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Do You Want to Be A Reader Leader?

reader-leader

Who:  Grades 3, 4 and 5

What:  Sakura Picture Books

Why:  Share your love of reading with the school community and demonstrate your oral reading fluency.

When:  February 27th – April 7th (during a recess)

Where:  Grade K, 1 or 2 classroom.

  • Read ALL five required Sakura picture books for your grade level.
  • Rate and log each book in your Sakura Reading Log.
  • Sign-up to be a Reader Leader ONLY after you have completed all 5 required books.
  • Pick one of the 5 books to read aloud.
  • Practice reading your book aloud with a friend using the Reader Leader Checklist.
  • Practice reading your book aloud to Ms. Pretz or Mrs. Fields.
  • Once you demonstrate that you are reading with fluency and expression you will be assigned a classroom.

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Best Books of the Year 2016

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American Library Association

Amazon Best Books of the Year

 

Bank Street 

Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

  • Guide Book to Gift Books – This is a 27 page annotated listing of books that would make great gifts for children of all ages.

Geisel Award (best beginning reader)

Goodreads

Kirkus Review

National Council of Teachers of English

National Pubic Radio

National Science Teachers Association

New York Times

Parents’ Choice Awards

Publisher’s Weekly

School Library Journal

Recommended Sakura Books – Grade 2

The Blue Whale by Jenni Desmondthe-blue-whale

This beautifully written and illustrated narrative nonfiction book by Jenni Desmond is full of interesting facts about this beloved mammal.  Includes facts that help to make the size and habits of the blue whale interesting and easily understandable.

Anything But Ordinary Addie by Mara Rockliff

anything-but-ordinary-addie

This biography tells the true story of one fearless magician’s rise to glory.  After Addie’s husband, Herrmann the Great dies, she is determined to perform their magic show all by herself. Magic lovers beware…this book also includes instructions for performing one of Addie‘s original tricks.

Red A Crayon’s Story by Michael Hall
red-a-crayons-story

This is a funny book about a serious topic and you are going to enjoy reading  it again and again.  A blue crayon is mistakenly labeled as “red” suffers AND suffers AND suffers an identity crisis. Michael Hall reminds us of the importance of being true to our inner selves and following our own paths, even when obstacles are put in our way.

Recommended Sakura Books – Grade 1

Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry

 stick-and-stone

Tom Lichtenheld’s illustrations make Beth Ferry’s characters come alive. This is a simple rhyming text that includes an anti-bullying message.  This book is sure to please fans of Elephant and Piggie, Frog and Toad, and George and Martha.  Teachers, counselors and parents will find this book helpful anytime the issue of bullying arises.

How to Read A Story by Kate Messner

how-to-read-a-story

Thunder Boy Jr. by Sherman Alexie

thunder-boy-jr

This book is for anyone who has ever wanted to change their name.  If you like Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes, you will thoroughly enjoy Sherman Alexie and Caldecott winner Yuyi Morales new book.  This picture book has already started winning 2016 book awards.  Will this book get your vote for the Sakura Medal this year?