miss garner’s book review

Miss Garner’s Book Review

PictureBooks

Harold and the Purple crayonBy: Crockett Johnson

Grades k-3

o Published in 1955o Main character: Harold

o Summary:Harold creates an imaginary world with his Purple

crayon. Follow along as he gets lost inside is imagination.

The Very Hungry CaterpillarBy: Eric Carle

Grade Level K-3

Published in 1986 Main character: Very hungry caterpillar

SummaryFollow along as this VERY hungry caterpillar eats his way

through lots of fun foods!

Fancy NancyBy: Jane O’Connor

Illustrated by: Robin Preiss GlasserGrade Level: K-3• Published in 2006

• Main character: Nancy• Summary

Meet Nancy, everything she does is fancy. From the way that she dresses to the way she talks. Nancy decides to give her family fancy lessons and ends up learning a valuable lesson herself.

Madeline By: Ludwig Bemelmans

Grade Level: 4-6 Published in 1939

Main character: Madeline Summary

Follow Madeline and her friends as they explore the beautiful city of Paris.

You’re All My FavoritesBy: Sam McBratney

Illustrated by: Anita JeramGrade Level K-3

Published in 2004 Main characters: Three baby bears

SummaryA touching story about three baby bears who want to know who their parents’ favorite is.

The Relatives CameBy: Cynthia Rylant

Illustrated by: Stephen GammelGrade Level: K-3

oPublished in 1985 oAwards: Caldecott Honor

oMain characters: The relativesoSummary

Isn’t it great when relatives come to visit? This is the story about all the fun that is had when relatives come to visit.

The Hallo-wienerBy: Dav Pilkey

Grade Level: K-3 Published in 1995

Main character: Oscar Summary

Meet Oscar, he’s a wiener dog and everyone teases him about it. Oscar can’t wait for Halloween, but it’s

not everything he dreams it to be. Read along as Oscar goes from “Wiener dog” to “Hero Sandwich”.

You Can Do It, SamBy: Amy Hest

Illustrated by: Anita JeramGrade Level: K-3

Published in 2001 Main character: Sam

SummaryIsn’t it great when you can do things all by

yourself? This is the story of Sam who with the help of his mother makes treats for his

neighbors. When they go to deliver them, his mother lets him go up to the doors by himself.

Amy Elizabeth Explores Bloomingdale’sBy: E.L. Konigsburg

Grade Level: 4-6

Published in 1992 Main characters: Amy Elizabeth, Grandma

SummaryHave you ever been to New York? Follow along as Amy Elizabeth and her Grandma explore the Big

Apple as they try to get to Bloomingdale’s.

Heaven’s All Star Jazz BandBy: Don Carter

Grades 4-6 Multi-cultural book Published in 2002

Main Characters: Little boy, Grandpa Jack, Jazz stars Summary

When the little boy’s Grandpa Jack dies, he imagines him joining all of his favorite Jazz heroes in a jam session. Read along as Grandpa Jack meets all

the greats.

A Bad Case of StripesBy: David ShannonGrade Level: K-6

o Published in 2004o Main character: Camilla Cream

o SummaryMeet Camilla. Camilla likes lima beans, but her friends don’t. So, to be like her friends, she stops eating them. Then it happens…Camilla gets a case of the stripes. Will

she ever return to normal?

Curious George Takes a JobBy: H.A. Rey

Grade Level: 4-6

o Published in 1947o Main character: Curious George

o SummaryOh no! George has escaped from the zoo. Follow

along as his curiosity leads him through the big city doing various jobs.

Walter the Farting DogBy: William Kotzwinkle & Glenn Murray

Illustrated by: Audrey ColmanGrade Level:4-6

Published in 2001 Main characters: Walter, Betty, Billy

SummaryWhat if your dog couldn’t stop farting? Meet Walter, he just can’t

seem to stop and it’s getting him into trouble. Read along as Walter goes from farting dog to becoming a hero all in one day.

Sector 7 By: David WiesnerGrade Level 4-6

oPublished in 1999oAwards: Caldecott Honor

oMain characters: Little boys, cloud with the red hatoSummary

What if you took a field trip to the top of the Empire State building and made friends the clouds? That’s exactly what happens in this

book. Read along as the little boy helps his new friends come up with new, fun, cloud shapes.

June 29,1999 By: David WiesnerGrade Level 7-9• Published in 1992

• Main character: Holly Evans• Summary

Did you ever have a science experiment go wrong? That’s exactly what Holly Evans thinks when it starts raining giant vegetables. She soon discovers that she

might be wrong after all.

