Library Notes
Erika Kosin
Back to School Fun

During the summer months many kids avoid books that have school or teachers in the title, unless it is on their school summer reading list. Now that school is back in session, these same children want to read stories that revolve around the world they are currently in and can relate to, therefore gravitating to books that take place at school. Some of these books revolve around homework, pertain to a big test, include the wacky antics of some students, or even revolve around a holiday pageant. In the world of children’s literature many of the books have scenes that take place at school, including popular series such as Junie B. Jones and the Little House books. Here are a few available titles at Rowan Public Library that might interest upper elementary school kids that take place at school.

Almost Late to School and More School Poems by Carol Diggory Shields: A collection of 22 school related poems about various things such as giggle attacks, being late, detention, having to hold it, and participating in fund-raisers.

Framed by Gordon Korman: Griffin Bing is known to his friends as “the man with the plan”. In fact his plans have gotten them into a bit of trouble in the past. Now they are starting middle school and the new principal, Mr. Egan, is already weary of Griffin and his friends. When the schools treasured super bowl ring is replaced with Griffins retainer in the display case, Griffin finds that no one of authority will listen to him and sets out to prove his innocence only his plans keep getting him into more and more trouble.

Fourth-Grade Fuss by Johanna Hurwitz: Julio and his best-friend Lucas find fourth grade to be a lot of fun but are worried about the big fourth-grade test. Their teacher told them not to worry about the test until after the holiday break, but now that the standardized test is drawing near, it is time to hunker down and get serious. As they plot and plan ways to succeed on the test, using a pencil that has never written a wrong answer or wearing their underpants inside out, they find there are some things in life you just can’t plan for.

The Report Card by Andrew Clements: Fifth-grader Nora Rowley is a genius. She is so smart, that she has spent the last few years making sure she seemed average. After the fourth-grade standardized testing seemed to divide the students of her school, making those who scored high feel smarter and those who scored low feel like they were dumb, Nora knew she had do to something. By purposely getting all D’s on her report card, she will prove to everyone that grades do not matter, but will her secret be revealed in the process?