Showing posts with label beginner readers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label beginner readers. Show all posts

Thursday, February 2, 2012

Heidi Heckelbeck Has A Secret


Book: Heidi Heckelbeck Has A Secret
Author: Wanda Coven
Illustrator: Priscilla Burris
Publisher: Little Simon (Simon and Schuster)
Pages: 128
Grade Level: 1st-3rd
Rating: 4 Stars

After being homeschooled, Heidi Heckelbeck is going to school for the first time. She immediately dislikes the second grade, but nothing upsets her more than being teased by Meanie Melanie. This book sets the stage for more Heidi Heckelbeck books, as Heidi’s secret is not revealed until the last chapter and is the perfect segue into the second book of the series. (There is a sneak peak to book #2 at the end of this book.) The book is for readers beginning chapter books or slightly older reluctant readers. Any child who has ever been bullied will be able to relate to Heidi’s experience and will look forward to her retaliation in the second book. The illustrations compliment the text and capture the characters’ emotions and actions nicely.

I gave this book 4 stars because there are so many books like this for girls already out there, but I am definitely intrigued to find out what happens next!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Captain Awesome To The Rescue!



Book: Captain Awesome To The Rescue!
Author: Stan Kirby
Illustrator: George O’Connor
Publisher: Little Simon (Simon and Schuster)
Pages: 128
Grade Level: 1st-3rd
Rating: 5 Stars

Captain Awesome to the Rescue by Stan Kirby is a delightful story of a second grader named Eugene who moves to a new town and has to adjust to his new school and make new friends. Luckily, he has a superhero alter-ego, Captain Awesome that saves his new surroundings from the evils of little sisters and sneaky classmates. This is the perfect book for children beginning to read chapter books or slightly older children who are reluctant readers. The book is fast-paced and has relatable characters in real life situations. Children will cheer for Eugene and love him both as himself and as Captain Awesome. The pictures compliment the text and add to the humor throughout the book. I would confidently recommend this book to children in the public library and I am looking forward to the second book in the series!