*** Submitted by current class member

Appelt, Kathi. The Underneath
Drawings by David Small ©2008, 311 p.
Description - Fiction, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – The Underneath is a masterful telling of some of life’s great truths; love is powerful allowing unbelievable things to be accomplished, life continues despite sorrowful tribulations, and loyal friendship between unlikely individuals can endure. The story starts in present day and weaves in a story from a thousand years ago involving the Caddo (native people of east Texas), shapeshifters, and a present day trio of unlikely companions, two kittens and an old crippled bloodhound. The chapters are very short and switch back and forth between the past and the present. The villains of the story are downright evil and the readers hate them right from the start. A beautiful story with a stunning ending!
Awards – Newberry honor Book, National Book Award Finalist
Curriculum Connections – The story has so many levels that this would be a great read aloud to generate discussion enabling all students to benefit from the story and its lessons. It would also be a great choice for a literature circle paired with stories like Shiloh and Sounder. A wonderful whole class discussion could ensue using support from different texts. Students who love books with animals as characters or love cats and dogs will enjoy this book.
NYS Standards - HPF3.FC3: to nurture and support positive relationships at home, work, and in the community
ELA2.I.LR1C: Students identify significant literary elements (including metaphor, symbolism, foreshadowing, dialect, rhyme, meter, irony, climax) and use those elements to interpret the work.
Recommended Grade Level - 5th grade and up
Reviewed by - Carole VanAlstyne, Birchwood Elementary School, 5th grade, 7/09

Appelt, Kathi-The Underneath
Illus. by David Small © 2008, p. 311
Genre-Fantasy/Survival/Adventure
Review-This is an engaging story that had me wanting to figure out what was going to happen and how everything would connect.  At first I was not sure about the story because the setting of each chapter kept changing and the focus was on a different character.  The stories seemed so different, but slowly everything begins to intertwine.  As I read further I began to see how things were connected and made predictions about how they would eventually relate.  For students who like fantasy there is a mystical part regarding a snake that is over a thousand years old, a 100 foot alligator, and animals that can change their form.  Then for a student who is into action adventure there are chapters following a cat, her kittens, and a hound dog.  There is mention of child and animal abuse as well as drinking throughout the story.    
Curriculum Connections-This book can be used to discuss foreshadowing and making and confirming predictions.  Students could also look at changes in setting, both time and place, because the setting is constantly changing.       
Awards-ALA Notable Children’s Books, Newberry Honor
NYS Standards Connections- ELA2.I.LR1B, ELA2.I.LR1C, ELA2.I.SW2A
Recommended Grade Level-5th or 6th  
Reviewed by-Alicia Hughes, Radez Elementary, Grade 3 Teacher, 08/10

Appelt, Kathi. The Underneath  
Illustrator: David Small @2008 336p.
Description: Realistic Fiction, Adventure, Series (Book #1)
Review:  Ranger, a hound dog, owned by Gar Face lives in the swamp of the bayou.  To Ranger’s disbelief, he comes to the aid of an abandoned cat about to have kittens.  He introduces the cat to the Underneath (under Gar Face’s porch), a place for the cat, and her kittens to call home and escape the potential to be used for alligator bait by Gar Face, if left without shelter.  This story follows this unlikely friendship and how they work together to keep curious kittens, and themselves, safe from danger, separation and other unfortunate events at the hands of Gar, an alcoholic trapper with only one use for animals.  They fear coming out of the safety of the Underground, but know they must try to be a free “family”.
Curriculum Connections:  Social conversations can be sparked throughout the story, for example on: animal abuse, alternative families, and bullying. Social Studies landforms could be incorporated from the setting.
Common Core Standards: ELA Literature and Foundational Skills
Grade Level: 5
Reviewed By:  Stacey Betts, Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School, Special Education Teacher, 2/2012

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Asim, Jabari – Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington
Illus. Bryan Collier, © 2012, 48 p.
Description/Genre – Picture Book, Partial Biography
Review – This biographical sketch of young Booker T. Washington is aptly titled.  It tells the story of how Washington started in slavery and ended up becoming educated with only fifty cents saved through hard work, discipline, and the help of others who never thought they’d see a black person go to school. It is the story of his determination and sacrifice. This is a wonderful book. The cover portrait is beautiful but different than the inside illustrations which are done with collage and watercolor.  The author and illustrator’s notes as well as the “additional facts” and timeline at the end add at a lot to a very good book. The “handwritten” notes, maps and illustrations that seem to be penciled into the margins of the text are effective in helping to convey the story. 
Suggestions for Classroom Use/ Curriculum Connections – Use the book to  show an example of someone who didn’t take education for granted; also good for use in American History, study of Reconstruction Era,  Black History Month, Heroes, compare/contrast with WEB DuBois, studying character traits.
Awards - School Library Journal 2012 Editor's Choice List, Kirkus Best Children's Books List Selection, Fall 2012 Parent's Choice Silver Award Winner, NAACP Image Award Nominee
NYS & Common Core Standards Connections – NYS Social Studies Standard 1 - Students will…demonstrate understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in the history of the United States; Common Core Standards: RI 1 – Quote accurately from the text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text; RI 10 - Read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts…, 
Recommended Grade Level(s) – Grades K-6 or for anyone who doesn’t know Booker T. Washington, even older students.
Reviewed by – Heather O’Leary, Hamilton Elementary School, ESL Teacher, 02/13

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Baggott, Julianna / The Prince of Fenway Park
©2009, 322 pages
Genre:Chapter book/Fiction
Review: This is a perfect book for baseball fans!  There are many references to past players and events in baseball history. This fictional story parallels the curse of the Red Sox.  Follow Oscar’s adventures as he discovers that he is the key to breaking the 86 year old curse. Even die hard Yankee fans will find themselves rooting for Oscar!
Suggestions: This is a perfect book for reluctant readers who are sports fans.  It lends itself for discussions about racism, prejudice and how to overcome bullying.  Naturally, baseball history is a connection easily made. Research about the many baseball players that are characters in this book could take place before or after reading the book.  Mathematics skills could work into this book study as readers question the probability of a comeback by the Red Sox and compare statistics of past and present baseball players.
NYS Standards: SS5.4, MST3.05.PS1, MST3.05.RE5
Grade Level: 3-7
Reviewed by: Christine Thaxter, Ryder Elementary CRCS, 3rd grade teacher, 7/09

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Barry, Dave and Pearson, Ridley - Science Fair
© 2008, 394p. 
Description- Elements of adventure, humor, fantasy, and science fiction
Review – For lovers of Barry and Pearson, this book will not disappoint you.  The duo has once again created a non-stop, multi-layered, creative plot with unique, memorable characters.  The book alternates between the plots and initially the reader cannot imagine how they are connected.  This book is suspenseful with short chapters that keep you reading. 
Students at Hubble Middle School are purchasing their projects rather than creating them and main character, Toby wants to stop them.  In the process he finds himself in the middle of a terrorist plot to take over the US government.  Embedded in the story, are typical middle school problems between the “in” group and those on the outskirts.  (The protagonist is a member of the latter group.)  Then there are the problems with embarrassing parents and teachers who just don’t understand.  This hysterical book has moments that are ridiculous.  Go with it and enjoy all it has to offer.
Curriculum Connections- This book would appeal to both genders, but especially boys.  I think it’s a bit long for a read aloud, but would be an excellent selection for literature circles and an addition to classroom libraries. It could be useful to nudge students towards a longer more involved plot.  There are so many aspects of both the story and the writing that can be discussed. 
Standards- Health standard 2, ELA standards 2-4
Awards - Nominated for NYRA 2011
Grade level-Grade five, but also appropriate for grades 4-8.
Review by- Chrissy O’Reilly, Hillside Elementary School, fifth grade, 1/11

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Bauer, Patricia   B is for Battle Cry: A Civil War Alphabet
Geister, David  © 2009  40 pp.
Genre – Nonfiction
Review - This artfully written and illustrated book, one in a series of non-fiction “alphabet books”, introduces the reader to the Civil War. For the younger students, the book can be read as a poem, stopping after each page to explore the detailed paintings that illustrate each letter.  For the older students, studying the Civil War in Social Studies, the well-researched and detailed expository text provides concise facts about each topic at a reading level accessible to most readers.
Curriculum Connections –As we celebrate his birthday, my third graders are studying Abraham Lincoln.  This book provides the background knowledge and a springboard for lively discussions as they are introduced to a period that dominated his presidency.  For fifth grade students, this is a quick reference for topics related to the Civil War that they are curious about, including the hardtack the soldiers ate, the kepi caps they wore, and the role of music, women, and spies.
Standards Connections – ELA Reading: Informational Texts Standards 1, 3, 4, & 5, Social Studies Standards 1 & 5
Recommended – Fifth Grade, but suitable for 3^rd through middle school
Reviewed by Dottie Halligan, Sacandaga Elementary School, AIS teacher 2/12

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Birdsall, Jeanne. The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
©2008, 308 p.
Description - Realistic Fiction, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – The sequel to A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy find the Penderwick sisters again working together when they devise a “Save-Daddy” Plan when their Aunt Claire decides it’s time for their father (a widower) to start dating again. The Penderwicks have a new neighbor, a widow with a year old son. Although predictable kids will enjoy the “happy ever after ending.” The sisters get in some scrapes along the way but remain the upstanding characters we met in A Summer Tale of Four Sisters…
Curriculum Connections -  This book would generate good insight into students thoughts on family dynamics.
NYS Standards - HPF3.FC3: to nurture and support positive relationships at home, work, and in the community
Recommended Grade Level - 5th grade and up
Reviewed by - Carole VanAlstyne, Birchwood Elementary School, 5th grade, 8/09

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Borgenicht, David and Epstein, Robin-The Worst-Case Scenario Survival Handbook: Junior Edition
Illustrator-Gonzales, Chuck, ©2007, 128 p.
Description- Juvenile Literature, Full-Length Chapter Book
Review-What an entertaining book!  Did you know that a little toothpaste will help dry out and shrink a bee sting?  Or that rubbing alcohol or peanut butter will reduce the stickiness of gummed-up hair and make the gum easier to remove?  This handbook contains step-by-step instructions on how to survive childhood. It explains survival skills needed for home, school, outdoors and social life. The book includes clever comebacks, wonderful excuses, top ten lists and even contracts with nosy brothers and sisters. My students loved “How to Soothe a Peeved Parental Unit” and the hilarious “How to Survive Farting in Public”.  I love the “Be Aware” suggestion boxes.  They explain some interesting connections.  For example: “When food is spicy, drink milk instead of water to lessen the burn.  Another heat-beater is buttered bread-the fat in the butter counter-acts the heat.”  This book was great for my fifth grade reluctant readers, especially the boys!
The sections were short and sweet and can be read in any order of interest. Funny! Interesting! Highly Engaging and Motivational!  You must buy this one!
Suggestions for Classroom Use- Great for short text guided reading groups! Read-alouds! Humor! Socialization! Model writing lessons on “How- To…” for older students.
NYS Standards- Health Education-HPF1.HE1, HPF2.HE1
Grade level- Grade five, but also appropriate for 6th through 7th.
Reviewed by-Holly Ackerknecht, G.D. Ryder Elementary, Remedial reading, 1/09

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Brown, Don. Dolley Madison Saves George Washington.
Illustrated by Don Brown
©2007, unp.
Description – Picture Book / Biography
Review – The author starts the story with “Everybody talked about Dolley Madison.” What a great ‘hook’! The author gives some history of America while writing about Dolley Madison. The main event of the book is the saving of the very famous portrait of George Washington by Gilbert Stuart that now hangs in the White House.
Curriculum Connections – This book could be one of a collection of picture books used to introduce important characters in our nation’s history as well as a model for students to write biographies of famous Americans. It could also be used as an example of a heroic person who thought of the common good rather than personal concerns or safety. Primary grades could use this book for a number of instructional purposes.
NYS Standards – SS1.I.3C: Students describe how ordinary people and famous historic figures in the local community, State, and the United States have advanced the fundamental democratic values, beliefs, and traditions expressed in the Declaration of Independence, the New York State and the United States Constitutions, the Bill of Rights, and other important historical documents.
ELA3.05.RE1.02: Students use established criteria to analyze the quality of information in text.
This text could be used for many standards at various elementary grade levels.
Recommended Grade Level – Grades 2 through 5
Reviewed by - Carole VanAlstyne, Birchwood Elementary School, 5th grade, 8/09

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Buckley, Michael - The Sisters Grimm: The Fairy-Tale Detectives
Illustrated by Peter Ferguson, ©2007, 284 pages
Description - Fantasy/intermediate level fairy tale
Review - This is the first book in a series about two sisters, 6 year old Daphne and 11 year old Sabrina Grimm, who have been bounced around from foster home to foster home ever since their parents disappeared 2 years ago.  As the story opens they are being dropped off in Ferryport Landing to be cared for by a woman claiming to be their grandmother.  She explains that the world they know and the world they read about in fairy tales are one in the same.  The girls soon find themselves involved in a strange mystery revolving around a kidnapping giant and must determine what reality is in order to save their family.  This is an exciting book that challenges the reader to link his or her existence to the fairy tales he or she has read.  It is fun to try and guess who characters from this story are from familiar fairy tales.  Readers can then use their knowledge of certain fairy tales to help solve the mystery in this book.
Curriculum Connections - Language Arts uses:  Mystery unit, Fairy Tale unit, concepts of foreshadowing, drawing on previous knowledge, linking text to text to make connections.
Awards New York Times Bestseller, Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award, Kirkus Best Fantasy Book, Real Simple magazine “Must Have”
NYS Standards Connections -
Social StudiesStandard SS3: Geography
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of the geography of the interdependent world in which we live—local, national, and global—including the distribution of people, places, and environments over the Earth’s surface.
ELA2.LR1:
Listening and reading for literary response involves comprehending, interpreting, and critiquing imaginative texts in every medium, drawing on personal experiences and knowledge to understand the text, and recognizing the social, historical and cultural features of the text.  ELA3.LR1:
Listening and reading to analyze and evaluate experiences, ideas, information, and issues requires using evaluative criteria from a variety of perspectives and recognizing the differences in evaluations based on different sets of criteria.
Grade Level (s) - Grades 4/5
Reviewed by - Ellie Colby, Craig Elementary School, Fifth Grade Teacher, 1/23/08

