Thanks, Rebecca, for your suggestions. There are so many wonderful books out there, aren't there? I have Cornelia Funke's books and the complete Lightning Thief series. By the time the kids come to me in seventh, they have read this series. Neil Gaiman's book is first on my list, I can't wait to check it out. I haven't heard about Patrick Carmen's book, so thanks for the rec!
My students love the "Lightning Thief" Series by Rick Riordan they are funny and filled with references to Greek Mythology. The protagonist is a middle school kid and each book takes place during the summer.
Even though the main character is a middle school kid, my 4th graders read this series. I wonder if the vocab is meaty enough? I haven't read them but all my kids love the series.
Anna Myers is a great historical fiction author. Some of her books include: SPY! (about Nathan Hale), Assasin (about Lincloln), The Keeping Room (Revolutionary War). I just had her come speak to my students and she was great! Her books are very well written.
Thank you for the suggestion. I have not heard of her, and I love historical fiction! I went book shopping yesterday, and I just couldn't wait to start The Graveyard Book which I cannot put down. I can see why it won the Newberry; it's so beautifully written.
I have thoroughly enjoyed Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. In fact, I'd like to add it to my regulary curriculum except that I understand it's being made into a movie.
Anne, I mentioned that book earlier in this discussion, I'm reading it to one of my classes--I really liked it when I read it and knew it was edgy enough for my gifted 6th graders!
I just finished it, read it in two days. A few of my students have already read it, and some couldn't wait for me to finish it before I add it to my library, so they went out and bought it. I loved it, and I can easily see how it can be made into a movie. I think I will add The Graveyard Book as a summer read along with The Wednesday Wars....they both address similar themes, and are beautiful stories.
I bought twenty new books over my spring break, and I'm reading them as fast as I can so I can add them to my library!