Showing posts with label grades 4-6. Show all posts
Showing posts with label grades 4-6. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Guest Post: Three Times Lucky

Three Times Lucky
by: Sheila Turnage

This guess post is courtesy of my book-hungry 4th grade daughter, Regan. She finished this beauty in one day....

Here is her review:

Moses's hometown will never be the same. As a baby, Mo was sent during a hurricane on a raft to North Carolina. Nobody knows where Mo is from. She got her name because of how she arrived in town-like the prophet Moses. Colonel and Ms. Lana adopted her and she grew up in a cafe. Her best friend Dale helps her save Ms. Lana, Colonel, and the whole town. When murderers and cops come to town, it is up to Moses to save the day! 

I would recommend this book to others because this story tells you how to accept and enjoy your life.You may think that Mo is a normal girl, but you are wrong. This book has lots of suspense and surprises. Three Times Lucky is a book best read by ages nine and up.

Enjoy!
Regan



Three Times Lucky

Monday, March 19, 2012

Virgie Goes to School with Us Boys


























written by: Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard

illustrated by: E.B. Lewis
ages: school aged

All that Virgie wants to do is attend school with her five older brothers, George, Will, Nelson, Val, and C.C. They keep saying that she is too small to walk the seven miles, that she'll miss her parents too much, and that girls don't need to go to school anyway. Virgie proves them wrong with her desire to learn to read and go to school.

Set in the post-Civil War South, this true story is beautifully written and illustrated. Virgie's story takes place during Reconstruction when schools were created to educate newly freed slaves and their children. Fewer than 10% of slaves were literate and schools offered an unprecedented opportunity to learn. During Reconstruction, only boys were allowed to go to school, but that doesn't stop Virgie. This book has a rich message of education and freedom and can be a real jumping off point for conversations with kids about the Civil War, slavery, determination, and the value of education.




Sunday, March 11, 2012

Goodnight Ipad

by Ann Droyd
All ages

A great parody book of our technology craze society.  I laughed so hard.  Everyone will enjoy this book if they loved "GOODNIGHT MOON."







Saturday, May 28, 2011

The Hundred Dresses


By Eleanor Estes
Ages: 10-14

Wanda Petronski is a poor Polish-American girl that wears the same faded blue dress to school everyday.  Her classmates, Peggy and Maddie, laugh at the dress and Wanda claims to own one hundred dresses. This outrageous and obvious lie becomes a game, as the girls in her class corner her every day before school, demanding that she describe for them all of her dresses.  After Wanda has moved unexpectedly, Peggy and Maddie discover the truth about Wanda.

This cute book addresses the theme of bullying and judging a book by its cover.  Peggy and Maddie get to know about Wanda and realize they were not nice to her. 

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Racing the Sun



by Paul Pitts
Ages: 8-14
Brandon Rogers is a 12 year old American Indian and self-proclaimed underachiever.  His father had left his heritage behind during college and Brandon had grown up in suburbs.  Brandon just wanted to a regular kid.  Then, his grandfather moved off the reservation into the bottom bunk of Brandon's room.  Brandon finds it difficult to deal with chanting at night and getting up before the sunrise to run. He learns the importance of embracing his heritage without giving up the new.

The book is a great insight into the southwest American Indian culture.  It is an inspiring story about a young boy learning about his background.  A grandfather wanting to share his story and a father than learns a lesson about how to love the new and old ways of life.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Peter and the Starcatchers (Starcatchers Series #1)


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written by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
illustrated by Greg Call
grades: 4-6

Peter is a lost and lonely orphan who has been put on the ship The Neverland in order to become a servant in the court of the evil King Zarboff. When Peter discovers a mysterious trunk aboard the ship, he takes it upon himself to discover its secret. Little does he know, but the trunk will change his life forever.

The adventurous prequel to Peter Pan is fast paced and exciting. Authors Barry and Pearson answer the questions of how Captain Hook lost his hand, how Peter learned to fly, and how he ended up on an island with mermaids, a group of boys, and pirates. Consider this book only if you have plenty of time and a very comfy chair!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Pacific Crossing

by Gary Soto
Ages 10+

Lincoln Mendoza has an opportunity to leave San Francisco for the summer and spend it in Japan.  Lincoln thinks that Japan only has Martial Arts, but learns about Japan's history, family life, baseball, and traditions.  As he learning from his host family, they want to learn about him.  He tries to find a way to explain what it means to be both Mexican and American to his host family. 

This book reminds me of the "The new Karate Kid" movie.  A young boy travels to a foreign country and then finds himself while learning new things about where he is living.

Sunday, November 14, 2010

The Twits

by Ronald Dahl
Ages 8+

Mr. and Mrs. Twit are the nastiest, meanest, ugliest, and smelliest people in the world.  They hate everything except playing jokes on each other, catching birds to make bird pie, and making the Muggle-wumps (caged monkeys) stand on their head all day.  Finally, the Muggle-wumps have had enough and seek revenge.

