Galaxy Zack: Return to Earth Written by Ray O’Ryan Illustrated by Jason Kraft Age Level: 5 – 9 Grade Level: K – 4 This is the tenth in a series of easy chapter books. Zac is going home to earth for his first visit, but things get complicated when his dog disappears. Zac and his friend Seth spend the day searching for Luna, but at least they check out some really great places. As for Luna, he finally gets his favorite bone back. If you know a young reader who loves fantasy, this is the perfect book for them.
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A Hundred Horses Written by Sarah Lean Age Level: 8 – 12 Grade Level: 3 – 7 Happy Easter! Here’s a story that can be read long after Easter’s over. Sorry, no bunnies or eggs, but there are lots of horses, 99 to be precise. When Nell is forced to spend her Easter vacation with her aunt and cousins, she starts packing and discovers a carousel her father made before he left the family behind, along with a few scars. When Nell arrives at her aunt’s, she meets Angel, a wild and mysterious girl with her own scars. Slowly they become friends, and their friendship helps them each heal. Best of all Angel is adopted by the owner of a farm with 99 horses. Angel saves the 100th horse, a foal with wonky legs. This story was sweet, but its two mysteries, the carousel and 100 horses, kept it from being super-sweet. I loved it! Do you need to write a book report about a cool animal? Here are two great sources. Ranger Rick: I wish I was an Elephant Written by Jennifer Bove Age Level: 4 – 8 Grade Level: P – 3 This is a great easy book to read. The facts are fantastic, and so are the photographs. Jennifer hooked me by asking, what if you wished to be an elephant? The text shows the facts, how you would eat, talk, and live like one. It gives you a trunks’ eye view into their lives. Jennifer ended by letting me wonder would I want to. The content is level 1, and it’s perfect for young readers and for older ones who need book report information they understand. Back matter includes a glossary and a hands on activity, how to play ‘elephant hockey.’ The only difference is you have to use your arms instead of a trunk. I need to find some kids and try it out! How Do Cats Purr? Written by Nancy Furstinger Age Level: 10 – 12 Grade Level: 2 – 3 This is a great nonfiction chapter book, and it’s also easy to read. It has great cat-facts, like the record purr is as loud as a dishwasher. Here are the 4 chapters in the book with a question they’ll answer: 1 – How old are kittens when they begin to purr? 2—How does a purr move from the brain to the mouth? 3 – How do cats voice their feelings? 4 – What unusual sounds do cats make, and what do they mean? The end pages include a glossary, the top 5 reasons why cats are awesome, a drawing activity, and another one where you can learn to listen like a cat. There’s a list of resources for you to check out and an index to help you find facts you’re interested in. The table of contents at the front will help you too. The Unteachables Written by Gordon Korman Age Level: 8 – 12 Grade Level: 3 – 7 Sometimes those people we minimize and overlook, turn out to have the greatest potential. That’s the character twist written into this story. Mr. Kermit’s teaching career is ruined by a cheating scandal so he quits caring and becomes the worst teacher at school. He’s a year away from early retirement when he’s given the unteachables. It doesn’t matter because Mr. Kermit does the unthinkable . . . he lets the kids vegetate. But what I really loved about this story, as a retired teacher, is that there’s more to Mr. Kermit, and more to the unteachables. Read how they work to help each other make the impossible come true, and the ending is spot on! This is a great read! Mothman’s Curse Written by Christine Hayes Illustrated by James K. Hindle Age Level: 8 – 12 Grade Level: 3 – 4 I love fantasy, and a good mystery! Christine took the real facts of the Mothman story from 1960 newspapers. She updated it, added 2 brothers and a sister, then set the story in Athens, Ohio. I’m a Buckeye, and I love my home state! The sister and oldest brother help their father with the family auction business. That’s where they discover a camera that’s linked to the mothman story. They trace back the curse (that’s the made-up part), and they must break it before Josie dies or someone takes her place. I absolutely loved this story and its mix of fantasy, mystery, and a little horror. It’s a great read! |
AuthorWhenever I read or write, I find a comfy chair with a great view. I get my favorite drink, stretch out, and let the words take me away. Categories |