Animal Tales
Avi. Poppy. (series)
A heroic mouse defends her community against an evil owl in an exciting
story of adventure.
DiCamillo, Kate. Tale of Despereaux. This is the story of Desperaux Tilling,
a small mouse of unusual talents, the princess that he loves, the servant
girl who longs to be a princess, and a devious rat determined to bring them
all to ruin.
King-Smith, Dick The School Mouse
Flora, the world’s most educated mouse, helps save her family during a
crisis. Try other titles by this same author!
Mass, Wendy A Mango Shaped Space
Afraid that she is crazy, thirteen-year-old Mia, who sees a special color
with every letter, number, and sound, keeps this a secret until she becomes
overwhelmed by school, changing relationships, and the loss of her beloved
cat.
Park, Linda Sue Archer’s Quest
Twelve-year-old Kevin Kim helps Chu-mong, a
legendary, tiger riding king of ancient Korea return to his own time. This
book is packed with fantasy, historical fiction, and a great explanation of
the Chinese Zodiac.
Vande Velde, Vivian. Smart Dog
Fifth-grader Amy agrees to help a friendly dog who has escaped from the
local university, because the dog (a "science
experiment") is not only smart enough to talk but also extremely polite. Can
Amy and Sherlock manage to stay half a step ahead of the researchers, who
plan to dissect Sherlock's brain?
Stories about Family and Friends
Blume, Judy. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. (series)
As Peter struggles with relationships with friends and family he finds his
demanding two-year-old brother, Fudge, an ever increasing problem. Laugh out
loud fun!
Clements, Andrew Lunch Money
Greg has a talent- he knows how to make money. This time he wants to sell
his self-created comic books in school for a profit. Another winning school
story by Clements! Try other titles by this same author.
Creech, Sharon Granny Torelli Makes Soup
With the help of her wise old grandmother twelve-year-old Rosie manages to
work out the problems in her relationship with her best friend Bailey, the
boy next door. Also by the sameauthor: Love that Dog and Walk Two Moons.
Larson, Kirby Hattie Big Sky
After inheriting her uncle’s homesteading claim in Montana, 16 year old
orphan Hattie Brookes travels from Iowa in 1917 to make a home for herself
and encounters some unexpected problems related to the war being fought in
Europe. Great to read after Laura Ingalls Wilder’s Little House series.
Mackel, Kathy Mad Cat
Tough-as-nails catcher Madelyn Catherine (you'd better call her MadCat) is
excited at the prospect of seeing the Norwich, New Hampshire, Sting, her
fast-pitch softball team, upgraded into national contenders. But then she
realizes that the change means cutting weaker players to make room for stars
from other local teams. A winner of a sports novel that explores what it
means to compete.
Morgenstern, Susie A Book of Coupons
The new fifth-grade teacher, Monsieur Noel, or "Mr. Christmas," gives each
child a book of coupons that excuse the holder for infractions of the rules.
But the real gift he gives them is a love for learning--he will give them
a "whole year of lessons for free." Morgenstern's witty
and poignant tribute to great teachers everywhere proclaims what education
should be about. Translated from the French.
Peck, Richard A Long Way From Chicago
A boy recounts his annual summer trips to rural Illinois with his sister
during the Great Depression to visit their larger than-life grandmother.
Filled with adventure and much humor.
White, Ruth Tadpole
In rural Kentucky in 1955, Serilda Collins, single mother of four lively
girls, discovers that her orphaned nephew is in need of help. The girls come
to his rescue in many humorous and touching situations.
Fantasy and Adventure
Banks, Lynn Reid The Indian in the Cupboard(series)
A nine-year-old boy receives a plastic Indian, a cupboard, and a little key
for his birthday and finds himself involved in adventure when the Indian
comes to life in the cupboard and befriends him.
Edwards, Julie Andrews The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles
The wonderful tale of Lindy, Tom, and Ben’s adventures as they try to reach
Whangdoodleland. A favorite of those who love fantasy!
Gutman, Dan Jackie and Me: Magic Baseball Card Series. (series)
With the help of baseball cards, a boy can travel through time to famous
baseball games in history and meet the players in person in various
circumstances.
Berstein, Nina Magic by the Book
Siblings Anne, Emily, and Will, find a mysterious book among those brought
home from the local library in Queens. As the children read the book, it
becomes apparent that the stories are all about them (since Edward Eager is
explicitly mentioned the echo of his Seven-Day Magic is likely intentional),
and they get pulled into a series of fantastical adventures drawing directly
from Green’s Robin Hood, The Scarlet Pimpernel, an illustrated encyclopedia
of bugs, and War and Peace. A fun romp that celebrates the joys of reading.
Hale, Shannon Princess Academy
While attending a strict academy for potential princesses with the other
girls from her mountain village, Miri discovers unexpected talents and
connections to her homeland. 2005 Newbery Honor Book. Also try Goose Girl
and Enna Burning by the same author.
Ibbotson, Eva The Secret of Platform 13
Odge Gribble, a young hag, accompanies an old wizard, a gentle fey, and a
giant ogre on their mission through a magical tunnel from their island to
London to rescue their king and queen’s son, who had been stolen as an
infant. A real page turner!