I normally enjoyed Ronald Dahl.  This book has highs and lows for me.  It is typical interesting Dahl book, but I didn't enjoy how mean the Twits are others.  If you are concerned with your child reading about bad behavior this book may not be for your children.  It is funny, but didn't finish the book feeling good.  

Thursday, September 30, 2010

The Adventure of Captain Underpants

by Dav Pilkey
ages- 8+

George and Harold are best friends and trouble makers.  They have created their own comic superhero, Captain Underpants and sell them to their friends at school.  Their principal, Mr. Krupp, catches them during one of their practical jokes and blackmails them into doing good.  The boys decide to hypnotize him to get out of being blackmailed.  Quickly, they decide to make Mr. Krupp, their comic superhero, Captain Underpants.  Then, he escapes before they are able to turn him back into Mr. Krupp.  Mr. Krupp tries to save the world as the boys try to find him to un-hypnotize him.  

This is the first book a a great popular series.  It is funny and hilarious that a grown man is running around in his underwear believing he is a super hero.    

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Bigger

by Patricia Calvert
ages 12 +

Tyler is glad the Civil War is over and his father will come home after fighting for the South.  Tyler learns that his father's regiment has refused to surrender and is headed for Mexico, he decides to find his father and bring him home.  Along his way, a strange dog, named Bigger joins him.  As the two journey south, Tyler is forced to confront his feelings and let go of his most cherished dream.  Bigger becomes his best friend when Tyler has to face the truth about his father. 

This is a great historical fiction and teen coming of age book.  Tyler is a great character and you fall in love with him.  You are able to connect with him as he faces growing up after the Civil War.  The country has changed and so has his family.

Sunday, August 8, 2010

Call It Courage

by Armstrong Sperry
Ages-9+

Mafatu is a son of Chief in the Pacific Islands.  The tribe calls him a coward because he is afraid of the water, ever since he watched his mother drown in the sea.  When Mafatu turns 12 years old, he decides that it is time to face his fears.  He builds a canoe and set sail.  He almost drowns in a storm and finds himself trapped on an island with cannibals.  Will he make it home?  Does he have the courage? 

I remember reading this book in middle school and enjoying it then.  I could call it a classic since it won the Newberry Medal in 1941.  It is still a great read, no matter how many times you read the book.  I found myself relating to Mafatu about facing my fears and trying to conquer with resistance.  It teaches those readers that with persistence you can overcome anything. 

Wednesday, August 4, 2010

Esio Trot

by Roald Dahl
Ages-8+

Mr. Hoppy is in love with his neighbor, Mrs. Silver. She is in love with her pet turtle, Alfie. Mrs. Silver doesn't even noticed Mr. Hoppy because all of her attention is on taking care of Alfie. Mr. Hoppy is a shy man, so he devises a plan to get her attention and have her fall in love with him.

Although, I am not a fan of other works of Dahl's, I am a fan of this book,. It is cute, light hearted story about a man who is willing to do anything to have the woman he loves notice him. He finds out what she is interested in and uses that as the attention starter. If you have not figured it out Esio Trot is tortoise spelled backwards.

Friday, July 23, 2010

The Tiger Rising


by Kate DiCamillo
Ages-10+

Rob Horton, 12 years old, recently moved with his father to a seedy motel in Lister, Florda. Following his mother's death, Rob has shut his feeling in a big "suitcase." He vowed nothing would make him cry again, including the bullies at his new school and the weird rash on his legs. Two amazing things happen to Rob, he discovers a real-life tiger in a cage near the motel where he lives and meets Sistine Bailey. Sistine is feisty girl, who doesn't hold back her feelings. They learn to trust each other and become friends. They show that some things like memories, heartaches, and tigers are not meant to be locked up forever.

Kate DiCamillo has become one of my favorite authors. I found myself hurting for Rob and hoping that he would be able to deal with his mother death and gain a better relationship with his father. Death of a loved one is a difficult subject and again, Kate is able to write about dealing with that loss. Sistine and Rob are dealing with changes, loss, and growing up, but found friendship in their growth to understanding the world.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Boggart


by Susan Cooper
Ages: 9-14

What is a Boggart? The Volnik family finds out after they inherit a old castle on an island off Scotland. Once they return home, Emily and her brother Jessup notice strange things happening. They realize that a mischievous boggart was accidently trapped in a piece of furniture the family shipped home to Canada. Of course, no adults believe them. After a crazy Halloween incident, doctors believe Emily is a troubled adolescent in need of hospitalization. They have to find a way to return the boggart back to Scotland, but HOW!

I was a little worried when I read the premise of this book. I thought it might be another silly ghost story, but the author is able to take an old-story creature and infuse him into a modern times creating a good story.

