Fantasy and Science-Fiction

Title: Where the Wild Things are 

Genre: Fantasy 

Author: Maurice Sendak 

Major awards: Caldecott Medal 

Age group: 4-7 years 

Teacher Evaluation: I would definitely use this book in my classroom. I think it a classic book to read aloud. The grade level for this book would be 1st-2nd grade. After the read aloud, my students can write or draw about their own "Wild Things" and use their creativity. 

Summary: This book is about a boy who has a big imagination. While he is asleep, he thinks about being in an island and meeting creatures called, "Wild Things". At first, the Wild Things try to scared the boy but he is not afraid of them. The Wild Things rule him king and do as he says. 

Title: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory 

Genre: Fantasy 

Author: Roald Dahl

Major awards: N/a Audio book 

Age group: 7-10 years 

Teacher Evaluation: As a teacher, this would be an interesting book for students to read. I would want my students to read this book during a time they are learning about cause and effect. I think this book has made events where students can identity cause and effects situations. This is a chapter book, but has the audio version, therefore this book would most fit grade levels 4-5. 

Summary: This book is about a boy, named Charlie, who wins a ticket to go to the biggest chocolate factory. The chocolate factory is own by Willy Wonka, a secretive man. Charlie goes with his grandfather and 4 other kids to explore the factory. They are amused by what the see inside, but most of them have bad consequences due to their actions. 

Title: The Hero and the Crown 

Genre: Fantasy 

Author: Robin McKinley 

Major awards: Newbery Medal 

Age group: 8-12 years

Teacher Evaluation: I believe this book is for older students in 5th and 6th graders. It allows students to think what the messages or the theme of the book is. I would allow students to read this book by themselves and as class to discuss what is going on. This book is great to read during their reading class or time. Throughout the book, students will write short summaries, comprehension questions, and theme questions. 

Summary: This book is about a girl named Aerin. Her mom was a witch and cast a spell for the king to fall in love with her. She did not feel accepted by her father her due to that reason. Over time, she changes from a shy girl to a queen who protects her people from Northerns. Throughout the story, she fights dragons and goes through a journey to find her self. 

Title: Aliens for Breakfast 

Genre: Science Fiction 

Author: Stephanie Spinner 

Major awards: Bluebonnet Book

Age group: 5-7 years 

Teacher Evaluation: The appropriate grade level for this book would be 1st and 2nd grade. Students would enjoy reading this unique book about aliens. Especially when they are in science session learning about space. I think alien are interesting to them and will engage them to read the book. I would allow students to read this book by themselves or as a class in a read aloud.

Summary: This book is about a boy named Richard who was eating alien cereal one day and realized an alien was alive. The alien says he came to save Earth from evil Dranes, so they both go on a journey to save it. They go through different obstacles to reach their goal. 

Title: Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

Genre: Fantasy 

Author: Robert C. O'Brien

Major awards: Newbery Medal 

Age group: 8-10 years 

Teacher Evaluation: This novel is for 4th and 5th graders. They might think rats talking might be silly but can also enjoy reading it. I would use this book when learning about the genre of fantasy. This book will be read aloud and discuss thoughts about it. 

Summary: This book tells two stories at once. One story is about Mrs. Frisby who struggles to protect her family. She has a sick son but throughout the story he gets better but still struggles. The other story is about trained smart rats. Those rats are captured and experimented, but they escaped. They tell Mrs. Frisby about their experience.