Blood on the River

Who Was Amelia Earhart?

I Survived the Tsunami of 2011

Blood on the River

Who was Christopher Columbus?

Can you imagine leaving your home, family, and country on an adventure that could mean death? Who Was Christopher Columbus? by Bonnie Dader

Flying Solo

Flying Solo, by Ralph Fletcher, describes the adventures of a fifth-grade class as they attempt to survive a day with no teacher and no substitute teacher.  They are literally "flying solo".  The story revolves around Rachel and how she is struggling with the death of a classmate, Tommy Feathers.  The day alone gives the kids a chance to assert their independence and demonstrate their ability to be responsible as well as a chance to heal.

This book has many great themes, but integrity has to be the strongest.  The kids have many opportunities to practice doing what they know is right.  They must manage their impulsivity and stay on task even though no adult is monitoring them.  I love the relationships that come out of this book.

Ungifted

Ungifted, a realistic fiction book by Gordan Korman, explains that stereotypes are not always accurate. Donovan, the main character, can only be described as a trouble maker.  He wants to fit in, but he creates havoc wherever he goes because controlling his impulses is almost impossible.  So, through a series of events, Donovan ends up "hiding out" at the district's school for the gifted.  at the end, he learns many important lessons while at the school for the gifted.

One of the things that I enjoyed about this book was the way the chapters were organized.  Each chapter is told from a different character's point of view.  As a reader, you have the opportunity to "get inside" each character's thoughts. Ungifted is the perfect book for any middle school or upper elementary school student to read.  Often, we judge other students based on outward appearances.  Through the main character, the reader learns that labels are not always correct; gifted or ungifted, nerd or cool we all have something to offer.