The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of School (Realistic Fiction)

Tony Baloney, aka Anthony Madison, is obsessed with peanut butter and baloney sandwiches, the David Letterman show, and crazy antics such as jumping rope over the toilet. Tony, or TB as everyone calls him, is determined to end up on the David Letterman show and spends all of his time finding a way to do just that. One day during a field trip to a football game, Tony runs out onto the field in a bear suit and manages to run 100 yards before scoring and catching the attention of his idol, David Letterman. After seeing Tony’s performance at the football game he gets a phone call from The Late Show asking him to appear on the show. TB, Anna, Mo, and their teacher Mr. Gore all head off to New York City so Tony can finally live his dream of meeting David Letterman and being on The Late Show. True to his character, Tony finds any excuse to create chaos and commotion while in the Big Apple. This book is incredibly funny from start to finish and would be an excellent book to read to students at any time of the school year, especially the beginning! The Top 10 Ways to Ruin the First Day of School by Ken Derby is a great book and I could see all readers enjoying it.

J.K. Rowling by P.M. Boekhoff and Stuart A. Kallen (Informational)

This book about J.K. Rowling is a great informational book about the life and career of one of the world’s greatest writers. J.K. Rowling found her inspiration from several parts of her life, and used her imagination and childhood experiences to create her wonderful stories. Once J.K. Rowling began writing Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone she used herself, her family, and her friends for inspiration. One interesting fact I learned from this informational book is that Joanne had friends by the last name of Potter when she was a child, and was extremely envious of their last name. The inspiration for the flying car in the second Harry Potter book came from her best friend’s car. Joanne felt that she was most like Hermione because as a child she was very studious and shy, just like the character she created. Overall this book was very easy to read and was full of information that readers would learn a lot from. Many readers love the Harry Potter series and should also read a little about the author that created it.

Oh, The Places He Went: A Story About Dr. Seuss by Maryann N. Weidt (Informational)

Oh, The Places He Went: A Story About Dr. Seuss is a wonderfully written informational book about the life of one of the most famous children’s book authors. Although I had familiar with a lot of Dr. Seuss’ works, I have never researched his history and his inspiration which led to his creations. Dr. Seuss’ real name is actually Theodor Seuss Geisel, which he continuously changed and shortened throughout his career. Some of Dr. Seuss’ most memorable creations were influenced by his environment. Green Eggs and Ham was created because a friend bet him fifty dollars that he couldn’t write a book using only fifty words. The Cat and the Hat came about because Dr. Seuss believed he could make an excellent beginner book for readers using 223 words. The title ended up being The Cat in the Hat because it was the first two words on the list that rhymed. Another one of Dr. Seuss’ great books was The Grinch Who Stole Christmas, a character that he believed to be similar to his personality. This book was very informational and enjoyable to read. I think it should go along with any unit that studies Dr. Seuss and his wonderful books.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Series Study (Harry Potter)

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the third book in the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling. This book begins on the night of Harry’s thirteenth birthday as he is receiving presents via the Owl Post from all of his friends from the magical world. During the summer before starting Hogwarts Harry sees a man on the news, a fugitive named Sirius Black. On the train ride to school there is an attack by a dementor, something that Harry finds out later that sucks out your soul. Similar to the past two years there is a new Defense Against the Darks Art teacher, Professor Lupin. During Professor Lupin’s class Harry learns how to fight off dementors. Harry soon realizes that the fugitive he saw on the news during the summer is his godfather and is trying to help protect Harry, so in turn Harry tries his hardest to free Sirius. This is another great book by J.K. Rowling. All of the books in the Harry Potter series is creative and imaginative and offers an escape for readers.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Series Study (Harry Potter)

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets is the second book in J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series. In the book Harry is beginning his second year at Hogwarts after spending a horrible summer with the Dursley’s, the only family he has left. During his summer he is visited by an odd little house elf named Dobby. Dobby brings chaos to the Dursley house which makes his aunt and uncle lock him in his bedroom until school begins. Once Harry arrives at Hogwarts he begins hearing voices throughout the school and begins thinking that he is crazy. After doing some research Harry learns about the Chamber within Hogwarts where a student was killed 50 years ago. Shortly after Harry learns about the chamber he realizes that he is a Parseltongue, which means he can speak to and understand snakes speaking to him. All around Hogwarts students are getting Petrified and nobody is really sure what is going on or who is to blame. It is up to Harry to find out the truth about what is happening in the Chamber and who is harming everyone at Hogwarts. This is another great book by J.K. Rowling, a truly imaginative and creative piece of literature. A story this amazing would truly inspire kids to read and get them engaged in reading, great story!

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: Series Study ( Harry Potter)

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone is the first book in the Harry Potter series written by J.K. Rowling. In this book the readers are introduced to the Dursley family and their magical relative Harry. Harry’s parents, Lily and James, were killed by one of the most evil wizards ever, Voldemort. Once Harry turns 11 he is taken away to Hogwarts, a school for witches and wizards. For the first time in Harry’s life he finally feels like he fits in. Once he is at Hogwarts Harry quickly makes friends with Hagrid the groundskeeper and Hermione and Ron. Soon after arriving at Hogwarts adventure immediately finds Harry and his friends. The three students soon discover that something is being hidden within Hogwarts, and it is being protected by a three headed dog and all sorts of magic. Once Harry, Hermione, and Ron realize that it is the Sorcerer’s Stone that is being protected they use all of their powers and knowledge to keep it protected and from out of Voldemort’s reach. Harry is faced with many difficult challenges while he is trying to protect the stone and eventually faces Voldemort. In the end Harry is able to save the stone and keep Voldemort from gaining powers. This book was a great introduction to Harry Potter, his friends and enemies, and all of the adventures headed their way.

The Watsons Go To Birmingham- 1963

The Watson’s Go To Birmingham is set in Flint, Michigan during the 1960’s and follows one families’ trip to Birmingham, Alabama during the time of the Civil Rights Movement. Kenny is one of the main characters and his older brother Bryon becomes the reason the family takes off to Alabama. Bryon is a trouble maker and after finally making his parents mad enough they decide to make him go stay with his grandmother for a while until he sees how hard life can really be. The book is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, and goes from telling humorous stories that will make you laugh as you read, and there are also heart-wrenching parts that make you feel the pain of the characters. There are several elements that make this story a very valuable piece of literature to read along with students. I would definitely use this book as a historical reference and to bring history alive for readers.