Homeschool confession >>> I think we’ve done something different for reading/literature every year. Unfortunately, that means we haven’t hit a solid rhythm of how we do literature around here. On the flip side, we’ve never stopped reading and both kids LOVE books.
Both Jemma and Max constantly have a book … or two or three … in the works; sometimes a paperback, always one on audio, and last summer they even split the cost of a kid’s Kindle so they could share reading books digitally. To make sure we cover some of the classics and explore new genres, this year, we opted for a monthly book and accompanying report or project.
And by we, I mean me :) I presented a bundle of books and together we selected ten – one for each month of the school year. Below you’ll find Max’s required reading for 3rd great … and a little of what he thought about each one.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh
Jem read Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh book in 3rd grade and enjoyed it – Max was not as much of a fan. It’s a Newbury though so definitely worth a read!
Lightning Girl
Lightning Girl is the first of an Usborne book series. At 320 pages Max was a bit hesitant to take on such a giant book, but after just a few chapters he was hooked. He requested that I order books two, three, and four so he could continue the Lightning Girl adventures. You got it, buddy!
Need an Usborne gal for other quality reads and homeschooling resources? Join my sister’s Facebook page.
The One and Only Ivan
Max was quite excited to read The One and Only Ivan so we could have a mama son movie night after. I’m a big fan of reading books and then watching their film renditions so I was all about his plan! Max was very pleased to learn that there is a second book, The One and Only Bob, and quickly downloaded it from the library to listen after finishing Ivan. All in all, we are big Kristina Applegate fans – Willodeen, is her newest book (Max is reading this right now), and I personally adore Wishtree.
Usborne Illustrated Adventure Stories
Sadly Usborne’s Illustrated Adventure Stories is out of stock/retired, but you can find it secondhand pretty easily. It consists of renditions for young readers of The Count of Monte Cristo, The Prisoner of Zenda, The Three Musketeers, The 39 Steps, and Don Quixote. Max’s take away was, “pretty gruesome”.
The Three Musketeers
Another classic, The Three Musketeers! This was Max’s favorite of the above so he read a longer version. He took the whole musketeer vibe to heart because now he calls he and his brothers “the four musketeers”. Mouse SeriesThe Ra
The Ralph Mouse Collection
This was another that started as one assignment, The Mouse and the Motorcycle, that turned into Max asking for the whole series. Mama’s not complaining! Reid is listening to this collection on audio now based on Max’s recommendation.
How To Train Your Dragon
I actually thought this would be Max’s favorite book of the year, but, nope … How To Train Your Dragon wasn’t as big of a win as I thought it would be. It is another book/film option so that kept him motivated to finish. If your reader does loves it, know that this series by Cressida Cowell actually has 12 books in the collection.
Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows
In 2019 we met author Asia Citro and that has secured our love of all the Zoey and Sassafras books. Dragons and Marshmallows is the first and there are nine others … maybe more someday!
How To Eat Fried Worms
Jem read How To Eat Fried Worms in 4th grade and recommended it to Max – I mean, the title alone is pretty intriguing!
My Father’s Dragon
Max gave this two thumbs up! My Father’s Dragon was a big win and the book report Max wrote on it was one of his best. There are two books that follow too – Elmer and the Dragon and The Dragons of Blueland.
I had also picked The Cricket In Times Square, based on Jem’s recommendation, but Max was not at all interested and requested that he swap it for Lightning Girl. I agreed … for now. I think it just migrated to his 4th grade reading pile :) Maybe I’ll read it with him to encourage him to give it a try; it’s not one I remember reading as a child and Jem did say it was really good!
Last, but not least, this is the book report form and a few projects he got to choose from for each book:
- 3rd grade book report form
- Create a drawing of your favorite scene, include a quote in your best handwriting
- Make a recipe inspired by the book
- Watch an interview of the author and send them an email or letter
- Write a different ending or an idea for a sequel
Up next >>> Jemma’s 5th Grade Required Reading List