Olivia Sharp: The Pizza Monster by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat and Mitchell Sharmat illustrated by Denise Brunkus*

Nate the Great's cousin, Olivia, is lonely after her best friend moves.  To fill the void, she begins a secret agent business.  Her first customer is Duncan, a doomsayer.  He cannot figure out why his best friend, Desiree, does not want to be friends anymore.  Through trial and error, Olivia solves the problem and realizes that money cannot solve everything!
*Highly recommend.
Short chapters interspersed with illustrations make this a great book for reluctant readers, readers trying to build stamina, or those who are just beginning to read chapter books.
Guided Reading Level: L (2nd grade)
As far as I can tell there are four books in the series.
Borrowed from the library.

The Five Lost Aunts of Harriet Bean by Alexander McCall Smith illustrated by Laura Rankin

Harriet Bean's absent-minded father has forgotten to inform her that she has five aunts.  
Harriet is determined to find her long-lost aunts and begins a humorous, unforgettable journey to discover their locations.  Each aunt possesses unique abilities (super strong, mind-readers, extremely bossy and a voice-thrower) which add a lighthearted element to the story.
A humorous, fun story.
There are three books in this series.
Guided Reading Level: O (3rd grade)
Borrowed from the library.

An Elephant and Piggie Book -I Really Like Slop! by Mo Willems*

The newest Elephant and Piggie book!
I just bought this book for my kindergartner for Christmas.
Piggie loves slop and begs Gerald to try it.  The smell repulses Gerald.  How good of a friend is Gerald?!
I think this book is one of my favorite Elephant and Piggie.
*Highly recommend.
Pair with Green Eggs and Ham for text to text connections and compare/contrast.
Strategies: fluency, making connections (T-S and T-T)
We own this book.

Crenshaw by Katerine Applegate*

Jackson loves science and facts.  Jackson is logical.  In his world everything has a logical explanation.
Two areas in his life, however, he cannot resolve with facts and logic.

• Why did their family run out of money and have to live in their mini van for fourteen weeks when he was seven years old?
• Why did a huge cat show up during that time?  After researching, Jackson realized that Creshaw, the cat, was his imaginary friend.

Jackson is now going into fifth grade.  He is used to their apartment and being hungry most days.  The family is preparing for a yard sale to sell most of their possessions in order to pay for rent.  Then Crenshaw shows up again and will not leave Jackon's side.   Jackson is fearful that history will repeat itself.

I loved this book.  It revealed another side of homelessness and poverty stricken families that I had not really considered.
Ms. Applegate writes beautifully and develops Jackson as a character well.
Creative layout-Crenshaw's silhouette appears on various page edges throughout the book.  The main color on the book cover is purple which the reader will understand once the book is read.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from library.
Points to discuss/warnings: homelessness, lying The dad has MS.  Jackson shoplifts two times.
Text set (use to build schema and/or make Text to Text connections):

1. The Adventures of Beekle The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
2. Yard Sale by Eve Bunting
3. Fly Away Home by Eve Bunting

Max and Maddy and the Bursting Balloons Mystery by Alexander McCall Smith illustrated by Macky Pamintuan

Millionaire Harry Helium seeks out sibling detective team, Max and Maddy Twist, to help him figure out who is attempting to sabotage his hot air balloon race.  When they accept the request, they find themselves traveling via hot air balloon from NY to Vancouver.  As the balloonist race, mishaps occur.  Can Max and Maddy figure out the culprit before someone is seriously hurt?
Mr. Smith is the author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency for adults.  I enjoyed his humor and comments in this book too!
Great series for transitional readers.
Guided Reading Level: O (3rd grade)
Borrowed from library.

The Pioneer Woman Cooks- Dinnertime by Ree Drummond*

I love PW's food and cookbooks!
How can she keep on creating so many delicious recipes?!
Does this list make you want to go to the kitchen and whip up something scrumptious?!
*Chicken Taco Salad
*Quinoa Caprese
*Ready to Go Freezer Meatballs
*Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce
*Black Bean Burgers
*Chow Mein
*Cajun Chicken Pasta
. . . and that is only a handful half way through the book!!
There are some recipes in this book that were already featured in her previous cookbooks.
Well organized-Prep tips and Stocking Up sections are found in the beginning.  If the recipe can be made ahead, she shares what to do and also offers variations and what to serve alongside of it.
*Highly recommend.
I own this book.

