Terrific Reads:
Teachers Say...
Books brought to you by the staff at Barley Sheaf!
Surf's Up
Grades K-3 picture book
Recommended by Mr. Slomczewski: "Bro wants to read and Dude wants to surf. What happens when Dude suddenly becomes interested in Bro's action-packed book? Perhaps more than one adventure can be had this summer."
by Chris Grabenstein Grades 3-6 288 pages
Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library
Recommnded by Mrs. Merzena: "I would love to spend time in Mr. Lemoncello’s library! If you enjoy games and adventure, this is the book for you. "
Chester's Way
by Kevin Henkes K-3 picture book
Recommended by Mrs. Galletta: "I love this book because it shows how even if you have one way you like to do something, it can be fun to do things other people’s way too. "
After the Fall: How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again
by Dan Santat Grades Pre-K-4 picture book
Recommended by Mr. Slomczewski: "You may know the story of Humpty Dumpty, how he fell, broke apart, and was put back together again, but this tale adds surprises to what happened after all that. A fresh take on a classic tale. Read it once, then go back and look for clues that lead up to the glorious finale."
Nnewts: (Book 1) Escape From the Lizzarks
by Doug TenNapel Grades 3-7 192 pages graphic novel
Recommended by Mr. Slomczewski: "This graphic novel is by a master of the art form, Doug TenNapel. Aside from his gorgeous illustrations, there is more than one character's story to follow here. It's a suspenseful adventure!"
Flashback Four: The Lincoln Project
by Dan Gutman Grades 3-7 256 pages
Recommended by Mr. Slomczewski: "It mixes history with humor. Almost every chapter ends in suspense, which makes you not want to put the book down. "
One Crazy Summer
by Rita Williams-Garcia Grades 4-7 240 pages
Recommended by Mr. Slomczewski: "I just love all 3 main characters in this story. They are challenged throughout with difficult questions of identity and responsibility. When you reach the book's conclusion, you will definitely want to read book 2!"
The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy
by Jeanne Birdsall Grades 3-7 288 pages
Recommended by Mr. Slomczewski: "One of my all-time favorite summer tales, The Penderwicks is all about the characters, each unique and perfectly written. When you get to know them, they'll become a part of your life. Four more books follow, but this one begins it all. "
Recommended by Mr. Slomczewski: "Tim Egan begins his Dodsworth series by stating, "Dodworth wanted adventure," and that's precisely what he gets...though not in all the ways he expects! Duck is a wild character here, and completely hysterical. These books are so much fun!"
by Tim Egan
Grades 1-4
Early Reader chapter book / series
The Legend of Rock Paper Scissors
Recommended by Mr. Slomczewski: "The legend is revealed! Read how the classic hand-battle game began! Full of brave warriors and distant lands (The Kingdom of Backyard and the Empire of Mom's Home Office, to name just two), this epic tale will have you playing rock, paper, scissors again in no time! Oh, and it's funny. REALLY funny."
by Drew Daywalt and Adam Rex
Grades K-4 picture book
Ungifted
by Gordon Korman Grades 5-7 288 pages
Recommended by Ms. Nichols: "Ungifted is a funny story about an impulsive boy named Donovan who ends up in the gifted program by mistake. This is a great book if you are looking for a laugh."
Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus
by Dusti Bowling Grades 3-7 272 pages
Recommended by Ms. Nichols: "If you liked Wonder you’ll love this. A great story about kids whose differences bring them together and their adventures in an old time western amusement park."