All My Class Readings

Chapter Books:
The Hunger Games
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon
Love That Dog
The Hinky-Pink
Dying To Meet You
Squirrel's World
Almost Astronauts
It's Perfectly Normal
Scary Stories
My Sister's Keeper
11 Birthdays
Savvy
Rules
Hoot
When You Reach Me
Twilight
Dork Diaries
Claudette Colvin: Twice Towards Justice
Everything on a Waffle
The Wild Whale Watch
Junie B. First Grader Boss at Lunch
Beezus and Ramona
Sounder
Judy Moody Predicts the Future
Twister on Tuesday
Bridge to Terabithia

Picture Books:
Just a Minute: A Trickster and Counting Book
It's a Book
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble
Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears
Mirrette on a High Wire
One Fine Day
The Lion and the Mouse
Owen
Officer Buckle and Gloria
Lon Po Po
All Stations!
Frogs
That Book Woman
14 Cows for America
And Tango Makes Three
In Our Mother's House
The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash
Papa and Me
My Abuelita
Duck! Rabbit!
Tar Beach
The Uglified Duck

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

Mini and her family are poor and Mini tries her best to change that. Her father tells stories and Mini is fascinated by them. Mini makes a purchase of a goldfish, which her mother feels is stupid and foolish but Mini believes it will change things. She becomes fiend with a dragon can't fly. Together they have adventures. This is a great book for anyone to read. I was fortunate enough to meed the author at ALA this summer, and got an autograph copy of it. I enjoyed reading this fantasy book.

Lin, Grace (2009). Where the Mountain Meets the Moon. New York: Little Brown Books.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games, written by Suzanne Collins, changed my thinking a little of books written i the future. I am not a "future reader", but this book was amazing. It was my favorite of all the books I read. I feel in love with Katniss, and especially Peeta. I will definitely read book two, Catching Fire and book three, Mocking Jay. The friendship was nice o see i the pages. I only wish I had the same strength that Katniss had. I recommend this book to anyone. I need to get several copies for my classroom. I read this book on my kindle. I had a little bit of a problem getting into the book, but by chapter 4 or 5 I was hooked.


Collins, Suzanne (2008). The Hunger Games. New York: Scholastic Press.

The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash

The Day Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash, by Trinka Nobel, is a funny book full of the silly adventures of a class trip and Jimmy's boa. A little girl gives all the funny details to her mother on how a trip to the farm becomes a chaotic day. This is a funny book, and I think all the lower grades should definitely read it. It touched my heart, and funny bone, because my son really loves reptiles and snakes.

Nobel, Trinka Hakes (2005). The Fay Jimmy's Boa Ate the Wash. New York:Dial Books.

Love That Dog

Love That Dog, written by Sharon Creech, is a cute and funny book. Miss Stretchberry introduces poems to her class. Boys hate it, but the girls like it. Jack, a student, soon discovers that he does like poetry. I usually teach poetry in my 5th grade in April because it is poetry month. I plan to use this book as a short novel read as I do my monthly lessons in poetry. Maybe I'll win over more of the boys with reading this book. I enjoyed reading this one. This book is a Newberry winner.

Creech, Sharon (2001). Love That Dog. New York: HarperCollins.

The Hinky Pink

The Hinky-Pink is an old tale retold by Megan McDonald. It is a Bluebonnett Nominee book. This was a book that I did enjoy reading. It's about a young seamstress named Anabel who is called to make an important dress for Princess Isabella Caramella Gorgonzola. Anabel is sent to the tower where she has all the beautiful materials to make a beautiful dress. But he nights are restless when a "hinky-pink" won't allow her to get a good nights sleep. All the hinky-pink wants is a bed to sleep in and after many tries Anabel finally satisfies her. Anabel then has one day to create a stunning dress for the princess and that she does. This is a cute book to read to any little girl who loves stories abut princesses.

McDonald, Megan (2008). The Hinky-Pink. New York: Simon & Schuster.

