Wanna Buy an Alien? by Eve Bunting & illustrated by Tim Bush

I randomly chose this book from a list of "transitional fiction for kids" at the library. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but the book ended up being really enjoyable. If kids are ready for some more challenging and informative reading material, and they like suspense, mystery, and science fiction genres, then Wanna Buy an Alien? is a great book to use in the 2-4th grade classroom. It's a newer publication also (2000) so the book contains a lot of references to technology and computers, good for the technologically-savvy student. The text includes all kinds of dialogue, important "clues" and "letters," and other new formatting which translates into = beneficial read-a-loud in the classroom.

Miss Nelson is Missing, by Harry Allard & illustrated by James Marshall

I remember hearing this book from a teacher in my own elementary days. It is about a horribly misbehaved class of children whose teacher goes "missing" and is replaced by the "witch" Miss Viola Swamp. The kids learn not to take advantage of their kind-hearted teacher. In the end the reader/listener finds out that Miss Viola Swamp and Miss Nelson are actually the same person. This is a good mystery introduction for kids. Asking questions throughout the text comes very naturally with this book.

Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst & illustrated by Ray Cruz

Another favorite. One of the most memorable books form my childhood - perhaps because I could really relate with Alexander and nothing going how he wanted it to. This book is engaging for younger kids and is appropriate for use in 1-3rd grade classrooms. It really teaches a valuable lesson - you can't always get what you want... EVEN IF YOU MOVE TO AUSTRALIA. This book can spark a wonderful discussion in the classroom, for instance "how could Alexander have reacted differently to the problems presented during his day?"

From Head to Toe, By Eric Carle

Carle is great at writing interactive books that kids can relate to and enjoy. This is definitely the case with the book: From Head to Toe. In this catchy rhythmic book, different animals demonstrate movements and the catch line asks the listeners, "Can you do it?" The interactive nature of the book engages children's voices and bodies. I imagine reading this book with kindergarten or first graders as an on-your-feet exercise. It would be great for introducing young elementary kids to different parts of the body, or just for getting the kids out of their desks and moving. Another area this book addresses is building self-confidence.

What was I Scared of? By Dr. Seuss

I really love this story. Dr Seuss' rhyming style is fun to read and to listen to. In this book the main character (a bear?) encounters a "pair of pale green pants with nobody inside them." The bear is scared but, in the end an important moral is established. Seuss' intention with this book (as with many others) was to help children & parents understand that difference should not be frightening. A great book for all ages!

Roxaboxen, by Alice McLerran & Illustrated by Barbara Cooney

One of my childhood favorites! This book seems appropriate for reading with kids who are ages six to ten. Published in 1991, this book is based on true events of childhood memories as remembered by the author's mother. "Roxaboxen" is the name of the community created and constructed by the children living in the desert in Arizona. The story is very captivating and enables children's imaginative/creative side. This could be a very useful book for introducing a science unit about the desert or desert plants.

Charlie & Lola - But excuse ME THAT is my book, by Lauren Child

This book by Lauren Child is wonderful for younger elementary children, probably K-2. Something I personally like about this specific book is that it is part of a series so it can be an ongoing read-a-loud in the classroom. All books in the series include the characters Charlie and Lola (brother and sister). In this particular book, kids can learn about libraries and what they have to offer. The illustrations as well as the sing-song style of Child's writing is very engaging.