Hitler's Last Days by Bill O'Reilly*

"The Death of the Nazi Regime and the World's Most Notorious Dictator"
Mr. O'Reilly shares how Hitler and his army quickly lost power.  Chapters switch from Hitler to General Patton to the Russian advancement and others.   Readers who love reading about historical wars will devour this book.
Lots of photographs and military maps.
In the afterword, Mr. O'Reilly also offers additional information about Hitler, the Nazis and other historical significant events/figures during this time period.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.

The Girl from Felony Bay by J. E. Thompson*

Abbey Force is determine to prove her father's innocence.  Her town thinks he stole Mrs. Jenkins' gold and jewelry.  He cannot defend himself because he is in a coma.
Abbey is feisty and intelligent as she maneuvers around corrupt adult and solves the mystery at Felony Bay.  In the process she befriends Bee who has her own set of troubles and heartache.
Lots of conflict: man vs. man, man vs. self and man vs. nature.
After reading this book, I do not want to live in the deep south!  Cottonmouths and alligators?  No Thank You!!
I did not like how the book ended with her father still in a coma.
**I just saw online that there is a sequel called Disappearance at Hangman's Bluff.  
*Highly recommend.
Mr. Thompson has created a well-developed character in Abbey and an exciting mystery.
I did, however, find a couple of typos which really bothers me when I am reading a published book!
**
Warnings/points to discuss: Abbey's uncle is an alcoholic.  Abbey lives with him and his wife Ruth.  He is quite cruel towards Abbey.  The one police officer in the story is corrupt plus he is abusive towards his son and wife.  The antagonists in this story try to kill Abbey and Bee by feeding them to the mama alligator.  They also kidnap the girls and one other boy.  All the characters lie at some point.

Fable Comics Edited by Chris Duffy

Twenty-eight different cartoonist interpret fables from around the world (mostly from Aesop but fables from other countries are included too.).
I found a couple I did not care for -The Old Man and Death, The Demon, the Thief and the Hermit.
One fable had symbols to represent a curse word.
A clever endeavor but I did not care fore the edginess found in some of them.

Time for Kids Biographies Jesse Owens Running into History by Elaine Israel

Time for Kids incorporates history that was taking place during Jesse Owens' life and how it effected him.
The chapters are short so they are manageable for a reluctant reader or a reader new to the biography genre.  Lots of information and additional facts are packed into each page via fact boxes.
Warnings/points to discuss: racial tensions, World War II and Hitler, Jesse and his girlfriend (later wife) had their first daughter out of wedlock, Jesse smoked a pack of cigarettes a day  and then eventually died from lung cancer.
Text features: table of contents, photographs, fact boxes, picture captions, bold/colored font, headings, time line

For the Right to Learn Malala Yousafazai's Story by Rebecca Langston-George illustrated by Janna Bock*

This book captivated my boys and me.
Malala, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, continued to attend school even when the Taliban threatened her life and eventually shot her.  She has survived and perseveres in her belief that all children have the right to learn.
Warning/Point to discuss: This book does not shy away from the violence so prevalent in Pakistan and the Middle East so proceed with caution as you read this book with younger children.  It shares how Malala was shot and how the Taliban wants her dead.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: synthesizing, asking questions

The Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willems illustrated by Tony DiTerrizzi*

Wow! A chapter book from Mo Willems!
Diva, a petite dog, and Flea, a stray cat, both live in Paris, France but experience totally different worlds.
When they form a friendship, they venture into each other's world and discover contentment and adventure!
A sweet, fun story.
The French words may cause some trouble for beginning/transitional readers but Mr. Willems provides their definition by context clues and direct explanation.  The book is divided into play acts all stated in French (the beginning-Le Debut, the first intermission-Le Premier Entracte etc.)
Make sure you read the author's and illustrator's notes in the back.  It provides how the story originated.
A perfect book to incorporate as studying different countries around the world.  This story mentions some common sights seen in Paris, France.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: predicting, context clues (inferring)
Engaging, adorable illustrations by Mr. DiTerrizzi.

