The Legend of Spud Murphy

This book was recommended to me by one of the first grade classes that read it as a read aloud. First graders (and second graders) will love this silly book as a read aloud. Some would be able to read it independently. I can see 3rd, 4th, and
5th graders also enjoy reading it as a "fun" book. The two brothers in the book are "sentenced" to spending 3 afternoons a week at the library. They are terrified of the librarian, Spud Murphy as there are rumors that she has a "spud gun" under her desk and is ready to use it on any child that makes a noise or ventures off the carpet. As they are serving their sentence however, the boys discover they actually might enjoy reading!

Grade Level: 2nd, - 5th
Read Aloud: 1st - up

The Mystery of Kill Devil Hills

This is a book I have had for years but never read it. I bought it when I taught 4th grade Ohio history since the book is about the Wright Brothers. I recently purchased the entire series of Carole Marsh Mysteries for Fouse and thought I better read this so I could "sell" it to the kids. The characters are the grandchildren of the author. There are some real photographs of the characters within the book. I was initially attracted to the books because they involved real places and historical events. This book takes place on the sand dunes of Kill Devil Hills as preparations are being made for the Centennial of Flight festivities. The kids must find the priceless missing plane in time for the festivities. The content of the book is appropriate for elementary kids and also will teach about different places and events.

Grade Level: 3rd- 5th

Dexter the Tough by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Dexter is mad at everyone. He does not want to go to a new school, does not want to live with his grandmother, and does not want his parents to be on the other side of the country in Seattle. Dexter arrives at his new school in time to start a new writing project with his class. Through the writing process Dexter learns what he is really mad about his dad's illness.

Grade Level: 4th - 6th

Punished by David Lubar

Logan and his friend Benedict are in the public library when Logan runs into (literally) a very unusual man. Logan soon learns what the unusual man means when he "punishes" Logan. Logan is speaking in only puns. His little sister thinks he is funny, his parents believe he is going through a phase, and his friends and teacher find him annoying. In order to return to normal Logan must complete some "word" tasks. This book does a great job of explaining words like palindromes, oxymorons, and anagrams. Some of the humor of the book may be lost if being read aloud.

Grade level: 3rd-5th