Library Book Fair continues

The Library Book Fair runs through Friday, October 18th at noon.  If you haven't visited the book fair yet, stop by to see all that is offered from board books for babies to young adult fiction, as well as interesting non-fiction for children and adults.  It's a perfect time to find items for birthday and holiday gifts, travel entertainment, and gifts to classroom libraries. Shop for yourself, for students, for a classroom.  All proceeds benefit the TGS library.  Questions? Please contact Ponnie at pderby@thegrammarschool.org

Library Book Fair

 Medieval Faire – Friday am, October 18^th

^{(see below for best times to visit)}

The Book Fair opens Saturday.   Proceeds benefit our library.

     The library has been transformed into another realm, from library to magical book shop.  Last week students received a Scholastic Book Fair promotional piece, which highlights just a few of the books available at the Fair. Please set aside a time to visit the library to select from the exciting books that will be on display.

     If you have not seen our Book Fair in the past, the variety and number of items available will amaze you. Shopping at the Book Fair is a great way to find gifts for the holidays and birthdays, trip entertainment, and fun reading for your children and you. The Book Fair is also an opportunity to donate books to your child’s class. Teachers will submit a wish list of books that will enrich their classroom libraries. Gift certificates for teachers to redeem at the fair will also be available. Each donated book will be recognized with a bookplate identifying your child or family as the donor. Students will also have an opportunity to visit the Book Fair to make their own selections or wish lists.

     The best times to stop by the Book Fair will be the afternoon of Friday, October 11th, during the Medieval Faire, Wednesday, October 16^th, Thursday October 17^th and Friday morning October 18^th.  If you have any questions, or if you would be willing to volunteer to help, please contact me at pderby@thegrammarschool.org.

     If you have any questions, or if you would be willing to volunteer to help, please contact me.

Your support of the library is always greatly appreciated.

~See you at the Medieval Faire~

Ponnie

Welcome to the Library page

     The new school year in the library is off to a wonderful beginning!  New and returning students have been by to check out books, and it’s always fun to hear them recommend books to one another
     Thursday afternoon was my first visit with the preschool.  Students listened to books about feelings, and when asked to draw a picture of something they had particularly enjoyed thus far at school, swings were a popular subject.
    During classes with grades K-4, we discussed how the library works, how books should be treated, how to check out books, and played games finding the different sections of the library.   Grades 2 and 3 asked that we continue books begun last spring.  So, second grade is listening to Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron while third grade wanted to hear the mystery Basil of Baker Street by Eve Titus.  
     Here's a recap of what we discussed about using the library.  Books are checked out for two weeks and once those are returned, students may check out more.  We do not charge fines; however, if an item is lost or damaged, the student must pay for its replacement.  Overdue notices are distributed periodically to remind students of books not yet returned or replacement amounts due.  Please attend to these promptly, so that items are available to others. 
     And parents, don’t forget that we have a “Parent” shelf in the library with books you might be interested in checking out.  If you have a particular favorite to donate or recommend, please let me know.
     The library is a bit out of the way, but it’s fun when you get here.  I look forward to seeing all of you here this year.  If you have any questions, please email or call.  Ponnie  pderby@thegrammarschool.org

It's Summertime and Reading is Fun!

      This summer has brought some interesting weather, so on those rainy and smoldering days, turn your thoughts to turning the pages of a book/ebook!  Reading is also great for traveling and just plain fun. 

      Below you will find the summer reading lists for grades 2-8, plus a just-for-fun list for adults.  I'd love to hear from you about your summer reading and any comments or suggestions you have about our lists.

Have a happy summer!

