Book Recommendations

Some of My Favorites . . .

New York Times bestselling author Jennifer A. Nielsen transports readers to a corner of history with this inspiring story of a girl who discovers the strength of her people united in resisting oppression. Danger is never far from Audra's family farm in Lithuania. She always avoids the occupying Russian Cossack soldiers, who insist that everyone must become Russian -- they have banned Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language. But Audra knows her parents are involved in something secret and perilous. In June 1893, when Cossacks arrive abruptly at their door, Audra's parents insist that she flee, taking with her an important package and instructions for where to deliver it. But escape means abandoning her parents to a terrible fate. As Audra embarks on a journey to deliver the mysterious package, she faces unimaginable risks, and soon she becomes caught up in a growing resistance movement. Can joining the underground network of book smugglers give Audra a chance to rescue her parents? 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umbD-2oB6n0

This is a beautifully written novel from renowned author Katherine Applegate. I love how this book shows the reader the power of unexpected friendships. It is Inspired by the true story of a captive gorilla known as Ivan, this novel is told from the point of view of Ivan himself. Which is captivating to the reader.

Ivan spent 27 years behind the glass walls of his enclosure in a shopping mall, Ivan has grown accustomed to humans watching him. He hardly ever thinks about his life in the jungle. Instead, Ivan occupies his time with television, his friends Stella and Bob, and drawing. But when he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he is forced to see their home, and his art, through new eyes.    (This is our current read-aloud for 3rd-5th grade)

Niko expresses himself in a format that others don't understand - abstract expressionism. He draws feelings. For example, he shows his parents a drawing composed of what appears to be yellow and red scribbles, he explains, “It’s the warm of the sun on my face.” When Dad says he can’t see the sun or the face, Niko responds, “It’s not my face. It’s the warm.” Niko’s sadness and sense of being misunderstood lifts when he meets his new neighbor, Iris. She is thoughtful and understanding as she examines his creations. Niko finally meets someone who understands him.

(Kinder - 2nd grade enjoyed this book and expressing their feelings.)

From New York Times bestselling creators Drew Daywalt, author of The Day the Crayons Quitand The Day the Crayons Came Home, and Adam Rex, author-illustrator of Frankenstein Makes a Sandwich, comes a laugh-out-loud hilarious picture book about the epic tale of the classic game Rock, Paper, Scissors.

You’ve played the game. Now read the legend of how it all began . . .

 book smugglers give Audra a chance to rescue her parents?

In this Caldecott Honor–winning picture book, The Twilight Zone comes to the carrot patch as a rabbit fears his favorite treats are out to get him. Jasper Rabbit loves carrots—especially Crackenhopper Field carrots. He eats them on the way to school. He eats them going to Little League. He eats them walking home. Until the day the carrots start following him...or are they? Celebrated artist Peter Brown’s stylish illustrations pair perfectly with Aaron Reynold’s text in this hilarious picture book that shows it’s all fun and games…until you get too greedy!  http://www.peterbrownstudio.com/books/creepy-carrots/

From the celebrated team behind Creepy Carrots!, Aaron Reynolds and Caldecott Honor winner Peter Brown, comes a hilarious (and just a little creepy) story of a brave rabbit and a very weird pair of underwear. Jasper Rabbit is NOT a little bunny anymore. He’s not afraid of the dark, and he’s definitely not afraid of something as silly as underwear. But when the lights go out, suddenly his new big rabbit underwear glows in the dark. A ghoulish, greenish glow. If Jasper didn’t know any better he’d say his undies were a little, well, creepy. Jasper’s not scared obviously, he’s just done with creepy underwear. But after trying everything to get rid of them, they keep coming back!

http://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Creepy-Pair-of-Underwear!/Aaron-Reynolds/9781442402980

Charlotte Parkhurst is raised in an orphanage for boys, which suits her just fine. She doesn’t like playing with dolls, she can hold her own in a fight, and she loves to work in the stables. Charlotte has a way with horses and wants to spend her life training and riding them on a ranch of her own. The problem is, as a girl in the mid-1800s, Charlotte is expected to live a much different life – one without freedom. But Charlotte is smart and determined, and she figures out a way to live her dreams with a plan so clever and so secret – almost no one figures it out.

http://www.pammunozryan.com/riding-freedom/

Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There's no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Aain. Crenshaw is a cat. He's large, he's outspoken, and he's imaginary. He has come back into Jackson's life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything?  Beloved author Katherine Applegate proves in unexpected ways that friends matter, whether real or imaginary.

http://www.mackidsbooks.com/crenshaw/