Ranger's Apprentice #6 The Siege of Macindaw by John Flanagan

My eleven year old read this book to himself.
Sir Keren has overtaken Castle Macindaw.  It is up to Ranger Will and his friend Horace to release Araluen from Sir Keren's grip.  Held captive in the Castle Macindaw is Alyss, the one Will loves.
*Highly recommended by my 11 year old.
Warning: swearing
The library has this series labeled "young adult".

A Chip Off the Old Block by Jody Jensen Shaffer illustrated by Daniel Miyares*

Rocky wants to accomplish great feats like his family, but his parents remind him that he is only a pebble.  But he knows he destined to be a boulder!  So he sets out and visits his amazing family members who reside in the United States.
His family members comprise of: Aunt Etna, Uncle Gibraltar, Great-Grandma Half Dome, The Wave (his cousin), Dino, The Tower (his cousin) and Rushmore (his cousin). 
A fun ending!
**Lots of word play and puns.
I love that Ms. Shaffer explains more about each of this magnificent land forms and sites in the back of the book.
A fun book to incorporate when studying rocks/minerals.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Gator Gumbo by Candace Fleming illustrated by Sally Anne Lambert

Monsieur Gator is declining in his old age and does not possess his younger ferocity to capture meat.  Alas, he must eat only vegetables!  Skunk, Possum, and Otter tease him, knowing he cannot catch them anymore.  One day Monsieur Gator has had enough and decides to make gumbo.  As he gathers the ingredients, he invites Skunk, Possum and Otter to help him prepare the stew, but they refuse.  Little do they know that they will soon be helping him in a big way!
Ms. Fleming mixes in some folk tales (Gingerbread man and Little Red Hen) patterns into her original, humorous story.
A funny, satisfying ending! (must infer)
Recipe for Gator Gumbo included but some of the ingredients may be unappealing!!
Strategies: inferring, connections (text to text connections)
-Borrowed from the library.

Under the Baobab Tree by Julie Stiegemeyer illustrated by E. B. Lewis

African siblings, Moyo and Japera, travel by foot to the next village to the baobab tree, wondering who will gather under this tree of life this day.  As the reader journeys with them, he/she can experience the spectacular wildlife of Africa (weaverbirds, gazelles, termite mounds) and also learn about different people who sometimes congregate under the tree.
My favorite part was the author's note about the baobab tree.
-Borrowed from the library.

Baby Wren and the Great Gift by Sally Lloyd-Jones illustrated by Jen Corace

Baby Wren observes various creatures in the canyon performing beautiful, unique feats and longs to be like them.  Throughout the book she questions, "Why aren't I a ___________ (whichever creature is being featured)?".  At the end she discovers her unique gift and basks in her ability to uniquely contribute to the beauty of the canyon.
Heartwarming book.  A good reminder that we are all created uniquely for His glory.
-Borrowed from the library.

Explore Ancient Worlds Ancient Sparta by Pete DiPrimo

My eleven year old read this book to himself during our study of Sparta.
This book delves into the Spartan history, culture and its famous individuals. 
The five chapters were short enough to read a couple a day but were packed with a lot of information.  Plenty of photographs broke up the main text. 
Craft and food suggestions were in the back.
Strategy: fact vs. opinion
-Borrowed from the library.

Spartan Warriors by Lois Sepahban

My eight year old and I read this aloud together (taking turns) when we studied the Spartans.
This book shares information about how Sparta was formed and the various battles they fought.  The five chapters were perfect lengths for younger reader with plenty of photographs.
Strategy: fact vs. opinion
-Borrowed from the library

The Odyssey by Home retold by Gillian Cross illustrated by Neil Packer*

I read this aloud to my boys to support our study of Ancient Greece. 
Odysseus is weary from ten years of war against the Trojans.  He is eager to reunite with his wife Penelope and son Telemachus in Ithaca.  Unfortunately he encounters obstacles and problems that prolong his journey.   When he finally returns, he must cleverly remove the men trying to woo his wife Penelope.
Very exciting and full of adventure.
Ms. Cross retells this story in a very engaging manner.
*Highly recommend.
We own this book.
Warning: battles/violence
The artwork is unique and some of the faces may scare the more sensitive child (just because the faces are a bit unusual).

