Fiction Friday: Chapter 10

It must be August, because here I am getting my Fiction Friday post up on a Saturday AND it follows my last Fiction Friday post. Yup, no other posts in between. It's back to school time for sure!!

It's funny how when August hits and back to school goes into full swing how hard it is to check everything off that To Do List. I didn't get everything I dreamed done this week but I did get my classroom set up, worked with my team to finalize some grade level procedures and policies, AND I got to spend one whole day at a workshop with Tanny McGregor. More on all of this to follow later this week.

For now, let's talk books books. Don't you just LOVE books?!?

This week I read...

The Terrible Two

Written by Jory John and Mac Barnett

Illustrated by Kevin Cornell

This was the perfect book to follow Pickle from last week. The Terrible Two is the story of Miles Murphy, a prankster by nature, who moves to a new town and has to reestablish his pranking reputation. The only problem is there is already a prankster at his new school in his new town and this prankster is good.... REALLY good. The best part about this notorious new prankster is he is the person nobody would suspect. He keeps it all secret and wants to team up with Miles to create the ultimate school prank.

The back of the book sums it up perfectly, "From friends and bestselling authors Mac Barnett & Jory John comes this deviously funny new series about fitting in, making your mark, and finding a friend where you least expect one. Oh, and cows."

The Terrible Two is simple a good time in 224 pages. The chapters are quick and filled with illustrations that help the story come alive. Miles and Niles (aren't the names great?) are hilarious characters. At first trying to out do each other, Miles finally gives in and they join forces for the prank of the century that made me laugh out loud. This was a big hit in my classroom last year and I can see why.  Students that enjoy Diary of a Wimpy Kid or Stick Dog will love this book! I'm so pleased it is a battle book this year for my 4th graders because they are going to eat this up!

Check out these fantastic illustrations...

I would recommend this book for grades 3-5. You could absolutely read this book aloud, but I think it's a fun independent read so you can really study the great illustrations. This is one kids will gravitate to on their own. I am probably going to need a second copy for my classroom. 

Book Information:

• 224 Pages
• Realistic/Humorous Fiction
• 620 Lexile Level
• Grade Level Equivalent - 4.5 

The House on Hackman's Hill

by Joan Lowery Nixon

This is an oldie but a goodie. Have you read it?  The house on Hackman's Hill was once the home of an eccentric Egyptian art collector and is said to be cursed by the Egyptian god, Anubis. Years ago Dr. Hackman suddenly disappeared and so did his famous mummy. Years later, there is a $10,000 reward to recover the lost mummy and Jeff and Debbie just know they can find it. However, when a blizzard traps them inside the spooky mansion, they find they may have underestimated the truth behind the stories they were told. 

Does it sound spooky?  It is a little spooky and very suspenseful. I wouldn't call it a really scary book, but I probably wouldn't hand it over to all my 4th graders.  That being said, I know kids who would devour this book. One of the things I liked most about the novel was how the original story of the house gets told to the children almost as a completely separate story in itself. By the time the children explore the house, you can already see parallels and connections as the story starts to almost relive itself with them. There is also a great opportunity to learn about Egyptian history and culture throughout the novel in a kid-friendly way. The story is very well done (especially in 126 pages) and ends just perfectly.

I would recommend this book for fourth graders and up.  It's a great book for kids who like to read those Scary Stories books or loved Coraline and The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. It would also make a very spooky October read aloud if you are feeling brave. The kids would be on the edge of their seats for sure. 

Book Information:

• 126 pages
• Scary Stories/Supernatural
• 780 Lexile Level
• Guided Reading Level - T
• Grade Level Equivalent - 6.4

Have you read either of these novels before?  What did you think?

What wonderful books have you discovered this summer?  Link up or comment below to join the conversation and have some fun!! Every day is a good day for Fiction Friday. :)

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