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

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

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!

Choosing Books for Your Child

After raising four children and being a professional tutor for 40 years, I've learned that if a child is forced to read books he doesn't like, then he will hate reading and do as little of it as possible. So how do you help your child find the right book for him and become a lover of reading?

In school, most children are placed in reading groups with other children at their reading instructional level.

Instructional reading level is the highest level at which a reader is not independent, but has adequate background knowledge for a topic, and can access text quickly and with no or few errors. Think of independent level as the highest level you would ask a child to read with only a small amount of assistance. http://www.uurc.utah.edu/General/ReadLevels.php

Books for Third Graders

High Interest Books

Easier
Bailey School Kids Books by Debbie Dadey
Encyclopedia Brown Books by Donald J. Sobol
Jigsaw Jones Mystery Series by James Preller
Junie B. Jones Books by Barbara Park