Turtles In My Sandbox (Jennifer Keats Curtis)

 

I discovered this one on Epic last year when we ended up doing school online after school got cancelled. Now that we're back in school and doing City Wildlife, I can't help but read and discuss this story again with my students. It teaches a lot but is still a story that captivates kids. I read that some schools on the east coast actually raise tarrapins in their classroom and then release them in the Spring. That would be SOOO cool!

Goodreads says:

Imagine finding turtle eggs in your sandbox! When a mother diamondback terrapin lays eggs in a young girl's sandbox, the girl becomes a -turtle-sitter- to help the babies safely hatch. She raises the teeny hatchlings until they become big enough to fend for themselves in the wild. Then, with the help of experts, she releases them. Along the way, she learns about these unique animals and that she has made an important contribution to their survival. The -For Creative Minds- educational section includes terrapin fun facts and a turtle habitat craft. 

The War That Saved My Life (Kimberly Brubaker Bradley)

 

I listened to this on audiobook. It was a totally compelling story! It was heartbreaking and full of hope at the same time. Not sure if it would work for my grade three students, but could be a great Battle of the Books selection for grade 4. 

Goodreads says:

An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of Jefferson’s Sons and for fans of Number the Stars.
 
Ten-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada’s twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn’t waste a minute—she sneaks out to join him.
 
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan—and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
 
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity—a classic in the making.

Curious George Builds a Home (Margaret Rey)

 

Simple story but touches on some good concepts for our structures unit!

Goodreads says:

When Curious George meets a homing pigeon, he decides that his home, with im-provements, would be perfect for his new friend. This paperback picture book explores the concepts of planning and design.