I run at least two ARC review projects every year in 4th-6th grade classrooms, and in every ARC review classroom there is one of them: an ARC that the whole class has been reading and passing around and is on fire about. That book has a fair number ofcommon elements. It is a quick and easy read, usually a tad below grade level, and heavily illustrated, if not a graphic novel. It always has a strong vein of humor.
Most of the time it’s a surprise to me. for example last year I was all wrong about Charise Mericle Harper’s first Bean Dog and Nugget book The Ball. I’m a fan of her work, especially Go! Go! Go! Stop! but I thought these characters were a little disturbing on the visual plane. The kids were enthralled though.
This year when I walked back into one of my classes five kids had their hand up. “Do we get to keep the Yeti Files?” asked the class spokesman.” “Yeah,” everyone chimed in. “That book is so awesome.” It turned out that everyone had been reading it. I was soon made aware that is was the funniest and most fun book ever. Three kids had reviewed it.
The Yeti Files
This book is about a guy. George Vanquist who is looking for proof that Big Foot lives. The pictures make it more interesting.
I think this book is for ages 6-11. I would rate this book on a scale to 1-10 a 10, that’s because there’s lot’s of adventure. For example: the Yeti’s cousin runs away. He is running from George Vanquish. The Yeti’s don’t want to be found.
By Isaiah
There is a Yeti which is a creature that hasn’t been proven to exist. One got discovered by a man who wants to prove that Big Foot exists. It goes all over the news, he wants to find more. Then the Yeti ran away. The Yeti’s cousin went to find him and eventually did. Then the Yeti had a family reunion.
I really like this book because of the characters and humor. My favorite character is the spotted Yeti because of the way it looks. I also chose this book because there are only about ten words on each page so I could read it quicker.
I rate this book at 9 1/2 By Justin
Notable Aspects: He gets a ride from a unicorn.
A Yeti gets invited to his family reunion. And a Bigfoot finder is looking in the same woods and his helpers are an elf and a little demon. I think that lots of kids should read this book it’s funny. Stores should stock up on this book. It is super funny.
I would rate this book a 10.
by Osten
In my other class I discovered that that book was Mr. Pants: It’s Go Time. The virtues of this book were legion. Its official reviewer explained things this way.
Mr. Pants: It’s Go Time
Notable Aspects: It’s a graphic novel but it’s like a chapter book for beginning readers.
I think this is a really good book for both boys and girls. You don’t have to be a really good reader because it’s mostly pictures with word bubbles. It’s pretty expensive but I think it’s worth it. I read it three times!
Donavin
So that book, what does it all mean? Children want to connect with each other over a book, and the whole class will rally round as long as the more reluctant readers are all in. This form of literary community is invaluable and should be given every opportunity to come into being. This is why 4th through 6th grade teachers who do class readalouds of more challenging books during the course of the year are doing a smart and wonderful thing. There are good and bad methods for making a heterogeneous classroom come together. Having the high level readers act as teaching assistants is a bad idea. Mr. Pants: It’s Go Time, is a good idea.
Sound great, Lenny. I love the concept of class read-alouds. Want to treat your 4th to 6th graders to a read-aloud experience that will have them glued to their seats? Try my Underground Railroad adventure novel GHOST ROAD. I’ve done read-alouds as visiting author in a number of schools and even retirement communities (grandparents looking for a good book as a gift) and have held every audience of every age breathless to find out what’s going to happen next. It’s the story of 2 boys who are best buddies — one white, one AfricanAmerican. Their difference in skin color is of no importance to either of them but the writing community pleading for diversity in kids’ books love it. Order through Amazon.com and when school starts in the fall let me know how it goes in your classes.
Best from a former teacher/school librarian, now writer —
Betsy Sterman
We were pleased, if a little surprised, when Prisoner 88, by Leah Pileggi (Charlesbridge, 9781580895606) was the hot item in our Grade 5-6 school. It’s the story of a 10-year-old convicted of murder and locked up in the Idaho state penitentiary. On the basis of the kids’ enthusiasm as well as our own reading, we made it one of our Picks of the Year. Alas, the grim subject matter didn’t connect as well with adults buying gifts. But offered to kids, it’s a winner.