Intermediate: The Crimson Cap by Ellen Howard

Pierre Talon, a ten year old boy is asked to accompany famous explorer La Salle on an expedition to find help for the settlement where he lives. The year was 1687, Pierre lives with his mother and siblings in very poor conditions. His father disappeared during an expedition, his sister died of illness. Pierre feels responsible for his family but can’t refuse the great explorer. He must leave them behind in hope that he may find his father and return with aid to help them.

On the expedition, Pierre makes a friend named Monseir. Together they struggle through the difficult journey faced with hunger, exhaustion, illness and murder. The boys both end up deathly ill and are nursed back to heath by the Hasinai Indians. Pierre needs to decide where his loyalties lie; his family, France, his newfound Hasinai family, his best friend or Spain. Pierre faces many hard decisions and experiences as he becomes a teenager. This is a work of fiction based on actual historical events and people.

I was pleasantly surprised how much I liked this book. Normally this would not be a subject that would interest me greatly. This part of history has never thrilled me. I really enjoyed how the author tells the story from actual events from the time period and relates them to this character and his family. This kind of writing takes some extra leg -work for the author. I love how she took so much care to create this story and characters to fit as accurately as possible with the history that was found about Pierre Talon.

Author Website:

http://usawrites4kids.drury.edu/authors/howard/

Intermediate: Cracker! The Best Dog in Vietnam by Cynthia Kadohata

This story was a historical fiction written about the military dogs used in the Vietnam war in the 1960’s. It was based on factual information, but the characters are ficticious. I loved this story! The author writes in the third person perspective and captures each character’s actions and thoughts very well. I was particularly drawn in when the story was told from Cracker’s point of view. Whether you are a dog lover or not, I believe this is a story that will touch your heart.

Author's Website:

http://www.kira-kira.us/

Deep, Dark and Dangerous by Mary Downing Hahn

This ghost story (mystery) was one you can’t put down! I read it all in one day- I could hardly get anything done because I just wanted to see what happened. J I love the way the author leads you into this story. I really wouldn’t have guessed that Sissy was…. Okay, I can’t give it away. I loved the way the characters intertwined with one another. This was the Golden Sower Award winner this year for the intermediate book category. I know it was a big hit with kids. The title alone is a winner, and the cover drags you in for sure. Ms. Hahn’s writing is so real, you feel like you really “know” these characters. The story is a magnificent creation.

Author Website: http://www.hmhbooks.com/features/mdh/

Primary/Realistic Fiction: The Dog Who Belonged to No One by Amy Hest

Hest, A. (2008). The dog who belonged to no one. New York, NY: Abrams Books for Young Readers.

Summary:

The dog in the story belonged to no one, he was a stray. He was very lonely. There was also a girl. She was the daughter of two bakers who lived in a house with soft light. Each character is separate until one day a storm brings them together.

Authors Website: http://www.amyhest.com/

Discussion Questions:

Have you ever been alone and scared? Tell your story.

The characters in the story get caught in a storm, what would you do if you were caught in a storm with no one around to help you?

What characteristics do you think make a good pet?

Read Alike: If you liked this book you might also enjoy….

Titanicat by Marty Crisp or

A Visitor for Bear by Bonny Becker

Series Book: Mrs. Jafee is Daffy

Gutman, D. (2009). My Weird School series: Vol. 6. Mrs. Jafee is Daffy. New York, NY: HarperCollins Children's Books.

http://www.dangutman.com/

Mrs. Jafee, the vice principal of Ella Mentary School is in charge while Mr. Klutz, the principal is away at principal camp. The students get a little worried when they find out Mrs. Jafee has some strange ideas when it comes to learning. The students have to take a spelling test underwater and everyone has to do yoga in Fizz Ed. The “civil war” ends up leaving Mrs. Jafee tied up when students worry she has an evil plan. You must read this book to find out what happens to Mrs. Jafee, the students, and Mr. Klutz. This crazy, silly book is the perfect read for reluctant readers!

