was a toddler.
*Highly recommend.  This book "needs" to be on every toddler's book shelf!
Strategy/skill: (for older readers) The author utilizes different words to describe the word "sleep".  A perfect mentor text for word choice and using thesaurus.    

Go, Go America by Dan Yaccarino*

The Farley family goes on a road trip, exploring the United States of America.
This book is a must when studying the states!  Each state has its own page where funky facts are shared about it.  Of course,  the state outline and its capital are featured.
The Farley family members are interspersed on each page, adding humor.
The table of contents it very unique-it is  the map of the United States.  On each state the page number where it can be found in the book is listed.
At the end of the book,  in chart form, each state is listed in alphabetical order and has its capital, statehood date, order of statehood, square miles, bird, flower, tree, motto and nickname listed.  At the bottom of the column the author included which page the reader can learn more about the state.
Well organized and creatively designed.
**Highly, highly recommend.

Knit Your Bit by Deborah Hopkinson illustrated by Steven Guarnaccia*

"A World War I Story"
Mikey's dad has gone to fight overseas and Mikey is determined to do something big and brave to help the cause.  When his teacher suggests that the class participate in the Central Park knitting bee where all knitted items would be sent to clothe the American soldiers during the war, Mikey scoffs at the idea.  Boys do not knit!
Then the knitting bee turns into a competition within the classroom.  What boy can resist a competition?!
This  "knit-in" actually took place in Central Park.  Author's note explains more about this historical event.  The end pages include photographs of the knitting craze during World War I.
This book is an excellent one to use when introducing the genre historical fiction.  It contains a great mixture of fictional story with real events and individuals.
*Highly recommend.

Invincible Microbe by Jim Murphy and Alison Blank*

"Tuberculosis and the Never-Ending Search for a Cure"
Well organized documented account on the first cases of tuberculosis (evidence found in ancient civilizations) to human determination to fight it and find a cure.
*Highly recommend.
Text features: table of contents, photos, pronunciations, photo captions, map, index
Borrowed from the library.  Categorized as "young adult".
Guided Reading Level: Z + (6th grade and up)

Bear and Duck by Katy Hudson*

Bear is tired of being a bear.  When he spies Duck and her line of ducklings, he decides he will become a duck.  Although she is uncertain about the success rate, she proceeds to teach Bear how to be a duck.  The reader will delight in the sweet, humorous pictures as Bear attempts Duck's suggestions.
This book was fun to read aloud to my kindergartner!  A book I am considering purchasing.
As I was reading it aloud, I was mentally changing it into a Reader's Theater.  Perfect book to use when introducing fluency!
Loved the illustrations-especially the characters' facial expressions and the wildflowers!!
Strategies: fluency-reading with expression/reading punctuation/read it like the character or to reflect the mood of the story, character development, predicting
**Highly recommend.

I Can Read!-Mittens at School by Lola M. Schaefer illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung

Mittens' owner, Nick, takes her to school for show and tell.
Poor Mittens is trapped in a cat carrier most of the day so who can blame him/her when she escapes while Nick is at Phy. Ed.
Lots of onomatopoeia words.
This book was part of a pack that I bought from my son's book order.

I Can Read!-Mittens by Lola M. Schaefer illustrated by Susan Kathleen Hartung

"My First-Shared Reading"
Mittens is in a new home and is uncertain about his/her new surroundings.
Perfect for the new/beginning reader.
This book was part of a pack of books that I bought from my kindergartner's book order.
Guided Reading Level: G (1st grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 1.2

I Can Read!-Going to the Firehouse by Mercer Mayer

"My First-Shared Reading"
Little Critter visits the firehouse with his classmates.
A perfect book for a beginning reader to read before going on a field trip to a fire station with his classmates or after a visit there.
This book was part of a pack that I bought from my kindergartner's book order.
Guided Reading Level: H (1st grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 1.1

I Can Read-The Fall Festival by Mercer Mayer

"My First-Shared Reading"
Little Critter and his family goes to a fall festival and experiences the sights and smells that proclaim "autumn"!
Perfect book for the beginning reader.
This book was part of a pack that I bought from my kindergartner's book order.
Guided Reading Level: H (1st grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 1.8

I Can Read-Biscuit and the Lost Teddy Bear by Alyssa Satin Capucilli illustrated by Pat Schories

