Imagine a Place by Sarah L. Thomson illustrated by Rob Gonsalves*

I recently shared Imagine a Day and Imagine a Night with some fourth graders and wanted to see if this team had published anymore books.  I found this book!
Just like their previous books, this team takes reality, incorporates imagination and produces a fantastical result.
I love the paintings even more than the words.
Words included similes, personification, metaphors, and alliteration.
Strategies: inferring, figurative language, asking questions
*Highly recommend.

Santa Is Coming to Pennsylvania by Steve Smallman illustrated by Robert Dunn and Jim Mitchell

Santa loads up his sleigh to deliver gifts to the boys and girls in Pennsylvania.
The author references some notable structures in Harrisburg the capital and some towns/cities in PA.  Santa and his reindeer run into some fog plus the youngest reindeer's inexperience causes some difficulties.
Not an exactly a creative story line.
It looks like this team has published the same story concept for other states.  It would be interesting to see if the story line is exactly the same but having other cities and attractions inserted.
Maybe a teacher/home school parent studying the states and their capitals would have fun with this series?

Time for Cranberries by Lisl H. Detlefsen illustrated by Jed Henry

Sam and his parents live on a cranberry farm.  The reader experiences the cranberry harvest process with Sam.
My boys and I really studied the illustrations to understand the entire procedure.
A great book to share with children who are curious about  "how things work" and farming.
Recipes are in the back for cranberry sauce and cranberry pie.
The author shares in the "author's note" how this story is close and personal to her.
A glossary with important vocabulary used throughout the book is also included at the back of the book.
Strategies: check for understanding, asking questions, inferring

Connect the Stars by Marisa de los Santos and David Teague*

Audrey can tell if anyone is lying.  She calls it her "unsuperpower".
Then her best friend lies to her.
She decides that is better to be like Henry David Thoreau and live alone so no one can lie to her.  She gives up on having friends.

Aaron can read anything and remember it.  Anything he hears, he remembers it.  He is the Quiz Masters team's captain.  Then at the championships the team loses because of Aaron.  He can recite facts but he cannot always understand what they mean in relation to people.

Then Audrey and Aaron find themselves at a wilderness camp in the Texas desert for the summer.  As they endure trials placed upon them by their intense leader, Jare, can they look beyond themselves and their "gifts" to trust each other and even themselves again?
Audrey and Aaron take turns telling the story, alternating chapters.

*Highly recommend. (great character development)
As I read it, I wanted to fly out to the desert and witness its raw beauty that the authors describe so well.
*Borrowed from the library.
Written by a husband and wife.
I think I found a couple of typos which bothers me.
Warning/point to discuss: In the middle of the book, Audrey describes days as "heaven" or "hell".
Strategies: check for understanding, connections, inferring, character development/character traits, synthesizing

My Very First-I Can Read Box Set #2 by Dr. Julie M. Wood*

I bought this set for my current kindergartner.
The illustrations are adorable and the story lines are engaging and humorous.
A pure delight!
*Highly recommend for the very beginning reader.
Guided Reading Levels: C, D, E
Parent's Corner at the end offers suggestions for "rereading the book together", "fun with words", and "more learning".
*We own this set.

The Little Snowplow by Lora Koehler illustrated Jake Parker*

Can Little Snowplow handle the approaching big blizzard?  His fellow machinery "friends" do not think so.  He proves that small can be mighty.
My kindergartner and I talked how "ow" can sound like a long o or "ou".  Snowplow offers the perfect opportunity to discuss this concept.
*Highly recommend.
*Borrowed from the library.

My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits illustrated by Gabi Swiatkowska*

Yoon does not like America.  She wishes she was a bird and could fly back to Korea.
With encouragement from her parents, Yoon slowly adjusts to her new surroundings.
Daily CAFE recommended using this book to model check for understanding-2nd grade.
Other strategy: inferring
*Highly recommend.
*Borrowed from the library.

The Sound of Colors-A Journey of Imagination by Jimmy Liao

Beautiful illustrations.
The main character is blind and must use her imagination as she travels on a subway.
*Borrowed from the library.

