Willow Run by Patricia Reilly Giff November 26, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Historical Fiction , 2comments
This book is a companion to Lily’s Crossing. I never heard of it until Colleen and Lexi gave it to me as a gift. I really liked Lily’s Crossing, so it wasn’t a surprise that I liked this book as well. Both books take place during World War II and show how the war affected children’s lives.
Meggie and her parents move to Willow Run, Michigan, to help the war effort. Her father works in a factory that makes bomber planes. Eventually her mom works at the factory too. Meggie misses her best friend Lily and her grandfather, who are back home in Rockaway, New York. She also misses her brother Eddie, who is off fighting in the war. Meggie makes friends in Willow Run. These friends, along with her family, teach her about courage and hope.
If you enjoy historical fiction, especially if it takes place during WW II, you should read this book.
~Mrs. Carlson~
The School Story by Andrew Clements November 25, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Realistic Fiction, School Fiction , 3comments
This story is about two girls named Natalie and Zoe and their English teacher, Ms. Clayton. Natalie wrote a story called The Cheater and wants to get it published. The problem is that Natalie’s mom is an editor. Natalie has been to her mom’s editing company in New York City where Natalie sees a bunch of piles of books that haven’t been opened and just thrown away. Natalie also needs an agent and a fake name. Zoe, Natalie’s best friend, becomes her agent. Only one problem is left. Natalie doesn’t want her mom to know it’s Natalie who wrote the book. But Natalie worked really hard on this. How will Natalie keep her identity and will her book get published?
I like this book because it takes me on a great adventure.
~Kristen, Fourth Grader~
Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls November 24, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Animal Fiction , 13comments
This book is about a boy named Billy, and he wants hunting dogs. He can’t get dogs because his parents said they don’t have enough money to buy them. So he saves up some money to get them. He asks his Grandpa to order them when he gets enough money. The rest is a secret. You have to read the book to find out the rest. It is a heart-warming and sad book.
~Megan, Fifth Grader~
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry November 22, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Historical Fiction , 11comments
This book is about a young girl named Anne Marie. Her best friend Ellen, is a Jew, and the Nazis are moving into every corner in Denmark where they live. Ellen must go live with Anne Marie and be separated from her parents so she could survive. After a while, they have to go live with Anne Marie’s uncle. Ellen becomes relieved to see her parents again. They end up sending Ellen and her parents away to Switzerland where they can be free. Will Anne Marie ever see Ellen again???
~Colleen, Fifth Grader~
Anne Frank by Susanna Davidson November 20, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Biography , 11comments
When Taylor, a fifth grade student, gave me this book, I was very pleased. Even though I have read many books about Anne Frank, I had not read this one. The author received the expert advice of Eva Schloss, a concentration camp survivor and the stepsister of Anne Frank.
Anne Frank was Jewish. When she was 13 years old, she went into hiding with her family to escape from the Nazis. Her family stayed in hiding for two years until the Nazis discovered them, and they were sent to concentration camps. While in hiding, Anne recorded her thoughts and feelings into a diary. Her diary is famous all over the world.
Every time I read about Anne, I am amazed at her bravery. Because she kept a diary, we know what it was like for a Jewish child who lived in a country controlled by the Nazis. This book reminded me that one must always stay hopeful even in the worst situations.
~Mrs. Carlson~
Holes by Louis Sachar November 20, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Friendship Fiction , 14comments
Holes is a book about a boy named Stanley Yelnats, but there is something special about his name … it is spelled the same way back and forth. Stanley is a boy who has to go to a camp called Camp Green Lake because the police thought he stole a pair of shoes from a famous baseball player. He meets lots of friends at camp. They all have to dig holes every day because the warden is looking for something. Stanley and his friend Zero run away from camp. I hope you read this book.
