Chapter Books...

Chapter Books
Picture Books Appropriate for 3rd Grade and Up

Genres:
Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Fantasy/Science Fiction

Traditional Stories

Historical Fiction

Information/Nonfiction

Biography/Autobiography

Special Categories:
Published after 2000
Published after 2003
Award Winners

Heartbeat

 I wept through this entire book......was is because my three little girls are now 12 years old like Annie?  Was it because through the torment of my father's brain tumor, I watched the brilliant, full-of-so-much-life man that I deeply loved become weak, confused and scared, much like Annie's grandfather? Was it because we all know a "Max" for whom we can do nothing to help?  Was it because I grew up a nurturer and still to this day have an ingrained sense of responsibility to everyone around me, much like Annie?  I can't be sure why this book touched my heart the way it did, but it is well worth the time to read.  I am currently reading it to my daughters at bedtime.  Annie's story is written in poetic form and helps us as the reader discover, right along with Annie, the many moments in life that can change things forever.  You have GOT to read this Book!!

I have never read Sharon Creech, but what a joy!  Even the tears were worth it.  I get the impression that she truly loves children, she writes to them, not for them.  The nature of the book may appeal more to older children, maybe 4th- 7th grade.  It is likely that it may be enjoyed more by girls than boys, but it really could be for everyone.  This book could be a real asset to the classroom because it uses beautiful language to describe the daily struggles that face many kids today: Family dynamics, friendship, school challenges, and watching life change before our very eyes. 
Sharon Creech is becoming a favorite author for me, and I can hardly wait to share her with my future students!!

The Mouse and The Motorcycle

A classic story, written by a well known author, "The Mouse and The Motorcycle" tells the story of a mouse named Ralph and his great adventures in the old, run down lodge in California called the Mountain View Inn.  Ralph and his family reside in a small hole in room #215, with the exception of his father, who died carrying an aspirin tablet in his cheek. Through a mishappy and a little misfourtune, a forbiden friendship develops betwen the little mouse and the young boy Keith, who is currently staying in room #215.  The two bond through their mutual love of a little red motorcycle....and a few morsels of food from the dining room that Keith can sneak back up to the family waiting behind the wall. Some great adventures develop from their friendship with the red motorcycle, and near the end of the story, Ralph has a chance to help Keith as well.  A story of friendship overcoming differences and judgement.  An absolute classic!

I read this book years, and years ago, so it was not a first read.....but it did remind me how much I loved it!  I selected this book for my third grade reading buddy.  He doesn't like to read, but it was primarily because he didn't know how to find books he liked.  I picked this up for him for three reasons:  1) It is written by a well known author of man, many books and I knew it would be easy for him to find similar books by the same author, 2) The two main characters are boys and I thought he may be able to relate to some of the action and adventure in the story, and 3) I liked the cover, and there are illustrations throughout the story so he can visually recall what he is reading, and I think it will help with his overall comprehension.....thus building MOTIVATION FOR READING!!  Yeah!!

A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of a Stray

This is a beautiful story told from the perspective of a stray dog named Squirrel.  Ann M. Martin captures our hearts in the very beginning with the birth of Squirrel and her brother Bone in a wheelbarrow in an old abandoned gardening shed shared with cats and mice.  Life begins for Squirrel in that shed and so do her adventures.  As her story unfolds, we become aware of the goodness and the sorrow Squirrel faces as a stray, the people and other dogs who enter into her life and the masterful way she adapts to survival.  Friendship gets her through!!

I love this book!  It has been a long time since a book has made me cry, it was incredibly well written.  The author speaks so sensitively to the needs and feelings of this poor little stray. Squirrel's story will tug at your heart from the first chapter.
I chose the book because of the cover!  I adopted my border collie from the human society after she had spent time on the road alone.  She was torn and tattered when I brought her home and 10 years later, she remains by my side!!  Chloe is my Squirrel.
I think this story could be enjoyed by either boys or girls, in grades 4th through 7th.  I feel like the story captures the essence of being rejected, being alone, being lost.....and being found.  It is truly a story of strength and ultimately, friendship.  It will be one I keep in my classroom library!!