Words on Fire

Words on Fire

By Jennifer A. Nielsen

Danger is never far from Audra's family farm in Lithuania. She always avoids the occupying Russian Cossack soldiers, who insist that everyone must become Russian -- they have banned Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language. But Audra knows her parents are involved in something secret and perilous.

In June 1893, when Cossacks arrive abruptly at their door, Audra's parents insist that she flee, taking with her an important package and instructions for where to deliver it. But escape means abandoning her parents to a terrible fate.

As Audra embarks on a journey to deliver the mysterious package, she faces unimaginable risks, and soon she becomes caught up in a growing resistance movement. Can joining the underground network of book smugglers give Audra a chance to rescue her parents?

 AMAZING Read!!!!

finding PERFECT by Elly Swartz

Finding Perfect is a beautiful story that all middle grade readers should dive into! Molly is trying to navigate school, her mom being gone, family, friends, and OCD. Readers will love her journey and learn so much about compassion, support, love of family and friendship.

This book was such an interesting read for me. The longer I teach the more students I see with some form of anxiety or fear of not having things perfect. As a kid, this was me. I obsessed over little things, counted in my head and worried if I didn't do something right I would cause an accident. This is something I would read along with my child to talk about Molly's fears. 

White Star

White Star
A Dog on the Titanic
By Marty Crisp

This story is a historical fiction book based on the true event in history that dogs were indeed on the Titanic. In this story, a boy, Sam Harris is on the trip of a lifetime heading to New York on the Titanic. On this ship, there was every luxury this boy could think of, but one thing he really wanted was an Irish setter, named White Star, on board. On the night the Titanic struck an iceberg, Sam was suddenly woke up by a loud noise. When he sees the iceberg from his window, he knows something is terribly wrong. This story is full of courage, despair, and determination, with an unbreakable bond between a boy and a dog. If you are interested in history, the Titanic, and/or dogs you will enjoy this story!

Shiloh

Shiloh 

By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

When Marty Preston comes across a young beagle in the hills behind his home, it's love at first sight- and also big trouble. It turns out the dog, which Marty names Shiloh, belongs to Judd Travers, who drinks too much and has a gun- and abuses his dogs. So when Shiloh runs away from Judd to Marty, Marty just has to hide him and protect him from Judd. But Marty's secret becomes too big for him to keep to himself, and it exposes his entire family to Judd's anger. How far will Marty have to go to make Shiloh his?
My mom read this book to me as a child. So, it seemed nature to read it with my son. I discovered that my memory didn't remember all the details. This was a great book to open up discussions about lying and omitting the truth.

  

The Wild Robot

The Wild Robot 

By Peter Brown

   When Robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is- but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a fierce storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island's unwelcoming animal inhabitants.
   As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home- until, one day, the robot's mysterious past comes back to haunt her.

This is not my typical choice in books but was such a wonderful surprise! I love the short chapters and was excited to learn there is a sequel! Reading level grades 3-6

 

The Bicycle Spy

The Bicycle Spy
By Yona Zeldis McDonough

If you enjoy historical fiction, you will enjoy this story about a young boy, Marcel and how he helps others stay safe during the time of the Nazis invasion in France.
Marcel loves to ride his bicycle, and he's been a big fan of the famous Tour de France race, so he's disappointed it has been canceled because of the war. Reading on, he learns two big secrets and realizes there are worse things to focus on. He wants to help a friend's family who is in immediate danger, but it involves putting his own life at risk, too. When things don't go as planned, Marcel has to be a quick thinker because his friend's family, his family, and his own future are at stake.

Wedgie & Gizmo

Wedgie & Gizmo 
By Suzanne Selfors

If you like animals, this is a funny book told by a guinea pig, Gizmo and a dog, Wedgie. They have very funny personalities and as you read each chapter told by either Wedgie or Gizmo, it's fun to change your voice. 

When a bouncy, barky dog and an evil genius guinea pig move into the same house, the laughs are nonstop! Wedgie is so excited, he can’t stop barking. He LOVES having new siblings and friends to protect. He LOVES guinea pigs like Gizmo! He also LOVES treats!

But Gizmo does not want to share his loyal human servant with a rump-sniffing beast! He does not want to live in a pink Barbie Playhouse. Or to be kissed and hugged by the girl human. Gizmo is an evil genius. He wants to take over the world and make all humans feel his wrath. But first he must destroy his archenemy, Wedgie, once and for all!

Soar By Joan Bauer

 Soar By Joan Bauer

Jeremiah is the world’s biggest baseball fan. He really loves baseball and he knows just about everything there is to know about his favorite sport. So when he’s told he can’t play baseball following an operation on his heart, Jeremiah decides he’ll do the next best thing and become a coach.