Read Alike: If you like this book, you may want to check out other books from the “My Weird School Daze” series.

Mrs. Lizzy is Dizzy or Dr. Brad has Gone Mad! Both written by Dan Gutman

Satch and Me is also a great book written by Dan Gutman.

Discussion Questions:

Do you think Mr. Klutz’s trip to principal camp was a good idea or a bad idea? How do you think it changed the students at Ella Mentary School?

What would you do if another teacher had to take over your school and had some new and crazy ideas about learning?

Billy Bully: A school-yard counting tale. (Books for the young)

Galan, A. A. A. (2009). Billy Bully: A school-yard counting tale. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/products/tradebooks/

This cute counting book counts Billy’s friends. As he loses them because of his bully behavior, the book counts backwards from 10. When Billy learns to treat friends nicely, he counts up as he earns them back one by one. The rhyming is an added bonus in this book that includes learning to count backward, forward, and also has a message about treating others with respect.

Read Alike: If you like this book, you might also like,

Daddies by Lila Prap or

The Nest Where I like to Rest: Sign Language for Animals by Dawn Babb Prochovnic

Discussion Questions:

Can you give an example of bully behavior, exhibited by Billy, the bull in this story?

What lesson does Billy learn when he loses all 10 of his friends?

Primary Informational Book: We Are The Earth

Kalman, B. (2009). We Are The Earth. New York, NY: Crabtree Publishing Company.

Author Website: http://www.crabtreebooks.com/bobbiek.php

We Are the Earth is a celebration of the Earth and all that it encompasses. The author gives brief information about energy, air, water, plants and animals. The contents all have the underlying theme of how we are all connected. This is a very positive and uplifting informational book with a very important message. I thought it was a wonderful way to give information, but also to give readers the encouragement to be eco-friendly.

Read Alike: If you like this book, you may want to check out

The ABC's of Endangered Animals by Bobbie Kalman or

The Environment Action series by Kay Barnham

Discussion Questions:

What are some ways that you could put gratitude to work?

What does eco-friendly mean to you? How could you demonstrate ways to be eco-friendly in school or at home?

Noah Webster: Weaver of Words- Biography

Shea, P. D. (2009). Noah Webster: Weaver of Words. Honesdale, Pennsylvania: Calkins Creek.

http://www.pegideitzshea.com/

This lovely intermediate picture book is a biography about the well known American, Noah Webster. Noah Webster is known for being a famous lexicographer, a dictionary maker. It is amazing how many other things Mr. Webster contributed to America. He loved learning and writing. He made many contributions to public education and is known as the “schoolmaster to America.” This energetic man did it all so to speak, from being a farmer, soldier, and teacher to being a lawyer, wordsmith, author and speaker. You must read this book to discover more about the real Noah Webster!

Read Alike: If you like this book you might also like

Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy U.S. Marshal by Vaunda Michaeux Nelson

Discussion Questions:

In what ways was Noah Webster involved in education? Which of his influences do we still see in schools today?

In what way(s) can you connect your life to Noah Webster? (What things did he do that affect your life today)?

Old Bear by Kevin Henkes Boston Globe Horn Book Award Winner

Author Website: http://www.kevinhenkes.com/

APA Citation: Henkes, Kevin. (2008). Old Bear. New York, NY: Greenwillow Books.

This is a very sweet story about a bear that goes into hibernation. As he sleeps, he dreams of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Each season has its own charm as Old Bear remembers his cub days. When he finally wakes up it is spring and he has to wonder if he is still dreaming. He is very happy when he realizes the winter has passed and he can go out to enjoy the spring!

Read Alike: If you liked this book you may enjoy

Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson

Wilson, Karma. (2002). Bear Snores On. New York, NY: Margaret K. McElderry Books.

Discussion Questions:

How would you feel if you slept all through the winter and woke up in the spring?

What events in this story are true to life or could have really happened?

