Virginia Readers Choice Elementary List 2020/2021 - vaasl

Virginia
                                        Readers Choice
                                       Elementary List
                                            2020/2021

Survivor Diaries: Avalanche by Terry Lynn Johnson. 2018. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
978-0-544-97118-9
A fast-paced narrative about twins, Ashley and Ryan, who are trapped by an avalanche on a family ski
trip. While struggling to survive in the cold, they witness a fight between a bear and a wolverine. This
adds to the already established tension of the story. The author has seventeen years of hands-on
experience and training in remote area survival. Although fiction, the reader learns real skills needed to
survive a disaster. Included are survival tips from the National Avalanche Center, U.S. Forest Service, and
the National Park Service. Lots of avalanche facts including vocabulary. Also, facts about how to react if
confronted by a bear. End notes link to avalanche informational websites. With full page illustrations,
this book is well written which makes it an excellent choice for the reluctant reader (and just the right
length- 84 pages). The Survivor Diaries series is similar to the I Survived series. Other books in the
Survivor Diaries series: Overboard!/ Lost!/ Dust Storm!
(realistic fiction)   A.R. 4.2 / Lexile 610L

Because of Rabbit by Cynthia Lord. 2019. Scholastic. 978-0-545-91424-6.
After being homeschooled, Emma is nervous about attending public school. Her game warden father
invites her to go along on a call to rescue a rabbit. Instead of a wild rabbit like they expected, the rabbit
appears to be a pet. Her father agrees to allow Emma to keep the rabbit until the owner can be found.
Entering public school in fifth grade, she discovers that friendships and cliques have already been
established. Navigating the social structure is difficult. Where does she fit-in? Enter a boy named Jack.
He is in Emma’s class and is not accepted by the other students. Jack and Emma are “paired” to
complete a school project. A friendship forms. Emma worries that her friendship with Jack will cause her
to be viewed, too, as “different”. Themes of loving care for pets, feeling excluded and wanting to fit in,
and nurturing empathy for people who seem unlike ourselves are woven into the story. Throughout the
story there are the memories of her French-Canadian grandfather telling her tales of the trickster,
Monsieur Lapin. It is fun to observe how Emma views her emotions as racing each other. “Is excited or
scared winning the race?” Written in a first-person narrative, Emma has to make some difficult choices.
Note that each chapter heading is a rabbit fact. The author uses her own personal background to tell
this story. Her son is on the autism spectrum, she homeschooled her children, and the family fostered
rabbits.
(realistic fiction) A.R. 4.3 / Lexile 660L

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Max and the Midknights by Lincoln Pierce. 2019. Crown Books. 978-0-545-91424-6.

The story about a kid being raised in medieval times by an uncle, who is an unsuccessful troubadour.
Max is expected to follow in her uncle’s footsteps but Max dreams of becoming a knight. With lots of
illustrations, this book is not completely a graphic novel. More a mix of prose and comics. This book is
perfect for that transitionary stage from picture to chapter books. The format of the book will give
readers a confidence boost in their abilities to handle a “big” book. There is one character, Kevyn , who
uses fancy words. Kevyn’s words could be a springboard to vocabulary development. The entire book
is slap-stick and groan worthy humor. WARNING: There are fart jokes.
(humor fiction)       A.R. 3.3/ Lexile GN490L (graphic novel)

Pay Attention Carter Jones by Gary D. Schmidt. 2019. Clarion Books. 978-0-544-79085-8.
Upon the death of their estranged grandfather, a military family is bequeathed a British butler. The
family is a bit broken. Especially, Carter, who is dealing with grief and anger. Throughout the story, he
learns that this burden may be lighter if shared. Mr. Bowles-Fitzpatrick, the butler, is very British and
very old-fashioned. This book has the feel of “Mary Poppins” without the magic. Amid the themes of
loss and change, the author mixes just the right amount of humor. A good example is when the butler
persuades Carter to write about the American Revolution from the British perspective. Be ready to
learn everything there is to know about the game of cricket. Each chapter is preceded by a brief entry
explaining cricket terminology and rules. Note that these chapter headings link to the chapter’s events.
Advice from the butler: "Make good decisions and remember who you are."
(realistic fiction)     A.R. 5.3/ Lexile 840L

BOB by Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead with Illustrations by Nicholas Gannon. 2018. Feiwel
and Friends. 978-1-250-30969-6
A story of magic and friendship with a touch of a fairy tale. It has been five years since Livy has visited
her grandmother in Australia. She has little memory of her last visit until she discovered BOB in the
closet where she left him. He is a short, greenish creature who is dressed as a chicken. He can’t
remember who or what he is and where he came from. BOB reminds Livy that, five years ago, she
promised to help him. The one thing they do know is that BOB is not a “zombie, fake chicken”. BOB has
a sarcastic sense of humor that will make you smile. The chapters alternate between Livy and BOB’s
individual perspectives. BOB has amazing vocabulary skills because he knows how to use a dictionary.
Behind all this mystery is the drought gripping the region where Gran Nicholas lives. Crops will not grow,
and Gran is on the brink of having to sell her property. The illustrations of Nicholas Gannon add
narrational value to the story. BOB is not about fairies, elves, or unicorns. BOB is altogether something
new! The book is a joint collaboration between Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead. It appears that Stead
wrote the Livy chapters, and Mass wrote the Bob chapters. And, don’t miss the My Favorite Words by
BOB section. This is a thought-provoking book about childhood friendships, change, growing older and
figuring out who you are. A story about the magic of being a kid.
fantasy fiction)    A.R. 3.9/ Lexile 640