The Knights' Tales The Adventures of Sir Gawain the True by Gerald Morris* illustrated by Aaron Renier*

My sons and I listened to this book on CD.  Afterward my oldest son read it to himself he liked it so much!
I love this humorous, exciting series.  It is perfect for boys and reluctant readers.
In the beginning Sir Gawain rescues a woman from a dragon but refuses her tokens of thanks.  Thoughtlessly,  he leaves her alone in the woods after the rescue.  His lack of courtesy comes back to "haunt" him as he faces the Green Knight and other individuals.
Readers will delight in the intricacies of the characters and how one character is connected to many!
*Highly recommend.
Warning: pgs. 18-21 is quite gruesome as Sir Gawain chops off the Green Knight's head.  The Green Knight simply reattaches it and makes Sir Gawain vow that he is to come visit his castle the 1st of the year.  On that date the Green Knight would return the favor!  In another longer picture book  that I started to read to my boys, it was a lot more gruesome than this version!!

Sherlock, Lupin and Me The Dark Lady by Irene Adler*

Really written by Italian writer Alessandro Gatti
Translated by Chris Turner

Irene Adler spends a summer in a French town Saint-Malo where she meets William Sherlock Holmes and Arsene Lupin.  While playing at an abandoned manor, the threesome discover a dead body washed upon the shore.  They find a suicide note in the nameless gentleman's pocket

but soon surmise that someone had murdered him.  Then it is announced that someone stole Lady Martigny's diamond necklace.  Are the two crimes connected?
With determination, observation and wit, the three children solve the seaside town's mysteries before the police.
Clever and exciting.
Irene Adler is a fictional character in one of the Sherlock Holmes books.  This series has them being friends as children.
*Highly recommend for older readers.  See the warning/points to discuss below.
Warnings/points to discuss:  The following are mentioned but not elaborated upon: suicide and adultery. A man is murdered.
Guided Reading Level: T (4th grade but recommend for older readers because of content)

The Peterkins' Christmas by Lucretia P. Hale adapted by Elizabeth Spurr illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin

Mr. Peterkins tags a Christmas tree in autumn in anticipation of surprising "the little boys".   So the "little boys" do not know what the rest of the family is talking about, the older Peterkins decide to call the tree "You-Know-What".
A few weeks before Christmas Mr. Peterkins measures the tree and is horrified to discover that it will not fit in the back parlor.  Their solution will astound readers.  The family has no common sense!!  Another problem arises but "the Lady from Philadelphia" comes to the rescue.
Interspersed throughout the main story are letters Elizabeth Eliza has written to the "Lady from Philadelphia" who is explaining this Christmas tale to her.
Strategy: expanding vocab./word choice
I love the illustrations!

Terrible Typhoid Mary by Susan Campbell Bartoletti*

"A True Story of the Deadliest Cook in America"
Mary Mallon, an Irish immigrant, was a fantastic cook and was loved by her employers.  She, however, was a healthy carrier of the deadly disease, typhoid.
After thorough research, Ms. Bartoletti presents Mary's life and the individuals who impacted how she lived out the rest of her days.
Ms. Bartoletti weaves into the story how people perceived doctors, medical findings and science during those years.  She also compares it to statistics to our current age.  Not only does this book share Mary's story but also the progress of medicine and medical research.
After reading this, the reader will be left  pondering about medical ethics and individual rights vs. the good for society.
Strategies: synthesizing, asking questions
*Highly recommend.
Very well researched and written in a "easy to digest" narrative.
Text features: time line, photographs
Borrowed from the library.
The library has this categorized as "Young Adult" (for junior high and older).

The Peterkins' Thanksgiving from the original story by Lucretia P. Hale Adapted by Elizabeth Spurr illustrated by Wendy Anderson Halperin

In the 1860's Ms. Hale wrote a collection of humorous stories about the Peterkin Family who have a lot of intelligence but not a lot of common sense.   Ms. Spurr has adapted them for readers in the 21st century.