Wangari's Trees of Peace: A True Story from Africa

Winter, J. (2008). Wangari's Trees of Peace A True Story from Africa. 

Orlando, FL: Harcourt, Inc. 

This true story about a woman named Wangari Maathia was an inspirational biography.  

When Wangari returns from college, she sees that her homeland in Kenya has changed.  

The land is barren because trees have been cut down to make way for the city.  

Wangari makes a very noble attempt to plant new trees and to keep the 

government from cutting them down.  Other people in Kenya begin to do the same 

and "The umbrella of green in Kenya returns.

Read Alikes:  The librarian of Basra : a true story from Iraq / written & illustrated by Jeanette Winter 

Listen to the wind : the story of Dr. Greg and Three cups of tea / by Greg Mortenson and Susan L. Roth ; collages by Susan L. Roth

Discussion Questions: 

What were Wangari's motives for risking her life to challenge the government of Africa?

What would happen if Wangari had never returned to her homeland after college?

http://us.macmillan.com/author/jeanettewinter

Princess Candy Sugar Hero

Dahl, M., Crowther, J. (2010). Princess Candy Sugar Hero. (Minnesota): Stone Arch Books.

http://stonearchbooks.blogspot.com/2008/01/staff-spotlight-michael-dahl.html

This graphic novel was a quick read that keeps the readers interest! The main character is a normal, cute little girl hanging out with her grandma for her birthday. Her aunt Pandora has sent her a special and secret birthday gift. It appears to be a box of candy and has Halo confused. Her dear auntie always encouraged her to eat her fruits and veggies. This is where the real adventure begins- the candy isn't just your typical candy, it gives Halo super powers. You must read this novel to experience the exciting adventure for yourself.

If you like this book you might also enjoy:

Lunch Lady and the Author Visit Vendetta by Jarrett J. Krosoczka or

The Graphic Novel Hansel and Gretel retold by Donald Lemke

Discussion Questions:

Why do you think Aunt Pandora sent the candy to Halo?

If you had the choice to become a superhero, would you do it? Why?

Gabriel's Horses

Hart, A. (2007). Gabriel's horses. Racing to freedom trilogy, book 1. Atlanta: Peachtree.

The name of the book I just read was Gabriel's Horses by Allison Hart. It is a Golden Sower nominee for 2010-2011. The genre is historical fiction and the time period was set back during the civil war in Lexington, Kentucky. This book was one of those that you pick up and start reading and can never put down. Right from the beginning Ms. Hart has you "hooked" when you first read of the main character, Gabriel. He is a twelve year old slave boy living with his family at Woodsville Farm. Gabriel loves helping his father (a free man) who works as a horse trainer for Master Giles. His father's love and kindness toward the horses is passed on to Gabriel when he becomes a jockey for Tenpenny, one of Master Giles' thoroughbred race horses. Gabriel is a natural with the horses because he relates to them and gives them all of his heart. The plot becomes tense when Gabriel's father enlists in the Union army in order to buy his wife and son's freedom someday. Gabriel is left to care for the horses and his mother. It is not an easy task when Master Giles hires a new trainer who has a violent temper and mistreats the horses and wants to whip Gabriel for being insubordinate when asked to harm the horses. Another great plot in the story is following the crimes of an infamous confederate raider who is out to get Master Giles's thoroughbreds. He rides with his men throughout the countryside terrorizing the farms by stealing horses, supplies and leaving a trail of destruction behind. Much of the story is actually based upon real life heros and criminals who lived during the civil war in Lexington, Kentucky. I absolutely LOVED this story. It has such heart! I highly recommend this book to anyone (especially if you love horses). If you love this book you might also love Gabriel's Triumph or Gabriel's Journey the next two stories in the trilogy, or read Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco. Check out this heartwarming author at: http://www.alisonhartbooks.com/

Answer these 2 questions after you read this book:

How would you feel if your father left you and your mother alone to fight for your freedom?

What events in the story could be factual and what events would be fiction?