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.

Esperanza Rising

Esperanza Rising
By: Pam Munoz Ryan


(Historical Fiction)

Esperanza is part of a well to do family who owns a ranch and is loved by her parents.  All of this is shattered when her father is killed my bandits and her family ranch is burned tot eh ground.  Esperanza and her Mama are fugitives and the illegal immigrants in a CAlifornia Mexican labour camp.

Out of the Dust

Out of the Dust
By: Karen Hesse


(Historical Fiction)

This book goes to explain the dust bowl.  It tells of a family who is living during the time and the difficulties they face in the dry and dusty environment they are living.  The book contains easy text that is set up as free verse.

The Memory Coat

The Memory Coat
By: Elvira Woodruff


(Historical Fiction)

This book discusses the place of Elkis Island.  It follows a family on their journey from Russia to the US through Ellis Island.  Today Ellis Island is a museum, but back in history it was a place immigrants entered through before entering the US.  Families all over the world came through in search for many goals.

My Freedom Trip

My Freedom Trip 
By: Frances Park


(Historical Fiction)

Soo is escaping to meet her father, who is in South Korea.  She has to cross the 38^th parallel to reach him.  Her mother didn’t go with Soo at the time she was searching for her father.  Soo shows her bravery through her travel to find her dad.

The New Coat for Anna

The New Coat for Anna 
By: Harriet Ziefert


(Historical Fiction)

Anna needed a new coat, but it was during the war and all supplies were being sent out.  Her mother told her she would get her a coat after the war ended-the war had ended but her mother couldn’t afford to buy a coat for Anna.  Her mother took her to a farmer and asked for the wool of a sheep in place of a gold watch, he agreed and come spring Anna had wool.  They later went to the old lady with a spinning wheel and offered a lamp to have her turn the wool into thread.  She told them to come back when the cherries were ripe so they could dye the wool red.  They then took the yarn to a weaver to be woven into cloth, offering a garnet necklace. They took the cloth to the tailor who was given a teapot to create Anna’s coat.  When it was finished they invited everyone who helped create the coat to eat a Christmas cake they made.  Everyone was very happy! 

The Butterfly

The Butterfly 
By: Patricia Polacco


(Historical Fiction)

Nazis.  Monique-Small French village.  When they come “little ghost” it wasn’t really a ghost (young Jewish girl named Sevrine, hiding from the Nazis). 

Patricca Polacco dips into her own family history, from the French Resistance.

Compares being free as the Papillion butterfly, letting it fly away (out the window) to when they are free from the Nazis.  Later they were all split and they wanted a sign that they were OK.  Butterflies flying free in the garden, she knew they were safe.

When Jessie Came Across the Sea

When Jessie Came Across the Sea 
By: Amy Hest


(Historical Fiction)

Jessie, who is 13 lives with her grandma, since her parents both passed away.  Jessie goes to the rabbi with the boys and learns how to write, which she later teaches her grandma.  Her grandma teachers her how to sew.The rabbi had a ticket to America to visit his brother, who sadly passed away.  Since he had no need to leave his churcha dn go to the US he chose Jessie to say with his brother’s widow.  Jessie goes over to comfort and help Kay sew-making many wedding dresses.  She was saving up money and meets a boy, who later asks her to marry him.  Before the wedding she was sure to save enough money to fly her grandma to the US to come to the wedding.  Her grandma brought her mom’s wedding band for Jessie to wear.

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree

The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree 
By: Gloria Houston


(Historical Fiction)

Every year a family is chosen to choose the Christmas tree for Pine Grove Church.  They choose a tree in the spring and mark it.  Papa says they will chose a Balsam tree because it grows high near heaven.  On their grandfather’s mountain was their tree.  Ruthie was assigned to be a heavenly angel in the village play.  She marks the tree with her red ribbon from her hair.  During the summer Papa was called away to be a soldier.  Since he left there was no timber to make money off of.  Ruthie said a prayer.  In the fall they got a letter from Papa that he would be home for Christmas.  Papa didn’t come home with the other men, and it was the day before Christmas Eve, and they were practicing for the play.  Preacher said someone else could get the tree, but it was Ruthie’s family’s turn.  Late that night Mama took two kids to find the perfect Balsam tree.  They found the tree and cut it down with Papa’s ax.  She also made Ruthie a dress out of her wedding dress.  Church was over St. Nick said here’s one more gift=Papa.  Ended “Grandma Ruthie told me so…”

