Let's Talk About Books
Can't get to Florida? Let a book take you there. Kate DiCamillo, Jennifer Holm and Carl Hiaasen have cornered the market on Florida, the setting of most of their books. But don't miss Chris Grabenstein's Welcome to Wonderland series about a family's beach motel or Ginny Rorby's How to Speak Dolphin about dolphinariums. Tiger Rising… Continue reading Middle Grade Books Set in Florida
Classics can be tough for kids, especially those written in the 1800s. If they aren't specifically written for kids, then forget it. It will be absolute torture trying to read the big words. This list of classics are the easiest you will find. They hover around a 5th or 6th grade reading level. That's about… Continue reading Easy Classics for Kids
Horse books are a dime a dozen, but most don't stay on the market long. Readership is limited, which makes their shelf life short, especially in libraries. Many older horse books have become classics and will always be available. Others are written by well-known authors whose books will always be available as well. The rest...well...read… Continue reading Middle Grade Horse Stories
Books with talking animals are nothing new. You need look no further than The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe or Charlotte's Web to get examples of the best. We are fascinated by the question, "What goes on in the minds of animals?" Look to these authors for a possible glimpse into their world. Pax… Continue reading Middle Grade Animal Stories
Every kid, teacher, librarian, parent and grandparent on the planet knows about the Wimpy Kid series. It's number 1 on every reluctant reader list, so I mention it, but it's not on my list. I've tried to get at some of those lesser known books that are sure to be a big hit for those… Continue reading Middle Grade Series for Reluctant Readers
Stories in verse are great for understanding complex historical events and encouraging the reluctant reader. These selections are some of my favorites from authors who have already established themselves as exceptional writers. Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Told from the perspective of a young girl who recounts the frequent struggles against the dust… Continue reading Middle Grade Stories in Verse
If you have a dog, he's probably your best friend. You'll do anything for him. He'll do anything for you. Dog stories tend to be tear jerkers. When you nearly lose your dog, it's devastating. These are some of the best books for dog lovers. The Honest Truth by Dan Gemeinhart (2015) Mark has cancer… Continue reading Middle Grade Dog Stories
CHATTERING LIBRARIAN 