Realistic Fiction
The Absolutely True Story of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman
Alexie--*National Book Award Winner* The fact that this book wasn't even mentioned
as a Newbery Award finalist makes me question the whole organization. A story about Junior (Arnold) Spirit and his funny,
sad, poignant, and victorious path from potential destruction to triumph as he discovers what it means to be a true warrior...absolutely
moving. 6th-9th grade.
The View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg--*Newbery
Winner* A great story about a group of 6th gradeAcademic Bowl champions who create a
bond with their teacher during Saturday morning meetings. Winner for a literature circle or in class novel!
King Dork by Frank Portman--A wonderful
coming of age book about a misfit boy and his misadventures. It reminds me of the Catcher in the Rye. Content
is a bit mature at times (casual drug use, teen sex) and I will not be able to use in class.
Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman--This book
shows how nature can serve to unite varying cultures living close together. What starts as lima bean seeds grows to
become the center of attention for a town. Multicultural neighbors come to form bonds with one another in strange ways.
Absolutely Normal Chaos by Sharon Creech--Boy-crazy girls, giddy
boy-smitten friends; this is a great book that combines the best of journaling with a story about boys, girls, and an
annoying cousin who you have to wait on hand and foot. Great lit circle book. This is a winner for girls; boys
will like it too.
Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli--The adventures of the amazing
Maniac Magee and the amazing athletic feats he performs for his town...as he bridges the community's racial divide as
well. Great multi-cultural/teaching tolerance book.
Historical Fiction
A Light in the Forest by Conrad Richter--This is a great and culturally
sensitive book on native american and colonial life before the Revolutionary War. It explores the relationships
among the colonials and Delaware Indians through the eyes of True Son, a teenager, who must decide who he is and face
the consequences of that decision.
Sing Down the Moon by Scott O'Dell--A great story about the Navajo
"Long Walk." The very simple writing makes this a must have to me.
Bud, not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis--*Newbery Winning Author*
Armed with secret tools in his suitcase, 10-year old orphan Bud (not Buddy) Caldwell sets off to look for his dad in 1930's
Michigan. Great book!
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko--A nice 1st
person perspective about a family whose dad gets a job on Alcatraz Island during the mid 1930's. There is much historically
factual information delivered with a lot of humor and a good story.
Fantasy
Twilight by Stephanie Meyer--A cute
and well-written story of growing up, falling in love, and the sacrifices one makes for those they care about...especially
when your boyfriend is a dreaded vampire! Great story that would be a hit for nearly any girl and many boys.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordin--The comical journey of "halfblood"
Percy (Perseus) Jackson to prevent a new war of the gods of Mount Olympus set in the modern world. He finds out he is
half human/half Greek god, but bad things happen to halfbloods. After fleeing a mythical minotaur he comes into contact
with modern interpretations of the Greek mythos and is given a quest to return Zues' lightning bolt in order to prevent war.
A definite winner for students. 4th grade+
Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone by J.K. Rowling--I find it
hard to imagine a book ever being written for children to have a chance at being as good as this one. An exploration
of duty, sacrifice, friendship, cultures, and the battle of good vs. evil. Must read for young adults as well as old.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling--Book 2
in the series with perhaps the most ANNOYING teacher ever to be had.
Harry Potter and the Prisonder of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling--Hagrid
goes to prison for defending a pet he holds dear.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling--The beginnings
of a more adult storyline emerges. The death of Cedric Diggory. Still maintains the magic of the first three.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling--While
still accessible to a younger audience, Rowling completes her shift in tone to a more adult novel.
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling--The origins
of Dumbledore, Snape, and Voldemort fully explored. The story gets intense.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling--The final
satisfying...and tear jerking conclusion.
The BFG by Roald Dahl--I remember wanting desperately to
know what a BFG was when I first read this book. Big, Friendly Giant was my answer. Of all the Dahl children's
books I've read the BFG is my favorite character.
Redwall by Brian Jacques--A typical hero's quest story...only with
mice. Many of my students were reading this so I had to try it. Good book for kids interested in fantasy.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman--I love his adult oriented
books so gave this one a try. I'd recommend it for 6th grade and up since it has a scary scene to open the book.