Lenny and Lucy by Philip C. Stead illustrated by Erin E. Stead

A husband and wife author/illustrator team.
Peter, his father and dog-Harold, travel to a new home.  Peter does not like the new home, especially the dark woods looming across the bridge.  So he creates Lenny to guard the bridge.
Maybe I am not deep enough but I did not appreciate this book as much as other reviewers.
A book about loneliness and friendship.
*Borrowed from the library.

Hank the Cowdog -Let Sleeping Dogs Lie by John R. Erickson

When I taught third grade this series was part of my classroom library.  My students really like them.  I read one and did not care for it.
But, a relative gave this book to our family.  My oldest son is now a third grader.  He read it and liked it a lot!
He said it was exciting.
"Hank's owners accuse him of eating the chickens and lock him up in the jailhouse (an outhouse).  He has to figure out who really is killing the chickens.  He escapes the jailhouse and saves the owner's baby.  The baby had wandered to a big cliff and a cow was charging the baby.  Hank saves the baby."
Guided Reading Level: P (third grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 5.1
*We own this book.

Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerrlizzi*

Kenny Rabbit lived with his parents on a sheep farm in the countryside of Roundbrook.  When Kenny's dad announces a dragon has moved in and they must move out, Kenny is off to meet the fellow.  Soon he and Grahame (like the cracker) the dragon become best friends.  Then the townsfolk hear about the newest resident.  Who shall defeat the dragon?  Why, a retired knight George . . . .Kenny's only other friend.
How can Kenny help George and the town folks understand that Grahame will not harm them?
*Highly recommend.
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.7
Strategies: expanding vocab./word choice, figurative language
*Borrowed from the library.

Finding Winnie by Lindsay Mattick illustrated by Sophie Blackall*

"The True Story of the World's Most Famous Bear"
Lindsay Mattick is the great-granddaughter of Captain Harry Colebourn.  Captain Colebourn saw a baby bear with a gentleman at a train station and buys the cub for $20.00.  He names the bear "Winniepeg", "Winnie" for short after his hometown.
Ms. Mattick shares the story of Winnie with her readers via telling the story to her son.  The reader needs to check for understanding throughout the story as the scene flips back and forth between the early 1900's to modern time.
*Highly recommend.
A unique photo album is included in the back with actual photographs and artifacts.
I love Ms. Blackall's illustration style.
Great for building schema about Winnie the Pooh's beginnings.

Cranberry Easter by Wende and Harry Devlin*

Seth, the proprietor of Cranberryport's General Store, is sick of winter and is lonely after his wife's death.  He decides to sell the store and move south.  Mr. Whiskers is devastated at the prospect of losing his friend and checker partner.  Maggie comes up with the perfect solution!
*Highly recommend.

Cranberry Summer by Wende and Harry Devlin*

A circus left town and their old donkey remains.  Maggie and Mr. Whiskers adopt it while they attempt to reach the circus master.  The main problem is it costs money to feed a donkey and Mr. Whiskers' money box is empty.  Grandmother, of course, comes up with a plan so the donkey earns his keep.  Then Cyrus Grape appears on the scene, threatening to destroy any hope of profit and goodwill.
*Highly recommend.

Cranberry Birthday by Wende and Harry Devlin*

It is Mr. Whiskers' birthday and his persnickety sister, Sarah is planning to visit.  Will Grandmother and Maggie be able to create a birthday party which will meet Sarah's approval?  And what about Mr. Whiskers' birthday wish for a pet dog?
*Highly recommend.

Cranberry Autumn by Wende and Harry Devlin*

Maggie needs new school clothes and Grandmother needs a winter coat but they have no money.  Leave it to Grandmother to come up with a plan- Cranberryport Antique Sale.  She unearths two valuable Staffordshire dogs to sell.  Will grouchy Cyrus Grape outsmart Mr. Whiskers and purchase the dogs at a cheap price?
I love Mr. Whiskers!
*Highly recommend.

