Mary Beth Lundgren

I chose this book as a read-aloud because the monsters, while identified as "scary," are easily overcome and banished by the protagonist. It also counts down the number of monsters remaining, which helps reinforce number-sense. My listeners appeared to like the subject and repetitions in the text of the boy's monster-banishing incantation. One class, in particular, even joined in chorusing, "Rick, Rack, Wrinkleshack! Don't you dare come back!"

Sara has always been left behind, as a foster child she is struggling to find a family and friends she can rely on. Her one friend Dulcie she has always relied on, but now Dulcie has a new guy and Sara feels left behind. But that isn't the biggest sorrow Sara faces.