Ms. Nguyen's Favorite Books

This is a WONDERFUL book to read to early elementary students on the first day of school to help get them familiar with the school environment and daily schedule. The story follows the beloved character Pete as he starts a new school year with his school shoes. Pete travels to different parts of his school such as the library, the cafeteria, and his classroom.

There are so many activities that be done with this book in the classroom. Students can complete a Pete the Cat craft, design their own school shoes, or go tour the school with the teacher. I would have my students design their school shoes and have the designs displayed. For students in 1st and 2nd grades, I would have the students write about their favorite part of the story or write about their school shoes. 

AR Level: 2.2

The Graveyard Book follows Nobody Owens, Bod for short, as he explores his home in a graveyard. Readers join Bod on many adventures throughout his life from escaping the Indigo Man and the ghoul-gate, as well as finding out the truth about his true identity. Bod is safe in the graveyard from the dangers of the outside world, as well as from the man named Jack who killed his family prior to Bod's arrival at the graveyard. The book includes many paranormal characters that encourage student engagement. 

I was skeptical when I saw the book on the required reading list for children's literature course but I ended up enjoying the reading. The book is mysterious and thrilling that students enjoy and keep them engaged. There are many different subjects that can be integrated into the reading such as science and social studies. At the end of chapter 3, Mrs. Lupescu identifies different constellations in the sky. After reading chapter 3 of the book, I would have my students, as a group, research the different constellations and do an oral report. 

AR Level: 5.1

Bud, Not Buddy follows the story of a young African American orphan on a journey to find his father. Bud is an adventurous and brave young boy with a suitcase full of things that belonged to his mother. The story takes you back to the time of the Great Depression. The author's writing style allows the reader to feel like they are a part of the story.

I would use this book in a 4th or 5th grade classroom. The book can be integrated in a social studies lesson about the Great Depression as well as segregation. The book allows the reader to view the time period through an African American's eyes. An activity following the reading of the book can be the students creating a list of rules that will make their life better. 

AR Level: 5.0

Charlotte's Web explores the friendship between a pig named Wilbur and a barn spider named Charlotte. Wilbur is a runt in the new litter at the Arable's farm whose life was saved by Fern. After a few weeks, Wilbur was sold to Mr. Zuckerman. At Mr. Zuckerman's farm, Wilbur meets Charlotte and other barn animals. After learning of Wilbur's future, Charlotte promised to help. With the help from Charlotte and her 'terrific' webs, a rat named Templeton, and other barn animals, Wilbur became a prize-winning pig at the County Fair. 

I got the opportunity to read this book twice over the summer, once as a read-aloud book during summer camp and for the children's literature course. I personally enjoyed reading this book and following Wilbur's transformation from a runt into a prize-winnning pig. An activity I would do in my classroom with this book, just like Charlotte's positive words that describe Wilbur, I would have my students write one positive word to describe each of their classmates. 

AR Level: 4.4