For Richard, this September means being left back in 2nd grade, being teased by his old classmates, while stuck facing the same teacher, in the same old classroom. He can't seem to help getting into trouble, until Mrs. Paris, the reading teacher, helps him get interested in reading, and motivated to help the second grade win the school banner contest for the best class. This is book 1 of The Kids of Polk Street School series.

Reviewed by: sc

Date read: 4/29/2009

ISBN-10: 0440404851

ISBN-13: 9780440404859

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Anya lives in fear that her classmates will discover she's wearing a wig. A few months ago, her hair started falling out. She found out she has a medical condition that makes her lose her hair, and it might never grow back. Now, Anya has to wear a wig. She thinks no one has noticed yet, but the truth is that the bossiest girl in class, Stef, has noticed, and Stef is pushing her friends to tug Anya's wig to see if it's real. Stef's friend, Keely, has always felt like the underdog in her group of friends, but when she believes Stef is behind the dramatic unveiling of Anya's bald head in gym class, Keely can't follow along any longer. Will Keely find a way to stand up to Stef without losing all her friends? Can Anya come to terms with the fact that she may never have hair again?

Reviewed by: emc

Date read: 1/15/2010

ISBN-10: 0689832982

ISBN-13: 9780689832987

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Peter thinks he has hit the jackpot this year. Their fifth grade teacher is a rookie. He can surely get away with anything. However, Mr. Terupt surprises him. He doesn't seem to be able to get away with anything. Mr. Terupt touches the lives and the hearts of each of seven 5th graders, but when a tragic accident happens, they are in danger of losing him forever. Can the fifth grade class pull together and support each other in the face of crisis? Just maybe, because of Mr. Terupt.

Similar books: A View From Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg

Awards nominated: 2013 Bluestem Nominee

Reviewed by: caroll

Date read: 5/1/2012

ISBN-10: 0375858245

ISBN-13: 9780375858246

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A girl named India Opal Buloni finds a dog and they have adventures and more sad and funny surprises than you could ever imagine.

Awards nominated: 2014 Bluestem Nominee

Awards won: Newbery Honor

Reviewed by: St. Charles Reader

Date read: 11/6/2009

ISBN-10: 0763616052

ISBN-13: 9780763616052

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Commenter: Emily, grade 18

Naomi and her younger brother Clive live with their great-grandmother at Avocado Acres Trailer Ranch until their mother unexpectedly arrives. A custody battle follows, and Naomi and Clive travel with their great-grandmother to Mexico to search for their father. After connecting with him in Oaxaca, they return home to California and Naomi has the strength to speak clearly at the custody hearing.

Awards nominated: Rebecca Caudill Nominee 2007

Reviewed by: msp

Date read: 1/27/2011

ISBN-10: 0439269695

ISBN-13: 9780439269698

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