The Avon Blog!
Soar by Joan Bauer
Do you like baseball? How about inspirational stories? If so, then I have the book for you! Jeremiah, has had a heart transplant, but he doesn't let that interfere with his love of baseball! Maybe he can't play anymore, but boy can he can coach! Jeremiah and his Dad move to Hillcrest, Ohio, which is famous for having a high school championship baseball team. When the team runs into trouble, it is up to Jeremiah and his new middle school friends to save the sport, and bring back the love of the game to the town!
*2018 Bluestem Nominee
-Mrs. Jacobs
A Blind Guide to Stinkville by Beth Vrabel
Twelve-year-old Alice and her family move to the town of Sinkville, South Carolina, which everyone refers to as "Stinkville." Alice has albinism and is blind, and at first the move is very hard for her. She bravely conquers her fears, and makes friends while learning the history of her new town. This book has many similarities to Wonder, and is hard to put down! I read the whole book in one sitting! Check it out!
*2018 Bluestem Nominee
-Mrs. Jacobs
11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass
Have you been looking forward to your 11th birthday? What if you had to live it over and over again? That's what happens to Amanda and Leo, family friends who have celebrated their birthdays together every year, until their 11th. What happened? Read this awesome book to find out how fate, feuds, and friendship intersect to make this their most interesting birthday celebration yet!
-2018 Bluestem Nominee
-Mrs. Jacobs
Crenshaw, by Kathleen Applegate
10-year old Jackson is surprised and troubled by the re-appearance of Crenshaw, his imaginary friend. Crenshaw is a very large cat who takes bubble baths. He had first appeared three years previous, when Jackson's family became homeless and lived in their mini-van for 14 weeks. Now that the family is on the verge of homelessness again, Crenshaw is back. He says he's here to help Jackson learn to live with the truth.
- 2018 Bluestem Nominee
- Mrs. Wilson
Save me a Seat, by Sarah Weeks & Gita Varadarajan
Ravi's family has just moved from India to New Jersey. At his school in Bangalore, Ravi was THE guy - best athlete, best student, the one every kid wanted to be. At Albert Einstein Elementary, no one understands his accent, his way of working math problems, or his Hindu culture, and no one even pronounces his name correctly. Walk with Ravi as he gets used to US suburban culture, learns to 'read' other people, and learns who he is away from everything he's ever known.
- 2018 Bluestem Nominee
- Mrs. Wilson
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon, by Grace Lin
This is the tale of Minli, a girl who leaves her home to increase her family's fortune. She seeks the Old Man of the Moon to help her, and on her journey to find him encounters talking goldfish, territorial monkeys, the Green Tiger and the Jade Dragon. She remembers these characters from the stories her father has told her, and follows the directions given her by the mythical creatures to reach her goal. I loved this fantasy book!
- 2018 Bluestem Nominee
- Mrs. Wilson
Nerdy Birdy by Aaron Reynolds
I had the opportunity to read Nerdy Birdy to three Book Buddy groups consisting of both second and third graders. The pictures are funny and colorful. They also add to the story. All of the students seemed engaged while listening to this book. It easily led to discussions about differences, friendship, diversity, and inclusion. I most definitely recommend this book.
-Mrs. Pacheco
The Girl Who Thought In Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin
This book is for anyone who ever faced a challenge! The story of Temple Grandin inspires all of us to become the best person we can be. Everyone is special!
-Mrs. Lascon & Mrs. Thomson
Stand Tall-Molly Lou Melon
Molly shows readers how to love yourself. She stands up to a bully by being her unique self and, in doing so, finds herself turning into the perfect example of a fearless leader. Girl Power, Molly Lou Melon!
-Mrs. Thomson & Mrs. Lascon
Creepy Underwear by Aaron Reynolds
Jasper the Bunny, of Creepy Carrots fame, is back! This time, his mom takes him to buy new plain white underwear, but he's persuaded her to buy one pair of Creepy Underwear. Jasper is alarmed to find out they glow in the dark, and goes to great measures to get rid of them. A scary story which has the added benefit of saying 'underwear' out loud.
-Mrs. Wilson
Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher by Bruce Coville
Jeremy Thatcher Dragon Hatcher is an exciting chapter book about a middle school boy who buys a strange egg from a mysterious old wizard, but it's not just any ordinary egg! Read this highly interesting book to learn what creature hatched from the egg and how Jeremy raised and cared for his scaly new friend! I would rate this book 10 out of 10!
