The annual school book fair at my kids’ elementary school is a much-anticipated and beloved fund-raiser. Parents and kids can buy books their teachers have selected as a gift and each class gets to visit the book fair, either just to browse or to buy. A book fair is a two-day event, opening before school begins and hosting a pizza night as well. This year, the pizza night suffered from a power outage, which in retrospect, could have been prevention work since power was fine during the recent snowstorm. But it got me thinking about what books boys would choose.
We were there three times and I gave my kids $25 to spend when their class visited the book fair. My oldest, no longer at elementary school, even made it. She couldn’t find a book she wanted but I insisted that she buy Every Soul a Star by Wendy Mass because I know she loves Wendy Mass. She’s happily reading it now. My daughter just finished The Candymakers as well and also loved it.
My 4th grader wanted just one book and spent her money co-gifting books to her teachers with her friends. She asked for The Lemonade Crime by local beloved author Jacqueline Davies. It’s part of the popular The Lemonade War series.
As for my son who is first grade, I anticipated a slew of Henry and Mudge or Mr. Potter and Tabby books since there were many and we both enjoy them. He’s reading them at school in his book bag and we gifted a Mr. Potter and Tabby book to his teacher. It caught me by surprise that the books he wanted and bought for himself were mostly non-fiction plus a hybrid graphic novel/easy chapter book. It was a wake-up call that Boys Like Non-Fiction and Graphic Novels! Duh! You’d think I would have known that! Other boys may choose it too.
Ah well! The books are in our bedtime reading rotation. It was a great reminder to me to take my son to pick books out for himself, whether it’s the library or the book store. What are your kids reading and loving that you wouldn’t have picked for them? Please share!
My First Grade Son’s Book Fair Books
Pokemon Black and White Handbook by Scholastic
My son still really loves Pokemon and the new DSi game has prompted a whole new array of Pokemon to learn, capture, and enjoy.
Ripley’s Believe It or Not!: Special Edition 2012 by Ripley’s Inc
We went to the Ripley Museum when we were in San Antonio. It scared my son a little but mostly my kids enjoyed the strangeness of the exhibits. I’m not sure if the museum visit last year prompted interest in this book but I suspect not.
Guinness Book of World Records 2011 by Craig Glenday
This was the most popular book at the book fair for kids to thumb through. It’s pricey though, so most kids just read it there. My daughter bought the 2010 version last year, so it’s also fascinating for girls. We need another updated copy though because she won’t share it with her brother.
Dragonbreath by Ursula Vernon
This is a cute graphic novel/easy chapter book hybrid about a dragon who resembles, very much, a quirky/adventurous/”every kid” with a much more conservative and cautious sidekick. It’s very appealing to boys ages 7-10.
100 Most Dangerous Things on the Planet by Anna Claybourne
My son loved the 100 Most Disgusting Things on the Planet so I suppose that 100 Most Dangerous would also be of interest. I found that this book made me more paranoid though! I think I prefer the Disgusting one better.
I would have chosen:
Mr. Putter and Tabby by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Arthur Howard
All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Marla Frazee
Henry and Mudge series by Cynthia Rylant, illustrated by Susie Stevenson
Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave by Laban Carrick Hill, illustrated by Bryan Collier
p.s. Related posts:
19 Perfect Read Alouds for 1st Grade
Top 10: Best Books by My Son in 1st Grade
Books for Kindergarten & 1st Grade
New Books for 1st and 2nd Grade
Read Aloud Book Lists by Grade
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My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
