2021 Recent Favorite Books

This is a list of the books I have in my fiction bookcase. These books are so good that I want to read them again. Many are humorous fantasy because that is what I enjoy.

The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place Series - 6 books

by Maryrose Wood

Ages 8-12++

I loved this series and think the 12 age is too limiting. Combines excitement, fantasy, mystery, creative plot twists, and lots of humor into an enthralling tale.  A family is healed by love. Children raised by wolves, their governess, and family secrets make this six book series hard to put down.

The Chrestomanci Series - 7 books

by Diana Wynne Jones

Ages 8-12++

Hard to put down! An exciting mixture of spellbinding fantasy, humor, magic, and mystery. I loved it and other people over 12 would also enjoy it. Enter the world of wizards, witches, and other worlds. 

Howl's Moving Castle

by Diana Wynne Jones

Ages 8-12 ++

Fun combination of fantasy, romance, and mystery.

Sequel

House of Many Ways

Companion volume (interesting but not as good)

Castle in the Air - 0k

Helping your Visual Spatial child

A few things to remember

1. Use Technology - I told my husband shortly after we were married that I would not be held accountable for anything that wasn't written down. If I didn't have the chance to write anything down, then he shouldn't expect me to remember it, because I won't. Help your child use technology to help them cope with the things that are difficult for them. When I was in school, there was little help available, so my dad gave me a small black book. He had me write me name, address, phone number, classes, assignments, etc.  in it to help me remember. What I could have done with a Smartphone! Much of my writing was dismissed, because my handwriting was so poor and my spelling even worse. Now I use my laptop spellchecker, and no one even knows that I have difficulty with spelling because a machine supplies me the ability I lack, allowing my insightful ideas to shine. 

Books for 4th Graders

The age divisions are just a general idea. Some children may read a book which is very complex with an advanced vocabulary at a very young age. Some children enjoy more simple books at older ages. Since I am 70 and enjoy these books, I must be one of them.  I feel that a positive theme, and uplifting language are essential in children's, and my own, reading. 

Third Grade
Robert Lawson
Lawson, Robert. Rabbit Hill. New York: Viking, 1944
Lawson, Robert. The Tough Winter. New York: Viking, 1954
Lawson, Robert. Mr. Revere and I. Boston Little, Brown and Co., 1953
Lawson, Robert. Ben and Me
They Were Strong and Good by Robert Lawson

Helping Children Love to Read

Making reading into a step by step chore takes the fun out of reading.  Sure we all need to learn some reading skills so we can read, but learning to love reading can't be taught. As adult,s we can not give it to a child, or force them into it. All we can do is put out our hands to gently shield the small spark until it becomes a fame -- a true love of reading. Brad Wilcox, a BYU education professor, wrote the best article I have ever read on how to encourage children to love to read.

12 Things Not to Say to Young Readers
https://magazine.byu.edu/article/12-things-not-to-say-to-young-readers/

Writing Guide

Here is a Writing Guide I wrote for a summer writing class I taught.

This is considered the best writing guide for writers. The Elements of Style by William Strunk and E.B. White

Learn from good writers. Examine the writing in novels, picture books, nonfiction, newspapers, and magazines. What do you like about it? What makes it good?

Here are some ideas for good writing.

Reading Together

I have found that one of the most effective and least stressful ways to improve a child's reading ability is to read together. Reading with the child helps the child learn words in context, increases sight words and vocabulary, helps them learn the patterns of language and stories, and is fun!

Once I tutored a girl who was not up to her third grade reading level. After reading together for several months, she was reading at a sixth grade level! Reading with a child is one of the most effective ways I know to not only help children learn to read, but to love reading.

Choosing the Right Book - Lists and Guides

Here are some great resources to help you find just the right book for your child. Remember that one of your greatest resources is your librarian. They can be a great help in directing you books your child will love.

• Know your child's interests and how they read*
• Bring your child with you and allow them to help choose the books
• Allow plenty of time to choose books
• Choose several books so that if he doesn't like one, he can try another. 
• Remember pictures books read quickly; get several
• Even older children can enjoy good picture books
• Try a mix - stories and non-fiction books on that topic
• Allow time to read their new books to them soon.
• If you can't stand a story, try a substitute. Your child will sense when you don't like something, so be honest and work it out. I never could get into "Captain Underpants", but "Commander Toad" books were fun. Find something you can enjoy together.
• Have Fun!