Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson

Recommended for readers of graphic novels, artistic students, and those students who feel that no one sees them

I read this whole book, Invisible Emmie by Terri Libenson, with one particular student in mind. To me, that is a true testament to the honesty of this book.  This is the story of Emmie who is quiet, shy, and artistic, and Katie who is well liked, well known, and confident.  When the paths of these two cross due to an embarrassing note, we begin to see different sides of each girl as they discover more about who they really are and who they really want to be.

This book will appeal to so many of my fourth graders, both boys and girls, not only for its entertainment value, but also for its lessons in surviving school.  With its comic strips, funny graphics, and Diary of a Wimpy Kid style writing, I can't wait to share it. 

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Quotable Conversation

      "I know your're right, but--but...it's just so much harder for Melody."

      "No, it's harder for us. we have to figure out what's in her head."

Recommended for anyone and everyone who works with children in any capacity

I have to be honest and tell you that I have put off reading this book for a while now.  I can't tell you how many times I have heard the comment, "What do you mean you've never read Out of My Mind?  I knew I would someday, but I just had this idea that it was going to be sad and heartbreaking--and it absolutely is, but it is also uplifting and beautiful, and funny and clever.

Melody spends her days in a wheelchair being looked upon by others as being less than able in every possible way; however, with the right people in her corner, she is able to finally share all the wonderful and intelligent ideas that are inside her head.  She finds her voice and shares it with the world, but not everything or everyone is so accepting of this new voice.

I know of many schools who have had their teachers read this for a book study.  I get it.  It contains such a remarkable lesson about how important it is for us, as teachers, to find whatever works for each individual child we encounter.

It only took me a few years to read it, but I am so glad I finally did.  Melody will stay with me forever.  I will carry her into my classroom daily for the rest of my teaching career.

The League of Unexceptional Children by Gitty Daneshvari

"When greatness calls...average answers"

Recommended for anyone who likes to laugh out loud, who loves to read mystery, "who's struggled to be noticed in a sea of above-average overachievers"

In The League of Unexceptional Children by Gitty Daneshvari, a different kind of hero emerges--average, normal, forgettable.  When Jonathan and Shelley are sought out by the government for a covert operation due to their ability to go through life totally unacknowledged, they can't believe their fate.  With clever humor, boundless adventure, and an amazing amount of fun, this book is going to be a favorite of my fourth grade students.

I will be adding it to my read aloud list for the 2017-2018 school year.  Since this book is the first in a new series, I know I will be adding the next installments to my classroom library.

GEORGE by Alex Gino

"Be who you are."

Quotable Quotes:  "My point is, it takes a special person to cry over a book.  It shows compassion as well as imagination."

"...we're not supposed to let people's expectations limit our choices."

Recommended for anyone who feels different, struggles to "fit in", feels that they have to hide their truth

George by Alex Gino is the touching story of George who looks like a boy but knows she's not one.  With the help of her very supportive best friend, Kelly, George finds her way through bullying, acceptance, and life.

This book is similar to Lily and Dunkin by Donna Gephart except it is written for a younger audience.  As society continues to acknowledge more and more that gender does not just consist of two options, these types of books are becoming more and more important.  ALL children need to be able to read mirror books and this book will definitely serve as a wonderful and helpful mirror to many.

Thank you, Alex Gino, for your bravery and honesty in writing this book.

Confessions of an Imaginary Friend by Michelle Cuevas

"You're only as invisible as you feel."

Recommended for EVERYONE.  I am adding this to my read aloud list for the 2017-2018 school year, AND I have a list of previous students that I will be dropping this off at their homes starting today.

I have to be honest--I really don't think there is much that I can say about this book without giving away spoilers.  Just know that your emotions will be on a roller coaster ride that will be WELL WORTH IT.  This is one of the most original, touching stories that I have come across in a while with characters that I did  not want to say goodbye to when the book ended.

I had never heard of Michelle Cuevas or any of her other books.  I just happened to come across the title at my local Barnes &Noble, and it interested me.  I have now placed an order for her other books and can not wait to read them.

Please, please, please pick up this book--you will be glad you did!

Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans

Disclaimer:  I am more than a little obsessed with Chicken House Books.  I may have been known to go to bookstores and look for any book with the Chicken House logo on it to purchase. After all, the company was started by the man who gave J.K, Rowling her break--Barry Cunningham.

Recommended for anyone who enjoys traditional literature, fantasy, mythology, and/or Rick Riordan

From Beetle Boy to The Girl of Ink and Stars, there are some amazing works coming from this publisher.  Who Let the Gods Out? by Maz Evans definitely is no exception.  From reading the blurb, I knew this was going to be a humorous book, but I didn't expect it to also be a touching book about family and friendship.

Elliot Hooper is trying his best to hold down his school work, his family farm, and his mom who is struggling with reality.  When Virgo, a 1,964 year old immortal girl, lands at Elliot's family farm to complete a simple mission that quickly becomes not so simple, the adventure begins.  With a group of ragtag Gods, Elliot learns that he is braver, stronger, more capable, and more important than he ever imagined.

With the lines between specific genres becoming more and more blurred, this book is a wonderful example of traditional literature mixed with fantasy.

Oh, one more thing:  best and worst cliffhanger EVER!  Best because it truly left me hanging and worst because it truly left me hanging.  I guess I should be thankful that the sequel will be released on August 3, 2017.  I must pre-order now!

Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Memorable Quotes: 

"...the idea that there was a person and in the beginning this person had an idea and this person wrote it down, and that led to this day..."

"...two things happening in any situation:  What we see, and what we don't see.  But what we don't see we can feel--if we are paying attention."

"Mrs. Chang says that you are judged often in life before you're ready.  She's not talking about spelling tests, but I understand."

"He sees a different me than other people.'
"I grew this summer.  Not on the outside, but on the inside.  And that's the only place where growing really matters."

Recommended for students who enjoy realistic fiction, who do not always feel that they "fit in", and/or feel that they are different from their peers

First of all, can I just say how much I want Julia, the main character of Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan, to be a student in my fourth grade classroom?  I have fallen in love with this character and didn't want the story to end.  I want to know what happens not only in the immediate future but throughout her life.

Julia is a little person who is forced to audition for a local production of "The Wizard of Oz" because her younger brother wants to do so.  Not only does Julia get a role in the play, she also begins to figure out her role in life.  

In a world where tolerance is no longer enough, where our differences must be celebrated, Short gives us insight into Julia's world.  Her hopes, her fears, her goals, her dreams belong to all of us. 

With only four days remaining in this school year, I can not wait to share this with my students next year.