Reading Response Blog #24

3/29/2015

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.

This Week's Prompt:

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.

47 Comments

Julia

3/30/2015 09:03:56 am

Dear Class,

One book that I really enjoyed reading this year, is called Operation Redwood. I feel everyone should read this book by fifth grade. I think this because the characters in the book are protesting people who are cutting down trees. They are so passionate in their beliefs, that they do something about it, and they try to prevent these trees from being cut down. I think the message in this book is, if you want something, you can get it if you try hard enough, and I think this is something every one should know.

Sincerely,
Julia

Olivia D.

3/31/2015 08:44:56 am

Dear Julia,

I agree, the message they are trying to get across is something everyone should know. Why are all these people so against them chopping down a tree?

Sincerely,
Olivia D.

Julia

4/1/2015 09:31:26 am

Dear Olivia,

They are not just against them cutting down one tree, it is a whole forest of redwoods. There aren't many redwoods left anyway, so they wanted to preserve this type of tree.

Sincerely,
Julia

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 11:40:37 am

Dear Julia,

I haven't read Operation Redwood, but you have totally convinced me that I should. It sounds like it has a great message. I think it's important to stand up to protest what you believe is wrong, but it can be hard to find the time, resources, or courage to do so. Have you ever wanted to protest something?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sam

3/30/2015 11:14:33 am

Dear Ms. kimball,
The book that I think everybody should read by fifth grade is at least one of the magic tree house seri books. When jack and his younger sister annie find a mysterious tree house in the woods it send them all through history or important places and times where they meat unlikely heroes and daring foes. The reason I think everybody should have read this book by fifth grade is I think it has a little something for everybody, with a different background plot in each book and another franchise following that it's entertaining for everyone.

Sincerely,
Sam

Nathan

4/2/2015 01:39:32 am

Sam,
I agree and think people should read the book. What was your favorite book in the series?

From, Nathan

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:08:26 pm

Dear Sam,

Great choice for a series. The Magic Tree House series is very readable and introduces kids to historical and scientific topics in a fun way. I'm ashamed that I don't have any copies of Magic Tree House books in my library. Your recommendation has definitely encouraged me to buy some for my collection. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Danny

3/30/2015 11:31:49 am

Dear Ms.Kimball
I chose the Rick Riordan books as a must read series. These books are action packed, educational, and funny. The three series are: Percy Jackson and the Olympians; The Heroes of Olympus; The Kane Chronicles.
There are many books in the series, so its fun to read them, but you must read them in chronological order. The series has so many books and seems to never end (which I like). When I come to the last book in a series, I feel very sad and wonder what I will read next, but since there are so many books in Rick Riordan's set, I don't have to worry about it.
Another thing I like about these books is they are in first person, so you know whats going on in most of Rick's books. It switches off from character to character, but in the Percy Jackson series its just Percy.
I have learned about the Greek, Roman and Egyptian cultures by reading these books.

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:10:37 pm

Dear Danny,

I agree, the Rick Riordan books are an excellent way to learn about ancient Greek, Roman, and Egyptian mythology. Plus, the stories are action-packed, so they are exciting to read. I will make sure to keep the classroom library stocked with these series. I need to buy the latest books!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Nathan

3/31/2015 03:51:27 am

Dear class,

I have really enjoyed reading a book called, Warriors: Into the wild. It is a book of a series called Warrior cats. I recommend it for 5th graders because it can be quite gory (because its cats fighting) . It is about a house born cat named Rusty who finds a clan that lives in the dark forrest. He joins them and starts his training to become a warrior.

It is a must read.

Yours Truly,
Nathan

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:13:21 pm

Dear Nathan,

Warriors is such a thrilling series. I agree, there is a bit of violence throughout the story, so readers better have tough stomachs for it. I love cats and I love ninjas, so what could be better than 'ninja' cats?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Nathan

4/6/2015 01:35:48 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,

The Series has its ups and downs. For example, for downs, the author try's to make a stealth factor but fails most of the time. The main cats can smell other cats from different, but the other ones cant. It really does not make sense to me.

From yours truly,
Nathan

Sofia

3/31/2015 06:49:43 am

Dearest class,
The book everybody has to read by the end of fifth grade is Green Eggs and Ham, by Dr.Suess. It's one of my favorite books, the rhymes are great, and it's a book for all ages! This book teaches a special lesson, to try something before you decide you don't like it. This is a very important thing to keep with you during your life, and this books shares it in a very funny way!
Sofia

Julia

4/1/2015 09:33:16 am

Dear Sofia,

I totally agree with you! Is this a lesson that stuck with you throughout the years? Are you more likely to try something new because you read Green Eggs an Ham?

