Two Great Novels in Third Grade

Third grade students are reading either Ruby Booker and the Booker Boys or Alvin Ho Allergic to Girls, School and Other Scary Things in small book groups. Both of these books have vividly written main characters who develop friendships, face challenges and solve problems.

Lenore Look states on her blog https://lenorelook.wordpress.com/qa/ that she developed her character Alvin Ho from different boys that she knew. Lenore shared that she is Chinese American and that her parents, grandparents and great-grandparents emigrated to Seattle, Washington from China. She grew up speaking a form of Cantonese in her home and includes this connection in her books.

Derrick Barnes shared on his Scholastic author page:
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/contributor/derrick-barnes 
that the Booker boys are based on his three sons and the character of Ruby is based on the daughter that he and his wife always envisioned.  He writes, " To me, Ruby embodies every determined, intelligent, creative, beautiful, African American girl I've ever known.  But Ruby's not perfect.  Along with her sweetness, Ruby can be a little mouthy and hard to get along with at times. Thankfully, she's cradled in the arms of a strong and loving family, and even with her flaws, she would make any Booker Boy proud."  

Discussion is lively, as students connect, questions and share their ideas. Writing follows reading and discussions and allows students to further sharpen their thinking.