Read This Book! Recommended Reading for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders 

In 2008, The Invention of Hugo Cabret, written and illustrated by Brian Selznick, won the Caldecott Medal for best illustrations. But wait! you say, “Isn’t that a chapter book?” Yes. Yes, it is. And it is awesome. On November 23, 2011, the companion movie, Hugo, directed by Martin Scorsese, is opening nationwide. Will it be just as amazing as the book? Who knows? But I can’t wait to find out!

“ORPHAN, CLOCK KEEPER, AND THIEF, twelve-year-old Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric girl and the owner of a small toy booth in the train station, Hugo’s undercover life, and his most precious secret, are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message all come together…in The Invention of Hugo Cabret.”--from the official The Invention of Hugo Cabret web site.

Here’s a great (and quick) interview with Brian Selznick about making The Invention of Hugo Cabret:

For the Passport to Reading project, third grade students read a fantasy book and wrote a review. Then they recorded their reviews so you can listen to them! Just click on the blue “play” button. And feel free to add your own comments if you read the book, too!

Mary Poppins by P.L. Travers