Sideways Back-to-School Stories from Lafayette LMC

It’s the first day of school.  Our imaginations and our backpacks are packed. Our minds and our pencils are sharpened. We’re ready to travel the literacy superhighway, and we're planning to explore some scenic reading backroads, too. Welcome to Lafayette School Reading Road Trip!  This year, our reading adventures will take us all over the map and across the timeline of history.  Fasten your seatbelts and get your bookmarks in gear.  And remember:  where we’re going, we don’t need roads!

Let’s get started with a few sideways back-to-school stories from one of Lafayette’s favorite authors, Louis Sachar:

Sideways Stories from Wayside School by Louis Sachar (RL 3.9). Humorous episodes from the classroom on the thirtieth floor of Wayside School, which was accidentally built sideways with one classroom on each story.

Wayside School Is Falling Down by Louis Sachar (RL 3.9). More humorous episodes from the classroom on the thirtieth floor of Wayside School, where students learn to tango, face the cafeteria's dreaded mushroom surprise, and study a hobo during show-and-tell.

Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger by Louis Sachar (RL 3.3). Unusual things continue to happen in the classroom on the thirtieth floor of Wayside School, which was accidentally built sideways with one classroom on each story.

Use your noodle!  Sideways Arithmetic from Wayside School and More Sideways Arithmetic from Wayside School (RL 5.1) contain oodles of math puzzles and brainteasers.

Check out this Sideways Stories comedy short, featuring Reading Road Tripper Charlie T. and his Dad, a Lafayette LMC volunteer:

Dig into an award-winning book!  Holes by Louis Sachar (RL 5.1).  As further evidence of his family's bad fortune, Stanley Yelnats is sent to a nightmarish correctional camp in the Texas desert where he finds his first real friend, a treasure, and a new sense of himself.  Reading Road Tripper Mila C. recommends this Newbery Medal winner to friends who are looking for adventure and suspense—and buried treasure-- in their reading!   


Let’s try our hand at a Holes-inspired treasure hunt: The Treasure of Green Lake. When we’re tired of digging, we can take a break with the Holes Match ‘em up Challenge game.  Just click on the red-highlighted words.

Back-to-school books by Andrew Clements are very cool!

Frindle by Andrew Clements (RL 4.8). When he decides to turn his fifth-grade teacher's love of the dictionary around on her, clever Nick Allen invents a new word and begins a chain of events that quickly moves beyond his control.

No Talking by Andrew Clements (RL 5.0). The noisy fifth grade boys of Laketon Elementary School challenge the equally loud fifth grade girls to a "no talking" contest.

Lunch Money by Andrew Clements (RL 5.4). Twelve-year-old Greg has always been good at moneymaking projects.  He’s surprised, however, to find himself teaming up with his lifelong rival Maura to create a series of comic books to sell at school.

Troublemaker by Andrew Clements (RL 4.4). When his older brother gets in serious trouble, sixth-grader Clay decides to change his own mischief-making ways—but he cannot seem to shake his reputation as a troublemaker.

 


Visit Andrew Clement’s Website to read an author biography, to learn more about Troublemaker and other books, and to explore some fun extras.

Meet new friends in the LMC! Daphne’s Diary of Daily Disasters by Marissa Moss introduces fourth grade diarist and doodler Daphne Davis… she’s sure to become a Lafayette favorite!

In The Name Game! (RL 2.8), Daphne uses her diary to chronicle her first day of fourth grade, which does not turn out to be as wonderful as she expected, thanks to a series of unfortunate mishaps.

In The Vampire Dare! (RL 3.6),  Daphne Davis draws and writes about her attempt to stop classmates from thinking she has cooties after what she thought would be a "cool" vampire outfit makes her the laughingstock of costume day.

Looking for a fun and fast-paced book?  Hang out with the NERDS! The madcap NERDS series by Michael Buckley combines the excitement and adventure of international espionage with the challenges and misadventures of elementary school. NERDS features a group of unpopular students who run a spy network from inside their school.  With the help of cutting-edge science, their nerdy qualities are enhanced and transformed into incredible abilities!  We can spend time with the NERDS at their official Website.  And while we’re getting nerdy, let’s pay a video visit to NERDS author Michael Buckley:

NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society (RL 5.3). Five unpopular misfits combine their talents and use cutting-edge gadgetry to fight evil around the world.