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Buckley, Michael - The Sisters Grimm: The Unusual Suspects
Illustrated by Peter Ferguson, © 2007, 320 pages
Description - Fantasy/intermediate level fairy tale
Review - This is the second book in the Sisters Grimm series, and it does not disappoint the reader.  Six year old Daphne and her eleven year old sister Sabrina Grimm settle into life with their grandmother in Ferryport landing.  They enroll in school and have opposite experiences.  Daphne loves her teacher (who is the infamous Snow White) and makes friends easily.  Sabrina, however has a difficult time getting along with her teacher and her peers.  When Sabrina’s teacher is found hanging lifeless by a spiderweb in her classroom the girls find themselves involved in yet another mystery.  This one involves the Pied Piper, Rumplestiltskin, and a plot to allow the everafters (fairy tale folk who are trapped in Ferryport Landing) to escape the town.  I liked this book because, like the first one in the series, the author does a great job linking fairy tales the reader already knows to the current plot.  Information is revealed bit by bit, so the reader is kept guessing what will happen, who each character really is, and which characters are really on the girls’ side.  At the end, the girls come face to face with the kidnapper of their parents and the reader is left craving the next book in the series to find out if the parents are saved or not.
Curriculum Connections - Language Arts uses:  Mystery unit, Fairy Tale unit, concepts of foreshadowing, drawing on previous knowledge, linking text to text to make connections.
Awards Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award,
NYS Standards Connections -
Social StudiesStandard SS3: Geography
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of the geography of the interdependent world in which we live—local, national, and global—including the distribution of people, places, and environments over the Earth’s surface.
ELA2.LR1:
Listening and reading for literary response involves comprehending, interpreting, and critiquing imaginative texts in every medium, drawing on personal experiences and knowledge to understand the text, and recognizing the social, historical and cultural features of the text.  ELA3.LR1:
Listening and reading to analyze and evaluate experiences, ideas, information, and issues requires using evaluative criteria from a variety of perspectives and recognizing the differences in evaluations based on different sets of criteria.
Grade Level (s) - Grades 4/5
Reviewed by - Ellie Colby, Craig Elementary School, Fifth Grade Teacher, 1/23/08

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Buckley, Michael - The Sisters Grimm: Magic and other Misdemenors
Illustrated by Peter Ferguson, ©2007, 282 pages
Description - Fantasy/intermediate level fairy tale
Review - This is the fifth book in the Sisters Grimm series.  This book brings Daphne and Sabrina back to Ferryport Landing, where The Queen of Hearts has won the mayoral election and is making drastic changes.  Property taxes have been raised to an outrageous sum-but only for mortals.  Granny Relda is forced to focus all of her energy and resources on paying her taxes, which leaves the girls alone to try to deal with everything else-including trying to figure out how to wake up their parents (who are still sleeping) and how to help Mr. Canis maintain control of the Big Bad Wolf persona trapped inside him.  In a bizarre series of events the girls find themselves traveling through time to the future and are forced to try to save their family and town by changing certain events in the past.  Daphne and Sabrina must join forces with former foe Prince Charming and just as they have learned to trust him, he betrays them by joining the secret Red Hand group (the group responsible for kidnapping their parents).  This book ends with the girls being confronted by several everafters with red hands on their shirts-a definite plot dangler for the next book!  I liked this book because it gave personalities to favorite fairy tale characters.  I especially liked the scenes where all of Prince Charming’s ex-wives are trying to encourage Snow White to start dating him again (she left him at the altar 400 years ago), and when Prince Charming lets the girls visit his magic mirror which is set up like a tropical vacation resort-it never occured to me that there might be more than one “mirror, mirror on the wall”.  I continue to be impressed with author Michael Buckley’s interpretations of how fairy tale characters might be integrated into today’s reality-he does an excellent job giving the characters believable personalities.   
Curriculum Connections - Language Arts uses:  Family unit, Mystery unit, Fairy Tale unit, Time Travel Unit, concepts of cause/effect, foreshadowing, drawing on previous knowledge, linking text to text to make connections.
Awards Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award,
NYS Standards Connections -
ELA2.LR1:
Listening and reading for literary response involves comprehending, interpreting, and critiquing imaginative texts in every medium, drawing on personal experiences and knowledge to understand the text, and recognizing the social, historical and cultural features of the text.  ELA3.LR1:
Listening and reading to analyze and evaluate experiences, ideas, information, and issues requires using evaluative criteria from a variety of perspectives and recognizing the differences in evaluations based on different sets of criteria.
Grade Level (s) - Grade 5
Reviewed by - Ellie Colby, Craig Elementary School, Fifth Grade Teacher, 1/23/08

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Burg, Ann E.- All the Broken Pieces 
© 2009, 219p. 
Description- Realistic fiction, Historical fiction
Review – This story in verse is about a 12 year-old, Vietnamese boy, Matt, who was adopted in America.  Although it’s 1977, two years since his mother sent him out of Vietnam, he is haunted by his memories and his guilt.  This unique voice from the Vietnam War era combines universal ideas of racism, bullying, living with cancer, blended families and overcoming life’s obstacles in the context of this time period.  The writing style adds emotion and helps the story to move quickly, however, for novice readers they may miss the subtleties of the story.  The adults in the book are strong influences on the children and give a message that they can and should be counted on for support.  The idea that so many are left damaged by war is a reoccurring theme of the book, but the normalcy of family life and baseball help Matt and the reader to see that life goes on despite the pain from the past.
Curriculum Connections- This book would be excellent choice for literature groups and an excellent read aloud.  As a writing mentor, lessons could be taught on narratives written in verse and character development.
Standards- ELA 1-4, Health Standards 1-3, Social Studies Standard 1,2,5
Awards – British Fantasy Award (2010), Cybils Award Nominee for Middle Grade Fiction (2009), Dorothy Canfield Fisher Children's Book Award Nominee (2011)
Grade level-Grade five, but also appropriate for grades 5-9.
Review by-Chrissy O’Reilly, Hillside Elementary School, fifth grade, 2/11

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Buyea, Rob – Because of Mr. Terupt
© 2011, 288 pages
Description: Intermediate grade chapter book
Review:  Seven 5th graders begin their year with a brand new teacher who proves he is different in every way right from the first day.  This wonderful story is told from seven different perspectives as the school progresses.  The story focuses on the personality conflicts, friendship issues, and learning difficulties of the students until the middle when something horrific happens to their teacher that changes everything.  Rob Buyea captures the voice of 5th graders perfectly and provided us with an amazing book for teaching perspective.   There are several student made book trailers that can be previewed and there is also a second book coming out in October of 2012 that follows the students into their 6th grade year.      
Curriculum Connections: Wonderful book to read aloud.  Perfect book for teaching character traits and their change over time.  Also wonderful for teaching perspective.  Would be a great reader’s theater book.  Awesome addition to a book club centered around coming of age or friendship theme.
Awards:  Indies Choice E.B. White Honor Book, Cybils Middle Grade Award Finalist
Common Core Standards: R.L 5.2, R.L. 5.3, R.L 5.5, R.L 5.6
Grade Level: 5th grade but would be appropriate for end of 4th grade as well
Reviewed by: Cheri Hart, Elementary Enrichment Teacher at Guilderland Central Schools, August 2012

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Clements, Andrew    Lost and Found
Elliott, Mark  ©2008    176 pp
Description - Realistic Fiction
Review - Jay and Ray Grayson, identical twins, enter sixth grade in a new school and discover that the files have been mixed and only one twin has been registered.   When they decide to share Jay’s identity and take turns going to school as him, they face unexpected challenges.  Lost and Found is a humorous, suspenseful, thought-provoking look at “twinness” and middle-grade relationships.  I can’t wait to bring it in to school on Monday and share it with my students.
Curriculum Connections - Great for guided reading or read-aloud, Lost and Found will stimulate discussions about honesty, self-esteem, and peer relationships.
Standards Connections –   ELA Standards: Reading: Literature
Recommended – Lexile 780L , The characters in this story are sixth graders, but the reading level is lower, and it would be of interest to 3 – 6^th graders.
Reviewed by Dottie Halligan, Sacandaga Elementary School, AIS teacher, 1/12

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Connor, Leslie- Waiting for Normal
© 2008, 290p. 
Description- Realistic fiction
Review –  Leslie Connor has created a heroine worth cheering for in twelve-year-old Addie.  This book is set at the bottom of Knott Street in Schenectady which I’m sure will add to the connection for many local readers.  Addie shares a trailer with her mother after her mom’s divorce from her stepfather.  He and Addie’s younger sisters move to Lake George, but maintain a somewhat estranged relationship with her throughout the book.   Addie’s mother suffers from an undefined mental illness, which leads to her divorce and causes her to leave Addie alone for long periods of time.  Addie has learned to fend for herself and befriends two adults who run the convenient store across the street.  The focus of this story is how Addie is able to survive and develop despite her extremely difficult home life.  Because the book is written in a first person narrative, the reader is forced to see this family as Addie’s “normal”. Despite the heavy topic, this book is light and hopeful. The short chapters make this longer book fly for younger readers.
Curriculum Connections- This book would be excellent choice for literature groups and an excellent read aloud.  As a writing mentor, lessons could be taught on character development, show, don’t tell, dialogue, and building tension in a plot.
Standards- ELA 2-4, Health Standards 1-3, Social Studies Standard 4
Awards – 2009 Schneider Family Book Award, Winner, Middle School; 2009 ALA Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults; Book Sense Children's Picks - Spring 2008, 2008 School Library Journal Best Books, Fiction, nominated for Connecticut’s Nutmeg Book Award.
Grade level-Grade five, but also appropriate for grades 4-8.
Review by-Chrissy O’Reilly, Hillside Elementary School, fifth grade, 2/11

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Conway, Celeste. The Goodbye Time
©2008, 98 p.
Description - Realistic Fiction, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – This is a story of friendship between two girls, Anna and Katy, who come from very different family situations. They have a circle of friends outside of themselves to which they belong, but they are each other’s best friend. The Goodbye Time seamlessly weaves many layers of relationships; between friends, family dynamics, teacher/student, schoolmates and first boy/girl infatuations. It is also a story of loss and life changes. The story is a wonderful example of life is not always easy but with perseverance it does get better again.
Curriculum Connections - It would be a great read aloud or literature circle choice to springboard discussion centered on friendship, peer relationships, or family interactions. The Goodbye Time captures what so many 5th, 6th or even 7th grade students may be feeling that opportunity for discussion is endless! *** There is some mature content (getting periods, first kiss), very slight, but may not be appropriate for younger than fifth grade.
NYS Standards - HPF3.FC3: to nurture and support positive relationships at home, work, and in the community
Recommended Grade Level - 5th grade and up
Reviewed by - Carole VanAlstyne, Birchwood Elementary School, 5th grade, 7/09

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Creech, Sharon- Hate That Cat
© 2008, 160p. 
Description- Realistic fiction
Review – For all of the fans of Love That Dog, the sequel finally arrived.  We learn more about the main character, Jack, his family his knowledge of both poetry and himself.  Several poems are devoted to Jack’s mother, but the information requires that the reader think inferentially and could easily be lost on less developed readers.  Reading the first book is essential for understanding and appreciating Hate That Cat.  While this book gave the reader a sense of closure that was missing in Love That Dog, the book was a bit repetitive and lacked the novelty and charm of the first.  I am a huge Sharon Creech fan and I didn’t enjoy this one as much as most.  That being said, it is still a worthy companion to Love That Dog.
Curriculum Connections- This book lends itself to conversation either by being used in book clubs or as a read aloud.  Because it’s written in poetry form and includes published poems, this book is an asset to a poetry unit.  Sharon Creech books make a wonderful author study and this book is accessible to all readers.
Standards- ELA 2-4,
Awards – Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice
Grade level-Grade five, but also appropriate for grades 3-8.
Review by-Chrissy O’Reilly, Hillside Elementary School, fifth grade, 2/11

Creech, Sharon  Hate That Cat 
©2008  148 pp.
Description- Fiction, written as a personal narrative, diary format
Book Review- Through his journal of dated entries, Jack, a reluctant writer, exposes his inner feelings about both writing and a cat.  He struggles between what poetry ought to be, as dictated by his Uncle Bill, a college English professor, and the freedom of words he finds through his teacher, Miss Stretchberry’s gentle guidance.  A companion book to Love That Dog (same author) and a must read for anyone teaching writing, in particular, poetry.  Classic poems by the greats such as Tennyson, Poe and T.S. Eliot are used as mentor text for our young Jack.
Curriculum Connections-Could be used to launch a writers’ workshop poetry study, elements such as onomatopoeia, alliteration, symbols, metaphor, as well as experimenting with font.
Standards- Standards-ELA2.I.LR1C: Students identify significant literary elements (including metaphor, symbolism, foreshadowing, dialect, rhyme, meter, irony, climax) and use those elements to interpret the work.
Awards- Cooperative Children’s Book Center Choice
Recommended Grade Level - Grade 5
Reviewed by Ellen DiRienzo Birchwood Elementary 2/11

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Debon, Nicolas- The Strongest Man In The World
Illustrator-Debon, Nicolas, ©2007, 27p.
Description- Graphic Novel style-Biography
Review- This is the most unusual biography I’ve ever read. I love the graphic novel style. It’s highly motivating to reluctant readers in dealing with this genre. It’s about Louis Cyr, a famous weight-lifter from Quebec of the early 1900’s. Louis performs extraordinary feats while touring North America and Europe. He can back lift eighteen men with an estimated weight of 4,300 pounds. One of his most famous exploits was that Louis resisted the pull of four draft horses weighing 1,200 pounds each.  With the money, Louis earns he achieves his life long dream to own and perform in his own circus, Cirque L. Cyr.  The Afterword includes actual photographs of Louis Cyr. It was really interesting to read about such a man and the early circus life of the 1900’s. Some of Louis Cyr’s weight lifting records still remain unbroken today. Amazing!
Curriculum Connections- Great model for biography in the graphic novel style for intermediate grades. Also can be used with the study of Canada and weight lifters.
Awards-Winner of the Boston Globe~Horn Book Award
NYS Standards-Social Studies- SS2.E.3A, SS2.E.1A, SS2.E.2A, SS2.E.2D
Grade Level- Fifth, but appropriate for 4th through 6th.
Reviewed by –Holly Ackerknecht, G.D. Ryder Elementary, Remedial Reading

