Henry and the Paper Route

Henry is a young boy anxious to prove that he is responsible enough to have his very own paper route. He yearns to earn his own money and deliver papers around his neighborhood like the older boys do. Henry is given a glimpse into what it’s like to have a paper route when another boy has Henry cover his own route for the day. Henry must prove to his parents and potential boss that he can juggle schoolwork, family matters, a paper route, and the neighborhood pest Ramona Quimby. He does all of this and more in this charming story!

This book would make an outstanding addition to a classroom library. Ideally, the entire series would be included so students could become familiar with the collection. It is a wholesome, entertaining story that boys and girls alike can enjoy.

Cleary, B., & Darling, L. (1957). Henry and the paper route (Morrow eagle library ed.). New York: Morrow.

Wonder

This incredible, moving story is about August Pullman, a fifth-grader with a facial deformity. He has never gone to a normal school, until now. He has to learn how to make friends and navigate the challenges of being the new kid in school, all while trying to cope with his extraordinary exterior. This novel is uplifting, emotional, and beautifully written. I think it would be an excellent read aloud and could really help kids see how their actions affect others. I truly hope to use this in my classroom someday.

 Palacio, R. (2012). Wonder. Knopf. 

Hoot

This novel has middle-schooler Roy Eberhardt starting over as the new kid in school once again. Bullies and loneliness haunt his daily life. Roy becomes fascinated by endangered burrowing owls that reside in his new town. He teams up with two unlikely allies and together they form a plan to save these endangered creatures. The New York Daily News called Hoot "offbeat" and "hilarious". It is very likable and is certainly worth a read. I will certainly include it in my classroom and may even use it for a read aloud or even a novel study in upper grades.

 Hiaasen, C., & Knopf, I. (2002). Hoot. New York: Alfred A. Knopf.

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.