Contemporary Realistic Fiction
Events and characters are made up, but there's a potential for things to happen in real life
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/586890.png?136)
100
Days and 99 Nights
By: Alan Madison
Esme was the daughter of a man who was in the army, and they had lived in many different countries. Their most current location was in the U.S. Esme liked to collect stuffed animals that she kept close to her. She didn't own an animal for letter X, but she had some stuffed animals for all of the other letters of the alphabet. Her grandfather then brought her one for X. Esme's dad told her and her brother, Ike, that he was being deployed for 100 days; she gave him her favorite blankie to take with him. Things for Esme and her family changed after he left; it was less structured. Even their pancake days on Saturdays weren't the same. Every night, she would have one of her stuffed toys sleep with her. This was one way of keeping track of the time that her father was gone. Esme proposed helping the troops while staying at home, and her classmates organized events that helped pass the time. Eventually, her dad did come home and returned her blankie to her.
Esme had to face reality, and the fact that her dad might not have returned home safely to his family. She also had to deal with moving around to new locations and reajustments. This is a look inside of what it might be like to be a part of a military family. This book is also very repetitious in it's wording, which could aid children in their reading skills.
By: Alan Madison
Esme was the daughter of a man who was in the army, and they had lived in many different countries. Their most current location was in the U.S. Esme liked to collect stuffed animals that she kept close to her. She didn't own an animal for letter X, but she had some stuffed animals for all of the other letters of the alphabet. Her grandfather then brought her one for X. Esme's dad told her and her brother, Ike, that he was being deployed for 100 days; she gave him her favorite blankie to take with him. Things for Esme and her family changed after he left; it was less structured. Even their pancake days on Saturdays weren't the same. Every night, she would have one of her stuffed toys sleep with her. This was one way of keeping track of the time that her father was gone. Esme proposed helping the troops while staying at home, and her classmates organized events that helped pass the time. Eventually, her dad did come home and returned her blankie to her.
Esme had to face reality, and the fact that her dad might not have returned home safely to his family. She also had to deal with moving around to new locations and reajustments. This is a look inside of what it might be like to be a part of a military family. This book is also very repetitious in it's wording, which could aid children in their reading skills.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/8708120.png?162)
Bridge
to Terabithia
By: Katherine Paterson
Illustrated by: Donna Diamond
Jesse Oliver Aarons Jr., lived with his four sisters, his mother, and his father. One of Jesse’s favorite things to do was to go run in the cow field, so he’d get fast enough to win the races the boys participated in at school. His mom yelled at him a lot, and his dad was always away from the house. He had a music teacher, Miss Edmunds, which he liked to spend time with; she was the only teacher that didn’t disapprove of Jesse drawing. Leslie Burke and her family had moved in next door. When it was time for the races at school, Leslie wanted to join in, which wasn’t the norm for girls. They boys decided to let her race, and she won the whole competition. One day, when Leslie and Jess were hanging out, Leslie mentioned that she wanted to have a secret place to hang out in. They found a place in the woods and called it Terabithia. From then, they dealt with problems such as bullies at school and the heavy rain, but when they would go to Terabithia, they seemed to enter a new world.
One morning, Miss Edmunds called Jess and asked him if he wanted to go to Washington with her to a museum. When Jess got home, his family was sitting around the table. Brenda, his older sister, then blurted out that Leslie had died. The rope Leslie and Jess had used to get across the creek broke when she was swinging across. Jess was in denial, but his dad comforted him. His disbelief then turned into anger. He feared that he almost lost May Belle, his younger sister, when she tried to cross the tree branch that he put over the creek to Terabithia. He saved her and decided to take lumber and build a real bridge over it. Although he decided to move on from Terabithia, he kept it alive by sharing it with May Belle and naming her queen.
This book shows that unexpected things can happen at any time, even a little girl’s death. It walks the reader through different stages of grieving that show it’s okay to be upset. It also reminds the reader that death isn’t always the end, and people are able to move on.
By: Katherine Paterson
Illustrated by: Donna Diamond
Jesse Oliver Aarons Jr., lived with his four sisters, his mother, and his father. One of Jesse’s favorite things to do was to go run in the cow field, so he’d get fast enough to win the races the boys participated in at school. His mom yelled at him a lot, and his dad was always away from the house. He had a music teacher, Miss Edmunds, which he liked to spend time with; she was the only teacher that didn’t disapprove of Jesse drawing. Leslie Burke and her family had moved in next door. When it was time for the races at school, Leslie wanted to join in, which wasn’t the norm for girls. They boys decided to let her race, and she won the whole competition. One day, when Leslie and Jess were hanging out, Leslie mentioned that she wanted to have a secret place to hang out in. They found a place in the woods and called it Terabithia. From then, they dealt with problems such as bullies at school and the heavy rain, but when they would go to Terabithia, they seemed to enter a new world.
