The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

first published in 1909. It is one of Burnett's most popular novels, and is now considered a classic of children's literature. The Halmark Hall of Fame turned this book into a movie. I loved it. I watched it over and over again when I was a little girl. It wasn’t until I was 31 that I read the book. As I cracked the book open and read the first few lines I got the chills. All the excitement that I felt as a child rushed back to me. It is amazing that a book can make me feel that way. I love all the characters (Mary, Dicken, Collin and Ben Weatherstaff) . When I read this book I felt like I was reunited with some old friends. It is crazy but I felt I was part of their lives and I miss them – weird huh. This book will always be at the top of my list (even above Touching Spirit Bear)

Rating = 5

Lexile = 970

Grade Level = 6/7 th

Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mickelson

This was the first book I read that I can say made me excited about reading. I read the book in four days (A record for me). I loved to read it to my special education students (Who hate reading but loved this book). I have read it in my classes for the last three years. It has an intense story line while teaching forgiveness among many other things. The main character Cole Mathews makes an unbelievable change in his life through the help of two Tilight Indians. I love the lessons these Indians teach Cole. I love their philosophy. It is great for anyone but especially boys who don’t like to read.

Rating = 5

Lexile = 670

Grade Level = 3/4 Grade