Reading Rockets offers reading comprehension and language arts teaching strategies for kids, and is a free web site for parents and educators
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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 working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading fundamentals and comprehension skills development.

Featured books by

Pam Muñoz Ryan

Reading Rockets recommends the following books by Pam Muñoz Ryan.

Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride
Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Illustrated by: Brian Selznick
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Two well known women sneak away from the White House for an aerial adventure in this handsomely illustrated story based on real people. Though fictionalized, readers will appreciate the common interests and similar personality traits of First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and aviatrix Amelia Earhart.

Becoming Naomi León
Becoming Naomi León
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Naomi and her younger brother Owen have lived with their grandmother in a small trailer for many years, ever since they were abandoned by their mother. When Mom Terri Lynn suddenly returns, does she really have the kids’ best interests at heart? This is a wonderful, realistic portrayal of working-class families.

Esperanza Rising
Esperanza Rising
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Instead of celebrating her 13th birthday in her prosperous Mexican home as she expected, Esperanza must adjust to the murder of her father, the loss of her house and wealth, and her new life as a farm worker in California. This readable coming-of-age novel is based on the life of the author's grandmother.

Hello Ocean
Hello Ocean
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Illustrated by: Mark Astrella
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A child narrates her visit to the ocean, inviting readers to explore it with her. She experiences the sea with all of her senses through realistic illustrations and lyrical language in this gently rhyming tale.

Mice and Beans
Mice and Beans
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Illustrated by: Joe Cepeda
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

As Rosa Maria prepares for the family celebration of her granddaughter’s birthday, she gets unexpected help from the mice who live in the house. Spanish words are integrated into the joyful text and reflected in the energetic, vibrant illustrations.

Mud Is Cake
Mud Is Cake
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Illustrated by: David McPhail
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Celebrate imaginative play with the mellow rhymes and soft illustrations of this engaging festival of fun. When you just use your imagination, stuffed animals come to life, mud becomes cake, and juice is tea with a fairy queen.

Riding Freedom
Riding Freedom
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Illustrated by: Brian Selznick
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Charlotte Parkhurst could do almost anything with horses. Once out of the orphanage, Charlotte masquerades successfully as a man named Charley, and in spite of huge obstacles is able to drive a stagecoach and work with horses. Based on a real person, Charley also became the first woman to cast her vote in the state of California.

The Crayon Counting Book
The Crayon Counting Book
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan & Jerry Pallotta
Illustrated by: Frank Mazzola Jr.
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A catchy rhyme and colorful crayons provide an animated introduction to counting from one to twenty-four by twos. The count continues in even numbers then again using odd numbers.

The Flag We Love
The Flag We Love
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Illustrated by: Ralph Masiello
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Read this book aloud to young readers to teach them about the United States flag, its history, and meaning. The short verse, historical tidbits, and realistic illustrations result in a brief, moving, and patriotic look at this American symbol.

When Marian Sang:  The True Recital of Marian Anderson
When Marian Sang: The True Recital of Marian Anderson
By: Pam Muñoz Ryan
Illustrated by: Brian Selznick
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Marian Anderson was an extraordinary contralto whose talent was celebrated in Europe long before she was recognized in her native United States. Anderson's focus, musical talent, and the difficult times in which she lived are captured in a dramatic picture book biography.

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