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 , 4comments
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~
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 , 18comments
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~
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~
Duck for President by Doreen Cronin November 10, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Animal Fiction, Picture Books , 16comments
It is a book about a duck that wants to become the farmer. But after that he runs for the Mayor and then for the Governor. Then he runs for President, and he wins. But the other candidates want a recount. Will Duck win or lose? Read this book to find out.
~Alex, Second Grader~
The Wanderer by Sharon Creech November 8, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Adventure , 10comments
In 1995, author Sharon Creech won the Newbery Award for Walk Two Moons. Later that year, I actually met this wonderful author and saw her gold medal. In 2001, Creech’s The Wanderer was a Newbery Honor book. I happened to like this book even more than Walk Two Moons.
Thirteen year old Sophie sets sail across the Atlantic Ocean with her three uncles and two boy cousins. They are headed for England to see Bompie, Sophie’s grandfather. Using travel logs, Sophie and her cousin Cody share daily events, including the challenges of surviving at sea, and stories from the past. Filled with adventure and mystery, this book is impossible to put down.
~Mrs. Carlson~
17 Things I’m Not Allowed to Do Anymore by Jenny Offill November 7, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Humorous Fiction, Picture Books , 13comments
I think this is one of the funniest picture books I have ever read. A little girl tells 17 things she’s not allowed to do anymore. For example, she had an idea to tell the sad story of a mother who fell into a volcano. The picture shows the girl sticking her doll’s head into the mashed potatoes piled high on her dinner plate. Apparently her mother wasn’t too happy because she is not allowed to tell sad stories about volcanoes anymore. If you’re looking for an amusing book with hilarious pictures, try this one.
~Mrs. Carlson~