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!