Sometimes having the right book can make all the difference in the world. Gleek had a somewhat challenging first week of Kindergarten. I could tell she had mixed feelings about the experience, but I couldn’t get her to talk about it. On inspiration I began reading Ramona The Pest by Beverly Cleary as her bedtime story. It is the story of a kindergartener who always ends up in trouble although she never intends to cause it. I remember enjoying Ramona’s adventures as a kid, but the book was completely uninteresting to Kiki, so I figured I’d remembered wrong. I didn’t remember wrong, Ramona just wasn’t a sympathetic character for Kiki. Gleek is a different person, Gleek can identify with Ramona. We just finished chapter one, which included the travails of Ramona’s first day of kindergarten. Reading about Ramona’s experience opened the way to talk about Gleek’s experiences. More importantly Gleek does not feel alone because Ramona had a time-out on her first day of Kindergarten, while Gleek did on her second. This Ramona book is exactly what we needed so that she and I can discuss what is going on in her life.
This experience with Gleek has gotten me to thinking about Kiki and Link. I know that there are books out there that would help them deal with the experiences they are having. I want books that I can read aloud to them and discuss the characters. I’d love suggestions, please tell me the name of the book and a little about why you recommend it. Movies would work too.
Kiki is in 6th grade. She feels alone, that no one likes her, and she has no friends. She does have friends, but she just isn’t seeing them. I’d love a book that delves into female preteen friendships.
Link is in 3rd grade. He sometimes struggles with schoolwork. He is often distracted or off in his own world. He doesn’t feel like he has any friends to play with at recess. He knows lots of kids, he likes them, they like him, but he’s reluctant to approach them.
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Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing might be a good one for Link. I haven’t read it in years, but I remember loving it. It’s about a boy with a younger brother who goes by the name of “Fudge,” and basically outlines his adjustments as many different things change in his life. (For example, his parents have another child.) Actually, I think it also deals with a best friend who moves away, although that might be in one of the later books in the same series. Great books, I remember relating to the characters quite often.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing might be a good one for Link. I haven’t read it in years, but I remember loving it. It’s about a boy with a younger brother who goes by the name of “Fudge,” and basically outlines his adjustments as many different things change in his life. (For example, his parents have another child.) Actually, I think it also deals with a best friend who moves away, although that might be in one of the later books in the same series. Great books, I remember relating to the characters quite often.
I was just like Link, mostly because I was shy. It really took until high school, and finding friends with whom I was comfortable, to come out of my shell.
As far as the homework went, it was simply making a connection between math (which I never applied myself to until 3rd grade) and science (which I loved because of Sci-Fi, especially Star Trek) that got everything kick-started. And 26 years later, I’m in one of the jobs of my dreams–though it’s still not as cool as being Montgomery Scott.
I was just like Link, mostly because I was shy. It really took until high school, and finding friends with whom I was comfortable, to come out of my shell.
As far as the homework went, it was simply making a connection between math (which I never applied myself to until 3rd grade) and science (which I loved because of Sci-Fi, especially Star Trek) that got everything kick-started. And 26 years later, I’m in one of the jobs of my dreams–though it’s still not as cool as being Montgomery Scott.
Are you there, God? It’s me Margaret by Judy Blume for Kiki.
Margaret is in the sixth grade and has just moved to a new school and is trying to find out how to get the kids to like her.
When I read it, I really thought the author was living inside my skull. 3 cross-continental moves really mess up your sense of stability. That has nothing to with home life by with mental life.
You might want to look at her other books too.
Are you there, God? It’s me Margaret by Judy Blume for Kiki.
Margaret is in the sixth grade and has just moved to a new school and is trying to find out how to get the kids to like her.
When I read it, I really thought the author was living inside my skull. 3 cross-continental moves really mess up your sense of stability. That has nothing to with home life by with mental life.
You might want to look at her other books too.
Oooh, yeah. Kink might like this one – I loved the Peter and Fudge books. Judy Blume, I think.
Oooh, yeah. Kink might like this one – I loved the Peter and Fudge books. Judy Blume, I think.
