The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

http://www.amazon.com/Magicians-Elephant-Kate-DiCamillo/dp/0763644102/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253569824&sr=1-1



The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

Fans of Kate DiCamillo's other books (Because of Winn-Dixie, Tales of Despereaux, Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane) will be excited to find another great fantasy to read! Ten-year-old Peter goes to the market for fish and bread but spends the money at the fortuneteller's tent instead. Seeking his long-lost sister, Peter is told to follow the elephant. That night at the Opera House, a magician conjures up an elephant that crashes through the roof and crushes Madam Bettine LaVaughn. The magician goes to jail, and Peter has to find a way to get the elephant to lead him to his sister. This is an incredible story that you won't want to put down! Highly recommended for readers third grade and up who love an adventure, a fantasy, or simply a great story!

Mrs. Shaw's pick: ****1/2 (4 1/2 out of 5 stars)

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

http://www.amazon.com/Extra-Credit-Junior-Library-Selection/dp/1416949291/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1253569257&sr=8-1-spell

Andrew Clements, author of amazing books including Frindle, The Homework Machine, The School Story, Landry News, and No Talking is back with another great story. In this story, Abby, a 6th grader, is at risk of failing 6th grade. She asks for extra credit, and her assignment is to find a pen pal in another country. She becomes pen pals with a boy named Sadeed in Afghanistan. However, she thinks she is pen pals with Sadeed's sister because in his culture it is considered improper for a boy to talk to a girl he isn't related to. Sadeed and Abby are surprised when being pen pals causes issues for them. I found the book interesting, adventurous, and I learned a great deal about life and school for children in Afghanistan. I highly recommend this book for lovers of Andrew Clements, or anyone wishing a good read! I would recommend for 4th and 5th graders, though some younger readers may still enjoy it.

Mrs. Shaw's Pick: **** (4 out of 5 stars)

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt

The Underneath by Kathi Appelt

http://www.amazon.com/Underneath-Notable-Childrens-Books-Readers/dp/1416950583/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1252187892&sr=8-1

Winner of the Newbery Honor Medal

National Book Award Finalist

This book is one that will stay with me for a long time. It is so unique and unusual that it is difficult to describe the plot. It is about an old, lonely hound that is befriended by a pregnant cat who shortly thereafter has two kittens. They have to stay in "The Underneath", which is under the house of evil "Gar Face". The story is about their friendship, survival, hope, and tragedy. But it is about so much more too. There is magic..... 1000 year old trees, a 1000 year old alligator, and a 1000 year old moccasin. It is about love, loss, and revenge. This is not a book for young readers. It is deep, dark and poetic.

Who should read this book? Probably only fifth graders or very mature fourth graders. If you read it, please let me know your thoughts. I would love to get your perspective.

Mrs. Shaw's Pick: **** (4 out of 5 stars)

You are Weird: Your Body's Peculiar Parts and Funny Functions by Diane Swanson

http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Weird-Peculiar-Functions/dp/1554532825/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251912128&sr=1-1

Here is a great book for anyone interested in the nitty gritty of the inner workings of their body! Have you ever wondered what causes goose bumps, why only some people can wiggle their ears, or why you have hair all over your body? This book will explain these things and more in a fun, informative way. There are "freaky facts" included such as "Right this second, you have more bacteria in your large intestine than the number of human beings that ever lived on Earth."

I would recommend this book for grades four and up for anyone, and for younger grades if you have a big interest in science or how your body works.

Mrs. Shaw's pick: **** (4 out of 5 stars)

Tortuga in Trouble by Ann Whitford Paul

Tortuga in Trouble is muy bueno!
http://www.amazon.com/Tortuga-Trouble-Ann-Whitford-Paul/dp/0823421805/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1251910764&sr=8-1
Tortuga, the turtle, is bringing a delicious dinner to his abuela (Grandma) and his friends Iguana, Rabbit, and Snake are following him hoping to get some of the food. Coyote hatches a devious plan to trap Tortuga. Will the three amigos (friends) be able to save Tortuga?

You might recognize a familiar fairy tale when you read this story. Along the way, you are sure to pick up some Spanish words. This book has great illustrations and I would recommend it for anyone in Kindergarten and up.

Mrs. Shaw's Pick: ***1/2 (3 1/2 out of 5 stars)