Dying to Meet You

Dying To Meet You, written by Kate Klise, is a Bluebonnet Nominee. It's an interesting book written in the style of letters and newspaper clippings. It also includes drawings. Ignatius B. Grumply is the main character in the book. He has gone to go live in a mansion because he has writers block and he hopes he gets inspired. But to his surprise the mansion already has occupants. Seymour, an eleven year old boy lives there with his cat and Olive, a ghost. Together they are not about to give up their mansion to no one, especially Grumply, but in the end they all learn to live happily ever after. Iggy comes around and learns to love again and makes a family with the boy, his cat, and even Olive. I really didn't like this book. I didn't care for all the letter writing, but it was something different to read. It was also a quick read.

Klise, Kate (2009). Dying to Meet You. New York: Harcourt.

Squirrel's World

Squirrel's World by Lisa Moser is a Bluebonnet Nominee. It is an easy read chapter book about a squirrel who I sense has ADHA. In this cute book a squirrel, who is very hyperactive, has different encounters with three friends: a mouse, a turtle, and a rabbit. He is in his "own world" and behaves like it too. Squirrel wants to help each and everyone one and although he tries his best, his friends feel overwhelmed by him. But in the end he truly helps his friend rabbit, by showing him a way not to be afraid of the dark. This is a great read for any lower grade. I liked this book.

Moser, Lisa (2007). Squirrel's World. Massachusetts: Candlewick Press.

In Our Mother's House

In Our Mother's House by Patricia Polacco is a challenged book because it deals with same sex marriage. Two parents, both female, share their story of raising a family and the discrimination they experience in their neighborhood. Meema and Maemee are living a happy life, raising three children as normal as they can. But when a troublesome neighbor disagrees with their living arrangement and lifestyle, she tries to cause trouble. The children grow up to be successful adults and are grateful for having wonderful parents that raise then well and gave them a normal life, as best they could. I really enjoyed this book. I feel that more books like this one need to be out there to educate people and show them that children can be raise by same sex couples.

Polacco, Patricia (2009). In Our Mother's House. New York: Philomel Books.

Papa and Me

Pap and Me, written by Arthur Dorros, is a Pura Belpre award winner. It is beautifully illustrated book with bright and colorful drawings. I like it when I see bilingual books that are well written and bring true meaning to the Spanish culture. This is a story about how a little boy and his Papa spend the day together. They do ordinary things, like walk in the park and visit Abuelo and Abuela, but they do it in such a special way. The two really enjoy spending quality time together and you can see the special bond they have. I really enjoyed this book. It makes a great Father's Day gift as well, from a son to a father.

Dorros, Arturo (2008). Papa and Me. New York: HarperCollins.

My Abuelita

My Abuelita, written by Tony Johnston, is a Pura Belpre winner. It's a story about a little boy who lives with his grandmother, who is a storyteller. In the book he spend the day with his grandmother. I liked the book and was fascinated by the illustrations. The illustrator used clay to make the characters come to life. That made the book even more unique. This is a must read to any lower grade classroom, especially kinder.

Johnston, Tony (2009). My Abuelita. New York: Hartcourt.

Duck! Rabbit!

What is it? Is it a rabbit or a duck? This book keeps you guessing til the every end.
It i a good book for visualization and dialog. I can see students taking sides and debating on which is it. It's a good book and a funny one too. Students can learn about "not reading a book by it's cover." It teaches a lesson, as well.

Rosenthal, Amy. Duck! Rabbit! New York: ChronicallBooks.

Almost Astronauts

In the 1960s, 13 women become astronauts. Almost Astronauts, is a inspiring story of just that. The adventures and struggle these women faces in that time to accomplish something very big.. This is a great biography book. Those times were even harder because of the "women movement." These 13 couragoues women gave people, especially women, an insight on what happens if you follow your dream.. Although many struggles were encounter, the women conquered the struggles and were very successful. I like this book and would recommend it to anyone, especially a young lady wanting to follower her dreams in space or flying up in the friendly skies.

Stone, Tanya Lee (2009). 13 Astronauts. New York: Candlewick.

It's Perfectly Normal

If you do not want your children learning about their bodies by reading a book, then this is not the book for you. It's Prfetly Normal has illustrations of the human body and goes into detail about many sexual things. I did think maybe the book was too accurate, but I think it is still appropriate. Some parents might need this kind of book to discuss the birds and the bees. I did not have this book when I had "the Talk" with my girls, but I I just use it to help me with my son.

(2204) It's Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health. New York: Candlewick.

