Poplar Hill Happenings

HOMESCHOOLERS LET ME HELP w/ reading lists

I am an elementary school librarian and off for the summer!  If you have any questions with respect to reading material that would fit into your cirriculum please post or send me a message.  If you post everyone gets the benifit. 

Here is a quick resume.  I used to work in a large public library.  The library I currently manages holds 9,000 works of fiction and non-fiction.  I am always reading children's lit and reviewing what other say.  I love connecting kids with the right book (it really can make a diffrence in their desier to read and their life).  I tend to be very conservative in my recommendations.  Much of what is out their for kids is just not the kind of material we want going into children's hearts (some books are just not one of those "Excellent things"), however, there are also wonderful writers and stories.

One of my passions is helping others find a good book.  If you think I can make reccomendations or suggestions please post or send me a message.  It would make my day to be able to help a parent or a kid.  

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Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philp. 4:6-7

reading lists...

07:45, 2008-May-31 .. Posted by wstoller

I'd love some good recommendations for reading. My daughters are reading on a frog and toad book level - but I read to them elementary age books such as Grandma's Attic. They like Laura Ingalls and that type of era! We read in classics and they thoroughly enjoy them!!!

wstoller,
Try some of Cynthia Rylant's "Henry and Mudge" books for their independent reading. Also another good series is "Fluffy". Many homeschoolers may be familiar with the Dolch series, but if you are not start looking for them. Simple stories many with country life, farm themes and talking animals. Good for independent reading. You probably already know you can get excerpts from the McGuffies online (I use them in my library lessons at school). For read alouds if the girls like Little House Books (about a 5-6 grade reading level) try "Strawberry Girl" by Louis Lenski. Let me know if I can make any more suggestions. Christine

Edited by babysteps on 2008-Jun-5 at 06:19

Untitled Comment

08:39, 2008-May-31 .. Posted by Mennobrarian

Another librarian! I'm a reference/reader's advisory librarian at a large public library, and while I do log a few hours every week in the children's room, it's not my favorite part of the job so I have a lot of respect for those who can work with children. It's good to see there are still thriving school libraries in elementary schools, where they are needed most!
Blessings,
Monica

ooooh yes please

12:44, 2008-May-31 .. Posted by TheGoodLife

I would really appreciate a fiction list you recommend for a 15 year old girl.

Thank you

Love Leanne NZ


Leanne,
Although 15 is a bit out of my experience I'll take a stab. If your daughter hasn't read any Newbery's award winning books yet she might try working her way through some of the books on the list. The Newbery Award is given each year by the American Library Association for the best new book for young people. The reading levels range from about 4th grade to 9th grade. The list started in 1922 so older books may embodie older values that are absent in many current books. However, because we all have to deal with our own choices many newer books deal with issues kids may face today. Check out both the winners and the honor books. Ask your public librarian.
If you find those books too young and she likes fantasy have her try Louis Lowery's
The Giver and related books. Also hit some of the Classics like "Mice and Men", "To Kill a Mocking Bird", Animal Fairm, The Lottery, Some of Robert Lewis Stevenson. Get her reading some age appropriate poetry. Educators are really trying to get kids to read and relate to poetry. I would search the web too using the key words "9th grade reading list". Send me her tastes to me and I could perhaps make a better recomendation. Best Wishes Christine

Edited by babysteps on 2008-Jun-5 at 06:55