Watch the Stars Come Out

Watch the Stars Come Out 
By: Riki Levinson


(Historical Fiction)

This story explains the steps immigrants took in order to come to the United States for their freedom.  A grandmother comes in to tell her granddaughter a story before bed.  She told her a story of how when she was little and her and her family traveled on a boat to Ellis island.  She explained how many people got sick but her brother took care of her.  They were separated from her parents and sister.  When they got off the ship they had to be checked by doctors and later found their parents.  They saw the statue of liberty and became very excited.  Once the ship docked they went to see their new place. 

Milly and Macy’s Parade

Milly and Macy’s Parade 
By: Shana Corey


(Historical Fiction)

The employee from the Macey’s department store in NYC is an immigrant, who is homesick.  Milly is the one who inspires the store to have their 1^st Macey’s parade during the Christmas season. 

The Kid's Book of Weather Forecasting

The Kid's Book of Weather Forecasting: Build a Weather Station, Read the Sky, and Make Predictions

By: Mark Breen

(Nonfiction/Informational/Diversity/Biography)

This book the different vocabulary associated with weather and how it is forecasted everyday.  The book includes at home experiments to teach children the concepts that are associated with weather.  Everything you need to know to make your own forecasting station is between the pages of this book.

The Curious Garden

The Curious Garden 
By: 


(Non-fiction/Informational/Diverse/Biography)

This is a story about a young boy Liam who discovers a withering garden on the abandoned railway tracks of Manhattan’s High Line. With his help it begins to flourish and spread; it seems the curious garden likes to explore as much as he does. Weeds, mosses, and flowering plants make their way down the tracks to neighboring rooftops, abandoned cars, and sidewalk cracks. New gardeners appear and over the years Liam grows into a man, and the once dreary city grows into a green space with flowers, topiaries, ponds, and rooftop gardens. 

How does a Seed Grow?

How Does a Seed Grow?
By: Sue Kim


(Non-fiction/Informational/Diverse/Biography)

This book explains the plant life cycle of blueberry seeds.  It sing-song rhythm engages students in learning about blueberries.  The book includes many pictures to explain the process from when you first plant the seed to the final stages when it produces fruit.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar
By: Eric Carle


(Non-fictional/Informational/ Diversity/Biography)

This book explains the cycle of a butterfly.  It explains how a caterpillar hatches from an egg and eats a lot of food before becoming a butterfly.  After the caterpillar is done eating all the food it can it wraps itself in a cocoon.  After awhile the caterpillar breaks out of the cocoon and turns into a beautiful butterfly.  

And Tango Makes Three

And Tango Makes Three
By: Peter Parnell and Justin Richardson 


(Non-fiction/Informational/Diverse/Biography)

This book is based on a real story.  It explains how two boy penguins were attracted to one another.  The two made a nest together and attempted to hatch a rock, which looked similar to an egg.  The zookeepers realized they were a couple and they provided them an egg to hatch.  They took turns sitting on the egg and eventually it hatched.

Doll Baby

Doll Baby
By: Eve Bunting


(Non-fiction/Information/Diversity/Biography)

A 15 year old girl finds out she’s pregnant and doesn’t realize what is in store for her.  She believes that this baby inside her will be easy to take care of, just like her baby doll.  She misses her friends and playing softball.  She gets upset when she sees her ex-boyfriend buying movie tickets for himself and another girl.

The Green Apple

The Green Apple
By: Eve Bunting


(Non-Fiction/Informational?Diversity/Biography)

School field trip to an orchard to learn about how to make cider.  Farrah, who is a young immigrant gains her self confidence.  

