Attention Parents/Teachers of the 9+ Crowd!

Thursday, January 3, 2013

As you know, I am all about primary ed. Some of my friends in the Twitterverse kept talking about a few thicker books in 2012 though. I could not resist the temptation to read their recommended "big kid books."

I AM SO GLAD I DID!

If you are a parent in the 9+ age group or are lucky enough to teach this fun group, check out these books. They are powerful.

Wonder, by R.J. Palacio

"You can't exactly blend in when you were born to stand out." Auggie

I LOVE this book and want to scream it from the rooftops. I couldn't put it down. August is a boy who was born with a face deformity and has never been to school. He heads to 5th grade with mixed emotions and all kinds of things happen. It's not all daisies and sunshine, and I'm glad. That would have made this book unbelievable. Palacio shows the story from big sister's point of view, Auggie's view, and his friends. It's about empathy, choosing kindness. It's about family and friendship. AH! I just want to type the whole story so you will love it, too. I won't though-go buy it, download it, or borrow it! In fact, if you are at my school, it will be there on Monday-my copy, donated to the library and ready to be read! Thanks Nerdy Book Club and Mr. Schu for sharing your love of books with your lit friends!

Click the pic to watch the book trailer and you will never look back...

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The One and Only Ivan, Katherine Applegate (author) and Patricia Castelao (illustrator)

"Being a gorilla is not as easy as it looks." Ivan

Ivan is the mighty silverback gorilla living at the Exit 8 Mall and Arcade. He has been there a long time. In his story, he talks to us. It is his perspective on life and with that, you really get to know Ivan. He loves his friends, old and new (yes, there's a story there!) He fears change but finds the courage to embrace it. He is an artist (I so want to tell you all about this!) and his works play a HuGe role in the story. I found myself at times relating to Ivan the gorilla and the whole time, hoping right along with him. I read it cover to cover in one sitting and that is not easy to do as a mom and teacher! You will love Ivan and his friends. You will cry and laugh and Ivan will be in your heart forever.