The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

Recommended for students who are interested in technology (especially robots) and nature.  Also recommended for students who are ready for longer chapter books, but may be overwhelmed by the idea--the short chapters make it seem like a more friendly read.

As I was reading this story, I kept thinking of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.  This connection may seem far off, but Roz very much put me in the mind of the tree.  

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown is unlike any book I've ever read.  It is the story of a robot who washes up on an island that is filled with animals.  The robot, Roz, has to learn how to survive the elements and relate to the animals.  It is a fast paced book that is both funny and touching.

I have decided to share this story with my fourth graders as my first read aloud of the school year.  It truly has something for everyone.  I know that each of my students will find something to love about this story, just as I did.

nine, ten: A SEPTEMBER 11 STORY by Nora Raleigh Baskin

"Some people will say that the distance a person happened to be from where one of the planes went down is in direct proportion to how deeply they were affected by the events of a day that came to be called simply 9/11."--Nora Raleigh Baskin

Recommended for students who are interested in current events, world events, and understanding different cultures.

When I was growing up, my mother told me that people of her generation would always remember where they were the moment they heard the news of the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  I don't know if it's because the world seems much smaller these days or because we hear of news so much more quickly and extensively, but I have many such moments:  the death of Elvis Presley, the shooting of Ronald Reagan, the Challenger disaster, the death of Princess Diana, the death of Michael Jackson, and the events of September 11.  

On September 11, I remember watching live footage of the events while holding my then eight month old twin boys.  I remember being so scared of a world where this could happen, of wondering what this would mean for the United States.  The world did indeed change on that day.

While my students were not yet born when 9/11 occurred, they all are somewhat familiar with the events and curious about what happened.  They want to know specific details and to know that they are safe.

nine, ten: A SEPTEMBER 11 STORY follows four young people in different parts of the United States in the days leading up to 9/11.  We get to know these four characters and what they are dealing with in their lives.  This personal familiarity with the characters allows the reader to make a very emotional connection to the events of 9/11.

I am very pleased to add nine, ten: A SEPTEMBER 11 STORY to my classroom library this year.  It adds a humanity to the events of that day that most students will not have seen.  I appreciate the fact that none of the characters in the story directly lost anyone--this allows a more global insight into the effects of that day.  This is a story that is very well told.

Making Friends with Billy Wong by Augusta Scattergood

I received an ARC of this book from Scholastic Books.  The release date is August 30, 2016.

Recommended for fans of historical fiction, those who enjoy reading about the relationships of family and friends, and anyone who is struggling with being bullied.

Quotable Quotes:  "You never know what people are going through, Azalea.  Most people don't want to let on when they need help."  "Turn the other cheek.  But if I turn the other cheek.  I may not turn around again."  "But truly, if I've learned a single thing this summer, it's that even if you mostly love drawing flowers in your sketchbook, you can be friends with the boy who's class president."

Making Friends with Billy Wong by Augusta Scattergood tells the story of Azalea who is sent to stay with her estranged grandmother after her grandmother suffers an injury.  During her stay with her grandmother, Azalea begrudgingly befriends Billy, a Chinese boy, who is staying with his aunt and uncle to attend school.  Azalea experiences new, troubled, and mended relationships during her summer.

This book will be of interest to many of my fourth graders due to the segregation aspect.  During the school year, I have many students who become interested and research this part of our history.  Making Friends with Billy Wong sheds light on the treatment of Chinese immigrants during this time--something of which many people may not be aware.

The story is told in the alternating voices of Azalea and Billy.  Azalea's story is written in narrative form, whereas Billy's story is written in verse.  This unique style lends to the quality of the story and helps to develop the characters.

Be sure to read the Author's Note at the end of the book for more information.

Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar

Recommended for those who enjoy reading about family and nature; those who love magic realism.  I am also going to keep this in mind for students who are dealing with illness and/or loss in their family.

Quotable Quotes:  "You must find a measuring stick that means something, chiquita."  "No matter how far away you are when you bloom, you are always tied to your roots."  "Things are only impossible if you stop to think about them..."

Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar follows Carol as her family prepares to move her grandfather (against his will) from his ranch in New Mexico to a home for people with dementia.  Carol really doesn't know her grandfather or what has come to pass between him and her own father.  As Carol gets to know her grandfather, we also learn about the history of the family and the ranch--and what a history it is!