One morning, Miss Edmunds called Jess and asked him if he wanted to go to Washington with her to a museum. When Jess got home, his family was sitting around the table. Brenda, his older sister, then blurted out that Leslie had died. The rope Leslie and Jess had used to get across the creek broke when she was swinging across. Jess was in denial, but his dad comforted him. His disbelief then turned into anger. He feared that he almost lost May Belle, his younger sister, when she tried to cross the tree branch that he put over the creek to Terabithia. He saved her and decided to take lumber and build a real bridge over it. Although he decided to move on from Terabithia, he kept it alive by sharing it with May Belle and naming her queen.
This book shows that unexpected things can happen at any time, even a little girl’s death. It walks the reader through different stages of grieving that show it’s okay to be upset. It also reminds the reader that death isn’t always the end, and people are able to move on.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/8241133.png?166)
Chrysanthemum
By: Kevin Henkes
When a baby mouse was born, her parents called her Chrysanthemum. As Chrysanthemum grew up, she liked her name a lot. When she started school, the other mice laughed at her name, announcing that it was far too long, and her name was a flower. School didn’t get much better for Chrysanthemum, and a mouse named Victoria caused much of the trouble for her, always pointing out that her name was a flower. Her teacher, Mrs. Chud never seemed to stop the problem. Mrs. Twinkle was their music teacher, who gave them all parts for the play. Chrysanthemum was given the part to be a daisy, which the children thought was humorous. Mrs. Twinkle went to see what the problem was. After the children told her that a Chrysanthemum is a flower, Mrs. Twinkle said that so was hers (Delphinium); she also announced that if a daughter (she’s pregnant) is born, she may choose to call her Chrysanthemum. After that, the children had a change of heart and wanted to be called flower names too. Chrysanthemum also had a change of heart about her name and loved it once more. Mrs. Twinkle did end up having girl named Chrysanthemum.
This story would most certainly touch children who believe their names are not typical. Not only this, but it would show other children with “normal” names that a less common name can also be special. One of the main themes that happen here is bullying, as Chrysanthemum is excluded and made fun of because of her name, which hurts her feelings. The book emphasizes her name, and she always has people to back her up and reassure her that her name is in fact, beautiful.
By: Kevin Henkes
When a baby mouse was born, her parents called her Chrysanthemum. As Chrysanthemum grew up, she liked her name a lot. When she started school, the other mice laughed at her name, announcing that it was far too long, and her name was a flower. School didn’t get much better for Chrysanthemum, and a mouse named Victoria caused much of the trouble for her, always pointing out that her name was a flower. Her teacher, Mrs. Chud never seemed to stop the problem. Mrs. Twinkle was their music teacher, who gave them all parts for the play. Chrysanthemum was given the part to be a daisy, which the children thought was humorous. Mrs. Twinkle went to see what the problem was. After the children told her that a Chrysanthemum is a flower, Mrs. Twinkle said that so was hers (Delphinium); she also announced that if a daughter (she’s pregnant) is born, she may choose to call her Chrysanthemum. After that, the children had a change of heart and wanted to be called flower names too. Chrysanthemum also had a change of heart about her name and loved it once more. Mrs. Twinkle did end up having girl named Chrysanthemum.
This story would most certainly touch children who believe their names are not typical. Not only this, but it would show other children with “normal” names that a less common name can also be special. One of the main themes that happen here is bullying, as Chrysanthemum is excluded and made fun of because of her name, which hurts her feelings. The book emphasizes her name, and she always has people to back her up and reassure her that her name is in fact, beautiful.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/8707429.png?177)
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
By: Mo Willems
The bus driver leaves his bus unattended for a while. The pigeon in the story keeps asking the reader if it can drive the bus, but the reader isn’t supposed to let it in this interactive book. The bus driver then comes back. At the end, the pigeon sees a truck that looks appealing.
