Suggested Read-Alouds for Fourth Grade

Lisa Rogers and Karen Baldwin, Hardy Library, 2008

Chapter Books

Home of the Brave by Katherine Applegate

            A beautifully wrought story about an African immigrant to America, who makes a journey from hardship to hope.

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street by Jeanne Birdsall

            The sequel to the delightful The Penderwicks. The sistersÕ Aunt Claire has come for a visit, bringing with her a letter from their late mother that encourages their father to date. A crisis ensues as the girls assume that this is the first step on the treacherous road to having a stepmother.

Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis

            ItÕs 1860, and 11-year-old Elijah is a first-generation freeborn child. His Canadian town of Buxton serves as a haven for runaway slaves. When the townÕs corrupt preacher steals money from a citizen whoÕs been saving to buy his familyÕs freedom, Elijah sets off for America in pursuit.

Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell

            Hilarious, inventive, and rodent-friendly, this fantastic first novel by acclaimed picture book author Jonell features a lonely girl, a cantankerous talking rat, and a nanny who is doing very, "very" bad things. Includes a fun flip-book feature.

The TitanÕs Curse by Rick Riordan

            In this third book of the acclaimed series, Percy and his friends are escorting two new half-bloods safely to camp when they are intercepted by a manticore and learn that the goddess Artemis has been kidnapped.

Elephant Run by Roland Smith

            In this thrilling journey through the jungles of Burma, Smith explores the far-reaching effects of World War II, while introducing readers to the fascinating world of wild timber elephants and their "mahouts."

The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart

            Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities? When this ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mind-bending tests. But in the end just four children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful could complete.

Emma Jean Lazarus Fell Out of a Tree by Lauren Tarshis

            Emma-Jean Lazarus is a lovable oddball who thinks she can use logic to solve the messy everyday problems of her seventh-grade peers. The more Emma-Jean gets involved, the messier her own life gets. Suddenly sheÕs no longer the person standing on the outside of all social interactions.

A Crooked Kind of Perfect by Linda Urban

            Sure that sheÕll be on her way to Carnegie Hall if only she could have a baby grand, ten-year-old Zoe EliasÕ dreams hit a sour note when her dad returns from the music store with an organ.

The Aurora County All-Stars by Deborah Wiles

            Twelve-year-old House Jackson, star pitcher and team captain of the Aurora County All-Stars, has been sidelined for a year with a broken elbow. Now that heÕs healed, the biggest game of the season is set for the same day as the pageant for the countyÕs 200th anniversary.

 

 

Leepike Ridge  by N.D. Wilson

            An original mix of Robinson Crusoe, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, and The Odyssey, this novel is a remarkable adventure, a journey though the dark of the grave and back out into the light.

 

Nonfiction and Historical Fiction Picture Books

 

Night Running by Elisa Carbone

            It's 1838, and James has made a secret plan to escape Master Graham's farm- and slavery. His dog Zeus has to stay behind: he's simply too noisy to bring along on a dangerous nighttime journey. But when two white men capture James soon after he runs, he's grateful his faithful hunting dog didn't obey. Zeus has followed behind, and the scrappy hound rescues James from his captors.

One Thousand Tracings by Lita Judge

            Based on true events, this inspiring picture book tells the story of an American family who establishes contact with a German family after World War II and sends them a package of much-needed supplies, including shoes.

What to do About Alice? : How Alice Roosevelt Broke the Rules, Charmed the World, and Drove Her Father Crazy! by Barbara Kerley

            Alice, the daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, turned the White House upside down with her antics. The rollicking text and vivid illustrations bring this rambunctious girl to life.

HenryÕs Freedom Box by Ellen Levine

            In this powerful story, Levine weaves together the extraordinary events in the life of Henry "Box" Brown, who as a young boy hid in a wooden crate in one of the most amazing escapes using the Underground Railroad.

The Escape of Oney Judge: Martha WashingtonÕs Slave Finds Freedom by Emily Arnold McCully

            George and Martha Washington both owned slaves. Oney is separated from her mother when the Washingtons move to Philadelphia, and although Martha takes special interest in her, she realizes that she will only gain her freedom by running away.

We are the Ship: The Story of Negro League Baseball by Kadir Nelson

            Award-winning illustrator Nelson writes the history of the Negro Leagues from the perspective of a fictional player. With a foreward by Hank Aaron.

Red Butterfly: How a Princess Smuggled the Secret of Silk Out of China by Deborah Noyes

            This enchanting tale of hidden beauty and fierce courage offers the story of a young Chinese princess who must leave her fatherÕs home of many splendors to marry the king of a far-off land. Her clever plan to ensure her home is with her always continues to live in legend.

Pale Male: Citizen Hawk of New York City by Janet Schulman

            The birdwatchers of Central Park were buzzing; a young red-tailed hawk had been spotted, would he stay? The bird they dubbed Pale Male not only stayed, he became one of New York CityÕs most famous residents.

Nothing but Trouble: the Story of Althea Gibson by Sue Stauffacher

            Everyone agrees that Althea Gibson is nothing but trouble. But when Buddy Walker watches her play paddle tennis, he sees something more. Buddy buys Althea her own stringed tennis racket, and before long, she's on her way to becoming a great athlete. Althea Gibson, born in 1927, was the first African American ever to compete in and win the Wimbledon Cup.