Reading recommendations for 3rd and 4th graders

Hi everyone,

One of our assignments in Youth Programs this year was to come up with a Booktalk Bookmark for 3rd and 4th graders recommending books in a certain genre. My choice was CSI Files (mystery, detective stories). Of our ten selections, eight had to be from the past two years, and only two could be older titles.

I think it's a pretty good list so I wanted to share, especially if you are shopping for someone in this age range. I think you'd find something for every reading level with this group. First I list the titles, as they would appear on a bookmark, and then you'll see a description and the reasons I selected the particular titles.

Enjoy!

Booktalk Bookmark

Theme: CSI Files for 3^rd and 4^th graders

Bookmark titles:

Agatha, Girl of Mystery: The Curse of the Pharaoh written by Steven Stevenson, illustrated by Stefano Turconi

Ballpark Mysteries: The Astro Outlaw written by David A. Kelly, illustrated by Mark Meyers

Capture the Flag by Kate Messner

Case Closed? Nine Mysteries Unlocked by Modern Science, written by Susan Hughes, illustrated by Michael Wandelmaier

The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure, written by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Kevin Cornell

Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective, written by Donald J. Sobol

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, written by Chris Grabenstein

Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth, written by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser

Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Super Sniffers: Dog Detectives on the Job by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Descriptions:

Agatha, Girl of Mystery #1: The Curse of the Pharaoh written by Steven Stevenson, illustrated by Stefano Turconi, Grosset & Dunlap, 2013, ISBN 9780448462172

- A young Agatha Christie is on the case in this series of mysteries. In this book, 12-year-old Agatha is an international detective, investigating a stolen Egyptian artifact. I picked this title because of the appeal of series to this age group. I also liked having a girl detective role model. This series is a good choice for kids who enjoyed Cam Jansen. Perhaps it will inspire kids to read the real Agatha Christie novels when they get older.

Ballpark Mysteries #4: The Astro Outlaw written by David A. Kelly, illustrated by Mark Meyers, Random House Books for Young Readers, 2012, ISBN 9780375868832

- In this series, baseball and mystery are combined to guarantee a hit among fans of both genres. Each book in the series is set in a different ballpark across the country, and gives history and facts about the stadiums. In this book, two cousins try and solve a mystery at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Texas. I picked this particular title in the series since it is set in Texas. Also, sports are a big part of a lot of kids’ lives and I thought it would appeal to sports fans. I also liked having a more “boy-friendly” title to balance out the Agatha and Nancy Clancy selections, although this series has a boy and girl main characters, so hopefully it will appeal to both boys and girls.

Capture the Flag by Kate Messner

Scholastic Press, 2012, ISBN 9780545395397

- This fast-paced mystery combines adventure with history. A group of three kids are on a race to save the famous flag that inspired the “Star-Spangled Banner”. I think fans of the National Treasure movies should jump into this story. It is selected on many recommended reading lists, as well as winning the Crystal Kite award for New York. It includes a diverse cast of characters. There are also two sequels, so if the kids enjoy it they can continue in the series.

Case Closed? Nine Mysteries Unlocked by Modern Science, written by Susan Hughes, illustrated by Michael Wandelmaier, Kids Can Press, 2010, ISBN 9781554533626

- This nonfiction selection uses science to try and find an answer to some of history’s unsolved mysteries. There are nine mysteries, including disappearing cities, leaders, and explorers. This title is especially appealing for inquisitive kids and is a great combination of science and history.

The Chicken Squad: The First Misadventure, written by Doreen Cronin, illustrated by Kevin Cornell, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2014, ISBN 9781442496767

- The chicks from the popular J.J. Tully mystery series are heading out on their own to solve mysteries and fight crime. I chose this book because this series is an easy introduction into the mystery genre for independent chapter readers.  I was also trying to have a nice range of reading levels on the bookmark, since 3^rd and 4^th graders can vary quite a bit in their reading ability.

Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective, written by Donald J. Sobol

Puffin, 2007 (reprint), ISBN 9780142408889

- The classic neighborhood detective Encyclopedia Brown never fails to solve a case, and the kids get to try and solve it along with him. Answers to how Encyclopedia solves the crimes are given at the back of the book. I picked this book because it remains a popular series, especially for kids who like to try and figure out puzzles. Whether the kids solve it themselves, or just flip to the back and are amazed by Encyclopedia’s power of deduction, it’s a fun and interesting read. Plus, there are a lot of books in the series, so it lends itself to further reading for those who enjoy it.

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, written by Chris Grabenstein

Random House Books for Young Readers, 2013, ISBN 978-0375870897

- The eccentric Mr. Lemoncello challenges a group of kids to solve the mystery of the town’s newly designed state-of-the-art library. Investigative puzzle clues pave the way to discovering the library’s hidden secrets. It’s an especially good choice for avid readers, who may appreciate all the references to books within the mystery. It is listed on many recommended reading lists, an ALSC notable book, Kirkus and Booklist starred reviews, and a New York Times bestseller.

Nancy Clancy: Super Sleuth, written by Jane O’Connor, illustrated by Robin Preiss Glasser, Harper Collins, 2012, ISBN 9780062082930

- Fancy Nancy is growing up and solving mysteries, inspired by Nancy Drew. I included this title to especially appeal to kids who liked the colorful Fancy Nancy picture books, but are ready to move onto longer chapter books. The Fancy Nancy series also includes vocabulary as part of the stories, and the pattern of introducing new words continues with this chapter book series.

Platypus Police Squad: The Frog Who Croaked by Jarrett J. Krosoczka,

Walden Pond Press, 2013, ISBN 9780062071644

- The Platypus Police Squad is on the case. In this nod to classic police buddy tales, the newbie and the old timer team up to try and figure out who is behind the disappearance of a favorite teacher. This book is the first in a new series written by the author of the popular Lunch Lady graphic novels, which should increase the appeal factor. It is also on the Bluebonnet list, which I hoped would create some crossover interest between the two lists.

Super Sniffers: Dog Detectives on the Job by Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Bloomsbury USA Children, 2014 ISBN 978-0802736185

- In this nonfiction title, kids can learn about how dogs play the role of detective. The colorful pictures and engaging stories are sure to entice animal lovers. I picked this title because it was such an interesting topic for kids to learn about. Plus, animal books are very popular for this age group and will appeal to both boys and girls.