A book is a dream that you hold in your hands.

My students love this wonderfully written, funny, and romantic tale of Louis, the Swan. Master storyteller EB White engages us with a journey of self-discovery at a child's level. 

The Last of the Really Gret Whangdoodles, by Julie Andrews.

My students were fully engaged with this imaginative 

Frindle by Andrew Clements. Each student had their own copies to follow along and take notes in. A great book This quirky, imaginative tale about creative thought and the power of words will have readers inventing their own words. Brian Selznick's black-and-white illustrations enhance the humor in this unforgettable story.

 An Elephant in the Garden  by Michael Morpurgo is inspired by historical truths, and by the author's admiration for elephants, "the noblest and wisest and most sensitive of all creatures." Here is a story that brings together an unlikely group of survivors whose faith in kindness and love proves the best weapon of all.

As Brave As You by Jason Reynolds.

Fish In A Tree, by Lynda Mullaly Hunt.

Everybody is smart in different ways.  But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.

One of my favorite chapter books is a story written by Malala Yousafzai. Each student in my class had a copy to read and follow along with. After we read this special chapter book, we referred to it many times throughout the year. We would say things like, "Malala would stand up for that!" or "That character was as brave as Malala!"