Deza Malone is the kind of character who jumps right into your heart and makes camp there.

Yes, this is a wonderful historical fiction book about the devastating effects of the Depression on families in the American Midwest - especially African American families. More than that, though, this is a book about a whip smart little girl who treasures books, her family, and has boundless hope for the future.

Read it for the eloquent writing and the childlike wonder. Read it for the glimpse into the past. Most of all, though, read it to fall in love with Deza Malone.


** This was my book recommendation in my classroom last week, it just didn't make it online! 

My students showered me with love before holiday break - love in the form of books to read. This topped my list as one of my favorite reads, and so earned the spot as my "Dragon's Book of the Week" when we returned to school.

It's 1899 in Texas and Calpurnia has no desire to act like a regular little girl. Her mind dances with curiosity about the world. Luckily for her, Calpurnia's grandfather notices her quick mind and inquisitive nature and makes it his job to help her as she explores the world around her, in spite of her mother's every attempt to train her up to be a proper young lady. 

Yes, this is the kind of story that is told a lot recently. But Calpurnia is one of those lovely characters that springs to life on the page. I highly recommend the story to students who love the natural world (boys and girls alike), as there is plenty of science built into the tale. It is also a beautifully told tale, and one that gives students a glimpse into the way the world worked as automobiles and telephones began I'm hoping my students love this book as much as I did!

Author: M.P. Kozlowsky
What would you sacrifice to make your fondest wishes come true?

Juniper's family used to be close and loving. Juniper would write elaborate plays and her actor parents would make them come to life. Her parents longed for fame and fortune, though. When they finally "made it" in the movies, their lives changed drastically. Suddenly, Juniper's parents have no time for her, and don't even seem to really care about her anymore. When she meets a new neighbor named Giles with similar parental problems, they decide to investigate.

This isn't just a tale of family changes, though. Juniper suspects something sinister has happened to her formerly loving parents. When she follows them out into the woods one dark and dreary night, her suspicions are confirmed. Can she withstand the temptations of her own deepest desires long enough to rescue her parents?

Juniper Berry is a wonderfully creepy tale, but not terrifying. It's a great choice for kids who want to dive into a book that will make them shiver. Students who are overly sensitive (as some of my students tend to be) may want to wait until they are slightly older. It's a great example of a strong female lead who will also appeal to the boys in the room!

Note: I won a copy of this book from Walden Pond Press. Check them out on Twitter! (@WaldenPondPress) 

My students simply adore reading fantasy and mystery - but it's time to help them spread their wings. What better way than to read about the real lives of some amazing women from our history?

This series introduces the idea of primary sources to younger audiences, which definitely appeals to me.  Every child should be able to see images and "hear" the real voices of the time period as they learn about real people. I think this is a lesson that can be taught well before middle and high school, especially when we use images as our primary sources. 

The actual writing style comes across as a little dry, but the pictures and quotes make it a bit more interesting. The fact that the books are short will hopefully make it enticing to my students that are attempting to branch out into new genres. 

When you are a member of the Beaumont family, you're 13th birthday is extra special. Not only are you now officially a teenager, but you unlock your special magical gift - your "savvy".

Mibs is hoping for something amazing, something to help her stand out from the crowd. But when her father is injured and hospitalized, her wish changes. She just wants her new savvy to be something that can save his life. 

My students insisted I use this book as my Book of the Week. This is a great novel about growing up, making new friends, and accepting the unique parts of yourself. 

Visit the author's website at http://www.ingridlaw.com/

What would happen if you could read yourself INTO a book just by reading aloud? It sounds like every passionate reader's fondest dream... but not if you can't find your way back out again! Especially when you can't control which of your listeners actually joins the story, or what part of the story jumps back into your world in return.

Wow. What a simple, elegant concept. This book is beautiful. The language is beautiful, the characters are fascinating, and I was pulled along through every part of the novel. I've read other books by Cornelia Funke, and they are great, but this is by far my favorite. Students love it to, as evidenced by the fact that one of my students insisted this be the "Book of the Week" for this week! 

It breaks my heart to think that there are middle grade students out there who may not have read this book! Yes, it's a movie. But do yourself a huge favor and read the book! 

While you are at it (or once you are a huge fan of Funke's work) visit her website for more about her and the worlds she has created!