Falconer, I. (2000). Olivia. [New York]: Scholastic.

Olivia is a busy little girl with many different interests. She is good at many things, from building sand castles to dancing ballet. Although she sometimes gets into trouble, Olivia is charming and lovable.

This wonderful story is a fun read for anyone that has ever known a precocious child. I laughed out loud at some of the adventures Olivia gets into. The illustrations are especially delightful, and they add wonderful details to an entertaining story.

Rowling, J.K. (1997). Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. [New York]: Scholastic.

This first book of the series introduces readers to Harry Potter, and along with him we discover the magical world of wizards. Along the way, Harry makes new friends, discovers a hidden talent for flying, and learns about his mysterious past. Throughout the book, Harry and his friends must work together to solve the mystery hidden at Hogwarts and show courage and cleverness to overcome evil plotters out to get them.

I always enjoy rereading the Harry Potter books, and each time I pick up the book I seem to find new things to love. It is hard for me to imagine that I had a hard time reading the beginning back when I first picked up this book. I love the way J.K. Rowling weaves details into every nook and cranny of the story. It is especially true when you read the entire series and find out that a casual mention of some person or object holds the key to something important later on. I loved going back and reading this first book after viewing the last in the series movie, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. My passion for this series began with this book, and I preach the value of reading versus watching the movies to everyone that will listen (and even those that don’t want to listen…) I have loved sharing the series with my own children, and hope that others will enjoy Harry Potter as much as my family has over the past decade. Thank you J.K. Rowling!

Lowry, L. (1993). The Giver. [Boston]: Houghton Mifflin.

In the Utopian world of Jonah, “sameness” means no pain or suffering, but also no love or true happiness.  When he is selected as the next “Receiver” in his twelfth year, he soon learns many of the truths hidden by his community.  When Jonah finally discovers a terrible fate will affect someone he cares about, he must take drastic measures to help his community make the changes that he believes must occur.

Like many other post-apocalyptic young adult fiction, The Giver creates a highly controlled society with limited knowledge or enlightenment. I was quickly drawn into this story, and soon discovered why “the stirrings” and other events caused this story to be frequently challenged. As the story began to close, I kept waiting for a satisfying conclusion, but it never came. I was shocked by the ambiguous ending, and closed the book with my jaws dropped and more questions than answers.  My initial frustration was quickly replaced with an avalanche of possibilities and theories as to what Lois Lowry meant.  I was also pleased to discover there are two other books related to The Giver, which I can’t wait to read!

Patterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Tarabithia. [New York]: Scholastic.

Jess isn’t sure what to think when Leslie moves in down the road, but they soon become friends. Together, they create a secret imaginary world in the woods across the creek from their homes. Together they share many adventures and build a strong friendship. One day when Jess goes away for the day, he returns to find his world upside down and he must find courage from his friendship with Leslie to deal with the tragedy.

I loved this simple story of school, life, and friendship right from the first page. It was a warm tale about growing up that reminded me so much of my own childhood. Some of my most memorable experiences from my youth were exploring the woods and creating “secret forts” with my best friend Mark. As the story went on, you could just feel that something important was about to happen, and I was heartbroken right along with Jess as he walked in that solemn kitchen. I don’t know why I never read this book before now, as it has been on my shelves for years. However, now  that I have discovered its magical story, I am certain it will be a frequent recommendation for my students.

Curtis, C.P. (1999). Bud, Not Buddy. [New York]: Scholastic.

Bud Caldwell is a clever young boy on the run searching for his long lost father.  Years ago his mother died leaving Bud with a few precious objects that convince Bud that his father is a famous musician named Herman E. Calloway. As Bud goes along his journey, he uses his wit and experience to survive and find the man who could be his dad. Although there are disappointments along the way, Bud finally finds where he belongs, and discovers not only his past, but also a future.

This book grabs you from the very beginning. I found I was emotionally attached to Bud, and wanted so badly for him to find happiness, but I was also laughing out loud at some of the events. This story blends just the right amount of mystery and humor to make the emotional journey riveting for the reader. We are taken through the experience of searching for answers, but Christopher Paul Curtis slowly allows the reader to discover the truth right along with Bud. I love this book, and the blending of historical facts and information with a great story show how historical fiction can be such a powerful experience for readers.

Dahl, R. (1983). The Witches. [New York]: Scholastic.

This story about “real witches” tells about a young orphan boy and his grandmother as they encounter a group of witches. The boy is turned into a mouse, and they work together to help destroy the witches who did it. After several harrowing escapes, they return to their home in Norway and decide to live together working to destroy all the witches in the world.

I have to admit that I was not very impressed by this story overall. It was funny in parts, but the humor and events were choppy and not very developed. There were some amazing word choices, and parts of the story could be used to teach many things, but overall it was not enjoyable. Even though it was a quick read, I found myself struggling just to finish it. I am sure others will disagree, but this book was just not my personal taste.

Patterson, K. (1978). The Great Gilly Hopkins. [New York]: Scholastic.

 Long time foster kid Gilly Hopkins is tough, even when others are trying to help her. She likes, steals, and scams to look out for herself, which ends up backfiring when she finally finds a home she loves. Gilly is an emotional roller coaster that has the reader feeling a wide range of emotions right along with her.

I was surprised by my strong emotional connection to Gilly, because she didn’t really remind me of anyone in particular I know personally. At times I wanted to take her over my knee and spank her, but what I was aching to do was just hug her. Although I hoped for the typical happy ending, I appreciated the lesson students could learn about their actions having consequences. It was a difficult moment, but I know that Gilly made her choices. I closed the book with a melancholy hope that children who read it will learn from her mistakes.