4th Grade Must-Reads Archives ~ Sagarika Blogs

Category: 4th Grade Must-Reads

Shiloh – Book Review

Shiloh, By Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Shiloh is a book about a boy named Marty Preston, who finds a dog. He keeps the dog, and names him Shiloh. But when Marty finds out that the dog belongs to an abusive owner, he doesn’t want to give him up. So he starts to work for the owner to get Shiloh back. But the owner doesn’t seem trustworthy enough to keep his promise. How will Marty save the dog now?

This is such a heartwarming book to read. Great story about love, humanity, and doing the right thing. It is very well-written, and captures every detail. It has you waiting in suspense, wondering what’s going to happen next.

Marty’s determination and willingness to save Shiloh is what I really like about his character. It shows the true meaning of a man’s best friend. But there are a lot of underdeveloped characters in this story. For example, Marty’s friend, David Howard, is an important part of the book because he is one of the first to know about Shiloh; But, the book does not mention too much about this interesting character, which does upset me a little.

This book was sad, which is the case with most books about dogs, but it was amazing overall, and I enjoyed reading this very much.

Because of Winn-Dixie – Book Review

Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo

Summary

Because of Winn-Dixie is a sweet, but sad story. It is about a girl named India Opal Buloni, who finds a funny-looking dog at the grocery store. She names him Winn-Dixie, and when she takes him home, her father the preacher doesn’t want to keep him. But eventually, the dog steals both of their hearts, and becomes Opal’s best friend – if not only. Opal has been lonely ever since her mother’s death, and the preacher avoids talking about her. Finding Winn-Dixie might have been the best thing that has ever happened to her, because the the lovable and charming dog makes everyone want to be friends with them. Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal might not be so lonely anymore.

Review

As I read this book, I fell in love with each and every character in it. I could connect with most of the characters and their actions or personalities. Readers can learn from the important morals that are found in the book, such as not judging people by their appearance, and to always think before you act. It teaches you about friendship, acceptance, love, and loss. This book is very beautiful, and kids will love it! Highly recommended to people of all ages.

The Misadventures of Max Crumbly – Locker Hero

The Misadventures of Max Crumbly – Locker Hero By Rachel Renee Russell

The Misadventures of Max Crumbly – Locker Hero is about a middle school boy named Max. He has been home-schooled by his grandmother all his life, and now he is finally attending a real school. But his misadventures lead him to question that choice. He wishes he could become the hero he always wanted to be and get out of the mess he is in.

Unfortunately, Max’s uncanny, almost superhuman ability to smell pizza from a block away won’t exactly save any lives or foil bad guys. But that doesn’t mean Max won’t do his best to be the hero his school needs! . . .

This is recommended to all middle-schoolers and elementary students! Its a funny book about a boy’s adventurous story that might eventually lead to justice from both thieves and bullies.

For more like this: http://sagarikablogs.co m/dork-diaries/

Frindle -A Book

Frindle, By Andrew Clements

Frindle is an entertaining book about a boy named Nick who is just living an everyday school life; All he wanted to do was brighten up the school. This was easy until Mrs. Granger arrived and took over. The new and stricter teacher is going to be tough to crack, but Nick can do it. At first, changing the word pen to frindle seemed like a harmless prank, until it got out of hand. . .

This book is recommended because it is entertaining and will have you hooked.

For more like this: http://sagarikablogs.com/category/4th-grade-must-reads/

Matilda – A Novel

Matilda, by Roald Dahl

(5/5) Ages 9+

Matilda is a fascinating little girl, with the mind of a genius. But her parents couldn’t care less about her. At school, the only one who understands her is her teacher, Ms. Honey. The school’s headmistress, Miss Trunchbull on the other hand loathes her. Miss Trunchbull doesn’t care for her students at all. But once she discovers her unique power, Matilda has her mind set on teaching Ms. Trunchbull a lesson and bringing justice to the students.

Why you should read this: It is an interesting novel about a smart witted girl, who just wants to be loved.

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/fantasy/

Wayside School – Book

Sideways Stories from Wayside School, By Louis Sachar

(4/5) Ages 7+

Wayside school is so hilarious! It’s a book about a wonky school that is thirty stories high, with one classroom on each story. Miss Zarves is on the nineteenth story. There is no nineteenth story; There is no Miss Zarves. Join the students during their funny and strange everyday school lives. From the teacher who turns kids into apples, to the nicest teacher they ever had, one thing is certain: This is not your typical elementary school!

Why you should read this: If you’re looking for laughs and a bit of drama, this is perfect for you!

For more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/humor/

The Terrible Two – A Book

The Terrible Two, by Mac Barnett and Jory John

(5/5) Let the pranks begin!…

The Terrible Two starts out with the story of Miles, and his move to Yawnee Valley, where everything and everyone is obsessed with cows. He hates it. Before, at his old school, he was the best prankster you would ever see. A legend. And now he would have to start over. On his first day at his new school, it seems as though there already is a prankster, but Miles won’t back down. So he starts planning the biggest prank ever. But, it backfires when a boy named Niles, who is the teacher suck-up, ruins Mile’s prank, and shows his true self, the mastermind prankster. Now even the principal is against him. So, an epic prank war is on, and the only thing left now is to declare its winner!

I recommend this book to people who love adventure and humor.

So, for more like this:

http://sagarikablogs.com/category/4th-grade-must-reads/

Sisters – Book Review

Sisters, By Raina Telgemeier

Summary

Sisters is about a girl named Raina. She is an only child, and has always wanted a little sister. Her wish finally comes true, but nothing is how she had expected it to be. For instance, Amara (her sister) hates everyone, including her. So when a new baby brother is born, and their dad loses his job, Raina doesn’t know what she should do. One day, their mother announces a surprise trip to visit their cousins in Colorado. This means they all have to cramp together in a car for one long road trip. It slowly becomes obvious that the family is growing apart, and now it’s up to Raina and Amara to set aside their differences in order to be the glue that keeps everyone together.

