Riding Freedom

Riding Freedom by Pam Munoz Ryan is a not very compelling quick read with a good theme about being free to live your life the way you want, developing friendships, and persevering through difficult times. Despite the bland  writing, the story became more interesting to me when I discovered by reading ahead to the Afterword that it was based on the true story of a girl who pretended to be a boy during the mid-1800s in order to accomplish her goals.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman was recommended by my daughter Meredith on Instagram. So I downloaded it on my phone and got back into reading again over Christmas vacation! Bachman’s quirky characters and sagacious writing style make his books easy to read! I so enjoyed being immersed in the bizarre world of Elsa and her family, and I definitely want to move to a spunky country like Sweden. Interestingly, I have a fifth grade student this year with all the weirdly charming characteristics of Elsa. Ellie would be perfect for the role in a movie version of this insightful novel. Good choice, Meredith!

“Full of heart, hope, forgiveness, and the embracing of differences, Elsa’s story is one that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page.” (Library Journal)

Poppy (2)

Poppy by Avi is a classic that still engages fifth graders today, as it has for decades! It works wonderfully as a rea aloud and in literature groups. Contains vivid descriptions and powerful imagery as well as well-drawn out characters, albeit personified animals. An added bonus is the science connection to nature’s network of habitats and food chains and the circle of life.

The conflict between Poppy, the deer mouse and her nemesis Mr. Ocax, the great horned owl, plays out with the suspense and intensity of a horror film. To the delight of my students, I found myself embellishing my read alouds with extra bits like, “No Poppy, don’t go near that old log! Danger, danger, run Poppy, run!”

The cantankerous porcupine’s dialogue is punctuated with amusing alliterative phrases that capture the reader’s attention and reinforce the teaching of figurative language. The satisfying resolution not only ties together many plot strands for our heroine, Poppy, but also provides openings for several prequels and sequels to the story. I’m hoping this will inspire some of my reluctant readers  to continue to explore further adventures with the creatures of Dimwood Forest.