1

2020 MEMORABLE MIDDLE GRADE BOOKS

2020 may not have been the year we anticipated, but it was a great year for MG fiction! If you’ve been following me on Instagram, you’ll know I’ve posted many of these 5 star books, but with the craziness of the year some may have slipped your mind. To help you find your favorites for your holiday shopping list, here are my top MG picks of 2020. You may also want to keep the list handy for your next trip to the library. With winter coming (at least where I am!) there will be lots of extra time to curl up with a good book. Finally, be sure to check out my post from last month to find some more five star MG books, ALL KIDS CAN BE HEROES. 

Look for part 2 of my 2020 favorite MG books tomorrow!


The Lonely Heart of Maybelle Lane

By Kate O’Shaughnessy

First of all, let’s talk about the cover. Isn’t it gorgeous?! It offers a small peek into Maybelle’s story and gently asks you to step into her life. When you do, you’ll find your heart breaking a bit time and time again, but you’ll also find yourself cheering for every character as each one searches for the courage to face their fears and follow their dreams.

Next, let’s talk about the characters. I loved every one!

💙Gemma, Maybelle’s mom who works two jobs to keep a rickety roof over their head, and loves Maybelle with all her heart, while all along dreaming of a singing career.
💙Maybelle, who has an amazing voice of her own, spends her lonely hours recording the everyday sounds we shouldn’t ever forget and dreaming of meeting the daddy she’s never laid eyes on. She’s a girl who shares her mama’s kindness, patience and understanding of others.
💙Mrs. Boggs, Maybelle’s neighbor who lives in a Winnebago, is a teacher with a strict and gray exterior, but a heart of gold. She desperately misses her young husband, who died recently, and thoughtfully steps up to help when she is needed by her young neighbors.
💙Tommy, Maybelle’s neighbor and classmate, hangs out with the mean kids and tries to hide the bruises that mysteriously appear whenever his dad is out of town and he stays with his stepmom. But he’s also the boy who can secretly fix anything, reads engineering textbooks for fun and is kind to Maybelle when she really needs a friend.

When Maybelle, Mrs. Boggs and Tommy take off in her Winnebago on a road trip to Nashville to find Maybelle’s dad, the fun really begins. Not only was it an adventure for two kids who had never left their state, but it gave them all an opportunity to thoughtfully help one another gather their courage to face their obstacles and dream their dreams. They all learned some important lessons during their long trip, but none more important than the understanding that taking care of someone else not only helps the recipient, but also yourself.

This is a book you’ll both race through to see what happens next, but also read slowly knowing it’s going to end before you’re ready to say goodbye. It’s a book you’ll remember for a long time.


 

The Space Between Lost and Found

By Sandy Stark-McGinnis

My mom, who had Altzheimer’s disease, died nine years ago, but those difficult years are still a fresh memory. It was so hard watching the caring, independent woman fade away. However, it is so much worse for Cassie, because she is just twelve years old and her mom, who is a vivacious woman with a courageous bucket list, has been diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s. 
🐬This awful news means Cassie’s family must struggle to find a new normal. Her Dad’s objective is to keep her mom safe, while Cassie’s main objective is to keep her mom happy. However, in the process she pushes her best friend away and loses the inspiration for her artwork. Finally, the day her mom forget’s Cassie’s name, Cassie decides no matter what the danger involved, she must help her mom achieve at least one goal on her list.
🐬
This is a powerful story about courage, determination, families, friendship and love. It is about Cassie’s growth and bravery as she supports her mom and fights for what she is certain is best for her. It is about the fragile friendship between Cassie and her best friend and how that friendship, not only with Bailey, but also with Bailey’s family gives her the support and understanding she so badly needs. It is a story about Cassie’s dad’s love for both Cassie and her mom and his struggle to do what is best for both of them. It’s a story that will break your heart, but will offer hope in the end.
🐬
This story helps us to understand those diagnosed with Alzheimers, and how it affects everyone in the family. It helps us understand the frustration, the anger and the grief felt by all involved. It’s such an important story for MG and middle school students. Hopefully, few will experience a parent with this diagnosis, but unfortunately many will have grandparents who suffer from Alzheimers, and this book will give them both understanding and comfort.