Great fantasy about the world of the dead and living merged together, that reminds me a bit of Harry Potter. Great illustrations!
Science Fiction
Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment by James Patterson--A story of
a family of kids who've been experimented on by the government. Escaping their internment, by flying away with their
genetically altered wings, they must cooperate, care for, and maintain the close bonds of family to survive. Excellent
novel for 5th grade up.
Enders Game by Orson Scott Card--A story of a 8 year old military
prodigy and the games he plays in order to save mankind from it's hated enemy--the Buggers. The question is, when did
the game end and the real shooting begin? The BEST Sci-Fi book ever--perfect for middle school aged students.
Enders Shadow by Orson Scott Card--A story of Bean, the 8 year old
orphaned sidekick of Ender Wiggin. Retells Ender's Game from the point of view of his usually friend, occasional foe
as they train together to save Earth.
The Giver by Lois Lowry--This was a great book about a boy who lives
in an ideal utopian world. There is a dark side to the world and he discovers what it is. He has the power to
change it since he's become the Reciever of Memories. 5th-8th grade...class book maybe?
Dauntless by Jack Campbell--Captain Blackjack Geary thought
to have died a hero to mankind 100 years ago, comes back with a vengeance to save the Alliance fleet and to hopefully end
a centuries old intersteller war. Great sci-fi military battles. Book 1 of 5...plenty for an interested student.
Fearless: by Jack Campbell--Blackjack Geary's next test
comes when he discovers new technology that could change interstellar war forever. He has the power to end the war but
at a terrible cost; leaving a dead solar system behind. This book explores the morality of war, leadership, and honor
as he grapples with the ability to annihilate entire suns and their systems.
Folktales
Aesop's Fables by Jerry Pinkney--A collection of Aesop's fables. Short
stories with a moral and beautiful illustrations. Great for using at reading
centers supported by activities.
Squids will be Squids by Jon Scieska--A cute picture book with a descriptive set of fables different from the traditional Aesop's Fables. I
think this could be a great resource for teaching "expressive writing" to students.
The Love Flute by Paul Globe--The
story of a magical flute and it's ability to woo those we love. Great Native American folktale that would make a perfect
teacher read-to. Gr. 2-5?
They Dance in the Sky by Jean Monroe--The
constellations according to the Native American (Navajo folktales included) people. Great stories and drawings
would make this a nice Science teacher read-to and would be a must in my school library!
American Indian Myths and Legends by Richard Eddoes--A HUGE collection of folktales, myths and legends with a Native American
focus. Another great resource for my class library and a source of short read-to's to integrate into multi-cultural
learning and as part of a "Myth and Folktale" teaching unit.
Tales Then and Now by Anna E. Altmann-- More of a resource for me
to use in planning lesson ideas and ways to hook students on folktales. A huge collection of classic folktales that I could
use in the classroom to introduce folktales and mythology.
Poetry and Verse
For Laughing Out Loud: Poems to Tickle Your Funnybone by Jack Prelutsky--A
collection of poems that are well illustrated and true to the title. 2nd-6th grade. Some funny ones for adults too!
Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein--This is his first collection
of poems. They are simply hilarious and engaging. A must have for my class library.
A Light in the Attic by Shel Silverstein--It's hard to find poems as funny
as Shel Silverstein's. I think I like these just a little "less" than Where the Sidewalk Ends, but only a little.
There's Dirt on My Shirt by Jeff Foxworthy--I love the poems he creates
that work together to form a neighborhood of characters. I suppose I'm really hooked on the funny aspect of poetry as
a way to engage students in an underappreciated medium. The poems are hilarious...how can they not be; it is THE Jeff
Foxworthy afterall. Great art in this as well.
The Llama Who Had No Pajama by Mary Ann Hoberman--A collection of 100
cute and funny poems. Limericks, Haiku, Cinqains, etc.
