Because of Winn-Dixie

DiCamillo, Kate. Candlewick Press (August 6, 2001).
*Appropriate for grades 3-6*

Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni is feeling lonely. She's moved with her father, the preacher, to Naomi, Florida- and all of her friends have been left behind. One day, Opal is shopping for groceries at the Winn-Dixie when she notices a stray dog who has slipped inside. Havoc ensues, and Opal saves the dog (and the store owner) by taking him home. He's a stinky, scruffy dog who loves to smile, and he is named after the place in which he was found. Winn-Dixie has a special talent for making friends. This story recounts all of the good things that happen to Opal because of her big, ugly, loveable dog.

• Friendship is an important theme throughout this book. You might have a class discussion about the qualities of a true friend, and then ask students to create a written response in any form (poetry, news articles, short stories, etc).
  
• Winn-Dixie is a constant companion to Opal, and this might raise the question, "What was Winn-Dixie thinking?". Students might retell a part of the story from the dog's perspective.
  
• When Opal loses Winn-Dixie, she imagines 10 characteristics about him that she could display on posters around town. Students might choose a favorite character from their just-right reading and create a 10 characteristic poster for him/her.
  
• Opal struggles with the fact that her mother has left her. This is a good book for students to read if they are dealing with similar issues in their lives.
  

Hoot

Hiaasen, Carl. Knopf Books for Young Readers (September 10,2002).
*Appropriate for grades 4-7*

Roy Eberhardt is the new kid at Trace Middle School in Coconut Grove, Forida. Roy is putting up with being bullied by Dana Matherson on the bus one morning when he notices a blonde boy running- with no shoes. Unable to fight his curiosity, Roy decides to find out where this boy is running and why he isn't in school. He discovers that this boy is a run-away who is dedicated to saving the miniature owls that are burrowing in a flagged construction site for a new pancake house. Roy decides to join this boy, Mullet Fingers and his step-sister, tough Beatrice, in their cause.

• Carl Hiaasen had written a great deal of novels for adults, all of which are set in Florida. Hoot is no exception, and would be a good companion for studying ecosystems and endangered species of this region.
  
• Students will also notice the switch from chapter to chapter between Roy and Officer Delinko's experiences, and this will lend itself to lessons on perspective.
  
• The theme of bullying weaves throughout the story. Hiaasen shows us that this issue is not as black-and-white as it seems. Roy's interactions with Dana provide many opportunities for discussion and debate about right from wrong within the classroom.

Stargirl

Spinelli, Jerry. Laurel Leaf: Reissue Edition (May 11, 2004).
*Appropriate for grades 5-8*

Leo Borlock is an ordinary teenager, attending an ordinary high school in Mica, Arizona. Nothing that is out-of-the-ordinary ever seems to take place, until one day when a new student shows up. She calls herself Stargirl, wears pioneer dresses and kimonos, plays her ukulele in the cafeteria, and cheers for you if you pick up litter from the floor. A little brown rat named Cinnamon travels with her everywhere. The kids at school just don't know what to make of her. Leo finds himself in love. Trouble ensues, however, when Stargirl cheers for the opposing team during basketball season. Stargirl doesn't seem to mind being shunned by her classmates, but Leo (now labled as "Starboy") grapples with being involved with an unpopular girl.

• Spinelli's talent for crafting eloquent, beautiful description shines in this narrative. This is a wonderful text for teaching elaboration, simile and metaphor to your students.
  
• This novel lends itself well to discussions about popularity, acceptance, and belonging.
  
• Reminiscent of I'm in Charge of Celebrations by Bird Baylor: Stargirl teaches Leo to meditate, listening to the earth and seeing the beauty in the most simple things.
  

Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little

Gifford, Peggy. Schwartz & Wade (May 8, 2007).
*Appropriate for grades 3-5*

A classic tale of procrastination, Moxy meant to read Stuart Little all summer. Between her synchronized swim practices and creating the List of 210 Possible Career Paths with her best friend, Sam, it just didn't happen. It is now the last day of summer vacation, and Moxy needs to read the entire book before the first day of 4th grade... however, her fantastic imagination just keeps getting in the way.

• Unenthusiastic readers will love this quick read, which includes real photographs to illustrate Moxy's day (taken by her twin brother, Mark). This is a chapter book, yet the text is short. Some chapters span less than one page.
  
• A great read-aloud choice for the first days of school and discussing the difference between "just right" versus "have to" books.
  
• Daydreamers and procrastinators will easily connect with this humorous story.
  

Bridge to Terabithia

Paterson, Katherine.
Harper Collins Publishers: Scholastic Edition (1996).

*Appropriate for grades 4-7*

Jess Aarons is a lonely kid. His family doesn't notice him, and he doesn't have many friends at school. The only thing Jess cares about is drawing and running. He decides that he will be the fastest racer in the fifth grade, but his plans are spoiled when a new girl comes to town. Leslie Burke is a tomboy. She lives across the field from Jess, she's weird, outspoken, and she can outrun every boy in school. Despite his initial hesitance, Jess becomes inseparable from Leslie. They create a secret kingdom in the woods called Terabithia, of which they reign King and Queen. Because of Leslie, Jess begins to see the world as a happier place. He must learn to deal with her loss, however, once tragedy strikes in Terabithia.

• Discuss the symbolism of bridges in this novel: where is Terabithia, and why does Jess need a bridge to get there? Bridges can symbolize journeys. What kind of journeys were taken in this book? Students may want to illustrate their reactions.
• Have students discuss their feelings about Leslie's death. How can we cope with grief over the loss of a loved one?
• Students may choose Leslie or Jess, and list all of the qualities of true friendship that either character possesses in the novel.