Why I Picked It Up: Finding strong upper elementary novels can be tricky. I always take time perusing the shelves looking for titles, covers, and teasers (on the back of the book) that would appeal to students in grades 3-5. On one of my countless hours in Barnes & Nobel, I spotted this book. The […]
Reading Strategies
Book Review: Prince Puggly of Spud and the Kingdom of Spiff, by Robert Paul Weston
Why I Picked It Up: This was a classic case of “Sherry” and “Jessica” books. In preparation for our Head to Head session, we each needed a novel-in-verse to read and review. Jessica had already fallen in love with The Crossover, so I had to find my own novel-in-verse that was different enough to be competitive in our […]
Book Review: Capture the Flag, by Kate Messner
Why I Picked It Up: This book was one of Jessica’s picks on our Summer Reading List. The historical connections with the flag that inspired our national anthem appealed to my love of historical fiction, and the mystery-loving part of me was intrigued by the maze created out of the flag on the cover. Finding […]
Book Review: Monty’s Magnificent Mane, by Gemma O’Neill
Why I Picked It Up: I came across this book online. The illustrations automatically caught my eye. It’s a captivating illustration of a lion named Monty. Yes, Monty. Therefore, it had to be purchased! Why I Finished It: Right from the start, an experienced reader of children’s fables will know this story line. The vain lion […]
Book Review: Hippos Are Huge, by Jonathan London
Why I Picked It Up: Is it weird to have a fascination with hippos? I can’t say that I think they’re cute or that they’re my favorite animal, but they’re so peculiar – dare I say boring? Therefore, I am fascinated by people who would go out of their way to write a book about […]
Website Review: Voki
Voki is an oldie but a goodie! I keep coming back to this uber fun technology tool. My personal children and I spent five minutes creating a Voki for a book we read and about 15 minutes playing with it and laughing! Of all the tools I have shared with teachers this has been a […]
