Five Awesome Reads for 6th Graders

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #Back2SchoolReady #CollectiveBias

I teach 6th grade. You should all know this by now. I find that I am constantly reading a "6th grade book" to keep myself updated on popular books that the kids like to read. Such is the life of a teacher. I wanted to share with you some of my (and my students') favorite books. 

1. Wonder by R.J. Palacio 

Wonder is a HUGE hit with my students and it has been for the past few years.  Auggie is a boy who has a unique facial deformity. This book is about his experience in his first time in a public school and the trials he goes through. This book really sticks out to the hearts of my students. We talk about being different and being kind while reading this. 

2. Love, Ruby Lavender by Deborah Wiles 

This book is definitely more for my 6th grade girls, but it is a wonderful book about a girl named Ruby who goes to live with her grandmother on a farm. Ruby is left alone in this small town, learning to fend for herself. 

3. Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper 

Literally one of the greatest books I have ever read, even as an adult. Out of My Mind is a novel about a girl who has Cerebral Palsy. She cannot speak and the book is from her point of view. You will cry, laugh, and touch you and your students' hearts. 

4. The Giver by Lois Lowry 

Do I even need to explain this book? This book changed my life in 6th grade and I try to read it every year to my student's because it is deep, introspective and amazing. 

5.  False Prince Series Book 2: Runaway King by Jennifer Nielsen. 

This book is about a boy who is impersonating a king's lost son and four orphans are recruited to compete for the role as king. My students LOVE this book--both boys and girls. 

And I want you to know that, for this specific book, you can get it online right now just by simply buying a cereal. I am using my Kellogg's Reward Points to build my classroom library. Teachers, you can accumulate as many books as you can via this Kellogg's offer.You could also get your students on board to fill the classroom library by redeeming the offer below. I am constantly building my classroom library and this is the perfect way to do this!

Step One: 

Go to your local Walmart to purchase the following products in the Cereal Aisle. Look for the "Scholastic Free Book" logo on the front and back.

Step Two: 

Go to www.freekbookoffers.com 

(There are 3 ways you can upload your receipt, via text, via scanning into your computer or Kellogg's Family Reward app - only when you purchase ONLINE between 7/21 - 9/11. Also remember that in order to redeem codes, you must create a Kellogg's Family Rewards account first.) 

Step Three: 

Click on "See All Books". I clicked on "Tween/Teen" books and saw one of my favorites, The False Prince.

Step Four:  

Click on the book that you want. Remember that 1 Kellogg's product = 1 free, full-length Scholastic book, and each person can redeem up to 30 books. Enter the code that is found with your product. 

Step Five:  

Order your free book!!! 

All of your codes must be entered by 3/31/16. All books will be mailed to you or wherever you choose to donate free of charge. The official timeline for books to arrive is 6-8 weeks (even though most come much sooner). You can also donate any books to this site as well! 

Be sure to check out more books available via this Kellogg's offer here. I'd love to hear your favorite book offered! #Back2SchoolReady 

Consumers can also buy directly on Walmart.com and receive a free book from purchases made between 7/21/15 and 9/11/15. Look for Buy Now button atwww.walmart.com/KelloggsBackToSchoolBooks for a list of all eligible items. Ecommerce redemptions are made via receipt scanning. Full details on site above.