If Your Not Here Please Raise Your Hand by Kalli Dakos--I
loved this collection of poems about being in school. I think students would too. Must have for my classroom library.4th-6th
A Poke in the I by Paul Janeczko--A
collection of concrete poems. Woud be great for poetry units and classroom library. 3rd-5th
Ferocious Girls, Steamroller Boys, and Other Poems in Between--I used this with my tutoring group for another class. It brought a lot of laughs.
Picture Books
The Principal From the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler--A great read-to
for a unit on writing your own silly short stories. 2nd grade+
The Gym Teacher from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler--A great read-to
for a unit on writing your own silly short stories. 2nd grade +
The Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown--A great read-to that
gives a nice form to write about the things students find important or meaningful to them. 2nd grade +
Another Important Book by Margaret Wise Brown--A great read-to that
gives a nice form to write about the things students find important or meaningful to them. 2nd grade +
Things That Are the Most in the World by Judi Barrett--Great read-to
for a lesson on "-est" words.
If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Numeroff--A great example
of a circular plot. Good short-project idea for exploring independent and dependent clauses and fragments.
The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss--Even older students can benefit
from the exploration of rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration in Seuss' books.
The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss--Even older students can benefit
from the exploration of rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration in Seuss' books. This book is not as well known and might generate
more interest because of that fact. A model of the Cold War.
Horton Hears a Who by Dr. Seuss--Even older students can benefit
from the exploration of rhyme, rhythm, and alliteration in Seuss' books.
Tibili: The Little Boy Who Didn't Want to Go to School by Marie Leonard--Cute picture book about a boy who wanted to learn in ways that a school would think unusual. Great recognition
of various learning styles and nice multi-cultural elements.
The Dot by Peter Reynolds--Convinced that she's not an artist, a
student draws a dot....then more, until she becomes "famous." She then passes her skill, along to another younger student
who thinks he can't do it as well. Great Read-to for those who stuggle with work.
Stellaluna by Jannell Cannon--Great story about a bat who is adopted
by a family of birds on the condition she acts like them. Great for showing the challenges of trying to be someone
you really aren't. Read-to/thematic unit for Halloween or night animals?
Bats at the Beach by Brien Lies--I love
this as I'm looking at Science themed read-to's. Picnics, visits to the beach, and kiting are fun as humans, but when
it's bats engaged in the activities its fun, and funny. Rhyming style and great illustrations make this a keeper.
Bats at the Library by Brien Lies--I
had to check the newest bat book and it remains true to the first. Someone leaves a library window open, bats move in,
and hilarity ensues. Another great thematic unit book.
Hilda Must Be Dancing by Karma Wilson--Expressing yourself
in appropriate ways is a definite must. When you're a hippo that likes to dance though...watch out for falling debris.
Hilda's friends try to get her to pick up another hobby, but dancing is the only thing that lets her remain true to herself.
Great read to on hobbies, interests, and being yourself.
Big Words for Little People by Jamie Lee Curtis--With words like
patience, cooperation, respect, and considerate as the focus, this book would make a great first week read-to on classroom
rules and building the class community.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst--A great read-to about Alexander, a boy having the worst day imaginable.
Alexander Who Used to be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst--Another
"Alexander" book. He gets $1 from his grandparents and sets out to spend his fortune. Funny and cute. Good
class library book.
Do Unto Otters: A Book about Manners by Laurie Keller--Another
great first week read-to on classroom rules and how to treat our friends and others in class.
We The People: The Story of Our Constitution by Lynne Cheney--Great
picture book that would be a nice read to for an American Government based thematic unit. I love the illustrations of
our founding fathers in this one.
ABC3D by Marion Bataille--Sometimes you just want something
visually enticing and easy to read. I'd put this pop-up picture book in just about any classroom library. COOL
stuff! The 3D letters not only pop up but transform into other letters based on your hand movements.
The Secret Life of Walter Kitty by Barbara Hicks--I loved
Fang, a cat with a cross-species personality somewhere between funny human and stuck-up cat. Funny and cute read-to.
Good classroom library book.