"My First-Shared Reading"
Biscuit finds a teddy bear sitting outside and with his owner's help, finds the boy to whom it belongs.
Perfect for the beginning reader-lots of sight words and repeated words/phrases.
I dislike reading the Biscuit books aloud because the phrase, "woof, woof" is used often!!
I bought a "welcome to kindergarten" pack from my son's book order and this book was in it.
Guided Reading Level: F (1st grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 1

enormous SMALLNESS by Matthew Burgess illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo

A thorough biography about e.e. cummings starting with his birth until his death.
I enjoyed learning how his parents' foster his love for writing, art and solitude.
A time line of his life was included in the back plus some his poems.
I really liked the art and different font sizes which reflect e.e. cummings' style.

A-Z Mysteries the X'ed Out X-Ray by Ron Roy illustrated by John Steven Gurney

Yet another A-Z mystery that I read aloud to my kindergartner!
Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose attend a concert featuring their favorite singer, Penelope Gwinn.  During intermission when she is signing autographs, someone rips off her diamond penguin pendant.  The three friends quickly assemble the clues available and come to the right conclusion.
*Highly recommend for building stamina and for the transitional reader.
Guided Reading Level: N (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.4

Nancy Drew Diaries #1 Curse of the Arctic Star by Carolyn Keene

Nancy's friend Becca asks her to travel on the Arctic Star cruise ship when it embarks on its maiden voyage to Alaska.  Threats have been made and suspicious events have been occurring.  Can Nancy along with George and Bess figure out who the culprit is before the Arctic Star has a bad reputation?
This mystery was not as well developed as other ones I have read recently.  I found myself becoming frustrated at all of the interruptions that prevented Nancy and her friends from solving the case.
By the end of the book the major crime is solved but there are still loose ends.  To find out the answers to other mishaps, the reader will have to read book number two, Strangers on a Train.
Point to discuss: Bess' boyfriend Alan is along.  The foursome share a suite but not bedrooms.  Bess and Alan do not "do" anything inappropriate-just hold hands or a kiss on the cheek.  This relationship is consistent to the Nancy Drew series first written in the 1930's.

Egg -Nature's Perfect Package by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page*

This husband-wife team has produce yet another fabulous book!
Here the egg and its amazing attributes are exalted.  The authors explore egg sizes, where various creatures lay their eggs, how many eggs different animals lay at a time, animals that eat eggs, how animals protect their eggs and many more topics.
A timeline of the development of a chicken egg and an alligator egg are displayed.
Also in the back is a two page spread sharing the length and the habitat for each featured animal.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: main idea/details, nonfiction text features

Goodnight Songs A Celebration of the Seasons by Margaret Wise Brown

Forty years after Margaret Wise Brown's death, hundreds of unpublished poems and songs she wrote were discovered in  her sister's attic.
This collection is from this discovery.  These poems celebrate nature and the seasons.  Twelve well-known artists provided the artwork for the poems.  Their techniques are shared in the back of the book.
A CD also came with this copy of the book where the songs are composed and sung by Tom Proutt and Emily Gray.

The Roman Mysteries The Thieves of Ostia #1 by Caroline Lawrence*

I am reading mysteries to find quality ones to recommend to a fourth grade class (my mother in law is a fourth grade teacher).
This book is well written plus it integrates Roman culture and Latin into the exciting story.
A dog is beheaded on Flavia's street and then another beheading follows.  The clues point to Avitus who is grieving the loss of his daughter.  As Flavia and her friends investigate, she must rely on her logic and imagination to solve the crime.
I loved how the author displays the different social classes living in Rome during that time-Flavia (upper class), Jonathan (a Jewish boy-**spoiler alert-we find out later in the story that he and his family converted to Christianity), Nubia (an African slave girl) and Lupus (a mute beggar-someone cut out his tongue).
This exciting story provides a fun manner for upper elementary to learn about Rome and early Christianity.
All Latin words and words from that time period are pronounced and defined in the back.
Strategies: word choice/expanding vocab, check for understanding, character development/character traits, inferring