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DiCamillo, Kate.   The Magician’s Elephant
Illustrator – Tanaka, Yoko, ©2009, 201 p.
Description/Genre –Adventure fiction, Fantasy fiction, Fairytale-like quality, magical events, missing children, Intermediate Chapter Book.
Review – Raised by an eccentric retired soldier who told him that his young sister died, doubtful Peter Augustus Duchene seeks the truth from a fortune teller in effort to ease his lonely heart. Peter is thrilled to hear that she is alive, but quickly disheartened when told that an elephant will lead him to her – elephants not living in his early European city. The magical story unfolds with unbelievable events (an elephant falling from a ceiling during a magic act), unique characters and interesting settings, sending Peter on an adventure that he desperately hopes will bring him to his sister. DiCamillo’s beautiful writing presents a quiet and thoughtful story that takes the reader on an emotional journey through Peter’s loss, sadness, wonder, peace and happiness.
Curriculum Connections – Could be a read-aloud for grades 3-5 or part of an author study of Kate DiCamillo.
Awards – ALA Notable Children’s Books
NYS & Common Core Standards Connections –NYS ELA 2-4, and CC RL 5.1-5.10
Recommended 5th grade
Reviewed by – Kim Harmon, Pine Bush Elementary School, Library Media Specialist, (8/12)

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Dowell, Frances O’Roark - Shooting the Moon 
©2008  163 pp.
Description- YA novel
Book Review-The Vietnam War is at the heart of this tender story of a sibling bond.  12-year-old Jamie is a girl with two heroes in her life, her older brother and her father, a crusty Army colonel.  Will they live up to her expectations?  Reminds the reader of the sacrifice our military makes in a matter of fact, non-glamorized way, and the families who love and support them.  Reminded me of Introducing Shirley Braverman, similar story, set during WWII.
Curriculum Connections-Demonstrated authors writing about what they know (author was an “Army Brat”) Students could give titles to the unnamed chapters (synthesis) Literature circle themes: war, sacrifice, Use of Flashback
Standards-ELA2.I.LR1C: Students identify significant literary elements (including metaphor, symbolism, foreshadowing, dialect, rhyme, meter, irony, climax) and use those elements to interpret the work.
Awards-Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book
Christopher Award Winner
Junior Library Guild Selection
Recommended Grade Level - Grade 5
Reviewed by Ellen DiRienzo Birchwood Elementary 2/11

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Draper, Sharon M. – Out of My Mind
©2010, 304 p.
Description – Realistic fiction, middle school chapter book.
Review – A very good book about a severely handicapped girl, Melody.  Melody walks the reader through her early life as a person with severe disabilities.  The reader understands how difficult it is not to be able to communicate with words.  Although Melody is very smart, she isn’t able to talk but wants to more than anything else in the world.  If she could talk, others would know she is a person with thoughts and ideas to share.  She tells the reader what it is like to be treated as though you don’t have a mind because of your outward appearance (she is severely crippled, drools, and, sometimes, cannot control body movements and is also in a wheelchair).  Her family is her support system and, when she is in fifth grade, her parents buy her something that helps her communicate with her peers.  This book really made me think.
Curriculum Connections – Character Education, Inclusion, Mainstreaming, DEAR time, or a read aloud.
NYS Standards – Ela Standard 1 – Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.  Ela Standard 2 - Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.  Ela Standard 4 – Students will read, write, listen, and speak for social interaction.
Grade Level – 4th grade through high school
Reviewed by – Cori Spain, Watervliet Elementary School, Teacher Assistant, 2/12

Author- Draper, M. Sharon. Out of my Mind
© 2012 320p.
Description/Genre – Fiction, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review- Imagine being born with cerebral palsy, unable to perform basic functions the rest of us take for granted on a daily basis, locked in your body unable to communicate. This is 11 year old Melody’s world. Melody’s mind is perfectly normal - actually above normal. She has a photographic memory. However, most of her teachers and classmates do not realize that she has any intellectual capabilities. She is put into a special education program, only being partially integrated into the regular classrooms. Here her classmates are outright mean or overly nice to her making Melody feels even more of an outcast. When she gets a device that enables her to "talk" for the first time in her life, people are shocked she is like everyone else. But many are not ready to accept it her abilities yet her intelligence.
Suggestions for Classroom Use/ Curriculum Connections- This book can be used to talk about character education, inclusion, mainstreaming of students with disabilities and bullying.
NYS & Common Core Standards Connections- Language Arts  Standards for grade 5: RL.5.1, RL.5.2, RL.5.3, RL.5.4, RL.5.5, RL.5.6, RL.5.7, RL.5.8, RL.5.9,RL.5.10
Recommended Grade Level(s) - Grade 5, but also appropriate for grades 6-7
Reviewed by – Regina Anderson, CRCS, Reading Teacher, 7/12

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DuPrau, Jeanne. The Diamond of Darkhold.
©2008, 285 pages
Description/Genre: Science Fiction/Fantasy 
Review:  This book is part of The City of Ember  series. The main characters of Lina Mayfleet and Dean Harrow are once again on a mission.
     The book The Diamond of Darkhold picks up months after Lina and Doon escaped the dying city of Ember. They’ve since become part of the community of Sparks, along with the rest of their towns people. However, their troubles are not over now that they live above ground. With the harsh winter upon them, Lina and Doon must go back underground to try and salvage anything from the old city to help them get through the winter. Then, they find a mysterious book. It is torn up and missing most of its pages, but the pages that are still intact seem to make Lina and Doon think of a mysterious device which they believe is still in Ember. Now as they go underground to scavenge, they are also in search of a device that they believe the builders left that will help them build their future. 
         This is the fourth book of Ember and it is filled with mystery, hope, and a desire to see the main characters succeed. Jeanne DuPrau has written an adventure packed sequel that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.
Curriculum Connections: The stories surrounding the city of Ember and the people of Sparks help to prompt discussions and writing activities of the science fiction/fantasy genre. Students love to compare their needs and wants as they discuss the adventures of Lina and Doon.
NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5 RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described
Recommended Grade Level: Grade 5 and above (high level readers)
Reviewed by: Kathleen Palmieri, Karigon Elementary, Fifth Grade Teacher 8/12

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Erskine, Kathryn - Mockingbird
©2010, 235 p.
Description- Realistic fiction, told in the first person, appropriate for 5th grade and up
Review – This book will give the reader insight on the mind of a child who has Aspbergers. The story is told by Caitlin who is 11. Her brother has just been killed in a school shooting. He was someone who could reach her mind and show her how the rest of the world thinks. Caitlin thinks literally. Her favorite book is the Dictionary. The author shows us Caitlin’s black and white world and how she slowly begins to add some color. One of the words Caitlin is working on is “Closure”. This is one of the many hard concepts that Caitlin works through. I loved this story because it was so authentic. I think that the author does a great job of showing us, rather than just telling us how Caitlin’s life is.
Curriculum Connections – This is a great character education story. Students would love this as a read aloud or a book group kind of story. This book begs for discussion. Students will learn about how other people see the world and how everyone is different. This story could be a great example of first person writing and could lead to the students creating their own story using this point of view.
Awards -National Book Award, 2010, SIBA Winner (Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance), Brotherhood Award of the National Conference of Christians
NYS Standards – ELA RE 01, ELA RE 03,  ELA RE 07, LI 01, LI 02, LI 03, LI 04,
Grade Level – 5th grade
Reviewed by – Pam O’Brien, Substitute teacher in various districts. July 30, 2011

Erskine, Kathryn  - mockingbird
©2010, 235  p.
Description- Realistic Fiction
Review – Caitlin Smith is the fifth grade narrator of this moving  story about a young girl’s life after the violent death of her older brother. Caitlin has Asperger’s Syndrome and is having a hard enough time in school: dealing with the noise of recess, trying to make friends and getting her teacher to understand her. She has accepted the fact that her brother is gone – shot by another boy in his middle school – but she is upset by her father’s grief and doesn’t understand why Devon’s things are covered up or his room closed off. Caitlin is determined to help her father and herself come to closure and finds help in her counselor and her new friend – a first grade boy whose mother was also killed in the shooting. Her thoughts and actions make her such an endearing character and readers learn as much about empathy as Caitlin does.
Curriculum Connections: This story is a very poignant piece of Realistic Fiction and lends itself to many opportunities for discussion and sharing insights. The writing is very powerfully written in the voice of a person with Asperger’s Syndrome and it helps the reader to identify and empathize with the thoughts, feelings and actions of someone who might be different than themselves. The story also helps the reader gain a better understanding of a family and community’s needs in the aftermath of a school shooting. The Author’s Note provides more detail about the story’s inspiration. Barbara Park’s Mick Harte Was Here (‘95) is another touching story about a sister mourning the death of her brother from a bicycle accident.
Awards: National Book Award Winner
Recommended: Grade 4-6
NYS Standards Connections: All ELA Standards
Reviewed by: Kim Harmon, Pine Bush Elementary, SLMS 8/11

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Fern, Tracey – Buffalo Music
Illustrator – Castillo, Lauren ©2008, 31p.
Description – Realistic Fiction
Review – This story is about the mass killing of buffalo during the 19th century on the Texas plains.  The story is based on Mary Ann Goodnight who, after the buffalo were extinct in her area, decided to take in some calves and nurse them to adulthood.  After hearing Yellowstone National Park was looking to increase the buffalo population, she sent 4 of her buffalo by train.  She heard that one of her buffalo had given birth to a calf and she was so happy that, someday, the prairies may again be filled with the music of the buffalo. 
Curriculum Connections – Class read aloud while learning about the Great Plains.
NYS Standards – Ela Standard 1 – Students will read, write, listen, and speak for information and understanding.  Ela Standard 2 – Students will read, write, listen, and speak for literary response and expression.  Ela Standard 3 – Students will read, write, listen, and speak for critical analysis and evaluation.
Grade Level – 5th grade
Reviewed by – Cori Spain, Watervliet Elementary School, Teacher Assistant, 3/12

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Fleming, Candace- The Fabled Fifth Graders of Aesop Elementary School  © 2010, 170p. 
Description- Realistic fiction, fable format complete with morals
Review – This book is a sequel to The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School, but reading the first is not necessary for enjoying the second.  The characters all have names that fit their personalities, like, Stanford Binet who is full of knowledge and Lil Ditty who is quick to offer a poetic verse to illustrate a classroom situation.  The teacher is wacky, but endearing and neither his class nor the reader, ever know what will happen next in his classroom.  Each chapter ends with a moral such as “Every story has two sides.”  I found this book to be laugh-out-loud funny.  The short chapters, predictable format and humor will encourage even reluctant readers to read this book quickly. 
Curriculum Connections- This book would be a great beginning of the year read aloud for fifth grade in order to share a laugh and discuss characterization.  This book could also be a mentor text that could help to illustrate organization, plot, chapter titles, and dialogue.
Standards- ELA 2-4
Awards - Chicago Public Library Best of the Best 2010, Parents' Choice Recommended Book
Grade level-Grade five, but also appropriate for grades 3-6.
Review by-Chrissy O’Reilly, Hillside Elementary School, fifth grade, 1/11

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Gidwitz, Adam – A Tale Dark and Grimm
illus by Kultkov, Boris ©2010, 256 pages
Description - Fantasy
Review – This book really keeps your attention. If you like fairy tales, you will love this version. Gidwitz tells the real story of the Grimms’ Fairytales and they are unbelievable. It is a continuation of Hansel and Gretel and all their journeys. It even tells you what happened before the children set out into the woods to find the house made of cake and candy. Older kids will love this book. The younger readers might get scared. 
Curriculum Connections - Read-aloud for older grades. A great book to read to compare fairytales and talk about fantasy.
NYS Standards - ELA Standards 1-4
Grade Level – Grade 5 (Younger children may be scared)                                                             
Reviewed by - Laurie Critelli, Pine Bush Elementary School 8/11

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Hahn, Mary Downing – Deep and Dark and Dangerous
©2007, 187 pages
Description-Mystery, Horror, Chapter Book, 1st Person
Review-When Ali spends the summer at her long deserted family cottage, she starts to piece together a thirty year old mystery that her mother and aunt would love to forget.  This creepy ghost story has you sitting on the edge of your seat as you try to piece together the mystery.  Deep and Dark and Dangerous is a great book for young readers.  Its foreshadowing encourages readers to use critical thinking skills to solve a supernatural mystery.  Kids will remember this chilling tale on their next trip to the lake.
Curriculum Connections-Science Connections-Characteristics of Life
Students can use the story to classify objects into three categories (living, nonliving & dead)
Science Connection-Skeletal & Muscular System
After Emma’s nightmare she said “the bones came out of the lake.”  We could use science to disprove this ghost story.  Students can learn about bones and the functions of the skeletal system (shape and support, protection, store minerals, make blood cells and to help in movement).  Students can learn that bones are composed of living cells and can only move with the help of joints and connective tissue (cartilage, tendons & ligaments) that holds bones in place and connects them to the muscles that allow them to move.
NYS Standards-Science Standard 4:  The Living Environment, Key Idea 1, (1.1a, 1.1e, 1.2a, 1.2g,) 3, General Skills 5 & 9
Grade Level-4-6
Reviewed by-Jessica Bradshaw, Voorheesville Middle School, 7th Grade Life Science Teacher (2/10)

