Third-Fifth Grades
Best of Year 2009
Best of Year 2008
Notables from 2007
Notables from 2006
Notables from 2005
Notables from 2004
Notables from 2003
Favorites
Classics
Holiday/Special Days
Toddlers
Preschool
Kindergarten
First
Grade
Second
Grade
Middle Grades
Upper Grades
Young Adults
| Reading to children should not stop as they progress through the
elementary grades. Children's picture books are wonderful at any age,
and life would be very dreary without them. Picture books for older
children are longer in length now, contain more complex themes, and
sophisticated artwork. Depending on interest children may enjoy comedy, mystery, adventure, fantasy, spellbinders, poetry, non-fiction, historical fiction, and science fiction books. Whether they read extremely well or not, the family storytime should continue. Children's listening abilities are still beyond their reading abilities. CLASSICS: When children become familiar with the classics, they have a foundation for making comparisons to other stories. Not all books will be excellent, but children will know a story's possibilities when they have been exposed to great literature; literature in which laughter, pain, hunger, satisfaction, love and joy are found. Read stories in their original versions, not the watered-down versions that lack drama or life. HUMOR: Even the most reluctant reader cannot resist a book that is hilarious. Books that end on a note of despair are not suitable for this age group. Books should portray the world as a place where, despite all its serious problems, there is still hope. Fractured fairy tales are appropriate now. These stories slightly resemble the traditional tales, but they challenge readers to compare, contrast, and think while laughing. FANTASY: This is a world of wonder, and strange powers, where anything can happen and often does. Books of fantasy are sometimes gentle, sometimes wild, sometimes humorous, and sometimes deadly serious, however, at this age be careful that the content is appropriate for the child's age level. HISTORICAL FICTION: Facts, date, names and places are usually too dry for children. However, children do have a interest in the past when the focus is on people and how they lived. The everyday details of how adults and children worked, played, dressed, and lived makes for a compelling story. When history is presented this way, kids can better connect with the past in significant ways. MYSTERIES: Mysteries have special page-turner appeal. These books are built on action and suspense, and less on character development. They provide a simple plot, familiar characters, and welcome support to independent reading. Many adult readers acknowledge that this is where their love affair with books began. FOLK TALES: Now that children are secure in their understanding of real and make-believe, they find safe thrills with witches, dragons, and the unknown. These are the years when tall tales with humorous exaggeration, fairy tales, and myths are most appealing. Through such characters children will encounter danger, overcome fear, taste courage, and triumph over all odds. PICTURE BOOKS FOR OLDER CHILDREN: These illustrated storybooks tend to be longer than most picture books but shorter than novels. It's not only the length that separates these books, but it's more a matter of content. These books have more complex stories with a kind of literary sophistication that is beyond younger children. POETRY: Until now poetry has probably been limited to listening and chanting some familiar rhymes. Although they can read it themselves, poetry still should be enjoyed together. |