The Boy at the Back of the Class

By Onjali Q. Rauf

Suddenly there’s a new boy, Ahmet, in their class and the rumors are swirling. Why doesn’t he speak? Why doesn’t he go to recess? Why doesn’t he go to lunch? Does he have a super contagious disease? Is he too dangerous to be with the other students? This doesn’t stop four best friends decide to be his friends. And they have no idea what that decision will mean in the weeks to come.
⚽️
This amazing book offers a child’s perspective of the refugee crisis. It’s about bravery, compassion, empathy and friendship, inspiration and most of all hope. It’s a book that needs to be read aloud and discussed in classrooms across the country, as well as shared in parent child book clubs. It’s a book that will cause tears, cheering and frustration. It’s a book that will help all who read it to understand the meaning of what a refugee truly is and how important it is that refugees are treated with respect and kindness. It’s a book that will make you thankful there are so many compassionate and kind people in the world, and make you angry how a few loud voices can sometimes drown out the kindness. And finally it’s a book that is great for ages 8 – 98!
⚽️
Teachers and librarians, please make certain this is part of your collection, share it with your students and staff and encourage read alouds and discussion. Parents, please share it with your children! And please, whatever your age, read this book! You’ll be so glad you did.
⚽️
Finally, Ahmet’s poignant drawings describing his journey from Syria to London are the turning point in the story; the point when Ahmet’s classmates begin to understand and support him. Everyone, that is, except the class bullies. There are always bullies though aren’t there, no matter their age?


Dan Unmasked

By Chris Negron

This is a story about comic books, superheroes, baseball, grief and most of all the power of friendship. Dan, his best friend, Nate and their baseball team are on their way to winning the championship. There are several games yet to go in the tournament, but with the team’s great playing, Nate’s amazing pitching and Nate and Dan’s uncanny ability to always know what each other is thinking (they know they’re on the same page when each lays a finger next to his nose) it seems they can’t miss.
⚾️
Not only does the team share the love of baseball, but they also share the love of comics, especially the Captain Nexus series. In fact when a new issue comes out, they all gather in Nate’s basement, along with his brother Ollie to read it together. Each issue ends with a cliffhanger, which gives everyone lots to theorize about what will happen next.
⚾️
The next day at practice that’s exactly what Dan and Nate are doing; brainstorming about the next issue when they should really be watching the ball; the ball that changes everyone’s lives.
Nate is suddenly in a coma and Dan is certain it’s all his fault. Dan is convinced the only way Nate will wake up, is if he, Ollie and Ollie’s friend, Courtney, write a comic starring Nate.
⚾️
This story had me on the edge of my seat, as it also brought tears to my eyes. Dan’s determination to find a way to save his friend was inspiring, but the fear and loneliness he felt as he faced the real possibility of losing Nate, broke my heart. At the same time, the supportive friendships and the kindness which surrounded Dan and his friends filled me with warmth as I read.
⚾️
DAN UNMASKED  is for the baseball lover, the comic book geek and especially for anyone who wants to read a story which fills them with hope. Grades 4+.


Don’t Check Out This Book!

By Kate Klise

This story had me grinning from page one! It was full of fun, puns and fighting for what’s right. It’s all about a caring librarian who wants what’s best for her kids, even if it means going against the school board and the principal. She’s all about finding the most enticing book for her students; one that will lead them to staying up way way past their bedtime or one which enables them to research topics questioned by the school board president. (my kind of librarian!!) It’s also about some determined fifth grade sleuths, a caring and supportive school secretary (who actually runs the school, OF COURSE!) and the wacky school board president who is just a wee bit shady. 📚
I flew through this mystery, which is written in a series of letters, notes, texts and newspaper articles. It’s the perfect book for those kids who come into the library asking for a funny book or for the reluctant readers who aren’t really sure they’ll ever find a book they like. I’m certain almost anyone in grades 3+ will have a great time curling up with this story and being transported to the craziness of Appleton, Illinois, population of 83!