Junkyard Wonders

Junkyard Wonders
By: Patricia Polacco


(Non-Fiction/Informational/Diversity/Biography)

Trisha lived with her mom in California and would visit her father and Gramma in Michigan during the summer, but this year she decided to stay in Michigan for the school year.  It would be her first year in a Michigan School where she could have a new start.  In California everyone knew she was in a special class and had just learned how to read.  When she got to school on the first day and waved to her friend Kay from the summer, she didn’t wave back, she just ignored her.  Trisha gets into her classroom and meets her teacher Mrs. Peterson.  Mrs. Peterson begins the class by reading the definition of genius.  She referred to her class as “The Junkyard” because they are all different –like things in a junkyard.

Jody- disease that made him grow too fast

Gibbie- tourettes

Stuart- diabetes

Thom trouble seeing

Trisha- dyslexia

Ravanne- doesn’t speak

Mrs. Peterson put different scents on their wrists to determine different “tribes”.  Wore pins that said “Junkyard Wonders” and were made fun of.  Mrs. Peterson explained how a junkyard holds so many treasures.  They go on a field trip to find items to make into treasures.  Trisha’s group picked an airplane which they all work together to recreate and make new.  They needed a motor, so the class started fundraising with bake sales and carwashes.  Jody was sick and later died in his sleep because his heart could keep up with his body growing so fast.  Ravanne speaks for the first time “He wanted it to be called The Junkyard Wonder-so that’s what it has to be.”  Barton Poole overheard plans to launch the airplane at the science fair and told the principal.  The principal said no and took away the plane.  Mrs. Peterson didn’t give up hope and told the class they would still fly the plane, for Jody.  Principal allowed the students to fly the plane is Gibbies father was present to make sure it was being done correctly.  They flew the plane and said it would reach the moon!

Henry's Freedom Box

Henry's Freedom Box: A True Story form the Underground Railroad
By: Ellen Levine


(Non-Fiction/Informational/Diversity/Biography)

Henry Brown wasn’t sure how old he was because he’s a slave and slaves weren’t allowed to know their birthdays.  Him and his brothers and sisters worked in a big house.  Their master had been good to their family so-far but said “see how leaves are blowing in the wind? Like slave children from their families (imagery).  One day the master became ill, Henry thought maybe he would free him but instead he said he would give him to his son.  He told him never to tell a lie, and said good bye to his family.  Henry started working in new master’s tobacco factory.  Another boy told him Nancy who was a slave shopping for her mistress, they agreed to meet again.  Months late Henry asked Nancy to be his wife.  Both masters agreed and they got married and had two kids and lived together, even thought they had different masters.  Nancy’s master lost a lot of money and was afraid they would sell her children.  His friend James came into the factory and told Henry, Nancy and kids sold at the slave market.  Rushed out at lunchtime to center of town and saw them all being taken away in carts.  Weeks passed and Henry saw a bird and thought how he could be free.  Dr. Smith-a white man who thought slavery was wrong.  Henry asked Dr. Smith and James to help him.  He was going to mail himself to a place where there were no slaves. (Philadelphia)  Needed a reason to stay home from work so burnt his hands with ritriol.  Next day at 4 am they took him to the station, begged clerks to be careful.  He was all thrown around (box was on steamboat to Washington, DC.  Fell asleep and woke up to knocking.  4 men (3 white, 1 black) said “Welcome to Philadelphia.”  Henry had his birthday: March 30, 1849-his 1^st day of freedom, then was given the middle name ‘Box’.   

In Our Mother's House

In Our Mother's House
By: Patricia Polacco


(Non-Fiction/Informational/Diversity/Biography)

This story explains how the family has two mothers instead of a mother and a father.  They explain how they both love them so much and they explain about how they do all kinds of things together.  The couple has one then one child and they are all adopted and of different races.  

That Was Then This is Now

That Was Then This is Now
By: S. E. Hinton


(Realistic Fiction)  

Since childhood Bryon and Mark have been like brothers, but times are changing.  The book starts with Bryon's birth mother and Mark's adoptive mother being in the hospital.  Mark and Bryon have been working to make money while their mother was in the hospital.  Later in the book you find out Mark has been getting his cash from selling drugs to hippies.  Bryon calls the cops after he found the drugs, and told Mark about it when he came home.  Mark was mad that he called the cops on him.  He later was sent to reformatory school and sent to prison.

