Books You Won't Be Able to Keep on Your Shelf

Good afternoon all!  I'm hoping you had a pleasant week in your classroom.  If not - rejoice!  It's the weekend!  To start off your weekend, I thought I would bring you a list of great books to add to your collection if you do not already own them.  These are titles that seem to fly off my shelves as soon as I get them in.  The kids can't get enough!  So sit back, relax, and open that Amazon Wish List up.

The Mal and Chad Series

These books are always unavailable because they get picked up as soon as I check them in.  Like, they don't even make it off my sorting carts and onto the shelves.  I actually know Stephen McCranie from college and his hilarious personality definitely comes through in his work!  The kids love reading the adventures of this boy genius and his talking dog and have been begging me to order more copies.  New ones are on their way soon, but I know those will be gone just as fast!  This is a great series for reluctant readers and lovers of comic books.  Recommended for grades 3-7.

The Dork Diaries Series

These books are very popular with my students that love Diary of a Wimpy Kid (aka all of them).  The girls especially love that it is a similar style with a female main character.  Another great choice for reluctant readers to get them into a series.  Recommended for grades 4-8.

The Draw 50 Series



I constantly have my little artists asking me for drawing books and they LOVE these!  They are very worn from years of love and inspiration.  They have different categories and it gives students step by step directions to guide them in creating the drawings.  This is great for those kids looking to improve their art abilities, and would even make a good addition to your students' Fun Friday activities!

Finn Family Moomintroll by Tove Jansson

This book is one of our Battle of the Books selections this year.  As a result, it is not currently circulating to all of the school but my Battle students love it!  This Finnish book follows a family of Moomins that have a tendency to take in strays and get into mischief and adventures.  When Moomintroll and his friend find the Hobgloblin's hat, they begin a silly and unexpected adventure.  There are multiple Moomin books, so students that love the original will be able to continue enjoying the adventures of the characters.  Recommended for grades 4-7.

The 39 Clues Series

The death of a family member sends two orphans on a hunt for clues to a family fortune - and the truth about their parents' death.  This book is great for students that like adventure and suspense.  There is even a website and collectible cards for students to join in the story!  Recommended for grades 3-7.

A Practical Guide to Dragons by Lisa Trumbauer

This companion book to the Dragonlace series is a hit with my students.  It has detailed illustrations and gives information on different dragons in the Dragonlace world.  Many of my students have not read the book series and simply read this book because they love dragons.  Recommended for grades 1-4.

The Sisters Grimm Series

In this fairytale adventure, two orphaned sisters are sent to live with their grandmother and soon learn a family secret.  They are descendants of the Brothers Grimm and come from a line of family members that keep the Everafters (fairytale characters living in the real world) in line.  Students love the adventure and ties to familiar fairytale stories.  Recommended for grades 4-6.

Smile by Raina Telgemeier

In this graphic novel memoir, Telgemeier documents her struggles of growing up with a long string of orthodontia work after a fall results in losing two teeth.  Not only does she deal with painful dental work, but social struggles, boy issues, and awkwardness all come into play throughout her middle and high school experience.  This is an engaging story for those students that feel out of place and unsure, as the author shows how she overcame these struggles and grew her love of drawing and animation in this period of her life.  The students also love her other graphic novels, Sisters and Drama.  Recommended for grades 5 and up.

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

This Newbery Medal winner is based on a true story.  Ivan, a gorilla held in captivity in a mall, is used to entertain mall patrons and drum up business.  As a new baby elephant is brought in, Ivan befriends her and helps her adjust to life in captivity.  But a promise to a friend means that Ivan and his companions must work together to free the animals.  A heartwarming story that animal lovers will enjoy.  Recommended for grades 3-7.

The Skippyjon Jones Series by Judy Schachner

I was first introduced to these books by my mom, who is also a teacher.  Whenever I read these stories aloud to my students they are laughing hysterically!  Skippyjon Jones is a Siamese cat that thinks he is a Chihuahua.  Constantly in trouble for his mischief, he escapes away to a land where he helps the Chimichangoes (a group of Chihuahuas) save the day.  There are several books in the collection and you will love every one of them!  With rhyming and various Spanish phrases, this is a great book for younger children and your Spanish-speaking students.  Just make sure to use an accent if you read it aloud!  Recommended for grades K-3.

Hopefully these titles have given you some inspiration for your classroom library!  My students have enjoyed each and every one of them and I know yours will as well.  Take a look below for a peek at some of the upcoming posts I will be creating!  Until next time, happy reading.

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