Reading is Fundamental and Macy's Fund Raiser

Just keeping you informed...

Jemma Hartman Camper Extrodinare

Jemma Hartman, Camper Extraordinaire by Brenda A. Ferber


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This a great book for fifth graders and probably sixth grade as well. It really shows the trials and tribulations of growing older, growing apart from friends and having to share someone you see as your BFF. It has a great lesson to be learned. I would say mostly girls only would find something to relate to in the story, so I doubt I would read it aloud, but I would recommend it to any girl in my class. I REALLY liked this story and the character, Jemma. It took me back to junior high and even brought a tear to my eye. (In kind of a sad/happy way) Do we think this is going to be a series??? What is your opinion?

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Mudshark by Gary Paulsen

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
I love Gary Paulsen. This book didn't do it for me. I didn't even really get most of it. The high point of the book is the morning announcements that come from the principal at the beginning of each chapter. Other than that, eh. I am still a Paulsen fan, true but I will be excited to see how students react to this book. (I won't even tell them that I didn't get it) :)


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Also Known as Harper Lee by Ann Haywood Leal

Also Known As Harper by Ann Haywood Leal


My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This is the book I have been waiting for this year! It is CLEAR that Leal used her background as teacher to craft this novel. From start to finish I could put names to the faces of the characters. Not the names that they are given in the novel, but the names of students I have encountered in my classroom over the last 11 years. It made me think more of those students and their lives. I smiled, laughed, and cried.

This book would be great for a literature circle or a situation where you could really sit and talk about it.


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Leepike Ridge by N.D. Wilson

Leepike Ridge by N.D. Wilson

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book had plenty of adventure, mystery, twists, turns, cliffhangers (A personal favorite) and some history. I think my students could listen to this as a read aloud. I also know that it would be perfect for my more savvy fifth grade reader. My personal favorite aspect of the book is the way the author used suspense with cliffhanger chapter endings. I don't know what took me so long to get this book, but I am ever pleased I took the time.


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