Connected May 2013 single.indd - School District 68

How do you keep reading skills up over the summerwhile having fun? Read great books! Reading expert,Dr. Stephen Krashen says free reading is one of themost powerful reading tools we can share with our kids. Readwhat you love and read often and you will become a lifelongreader. To help get you started on your summer journey, hereare a few great titles to consider. Happy Reading!Kindergarten to Grade 2The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew DaywaltThis funny story is written from the crayons’ perspective.Author Drew Daywalt, uses whimsical letters from the overworked,under-appreciated crayons (red and blue) to beige,the neglected crayon, to let Duncan know how his crayonsfeel. With an emphasis on imagination and exploration, thisstory will put a smile on your face.Let’s Go For a Drive: An Elephant and Piggie bookby Mo Willems (any from this series are delightful)Any or all books from the Elephant and Piggie series are sureto be hits with the Kindergarten to Grade 2 crowd. WhetherGerald (elephant) is deciding if he should share his ice-creamwith his best friend Piggie, or if they are planning a drive in thecountry, the stories are wonderfully entertaining. The antics ofthese characters are sure to delight. Mo’s clever use of colour andmatching speech bubbles provide a great discussion point foryou and your child.Big Nate in the Zone by Lincoln Peirce (series)This is the 6th book in the popular series and is once again laughout loud funny. If you like Diary of A Wimpy Kid you will enjoythis series.Harry Potter by JK Rowling (series)Despite being an ‘oldie’ it is still very much a ‘goodie’. Whetheryou have just enrolled in Hogwarts in The Philosopher Stone orare reaching the end of your journey with Deadly Hallows, thisclassic series is not losing its edge. A must read for all wizards.Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger (series)This series sees Dwight, a quirky 6th grader, talk to his friendsthrough an origami Yoda finger puppet. Yoda is smart, funnyand it seems somewhat psychic. This series follows Dwightfrom elementary school to middle school to Tippett Academy.Angleberger captures some poignant middle school feelings andemotions through humour and finger puppets. This best seller isa great read.2030: A Day in the Life of Tomorrow’s Kid by Amy Zuckermanand Jim DalyAuthor Amy Zuckerman is a business writer for technologytrends. She uses her expertise to take a look at what might bein 2030. Told through the eyes of a young boy, this book looksat what is possible in the future. It’s a wonderful book to leaddiscussion on technology and where it may take us.Clark the Shark by Bruce HaleClark the shark is a big shark, who loves school but his over eagernessoften gets him in trouble. In this charming story, Clarklearns how important it is to share, mind one’s space and to takecontrol of his own actions, no matter how excited he gets. This isa great book for teaching self-control.Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site by Sherri DuskeyRinklerCalling all truck lovers, this book is for you! The story follows ahard working truck through his busy day and his bedtime routine.It’s the perfect bedtime book for young builders.My Truck is Stuck by Kevin LewisThis whimsical rhyming story is full of adventure includingenormous potholes, thieving prairie dogs and lots and lots ofdogs. It’s a fun adventure for 3 to 5 year olds.Grades 3 to 5Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck by Jeff Kinney (series)As popular as ever, this series keeps on giving. In Hard Luck,Greg decides to risk his fate on chance in efforts to change hisfortunes. Funny, silly and always page turning, the series is ahuge hit.Grades 6 and 7Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob BuyeaThis book is from the point of view of 7 different students inMr. Terupt’s Grade 5 class from a bully to a new girl just tryingto fit in. The book covers the challenges and triumphs of life atschool. All is going well until a terrible accident. Because of Mr.Terupt, you will keep flipping the pages through to the end.One and Only Ivan by Katherine ApplegateThis bestseller takes on an unlikely friendship between Ivan, agorilla and a young elephant, new to the zoo. Inspired by trueevents, the story is heart-rending.Conspiracy 365 by Gabrielle Lord (series)If you like fast-paced adventure, this story is for you. Fifteenyear-oldCal finds out in the first few days of January that hisfather did not die accidently while away at a conference, that hein fact was murdered. Cal has 365 days to find out who did thisand why. If he is unsuccessful his family will die. Adventure,suspense, intrigue!Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan (series)Book three of the Heroes of Olympus series will not disappointyou. If you like Greek Mythology and adventure this series is