Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in helping struggling readers build fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
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Featured books by

Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton

Books for adults

Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment
Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment
Age Level: Adult

Useful information and a range of surefire strategies to make reading a pleasure for adults and children are presented with lots of book suggestions. When combined with an informal approach, parents and teachers are likely to find joy in engaging young readers.

Mandy
Mandy
By: Julie Andrews Edwards
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

For as long as she can remember, 10-year old Mandy has lived at the St. Martin's orphanage with no particular problems though never completely contented. Both trouble and happiness enter Mandy's life when she discovers a small cottage that becomes her secret. Rich language creates a strong sense of place and mystery in this satisfying novel.

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
By: Julie Andrews Edwards
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The Potter children's adventure to find the long-forgotten but wise Whangdoodle begins when they meet Professor Savant at the Bramblewood Zoo. Their journey to find the reclusive Whangdoodle makes for high adventure filled with extraordinary creatures. Told with a storyteller's voice, this gratifying fantasy reads aloud well.

Dragon: Hound of Honor
Dragon: Hound of Honor
By: Emma Walton Hamilton
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The murder of a young knight, a white wolfhound, and a faithful page in medieval France all come together to create a fast-paced, gripping mystery.

Dumpy the Dumptruck
Dumpy the Dumptruck
By: Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrated by: Tony Walton
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Before the barn can be razed on Merryhill Farm, Charlie and his grandfather restore the old dump truck that Charlie so loves. Not only does Dumpy the Dumptruck prove his worth, readers will appreciate that old isn't always bad!

Great American Mousical
Great American Mousical
By: Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrated by: Tony Walton
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Theater mice perform in a space just out of human sight in a venerable old New York theater. Alas! The leading rodent taken to Brooklyn before she performs in the final play before the theater is destroyed. Humor abounds in this satisfying tale.

Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies
Julie Andrews' Collection of Poems, Songs, and Lullabies
By: Emma Walton Hamilton & Julie Andrews
Illustrated by: Jim McMullan
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

A range of poetic styles, some rooted in the authors' family, are shared in this handsome, easily accessible collection. Attractive illustrations are sprinkled throughout, building the joy when the poems are shared, even when listening to the beautifully read CD.

Simeon's Gift
Simeon's Gift
By: Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrated by: Gennady Spirin
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Simeon loves a noblewoman from afar and seeks to find the music from deep inside him. His quest turns to despair until a series of events allow him to discover his real worth. Well told and strikingly illustrated, this modern fable resonates with readers.

Thanks to You: Wisdom from Mother & Child
Thanks to You: Wisdom from Mother & Child
By: Emma Walton Hamilton
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Children learn from their mothers and mothers learn from their children. Photographs from the authors' extended family combine with gentle language to convey universal emotions and universal wisdom.

The Very Fairy Princess
The Very Fairy Princess
By: Julie Andrews & Emma Walton Hamilton
Illustrated by: Christine Davenier
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Geraldine is a princess, a fairy princess with a crown and lots of sparkle. Her life as a fairy princess is filled with ballet (where she sparkles a lot), school, and with friends. Muted illustrations and an innocent narration combine to present a loving family whose child is indeed a very fairy princess.

Books for Adults

Raising Bookworms: Getting Kids Reading for Pleasure and Empowerment
The Very Fairy Princess
Age Level: Adult
Reading Level: Professional

Useful information and a range of surefire strategies to make reading a pleasure for adults and children are presented with lots of book suggestions. When combined with an informal approach, parents and teachers are likely to find joy in engaging young readers.

Interested in wonderful interviews with tween and teen authors? Hop on over to our sister site, AdLit.org, and browse the library.

Proceeds from the sale of books purchased at Amazon.com help support the Reading Rockets project. Thank you!

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"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more you learn, the more places you'll go."
— Dr. Seuss
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