Dena Boer Library

I started reading Regarding the Fountain, because it was listed several places as a book to read if you liked Diary of a Wimpy Kid.  Well, I LOVED Regarding the Fountain!  This creative book is a collection of correspondence between Florence Waters (a famous custom fountain designer) and the 5^th grade students of Dry Creek Middle School.  Mrs. Waters in contacted by the school to replace a leaky drinking fountain; but with the help of  Sam N.’s fifth grade students this simple drinking fountain becomes a grandiose endeavor.  The students come to adore “Flo” Waters, as she sends them items to enhance their learning from her travels around the world.  In the midst of designing the fountain, a mystery emerges.  A scandal is afoot and it’s up to the dedicated and determined 5^th graders to uncover the truth!  This fabulous book by Kate Klise (AR level 5.8)  is a page-turner from the very beginning!

Grandiose reading to you!
Mrs. Barton

A school cafeteria is never quiet, especially not at Laketon Elementary School; but in No Talking by Andrew Clements that is exactly what happens.  The fifth grade class has long been known as the “unshushables” by all the teachers, and suddenly there is no talking at all—by any of them!  It all starts with Dave Packer and his interest in Ghandi’s days of silence.  The idea grows and grows and suddenly a contest is born.  Boys versus girls—no talking for 2 days—and what happens will surprise everyone!

Silent Reading to you,

Mrs. Barton

One of the books nominated for the California Young Reader Medal this year is  Armando and the Blue Tarp School by Edith Hope Fine.  What a heartwarming book of generosity and gratitude--how lucky we are to have such a great school to attend!  The students in Senor David’s class didn’t have a school building.  The students at the colonia of the Tijuana city dump met on a blue tarp each day for their classes.  Armando had to work hard with his family all morning and felt lucky to be able to attend Senor David’s class even for a little bit of time in the afternoon.  When the colonia was destroyed by fire, no one knew what would happen.  But, the generosity of a woman from far away gave the students and their families something they could only dream of! 

Grateful reading to you!

Mrs. Barton

Now every time I see a bug I look at it in a whole new way!  After reading Masterpiece by Elise Broach, I wonder what all those bugs are doing running around at night—are they creating reproductions of famous works of art?  Marvin, a beetle, does just that as a gift to his human friend James.  They create a bond as they share the secret of the artist’s identity and they learn to depend on each other as they look for an international art thief!  This is a wonderful book of friendship, mystery and adventure!

Artistic Reading to You!

Mrs. Barton