That is exactly the book I was thinking of for Kiki!
That is exactly the book I was thinking of for Kiki!
A Outstanding Book
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
The book deals with a girl who has self-confidence problems. She thinks her parents (espeially her father) can fix everything. It’s a book about her discovering she can stand on her own and solve her own problems. So She builds her own self confidence. It also has themes on “sameness” (like “The Giver” has.)
A Wrinkle in Time doesn’t have anything on preteen friendships but it maybe helpful to discussing self-confidence and that it is ok to be differnt.
A Outstanding Book
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
The book deals with a girl who has self-confidence problems. She thinks her parents (espeially her father) can fix everything. It’s a book about her discovering she can stand on her own and solve her own problems. So She builds her own self confidence. It also has themes on “sameness” (like “The Giver” has.)
A Wrinkle in Time doesn’t have anything on preteen friendships but it maybe helpful to discussing self-confidence and that it is ok to be differnt.
A companion series to the Ramona books are the Henry and Ribsy books. Henry is a boy about the same age as Beezus, and sometimes they did things together (I can’t remember if he appears in the Ramona books or not). Ribsy was his dog. I really enjoyed them when I was around third or fourth grade.
Another fun book is The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster. It’s about a boy named Milo who’s frustrated with school and ends up going on a journey to a whimsical fantasy land, where one country is obsessed with letters and its neighbor can’t get enough of numbers.
If they’re interested in science, the Danny Dunn series (mostly by Jay Williams) is a fun one. They were written in the 1950s, so some things will be out of date, but I enjoyed them at that age.
My all-time favorite books are the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander, which I discovered in second grade and still read from time to time. They don’t really address any of the issues your kids are facing, but the main character does grow up and learn about heroism and stuff along the way.
By way of movies, have they seen Secondhand Lions?
A companion series to the Ramona books are the Henry and Ribsy books. Henry is a boy about the same age as Beezus, and sometimes they did things together (I can’t remember if he appears in the Ramona books or not). Ribsy was his dog. I really enjoyed them when I was around third or fourth grade.
Another fun book is The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster. It’s about a boy named Milo who’s frustrated with school and ends up going on a journey to a whimsical fantasy land, where one country is obsessed with letters and its neighbor can’t get enough of numbers.
If they’re interested in science, the Danny Dunn series (mostly by Jay Williams) is a fun one. They were written in the 1950s, so some things will be out of date, but I enjoyed them at that age.
My all-time favorite books are the Prydain Chronicles by Lloyd Alexander, which I discovered in second grade and still read from time to time. They don’t really address any of the issues your kids are facing, but the main character does grow up and learn about heroism and stuff along the way.
By way of movies, have they seen Secondhand Lions?
Re: A Outstanding Book
I forgot her! Don’t forget “A Swiftly Tilting Planet” or any of Alexander Key’s books from the late 70’s. I’ll get the titles later, but they deal with children who are different (powers) and want desperately to fit in.
Have you thought about the early Heinlein’s? “Have Space Suit, Will Travel” and “Star Beast” might be good too.
Re: A Outstanding Book
I forgot her! Don’t forget “A Swiftly Tilting Planet” or any of Alexander Key’s books from the late 70’s. I’ll get the titles later, but they deal with children who are different (powers) and want desperately to fit in.
Have you thought about the early Heinlein’s? “Have Space Suit, Will Travel” and “Star Beast” might be good too.
For Kiki, I’d recommend Anne of Green Gables. Anne struggles with the no friends thing a lot as she is often seen as the outcast because she’s the weird orphan girl that the cuthberts adopted. And she does develop a wonderful friendship with Diana Barry, but it has trials. I think I started reading Anne in grade 4 or grade 5, and the whole series (ultimately 7 book if you count the 2 about her children) is really heartwarming.
For Kiki, I’d recommend Anne of Green Gables. Anne struggles with the no friends thing a lot as she is often seen as the outcast because she’s the weird orphan girl that the cuthberts adopted. And she does develop a wonderful friendship with Diana Barry, but it has trials. I think I started reading Anne in grade 4 or grade 5, and the whole series (ultimately 7 book if you count the 2 about her children) is really heartwarming.
