At home resources #36

Book suggestions

Younger readers

Trapped: A Whale's Rescue by Robert Burleigh

In the icy waters of the Pacific, a massive humpback whale unexpectedly finds herself tangled in a net abandoned by fishermen. When a rescue boat and a convoy of divers arrive to help the struggling humpback, a realistic and moving encounter bridges the human and aquatic worlds. Amazing illustrations by Wendell Minor. Available as an ebook on Overdrive. 

Middle grade readers

Two Dogs in a Trench Coat Go to School by Julie Falatko

Sassy and Waldo spend their day keeping the house safe. Has a squirrel ever gotten inside? No! But every day their boy, Stewart, leaves for a scary place: school! Sassy and Waldo need to save Stewart. But they don't let dogs into school. Not even the really good ones. Sassy and Waldo put on a trench coat. Now everyone at Bea Arthur Elementary thinks they are a new student.

Everyone except Stewart. Humorous fiction available as an ebook or audiobook on Overdrive. 

Upper grade readers

The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

It is 1939. Nazi Germany. The country is holding its breath. Death has never been busier, and will become busier still. Liesel Meminger is a foster girl living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resist–books. With the help of her accordion-playing foster father, she learns to read and shares her stolen books with her neighbors during bombing raids as well as with the Jewish man hidden in her basement. This story, narrated by Death, will keep you turning pages to see how it all works out. Available on Overdrive as an ebook. 

Soundwalks podcast

This podcast includes guided meditations through a beautiful soundscape--imagine camping in Australia, walking on a wildflower path, or visiting a snowy mountain. Something to listen to when you feel the need to relax. 

The big tank at the New England Aquarium

I find this very peaceful, too, a view of the creatures inside the big tank at the New England Aquarium! It's like a larger version of the fish tank at Lawrence School!