Diary of a Wimpy Kid

Diary of a Wimpy Kid
By: Jeff Kinney


(Realistic Fiction)

This is one a several book series that tells a story of a boy and his troubles he encounters throughout middle school.  The book is in the form of a dairy and contains comics throughout the story.  The book keeps reader's interested and motivated to keep reading and is a good laugh.  the author really captures what is going through a boy's mind when it comes to dealing with other brothers, girls and things at school. 

Eleanor

Eleanor
By: Barbara Cooney


(Non-Fiction/Informational/Diversity/Biography)

This book explains the life of Eleanor Roosevelt, one of the United States first ladies.  The book begins with her childhood and tells stories leading up to her days as first lady after she marries President Roosevelt.

The Starving Time

The Starving Time, Elizabeth;s Jamestown Colony Diary (Book #2)
By: Patricia Hermes


(Non-fiction/Informational/Diversity/Biography)

This book discusses Elizabeth Barker's story of life and death during the first year of settling in Jamestwon Virginia.  This 9 year old girl keeps a diary and allows readers to see what they experienced during settling in the colony.  Starvation, and disease were big players during settlement.  Elizabeth looks for the goodness in people who share and evil in those who are lazy and don't want to help out.

The Harmonica

The Harmonica
By: Troy Johnston


(Historical Fiction)

This book is about a boy who is torn from his family in Poland during WWII and forced to serve in a concentration camp.  Starving and weak the boy finds hope by playing his harmonica in the camp.  The story portrays the power of music.

Number the Stars

Number the Stars
By: Lois Lowry


(Historical Fiction)

Annemarie and Ellen are best friends and remember of their life before the war.  Their lives have changed since then being filled with education, food shortage and the Nazis.  The Jews of Denmark are being moved to other places.  Ellen and her family do not want to leave, so they pretend to be part of Annemarie's family.  Annemarie is asked t do an extremely dangerous mission to help out her best friend.

The Winged Cat

The Winged Cat
By: Deborah Nourse Lattimore


(Historical Fiction)

In ancient Egypt, a young servant girl and a High Priest must each find the correct magic spells from the Book of the Dead that open the twelve gates of the Netherworld.  This will determine who is telling the truth about the death of the girl's sacred cat.

Castle Diary

Castle Diary 
By: Richard Platt


(Historical Fiction)

This one is more for a teacher to read tot eh class.  The book is set up in the form of a journal of a child in the 13th century and covers the year of 1285.  The illustrations use ink and watercolor and includes many details including the castle, the hunt, the tournament, and the wheat harvest.