Ideas Are All Around is a lovely book written and illustrated by Caldecott Medal Winner Philip C. Stead.  The author writes, “I have to write a story today. That is my job. I write stories. But today I don’t have any ideas.”  He continues on a walk with his dog, and weaves together memories and ideas that are triggered by graffitied words and turtles in ponds.  The art is comprised of photos and paintings.  Inspiring for writers of all ages who need a nudge to get started,as well as readers and dreamers!   Ages 4+

interest: gr. 4+

some mature themes (i.e. alcoholic parents, neglect, medication for child)

GLE: 5.2, T, ______

This sequel to Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key  is both funny and heart- wrenching.  Joey is a tween who has ADD.  He lives with his mom, but this story is about the summer he spends with his beer-drinking, baseball-playing, humpty-dumpty - loving dad, whom he hasn't seen in several years. Both grandma (hooked up to an oxygen machine from all her smoking and Pablo, Joey's chew-happy dog appear in the story as well.

I prefer it as a read-aloud for younger children, as Joey endures intense interactions with those he is closest to, some of which may need processing.  I read JP Swallowed the Key to my 4th grade class a few years ago and they begged me to go on when it was time to stop.  Jack Gantos has a way of connecting with children - whether they see themselves as Joey, or a classmate or sibling of Joey's, all of the students fell for Joey's story.

  Joey is both endearing and annoying at once.  You won't help but feel sorry for him, and hope he goes away for awhile.  Let Joey pull on your heart strings, you'll laugh and cry, and leave with a fresh perspective on how life is different for each of us.

4/4 stars

realistic fiction

The Mysterious Benedict Society unleashed something in my imagination. Maybe it was the endearing qualities of the teachers and adults in the book and the way the children looked up to them. Maybe it was seeing life so clearly from a child's point of view (adventure first, everything else second!). Maybe it was a connection with these children who were rewarded for 'thinking outside the box'. I'm not sure, but this is one of my favorites!

Written for an intermediate reader, children much earlier in their reading career would enjoy this as a read aloud. It's complex - with many characters to keep track of - but there are few sub-plots so with some talking through, even emerging and fluent readers can enjoy this story.

There are some parts that might frighten young children, such as children being in a prison-like setting including solitary confinement. And, stories about absent parents and children being on their own. However, the overarching feeling of this book is triumph, strength, good vs. evil, independence and adventure. Do give it a read (and it's part 1 of a trilogy!).

IRL: 6.3

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is an imagination-capturing, fiction book.  Written for 11-13 year olds, according to Scholastic.com, it seems to be finding its way into the hands of younger and younger children.  The main characters are ages 12-18 and are fighting one another until their death.  You'll fall in love with the characters, celebrate with them, and grieve with them.  Intermediate readers will grapple with all that goes along with an adult 'great read' - love, loss,  wonderings, decision making. In a word - life.

This is one of those books that 'depends on the kid' as to when they are ready to read it.  Please read it all the way through before you decide if it is okay for your child!  Remember, it's not the vocabulary or phonics that may be challenging, but the themes.  Only for 'mature' children who are intermediate readers  (or a good read-aloud with a fluent reader).  

IRL:  5.3

A quick, humorous read aloud with my 7 yo. Betsy Byars brings to life two friends who love making maps and writing clues for one another in The Seven Treasure Hunts.

Although the characters are a bit one-dimensional, the Second Grade Book Club that we are a part of involved candid conversations about secret codes, writing clues, and making treasure maps. Be prepared for your young child to fall in love with mysteries after reading this book.

A perfect first chapter book for reluctant reader who is older, or a new fluent reader. Some more difficult words, but predictable characters make this one do-able. Also a good first read aloud to share with an older (age 5+) pre-reader. Intermediate readers would likely be bored with this one, but could practice their fluency by reading it aloud to a younger child - or to you!

