Amanda's Book Share

Caroline B. Cooney does a great job creating novels such as: The Face on the Milk Carton. This is just one example of her page turners that my fifth grade students have enjoyed. We selected this book, in addition to others she has in this series: Whatever Happened to Janie and The Voice on the Radio because she uses a way of reaching young readers.

This book discusses what happens to a little girl, Janie, who was kidnapped by her loving parents. She begins the search to piece together clues that don't seem to make sense of what has happened in her past.

Cynthia Lord puts a great spin on RULES that apply to our society. This award winner provides a laugh for intermediate level students regarding some of the every day things we must be responsible for..."If the bathroom door is closed, knock! (especially if Catherine has a friend over).Say thank you when someone gives you a present (even if you don't like it).Don't stand in front of the TV when other people are watching it.A boy takes off his shirt to swim, but not his shorts.Some people think they know who you are, when really they don't.No toys in the fishtank." (Lord) In addition to rave reviews from my fifth grade students, Publishers Weekly states: "The appealing, credible narrator at the heart of Lord's debut novel will draw in readers, as she struggles to find order and balance in her life.... A rewarding story that may well inspire readers to think about others' points of view." Publishers Weekly

This was a great read aloud that is highly recommended!

This selection is by far the most emotional book I've bought for my students. I have had lots of students read this selection, and, in doing so, have a new respect for what things they have in their lives. In this story a young boy discovers how to allow nature to take its course while listening to what his heart's telling him.

What a powerful book...DEFIANCE by Valerie Hobbs

Eleven-year-old Toby Steiner wants to do normal things on his vacation: he wants to hike and race his bike down the hill and learn to fish out on the lake. The last thing he wants is to return to the children’s hospital where his painful cancer treatment finally ended. When Toby starts spending time with Pearl, a spunky old woman who lives on a nearby farm, and Blossom, her broken-down cow, he sees all the more reason to keep the new lump on his side a secret from his parents. From Pearl he discovers the beauty of poetry, and from Blossom he just might uncover the meaning of life.

Useful Websites in finding Trade Books to use in the classroom

www.proteacher.com

This website's a directory to all trade book questions or search items that you might need. It includes series, publishers, authors, and much more!

http://www.socialstudies.org/resources

This site is the National Council for Social Studies. I find it hard to collect helpful trade books that elementary students would be interested in, and this site is helpful at times. It is a supported site, which helps justify the sources.

http://content.scholastic.com/

I have to mention scholastic because I use this site the most. I am able to level all my classroom books through scholastic, find titles, authors, series, and more! This site is awesome, and I hope that you are all using it...I know it's a very common site for educators. However, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to share my appreciation for this site.

http://indiana.statebookawards.com

This is a fun site to visit because it mentions Indiana Hoosier books that have won awards. Our school selects books based upon this site, and I like reviewing it often for new ideas.