Great Series books that I read this summer

Granny Torrelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This story is about people named Granny Torrelli, Bailey, Rosie. They have a pasta party at the end and there was a lot of talk about Pardo, Marco, and Violetta and dog named Nero. In one part of the story Bailey goes missing and everyone in the neighborhood looks for him. It turns out he is taking a very long walk and was sitting on the porch when they found him. People who like stories about friendship would enjoy this book. As told to me by Xavier, 9 going into grade 4


Guided Reading Level: R
Themes: friendship, family



Alone In His Teacher's House by Louis Sachar
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Predictable story, Guided reading Level L. Marvin is very lucky that his teacher trusts him to watch her dog Waldo. What will happen when Mrs. North is gone?





I found my big problem this summer was that there is so many books out there to read for children.  One thing to always remember in my opinion is that they have to be of quality and children need to be able to make that connection.

August 10, 2012 Reflecting on my Reading Week

The Lucky Lizard by Ellen A. Kelley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This story is told from the lizard's point of view and talks about his relationship with Todd an eight year old boy who is very afraid to learn about riding his bike.



Guided Reading Level: P
Lexile 550
DRA: 38

Themes: Culture/Diversity, Animals and Character Values


Who Ran My Underwear Up The Flagpole by Jerry Spinelli
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Guided Reading level U: Very witty story about four students in grade 5 and the how the friendship these characters have make them better. Lots of humor in text. I'd use this text to work on vocabulary and character relationships.

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I really enjoyed these particular texts and put labels below for both of them.  Great stories that I highly recommend and plan on using with my guided reading groups this Fall.  I am excited that I still have two more weeks to read and reflect on the texts my children and I are reading.

I enjoy summer days, especially today when I have the opportunity to be with family. I am reading one really dynamic book right now called Wonder. I am currently half-way through and I believe that it is a must read for educators. Due to the content in the text children in grade 4 and up would benefit from hearing this story. As I read I notice that this appears very close to real life. I'll give a much more in-depth review when I finish reading it.

Well I finished Wonder yesterday and really enjoyed it. For older students I feel they need to have text that are realistic to real life. The life Auggie leads is definately authentic to who he is and how he copes with what he was dealt.