Here is a list of Mr. Castrellón's favorite books. The list will grow so visit often. You'll never know what you'll find.
A Whole New World! Seeing a rabbit run across a meadow is not so surprising. But when that rabbit is wearing clothes and talking out loud, Alice has to follow him and find out where he's from. Down the rabbit hole she goes and on to the oddest adventures a little girl has ever had. Come along with Alice and meet some of the most unusual, whimsical, and delightful characters you will ever find in the pages of a book! Alice's Adventures in Wonderland (commonly shortened to Alice in Wonderland ) is an 1865 novel written by English author Charles Lutwidge Dodgson under the pseudonym Lewis Carroll.
Inspired by the true story of a Native American woman who lived for 18 years on an island off the California coast, Scott O'Dell's Island of the Blue Dolphins tells the story of a 12-year-old Gabrielino/Tongva, Karana, who must hunt, find shelter, tame wild animals and fend for herself as she fights to survive all alone.
Published in 2004 The Tale of Despereaux, written by Kate DiCamillo, follows the adventures of a mouse named Despereaux Tilling, as he sets out on his quest to rescue a beautiful human princess. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other's lives. What happens then?
Charlotte's Web is a children's novel by American author E. B. White and illustrated by Garth Williams; it was published in 1952 by Harper & Brothers. The novel tells the story of a pig named Wilbur and his friendship with a barn spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur is in danger of being slaughtered by the farmer, Charlotte writes messages praising Wilbur (such as "Some Pig") in her web in order to persuade the farmer to let him live.
Andrew's dream is to have freckles. He envies Nicky Lane because he has numerous freckles all over his face, ears, and neck. Andrew feels as if he is at a disadvantage because he only has two warts on his fingers. Once, he tried counting all of Nicky's freckles, but when he got to eighty-six, Miss Kelly, Andrew's teacher, told him to pay attention. He wants to have his own so his mother won't be able to tell if his neck and face are dirty and he wouldn't have to wash them. He makes many attempts to acquire some. Freckle Juice is a 1971 children's book by Judy Blume.
A Quest for Revenge! Ishmael, a young school teacher, signs up on a whaling ship to seek adventure. With his unexpeced friend Queequeg, a cannibal harpooner, he joins the Pequod, captained by the mysterious Ahab. But Ahab is only interested in seeking revenge upon the great white whale, Moby-Dick, who took off Ahab's leg on an earlier trip. It's a hair raising whale hunt where Ishmael's search for adventure turns into a desperate wish to survive. Moby-Dick; or, The Whale published in 1851, is the sixth book by American writer Herman Melville.
Malformed Monster. . . or Misunderstood Man? All Paris taunts and torments Quasimodo, the hunchback who lives among the carved stone gargoyles of the great cathedral spires. Nobody thinks he has human feelings and emotions, but Quasimodo will show enormous love and loyalty as this dramatic and unusual story unfolds. In this vivid tapestry are woven the stories of beautiful Esmeralda and the men who love her, including the tragic Quasimodo, who risks everything, even his own life, for the young dancer. Danger, betrayal, and surprise touch every page of this incomparable world classic. This classic was written by the great French author Victor Hugo, who penned the famous Les Misérables.
Lexile: 950L
Lexile: 950L
Awesome Adventure! Lemuel Gulliver is a doctor
who longs for adventure. But when he signs on board a sailing ship, he gets
much more than he bargained for. A shipwreck leaves him swept ashore on a
distant island inhabited by people no bigger than his finger, as astonished by
his size as he is by theirs. But this is only the beginning of Gulliver's
astonishing experiences. Before he returns home, he will have gone through some
of the most amazing adventures ever, in this, a favorite book of young readers
for over 250 years. Written by Jonathan Swift almost 300 years ago, Gulliver's Travels is still a well read classic.
Lexile: 1090L
Lexile: 1090L
A Noble Friendship! Hawkeye, the colonial scout, and Chingachkook, the Mohican warrior are brought together by their love of the New World forests and their desire for peace between their races. Set against the exciting days of the French and Indian War, their story - heroically risking their lives to guide two English sisters through hostile territory battling the evil Le Renard Subtil - is a story of how trust and understanding can develop between people of two cultures. Written by James Fenimore Cooper. He is considered the first important American novelist.
Lexile: 1350L
Lexile: 1350L
Betrayal at Sea! Captain William Bligh recorded the most famous mutiny in sea history when a group of his men, led by Fletcher Christian, forced him from his ship onto a small launch and cast him adrift into the sea. Was Bligh a harsh sea captain whose vicious cruelty forced his men to mutiny? Or was Fletcher Christian greedy for power and unjustified in taking command? Sail with Captain Bligh, on the Bounty and then follow his incredible quest for survival when cast adrift. It's a timeless tale of man's heroic struggle to survive against all odds! This is the true story of adventure and bravery of a captain named William Bligh. His story was published in England after he arrived in 1790.
Lexile: 930L
Lexile: 930L