Warning: gruesome at times with the beheadings of dogs;  the author uses the "b" word to describe a female dog-not as a curse word but a description of an actual dog; Avitus walks from tavern to tavern and becomes drunk; *spoiler alert-Avitus commits suicide-he jumps off a lighthouse; everyone drinks wine (the children watered down wine);  the children are not always truthful and/or disobey parents' orders.
**Highly recommend for 5th grade and up.
Guided Reading Level: T (end of 4th grade/beginning of 5th) **I think the references to Latin and Roman culture would make it too difficult for most 4th graders.
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.3
Here is a link to the series: http://www.romanmysteries.com/books

Mystic Lighthouse Mysteries-The Mystery of Dead Man's Curve #1 by Laura E. Williams*

Jen and Zeke are twins who live with their aunt Bee in a lighthouse.  Aunt Bee runs a bed and breakfast where she hosts interesting individuals.
Her latest batch of guests are all interviewing for the principal position at Jen and Zeke's school.  When the first guest arrives, she is in distress as she claims someone tried to run her car off the road at "dead man's curve".  More threatening episodes occur.  Can Jen and Zeke find the culprit before someone is injured?
The author gives the reader to solve the mystery before she reveals the solution.  She provides a blank suspect sheet in the back for the reader to complete.
Not a "deep mystery" but perfect for reluctant readers and for 2nd-4th graders.
*Highly recommend for 2nd-4th graders.
Guided Reading Level: O (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2
Borrowed from the library.

The Wild Ones by C. Alexander London

Fans of the Warriors series and Guardians of Ga'hoole series will enjoy this book.
Kit, a raccoon, loves living with his parents under the Big Sky in the forest.  Then one night a pack of dogs and a six-clawed cat kill his parents.  His quick wit allows him to escape and make his way to Ankle Snap Alley in Slivered Sky city.  There he finds himself in a turf war between the Flealess (pets) and the Wild Ones.  Both groups want the control of Ankle Snap Alley.
Kit possesses the one artifact that may prove that the Wild Ones are to rule Ankle Snap Alley forever but first he must discern who is his friend and how to unite the factions within Ankle Snap Alley as one force against the Flealess.
Very exciting.  The word choice is excellent.  Mr. London is certainly a creative, imaginative man!
Kit is an admirable character who tries to maintain his integrity among liars and thieves in Ankle Snap Alley.
Points to discuss/warnings: Some animals in Ankle Snap Alley are not admirable.  The Flealess are quite cruel.  The war at the end is quite violent and at times descriptive.  The Rat King was creepy and gross in my opinion-A hundred headed rat . . . one hundred rats are entangled and can speak one voice when they desire.  When one rat becomes too old to be part of them, they eat it and a younger one joins the tangled mass.  Gross!
*The author, a male, lives with his husband.*  His lifestyle choice was not promoted in the story.

A to Z Mysteries The Runaway Racehorse by Ron Roy*

Dink, Josh and Ruth Rose head off to New York state to visit Dink's Uncle Warren.  He has just purchased a new race horse who looks promising.  Then Whirlaway disappears and when he returns, he is acting strangely.  Oddly he loses the big race.
With team effort and observation skills, the three friends figure out why Whirlaway is so slow and acting unusual.
*Highly recommend series for transitional readers.
My preschooler loves to listen to these books but I do not enjoy reading them aloud as they are written for transitional readers so the sentence structure is not sophisticated.  But he begs and I accommodate!
Guided Reading Level: N (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.6

Toad by Ruth Brown*

This simple book contains excellent word choice.
Ms. Brown uses interesting words to describe a toad.  The reader watches his fate unfold and will be delighted by the ending.
I would read this book when discussing word choice while writing or when introducing "expanding vocab.".
Strategies: expanding vocab./word choice, inferring, predicting
Borrowed from the library (wish I could buy this title!!  No many available for a reasonable price.).
*Highly recommend.
Grade Level Equivalency: 3.1

Home by Carson Ellis

Where is home?  This book explores different kinds of homes in different centuries or worlds (think Atlantis, Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe, the Moon).
I liked the mixture of factual and fantastical homes represented.
My boys and I had fun finding the location of the pigeon on each page.
I especially liked the ending where we can view the illustrator's studio (which is her home) and where she found inspiration for the drawings in this book.

Earmuffs for Everyone! by Meghan McCarthy

"How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs"
Chester Greenwood did not really invent the earmuff but just improved upon it.  This book delves into how he became known as the inventor.
I liked how this book explains what a patent is.

