Wilson BookBag: March 2013

Some Great Reviews from 5th grade

The fifth graders have been reading a wide range of genres and styles. I'm realizing I need to know more about some of the books that I haven't read, so I'm adding a new question into the book review form, asking "what is this book about?"

Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney

Many kids, including Astrid in 5th grade, have loved this series. In fact, most times I don't even have time to put them back on the shelf before they go out again! Astrid says "The book is fantastic! I would recommend it to anyone who would like a good laugh. I wouldn't change a thing." She wants to read "anything funny" next. Hey Astrid--have you tried the Big Nate series? Lots of kids pick those when there are no W.K. books in. The Loser List and Tom Angleberger's Origami Yoda series are also funny stories with lots of cartoons sprinkled in. -Mrs. L.

Parts by Tedd Arnold

Makayla in 3rd grade recommends this picture book. She likes that "He made the boy think he was coming apart--like in the beginning he made the boy think he was going bald. He also made the boy think his head or arm could come off. Then his parents tell him that it is all normal. I would add that his hair changes to gray, and his voice changes too (Great idea, Makayla -Mrs. L.). Makayla would like to read More Parts next.

Wonder by R.J. Palacio

"The author did many things well. One thing that caught my eye was the description the author used...And how he dragged the reader in and really made us WONDER! I really wouldn't change a thing about this book--because it wouldn't be my favorite book if I wanted to change something. I give it a 5." by Christina, 5th grade Abigael, also in 5th grade, adds: "The author did well on this book because she really described how the characters were like and how they felt. All of the characters had different moods. I loved this book because different people get to narrate. What I would change about this book is that I wouldn't like the boy to get picked on all the time!" From Mrs. Linehan: This book was on a lot of people's "best book" lists this year. Here's the description of the book from Amazon.com: "August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face." I know lots of kids in 5th grade loved hearing this as a classroom read-aloud. It's one of those books that make you think: What would I do in this situation? Would I be brave enough to be Augie's friend? BTW: The library has just gotten a copy of this book! -Mrs. L

A few students reviewed "classic" books that have been loved by lots of kids over the years...

Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner

"The author did good setting the book up. I like how Stone Fox went from being mean to Willy and then at the end of the book he turns all nice and tells anyone that if they cross the line he will shoot. I would change the ending 'cause it ends right when the boy Willy crosses the line. I would also change the book so the dog Searchlight's heart does not explode." Jaden in 5th grade gives this book a 4 out of 5.

Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
Detorran in 5th grade says that Paterson "did good by putting realistic stuff and stuff that could never happen (in the book). So it's a mix book" But Detorran only gives this book a 2--I wonder why? -Mrs. L

James and the Giant Peach by Roald Dahl

"The author was very funny and had lots of details and a great ending. He has lots of characters and a lot of humor. I would change a little part in the beginning when James' parents get eaten by rhinos--it didn't really make sense to me." by Samantha

Two 5th grade girls, Alexa and Isabella, both liked Bad Girls Don't Die by Katie Alender, but didn't give many details in their reviews. Sounds kind of creepy! -Mrs. L.

Matthew, Makia, and Jannessa all reviewed Shadow on the Sea by Joan Hiatt Harlow.
This book is in the Historical Fiction genre. It's about World War II, at a time when German submarines were sinking ships off the Atlantic coast. Matthew says "I like the way she (the author) put the book in order" Makia says that "she wrote it in a way that people would think that it's a real book." But Makia would change the ending. Jannessa adds that "the author makes you want to read more by making you wonder what is going to happen next. I like that the author made the book long because it's very interesting and the longer the better when it's interesting." Jannessa would change the ending also, because "it doesn't tell what happens in the future." Sounds like you want a sequel! -Mrs. L

Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

"The author used great words to describe what and how the people and the mice felt. I also liked how the best thing that the mouse Despereaux loved was the light--and at the end of the book it told you what it meant. I would change the mean rats in this book. I would have them go to another place and become good rats just like the mice. I would like to read the book Fever next, or any other books by this author if there are any. by Allyssa, 5th grade Guess what Allyssa! Kate DiCamillo has written many terrific books you might like, including The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Because of Winn Dixie and The Magician's Elephant I believe we have all of these in the library! -Mrs. L

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

Brandy in 5th grade gave this Fantasy/Adventure book a 4. "Something I think the author did well in this book was she always made me wonder what would happen next. I liked that because it made it more interesting. It also made you want to keep reading. I would change that sometimes things happened that didn't make sense." Detorran had exactly the same comment about Bridge to Terabithia. When an author mixes fantasy and reality, it can get a little confusing. As a reader, you have to just relax and accept the story even though it seems strange! Sometimes I like this kind of story, and sometimes I don't--but I did really enjoy this book, myself.-Mrs. L.

The Babysitter's Club: The Ghost at Dawn's House by Mary Ann Martin

"The thing the author did well in the book is that she added suspense like when Dawn heard a noise, then a rattle and a shake and something that sounded like someone knocked something on the floor. The thing I would change about the book is that in one chapter she's in the basement, and the next she's at a meeting for babysitting. I think there should be two chapters about one thing, and two for another." by Tyisha in 5th grade Tyisha gives this book a 4--there are lots of books in this series to read if you get into them! -Mrs. L.