What is it? Rooting for Rafael Rosales, by Kurtis Scaletta
Who is it for? strong fourth grade readers through middle school (perfect for baseball fans, future scientists, future journalists)
Why should I read it? Rafael is a struggling minor league player from the Dominican Republic. Maya lives in Minnesota, worries about the declining bee population, and begins rooting for Rafael after watching one of his games with her aspiring sportswriter sister. Maya learns about the power of words to connect people across borders and languages when she helps her sister with her sports blog. Somehow Kurtis Scaletta combines baseball, bees, and a sports blog (along with a shifting timeline), and ends up with a wonderful story about friendship, hope, and perseverance. He also includes some beautiful descriptions of the Dominican Republic.
What is it? The Young Man and the Sea, by Rodman Philbrick
Who is it for? Level R, fourth grade reading level. Interest level- fourth grade through middle school
Why should I read it? After twelve year old Skiff Beaman’s mother dies, his dad is too depressed to help raise and repair their sunken fishing boat. Skiff gets advice from a helpful neighbor, and raises the boat up on his own, only to find that the engine is beyond repair – and that a new one will cost thousands of dollars. Skiff comes up with a dramatic plan to catch (on his own, in his little boat), and sell a giant bluefin tuna in order to raise the money. The Young Man and the Sea is a fast, suspenseful read that you won’t want to put down- and when Skiff remembers his mother’s words to him when he’s alone at sea and fighting for his life, and the memory of those words help him survive, it’s as much about the power of love, and the power of language, as it is about perseverance and determination.
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