M is for Mama’s Boy (RL 5.3). Led by Duncan "Gluestick" Dewey, the NERDS team uses brain power and courage rather than gadgets when they face off against super-villain Simon, his band of savage squirrels, and Albert, a middle-aged computer genius who lives with his mother.

The Cheerleaders of Doom (RL 5.1). Matilda "Wheezer" Choi, an asthmatic who uses nanobyte-enhanced inhalers and hates anything girlie, must infiltrate the cheerleading squad when former member of NERDS turned villain, Gerdie Baker, becomes a cheerleader and starts pillaging other worlds with the assistance of a device the criminal mastermind Simon helped her make.

Lafayette School's Library Media Specialist Mrs. Cifrodella—and trusty library aides Mrs. LaChance and Mrs. Massam—welcome you to the Lafayette LMC.  We invite you to join our Reading Road Trip. Lafayette Reading Road Trip… It’s Where the Reading Meets the Road! 

Whatever the Weather: Late Summer Reading, Rain or Shine

We're back on the road!  Whoosh and Whew! Whoosh and Whew! Where were you when Irene blew through?  As powerful Hurricane Irene churned its way up the Atlantic coast and slammed into New Jersey, Reading Road Trip took a break to help family and friends prepare for—and clean up after—the massive storm. We can learn more about hurricanes at Weather Wiz Kids and FEMA for Kids. Click on the red-highlighted words to get started.

Now that the storm has passed, we can check out Hurricanes by Seymour Simon (RL 6.2), available at the Library of the Chathams and in the Lafayette LMC.  The book, illustrated with satellite images and color photographs, discusses where and how hurricanes are formed, destruction caused by wind and rain in storms, how meteorologists rate and predict hurricanes, and precautions to take when a hurricane strikes.

Let’s celebrate the last few days of summer vacation with a fun book! Fourth grade math and science teacher Mrs. Scarpello enthusiastically recommends the very funny and very popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid books by Jeff Kinney.  The series follows the adventures and misadventures of sixth-grader Greg Heffley as he records, in words and pictures, the ups and downs of middle school life. Take a look at a Wimpy Kid Club Website and watch the exclusive series book trailer:

 

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal (RL 5.0). Greg and his best friend Rowley—two undersized weaklings—share the middle school hallways with boys who are taller, meaner, and already shaving! When Rowley grows more popular, Greg takes drastic measures to save their friendship.  Reading Road Tripper Matthew likes the book “because it is funny, easy to read, and has a picture on every page.”  Jack W. appreciates the humor in the Diary of a Wimpy Kid stories, while Peter P. recommends the series “to everyone who likes comic books.”

In the summer time, I like to... play wiffle ball, swim, and play Xbox 360.  -Will M.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (RL 5.7), Greg chronicles his summer vacation experiences and his many attempts to steer clear of trouble. When he returns to middle school, the Wimpy Kid tries desperately to keep older brother Rodrick from telling everyone about his most humiliating experience of the summer.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days (RL 5.4). Greg attempts to live out his ultimate summer vacation fantasy: spending the days indoors playing video games, with no responsibilities and no rules.  His mother, of course, has a different plan, attempting to pack the summer with outdoor activities and family fun.

In the summer time, I like to... play video games, bounce on my trampoline, and swim. -Ethan A.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Last Straw (RL 6.1). Greg nimbly sidesteps his father's attempts to reform his wimpy ways... and faces the looming threat of military school.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth (RL 5.6). Greg tries to find a new best friend after feuding with Rowley, and older family members warn him that adolescence is a time to act more responsibly and to think seriously about his future.  Sam R. would like to read other Diary of a Wimpy Kid books, noting that “The last book is not the end… I think there would be more to write about Greg Heffley.” 

Sam is correct!  Coming to an LMC near you in November 2011: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Cabin Fever (RL 5.6). The much-anticipated sixth installment in the series finds Greg stranded in a blizzard… stuck indoors with his family over the holidays.  Our favorite wimpy kid suffers from claustrophobia and worries that he and his family will not be able to weather the storm.

In the summer time, I like to... play video games, shop, swim, and play basketball and soccer. -Rishi W.

Whatever the weather, a visit with the Wimpy Kid brightens the day.  Next, let’s soak up some late summer sunshine with New Jersey author Wendy Mass!

