REMARKABLE READING RECOMMENDATIONS — THROWBACK!

Here is the second installment of our Summer 2015 Remarkable Reading Recommendations! Each of our posts will focus on a different theme and will include a book for non-readers all the way through young adults.

SELECTION #2 – THROWBACK

AGES 0 – 2

While Natalie’s book may be new, this classic nursery rhyme has been a favorite of young learners for generations. We selected this book because of Marshall’s unique format. The board book includes tabs that are just the right size for small fingers. The book also includes simple movements to help improve motor skills. (More Fingers & Toes books are coming soon!)

Amazon.com — $6.99 (board book)

AGES 3 – 5

In the spirit of stories such as Where the Wild Things Are, meet the Gruffalo! We chose this story for its humorous nature. A very wise mouse tells his predators that he is going to meet a mysterious creature called the Gruffalo. Scared at the mental image the clever mouse paints, the predators all run away. How silly! Everyone knows there is no such thing as a Gruffalo…right?

Amazon.com — $6.00 (paperback)

AGES 6 – 7

Everyone remembers the story of Little Red Riding Hood. This delightful adaptation from China was first published in 1996 and remains popular today. The brooding images may scare younger readers, but the artwork is stunning. A mother of three goes to visit the children’s grandmother and leaves them alone at home. Not long after, a wolf appears at the door — dressed as Po Po, the granny.

Amazon.com — $6.33 (paperback)

AGES 8 – 10

In 1984, Jack Prelutsky introduced the world to a tough new kid and over 100 other humorous poems. It was reprinted in 2013. We chose this book for our list because our staff has fond memories of reading the works of Prelutsky, as well as Shel Silverstein. Readers of all ages can open this book to any page to find short, silly poems on any subject — from school to animals to family and friends.

Amazon.com — $9.99 (paperback)

AGES 11 – 13

This award-winning book by Pam Munoz Ryan was first published in 2002. We chose this book for its multicultural component, as well as to showcase the heroine’s true sense of determination in the face of change. During the Great Depression, Esperanza is forced to leave Mexico with her mother. Their new home is a camp for Mexican farm workers in California. Esperanza must learn to adjust her way of thinking and adapt to this new lifestyle in order to keep herself and her mother safe.

Amazon.com — $3.83 (paperback)

YOUNG ADULT

This relatively new story (published in 2007) throws us back to Germany in the height of World War II. Now a major motion picture, we highly recommend reading this book first. Many of our office team members have found themselves lost in Zusak’s compelling story. A young orphan girl is placed with new parents in the middle of Nazi Germany, where her new father teaches her how to read. Liesel finds herself unable to resist the urge to steal books and shares the stories in bomb shelters and with the young Jewish man who is hiding in their home. The style of the book is mesmerizing and compelling. Truly a treasured piece of literature and a must read.

Amazon.com — $6.43 (paperback)

WHAT BOOKS WOULD YOU RECOMMEND? TELL US IN THE COMMENTS SECTION AND WE MIGHT FEATURE YOUR BOOK ON A FUTURE LIST!

If you decide to purchase these (or any other) books online, please consider supporting the Creative Education Institute and ordering them through Amazon Prime. For every purchase you make through Prime, Amazon will make a donation to the non-profile organization, which will go to provide academic services to students in need.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE NEXT INSTALLMENT OF OUR READING LIST – SERIES BOOKS!

Photo Credit: The pictures of the books in this post were taken from Amazon.com.