Welcome!
I am so excited to have everyone in my classroom this year! This is my second year at Morningside an my fifth year teaching!
Support our learning!
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/GD3TA6AIV24J?ref_=wl_share
Teachers Pay Teachers: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/ClassFund/Mollie-Brown-18951?ownCampaign=&utm_campaign=ClassFundShare
Schoolastic Books Wishlist
Fundations/Reading Support
At home packet: https://www.rcboe.org/cms/lib/GA01903614/Centricity/Domain/12311/Fundations_Home_Support_Pack_-_Level_2.pdf
https://www.spellingcity.com/users/hamiltonmes
Epic!
class code: hrr7980
Go to the Student Dashboard
Click on the NWEA Study Plan
Choose Reading or Math
Also Mr. Rawels has a great website! https://www.meslibrary.com/
Reading anything is GREAT but it is also important to make sure we are not just reading graphic novels! A good mix is what will help us!
Adventure & Fantasy
1. The Magic Tree House (Mary Pope Osborne)
Short, adventurous, and historical. Great transition to chapter books.
2. The Kingdom of Wrenly (Jordan Quinn)
Fantasy series with knights, dragons, and magical lands.
3. The Secrets of Droon (Tony Abbott)
Perfect for strong 2nd graders who like magic and mystery (similar to Harry Potter-lite).
4. The Unicorn Rescue Society (Adam Gidwitz)
Diverse, witty, and full of mythical creatures and global adventures.
Mystery & Problem-Solving
5. A to Z Mysteries (Ron Roy)
Fun and clever mysteries that build logical thinking skills.
6. The Boxcar Children (Gertrude Chandler Warner)
Gentle mysteries with independent, resourceful siblings.
7. Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew (Carolyn Keene)
Great for advanced readers who like detective work with relatable characters.
Animal & Nature Lovers
8. Zoey and Sassafras (Asia Citro)
Combines science, experiments, and magical creatures. Perfect for curious minds.
9. The Wild Robot (Peter Brown)
More challenging—deep themes but captivating for advanced 2nd graders.
10. Warriors (Erin Hunter)
Great for very advanced readers who love animal fantasy (note: more intense themes).
Funny & Relatable Realistic Fiction
11. Judy Moody (Megan McDonald)
Smart, funny, and expressive main character — ideal for strong readers.
12. Ivy + Bean (Annie Barrows)
Great humor, friendship, and realistic problems with heart.
13. Clementine (Sara Pennypacker)
For readers who loved Junie B. Jones but need more complexity and maturity.
Challenging but Engaging “Stretch” Series
14. Ramona Quimby Series (Beverly Cleary)
Classic, insightful, and funny—great for vocabulary expansion.
15. The Penderwicks (Jeanne Birdsall)
Rich language and character depth; perfect for precocious readers.
16. Not a series but all the Roald Dahl Books
Best Starting Points for Advanced 2nd Graders with Roald Dahl
These have simpler language and shorter chapters:
“Fantastic Mr. Fox” – Clever fox outsmarts farmers; short and fast-paced.
“The Magic Finger” – Funny, quick read about a girl with mysterious powers.
“George’s Marvellous Medicine” – Silly and exciting, with great vocabulary practice.
“Esio Trot” – Sweet story about kindness and wordplay; perfect length for young readers.
Great Next Step (3rd–4th Grade Level)
These are slightly longer with more complex plots:
“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” – Classic adventure; fun to read aloud.
“The Twits” – Gross, hilarious, and perfect for kids who love humor.
“James and the Giant Peach” – Whimsical fantasy with imaginative creatures.
“Matilda” – Excellent for strong readers who like smart, independent characters.
For Very Advanced Readers (4th–5th Grade Level)
Longer and deeper themes, but still kid-friendly:
“The BFG” – Rich vocabulary and longer chapters, but magical and funny.
“Danny the Champion of the World” – Gentle father-son story with heart.
“The Witches” – Funny and spooky (check sensitivity; some find it scary).