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Julie
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Seven more of your own choice, but do not use the books I have assigned for the whole class readings, e.g., Alexie, Alvarez, etc.
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Kathleen
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Oct 20, 2011 09:47AM
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Stroll, Walk, Babble and Talk: More about Synonyms is great rhyming book for grades 4 - 8 that describe many different synonyms, what they mean, and why they're important. I read this to my class last week as a read-aloud before they created a fractured nursery rhyme using first synonyms and then antonyms. Not only is this book hilarious, it is interesting to the kids, especially those hard-to-read boys. One of my boys read it over again and again at recess laughing, carrying on and even creating his own. I love books that help kids learn about tough subjects like grammar & this book is perfect for that!
Jack London's classic, The Call of the Wild, is a rugged, even bloody tale that comes primarily from a "wolf"-dog's point-of-view named Buck. Buck goes from being the head of household dog of a judge to a reluctant slave dog whose owner's only interest is in selling him for some much needed money. So Buck was stolen, sold, and in the meantime managed to severely wound the savage new owners because of his great strength and pride. The pup of a St. Bernard and an English Shep, Buck was the epitomy of superiority and respect. But all that came to a quick halt as he was harassed and beaten by strange men in search of gold in the Alaskan Klondike. The story is long and sometimes very sad and graphic as Buck changes from a well-trained and loved dog to a "raging fiend" who learned that a club was his new "law." After being sold yet again, Buck becomes part of a dog-sled team for the Canadian Government's Dispatch, but his new owners earned his respect. Through many toils and tribulations, Buck fights animals and man for justice, as he leads the sled team. In the end he runs with the "wild" after losing his new owners to a tribal group.This story is not for younger children. I read this book about 10 years ago with my 7th graders, however, I have had a few of my very-high 6th graders read it in the past, and they loved it. It's a great book club book for enriched learners who like adventure stories. I read it again for this class, and I like it even better the 2nd time around. A great read, even though a little too graphic. A classic forever!
The Book Morning and Night by Jean Craighead George is a great read aloud for ANY age level. Even though it's a picture book with a few sentences on each page, many different animals are mentioned that even older kids may not know about like the marmot "that rests on his lookout rock." The cycles of day are also given jean's writing is lyrical. I must read to show kids the importance of animals and nature at any age.
Twilight, the book craze 1st in the series written by Stephanie Myer is a book for the coming teenager and beyond..I could read this book every month! I'm glad that I read it again over the weekend, because 2 of my studenets are reading it and they simply LOVE talking about Bella and Edward. They have not read the book but have seen the movie, and are finding out that the book is much better and more detailed. One of my favorite parts in Twilight is when Bella sees Edward for the first time and must then sit by him in science. You can simply feel the chemistry building as you read. I can't wait to talk to my girls through out the book during our conferences, we really bond at these times. If you're one of the few who has not read Twilight, DO IT SOON!
Well, since I wrote about Twilight in my previous post, I decided that I should read Breaking Dawn (the 4th book in the Stephenie Meyer series) once again, since I've only read it once. Soo glad that I did! I love this love story. It has to be the best book in the series because of the marriage and "honeymoon" of Bella and Edward. That part is very intense, but very powerful as the bedroom is put into shambles. I don't keep this copy in my 6th grade student library, however, I've had girls read it for silent reading if they had parental permission and brought the book from home. I have one girl reading it now for her next book share. I sometimes have to get on her to put it away for her special time and NOT during math! I'm very glad to see the reading though even if it is a bit rated R in places. The theme is great as Bella and Edward save their special time for after they're married. The Jacob (werewolf) writing is also very well done, and I see why some girls are Team Jacob, however, I will always remain Team Edward! Excellent Book, but usually for higher teens and Us!!!!
Saturdays and Teacakes written by Lester Laminack is a wonderful book to help teach writer's craft. Not only is the book very heartwarming, as the boy travels every Saturday to see his grandmother, help her with the yard, and make teacakes, but it really is helpful for students to mimic his writing style. I've found many of my kids trying to write like Lester after hearing this read aloud! It's a wonderful book to show how author's take small moments in our lives and make them special and warm. I will continue to use this read aloud as long as I teach. A total winner.