The Phantom Tollbooth was also made into a movie in the late 60s or early 70s. Milo was played by the kid who played “Eddie” in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father
In fact, that’s how I first encountered it. It was just out in the theatre and mom didn’t want my (6 years younger) brother in the theatre alone.
I went grudgingly and wound up loving it. A few years later I spotted the book and grabbed it.
The Phantom Tollbooth was also made into a movie in the late 60s or early 70s. Milo was played by the kid who played “Eddie” in The Courtship of Eddie’s Father
In fact, that’s how I first encountered it. It was just out in the theatre and mom didn’t want my (6 years younger) brother in the theatre alone.
I went grudgingly and wound up loving it. A few years later I spotted the book and grabbed it.
Re: A Outstanding Book
Heinlein’s books probably have too much “adult content” (sex and alternative lifestyles) for how I perceive their family, and I’ve heard arguments that his women are not positive role models.
Anne McCaffrey’s “Dragonflight” and subsequent novels also have some sexual content but have definitely strong yet human women role models in them. Her “The Ship Who Sang” series is not sexual (thought is is romantic) and also has a female lead struggling with human fallacies and being strong in the end.
Re: A Outstanding Book
Heinlein’s books probably have too much “adult content” (sex and alternative lifestyles) for how I perceive their family, and I’ve heard arguments that his women are not positive role models.
Anne McCaffrey’s “Dragonflight” and subsequent novels also have some sexual content but have definitely strong yet human women role models in them. Her “The Ship Who Sang” series is not sexual (thought is is romantic) and also has a female lead struggling with human fallacies and being strong in the end.
I saw it in the movie theater too when I was a kid. For some reason it really disturbed me. It wasn’t scary, per se, but the Duldrum part almost triggered a panic attack. I’m not saying that the Tayler kids would have the same reaction. It’s just that seeing it talked about brought back that memory. My reaction was probably a mixture of claustrophobia and the realization that I was already having moments of extreme tiredness. Of course, now I know it was because of depression and not because I was lazy.
I’ve seen some good books listed here by others. You might want to also look into Paul Zindel’s stuff. They’re very good stories. I would suggest that you alternate Zindel’s books with some light fare, because he can get very intense, but he will suck you into his writings with his writing style. Though, I’m basing this on the two books my teacher assigned me to read and the woman was really into sad stories – she assigned like 4 of them the first two months of school before my family moved to another state. I’ve heard that not all his books are quite so sad.
I saw it in the movie theater too when I was a kid. For some reason it really disturbed me. It wasn’t scary, per se, but the Duldrum part almost triggered a panic attack. I’m not saying that the Tayler kids would have the same reaction. It’s just that seeing it talked about brought back that memory. My reaction was probably a mixture of claustrophobia and the realization that I was already having moments of extreme tiredness. Of course, now I know it was because of depression and not because I was lazy.
I’ve seen some good books listed here by others. You might want to also look into Paul Zindel’s stuff. They’re very good stories. I would suggest that you alternate Zindel’s books with some light fare, because he can get very intense, but he will suck you into his writings with his writing style. Though, I’m basing this on the two books my teacher assigned me to read and the woman was really into sad stories – she assigned like 4 of them the first two months of school before my family moved to another state. I’ve heard that not all his books are quite so sad.
Looking over the reviews, you might want to read the books yourself before you let Kiki read them.
You could also read some of the other books in the Naria series. My favorite is The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Looking over the reviews, you might want to read the books yourself before you let Kiki read them.
You could also read some of the other books in the Naria series. My favorite is The Voyage of the Dawn Treader.
Re: A Outstanding Book
Both of the books mentioned are among his juveniles, which do not have the sex and alternative lifestyles his adult books have. The contrast between the two “genre” types of Heinlein is quite astonishing, really.
Re: A Outstanding Book
Both of the books mentioned are among his juveniles, which do not have the sex and alternative lifestyles his adult books have. The contrast between the two “genre” types of Heinlein is quite astonishing, really.