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Dragons in a Bag by Zetta Elliott with illustrations by Geneva B. 2018. Random House.
978-1-5247-7048-8
Jaxon is sent to spend the day with a lady whom he thinks is his grandmother, Ma. Turns out that
cantankerous, old Ma is not his grandmother or anyone’s grandmother. She is a witch who wants to
retire but has one more mission to accomplish. Thus, Jaxon is caught up in the job of delivering baby
dragons to a mystical realm where they will be safe. This is when the magic begins. (Including an
invisible man!) Along the way, the reader discovers the magic in the world is in danger of disappearing
due to the lack the trained witches. Rich in Brooklyn culture, the wonder of magic is very real in this
story but approached in a way that feels authentic. The Brooklyn setting is well described, especially
Prospect Park. Attractive illustrations supplement the story. With themes of friendship, loyalty, courage,
honesty, and family, this book is a perfect “gateway” chapter book. Sequel: The Dragon Thief
(urban fantasy fiction)      A.R. 4.7 / Lexile 740L

Thirty Minutes over Oregon by Marc Tyler Nobleman with illustrations by Melissa Iwai. 2018.
Clarion Books. 978-0-544-43076-1.
During WWII, a Japanese pilot flew bombing missions over Oregon. On September 9, 1942, a Japanese
pilot named Nobuo Fujita was catapulted into the air from a submarine off the coast of Brookings,
Oregon. His mission was to ignite a fire that would destroy the forests and near-by towns. In total, he
attempted two bombings. Both failed. Fast forward to 1962, the Brookings Jaycees invited Fujita to
their Memorial Day festival. In spite of being skeptical about attending, he went. A friendship began
between the people of Brookings and this pilot who is struggling with guilt. It is interesting to note that
Nobuo donated large amounts of money for the Brookings town library to purchase children's books
that celebrate other cultures. “He wondered if WWII would have been different had his generation
grown-up reading books like these.” This remarkable true story, beautifully illustrated in watercolor, is
an important and moving account of forgiveness and reconciliation after war. A detailed author's note in
the back matter relates more about World War II and Fujita -- including the fact that he was known as
the "only foe to bomb America". Of a sensitive note, there are a few mentions of kamikaze missions and
the main character does contemplate traditional Japanese suicide, seppuku, for a shamed person.
(biography picture book)       A.R. 5.7 / Lexile 970L

Klawde: Evil Alien Warlord Cat by Johnny Marciano and Emily Chenoweth. 2019. Penguin
Workshop. 978-15247-8720-2.
Because of his ruthless rule, the evil alien warlord, Klawde, is banished from his planet to Earth. Here he
meets Raj, who has recently moved from New York city to a small town in Oregon. Although a bit
untrusting of each other, Klawde and Raj become the strangest of allies. Raj has to endure Nature Camp,
and Klawde has to endure the indignities of being a cat on Earth. The “cat insights” from Klawde are
laugh-out-loud funny. The story is written in first person point of view alternating between Raj and
Klawde. Cartoon type illustrations add to the humor of the story. By the way, Klawde is quite distressed
by how everything on Earth seems to require thumbs. Part of a series: Klawde, the Evil Warlord Cat:
Enemies/ Klawde, the Evil Warlord Cat: Spacedog Cometh/ Klawde, the Evil Warlord Cat: Target Earth
(release in May 2020)/ Klawde, the Evil Warlord Cat: Emperor of the Universe (release in October 2020).
(science fiction/ humor)       A.R. 4.4 / Lexile 590L

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Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes, and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs by Melissa Stewart with
illustrations by Stephanie Laberis. 2018. Peachtree Publishers. 978-1-56145-936-0
A lighthearted look at animal adaptations. This book demonstrates the value of lesser known animal
traits. Some use size to help them slip into tiny cracks when enemies arrive while others use repellent
odors to keep enemies away. Written in a questions and answer format, the reader will learn what
characteristics help animals survive. The author has added small paragraphs of additional information
about each animal at the back. A great mentor text for habitats and animal features. (nonfiction picture
book)       A.R. 4.4 / Lexile 720L (adult directed)

Song for a Whale by Lynn Kelly. 2019. Random House. 978-1-52477023-5
Iris can fix just about anything electronic but struggles to fit into her school community. Iris is Deaf. In
science class, Iris learns about a special whale, Blue-55. This whale sings at a different frequency than
the other whales. As a result, the whale cannot communicate. This whale has never been accepted by a
pod. Iris feels an instant connection and seeks to help. With the assistance of her grandmother, she
sets out on a journey to connect with the whale. Miracles, coincidences, and serendipity (a cruise to
Alaska!) happen in this book. Throughout the story, the reader experiences the view point of the
whales. This is a stretch for realistic fiction but you imagine what the whales may be thinking. The
author sprinkles in facts, like whale spout and fluke shapes, while making it feel like a normal part of the
story. With over 25 years of experience as a Deaf interpreter, the author writes sensitively about this
topic. Her afterword about Deaf Culture and ASL is detailed and informational. Additional author notes
provide more information about the 52-hertz whale on which this fictional story is based.
(realistic fiction)    A.R. 5.3/ Lexile 800L

END NOTE The purpose of this document is to encourage the use of the Virginia Readers
Choice books to supplement classroom instruction and to provide the readers with models of
well written literature. With topics such as self-image, loss of family, change, and acceptance,
the themes of the books also help the student “live in someone else’s shoes”. Other selections
reinforce historical concepts and scientific facts. Still, other choices are just for fun. Enjoy your
time getting to know these books and authors.

Tamara Teaff
Virginia Readers Choice Selection Committee (2015-2018)
tteaffbcps@gmail.com

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