Talk, Talk, Squawk:
A Human's Guide to Animal Communication
by Nicola Davies

Summary: Presents the creative ways animals communicate, including how various creatures use messaging methods ranging from colors and smells to vibrations and electricity.

This is a really fun nonfiction read. The cartoonish illustrations and captions make this book enjoyable for young elementary school students. It is lengthy, and not an ideal read aloud. However, it will be enjoyed by advanced elementary readers. Younger listeners with a long attention span may enjoy this book when read one on one, or the book may be read in sections over time.

Interest Level: grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 8

Great Biographies of Lesser Known People

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Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan

Summary: In 1919, independent-minded fifteen-year-old Rosalind lives in India with her English parents, and when they fear she has fallen in with some rebellious types who believe in Indian self-government, she is sent "home" to London, where she has never been and where her older brother died, to stay with her two aunts.

I admire the main character, Rosalind. What I consider her strongest character traits, were seen as negative traits in females during this time in British culture  This is a very strong piece of historical fiction; while one may never have considered the types of choices people of this time had to make, the characters’ feelings are relatable. Even as an adult with a good amount of knowledge about the time period, I saw from a new angle how people of this time and place lived. This book may be very eye-opening to grade school students. I found the ending disappointing and inconclusive, but thoroughly enjoyed everything else about this story.

Interest Level: grades 4-8

Reading Level: grade 7

Only the Mountains Do Not Move: A Maasai Story of Culture and Conservation

by Jan Reynolds

Summary: A photographic essay about the Maasai people in Kenya, explores the contemporary challenges they face, focusing on environmental changes such as the overgrazing of land and the threat of wildlife extinction, and how the Maasai are adapting their agricultural practices and lifestyle while preserving their culture.

This is a fascinating nonfiction book. In addition to information, the text includes wise proverbs of the Maasai culture. Most ideal for grades 4-6, the text allows for serious discussions, including how to respect and preserve the Earth. During Black History Month, this book can be used to discuss African culture. This book may be appreciated by mature primary grade students or middle school students interested in culture or environmental students.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 6

Skulduggery Pleasant

by Derek Landy

Summary: When twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits her weird uncle's estate, she must join forces with Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton mage, to save the world from the Faceless Ones.

This is a strange, far-fetched, fabulous fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed Skulduggery’s dry sense of humor and bitter sarcasm. I admire Stephanie, who is a strong, stubborn, young female. I look forward to continuing this series.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 5

Horror Stories for Grades 6-8

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Survival Stories for Grades 6-8

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

by James Patterson

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Daniel has followed in his parents' footsteps as the Alien Hunter, exterminating beings on The List of Alien Outlaws on Terra Firma, but when he faces his first of the top ten outlaws, the very existence Earth and another planet are at stake.

Fans of adventure and action will be captivated by the book’s story. Despite its theme, the book is somewhat relatable; the book is told in first person by Daniel, a teenage boy with common teenage struggles. I enjoyed Daniel’s cynical and sarcastic outtake which adds a layer of humor to the story. This book is generally labeled as young adult, but it is not inappropriate for older elementary students who are strong readers.

Interest Level: grades 4-12
Reading Level: Young Adult

MORE Summer Reading Theme 2011 You Are Here for grades 6-8

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Summer Reading Theme 2011: You Are Here Reads for grades 6-8

The Adventures of Mark Twain By Huckleberry Finn

by Robert Burleigh

Summary: Presents a biography of Mark Twain told from the perspective of one of his most famous characters, Huckleberry Finn.

This is an outstanding biography. The Huckleberry Finn in this book narrates in the vernacular of Mark Twain’s Huckleberry. This makes the book interesting, though at times difficult to follow, especially for younger children. This book is a great read aloud “hook” for a first lesson on any Mark Twain story.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 5

Books to Discuss Values for grades 3-8

Librarianjk recommends Number the Stars

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

Summary: This is the story of the Christian community in Denmark helping Jews escape to Sweden in order to prevent the Germans from “relocating” them.

This is an excellent historical fiction book. At the end of the book, the author describes what aspects of the story were based on facts. Like many historical fiction books, students in a class may further research the time period. This book is often used to introduce the Holocaust or as an extension to a Holocaust lesson.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 5

Mysteries for Grades 6-8

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Historical Fiction for Young Teens

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Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawls

Summary: A young boy saves money to buy two dogs. They become great companions.

I sobbed for at least an hour after reading this book. I do not recommend reading as a class, but if you do, be very cautious if a student has lost a loved one.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 6

Science Fiction for Young Teens

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Librarianjk recommends The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

Summary: As the lone "young lady" on a transatlantic voyage in 1832, Charlotte learns that the captain is murderous and the crew rebellious.

Charlotte is a very strong female character, especially for her time period. I was very impressed with her courage in her adventures when I was younger as well.

Reading Level: grade 5
Interest Level: grades 4-8

Chit Lit for Young Teens

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Librarianjk recommends Who Stole Mona Lisa?

Who Stole Mona Lisa?

by Ruthie Knapp

Summary: Tells the story of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci portrait known as the Mona Lisa, including its 1911 theft from the Louvre in Paris, from the point of view of the subject of the painting. Includes an author's note with facts about the painting.

This is an excellent fictionalized story of a true event. The author weaves in many facts during the story in addition to the facts on the author’s note page. This book is appropriate for older readers interested in the Mona Lisa or art in general.

Interest Level: grades 4-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 2