Ponnie

2nd Grade Summer Reading Suggestions

     Parents, it’s important to make time for your child to read for at least 20 minutes every day this summer. For children not reading independently yet, we hope you will take time to read aloud to him or her. For those who are reading independently, a good way to gauge if the book your child has  chosen is at his/her reading level is to have the child read a few paragraphs aloud to you. If he/she is reading haltingly, and you can’t understand the paragraph clearly, that book is probably too advanced, and he/she should make another choice. Remember that this is a list of suggested titles which cover a wide range of reading abilities, it does not mean that your child should be able to read all (or any) of these independently. What is important is that you set aside a special time for reading.
     Please help your child keep track of the books he/she has read by keeping a journal including title and author. Entering second graders will want to include a short note on each book (I liked this book because... ; I would recommend this book because... ; my favorite character was...). If your child isn’t comfortable writing yet, you can help by taking dictation from the child. When the school year begins in September, bring your journal to share with Eve and your classmates!
     Vermont State Standard 2nd grade: Demonstrates the habit of reading extensively* by...Reading one or two books, or one or two medium-long chapters, or the equivalent every day.

Read Aloud or Alone (+ = Good for readers practicing their skills. * = series.)

FICTION

If you like adventure/fantasy stories….
The Secrets of Droon – Tony Abbott *
Spiderwick Chronicles- Tony DiTerlizzi *
Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves – retold by Katie Daynes +
The Iron Giant – Ted Hughes
Mrs. Piggle Wiggle - Betty MacDonald *
Magic Treehouse - Mary Anne Osborne *
The Time Warp Trio – Jon Scieszka *
Arabian Nights – retold by Martin Woodside

If you like stories about animals…
Biscuit - Allyssa Capucilli + *
Bramble and Maggie – Jessie Haas *
Lady Lollipop - Dick King-Smith
Horse Crazy – Alison Lester *
Frog and Toad - Arnold Lobel + *
Judy Moody or Stink – Megan McDonald *
Listening to Whales Sing – Faith McNulty +
Fancy Nancy – O’Connor+ *
Stolen! A Pony Called Pebbles – Wendy Orr *

If you like stories where animals are the main characters…
Spunky Tells All – Ann Cameron
Mercy Watson - Kate DiCamillo + *
Benny and Penny – Geoffrey Hayes + * (A Toon Book, graphic novel)
Arthur - Lillian Hoban + *
Frances - Russell Hoban + *
Houndsley and Catina - James Howe + *
Park Avenue Adventures - Johanna Hurwitz *
Fox and His Friends - Edward Marshall + *
Henry and Mudge or Mr. Putter and Tabby or Poppleton – Cynthia Rylant + *
Maybelle – Katie Speck *

If you like funny stories….
Mercy Watson - Kate DiCamillo + *
Little Soup’s Hayride – Robert Newton Peck (short chapter book)
Amelia Bedelia - Peggy Parish + *
Marvin Redpost – Louis Sachar *
Geronimo Stilton – Geronimo Stilton *

If you like historical stories…
American Girl - various authors *
My America – various authors *

If you like mysteries…
Cam Jansen - David A. Adler *
Virtual Cody- Betsy Duffey *
Nancy Clancy, Super Slueth – Jane O’Connor *
Nate the Great – Marjorie Weinman Sharmat + *
Basil of Baker Street – Eve Titus *
American Girl - various authors *

If you like realistic stories…
Twelve Kings of Ice – Ellen Bryan Obed
Ivy + Bean – Annie Barrows *
Seal Island School or Seal Island Seven - Susan Bartlett
Julian and Huey - Ann Cameron *
Ramona - Beverly Cleary *
Amber Brown – Paula Danziger *
Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo *
Soccer Sam – Jean Marzollo +
Cobble Street Cousins – Cynthia Rylant *

NON-FICTION

If you like true stories and books that give information……
Elephants Can Paint Too! - Katya Arnold
Hungry, Hungry Shark – Joanna Cole +
Magic School Bus - Joanna Cole
Titanic Lost & Found- Judy Donnelly +
The Flight of Apollo 11 – Brian Floca
Friends – Catherine Thimmesh (nonfiction-animals)

If you like stories about real people (biographies)….
Lou Gehrig- David A. Adler
America’s Champion Swimmer - David A. Adler
The Day-Glo Brothers: The True Story of Bob and Joe Switzer's Bright Ideas and Brand-New
     Colors - Chris Barton
Who was Sacagawea? – Judith Bloom Fradin and Dennis Brindell Fradin *
Who was Babe Ruth? – Joan Holub *
Jim Henson: the guy who played with puppets – Kathleen Krull
Who was Harriet Tubman? – Yona Zeldis McDonough *
Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express – Margaret K. Wetterer +