The Garden of Abdul Gasazi by Chris Van Allsburg*

**-Award Winning Book-A Caldecott Honor Book
Alan watches his neighbor's naughty dog, Fritz.  While on a walk, Fritz dashes off into Abdul Gasazi's garden where dogs are forbidden.  Frantically, Alan chases Fritz but to no avail.  Mr. Gasazi, a magician, turns the dog into a duck.  How will Alan break the news to Fritz's owner?
A great ending which requires the reader to infer.
*Highly recommend.
Daily CAFE website recommends using this book to model the strategy "check for understanding" (for grade 5th grade but I think it would be suitable for 3rd grade and higher).  If you are a member to their website you can  print out a brief focus lesson for this book and strategy.
*Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: P (end of the 3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.7
**I highly recommend Mr. Van Allsburg's books for encouraging readers to think deeply and infer.

Judy Moody and Friends-Triple Pet Trouble by Megan McDonald illustrated by Erwin Madrid

In three chapters which reference the previous ones, Judy and her brother Stink have adventures with their pets and their friend's pets.
I like the bold, colorful illustrations on most of the pages in these books which make the series ideal for transitional readers or even reluctant readers.
Guided Reading Level: N (beginning 3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2nd
Warning/points to discuss: In one chapter Judy pretends her cat is psychic and refers to her pitcher plant as a vampire.
*Borrowed from the library.

Prince Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold*

Buzz is creating a fairy tale and asks Fly Guy, his pet fly, for help.  Fly Guy's facial expression indicate if he approves of Buzz's ideas.  Mr. Arnold illustrates in speech bubbles what Fly Guy is thinking and visualizing about the ideas.
Funny and cute.
Perfect series for beginning readers.
*Highly recommend.
*Borrowed from the library.

The Field Day from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler illustrated by Jared Lee

Hubie and his classmates are anticipating field day.  He is trying with all of his might to get in shape-like watching exercise videos.  Then big day arrives . . . which team will win?
My third grader read this book to himself and of course, declared the book "funny".   He liked when the two teams were participating in the tug of war event and were pulling for fifteen minutes!
Guided Reading Level: N (beginning of 3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.3
*Borrowed from the library.
Perfect for reluctant readers and transitional readers.

Sheep by Valerie Hobbs

Told from the point of view of a border collie, readers participate in his desperate search for sheep and a loving owner.  His life begins at a large sheep ranch  but when a fire destroys the ranch, he is shipped off to a pet store where is adopted by a family with a girl who loves to dress him up.  He quickly escapes that awful life to join Goat Man.  Goat Man is traveling the west coast with his stinky goats and likens himself to a philosopher.  In the months that follow the border collie experiences life with thieves and a cruel circus master.  Despite his challenging and sometimes abusive circumstances, he follows the urge pounding in his heart to find a home with sheep and an owner who will love and respect him.
Points to discuss/warnings: On pg. 45 one thief swears ("d" word).  The circus master is abusive and beats his animals if they do not obey.  He beat one so badly the dog died.  "Sparky" (the border collie/main character) experiences his cruelty and almost dies.  The boys at the orphanage call Luke "Retardo" because he cannot read.
Guided Reading Level: R (beginning 4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.3
Sequel: Wolf (An entire book about Jack and his life with Luke on a sheep ranch.)
*Borrowed from the library.

The Three Investigators #3 The Mystery of the Whispering Mummy by Robert Arthur*

My third grader read this book to himself.
Jupiter, Pete and Bob must figure out why a mummy whispers.  Then the mummy disappears! Can the three friends figure out who took the mummy and why it was whispering?
*Highly recommend.
An exciting series for boys.
*Borrowed from the library.

Black Lagoon Adventures #4 The Science Fair from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler illustrated by Jared Lee

Hubie has to invent something for the science fair.  Maybe he can invent a way to get out of the assignment!
My third grader read this to himself.  He liked it because it was funny.  He thought the laugh machine idea was funny.
Guided Reading Level: M (2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.5
Perfect series for building stamina, boys, reluctant readers and transitional readers.
*Borrowed from the library.

