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?