K-2

This list was compiled by librarians from the South Orange and Maplewood elementary schools and public libraries. You may read books from this list, or from the Intermediate Grades List. Reading is one of the best activities for academic success. We suggest you make frequent virtual and physical visits to your public libraries this summer.

ALDA, ARLENE. Here a face, there a face
The author/photographer finds faces in unusual places – on buildings, trees, mailboxes, and fountains.
ASTON, DIANA. A seed is sleepy
An informative, yet beautiful introduction to seeds.
BAKER, MARGARET. When I was a girl . . .I dreamed
An old lady remembers a young girl's crazy dreams; what she would become and the wonderful adventures that she would have. Are they true; or only imagination?
BANG-CAMPBELL, MONIKA. Little rat makes music
Little Rat loves the violin but hates to practice, until her teacher suggests she perform a duet with one of the advanced students at the holiday concert.
BENNETT, KELLY. Not Norman: A Goldfish Story
Norman the goldfish was not the kind of pet the boy wanted. He wanted a pet that could run and catch. But when he tries to trade Norman for a "good pet," things go wrong.
BERGMAN, MARA. Oliver who would not sleep
Oliver Donnington Rimington-Sneep avoids falling asleep by flying his rocket ship to Mars.
BROACH, ELISE. When dinosaurs came with everything
Although his mother is a little worried, a young boy is delighted to discover that every shop in town is giving away real dinosaurs to their customers.
BROWN, JEFF. Flat Stanley
A picture book version of the story of a boy who finds that being flat has some advantages.
BRUEL, NICK. Poor Puppy
When Bad Kitty won't play with him, Poor Puppy has to amuse himself with an alphabetical list of toys and dreams of playing in an alphabetical list of countries.
CALMENSON, STEPHANIE. May I pet your dog?
Harry the dog explains how to safely meet him and his friends.
CHILD, LAUREN. I am not sleepy and I will not go to bed
Charlie helps Lola get ready for bed, despite the tigers, whales, and other animals that serve as obstacles.
also: Other Charlie and Lola books by this author
CLEMENTS, ANDREW. Dogku
A haiku poem about a loveable dog.
COWELL, CRESSIDA. That Rabbit Belongs to Emily Brown
Emily defends her stuffed rabbit from the naughty queen who is determined to acquire it any way she can.
CUYLER, MARGERY. That’s good, that’s bad in Washington, D.C.
During a class trip to Washington, D.C., a young boy has a series of mishaps, with both good and bad results, as he and his friends visit the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the National Zoo, and other landmarks.
also: That's Good, That's Bad and That's Good That's Bad in the Grand Canyon
DAVIS, JACKY. Ladybug girl
After her brother tells her she is too little to play with him, Lulu, dressed as Ladybug Girl, makes her own fun.
DEEDY, CARMEN AGRA. Martina the beautiful cockroach
In this humorous retelling of a Cuban folktale, a cockroach interviews her suitors in order to decide whom to marry.
FLOCA, BRIAN. Lightship
Lightships once served where lighthouses could not be built. They helped to guide sailors safely through the fog.
FROMENTAL, JEAN-LUC. 365 Penguins
When a box containing a penguin arrives anonymously on New Year's Day, a family of four is puzzled, but as they continue to receive one penguin each day their problems are multiplied.
GIOVANNI, NIKKI. Rosa
This Caldecott Honor Book tells of Rosa Parks' refusal to give up her seat on a bus, and how she changed history.
GONZALEZ, MAYA CHRISTINA. My colors, my world/Mis colores, Mi mundo
Maya, who lives in the dusty desert, opens her eyes wide to find the colors in her world, from Papi's black hair and Mami's orange and purple flowers to Maya's red swing set and the fiery pink sunset.
GRAHAM, BOB. Dimity Dumpty: The story of Humpty’s little sister
Humpty Dumpty's little sister is too shy to be part of her family's circus act, but she finds courage when her brother needs her help.
GRAVETT, EMILY. Orange Pear Apple Bear
Explores concepts of color, shape, and food using only five simple words, as a bear juggles and plays.
GRIMES, NIKKI. When Gorilla Goes Walking
