BLOGS > OCTOBER 9, 2024
Wit & Wisdom recommends hundreds of books as part of their K-8 English language arts curriculum. Help students develop literacy skills and expand their vocabulary while building practical knowledge in science, history, geography, and other topics with their recommendations.
View the Top 5 most popular books in the Wit & Wisdom Book Collection below, and see the full list here:
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By Rick Riordan
Percy, expelled from six schools for being unable to control his temper, learns the truth from his mother that his father is the Greek god Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half Blood where he is befriended by a satyr and the demigod daughter of Athena who join him in a journey to the Underworld to retrieve Zeus's lightning bolt and prevent a catastrophic war.
“The sardonic tone of the narrator's voice lends a refreshing air of realism to this riotously paced quest tale of heroism that questions the realities of our world, family, friendship, and loyalty.” – Kirkus Reviews
By George Orwell
A political satire in which animals take over running a farm but find their utopian state turning into a dictatorship. Includes bibliographical references.
“…educators might consider Odyr’s adaptation – made impressive with urgent, looming art – not as a replacement, but certainly as a tool for enrichment.” – Booklist
3. Wonder
By R.J. Palacio
Ten-year-old Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities and was not expected to survive, goes from being homeschooled to entering fifth grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunts and fear of his classmates as he struggles to be seen as just another student.
“A memorable story of kindness, courage, and wonder.” – Kirkus Reviews
4. The Diary of a Young Girl: The Definitive Edition
By Anne Frank
A thirteen-year-old Dutch-Jewish girl records her impressions of the two years she and seven others spent hiding from the Nazis before they were discovered and taken to concentration camps. Includes entries previously omitted.
“This crisp, stunning translation provides an unvarnished picture of life in the ‘secret annex.’' In the end, Anne's teen angst pales beside her profound insights, her self-discovery, and her unbroken faith in good triumphing over evil.” – Publishers Weekly
5. The Birchbark House (New Edition) (Book 1)
By Louise Erdrich
A fresh new look for this National Book Award finalist by Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist Louise Erdrich! This is the first installment in an essential nine-book series chronicling one hundred years in the life of one Ojibwe family and includes charming interior black-and-white artwork done by the author.
“Eager readers beguiled by her sturdy and engaging person will scarcely notice that they have absorbed great draughts of Ojibwe culture, habits, and language. It's hard not to weep when white settlers drive the Ojibwe west, and hard not to hope for what comes next for this radiant nine-year-old.” – Kirkus Reviews
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