Project Read You Classroom Shelves #3

It's been a while since I did one of these, and to be honest, I haven't been making my way through the novels as quick as I would've hoped. But, I hit a rough patch with some of them that I just wasn't interested in, so it made it a little harder to continue reading.

White Sand, Red Menace by Ellen Klages

Via

Dewey and Suze are a little odd because they love physics and mechanics. Their parents helped work on the Manhattan Project and now the war is over. Dewey's dad has died, so she now lives with Suze's family and they moved to the middle of nowhere where the government is doing experiments with rockets and missiles. This book is basically a daily slice of life with them adjusting to a new city, 1940s gender stereotypes, racism against Hispanics, and Dewey's personal past. I actually didn't realize this was a sequel until near the end! I got a little bored because there wasn't a lot of plot (the main plot didn't really begin until about the last 1/3 of the book) nor do I really relate to the protagonists as I don't care about physics or mechanics. But, I think it is wonderful that there is a book for girls interested in hard sciences!

Where I'd Like to Be by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Via

Maddie is in the foster care system. She grew up with her Granny Lane claiming that she was saved as a baby by a ghost. She loves to collect pictures of people and houses in notebooks and makes stories up for them. A new girl named Murphy came to the Children's Home and turned Maddie's world into one of hopes and dreams. They, and some other friends, build a little fort that becomes their special place, their home and Maddie begins to understand more about people she cares for and where she'd like to be. This is an easy read...it could very well be for later elementary school. It was simple, yet deep at the same time. This would be a perfect read for students or children who have been in the system before.

Afternoon of the Elves by Janet Taylor Lisle

Via

This is another very easy read...more for Elementary than Jr. High. Young Hillary has been intrigued by the different, quiet, anti-social, sometimes temperamental Sarah-Kate who is two years older, but only one grade higher. They happen to be neighbors and in Sarah-Kate's over-grown, wild backyard, there is an elf village. Hillary is entranced and wants to know more, but her curiosity leads her to discover the sad truth about Sarah-Kate's personal and family life. She learns that elves aren't always as they seem. I really liked this book, it was cute, but deep, and the way that Hillary's eyes began to open though Sarah-Kate's uniqueness was brilliant. 

Which ones seemed interesting to you?

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