In this collection of rhyming poems, Gorilla the cat enjoys answering the telephone, eating soul food, and sharing mischievous adventures with her young owner.
GUTMAN, DAN. Casey Back at Bat
Where does a baseball go when it is hit out of the park?
HARRINGTON, JANICE N. Chicken-chasing Queen of Lamar County
A young farm girl tries to catch her favorite chicken, until she learns something about the hen that makes her change her ways.
HARRIS, ROBIE H. Maybe a Bear Ate It!
At bedtime, a young boy who cannot find his favorite book imagines the various creatures that might have taken it from him.
HOBERMAN, MARY ANN. You read to me, I’ll read to you: very short scary stories to read together
HOFFMAN, MARY. Princess Grace
Grace wants to participate in her community festival's princess float, but first she must decide what sort of a princess she wants to be -- from an African princess in kente cloth robes to a floaty pink fairy tale princess.
HUTCHINS, H. J. A Second is a Hiccup: A Child's Book of Time
JARRETT, CLARE. Arabella Miller’s tiny caterpillar
Arabella feeds a tiny caterpillar and watches him grow into a butterfly.
JENKINS, STEVE. Dogs and Cats
When you have finished reading about dogs, you can flip the book over and read about cats!
also: Living Color
JENKINS, Emily. What happens on Wednesdays
A child describes every event that occurs on a Wednesday, from waking up, through a half-day of school, to snuggling into bed at night.
JOHNSON, ANGELA. Lily Brown's Painting
When Lily Brown paints, she imagines all sorts of fantastic things in the scenes that she sees every day.
KELLY, IRENE. It's a Butterfly's Life
Local author and illustrator, Irene Kelly, brings the magical world of butterflies to life in this beautiful companion to "It's a Hummingbird's Life."
KIMMEL, ELIZABETH CODY. Top Job
On Career Day, a young girl entertains the class with a description of her father's exciting job as light bulb changer at the top of the Empire State Building.
KUDLINSKI, KATHLEEN. Boy Were We Wrong About Dinosaurs!
Examines what is known about dinosaurs and how different the facts often are from what scientists believed to be true.
LAROCHELLE, DAVID. The End
When a princess makes some lemonade, she starts a chain of events involving a fire-breathing dragon, one hundred rabbits, a hungry giant, and a knight.
LEHMAN, BARBARA. Rainstorm
In this wordless picture book, a boy finds a mysterious key which leads him on an adventure one rainy day.
LOW, WILLIAM. Old Penn Station
An illustrated account of the construction, history, and demolition of one of the most famous railroad stations in America -- New York City's Penn Station.
LUNDE, DARRIN P. Hello Bumblebee Bat
Meet the endangered bumblebee bat of Thailand.
McLIMANS, DAVID. Gone Wild: An Endangered Animal Alphabet
A wild animal alphabet book, winner of the Caldecott honor medal this year.
MCPHAIL, DAVID. Water boy
Fascinated by the fact that humans are made mostly of water, a boy develops an unusual relationship with it once he stops being afraid.
MICKELTHWAIT, LUCY. I spy colors in art
See if you can find some famous paintings in this art book on color.
MUTH, JOHN. Zen Ties
When Stillwater the panda encourages Koo, Addy, Michael, and Karl to help a grouchy neighbor, their efforts are rewarded in unexpected ways.
also: Zen Shorts
MYERS, CHRISTOPHER. Jabberwocky
The classic Lewis Carroll nonsense poem, with new illustrations.
NIVOLA, Clare A. Planting the Trees of Kenya: The Story of Wangari Maathai
A true story about how this Nobel peace prize winner changed the world one seed at a time.
O'MALLEY, KEVIN. Captain Raptor and the Space Pirates
Captain Raptor and the crew of the Megatooth are called back into action to save the planet Jurassica from rogue space pirates.
PALANTINI, MARGIE. The Cheese
After they all agree to ignore the story of "The Farmer in the Dell," the rat, cat, dog, child, farmer, and his wife have a party featuring the tempting hunk of cheese.
PENNYPACKER, SARA. Clementine's Letter
also: Clementine and The Talented Clementine
Third grader Clementine is allergic to sitting still. So it is no surprise that she is always getting into trouble.
PINKNEY, JERRY. Little Red Riding Hood
A new version of this classic tale – retold and illustrated by this award-winning artist.