No, No, Kitten! by Shelley Moore Thomas illustrated by Lori Nichols

Kitten' vivid imagination knows no bounds.  Her antics bring her lots of reprimands from her owner.
This book repeats the phrase "Kitten wants" often so would be a good book to read with a beginning reader to cement into the mind the word "wants".

Absolutely Truly -A Pumpkin Falls Mystery by Heather Vogel Frederick*

Truly Lovejoy, age 12, has never lived in one location for a long period of time.  Her father was in the military and their family of seven moved around the United States to accommodate his career.  Soon, however, after his last tour, he was going to retire and they were going to permanently live in Austin, Texas, close to Truly's cousin Mackensie.  Then the phone call came.  Her father had been hit by an IED and lost his arm.  Life for the Lovejoys quickly changes.
Instead they find themselves living in Pumpkin Falls, New Hampshire, their father's hometown, trying to save the family's bookstore business.
As Truly struggles with her joyless father, a failing math grade (=no swim team), being six foot tall, the relentless snow and cold and a failing family business, she wonders how life can ever be enjoyed again.  Then she finds the signed copy of Charlotte's Web in the bookstore which contains an envelope with a clue.  As she tries to solve the clue, she amasses a group of unlikely friends.  One clue leads to another.  Who knew Pumpkin Falls could contain so much excitement?!
The author seamlessly weaves into a fun mystery the heartache an amputee and his family must endure and the slow healing process.
I immediately fell in love with the Lovejoy Family, Aunt True and Pumpkin Falls.
I want to move to Pumpkin Falls and frequent the Lovejoy bookstore!
Recipe for Aunt True's Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies is in the back plus a list of actual books mentioned throughout the book.
Warning: Hatcher, Truly's older brother, is goofing off while making dinner and wears his mother's pink apron, stuffs his shirt to make him look like he has a bust and stuffs his butt to make it larger.  Just goofy-but some adults might not like the reference to "bust".
**Highly, highly recommend.
Strategies: connections, inferring, character development
**Update-10/2015- I emailed Ms. Frederick, inquiring if she planned to write any more Pumpkin Falls Mysteries.  She is!  Book #2 is scheduled to be published in early 2017.  She is also hoping to publish a third title in the series.  So excited!

The Adventures of Peter Cottontail by Thornton W. Burgess illustrated by Harrison Cady

My dad read the entire Thornton Burgess animals series to me as a child.  I loved listening to the stories and have fond memories of those story times with him.
So I was thrilled to find a hardcover at a local bookstore.
In this book Reddy Fox relentlessly pursues Peter but Peter outsmarts him each time.  Peter also learns his lesson in being content in how he was created.
There were some aspects to the story/writing that I did not care for as I reread it to my sons.  Please read the "warnings/points to discuss" section.
Points to discuss/warnings: I did not appreciate the use of the word "stupid" throughout the story.  Animals were often mean to each other.  Mother Nature was credited as the creator and source of life.

Patriots, Pirates, Heroes and Spies Stories from Historic Philadelphia Edited by Sandra Mackenzie Lloyd illustrated by Katrina Damkoehler*

My friend, who homeschools,  took her children to Philadelphia recently.  She and her children visited a few spots where a professional story teller told them specific stories about famous people who resided in Philadelphia or historical events that took place there.
This book contains all the stories that one can hear when participating in Once Upon a Nation program.
Stories range from Lenape natives, to a woman accused of being a witch, a Quaker spy, the man who invented television to Boy Scout and Girl Scout stories.  There are twenty stories total.
A perfect book to share when studying PA history or Philadelphia.
Once Upon a Nation's offers its Storytelling program seven days a week from Memorial Day to Labor Day (*wish they offered during the school year for field trips!).
Warning: One story is about the nation's obsession with witches for awhile.

Race the Wild-Arctic Freeze #3 by Kristin Earhart illustrated by Eda Kaban*

My third grader read this book to himself.
A team of four children-Dev, Sage, Russell, and Mari-have signed up for the Race the Wild challenge.  All over the world they compete against other teams to finish races which take place in . . .the wild.  In this book the children must survive in Alaska.
My son said he really liked the book.  "I like that the kids raced sled dogs.  I have never done that and think that would be really cool.  I also thought it was interesting that Mt. McKinley grows a  millimeter each year."
The author intersperses "creature features" and geographical fact pages throughout the book.  So the reader can enjoy an exciting adventure and learn some interesting facts about the area.
Other books in the series:
1. Rain Forest Relay
2.  Great Reef Games
4. Savanna Showdown
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: R (4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4th grade