By: Mo Willems
The bus driver leaves his bus unattended for a while. The pigeon in the story keeps asking the reader if it can drive the bus, but the reader isn’t supposed to let it in this interactive book. The bus driver then comes back. At the end, the pigeon sees a truck that looks appealing.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/1746525.png?162)
Freak the Mighty
By: Rodman Philbrick
Maxwell, who was a tall boy, was claimed to have a learning disability, and the narrator of the story, lived in the basement of his grandparent’s house. Down the street, a boy Max remembered as “Freak,” moved in with his mother, Gwen. Kevin was really Freak’s actual name, and he was extremely smart. He was also very short and had braces on his legs. The two became friends and went to a fireworks show together. Max lifted Freak up onto his shoulders, so he could watch the show from up there. Tony D., a troublemaker, tried to attack the two boys, and Freak, from on Max’s shoulders, steered Max into the water, which saved them from the bullies. They named themselves “Freak the Mighty.” After that, the two boys were always going on quests, one of which, Freak told Max that he was getting a bionic transplant for his body.
Kenny Kane, or Killer Kane, was Max’s dad. Kenny killed his wife and was sent to prison for it, but he got out and went to retrieve Max. He constantly told Max that he really didn’t kill his mother, but Max had witnessed the whole thing when he was young. His father stashed him away and tied up where his old friend Iggy lived. While Loretta, a nasty woman who lived with Iggy, tried to save Max, Kenny tried to strangle her. Later, Freak showed up and outsmarted Kenny, saving Max and Loretta. Eventually, it was time for Freak’s operation, but he didn’t survive. He had told Max about the bionic transplant, but it wasn’t what he really meant; Kevin knew he was going to die.
This story was very interesting, especially because it was about someone who thought he was less than average and another who knew despite things that may have been wrong about him was more than average. It was a friendship that brought Max to better himself and brought him some light into his life. Everyone judged the two of them, but they were people that almost anybody could actually want to have; no one seemed to want to really get to know them though. That’s a strong lesson. This story also covers the topic of a friend dying. The story leads on giving the reader the impression that you have to make your own adventures in life and actually live to the fullest extent.
By: Rodman Philbrick
Maxwell, who was a tall boy, was claimed to have a learning disability, and the narrator of the story, lived in the basement of his grandparent’s house. Down the street, a boy Max remembered as “Freak,” moved in with his mother, Gwen. Kevin was really Freak’s actual name, and he was extremely smart. He was also very short and had braces on his legs. The two became friends and went to a fireworks show together. Max lifted Freak up onto his shoulders, so he could watch the show from up there. Tony D., a troublemaker, tried to attack the two boys, and Freak, from on Max’s shoulders, steered Max into the water, which saved them from the bullies. They named themselves “Freak the Mighty.” After that, the two boys were always going on quests, one of which, Freak told Max that he was getting a bionic transplant for his body.
Kenny Kane, or Killer Kane, was Max’s dad. Kenny killed his wife and was sent to prison for it, but he got out and went to retrieve Max. He constantly told Max that he really didn’t kill his mother, but Max had witnessed the whole thing when he was young. His father stashed him away and tied up where his old friend Iggy lived. While Loretta, a nasty woman who lived with Iggy, tried to save Max, Kenny tried to strangle her. Later, Freak showed up and outsmarted Kenny, saving Max and Loretta. Eventually, it was time for Freak’s operation, but he didn’t survive. He had told Max about the bionic transplant, but it wasn’t what he really meant; Kevin knew he was going to die.
This story was very interesting, especially because it was about someone who thought he was less than average and another who knew despite things that may have been wrong about him was more than average. It was a friendship that brought Max to better himself and brought him some light into his life. Everyone judged the two of them, but they were people that almost anybody could actually want to have; no one seemed to want to really get to know them though. That’s a strong lesson. This story also covers the topic of a friend dying. The story leads on giving the reader the impression that you have to make your own adventures in life and actually live to the fullest extent.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/2385597.png?138)
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
By: E.L. Konigsburg
Claudia Kincaid, the only girl of four children, wanted to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City because she thought she wasn’t treated fairly at home. Claudia, who was twelve, decided she wanted to take her brother Jamie, who was nine, with her. She calculated her plan to run away, and made it to the museum. During the times that the museum would be opening and closing, she and Jamie hid in the bathrooms. When the two decided to start learning about things in the museum, they stumbled upon an angel statue that was believed to be made by Michelangelo. Claudia became focused on the statue and wanted to uncover the mystery of whether or not this was a famous statue. They found a clue that they sent to the museum, hoping that would solve the mystery, but the museum had already found that clue. Claudia felt defeated, and Jamie wanted to go home. Claudia stopped him and said they needed to go to Mrs. Frankweiler, the former owner of the statue, to find out the truth. Mrs.