Friday, April 16, 2010

Report to the Principal's Office


by Jerry Spinelli
Ages: 10+

Plumstead Middle School is opened for the first time and Principal Brimlow is determined that this new school with start off well. He memorizes every student's profile. He decides to befriend a few 6th graders; Sunny Wyler, Eddie Mott, Salem Brownmiller, and Pickles Johnson. Sunny has decided to not bathe until she is transferred to the old middle school to be with her best friend. Eddie hopes to survive the 6th grade by being friendly and avoiding 8th graders. Salem is an aspiring writer and is in everyone's business. Pickles is an inventor of gadgets and getting into trouble. Principal Brimlow names the sixth graders his Principal Posse and assigns them, among other things, to come up with a name for the new school mascot. He can't control everything that happens in the middle school. These students have to learn how to survive middle school on their own.

A very delightful, lighthearted book about surviving middle school from many perspectives.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Cook It In a Cup

Cook It in a Cup! by Julia Myall: Book Cover

written by Julia Myall with photographs by Greg Lowe

This is a wonderful book for the budding chef in your home. With 29 recipes ranging from breakfast in a cup to sweet treats, you and your child are sure to find something that sounds appealing. The book comes with 6 colorful silicone cups that look like cupcake holders. Author Julia Myall covers kitchen safety as well as how to care for the cups in the beginning of the book.

This cookbook has gotten quite a bit of use in our home. The recipes are easy to follow with simple, step by step instructions. The results have been tasty and appreciated by even the smallest eater in our family (and that is no small feat!).

Monday, January 11, 2010

Bud, Not Buddy


by Christopher Paul Curtis
Ages: 12+

Ten year old Bud lost his mother 3 years ago and has been in an orphange and recently was placed in a foster home that was abusive. He escapes and decides to look for his father, whom he is convinced is famous musician, Herman F. Calloway. He decides to walk from Flint, Michigan to Grand Rapids. He experiences many setbacks and kindness of many strangers. At the mission where Bud is too late for the evening meal, another homeless family pretends that he's with them. Once Bud reaches his destination, Bud's search must continue because it turns out the musician cannont possibly be his father.

Bud is a loveable character and good nature. He survival skills make memorable. The setting is in the 30's, the height of the Great Depression and the small tastes of racism that the author carefully intergrates into the book. Great Read!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Because of Winn-Dixie


by Katie DiCamillo
Ages 10+

A classic book and Newberry Winner that is great. I had heard some many things about this book. I decided to read it myself and I fell in love with it. Opal moved to Florida with her father, the preacher. She finds a dog at the grocery store and promptly names it after the store, Winn-Dixie. Opal is a head strong girl trying to fit in with her new environment and makes friends with the Librarian, the crazy blind neighbor, and the mysterious ex-con pet store owner. Opal learns exciting stories about her new friends and learns how to forgive her mother and others.

Friday, November 6, 2009

Esperanza Rising


by Pam Munoz Ryan
Ages 10+

Esperanza Ortega is a young girl who has everything she has ever wanted. She has fancy dresses, a beautiful home filled with servants living in the bountiful region of Aguascalientes, Mexico, and one day she will rise to her Mama’s position and presiding over all of Rancho de las Rosas. Her father buys her a beautiful doll every year on her birthday. The night before her birthday, her father is killed by bandits. Her corrupt wealthy uncles give Esperanza and her Mama no choice but to flee to California to live in the Mexican labor camps in the 1930's. Esperanza struggles letting go of her past and embracing her future and community. During her struggle, her mama becomes ill with Valley Fever and a labor strike threatens to change her life again.

I was truly touch by this book. I became fully invested and sympathetic to Esperanza struggles. She had to learn how to work including sweeping the floor. Then, she had to give up school to work and earn money while her mother was sick. She lost her father and her mother die. She left her home knowing that she could never return and have the same life again. How much can one young girl take in a year? Also, the author, Pam Muñoz Ryan, portrays the Mexican workers’ plight in this novel through Esperanza eyes. It earned the "Pura Belpré" Award which honors Latino authors whose work best portrays, affirms, and celebrates the Latino cultural experience in a children's book.

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Make Four Million Dollar$ By Next Thursday


Make Four Million Dollar$ By Next Thursday
By Stephen Manes
Ages 8-13

Jason Nozzle is an ordinary kid, whose allowance is not enough, and wants to be a multimillionaire. Dr. K. Pinkerton Silverfish wrote a book “Make Four Million Dollar$ by Next Thursday.” Jason finds this book and decided it sounds like a good scheme to get rich quick. Jason thinks about getting rich. He could buy anything he wanted. Jason follows the weird instructions by Dr. K. Pinkerton Silverfish, because he knows that he will be rich by next Thursday. What is the secret to getting rich quick? Read and find out.

This book provides laughter and interest for the most reluctant readers.