Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants (The Questioneers) – Andrea Beaty

As a follow up to her fantastic STEAM based picture books, Andrea Beaty has created a series of chapter books that feature familiar characters like Rosie Revere, Ada Twist, and Iggy Peck as “the questioners”.  Utilizing questioning methods that scientists use to further their understanding and solve problems, “the questioners” are a terrific blend of science and fun.

Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants Book Cover Ada Twist and the Perilous Pants
Andrea Beaty
JUVENILE FICTION
Amulet Books
2020
144

"When Rosie Revere's Uncle Ned gets a little carried away wearing his famous helium pants, it's up to Ada and friends to chase him down. As Uncle Ned floats farther and farther away, Ada starts asking lots of questions: How high can a balloon float? Is it possible for Uncle Ned to float into outer space? And what's the best plan for getting him down?"--

I Wish You More – Ann Krouse Rosenthal

I Wish You More is a delightful book filled with wishes for the future.  It is a great text to use at the end of the year with students, but it is also a great option that can be used at the beginning of the year as you discuss classroom expectations and goals for the school year and beyond with learners of varying ages.

I Wish You More Book Cover I Wish You More
Amy Krouse Rosenthal
Juvenile Fiction
Chronicle Books
March 31, 2015
40

Way Back Wednesday ~ Wind in the Willows – Kenneth Grahame

This review was originally posted August 31, 2011.

Wind in the Willows is a HUGE favorite at our home!  This classic tale is filled with adventure and animals that behave like human beings. Grahame’s descriptive detail helps the reader “see” Mole, Water Rat, Badger, and Toad as well as appreciate their unique personalities and ultimately the friendship they share with one another.

As is often the case with classic tales, although enjoyed by children, this book is also loved by adults.  It truly is a great story that is a delight to read.

The Wind in the Willows Book Cover The Wind in the Willows
Kenneth Grahame
Nature stories
Wordsworth Collector's Editions
September 7, 2018
272

A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star – J.A.Myhre

A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star is the third book in the Rwendigo Series.  This African adventure story which features a boy, his sister, and an orphaned gorilla is filled with action.  It also includes many current concerns that face Africa including AIDS, malnutrition, and environmental concerns.  This series is written for upper elementary and middle school aged children, but is worthy of being partner read with a parent in order to discuss all the material presented in the text. 

While this complimentary book was provided for review by LitFuse Publicity Group, no other compensation was given.  All remarks are my personal and honest opinions. 

A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star Book Cover A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star
J. A. Myhre
Juvenile Fiction
Rwendigo Tales
September 18, 2017
144

Wayback Wednesday ~ The Hundred Dresses – Eleanor Estes

My daughter and I read this book together a couple of years ago, and we are still talking about it.

The Hundred Dresses tells a thought provoking tale about peer pressure.  Although written in the 1940’s it is sadly still highly relevant.  It is a short book, but there is great depth to this story.  I chose to partner read it with our daughter.  It served as the catalyst for some excellent discussion about friends and friendship.  Even as an adult I found the story compelling and haunting.  It really sticks with you.

Way Back Wednesday ~ The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis

This post was originally published on July 16, 2016.  Our daughter received the boxed set of this edition of The Chronicles of Narnia for Christmas, and she has been delighting in re-reading the series on her own.

The Chronicles of Narnia is an amazing fantasy series with strong Biblical themes.  It can be enjoyed by children as well as adults.  Our daughter has been reading thru the series with Dad at bedtime and loves it.  I highly recommend partner reading these book aloud with your child and discussing them.  There is a lot to take in for the reader on every page.  This particular edition of the series includes beautiful illustrations and would make a terrific gift.

Way Back Wednesday ~ Crenshaw – Katherine Applegate

Living in Texas with a fourth grader who loves to read, The Texas Bluebonnet Award program is a big deal at our house.  Students in grades 3-6 across the state read nominated books and get to vote for the winner.  Our daughter is delighting in reading all of the nominated books this year.  One of her favorites is Crenshaw which she just recently re-read on her own.

This post was originally published March 30, 2016.

As huge fans of The One and Only Ivan, our family was eager to see what Katherine Applegate would write next.  We were not disappointed!  Crenshaw is awesome!  Just as The One and Only Ivan was a book we opted to partner read with our daughter; Crenshaw was as well.  Dealing with serious topics is handled masterfully by Applegate, but with our daughter’s sensitive nature, reading the book together was the right choice for our family.

Homelessness is a challenging topic to read about at any age .  To create a book targeted to eight to twelve year-olds that tackles the topic is particularly difficult.  The use of an imaginary friend was a powerful tool in making this book age appropriate and highly enjoyable.

The Chronicles of Narnia – C.S. Lewis

The Chronicles of Narnia is an amazing fantasy series with strong Biblical themes.  It can be enjoyed by children as well as adults.  Our daughter has been reading thru the series with Dad at bedtime and loves it.  I highly recommend partner reading these book aloud with your child and discussing them.  There is a lot to take in for the reader on every page.  This particular edition of the series includes beautiful illustrations and would make a terrific gift.

Crenshaw – Katherine Applegate

As huge fans of The One and Only Ivan, our family was eager to see what Katherine Applegate would write next.  We were not disappointed!  Crenshaw is awesome!  Just as The One and Only Ivan was a book we opted to partner read with our daughter; Crenshaw was as well.  Dealing with serious topics is handled masterfully by Applegate, but with our daughter’s sensitive nature, reading the book together was the right choice for our family.

Homelessness is a challenging topic to read about at any age .  To create a book targeted to eight to twelve year-olds that tackles the topic is particularly difficult.  The use of an imaginary friend was a powerful tool in making this book age appropriate and highly enjoyable.