We Could Be Heroes

By Margaret Finnegan

Oh, WE COULD BE HEROES is one of those stories you’ll be thinking about for a very long time. This memorable tale, about two delightful neurodivergent children who find friendship for the first time, will grab your heart. It allows us to view the world through their eyes and to experience their feelings as they struggle to understand it.
🐶
It also allows us to meet their parents who are supportive, loving and firm. Your heart will break a bit when you witness the surprise and joy they all feel when Hank and Maisie become friends. And you’ll admire them as they gently guide their children to understand how to be a good friend. Most of all you’ll love the way they teach their children “different is not less”.
🐶
Then there is the story of how the kids work together to save Booler, a neighbor dog with seizures who is tied to a tree 24 hours a day “for his own protection”. Hank, who has autism, and can tell you anything you’d ever want to know about rocks, has learned to know the “a’a” feeling when he’s losing control and tries his best to use his coping strategies. Maisie, the girl who just moved to Hank’s Montana town has decided she and Hank are going to be friends and save Booler, no matter the cost. And the costs turn out to be huge!
🐶
This is a #windowsandmirrors story for all of us. It’s a great one to read aloud and will lead to lots of good discussions about some of the decisions Hank and Maisie make, as well as their feelings. You’ll also have lots of fun talking about all of the idioms Maisie uses. I was laughing out loud more than once!

WE COULD BE HEROES is for grade 3+ and is sure to become a favorite!


The List of Things that Will Not Change

By Rebecca Stead

Bea’s parents are divorced, but when they first shared the news, they gave Bea a green notebook and a green pen (her favorite color) containing a list of the things that would not change. These things would never change, even though her mom and dad wouldn’t be living together anymore and she would spend half her time with her mom and half with her dad. That happened two years ago when she was eight. She still carried that notebook everywhere and through the years the list of things had grown, but nothing had changed. But now something WAS changing. Her dad was marrying Jesse and she would soon have two dads AND a sister because Jesse has a daughter just her age! more

This story came at just the right time for me. I was struggling to find a book I really loved; since I’m a mood reader, that happens to me, though not often. When I read the first page, I was at peace once again. I found a story to love. It’s a story I didn’t want to put down and one I didn’t want to end. Here’s some of the reasons why.

  • I loved the supportive adults in Bea’s life; her parents, her dad’s fiance; her babysitter, her teacher and her therapist. I especially loved Miriam, her therapist. We all need a Miriam in our lives. I wanted to take notes about the advice and tidbits of wisdom she kindly offered to Bea.
  • I loved Bea’s joy and optimism, and also identified with her worries about both the small and large things in her life.I also loved how we were allowed to see her anger and her guilt
  • l loved how kids will see themselves in Bea, whether their parents are divorced or are gay; whether they share some of her fears or whether they, too, feel anger or guilt about something in their lives.

I loved how Bea’s friends supported her and forgave her mistakes. There’s an extra special moment with her best friend and an oyster. Be sure and look for that one!

I’m certain you, too, will love this book.


The Popularity Pact: Camp Clique: Book One

By Eileen Moskowitz-Palma

Camp Clique is story told in two voices. It’s the story of Bea and Maisy who have been friends since pre-school, until Maisy mysteriously ghosted Bea at the beginning of sixth grade. This led to a year of extreme loneliness for Bea, while it was a full year for Maisy who became a member of the popular girls group, the M&Ms.

Now it’s summer and Bea is on the bus with her BFFs enroute to the camp she has gone to every summer, Camp Amelia. Then Maisy steps on the bus. Maisy, the least adventurous girl Bea knows, is going to adventure camp, because her dad wants her safe and busy for the next six weeks. AND it turns out not only is Maisy going to be at camp, but will also be her bunkmate.

Bea and her bunkmates are not in the least bit happy to have Maisy join their group and perhaps ruin their chances of winning the all important bunk tournament at the end of the summer. Maisy is miserable and willing to do almost anything to be accepted by her bunkmates. In fact she’s so desperate, she offers a deal to Bea. If Bea helps her fit in at camp, she’ll make sure Bea is a part of the M&Ms. Bea accepts and the summer begins.

Eileen Moskowitz-Palma’s story immediately transported me back to 7th grade (a VERY LONG time ago!), which tells me twelve year old girls haven’t really changed. They are still desperate to be accepted and to be part of a group. This desperation makes them willing to do almost ANYTHING to make that happen, even if it means going against what they know in their hearts is wrong. This is the foundation of this great story.