Sincerely,
Julia

Sofia

4/6/2015 01:36:03 am

Julia,
Yes! I have definitely tried new things, but not because of green eggs and ham. The story taught me the lesson, and I tried new things, but I didn't think "Oh, I should try this because green eggs and ham taught me to try new things".
Sofia

Sam

4/1/2015 12:47:12 pm

Dear Sofia,
do you think the books with morals that you read at a younger age stick with you through out your life? Or do you think it's just a fun read with goofy characters that you enjoy seeing find the lesson and moral of the story? Loads more to read.

Sincerely,
Sam

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:16:46 pm

Dear Sofia,

Very interesting choice! I agree, the message in Green Eggs and Ham is so important for people to understand. Taking risks is very important to learning and growing, so I think fifth graders can find deep meaning in such an all-ages type of book. Everyone should reread the book many times throughout life. I'm never too old for Dr. Suess!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sofia

4/6/2015 02:09:40 am

Sam,
I think it's a mixture of both. It's a lot more fun to learn a lesson when you're learning it with goofy characters and rhymes, don't you think?
Sofia

Olivia D.

3/31/2015 08:41:08 am

Dear class,

One book I think everybody should read by the time they reach fifth grade is a story titled, "Inside Out and Back Again." I believe everone should read this book becasue it is an inspiring story wriiten about a true event. I think it is importamt for everyone to keep in mind the things that happen around the world. This story is covered in action and heart racing momments throughoutu the book.

Sincerely,
Olivia D.

Layla

4/1/2015 11:08:48 am

Dear Olivia D.,
I agree! I am glad you decided to take my advice and read Inside Out and Back Again.
From,
Layla

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:22:44 pm

Dear Olivia,

I LOVE this book. I especially like how it's told in free verse poetry. That structure adds to the emphasis of the story. I agree that Inside Out and Back Again helps readers widen their understanding of the experiences of people all over the world. This story opened my eyes to the struggles of refugees and immigrants who don't speak English and must acclimate to American culture.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Layla

3/31/2015 09:30:52 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
A book I think everyone should read by fifth grade is Inside Out and Back Again. It tells the story of a girl who moves from Vietnam to the U.S. Há, the main character, has her own routines. She goes to the market and buys the food items on her mother’s list, but buys a little less so she can get her own treats. She steals her brothers’ sandals. But all that changes when the war reaches her beloved home in Saigon. Há’s family moves from city to city. Meanwhile, her father has disappeared. Finally, they stay in Alabama in search for a better life. When Há starts school she must face the hard challenges of learning a new language. It is frustrating, but she never gives up. And then she learns English and how to stand up to bullies. Her life wasn’t was what it was before, but Há learns to endure hard problems. I love this book because even when times are hard, Há never gives up.
I hope that everyone will read this book!
From,
Layla

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:29:31 pm

Dear Layla,

As I told Olivia, I LOVE this book! Great choice! You did a nice job summarizing the story to entice other readers to try the book. You know what? Now that I think of it, this book is such a great story of survival and resilience. Há had to show great resilience in order to survive. She escaped from Saigon, she immigrated to America, she had to learn a new language, she had to deal with those horrible bullies, and so much more. It's amazing what Há went through. I love how delicately the author wrote about such deep and difficult topics.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Layla

4/6/2015 02:10:21 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
That is a very interesting point! Inside Out and Back Again is a survival and resilience book.
From,
Layla

Layla

4/6/2015 01:37:55 am

Dear Ms. Kimball,
My runner up is Bloomability by Sharon Creech.

Sam

3/31/2015 10:56:22 am

Dear Danny,
the Rick Riordan series was my third runner up.
I really enjoyed reading some of the books in Rick Riordans series,
I agree with you on how Rick fills his writing with humor action and education all at the same time. My books to read list is getting bigger by the day.

Sincerely,
Sam

Marc

4/1/2015 09:02:24 am

Class,
If I had to pick ONE BOOK, I would definitely pick Divergent.

I would pick Divergent because, it has all kinds of action. For example, it has some fighting action, like when tris has to fight her fellow candidates for a spot in dauntless. It also has action where they have people chasing them, and if they stop running they will be captured. Also, some action is when people are jumping on/off of trains.

I would also pick Divergent because it has mysteries. For example, will her friends make it through dauntless? What is going to. Happen to Tris on the long run? Why did she even choose dauntless? These questions, is what really made the book even more interesting.

Lastly, I would pick Dkvergent because, I think, it is age appropriate, and it teaches you some life lessons. For example, it is not to intense, and it is a good reading level for fifth grade. Divergent also teaches you some life lessons. For example, you will have to make a lot of big life decisions when you're older. Also, that stuff does not always go your way, but if you try enough it might.

Overall, I think that divergent is DEFINITELY a book that people should have you read by 5th grade.

