Knights of the Kitchen Table The Time Warp Trio by Jon Scieszka - 5 Stars

This series of books featuring the Time Warp Trio is about three Elementary School boys who time travel around the globe. It all starts when Joe, one of the Time Warp Trio gets a magical book for his birthday from his favorite uncle. The three friends soon find out that all they have to do is wish they could see a certain place and the green mist from the book transports them to that location and time period. The boys then must find the same book to get back home.  Along the way they encounter dangerous characters and have harrowing experiences. All my boys and grandkids loved these books. They are great for the beginner reader, they are funny, engaging and educational. 

Published In: 1987
Publisher: Viking Penguin
Age Level: 7-11 years                                        
AR Level: 3.8
Pages: 55
Series: 16 Books                                        
Stars: 5

Marvin Redpost: Super Fast, Out of Control! by Louis Sachar - 5 Stars

Marvin has a new bike, and it scares him. It is bigger than his old bike, it has hand brakes and he has to shift gears. To make matters worse he has accepted a dare from his friends to ride his new bike down Suicide Hill. Suicide Hill has lots of curves, it is the scariest, and steepest hill in his neighborhood. Will Marvin be able to overcome his fear and make the ride down the hill? All Elementary School boys will enjoy Marvin Redpost books, and the updated illustrations have made them even more entertaining. 

Published In: 2000
Publisher: Random House
Age Level: 6-9 years                       
AR Level: 3.6
Pages: 79
Series: 8 Books                                          
Stars: 5

The 13-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths - 5 Stars

 “The 13-Story Treehouse” is so ridiculous that every chapter makes you belly-laugh. It has just the right kind of humor for 7–12-year-old boys. Andy and Terry live in the 13-story treehouse which has many cool rooms and gadgets. They are constantly experimenting or building something, flying cats, giant bananas, sea monsters or enormous gorillas. They also write funny books and are working under a deadline to get one completed. Will they get their next book written on time or will they have to save the world? All three of my grandsons enjoyed the antics of Andy and Terry. Not only is the story wacky but the illustration back up all the shenanigans.

 

Published In: 2013

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends

Age Level: 7-12 years                                                         

AR Level: 3.8

Pages: 239                                                 

Stars: 5

Series: 13 Books

Flat Stanley's Worldwide Adventures The Mount Rushmore Calamity by Sara Pennypacker - 3 Stars

I read the original Flat Stanley books with both my children and grandchildren, which we all really enjoyed. Now Flat Stanley (he’s flat because a bulletin board fell on him) goes on worldwide adventures with his family. These books do not compare with the first books in the series. They do provide the reader with historical content and geography information, but they lack depth. The plots are predictable and the characters are too goody-two-shoes. I advise sticking to the original Flat Stanley.

Published In: 2009
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc
Level: 6-8 years
AR Level: 4.4
Pages: 71                                                   
Stars: 3
Series: 15 Books

Tackylocks And The Three Bears by Helen Lester - 4 Stars

Tacky and his friends are a waddle of penguins, and they are going to put on a play for Mrs. Beakly’s school. They will be preforming Goldilocks (Tackylocks) And The Three Bears. When it’s time for the play to start the penguins are rambunctious and cannot settle down. Will Tacky’s unusual portrayal of Goldilocks keep the audience entertained. It’s a cute book but first get one of these books in the series from the library to see if it will captivate your child.       

Published In: 2002

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin

Age Level: 4-7 years

AR Level: 3.3

Pages: 32                                                   

Stars: 4

Series: 10 Books

Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade by Stephanie Greene - 4 Stars

Posey is not ready for the first grade. Two things scare her, first she must enter the school by herself. Everybody knows there is a monster in the “Blue Hall” which is the hall all first graders have to go down to get to their classrooms and monsters frighten her. Second, her mother will not let her wear her favorite tutu. The tutu makes her feel special and she can do anything when she is wearing it. How will Posey survive the first day of school?

My 8-year-old granddaughter is in second grade but the reading level for this chapter book is 2.9, so I decided to see if it would appeal to her. Surprise, surprise she liked it. Not a great read but enough humor and “how does Posey get out of this fix?” to keep my granddaughter interested. A 4 out of 5 stars from this grandmother.

Published In: 2010
Publisher: Putnam
Age Level: 6-8 years
AR Level: 2.9
Pages: 82
Stars: 4
Series: 12 Books

Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson - 5 Stars

 

Harold and his purple crayon leave his bedroom to go for a walk in the moonlight. Using his crayon and his imagination he visits a forest, he is frightened by a dragon, goes swimming in the ocean and has many other adventures. A great book to talk to your children about using their imagination. The book is over seventy years old, and it has aged well along with remaining relevant. A classic that belongs in every household.

Published In: 1955    
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc.
Age Level: 2-6 years
AR Level: 3.0
Pages: 60                                                   
Stars: 5

Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin - 5 Stars

“Diary of a Worm” is a picture book full of giggles. It’s a favorite of all six of my grandkids. I can read it over and over and it will make me laugh every time. A school age worm writes in his diary and tells the reader about his everyday life, school, friends and home. Who knew that a worm’s life could be so funny. Get this book for your child’s home library.