This story about friendship, acceptance and trust is one that will pull you in and not let go. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Dr. Beth, the hippy camp psychologist who kindly helps Maisy work through some of her many fears and to talk about the reason she doesn’t read her mom’s letters.
  • The bunkmates respect and admiration for each other’s talents.
  • Bea’s mom for her understanding, her support and her honesty.
  • Maisy’s bravery and determination to overcome her fears and to become a better athlete.
  • Bea and Maisy’s memories they can’t ignore.

This book is first in the POPULARITY PACT series. School Squad is out now, too. These are great choices for grades 3+


Here in the Real World

By Sara Pennypacker

Ware can’t wait for summer. He’ll be spending it with his beloved grandmother and will be swimming everyday. His plans suddenly change when Grandma, “Big Deal”, falls and breaks both hips. This means Ware has to return to the dreaded Rec Center for another boring summer full of “meaningful social interactions” which will hopefully turn him into his mom and dad’s version of a “normal kid”; one who loves sports and wants to spend every waking minute with friends. On the first day of Rec Center, Ware climbs a tree and discovers another world beyond the fence. He meets a fiercely proud and determined girl, Jolene, who is creating an urban garden with the seeds from rotten fruit, amongst the ruins of a church. Slowly, together they create a refuge out of the ruins; a true urban oasis.

Sara Pennypacker, the author who brought us the memorable story of PAX a few years ago, has created a touching tale of friendship, family, the knights’ code of chivalry and heroes. She slowly introduces us to Jolene and Ware, two twelve year old children who desperately need each other, even though they would never admit it.

I loved Ware’s endless energy and creativity as he worked to build a castle from the remnants of the old church, and his vow to always follow the knight’s code of chivalry “thou shalt do battle against unfairness whenever faced with it” even when it leads Jolene to accuse him of living in “magic fairness land”. I was thrilled when, after days and weeks of hearing this accusation, Ware finally realized “I don’t want things to be magically what they’re not. I want them to be what they could be. And somebody has to want that, or nothing bad will ever get better.” 

I loved seeing Jolene’s resourcefulness and determination as she created her urban garden. I admired her when she found the courage to allow Ware a glimpse into her life and to understand she not only needed a friend, but she needed help. In other words, she needed a hero. She needed someone to teach her the real world could be more than she thought. She needed to understand “bad stuff happens. But the real world is also all the things we do about the bad stuff. We’re the real world, too.” 

I’ll be thinking about Ware and Jolene for a very long time. Their story is one that grabs your heart and doesn’t let go. It’s the book so many of us are looking for right now. Please read this book and please share it with anyone in grades 3+. You’ll be so glad you did!


watch for part 2 of my list of

favorite mg books tomorrow!


Did you like this post? Would you like to read more?

If so, please sign up on the form on the right hand side of this post to follow Red Canoe Reader. 

When you do, you’ll receive an email every time there’s a new post! 


REMEMBER, YOU CAN ALSO FIND ME ON:


INSTAGRAM @REDCANOEREADER

and

TWITTER @REDCANOEREADER




Kids’ Books to Remember and Some Links for Mom and Dad

Happy summer! Now that we are a few weeks into summer vacation, your kids may be looking for some books to add to their TBR pile. I know I am! I’m flying through my books, both kids and adult, and I’m always looking for new ones to add to my library list. These titles might be new releases or old favorites, but if I read a good review, my list grows! I hope this week’s edition of Kids’ Books to Remember will help your kids find some new ones to add to their lists, and maybe you, too, will find some books for your own TBR pile!

kids’ books to remember: read aloud

kids' books to remember

More All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor

The Enormous Egg by Oliver Butterworth

The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

 

kids’ books to remember: picture bookskids' books to remember

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

The Carrot Seed by Ruth Krauss

Chicken Soup with Rice by Maurice Sendak

 

 

 

 

kids’ books to remember: chapter books

kids' books to remember

These books are good for those going into 4th grade and up. Your kids might want to read them on their own, or they might enjoy a read aloud with you.

