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age-appropriate books for skilled younger readers
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From: Robin Smith <smithr>
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 08:52:11 -0500
One of the questions I like to hear authors answer is, "What did you read as a child?" Many authors were skilled early readers in a time when the pickings were slim and they almost always answer that they read series fiction like Nancy Drew, the Enid Blyton books, Boxcar children, and comic books. Then they started reading grownup books, either the classics or less literary mysteries and pulp novels. I think children do have choices nowadays that were absent even 25 years ago and for that we should be grateful! (though I wish I still had my rather-enormous comic book collection of Richie Rich and the Archies!)
The strong readers in my classroom tend to have somewhat predictable patterns in their reading. Once they get beyond the series books that are 800 pages long with copious pictures, they move back to picture books. I actively encourage this pattern, even though the parents in my class often question my madness. Here it is: the language in picture books is challenging, beautiful and much more substantial than the language in most chapter books. And now, with their increased language skills and interests, they can begin reading picture books by themselves.
Once they become comfortable with picture books again, most readers will want "something longer." And that's what we are getting at. Here are some books that my readers (ages 7-8) especially love:
Raold Dahl's books for children
NONFICTION--here is where all the Titanic books, Shackleton books and books about disasters come in. I can't tell you how many copies of George Shea's Amazing Rescues I have bought over the years! Science books are very popular as are books about history.
Biographies
Series Fiction: Hank the Cowdog, Beverly Cleary series (Ramona, Henry Huggins, Mouse and the Motorcycle), Matt Christopher, Dear America, Lemony Snicket
My Side of the Mountain and others by Jean Craighead George
Trumpet of the Swan, Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little by E.B. White
Fairy Tales
Harry Potter
What are some books that you have had some success with in your libraries, homes and classrooms?
Robin Smith Nashville, TN
Received on Mon 22 Oct 2001 08:52:11 AM CDT
Date: Mon, 22 Oct 2001 08:52:11 -0500
One of the questions I like to hear authors answer is, "What did you read as a child?" Many authors were skilled early readers in a time when the pickings were slim and they almost always answer that they read series fiction like Nancy Drew, the Enid Blyton books, Boxcar children, and comic books. Then they started reading grownup books, either the classics or less literary mysteries and pulp novels. I think children do have choices nowadays that were absent even 25 years ago and for that we should be grateful! (though I wish I still had my rather-enormous comic book collection of Richie Rich and the Archies!)
The strong readers in my classroom tend to have somewhat predictable patterns in their reading. Once they get beyond the series books that are 800 pages long with copious pictures, they move back to picture books. I actively encourage this pattern, even though the parents in my class often question my madness. Here it is: the language in picture books is challenging, beautiful and much more substantial than the language in most chapter books. And now, with their increased language skills and interests, they can begin reading picture books by themselves.
Once they become comfortable with picture books again, most readers will want "something longer." And that's what we are getting at. Here are some books that my readers (ages 7-8) especially love:
Raold Dahl's books for children
NONFICTION--here is where all the Titanic books, Shackleton books and books about disasters come in. I can't tell you how many copies of George Shea's Amazing Rescues I have bought over the years! Science books are very popular as are books about history.
Biographies
Series Fiction: Hank the Cowdog, Beverly Cleary series (Ramona, Henry Huggins, Mouse and the Motorcycle), Matt Christopher, Dear America, Lemony Snicket
My Side of the Mountain and others by Jean Craighead George
Trumpet of the Swan, Charlotte's Web, Stuart Little by E.B. White
Fairy Tales
Harry Potter
What are some books that you have had some success with in your libraries, homes and classrooms?
Robin Smith Nashville, TN
Received on Mon 22 Oct 2001 08:52:11 AM CDT
