Book of the Week #1 (May 29, 2017)

For our first Book of the Week of the summer, here is a story about the importance of reading.  In The Bee Tree by Patricia Polacco, Mary Ellen tells her grampa she is bored with reading.  Grampa takes Mary Ellen outside to find a bee tree and taste the delicious honey.  To find such a tree, Grampa catches a few bees in a jar to lead them to the honey.  As they release one bee, they start chasing it.  They come upon friends who join them on their journey to find the bee tree.  Once the tree is discovered, everyone enjoys the scrumptious honey.  Later, Grampa has Mary Ellen taste some honey on a book.  He compares the book to their adventure of finding the bee tree.

As you read this summer, discover books that will lead you on an adventure and want to "taste" more books.  Happy reading!  Remember to return here each Monday for another Book of the Week.

May 2017 Book of the Month

For the last Book of the Month, we are reading The Summer My Father Was Ten by Pat Brisson.  In the story, a father tells his daughter about one particular summer when he played baseball.  During a game, he ruins the neighbor’s garden.  The neighbor is upset.  So, the next spring, the girl’s father helps his neighbor plant the new garden.  Not only does he learn about gardening and hard work, but he gains a new friend.  This book focuses on many different themes: helping others, correcting mistakes, and plant life cycles.  Enjoy the story and happy summer!  J

Continue to visit marlinliteracy.blogspot.com this summer as you will find Book of the Week each Monday.  These books will have a variety of themes and will keep students actively reading.

Don't forget to sign up for and participate in the Monroe County Public Library Summer Reading Program, too.  Check out their website for more information: mcpl.info/childrens/summer-reading-program-mcpl.

Finally, Mrs. Melnick and Ms. Glenn-Helmer's future 5th and 6th grade Language Arts students are challenged to participate in "The Reading Road Trip" this summer.  Those students will record the books they read on a reading log (see below).  Reading keeps the mind working!