Frankweiler wasn’t very cooperative, but eventually told the two kids that if they could find the file in her cabinets about the statue, they could have the answer. Time was almost out when they finally found it; the statue was made by Michelangelo, but she said if they told her secret, she’d write them out of her will (she had promised them the file after she passed).
By: E.L. Konigsburg
Claudia Kincaid, the only girl of four children, wanted to run away to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City because she thought she wasn’t treated fairly at home. Claudia, who was twelve, decided she wanted to take her brother Jamie, who was nine, with her. She calculated her plan to run away, and made it to the museum. During the times that the museum would be opening and closing, she and Jamie hid in the bathrooms. When the two decided to start learning about things in the museum, they stumbled upon an angel statue that was believed to be made by Michelangelo. Claudia became focused on the statue and wanted to uncover the mystery of whether or not this was a famous statue. They found a clue that they sent to the museum, hoping that would solve the mystery, but the museum had already found that clue. Claudia felt defeated, and Jamie wanted to go home. Claudia stopped him and said they needed to go to Mrs. Frankweiler, the former owner of the statue, to find out the truth. Mrs.
Frankweiler wasn’t very cooperative, but eventually told the two kids that if they could find the file in her cabinets about the statue, they could have the answer. Time was almost out when they finally found it; the statue was made by Michelangelo, but she said if they told her secret, she’d write them out of her will (she had promised them the file after she passed).
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/3144080.png?197)
How Full is Your Bucket?
By: Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer
Illustrated by: Maurie J. Manning
Felix’s grandpa told him that everyone has a metaphorical bucket that can be either filled or emptied, based upon whether or not people would make you feel good or bad. The next day everyone was making him feel bad, so his bucket was getting close to empty. When he read a story of his in class, everyone made him feel good, so his bucket was full again. He also found out that his bucket would fill if he filled someone else’s bucket.
By: Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer
Illustrated by: Maurie J. Manning
Felix’s grandpa told him that everyone has a metaphorical bucket that can be either filled or emptied, based upon whether or not people would make you feel good or bad. The next day everyone was making him feel bad, so his bucket was getting close to empty. When he read a story of his in class, everyone made him feel good, so his bucket was full again. He also found out that his bucket would fill if he filled someone else’s bucket.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/4202012.jpg?160)
Judy
Moody Was in a Mood
By: Megan McDonald
Illustrated by: Peter H. Reynolds
On the first day of school, Judy was in a bad mood and didn’t want to go. When she got there though, she found out that she was to make a “Me collage,” which perked her up a bit. She put a lot of things on it: she wanted to be a doctor, the trick she played on her brother, Stink, her favorite pet, and her family. Throughout the three weeks she spent making her collage, Judy was in a lot of situations that put her in a bad mood, and she would often pout about it. An example of this was when her family went on her brother’s field trip, and she couldn’t go. When she was finished her collage, her dad and brother brought it to school. To her dismay, Stink had spilled juice all over her project. This time, instead of getting as upset as she usually did, she decided to constructively turn the stain into her home state. With that, she was in a great mood.
Although this is a chapter book, there are many pictures that help give the reader a clear picture on what’s happening in the story. A good lesson to get from this book is that bad things happen, but it’s no use getting into a bad mood over it and let it ruin your day. Looking at things in a positive light can improve your day.
By: Megan McDonald
Illustrated by: Peter H. Reynolds
On the first day of school, Judy was in a bad mood and didn’t want to go. When she got there though, she found out that she was to make a “Me collage,” which perked her up a bit. She put a lot of things on it: she wanted to be a doctor, the trick she played on her brother, Stink, her favorite pet, and her family. Throughout the three weeks she spent making her collage, Judy was in a lot of situations that put her in a bad mood, and she would often pout about it. An example of this was when her family went on her brother’s field trip, and she couldn’t go. When she was finished her collage, her dad and brother brought it to school. To her dismay, Stink had spilled juice all over her project. This time, instead of getting as upset as she usually did, she decided to constructively turn the stain into her home state. With that, she was in a great mood.
Although this is a chapter book, there are many pictures that help give the reader a clear picture on what’s happening in the story. A good lesson to get from this book is that bad things happen, but it’s no use getting into a bad mood over it and let it ruin your day. Looking at things in a positive light can improve your day.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/6855182.jpg?198)
Miss Nelson is Missing
By: Harry G. Allard Jr.
