Bookworm Buzz

Summer is coming to an end but I am still reading as part of the #bookaday challenge.  I have read 98 books so far this summer and there are still 8 days to go.  I think I can make my goal of 100 books!  Have you been keeping up with your summer reading?  What has been the best book that you have read so far? Leave a comment and let me know. :)
The Sasquatch Escape by Suzanne Selfors
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A fun  series about two friends and a veterinarian for imaginary creatures.  This book is just right for 4th graders and will become an instant hit with many students.  It will make a great addition to our mythology text sets.  I am looking forward reading the other adventures in this series.  There are a total of four books in this series so far.  Mrs. Richards will have to add this one to her LONG list of books to get for the classroom library.  Let me know what you think.


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I'm My Own Dog by David Ezra Stein
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I laughed OUT LOUD at this book.  This book will be great when we learn about point of view and drawing conclusions.  Mrs. Richards MUST GET this book.  I have a feeling it is going to be one of those books that gets borrowed permanently. :)


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Bugs in My Hair! by David Shannon
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book!  A realistic fiction story with non fiction woven in, in the form of *facts.  An interesting text structure for students to explore.  In addition, students, teachers AND parents will make many connections with this book.  Mrs. Richards will have to get one for the nurse's office.  The illustrations are fun and the story is FUNNY. Let me know what you think.
Me and My Big Mouse by Ethan Long
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Funny, funny, funny.  This will be great when we talk about point of view and making inferences/drawing conclusions.  Author's craft (tongue and cheek) would be a good lesson for writer's looking to experiment with author's craft.


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Velvet, Vol. 1: Before the Living End by Ed Brubaker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For my high school friends who love graphic novels and a female heroine.  Velvet is a secret agent who needs to right a few wrongs.  I love her and have added this book to my pull list at Friendly Neighborhood Comics.  There is a great which contains an interview with Ed Brubaker, the author of the Velvet series. Let me know what you think


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Maple by Lori Nichols
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I loved it!!!  The message, the mini-lesson possibilities, the illustrations; this book even made Mrs. Merten cry.  Mrs. Richards will have to get this one. :)


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Ninja Boy Goes to School by N.D. Wilson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A really fun book for reader's and writer's workshop.  Many similes, inferences to make, connections and fun pictures to read.


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Julia, Child by Kyo Maclear
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

An interesting way to look at childhood and how to remember what it was like to be a kid.  Good read for the busy parent.


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Peanut Butter & Cupcake by Terry Border
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

An interesting take on friendship.  The illustrations were exciting.


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Dog Days of School by Kelly DiPucchio
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Interesting book with a theme of "be careful what you wish for, you just might get it." Much to discuss here!


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Nancy Knows by Cybèle Young
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Nancy has a hard time staying focused and remembering.  I think some students will make some interesting connections to Nancy and parents will be able to relate as well.


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Bad Bye, Good Bye by Deborah Underwood

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A great read for the student who is moving, or even a new student. The message of change unfolds gradually and with a sweet ending.  Students who have moved involuntarily, or will be moving away from friends will make many connections.

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If An Armadillo Went to a Restaurant by Ellen Fischer

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A book for our younger friends that is a good introduction to text structure.  The fiction and non fiction are woven together nicely and would be great for younger readers.

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Joy in Mudville by Bob Raczka

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

What happened AFTER the mighty Casey struck out at the plate?  This book gives an answer, and it is a girl named Joy!  Told in rhyming verse, this book can be used in writer's workshop when writing "what happened when the story ended?"  This book will make a nice addition to the poetry basket and the baseball basket.

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Zoe's Jungle by Bethanie Deeney Murguia

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A great way to show writers how to have two voices in a story without using dialogue.  The descriptive sentences and imagination are super.  The mini-lesson possibilities are endless with this book.

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Born from the Heart by Berta Serrano
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

Not my cup of tea and I think it would be confusing for many students.  The intent was good but the message missed the mark.


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