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Books for Elementary Reading GroupsRecommended Reading to Entice Reluctant and Boy Readers
Getting a group of students involved in one book can be made easier when the stories are high interest and already tested, as the following books are.
The books recommended here have been used successfully in the 5th and 6th grades. The students read and participated in reading group discussions because these books provided protagonists their own age and involved lots of action. The Lightning ThiefThe Lightning Thief, Book 1 in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan [ Hyperion Books for Children, 2005], introduces young readers to Greek mythology. Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson, a half-blood (part human, part immortal), finds himself battling monsters and outwitting the Greek gods to stay alive. He is accompanied by his new friends, Annabeth, also a half-blood, and Grover, a satyr. Their adventures keep reluctant students turning the pages and hungering for more. Weaving the Greek myths throughout his story, Riordan exposes his young readers to just enough Greek characters and stories to encourage them to read the rest of the series on their own. Among the HiddenAmong the Hidden, first in the Shadow Children series by Margaret Peterson Haddix [Aladdin Paperbacks, 2000], is the first book in a series of novels that explore the lives of children who were not supposed to be born. In this world, families are forbidden to have more than two children. Luke, the third child in his family, has only spent a few hours outside his house. He has never attended school and spends his days inside keeping to himself. He must be careful never to let himself be seen. Then he discovers a girl like himself living next door. The two meet and scheme to get the government to change the ruling. The compelling nature of children being forbidden and forced to remain in hiding engulfs young readers and hooks them to the end. War HorseWar Horse by Michael Morpurgo [Scholastic Inc., 2008] is a story of Joey, a farm horse, who finds himself in the middle of WW1. That fact alone hooks many young readers. Told by Joey, this story follows his journey into war and explores his relationships and friendships with the many people that come into his life. Along his journey, Joey encounters adults and loving children. His view of war and people present readers with unique views. From his beginning friendship with Albert, to his new master in the army, to the young girl in the French countryside, Joey's story holds young readers' attention. These books, written for ages 8-12, are excellent for small reading groups. Students are treated to fast paced adventures and protagonists close to their own ages. All three novels novels have strong boy and girl characters. The concepts of friendship and trust presented in each story are ones easily understood by young readers and encourage discussion among peers. These books are sure to entice reluctant readers as well as boy readers.
The copyright of the article Books for Elementary Reading Groups in Primary School Curriculum is owned by Cheryl Carpinello. Permission to republish Books for Elementary Reading Groups in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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