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman**

As soon as I saw the beautiful end pages, I was excited to read this biography about Maria Merian.
She pursued the study of insects in the 1600's when erroneous conclusions had been made about them and also when women were discouraged from participating in any activities other than housekeeping and raising a family.
Her talent in art and making paints enabled her to draw her observations and earn a living.
Her careful observations and drawings still assist scientists today!

The book proclaims how much research and time Ms. Sidman placed in creating this book.  She inserts pages about the time period so the reader can understand the mindset and the culture at that time.  She also includes a photograph of a caterpillar slowly transforming into a butterfly at the heading of each chapter.  Its stage directly correlates to the stage Maria is experiencing in life.  Very clever!
Beautiful art is included by Maria and other painters at that time.
Points to discuss: divorce (Maria leaves her husband), slavery in Suriname, witch hangings; suicide and abortion (the slaves would try to end their lives to escape their horrible situations and also try to end their children's lives so they would not have to born into slavery).
Pair with Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian by Margarita Engle (a picture book)

**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Zombie Makers by Rebecca L. Johnson*

When I read the review for this book, the reviewer promised that the book would not remain on the classroom library shelf. 
My eleven year stopped reading his fiction book for awhile so he could read pages from this book.  He thoroughly enjoyed reading about various gross, fascinating animals.  My husband even picked it up and read some pages and thought it was interesting.
This book shares about how different creatures  can take over the bodies of other creatures.
The first part shares what the creature does and then the second part offers a scientific explanation ("science behind the story").
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

The Frog Prince adapted from the retelling by the Brothers Grimm by Paul Galdone

I like Mr. Galdone's illustrations.  He has retold many of the Brothers Grimm tales and other folktales.
A princess loses her precious gold ball in a deep well where a frog inhabits.  He agrees to fetch it for her if she promises to allow him to be her companion.  The princess hastily agrees but once she has the ball, she leaves, not fulfilling her promise.  The frog follows her into the palace where her father enforces her to keep her promise. 
She is quite disgusted with her companion but finds a pleasant surprise at the end.
In this version, she does not kiss the frog.
-Borrowed from the library.

Frankly, I Never Wanted to Kiss Anybody! The Story of the Frog Prince as Told by the Frog by Nancy Loewen illustrated by Denis Alonso

Prince Puckett shares the story how he is turned into a frog during a baseball game and is freed from the curse by a princess who has a pretty great baseball arm.
Strategy: mentor text -point of view/perspective
-Borrowed from the library.

Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds illustrated by Peter Brown

While I was looking online for book ideas, my eight year old peered over my shoulder and saw this book advertised and asked me to request it.
Both my boys liked reading this book to themselves.
Jasper Rabbit shops with his mom to purchase underwear.  At the last minute he convinces his mom to buy him a scary pair of underwear.  At night he becomes scared of the underwear and tries to dispose of it.  Much to his dismay it keeps reappearing!
Strategy: problem/solution
-Borrowed from the library.

Drive Thru History Volume 1 Egypt to Qumran*

With Dave Stotts-Holy Land
Mr. Stotts in his rented Fiat takes the viewer of the Holy Land.  My sons and I loved seeing where David slew Goliath, the city of Jerusalem, Qumran, and the Dead Sea.
Mr. Stotts is energetic and entertaining which learning so much fun.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Poetry Mentor Texts by Lynne R. Dorfman and Rose Cappelli*

Making Reading and Writing Connections, K-8

Lots of ideas for:

list poems

acrostic poems

persona poems

two voices

Plus many book recommendations.

I found that a lot of the poetry books I tried to request based on their suggestions were not available via the library which was frustrating.

I will be borrowing this book again!

*Highly recommend.

-Borrowed from the library.

