The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees

A woman Johnny Appleseed!

In the land of Kenya, Wangari Maathai changed her world - she planted trees. And it was not the simple task that Jonny Appleseed had, simply traveling the country and planting. She had to fight the developers, the government, some citizens. For her efforts, she received the Nobel Peace Prize. (Johnny never did!)  Illustrations are vivd and powerful.


                                                   

A Classic (Already!): Invention of Hugo Cabret

Written a decade ago, Brian Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Cabret is part traditional novel, part graphic novel. Set in Paris in the 1930s, Brian lives in the walls of a train station. The story just grows bigger and bigger from here, including a girl, a shopkeeper, secrets, clocks, and, and...The story easily captivates mid-level readers (strong upper elementary through middle school and beyond). Black and white drawings, too, add to the drama.  Book has 500 pages (much of it illustrations) so some students love the power of its size while others are intimidated.


                                                   

Intriguing Science and Reading #1

Videos that get more advanced students a quick look into five science areas, those interested should be running for books or other websites to read answer questions they will have. And that will spark even more questions and more reading and more...


How Bacteria Grows

DNA Replication

Microbiology

Mitosis

DNA Repair

Note: Given skill level of student, these videos would work for upper elementary through high schoolers.




                                            

Monster Truck -- Just A Fun, Silly Book

Cross monsters with trucks and what do you have? Of course, Monster Trucks by Anika Denise and Nate Wragg. Written for the 3-7 (or so) -year old fun-loving, active little ones, this book will have its listeners laughing, then racing after each other at the end of the read. Enjoy!


                                               

Stories and Books Online for Grades 4-9

And now for upper elementary and middle school students. These are written stories found online.

Again, if you are a parent, read these with your child -- along with a cookie or apple, a pillow, and time to share Many are classics:


Middle Grade Readings
American Literature
      Classics

Mrs. Water's Middle Grade Stories
      Some are sections of longer works, some are complete):

High Interest Texts for Students



                                        

For All Girls (and Boys) Everywhere

The Princess and the Pony is a girl-affirming book that allows a girl to charge forth and impact the world. Every page has Princess Pinecone and her pony and everyone else -- mainly adults -- in all types of contortions and activity as they spin toward the conclusion. A fun read and leaving much for discussion.


                                             

A New Way to Look at Mapping

Written ten years ago, My Map Book by Sara Fanelli maps everything around: the family, the colors, the route to school, the beach, the dinner table. Words are used buy only to label the objects on the pages, so the book naturally opens up discussion. It will also have your child/student asking for paper so s/he can start mapping!