PINTO, SARA. Apples and Oranges: Going Bananas with Pairs
Why is a bicycle like a motorcycle? The answers may surprise you.
PORTIS, ANTOINETTE. Not a Stick
An imaginative young pig shows some of the many things that a stick can be.
also: Not a Box
PREVERT, JACQUES. How to paint the portrait of a bird
Is this an art book, a poem about creativity, or a story? You decide.
RACZKA, BOB. Artful Reading
An art adventures book.
RODMAN, MARY ANN. My Best Friend
What happens when a first grader tries to be friends with a second grader?
ROMPELLA, NATALE. Don’t squash that bug: the curious kids guide to insects
There is lots of information in this well-illustrated book about bugs.
ROSENTHAL, AMY. It's Not Fair!
Do you always get the smaller half? Brother and sisters aren't the only ones who have trouble sharing.
SAYRE, APRIL PULLEY. Vulture view
Turkey vultures soar on the balmy air, looking for their next stinky feast. They are nature's cleanup crew.
SCHNEIDER, JOSH. You’ll Be Sorry
Samantha does not believe her parents when they tell her to stop hitting her brother or she will be sorry, but she soon learns just how right they are when his tears flood their entire town.
SEDER, RUFUS BUTLER. Gallop! A Scanimation Picture Book
A first book of motion for kids, using Scanimation technology. The images really move!
SHELDON, DAVID. Barnum Brown, Dinosaur Hunter
Find out how a boy who loves to explore, grows up to discover the first nearly complete T-Rex specimen.
SIY, ALEXANDRA. Sneeze!
Partly gross, partly interesting – it's all about a sneeze!
SMITH, LANE. John, Paul, George, and Ben
Pay tribute to the Fab Four Founding Fathers: John Hancock, Paul Revere, George Washington, and Ben Franklin. This cute history picture book introduces kids to a freedom-loving quartet who stretched the rules.
STAUFFACHER, SUE. Nothing but Trouble: The Story of Althea Gibson
A picture book biography – gutsy and realistic – of the first great African American tennis player.
TAN, SHAUN. The Lost Thing
When a humungous "lost thing" at the beach catches the eye of a boy, no one else seems to notice – not even his parents.
TAUSS, MARC. Superhero
Maleek may be a small boy in a big city, but he’s no ordinary kid. He’s a scientist and a superhero! So when his beloved city’s parks and playground mysteriously disappear, it’s up to Maleek and his robot to save the day.
TAVARES, MATT. Mudball (a baseball story)
During a rainy Minneapolis Millers baseball game in 1903, little Andy Oyler has the chance to become a hero by hitting the shortest and muddiest home run in history.
THOMPSON, LAUREN. Ballerina Dreams
The true story of five little girls with physical disabilities who are determined to become ballerinas.
WESTON, CARRIE. If a chicken stayed for supper
Even though they promise not to leave the den when their mother goes out hunting for a chicken for supper, five little foxes are unable to resist going outside to play in the dark.
WHEELER, LISA. Jazz baby
Baby and his family make some jazzy music
Why Did the Chicken Cross The Road?
Fourteen artists present their answers to this age-old question. This funny collection is by Mo Willems, Jerry Pinkney, Chris Raschka, David Shannon, and others.
WILLEMS, MO. Knuffle Bunny Too
also: Knuffle Bunny
After Trixie and daddy leave the laundromat, something very important turns up missing
WILLEMS, MO. Pigeon wants a puppy and other books in the series
The pigeon really, really wants a puppy, but when a puppy arrives, the pigeon changes its mind.
ZEMACH, KAETHE. Ms. McCaw learns to draw
Dudley Ellington struggles to learn anything at school, but when his very patient teacher, Mrs. McGraw, is unable to draw a face on the board, he helps her figure out how to do it.
Additional Authors: Here are some great authors & illustrators to explore for primary readers:
Marc Brown, Eric Carle, Beverly Cleary, Lauren Child, Andrew Clements, Joanna Cole, Floyd Cooper, Doreen Cronin, Tomie DePaola, Ezra Jack Keats, Steven Kellogg, E.B. Lewis, Leo Lionni, Pat McKissack, Susan Meddaugh, Margie Palatini, Dav Pilkey, Jerry Pinkney, James Ransome, Cynthia Rylant, John Scieszca, Mark Teague, George Shannon, Rosemary Wells, Mo Willems