I, Fly by Bridget Heos illustrated by Jennifer Plecas*

"The Buzz About Flies and How Awesome They Are"
A fly zooms into a classroom and is exasperated how all teachers seem to focus on the butterfly when instructing about insects.  The fly proceeds to inform the students his wonderful qualities.
A humorous nonfiction book!
My kindergartner does not enjoy nonfiction but he liked this one.  He said, "Mom, this is a true book but it is funny!".
Strategies: check for understanding, compare/contrast (between fly and butterfly), nonfiction reading

Float by Daniel Miyares*

A father constructs a newspaper boat for his son.  A gray, rainy day he takes this precious boat outside to float in streams in the street.  Unfortunately the stream currents are quite strong and lead the boat on its own adventure.  After a chase, the boy finds his boat ruined.  Dejected his returns home with the sopping newspaper in his hand.  The story does not end on this dismal note.  Like all great dads, this father comes up with an idea to raise his son's spirits.
Wordless.
Strategies: story elements, inferring, sequencing, cause/effect
I love the end pages (they show how to construct two modes of transportation out of newspaper)!
*Highly recommend.

There Was an Old Dragon Who Swallowed a Knight by Penny Parker Klostermann illustrated by Ben Mantle*

I loved this retelling of the classic There was an Old Lady Who Swallowed a Fly!  Sometimes fractured versions of this story seem forced and contrived.
In the beginning the reader sees a knight gallantly riding his steed, not afraid of the danger that lies ahead.  The dragon proceeds to swallow him, his steed, a squire, a cook, a lady, a castle, and a moat.
I especially like the ending.  It differs from typical fractured versions of this story.
The illustrations definitely support the story and add to the story.
*Highly recommend.

Beauty and the Beast a retelling by H. Chuku Lee illustrated by Pat Cummings

The illustrations inspired from West Africa and the architecture of the Dogon of Mali  are what make this retelling stand out from other Beauty and the Beast versions. 

The retelling itself is not spectacular-good but not a "stand out".

If You Plant a Seed by Kadir Nelson*

I loved the over-sized format for this book.  Mr. Nelson's illustrations are always, bold, strong and dramatic.
The book features a rabbit and a mouse planting some vegetables seeds.  When they harvest their crop, a few birds want to join in the eating festivities.  Unfortunately, selfishness consumes them and havoc ensues.
The reader can see what happens when we plant seeds of selfishness and also, seeds of kindness.
A very simple book with a powerful message.
I would use this book on the first day of school to set the tone of the classroom.
Strategy: venn diagram/compare/contrast
*Highly recommend.

Holes by Louis Sachar

Awarding winning book-Newbery Medal
Stanley's family does not have good luck.   They blame everything that goes wrong on the curse placed on his "no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather and his future generations.
Then Stanley is falsely accused of stealing a famous basketball star's shoes and sent to youth detention camp.  But this camp is not your typical camp.  To build character, each day the boys must dig holes-five feet wide and five feet deep.    The warden, who runs the camp, is looking for something and is utilizing the boys to do the, literally, dirty work.
I loved how Mr. Sachar interweaves three different stories into one big story (Stanley's, his great-great grandfather's and Zero's).  Very well written in that regard.
Strategies: check for understanding (The chapters flip from modern day to when his great-great grandfather was alive), inferring
Guided Reading Level: V (5th-6th) **I agree with this level more than the 4.6 level.
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.6

I read this book aloud to my kindergartner and third grader after we watched the movie.  I skipped a few parts/sentences as I thought it was not appropriate for them.  Please read the warnings.
Warnings: The counselor, Mr. Pendanski, is quite cruel and demeaning to the boys.  Mr. Sir and the Warden are also cruel but Mr. Pendanski says some awful comments about the boys.  Pg. 150-word "h-ll" included. Pg. 161 the boys talk about how a particular girl would look great in a bathing suit (don't need my boys thinking about that!!).  When Zero escapes it is a bit violent.

