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short exciting books for 5th grader???

Submitted by an LD OnLine user on

My son needs to read numerous books for book reports-3 are required over Xmas break

He struggles w/reading-tests at a 4th grade level but I find he is only proficient with 3rd grade or lower stories. Someone on one of these boards suggested I find 4th grade material that was shorter in length.

THAT makes sense as the stories he enjoys are under 70 pages and have illustrations(Super Diaper Baby, etc) He always checks the number of pages in a book before anything else, so maybe its not reading level as much as length

But where to find this type of thing???? Arent there high action readers for reluctant readers in some school catalogs? Or would those be lengthy as well? I dont think short stories would work for reports..

Any ideas for specific books or catalogs for relevant material would be appreciated.

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 01/01/2003 - 9:35 PM

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get the series the Zak Files, short and funny books for kids or the Time Warp Trio, again, short and fun and for boys,

Zak Files are on the 3rd grade level, Trio is a little harder but good,

and why in the world do kids have to always do book reports, no wonder kids hate reading, if i had to do a report every time i read a book, i would never read,

geeez, libby

Submitted by Anonymous on Wed, 01/01/2003 - 10:41 PM

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Also visit your library and see if they have books on tape. If they do pick some you think he may enjoy and check out the corresponding book for him to follow along while he listens. Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary is one book we did this way.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/02/2003 - 5:56 PM

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I am not sure what level these books are but try the Captain underpants series, there are five books in the series. They are very funny books, almost more for adults then children but they are definitely geared toward kids.

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/02/2003 - 9:36 PM

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Besides Hatchet, which is exciting but too long, he’s written a *lot* of short-full-of-action books. (Also some other more ‘contemplative’ ones so skim through before you check ‘em out).

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 01/03/2003 - 12:54 AM

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Go for the Gold! Read (you doing the majority) Maniac Magee by Spindelli. It can be fun, it’s age appropriate - make it utterly and completely non-threatening (that’s why you’re getting the page limits!) No-one complains that a great basketball game is too long! Make it fun - Kenn Campbell

Submitted by Anonymous on Fri, 01/03/2003 - 5:26 AM

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Be careful. Canyons, for one, is not very well written. I like the Hachet series much better.

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 01/04/2003 - 5:07 AM

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I teach 4th grade. Lots of my kids who read on the third grade level love the Magic Tree House series. It is about the right number of pages for your child and is always exciting as the brother and sister travel together to some very exciting and informative places. I also suggest the Time Warp Trio. Start with the Knights of the Kitchen Table—It is hilarious!

Submitted by Anonymous on Sat, 01/04/2003 - 6:31 PM

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Take a look at the DK readers. They are on a variety of topics, mostly nonfiction, with lots of colored pictures. The level 4 would probably be just right for him. They have lots of books on sports and different animals. My boys love these books. Website is www.dk.com
Nan

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 01/06/2003 - 1:43 AM

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try author Roald Dah- Fantastic Mr Fox, Enormous Crocodile, He has a few other short ones. Dav Pinkwater with such titles as Ned Feldman Space Pirate and Wallpaper from Space. Stories Julian tells-Camron, The Ink Drinker (35pgs + lots of pictures)- Sanvoisin

Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 01/09/2003 - 6:47 PM

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My daughter who hates reading really has been devouring Lemony Snicket books. They are chapter books which are intriguing and introduce new vocabulary in a fun way.. You may want to buddy read one with him like I did with my daughter until she got hooked…

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