POETRY TO ENJOY

Poetry for Young People series
Sing a Song of Popcorn
Scared Silly! - Marc Brown
Revolting Rhymes - Roald Dahl
Mammalabilia - Douglas Florian
Dirt on My Shirt Jeff Foxworthy +
Jamberry - Eve Merriam
Now We Are Six - A. A. Milne
Scranimals - Jack Prelutsky
Button Up!: Wrinkled Rhymes – Alice Schertle
Math Curse and Science Verse – Scieszka
Mirror mirror by Singer, Marilyn
Everything On It - Shel Silverstein
Pug: and other Animal Poems – Valerie Worth

Have a great summer!

3rd and 4th Grade Suggested Summer Reading List

     This is a list of suggested summer reading titles which we hope will help you choose at least five books to read over the summer. If you find a particular book you enjoy, try other titles by the same author. Titles have been placed in categories, but many of the books might fall in more than one category. For example, a historical title may also be an adventure.
     Please keep a journal of the books you read, with the title, author and a short paragraph or illustration about each book (This book was about ___; my favorite character was ___ because ___; I would recommend this book because ___ etc.). Be prepared to give your journal to Linda or Emily when you return in September. Don’t leave your reading until August, you will read better and faster if you keep practicing throughout the summer. And parents, please encourage your children to practice their skills and discuss their books with them.
     Vermont State Standard for grades 3-8: Demonstrates the habit of reading extensively* by..."Reading the equivalent of at least two books a month, including in-school, out-of-school, and summer reading."

     “+” denotes good choices for readers who are still practicing their skills, “*” denotes books for advanced readers. DCF denote books nominated for Vermont’s Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award.

FICTION

If you like animals…
The One and Only Ivan – Katherine Applegate (2013 Newbury winner) *
Little Dog, Lost – Joan Bauer (DCF 2013)
The Mouse and the Motorcycle - Beverly Cleary
Frightful’s Mountain - Jean Craighead George *
Jigsaw Pony - Jesse Haas +
Star in a Storm - Joan Hiatt Harlow
Justin Morgan Had a Horse - Marguerite Henry *
Music of Dolphins – Karen Hesse
We Can’t All Be Rattlesnakes – Patrick Jennings
Lady Lollipop – Dick King-Smith
The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook – Joanne Rocklin (DCF 2013)
Riding Freedom - Pam Munoz Ryan +
The Cricket of Times Square – George Selden

If you like fantasy or adventure…
Will Sparrow’s Road – Karen Cushman * (DCF 2013)
Tale of Despereaux - Kate DiCamillo
Knight’s Castle – Edgar Eager *
Bandit’s Moon - Sid Fleischman
Inkheart - Cornelia Funke *
The Secret of Platform 13 – Eva Ibbotson
Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg - Gail Carson Levine
Where the Mountains Meet the Moon – Grace Lin
The Flint Heart – Katherine and John Paterson
Storm Runners – Roland Smith
I Survived series – Lauren Tarshis
Dealing with Dragons series - Patricia C. Wrede *

If you like graphic…
Rapunzel's Revenge – Shannon Hale
TinTin series – Herge
Olympians series – Suzanne O’Connor
Wonderstruck - Brian Selznick
Bone series - Jeff Smith
Robot Dreams - Sara Varon

If you like history…
The Weaver’s Daughter - Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Caddie Woodlawn - Carol Ryrie Brink *
Bud, Not Buddy - Christopher Paul Curtis *
The Birchbark House and sequel - Louise Erdich *
The Year of Miss Agnes – Kirkpatrick Hill +
True Colors – Natalie Kinsey-Warnock
Single Shard - Linda Sue Park *
May B. - Caroline Starr Rose
Little House series - Laura Ingalls Wilder