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Hall, Alvin   Show Me the Money-How to Make Cents of Economics
© 2008  96 pp.
Description- Nonfiction
Book Review- Boy, do I wish I had some of this background before my first Economy class in college.  The author makes use of colorful photographs, charts, drawings and cartoons to teach sophisticated terminology:  compound interest, global economy, and equilibrium price, along with some of the more basic vocabulary.  Real content presented in an inviting and non-threatening way.   A foundation in economics literacy is something this upcoming generation needs.
Curriculum Connection: a classroom resource to reinforce economic ideas and terminology as needed.
Standards: SS4.I.1E: Investigate how people in the United States and throughout the world answer the three fundamental economic questions and solve basic economic problems.
Recommended Grade Levels – Grade 5
Reviewed by Ellen DiRienzo Birchwood Elementary 2/11

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Henkes, Kevin – Bird Lake Moon
©2008, 179  p.
Description- Realistic Fiction
Review – Mitch Sinclair is spending the summer at his grandparent’s lake house with his mom. He loves the lake, but he’s having a hard time dealing with his parent’s recent separation, the absence of his dad and his grandparents’ “idiosyncrasies.” While exploring the lake, he hatches a plan to move into the abandoned house next door, but these hopes are soon dashed when Spencer’s family returns to this house after several years’ absence. Spencer and his family are trying to recover from the tragic drowning death of his older brother, Matt, at this very lake several years ago. Caught up in his own needs, Mitch pretends to haunt the family in effort to scare them away. However, a strong and much needed friendship evolves between Spencer (10) and Mitch (12 -  the age brother Matt would be) and Mitch  now carries guilt about his earlier actions and worries if he can set things right or lose yet another thing that is important to him.
Curriculum Connections: This book is a great character study, both individual and compare/contrast. It is told in a third person narrative and the chapters alternate between Mitch and Spencer’s stories which helps the reader identify with each boy’s problems immediately and keeps interest in how they will come together. It’s a quiet story, with the serious undertones of death and loss, but the author keeps it very relatable to an intermediate-age reader. Spencer’s sister Lolly and Mitch’s grandparents provide relief – whether comic or frustrating- that make the story, dialogue and actions very believable.
NYS Standards Connections: All ELA Standards
Recommended: grade 4-6
Reviewed by: Kim Harmon, Pine Bush Elementary, SLMS, 8/11

Henkes, Kevin. Bird, Lake, Moon.
©2010, 192 pages
Description/Genre: Realistic Fiction
Review:
     Mitch Sinclair is a twelve year old boy who learned that his father has left the family. Devastated by the news, he and his mom go up to Bird Lake to stay with his grandparents. However, Mitch’s grandparents do not make the stay feel comfortable.
    Deciding to limit his time around his grandparents, Mitch spends as much time as he can away from the house, including swimming in the lake and exploring the house that is empty next door. Feeling like he has nothing to call his own, Mitch decides to claim the house. He carves his initials into the railing and moves a few belongings under the porch. He begins to make plans in his mind that he and his mom might actually buy it and make this their home. But then reality sets in as the owners of the house arrive.
     Ten-year-old Spencer Stone and his seven-year-old sister named Lolly arrive at the lake with their parents. The house is the family’s summer home that holds memories of a tragedy. Spencer and Lolly used to have an older brother, Matty, but he drowned when Spencer was two. Spencer doesn’t remember him, but he senses the loss and sadness from his parents, even after all this time. It was surprising that one day, his mom and dad announced that they were all going for a little vacation, up to the house on Bird Lake, where Matty died. This is the first visit since the accident, and the family is faced with whether to keep or sell the house.
     Mitch is angry that people have dared to come and take over his house. It is as if he is losing something special once again. However, this time, he is going to fight for what he feels is his. He begins to scare the family and make them feel like the house is haunted. Later he begins to deal with the feelings of guilt over causing someone else misery.
     Although he enjoys the house on the lake, Spencer can see how distressed his mom is at being there. Then he begins experiencing strange occurrences around the house. Is it his deceased brother Matty trying to reach him?
     This is a story of family loss seen through the eyes of two young boys. It is cleverly written as the author alternates chapters between Mitch’s and Spencer’s perspective. It is heartwarming to watch a summer friendship unfold and broken hearts begin to mend as the families make life changing decisions.
Curriculum Connections: This book would fit nicely into a book group/literature circle. Text to text connections, as well as text to self connections would help to spur meaningful discussions.
NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5 - RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described
Recommended Grade Level: Grade 5 and above (high level readers)
Reviewed by: Kathleen Palmieri, Karigon Elementary, Fifth Grade Teacher 7/12

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Hepler, Heather,  The Cupcake Queen
©009, 256 pages
Description: Realistic Fiction
Review:  When Penny and her mother move from the city to a small town to open up a cupcake bakery, her life is turned upside down. Leaving her dad behind in the city and unsure about what will happen with their family, Penny longs for normalcy. The classmates she encounters are less than welcoming such as Charity, the girl who tries to make Penny’s life unbearable by playing mean pranks almost daily. However, there are also good things in Hog's Hollow. Penny is befriended by a girl named Tally, an expert in Rock Paper Scissors, and Marcus, the boy who is always running on the beach. Just as Penny is beginning to adjust to her new small town life, her parents have made a life altering decision and she has to make a choice that will turn everything upside down again. A poignant novel about love, creativity, and trying to be accepted when one is accepting life's unexpected turns.
Curriculum Connections: Along with the endearing story of family and friends, the author has mixed in some astronomy. It would make a nice choice as a higher level literature circle read.
NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).RL.5.6. Describe how a narrator’s or speaker’s point of view influences how events are described
Recommended Grade Level: Grade 5 and above (high level readers)
Reviewed by: Kathleen Palmieri, Karigon Elementary, Fifth Grade Teacher 7/12

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Hiaasen, Carl. Scat
©2009, 371 p.
Description - Fiction, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – Scat is a book that has all the elements to make it a favorite with many readers. It features good trouncing evil, characters that you love right away, and an ending that just couldn’t be better. It begins as a story of a battle-ax teacher and students on a field trip in the Florida swamp to see the wildlife they’re learning about in the classroom. The field trip abruptly ends when a fire breaks out. The teacher goes back for a student’s inhaler that somehow was left behind and doesn’t emerge from the swamp leaving the class to return without her. The adventure that follows will keep readers guessing right until the very end. Hiassen is a master at developing each character and stringing along the reader, just when you think the story is winding towards resolution another problem pops up. A hard book to put down! ***A few off-color words.
Curriculum Connections - It would be a great read aloud or a good book for young readers concerned about environmental preservation.
NYS Standards - HPF3.FC3: to nurture and support positive relationships at home, work, and in the community
ELA2.05.LI3.02:Students identify a character's motivation.
ELA2.05.RE1.03:Students select literary texts on the basis of personal needs and interests and read silently for enjoyment for extended periods.
Awards - WINNER 2009 - Kid's Indie Next List "Inspired Recommendations for Kids from Indie Booksellers", WINNER 2009 - Skipping Stone Honor Award Recommended Grade Level - 5th grade and up
Reviewed by - Carole VanAlstyne, Birchwood Elementary School, 5th grade, 8/09

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Holub, Joan & Williams, Suzanne – Goddess Girls Book 1: Athena the Brain
© 2010, 160 p.
Description – Fiction, Mythology, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – Athena finds out that she is the daughter of the great and almighty Zeus. At her father’s request, Athena must now leave Earth to attend her new school. This is a story of her adventures as a new student at Mount Olympus Academy. Athena makes new friends, shows how intelligent she is, and it gives some history on some well known Greek Gods in a way that kids will enjoy and understand.
Curriculum Connections – This is a fun book, especially because I have so many students who are interested in Greek Mythology. Since I try to do a brief mythology unit with my students we could definitely compare and contrast what we learn in this book and what we have learned in other short myths we have read. This could also lead into study and discussion on the Olympics as well as many different writing assignments.
Standards – Social Studies SS2.E.1A, SS2.E.1B
Grade Level – I think that this would be appropriate for any intermediate class but also for sixth grade students studying Ancient Greece.
Reviewed by – Tara Coppolo, Radez Elementary School, Fifth Grade, 7/11

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King, Martin Luther, Jr. – I Have a Dream
Illustrated by Nelson, Kadir, c2012, 40p
Description/Genre – Illustrated Picture Book based on the most famous parts of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream Speech” with CD of the complete speech.
Review – This book is a valuable addition to the text sets used in many elementary schools to honor and teach about Martin Luther King, Jr.  Kadir Nelson’s gorgeous paintings help bring meaning to Dr. King’s poetic words for younger listeners/readers or for ESL students.   Some of the realistic paintings illustrate the iconic scenes of Dr. King delivering his speech at the March on Washington while others illustrate what he was trying to convey with his words such as children of all colors and creeds standing together, others holding hands. Another painting shows two young men, one black (to illustrate “the sons of former slaves”) and one white (to illustrate “the sons of former slave-owners”). Yet another series of illustrations show eight beautiful regions of America that Dr. King mentioned in the “let freedom ring” section of the speech.
Suggestions for Classroom Use/ Curriculum Connections – Wonderful for social studies, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Black History Month, or using authentic documents and sources with students.
Awards – School Library Journal Best of Children’s Books 2012, Kirkus Reviews Best of Children’s Books 2012, Publisher’s Weekly Best of Children’s Books 2012
NYS & Common Core Standards Connections - 5th Grade Social Studies covers The United States; NYS Social Studies  Standards: SS1: Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understandings of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in the history  of the United States and New York. 5th grade Common Core Standards: CCSS RI.5.10: By the end of the year, read and comprehend informational texts including history/social studies…CCSS RL 5.7 Analyze how visual and multimedia elements contribute to the meaning, tone, or beauty of a text
Recommended Grade Level(s) – The inside cover appropriately says “All Ages.”  Upper elementary, especially 5th grade
Reviewed by – Heather O’Leary, Hamilton Elementary School, ESL Teacher, 01/13

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Kinney, Jeff - Diary of a Wimpy Kid 
©2007  217 pp.
Description- Illustrated fiction chapter book
Book Review-Now I know what the “Cheese Touch” is all about!   A refreshing tale of two friends as they wrestle through middle school and all that those years bring…bullying, popularity, parents and puberty, told from a boy’s perspective.  The story is fast moving and written in cartoon form, making it especially appealing to your budding illustrators.
Curriculum Connections-Any one of the many humorous cartoon panels could be used as a story starter.
A study of character traits, conflict resolution, literature circle choice accompanied by other books related to friendship.
Standards- ELA2.I.SW2C: Write stories, poems, literary essays, and plays that observe the conventions of the genre and contain interesting and effective language and voice.
Awards-
      #1 New York Times Best Seller thrice
        2008 and 2009 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards: Favorite Book
         ALA Notable Book
        2010 Nickelodeon Kids Choice Awards: Favorite Book Series (winner)
Recommended Grade Level - Grade 5
Reviewed by Ellen DiRienzo Birchwood Elementary 2/11

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Konigsburg, E.L. – The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World
© 2007, 256 p.
Description/Genre – Realistic Fiction, Intermediate Chapter Book
Summary/Review – In the spirit of From the Mixed-up Files, Konigsburg once again weaves a tale of discovery mixed with interesting history and art lessons. Amedeo is the “new kid” who strikes up a mismatched friendship with cool-kid William Wilcox when both become interested in eccentric Mrs. Zender and her estate. As the boys dig deeper, they find a connection between a piece of Mrs. Zender’s art and World War II. I’m a Konigsburg fan, and this one fit the bill—creating interesting characters and an even more interesting plot line. I can see this story played out in reader’s theater. 
Curriculum Connections: Use this in a study of different art movements, World War II, and music. Also use in a Konigsburg book club.
NYS Standards – ARTS3.VA4; SS2-World History; ARTS1.MU2
Recommended: Grade 5 (and grades 6-8)
Reviewed by – Rebecca Wlazlo, Pine Bush Elementary, Grade 5 Teacher, 2/08

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Korman, Gordon- Everest: The Contest
©2002 144p.
Description: Realistic Fiction, Adventure, Series (Book #1)
Review:  Four young, teenage mountain climbers compete to be the first in the group to climb Mount Everest.  The final four have earned their place in the contest by beating out 19 other young hopefuls in the SummitQuest contest, created by a champion alpinist.  This book is full of suspense, twists and intense character relationships, both positive and negative.  It provides many opportunities to analyze character motive and development.  Additionally, this book lends itself to using higher-level inferencing and  predictions from the reader.
Curriculum Connections:  Science- weather, climate, Artic regions, survival (body systems), adaptations, or classroom read-aloud (focus on critical thinking and problem solving)
Common Core Standards: ELA Literature and Foundational Skills
Grade Level: 5-6
Reviewed By:  Stacey Betts, Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School, Special Education Teacher, 2/2012

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Korman, Gordon – Titanic Book 1: Unsinkable
© 2011, 170 p.
Description – Historical Fiction, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – This is a terrific start to Gordon Korman’s Titanic series. On top of giving information about the Titanic, it has friendship, gangsters, and murder. This book also dabbles into the Women’s Suffrage movement. Gordon Korman twists the lives of four different characters, who appear to be very different, together into a great historical fiction piece. I enjoyed the characters in this book and hearing more about the unsinkable ship. Many of my students have been interested in the Titanic and I think they would love this book also.
Curriculum Connections – This book clearly leads to a connection with history, geography, and map skills. It would be fun to compare this book to actual accounts of what happened on the Titanic, although this book only gets into the beginning of the ship’s voyage. A timeline could also be easily created to chart the events of the ship.
Standards – Social Studies SS2.E.1B, SS2.E.1C, SS2.E.2B, SS3.E.1B, SS3.E.1C
Grade Level – This book would be appropriate for a fifth grade class, but fourth graders would enjoy it as well. At times there may be confusion because of the numerous characters and story lines in this book, especially in the beginning, but I would definitely use this as a read aloud with my class.
Reviewed by – Tara Coppolo, Radez Elementary School, Fifth Grade, 8/11

