The Christmas Spurs by Bill Wallace

One of my all-time favorite books read to me while I was in elementary school was The Christmas Spurs by Bill Wallace. It was read to me when I was in 3rd grade by my teacher, Mrs. Sexton. This realistic fiction book is both sad and heart-warming, a book you won't forget after reading it!

A poignant, unforgettable story of a very special Christmas. When you're a big brother you don't cry, no matter how scared you are, and I'm scared. My little brother, Jimmy, is sick. Little brothers can be a pain, but all I want for Christmas is for him to get well. Santa seems to be listening when we get Buck, the best horse ever! I get spurs, and Jimmy gets a new cowboy hat, a real Stetson. He's so happy it almost makes us forget...until Jimmy's in the hospital again. 

Lexile: 720L

Star in the Storm by Joan Hiatt Harlow

A risky secret. All non-sheepherding dogs have been outlawed from the rocky coastal village where Maggie lives. Unwilling to give up her beloved Newfoundland, Sirius, Maggie defies the law and hides him away.

However, an emergency situation arises with a steamer during a violent storm, and Maggie has to face a difficult choice. She knows her dog can help, but bringing him out of hiding would put his own life in jeopardy. Is Maggie's brave dog a big enough hero to save others and himself?

If you are a dog lover, you won't want to put this story down once you get into it. This book tells an awesome story of a strong bond between a girl and her dog. The loyalty and strength of the Newfoundland breed is remarkable. I really enjoyed this historical fiction book as I love to read about actual events in our history, with made up characters. 

DRA: 40
Lexile Level: 680L

About Average By Andrew Clements and Mark Elliott

DRA Level 50
Lexile 860L
Grade Level Interests 3-8

Love That Dog By Sharon Creech

DRA 50
Lexile 1010L

Everything For a Dog By Ann M. Martin

Everything For a Dog

By Ann M. Martin

One of my small reading groups read this book, so I asked them to rate it. Most students gave it 4 or 5 stars. Their reasons why it wasn't given 5 stars... It is a sad book or is written from three different perspectives. Books that are written from different perspectives can be confusing to students. At the beginning, we mapped out each character so the kids knew who was who. This is a high reading group, and I wanted to challenge them. If you can get the characters straight... it is a great read! 

Bone is a stray dog looking for a place to call home. Charlie is a boy dealing with the loss of his brother. Henry is boy that desperately wants a dog. Bone, Charlie and Henry do not know each other but their lives are about to connect in a way you NEVER saw coming. 

DRA 50

Lexile Level 890L

Zane and the Hurricane By Rodman Philbrick

 Zane and the Hurricane

By Rodman Philbrick

Zane Dupree and his dog get stuck in New Orleans during the tragic Hurricane
Katrina. As Zane battles wind, rain and flooding he meets up with a kind, elderly
musician and a scrappy young girl. The aftermath of Hurricane Katrina leaves behind struggles for food, clean water, shelter and safety from others.

This is an unforgettable novel that shares the lawlessness and lack of government support as well as those who risked their lives and safety to help others. GREAT READ! (I read the I Survived Hurricane Katrina, 2005 after this book to build more schema.)

DRA 50

Lexile Level 860L

Who Would Win? Series By Jerry Pallotta Illustrated by Rob Bolster

Who Would Win? 

By Jerry Pallotta 

Illustrated by Rob Bolster
https://jerrypallotta.com/

The amount of nonfiction reading our kids do has increased SO much! This is a series that my son and I read together and ABSOLUTELY loved! He prefers nonfiction reading. It amazes me what he remembers from these books when we are out and about.

Jerry Pallotta does a great job talking about the two animals and comparing their features. Before we go on vacation I try to read about some of the animals that are found there. In fact, my son has some ideas on how he can help his aunt and uncle with their rattlesnake problem. ;)


DRA Level 38
Grades 3-5 (This is an independent reading suggestion. I have been reading these to Davis since he was in preschool. When a child is interested in a topic they can comprehend at a higher level.)