Sincerely,
Marc

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:32:07 pm

Dear Marc,

Great job outlining your reasons for choosing Divergent as a book every fifth grader must read. You made a persuasive argument! Although the book can be challenging to follow and there is some difficult vocabulary, I agree that the action, mystery, and theme of the story pulls in readers VERY easily. Great choice!

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Talia

4/1/2015 10:33:15 am

Ms.Kimball,
I think that every 5th grader should read the book The Cricket in Times Square. The book is about a cricket who lives in Times Square. The cricket gets famous from “singing,” and helps a poor family become not so poor.
The reason that I think that everyone should read this book because it’s words must have been chosen very carefully. I think this because all of the words fit with the other words in it’s sentence.
Also, the storyline is really nice. It’s fun to read.
Talia

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:36:36 pm

Dear Talia,

Fun choice! I have a bunch of copies of The Cricket in Times Square, so anyone can grab one. What do you mean by, "...it’s words must have been chosen very carefully. I think this because all of the words fit with the other words in it’s sentence"?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Talia

4/6/2015 09:10:19 am

Ms. Kimball
Saying that, I mean that the words are very descriptive.
Talia/Bob the awesome

Rheona

4/1/2015 12:07:24 pm

Hi Ms.Kimball,
If i had to recommend one book for every fifth-grader to read or every kid to read by fifth grade, I would recommend the book Wonder by R.J. Palacio. I would recommend this book because this book shows even though August had a deformed face, doesn't mean he had a deformed personality. This means that even though his face was not the most pleasant to look at, his personality and life style was no different than any other regular kid's.
My evidence for this is in the second chapter,(period) August narrates the story as though he is a regular kid. " I was really bummed when Christopher moved away three years ago. We were both around seven then. We used to spend hours playing with our Star Wars action figures and dueling with our light-sabers. I miss that." Says August. If the story were to start with that chapter I would have never known that he was not normal.
Another reason I think that all kids should read this book is because it is a book that will teach kids how to treat people and make new friends.
For example, in part three of the book. (no period) When Summer is narrating , she treats August as though he is a normal kid. When Summer goes home, she tells her mother not to be shocked by August's face.

From,
RHEONA

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:41:37 pm

Dear Rheona,

I agree, Wonder if definitely a book everyone should read by fifth grade. The writing style is very easy to read. I think the author captured the way fifth graders think in an effective way. Also, the message, "Don't judge a book by its cover," takes on a whole new light with this story. I think everyone should read this book so they understand the feelings of someone like August.

One question for you: Why did you write "(period)" and "(no period)" in your response?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Yubin

4/1/2015 02:00:59 pm

Dear Class,

I think the book everyone must read is “The Happy Prince” by Oscar Wilde. This is a story about friendship between the golden statue of a happy prince and a little swallow. The little swallow was moved by the prince’s kind heart and became the messenger of the prince to help the poor and the weak. In the end, the bird was frozen to death and people destroyed the prince because they thought the statue was ugly without any gold and jewels. But, God knew the sacrifices they made and thought they are two most beautiful creatures, and brought both of them to heaven.

Sincerely,
Yubin

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:45:43 pm

Dear Yubin,

I was unfamiliar with the story you chose, so I looked it up. Your explanation of the story might confuse some readers. You said that the statue of the prince had a "kind heart." How can a statue show that it has a heart? Why did the swallow like the statue? How did it freeze to death?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Forrest

4/2/2015 12:06:45 pm

Dear Class,

I am going to do a runners up list. Top 4
1: Because of Mr Terupt
2: Mr Terupt Falls Again
3 The Dreamer
4:Puff The Magic Dragon

I would want people to read Because of Mr Terupt because it has a big meaning to it and I think that you will change after reading this book. You might think about things differently. Also the teacher Mr Terupt will make himself take you over and you won't want to let go of him.
You should also read Mr Terupt Falls Again because this is the book after Because of Mr Terupt. This book gives you that feeling where you need to hear more and that you can’t stop reading. You really connect with the characters, like they would be the greatest friends. The last thing is that all the kids in this book might make you cry because it is so nice how they act because of Mr Terupt.
A third book you should read is The Dreamer. This book also has a big meaning to it. This book is about a boy how has some really mean kids on his street and gets bullied. His dad goes off to work and his step mom looks after him. Neftali, the boy, is really courageous because of the tough he has to deal with and he is loving. You will want to know him.
Last but not least you should read Puff The Magic Dragon. This book is on tape. When I was little every few nights before bed I would listen to this and it almost made me cry because it was so heart warming. Please read the books I just talked about!!!

From,

Forrest

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:52:30 pm

Dear Forrest,

Wow! What a great list. Because of Mr. Terupt is definitely an important book to read by fifth grade. I agree that it will affect readers in a special way and encourage them to be better people. The characters are lovable each in a unique way. I also like how the author writes from each of their perspectives.

