The Wild Robot has been my most favourite read aloud that I've done this year. I found myself always looking forward to seeing my grade 4 class because I couldn't wait to read more about The Wild Robot. I think the students enjoyed it as much as I did. I can always tell because if no one moves the light sensors turn off in the library and every single week the light sensors went off. No one wanted to miss it.
There is a boat full of robots that crashes and sends crates of robots crashing with the waves into an island. Only one robot survives - Roz. Roz starts making her way around the island and scaring all the animals. What is this monster they all want to know. Roz watches and observes the animals in their habitat. She soon learns how to speak to each of the animals and survival instincts from watching the animals adaptations.
When Roz finds an egg one day she knows exactly what to do from watching the other birds. Soon Roz is a mother to a baby gosling - Brightbill. The two form a mother and son relationship like no other.
This is a fantastic read aloud for a grade 4 class. There is a sequel coming this fall. The Wild Robot has also been chosen as the global read aloud. I've never participated in this before but I'm motivated to join in this October.
Lost is a new series that I just got at my school in June so no one has even had a chance to read it yet. I thought I would sneak it home to read this summer and share with my two sons. I love it!! I read Lost in the Mountains of Death. The book is written just like the Choose Your Own Adventure books that some might remember from when they were kids. The great thing about this series though is that it's based on real facts. So don't tell the kids but they're actually learning from it!
This one takes place in the Patagonian Andes. The book starts off by giving an over of the climate, dangers in the area, etc. Then it's straight into the action. You awake in the middle of a snowstorm. You get your bearings and quickly have to make decisions on what you will do next. Go find your friends or build shelter. You must way the risks and consequences of each decision. But the fun part of the story is that you are the main character and you choose the path.
I think this book would be great as a class read aloud. I made it through one scenario in just a few minutes. I can't wait to read this with the kids at school. I think they are going to love them.
I would highly recommend this series for kids grade 4 to 8 that enjoy adventure and survival. Teachers I'm certain there would be many ties that you could make to your curriculum with this series.