Hillcrest, where Jeremiah and his father Walt have just moved, is a town known for its championship baseball team. But Jeremiah finds the town caught up in a scandal and about ready to give up on baseball. It’s up to Jeremiah and his can-do spirit to get the town – and the team – back in the game.

This was a page turner; I couldn't put it down!

Lexile 510L

DRA 50

Word of Mouse

Word of Mouse

By Chris Grabenstein and James Patterson

What makes Isaiah so unique?

First, his fur is as blue as the sky – which until recently was something he'd never seen, but had read all about. That's right – Isaiah can read, and write. He can also talk to humans... if any of them are willing to listen!

After a dramatic escape from a mysterious laboratory, Isaiah is separated from his 'mischief' (which is the word for a mouse family) and has to use his special skills to survive in the dangerous outdoors, and hopefully find his missing family. But in a world of cruel cats, hungry owls and terrified people, it's hard for a young mouse to make it alone.

When he meets an equally unusual and lonely human girl named Hailey, the two soon learn that true friendship can transcend all barriers.

Grade 4-7

A Boy Called Bat By Elana K. Arnold

 

A Boy Called Bat

I chose this book because it is on the Iowa Children's Choice Awards list. 

When Bat's veterinarian mother brings home an infant skunk to foster for a month, Bat- a third grader on the autism spectrum- hopes to prove that he's responsible enough to keep the skunk, Thor, as a pet. This is written in third person so the reader gets to see inside Bat's head and how he perceives the events and people in his life. This is great for a reader who wants to learn more about skunks and for the reader who wants to understand autism a little better. 

Genre: Fiction

Interest Level: 6-10 year olds

Bear Grylls Adventures

 

This summer my 7 year old son and I are reading this series. Davis is fascinated by the outdoors and facts. In Bear Grylls' fictional series there is a main character struggling with some fear... heights, water, darkness, etc. The child finds themself on an adventure where Bear Grylls helps him or her face their fear. One reason Davis loves these books is because Bear gives the children real survival skills. When we are outside he will talk about these same skills. Of course, we end our days with Bear Grylls' You vs. Wild movie series. This book series is perfect for your child who enjoys the outdoors and adventures! (If you can't find it at the library I have all eight you can borrow.)

Wish by Barbara O'Connor

Wish

By Barbara O'Connor

Charlie Reese has been making the same secret wish every day since fourth grade. But when she is sent to live with family she barely knew, it seems unlikely that her wish will ever come true. That is, until she meets Wishbone, a skinny stray dog who captures her heart, and Howard, a neighbor boy who proves surprising in lots of ways. Suddenly Charlie is in serious danger of discovering that what she thought she wanted may not be at all what she needs.
I picked up this book because is was recommended to me by a student. This book did not disappoint!

DRA 50

Lexile Level 850

Craig & Fred By Craig Grossi

Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How They Rescued Each Other

By Craig Grossi

I was six thousand miles from home, in a combat zone, in one of the hardest places in the world. Unlike me, Fred was home. This compound was all he knew. And even though he'd probably never had a drink of clean water before or a scratch behind the ear, he was gentle and sweet. Looking down at home, I let go of worrying about the no-dog policy or when the next round of fighting would begin. For that moment, I felt like I was home, too. 

WOW! This autobiography is such an eye opening, touching book! Craig does a great job balancing out his life in a combat zone and adjusting to life back home. I am a dog lover and can only imagine the peace Fred gave Craig. Great read for students! Here is a short video about the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJwGRL0r70I

Because of Mr. Terupt - by Rob Buyea

 Seven 5th graders from Connecticut get a new, rookie teacher. There's Jessica, the new girl, Alexia, the bully, Peter, the class prankster, Luke, the brain, Danielle, who doesn't stand up for herself, shy Anna, and there's Jeffrey, who hates school. Mr. Terupt, the new teacher, seems to know how to handle it all. All of their lives are changed by their new, energetic teacher. Then the accident changes everything...

I like this book because it's relatable. The characters alternate, so somebody different is telling the story in each chapter. The students discover and learn throughout the entire book.

DRA Level: N/A
Lexile: 560

The Vanderbeekers and the Hidden Garden by Karina Yan Glaser

When catastrophe strikes their beloved upstairs neighbor, the Vanderbeekers must band together to do what they do best:  make a plan.  They have nineteen days to turn the ivy-ridden, possibly haunted, abandoned lot down the street into the best community garden in Harlem.

But creating a garden from scratch is not as easy as it seems, and with no money, absolutely zero gardening experience, and the threat of a slick real estate developer eyeing the land, the Vanderbeekers face their greatest challenge yet.