IRL: 3.3

2 out of 5 stars

At our house we're working on shifting more responsibility from parent to child. As a preschooler, I didn't mind doing more, but as time has gone on, I've realized that my son can actually handle much more responsibility than I had previously given him credit for. (He made his own breakfast the other day!).

The picture book entitled Pigsty by, Mark Teague is a perfect story filled with 'natural consequences.' When Wendell's mother insists he cleans his room, Wendell is surprised by a pig lying on his bed. He decides to join the pig, and one by one, his room is home to several swine. With pig prints on his comic books and half-chewed baseball cards, Wendell decides enough is enough!

A sweet read-aloud to share with your non-reader, pre-reader or emerging reader. If you have an emerging reader he/she may be able to read this one, as it is filled with many sight words. There are, however, several words with less-common spelling patterns, so you may need to help your child with some of those. (Some examples: hooves, except, inspected).

IRL: 2.7

3.5 out of 5 stars

First written in 1944, Eleanor Estes' book The Hundred Dresses hasn't lost a bit of its charm over time.  The video-game playing, TV - watching, screen - loving monster that is my 7 year old completely empathized with the main character, Wanda who is different from everyone else in both her school and in her neighborhood.  She is bullied because of her name, her clothing, how she talks and how often she doesn't talk.  Estes paints a picture of a girl whom everyone has known at some point.  The book ends with an unexpected twist - it's not the same old 'underdog wins, happy ending.'  (Plus Wanda uses art to relate to the world around her, which I love).  If Wanda had been a student in my classroom, she would have inspired me to think outside the box, to wake up and start every day anew, to smile at the sunshine.  She's been captured beautifully on these pages.

A great read aloud for 1st graders and 8th graders alike.  

IRL 3.3

4.5 out of 5 stars

Akiko on the Planet Smoo by Mark Crilley is a great foray into the land of science fiction.  Akiko is a strong female character whom those from other planets look up to so much that they take her from her home on earth in order to utilize her great leadership skills.  Akiko is baffled that she be the one chosen for this role, and plays into it both tentatively and with renewed confidence in herself.

The eclectic and humorous cast of characters (Poog -the mute balloon head being our family favorite)  can't quite carry this adventure through to the end. There wasn't quite enough development in each character, making it difficult to connect with any of them.  The conclusion seems much less inspired than the rest of the book.  My son, and his 2nd grade compadres were candid when talking about the book's cover art, but lost their enthusiasm when it came to discussing any actual content.

This is the first in a series of Akiko's adventures.

IRL 4.5

2.5 out of 5 stars

Somehow I missed this charming tale when I was young.  I was so grateful that my dear teaching friend Sarah (see list of Superstars!) suggested that I read it.  Abel's Island by William Steig is an enchanting love story about two mice who set out to enjoy a picnic.  Abel is separated from his partner in a storm, and fights to survive the day to day loneliness that he faces in the wilderness. 

A real page-turner, but young ones might be afraid if reading just before bedtime so save it for a post-school or early morning shared read.  Appropriate read aloud for children ages 7 - 10 (depends on the child).  Independent reading level is around middle third grade.

IRL 3.5

5 out of 5 stars

Jack and the Seven Deadly Giants by Sam Swope, is an eclectic collection of stroies about - orphaned child - Jack's journey to find his mother.  His only companion is his pet cow, whom he tends to take for granted.  A new-fangled telling of the old classic, Jack and the Beanstalk, both boys and girls can connect with this likable adventurer as he galavants across the countryside coming head-to-head with laughable, outrageous giants.

A quick read with an outlandish final twist.  This was an excellent recommendation from our beloved Children's Librarian, Carol as our first adventure chapter book to read together.

I read this story to my son who is an emerging reader.  It would be appropriate for a fluent reader to read alone. It's about an early 4th grade reading level.  Age range: 6-10 years old (depends on the child, as always!).   There is a bit of mature language coming from one of the giants.  Of course, my son loved that line and tried it out a few times, but I'd rather have him hear it from her (the giant) than me!

RL: 4.3

Genre: fiction, fairytale