Mrs. Church's Lucky 13 (thirteen must-read books from Price Middle School's Library) |
"Three Silly Billies" by Margie Palatini Remember the old story of the Three Billy Goats Gruff? This picture book is a modern retelling of that old favorite. A quick fun read! Something to read aloud to a young friend of relative. Click on the book to hear a student review. Want to learn more about this book? Check out the following websites: |
"John, Paul, George and Ben " by Lane Smith At first glance, you might think this picture book is just for the little kiddies. But look inside...it's actually a hilarious story about famous historical Americans. Young and old alike will learn something from this book.For example, did George Washington REALLY cut down the cherry tree? Click on the book to hear a student review. Visit the weblinks below to learn more. |
"The Foretelling" by Alice Hoffman This traditional literature book is full of folklore and legend. It's the story of a girl who's a member of an all-female tribe or warriors. Who needs men? Curious? Click on the book to hear a student's opinion, and on the links below to find out more. |
"Whisper In the Dark " by Joseph Bruchac Like edge-of-your-seat suspense thrillers? Then this traditional literature book is for you. Native American folklore is interwoven throughout, and you won't want to put it down. It's about a girl who's a descendant of a Native American warrior chief. Click on the book to hear a review by one of your peers. For more about this book and its author, click the links below. |
"F.E.G. Ridiculous Poems for Intelligent Children" by Robin Hirsch Some kids yawn at the mention of poetry. They obviously haven't read this book yet! It's full of fun, silly and (gasp!) educational poems. A quick read, this book is sure to make you smile. Click on the book for a student's review, and check the links below for more info.
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"Facing the Lion" by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton This fascinating biography tells the story of a boy who grew up in Africa as a member of the Maasai tribe. It tells of customs that may seem quite strange to you (they drink cow's blood mixed with milk!) The boy grew up to become a graduate of Harvard. Sound interesting? Click on the book picture for a student review, and explore the links below to find out more. |
"We Beat the Street" by Sampson Davis,George Jenkins, Rameck Hunt, and Sharon Draper This is the nonfiction story of young men who COULD have wound up in a gang, in jail, or wome other bad situation. Instead, they made a pact to "beat the street" and make a better life for themselves. Now grown men, these guys have written stories that will inspire you, no matter what your situation might be. Click on the book to hear a review from a student who's read it. Check out the links below to learn more about this great book.
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"House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer Do you have an opinion on the cloning issue? After reading this modern fantasy book, you might change your mind. It's the story of Matt Alacran, a clone of a wealthy and evil drug lord,, and it's set in the future. A gripping read, this book will have you reading late into the night just to see what happens next. Click on the book for a review by one of your peers, and visit the websites below to learn more.
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"The Return of Gabriel" by Joseph Armistead Racism, friendship and moral choices are the themes in this historical fiction book. It is a story of three friends, one black, one white, and one Jewish, which takes place in a time of segregation and racial hatred. How do you choose between your friend and your father? Do you have the courage to do the right thing, even when it means putting yourself in danger? Find out how the boys deal with these issues in this Sunshine State Young Reader book. Click on the book for a student review, and on the links below to find out more about the book. |
"Becoming Naomi Leon" by Pam Munoz Ryan Naomi and her brother live in a travel trailer (nicknamed "Baby Beluga") with their grandmother in this multicultural fiction story. They are happy together until Nami's long-lost mother shows up. She wants custody of Naomi, but not her brother. How can a mother choose one child and leave the other behind? To find out more, click on the book to listen to a peer review, check out the links below, and then stop by the library and borrow this Sunshine State Reader book. |
"Rules" by Cynthia Lord Has your brother or sister ever embarrassed you in front of your friends? In this realistic fiction novel, Catherine's brother David is autistic, and he can't help his embarrassing behavior. Catherine makes up a list of rules for him so he won't embarrass her. Can David follow the rules? Find out in this sad, touching and sometimes funny book. Click on the book to hear what one student had to say about this book. Visit the websites below to learn more.
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"Swear to Howdy" by Wendelin Van Draanen Now here's a book you HAVE to read ASAP. It's the story of two boys, Joey and Rusty, their friendship, the trouble they get into, and the choice one boy must make even if it ruins the friendship. Taylor A. read this realistic fiction novel in sixth grade, and she said, "I laughed, then I cried. I stayed up until midnight on a school night, just so I could finish it." She couldn't put this book down, and you'll feel the same way. Click on the book to listen to another student review, and check out the websites below, too. |
"The Rules of Survival" by Nancy Werlin Matthew is a teenage boy who struggles to protect his younger sisters from their mentally and physically abusive mother in this realistic fiction novel.. It seems there is no way out of their terrible situation until Matthew meets a man named Murdock. Can Murdock save Matt and his sisters? Once you begin reading this book, you'll feel as if you are struggling right along with Matthew. Its disturbing images will stay with you for a long time, and the story will leave you emotionally shaken. Click on the book to hear one student's review of this book, and visit the websites below to find out more. |