Illustrated by: James Marshall
The class didn't behave for Miss Nelson, so the next day, she didn't come to class. A new, mean teacher came in her place. The class didn't like this new teacher; they decided to get an investigator to help them find Miss Nelson. They got to her house, but they only found the replacement teacher. Later, Miss Nelson came back, and the kids were finally good. The whole time, it was Miss Nelson in a disguise.
By: Harry G. Allard Jr.
Illustrated by: James Marshall
The class didn't behave for Miss Nelson, so the next day, she didn't come to class. A new, mean teacher came in her place. The class didn't like this new teacher; they decided to get an investigator to help them find Miss Nelson. They got to her house, but they only found the replacement teacher. Later, Miss Nelson came back, and the kids were finally good. The whole time, it was Miss Nelson in a disguise.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/2258562.png?168)
Owen
By: Kevin Henkes
Owen was a little mouse, who had a yellow blanket. His parents thought it was time for him to give it up because he took it everywhere he went. They had a few tricks up their sleeve including the Blanket Fairy, putting vinegar on it, and just telling him no, but none of it worked. At the end, Owen's mom had an
idea: make the blanket into a handkerchief, so he can take it to school with him.
By: Kevin Henkes
Owen was a little mouse, who had a yellow blanket. His parents thought it was time for him to give it up because he took it everywhere he went. They had a few tricks up their sleeve including the Blanket Fairy, putting vinegar on it, and just telling him no, but none of it worked. At the end, Owen's mom had an
idea: make the blanket into a handkerchief, so he can take it to school with him.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/394000.jpg?189)
Snowflakes
Fall
By: Patricia Maclachlan
This book talks about how none of the snowflakes are identical, and they fall in many different places. Sometimes when it snows, it’s eerie, but when it’s done, it’s a wonderland. It also lists some things you can do with the snow: make snowmen, snow angels, snow forts, and going sledding. At the end, it says that children aren’t identical, just like snowflakes.
This may help children realize that they don’t need to be just like everyone else, as the snowflakes are good metaphors for this. They are special in their own way.
By: Patricia Maclachlan
This book talks about how none of the snowflakes are identical, and they fall in many different places. Sometimes when it snows, it’s eerie, but when it’s done, it’s a wonderland. It also lists some things you can do with the snow: make snowmen, snow angels, snow forts, and going sledding. At the end, it says that children aren’t identical, just like snowflakes.
This may help children realize that they don’t need to be just like everyone else, as the snowflakes are good metaphors for this. They are special in their own way.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/6102461.png?177)
Snow
Music
By: Lynne Rae Perkins
This story took place inside of a snow globe. A boy woke up to find out that it had snowed the night before. He had a dog, who got away from him. Many of the things in this book seemed to have a sound attached to it, from the dog to the snow itself. Eventually, the boy did find his lost dog and praised it. His reasoning behind this was that he wanted his dog to want to come home.
This book had an interesting take on what could be considered music, which some children might just assume are every day sounds. The pictures inside were beautifully illustrated. The words were not the type that just went straight across the page; they were arranged in all sorts of patterns, which can teach children to use their creativity when writing or using language.
By: Lynne Rae Perkins
This story took place inside of a snow globe. A boy woke up to find out that it had snowed the night before. He had a dog, who got away from him. Many of the things in this book seemed to have a sound attached to it, from the dog to the snow itself. Eventually, the boy did find his lost dog and praised it. His reasoning behind this was that he wanted his dog to want to come home.
This book had an interesting take on what could be considered music, which some children might just assume are every day sounds. The pictures inside were beautifully illustrated. The words were not the type that just went straight across the page; they were arranged in all sorts of patterns, which can teach children to use their creativity when writing or using language.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/4583883.png?180)
Somebody Love You, Mr. Hatch
By: Eileen Spinelli
Illustrated by: Paul Yalowitz
Mr. Hatch wasn’t one to smile or associate with other people all that much. He was always in the same routine. One day, that all changed when he got a Valentine’s Day package. He received candy with a card that said “Somebody loves you.” His outlook on life changed, and he was very happy. He started talking to other people and being nice. The mail man came back and told him the Valentine’s Day treat was delivered to the wrong house, so Mr. Hatch thought that no one did really love him. He went back to his old routine. Because of the nice things Mr. Hatch had done while he was happy, people did end up liking him. They decorated his house. Mr. Hatch realized that he did have people there for him; he now had friends. He was happy.