So Be It by Sarah Weeks

Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse

Cages by Peg Kehlert

 

 

 

some links for mom and dad

Raised Salt Painting

The Ultimate Summer Reading List for 6 – 8 year Olds – 2017 Edition

11 Baseball Books Kids Say are Home Runs

50 Brilliant Books for Summer

As always, thank you for inviting me into your inbox. I write Red Canoe Reader, because I want to help moms, dads and kids learn about some great books, and to help kids become lifelong readers. I would really appreciate you sharing my site with your friends who are also looking for books for their kids, especially now that summer is here. I’ll be posting more titles to add to your kids’ lists frequently. Finally, I hope you’ll let me know what you think about Red Canoe, and about anything you’d like me to add to the site. Have a great weekend and Father’s Day!




Kids’ Books to Remember and Some Links for Mom and Dad

Last week was National Library Week. In celebration of this annual event, I thought I would share a photo of the place where my love of books and reading began. This is the Marion Public Library, in Marion, Indiana, which is one of the Carnegie Libraries, built in 1902. My dad would take me there every week to check out books, beginning when I was very young. He was an avid reader, so he needed to visit frequently, because he, the same as I am now, never wanted to be without a book to read! I loved those special trips each week and loved to surprise my mother with the books we would find. Some of the books I’m sharing with you in Kids’ Books to Remember this week might have been on those library shelves many years ago and will still encourage a love of reading in your kids, as they did with me. I hope you find some new favorites!

kids’ books to remember: read aloud

kids' books to remember8 Class Pets + 1 Squirrel + 1 Dog = Chaos by Vivian Vande Velde

Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary

Cricket in Times Square by George Selden

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture bookskids' books to remember

Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig

The Swing by Joe Cepeda

Lyle, Lyle Crocodile by Bernard Waber

 

KiDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: chapter bookskids' books to remember

Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan

Regarding the Fountain by Kate Klise

Henry and Ribsy by Beverly Cleary

 

 

 

 

some links for mom and dad

7 Brilliant Children’s Books That Teach Us about Our World

The Hands-Down Funniest Books for Kids, According to Authors

TOP TEN BOOKS TO INSPIRE INVENTORS, ENGINEERS, TINKERERS, AND THOSE OF US WHO WISH WE WERE!

The Top 10 Things Children Really Want Their Parents To Do With Them

Thank you for taking time out of your beautiful spring day, to read my suggestions for some Kids’ Books to Remember. I sincerely hope these titles will help you find some new favorites on your next library visit. Please let us know what your kids like best in the comments below!




Kids’ Books to Remember and some Links for Mom and Dad

On this snowy weekend, here are some kids’ books to remember to add to your library list or maybe even your gift list! And there are some links to help you find even more titles for holiday giving, as well as an article for you bookstore lovers. Stay warm and have a great week!

kids’ books to remember: read aloud

Winter Frost by Michelle Houts

The Tale of Rescue by Michael J. Rosen

The Family Read-Aloud Christmas Treasury selected by Alice Low and illustrated by Marc Brown

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture books

The Berenstain Bears’ Christmas Tree by Stan and Jan Berenstain

The Wild Christmas Reindeer by Jan Brett

Time for Bed by Mem Fox

Who is Coming to Our House?  by Joseph Slate

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: chapter books

The Chocolate Touch by Patrick Skene Catling

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Links for mom and dad

Creating Thunder Boy, Jr.: It Takes a Village
35 Boxed Book Sets For Kids of All Ages
Books for the Doll Lover
Ann Patchett’s Guide for Bookstore Lovers
posts you may have missed on red canoe reader
25 Picture Books for Holiday Gifts
36 Chapter Book Gifts for Kids
Biographies Kids will Like and Read



Kids’ Books to Remember for Thanksgiving Week

As you prepare to gather with friends and family to celebrate Thanksgiving, you may still be planning your weekly library trip. Here are some kids’ books to remember, including my favorite Thanksgiving picture books, to make that excursion a little bit easier!

kids books to remember: read aloud

Gooseberry Park by Cynthia Rylant

Masterpiece by Elise Broach

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

KIDS BOOKS TO REMEMBER: picture books

A Turkey for Thanksgiving by Eve Bunting

Arthur’s Thanksgiving by Marc Brown

One is a Feast for Mouse: A Thanksgiving Tale by Judy Cox

‘Twas the Night Before Thanksgiving by Dav Pilkey

KIDS BOOKS TO REMEMBER: chapter books

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan

Bridge to Teribithia by Katherine Paterson

links for mom and dad

Audio Books for Holiday Travel
A Visit with Aaron Becker
Holiday Gift Guide

posts you may have missed on red canoe reader

Welcome Summer!
The Chapter Book Series Has Arrived!