Speak

Speak 
By: Laurie Anderson


(Realistic Fiction)

Melinda busted an end of the year party by calling the cops.  Now her old friends won't talk to her, and people she doesn't even know hate her.  The safest place is to be alone, by herself in her head, but even that's not safe.  There is something that happened that night, that she is trying not to remember.  If she did, then she would have to speak the truth...

The Westing Game

The Westing Game
By: Ellen Raskin


(Realistic Fiction)

This book leaves the reader in suspense.  16 individuals are mysteriously chosen to live in the Sunset Towers apartment building at the shore Lake Michigan in Wisconsin-to heard the will of Samuel W. Westing.  The will is a puzzle, divided into 8 parts which consist of clues from "America the Beautiful".  He challenges them to solve the mystery of who killed Sam Westing.  Whoever solves  the mystery will inherit Westing's $200 million fortune.

How to Eat Fried Worms

How to Eat Fried Worms
By: Thomas Rockwell


(Realistic Fiction)

This book tells a story about Billy, a 10 year old boy, who must eat 15 worms, in 15 days to win a bet for $50.  His friends help him to prepare the worms he has to eat in many different ways to make them more appetizing.  They use condiments such as mustard, ketchup, horseradish and syrup.

Star Girl

Star Girl
By: Jerry Spinelli


(Realistic Fiction)

This book centers around a tenth grade student named Susan "Stargirl" Caraway, who attends Mica Area High School in Arizona.  She had spent her previous school years in homeschooling.  Leo Borlock narrates the story of his encounters with her.  This book focuses on staying strong during trying times and acceptance between a girl and her boyfriend.

Holes

Holes
By: Louis Sachar


(Realistic Fiction)

The trouble started when Stanley was accused of stealing donated shoes from the a famous basketball player-Clyde "Sweetfeet" Livington.  The judge doesn't believe Stanley is innocent and send him to Camp Green Lake to "build character".  At this camp stanley has to dig holes everyday 5 feet wide and 5 feet deep.  Stanley later finds there is more to why the boys are digging holes, the warren was looking for something.  Throughout the book connections are made about the family curse and the reader unveils all their secrets.

Bridge to Terabithia

Bridge to Terabithia
By: Katherine Paterson


(Realistic Fiction)

This is about two children who become close friends and share their talents to create another world for them to escape their reality.  They create their imaginary kingdom of Terabithia and declare themselves king and queen, spending everyday after school there.  Jesse has a crush on his music teacher and goes to the National Gallery of Art in Washington with her one day after school.  That same day Leslie went to Terabithia alone.  The rope broke when she was swinging and she fell into the creek and drowns.  Jesse is able to overcome his grief because of his strength he learned through his friendship with Leslie. He takes boards from Leslie's house and builds a bridge in Terabithia. 

Frindle

Frindle
By: Andrew Clemens


(Realistic Fiction)

At the beginning of 5th grade nick is not excited about having Mrs. Granger for his English teacher.  One day to stall in class he decided to ask why every word has a meaning.  Mrs. Granger provided her answer and made him write an essay about it for homework, where he creates the new word "frindle" for pen.  Soon everyone started using the word "frindle and Mrs. Granger wasn't too happy.  Nick grows up and is very well to do.  He receives a package from Mrs. Granger with a dictionary containing the word "frindle".  In return Nick sends her a gold pen with a note telling her she is allowed to call the writing instrument whatever she prefers. 

Blubber

Blubber
By: Judy Blume


(Realistic Fiction)

This book talks about bullies in schools.  The story tells how these girls are picking on an overweight girl named Linda.  The books goes into details of how the girls physically and mentally abuse Linda throughout the school day in classes and on the bus.  Towards the end of the book some girls begin to understand how wrong it is to pick on Linda, after getting a taste of their own medicine.  I think this book is a good eye opener to what takes place in schools everyday.  