How to Make the Universe with 92 Ingredients by Adrian Dingle*

An Electrifying Guide to the Elements
I did not read this book thoroughly but wanted to check it out for future studies plus it sounded so intriguing!
The book basically explains how the elements combine to make numerous things in our everyday life.  It also offers a brief explanation of the periodic table.
Tons of activities/projects are included.
Layout is engaging and attractive.
A must have book for those who love chemistry and science!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Point to discuss: In the beginning it treats the old earth view and evolution as fact.

Great Leaders and Thinkers of Ancient Greece by Megan Cooley Peterson*

A wonderful book with simple text features and a couple of brief paragraphs for each person.
People featured:
-Homer
-Themistocles
-Pericles
-Herodotus
-Phidias
-Plato
-Alexander the Great
-Archimedes
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Biggest, Baddest Book of Warriors by Anders Hanson and Elissa Mann*

This book is an awesome pick for reluctant boy readers!
Lots of visuals (photographs, illustrations, maps etc.).  The information, although brief, summarizes the person well.
Individuals included are:
-Spartans
-Hannibal
-Viking Warriors
-Medieval Knights
-Genghis Khan and the Mongols
-Alexander the Great
-Joan of Arc
-Samurai
-William Wallace
-"Mad Jack" Churchill
We only read about the Spartans in this book since that was our area of study but will be borrowing it again when we study the other individuals later this year.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Read and Write Across America by M. Carol Stone

Studying the 50 States Through Literature
For each state the author shares a page of trivia and also a page of suggested books to read that feature the state.
Center ideas and pages to copy are also included.
**For PA, the author says that Pennsylvania means the "city of brotherly love" in Greek . . .which is incorrect--Philadelphia is the city of brotherly love!  Because of this error, I a bit hesitant to believe other trivia facts. 
-Borrowed from the library.

Vocabulary Cartoon of the Day by Marc Tyler Nobleman

For grades 4-6
A fun way to introduce new words!
The featured word is used in a cartoon sentence  and then alongside of it is the official definition and its part of speech.

-Borrowed from the library.

The Ranger's Apprentice #5 The Sorcerer of the North by John Flanagan*

My eleven year old is reading this series to himself and loves it!
Will is now officially a ranger and has his own fief to guard.  When Lord Syron, master of the castle, becomes ill with a mysterious illness, Will finds himself in an adventure where he must determine to whom/what he will be loyal.
My son spent a car ride talking about this book!
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.
Warning: some swearing
Labeled "young adult" in the library.

Yours Sincerely, Giraffe by Megumi Iwasa illustrated by Jun Takabatake*

My eight year old read this book to himself in one afternoon.
Giraffe wants a friend so he writes a letter which he pass along to Pelican with instructions to give it to the first animal he sees.  Penguin is the one who receives the letter and writes back.  A correspondence and friendship is established.
The book consists of letters exchanged between the two plus narration.
My son really liked it and found it humorous.
-Perfect for reluctant readers.
***First published in Japan.
*Highly recommend.
-We own this book.

Seacrow Island by Astrid Lindgren**

What  delightful, satisfying book!
The Melkerson family spends its summer on Seacrow Island in the Carpenter's Cottage.  The father (a widow) and his four children immediately fall in love with the tumble down cottage and the eccentric people who inhabit the island.
From becoming lost in the fog at sea to chasing away Malin's  (19 year old sister) boyfriends to having a baby seal for a pet, adventures and laughter await this family.  A lot of spunky, resilient characters to adore too!
I loved how the children spent most of their time outside, exploring and being creative.
Several times I laughed out loud at the characters' antics.
**Highly, highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

America the Beautiful Florida Florida by Tamra B. Orr

We scanned this book to learn more about Florida.
The book is very comprehensive, covering the state's discovery, its history as a territory and a state, its current government and economy and the different regions.
The photographs and maps add a lot of appeal.
-Borrowed from the library.

