Now that I have two boys, I'm completely out of the loop when it comes to girl books. My goal this summer is to read as many girl-recommended novels as I can. In order to reach my goal, I've solicited book suggestions from my students, my neighbors, my sons' friends' sisters and random girls spotted with books out and about.
Each novel must meet the following criteria:
1. It's appropriate for 4th-6th graders.
2. The main character is a girl.
3. The book was written by a female.
I've read quite a few, and I already have favorites that I know my 4th-6th grade girlfriends will enjoy. As a young lady, I attended the Beverly Cleary School of Realistic Fiction. I still enjoy novels about kids who act like kids, even when overcoming life's obstacles. The books below made my list of favorites because they are innocent, touching, character-driven stories with a thoughtful storyline. Most importantly, the main characters are unique. When you put each book down, you will feel like you have made a new friend.
A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban
Because of Winn Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Secrets of a Cicada Summer by Andrea Beaty
I will continue to add information about the books I read this summer... if they are worthy of sharing, that is. If you would like to share a wonderful children's novel or if you would like to comment on a title listed above, feel free leave a comment!
6 comments:
I DO tend to judge a book by its cover (can't help it, I'm a visual kind of girl), so of course A Crooked Kind of Perfect looks like a book I need to add to my "To Read" list - who doesn't love those socks? This website is a great resource. Can't wait to read more posts!
Any of the American Girl Mysteries are great. They are a great form of historical fiction...learning when they are unaware.
Some of the great girl books I have read this summer are: Itch by Michelle D. Kwasney, and Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm. These are both award nominees. I am currently reading Moon Over Manifest by Clare Vanderpool. These are great books and all are set in a previous era. Fun!!!
Thanks for the great book ideas! I'll add them to my list!
Just finished "Our Corner of the Universe" and starting "Cicada Summer." Two weeks ago, I finished, "Moon Over Manifest," which was a really good one (award winner) with great characters and a mystery to boot! I need to get a few more boy books in...thinking about IQ by Roland Smith -- anyone read that one?
Let me know what you think of Secrets of a Cicada Summer. It's one of my new favorites! I'll add Moon Over Manifest to my reading list. That sounds like a good one! I haven't read IQ, but it was recommended by one of my fifth graders last year.
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