Scary Stories

This is a series, Scary Stories, and right now with Halloween these were always checked out from my library. I have about 3 of these and I can't keep them on the shelf. If you like scary stories like I do these are a quick read. Some of the stories are scary, but there is some humorous ones. I would first ask the students if they are afraid of scary things because these books do have some scary stories in them. I really like these books and look forward to more to come.

Schwartz, Alvin (1992). Scary Stories. New York: HarperCollins.

My Sister's Keeper

My Sister's Keeper is a challenged book because it deals with the concept of raising a child to save another. I saw the movie and read the book, and of course the book is better. I cried more by reading the book then watching the movie. I watched the movie first because I had never planned to read the book. Now I am so glad I did. Jodi Picoult is a wonderful writer. She brings so much emotion to he pages. I enjoyed all the tears I shed by reading this book.


Picoult, Jodi (2004). My Sister's Keeper. New York: Atria.

And Tango Makes Three

In And Tango Makes Three, Roy and Silo are two male penguins, and with the help of a zoo keeper become parents - giving them Tango. This cute book is a challenged book because it involves two male penguins who like each other and want to raise a family. It's a picture book that is funny and also a true story. These penguins can be found at the New York Central Park Zoo. I really enjoyed this book. Although it is about two "daddies" I didn't see anything wrong with it. I hope more teachers read it to their students.

Richardson, Justin (2005). And Tango Makes Three. New York: Simon and Schuster.

14 Cows

14 Cows by Carmen Agra Deedy is on the New York Times Bestseller list. It is a true story and very inspirational. I really enjoyed this book and I plan to use it in my class for a future lesson. This book was written in collaboration with Wilson Kimeli Naiyomah. It is about how Kimeli, who once lived in Kenya, returns to his village after the September 11th tragedy in New York. Kimeli was living in New York when terrorists attacked. He comes back to tell the story and the people of Kenya offer 14 cows to the U.S. Embassy as a symbol of hope and compassion. This book has a powerful message and it is beautifully illustrated by Thomas Gonzalez.



Deedy, Carmen Agra (2009) . 14 Cows. New York: Peachtree Publishers.

11 Birthdays

Don't we all wish we could have "do over" days. I know I do! That's exactly what happens to Amanda and Leo in the book 11 Birthdays. They both share the same birthday and for the last 10 years have celebrated it together, but their 11th birthday is different. They are not on speaking terms so they spend their birthday apart, but soon realize that their 11 birthday becomes a do over over and over. This is a cute book with a great message about how one's behavior and actions really make a difference. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it to my students.

Mass, Wendy (2009). 11 Birthdays. New York: Scholastic Press.

That Book Woman

That Book Woman by Heather Henson is a Bluebonnet Nominee. Just like the mail was delivered by horse many moons ago - so were BOOKS! I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a story about how a "book woman" delivered books by horseback every two weeks to families. In one particular family there was a boy who did not read, so he hated that his sister read. But eventually curiosity gets the best of him and one day he asks his sister to teach him how to read. To his surprise she does not laugh or tease him, but instead teaches him how to read. Their mother is proud and shows her gratitute to the "book woman" but giving her a written recipe. In the end both the brother and sister share time reading. The last page of the book offers a history lesson on how the "book women" journey got started. This is a must have book for any library.

Henson, Heather (2008). That Book Woman. New York: Somin & Schuster.

Surfer of the Century

Surfer of the Century: The Life of Duke Kahanamoku, written by Ellie Crown, is a Bluebonnet Nominee book. It is a non-fiction book about the life of Kahanamonku, who was a world record holder for swimming in the Olympics in 1921, 1920 and 1924. It gives details about his life and how growing up he struggled in school, but surfing and swimming became his passion. Surfing was not an Olympic sport, so when Duke was discovered for his surfing talent he was asked to try out in the swimming events for the Olympics. The book has a timeline in the end that gives the highlights of Duke Kahanamoku's life and the legacy that he left behind. I enjoyed this book and plan to use it in a lesson with my 5th grade students.

Crowe, Ellie (2007). Sufer of the Century. New York: Lee and Low Books.

All Stations! Distress!

All Stations! Distress!, written by Don Brown, is a book describing the events happening before, during, and after of the Titanic sinking. Brown does a great job of giving as much factual detail as possible and makes the book very interesting. I used this book as a supplement to a story we have in our basil textbook which has a story about the Titanic sinking. I used it for a compare and contrast lesson. This is a good book to have in the classroom.

