Amber Brown Forever, by Paula Danziger

Amber doesn't like her school pictures so she wants a retake but that doesn't happen.  Amber colors her hair pink and has a makeover with her babysitter.  I would recommend this book.
- Allye

Third Grade Detectives #1, The Clue of the Left-handed Envelope, by George E. Stanley

Noelle and Todd love mysteries.  Amber Lee always seems to solve the mystery.  The third graders have to break a code given to them by their teacher to help solve they mystery.
- Raina

Sisters, by Raina Telgemeier

I liked this book because it's about two sisters and I have a sister.  The two sisters argue and they go on a long road trip.  This book has funny parts that made me laugh.  I would recommend this book.
- Emily

Stink and the Midnight Zombie Walk, by Megan McDonald

This is a funny book.  Stink and his friends, Webster and Sophia, want to go to a zombie walk so they sell smells.  I liked this book because the whole school works together.
- Sandra

Horrible Harry at Halloween, by Suzy Kline

I like this book because it made me laugh.  Harry dresses up like a police officer and takes on the case of the missing pixie dust.
- Morgan

Benjamin Franklin, by Pamela Hill Nettleton

This book is about Benjamin Franklin's life.  He was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1706.  Ben's father had a shop they made candles and soap. Ben was one of our founding fathers.  He made a lot of inventions.  He was very curious.  When he had a question he tried to figure it out.  He opened a printer shop and he wrote a book called the Poor Richard's Almanac.   He helped start the first library, the first fire department, and the first city hospital.  Did you know that Benjamin Franklin is on the $100 bill?  He was an inventor and a printer and a scientist.  He realized that lightning was electricity.  How he did it was, he flew a kite on a  stormy day and put a key onto the string.  When the lighting hit the kite it knocked him out.
-Abagail

The Science Fair from the Black Lagoon, by Mike Thaler

 Mrs. Green said "Class we have a science fair."  Eric is trying to figure out how to build a giant Frankenstein and Derek makes him invisible.  You guys and girls should read this book it is very funny at the end.
- Cade Spenrath

Dear Dumb Diary, my Pants are Haunted!, by Jim Benton

This book is funny.  Jamie and her friend Isabella  always get into trouble.  Read to find out what weird stuff happens when she buys a new pair of pants at the mall.
-Kinsley

Ready Freddy! Second Grade Rules!, by Abby Klein

Freddy wanted his friend Robbie in his 2nd grade class.  A new kid named Josh came from... Find out in Second Grade Rules.  But I'm not done yet!  That's not Freddy's only problem.  Max is in Freddy's class and so is Chloe.  Max is a bully and from Freddy's point of view, Chloe is annoying.  It's Halloween.  What will Freddy do?   Find out in Ready Freddy Second Grade Rules!
-Kyleigh

Mrs. Patty is Batty, by Dan Gutman

I liked this book because it's funny.  A boy named CJ loves holidays.  Halloween is his favorite.  CJ and his classmates dress up in their costumes and march in the Halloween parade.  Read this book to find out what they do when the Halloween monster shows up.
- Sandra

Zeke Meeks Vs The Horrendous Halloween, by D.L. Green

I liked this book because Zeke didn't have anyone to trick-or-treat with like me.  Zeke and Hector decide not to go trick-or-treating together.  They end up wearing the same costume and people get them confused.  Read the book to find out happens when people get them mixed up.
-Aidan

Magic Tree House, The Knight at Dawn by Mary Pope Osborne

I liked this book because Jack and Annie go on an adventure that is fun and a little scary.  Read to find out what happens when they are in the castle.
- Bella

Rainbow Magic, Anya the Cuddly Creatures Fairy

There is a fairy Anya, she lost her tiara.  Rachel and Kirsty are at the golden place.  Rachel, Kristy, and Anya are looking for the tiara.  Anya has a friendly horse named, Merlin.  Will they find Anya's tiara?  Read the book to find out.
- Madi Ridgway

The 100th Day of School from the Black Lagoon

The 100th Day of School from the Black Lagoon
Author: Mike Thaler

I like this book because Hubie is at school and he doesn't know what to bring for the 100th day of school.  The twist is that he has to bring 100 of something.
- Raina

Amazon....
It's my favorite place to go for good book deals and hard to find books.  Today as I read through other teaching blogs I discover new books that I don't have yet.  After reading the blog I immediately pull up another browser and open Amazon.  Soon I find myself searching for these books and looking at others recommended by my search. After an hour or so, as if I'm surprised, I find that my wish list has doubled.  I guess you could say Amazon is a great resource and a hindrance on my pocketbook.  I'm proud that I only clicked buy on a few of the books and left the rest in my wish list for later purchases.  Believe me it was tough.  I know the kids are going to enjoy these new additions to our class library.

Cover of What You Know First

I have posted a link on here to some youtube videos for Aurasma.  Aurasma is an app that I used in my classroom last year.  It has changed the way I teach Social Studies.  The app allowed me to help the students connect to history.  Students were able to learn about the people who have influenced our society by watching speeches and videos of what thing looked like long ago.  I was amazed at how the students were able to connect and remember details of history.  This year I plan to use it even more in my classroom and very early in the year.
Check it out.  If you think of any other uses post them :)

The Book Whisperer

This summer I read The Book Whisperer, by Donalyn Miller.  The author of the book is from Texas and teaches reading.  It was an amazing read and showed me a new way of teaching my students to love reading.  I can not wait to start the year.
I have been collecting books from garage sales, begging on Facebook (lol), and going to Goodwill every few weeks.  I have managed to stock up quite a few books, but I will be anxious to add more to our class library.
The basic idea of the book is to allow students to pick which books they want to read and have time for them to read everyday.  As their teacher, I will have them fill out a questionnaire to them toward books they will love.  Having book talks and reviews instead of lengthy book reports helps the teachers monitor their reading.  The main reason I started this blog is to allow my students to put book recommendations on here so they can share what books they are enjoying with other students all over the world.  

Donalyn Miller has a blog at http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com

Cover via Amazon

Welcome to 3rd Grade!

This year I am so excited to start a class blog.  Here the students will comment on books they are reading, people we are learning about, and weekly events.