The Angel Tree by Daphne Benedis-Grab

This book has all the components of a Hallmark movie!
Each  December a Christmas tree appears in the middle of the small town, Pine River.  Town residents then write down Christmas wishes and hang them on the tree. Various individuals then select the wishes and make them come true!
Four children and their life circumstances are featured in this book.  Each of them doubt that their wishes will be granted . . . healing for a seeing-eye dog has cancer, a family needs a new home, a boy longs for his mother who is overseas fighting for the country, and a girl wishes her grandmother would value how she has been created.  Then the four children come together, determined to discover who is behind the Christmas wish tree each year.
A sweet story of friendship and belonging.
Guided Reading Level: S (4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4
I own this book.

Disappearance at Hangman's Bluff-A Felony Bay Mystery #2 by J.E. Thompson*

Abbey Force and her best friend Bee have another mystery to solve.  She and Bee ride their ponies over to their neighbor Judge Gator's house to check on his dog, Yemassee, who is about to give birth to puppies.  While they are there, someone shoots the dog and takes her away.
Crime seems to abound on Leadenwah Island-an armored car and a gas truck disappears.  And why are there tractor trailers hauling dirt off the island?
With their tenacity, Abbey and Bee set off to solve these mysteries.  Not even a hurricane can prevent them finding the answers and promoting justice.
A fast-paced novel!  Abbey is a feisty character!
I like how in both novels Mr. Thompson changes Abbey's view of her arch-nemesis by the end of the story.
Warning/points to discuss:  Abbey lies to adults a few times.  The criminals in the story have guns and threaten to shoot the characters.
*Highly recommend.

The Girl and the Bicycle by Mark Pett*

In this wordless book a girl spies a bicycle in a store front window.  She, however, does not have enough money to purchase it.  The reader witnesses her diligent effort to save for it.  Mr. Pett builds  a convincing case for her perseverance so when the time arrives for her purchase it, the readers will feel her agony when the bike is no longer available.
This story will pull on heartstrings.  I almost cried at the end when the girl reveals her unselfishness.
***Highly, highly recommend.
Lots of strategies can be utilized with this book: predicting, inferring, using schema, connections, main idea

I did not care for the palette of the book (mostly browns and whites) and am not sure why he choose such a blah color scheme.  Was it so the reader focuses on the story line and the message, and not be distracted by vivid colors?  I am not sure.
 His illustration style is not one I would be drawn to but the fact it was a wordless book made me request it from the library.
*Borrowed from the library.

Mudball by Matt Tavares*

I love Mr. Tavares' amazing artwork in all of his books.  He draws his characters' faces so well you can feel what they are experiencing and feeling.
In this book he brings to life the legend of Andy Oyler.  Stories about him and that fateful day have changed over the years but no matter what is true, the story is uplifting and inspiring!
Andy is the shortest player on his team, the Minneapolis Millers and the entire league!  One rainy day Andy contemplates quitting.  He just cannot seem to make contact with the ball.
Then during the downpour, Andy's career in baseball is forever changed.  He hits the ball and helps the team win the game.
Mr. Tavares captures the suspense and the atmosphere of baseball well.  My boys and I were laughing at the opposing team's second baseman's reactions to Andy.
The palette used is very appropriate for a rainy day in baseball-browns, grays, whites and blacks.  Even the page edges have wet splotches on them.
**Highly, highly  recommend.
*Borrowed from the library.
I wish I had known about this book for my library story time this past summer which focused on "unlikely heroes".
Strategies: Daily CAFE website recommends using this book to model check for understanding for 4th grade.  On their website they provide a "brief focus lesson" using this book.  It also lends itself to predicting.
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.2

How Are You Peeling? Foods with Moods by Saxton Freymann and Joost Elffers*

These illustrations are phenomenal!! Mr. Freymann ventured into New York to discover "expressive produce".  Then using an Exacto knife, he created expressive sculptures.  For the eyes he used black-eyed peas.
Amazing works of art!!!
With rhyming text and very expressive fruits and vegetables, readers will enjoy relating to the various feelings displayed.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
Strategy: Daily CAFE website recommends using this book to model "use prior knowledge to connect with text" for first grade.   On the website they have a "brief focus lesson" available for the 1st grade level using this book.

