The Governess Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 I want to put a list together for dd for independent reading for this summer. I'm thinking she can choose one book at a time from this list along with whatever other free reading she wants to do. She's reading at a 5th/6th grade level, but for independent reading I'm thinking maybe a 4th/5th grade level is best. This would be in addition to our nightly literature read-aloud. Also, she does a lot of history reading during the year so I'm thinking some good, fun kid lit would probably give her a nice break. Some of the books she has read independently and enjoyed this year are: All of a Kind Family Betsy-Tacy The Hundred Dresses Mr. Popper's Penguins Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle I have the Little House Books so those will be going on the list (although we may read these together since I love them so much). I also have Fantastic Mr. Fox, James and the Giant Peach, The Penderwicks, and several American Girl books. I'm looking for other great books that will be fun for her to read on her own, but not so amazing that we will have missed out by not using it as a read aloud. I'm also thinking of getting a few of the Ramona books. Any other suggestions? :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dinsfamily Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 :bigear: I would like to hear the suggestions too. I have a rising 2nd grader as well and he's reading at the same level. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 (edited) I am looking at the bookshelf in front of me. Some of the titles I recall my youngest enjoying at around that age: Matilda Ginger Pie Because of Winn Dixie (I think she rereads this once or twice a year still lol Although this might have questionable content for some) The Mysterious Benedict Society series Island of the Blue Dolphins Charlotte's Web Babe the Gallant Pig The Water Horse Harriet the Spy From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler Anne of Green Gables Five Children and It Which Witch Edited May 23, 2011 by LibraryLover Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Governess Posted May 23, 2011 Author Share Posted May 23, 2011 I am looking at the bookshelf in front of me. Some of the titles I recall my youngest enjoying at around that age: Matilda Ginger Pie Because of Winn Dixie (I think she rereads this once or twice a year still lol Although this might have questionable content for some) The Mysterious Benedict Society series Island of the Blue Dolphins Charlotte's Web Babe the Gallant Pig The Water Horse Harriet the Spy From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler Anne of Green Gables Five Children and It Which Witch Thanks!! I see a lot of good ones on there. I forgot about the Benedict Society series, I got the first one for my nephew a couple years ago and he really enjoyed it. Off to look into some of the others on Amazon.... :auto: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Twain Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 We have found the titles on the Sonlight and Veritas Press reading lists to be excellent. There were many books I had never heard of which my child thoroughly enjoyed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirch Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 :bigear: We're in the same boat with ds 1! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beach Mom Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 We have read and enjoyed most of the choices mentioned. I use these 2 lists for other suggestions http://home.comcast.net/~ngiansante/ http://www.classical-homeschooling.org/celoop/1000.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfn10 Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 5th/6th grade reading level at the end of 1st grade is impressive. I tried to include books that were at that level but still with a child like bent. Trumpet of the Swan Stuart Little Cricket in Times Square Betsy-Tacy ---continue the series More advanced in content but may be enjoyable based on reading level. Louisa May Alcott books---including because of 5th/6th grade reading level, not sure if will be appropriate---try An Old-Fashioned Girl and 8 Cousins to start. Little Women is an epic, not sure I would start a 2nd grader on it. Johnny Tremain---(historical) Themes may be a little heavy. You may wish to skim prior. The old Nancy Drew series, Cherry Ames, Trixie Belden (check local library). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cfn10 Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Doctor Dolittle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chelli Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Here is HOD's book list for that reading level. They have lists for boy interest and girl interest. http://www.heartofdakota.com/drawn-into-optional4-5.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aly9712 Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Recently I read aloud a gentle version Robinson Crusoe and then she read "Nims Island" on her own. It's fun story for young girls. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rivka Posted May 23, 2011 Share Posted May 23, 2011 Dick King-Smith has many animal books which are content-appropriate for this age but at a mid-to-late elementary reading level. Owls in the Family by Farley Mowatt is a lot of fun, and great natural history reading. 101 Dalmatians and its sequel, The Starlight Barking, by Dodie Smith. Don't dismiss the book on the basis of the Disney movie - the book is wonderful. Does it show that my daughter likes to read about animals? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LibraryLover Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Love [quote name=Rivka;2753484 101 Dalmatians and its sequel' date=' The Starlight Barking, by Dodie Smith. Don't dismiss the book on the basis of the Disney movie - the book is wonderful. Does it show that my daughter likes to read about animals? ;) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Governess Posted May 25, 2011 Author Share Posted May 25, 2011 Thanks so much for all the suggestions! Between this thread and a similar one started by someone else, I have a long list now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LNC Posted May 25, 2011 Share Posted May 25, 2011 Lets see -We loved Betsy Tacy as first chapter books also! That age is tough - bc so much is too mature, but they can read it! Let me see my daughter's shelves: *Baby Island and Caddie Woodlawn series, Carol Ryrie Brink *Elizabeth Enright, Melendy series, Thimble Summer and Gone A Way Lake w/sequel *Elizabeth Coatsworth - Happy Little Family series and Sally series *Carolyn Haywood *Beverly Cleary *Little House series *Milly-Molly-Mandy series *The Moffats series *E.B. White books I don't think a soon to be second grader is quite ready for Alcott or L.M. Mongomery. They are rich! Wait a few years on those authors... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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