My Life as a Book by Janet Tashjian was a great read for any kid who is a reluctant reader, or any kid for that matter. It is about a boy who, on his summer vacation, must go to academic camp when all he wants to do is play with his dog and solve the mystery of what happened to the girl who drowned in Martha's Vineyard (not scary, don't worry). Even for a student who struggles with vocabulary, this book is perfect; the main character struggles with vocabulary too so he illustrates the words in the margins! Excellent! (That would actually be a good activity to have students do. Maybe either in a journal or on index cards as a flip book?). This book would be appropriate for upper elementary grades ( I've seen it mostly with fourth and fifth grade) but third graders or strong second graders would be okay with it too, depending.
Overall, while this book was cute and entertaining it was not a really strong book. The plot was slightly watery and could have been developed more, but the charters are likable and can be related to easily. There is even a little message of don't judge someone before you really know them included, which is always a good idea. Plus, the idea with drawing vocabulary words is awesome!
Overall, while this book was cute and entertaining it was not a really strong book. The plot was slightly watery and could have been developed more, but the charters are likable and can be related to easily. There is even a little message of don't judge someone before you really know them included, which is always a good idea. Plus, the idea with drawing vocabulary words is awesome!