The Candy Makers by Wendy Mass (RL 5.7). When four gifted twelve-year-olds-- including Logan, a candy maker's son—compete in the Confectionery Association's national contest to determine the country's tastiest sweet, nobody anticipates that a friendship will form between them.  Reading Road Tripper Katie S.  found that she could relate to the characters and the story.  And while Emilie D. believes that "The Candy Makers is one of Wendy Mass’s best books,” she also thinks that “it is a little too much like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.”

Finally by Wendy Mass (RL 4.6). After her twelfth birthday, Rory checks off a list of things she is finally allowed to do.  Unexpected consequences, however, interfere with her involvement in a movie being shot at her school... and a weird prediction starts to make sense. Chloe C. appreciates the humor in the book and likes that “it teaches you that you don’t need to be like everybody else.”

11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass (RL 4.1). Amanda and Leo celebrate their first nine same-day birthdays together.  They fight on their tenth birthday and do not speak to each other for a year.  As they prepare to celebrate their eleventh birthday separately, peculiar things begin to happen: the day of their birthday begins to repeat itself over and over and over again….

11 Birthdays by Lydia V.

The reviews are in, and Reading Road Trippers have a lot to say about 11 Birthdays!  Clara T. “never read anything like it before," while Emily C. gives the book five stars, stating, “It is really funny… I can relate to it.” Cate B. recommends the book because “it is a good fantasy book that is also realistic.” Bella F. offers, “It teaches you about the importance of friendship,” and Shaye C. and Maggie H. suggest it to “people who are having trouble with their friendships.”

11 Birthdays by Emily C.

Mary A. appreciates the humor of 11 Birthdays; Brianna F. describes the story as “magical, amazing, and fantastic.” Brooke M. and Emma B. caution that some readers may find the repetitive story line a bit boring. Lydia V. calls the book “a good mix of drama and mystery.  It’s fun when you can relate to a mystery… It was confusing in parts but came together with a great ending.”

11 Birthdays by Mary A.

Grace C. sums it up: “11 Birthdays is interesting… Even though it’s the same day over and over, new things happen, and you don’t know what’s going to happen next.” 

We've learned a lot this summer. It's true: sometimes we don't know what's going to happen next!  But we've also learned the importance of family, of good books and good friends... and that every day on our Reading Road Trip offers new and exciting adventure!

Southern California: Surfing Knights and Sand Castle Princesses

Cowabunga, Reading Road Trippers! Greetings from sunny Southern California! We’re cruising down Silver Strand Boulevard toward Imperial Beach, a way-cool destination fourteen miles south of San Diego and five miles northwest of Tijuana, Mexico.  It's the southern-most beach spot on the west coast of the United States.

While we’re in town, let’s check out the 2011 Imperial Beach US Sandcastle Competition. The annual event features dozens of professional and amateur sand sculpture teams competing for bragging rights and awesome amounts of prize money.  Groovy music, rad street vendors, epic food, and totally tubular sand castles: we can dig it!

We can dig it online, too: let’s build a virtual sand castle.  Click on the red-highlighted words to get started.  Next, we’ll chill on the Southern California beach with a bucket full of books about castles-without-the-sand:

A non-fiction selection from the Fast Forward series, Castles through Time by Nicholas Harris (RL 5.9) tells the history of a European castle, featuring illustrations and descriptions of the same location as it may have appeared from 600 B.C. to the early twenty-first century.

The Castle Corona by Sharon Creech (RL 5.5) shares the story of two orphaned peasant children who discover a mysterious pouch.  The cryptic contents lead them to the majestic Castle Corona… where their lives may be transformed forever.

A Tale of Two Castles by Gail Carson Levine (RL 4.9) follows twelve-year-old Elodie on a fantastic journey to Two Castles, where she becomes apprentice to a dragon.  The aspiring actress learns to be observant and to think logically… skills that will help her solve the mystery of who is poisoning the king.

In long-time Lafayette fantasy favorite The Castle in the Attic by  Elizabeth Winthrop (RL 5.0), a gift of a toy castle, complete with a silver knight, introduces William to adventure involving magic and a personal quest.

Surf's up!  Let's catch a wave of books about knights in shining armor:

Excalibur: The Legend of King Arthur: A Graphic Novel by Tony Lee (RL 3.9). Retells, in graphic novel format, the legend of Arthur Pendragon who draws a legendary sword from a stone and begins the life he was born to lead, guided by the elusive wizard Merlin.

