Book picks similar to
How Not to Start Third Grade by Catherine Hapka


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The Incredible Dash (Disney/Pixar The Incredibles)


Dennis R. Shealy - 2004
    But will these superheroes learn to work together as a family to defeat evil? Find out in this action-packed Step 3 reader based on the hit film, The Incredibles.

Mouse Tales


Arnold Lobel - 1972
    When Papa's seven little mouse boys ask for a bedtime story, Papa does even better than that—he tells seven stories, one for each boy!This Level Two I Can Read is geared toward kids who read on their own but still need a little help.This sweet bedtime tale is from Arnold Lobel, the beloved author and illustrator of the Newbery Honor and Caldecott Honor award-winning Frog and Toad books.

The Night Before First Grade


Natasha Wing - 2005
    Penny is excited to startthe year with her best friend right beside her in the same classroom. This humorous take on Clement C. Moore's classic tale has a perfect twist ending that will surprise readers—as well as the “heroine” of the story—and help all about-to-be first-graders through their own backto- school jitters.

My Weird School: Talent Show Mix-Up


Dan Gutman - 2016
    Cooper’s class is having a talent show. But A.J. has a problem—he doesn’t have a talent! What will he do when the big day comes? Join A.J. and the gang from Ella Mentry School as they show young readers why they attend the weirdest—and most fun!—school around.My Weird School: Talent Show Mix-Up is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help.

Biscuit Goes to School


Alyssa Satin Capucilli - 2002
    But what will happen when the teacher discovers a puppy in the classroom?Reassuring and sweet, Biscuit Goes to School is an excellent choice to share with little ones getting ready for preschool, kindergarten, or first grade.This My First I Can Read book is carefully crafted using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and sweet illustrations—which means it's perfect for shared reading with emergent readers. The active, engaging My First I Can Read stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey.

How to Help the Earth-By the Lorax (Dr. Seuss)


Tish Rabe - 2012
    Seuss makes his Step into Reading debut in this rhymed Step 3 reader that offers kids easy suggestions for going green, a perfect real aloud for Earth Day!After explaining how the trash in a wastbasket ultimately ends up in a landfill or incinerator, the Lorax suggests realistic ways children can reduce waste, such as by carrying a lunch box, donating old clothes and toys, sharing magazines with friends, recycling cans and bottles, and using rechargeable batteries. He also explains how they can save energy around the home by turning off lights, taking shorter showers, donning sweaters to stay warm, and much, much more. All in all, this is a great introduction to helping the Earth and helping kids step into reading!Step 3 Readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics--for children who are ready to read on their own.

Nate the Great


Marjorie Weinman Sharmat - 1972
    She wants Nate to help her find it. Nate the Great must get all the facts, ask the right questions, and narrow the list of suspects so he can solve the mystery.

Pete the Cat: Play Ball!


James Dean - 2013
    But when the game doesn’t go Pete’s way, what will Pete do?Pete the Cat: Play Ball! is a My First I Can Read book, which means it’s perfect for shared reading with a child.

Skinnybones


Barbara Park - 1982
    Alex's active sense of humor helps him get along with the school braggart, make the most of his athletic talents, and simply get by in a hectic world.

Berenstain Bears: We Like Kites


Stan Berenstain - 2004
    Sister Bear and Brother Bear join their friends for a sun-filled, fun-filled day in this sweet, rhyming book.

Third Grade Angels


Jerry Spinelli - 2012
    Simms, will hold a competition every month to see which student deserves to be awarded "the halo" - which student is best-behaved, kindest to others, and, in short, perfect. Suds is determined to be the first to earn the halo, but he's finding the challenge of always being good to be more stressful than he had anticipated. Does he have to be good even outside of school? (Does he have to be nice to his annoying little sister?) And if Mrs. Simms doesn't actually see him doing a good deed, does it even count?A warm, funny return to elementary school from master storyteller Spinelli.

Fancy Nancy: Sees Stars


Jane O'Connor - 2008
    Nancy absolutely adores stars. She loves how they sparkle in the sky, and she can even name the constellations. When she finds out her class will visit the planetarium she is ecstatic—that's a fancy word for excited. But when it starts to rain Nancy is afraid she might not be able to see the stars. Will the rain keep Nancy from watching stars sparkle?Fancy Nancy Sees Stars is a Level One I Can Read book, which means it's perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. The back matter features a list of the rich vocabulary words that are used throughout the story along with their definition.

Dinosaur Starts School


Pamela Duncan Edwards - 2008
    Dinosaur is worried that school will be too big & too noisy. But with such a good friend to reassure him, Dinosaur soon finds just how fun and friendly school can be.

Flat Stanley and the Haunted House


Jeff Brown - 2009
    But when a bully picks on his friend, Stanley saves the day in no time flat in this Flat Stanley I Can Read adventure! The Lambchops are ready to be spooked at a Halloween party! Arthur is excited for the haunted house, and Stanley wants to show off his limbo moves. But when they see a bully picking on their friend at the party, the boys know that they have to help. Soon Stanley comes up with a plan that is flat-out hilarious!Flat Stanley and the Haunted House is a Level Two I Can Read book, geared for kids who read on their own but still need a little help. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the engaging stories, longer sentences, and language play of Level Two books are proven to help kids take their next steps toward reading success.

Muggie Maggie


Beverly Cleary - 1990
    Will Maggie really go on printing her whole life?