Fat & Bones and other stories

Fat & Bones and other stories. by Larissa Theule

Gr. 5-8

Fat the fairy kept watch over the farmhouse watching for when the farmer’s wife would come to the pigpen to collect dinner.  Today was different, the farmer Mr. Bald has passed away and his son Bones is finally free to go after Fat.  The flowers here fight among themselves for a drink of water from a puddle and the one beautiful animal Apple the pig is the most graceful dancing animal in the barnyard until the farmer’s wife comes with the cleaver looking for juicy ankles.  In a dark and creepy world of short stories that are told keep the reader on the edge of their seat.  It is very reminiscent of a combination of Grimm’s fairy tales and Alvin Schwartz’s Scary Stories for those who enjoy disturbing, twisted stories.  There is no gore or extreme violence but it is a series of unsettling stories accompanied with strange black and white illustrations. Perfect for students looking for a scary story but appropriate for a school library. Two words: very creepy.

Chapter Book: Fiction                                                                                                    Mrs. Bender

S.W.I.T.C.H. #1 Spider Stampede

      

 

 S.W.I.T.C.H.: #1 Spider Stampede. by Ali Sparkes

 Gr. 2-4

Josh and Danny are identical twins but their likeness ends with their looks.   For instance Danny hates any type of bugs and screams when he encounters creepy crawlies.  Josh loves insects and is fascinated with all creatures no matter how ugly they are.  While playing with their dog Piddle he got into the neighbor’s back yard, Mrs. Potts.  When they go searching for him they find a tunnel in her backyard and they stumble upon her secret underground laboratory.  They find they are covered in yellow goo and the results are shocking.  Josh and Danny begin shrinking and changing into spiders.  This story takes the reader on a journey searching for a way back to becoming humans.  Students will find this story exciting and enjoy trying to figure out what happens next.  This book definitely appeals to boys and is excellent for reluctant readers.

Chapter Book: Fiction                                                                                               Mrs. Bender

Ivy & Bean Take the Case

Ivy & Bean: Take the Case by Annie Barrows

Gr. 2-4

Bean wanted to be just like Al Seven solving mysteries such as who took Hester’s jewels or where was Sammy La Barba on the night of May twelfth?  So Bean decided to become a private investigator or otherwise known as Bean P.I., ready to solve mysteries on Pancake Court.  With the help of her best friend Ivy they begin solving neighborhood mysteries such as what’s under the cement rectangle and the sleeping mailman.  Then a real mystery happened when a yellow rope appears out of nowhere to be coming out of her friend Dino’s chimney and everyday it is moved.  This is an excellent book for young reader’s looking for a book of mysteries.  Ivy and Bean books are an easy read and keep the reader entertained with their adventures.  This is an excellent book for students who are just beginning to read chapter books but want a fun story.

Easy Chapter Book: Fiction                                                                                                                     Mrs. Bender

John Cena

 

 John Cena by Michael Sandler

Gr. 1-6

John Cena was a skinny kid growing up in West Newbury, Massachusetts.  He eventually was discovered while taking wrestling lessons as an adult.  This book showcases Cena’s most famous matches as he loses some in the beginning of his career to winning title after title.  As Cena’s career develops so does his signature wrestling moves that are well known today such as the Attitude Adjustment and the Five Knuckle Shuffle that fans love.  John Cena’s career is chronicled all the way to the coveted WWE Championship which he obtains and maintains for a substantial amount of time.  Throughout this book there are lots of exciting pictures showing Cena in action wrestling other famous wrestlers such as Randy Orton, Batista and Kurt Angle just to name a few.  There are lots of details about Cena’s beginnings and his climb to the top through hard work and perseverance.  At the end of the book are stats and fun facts about John Cena.  This is an excellent book that is appropriate for elementary.  Good choice for students who are not avid readers.  The pictures and facts will surely draw students in. 

Biography                                                                                                                     Mrs. Bender

Bruno Mars: Pop Singer and Producer

Bruno Mars:  Pop Singer and Producer by Nadia Higgins 

 Nonfiction Book.  Grade Level: 2-5.

This biographical book of the 26 year old singer Bruno Mars is a young fans dream.  There is lots of information about how Bruno grew up in Hawaii performing in his parent’s doo-wop shows.  He was even an Elvis impersonator at the age of seven performing on stage and in the movie Honeymoon in Vegas.  In between all the information there are many colorful pictures and interesting facts about him.  There is also music vocabulary definitions located throughout the book.  This biography story tells how a young Bruno moved to L.A. to make it in the music business but he was rejected time and time again.  It took many years of perseverance and many odd jobs till he finally made it in the music industry.  Throughout the book the story sends a positive message to young readers that you have to work hard.  The singer gives credit to his success due to the support of family and friends.  If you are looking for a biography that is not boring, then this is the one.  You will be glad you read it!

Mrs. Bender