What are my children reading?

I thought you'd enjoy seeing what my children are reading. As you can imagine, we take books very seriously around here. After each book, I'll place the number of pages and book level in parenthesis to see if it's appropriate for your child. Typically, Scott and I pick out books to read them and the kids find other books to read independently.

Anna Grace's room is a pile of books! She borrowed lots of the Junie B. Jones books from her friend Stacey Kate. She's reading Junie B., First Grader at last! (76 p., 2.6) Personally, I'm not fond of these books because Junie has a bit of a mouth. However, I am letting Anna Grace read them because they are great "starter" chapter books. Scott and Anna Grace are reading "Bobbsey Twins: The Secret at the Seashore". (174 p., 4.3) Ugh. These are so boring to me, I can't read them. However, AG seems to enjoy it. "The Adventures of The Bailey School Kids: Knights Don't Teach Piano" is another book on her nightstand. (66 p., 3.9) This is a great chapter book for kids that are ready for a little more commitment. There are quite a few pictures throughout the book and the font size is easy to read. Anna Grace has just finished reading "Young Cam Jansen and the Pizza Shop Mystery". (32 p., 2.8) Another great series for first graders. It's in the chapter format, but has lots of pictures and a large font size. In addition, there are some comprehension questions at the end. Anna Grace and I just finished, "Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride" (72 p., 2.7). Loved it! Silly series (chapter book, large font size, lots of pictures) about a pig named Mercy that gets into mischief. Kate DiCamillo is the author and she is fabulous. AG also just read "Magic Tree House: Buffalo Before Breakfast". (76 p., 3.3) Both of my kids have enjoyed the Magic Tree House series. It's a great way to bring historical fiction to the kids. At the end of these books, there are facts related to the story. These chapter books have smaller text and fewer pictures than the previously mentioned books. Yet another book on her nightstand is, "Star Wars: Last of the Jedi". (135 p., ??) Guess who picked this out! Though it's really too hard for her, we're in a Star Wars phase... She hasn't read these last two books: "Young Cam Jansen and the Ice Skate Mystery" (31 p., 2.5) and "What a Trip, Amber Brown" (48 p., 2.6). Both of these books are intro chapter books with silly stories, lots of pictures and a large font size.

Harrison read the Erin Hunters series, Warriors, for about 5 months. It is fantasy that revolves around warrior cats that live in the jungle. There are 16 books in the series. Each is around 300 pages and is on a 5th or 6th grade level. He has now started on Erin Hunters series, Seekers. It is about polar and grizzly bears. I don't like fantasy books, so it's hard for me to be objective... I'm not crazy about them, but can see the appeal. Harrison and I are reading the second book in the Kingdom Keepers series. It's called "Disney at Dawn". (377 p., 5.2) It is a science fiction book based in Disney world. We have enjoyed reading this together. The author, Ridley Pearson, has written other great novels for elementary and middle school kids. Finally, Harrison and Scott are reading, "The Mysterious Benedict Society". (485 p., 5.6) They are loving it. Though I haven't read it, I have heard it is wonderful, fabulous and amazing! There are two more books in the series. All of these books I've mentioned are for "serious" readers. Their text is on the level of adult books: small font size, no pictures and lengthy. Any of these would be great read-alouds.

Well, there you go! I told you we take reading seriously! I haven't decided what AG and I are going to read next. I'm taking recommendations. We like to read books together that are a little above her reading level. I think Harrison and I are going to read "Where the Red Fern Grows" next. Yippee!

Happy reading,
Susanne