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Leedy, Loreen. Crazy like a Fox, A Simile Story
Illustrated by Loreen Leedy, ©2008, unp.
Description -  Picture Book
Review – Rufus, the fox, chases Babette, the lamb all over the meadow to get her to a birthday party. This is a zany story told entirely using similes. The illustrations are bold and colorful, perfect for a read aloud audience.
Curriculum Connections – What a great book to use for teaching simile. This book would be appropriate for any grade in elementary school. The primary grades could identify the similes and try to write one of their own. In the upper grades students could write their own picture book told entirely in similes.
NYS Standards - ELA2.05.RE1.07: Students recognize how the author uses literary devices, such as simile, metaphor, and personification, to create meaning.
Recommended Grade Level – K through 5
Reviewed by - Carole VanAlstyne, Birchwood Elementary School, 5th grade, 8/09

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MacLachlan, Patricia – Waiting for the Magic
Illus. Amy June Bates, ©2011, 160p.
Description – Fiction
Review – This is a poignant book about William who is a fifth grade boy and is wiser than his years. When William’s father, a restless aspiring writer and college professor, leaves the family, his mother takes William and his sister to the animal shelter to get the dog their father never let them have.  They end up adopting four dogs and a cat.  The animals are loyal protectors of the children and their mother and can magically speak, but only some people can hear their wise thoughts.  The expressive illustrations are in black and white.
Curriculum Connections –  Friendship, loyalty, responsibility, reconciliation.
Awards – 2012 Gryphon Award for Children’s Literature (award for a book that “successfully bridges the gap in difficulty between books for reading aloud to children and books for practiced readers”)
NYS and Common Core Connections –  CCSS  5.RL.2,  5.RL.5  5.RL.3,  5.RFS.4
Grade Level – 5th grade
Reviewed by – Heather O’Leary, Hamilton Elementary School, ESL teacher, 07/12

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McElligott, Matthew & Tuxbury, Larry – Benjamin Franklinstein Meets the Fright Brothers
© 2011, 160 pages
Description: Intermediate grade chapter book
Review:  Science meets history meets zombies!  The second book featuring Ben Franklin coming back from the dead and into a young boy’s life combines all three elements.  The Order of the Prometheus set out to preserve the great scientific minds of American history but things are going wrong and many are returning from the dead a little bit changed.  Young Victor and his friend Scott help to set it right while going on many adventures.  Local middle school teacher, Larry Tuxbury and local illustrator, Matthew McElligott created a story featuring a great deal of graphics that add to the story.  The book is humorous, scientific minded and laugh out loud funny.  Matthew McElligottt and Larry Tuxbury created a wonderful book trailer that will show the style of humor the book portrays.    
Curriculum Connections: Wonderful book to read aloud to intermediate grades.  The story features many science words that may be difficult to pronounce for some readers.  This book would serve as a wonderful fiction companion to non-fiction research about Ben Franklin and or the Wright Brothers.  Matthew McElligott also does a wonderful presentation centered on the writing process featuring the Benjamin Franklinstein books.
Common Core Standards: R.L 5.3, R.L 5.4, R.L 5.5, R.L 5.7
Grade Level: 5th grade but would be appropriate for 4th grade as well
Reviewed by: Cheri Hart, Elementary Enrichment Teacher at Guilderland Central Schools, August 2012

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McMann, Lisa – The Unwanteds
© 2011, 400 pages
Description: Intermediate grade chapter book
Review:  “Harry Potter meets the Hunger Games” is the book cover quote from Kirkus Reviews.  This catchy, intriguing statement is sure to grab many fans of both great novels right away.  This book certainly lives up to these claims.  Quill is a community set in the future that discourages creativity or self-expression of any kind from its citizens, especially children.  All citizens have a job and their sole purpose in life is to provide for the community.  Each year, there is a Purge, where all those children who are “wanted” are given a task for the community and all those who are “unwanted” get cast out of Quill.  The unwanteds believe they are being sent to the beyond where they will die but, instead, they are welcomed by the secret society of Artime.  It is here where all of the creative outlets are encouraged and developed.  The story is full of imagination, adventure and is a wonderful true fantasy book.  Along with elements of magic like Harry Potter and the harsh survival style of The Hunger Games, it offers a great introduction to dystopian ideas as The Giver did for many middle school classrooms.   There is a wonderful book trailer by the publisher, Simon and Schuster, which will leave kids begging to read Lisa McCann’s wonderful novel!  In addition, book two is set to be released in September of this year.
Curriculum Connections: Wonderful read aloud story.  Perfect introductory book to dystopian fantasy.  Could also serve as a wonderful tool for a writing workshop mini lesson about setting, zooming in, and creating character traits.  A great book for a fantasy genre study. 
Common Core Standards: R.L 5.2, R.L. 5.3, R.L 5.5, R.L 5.6, R.L 5.9
Grade Level: 5th grade and up
Reviewed by: Cheri Hart, Elementary Enrichment Teacher at Guilderland Central Schools, August 2012

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Mone, Gregory – Fish
© 2010, 241 p.
Description – Fiction, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – Maurice Reidy, aka Fish, is a young boy who just doesn’t seem to fit in his large family of eleven who live on the family farm in Ireland. Not being much of a help working on the farm, he decides to leave the farm to work for his Uncle. Fish hopes to be able to make enough money to be able to financially help out the rest of his family back home. One thing leads to another and Fish finds himself on a treasure hunt as a pirate in training. As one can imagine, there is mystery, scandal, and tons of fighting in this adventure. I think this would be a great book to help lure some boys into realizing how exciting and adventurous reading can be.
Curriculum Connections – I think that this is a great read aloud book. I could see many social studies and science lessons coming from this book. Map reading and latitude and longitude could definitely come into play while reading this book. I could also see students becoming interested in ocean studies and wind patterns for sailing also.
Standards – Social Studies SS3.E.1B, SS3.E.1C, SS3.E.2A, MST4.E.PS1A, MST4.PS2, MST4.LE6
Grade Level – I would definitely read this to my fifth graders. This could be read to a third or fourth grade class as well.
Reviewed by – Tara Coppolo, Radez Elementary School, Fifth Grade, 7/11

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Montgomery, Sy - Kakapo Rescue: Saving the World’s Strangest Parrot
Photographs by  Nic Bishop, c2010,  p. 74
Description - Non-Fiction
Review - The Kakapo Parrot is on the verge of extinction.  As a response New Zealand’s government set up the National Kakapo Recovery Team.  This team was put together with the hopes of saving this rare parrot.  Sy Montgomery takes the reader to Codfish Island which is located off the southern coast of New Zealand.  On this island researchers and volunteers work to restore the Kakapo population.  The Kakapo Parrot is the worlds heaviest parrot weighing up to 9 pounds and just as unusual it is a flightless bird.  Sy Montgomery does an extraordinary job of showing how the Kakapo has reached the point of near extinction, with an estimated 91 Kakapo’s left on earth.  Montgomery leads the reader through every facet of the recovery effort with clear and concise language.  Montgomery’s love and excitement for the Kakapo shines through the highs and lows of her adventure.  The pictures by Nic Bishop are amazing and give the reader a true sense of the setting and the work being done on Codfish Island.
Curriculum Connections - Read aloud for grade 4, independent book grades 5 and 6.  Fantastic book to relate how foreign species and people can effect the habitat of animals in their natural environment.  Also could be used in lessons dealing with extinction.
NYS Standards - MST4:Science
Awards - 2011 Robert F. Sibert Award
Grade Level - Grade 5
Reviewed by - Jonathan Younkin, Lincoln Elementary School, Grade 4, 2/20/11

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Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds  Emily’s Fortune
©2011  147 pp.
Description- historical fiction
Book Review-Our heroine, Emily, is recently orphaned and travels by stagecoach to reconnect with a kindly aunt.  A seasoned young orphan befriends her along the way.  Sounds simple enough, until the pair realizes they are being followed by a villainous uncle, out only for his own interests.  Can two youngsters escape the clutches of the man with the gold tooth and the tiger tattoo? 
Curriculum Connections- With references to the Gold Rush and Chinese railroad workers, this book is a perfect addition to any study of Westward expansion.
Standards- Standard 2-Speaking and writing/- write original pieces in a variety of literary forms, correctly using the conventions of the genre and using structure and vocabulary to achieve an effect
Recommended for Grade 5
Reviewed by Ellen DiRienzo Birchwood Elementary 2/2011 Grade 5

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O’Donnell, Liam.  Wild Ride
Illustrator: Deas, Mike.  © 2007   52 pages
Description: Graphic novel
Review: This adventure story will appeal to young lovers of graphic novels who are interested in the outdoors, survival skills and environmental issues.  Four teen-agers are headed to a remote section of British Columbia to connect with the mom of one of the boys.  She is doing an environmental study to determine the impact of a proposed logging venture.  An adult, Gerald Wiley who is described as a “pencil pusher,” is traveling with them to do some work on the proposal. The plane carrying them crashes, and they are stranded in the wild.  Intrigue increases as they discover that Wiley is trying to sabotage the environmental study in favor of the logging company.  The author and illustrator incorporate information about survival skills throughout the story. 
Curriculum Connections:  A good book to use in conjunction with a science unit on the environment.
Standards: Mathematics, Science and Technology: Standard 4,
Recommended Grade Levels: Grade 5
Reviewed by:  Mary Jane Brown, Bethlehem Central High School, Special Educator, February, 2011.

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Palacio, R. J. – Wonder
© 2012, 330 pages
Description: Realistic Fiction, Intermediate Grade chapter book
Review:  August (Auggie) Pullman has a facial deformity that has kept him the center of attention wherever he goes.  After being homeschooled for several years, his family has decided that he’s ready to begin to attend his 5th grade year at Beecher Prep.  Palacio does a superb job writing about all of the angst, uncertainty and social politics of that is typical of this age through the eyes of a young boy who is also dealing with a physical deformity.  She also holds off on the descriptive detail of Auggie’s face so the reader is constantly wondering, “What does he look like?” She tells the story through many various characters’ point of view.  This is a wonderful book for 4th and 5th grade students as it addresses so much of what they are concerned with at this age: looks, popularity, friendships, and the constant worry of what others actions mean.  It also deals with the theme of bullying and peer pressure and the consequences of both.  It’s a book that both boys and girls will relate to.  I highly recommend showing the book trailer to grab student’s interest.
Curriculum Connections: A great read aloud for 4th or 5th grade; Character Education elements; Book selection in a unit of study about overcoming physical challenges; Wonderful for study point of view
Common Core Standards: R.L. 5.2, R.L. 5.3, R.L. 5.6
Grade Level: 5th grade; Also suitable for 4th grade
Reviewed by: Cheri Hart, Enrichment Teacher at Guilderland Central Schools, July 2012

Palacio, R.J. - Wonder.
c2012, 320p.
Description – Realistic Fiction, intermediate chapter book
Review –  August, born with severe facial deformities, has spent his childhood home-schooled and in and out of surgery to reconstruct his face.  When he is about to enter fifth grade, his parents decide he is ready to go to school.  As each character in this story comes to life in chapters all their own, you know and understand the individuals in a way that makes you want to look at the people in your own life in a new way.
Curriculum Connections – Fantastic read-aloud for grades 5 – 7 studying themes of identity, special abilities/disabilities, friendship, loyalty, bullying, families, and other current social issues. 
NYS Standards –Common Core Standards in Reading-Literature.
Grade Level – appropriate for grades 4 and up.
Reviewed by – Donna McAndrews, Glencliff Elementary School, Media Specialist 7/12.

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Paratore, Coleen Murtagh – Willa by Heart (The Wedding Planner’s Daughter #3)
©2008, 222p.
Description – Realistic Fiction (first person), Intermediate chapter book
Review – This is the third (and my favorite) in the series of The Wedding Planner’s Daughter by this local Albany author. This book continues the saga of Willa Havisham, now a freshman in high school, her boyfriend, Joey, and the mysterious newcomer, Marielle. The story cleverly takes on parallel plots of Willa starring in the community theater’s production of Our Town (each chapter begins with a line or two from the play) and helping her mother plan two weddings in one weekend. This novel presents a mature outlook on love and life from a teenager’s point of view as Willa strives to make the world a better place, despite the challenges that life has thrown her way. Willa comes across as a role model for young teenagers struggling with issues of peer pressure, family relations, first boyfriends, school obligations and staying true to oneself.
Curriculum Connections – This book would appeal to preteen and young teenager girls. It could be used in a literature circle to discuss character analysis, visualization, and use of details in descriptive passages. It could also be used in a book club setting or as a springboard for discussion in small group counseling sessions for girls from nontraditional families who are experiencing problems with school, peers or family.
Standards – ELA4.05.RE1.01, ELA2.05.RE1.09, ELA2.05.RE1.10, HPF2.I.HE1C, HPF2.I.HE1B
Grade level – Grade 5 (also grades 4-8)
Reviewed by – Denise Tracy, Ryder Elem, Reading Specialist, 1/09

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Park, Linda Sue -  Keeping Score
©2010  208 pages
Description – Fiction
Review - This is a book set in the 50’s .  It is a great book for teaching friendship, a different era and the effects of war.  The story starts out in 1951 and continues until 1955.  Throughout that time Maggie, a 10 year old, makes friends with Jim a NYC fireman who teaches her to keep score of baseball games.  Between her love of the Brooklyn Dodgers and her good friendship with Jim, Maggie has many choices to make throughout the book.  This comes especially to light after Maggie stops hearing from Jim who is over in Korea during the war.  She later finds out that Jim though not physically hurt has withdrawn emotionally from life.  Maggie tries to finds ways for the Dodgers to finally win the World Series and also bring Jim back to his former self.  This book is about a young girl trying to make a difference. 
Curriculum Connections – This book can be used to teach children about what life was like in the 1950’s.  It can also be used to teach relations between family and friends.
NYS Standards – All ELA, SSStd1
Grade Level – Grade 5
Reviewed by - Eileen McGrail, Radez Elementary School, Reading Specialist, 7/2010

