By fifth grade, you have read many books. Some were better than others. Some you'll remember long after you finish them. We all read at different levels and have different interests as readers. However, there are books out there that are so well-written and driven by such interesting characters and plots that every kid just HAS to read them. They may be classic books that kids have read for generations. They may be modern adventures that perfectly capture life at this age. They may be stories that move you in ways you never thought possible. 

If you had to pick ONE BOOK that you feel EVERY KID should HAVE TO READ by fifth grade, which book would you choose? Explain why you think this book is a "must read" for kids your age.

If you had trouble deciding between a couple of books, feel free to also share your "runners up" list.

I look forward to hearing which books make our class' "must read" list!

Image Credit: Kid reading drawing. March 29, 2015. http://www.theclassroomkit.com/images/read.

Great descriptions really make a story come to life! Great descriptions use precise details, figurative language, and/or interesting vocabulary to really enhance a reader's experience with the text. 

You can analyze descriptions in a number of ways. One way is to decide if the author means the description "literally" or "figuratively." 

Literal means that the author means exactly what he or she writes. For example, "A few cold drops of rain fell on the children's noses and their cheeks and their mouths. The sun faded behind a stir of mist. A wind blew cold around them. They turned and started to walk back toward the house, their hands at their sides, their smiles vanishing away." This is a great, precise description of the start of a rain storm. The author means exactly what he says.

Figurative means that words are used in a way that is different from the usual meaning. Figurative language creates a picture in your mind. For example, "The children pressed to each other like so many roses, so many weeds, intermixed, peering out for a look at the hidden sun."  The author does not mean that the children are actually roses or weeds. This description makes you think of roses and weeds crowded together, then relate that to a crowd of children trying to see the sun.

Look through your independent reading for a great description of a setting, a character, or an action. Quote the description accurately. Explain what the description means and tell if the author means the words literally or figuratively. Then tell why you admire the description so much.

Summarize the story so far in your independent reading. Focus on the main points and big ideas so that readers can get a sense of the overall story.

Try using "modifying clauses" in your summary. Modifying clauses, which are separated from the sentence by commas, add more detail about a person, place, or thing.

Another example of a modifying clause in action: Ms. Kimball, my fifth grade teacher, plays guitar.


I look forward to hearing about the stories that you all are reading!

Here is an amusing poem that is written as a conversation between a dog and a squirrel. I hope you like it!

Image from the Disney/Pixar movie, "Up."

Dog and Squirrel: Steps in a Flirtation

Choose ONE of the following prompts to respond to. Quote parts of the text that you can use as evidence to support your thinking.

1. How does the dog feel about the squirrel?
2. How does the squirrel feel about the dog?
3. How does each animal show confidence?
4. Explain the meaning of some of the descriptions the author uses.

I look forward to reading your analysis of the poem!

In our independent reading books, we often get to know characters who have both similar and different views than us. Sometimes it can be comforting to read a story in which the main character has the same values and beliefs as you, along with a similar personality. Other times it can be intriguing to read a story in which the main character has very different values and beliefs as you and acts very differently than how you would act in a given situation. 

Pick a character from your independent reading. Compare and contrast the character's values, beliefs, personality, and/or actions to your own if you were in a similar situation. 

Remember, go deeper than comparisons that simply state gender, family make-up, and appearances. Focus on important character traits rather than things out of a character's control. Be specific and give examples to support!

I look forward to hearing your comparisons and contrasts!


Image Credit: Elsa and Anna from Disney's "Frozen"