Fancy Nancy by Jane O'Conner--Definitely a picture book that
would appeal to young girls. This is the first of many Fancy Nancy picture books. Having a few in my library would
be a source of easier books that might hook a struggling reader.
New Mexico A to Z by Dorothy Weaver--A great picture book
with a picture and factual story involving the state. Good for my class library and as an idea resource in Social Studies.
Thank You Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco--Great book about
a girl (the author) who has a hard time with dyslexia in school and a teacher who helped her turn it around and find happiness
with herself. Self illustrated and artistic! Great story.
The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System by Joanna Cole--You
simply can't have a 4th and 5th grade class library without some Magic School Bus picture books. They entertain and
inform at the same time.
The Magic School Bus: Inside the Human Body by Joanna Cole--One
more Madic School Bus book for the library.
Graphic Novels
The Complete Peanuts:1953 to 1954 by Charles
Schulz--A collection of the newspaper comic strips of 1953 by my favorite comic strip artist.
It is still very applicable today. Many other volumes are also available.
After 9/11 by Sid Jacobson--A comic strip style history of the events
leading up to and after 9/11. Great graphic novel!
Graphic Classics:Edgar Allen Poe by Eureka Productions--A collection of Poe's work in graphic novel form. My favorite author in a kid accessible form. Many funny
bits within the stories mixed with the true words of Poe's stories.
The Stonekeeper (Amulet, Book 1) by Kazo
Kibuishi--Emily loses her dad to car crash, then mom is stolen by a huge tentacled beast and taken
to a dark world of demons, robots and talking animals. Emily is given an amulet by her grandfather which allows her
to follow and find her mom...but she's been poisoned. It is a funny, heartwarming, and scary graphic novel that sets
the stage for book two.
The Stonekeepers Curse (Amulet, Book 2) by Kazo Kibuishi--Emily
heads for the beautiful city of Kanalis in an attempt to find a cure for her mom's poison. She finds that the cure lies
in the eggs of a giant serpent who inhabits the top of a nearby mountain. It's up to her to master the amulet's power,
triumph over evil, and gain the antidote that will cure her mom.
Hellboy: The Right Hand of Doom by Mike Magnola--Hellboy's
origin story and early adventures.
Spider-Man: One More Day by J. Michael Straczynski --There has been one person who he could rely upon, talk to, and draw inspiration from...and he
is about to lose her. Spider-Man makes a deal with Mephisto that will keep her alive, but the
price is his marriage to Mary Jane. A graphic novel collection of a series of comic books I originally boo'd but that
have redefined my favorite superhero.
Star Wars I: The Phantom Menace by Henry Gilroy--The first
movie in graphic novel form. Great for Star Wars fanatics.
Spider Man: A New Goblin by Len Wein--Great Spider-Man story
of the return of the Green Goblin...but who is it under the mask? Norman Osborne is dead.
Spider-Man: The Birth of Venom by Jim Shooter--The story
behind Spider-Man's black costume. Things aren't always what they appear to be!
First In Space by James Vining--Great black and white drawn information
about the decision by NASA scientists to use monkeys to travel into space during the 1950's. The monkey chosen
to be first was Ham and it tells of everything that happened to him...even the bad. Best for older elementary/middle
school.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney--I didn't know this began
as a web comic on Funbrain.com, so it has great opportunities for enrichment activities etc. The story of the hapless
wimpy kid hero Greg Heffley. Funny and sure to get 3rd-7th graders reading attention.
Manga
The Legend of Zelda:The Ocarina of Time by Akira Himekawa--My
favorite Nintendo character brought to Manga. Cute story about Zelda's Ocarina of Time adventure. It takes license
with the plot from the original game. The hardest part was getting used to reading back to front, and right to left
for this old guy.
Naruto Volume 38 by Masashi Kishimoto--Naruto is in danger of losing
his best friend Sasuke to jis new Jutsu trainer but he won't take it lying down. I've enjoyed the Cartoon Network version
from time to time, definitely enjoyable for students interested in Manga.
