The Kids of the Polk Street School series is written for young readers who are eagerly beginning to stretch their reading skills to chapter books. This is quite an exciting time of new goals for children. Each book focuses on a student in Ms. Rooney’s second grade classroom.
The Beast in Ms. Rooney’s Room
“Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favorable light at all times, in all circumstances.” – St. Vincent de Paul
Reading level
3.2 [Scholastic – reflects the grade level at which a student reading on grade could read the book independently]
2.1 [AR]
Interest level
Grades 3 – 5
Review and Comments
The Beast in Ms. Rooney’s Room, the first book in the series, introduces readers to several typical second grade students. Richard “Beast” Best is one of the students beginning the new school year in Ms. Rooney’s class – for the second time. Because of this, Richard has to deal with a lot of concerns before he feels comfortable in a class of younger children. What will he tell his old classmates about why he was left back? Why does he have to feel so big next to the other second graders? Why does he still have baby teeth? Why can he only read ten words? Why does he get in trouble so often? The reader understands more about Richard’s struggles through his relationships with other students who eventually support and accept him. Inevitably, there is also an irritating student who attempts to upset Richard’s adjustment to the new school year with hurtful remarks. Continue reading A Review of Two of the ‘Kids of Polk Street School’ Books
Reading Level
Reading Level
Reading Level
Reading Level
St. Francis sings of God’s love and all of the surrounding nature join him. Beautifully illustrated and poetic, Tomie de Paola never disappoints.
Using text from the Old Testament, Tomie dePaola praises all of God’s creations from the sky to the earth to under the water. It’s a celebration of nature. 
God Gave Us Easter is a great story for sharing the reason for Easter in simple terms. It shows ‘new life’ found where things are seemingly dead and it reiterates the story of Jesus and the promise that he would come to take care of our sins. (Ages 3-7)
Humphrey’s First Palm Sunday is a sequel to Humphrey’s story as a young camel when he first met Jesus when he was just a baby. Now he is much older and wiser and is present during Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. The pictures are beautiful and the camel’s goofy nature brings fun to the story. This story stays true to the story of Palm Sunday and is great for kids. (Ages 4-8)
The Donkey That No One Could Ride is a simple story about a young, scared donkey. He meets a man who asks him to carry him on an important ride. The little donkey does not feel he is worthy, but the man gives him courage. He agrees to the job and as he carries the man through Jerusalem and people call him a prophet, the donkey feels special. (Ages 3-7) For a full review of this book and other Anthony DeStefano books, read our blog post 
The Parable of the Lily tells the story of a farmer’s young daughter who receives a bulb as a gift. She is disappointed and the gift is forgotten and eventually thrown into the garden. She is surprised when she wakes up on Easter morning to find a Lily blooming in its place. Part of a series of parables for little children, this story shares the message of forgiveness and new life. (Ages 3-8)
The First Easter Bunny is simple story that shares the story of Jesus’s death and resurrection told through the eyes of a rabbit. Perfect for an Easter gift! (Ages 4-8)