The Peterkins' Family eagerly anticipates their Thanksgiving meal but it becomes stuck in the dumbwaiter.  They decide to wait for the carpenter to arrive home to rescue their meal even though the obvious solution is easily attained (but not obvious to them!).
I really enjoyed this book but I do not think my kindergartner understood the humor.
Love the whimsical illustrations.
Third person text is included as the daughter Elizabeth Eliza relates her family's antics to their friend "The Lady from Philadelphia".  Whenever Elizabeth Eliza is "talking" to "The Lady from Philadelphia" via letter, the text is italic and an illustration of notebook paper is next to it.

Hero by Mike Lupica

Zach Harriman just knew the day when bad news was waiting for him at home.  It was.  His dad's plane had crashed and his dad had not survived.
Zach's dad was rarely home.  Always on trips, trying to save the world, protect the president of the United States.  But in the end, he could not even save himself.
Then Zach discovers that he has superpowers.  Apparently he inherited them from his dad.  Now it is up to him to save the world from the "Bads".
This book is very exciting and kept me turning pages until I finished it.  It, however, left me unsatisfied.  I felt like I had more questions than answers when I closed the book.  It felt unfinished.  Large portions of the book dealt with Zach trying to figure out which person was lying, what exactly was happening to him and how his dad died.  I wanted answers quickly and then for the story to move onto to him fighting the "Bads".
I read online that there may be a sequel but that was four years ago that Mr. Lupica stated the possibility.
I think most readers will love this book so I recommend it to late elementary/junior high students.  Zach is also admirable character.
Guided Reading Level: W (6th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.5
**Perfect for reluctant boy readers-reading level  is lower but not a babyish book.
I borrowed this book from the library.
Points to discuss/warnings: a boy in his class bullies him a bit in the beginning, Zach deals with death of dad, some fights against other people with superpowers.

The Adventures of Sir Givret the Short #2 by Gerald Morris illustrated by Aaron Renier*

"The Knight's Tale"
Givret is short but uses his quick thinking to join the knights at King Arthur's Round Table.
Lots of humor and adventure!
Chapters are short and exciting so perfect for older reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
My boys and I are listening to these tales on CD but my third grader is reading them on his own at home.
Warning/points to discuss:  Some violence/battle scenes.  Some potty humor.
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.5

Over the River and Through the Woods A Thanksgiving poem by Lydia Maria Child illustrated by Christopher Manson*

Mr. Manson uses woodcuts and watercolor to illustrate this familiar song/poem.
I love woodcut illustrations!
*Highly recommend.

Over the River and Through the Wood by Lydia Maria Child illustrated by David Catrow

A family leaves the city to spend Thanksgiving at grandmother's house.  The youngest child has quite an adventurous journey there!!
Guided Reading Level: L (2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.2

Over the River by Derek Anderson based on the song by Lydia Maria Child*

"A Turkey's Tale"
The illustrations depict a turkey family traveling to the grandparents' home.  Along the way a boy and his hound pursue them.
A sweet ending!  I love Mr. Anderson's adorable illustrations.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: L (2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.8

The Night Before Thanksgiving by Natasha Wing illustrated by Tammie Lyon*

A fracture version of the poem The Night Before Christmas.
The reader experiences a family's hustle and bustle of preparing for Thanksgiving Day and the joys of family and chaos!
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: connections (text to text --to the poem The Night Before Christmas)

Thanksgiving at Our House by Wendy Watson

A family bustles about preparing for their Thanksgiving feast.  The preparations begin on Monday.
Interspersed are nursery rhymes and older rhymes that coincide with the activities.
Personally I thought this rhymes were a bit distracting and took away from the story.
I did not enjoy this book as much as the other Thanksgiving books we have been reading.

Before We Eat by Pat Brisson illustrated by Mary Azarian

"from farm to table"
With rhyming text, Ms. Brisson shares where all food begins before it lands on our tables (from vegetables, fish, meat and eggs).
I loved the wood carving illustrations by Ms. Azarian.

