[Afox523]

Hi, I'm doing book clubs in my room and need suggestions. My high group read Shiloh and are reading Stone Fox now which are both kind of sad. I'm looking for a book to do next that will be challenging, but not so depressing. They are all reading at a high 4th grade almost 5th grade level. Thanks!

[1956BD]

I suggest The Monster's Ring. It is a wonderful fantasy.

[mommy9298]

Frindle, Because of Winn Dixie, Gooseberry Park come to mind.

[Linda/OH]

I set up our lit circles/book clubs throughout the year as genre studies so that all students read the same genre and we can get at specific standards and reading skills.

So we're doing fantasy next and my high level students (like your group mentioned here) will read either Tale of Despereaux level T or BFG level U.

And if it matters to you Stone Fox is level P (only gr 3) Shiloh level R (gr.4).

If you're trying to meet their needs and find levels which challenge them , Scholastic Book Wizard can help with that

[TaffyFL]

I think anything by Andrew Clements (who wrote Frindle) is high-interest and usually pretty light and funny. I also like Beverly Cleary and Roald Dahl for high-interest options for book clubs. I also try to give them a choice, too. I present them 3 books and they vote (majority wins). They are so sweet, last time they voted they told the one kid who wanted something else they would read it next and he was happy.

[1956BD]

My all time favorite is Matilda. I also real enjoy reading George's Marvelous Medicine. It is great for visualizing. James and the Giant Peach is also excellent, plus a challenging read. You can't lost with Carlie and The Chocolate Factory either.

[dianemcq]

Number the Stars is historical fiction that boys and girls alike LOVE every year when we read it, and it's definitely higher level. Boys in particular seem to love the World War II aspect of it. Not sure of the exact level but Flush is a favorite of mine that our fifth graders read. I also agree with another poster about Frindle. I use it to teach Greek and Latin word roots and dictionary skills.

[Afox523]

Thank you for all of the suggestions!!!

[susiewohl]

I agree with Linda/OH. It's hard to make suggestions without knowing what genre you are reading. We read one genre at a time so I can align some lessons with what they are reading. I am also very careful about what level they read, as I group them by F&P levels, using Teacher's College assessments. I still do book clubs even though my school has reverted to using a basal. I think you need to really push your top group for them to make adequate progress; they will rise to the challenge! I would use the Schoastic Book Wizard to help you pick some great options for them.

[bubbleepink]

Grade 4 should be reading at a F&P level O-T.
Grade 5 should be reading at a F&P level S-W - As per the book "Guided Reading: Good first teaching for all Children" different jurisdictions may have different requirements.

With my enriched group I am doing Tuck Everlasting (level V) and they are enjoying it.

[Dina]

If you check out my Pinterest page (Gracie's Corner), I have a board "Books for kids ages 9-12". these are books my class has read and enjoyed.

[0123456]

I've got to suggest Summer of the Monkeys. Wonderful book and definitely has some hilarious parts as well.