I have to admit, I LOVE having a Kindle when I travel. It's great to have all my books in one place, rather than lugging around a huge bag of books I want to read on the road. This summer I did a little of both as we drove across 13 states in our quest to explore colleges and see Southern and Midwest states.
Wonder is what I call a life changing book!
Auggie is just an ordinary boy, at least that is how he feels on the inside. But his outside is so unusual that others usually see beyond the surface. Told from varying viewpoints, the reader is invited into Auggie's world as he enters school as a 5th grader.
I cannot do justice to this book by simply describing it here - so click on the book cover to watch the book trailer & then read the book!!! Great for readers of all ages. CHOOSE KIND!
Auggie is just an ordinary boy, at least that is how he feels on the inside. But his outside is so unusual that others usually see beyond the surface. Told from varying viewpoints, the reader is invited into Auggie's world as he enters school as a 5th grader.
I cannot do justice to this book by simply describing it here - so click on the book cover to watch the book trailer & then read the book!!! Great for readers of all ages. CHOOSE KIND!
This is a wonderful story about the spirit of never-giving-up! Ivan is a gorilla in a roadside mall circus, a sad life, but he doesn't really remember anything different. He has friends and is actually quite content, until he makes a promise to protect and care for Ruby, a baby elephant. You will cheer for Ivan as he comes up with a plan to help his young friend. The One and Only Ivan is for readers 3rd+ or makes a great read-aloud for teachers. Click on the book cover to view Katherine Applegate's book trailer and website.
Shannon Hale writes incredible tales of long-lost kingdoms, kings and queens, servants, good, and evil. You have to be willing to commit to a longer read...but it's always well worth it. The Book of a Thousand Days was no exception! The maid, Dashti, is devoted and resourceful as she is locked up in a tower with her (wimpy) princess for seven years. The love story unfolds in a slow and tantalizing manner, with a wonderful surprise at the end. This book is for older readers, probably 5th grade and up. If you enjoyed Rapunzel's Revenge or Calamity Jane, you must try this one.
Check out her website at www.squeetus.com/
Check out her website at www.squeetus.com/
Bobby vs. Girls (Accidentally) is on the 3rd grade battle list this year at our school, and is a great read for 3rd-5th. If you enjoy Andrew Clements style of writing 'school stories' then you will enjoy Lisa Yee's series about Bobby. There is a lot of humor and even some tears as Bobby and Holly, who have been friends forever, face the challenges of classmates who believe that boys and girls should be enemies, not best friends! [This book would make a terrific read aloud - if you don't mind the giggles when you read about the Koloff tree that smells like farts!]
This is definitely a book for the older reader that will appeal to readers of Hunger Games or the suspense of Alex Ryder series. Michael Vey has a secret that is hidden within his small, easily bullied self. He and his mother are all alone, and he's tired of being on the run and staying hidden. The excitement mounts as Michael's hidden powers are revealed. This one will be hard for readers to put down, Click on the picture to visit the website and view a book trailer.
Another book for young adults, is The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. This book is definitely for high school readers, as it deals with issues of death and relationships in a very intense manner. John Green is a well-known author for young adults and he has written another powerful read!
Colin Fischer has Asperger's syndrome and is navigating the difficult world of high school as a freshman. This book has not yet been published (due in November) but will quickly make it to my home bookshelf as a resource for parents and teachers who are working with these amazing students. A very special reader, one who enjoys books like Cynthia Lord's Rules or R.J. Palacios' Wonder would enjoy this book as well. Great insight into the mind and emotions of young adults with Asperger's syndrome.
So what's next to read???
Capture the Flag by Kate Messner
the Ladybug Girl books
Hamster Magic by Lynne Jonell
Julia's Kitchen by Brenda Ferber
The Whites of Their Eyes ( part of the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series) by Andrew Clements
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Mr. Karp's Last Glass by Cary Fagan
Pure Dead Magic by Debi Gliori
The Other Half of My Heart by Sundee T Frazier
Capture the Flag by Kate Messner
the Ladybug Girl books
Hamster Magic by Lynne Jonell
Julia's Kitchen by Brenda Ferber
The Whites of Their Eyes ( part of the Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series) by Andrew Clements
Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
Mr. Karp's Last Glass by Cary Fagan
Pure Dead Magic by Debi Gliori
The Other Half of My Heart by Sundee T Frazier