Naruto Volume 39 by Masashi Kishimoto--Sasuke has gone "to the darkside"
despite Naruto's attempts to save him in the last book. Sasuke's new "Team Serpent" comes face to face with an ancient
enemy and the outcome threatens all of the Jutsu world.
Dragon Drive Volume 1 by Ken-Ichi Sakura--Reiji thinks he's no good
at anything, then is introduced to a game called Dragon Drive. This volume looks at his first battle where he is cornered
and about to become flattened "like a pancake" until he and his dragon pull off an amazing win.
Dragon Drive Volume 2 by Ken-Ichi Sakura--Reiji is still
learning to play the game and isn't all that good but meets a creator of the game who allows him to use a secret training
facility. As he's practicing with his friends he discovers a secret about the game that might tip the
balance in his favor.
Autobiography/Biography
Bad boy: A Memoir by Walter Dean Myers--This collection of stories act as a memoir on Walter Dean Myers' life as a young black teenager living in 1940's
Harlem. Funny, poignant, and a great autobiographical account of his life.
Story of My Life by Helen Keller--This is pretty much a have
to read by elementary students about a young girl who is rendered deaf and mute from scarlet fever yet who perseveres and
learns to read and write (in many languages).
Boy: Tales of Childhood by Roald Dahl--I have always loved
Roald Dahl and found this book at the local library. Great insights to his childhood and the funny and crazy world he
lived in. I can definitely see students interested in his books reading this autobiography.
Survivors: True Stories of Children in the Holocaust by Allan Zullo --Great collection of heroic, sad, and triumphant stories of children in concentration camps and caught behind
the lines during World War II. Great source of information and interest for my library.
Non-Fiction/Informational
D is for Democracy: A Citizens Alphabet by Elissa Grodin--Nicely
illustrated, it provides a wonderful exploration of what it means to live in America, one letter at a time. Excellent
Social Studies read-to book for a thematic unit on government.
Wheels at Work: On the Road by Don Kilby--Informational book on
all of the big trucks and machines used on the road and in various industrial jobs. Good classroom library book and
idea generator for a thematic unit on machines.
Kites by David Pelham--All kids love to look and read about
kites. This is a colorful book with many illustrations and finished kites to inspire students. It also provides
nice step by step instructions on making a kite of your own.
Making of Japanese:Kites: Tradition, Beauty, and Creation by Maasaki Modegi--Taking kites a step further, this book offers a history of kites and kitemaking in Asia and Japan, its links
to their culture, and instructions on making them. TONS of pictures and color would help entice students toward this
book. Classroom library book.
Science; Non-Fiction by Allosaurus Publishers--Great book
on tons of science based concepts and ideas, all put into easy language and accompanied by pictures, charts, and illustrations
making Science a bit easier to grasp and embrace for kids.
Poetry Matters: Writing a Poem From the Inside Out--I actually read
this for ideas to use with my 8th grade sudents. I can see having it as a resource down to 4th grade as well. A great
book with ideas and activities that encourage students to write about themselves and how they feel... great classroom
resource.
Pizza, Pigs and Poetry by Jack Prelutsky--I really love his approach
towards children writing poetry. A collection of poems, poem ideas, and starters that I think could serve as agreat
resource for teaching a poetry unit/center activities in my classroom. it's a great non-fiction topic enshroded with
poetry ideas and funny poems. 3rd-6th.
Drawing Animals Made Amazingly Easy by Christopher Hart--I've
seen a lot of students simply poor through these step by step type drawing guides. It's a great way to hook them.
He simplifies the process and teaches animal drawing using a manga-like style.
Hurricane Hunters and Tornado Chasers by DK Eyewitness Books--This
is a great book about these professions. extremely well illustrated and a borderline graphic novel form. Would
interest students in weather phenomena and those who investigate it.
Be a Plant Detective by Linda Gamlin--Everything a kid, and adult,
would want to know about plants; told in a fun and interesting way. Science resource.
How to Take the Grrrr our of Anger by Elizabeth Verdick--I
think this should be a part of every 4th-8th grade classroom library. It talks of anger and offers great alternative
solutions to acting on angry impulses. Tells it in a realistic but interesting way to kids this age.
