Sami's Book Recommendations
If you're new here, welcome! I am Sami, a mastered veteran teacher and founder of The Learning Garden. In this section, I share thoughtfully curated novel recommendations for families with children from kindergarten through eighth grade. My selections are designed to spark curiosity, foster a love for reading, and inspire deep connections with each text. Each book is chosen to align with different age levels and developmental stages.
Don't forget to check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store for novel studies, book reports, and reading logs that align directly with these novels.
Happy summer reading!
May 22, 2025: Upper Elementary Novels, Rated by my Students!
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
My Student’s Rating: â…˜
Pros: Intriguing, interesting, thought-provoking
Cons: Confusing because it can be “out of the box”
The Cay by Theodore Taylor
My Student’s Rating: 5/5
Pros: Adventurous, strong character development, emotional
Cons: Sad
View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg
My Student’s Rating: â…–
Pros: Characters are intertwined
Cons: Confusing to follow the many different point of views, confusing to follow how everyone is connected
The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare
My Student’s Rating: â…˜
Pros: Interesting history about our country and the Salem Witch Trials, incredible ending!
Cons: A little spooky / scary
Holes 5 by Louis Sachar
My Student’s Rating: 5/5
Pros: Strong character connections, great plot, adventurous and exciting
Cons: None!
Check out our TPT store and LinkTree!
LinkTree: The Learning Garden Naples