Connections:  This book made me think of Echo by Pam Munoz Ryan due to its use of magic realism (which may now be my favorite type of read).  I also made a strong personal connection with this story.  When I was around Carol's age, my grandfather suffered from dementia for quite a few years. I remember my confusion as he would call me by the names of my older cousins and aunts.  It was an especially sad and difficult time for my family.

I absolutely adore this story--even if I did have to read much of it through my tears.  I can't believe that this is a debut novel.  I can't wait to see what Lindsay Eagar does next!

Paper Wishes by Lois Sepahban

                                                     


Recommended for students interested in historical fiction, different cultures, World War II, and relationships.

To me, this book strongly connected with Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet, an adult novel by Jamie Ford, that I had the pleasure of reading several years ago.  Like the previously mentioned title, Paper Wishes sheds light on the Japanese internment camps of World War II.  The story follows Manami and her family as they deal with being uprooted from their lives and homes and the struggles that they endure.

I know that many of my fourth graders will be interested in this book.  Fourth grade is the first time students actually delve into history.  Before fourth grade, there is more of a focus on social studies (communities, government, bigger topics).  As we delve into Texas History each year, students fall in love with history and want more information.  From the Great Depression to the Dust Bowl to World Wars, they are intrigued.  I am excited to be able to share this book with students as it will serve as a window into another time and place.  I love when a topic in history can be studied from a more humanized aspect--more than just facts on the page, but the true heart of the topic with characters, emotions, and feelings.

This book marks Lois Sepahban's debut as a fiction writer.  I hope it is the first of many.

Reading Relationships (and Harry Potter)

                                    

It is not something that I have readily admitted to in the past, but I have never actually read all of the books in the Harry Potter series.  I read the first three as they were published.  I always planned to finish the series, but I just never did--until this summer.  Thanks to a student, to whom I will refer to as N, I am now beginning the seventh book in the series.

A few months ago, N and I were discussing books.  He began questioning me about Harry Potter. After multiple questions, I admitted to him that I had only ever read the first three books. "WHAT?!?! But you read all the time! You read everything!  You're a reader!!!" N responded quite frantically. Our discussion finally ended with me promising to read the series this summer.  At the end of the school year, I packed up my 40+ books from my classroom library AND my Scholastic boxed set of Harry Potter.

Since it had been several years since I read any of the books, I started from the beginning.  I remembered more than I thought I would and felt that I was revisiting an old friend.  As I continued reading, I began emailing N, who was traveling with his family throughout India for the summer. These emails have led to many "conferences" in which the teacher definitely became the student.

N:  "Who is your favorite character?  Why?  What predictions are you making?  Why do you think _______ did/said _______?"  And my personal favorite:  "I am so proud of you, Mrs. Earp.  This is not an easy read, but I knew you could handle it."

This has turned into one of my favorite reading experiences of all time for many reasons.  N was modeling the relationship that he and I have as teacher/student and as fellow readers--this warms my heart.  More than that, however, is the validation of the importance of our reading relationships--they allow us to connect on a different level; they put us on an even playing field; they give us a shared insight.

As I begin book seven, I would just like to say, "Thank you, N," for encouraging me and supporting me.  You are a great reading teacher!

A Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord

Recommended for students who are dealing with loss, relocation, changing friendships,
Recommended for students who are interested in dogs, gardening, and beekeeping.

Connections to Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan, and Amelia's Road by Linda Jacobs Altman.

A Handful of Stars tells the story of Lily (aka Tigerlily) who lives with her grandparents above their store in Maine.  Lily's relationship with her best friend, Hannah, is at a crossroads, and Lily meets a new friend in kindred spirit, Salma, the daughter of migrant workers.  While trying to traverse these two relationships, Lily is also dealing with her dog's health problems.

As I was reading this book, Salma reminded me so much of Amelia from Amelia's Road.  Both girls' families are migrant workers, and they both want so deperately to have a home and to feel that they belong somewhere.

I have read many novels that revolve around the lives of migrant workers; however, this one was a bit different due to the locale.  Most books that I have read take place in either California or Florida.  A Handful of Stars takes place in Maine during blueberry season.  I found the information about farming blueberries very interesting.

On a side note, since I have a huge interest in beekeeping, I was fascinated by the Mason bees that were mentioned in this book. I will be researching them more in the future.