Here are a few stories we read (in no particular order) and would recommend. The kids were 6 (K) and 7 (1st). If there is a movie made after the book, we always watch that and compare the two. The kids have always agreed that the book is so much better (so far).
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor — 1992 Newberry Medal Award, 1994 Mark Twain Award
The kids really loved this book, and we were finished in about 8 days. They would ask me to read more and more. Turner is really into anything dog. They watched the 1st and 2nd movie.
Titanic Crossing by Barbara Williams — 1998 Mark Twain Award
My son really wanted to learn more about the Titanic, so we checked out a ton of non-fiction reading material, along with this fiction story. We didn’t enjoy the story that much, it’s okay, it just seemed a tad corny in places. Not sure if I would recommend.
Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White — Newberry Honor
Another classic that is on most everyone’s list. At this young age they really take to this story, and my kids enjoyed watching the movie afterwards (again and again).
A House is a House for Me by Mary Ann Hoberman
Short read, but very cute and wonderful illustrations. Perfect for young kids and beginning readers.
Hotel for Dogs by Lois Duncan
Great book, and a good way to talk about how the movies just mess it up sometimes 🙂 The movie was so far from the book, other than character names and the title it was completely different and a big let down (to both the kids and myself). The book is very well written though.
Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne
We have listened to books 1-37 so far, all on audiobooks checked out at our local library over the last year. When we are in the car an audiobook is generally playing. Both of my kids LOVE this series and they really learn a lot at the same time. They also have an account online the main website and they can take a 3 question quiz afterwards and earn a badge.
Stewart Little by E.B. White
Another wonderful story by E.B. White that younger children will really enjoy. We listened to this on audiobook.
Geronimo Stilton by Geronimo Stilton
An interesting series that takes you on many adventures through the eyes of a mouse. We have listened to books 1-6 so far, our library doesn’t carry the rest of the series, I think I may recommend they get them though…. they are that good!
Ghost Detectors series by Dotti Enderle
Jason has been reading this series to Turner before bed. Turner really enjoys it, although he could probably read these himself, we like to read to both kids before bed. They are on book #5.
Judy Moody series by Megan McDonald
This is the series I have been reading to Lilly before bed. They are educational, as well as funny. I enjoy them as much as Lilly. We are on book #12.
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