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Brilliant Books


 Brilliant Books to Check Out

         
  
There are so many great books out there for fifth graders to pick up and get lost in! Sometimes, though, it can be overwhelming to find the right one. With the help of book reviewers and experts, I'm hoping that by using the below links and information you will be able to find the perfect book. Happy reading!
  


Still having problems finding that just right book? Following these steps may help you pinpoint a fabulous read...
  1. Make a list answering these questions:
    • What kind of books do you like?
    • What authors do you like? Research books by authors you've enjoyed in the past. Chances are they'll have another book that you'll also enjoy.
    • Is there a type of book, or a specific book you would like to try?
    • Are there any books in a certain series you would like to read?
    • What are your interests? Insert your hobbies into your library catalog search and set it to, "Keyword."
  2. Search your house. Often times good books will be quietly collecting dust in your own house. Maybe you forgot about one, or someone who is living with you has a couple good books.
  3. Ask someone to recommend a good book. You can ask your older sibling, your mom, your dad, your best friend, or even your teacher. Friends or family with whom you have things in common can often make excellent book recommendations. Local, small bookstores often have wonderful recommendations, and when they get to know you, it's even better!
  4. Read book reviews in newspapers and magazines. Read the bestseller lists published in most newspapers or weekly magazines. Find out which new books are making headlines, and why.
  5. Be an active book club member. Being an active book club member is often a way to experience new books you might never have had the motivation to read otherwise.
  6. Use the library search engine. You can use the search engine to find a certain book, books by a certain author, or anything as broad as just a certain genre. Mrs. Thiele loves to help you find books!
  7. Skim through the shelves in the section you're interested in. If you see anything that looks appealing, pick it up and read the back of the book. Skim over the back of the book or the inside flap, wherever the summary is. If that holds your attention, read the first page or so. If it still holds your attention, then it's probably a good book for you. The subject might be interesting to you, but the writing style can be key to enjoying it. If it looks interesting, put it in your pile. Keep doing this until you have a few books.
  8. Find a place to sit, or stand if you must, and read the first chapter of each book. Of course, if you have many books, this can be time consuming.
  9. Narrow down your stack. If you would rather have book 1 over book 2, put book 2 back. Keep doing this. If you would rather have book 3 then book 1, put book 1 back, etc.
  10. Make sure the book is age appropriate. Of course it's always okay to check out a little kids book every once in a while, just for the fun of it.


Once you've found a great book, follow these helpful tips to get the most enjoyment possible:
  • ALWAYS use a bookmark. It is so frustrating to come back and realize that you already read that part of the book. You may also skip over a few chapters and not know what's going on. Use one that is fun and colorful so you won't mind having it with you.
  • If you get into hard spots to get past, then reread it, slowly. It may help to read it aloud. If it is still tough, then consider getting the audio-book. They are very good, and the fun voices make them enjoyable.
  • If you liked the book you chose, it can be a good guide when getting other books. Often, if you look up the book on a website, it will give you a list of books that are similar. For instance, go to the Amazon listing for one of your favorite books, and scroll down to the section titled "Customers who bought this item also bought". Don't stick to just this one category though. Try different books, because you never know what you will find!
  • Keep your own reading list. When a book has been recommended to you, write it down immediately and use it as a reference once you're in the library or bookstore.
  • Don't damage the library's books or the classroom's books. You don't want to have to pay!
  • Turn in the book on time, or you'll have to pay late fees.