The Book Thief

Zusak, M. (2006). The book thief. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

This book would be appropriate for older classrooms. I, myself, read it in 8th grade and absolutely loved it at that time. However, the content is mature as is the reading level. I do not think students much younger than 7th or 8th grade would handle the book well. It could absolutely be used for a novel study or a read aloud. It is fantastic. 

The Book Thief is a fascinating piece of historical fiction told from death's point of view. It centers around a young girl, Liesel,  who loses her family to illness during World War II. She is taken in by an older couple who later also take in a Jewish young adult named Max. Max is in hiding because of the dangers surrounding the time period. This book follows Liesel through countless trying times as well as some genuine moments of youthful happiness. Zusak's words make the story come to life.

One Crazy Summer

This novel by Rita Williams-Garcia has received many acknowledgements for its impressive content, including the Coretta Scott King Award, the Newbery Honor, the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction, and a finalist place for the National Book Award. The book follows three sisters, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern, who travel to California to visit their mother who abandoned them. The story is set in 1968, a "tumultuous" time in American history. The girls are exposed to many different things in California, most notably the Black Panther group.

This historical fiction piece is moving and thought-provoking. I would definitely use it in my class for a read aloud, if not for a novel study. I would do this only in upper grades, as the content is somewhat sensitive and mature. I wouldn't want to overwhelm younger students with concepts they may not understand or be mature enough to handle.

Ella Enchanted

This is a spin off of the classic tale Cinderella. Ella, the protagonist, is given a "gift" by a fairy named Lucinda when she is just a baby. Ella's "gift" is obedience. She must do whatever she is told. This is both embarrassing for Ella in many circumstances, but also proves to be dangerous. I think this book would work very well as a read aloud in class. It is a fun, entertaining read that most students would enjoy!

Levine, G. (1997). Ella enchanted. New York: HarperCollins.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

This is the first in a series of seven books telling the epic tale of a young wizard, Harry Potter. In this first book, we read about Harry’s entrance into the magical world. He discovers he is a wizard, begins his first year at Hogwarts, a school of magic, and has many dangerous yet thrilling encounters. Harry becomes best friends with Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, and together, the three of them attempt to protect the Sorcerer’s Stone, which they believe is in danger of being stolen. This book that teaches about friendship and bravery is inspiring, whimsical, and full of adventure! It has been published in many different countries.

I would definitely use this book for a read aloud or for a whole class novel study.

Rowling, J. (1998). Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone. New York: A.A. Levine Books.

Ramona's World

Ramona’s World is one of several books about spunky young Ramona Quimby, a character of Beverly Cleary’s own invention. Ramona is a typical, fun-loving fourth grader. She struggles with spelling, fights with her sister, and longs to be viewed as responsible by her parents. This book follows Ramona’s adventures as she takes on fourth grade, makes new friends, and deals with Yard Ape, a rowdy boy at school.

Find Beverly Cleary's website here.

Find lesson plan ideas here.

Ramona and Beezus was made into a movie that combines the storylines from the many Ramona books in Cleary's series. See the trailer below:

Many of the Ramona books won awards, including:
Ramona and her Father, 1978, Newbery Honors
Ramona Quimby, Age 8, 1982, Newbery Honors
Ramona and her Mother, 1981, National Book Award in Category Children's Fiction

Cleary, B., & Tiegreen, A. (1999). Ramona's world. New York: Morrow Junior Books.