Mrs. D’s Reads

Think…
Pictures of Hollis Woods (Newbery Honor Book)
by Patricia Reilly Giff
Grade 4-7

This is a moving story that a lot of kids will relate to. Hollis is an unforgettable character, and her struggle to find a place to belong will really resonate. I love the role art plays in her life, in spite of all her troubles.

True Confessions Of Charlotte Doyle
by Avi
Grades 5-8

Rumor has it that Avi is coming to Spokane for Get Lit! this spring. This book came out 16 years ago, but it is still one of the most suspenseful mysteries I have ever read for kids. The historical setting, the adventure of the sea voyage, and the real danger Charlotte is in, all keep readers riveted. The diary format was a great way to tell this story.

Nothing But The Truth (Newbery Honor Book)
by Avi
Grade 6-9

Word on the street is that Avi is coming to Spokane this spring for Get Lit! This is one of my favorites of his books. Using this as a read-aloud would inspire some pretty amazing conversations about student rights, patriotism, and what it means to stand up for what you believe in.

Laugh…

A Day with Wilbur Robinson
by William Joyce
K-5

This has been re-released (with a couple new pictures) since there is a movie coming out (”Meet the Robinsons”). I have been a fan of this book, and of Joyce, since Dinosaur Bob first came out. “Wilbur Robinson: is understated, funny, and full of surprises to the observant reader.

Veronica
by Roger Duvoisin
Grades K-2

OK, I am a sucker for hippo stories, but this one is really good. There’s no place like home seems to be the message of this great story about a hippo who wants to live somewhere where she will get noticed. She quickly finds out that standing out in a crowd is not always a good thing. Kids will love Veronica’s adventures, and the illustrations are vivid and engaging.

Here’s my first batch of the new year…

London Calling
by Edward Bloor
Grades 5-9

I was a big fan of Bloor’s novel “Tangerine”, which I found gritty and interesting. This one uses a combination of Historical Fiction and Magical Realism to tell an interesting story about bullies, historical fact versus fiction, and family dynamics. An interesting read with some great conversations about truth and history built in.

Whales on Stilts
By M. T. Anderson
Grades 4-6

I read this with my daughter last year and it was hilarious! A bunch of language gags, and the images Anderson evokes with her descriptions of her heroes and villains alike will leave you in stitches. There are others in the series now, too.

Clementine
by Sara Pennypacker,
Grades 2-4

This is one of my favorite heroines to come along in awhile. Clementine is funny and fun and a little edgy, but very loveable. This would make a great comic read aloud for the slow winter months.

Notso Hotso
By Anne Fine
Grades 2-4

The author of Madame Doubtfire brings a hilarous story of a dog who doesn’t fit in. This would be a fun read aloud for long winter days.

Mama, I’ll Give You the World
by Roni Schotter
Grades 1-3 (and beyond…)

I was really touched by this tender (but not sappy) story of a young girl who recognizes that her mother is no longer as happy as she once was. She makes a plan to show her mother how much she is loved by bringing together all the people in her “world”. Beautiful illustrations and great language. What a message about compassion.

Pete the Sheep-Sheep
by Jackie French
Grades K-3

I am a sucker for a book about outsiders and others who march to their own drummer. This story, which reminds me a little of “Babe, The Gallant Pig” in its premise, is fun and will start all kinds of discussions about what it means to be yourself. A bonus is that Pete uses good manners to get the sheep to cooperate. A nice reminder for all of us!

Enjoy!!