Non Fiction Chapter Books

"Truth is stranger than fiction, but it is because Fiction is obliged to stick to possibilities; Truth isn't." Mark Twain
The story of Amelia Earhart's life is fascinating and this book, Amelia Lost by Candace Fleming gives us more of the story than we've ever known.  The book is put together almost like a scrapbook with pictures from Amelia's childhood and clippings from newpapers and events as she grew famous.  There are quotes and real life accounts of what was said while in the air and trying to communicate.  It's a heart breaking story and a great read aloud for older kids 4th and 5th graders would love it.

Most kids (and adults) love to be read to.  It's so important to keep reading aloud even after the picture book stage.  What is better than a shared story?

Bomb the Race to Build - and Steal- the World's Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin reads like a spy novel.  Much of the book takes place right here in New Mexico and gives a great timeline of what was going on in the rest of the world while Los Alamos scientists were working away.  The details of the story are so interesting and Sheinkin makes it easy to follow and understand.

What's your favorite non fiction chapter book?

Jan Thomas

My first experience with a Jan Thomas book was Rhyming Dust Bunnies. 

I remember laughing out loud right along with the kids while reading Rhyming Dust Bunnies aloud to a class of first graders.  There aren't many books that make me really laugh out loud, I can pretend to laugh or exclaim, "Isn't that funny?" when the kids are laughing hysterically but with Jan Thomas' books I really laugh because they are FUNNY!

There are lots of opinions about what kids should be reading and what we should be reading to them.  I'm always of the opinion that kids should read books they like, books that make them want to read more, books that show them what the magic of reading can be because if we don't encourage a love of reading imagine what they will miss out on.

  



What books make you laugh?

Jason Chin

I usually pick fiction to read aloud much more often than non fiction but there are so many fantastic non fiction read alouds out there to mention.  Jason Chin writes about the fascinating world around us in his books, Coral Reefs, Island and

Redwoods.  The books make you want to get up and go visit these places as soon as you can get there.  The descriptions are vivid and the pictures add to the wonder of nature.

Dr. Seuss

Since March is the month of Dr. Seuss (his birthday is March 2nd) I thought it was the perfect way to start out our Read Aloud posts.  I love reading Dr. Seuss books aloud to kids of all ages.  It is fascinating to me that he was able to write books so long ago (he would have been 110 this year) that apply with such accuracy to today's topics and issues.  The wild illustrations never lose their appeal, making the books extra special.  If you haven't read a Dr. Seuss book in a while that is where I suggest you start, pick up your favorite and read it aloud.  You'll be surprised at what fun it is, 15 minutes of reading aloud will fly by!
Tell us, what's your favorite Dr. Seuss book?  

Beardecott Week 3

This week our picks are:

Title: The Dark
Author: Lemony Snicket
Illustrator: Jon Klassen

Title: The Beginner's Guide to Running Away From Home
Author:  Jennifer Larue Huget
Illustrator: Red Nose Studios

It's getting exciting the closer we get the the Caldecott announcement, who will take home the gold?!

Newbery 2014

I love to try to read as many contenders for the Newbery award as I can.  It's a great way for me to find out about all the new books and share them with the students.  I'm trying to finish up my list by the end of January when the winner is announced. So far I have read:

Doll Bones by Holly Black

Flora and Ulyses by Kate DiCamillo

Center of Everything by Linda Urban

Tangle of Knots by Lisa Graff

Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool

The Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kate Appelt

PS Be Eleven by Rita Williams-Garcia

Zebra Forest by Adina Rishe Gewirtz 

Eruption!: Volcanoes and the Science of Saving Lives by Elizabeth Rusch 

The Real Boy by Ursula Ursu

Counting By 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes

I'm hoping to finish The Thing About Luck by Cynthia Kadohata and Paperboy by Vince Vawter before the announcement at the end of the month.

It's so much fun to see the discussions and guesses going around.

What are you reading?

Week 2 Beardecott 2014

We all really enjoyed last week's selections.  It's going to be hard to decide who wins, most kids are giving high scores for each book they read.

This week our two books are:



Title:  Hello, My Name is Ruby
Author: Philip C. Stead
Illustrator: Philip C. Stead












 
Title: Parrots Over Puerto Rico
Author: Cindy Trumbore
Illustrator:  Susan L. Roth