-Mrs. Hassel
Same, Same but Different by Jenny Sue Kostecki-Shaw
Two young boys learn that even though they have many differences in culture, activities and interests, they have many similarities as well! Elliot is from America and Kailash is from India. They write pen pal letters back and forth to help the reader learn about the characters. The colorful illustrations and relatable characters makes this a fun read for students. Its theme also relates directly to "Save Me a Seat", which is a wonderful, humorous, heart touching book all on its own. This novel is written in the point of view of an American and Indian character that all fourth grade classes read.
-Mrs. Wall
The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novak
If you're looking for a hysterical read aloud for your class or your own children you HAVE to check out The Book With No Pictures by B. J. Novack. This book is a perfect example if you're teaching expression while reading or if you just want to laugh. It's a favorite across grade levels, and the perfect "read for fun" book.
-Mrs. Lascon and Mrs. Thomson
Press Here by Herve Tullet
Press Here by Herve Tullet satisfies even the most technologically savvy child! It's an interactive book that will only work with reader participation. Clapping and pressing dots makes each page work like magic. Kids will love how they've helped the story! It's best for toddler through grade 3 students and is a book you'll read over and over. When the book asks, "Do you want to do it all over again?" everyone will say yes!
-Mrs. Thomson and Mrs. Lascon
Nerdy Birdy Tweets by Aaron Reynolds
Nerdy Birdy and Vulture return in this touching tale of true friendship. Nerdy Birdy, learns to appreciate the importance of being a good digital citizen and a trusted friend. Excellent focus on communication skills and responsible online behavior. An intriguing read with adorable illustrations!
-Mrs. Jacobs
Armadilly Chili by Helen Ketteman
"Do you feel chilled by this weather? Would some good friends and chili make you feel warmer? Then cozy up with the story, Armadilly Chili written by Helen Ketteman and illustrated by Will Terry. In this modern South-West take of the Little Red Hen, Miss Billie is fixin' to make some special chili with her friends. However, her friends are too busy to help Miss Billie. When the chili is done, will Miss Billie share her chili or leave her friends out in the cold?"
-Mrs. Kasmer
Back Of The Bus-By Aaron Reynolds and Floyd Cooper
A beautifully written story about Rosa Parks, and how one person can change the world. The figurative language, empathetic writing style, and intriguing illustrations lend well to Civil Rights discussions.
How can you change the world?
-Ms. Atlee and Mrs. Jacobs
Peanut Butter & Cupcake! By Terry Border
Have you ever been "the new kid" in town? Have you ever wanted to make a new friend? Do you like peanut butter or cupcakes? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then the book Peanut Butter and Cupcake by Terry Border is one you must check out! Our story begins with our main character, Peanut Butter, wishing he had a friend to play soccer with. His Mom suggests going out and making friends since he's new to the neighborhood and our adventure begins. The real photos in this story will make you laugh out loud and, quite possibly, make you hungry! I'm sure you'll STICK around to find out who ends up being Peanut Butter's friend!
Mrs. Lascon and Mrs. Thomson
There's a Mouse About the House! By Richard Fowler
Are you ready to do more than just READ a book?! You're in charge of the adventure in There's A Mouse About The House by Richard Fowler. This book comes with a mouse that you slip through the pages. Each page is a different room in the house, and the mouse needs your help finding food. But beware...there's a cat roaming nearby! Chase this book down as fast as you can...you won't be sorry!
-Mrs. Thomson and Mrs. Lascon
Wishtree by Katherine Applegate
If you haven't yet, you have to get your hands on Wishtree by Katherine Applegate, Newbery Medal-winning author of The One and Only Ivan. Her book is written in the perspective of an Oak Tree, which is loved by many in their neighborhood, especially the one day a year where they all hang their wishes on it's branches. Overtime, the tree has witnessed many interactions and finally decides to intervene, helping a young Muslim girl with a difficult situation. Applegate's novel has a wonderful message/theme that everyone can relate to and learn from. Plus the illustrations are beautifully done on the cover and throughout the story.
-Mrs. Wall
The Loser's Club! By Andrew Clements
Fans of Andrew Clements will love his latest book, The Loser's Club! Sixth-grader Alec, gets in trouble for reading all the time at school! He decides to form an after school book club, in order to read as much as he wants. His plan is thwarted when other kids want to join his club. Will he make new friends? Will he try new activities, and will his book club become popular? Read this amazing book, by the author of Frindle to find out!
An Avon Bookworms Selection!
-Mrs. Jacobs
"We're part of a community.
Our strength is our diversity.
A shelter from adversity.
All are welcome here."
(Alexandra Penfold & Suzanne Kaufman)
This is one of the best picture books I have ever read!
-Mrs. Jacobs