The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party #2 by Shannon Hale and Dean Hale illustrated by LeUyen Pham*

Princess Magnolia seems like the perfect princess: prim, proper, and likes pink.  For her birthday she invites her twelve princess friends to celebrate.  Whenever she begins to enjoy the festivities, however, her glitter-stone ring rings, sounding the monster alarm.  Then she transforms into the Princess in Black!  Off she rides on Blacky, her trusty steed,  to fight off monsters who threaten the kingdom's goat population.

I love this series for transitional, reluctant girl readers.  The chapters are short and exciting.  Lots of illustrations fill almost every page.
*Borrowed from the library.
*Highly recommend series for reluctant reader girls who like princesses but who are also a bit adventurous!

Shy Charles by Rosemary Wells

Strategies: Daily CAFE website recommended using this book to model/reinforce check for understanding for first grade.  On their website is a "brief focus lesson" outline using this book.  I also recommend using this book to model/reinforce using prior knowledge to make connections.

Charlies is painfully shy.  His parents are sick and tired of it so they come up with some solutions, like joining ballet and football.  These solutions are a failure.  Then Charles' babysitter comes for the evening and falls down the stairs, hurting herself.  Will Charles shyness prevent him from helping her?

Warning: I did not like how the father treated Charles.  His words were demeaning (like "You're a jelly roll! You're just a cowardly custard." . . .)
Guided Reading Level: L (2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.1
*Borrowed from the library.

Human Body Theater a Nonfiction Revue by Maris Wicks*

An engaging skeleton emcees a production displaying all the human body systems and their functions.  This comic-style book will engage even reluctant readers and learners.
Ms. Wicks packs in lots of information about each system in a fun, entertaining manner.
*Highly recommend for junior high and even for reluctant learners on the high school level.
Text features: headings, diagrams, cross sections, close ups, bold/colored font, labels, headings, glossary (very creative-uses sign language and braille with the regular alphabet), recommended reading section
Points to discuss/warning: The reproductive system is included.
*Borrowed from the library.

Black Lagoon Adventures #3 The Class Election from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler illustrated by Jared Lee

My third grader read this book to himself.
This is his review:
"They are having a class election.  Hubie wants to be president.  On the day they are saying their speeches, Hubie gets in the lead because he tells a joke and everyone laughs. . . except the person who he is running against."
Guided Reading Level: N (third grade)
Grade Level Equivalency: 2.6

Black Lagoon Adventures #2 The Talent Show from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler illustrated by Jared Lee

My third grader checked out this book from the library and read in one evening (an easier book for him!).   This is his review.
The books are not really scary.
The main character, Hubie, is scared about the talent show because he does not what to do.  Then his mom offers suggestions.  One of her suggestions was to learn to play piano.  He says no but she is already calling  the teacher.  Then he has a nightmare that the talent show goes really badly.  When he performs in the talent show he becomes a star because he plays the song with his feet!"
Guided Reading Level: N (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.5

That's (Not) Mine by Anna Kang illustrated by Christopher Weyant*

This husband-wife team has created another wonderful book for beginning readers.  Their first book You Are (Not) Small won the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award in 2015.
The same two bears are in this story and find themselves arguing over a comfy chair.
This team has captured younger children's frustration over sharing and also their ability to forgive and be friends again very well.
*Highly recommend.
Borrowed from the library.
My kindergartner was eager to read this book aloud to me!
I would highly recommend this book for preschool rooms and K-1st grade rooms.
Strategy: fluency  Perfect for a Reader's Theater for two people.

