Getting your player ready...
A handful of Denver Public School teachers scoured their brains and bookshelves for the reads they think are worth their students’ free time that didn’t make the traditional summer reading list.
For young bookworms (preschool through elementary)
- “Sometimes I’m Bombaloo,” by Rachel Vail: “Katie sometimes gets angry and acts out inappropriately. Showing us the emotional arc of a tantrum, Bombaloo explores how strong emotions affect us while
opening the door to discuss them with our youngest learners.” — Mathew Easterwood, early childhood education teacher at Pascual LeDoux Academy - “¿Debo Compartir mi Helado?” by Mo Willems: “En este libro, el gracioso elefante no puede decidir si compartir su helado con su amiga cerdita o no. Después de mucho batallar para tomar una decisión, se lleva una gran sorpresa!” — Nubia Ponce, first-grade English language arts in Spanish teacher at Beach Court Elementary School
- “Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy,” by Gary D. Schmidt: “This well-written novel is based on a historic event in 20th-century New England. After Turner’s family moves to a new town, he
finds a welcome friend in Lizzie Bright. However, the two young people’s friendship is disrupted by certain adults’ greedy ambitions and unchecked prejudice. This novel contains beautiful prose, positive youth role models and examples of racism leading to disturbing events. Themes are great for critical thinking and discussions. Parents may wish to read this book too and discuss moral themes of compassion, equality and standing up for justice.” — Janet Draper, gifted education teacher at Beach Court Elementary School
- “Sees Behind Trees,” by Michael Dorris: “Young Walnut is visually impaired and wonders how he can earn his adult name. With persistence and his mother’s training, he develops other senses and skills that ultimately help the other members of his community.” — Draper
- “Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing,” by Judy Blume:
“This is the first book in
the Fudge series by Jude Blume. This story is about a 9-year-old boy, Peter Warren Hatcher, and his relationship with his 2-year-old brother, Fudge. Read to find out about the daily adventures Peter and Fudge have together!” — Arielle Schaffer, fourth-grade teacher at Barnum Elementary
For Maturing Bibliophiles (middle through high school)
- “I’ll Give You the Sun,” by Jandy Nelson: “Jude and Noah are twins and best friends until a tragedy drives them apart. This book dives into issues of first love, betrayal, family and loss. Told from alternating perspectives across three years, you will laugh, cry and fall in love with these characters.” — Margo Lane, ninth-grade English teacher at North High School
- “Dumplin’,” by Julie Murphy: “Willowdean Dickson is a hard-working, straight-talking,
Dolly-Parton-loving, self-proclaimed fat girl from Clover City, Texas. Over the summer and into the fall semester, she has a massive crush on a guy at work (who likes her back!), has a horrible falling out with her best friend, and, on a whim, signs up for the Miss Clover City Pageant. A sacred tradition reserved for the talented and beautiful, it doesn’t help that her critical mother is a gorgeous former queen and the current director. By taking on the pageant and her own self-doubt, Will must choose to go big or go home.” — Libby Lies, ninth- and 11th-grade language and literature teacher at John F. Kennedy High School - “Maya’s Notebook,” by Isabel Allende: “One of Allende’s most recent novels, Maya’s Notebook tells the tale of a troubled young girl from California who finds refuge among her distant family in southern Chile. This beautifully written novel weaves Chilean culture and a modern-day story of self-discovery.” — Jennifer Wetzig, Spanish teacher at East High School
- “Cat’s Cradle,” by Kurt Vonnegut: “This satirical book mocks the nuclear arms race, and, in true Vonnegut style, he creates a new substance called ice-nine. The best part about this book is the strange characters you meet and the humorous metaphors that are applicable in today’s society.” — Beth Lakin, 11th-grade English teacher at North High School
- “When You Reach Me,” by Rebecca Stead: “Newberry Award winner (sci-fi, mystery) that takes place in NYC and follows Miranda as she tries to unravel the mysterious notes she receives before it’s too late.” — Trish Ballado, coach and reading intervention teacher at Lake International School
- “Rot & Ruin,” by Jonathan Maberry: “Benny Immura turns 15,
and it’s time for him to find a job to earn his rations in the small, fenced community that survived the zombie apocalypse. Reluctantly, he decides to apprentice under his older brother Tom, a bounty hunter who tracks down zombies in the rot and ruin. A fast-paced, action-packed read with three sequels.” — Ben Bleckley, eighth-grade language arts teacher at Lake International School - “The Circuit: Stories from the Life of a Migrant Child,” by Francisco Jimenez: “This is the story of a family that comes to the United States from Jalisco, Mexico in the 1940s. It tells about their lives as migrant farm workers. Students who are second-language learners relate particularly well to this book, as he details what going to school with only English instruction felt like. Every chapter builds on the last but is also a perfect story by itself. It is moving and inspirational, especially because it is an autobiography, and the author was able to overcome many obstacles.” — Morgain Sanchez, reading intervention teacher at Lake International School