Sir Lancelot, Where Are You? from the Dragon Slayers’ Academy series by Kate McMullan (RL 3.1). After the witch Morgana le Fay puts a curse on Sir Lancelot, three knights-in-training from the Dragon Slayers' Academy set out to save him.

Life as a Knight: An Interactive History Adventure by Rachael Hanel (RL 6.4). Describes the lives of knights in medieval Europe through three stories: a French knight during the Crusades, an English knight during the Hundred Years' War, and a German knight during the Peasants' War.  The reader chooses the plot lines!

Before the tide washes away all those beautiful sand castles, let’s imagine who lives inside. Kings and queens, lords and ladies, dragons and jesters, princes and princesses.  Hmm... sand castle princesses. Here's a video book review by Kara E.

The Princess Academy by Shannon Hale (RL 6.2).  While attending a strict academy for potential princesses with other girls from her mountain village, fourteen-year-old Miri discovers unexpected talents and connections to her homeland.

We can visit Shannon Hale’s official website and take a Beginner’s Princess Quiz and an Advanced Princess Quiz.  Or maybe we’re in the mood to watch a Shannon Hale book trailer:

Let’s wiggle our toes in the sand, soak up the Southern California sunshine, and savor more princess stories:

The Tales of the Frog Princess series by E.D. Baker (RL 5.4). After reluctantly kissing a frog, an awkward princess suddenly finds that she has turned into a frog and sets off with the prince to find a way to become human again.

The Wide Awake Princess, also by E.D. Baker (RL 6.6). Annie, younger sister of the princess known as Sleeping Beauty, stays awake when the rest of the castle falls into an enchanted sleep. She decides to find a way to break the spell.

The Princess Plot and The Princess Trap by Kirsten Boie (RL 5.2).  In The Princess Plot, fourteen-year-old Jenna becomes the unsuspecting pawn in a royal conspiracy after auditioning and winning the role of a movie princess.  In the sequel book, Jenna runs away from her elite boarding school, hoping to escape the pressures of being a princess.  When she is kidnapped by a villain who is trying to overthrow the royal family, she must put her fears aside and escape her captor before rebellion turns to war.

Princess Diaries series by Meg Cabot (RL 5.7). In journal format, Mia Thermopolis chronicles her ups and downs as an average teenager—and as a princess of royal descent.  Check out a printable list of titles in the series!  

Princess Mix-Up Mystery: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew by Carolyn Keene (RL 3.8). Let’s learn how Nancy Drew, everyone's favorite super sleuth, got her start! Eight-year-old Nancy Drew and her friends win a day of royal treatments at Prissy's Princess Parlor.  When someone tries to sabotage their makeovers, the girls decide to track down the culprit.

The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine (RL 4.8). With her adventurous sister Meryl suffering from the Grey death, meek and timid Princess Addie sets out to find a cure.

Ella Enchanted, also by Gail Carson Levine (RL 4.2). In this novel based on the story of Cinderella, Ella struggles against the childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given to her.

The Redheaded Princess: a Novel by Ann Rinaldi (RL 5.5). In 1542, nine-year-old Lady Elizabeth lives on an estate near London, striving to get back into the good graces of her father, King Henry VIII.  As the years pass in this historical fiction page-turner, Elizabeth faces the death of her father and of other close relatives until she finds herself in position to ascend to the throne of England in 1558.

The Thirteenth Princess by Diane Zahler (RL 5.4).  Zita, cast aside by her father and raised as a kitchen maid, learns that she is a princess.  When she discovers that her twelve long-lost sisters are victims of an evil enchantment, she desperately tries to save them. 
Let's watch a book trailer for The Thirteenth Princess, a story inspired by The Twelve Dancing Princesses, a German fairy tale published by the Brothers Grimm in 1812:

Back from the Beach?  Check out Spa Princess Cookbook by Barbara Beery (RL 5.2).  This yummy book contains recipes for edible treats like smoothies, cookies, and fondue.  It also offers soothing spa treatments-- including facials, scrubs, baths, and scented glitter gel—designed to create a relaxing and therapeutic home environment. 

Imperial Beach certainly lives up to its nickname, Classic Southern California. We’ve had a totally awesome time cruising the West Coast, constructing outrageous sand castles and compiling a list of primo book suggestions. Next up on Reading Road Trip: a return to the East Coast, with Endless Summer Reading down the Jersey Shore! Stay tuned….