The Summer Visitors by Karel Hayes

The humans are back to enjoy the summer by the lake in their cottage.  The curious bears are also back and enjoy the same summertime pleasures as the humans.
More delightful illustrations!
Part of the series-The Winter Visitors and Autumn Visitors.
Almost wordless book.
Strategies: inferring, sequencing, retelling

The Winter Visitors by Karel Hayes

What happens when the summer visitors leave the lakeside cottage for the winter?  Why animals move in, of course!
An almost wordless book.
I love the watercolor/ink/pen illustrations in this book!
A delight!
Part of a series (Summer Visitors and Autumn Visitors are also books by this author with the same characters.).
Strategies: inferring, retelling, sequencing

Book #1 Michael Vey The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans*

When Michael was eight years old, he and his mom abruptly leave their Californian home to reside in Idaho.  They have a secret and if anyone finds out, they will have to move again.
In the meantime, Michael deals with his Tourette's syndrome, a group of relentless bullies and  a beautiful girl who is totally out of his league.
Then one day, Michael decides enough is enough and lashes out on the bullies with his secret power.  From that point on Michael's life is in severe danger and his life will never again be the same.
Michael is an admirable character who is loyal and chooses the hard but right decision in the face of torture and death.  I also really liked Michael's mom and the relationship he has with her.
A sixth grader could probably easily read this book but I would not recommend it for this age group. See "warnings"  section why.
The library has this book categorized as "young adult" and reasonably so.
Warnings/Points to discuss: Hatch, the villain, is evil and takes delight in torturing his captives.  The characters under Hatch's control willing use their special powers to kill others.  A minor character smokes.  Ostin, Michael's best friend, is really into girls and talks about how "hot" they are, including Michael's mom.  At the end Michael and Taylor kiss two times on the lips.
*Highly recommend for high school.
Guided Reading Level: Z (higher than 6th grade)
There are five books in the series so far.  Here is a link to the series:
http://www.michaelvey.com/index.php

The Dragons Are Singing Tonight by Jack Prelutsky illustrated by Peter Sis

A collection of dragon poems
My third grader selected this book when we were at the public library.
Again, another poetry collection that could transform a boy's view of poetry!
His favorite poem was I Am Boom!.
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.3

Over the River and Through the Woods by L. Maria Child illustrated by Matt Tavares*

"The New England Boy's Song About Thanksgiving Day"
I like the illustrations in this book better than the ones illustrated by Iris Van Rynbach.

Over the River and Through the Wood by Lydia Maria Child illustrated by Iris Van Rynbach

Watercolor paintings by Ms. Rynbach illustrate this traditional song.

Turk and Runt by Lisa Wheeler illustrated by Frank Ansley*

"A Thanksgiving Comedy"
Runt's parents are so proud of his brother Turk.  He is huge and plump.  The parents have huge aspirations for Turk.  But Runt knows better.  Turk's destiny is on a platter on a Thanksgiving Day table.  But no one listens to Runt until one day when an elderly comes for Runt.
Funny!
*Highly recommend.
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.8
**I saw online a Reader's Theater made for this book. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Readers-Theater-Turk-and-Runt-A-Thanksgiving-Comedy-863762   It costs over $6.00.
Strategy: fluency, expanding vocab. 

The Thanksgiving Door by Debby Atwell*

Elderly Ed and Ann are alone for Thanksgiving.  Ann burns their dinner and retreats into her ironing.  When Ed suggests they check out a new restaurant down the street, Ann is not too thrilled.
Their day takes a surprising turn for the better as they interact with a different culture group. . . the restaurant owners and their family members learn about the heart of Thanksgiving.
*Highly recommend.
Strategy: inferring

Thanksgiving Is Here! by Diane Goode*

This book  portrays the craziness but fun on Thanksgiving Day as many family members gather at Grandma's house.
I really liked the sweet grandparents in this story.  The illustrations are adorable too (and very funny!).