As this Thanksgiving week begins, I am very thankful that much of my family will be gathering together to celebrate all of our many blessings. I know I am especially thankful for all of you, and for the support you have given me throughout the past year! I wish you, your family and your friends a very happy and memorable Thanksgiving.

Screen Shot 2015-10-18 at 4.28.46 PM




Kids’ Books to Remember (and links you don’t want to miss)

Happy Monday!  I’m sure we’re all ready to start a new week. I know I am! Here is your weekly list of some kids’ books to remember and some links you won’t want to miss.

Will you do me a favor, please? Will you let me know if these weekly posts are helpful? Would you like for me to add more titles or different headings? Please let me know in the comments below. And have a great week! Thanksgiving is coming soon!

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: READ ALOUD

Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary

Because of Winn Dixie by Kate Dicamillo

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: PICTURE BOOKS

Robert Munch books

The  Kissing Hand  by Audrey Penn and Ruth E. Harper

What do you Do With an Idea?  by Kobi Yamada

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: EARLY CHAPTER BOOKS

Billie B. Brown series by Sally Rippin

Hey, Jack series by Sally Rippin

KIDS’ BOOKS TO REMEMBER: CHAPTER BOOKS

Swindle Series by Gordon Korman

The Witches by Roald Dahl

Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan

links for mom and dad

Choose Kindness. Teach Empathy. Listen Actively.

Reading Aloud to Older Kids

Books about Girls Who Rescue Themselves

Just Breathe Helps Kids Deal with Emotions

My ABC’s of Thanksgiving journal

posts you may have missed on red canoe reader

nEW PICTURE BOOKS FOR ALL AGES 

FRIENDSHIP BOOKS FOR KIDS

 

 




Kids’ Books to Remember (to help you on your next library visit)

I’m loving all of this beautiful fall weather and the leaves are gorgeous right now (although that means there will soon be SO MANY to rake). And of course, around here we’re all basking in the lovely afterglow of the Cubs win! I’ve never seen so many W banners, so much red and blue apparel, so many touching videos or witnessed such an amazing parade. Although I grew up a Tigers fan, after living in the Chicago area for many years, it is all very heart warming and exciting! I’m thrilled for all of you life long Cubs fans!

Now, to help you on your weekly library visit, here are some more titles (with links to descriptions), as well as some articles too good to miss!

kids’ books to remember: read aloud

Stuart Little by E.B. White

Owls in the Family by Farley Mowat

Frindle by Anderew Clements

kids’ books to remember: picture books

Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

Zoom at Sea by Tim Wynne-Jones

The Berenstain Bears and the Spooky Old Tree by Jan and Stan Berenstain

kids’ books to remember: chapter books

The Red Wall Series by Brian Jacques

Abel’s Island by William Steig

The Littles by John Peterson

links for mom and dad

Picture Books, Humor and Vocabulary

40 Favorite Audio Books for Kids

9 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Interested in Reading and Storytelling

8 Reasons Your Child Could Benefit from Being a Bookworm

5 Picture Books about Loss

Posts you might have missed on Red Canoe reader

Early Chapter Books for Beginning Readers

Some New and Noteworthy Kids’ Chapter Books

Have a wonderful week and enjoy this amazing weather! I’m sure the snow and cold will be here before we know it!

If you have a friend who might be looking for some good kids’ books to check out on their next library visit, please forward this email to them.




Kids Books to Remember

Ok, it’s Monday and time for your weekly library visit, and every week you have the same question. Which read aloud should you choose? You are looking for some titles that are good bed time reads for kids of various ages, because after all, with two or three little ones, wouldn’t it be better to read one chapter to all of them each night, rather than reading a total of three chapters?? Also, what picture books should you bring home? And which chapter books would most intrigue your third grader (or any other age elementary kiddo)? You ARE going to find time to go to the library, but you certainly DON’T have the time to search for the perfect books for all of your little ones. You try to keep up with the new titles, but they are never on the shelf. Instead of a fun time, those trips to the library turn out to be just one more stressful errand in your week.

