Lizzie Bright and the Bucknister Boy

This is another story about being comfortable with who you are even among different cultures and races. The age group this is written for needs to feel comfortable with who they are. The son of the minister doesn't fit in but then he meets a new friend that he feels the need to stand up for. I thought it was a good book with a good story.

Kids will like this story because of the good story of friendship. They will be able to relate to the characters. This book contains a lot of deep subject matter but it is an enjoyable journey.


Schmidt, Gary. (2008). Lizzie bright and the buckminster boy. Laurel Leaf.

Ella Enchanted

I love this story! It is full of enchantment, love, being okay with being different, and finding out what you're made of. I really enjoyed this cleverly told modern Cinderella story. The main character is a strong young girl and I believe girls will be empowered after reading this story. The adventure she goes on helps her find herself and her true love. The good guy always wins.

Kids, girls especially, will love this story. It is an easy read and then the kids can watch the movie. The movie was very well done. Everyone loves a good Cinderella story.

Levine, Gail. (2004). Ella enchanted (rack). HarperTeen.

On My Honor

This was a fast, well written read. This book is based in reality. The main character, Joel, loses his best friend, Tony, while the two boys go swimming in a dangerous river. Tony always seemed to be trying to prove himself so Joel didn't know he didn't really know how to swim. This was a very thought provoking story - Joel learns to deal with death but learns the love of his father.

Kids can learn to deal with death or connect with the characters in his time of grief. I would hope kids could also learn a lesson in not doing the dangerous things the kids did in the book. This book could start some good conversations about what really happens in life - and what is inevitable.

Bauer, Marion. (1986). On my honor. Yearling Books.

Crispin

This is a dark tale about things that have happened in the past such as the Black Plague. There is a journey and adventure and I was intrigued and engaged throughout the story. I hope I will never have to run for my own life like he does in the story. It was a good read.

Student's will be able to read what it is like to have nothing - most student's will understand what that is like for the first time and some will be able to relate to the character. This is not a bright and shiny book but kids need to read this side of life too. It is a bit sugar coated but it is an introduction to the dark side.

Avi. (2003). Crispin. New York, New York.

The Tale of Despereaux

This is a classic story. It is a magical tale that dives into the point of view of different characters - the readers gets to swim around in their heads. This story teaches how to be true to yourself and how to love and care for someone that is different than you. There is danger, kidnapping, poverty, villains and heroes. I love any story that teaches others how to accept people for who they are.

Kids would like it because it's fun, exciting, and magical. It has also been made into a movie - I find that kids like to read books when they can also watch a movie to put their pictures in their head onto the big screen.

DiCamillo, Kate, & Ering, Timothy. (2006). The Tale of despereaux. Candlewick Pr.

Frog and Toad Together

This is another classic story that will be around for many more years. It is a great story that shows how friends can help each other. One friend is always anxious and the other always tries to calm him down. I can relate very well to this story. This is a very quick read and everyone should read the Frog and Toad series. I also enjoyed the pictures on almost every page.

Kids will like the story of friendship of these two amphibians. They will love the simple pictures and the simple things the friends do together. A lot can be learned by reading about these two friends.


Lobel, Arnold, & Lobel, Arnold. (1972). Frog and toad together ;. HarperTrophy.