The crying baby made me cringe but also laugh!!  Ms. Goode captures how a full house tends to be!!
Two different size fonts are included on most pages.  The larger font is the main idea and the smaller font are the details to support it.
Could use this story to introduce a simplistic version of main idea/supporting details.
Strategies: main idea 
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: K (beginning of 2nd grade)

I'm a Turkey! by Jim Arnosky*

Told in a spoken-word song, the readers will learn a few facts about turkeys.
A free downloadable song is available.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: K (beginning of 2nd grade)

Pilgrim Cat by Carol Antoinette Peacock illustrated by Doris Ettlinger*

Right before the Mayflower departs, a cat jumps aboard.  Faith Barrett befriends the cat during the voyage and the cat sees her through the tough times the Pilgrims experience that first year.
*Highly recommend.

Sharing the Bread An Old-Fashioned Thanksgiving Story by Pat Zietlow Miller illustrated by Jill McElmurry*

Each family member contributes in same way to prepare the Thanksgiving meal.

Rhyming and repeated phrases will make the story appealing to younger children.  

I like how the family members included grandparents, aunts/uncles, parents, and children.  

The illustrations offer the opportunity to discuss what life was like long ago. 

Pair with A Fine Dessert by Emily Jenkins.

*Highly recommend.

The Firefighter's Thanksgiving by Maribeth Boelts illustrated by Terry Widener

On Thanksgiving Day, the firefighters attempt to make a feast for themselves but urgent fires around the city prevent them from preparing their scrumptious meal.  Then the neighborhood honors them by serving them a meal.
A nice tribute to firefighters.
The overlapping illustrations may make it a bit confusing for younger readers and listeners.
Strategy: inferring

Thelonius Turkey Lives! by Lynn Rowe Reed

"(on Felicia Ferguson's Farm)"
Thelonius knows exactly why Felicia is treating him so well. . . to eat him on Thanksgiving Day, of course!
Eating him may be Felicia's goal but Thelonius will not go down without a fight!  The week before Thanksgiving, Thelonius creates chaos on the farm.
A surprise ending!
I found the eclectic illustrations and artwork distracting.

Milly and the Macy's Parade by Shana Corey illustrated by Brett Helquist

This book shares how the Macy's Day parade originated.   Milly is a fictional character but she makes the story more interesting for the younger crowd.
Basically, the parade was started by immigrants who missed the "old country" and were adjusting to American ways.

The Great Thanksgiving Escape by Mark Fearing

Mr. Fearing captures the claustrophobic feeling everyone feels in a crowded house during the holidays well.  Two cousins, Gavin and Rhonda try to escape to the out of doors but must dodge drooling toddlers, dogs, pinching and kissing aunts, dedicated football fans and scary teenagers.
Although Mr. Fearing is accurate in portraying how family gatherings may feel at times and I chuckled a few times, I did not care for this "darker" view of a Thanksgiving celebration.
Strategies: inferring, sequencing
Warnings: Rhonda calls the teenagers "zombies" and says, "They'll eat our brains as an appetizer!".

Thanksgiving at Our House by P.K Hallinan

A peek at a family's traditions on Thanksgiving Day via rhyming and sugary-sweet illustrations.
A celebration of family, food and friends.

Awful Ogre Running Wild by Jack Prelutsky illustrated by Paul O. Zelinsky

This collection of ogre poems may convert any boy to poetry!
My third grader read this poems to himself.
Seventeen poems recount the ogre's "awful summer; delightful awful summer".

The Three Investigators The Secret of Terror Castle by Robert Arthur

In late elementary I loved reading this series!
Rereading the first book in the series was a lot of fun and brought back memories.
Jupiter, Pete and Bob form the The Three Investigators and meet in their headquarters, Jupiter's aunt and uncle's junkyard.
For their first case, a movie producer contacts them and wants them to find him a real haunted house.  Jupiter knows the perfect location: the old castle of deceased movie actor Stephen Terrill.  As the boys set out to prove that the castle is haunted, they must endure frightening encounters.  Will Jupe's intelligence help reveal the secret of the castle or will their investigating business go under before it begins?!
Warnings: Scary scenes, talk of ghosts, phantoms, a fortune telling gypsy, story of a woman who hanged herself