If you like humor…
Strange Case of Origami Yoda - Tom Angleberger
Superfudge series – Judy Blume
Ramona, the Brave – Beverly Cleary
Amber Brown series - Paula Danziger
The Moffats - Eleanor Estes *
Bunnicula series - James Howe *
Russell series – Johanna Hurwitz +
Diary of a Wimpy Kid series – Jeff Kinney
Judy Moody series - Megan McDonald
Stink series – Megan McDonald
Big Nate series - Lincoln Peirce
Summer Reading is Killing Me (Time Warp Trio series) - Jon Scieszka

If you like mystery and suspense…
Freddie the Detective series - Walter R. Brooks
The Lemonade Crime – Jacqueline Davies
Hardy Boys series - Franklin W. Dixon
Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat – Lynne Jonell
Nancy Drew series - Carolyn Keene
Secret of the Ruby Ring - Yvonne MacGrory *
Key to the Treasure and others in this series – Peggy Parrish
Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – Alvin Schwartz
“Who Could That Be at This Hour?” - Lemony Snicket
The Case of the Missing Marquess: An Enola Holmes Mystery series – Nancy Springer
Sammy Keyes series - Wendelin Van Draanen *

If you like realistic fiction…
Ivy + Bean series – Annie Barrows +
The Penderwicks (and sequel) - Jeanne Birdsall * (Newbury winner)
The Seven Wonders of Sassafrass Springs - Betsy Birney
Troublemaker - Andrew Clements
Jake - Audrey Couloumbis
Because of Winn Dixie - Kate DiCamillo (DCF winner)
Hoot –Carl Hiassen (DCF winner) *
Waiting for the Magic – Patricia MacLachlan
Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester - Barbara O’Connor
When Life Gives You O. J. – Erica S. Perl
Star in the Forest - Laura Reseau

NON-FICTION

If you like biography…
Bully for you Theodore Roosevelt - Jean Fritz
Double Life of Pocohantas - Jean Fritz *
You Want Women to Vote, Lizzie Stanton? - Jean Fritz *
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave - Laban Carrick Hill
The Extraordinary Mark Twain (according to Susy) – Barbara Kerley
Knucklehead - Jon Scieszka *
Behind Rebel Lines – Seymour Reit
Revolutionary Poet: Phyllis Wheatley - Maryann Weidt +
Kate Shelley and the Midnight Express - Margaret K. Wetterer +

If you like poetry…
Poetry for Young People series
Revolting Rhymes – Roald Dahl
Amazing Faces: Poems - Lee Bennett Hopkins
My People – Langston Hughes
Oxford Book of Children’s Verse
Scranimals – Jack Prelutsky
Math Curse or Science Verse – Jon Scieszka
Everything On It - Shel Silverstein
Mirror mirror by Marilyn Singer
A Child’s Calendar – John Updike

If you like non-ficiton…
Horrible Histories series – Terry Deary *
A Black Hole is not a Hole - Carolyn Cinami Decristofano
Great Estimations - Bruce Goldstone
Owen & Mzee - Isabella Hatkoff
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind - William Kamkwamba and
Bryan Mealer
Salad People and More Real Recipes - Mollie Katzen
The Story of Salt - Mark Kurlansky
Peterson first guides – various subjects and authors
Drawing from Memory – Allen Say (DCF 2013) Graphic
Adventures In Cartooning: How To Turn Your Doodles Into Comics
- James Sturm
The Woods Scientist - Stephen R. Swinburne
Friends – Catherine Thinmesh

Have a great summer!

5th Grade Suggested Reading List

     This is a list of summer reading titles that we hope will help you choose at least five books to read over the summer. Many of these titles have been nominated for or won awards. You may want to try these. If you find a particular book you enjoy, try other titles by the same author.
     Please write a paragraph or two on the books you read, with the author, title, and a brief paragraph
including a summary and a statement of your reaction to the book, hand this into Charlie the first week of school in the fall. Don’t leave your reading until August it will be much harder for you to complete your assignment. Reading regularly during the summer will help you keep the skills you already learned this year, plus it’s fun!
     To aid you in your book selection, books are placed in categories. Although each book has been placed in only one category, many books crossover into more than one. For example, A LONG WAY FROM CHICAGO is listed under “Humorous”, but it could also be listed as “Historical”, so try books from more than one category. Remember that many “Historical” books can also be adventures, humorous or mysteries, and therefore, veryexciting. All 2013-14 Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award nominees appropriate for grades 4-5 have been included and are noted with DCF.

