Ellen’s Broom

by Kelly Lyons

Summary: Cherishing the special broom resting above her hearth for its representation of the slave heritage that once forbade legal marriages, Ellen prepares for her parents' triumphant registry at a Reconstruction-era courthouse as lawful husband and wife and proudly carries the broom so that they can repeat a cultural wedding tradition.

This is a historical fiction story. It is lengthy, but an excellent resource for discussing slavery and human rights. This is an ideal read at this time because it is Black History Month.

Interest Level: grades k-6

Reading Level: grade 3

Amazing True Stories About Animals

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Waiting for the Magic
by Patricia MacLachlan

Summary: When Papa goes away for a little while, his family tries to cope with the separation by adopting four dogs and a cat.          

This chapter book will be most enjoyed by advance primary school readers. It may be enjoyed by older elementary school students, especially those who love cats and dogs.

Interest Level: grade k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Great Biographies of Lesser Known People

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Levi Strauss Gets a Bright Idea:

A Fairly Fabricated Story of a Pair of Pants

by Tony Johnston

Summary: Retells, in tall-tale fashion, how Levi Strauss went to California during the Gold Rush, saw the need for a sturdier kind of trouser, and invented jeans.

The author formatted this book in a creative matter to present the history of jeans. This lengthy story presents facts and exaggerations about Levi Strauss’ life. The language may seem obscure to young children, therefore, I recommend this book to intermediate grade students. However, the engrossing pictures and silly storyline may appeal to younger ones. As I read this book, I could not help but think of researching the “real” Levi Strauss when I finished the story. Towards the end of the book, information about Levi Strauss and exaggerations used in the text are provided. However, not everything is explained, so this book allows for the curious, like myself, to do some fact finding. Adults may make this book interactive as a read aloud by asking children questions such as, “do you think that really happened? Do you think this part is possible?” A follow up talk about not believing everything one reads is appropriate as well.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 3

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

What to Expect When You're Expecting Joeys:

A Guide for Marsupial Parents

by Bridget Heos

Summary: Explains the life cycle of marsupials using the format of a question-and-answer guide written about human pregnancy.

Although this book contains cartoon like illustrations and is written as if speaking to marsupial parents, you may find this book in the nonfiction section of your library. The true intended audience is children seeking information about marsupials. I recommend this book to advanced primary grade readers. However, it may be appreciated by older elementary students who are interested in the subject matter. I enjoyed the humorous elements of this story.

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

Joan of Arc

by Demi

Summary: Presents an illustrated biography of Joan of Arc, from her early vision of Archangel Michael to her military victories, and eventual execution at the stake for heresy.

The illustrations of this book are beautiful, rich illustrations typical of Demi. I like the use of gold and the depictions of characters in this book. The best audience for this book is fourth to sixth graders or older students interested in learning about Joan of Arc. Younger children may not appreciate this story because of its length and sensitive subject matters. However, this story can be used as a springboard into moral discussions.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 5

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

Halloween Reads for grades 3-5

Happy Halloween!

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Dream Something Big: The Story of the Watts Towers

by Dianna Hutts Aston

Summary: In Watts, California, over a period of many years, a man known to all as Uncle Sam spends his free time collecting broken bits of pottery, glass, and other scraps and turning them into a work of art.

This biography, told as a story, is an ideal read aloud. Uncle Sam’s life and accomplishments are interesting. The collage illustrations were appropriate, although I would have liked to see more photographs of his real work. This book may be used to discuss following one’s heart and dreams.

Interest level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Survival Stories for Grades 3-5

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Hornbooks and Inkwells

by Verla Kay

Summary: Two brothers spend a year attending a one-room schoolhouse on the frontier.

This picture book is written in rhyme and flows like a poem. This is a great book to share with a class as an introduction to historical fiction or as a supplement to a lesson on frontier life. The story addresses discipline for children at that time. I liked that an illustration of such punishment does not show the teacher actually hitting the child, but raising a rod to do so. This book allows for a great deal of discussion about schools and may have students thinking that their school is not that bad after all.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 2

 

 

The Daily Comet: Boy Saves Earth from Giant Octopus 

by Frank Asch

Summary; Hayward likes facts. However, he does not like the fact that his father works for a sensationalistic tabloid which he believes is a big fake. This belief is changed when he joins his father on Go to Work with a Parent Day and encounters an enormous fact that he can't explain.

This is a lengthy tale that is most suited for older elementary students. The boy’s sarcastic, cynical thoughts are amusing. This book allows for much discussion on yellow journalism, yet leaves some room for believer’s imaginations.

Interest Level: grades k-3 

Reading Level: grade 5

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

Just Being Audrey

by Margaret Cardillo

Summary: Provides biographical information about actress Audrey Hepburn, from her youth in Nazi-occupied Europe, through her rise to stardom in some of the era's most popular films, to her dedication to UNICEF.

This book is lengthy and most appropriate for older elementary school students to read to themselves. However, the content manner is appropriate for younger children. Audrey is depicted as a strong, independent woman allowing for a variety of discussions, including being one’s self. Her mother encouraged her to pursue careers for enjoyment and not for other motives such as fame. Once Audrey did become famous, she used her popularity to promote worthy causes.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Science Fiction Reads for Grades 4-6

The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain

by Peter Sis

Summary; Annotated illustrations, maps, and dreamscapes explore how the artist-author's life was shaped while growing up in Czechoslovakia during the Cold War, in a powerful graphic memoir.

This biography is the winner of the American Library Association’s prestigious Sibert Informational Award. The story is very moving. The main text is simple, but the side notes are what make an impact on the reader. This is an excellent read for any talk on the Cold War and the importance of free speech.

Interest Level: grades 4-12
Reading Level: grade 5

Pirate vs. Pirate: The Terrific Tale of a

Big, Blustery Maritime Match

by Mary Quattlebaum

Summary: One pirate from the Atlantic Ocean and one from the Pacific Ocean meet and have a contest to see who is the best pirate in the world.

As mentioned in the title, this is a terrific tale. At first glance it may appear to be a story that will appeal more to a masculine crowd. However, one of these pirates is a woman, and the ending might surprise boys and girls alike. This is a lengthy tale; it is most appropriate for an older crowd.

Interest Level: grades K-6
Reading Level: grade 3

MORE Summer Reading Theme 2011 One World Many Stories for Grades 3-5

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