Jane Claire Lambert’s Five in a Row (FIAR) has always been a hit with my younger children. We even participated in a FIAR co-op a few years ago. A lesser known gem is Becky Jane Lambert’s Beyond Five in a Row (Becky Jane is Jane Claire Lambert’s daughter).
Beyond FIAR is geared for ages eight-twelve and uses chapter books rather than picture books. It is a great resource for the transition between the two. There are three volumes, each of which is designed to be used for one semester; however, I’ve found them to be great when schooling needs a pick-me-up. Grab the guide and do one book. Often I learn as much as the kids do. We have especially enjoyed Homer Price – what a hoot!
Here is the book list for the three Beyond Five in a Row volumes:
Volume 1
- The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner
- Homer Price by Robert McCloskey
- Thomas Edison, Young Inventer by Sue Guthridge (Childhood of Famous Americans Series)
- Betsy Ross, Designer of Our Flag by Ann Weil (Childhood of Famous Americans Series)
Volume 2
- Sarah Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
- Skylark by Patricia MacLachlan
- The Story of George Washington Carver by Eva Moore (Scholastic Biography)
- Helen Keller by Margaret Davidson (Scholastic Biography)
Volume 3
- The Cricket In Times Square by George Selden, Illustrated by Garth Williams, A Yearling Book
- The Saturdays written and illustrated by Elizabeth Enright, A Puffin Book
- Neil Armstrong — Young Flyer by Montrew Dunham, Illustrated by Meryl Henderson, A “Childhood of Famous Americans” Book
- Marie Curie and the Discovery of Radium by Ann E. Steinke, Illustrated by Roger Xavier, A “Solutions — Profiles in Science for Young People” Book