Park, Linda Sue-Keeping Score
© 2008, 201 pages
Description/Genre –Fiction  Review – This is a wonderful book about a little girl who wants to make a difference.  The book is set in the 1950s, when NYC was the home to three baseball teams.  Maggie-o (nick-named for Joe DiMaggio) is a Dodgers fan and knows more about baseball than many adults.  She becomes close friends with a NYC fireman named Jim, a Giants fan.  When Jim gets drafted into the Korean War, Maggie uses her belief and faith to try and bring good luck to both the Dodgers and Jim. She learns about sacrifice, friendship, and the power of perseverance as she wishes her friend well in his emotional recovery from the War. 
Suggestions for Classroom Use/ Curriculum Connections – This book could be used to teach about life in the 1950s, as well as relationships between friends. It models for kids how they can make a difference even in small ways.
NYS Standards Connections – All ELA, SSStd1
Recommended Grade Level(s) – Grade 5, also appropriate for 6-8
Reviewed by – Cily Rueda, Scotia Glenville (7/11)

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Park, Linda Sue - A Long Walk to Water
© 2011 128p.
Description/Genre –Based on true events about the Lost Boys of Sudan, Chapter Book
Review- In this two part story of Salva and Nya two characters who have never meet, you will find out about the hardships from the war torn Sudan. Imagine being torn from your family one day, then walking days, let alone a year and a half to find refuge. This is Salva’s journey and the hardships he endures and over comes. Nya’s story parallels Salva’s own story, but she is not lost from her family, rather what affect the war has on her daily life. Read to find out how the two stories come together.
Suggestions for Classroom Use/ Curriculum Connections- This book can be used to talk about character development, war and conflict related to social studies in the Sudan.
NYS & Common Core Standards Connections- Language Arts  Standards for grade 5: RL.5.1, RL.5.2, RL.5.3, RL.5.4, RL.5.5, RL.5.6, RL.5.7, RL.5.8, RL.5.9,RL.5.10
Recommended Grade Level(s) - Grade 5, but also appropriate for grades 6-7
Reviewed by – Regina Anderson, CRCS, Reading Teacher, 7/12

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Patt, Beverly. Best Friends Forever, A World War II Scrapbook
©2010, 83 Pages
Description/Genre – Historical Fiction
Review – In a fictional scrapbook created by Beverly Patt, two friends exchange letters after one is sent to a Japanese Internment camp. Although a very tough topic, it is approached with sensitivity and strength.  While I was inspired by the two girls as they persevered through trying circumstances, I also learned a great deal more about this period in American history.
Suggestions for Classroom Use/ Curriculum Connections – This would be great book to accompany a unit on World War II. It would allow students to gain a more personal insight into this time period. You could also use it to begin to explore how documents add to a story.
NYS & Common Core Standards Connections – Common Core Standards for Language Arts, Reading, Literature, Anchors 1,3,6,7 and 10.
Recommended Grade Level(s) - Grade 5, but also appropriate for grades 4,6,7.
Reviewed by – Erin McMahon, Glencliff Elementary, 3rd Grade Teacher, 8/12

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Patterson Hannigan, Katherine. True (…Sort of)
@ 2011, 355p.
Description/Genre – Fiction, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – First off, this book was such a surprise, what a great book for adults as well as young readers. Who couldn't fall in love with Delly? I know I did. Delly is a good kid whose pretty rough around the edges and it seems always in trouble, even when she is trying to be good. I think we all know someone like that. But Delly has been called bad so many times that she's starting to believe it herself. When she makes her Mother cry, Delly realizes she has to change. Then in comes Ferris Boyd, the new kid who changes Delly’s life forever. Ferris with her quirky ways of not speaking and not wanting to be touched is a real mysturiosity (an extremely curious mystery). Delly soon learns to communicate with Ferris in her fantabulous (fantastically fabulous) way. Slowly, Delly realizes she does have control over her life, and she can make better choices. Delly is a character that every teacher can relate to. This beautifully written story has an important message about life and those around us.
Suggestions for Classroom Use/ Curriculum Connections – This book can be used in many ways, first pleasure and entertainment Then teaching diversity, right from wrong, social development and social issues, such as physical abuse.
NYS & Common Core Standards Connections - , Language Arts  Standards for grade 5: RL.5.1, RL.5.2, RL.5.3, RL.5.4, RL.5.5, RL.5.6, RL.5.7, RL.5.8, RL.5.9,RL.5.10
Recommended Grade Level(s) - Grade 5, but also appropriate for grades 6-7
Reviewed by – Regina Anderson, CRCS, Reading Teacher, 7/12

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Peck, Richard – Secrets at Sea
Illus. by Kelly Murphy, ©2012, 256p.
Description: Fantasy
Review: A wonderful adventure story.  A family of mice who live among humans take a trip on a cruise ship to England with the Cranston’s, their human “family”.  The trip is to find their oldest Cranston daughter a husband.  The mice sneak on the cruise ship and the adventure begins.  The trip is life-changing for the mice, as they do not like water.  This book is filled with humor, surprises, adventure, and a happy ending for all characters.
Curriculum Connections: Read aloud for intermediate grades, also a book for adventure unit study and independent reading
Common Core Standards: RL: 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 11; W: 4,10, 11; SL: 1, 2; L: 3
Recommended Grade Level: 5th grade, could be read with 4th grade and go up to 8th grade depending on purpose
Reviewed by: Bonnie Bellville, Van Schaick Grade School, Reading Teacher, 1/13

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Pennypacker, Sara – Summer of the Gypsy Moths
©2012, 275p.
Description: Realistic Fiction
Review: A wonderful story of how two girls who think they are total opposites end up realizing they may not be so different from one another.  Stella and Angel are two 12-year old girls living with Louise.  Louise is Stella’s great aunt who took her in while her mother “finds herself.”  Louise also took in Angel as a foster child.  The girls can’t seem to get along until a terrible tragedy happens.  Louise dies and the girls are frightened of what might happen to them.  Together they devise a plan of not letting anyone know Louise has died.  They take on many responsibilities including taking over Louise’s role of caretaker of Linger Longer Cottage Colony on Cape Cod.  The girls are able to keep their secret for some time.  In the end their dream of belonging becomes a reality. 
Curriculum Connections: Independent reading book, especially for those who are longing for a sense of belonging; could also be read as part of a realistic fiction unit of study
Common Core Standards: RL: 2, 3, 10, 11; FS: 4; SL: 4
Recommended Grade Level: 5th grade, could be read through 8th grade
Reviewed by: Bonnie Bellville, Van Schaick Grade School, Reading Teacher, 1/13

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Philbrick, Rodham-The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg
c2009, 224 p.
Description- Historical Fiction/Humor/Adventure, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review- From the forward, “To everyone who lied and found their way back to the truth, Keep Reading” straight through the lightening quick plot, the reader will not be bored and will surely learn about history and moral dilemma as our main character, Homer P. Figg sets off on an emotional quest to make sense of the world he lives in and to find people and ideas to believe in.  The year is 1863 and the American Civil War is in full swing when Harold, Homer’s protector and older brother is illegally conscripted into the Union Army.  Homer runs away from his uncle, the “meanest man in the entire state of Maine” in an effort to save his underage brother from the war.  Along the way, Homer has misadventures and survives because of courage, luck and most importantly, a talent for telling tales.  The colorful language and rich descriptions of various scoundrels of all type are set with a comic tone, as evident in the names of the main villains, Stick and Smelt.  Philbrick uses descriptive sentences filled with clever metaphors and similes of the times.  He included a glossary in the back for reference.  Although there is a tall tale feeling from this story, there are also a lot of historical references to the time folded in such as the Battle of Gettysburg and the Underground Railroad.
Curriculum Connections- Excellent to use as a mentor text for a lesson on descriptive language.  In addition, this book would be great to use as a read aloud during the Civil War Unit.  Finally, you could use this as an independent reading book focusing on characters with moral dilemmas.
NYS Standards-All ELA Standards apply, Social Studies Standard 1: History of the United States
Awards- 2010 Newbery Honor
                  2010 ALA Notable Children’s Book
                  2010-2011 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award
                  Several others
Recommended Grade Level- Grade 5
Reviewed by-Carol Herrington, Hillside School, Grade 4 Teacher, 03/2011

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Pitchford, Dean The Big One-Oh
©2009  181 pp.
Description-realistic fiction
Book Review-Readers will rally behind Charley Maplewood, a nine -year old loner.  He has a typical teenage sister, a preoccupied single mother and some unusual interests.  Charley’s struggle for acceptance and friendship come to a head when he begins planning his tenth birthday party without any prospects for a guest list.  Even when he manages to gather guests, his troubles are far from over.
Curriculum Connections- Literature circles with friendship as a theme.  Told from a boy’s perspective, the Big One Oh makes a perfect pairing to Hahn’s Daphne’s Book, depicting a girl’s struggle with friendships and fitting in.
Standards- Standard 2-Speaking and writing/- write original pieces in a variety of literary forms, correctly using the conventions of the genre and using structure and vocabulary to achieve an effect
Awards- Mark Twain Award
Recommended for Grade 5
Reviewed by Ellen DiRienzo Birchwood Elementary 2/2011 Grade 5

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Polacco, Patricia – The Lemonade Club
Illus by Patricia Polacco, ©2007, unp
Description- Picture book
Review- Another beautiful, moving story from Patricia Polacco.  It is about 2 close friends and classmates who are forced to learn about making lemonade from lemons when one of the girls is diagnosed with leukemia.  With the help of their amazing, supportive teacher they meet the challenge with courage and friendship.  The story is based on the experience of Ms. Polacco’s daughter, making it especially powerful. The illustrations capture the emotional roller coaster you find yourself on as you make your way through this excellent book.
Suggestions for Classroom Use – A wonderful read aloud to use when working on health and/or friendship units
NYS Standards – ELA 1 and 2
Recommended Grade Level – Grade 5
Reviewed by – Caryn Feig, Birchwood Elementary School, Special Education Teacher, 7/09

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Preller, James. Six Innings
©2008, 143 p.
Description - Realistic Fiction, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – This is a story of friendship between two boys, Sam and Mike who were on the same Little League team, Earl Grubb’s Pool Supplies. The entire book is an account of the Championship Game. The book imparts many of the universal truths of young athletes and organized sports. Young boys will see themselves, fathers, or friends in the characters of Six Innings. The author tells a parallel story of Sam and Mike’s friendship and the effect of Sam’s osteosarcoma on their friendship. Like The Goodbye Time, the story is a wonderful example of life is not always easy but with perseverance it does get better again. This would be a great book to recommend to a boy who loves baseball but doesn’t particularly enjoy reading. The author is also a local resident (Delmar), which might be intriguing to some readers.
Curriculum Connections - It would be a great read aloud or literature circle choice to springboard discussion centered on friendship, peer relationships, or family interactions. The Goodbye Time and Six Innings could be paired literature circle choices to spark common discussion threads involving both boys and girls points of view. Six Innings captures what so many 5th, 6th or even 7th grade students may be feeling that opportunity for discussion is endless!
NYS Standards - HPF3.FC3: to nurture and support positive relationships at home, work, and in the community
Recommended Grade Level - 5th grade and up
Reviewed by - Carole VanAlstyne, Birchwood Elementary School, 5th grade, 7/09

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Riordan, Rick – The Maze of Bones
©2008, 220 p.
Description: Mystery – Intermediate Chapter Book
Review:  This was a great book.  Blend together a world-wide scavenger hunt, mysterious clues, tons of money and a variety of characters, both good and bad and you will have The Maze of Bones.  Dan and Amy, our two protagonists are sent off on a world wide chase to solve the mystery and win the prize, a fortune in money and power.  Reluctant readers will love this story, for the adventure, and the challenge.  The book comes with trading cards that work with an on-line contest.  This helps you feel like you are part of the story.  The additional information found on the website http://www.the39clues.com/ , this allows the story to continue even after you have finished the book (while you are waiting for the sequels). 
Curriculum Connections:  Read aloud and American History Research
Awards:  NY Times Best Seller; School Library Journal Starred Review
NYS Standards Connections: Social Studies Standard 1 Key Idea 2;
21st Centruy Learning Skills Analyzing, accessing, managing, integrating, evaluating and creating information in a variety of forms and media. Understanding the role of media in society;
ISTE 1
ISTE 2
ISTE 5
Grade Level: Grade 5, but also be enjoyable for middle school readers - gr. 6
Reviewed by: Cara Buckley, RCS Middle School, Library Media Specialist, 01/09

Riordan, Rick – The 39 Clues Book 1: The Maze of Bones
© 2008, 220 p.
Description – Fiction, Adventure, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – I love this book! So many students in my class have been hooked on this series, and now I know why. Amy and Dan’s grandmother passes away and instead of leaving them an inheritance, she decides to give many members of the family a choice between one million dollars or to go on a mission that could lead them to be more powerful than they could ever imagine. Amy and Dan decide to take the mission which is like a scavenger hunt, only much more dangerous. I loved how this book was fun, adventurous, and mysterious all in one. It kind of reminded me of James Bond for kids. I also love how each book was written by a different author which exposes children to someone they may have not chosen to read before. I cannot wait to read the rest of the series and I’m excited to hear that they are writing a new series to go with this one also!
Curriculum Connections – In the book, Dan is the younger brother while Amy is very book smart. She reads a ton and remembers much of what she reads. Dan asks questions that many kids would have and Amy is able to answer the questions so that kids are able to understand. With this being said, there is a lot of information and mention of many famous people in history like Benjamin Franklin, Napoleon Bonaparte, Isaac Newton, and Winston Churchill. I would easily be able to group my students together to research these people to get more information about them. Also in the book, the teams travel around Boston, Philadelphia, and Paris so students could locate the cities and historic landmarks in the cities on a map. I think that this series could get kids excited about learning and starting their own scavenger hunts using topics learned in class!
Standards – Social Studies SS2.E.1A, SS2.E.1B, SS2.E.1C, SS2.E.2B, SS3.E.1C
Awards – The New York Times best seller list
Grade Level – This book would be appropriate for a fifth grade class, but third or fourth graders would enjoy it as well.
Reviewed by – Tara Coppolo, Radez Elementary School, Fifth Grade, 8/11