Flotsam By: David Wiesner

Grades 7-9

Published in 2006 Awards: The Caldecott Medal Main character: Young boy

SummaryA young boy at the beach discovers an old fashion camera. He take the film to be developed and discovers a picture of a kid holding a picture of a kid, holding a kid until using a microscope the first picture of the first kid is revealed.

Tuesday By: David WiesnerGrade Level: 7-9

Published in 1991 Awards: Caldecott Medal

Main characters: flying frogs Summary

You’ve heard the expression “When pigs fly…” But flying frogs?!? Follow along one crazy Tuesday night when a quiet

neighborhood is overrun with frogs.

Traditional Literature

Nursery Rhymes & Fairy TalesGrade Level: K-3

• Published in 2005• Summary

Read along as Disney’s favorite characters re-create some the best classic nursery

rhymes and fairy tales ever told

My Very First Mother GooseEdited by: Iona Opie

Illustrated by: Rosemary WellsGrade Level: K-3

Published in 1996 Summary

A beautifully illustrated version of Mother Goose, that is easy to read.

The Elephant’s ChildBy: Rudyard Kipling

Illustrated by: Geoffrey PattersonGrade Level: K-3

• Published in 2006• Main character: Elephant child

• SummaryHave you ever wondered how the elephant got it’s trunk? This

is the story of a curious young elephant who’s curiosity got the better of him.

The Three Pigs By: David Wiesner

Grade Level 4-6•Published in 2001

•Awards: Caldecott Medal•Main Characters: The 3 pigs

•Summary:Follow along as the 3 pigs take a crazy adventure

out of their story into other fairy tales as they escape from the big bad wolf.

Hans Christian Andersen’sFairy Tales

Retold By William KingGrade Level: 4-6

o Published in 1996o Summary

A collection of some of Anderson’s Greatest Works. Meet the Emperor in His new clothes,

Thumbelina, The Ugly Duckling, and many more!

The Stinky Cheese Man and other Fairly Stupid Tales By: Jon Scieszka

Illustrated by: Lane SmithGrade levels: 7-9

Published in 1992 Awards: Caldecott Honor

Main Character: Jack the narrator Summary

You’ve Haven’t read Mother Goose until you read these crazy fracture versions

A Children’s Treasury of Mythology

Illustrated by Margaret Evans Price

Grade Level 7-9 Published in 2007 Summary

A beautifully illustrated collection of myths from Greek and Roman mythology

Fantasy

• Published in 1968• Main characters: Little Bear, animal friends, Grandmother Bear

• SummaryLittle Bear makes a picture for his Grandmother. Because she loves

it so much she sends him a kiss in return. The kiss gets passed between friends until skunk accidentally kisses a girl skunk. Little

bear finally gets his kiss when the two skunks get married

A Kiss For Little Bear By: Else Holmelund Minarik

Illustrated by: Maurice SendakGrade Level: K-3

Where the Wild Things AreBy: Maurice Sendak

Grade Level: K-3• Published in 1963

• Awards: Caldecott Medal• Main character: Max

• SummaryFollow Max on his imaginary journey to the island of where the wild things are. Join in as they have a wild

rumpus and crown Max, King of the Wild Things.

How to Make Friends with a Giant

By: Gennifer CholdenkoIllustrated by: Amy Waldrod

Grade Level K-3 Published in 2006 Newberry Honor

Main characters: James, Jacomo Summary

What if a giant moved in next door and started school with you? Would you become friends with them? This is the story of James

and Jacomo, two friends who are complete opposites of each other.

Magic PickleBy: Scott MorseGrade Level: 4-6• Published in 2008

•Main characters: Magic Pickle, Jojo Wigman• Summary

Graphic novel about a superhero who goes out and battles other superhuman veggies

JumanjiBy: Chris Van Allsburg

Grade Level 4-6

• Published in 1981• Awards: Caldecott

• Main characters: Peter, Judy• Summary

What would you do if the game you were playing suddenly came to life? Join Peter and Judy as they race against time and nature

to finish playing JUMANJI

Ella Enchanted By: Gail Garson Levine


Awards: Newberry Honor Main characters: Ella, Prince Charmon, Mandy,

SummaryMeet Ella. She has to do everything you tell her because of a horrible gift her fairy godmother gave her. Follow along as Ella searches for Lucinda so she can live as a normal girl.

The Lightning ThiefBy: Rick RiordanGrade Level 4-6

• Published in 2006• Main character: Percy Jackson

• Summary• What if you found out that all the crazy things that have been

happening to you aren’t just a dream? What if you found out you were the child of a Greek god? Meet Percy. This is the story of what happens

when he finds out the answers to these questions and many more.

Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William McKinley, and me Elizabeth

By: E.L. KonigsburgGrade Level 4-6

• Published in 1967• Multicultural

• Awards: Newberry Honor• Main Characters: Jennifer, Elizabeth

• SummaryWhat if your best friends was a witch and she made you an

witch’s apprentice? Follow along as Elizabeth tries to become a full fledged witch.

The Lion, the Witch, and the WardrobeBy: C.S. Lewis

Grade Level: 4-6

Published in 1950 Main characters: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy

SummaryThrough the wardrobe is a mystical land called

Narnia. Follow along as Edmund, Lucy, Peter, and Susan battle against the evil queen to save Narnia.

Lily Dale: Awakening By: Wendy Corsi Staub

Grade level 7-9o Published in 2009

o Main character: Callao Summary

After her mother’s death, Calla moves to Lily Dale to live with her grandmother. She soon discovers that Lily Dale is a town full of psychics and that she is one too.

Poetry

I can Read with My Eyes Shut!By: Dr. Seuss

Grade Level: K-3• Published in 1978

• Main character: The Cat in the Hat• Summary

Did you know that the Cat in the Hat can read with his eyes closed? Follow along his crazy journey what happens

when you read with your eyes closed!

The Mighty SlideBy: Allan Ahlberg

Illustrated by: Charlotte VoakeGrade Level: 4-6


A collection of story poems from Britain. Take a ride on the Mighty Slide, make friends with The Girl that Doubled, and listen to The Scariest Yet

A Light In the AtticBy: Shel Silverstein


SummaryA collection of humorous

children’s poems

Imagine That! Poems of Never-Was

Selected by: Jack PrelutskyIllustrated by: Kevin Hawkes

Grade Level 4-6


A collection of children’s poems on things that never-were. Meet The Nonny. Take a ride in Mr.

Mad’s Machine. Visit The Land of Bumbley Boo.

Vile VersesBy: Roald Dahl

Grade Level 4-6


A Collection of poems taken from Roald Dahl’s famous children’s books

A Poke in the IA collection of concrete poems

Selected by Paul B JaneczkoIllustrated by: Chris Rashcka

Grade Level 7-9


A collection of crazy concrete poems.

Oh, The Places You’ll Go!By: Dr. Seuss

Grade level: 7-9

Published in 1990Main character: You

SummaryFollow along as you take a wonderful

journey down the path of life.

Contemporary Realistic Fiction

The Red ThreadBy: Grace Lin

Grade Level: K-3 Multicultural book Published in 2007

Main characters: King & Queen, Old Peddler, baby Summary

There is an ancient Chinese belief that an invisible, unbreakable red thread connects all those who are destined to be together. Follow along as the King and Queen take a journey to find their

destiny.

I’m Gonna Like Me Letting Off A Little Self-EsteemBy: Jamie Lee Curtis

Illustrated by: Laura Cornell


A self esteem lifting story about two kids who like themselves no matter what.

Is There Really A Human Race? By: Jamie Lee Curtis

Illustrated by: Laura CornellGrade Level: K-3


Is there really a human race? Where’s the finish line? Do people run into each other? These just a few of the

questions that this book answers and many more.

Harriet the Spy By: Louise Fitzhugh


Main characters: Harriet, Ole Golly Summary

Meet Harriet, a young girl who thinks she’s a spy. Harriet’s spying gets her in trouble when her friends find her notebook filled with not so nice comments about them. How will Harriet

survive? Will she ever spy again?

Al Capone Does My Shirts By: Gennifer Choldenko

Grade Level: 4-6

Special Needs Published in 2006

Awards: Newberry HonorMain characters: Moose, Natalie

SummaryThe story of Moose trying to balance living on Alcatraz Island

with his autistic sister and having a normal baseball filled life.

If a Tree Falls at Lunch PeriodBy: Gennifer Choldenko

Grade Level: 4-6

Multicultural Gifted and Talented Published in 2007

Main characters: Walk and Kristen Summary

What if you found out that the one of your friends was actually your brother or sister? What if one was white and the other was black? Read along as Kristen and Walk struggle to fit in a their preppy

day school and along the way become friends and then family.

The View From SaturdayBy: E.L. Konigsburg

Grade Level: 4-6 Gifted and Talented Published in 1998

Awards: Newberry Award Main Characters: Ethan, Noah, Nadia, Julian

SummaryMeet the Souls, a group of friends that make up their 6th grade

academic team. But, what makes the Souls the Souls. Read along to find out how a group of unlikely friends bonded together to win it all.

Silent to the BoneBy: E.L. Konigsburg

Grade Level: 7-9

• Published in 2004• Main characters: Branwell, Connor

• SummaryWhat if something so terrible happened that afterwards,

you weren’t able to speak. That’s what happened to Branwell and now its up to Connor to solve the mystery of what happened and why Branwell is silent to the bone.