I would like to help you with those library visit dilemmas! Every week, watch for a post which includes picture book titles, chapter book titles, read aloud titles, as well as some links to posts that I think you might really enjoy. The book titles are linked to descriptions on Amazon and should be readily available in your libraries. And I want you to know that I haven’t come up with these titles on my own. Most came from my nieces and nephews and sons, (ages 17 – 39), when I polled them this summer. Many thanks to all of them! It was so much fun hearing about the favorite titles from their childhoods, and I’m sure their suggestions will help your kids find some new books that might be a perfect fit!

Kids’ books: Read Aloud

Mr. Poppers Penguins, by Richard Atwater

The Littles, by John Peterson

Mercy Watson by Kate DiCamillo

Kids’ books: picture books

Dinner at the Panda Palace by Stephanie Calmenson

Yoko by Rosemary Wells

Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathman

kids’ books: chapter books

Betsy Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace

A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

Links for mom and dad to Enjoy

Be Kind. It’s Worth It

8 Brutal Truths of Raising a Book Loving Kid

20 Things I Will Not Regret Doing With My Kids

Want to Raise Kids Who Love to Read? Do These 5 Things (and Avoid These 3)

13 Books Your Child Won’t Be Able to Put Down

I hope some of these memorable and fun books will help you to find the just right books on your next library visit! And finally, will you help me with something? Which books do you suggest? Please let us all know in the comments below.

Have a wonderful week! Happy Reading!

Susan

 

Screen Shot 2015-10-18 at 4.28.19 PM




Links about Reading for Moms, Dads and Teachers

I spend a lot of time each week exploring links about kids’ books and links about reading. I read publisher’s reviews, as well as reviews from library publications and reviews from my online Instagram friends to learn about the new books, or to bring old favorites to mind. I also follow some amazing teachers who find time in their busy days to share their thoughts about reading in their blogs. There’s so much wonderful information out there, but so little time to really explore! And definitely, not enough time in the day for you, I’m sure, between your families and your jobs, to read every interesting article, blog, etc. Therefore, I’ve decided to share some of my recent favorite links about reading, from my favorite blogs. If this is something you like, I’ll continue to share from time to time. Here we go!

9 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Interested in Reading and Storytelling | Brightly
POWELL’S BOOKS: Books about Girls who Rescue Themselves
12 Girls from Fiction Who Are Their Own Heroes | Brightly
My New Favorite Picture Books, September 2016 – Pernille Rip
The Best Book Every Year – Jennie, A Teacher’s Reflections – 30 Years of Wonder
Great Middle Grade Books to Give As Gifts

Are there links about reading or links to reading blogs that are your favorites? Do you want me to continue to share some of my favorite links? Please let me know in the comments, so that we can all learn and enjoy!

P.S. If you’re not following me on Instagram, you might want to check it out. I share new books several times each week, so you might find something new to share with your little ones!  https://www.instagram.com/redcanoereader/

Screen Shot 2015-10-18 at 4.28.46 PM




Welcome Summer!

I am sitting on a deck in Michigan on a beautiful day and looking out at the glittering lake. I hope your summers are going as well as mine, and you are enjoying lots of happy family times in the warm weather. We receive such a limited number of these perfect summer days, so I try to make the most of every one!

This  past month has been a whirlwind of family activities! We drove to Lubbock, Texas, to attend our niece, Haley’s Honor Ceremony and Graduation from Texas Tech. She is now a Speech Language Pathologist and we couldn’t be prouder! It meant so much to us to be able to be a part of the special weekend. We then visited old friends in Colorado and Kansas and created lots of special, new memories. The fun didn’t stop there. We then returned home and hosted a wedding shower for our niece, Kelly! Now we are looking forward to her July wedding and to our niece, Julia’s shower and wedding later this summer. It’s a little crazy, but giving us so much joy and great family memories!

I know school has been our for many of you for a few weeks now, and because I remember what happens once the newness of summer vacation begins to wear off, I want to share some books that might add some fun and joy to your summer. Some of these are for the parents and teachers, and some are for the kids.