Vermont State Standard for grades 3-8: Demonstrates the habit of reading extensively* by...
"Reading the equivalent of at least two books a month, including in-school, out-of-school, and summer reading."

“*” = more challenging books

FICTION

If you like adventure…
Peter and the Starcatchers series – Dave Barry
Gone Away Lake – Elizabeth Enright
Chase - Jessie Haas * (horse)
Stowaway - Karen Hesse *
Small as an Elephant – Jennifer Richard Jacobson
Mossflower/Redwall series - Brian Jacques *
Steel Trap: The Challenge - Ridley Pearson
The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg - Rodman Philbrick
Storm Runners – Roland Smith
Call it Courage - Armstrong Sperry *

If you like animals…
The One and Only Ivan – Katherine Applegate (2013 Newbury winner & DCF 2013-14)
Poppy (and other books in that series) - Avi
Little Dog, Lost – Shana Burg (DCF 2013-14)
The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale – Carmen Agra Deedy & Randall Wright
The Tale of Despereau – Kate DiCamillo
Waiting for the Magic – Patricia MacLachlan
War Horse – Michael Morpurgo
A Dog’s Way Home – Bobbie Pyron
The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook – Joanne Rocklin (DCF 2013-14)
Listen! - Stephanie S. Tolan

If you like fantasy…
Will Sparrow’s Road – Karen Cushman (DCF 2013-14)
The Search for WondLa (sequel: A Hero for WondLa) by Tony DiTerlizzi
The Dragon Chronicles series - Susan Fletcher *
Inkheart series – Cornelia Funke
The Dragon of Trelian – Michelle Knudsen
Savvy and sequel – Ingrid Law
The Narnia series - C. S. Lewis
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon – Grace Lin
The Flint Heart – Katherine and John Paterson
The Heroes of Olympus and other series by Rick Riordan
Harry Potter series - J. K. Rowling
Septimus Heap series – Angie Sage
The Youngest Templar series – M. P. Spradlin
The Mysterious Benedict Society series – Trenton Lee Stewart
The Expeditioners and the Treasure of Drowned Man’s Canyon – S. S. Taylor (dystopia/steampunk)   (DCF 2013-14)

If you like history…
City of Orphans by Avi (1893)
The Mighty Miss Malone - Christopher Paul Curtis (1930’s) (DCF 2013-14)
Understood Betsy – Dorothy Canfield Fisher (1900s Vermont)
R My Name is Rachel – Patricia Reilly Giff (1930s)
Newsgirl - Liza Ketchum (1851 California)
Ture Colors - Natalie Kinsey-Warnock (1850s)
Inside Out and Back Again –Thanhha Lai (1975 Vietnam and Alabama)
Number the Stars - Lois Lowry (WWII)
A Single Shard - Linda Sue Park (medieval Korea)
Bread and Roses, too - Katherine Paterson (1912 Vermont)
May B. Caroline Starr Rose (1870s frontier)
Cabin on Trouble Creek - Jean Van Leeuwen (frontier)

If you like humor…
Troublemaker - Andrew Clements
The Moffats series – Eleanor Estes
The Great Brain series - John D. Fitzgerald *
Ungifted – Gordon Korman (DCF 2013-14)
The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester - Barbara O’Connor
I Funny – James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein (DCF 2013-14)
Middle School: the worst years of my life (and sequels) – James Patterson
A Long Way From Chicago – Richard Peck
Looking for Bobowicz – Daniel Pinkwater
May B.- Caroline Starr Rose(DCF 2013-14)
Glory Be – Augusta Scattergood (DCF 2013-14)
Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze - Alan Silberberg

