Time drags by for Winnie Foster, an eleven-year-old girl who lives in a house bordering the woods owned by her family. Winnie spends her summer days under the watchful eye of her grandmother. Most of the time it's too hot to be out in the sun, and when Winnie does actually venture outside, she never goes beyond the fence of the yard. This book is about a young girl who gets kidnapped and then adopted into a family. This book could be used in a classroom to discuss changes and new experiences. Students can write a journal entry on how the felt during this new experience and how it affected their lives. 

Fiction 

Grade 3-8

Level W 

Matty has lived in Village and flourished under the guidance of Seer, a blind man, known for his special sight. Village was a place that welcomed newcomers, but something sinister has seeped into Village and the people have voted to close it to outsiders. Matty has been invaluable as a messenger. Now he must make one last journey through the treacherous forest with his only weapon, a healing power he unexpectedly discovers within himself. This book could be used in the classroom to talk about ways of life and communities. It can also be a reminder of the definition of honesty and how it is an important aspect of society.

Level V

Grade 6-8

 Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community.

December is the time of the annual Ceremony at which each twelve-year-old receives a life assignment determined by the Elders. Jonas watches his friend Fiona named Caretaker of the Old and his cheerful pal Asher labeled the Assistant Director of Recreation.

But Jonas has been chosen for something special. When his selection leads him to an unnamed man — the man called only the Giver — he begins to sense the dark secrets that underlie the fragile perfection of his world. This book can be used in the classroom to talk about community, courage, and bravery. It can also lead to a discussion on responsibilities and leadership in the classroom.

Grade 6-12

Level Y 

I love love love this book! My mom use to read this book to me when I was a little girl. The book is about a young raccoon named Chester that is nervous about starting school. His mother kisses his palm and tells him that "whenever you feel lonely and need a little loving from home, just press your hand to your cheek and think, 'Mommy loves you. Mommy loves you." This book would be great to read to your class on the first day of school. It allows the students to make book to self connections. You may also add an activity at the end of the read where the students get to trace their on hand draw a heart in the middle of their palm to connect with the book and fully comprehend the text. Then they may place the hands where they are visible to the class as a reminder of love from home. 

PreK-K

Fountas and Pinnell: Level I