Martin, Ann The Doll People
A family of porcelain dolls that has lived in the same house for one hundred
years is taken aback when a new family of plastic dolls arrives and doesn't
follow The Doll Code of Honor. The next book in the series The Meanest Doll
in the World is often fun to read first with it’s fast paced action and
suspense.
Paulsen, Gary Hatchet
After a plane crash, thirteen-year-old Brian spends fifty-four days in the
Canadian wilderness, learning to survive with only the aid of a hatchet
given him by his mother, and learning also to survive his parents'
divorce.
Scieska, Jon Time Warp Trio (series)
The zany time traveling trio of Fred, Joe, and Sam never fail to amuse and
educate in their crazy adventures.
Myths and Legends
d'Aulaires, Ingri D'Aulaires' Book of Greek myths
Lavishly illustrated introductions to the myths of Ancient Greece. If you
enjoy this, you may also like d’Aulaires’ Norse Gods and Giants. Both a must
read before the Lightening Thief (series) by Rick Riodan.
Hodges, Margaret Merlin and the Making of the King
Hodges’ retelling of three Arthurian legends is beautiful in its simplicity;
her stories retain the full flavor of the legends but remain accessible.
Trina Schart Hyman’s artwork is reminiscent of detailed medieval
manuscripts. If you enjoy this title, see Gerald Morris's The Squire's Tale
above.
Osborne, Mary Pope Favorite Medieval Tales
Nine medieval tales, including "Finn MacCoul," "Beowulf," "The Sword in the
Stone," and "Robin Hood and "His Merry Men," are retold in this elegant
volume. Each story opens with a short quote in the tale's original language,
introducing readers to the evolution of the English language. Inspired by
medieval art and illuminated manuscripts, Howell's paintings complement the
well-researched text.
Yolen, Jane
Not One Damsel in Distress: World Folktales for Strong Girls
Yolen has collected more than a dozen formerly obscure folktales from around
the world featuring strong and combative women heroes such as Burd Janet,
Atalanta, and Bradamante, and has narrated them with verbal flourishes taken
from the oral tradition. If you liked this, you may also enjoy Jane Yolen’s
Mightier than the Sword: World Folktales for Strong Boys.
Poetry
Florian, Douglas Summersaults: Poems & Paintings
In 28 exuberant poems, Florian writes of hazy days, fly balls, and swimming
holes—a celebration of all things summery.
George, Kristine Fold me a Poem
Haiku poems describe how a young boy creates a world filled with origami
creatures. A new picture book for all ages- also go to the authors website at
www.kristinegeorge.com for origami ideas and instruction.
Janeczko, Paul A Poke in the I: A Collection of Concrete Poems
This book's playful vision that "the arrangement of letters or words on the
page, the typefaces chosen, and the way space is used, add meaning to the
poem beyond that contained in the actual words" never wavers. The visual
ingenuity is justified by equally clever poetry. Raschka's strong vertical
lines and bold colors add energy to the collection, at the base of which lie
the twin themes that language is neither static nor dull. And don’t miss the
latest title from the same author: A Kick in the Head.
Soto, Gary Neighborhood Odes
Twenty-one poems, all odes, celebrate life in a Hispanic neighborhood. With
humor, sensitivity, and insight, Soto explores the lives of children. Diaz's
contemporary black-and-white illustrations, which often resemble cut paper,
effortlessly capture the varied moods of this remarkable collection. With a
glossary of thirty Spanish words and phrases.
Nonfiction
Curlee, Lynn Brooklyn Bridge
The Brooklyn Bridge receives handsome tribute here as a great accomplishment
of engineering and human labor. Full-page paintings provide impressive views
of the underwater excavation of foundations, the construction of the
anchoring towers, and the suspension of cables. While the text explains the
technical aspects of construction, it also recounts the costly efforts of
the Roebling family and the laborers.
Eye Witness Books
China; Tree; Fossil; Weather; Ocean. Any in this series of great non-fiction
books with amazing pictures and captions would be great reading on a long
summer afternoon.
Goodall, Jane The Chimpanzees I Love:
Saving Their World and Ours
Goodall centers her discussion on the animals: their tool use, interactions
among family groups (especially mothers and their young), and intelligence
and emotions. Descriptions of the chimpanzees are richly detailed and filled
with personality. Goodall's affectionate relationship with the chimpanzees
is evident in the photos from forty years of research. Final chapters
explain the dangers faced by chimpanzees not only in the wild but in
captivity.
Kramer, Steven Hidden Worlds:
Looking Through a Scientist's Microscope
This book profiles Dennis Kunkel, whose expertise lies in the use of
microscopy. The text discusses the nature of microscopic images, the role of
technical equipment in research, and the reliance of science on observation.
Kunkel's colorized microphotographs are enhanced by the sharp layouts.
Montgomery, Sy The Tranantula Scientist
This book follows arachnologist Sam Marshall on an expedition to South
America to investigate several tarantula species. Information about spider
basics, spider silk, and how to observe your own local spiders is woven into
the main narrative. The color photography is so interesting that even the
squeamish may take a second look at the hairy tarantulas portrayed in close
detail. Descriptions of books are edited from a variety of sources such as
Horn Book Guide Online, Capitol Choices 2005, previous summer reading lists,
and individual cataloging records.
