3rd grade is a crucial time in the education of most young readers. Most adults don’t remember how they learned to read. Some remember being frustrated. There is a step between knowing the pronunciation of letters and words and reading sentences, paragraphs, and chapters that is difficult to teach. We are mostly expected to get it on our own. Most children have some degree of difficulty with the comprehension, so they resist reading chapters. The key factor in becoming a reader is practice. As a homeschool teacher I have watched 3 kids go through this and found it challenging to find books interesting enough to capture their attention long enough to finish the books. For a beginner the length is a stumbling block-not because he/she can’t do it, but because it takes too much time and effort. Providing books with a high level of interest can motivate the student to finish.

3rd to 6th grade is when most of us become readers (or not) because starting with 7th grade, homework increases dramatically. People who aren’t readers may not understand how important enjoying reading is. It gives the student enough practice to do schoolwork without difficulty (still a challenge but not impossible seeming).

Searching for captivating books can be aggravating, so I have put together a list that I know can be successful in kickstarting a life of reading. Every child will not like them all. Some may even do better with only nonfiction for a few years. If so, great-look at the shelves in your local library or bookstore that deal with subjects of interest to that particular child. Note: There are many series designed to give children practice. Series such as Goosebumps, Animorphs, Nancy Drew, etc. tend to lack substance. They don’t give a child an understanding of the wonder of reading. Here’s a list I hope you will find more inspiring.

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In the historical novel Wind Rider, Susan Williams gives an account of how horses may have become domesticated. It is an excellent story in which Fern is transformed from an unaccepted girl not wishing to become a woman to a loving and respected woman who has given much to her community and has become a legend. Beautifully written, it will appeal to a wide range of ages.

REVIEW

When Hector’s mom is asked to help at an archaeological site in Italy, he is dragged along. To pass the time, he helps with the digging and is transported back through time to the Etruscan village it used to be.

REVIEW

Only a few of the transitional books for young readers that I have read are exceptional. As important as this stage is in reading, you’d think there would be more. Bill Wallace has written many books for young readers; this is the first I’ve read. It has more meaning than the average book for young readers plus adventure and details of nature. It is a work of storytelling rather than a reading primer.

REVIEW

The Picture Book of the Month is Weslandia by Paul Fleischman and illustrated by Kevin Hawkes. It’s not new, but possibly lesser known. It has an exceptional story with fabulous pictures. Fleischman is better known for his novels (6th-YA) and readers’ theater writings. Some particular favorites are Seek, Seedfolks, Joyful Noise, Bull Run, and Rear-View Mirrors. Other picture books by Fleischman are Sidewalk Circus and Time Train.

REVIEW

OTHER FLEISCHMAN REVIEWS

Current Pick and Previous

I’m in the middle of reading an old series prompted by the publishing of its newest book, <i>The Pinhoe Egg</i>. The 3nd book, <i>The Lives of Christopher Chant</i> is a book I’ve been intrigued by and only now managed to find the time to read. I enjoyed the book immensely as well as the 1st book of the series, <i>Charmed Life</i>. The main characters in the series are great, the stories are quite unusual, and there are so many lovely details.

In a world full of magic it is the Chrestomanci’s job to control the magical community, keep the magical from trampling the nonmagical, and limit travel between their world and others. Because of the risks involved, the Chrestomanci is always a powerful enchanter with nine lives-so he can afford to lose a few. He also must have the ability to learn what everyone is up to and travel easily himself to the other worlds. In the series, there is also a Chrestomanci-in-training for each book.

REVIEW OF SERIES

It will come as no surprise that Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling is my choice this month. The book is an excellent ending to an exceptional series. I know many people were predicting a gigantic battle for the end. There is some of that, but I am happy to say that is not the focus. The story is much more than that.

Thank you again JKR for not only your tremendous story and world but also your enthusiastic interaction with your fans. The phenomenon couldn’t have happened without the depth of your creation, your willingness to continue sharing the magical world, and the participation of so many people who share your vision.

REVIEW OF DEATHLY HALLOWS

REVIEW OF SERIES

FORUM DISCUSSION

It’s not a new series, but I finally read His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman. Coincidentally, there is to be a movie of The Golden Compass released this December. Overall I liked the series-especially the examination of the soul in the form of dæmons (animal representations of the soul).

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<i>Voices</i> is a blend of historical fiction and fantasy. The peace-loving tradespeople of Ansul have been subjugated by the empirical warriors of Ansudar (similar to ancient empires). The House of Galvamand protects a secret library from the soldiers and priests controlling the city. A generation after the conquest took place Memer is learning of the esteem in which the old library was held and of an oracle that exists within the household. By a chance meeting with the master of the household she begins to pursue her education. Visitors who have come to entertain the Gand (local ruler), and secretly find the library, trigger a chain of events that may allow them their independence again.

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Philomel Books/Putnam & Grosset Group: NY, 1994.

Kate’s historian father is searching for The Horn of Merlin as the ultimate proof of Merlin’s existence. Part of an old folktale, the horn may be onboard a Spanish galleon that may have sunk off the coast of Baja, California in 1547. Add to the excitement a dangerous whirlpool just off the coast, non-migrating gray whales, an ageless fish and youthful fishing village, and a twisted Nimue.

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