Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast
Written by Josh Funk
Illustrated by Brendan Kearney
Lexile Level 890

It’s the end of September and you’re on a roll. Your readers’ and writers’ workshops are up and running and you’re looking to have some fun and introduce your students to some figurative language. Look no further than Josh Funk’s Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast. Not only is every food character personified, but it also includes a literal twist on the idiom, “a fork in the road.” If you’re not ready to introduce figurative language yet, offer it as a book buddy choice. The older students will love sharing this entertaining yet important message about friendship with their younger buddies. Dig in!

By Cecilia Galante
​Lexile level 660

​As the light wanes and the smell of burning leaves replaces the scent of freshly cut grass, it’s the perfect time to read Cecelia Galante’s The World from Up Here. The natural tendency at this time of year is to give into our fears as darkness nears, but Galante encourages each reader to fan the flicker of bravery that resides within each one of us through two sixth grade characters, Wren and Silver. Together they not only face Witch Weatherly who resides in their town on Creeper Mountain, they also find the courage to face the fear that resides within themselves.

                                                                                        Save Me a Seat
                                                             By Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan
                                                                                       Lexile Level 780

 
            Looking for the perfect read aloud to get your school year off to a good start? Grab a copy of Save Me a Seat and start reading. Not only will your students enjoy the humorous plot and voices, but it’s an easy lead into discussing why it’s so important to talk with people to get to know them, instead of assuming you know them by their appearance and/or reputation. In addition, the book’s dual narrators, Joe and Ravi, dish up voices that are often overlooked in middle grade novels. Joe, receives special education services, and Ravi, is a recent immigrant to the United States. For the final course, readers can follow the recipes in the back of the book and bake up one or both of the desserts. Enjoy!

Here's a link to Sarah Weeks website with the book overview: sarahweeks.com/books/save-me-a-seat/overview/
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