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Riordan, Rick Titan’s Curse (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book 3)
©2007, 312p.
Description: Mythology, Fantasy-Young Adult
Review:  What would you do if you found out you were half human and half Greek God?  Well, this is what Percy Jackson has been dealing with! He is just finally getting used to the idea, except that he is always being attacked by mythological monsters, who in fact, are not a myth!!  Percy finds himself back in the action in his 3rd book, The Titan’s Curse.  He will have to fight his old friend Luke, who is trying to take over Olympus and the Gods.  He meets some new and unexpected friends that help him in his journey.  You will love the heart-pounding adventure, and laugh the whole way as you follow Percy on his adventures to save the Greek Gods.
Curriculum Connections: Excellent if you are doing a Fantasy/Adventure unit.  Also can be connected to Greek Mythology, and even the summer/winter Olympics!  If you get students involved on the first book—they will be hooked for the next two!
NYS Standards Connections: All ELA Standards, Social Studies 3 (Geography), Social Studies Standard 5 (Civics, Citizenship, and Government),
Recommended: 5th Grade (would also be appropriate for 4th-8th)
Reviewed by: Suzanne Sogoian, Craig Elementary, SLMS

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Ripken, Jr., Cal (with Kevin Cower) – Hothead  
©2011,144 p.
Description- Realistic Fiction, Chapter book for grades 4 and up
Review – My 12 year old son and I both loved this book!  The main character is Connor Sullivan, age 12, who is an amazing shortstop. Connor’s dad is out of work and the family is going through some financial struggles. Connor starts having temper tantrums at the baseball games over small issues. It takes some time but finally Connor finds a way to pull himself together. My son and I both enjoyed the baseball talk but some students may have a harder time understanding the lingo if they haven’t played the game before.
Curriculum Connections – This would be a good book for a read aloud (talking about family problems, and character education). I could see using this book for a small group of students to read together (especially boys) for a book club. The group could discuss and blog or journal as they read.
NYS Standards – ElA RE 01, RE 03, RE 07, LI 01, LI 02, LI 03, LI 04
Grade Level – This is about a 12 year old boy. I could see students (and especially boys) from about grade 4 and up reading this. This would be especially appropriate for 6th and 7th graders.
Reviewed by – Pam O’Brien, Substitute teacher in various districts. July 17, 2011

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Russell, Rachel Renee  – Dork Diaries Book 1: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life
© 2009, 282 p.
Description – Illustrated Realistic Fiction Intermediate Grade Book, This book is written in a diary format.
Review – Nikki wants nothing more than to fit in with the students in her new school, well, that and a new and hip cell phone. This is a realistic story of the ups and downs of middle school and trying to overcome being the “new girl”. Nikki meets new friends and finds a way of balancing everything at once. I enjoyed this book because of its humor and how it brought me back to my middle school days. The book is very relatable for young girls and many students, girls and boys, have read it this year in my class so I felt like I had to see what the buzz what all about.
Curriculum Connections – I think that this is a great book to talk about peer relationships and character education.
Standards – HPF1.I.FC1C
Awards – The New York Times Bestseller
Grade Level – This book would be a great fit for fifth graders preparing to go to the middle school, but it would be enjoyable for fourth graders to read also.
Reviewed by – Tara Coppolo, Radez Elementary School, Fifth Grade, 7/11

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Schlitz, Laura Amy-Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices From A Medieval Village
Illustrator-Byrd, Robert, ©2007, 85p.
Description-Juvenile Drama/Plays-Historical Fiction-Middle Ages
Review- I absolutely loved this book which is a collection of miniature plays: nineteen monologues and two dialogues describing life on a Medieval Manor in England, 1255. Each mini play takes about three minutes to perform as a reader’s theater.  All of the characters are between ten and fifteen years old.  Some are from the English nobility and others are peasants.  Some of the characters know each other. You’re heart will break for Taggot, the homily blacksmith’s daughter.  You’ll cheer for Mogg, the villian’s daughter who suffers abuse and saves Paradise, the family cow. My favorite pair of characters is Isobel, the lord’s daughter and Barbary, the mud slinger. The two dialogues included are to be read like Paul Fleischman’s poems for two voices, Joyful Noise.  The author includes footnotes with each play which is very helpful in aiding comprehension of the play.  Also included are pages of background knowledge explaining the three- field system, falconry, the crusades and more.  These mini plays are fascinating about surviving life during medieval times. Reluctant readers will love them! Finally, some reader’s theatre that is age appropriate for intermediate-middle grade students especially boys. Don’t miss out on reading this one!
Curriculum Connections- Great for reader’s theatre, everyone has equal time to perform. This book goes well with the study of the Middle Ages. Could also be a model for creative writing.
Awards- 2007 John Newberry Medal
NYS Standards-Social Studies- World History SS2.1, SS2.2.3, SS4.1.1A, SS5.1.4A
The Arts: Theatre- ARTS1.TH3, ARTS2.TH3, ARTS3.1.TH3A, ARTS3.1 TH3C, ARTS4.TH3
Grade Level- Fifth, but also appropriate for 4th through 8th.
Reviewed by- Holly Ackerknecht, G.D. Ryder Elementary, Remedial Reading, 1/09

Schlitz, Laura Amy – Good Masters!  Sweet Ladies!  Voices from a Medieval Village
Illus. by Robert Byrd, ©2007, 85 p.
Description- Historical Fiction/ Written as a series of monologues and dialogues
Review- 23 young villagers who range from the village idiot to the privileged lord’s offspring introduce the reader to an English village in 1255.  The stunning illustrations and detailed map at the beginning bring a feeling of authenticity and life to the book.  Through the use of interconnected monologues and dialogues this well researched play (a 4 page bibliography is included) details the medieval life of each character and how they relate to each other until a whole performance is created.  Each character sketch builds upon each other with issues of the time that are relatable today.  The distinct personalities and social rank are shown not by facts, but by stories of life mixed with historical notes in the margins and several short essays on topics relating to the period.  This is a confusing book to categorize; it is part historical, part drama, and there are elements of both fiction and non-fiction present.  One might say there is something for everyone, all wrapped up with in this one book.
Curriculum Connections-Excellent for reader’s theatre and the obvious Social Studies Connection.  However, lessons on prose and verse could also be taught.  In addition, creative usage of non-fiction writing is modeled and could be used as a mentor text.
NYS Standards-All ELA Standards apply.  Social Studies Standard 2: World History
Awards- 2008 Newbery Medal
ALA Notable Children’s Book
Bank Street College-Children’s Book of the Year
NY Public Library 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing 2009-2010
Several More
Recommended Grade Level- Grade 5
Reviewed by-Carol Herrington, Hillside School, Grade 4 Teacher, 03/2011

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Selznick, Brian  - The Invention of Hugo Cabret
©2007, 550 pages
Description - Historical Fiction, Adventure Thriller
Review - This is a mystery story told in words and pictures-don’t be scared by the number of pages!  The story takes place in Paris in the 1930’s.  Twelve year old Hugo lives with his Uncle in a train station.  His Uncle runs the clocks there, and when he disappears Hugo tries to take over for him.  He discovers a mechanical man and sketches from his father and tries to figure out how they are connected.  When he is caught stealing from the old man who runs the station toy booth, his life starts rushing forward as he is forced to give his trust to a young girl in hopes that she can help him solve the mystery of the mechanical man.  In an unexpected twist, Hugo discovers that the girl’s grandfather not only created the mechanical man, but is a famous yet forgotten pioneer in the film industry.  This story is unlike any that I have read before.  The drawings are magnificent and help the reader make sense of the plot.  I was unfamiliar with Paris in the 1930’s and as such was fascinated by the descriptions of how children were viewed there, as well as the explanations of the beginnings of the film industry.  I love how the tale resolves itself.  My 11 year old and my 9 year old sons both read this book and said it was great!  Check out the website at: http://www.theinventionofhugocabret.com/index.htm
Curriculum Connections - Language Arts uses:  Units on Historical Fiction, Film
Awards
-2008 Caldecott medal
-Finalist for the 2007 National Book Awards in the Young People's Literature category.
-New York Times #1 Bestseller
-Named one of the New York Times Ten Best Illustrated Books of the Year.
-Won the Quill Award in the Children's Chapter/Middle Grade category.
NYS Standards Connections -
Standard SS2: World History
Students will use a variety of intellectual skills to demonstrate their understanding of major ideas, eras, themes, developments, and turning points in world history and examine the broad sweep of history from a variety of perspectives.
Standard ARTS3: Responding to and Analyzing Works of Art
Students will respond critically to a variety of works in the arts, connecting the individual work to other works and to other aspects of human endeavor and thought.
Grade Level (s) - Grades 4/5
Reviewed by - Ellie Colby, Craig Elementary School, Fifth Grade Teacher, 1/23/08

Selznick, Brian   The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Illus. by Brian Selznick, ©2007, 533p.
Description- Fiction, Mystery
Review- Upon first seeing the book it looks overwhelming for 8-12 year old children.  The size alone would tend to turn most children off reading it.  Upon beginning the book the reader is pleasantly surprised and drawn in by both the story and the black and white drawings.  Once you start reading the book there are many cliffhangers that keep the reader from wanting to put the book down. 
It is a story about a boy who is orphaned and hides out in the Paris train station in the 1930’s. Upon his father’s death his uncle takes him in and teaches him how to care for the clocks in the station.  Hugo is once more orphaned when his uncle disappears and Hugo continues taking care of the clocks so as not to be found and sent to an orphanage. While living in the train station Hugo meets a girl and her uncle.  The story is about how they interact and come together and help each other overcome their problems.
Curriculum Connections- This book is great for when teaching predicting with students.  The students would be able to come up with   It can also be used for writing.  The children could use the part with the pictures to imagine and write their own part of the story.
Awards-2008 Caldecott, Quill Award, A National Book Award Finalist
NYS Standards: All ELA Standards
Grade Level- Grade 5
Reviewed by- Eileen McGrail, Radez Elementary School, Reading Specialist, 7/2010

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Selznick, Brian - Wonderstruck.
Illus. by Brian Selznick, c2011, 627 pages (including acknowledgements and selected bibliography)
Description: Historical Fiction
Review: This is a fascinating book that intertwines two stories, one in words and one in breathtaking illustrations. The book begins with the story of Ben, which is set in 1977 and told through text. Soon the reader begins to realize that there is a second story that is simultaneously being told in pictures. This story is centered around the character of Rose set in 1927. As the stories unfold it becomes apparent that the characters have much in common. Both are physically challenged by being deaf. Emotionally, both Ben and Rose are dealing with the emotional loss of their mothers- one due to death, the other due to circumstance. This story is rich in developing a historical setting, family history, and bringing together two unlikely stories to an amazing conclusion. Brian Selznick has written a poignant story and has conveyed great research in regard to time periods, the museum, as well as the world of the deaf. The illustrations are incredible and create a journey that the reader finds themselves emotionally invested.
Curriculum Connections: This book would work well as an interactive read aloud, projecting the book for all to  see.  The illustration/text format offers a wide menu of discussion points, beginning with the most basic of the relationship between text and illustration.
NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5
RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).
Awards: Schneider Family Book Award (This book is currently being considered for other awards according to articles I have recently read.)
Recommended Grade Level: Grade 4 and above (high level readers)
Reviewed by: Kathleen Palmieri, Karigon Elementary, Fifth Grade Teacher 7/22/12

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Sleator, William - Among the Dolls
First Printing 1975 Reprint 2007 96p.
Description/Genre- Fiction/Horror, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review- This book was awesome! This book captured the group, it reminded me of a Stephen King book for the younger generation, but less graphic. I read this with my fifth grade reading group.  I was nervous to read  this book with the group, because most are boys and I figured with the title alone they wouldn't want to read it. But upon hearing the summary on the back, the group was hooked. A young girl, Vicky, gets a doll house for her birthday-something she didn't want. I bet we can all relate to this at some point, the kids sure could.  However Vicky's life changes one day when she wakes up in the doll house, her nightmare has just begun. 
Suggestions for Classroom Use/Curriculum Connections-This is great for character education. The young girl, Vicky,  in this story has to over come many personal obstacles. In the reader's guide at the back of the book, there is a great suggestion to observe a child like a toddler to see how they navigate around things that are larger than themselves. I thought this was a wonderful idea and concept for  the children to try.
NYS Standards Connections- ElA3.PK.SP4 Language for Literacy Response and Expression and NLA3, MST3.E.MM4D use variables such as height, weight and hand size to predict change over time.
Recommended Grade Level(s)-5th grade Also appropriate for 4th grade.
Reviewed By-Regina Anderson Cobleskill-Richmondville School, Reading/Writing Teacher 1-5 1/09

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Snyder Zilpha Keatley. The Bronze Pen.
© 2009, 208 pages
Description: Fantasy
Review: Audrey Abbott loves to write and hopes to one day be a famous writer. However, her father is very ill with a heart condition making it impossible for him to work. This puts a burden on Audrey’s mom who has to work to provide for the family. With many responsibilities, Audrey must put her writing second to helping care for her father. When time allows, Audrey would sneak off to write and one day comes upon an old women in a cave. This woman seems to be able to read Audrey’s thoughts. She gives Audrey an odd bronze pen. The woman warns Audrey to use the pen wisely. Soon Audrey begins to experience some odd happenings when she writes with the pen. She soon realizes what she writes with the pen becomes the truth. The saying to be careful what you wish for plays an important role in this story. Will the pen help Audrey save her father’s life or will the pen prove to be a curse? 
Curriculum Connections:This book makes a wonderful read aloud. Comparing and contrasting realistic fiction and fantasy makes for a lively discussion. Students can pull out the realistic elements of this story and connections to their own lives. Having students identify the fantasy elements of this story is also beneficial. Another great discussion prompt is discussing the difference between needs and wants.  As writers, students could be prompted to write about what they would do if they had a magical pen that would grant their wishes.
NYS Common Core Standards: English Language Arts Standards » Reading: Literature » Grade 5
RL.5.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text, including how characters in a story or drama respond to challenges or how the speaker in a poem reflects upon a topic; summarize the text. RL.5.3. Compare and contrast two or more characters, settings, or events in a story or drama, drawing on specific details in the text (e.g., how characters interact).W.5.1. Write opinion pieces on topics or texts, supporting a point of view with reasons and information. W.5.3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
Recommended Grade Level: Grade3-5 is suggested. I believe 5+.
Reviewed by: Kathleen Palmieri, Karigon Elementary, Fifth Grade Teacher, 7/12

