Fantasy / Sci Fi

Author: Roald Dahl http://www.roalddahl.com/ was a British novelist that wrote children's novels that usually had to do with an ordinary kid in an extraordinary position...dealing with giant peaches, children-eating giants, abusive adults, and magical chocolate factories. The children in the stories always always prevail and there are many laughs in the process! Sometimes the vocabulary is a bit advanced because he uses English words at times. He has written over 50 children's books, novels, short stories and poems. Make sure that the books you choose are children's novels rather than novel as they won't be suitable for children. Here are a few of his better known works.

The BFG-4.8: The BFG (big friendly giant) teams up with Sophie to combat the not-so-friendly giants who are intent on gobbling children.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-4.8: Charlie and 4 other kids get picked to tour the world's most wonderful (and magical) chocolate factory.
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator-4.4: Picking up from where "Chocolate Factory" left off, Mr. Wonka, Charlie, and his family are launched into space.
Matilda-5.0: Mailda uses her mental powers to get the evil headmistress out of her school.
James and the Giant Peach-4.8: James enters a peach as big as a house and goes on a wild ride.

A Series of Unfortunate Events is another series written by Lemony Snicket aka Daniel Handler. In this unlucky number 13 book series, Lemony Snicket tells the story of 3 orphaned siblings who must thwart their Uncle Olaf's plans to kill them and steal their inheritence. The author is constantly telling the reader to stop reading the books because they are too scary or too sad to bear. It is a tongue-in-cheek type of dark humor that kids seem to really enjoy. I have talked to some of my old students of this book and they either love it or hate it...I'd give it a try just in case your child loves it! (Also, it was made into a movie which sometimes helps kids to read!)



I just finished reading the book, A Wrinkle in Time. This book was written by Madeleine L'Engle in 1962. The book is about a young girl named Meg, her little brother, Charles Wallace, and their friend, Calvin, being sent on an important task of saving Mr. Murry, Charles and Meg's father. Their father is a physicist, and they have a feeling that is the reason for his mysterious disappearance. Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which, guide Meg, Charles, and Calvin across time and distance, to the planet their father is on. It is then up to the three children to save their father, and get through the evilness on the planet.

Grade Level Equivalent: 5.8
~This is a fairly advanced book, but I could really see it as one that captures the interest of a certain population of elementary kids. It is an "older" fantasy book, compared to many they are reading now, so it would be a neat book for them to compare with their other fantasy and science fiction books. Have fun browsing!
~Amanda


This epic series has been since revived, with the release of the Chronicles of Narnia movie, and most recently, Prince Caspian. This is often a favorite among more advanced elementary readers, middle schoolers, and young adults.

Grade Level Equivalent: 6.1
This may be a series best suited for reading along with your child, where you read some to them, and they read some to you. This will allow for rich discussion with your child, and a higher level of comprehension for them. Have fun reading!
~Amanda


What a cute story! I read this book aloud to my third graders, and they loved it. It turns out, there are six books in this series, which is fantastic because series are wonderful at keeping kid's attention. The characters are very well written, and keep the kids completely entertained. Choose some of these books for your kids if they need a fun read!

Grade Level Equivalent: 4.9


Ella Enchanted is a charming story about a girl who had an unfortunate spell cast on her when she was born. Her fairy godmother, Lucinda, gave her the spell of obedience. This then causes Ella to have to obey every order given to her, even if it will put her in danger! This book is full of fairies, elves, ogres, giants, and of course, a prince. I listened to this book as an audiobook, and I really loved it.

Grade Level Equivalent: 5.1


I JUST started reading this book, and since it's fairly lengthy, I'm barely into it. I couldn't resist posting, though, because a lot of my 3rd graders have read it, and they really love it. This is a series, which is a plus, and I can't wait to see what all the fuss is about! It's been exciting to find all sorts of new books to read, that I wouldn't usually pick up and read! I'll keep you posted on my thoughts...

Grade Level Equivalent: 7.8