Ellen’s Book Nook — September 2016
By Guest Blogger Ellen Bryant Lloyd
Win a book of your choice from today’s blog! Details below!
September marks the the beginning of fall, at least on the calendar. Although outside temperatures may not feel fall-like, cooler weather is definitely around the corner. Football season has kicked off, all things pumpkin are in local coffee shops and grocery stores, and there is a slight hint that leaves will soon be changing color — proof of my favorite time of year.
In honor of children going back to school, several book selections have school connections. My recommendations range from fun, light-hearted titles, to storylines that make you think and offer opportunity for deep conversation. I hope you enjoy them, and the promise of fall!
Preschool — Pete the Cat Rocking in My School Shoes by Eric Litwin and Illustrated by James Dean
Pete the Cat doesn’t disappoint in his back to school adventure! In this book, Pete dons his school shoes and rocks through his school day, enjoying life and singing his familiar song. He travels through the library, the playground, the lunchroom and all of the other cool places found at school, finding fun wherever he goes. Another great story by Litwin and Dean, and one that fans of Pete the Cat will want to add to their personal library.
Elementary — The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin and Illustrated by Kevin Cornell
Children that enjoy Cronin’s picture books, will surely enjoy her debut chapter book featuring J.J. Tully, a former search-and-rescue dog, as he strives to solve the mystery involving missing chicken siblings. Payment for solving the mystery is the promise of a cheeseburger, enough to send Tully searching for clues. This humorous story is reminiscent of the fun storylines in her popular books featuring cows and ducks, and is a perfect choice for young readers that enjoy light-hearted mystery and fun.
Middle School — The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake
In light of all the racial tension facing our country in recent months, this realistic fiction title is particularly relevant. Thirteen-year-old, seventh grader Maleeka used to be proud of her dark skin color. However, after her father passed away, the children at school started picking on her about her skin, as well as the fact that she wore outfits sewn by her mother that were not “cool, teenager” attire. Maleeka befriends a tough, popular girl that promises to help shield her from this torment in exchange for doing her homework. The plot thickens when a new teacher is made fun of because of a large birthmark on her face. The teacher doesn’t let the cruel words affect her, and gives Maleeka a lot to consider with regards to her own life and self-perspective. This book opens the door to rich discussion with children about race, bullying and accepting others.
High School — I Will Always Write Back by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda, with Liz Welch
What started as a school assignment ended up being a life changing experience for a girl from American and a boy from Zimbabwe. This true story features Caitlin, a 12-year-old girl from Pennsylvania, and Martin, a 14-year-old boy from Mutare, that became best friends over a six-year period after corresponding with each other via mail. The two end up exchanging much more than letters. Insight and understanding about each other’s lives and the world they live in is shared in this honest and forthright pen-pal relationship. This story demonstrates how small actions can affect great change, and the transformation that can result from a committed friendship, despite the distance of an ocean that separates.
Moms — A Year by the Sea by Joan Anderson
Share your thoughts and comments, and you could be selected to win a copy of one of these books, compliments of Barnes & Noble, Friendly Shopping Center, Greensboro. The staff of Triad Moms on Main will choose a random winner one week from today. (Please be sure to enter your email address when you fill out your comment so they have a way to contact you.)
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Ellen Bryant Lloyd is the author of FRECKLES and FRECKLES and The Great Beach Rescue. Please visit www.funwithfreckles.com and www.facebook.com/
I always love book recommendations for me and my girls. These all sound great!
My kids love Pete the Cat!
Me! I’d love to win A Year By the Sea!
Great suggestions to add to our daughter’s first library. She already has a huge love for books at 1 year old!
Love book recommendations! Thanks!
Love these suggestions! Thank you!
Just added your middle school and mom
Selections to my reading list- thank you!
Always looking for new books!
Always looking for new reads. Thank you!
Pete the cat is such a fun book to read to the kiddos!! Thank you!
My kindergarten princess would love to get a copy of The Trouble with Chickens. Thank you for making a nice recommendation. I hope we can win a copy.
Definitely going to get The Skim I’m In for my 13 year old daughter. Sounds amazing!
Thanks for the recommendations. I love Pete the Cat and need to get this one.
These are all new to me!
Meghan, you are our winner! Watch for an email from Rachel to claim your prize.