By: Eileen Spinelli
Illustrated by: Paul Yalowitz
Mr. Hatch wasn’t one to smile or associate with other people all that much. He was always in the same routine. One day, that all changed when he got a Valentine’s Day package. He received candy with a card that said “Somebody loves you.” His outlook on life changed, and he was very happy. He started talking to other people and being nice. The mail man came back and told him the Valentine’s Day treat was delivered to the wrong house, so Mr. Hatch thought that no one did really love him. He went back to his old routine. Because of the nice things Mr. Hatch had done while he was happy, people did end up liking him. They decorated his house. Mr. Hatch realized that he did have people there for him; he now had friends. He was happy.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/2146412.png?192)
The Runaway Bunny
By: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrated by: Clement Hurd
A bunny really felt like running away, but his mother said that she’d chase
after him. The bunny said he’d turn into different things like a fish and a
bird. His mother’s rebuttle was that she’d be a fisherman or a tree, and the
bunny would come back to her. The bunny decided it would be better to stay
home.
By: Margaret Wise Brown
Illustrated by: Clement Hurd
A bunny really felt like running away, but his mother said that she’d chase
after him. The bunny said he’d turn into different things like a fish and a
bird. His mother’s rebuttle was that she’d be a fisherman or a tree, and the
bunny would come back to her. The bunny decided it would be better to stay
home.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/3766715.png?216)
The Snowy Day
By: Ezra Jack Keatz
Peter, a little boy, had awaken to snow on the ground. He got dressed in his
winter clothes and ventured outside. He heard the sounds of the snow, and he did
different snow activities like making footprints, making a snowman, and making
snow angels. Peter put a snowball in his coat pocket to have for later and went
inside. He went to see if it was still in there, but it had melted on him. Peter
went to bed and woke up to it snowing again, so he went out to play in it with
his friend.
By: Ezra Jack Keatz
Peter, a little boy, had awaken to snow on the ground. He got dressed in his
winter clothes and ventured outside. He heard the sounds of the snow, and he did
different snow activities like making footprints, making a snowman, and making
snow angels. Peter put a snowball in his coat pocket to have for later and went
inside. He went to see if it was still in there, but it had melted on him. Peter
went to bed and woke up to it snowing again, so he went out to play in it with
his friend.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/8673797.jpg?201)
The Wall
By: Eve Bunting
A father and son go to a wall that has the names of the soldiers from the Vietnam War. They want to find the boy’s grandfather’s name. The two find it, and the father scratches the name on a piece of paper. He also puts the boy’s picture on the ground under the name, while the boy wishes he got to meet his grandfather.
By: Eve Bunting
A father and son go to a wall that has the names of the soldiers from the Vietnam War. They want to find the boy’s grandfather’s name. The two find it, and the father scratches the name on a piece of paper. He also puts the boy’s picture on the ground under the name, while the boy wishes he got to meet his grandfather.
![Picture](/uploads/2/6/1/0/26104123/1698250.png?209)
Walter the Farting
Dog
By: William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray
Illustrated by: Audrey Colman
A family got a dog named Walter, who farted all of the time. They took him to the vet to get checked for his problem. No matter what the doctor suggested, such as a diet change, nothing worked. The father wanted to give Walter back to the dog pound. Walter wanted to stop farting, so he didn’t have to go back there. While the family was away one day, burglars got into the house. Unfortunately, Walter couldn’t stop them because he was in pain because he refused to fart. Eventually, he couldn’t help himself anymore, let go, and scared the burglars away. The burglars were caught, and the family kept Walter.
This story’s theme is definitely about accepting others, even if they aren’t perfect. That shouldn’t mean that anyone has to turn away from them because everyone has flaws, but they also have something to offer.
By: William Kotzwinkle and Glenn Murray
Illustrated by: Audrey Colman
A family got a dog named Walter, who farted all of the time. They took him to the vet to get checked for his problem. No matter what the doctor suggested, such as a diet change, nothing worked. The father wanted to give Walter back to the dog pound. Walter wanted to stop farting, so he didn’t have to go back there. While the family was away one day, burglars got into the house. Unfortunately, Walter couldn’t stop them because he was in pain because he refused to fart. Eventually, he couldn’t help himself anymore, let go, and scared the burglars away. The burglars were caught, and the family kept Walter.
This story’s theme is definitely about accepting others, even if they aren’t perfect. That shouldn’t mean that anyone has to turn away from them because everyone has flaws, but they also have something to offer.