DRA N/A
Lexile 810

Fun story!  This is the second book about the Vanderbeekers.

Swindle By Gordon Korman

Swindle

By Gordon Korman

After a mean collector named Swindle cons him out of his most valuable baseball card, Griffin Bing must put together a band of misfits to break into Swindle's compound and recapture the card. There are many things standing in their way- a menacing guard dog, a high tech security system, a very secret hiding place, and their general inability to drive- but Griffin and his team are going to get back what's rightfully his... even if hijinks ensue.

This is a great book especially great if you are ready for a hoot, howl and heist!

DRA Level 50

Lexile 710L

Restart By Gordon Korman

Restart

By Gordon Korman

WOW! This book was awesome! 

Chase Ambrose doesn't remember falling off the roof. He doesn't remember hitting his head. Actually, he doesn't remember anything. Chase wakes up in a hospital feeling very alone. He has to learn his whole life all over again. He knows he is Chase, but who is Chase? 

When he returns to school he sees some kids treat him like a hero and some kids are VERY afraid of him. As Chase explores who he was he starts to question who he wants to be.

DRA 50

Lexile 730L

Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

              Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai

If you enjoy reading historical fiction, this is a book you may enjoy. It's written in stanzas like poetry, so the pages read quick. It is written by an author who at age 10 experienced the Vietnam War and fled to Alabama with her family, watching her homeland (Saigon) fall before their eyes as they're leaving. Much of what happens to the character in the book happened to the author as a young girl. She writes about traditions and friends she misses deeply, while moving to a new place so foreign to her. Hà, the main character in the story describes the cold experiences she has with strangers and how she finds the strength of her own family.

DRA Level: 50
Lexile: 800 L
Age: 8-10

Pax By Jon Klassen and Sara Pennypacker

Pax

By Jon Klassen and Sara Pennypacker

Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued him as a kit. But one day, the unimaginable happens: Peter's dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild.

At his grandfather's house, three hundred miles away from home, Peter knows he isn't where he should be with Pax. He strikes out on his own despite the encroaching war, spurred by love, loyalty, and grief, to be reunited with his fox.

Meanwhile Pax steadfastly waiting for his boy, embarks on adventures and discoveries of his own...

DRA Level 50

Wonder - by RJ Palacio

 

Wonder is a story about a boy named Auggie. He loves Star Wars and his dog, is great at science, and he has a great sense of humor. Auggie has only ever been home schooled because he was born with a facial deformity.

Just as Auggie's getting ready to start his fifth grade year, his parents decide to send him public school with other kids his age. It's the start of middle school, so everyone will be going to a new school with different kids. However, Auggie has to deal with so much more than just being new. He struggles to make friends and has to deal with a bully. Can the other kids manage to look beyond his deformity to see who Auggie really is?

I like this story because it is told from multiple perspectives. Auggie, his sister, and his classmates all get a chance to tell the story from their perspective. I also love how one person can positively impact so many people.

DRA level 40-50

Crenshaw By Katherine Applegate

Crenshaw By Katherine Applegate

Primary school boy Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. They're out of money and may have to start living in a van, again ... and leave a town Jackson loves. Then Jackson is visited (and not for the first time in his life) by a huge, imaginary cat named Crenshaw who wants to help him make things right.

This book was an interesting read. It made me think of a time I had a student living in his car with Dad. :( It is told from Jackson's perspective and that helped me understand some of the emotions one might experience when dealing with such hard times.

DRA Level 40
Lexile 540L

Al Capone Does My Shirts By Gennifer Choldenko

Al Capone Does My Shirts

By Gennifer Choldenko

This is a historical fiction book about a boy named Moose who moves to Alcatraz with his family. His dad works as an electrician and guard for the prison. In addition, there are a ton of murderers, hit men, con men, stickup men, embezzlers, connivers, burglars, kidnappers and maybe even an innocent man or two. The convicts are the kind other prisons don't want. You get to Alcatraz by being the worst of the worst. Unless you're Moose. He came here because my mother said he had to.

DRA Level 60

Lexile 600L

This book pairs well with Where is Alcatraz?

By Nico Medina

Somewhere There is Still a Sun by Michael Gruenbaum

In this memoir, Michael, or Misha, recounts what it was like to be a Jew during the Holocaust. Misha, his mom, and his sister have to go live in a camp with other Jews. While they experience many hardships throughout the book, they also manage to stick together. Misha also meets many boys that become friends while they are living in the Terezin concentration camp.

I really like how the author chose to write this book from the perspective of his younger self. The book reads like it's from a person living through those events at that time. This makes it easy for readers to connect to Michael. If you're interested in learning more about the Holocaust, this book is a great way to educate young readers about what happened from a personal account.

DRA Level 60