Review

Sisters shares the drama Raina and her sister have experienced while growing up. Readers get to join them in their journey of a very long trip and humorous flashbacks to learning how to work together with one another. I love how the POV sometimes alternates from the past to the present, because it vividly describes the family’s background with visuals. The illustrations are so beautifully drawn, and they express the words in a colorful, artsy way. The cute and funny moments in this book will bring a smile to your face.

It is a honest, and very relatable story that people of all ages will love. The connections I made with the characters in this book improved my experience while I was reading. Overall, this was one of the most engaging true stories that I have read.

Wonder – Book Review

Wonder, By R. J. Palacio

Summary

Wonder is about a boy who has a condition that affects his face. He had always been homeschooled, but one day his parents decided to send him to a real school. The story portrays Auggie’s experience in middle school, and what he learned during these times. He faces the difficulties of many fake friends, bullies, and much more. It takes a while, but he does finally find his place and make his first true friend – and enemy.

Review

Wonder changed how I look at people who are ‘different’ because it teaches us that everyone in the world is unique, but you can’t just determine that by looks. This book and every character in it – especially Auggie – stole my heart. I loved how most of the characters changed for the better by the end. Some didn’t, and I loved that too, because at least the book was realistic about it. The POV also alternates between the characters, which makes it interesting to read.

The whole story has different themes displayed throughout, all of them coming to one central message. Younger readers can find these positive themes as a role model.

Overall, I give this book five-stars because it has everything, tearjerkers, drama, good themes, realism, and humor.

Graphic Novels

Reading is one of my favorite hobbies. I read all kinds of books such as comics, novels, fantasies, mysteries, friendship, and more! If you are looking for good graphic novels to read, check out my book reviews to find out the best one for you…

Smile, by Raina Telgemeier

Age: 10+
Remember to smile!

Smile is a book about a girl named Raina who damages her front two teeth severely in an accident. From that point on, she has been seeing doctor after doctor in order to fix the injury. It seems as the treachery is never-ending. Starting school like this was the last thing she had imagined, and things get worse when her so-called friends start bullying her over and over about her teeth and the fact that she needs braces. Follow this girl on her hilarious journey to discovering true friends, and learning how to deal with bullies. I give this book five stars and recommend it to anybody who enjoys a mixture of emotions in a story like this.

Sisters, by Raina Telgemeier

Age: Everyone
Two sisters, one car…

This book is about how Raina had always wanted someone to play with, specifically a little baby sister. Her wish comes true one day, but nothing is like how she had expected it to be. For instance, Amara (her sister) hates everyone, including her, and when their dad loses his job, and a baby brother Will comes along, Raina feels like she is falling apart. One day, their mother announces a surprise trip to visit their cousins, and they all have to cramp together in one car. The family is slowly growing apart, and it’s up to Raina and Amara to learn to work together in order to save their family…

This true story shares the drama Raina and her sister have experienced while growing up, so join them in their very long trip and humorous flashbacks to learning how to work together with one another. I definitely give this book five stars and recommend it to anyone and everyone.

Drama, by Raina Telgemeier

Age: 10+
Places Everyone!..

Drama is a heartfelt book about a girl named Callie, who is the set designer for a drama club. But this club isn’t just an ordinary one, it is full of talented people, all of whom Callie knows and loves. But things change when two twins join Callie and her friends, and real drama starts to erupt. Things didn’t help when Callie was starting to grow close to the twins, and love was in the air for her. She just wants this to be the best set crew ever, and design the best sets for the stage. With the boys in the picture, offstage and ONstage drama made things a whole lot crazier! Will Callie and her friends be able to save the show? Read more to find out!

I give this book 4 stars and recommend it to people who love a good book about love, drama, and friendship!

Real Friends, by Shannon Hale

Age: 8+
When best friends are not forever…

Real friends is an inspiring book about bullying and finding true friends who care about and love you. In this book, a girl named Shannon shares the story of her life to finding her real friends. Her best friend Adrienne is now part of the “group” and best friends with Jen, the most popular girl in school. On top of that, everyone in the group would do anything to be Jen’s favorite…even bully Shannon and the others.

When news of Adrienne’s house being sold starts spreading, Shannon is absolutely heartbroken. Her best friend is moving, and the group she’s in doesn’t like her. Along the way, Shannon meets more new people, and learns a new kind of popular she’s ready to try out! But is Shannon still a part of the group? And is Jen, the most popular girl in the grade, who she really seems to be? Find out in this amazing true story!

I recommend this book to people who want to learn how to deal with bullies and finding real friends on the journey.

Best Friends, by Shannon Hale

(For people who’ve already read Real Friends)

Best Friends is the story after Real Friends, and Shannon is now Jen’s best friend. But her troubles aren’t over just yet…

Jenny’s back, and ready to do anything it takes to become a member of the group once again. Jen starts hearing horrible lies about Shannon, and Jenny’s the prime suspect. But Jenny has been Jen’s number one for so long, so how will Shannon be able to convince Jen that Jenny is lying? Shannon starts to feel left out, especially after the rules keep changing for the group. Part two of Real Friends, Best Friends is packed with even more drama for Shannon and the group.

But, i became a little mean. So, my parents killed it. However, it backfired. After, they hated it. Now, I hate it too. So, the moral of the story. Then, I saw him.