Brown, Don (2008). All Stations! Distress!. New York: Roaming Book Press.

Frogs

Frogs by Nic Bishop is an expository book about - frogs. It is full of facts and information about frogs. The author provides excellent research and colorful pictures to give a clear picture of how the life of a frog is. The photo graphs are amazing, clear and bright. The book contains a glossary of terms and an index. It is a great book for expository learning. The book gives information on many different frogs, so it's excellent for a compare and contrast lesson and fact and opinion. I definitely would have this book in my classroom library.

Bishop, Nic (2008). Frogs. New York: Scholastic, Inc.

Savvy

I really enjoyed this book. I wish I could get the "savvy" too on my 13th birthday. The Beaumont family live isolated from others because they are special powers and they feel they need to live away from people so they are not discovered. On their 13th birthday they receive a special power that makes them unique. When Mibs' father is in an accident she wants to use her special powers to help him. She stows away in a bible bus and encounters some trouble on the way. In the end she realizes that all she really ever needed was her family. I enjoyed this heart warming book. Law does an excellent job of showing the differences in each family member.

Law, Ingrid (2008). Savvy. New York: Dial Books.

Beezus and Ramona

Ramona is one of a kind and Beezus just doesn't know what to do with her sometimes. Beezus hates that Ramona gets all the attention. Anyone who has a little sister can relate to these books. Beezus has mixed emotions about her sister throughout the book. There relationship is tested time and time again. Beezus Quimby feels her 4 year old sister is a pain, embarrassing and most of all, annoying. Beezus hates having to pay for her sisters misdoings, like writing her name in the library book that Beezus checked out. Now she has to pay for it. Even though Ramona was an annoying little sister, Beezus sometimes feels guilty of how she treats her. But she wishes that her sister understood how to behave better. This book shows how sisters fight and get on each others nerves, but in the end they do really love each other. a cute movie was made this year from this book. I expect more to come.

Clearly, Beverly (1990). Beezus and Ramona. New York: Harper Collins.

Just a Minute: A Trickster and Counting Book

Winner of a Pura Belpre Award, Just a Minute: A Trickster and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales , is a counting book and a story in one. Senor Calavera ( Skeleton Man) has come to take Grandma Beetle "with him", but Grandma is not ready to go and stalls him by telling him she has things she needs to take care of before she leaves with him. She has tasks from one to ten, in Spanish - una a diez. Each time Senor Calavera wants to take her she says, "Just a minute." This goes on and on until the end when there is a party. The children are not aware of why the skeleton is there, but they enjoy seeing the skeleton take part in the celebration. The skeleton decides to not take Grandma just now and enjoys the celebration. The art work is amazing, rich in bright colors. The illustrator captures the Mexican culture in the art work, especially in the characters. I love that its a counting book and a vibrant story at the same time.

Morales, Yuyi (2003). Just a Minute: A Trickster and Counting Book. New York: Chronical Books.

Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold has won a Coretta Scott King Award. In this book a little girl named Cassie has a head full of dreams as she travels in her mind all over the city. She goes to places that literally she can only "dream of going." The art work, drawn in quilt style, is so detailed and captures the dreams of Cassie's adventures. The illustrations are eye catching and original. The book has a special message about dreaming and also equality. The title is special to the story because it's where Cassie goes to dream, on the roof of the building that she lives in. Cassie spends her time there dreaming. The author does an excellent job of showing the reader Cassie's imagination and takes you on the trip with her through the city. The book is a work of art in itself.

Ringgold, Faith (1991). Tar Beach. New York: Dragonfly Books.

The Uglified Ducky

The Uglified Ducky by Willy Claflin is a Bluebonnet nominee and in my opinion well deserved. It is a book mainly for the lower grades. A moose named Maynard is separated from her mama and is taken in by a mama duck.. Despite the major differences between the moose and the ducks, the moose tries its best to fit in. The mama duck accepts him as he is. The animals enjoy listening to stories Maynard tells them in his moose speech. This book is great to introduce the topic of being different. It is also a good book to use with "The Ugly Ducking" in a compare and contrast lesson. The illustrations are funny and colorful. A CD is included in the story.

Claflin, Willy (2008). The Uglified Ducky. New York: August House.