Harriet's Hare by Dick King-Smith illustrated by Roger Roth

I read this book because I was looking for science fiction books to recommend to fourth graders at a Christian school.
Although I enjoyed this book thoroughly,  I won't be recommending it to them for one main reason (see points to discuss/warnings below).
Harriet's mother died when she was little and has since then lived a lonely existence on the farm with her father.  On her first day of summer vacation she meets a hare  . . .really an alien from the planet of Pars who decided to take a vacation on Earth in the form of a hare.  He eases Harriet's loneliness that summer.  Before he leaves he vows to make something good happen in her life.
A sweet ending!
Points to discuss/warnings: The folklore in England places a lot of value on hares, claiming they are really witches and are magical.  Superstitious attitudes and beliefs are woven throughout the story.  The main reason I am not recommending this book to the fourth graders is Jessica, a new woman in the countryside/village, used to be married to a husband who physically abused her.  A couple of times characters mention how he used to "knock her around" when he was drunk and gave her a black eye/bruises.
*Borrowed from the library.
Guided Reading Level: O (3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2

A Chet Gecko Mystery #2 The Mystery of Mr. Nice by Bruce Hale

My third grader picked out this book from the library and read it to himself.
Chet's principal is actually being nice to him.  Now that is a huge mystery!
Does a recent jailbreak have any connections to the transformed principal and new teachers at Emerson Hicky Elementary?
Private-Eye Chet and his partner Natalie (a mockingbird) are determined to solve the case.
Guided Reading Level: O (end of 3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.9
Borrowed from the library.

A Chet Gecko #1 Mystery The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse by Bruce Hale

My third grader found this series at our library and is thoroughly enjoying them.
He says these books are funny and exciting.
For this case, Chet is suppose to find a missing chameleon, Billy.  His sister Shirley promised Chet a stinkbug pie if he finds Billy.
As I skimmed the book, I saw the words "brat" and other name calling.
Guided Reading Level: O (end of 3rd grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.7

Caleb's Story by Patricia MacLachlan*

Anna is helping the doctor in town so she gives Caleb the responsibility of recording the family events in a journal.  At first he is reluctant but when a mysterious man appears in their barn one snowy evening, he suddenly has plenty to write!
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: predicting, inferring, main idea/details
Guided Reading Level: R (beginning of 4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalency: 3.1

Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan*

*Newbery Medal
Papa puts in an advertisement for a wife.  Sarah answers and travels from Maine to join the family.  Anna and Caleb fear that Sarah will not like them and leave.
A sweet story-well written.
Shorter chapters so perfect for reluctant readers.
*Highly recommend.
Strategies: main idea/details, inferring
Guided Reading Level: R (middle of 4th grade)
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2

Amelia Bedelia Shapes Up #5 by Herman Parish illustrated by Lynne Avril*

Humorous yet sweet.
Amelia is discouraged about being picked last for a game of a kickball (her classmates would rather pick the drinking fountain over her!).  When she discovers that the entire class will be participating in the Greek Games during their study of Greece, she decides it is time to "get into shape".
I liked how in the back the author explains what the idioms mean.
The chapters are short so it is great for reluctant readers.
Strategies/skills: connections; inferring; figurative language
*Highly recommend.