Sideways Stories From Wayside School by Louis Sachar

I love this series, including the arithmetic books.  When I read them to my students, I always have a discussion about how it may be okay for students at that school to talk that way or to do those things because they are not at our school.  I want to make sure they know it is a fictional story because I don't want them to pick up some of the bad habits that the students display in this book.  The book is so obviously fiction, it is easy to help them see the distinction.  It is such a fun series to read.  The first one is my absolute favorite.

Tuesday by David Weisner

This is a wonderfully illustrated picture book.  David Weisner tells a wonderful story through descriptive illustrations.  You can sit down with your child and make up your own story but talking about the illustrations.  I just love this book.  David Weisner is one of my favorite children's authors.  I fall in love with his books every time I read another one written and illustrated by him.  This story tells about what happens to some frogs one Tuesday evening around 7pm. . . . a very entertaining story.

Sway: The Irresistible Pull of Irrational Behavior by Ori Brafman and Rom Brafman

Oh my goodness!  I found this book so fun to read.  It is amazing to hear about an event and the decisions people make in those conditions.  It is easy to say you wouldn't behave that way but that irresistible urge to behave irrationally is one that we have all felt at one time or another and you then can sympathize with those individuals.  This book can be read for enjoyment or as a self help book to help you discover why you behave irrationally and start to think more logically.  I liked this book.

My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier & Christopher Collier

I remember reading this book in middle school.  I remember really enjoying reading it.  It is a sad story because obviously Tim's, the main character, brother, Sam, dies.  However, it takes place during my favorite historical era, the Revolutionary War era.

Still Alice by Lisa Genova

Anyone who knows someone with Alzheimer's Disease or believes they may develop Alzheimer's Disease one day should read this book.  This is a fictional first hand account of a woman who develops Early Onset Alzheimer's Disease at age 50.  It was very insightful.  It was an easy book to read but at the same time it was kinds of depressing especially if you believe one day you will develop the disease.  I really enjoyed this book and recommend you read it to help you gain new insight regarding those people diagnosed with the disease.

Heaven is For Real. . . by Todd Burpo

This book recounts the story Todd's son had when he almost died when he was 4 years old.  I found this a very easy book to read but it was also thought provoking.  Most of the things his son described sound true enough.  Some, I'm not so sure.  In any case it is interesting to see this 4 year old's perspective of the afterlife.

Eve and the Choice Made In Eden by Beverly Campbell

I really enjoyed this book.  It is a great celebration of womanhood.  It explains a little why women sometimes tend to be considered second class citizens but beautifully explains why they should be revered.

This is a nonfiction religious book but I found it very easy to read.  Every woman should read this marvelous book.  Every child of Eve should honor Eve by reading this book.