Fire Engine No. 9 by Mike Austin*

Mr. Austin relates the rescue through onomatopoeia words.
I especially liked the lay out of the book.  The reader must turn the page vertically when the fire rescuers slide down the pole and climb down the ladder.  As the engines race through the streets to the fire, the reader can trace the path they take by following the words "Weooo! Weooo!" through the streets.
Happy ending for everyone!
At the end the author provides a list of fire safety rules and guidelines.
End pages display various fire tools and equipment.  The reader can see them being used throughout the book.  After reading the book it would be fun to revisit the story and identify where the tools are being utilized in the story.
*Highly recommend.  A must read aloud during Fire Safety month!
Strategies: inferring, retelling

Time to Sleep Sheep the Sheep! by Mo Willems

a "Cat the Cat book"
Cat informs various animals that it is time to sleep until he encounters the owl.
Simple text which will give beginning readers the confidence that they can read.
The phrase "time to sleep" is repeated throughout the story.

Let's Say HI to Friends Who Fly! by Mo Willems

"A Cat the Cat" book
Very simplistic text which is perfect for the child just beginning to read.
The phrase "Can you fly . . ." is repeated throughout the book.
Cat greets various animals and asks them if they can fly.

The Marvels by Brian Selznick

Mr. Selznicks draws and writes two separate stories, one in 1766 and then another one in 1990, but brings them beautifully together.
Joseph Jervis (in 1990) runs away from his boarding school in England and tries to find his eccentric Uncle Albert in Spitalfields.  There, he discovers an unique house, spellbinding stories and a sense of belonging.
Although Mr. Selznick does not rub it in the reader's face, Uncle Albert said he fell in love with Billy and called him his "beloved".  I would not recommend this book for elementary readers because of this relationship.
Aspects of the story are based on a true events and Dennis Severs, the creator of a three-dimensional novel, in Spitalfields.
Warnings/Points to discuss: Albert and Billy's homosexual relationship;  two characters die from AIDS but not much is said about the disease which may cause confusion and lots of questions.

Capture the Flag by Kate Messner*

Anna, Jose, and Henry meet while they are stuck in an airport during a winter snowstorm.  During their stay, news breaks out that the flag that inspired Frances Scott Key to compose "The Star-Spangled Banner" has been stolen.  When all three discover that they have family members part of the Silver Jaguar Society, sworn to preserve the world's historical artifacts, they set out to find the missing flag at the airport and capture who stole the flag.
Crazy events like driving airport vehicles and scrambling in the luggage area coupled with loyalty to friends and mankind make this book a winner!
Point to discuss: I did not like how a political character who wanted immigration reform was portrayed.  The author made it seem like those who want immigration reform are prejudice and narrow-minded.  A bit of subtle politics was integrated into the story.
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: V (5th/6th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.3
More books in series-Silver Jaguar Society Mysteries
                                  #2 Hide and Seek
                                  #3 Manhunt

Passage to Freedom by Ken Mochizuki illustrated by Dom Lee*

"The Sugihara Story"
Told from Hiroki Sugihara's point of view, readers learn how his father, a Japanese diplomat saved 10,000 Jewish refugees while then Sugihara family lived in Lithuania.  Despite the Japanese government's wishes, he issued visas to the refugees in Lithuania.
Mr. Machizuki describes the father's agony as he makes his decision and his personal sacrifice for the refugees.
This story reveals how one person and their selfless love can make a huge difference.
What an amazing story!!
**Highly, highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level : U (5th/6th grade)-probably because of the subject matter
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2
Borrowed from the library.

The Harmonica by Tony Johnston illustrated by Ron Mazellan*

This story was inspired by a true story concerning Henryk Rosmaryn (who later changed his name to Henry Rosmarin when he came to the United States).
This story is told in first person and is very lyrical (like music!) with lots of similes and metaphors.
Nazis take a young Jewish Polish boy into a camp, away from his parents.  His precious possession, his harmonica, he keeps hidden but plays it one night when he senses his parents have died.  The commandant of the camp overhears him and demands that he plays Schubert for him.
The boy feels like he is aiding the enemy by playing for the commandant but his conscience is later relieved when he learns he is bringing hope to his fellow prisoners.
Strategies: figurative language, inferring
*Highly recommend.
The illustrations depict the mood of the story well.
Guided Reading Level: W (6th grade and older)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.7
Borrowed from the library.