Re: [LM_NET] Fiction for an 8-yr. old - recommendations

[KIMBERLY KOVACH <KIMBERLY.KOVACH@UCPS.K12.NC.US>]

This is always a tough request, because honestly, there is not a lot written on a 
middle school, high school or above level that is still age-appropriate for an 8 
year old.  My recommendation would be classics like the Anne of Green Gables 
series, The Secret Garden, Little Women, Treasure Island, The Wizard of Oz, etc.   
The Betsy-Tacy and All-of-a-Kind family series are great, too.  Classic books for 
children have more sophisticated vocabulary and style than modern books,  but the 
content is not objectionable.  She also might look at books by tween/teen authors 
like Pam Munoz Ryan, Sharon Creech, Kate diCamillo, Jennifer Holm, Karen Cushman, 
E.L. Konigsberg-- these authors write for girls in the 10-14 age range--  and just 
skim the books to make sure she is comfortable with them.
 
Speaking as one who read on a high school level by the second grade, there is 
nothing wrong with the girl reading books for pleasure that are age-appropriate but 
on the easy side for her.  As a child, I read anything that wasn't nailed down, and 
my reading ability never suffered because I read something on a lower reading 
level.  You may wish to reassure the mom of this fact.  
 
Hope this helps and have a great summer!
 
Kimberly Kovach
Librarian/Media Coordinator
East Union Middle School
Union County Public Schools
704-624-2114
kimberly.kovach@ucps.k12.nc.us 
 
Please take note that East Union's main phone number will change on Monday, June 
16th to (704) 290-1540.  Please place this new number in your records and begin 
using it at that time.
 
**All e-mail correspondence to and from this address is subject to the North 
Carolina Public Records Law, which may result in monitoring and disclosure to third 
parties, including law enforcement.

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