​Written by Melissa Stewart
Illustrated by Sarah Brannen
Lexile level 910

This is a fabulous book for introducing similes, discussing bird adaptations, and inspiring your students to be observant when they’re out in the natural world. It’s also a fantastic book buddy read because the engaging kid-friendly similes will keep a kindergartner’s attention, while the scientific sidebars will challenge your older readers. This book pairs well with Cindy Jenson-Elliott’s Weeds Find a Way. Finally, Melissa and Sarah’s fellow New England writers and illustrators just awarded this book the Crystal Kite Award. Congratulations Melissa and Sarah! 

Ruby Lee & Me
By Shannon Hitchcock
Lexile Level 590

Over-the-moon happy to have found this gem before our historical fiction unit began. Author Carolyn Coman told Shannon Hitchcock to, “Take out everything that doesn’t have your heart,” and Hitchcock heeded Coman’s sage advice. As a result, readers who read at a 590 Lexile level are treated to a book that talks to their heart and to their emotional maturity level, instead of reading a book that may be at their semantic and syntax level but has little to do with the daily challenges they face in their lives. This book is a must have for any upper elementary classroom.