Dear Mr. Henshaw

Dear Mr. Henshaw
By: Beverly Cleary


(Realistic Fiction)

Leigh Botts is writing a letter to his favorite author, Mr. Henshaw, for his second grade assignment.  After Mr. Henshaw writes him back with some questions to answer.  At first Leigh was nervous to write back to the author.  Through his replies to Mr. Henshaw his personal matters are revealed to the reader.  He explains how he is the new kid in town, how his parents are getting a divorce and this complex relationship with his father.  Mr. Henshaw encourages LEigh to keep a diary for his thoughts and feelings.  

Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself

Starring Sally J. Freedman as Herself 
By: Judy Blume


(Realistic Fiction)

Sally J. Freedman is moving from New Jersey to Miami with her brother, their mother and grandmother at the end of WWII. They moved because her brother Douglas caught nephritis from staying in wet clothes while it was cold. Sally meets a black woman traveling with her son and her infant daughter. The next day, Sally goes back to visit the black family and learns about the laws of racial segregation.  Sally is angry, but her mom wasn’t. Before beginning in her new school, she had a physical examination and the nurse found nits in Sally's hair. In her new school, she meets new friends.

Her first day at school was tough, but she later makes more friends. She meets Peter Hornstein.  He likes Sally and Sally likes him back.

Sally meets Mr. Zavodsky, who lives in her building in Miami. He offers Andrea and her candy. Sally refuses the candy, and Andrea accepts it. Sally, who is Jewishnotices that Mr. Zavodsky looks like Hitler and starts to believe that he actually is.  Sally is worried that her father may die in when he turns 42, because his brothers did.

Sally writes a lot of letters to Mr. Zavodsky, but never mails them.  She worries at one point Mr. Zavodsky killed her friend Shelby, and she believes the rock candy he offers is actually poisoned. In the end, Mr. Zavodsky dies of a heart attack.  At the end, Sally and her family return to New Jersey.

The Lemonade Club

The Lemonade Club
By: Patricia Polacco


(Realistic Fiction)

This book discusses how a little girl is diagnosed with leukemia during the school year and is struggling with missing classes and losing her hair.  When she comes back she discovers that the whole class shaved they’re heads for her, even her teacher!  As everyone’s hair began to grow back, it seemed that the teacher’s hair wasn’t and the students were confused.  Later the class found out that they’re teacher too was sick with cancer and knew exactly what her student was going through.  Two of the girls and the teacher created the Lemonade Club, where the motto was “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade”.  The teacher grows closer with these two girls and asks them both to be her flower girls in her wedding when she is better.  This was based on a real story from the author’s life.

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus

Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
By: Barbara Park


(Realistic Fiction)

Junie is starting kindergarten and has to take the bus to school.  Junie doesn’t like the bus, and doesn’t want to take the bus home.  So she decides to hide in all different places around the school.  She says how she is the hide-and-seek champion, and when you play hide-and-go-seek you NEVER come out from your space.  She is sometimes forgetful, never remembering her teacher’s name, but instead just calls her miss.

Clementine

Clementine
By: Sara Pennypacker


(Realistic Fiction)

Celmentine is a very energetic and loving little girl who is often finding herself in some trouble.  She tries to help her friend who got glue stuck in her hair, but instead chops all her hair off and gets in trouble by her teacher, principal and her parents.  Her and her friend try to make her hair better by using permanent markers to make it a different color.  Clementine is always trying to help people including her dad who is owner of the hotel where they all live.  Clementine comes up with the idea to move all the pigeons to the side of the building instead of the front so her dad doesn’t have to go out all the time and clean their mess.  Her and Margret don’t hang out anymore after they got into a fight, but after they apologize and become friends.  Clementine is rewarded with a cake and a small party for solving the pigeon problem!  

When I was Young in the Mountains

When I was Young in the Mountains
By: Cynthia Rylant


(Realistic Fiction)

The book tells the story of when the main character was younger, in West Virginia , in the Appalachian Mts.  This book is based on the author's real life.  She explains what she does with her grandparents during the day, how they go walking through pastures,and how they stop for butter at Mr. Crawford’s store.  She then tells of pumping water and what the water is used for.