Elijah lives in a post-Civil War community in Canada for African Americans, ex-slaves and the children of slaves in particular. This book reads like a...moreElijah lives in a post-Civil War community in Canada for African Americans, ex-slaves and the children of slaves in particular. This book reads like a Mark Twain novel, full of mischief and humor, a boy playing around in the woods and brushing up against serious and bad people. The historical context is compelling but would need explaining for fourth and fifth graders - perhaps best as a read aloud or in literature circles.(less)
Carefully researched, full of Italian sayings and historical information about immigrant New York in the late 1800s. This book would be a great read a...moreCarefully researched, full of Italian sayings and historical information about immigrant New York in the late 1800s. This book would be a great read aloud and too difficult for all but the most savvy fifth grade readers. There are violent scenes of child abuse and heart-wrenching despair.(less)
Adam is an over-scheduled, late-for-everything, precocious school newspaper reporter. He loves the excitement of big stories and it's clear from the o...moreAdam is an over-scheduled, late-for-everything, precocious school newspaper reporter. He loves the excitement of big stories and it's clear from the outset that he is going to get himself in some trouble as he sticks his nose in people's business. It's also clear that he is starting to be interested in girls, so young readers expect a little bit of teenage romance. (less)
I had a ball with this book. I love historical fiction, especially when it's local. This book is about a big-for-his-age boy named Moose, his love for...moreI had a ball with this book. I love historical fiction, especially when it's local. This book is about a big-for-his-age boy named Moose, his love for baseball, his frustrations with life on the Rock, and his deep compassion for his developmentally-delayed sister. I recommend this book to everyone.(less)
Sahara is unlikely to succeed in school and even more unlikely to realize her dream of being a writer - that is, until she meets her new teacher. Miss...moreSahara is unlikely to succeed in school and even more unlikely to realize her dream of being a writer - that is, until she meets her new teacher. Miss Pointy changes everything for Sahara and her classmates, and maybe it's just the teacher in me, but I loved this tale of a teacher that makes a difference. Ms. Pointy provides a beacon of light in a dark, underprivileged world - I can't wait to read the sequel.(less)
I read this book aloud to my fourth and fifth graders, and I felt like it was on the verge of being inappropriate. There are some big-kid themes in th...moreI read this book aloud to my fourth and fifth graders, and I felt like it was on the verge of being inappropriate. There are some big-kid themes in the book, including racism, poverty, and homelessness. I would not recommend this book to students for independent reading or literature circles until sixth grade.(less)
I remember this book fondly from my childhood, but my recent reading gave me a sense of just how little I must have understood back then. Raskin has a...moreI remember this book fondly from my childhood, but my recent reading gave me a sense of just how little I must have understood back then. Raskin has a humorous style and her characters are archetypal; a young reader typically does not have the life experience to pick up on these nuances - at least I didn't. An advanced fifth grade reader could really enjoy this book, but I would just as soon recommend it for a high school student.(less)
A real classic. A boy leaves his village on a Pacific atoll to prove himself. He crashes on a deserted island, lives off the land, finds his courage,...moreA real classic. A boy leaves his village on a Pacific atoll to prove himself. He crashes on a deserted island, lives off the land, finds his courage, and is chased by headhunters on his way back home. A bit old-school (1940), so worth mentioning some of the dated language around race when recommending to students.(less)
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