Published In: 2003
Publisher: Joanna Cotler Books
Age Level: 3-7 years
AR Level: 2.8
Pages: 40
Stars: 5
Series: 4 Books

Belle Prater's Boy by Ruth White 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

“Belle Prater’s Boy” is a historical fiction novel set in the 1950’s. The story takes place in the Appalachian Mountains in the heart of coal county. Woodrow’s mother is missing, and his father can no longer take care of him, so he’s sent to town to live with his Grandparents. Gypsy, his cousin lives next door, and both sixth graders are keeping secrets. Woodrow secret is about his mother disappearance and Gypsy’s is about her father’s death. These two characters are well developed, and they draw the reader into the story. The book has enough humor that the very serious topics don’t overwhelm the reader. A wonderful book for any middle schooler.

Relevant Information	Content Review
Published In: 1996	Profanity: No
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc.	Violence: Yes
Age Level: 10-14 years	Sexual Content: No
AR Level: 4.4	Mature Themes: Domestic Abuse
Pages: 196	Suicide, Abandonment, Alcoholism
Stars: 5                                                        Series: 2 Books Awards: 1997 Newbery Honor

Bink & Gollie by Kate DiCamillo and Alison McGhee 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

 

Bink and Gollie are two friends, Gollie likes pancakes, and Bink likes peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The book is about the funny antics of these two friends and the compromises they make to stay friends. The plot is uncomplicated, and beginning readers will have no trouble following the story. It was simple enough that my 7-year-old granddaughter could read it on her own. A great series of books for elementary school children just starting to read chapter books.

 

Relevant Information	Content Review
Published In: 2010	Profanity: No
Publisher: Candlewick Press	Violence: No
Age Level: 5-8 years	Sexual Content: No
AR Level: 2.5	Mature Themes: None
Pages: 81
Stars: 5 Series: 3 Books

Inspector Flytrap: The President's Mane Is Missing by Tom Angleberger 🟊🟊🟊🟊

Inspector Flytrap solves BIG DEAL mysteries, and he has decided to also take on THRILLING mysteries to become the World’s Greatest Detective. This is the second book in a series of three about Inspector Flytrap and his assistant Nina the Goat. In this mystery the President’s of the Unites States, who is a horse, mane is missing from his statue. Can the Inspector and his assistant solve the mystery?

The story is very silly but perfect for the beginner readers of chapter books, especially boys. The print is big and with graphics on nearly every page making the book easy to read. The series may not win any awards, but elementary school kids will love the ridiculous humor.

Relevant Information	Content Review
Published In: 2016	Profanity: No
Publisher: Amulet Books	Violence: No
Age Level: 5-8 years	Sexual Content: No
AR Level: 3.8	Mature Themes: No
Pages: 99
Stars: 4

Russell the Sheep by Rob Scotton 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

It’s bedtime and all the sheep are ready for sleep, but Russell can’t get tired. He tries all kinds of tricks to help him, maybe it needs to be darker, or is it too hot, or does he need a different sleeping place. None of these gimmicks help him find sleep. He attempts one more trick, will counting sheep help? This is a great bedtime book for children who have trouble falling asleep. A book to have on hand when sleep is elusive for you toddler.

Published In: 2005
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc.
Age Level: 2-6 years
AR Level: 1.9
Pages: 32
Stars: 5
Series: 3 Books

Journey by Aaron Becker 🟊🟊🟊🟊

A young girl cannot find anybody to play with her. Her friends are off doing other things, and her family is too busy. So, with a red maker in hand, she draws a red door, and that door leads to another world. She sets off on a boat to a castle, then rides a red balloon and is captured by a evil emperor. When she loses her red maker how will she ever get back home? The book is wordless so be prepared to use your imagination when “reading” this book with your child. What the book lacks in words is does make up in the stunning illustrations.

Published In: 2013
Publisher: Candlewick
Age Level: 3-6 years
AR Level: N/A
Pages: 40
Stars: 4
Series: 3 Books
Awards: 2014 Caldecott Honor

Ramona and Her Father by Beverly Cleary 🟊🟊🟊🟊

Beverly Cleary’s series of books about Ramon are classics. In this book she is in second grade, and she has two big worries. They both concern her father. First, her father has been laid off from this job and her mother must go back to work full-time. Not only is the money tight but the family routine has been disrupted. Second, Ramona’s sister had told her their father’s smoking will cause him to die. Ramona and her sister embark on a campaign to get their father to quit smoking.

In today’s world not many American families have a parent that smokes. So, I found this part of the book irrelevant. On the other hand, many families can relate to a parent losing their job. Ramona antics bring laughter to the story and overall, it is an enjoyable read, even thou if feels a bit dated. I would get this one from the library.