Ranger's Apprentice #4 The Battle of Skandia by John Flanagan

My eleven year old read this book to himself.  Below is his summary:
"In the cabin in the mountains of Skandia, Will breaks free from his wormweed addiction.  Horus and Halt come look for him.  Then Evanly is captured.  A massive invasion of Temujai is coming to invade Skandia."
He loves this series!
-Borrowed from the library.
The library has this book in the "young adult" section.
Warning: swearing (dn and hll)

Ali Baba Fooling the Forty Thieves An Arabian Tale by Marie P. Croall illustrated by Clint Hilinski*

A graphic novel
My eight year old and I read this aloud together (he read the male parts; I read the narrator and female parts).
Although we are studying Persia in the 500s BC and this story was written in the 1500 AD, it was fun to read a story that takes place in Persia.
Very exciting!
Warning: murder (2 times) No blood is shown.  Stealing (I discussed with my son how Ali Baba was actually stealing too.)
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.

Victory on the Walls A Story of Nehemiah by Frieda Clark Hyman

My eleven year old read this to himself to build schema before we study this part of history.
Bani, Nehemiah's nephew, relates the story of Nehemiah and how the people of Judah rebuild Jerusalem's walls.  The narrative takes children to this time in history and brings it alive.
Strategies: character traits, character change/development
We own this book.

Tales of Persia by William McElwee Miller illustrated by Bruce Van Patter*

Mr. Miller was a missionary to Islamic Iran in 1919 and for years thereafter.  In this book he explains the Islamic religion and also many stories how God allowed Muslims come to know Him as Lord and Savior.  He wrote these stories with children in mind as his audience so the stories are written in a manner that will appeal to them.
Inspiring and encouraging!
I read this aloud to my boys during our study of Ancient Persia (although these stories took place just recently).  A Bible scripture reading was suggested at the end of each story.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via Inter-Library Loan (my local county does not own this book).

The Surprising Secrets of a Happy Marriage by Shaunti Feldhahn*

I first heard Mrs. Feldhahn share her research findings about happy marriages on Focus on the Family, and was impressed with how articulate, intelligent, and energetic she was.  These same traits are manifested in her book where she reveals her findings about happy marriages after conducting research with over two thousand men and women.  These married couples included a wide variety of race, cultural and religious backgrounds.
The surprising secrets are:

• know a few small actions make a big difference
• believe the best-believe your spouse cares for you
• go to bed mad-wait to resolve issues at the best time
• keep score-keep track of how your spouse is blessing you, how hard they are working etc. and   try to give back to them
• boss their feelings around
• factual fantasies-expect and are grateful for ways their spouse can meet needs
• use sign language-a special signal for reconciliation 
• hang out
• don't tell it like it is-be kind with words
• look higher-depend on God
• get in over their heads-divorce is not an option
• think they hit the jackpot-give credit to spouse for a great marriage

She advises not to implement all of these strategies at once, but to pick one to work on and go from that point.
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed via Interlibrary Loan (my local county does not own it).

Arabian Nights as told by Jim Weiss*

Greathall Productions Inc. Presents a Storyteller's Version of Arabian Nights

These stories were exciting and captivating.  We listened to this to support our study of Ancient Persia (Although these stories are from a later time period than what we are studying.)
This audio CD included the following:

• Scheherazade
• The Bird Who Speaks
• Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
• The Fisherman and the Genie

*Highly recommend
-Borrowed from the library.

The Persian Cinderella by Shirley Climo art by Robert Florczak*

Stunning, rich illustrations display the grandeur of the Persians.
Settareh lives with her step mother, stepsisters, aunts and female cousins in the women's quarters in Persia.  She was beautiful yet lonely. 
When her father gives each of his daughters money to buy cloth to make gowns for the No Ruz, the New Year, the girls eagerly shop in the bazaar.  Settareh, however, uses her money for nuts and a pot and gives some to a withered woman. 
She soon discovers that the pot contains a pari (a fairy) which grants her wishes.  It gives her a beautiful gown and jewelry so she can attend the No Ruz. 
This story follows some of the traditions of the European Cinderella but the ending is quite different.
My eight year old and I read this book together to support our study of Ancient Persia.
Strategies: figurative lang., expanding vocab, compare/contrast -venn diagram
*Highly recommend.
-Borrowed from the library.