Who Would Win? Ultimate Ocean Rumble by Jerry Pallotta illustrated by Rob Bolster*

My son ordered this book from his class book order and read it on the way home from school.  He provided entertainment the whole way home as he asked my other son and me which ocean creature would win in a battle!
Mr. Pallottta has sixteen ocean creatures face each other in three rounds.  The two winners from the third round fight to conclude who is the ultimate ocean creature!
Some of the fighting animals are: walrus, sand tiger shark, narwhal, torpedo fish, stonefish, polar bear.
Mr. Pallotta describes each creature and why the one won over the other one.  He also scatters fun and goofy facts around the pages about each of the creatures.
Such a fun series for boys!!
*Highly recommend.
We own this book.
Guided Reading Level: P (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.4

What Was the First Thanksgiving? by Joan Holub illustrated by Lauren Mortimer*

Ms. Holub shares how and why the Puritans decided to settle in the New World and shows how the first Thanksgiving came about in 1621. She also offers information about the Native Americans and how Thanksgiving finally became a national holiday.
Additional fact pages/boxes are scattered throughout the book.
Text features: diagram, headings, table of contents, photographs, time lines, maps, labels
*Highly recommend.
Guided Reading Level: P (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.3
We own this book.

The Dancing Turtle by Pleasant DeSpain illustrated by David Boston*

"A Folktale from Brazil"
The turtle plays lovely music on her flute and then goes into a dance.  After dancing so exuberantly,  she tucks herself into her shell and sleeps.  Unbeknownst to her, a man has been watching her and while she sleeps, he grabs her and takes her home so he can make turtle soup.  He warns his children to leave her in her cage as he goes to work in the fields the next day.
Can turtle use her cleverness and gifts to outsmart the children and the man?  Or will she meet her demise in  . . turtle soup?!
I liked how the illustrator included a large assortment of animals in the background of each page.  I would have liked if a small illustration of each animal with a brief description would have been included in the back.
*Highly recommend.
Someone recently gave this book to the boys.

I'm Thankful Each Day! by P.K. Hallinan

In this sweet rhyming book, the author reminds readers of all the simple wonders that should cause gratitude to well up inside of us.
Idea: Perfect book to read on November 1st and then have children record on a turkey cutout, journal, ABC book why they are thankful up and through Thanksgiving Day.
Borrowed from the library.

Bob the Dog by Rodrigo Folgueira illustrated by Poly Bernatene

One day Bob the Dog and his owner Mark were racing through the park until Bob swallowed Jeremy the Canary.  Bob is distraught about having swallowed an innocent bird.  They gather friends to come up with ways to remove Jeremy but nothing works.  Then Jeremy's mother arrives and the reader learns the real reason why Jeremy is inside Bob!
Funny!
Strategies: sequencing, connections
Someone recently gave this book to the boys.

The Little Spider by Sigmund Brouwer

Original song by Cindy Morgan
CD enclosed featuring her song "What Can I Give?" and story dramatization.
When Mouse learns that Mary, Joseph and Jesus are fleeing to Egypt to escape King Herod and his edict to kill baby boys, he warns the rest of the animals.  Dog, Cat, Donkey, Mouse and Spider all vow to go with the family to protect the family.  They all scoff when Spider states he will help too.
This story reminds us that we all can serve God, no matter how small.
I also like how a parent could discuss how some Christians may follow Christ when life is going smoothly.
Someone recently gave this book to the boys.

Little Rabbit Waits for the Moon by Beth Shoshan illustrated by Stephanie Peel

Before he falls asleep, Little Rabbit wants to make sure the moon is watching over him.  He asks various objects in creation when it will appear.
Someone gave this book to us recently.

Cat the Cat-Who Is That? by Mo Willems

As cat walks along, Mr. Willems asks Cat the Cat who various animals she encounters. In typical Mo Willems style there is some humor at the end.
Perfect for the beginning reader as there are lots of repeated words and phrases.
My Kindergartner read this aloud to me.
Estimated Guided Reading Level: B-C
Borrowed from the library.