~Ben, Fourth Grader~
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor November 20, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Animal Fiction, Realistic Fiction , 17comments
Shiloh is a good book about a boy named Marty and a dog named Shiloh. At the beginning I had to think if I should keep reading or not, but when I got closer to the end, it got more exciting. I was on the edge of my seat when Shiloh got hurt by the German shepherd. You’ll have to read this book to find out if he lives or not.
I liked the book because it’s interesting how Marty tries to take care of Judd Travers’s dog. Judd is mean and kicks Shiloh. Marty keeps Shiloh in a little pen on the top of a hill and nobody knows he’s there. I hope you read this book!
~Meghan, Fourth Grader~
This book is about a boy named Marty who finds a dog. He names him Shiloh. Shiloh is not Marty’s dog. Shiloh belongs to a man named Judd Travers. Marty takes a liking to Shiloh. Marty tries to hide him on the hill in their back yard, in a pen. Judd starts to look for Shiloh. Will Marty get to keep Shiloh, or will he have to go back into the hands of Judd Travers? Read this book to find out.
~Gina, Fourth Grader~
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman November 17, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Picture Books, School Fiction , 9comments
Every year Officer Buckle gives his safety speech to the children at Napville Elementary School, and they always ignore him. When Gloria, a police dog, joins Officer Buckle for his safety speeches, everyone sits up and listens. Officer Buckle doesn’t know what Gloria is doing behind his back as he speaks, but eventually he finds out. Trouble follows.
I have been reading this Caldecott winner to children in the library for over 12 years. Everyone always seems to enjoy it. I think there is a couple of reasons. First, the pictures are funny, colorful, and full of interesting details. Second, Officer Buckle teaches some important safety tips while Gloria makes you laugh. Finally, the story has a great lesson: always stick with your buddy. This is the perfect picture book for children of all ages.
Remember: Never stand on a swivel chair!
~Mrs. Carlson~
Jackie’s Wild Seattle by Will Hobbs November 16, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Adventure, Realistic Fiction , add a comment
From the title, you know this book takes place in Seattle, Washington. It’s the summer following 9/11, the disastrous day when the Twin Towers in New York City were destroyed. Shannon and Cody, who are from New Jersey and are still having nightmares about 9/11, are spending the summer with their Uncle Neal who works at a wildlife rescue center owned by Jackie. They befriend Tyler, one of the center’s volunteers.
How do you rescue a coyote trapped in an elevator of an office building? Can you save an injured baby seal lying at the bottom of a cliff? Would you try to capture a bobcat and risk injury? Shannon and Cody learn rescue skills and assist their Uncle Neal as he saves wild animals all around the Seattle area and delivers them to Jackie’s center for medical care and rehabilitation. When Uncle Neal is injured by a red-tailed hawk, Shannon takes over his job and leads the rescue missions.
Although the book is funny and exciting, it also has some serious parts. Each of the main characters is facing a challenge. Shannon and Cody want to stop worrying about whether another disaster like 9//11 is going to happen. Uncle Neal has a terrible secret about his health. Jackie needs donations to continue her work at the rescue center. Tyler has a secret about why he’s volunteering at the wildlife center.
This is quite a story – full of humor, excitement, and trouble. Try it out!
~Mrs. Carlson~
Penny from Heaven by Jennifer Holm November 15, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Historical Fiction , 3comments
Eleven year old Penny lives with her mother and maternal grandparents. Her father died when she was very young, and Penny is uncertain as to how he died. Her father’s big, Italian family loves Penny, and she gets to spend every Sunday with them. For some reason, Penny’s mother does not get along with her father’s family.
It’s the summer of 1953. Penny plans to spend the summer listening to baseball games with her eccentric Uncle Dominic and hanging out with her cousin Frankie. Unfortunately, she winds up in the hospital for six weeks after a terrible accident. The accident brings the families closer together, and Penny is finally told the truth about her father’s death.
I really enjoyed Penny from Heaven, a 2007 Newbery Honor book. It made me laugh, worry, wonder, and learn a bit of history. This book is on the Great Readers list. Why don’t you give it a try?
~Mrs. Carlson~