Good for you, reading is.

credit: alliancecityschools

 Wondering what to read next?According to the reading survey most of you completed this week, the number one thing I can do to help you become a better reader is to provide book recommendations. Tonight, I got busy loading this blog post with some videos of much-talked-about titles. Some of these I’ve read–or my son Sean has read–but others are recommendations from fellow teachers and former students. For all but Loot, the newest release of the bunch, I’ve included book trailers to whet your reading appetites. These books represent just a fraction of the thousands of books available to you in the school library. I’ll work overtime to regularly post book trailers and reviews (mine, others, and YOURS) so that we all have that next great book within arm’s reach.

You can help me spread the word about outstanding books you’ve read, the ones you kept reading even after your parents called you down for dinner for the 14th time. If you have a book to recommend, write a review, share it with me on Google Docs, and I’ll post it here for all the world to see. I’ll share more book suggestions on Book Talk Tuesday! 🙂 In the meantime, for more reading ideas, click on the blue links within this post. Do you have a favorite author or series and want to locate similar books? Try What Should I Read Next? website for a roster of ideas.

See you in class,

Mrs. Rombach

P.S. If you haven’t completed the reading survey yet, carve out time to complete that this week. Remember, you must sign into your LCPS Google account and then log in to this blog in order to access the survey.

Ungifted by Gordon Korman

This Tuesday October 7 at 7pm in the school library, Gordon Korman, the #1 New York Times bestselling author, will be taking your questions as our school participates in a real-time SKYPE with the voice behind Ungifted, Schooled, Swindle, and The Hypnotists. Whether you’ve read one of Gordon Korman’s 75 books or just want to see the best-selling author up close and personal, come be inspired by Korman. His writing career began at the age of twelve when his seventh-grade English assignment became his first novel, which was then published while he was a freshman in high school. Bring your parents and friends!

(Scholastic – $4)

Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles ) by Marissa Meyer

My son six-grade son, Sean, is currently obsessed with this book. He’s about halfway through and I asked him what he thought so far. His response? “Awesome. Really good, Mom.” Boy or girl, Cinder has the goods to deliver an otherworldly reading experience. I will be adding Cinder and Scarlet to our classroom library this week! This science fiction novel is on Mrs. Rombach’s Someday Soon List.

The Lions of Little Rock by Kristin Levine

From Common Sense Media: The Lions of Little Rock is a poignant and age-appropriate book about race relations in the American South around 1958, when Arkansas schools were first integrated. The novel, written from the perspective of a 12-year-old girl who is painfully shy, maintains an intelligent but innocent point of view toward the racial prejudice that afflicted communities at that time. Readers will not only learn a lot about some significant events in the early civil rights movement, they also will really identify with Marlee and Liz’s fight to remain friends and change grownups’ attitudes. Marlee navigates social issues large and small with courage, and her story is meaningful and memorable. 

One of my sixth graders from last year donated their copy of this book–and I bought one–so there are two copies in the library for your reading pleasure. (Scholastic – $4) This historical fiction novel is on Mrs. Rombach’s Someday Soon List.

Amulet: The Stonekeeper series by Kazu Kibuishi (graphic novels)

From Amazon: Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a talking fox, a giant robot—and two ordinary children on a mission.

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids’ mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals. Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves. Sixth graders, you’ll be pleased to know that the entire Amulet series is on its way to you! (Scholastic – $8/Book 1)

The Red Pyramid/The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan

If you’re a Rick Riordan fan–or are searching for an action-packed, mythical masterpiece — The Red Pyramid could be your next book. It’s the first tome in The Kane Chronicles trilogy. Highly recommended by my son Sean–and available in our classroom library. (Scholastic – $5)

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

This realistic fiction novel stole my heart big-time. Who hasn’t felt like they didn’t belong or that they weren’t worthy of love? This book reaffirms that we all deserve to be loved…and that even the most scarred heart can redefine family. There are now 5-6 copies of this book in our classroom library. In fact, there are enough copies that for a future book club, this might be just the ticket for you and a few classmates. If you can’t wait, though, check it out now. Keep a few tissues handy, just in case. One of Mrs. Rombach’s favorites!

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Review by K, age 12: “OMG! This book is the best book I have ever read. I love it so much I bought the book. I’m going to read the rest of the series!” The entire Hidden series arrives in our classroom library this week. I’ll have them logged onto our computer system later this week. If you like your suspense novel with a little side of scary, Among the Hidden could be your next must-read. (Scholastic – $4)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOOT by Jude Watson

This book is so new (released August 2014) that there aren’t any book trailers to share. Maybe you’d like to be the first to create one! About this book, author Rick Riordan wrote, “So many things I love about this book: the ultra-short chapters that keep you turning pages, the pitch-perfect dialogue, the supporting characters Darius and Izzy, the humor, the action, the twists and turns. Cursed jewels, a dangerous prophecy, a crash course in history of thievery, acrobatics and grift . . . this is LOOT you can take to the bank.” This book is on its way to our classroom library, but the ERMS library may have copies on the shelves before we do. Check during our next library time! (Scholastic – $4) This is on Mrs. Rombach’s Someday Soon List.

Ready to add one or more of these books to your home library? Place an online Scholastic order by October 24th. Our classroom code is: MCPJQ.