Malala Yousafzai Education Activist by Rebecca Rowell

from the series "Essential Lives"
This book shares about Malala's attack and her recovery but also introduces the reader to her culture.
Chapters that are not devoted to Malala and her life focus on the following topics: Pakistan, Islam, and Taliban.
Very interesting and informative.
Text features: table of contents, headings, fact boxes, photographs and captions, timeline, glossary

Sly the Sleuth and the Sports Mysteries by Donna Jo Napoli and Robert Furrow illustrated by Heather Maione*

Sly (Sylvia) runs a detective agency and helps the friends in her neighborhood solve problems.
Instead of chapters, the book is divided into three cases.  Within each case, the authors have divided it into sections and labeled them with section headings.
Sly helps her friend Jack remove the birds from the soccer field so he can practice his kicking.  Then she figures out who is taking Melody's sports equipment.  Finally she helps a mother discover why her preschooler is acting strange.
I really liked the format of the book since it would encourage transitional readers to build stamina.  The different sections with headings make this a perfect book to practice "check for understanding", summarizing, figure out the main idea and monitor comprehension.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: check for understanding, main idea/details, summarizing, monitoring comprehension, stamina
Guided Reading Level: L (2nd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.7
There are four different titles in this series.  Below is a link to the list:
https://www.goodreads.com/series/74772-sly-the-sleuth

The Three Investigators #2 The Mystery of the Stuttering Parrot by Robert Arthur*

My third grader read this book to himself.
He said it was very exciting.  There was an art thief who captured Jupiter, Pete and Bob.  They barely escaped from him!  Also, the criminal is not who you think it is!

Seven parrots are stolen.  These talking birds repeat a coded message from a dead man.  Race is on to see who can decipher the code first.
*Highly recommend the series (I loved this series when I was in late elementary!).

The Knights' Tales #4 The Adventures of Sir Balin the Ill-Fated by Gerald Morris illustrated by Aaron Renier*

The three of us listened to this book on CD.  Then my third grader read the book to himself.
The old woman from the mountain was suppose to bless Sir Balin when he was a baby.  Instead, her blessings were coupled with sadness.  His marvelous deeds will only serve him ill.  All of his adventures will bring him misfortune.  He will also destroy the knight whom he loves the most.
Can Sir Balin as an adult ever find peace and good fortune?  How does one outsmart "fate"?
I was fearful that this story would end in sadness but was pleasantly surprised!
*Highly recommend.

This Is My Home, This Is My School by Jonathan Bean*

Mr. Bean welcomes his readers to spend a day with a home school family-his family!
The story takes place in the house that his parents (and he and his sisters) built.
Mr. Bean shares the realistic side to home schooling.  The illustrations, of course, offer even more insight into their typical day (or is there ever a typical day in home schooling??!!).
The end of the book includes a two page spread of photographs of Mr. Bean and his sisters.
Next weekend I am planning to go to his book signing and possibly visit the home where this story takes place!!
Pair this book with: Building Our House (his previous book about his family).
Strategies: inferring, connections, synthesizing 
*Highly recommend.

happy! by Pharrell Williams

Mr. Williams' song certainly adds a spring in one's step!
The illustrations/photographs in this book depicting joyful children support the fun lyrics.
Mr. Williams writes to the reader at the end, encouraging him/her to be a happy helper and bring happiness to someone's day.
I don't agree with him that happiness can change the world . . . a relationship with Christ can!

The Nonsense Show by Eric Carle

The Nonsense Show begins with a hare pulling out a boy from a hat.  From this point on,  each page contains absurd, silly illustrations.  My boys enjoyed finding what was odd on each page.
I especially liked the last page which has synonyms for the words "nonsense/odd" in a speech bubble.
Mr. Carle usually writes for a younger audience but this book should be read to/by elementary age children to fully appreciate the humor and subtleties.
Rhyming text.
Strategies: schema, expanding vocabulary

Little Cub by Olivier Dunrea

Little cub lives alone.  Old bear also lives alone.  Both characters long for companionship.  Once they find each other, their lives are complete.
Adorable illustrations!
Sweet story about friendship.
Point to consider: Mr. Dunrea includes in his author bio on the jacket flap that he lives with his partner John.