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Standiford, Natalie - The Secret Tree
©2012, 245p.
Description – Fiction/Mystery, Intermediate grade chapter book
Review – This book is a real page-turner, with elements of mystery, voodoo curses, and a suspected witch.  Minty loves roller derby, and she and her best friend, Paz, have big plans for a team.  When Minty discovers The Secret Tree, everything changes, and she begins a summer of spying to find out whom each secret belongs to.   Along the way, she learns important life lessons, and makes new friends in the process.   This story will keep kids guessing right up to the end.
Curriculum Connections – This is an excellent book to use in teaching how to make predictions and inferences supported by text.   I think students will really connect to the story and its characters.   It is also a great choice for a mystery genre study.
Standards –  ELA – Reading – RL.5.1, RL.5.2, RL.5.3, RL.5.4, RL.5.5, RL.5.6, RL.5.7, RL.5.9
Grade Level – 5th Grade and up.
Reviewed by – Sara Warner, Paige Elementary School, 4th Grade Teacher, 8/12

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Stead, Rebecca – When You Reach Me
Illus. by Kate Gartner, ©2009, 200 p.
Description- Fiction/Fantasy (First Person), Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review- This book within a book is inspired by Madeleine L’Engle’s A Wrinkle in Time, and readers familiar with that book with recognize the ties to the mystery and plot of this book.  Set in the very different, but not too distant past (1979), twelve-year-old Miranda lives in New York City with her mother.  As the family struggles with financial issues counting on the goal of winning the $20,000 Pyramid TV game show, Miranda presents like any other middle school child trying to navigate the path of friendship, family and identity. Throughout the story Miranda gains and loses friends.  Life lessons on how small acts of kindness or meanness can affect others are taught in an authentic and natural way. As the thought-provoking plot slowly, slowly unfolds, there are hints of fantasy and real middle school drama mixed together.  Once the mysterious notes start arriving claiming to be from the future and intended to save her, her friends and the writer’s lives, everything becomes clearer.  Like a puzzle, as you keep reading the pieces finally fit together.  The fragmented writing style of the author with short 2-3 page chapters all with headings that read like the categories of the game show, lends itself to stretching out the story, giving the reader time to ponder the mystery of time travel.  Once you finish this clever book you are tempted to reread it a second time to see how the pieces fit together, to see if you missed any strategic clues, or maybe you have already rushed to the library to check out A Wrinkle in Time, the book that started it all.
Curriculum Connections-Excellent to do as a two book compare and contrast.  Also strong character development and voice.  Finally, great for lessons in plot development where you draw the reader in not telling everything up front.
NYS Standards-All ELA Standards apply
Awards- 2010 Newbery Medal
                2010 ALA Notable Children’s Book
                2010 ALA Best Book for Young Adults Top 10
                Several More
Recommended Grade Level- Grade 5
Reviewed by-Carol Herrington, Hillside School, Grade 4 Teacher, 03/2011

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Tak, Babi Dumon – Soldier Bear
Illus. by Philip Hopman, ©2011, 158p.
Description: Realistic Fiction
Review: This story is based on real events during World War II.  A group of Polish soldiers adopt a brown bear cub, Voytek.  The bear becomes the soldiers’ mascot while they travel through Iran and Iraq during the war.  However, a cub doesn’t stay a cub.  Voytek gets into mischief along the way but the soldiers rescue him from the trouble to ensure that he does not lose the permission of being part of the crew.  He is entertaining to the soldiers and brings joy and happiness to their lives at a difficult time.  Throughout the text there are pencil drawings.  The author includes actual photographs and maps at the end depicting parts of the story.  Truly a positive story of wartime.
Curriculum Connections: great read aloud to connect to social studies or a realistic fiction study unit
Common Core Standards: RL: 2, 3, 9, 11; SL: 1, 2; L: 3
Recommended Grade Level: 5th , could be read independently through 7th or 8th grade
Reviewed by: Bonnie Bellville, Van Schaick Grade School, Reading Teacher, 1/13

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Tooke, Wes – King of the Mound: My Summer With Satchel Paige
© 2012, 160 pages
Description: Historical Fiction, Intermediate grade chapter book
Review: Twelve year old Nick is a kid who loves baseball.  He lives in a small town in the late 1930’s that centers on the local minor league team. Nick is an aspiring pitcher until he comes down with Polio.  The virus leaves him with a weak leg and, more importantly, a defeated spirit.  Nick meets Satchel Paige while working at the stadium and he learns a lot about rediscovering his ambition and overcoming obstacles.  True baseball fans will love the historical references about Satchel Paige.  The story also focuses on the segregation issues of that time.  Tooke integrates the theme of overcoming hardships on many levels.  Tooke’s book is wonderfully told and is an easy read.  It will likely appeal to reluctant readers who might have a love for baseball.
Curriculum Connections: A wonderful read aloud for 4th or 5th classrooms.  Could be used in a book club whose theme is overcoming physical disabilities; Could be used as a companion book when reading All the Way Home by Patricia Reilly Giff, another book featuring the main character having Polio.  A wonderful jumping off resource when discussing segregation and the Jim Crow laws of the time period.
Common Core Standards: R.L. 5.2, R.L 5.3, R.L 5.5, R.L 5.6, R.L 5.9
Grade Level: 5th grade
Reviewed by: Cheri Hart, Enrichment Teacher at Guilderland Central Schools, August 2012

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Tooke, Wes – Lucky: Maris, Mantle and My Best Summer Ever
© 2011, 192 pages
Description: Historical Fiction, Intermediate grade chapter book
Review:  In the summer of 1961, Louis is forced to spend the summer with his dad and his new family, including a competitive, selfish stepbrother.  He also lands a job as a bat boy for the New York Yankees.  Any true Yankee fan will know that this was the infamous summer of the homerun battle between Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle.  Louis is an immediately lovable 12 year old that is battling a lack of self-confidence and struggling with his parents’ divorce.  The story weaves in the coming of age concerns along with historical references to these famous baseball players.  Any baseball fan won’t be able to put it down and will, inevitably, want to know more about Maris and Mantle. 
Curriculum Connections: Perfect book when studying coming of age themes; Could be used as a jumping off point for further research about the Yankees, the summer of 1961 and the famous homerun battle.   
Common Core Standards: R.L. 5.2, R.L 5.3, R.L 5.5, R.L 5.6, R.L 5.9
Grade Level: 5th grade
Reviewed by: Cheri Hart, Elementary Enrichment Teacher at Guilderland Central Schools, August 2012

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Weissman, Elissa Brent– Nerd Camp
©2011, 272p.
Description – Fiction
Review – Great book for leisure reading, especially for boys, or for a teacher to read to a class of reluctant readers. There are lots of pranks and amusing events in this book about a likeable boy, Gabe, who is attending a camp for “smart kids”.  Gabe is going through some changes that many kids can relate to, like his father remarrying, gaining a new stepbrother he’d like to impress, wondering if he is a complete nerd, and trying to be “cool”.  It’s an enjoyable and comedic book with a happy ending in which Gabe appreciates and embraces his “nerdiness”  and realizes that you can be a nerd and be cool, too.
Curriculum Connections – This book is just for the fun of reading, but some teachers have replicated the Nerd Camp Competition called the “Color Wars,” and there are ideas online on how to conduct a “Color War”.
NYS and Common Core Connections –  CCSS  5.RL.2, 5.RL.3, 5.RL.6
Grade Level – 5th grade
Reviewed by – Heather O’Leary, Hamilton Elementary School, ESL teacher, 07/12

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Williams-Garcia, Rita One Crazy Summer
© 2010  215p.
Description/Genre – Fiction, Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review- The year is 1968. Delphine and her younger sisters, Vonetta and Fern, are traveling to California to visit their mother that abandoned them soon after Fern was born. The girls have these grandiose ideas about their mother. She will hug them, beg for forgiveness and be remorseful and then take them to Disneyland. Instead, their mother, Cecile, doesn't want anything to do with them. She barely acknowledges them for the 28 days they are there. She cares more about her poetry and work then she does the girls she left behind. To keep the girls busy and out of her hair she sends them to a Blank Panther-run summer camp during the day. The girls learn about revolution, forgiveness and family in a summer they will never soon forget. Suggestions for Classroom Use/ Curriculum Connections- This book can be used to talk about character development, the civil rights movement, the history of the 1960’s, the Black Panthers.
NYS & Common Core Standards Connections- Language Arts  Standards for grade 5: RL.5.1, RL.5.2, RL.5.3, RL.5.4, RL.5.5, RL.5.6, RL.5.7, RL.5.8, RL.5.9,RL.5.10
Awards: Newberry Honor book, Scott O’Dell Award for Historical Fiction, Coretta Scott King Award, National Book Award Finalist
Recommended Grade Level(s) - Grade 5, but also appropriate for grades 6-8
Reviewed by – Regina Anderson, CRCS, Reading Teacher, 7/12

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Winter, Jonah     Born and Bred in the Great Depression
Root, Kimberly Bulcken  ©2011,  40 pp.
Genre: Non-fiction picture book, written in verse
Review: In a sensitive way, the author introduces the reader to his father’s childhood home next to the train tracks in East Texas during the 1930’s. The blue-tinted watercolor drawings provide the somber background for the details of childhood that children would be interested in learning. The endpapers have reproductions of eight photographs of the Winter family from the time.
Suggestions for Use: Teachers could share this picture book during a study of family generations. Later, it could be used during fifth grade social studies to make the Depression Era come alive.
NYS Standards: ELA: Reading: Craft and Structure; Social Studies, Standard 1
Recommended Grade Level:  grades 3 – 5
Reviewed by: Dottie Halligan, AIS Reading Teacher at Sacandaga School,Scotia-Glenville, 2/12

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Woodson, Jacqueline- Feathers
© 2007, 118p. 
Description- Realistic fiction, historical fiction
Review – Jacqueline’s ability to incorporate time-period music and feelings towards the Vietnam War add authenticity to this story set in a racially separated city during 1971.  This first person narrative is told by eleven year old, Frannie.  When a new white student comes to her all black class, she is forced to examine race and prejudice and the bullying that accompanies it. The class bully nicknames the new student Jesus due to his long hair and pale complexion.   Her best friend, a Baptist minister’s daughter, begins to believe that the new student might actually be Jesus.  Frannie is introspective and observant; through her eyes, the reader grapples with the question “How do you keep hope alive during difficult times?”  Although written in prose, the lyrical language used by Woodson directly connects to the Emily Dickinson poem “Hope”.  This story addresses timeless issues and shows how a family can support its members through the struggles of growing up despite miscarriages and being deaf.
Curriculum Connections- This book would be excellent choice for literature groups and an excellent read aloud.  As a writing mentor, lessons could be taught on dialogue, character development, theme and where ideas come from.
Standards- ELA 2-4, Health Standards 1 and 3,
Awards – 2008 Newbery Honor, 2006 Jacqueline Woodson won Margaret A. Edwards Award for significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature
Grade level-Grade five, but also appropriate for grades 4-8.
Review by- Chrissy O’Reilly, Hillside Elementary School, fifth grade, 2/11

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Woodson, Jacqueline – Peace, Locomotion
©2009, 136 p.
Description – Realistic Fiction (First Person)/Intermediate Grade
Review – Wow...this book kept me wanting to keep reading and cheering for Lonnie.  Lonnie, or Locomotion, as he is called tells this story in a series of letters to his sister Lili.  They live in separate foster homes after losing both their parents in a fire a few years ago.  Lonnie writes to his sister about memories of their family before the fire, and also about his life with his foster family, his thoughts on friends, school and the world.  His letters are both heartbreaking and uplifting, and in spite of all he has been through, he still finds hope for peace in his life and the world.  (This is a sequel to the book,  Locomotion, which is equally poignant and moving.)
Curriculum Connections – Guided reading book – I think this would be great for hooking reluctant boy readers.   It’s an excellent book for talking about characters overcoming adversity.
Standards – Reading: RL.5.2., RL.5.3., RL.5.4., RL.5.5., RL.5.6.
Grade Level – Because of the depth of issues Lonnie faces, I think this book is best for 5th grade and up.
Reviewed by – Sara Warner, Paige Elementary, 4th Grade Teacher, 8/12

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Yelchin, Eugene – Breaking Stalin’s Nose
Illus. by Eugene Yelchin, c2011, 154 p.
Description – Historical Fiction (First Person), Intermediate Grade Chapter Book
Review – What a powerful book.  This is the story of  Sasha, who is growing up in Stalinist Russia and  eagerly anticipates the day he will become a Young Pioneer. He is excited about  dedicating himself to Communism and proclaiming his loyalty to Josef Stalin.  Sasha’s world is turned upside down when his father is arrested, and he begins to question everything he has been taught to believe about his family and his country. 
Curriculum Connections - The book details this era in history through a child’s eyes, which makes the content accessible and easy to understand.  This would be a great read-aloud in social studies that could be used to start a discussion about the differences between life in a dictatorship and a democracy.  Sasha’s character also undergoes a major change from the beginning to the end of the story, which lends itself to a literary discussion of how a character can change over time.
Standards – Reading: RL.5.2, RI.5.3     Social Studies: Standard 5 – Civics, Citizenship & Government , Standard 2 – World History
Awards – Newberry Honor Book 2012
Grade Level – I think this book would be best for 5th graders and up. 
Reviewed by – Sara Warner, Paige Elementary School, 4th Grade Teacher, 8/12

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