This week I read some books in preparation for Talk Like a Pirate Day on September 19. Not surprisingly, the kids really get into the spirit of things, which means I need to practice my pirate lingo and expressions!
The first graders are learning about trees -- and fall is just around the corner -- so I picked up a few picture books about trees at the public library.
As you can see, sometimes I have to read quite a few books before I find just the right one for our weekly read aloud in the library. To see what we read in the library each week, please check out the Weekly Read Aloud section of our website.
The last book I highlighted this week is Kate Messner's Capture the Flag, which I think would be great for 3rd grade and up. The main characters in the book, Anna, José, and Henry, must find out who stole the precious American flag that inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner," all while snowed-in at the Washington, D.C. airport! This is the first in a series of mysteries following the kids as they find and protect historical artifacts. I would especially recommend this book to 3rd graders (who are currently learning about American symbols and landmarks) and 5th graders (who study American history all year).
[Disclaimer: When you click on the image of the book it will take you to IndieBound, which supports independent booksellers (and small businesses) across the country. If you'd like to purchase the book, please consider getting it from an independent bookseller. In Robinson's case, that would be {pages} a bookstore in downtown Manhattan Beach. The owners of {pages} support our schools and students (their own children went through our school district); please reciprocate! If you purchase the book through my link, I will receive a small percentage of the purchase price as a commission. Whatever amount I may receive through this affiliate program will be applied right back to the Robinson Library.]
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We Planted a Tree by Diane Muldrow
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If Trees Could Talk by Paul Kay, Jr.
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Tree Ring Circus by Adam Rex
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Fletcher and the Falling Leaves by Julia Rawlinson
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Roger the Jolly Pirate by Brett Helquist
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The Pirate's Eye by Robert Priest
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Bubble Bath Pirates! by Jarrett J. Krosoczka
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The Pirate of Kindergarten by George Ella Lyon
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How to Babysit a Grandpa by Jean Reagan
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The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce
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Squid and Octopus: Friends for Always by Tao Nyeu
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Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns: A Muslim Book of Colors by Hena Khan
Boo: Little Dog in the Big City by J.H. Lee
Aoki by Annelore Parot
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Capture the Flag by Kate Messner