SUMMER ACTIVITY BOOKS

image

Nature Anatomy by Julia Rothman, is perfect for all of your little ones who are fascinated by nature and are bombarding you with questions! I gave this to a special little neighbor and he keeps it by his bed, making sure it’s always available to answer his questions. It is a wonderful book for any family who loves the outdoors and are taking those summer walks to the park or the woods or the beach. And as a bonus, that this former librarian loves, it introduces the concept of research to your kids!

henry david thoreau

 Henry David Thoreau for Kids by Corinne Hasfield Smith, a tour guide at Thoreau Farm, in Concord Massachusetts, has written a book which is a good choice for parents and kids to read together to introduce older children to the wonders of the world. It provides background about Thoreau and 21 hands on activities that relate and honor Thoreau’s ideas, such as  keeping a daily journal, planting a garden, baking trail-bread cakes, going on a half-day hike, and starting a rock collection. It even integrates technology with nature activities such as describing and providing a link to a birdcall identification app.

PARENT AND TEACHER SUMMER READING SUGGESTIONS

image

If you are looking for a feel good book that will inspire you to read to your kids every day, this is it! In The Reading Promise Alice Ozma shares the story of her father reading aloud to her for eight straight years. If you are wondering if spending so much time each evening reading to your children, is truly worth it, this will surely convince you that it is!

image

I first read about Thirty Million Words by Dana Suskind last fall, and immediately knew I wanted a copy. Dr. Suskind  is a Cochlear Implant Surgeon who discovered the true value of talking to and with your children from birth through age three. She  was concerned about why some of the children who were returning to see her for their post operative appointments were so talkative and some were not. Were the cochlear implants not successful with some children? However, after much research she discovered that some of the children were hearing lots of language in their homes and some were not. This book will tell you how to create the “best language environment” for your child. It will help you to understand why the first step to successful lives for our children is to simply talk to your children in a way that builds their brains. This is a perfect gift for young parents and early childhood teachers.

reading picture books to children

I first learned about Reading Picture Books to With Children by Megan Dowd Lambert on the Eric Carle Picture Book Museum Facebook page. I truly think it’s an important book that all teachers and librarians need to read! It describes the techniques to use when reading aloud to help the children interact with the story and to truly see and understand the importance of the pictures and to get them to “think with their eyes”. I always thought it was so important to interact with the kids when I was sharing a story (that’s why my story times were always so long!), but this opened my eyes to new techniques and vocabulary to use during my story times in the future.

TWO HISTORICAL FICTION BOOKS FOR KIDS

image

The War that Saved my Life by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, a Newberry Honor book for 2016, is the story of Ada and her brother, Jamie, during World War II in both London and then the English countryside. I read this in a few hours. I just couldn’t put it down! Children will learn so much about history during World War II and the impact that it had on the children.

Ada has a club foot and her mother is very ashamed of her. Ada is never allowed to leave their one room apartment in the slums of London and is punished by being locked in the cabinet under the kitchen sink. When Ada learns that Jamie is leaving on the train with many other London children to escape the war and live with families in the English countryside, she decides she must go with him. This story describes their adventure beginning with their escape from their apartment, their harrowing train ride and then their new life in a small village. Because Ada has never left her apartment, she has so much to discover and to learn to trust. You share her joy, as well as her terror that she may have to return to London and face the wrath of her mother.

image

Glory Be by Augusta Scattergood tells the story of Gloriana June Hemphill and her life in Hanging Moss, Mississippi, during the summer of 1964. Glory is so excited. School is out and it’s just a few weeks until the most important day of the year – her birthday on the 4th of July. Every year she celebrates in the same way. She invites all of her friends to have cake and ice cream and to go swimming at the town pool. However, this year things are different. There are rumors that the town pool may close because it must now be integrated. Glory can’t believe it, so she decides to write a letter to the town newspaper to protest. The story is a memorable novel about family, friendship and making choices.

CHAPTER BOOKS, BEGINNING CHAPTER BOOKS AND PICTURE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Finally, I want to remind you to visit my past posts that will give you some more ideas for your kids when they just don’t know what to read next!

Beginning Chapter Book Series List is Here!

New Picture Books for All Ages!

New Kids Books You Don’t Want to Miss!

The Chapter Book Series List has Arrived!

Are there some books you would like to suggest for the summer reading lists? Please let us know in the comments below.

Happy Summer!