The Melody Lingers On by Mary Higgins Clark*

I do not read many adult books anymore. Their content often disgusts me.  But I eagerly read novels written by Mary Higgins Clark.
In her latest novel, Lane, an assistant to an upscale interior designer, finds herself in a romance with Eric Bennett.  His father, Parker Bennett mysteriously disappeared (or died) after he stole his clients' hard earned investment monies.
Through various characters' involvement in Parker and Eric Bennett's lives, the fascinating story unfolds.  Money may cover up crime and wrong doings for a time but one's sins will find them out.
A well paced story and well chosen details.
Ms. Clark is well into her eighties and still can write a well executed novel without filth.  She is proof the "other stuff" is not needed to tell a good story nor needed to have a successful writing career.
*Highly recommend.
Another new book by Ms. Clark is expected to be published in November 2015-All Dressed in White.

The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick*

Emma's mother, a librarian and three other mothers from a yoga class, decide to bond with their new sixth grade daughters by reading Little Women together and then meeting once a month to discuss the book.
The mothers are thrilled.  The girls are not.
As the girls meet each month, they learn to tolerate and then eventually appreciate each other and their very different personalities and interests.  The mothers also learn about friendship and what kind of mothers the girls need.
Sprinkled with facts about Louisa May Alcott and quotes from Little Women, this book may encourage tweens and teens to read the actual book!
I enjoyed this book and would *highly recommend it to middle school/junior high girls but I am so glad I am not a mother of girls!!  Ms. Frederick captures the cattiness of girls at this age well.
I did not like how the mothers and girls responded to snotty, demeaning Mrs. Chadwick and her daughter, Becca.  I felt like they stooped to the Chadwicks' level.  I would not want my tween or teenage daughter thinking this acceptable behavior in treating one's enemies.
A total of six books in the series.  The girls and their mothers also read: in the other books in the series:  Anne of Green Gables, Daddy Long Legs, Pride and Prejudice, Betsy-Tacy series, and Jane Eyre.  

Everyday Confetti by Karen Ehman and Glynnis Whitwer*

"A Year-Round Guide to Celebrating Holidays and Special Occasions"
This book is loaded with fun, easy ideas for holidays and for making the ordinary day exceptional.
Lots of recipes too.
Christian perspective.
I took tons of notes .  . . .maybe I should just buy the book!!
Other books by this author look excellent too (Keep It Shut, Homespun Memories for the Heart, A Life that Says Welcome)
*Highly recommend.

Rump The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin by Liesl Shurtliff*

My boys loved hearing Jack-The True Story of Jack and the Beanstalk by Ms. Shurtliff so much that they wanted to listen to Rump.
I read this book to myself last year but cannot find the blog entry!
Rump lives with his grandmother in The Village and mines for gold in The Mountain.
Rump despises his name and endures merciless taunts and treatments as a result.  Where Rump lives, your name is your destiny.  Having "Rump" for a name is not a promising destiny!!
Rump then discovers that like his deceased mother he can spin straw into gold.  This talent, however, is deep magic and does not bring the happiness and relief he predicted it would.
So he sets off to find his mother's people and to try to change his destiny.
Very exciting adventure with pixies, trolls, and lots of magic!
Recommend reading this book before Jack since some of the characters overlap and the whole story will make more sense.
Looking forward to reading Red The True Story of Red Riding Hood in 2016.
We will be purchasing this book.
*Highly recommend.
Points to discuss/warnings: magic, Rump's aunts are witches
Guided Reading Level: T (4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.4

Rhyme Schemer by K. A. Holt

Towards the end of Book Scavenger, the main character was reading Rhyme Schemer, so of course , I had to check it out of the library to read myself!
Kevin is number five in his family; the only one in middle school; "the accident, the oops!"  Petey, the brother before him, treats him with contempt and physically picks on him.  Their parents, both doctors, rarely focus on him and are occupied with their careers.
The result?  Kevin picks on others at school.  He is the bully.
His latest avenue of hurting others is writing poems in his notebook. Then one day he rips a page out of a library book and circles words on the page to make a poem.  Of course poem makes fun of someone.  He posts in the hallway for the school to view.
Then one of his victims finds his poetry notebook and the tables turn. Kevin finds out what it is like to be bullied.  
An interesting point of view-usually books are written from the point of view of the victim.
The book is written free verse poetry.

Strategies: character development, synthesize, figurative language, inferring, compare/contrast with  *Lisa Graff's book-Lost in the Sun*.
Points to discuss/warnings: cruel behavior, Kevin mentions a girl's body part and uses the slang word-(b--b), disrespect to adults, defacing property