It has been such a terrific summer to dive into a good book ~ not too hot, not too cool. I have read so many wonderful books this summer, I wish I could share them all! One of my favorites stories for the fifth grade is Sahara Special, by Esme Raji Codell. This book is about a fifth grade girl who has difficulty with school and learning. She has given up on school and although she is capable, she spends her time at school doing very little...Until one day she meets her new teacher, Miss Pointy. From that point on, everything changes. I love this book because it is a book about hope. It is a book about unlocking the special places within us that make us unique and special. It celebrates children for who they are. It is also a book about writing and how our stories, written down, can make a dramatic impact on others. I can't say enough wonderful accolades about Sahara Special!

Summer reading~

What a great summer to spend some time reading! I have read a few books so far, some children's novels and some novels adult novels. I am currently reading a book that took place where I grew up in Vermont. I love it when the stories live in you throughout your day, even when you put the book down. 

I just finished a book, Wild Wings, by Gill Lewis. This book takes place in the beautiful countryside of Scotland. It is about a friendship that develops between the main character Callum and a new girl in town, Isis. She is mysterious character and an avid naturalist at heart. Together they find an Osprey nest and track a family of Osprey from Scotland to Africa. This book reminded me of A Bridge to Terrabithia when I read it. If you like a book about the wonders of the natural world, you will love this book. Both my boys enjoyed it. It is well written and has a mystifying, fanciful tone. A great summer read!  

This summer my family is going to New Hampshire for a few days in July. We are looking forward to visiting some places we've been before but we're especially excited to try the Mountain Coaster, Waterslides, and the Alpine Slides at Attitash. Both of my kids have to do their summer reading requirements so we plan to have some quiet time each day when we all take a break and read. Some fun places to read are under the shade of a tree, in a rocking chair on the porch, on a blanket in the grass, in a reading corner in the kids' rooms or my favorite at the beach! I'd like to reread some books that I use in class with my students so I am ready to use them for teaching but I also think I'll read some of the chapter books my daughter is reading so we can talk about them together. Aside from that I plan to find some great summer books just for me to read! Looking forward to sharing our reading together in September! Happy summer! :) Mrs. Costa