The Dreamer is a very beautiful book. Since I'm reading it now, I can say it has a magical quality about it without having the type of fantasy magic many readers are used to. I also like how it teaches me about life as a kid in Chile.

Lastly, I, too, love Puff the Magic Dragon. Did you know it's a song written in the 1960s too?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sage P

4/6/2015 02:10:44 am

Dear Forrest,
I really liked how you picked 4 top choices! I also really liked how you took your time to explain each of the 4 books. Great job!
From,
Sage P.

Amy

4/2/2015 04:22:00 pm

Dear class,
One book that I think everyone should read is, The Lions of Little Rock. I think everyone should read this book because it's a very emotional book. I would mostly recommend this book to people who like story about friendship and segregation friendship. This is a book about two young girls, Marlee and Liz, who both go to school. Liz and Marlee soon become friends. Marlee and Liz work on an assignment together and Marlee, who doesn't talk unless to Liz or her family, has to present with Liz in front of the class. Liz and Marlee have been working so hard for this presentation that to get Marlee to speak Liz had to bribe her with a magic square book, Marlee likes math and is good at it. But when the day comes Liz doesn't show up and Marlee has mixed feelings about what to think.

Sincerely,
Amy

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:54:30 pm

Dear Amy,

I'm so glad you love this book. I'm amazed it gets to go on your list even though you haven't finished it yet. I hope the ending is as good as the rest of the book. Your summary was very easy to follow --nice job!

You mentioned that it's about segregation. How so?

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sage P

4/3/2015 03:50:37 am

Dear Class,
I think everyone should read the book Rules by Cynthia Lord, because this book is the BEST BOOK EVER! Not only this book is the best book ever but it has a very good plot line for anyone in 3rd grade to 5th grade. This book shoes you the perspective of a girl with a brother who has autism also, the book shows you all the rules she needs to help her brother. I think anyone has to read this book by fifth grade!
From,
Sage P.

Ms. Kimball

4/5/2015 01:59:03 pm

Dear Sage,

I'm so glad you love Rules! It is definitely one of my top picks for a book every one should read by fifth grade. I especially liked how it taught me about disabilities such as autism, being paraplegic, and being unable to speak. It's amazing how resilient people can be.

Sincerely,
Ms. Kimball

Sage P

4/6/2015 01:36:30 am

Dear Ms.Kimball,
Thank you so much for responding! Thanks to you I am reading this book. I really like it, thank you for giving this book to me.
From,
Sage P.

Kaela

4/6/2015 02:14:12 am

Dear class,
I want everyone in the class to read Wonder. It is a hart warming and hart breaking story that has much emotion. It really makes you feel like your there. It always has twists that you don't expect. It is the BEST BOOK EVER! It is about a fith grade boy who had cancer and it effected his face. He had to go to school for the first time and has some bad and good times, but the rest if for you to know when you read it because you HAVE TO read it. Thank you for reading.

sincerely Kaela

Sage W.

4/6/2015 08:41:05 am

Dear Class,
I think everyone should read Hope Was Here by Joan Bauer by the end of fifth grade. This is a great book and one that although is sad at times can make you so happy. Its about a girl named Hope or Tulip who lives with her aunt who always moves. Aunt Addie and Hope ,during a move, stumble upon a town called Mulhoney. Where they meet G.T. a man that will change their lives forever even if he doesn't have much of his left. This story is sweet, although its not a fairy tale many of the characters dreams come true, and the perfect reading level for fifth graders, in my opinion. Make sure to check it out and see if you like it as much as me.

Alec

4/7/2015 08:06:43 am

Class,
The book I think everybody should read by 5th grade is City of Orphans by AVI. The reason I think everybody should read this book by 5th grade is because it's full of suspense and I like suspense. But sometimes you already know the answer and want to read more of the story to see how the author writes the explanation. It makes the book so much more suspenseful and cool to read. On the "The books we finished" chart, I rated City of Orphans a 10 star rating.
Please read this book. Please. Please. Please. It’s amazing. That's another reason I think people should read this by 5th grade, I just want them to. It's the best book I've read in a long time. Agh.........
Alec

Arim link

4/7/2015 10:09:54 am

Dear class,

A series that I think everyone should read is the WARRIOR series. It's a good series for 5th grade because it has action and adventure. It has hunting, fighting, quests, cats, cats taking care of cats, disappearing clans and much much more. Another reason why it is a good book is because it’s can be serious sometimes, like cats being hard on themselves. Or having difficulty decisions to make. Anyways, it’s a fun, exciting series and sorry that this was late.

From Arim

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Student Work
for
Ms. Kimball's Grade 5 At Underwood, 2014-2015

Relive the greatness of this unforgettable group of students, my fabulous fifth grade class from Underwood Elementary School in Newton.