If you like mystery and suspense…
The Secret Series – Pseudonymous Bosch
Murder Afloat - Jane Conly
The Lemonade Crime – Jacqueline Davies
Belly Up - Stuart Gibbs
Chase - Jessie Haas
Closed for the Season - Mary Downing Hahn
Chomp – Carl Hiassen (DCF 2013-14)
Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat - Lynne Jonell
The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls – Claire Legrand (DCF 2013-14)
Splendors and Glooms – Laura Amy Schlitz
“Who Could That Be at This Hour?” - Lemony Snicket
The Case of the Gypsy Goodbye & others in the Enola Holmes Mystery series- Nancy Springer
Three Times Lucky – Shelia Turnage (DCF 2013-14)
Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief & others in the series - Wendelin Van Draanen

If you like realistic or coming of age…
The Penderwicks and sequels - Jeanne Birdsall
Laugh with the Moon – Shana Burg (DCF 2013-14)
Out of My Mind - Sharon M. Draper
Mockingbird - Kathryn Erskine
Hidden – Helen Frost
Olive’s Ocean – Kevin Henkes *
The Whole Story of Half a Girl – Veera Hiranandani (DCF 2013-14)
Same Sun Here – Silas and Neela House (DCF 2013-14)
Turtle in Paradise - Jennifer Holm
Rules - Cynthia Lord
11 Birthdays – Wendy Mass
Wonder – R. J. Palacio (DCF 2013-14)
Summer of the Gypsy Moths – Sara Pennypacker (DCF 2013-14)
When Life Gives You O. J. – Erica S. Perl
Esperanza Rising - Pam Munoz Ryan*
Holes - Louis Sachar
Liar and Spy – Rebecca Stead (DCF 2013-14)
A Crooked Kind of Perfect - Linda Urban

If you like science fiction…
The White Mountains series - John Christopher
Gregor series – Suzanne Collins
Rat Trap – Michael Daley
The City of Ember and sequels - Jeanne DuPrau *
A Wrinkle in Time series – Madeline L’Engle
The True Meaning of Smekday - Adam Rex
Robot Dreams – Sara Varon (graphic)

If you like sports…
One Handed Catch - Mary Jane Auch
The Moves Make the Man – Bruce Brooks *
Safe at Second - Scott Johnson *
Sugar and Ice - Kate Messner

NON-FICTION

If you like biographies…
Escape!: The Story of the Great Houdini - Sid Fleischman *
Eleanor Roosevelt - Russell Freedman *
A Strong Right Arm: The Story of Mamie “Peanut” Johnson - Michelle Y. Green
Small Steps: The Year I Got Polio - Peg Kehret
Ten Queens: Portraits of Women of Power – Milton Meltzer
Driven: A Photobiography of Henry Ford - Don Mitchell
Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World –Sy Montgomery (DCF 13-14)
Satchel Paige: Striking Out Jim Crow - James Sturm (graphic)
How Angel Peterson Got His Name: and Other Outrageous Tales About Extreme Sports –
      Gary Paulsen +
Bill Peet: an autobiography – Bill Peet
Knucklehead - Jon Scieszka (graphic)

If you like poetry…
Poetry for Young People series
The Place My Words are Looking For - Janeczko (also other Janeczko anthologies)
The Same Sky - Naomi Shihab Nye
Oxford Book of Children’s Verse- Opie
Math Verse or Science Verse – Jon Scieszka
Everything On It - Shel Silverstein
Mirror mirror - Marilyn Singer
Locomotion - Jacqueline Woodson

If you like other non-fiction…
Through My Eyes - Ruby Bridges (civil rights)
Tracking Trash - Loree Griffin Burns (environment)
The Wicked History of the World: History with the Nasty Bits Left In! - Terry Deary
     (humorous history)
A Black Hole is not a Hole – Carolyn Cinami Decristofano
Bodies from the Ash - James M. Deem (Pompeii)
Titantic Sinks! – Barry Denenberg
Who Was First? - Russell Freedman (discovering America)
Christo and Jeanne-Claude –Jan Greenberg & Sandra Jordan (art)
What’s Happening to My Body for Boys/Girls - Linda Madaras (health)
Dewey: A Small-town Library Cat Who Touched The World – Vicki Myron
Heart and Soul – Kadir Nelson (African American history)
Beowulf, a Hero’s Tale Retold – James Rumford
Gorilla Doctors - Pamela S. Turner (science)

Have a great summer!