To Kill A MockingbirdBy: Harper Lee

Grade Level: 7-9

• Published in 1960• Awards: Pulitzer Prize

• Main characters: Scout, Jem, Atticus• Summary

Meet Scout, a young girl from a small Alabama town. This is the story of what happens one summer when tragedy strikes this small town.

The Westing GameBy: Ellen RaskinGrade Level 7-9

o Published in 1978o Awards: Newberry Award

o Main characters: All the tenants of Sunset Apartmentso Summary

A whodunit mystery involving murder, chess, Uncle Sam, and a crazy cast of characters. Can you solve the mystery before the

murderer strikes again?

Deenie By: Judy Blume

Grade Levels: 7-9o Published in 1976

o Main character: Deenieo Summary

A story of a beautiful young girl who’s mother wants her to be a model. Deenie just wants to live a normal life.

Read along as Deenie finds out that she is far from normal and how she struggles to regain normalcy in her life.

The Catcher in the RyeBy: J.D. SalingerGrade Level 7-9

Published in 1945 Main character: Holden

SummaryFollow Holden on his journey through New York City as he struggles to find himself.

The Heart is A Lonely HunterBy: Carson McCullers

Grade Level: 7-9

Published in 1940 Special needs

Main characters: John, Spiros, Mick Summary

This the story of the relationship between John and Spiros who are both deaf mutes. Life changes dramatically when Spiros ends up in

a mental facility

Historical Fiction

John, Paul, George, & BenBy: Lane Smith

Grade Level: K-3 Published in 2006

Main Characters: John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, Ben Franklin

SummaryHave you ever wondered what our founding fathers were like as children? Was George Washington always honest?

Di d Paul Revere always yell? What about Ben, did he have a comment for everything? Read and find out!

The Journal of Ben Uchida, Citizen 13559Mirror Lake Internment Camp

By: Barry DenenbergGrade Level: 4-6

Multicultural book Published in 1999

Main character: Ben Uchida Summary

Story of a boy’s life in an American internment camp for the Japanese following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Read

along as Ben tries to lead a normal life, playing baseball and making friends inside Mirror Lake Camp.

My Secret War: The WWII Diary of Madeline Beck By : Mary Pope Osborne

Grade level 4-6

Published in 2000 Main characters: Madeline, Mom, Dad, Johnny, Theo ,

Clara Summary

A young girl’s diary of her life in New York at the beginning of WWII. Read along as Madeline takes the

call of duty into her hands against German spies.

Jackie and Me By: Dan GutmanGrade Level 4-6

Multicultural Published in 1999

Main characters: Joe Stoshack, Jackie Robinson Summary

Follow along on as Joe travels back in time to meet the great Jackie Robinson. While visiting Jackie, Joe learns the hardships of being black

in the 1940s.

The Roman NewsThe Greatest Newspaper in Civilization

By: Andrew Langley and Philip de Souza Grade Level: 7-9

Published in 2000Main characters: Various historical Roman figures

SummaryRead about some of Rome’s greatest events in the

greatest newspaper of all.

Non-Fiction: Biographies

&Informational

Celia Cruz, Queen of SalsaBy: Veronica Chambers

Illustrated by: Julie MaronGrade Level K-3


A biography of the life of salsa queen, Celia Cruz. Follow along on her journey from her childhood in Havana to her stardom on the

stage.

Accidents May HappenFifty Inventions Discovered by Mistake

By: Charlotte Foltz JonesIllustrated by John O’Brien

Grade Level: 4-6


Have you ever wondered where some of history’s greatest inventions came from? What if I told you they were mistakes? Find out how bread was discovered, what cracked the Liberty bell, and

much more.

Anne FrankThe Diary of a Young Girl

Grade Level: 4-6o Published in 1953

o Main character: Anne Franko Summary

Anne’s incredible diary about her life while in hiding and later in a Nazi concentration camp

Independent Dames By: Laurie Halse Anderson

Illustrated by: Matt FaulknerGrade Level: 7-9


Meet some of America’s finest women who lended a hand during the Revolutionary War. Learn the

truth about some of history’s myths about women in battle.

I Am ScoutThe Biography of Harper Lee

By: Charles ShieldsGrade Level: 7-9


A biography of one of America’s greatest, reclusive authors. Learn the history and background that go into

Lee’s groundbreaking book To Kill a Mockingbird.

The End for Now. Thanks Jen for introducing me to so Many Great kids books! This show would have gone on forever if I

added every book I read this semester.

(Don’t Click or Music will stop)

miss garner’s book review

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