I’ll definitely be previewing before I hand anything to the kids. The books can’t open up a discussion if I don’t know what is in them.
I’ll definitely be previewing before I hand anything to the kids. The books can’t open up a discussion if I don’t know what is in them.
Good suggestion. Kiki and I did Anne of Green Gables last year, but I may break it out again this year.
Good suggestion. Kiki and I did Anne of Green Gables last year, but I may break it out again this year.
I liked Roald Dahl when I was growing up. I still reread the BFG occasionally. Another author I like, although I discovered her in highschool, is Mercedes Lackey. A lot of her books deal with adolescents, growing up and friendships.
My sister is suggesting the Star Wars young readers books. She says they’re age appropriate and still interesting for an adult to read as well.
I liked Roald Dahl when I was growing up. I still reread the BFG occasionally. Another author I like, although I discovered her in highschool, is Mercedes Lackey. A lot of her books deal with adolescents, growing up and friendships.
My sister is suggesting the Star Wars young readers books. She says they’re age appropriate and still interesting for an adult to read as well.
You could also break into the next book, Anne of Avonlea or the third, Anne of the Island. I just can’t say enough about the Anne books. I still reread them on a regular basis. And everytime, I resdiscover something I’d forgotten or missed altogether.
You could also break into the next book, Anne of Avonlea or the third, Anne of the Island. I just can’t say enough about the Anne books. I still reread them on a regular basis. And everytime, I resdiscover something I’d forgotten or missed altogether.
Very good point. I usually read what my kids read too. Now they suggest books to me.
Very good point. I usually read what my kids read too. Now they suggest books to me.
Re: A Outstanding Book
Dragonsong and Dragonsinger are also good McCaffrey books about a girl trying to find her place. Dragonsinger also deals with her fitting in with people. I have both if you’d like to borrow them. I think they’d be more topical for Kiki than the other Pern books.
Re: A Outstanding Book
Dragonsong and Dragonsinger are also good McCaffrey books about a girl trying to find her place. Dragonsinger also deals with her fitting in with people. I have both if you’d like to borrow them. I think they’d be more topical for Kiki than the other Pern books.
Re: A Outstanding Book
I wouldn’t suggest “Stranger in a Strange Land” or any of the Lazrus Long books for most people!
But his books from the 50’s are great for teens, seeing that they were written for the the 50’s male teen market. Although “Podkayne of Mars” is one of his few female leads. Most of the 50’s juveniles are about friendship, loyalty, doing what’s “right” and taking responsibility for your actions.
The star ships, planets and aliens are just a bonus.:)
Re: A Outstanding Book
I wouldn’t suggest “Stranger in a Strange Land” or any of the Lazrus Long books for most people!
But his books from the 50’s are great for teens, seeing that they were written for the the 50’s male teen market. Although “Podkayne of Mars” is one of his few female leads. Most of the 50’s juveniles are about friendship, loyalty, doing what’s “right” and taking responsibility for your actions.
The star ships, planets and aliens are just a bonus.:)
Re: A Outstanding Book
Those are very good books. Kiki has already laid claim to my copies and rereads them semi regularly.
Re: A Outstanding Book
Those are very good books. Kiki has already laid claim to my copies and rereads them semi regularly.
re: Mercedes Lackey
I would advise pre-screening Ms. Lackey’s books. Not all of them are age appropriate for kids (The Arrows of the Queen trilogy, her first books for instance).
re: Mercedes Lackey
I would advise pre-screening Ms. Lackey’s books. Not all of them are age appropriate for kids (The Arrows of the Queen trilogy, her first books for instance).
I was going to recommend The Phantom Tollbooth, too. I loved that book as a kid.
I was going to recommend The Phantom Tollbooth, too. I loved that book as a kid.
Re: A Outstanding Book
The Harper Hall trilogy (or at least the first two books) would be more to the point, I think.
Re: A Outstanding Book
The Harper Hall trilogy (or at least the first two books) would be more to the point, I think.