When I first began blogging with my class I struggled to find topics to write about until I came upon the idea of Monday book reviews, Wednesday math problems and Friday Fun (in the summer) or our weekly summary (during the school year.)  For some reason, I haven’t been posting on Mondays this year, but this infographic got me thinking.

I suspect it might make you think too.  We all want our children to be knowledgable thinkers and doers, problem solvers and creators.  We want our children to explore and to approach the world with confident wonder.  Reading is one way we can explore new worlds, new fields of knowledge and new points of view.  Reading opens the door for more questions and different ideas.

With that in mind, here are some books I think many in 3E will enjoy.  Phoebe G.Green is a third grader who likes making lists and trying new things.  Her best friend is Sage – they’ve been friends forever.  Everything is right when they’re together, except maybe when Phoebe wants to try something and Sage isn’t so keen on the idea.  One of the new things in third grade is Camille.  She’s moved here from France and always brings the most unusual and interesting lunches.  Phoebe gets more and more interested in Camille each day until Sage is not sure that Phoebe is his friend anymore.  You’ll have to read about Phoebe  and her friends in Lunch Will Never Be the Same! to find out what happens and how they work through their challenges and jealousies.  Phoebe has some great advice when it comes to honesty and friendship.  The second book in the series, Farm Fresh Fun, is equally fun.  There’s a field trip to a farm where the class uses the food they gather to create their own delicious meal.  That’s the smooth part, but… not everything goes smoothly.  The rough parts will make you smile and remind you of the need to take responsibility, be trustworthy and make apologies.  The third book is scheduled for release on February 5 and the fourth in June.  I’ll be on the look out.  I like these characters.

I like Phineas L. MacGuire and his friends too.  I discovered this series with the fourth book.  That’s the fun part about not knowing about a series for a while, there are several books to read without waiting. Phineas L. MacGuire, known as Mac, has one goal for fourth grade.   His goal is to be the best scientist of his grade.  He approaches everything with a logical mind and an eye for experimentation.  In the first book he and his knew best friend create a volcano for the science fair.  In the second book (my favorite) Mac learns about mold, grows penicillin and collects slime mold.  His babysitter even helps him set up a mold museum in his bedroom.  In the third book, Mac sets his sights on Space Camp and finds ways to help his friends and earn money for the flight if he can write an essay that will win him a scholarship.  In the fourth book Mac learns that cooking is chemistry.  The best combinations are decidedly the most tasty.  Along with Mac’s scientific discoveries he is a good friend.  He helps Aretha, rival scientist, earn  girl scout badges and Ben find ways to help his dad know that art can be something that boys do.  It isn’t just a girl thing – there are cartoons and documentaries and design.  If you’re intrigued by the experiments Mac does while you’re reading, you can find directions for many of them at the end of each book.  I’m hoping our class will think that mold is interesting.  I think it would be fun to see what we can grow.  Maybe we could make a mold museum too!

If you’re interested in World War II there is a new Merlin Mystery by Mary Pope Osborn call Danger in the Darkest Hour.  If you liked Melvin Beederman you’re sure to like the Jo Schmo series by the same author, Greg Trine.  Jo is a 4th grade superhero, who with Raymond her drooling dog make a crime fighting duo that can’t be stopped.

What are you reading?  What do you recommend?  Leave a title and a quick comment when you can.