Relevant Information	Content Review
Published In: 1975	Profanity: No
Publisher: Fitzgerald Books	Violence: No
Age Level: 8-12 years	Sexual Content: No
AR Level: 5.2	Mature Themes: Unemployment
Pages: 165 Series: 8 Books
Stars: 4 Awards: 1978 Newbery Honor

 

Jake the Fake Keeps it Real by Craig Robinson and Adam Mansbach 🟊🟊🟊🟊

Jake will attend a new school starting in 6th grade, the Music and Art Academy. This is the same school that Jake’s very talented and gifted sister goes to. Jake is not sure how he managed to get into the school but now that he is there can he convince his teachers that he is talented and gifted like his siter? Jake attempts several projects to find his true talent with no results. Finally on the night of the big talent show Jake finds his true calling. The book is funny and middle school boys will enjoy Jake’s antics. The book is not a classic but great for reluctant readers.

 

Relevant Information	Content Review
Published In: 2017	Profanity: No
Publisher: Crown Books	Violence: No
Age Level: 8-12 years	Sexual Content: No
AR Level: 5.4	Mature Themes: No
Pages: 135
Stars: 4 Series: 3 Books

Pig the Pug by Aaron Blabey 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

Pig is a pug who does not like to share his chew toys, balls, and bones. Trevor, the wiener dog, lives in the same house as the pug. Trevor really wants to play with some of the dog toys, but the greedy and selfish Pig will not share. When Pig puts all his toys in one pile and climbs on top of them an accident happens. Pig then rethinks his greedy ways, and both dogs learn to play together. A wonderful book for siblings that have trouble sharing. The story teaches life lessons without being preachy, my granddaughter loved it. I recommend getting the complete 13 book series.

Published In: 2015
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Age Level: 2-5 years
AR Level: 1.7
Pages: 24
Series: 13 Books
Stars: 5

Interrupting Chicken by David Ezra Stein - 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

It’s bedtime and Papa Chicken is trying to tell a bedtime story to Little Chicken. Each time Papa starts a tale she cuts the story short to save the characters from danger. Papa runs out of stories, so he asks Little Chicken to tell him one. Who will fall asleep first? Even though the book does not teach a lesson about interrupting the book is fun and silly. Toddlers will want to read it again and again.


Published In: 2010
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Age Level: 3-6 years
AR Level: 2.2
Pages:40
Stars: 5
Series: 3 Books
Awards: 2011 Caldecott Honor

Galaxy Zack Monster In Space ! by Ray O'Ryan 🟊🟊🟊

The “Galaxy Zack” books are perfect for the student who is just beginning to read chapter books, lots of pictures and big print, but that might be all its good for. I read the “Galaxy Zack Monsters in Space!”, number 4 of 18, with my grandson and he was not impressed. The book did excite him enough to want to read anymore in the series. The story is about a new kid at school who does look like anybody else in the class. Can Zack find it in himself to be friends with him? There are more engaging books for the beginner reader, get this one from the library before you purchase.

Relevant Information	Content Review
Published In: 2013	Profanity: None
Publisher: Little Simon	Violence: None
Age Level: 5-9 years	Sexual: None
AR Level: 3.3	Mature Themes: None
Pages: 119	Series : 18 Books
Stars: 3

Henry Heckelbeck Gets a Dragon by Wanda Coven 🟌🟌🟌🟌

“Henry Heckelbeck Gets a Dragon” is the first book in a series of 18 books. Henry seems like a normal kid, but his family is anything but normal. His Mom, Sister and Aunt are witches. He does not think that he has any magic until he finds a book of spells in his room. Henry tries one of the spells on his toy dragon to make it come alive. At first, he didn’t think the spell worked but the next morning at school the dragon was flying. Will he be able to corral the dragon and turn it back into a toy?

The book has illustrations on about every page which helps keep young readers engaged. The print is big and the words simple. The series is a great start for reader that are beginning chapter books. The plot is predictable but second graders will enjoy Henry’s antics.

Relevant Information	Content Review
Published In: 2019	Profanity: None
Publisher: Little Simon	Violence: None
Age Level: 5-9 years	Sexual: None
AR Level: 3.2	Mature Themes: None
Pages: 119
Stars: 4

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman 🟊🟊🟊🟊🟊

At first, I was skeptical of a book that features a boy who is raised by ghosts in a graveyard but by the end of the second chapter I was captivated. In the opening chapter the boy’s parents are killed and he escapes by wondering out of his bed and into the graveyard down the street. All the ghosts have so much to teach the boy called Nobody Owens, Bod for short. With the help of a half human, half ghost guardian Bod survives to adulthood. As he matures, he learns of a secret Society of “Jacks” that’s mission is to kill him, These are the same people that killed his parents. Will he escape a second time?

This book is a great adventure, with a well-developed plot and fascinating characters. All the quirky ghosts have wonderful personalities, and the books mystery keeps the reader turning the pages. This young adult book is going on the must-read list for my grandchildren.

Relevant Information	Content Review
Published In: 2008	Profanity: None
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers, Inc.	Violence: Murder
Age Level: 10-12 years	Sexual: None
AR Level: 5.1	Mature Themes: Supernatural
Pages: 312
Stars: 5 Awards: 2009 Newbery Medal