Books in a Series: Here are some suggestions for series books for young readers:
Ivy and Bean series by Annie Barrows
Words Are Categorical series by Brian Cleary
Mercy Watson series by Kate DiCamillo
Flip A Word series for beginning readers
Life size series (Life Size Reptiles / Life size killer creatures/ Live size Dragons)
My Father's Dragon series by Ruth Gannett
Andrew Lost series by J. C. Greenburg
Riddle books by Katy Hall
Just for You easy readers.
Under the Sea series by Carol Lindeen
Math Gear First Facts series
Miami series by P. & F. McKissack
Capital Mysteries series by Ron Roy
Dog and Bear series by Laura Seeger
Black Lagoon Adventures series by Mike Thaler
Willimena Rules series by Valerie Wilson Wesley
Elephant and Piggie series by Mo Willems.

Download this list as a PDF document here

3-5

The South Orange and Maplewood elementary school librarians and public librarians worked together in creating this listing of suggested summer reading. Feel free to choose books from any of our lists – Primary, Intermediate, or the Middle School "Choices" list. We suggest you make frequent virtual and physical visits to your public libraries this summer.

ARONSON, MARC. Ain't nothing but a man: My quest to find the real John Henry
If you like history mysteries, you'll love this book.
AVI. Best Shorts: favorite stories for sharing
BERLIN, ERIC. Puzzling world of Winston Breen
Puzzle-crazy, twelve-year-old Winston and his ten-year-old sister Katie find themselves involved in a dangerous mystery involving a hidden ring. Puzzles for the reader to solve are included throughout the text.
BERTHOLF, BRET. Long gone lonesome history of country music
A journey through the history of country music.
BIRDSALL, JEANNE. The Penderwicks of Gardam Street + book on CD
Four siblings have more adventures together.
BISHOP, NIC. Spiders
BUCHANAN, ANDREA J. Daring book for girls
Jam-packed with information on how to do almost anything.
CARBONE, ELISA LYNN. Night Running: How James Escaped with the Help of his Faithful Dog
A runaway slave makes a daring escape to freedom. Based on the true story of James Smith's journey from Virginia to Ohio in the mid-1800s.
CHILD, LAUREN. Clarice Bean, don’t look now
Clarice Bean has a list of things to worry about. How does she handle them?
also: the other Clarice Bean stories
CLEMENTS, ANDREW. No talking
The noisy fifth grade boys of Laketon Elementary School challenge the equally loud fifth grade girls to a "no talking" contest.
COLFER, EOIN. Legend of the worst boy in the world
Every Saturday, while helping polish the lens of the lighthouse his grandfather tends, nine-year-old Will tells a tale he hopes will top Grandad's, but Grandad always wins until Dad reminds Will of a long-forgotten escapade with his brother.
COLLARD, SNEED B. Pocket babies and other amazing marsupials
COLLINS, ROSS. Medusa Jones
In ancient Greece, Medusa Jones, a gorgon, and her friends, a minotaur and a centaur, are mocked and sneered at by the other Acropolis Academy children whose parents are kings and gods, but when they go on a school camping trip together, the "freaks" become true heroes.
COOK, SALLY. Hey Batta Batta Swing: The Wild Old Days of Baseball
A look at baseball from its beginnings to today.
CURTIS, CHRISTOPHER PAUL. Elijah of Buxton
In 1859, eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada uses his wits and skills to try to bring to justice the lying preacher who has stolen money that was to be used to buy a family's freedom.
DAVIES, JACQUELINE. Lemonade war
Evan and his younger sister, Jesse, react very differently to the news that they will be in the same class for fourth grade. As the end of summer approaches, they battle it out through lemonade stands, each trying to be the first to earn 100 dollars.
ELLIOTT, DAVID. Transmogrification of Roscoe Wizzle
After eating constantly at the fast food restaurant known as Gussy's, ten-year-old Roscoe finds himself turning into a giant bug.
ENGLISH, KAREN. Nikki and Deja
When an arrogant new girl comes to school, third-graders and best friends Nikki and Deja decide to form a club that would exclude her but find the results not what they expected.
ENRIGHT, ELIZABETH. Gone-Away Lake
A brother and sister spend the summer in the country where they discover an old, forgotten community.
FINNEY, PATRICIA. I, Jack [by Jack the dog]
Jack, a Labrador Retriever, tells about his daily life of food, walks, and the "apedogs" and "funny-looking dogs" (cats) in his pack, as well as how everything changes when a pretty girl dog moves into the neighborhood.
FLEMING, CANDACE. Fabled fourth graders of Aesop elementary school
An unlikely teacher takes over the disorderly fourth-grade class of Aesop Elementary School with surprising results.
FLORIAN, DOUGLAS. Comets, Stars, the Moon, and Mars
Space poems and paintings.
FREYMANN, SAXTON. Knock, knock!
Knock-knock jokes by fourteen artists.
FUNKE, CORNELIA. Igraine the brave
The daughter of two magicians, twelve-year-old Igraine wants nothing more than to be a knight, and when their castle is attacked by a treacherous neighbor bent on stealing their singing magic books, Igraine has an opportunity to demonstrate her bravery.
GIBLIN, JAMES. Many rides of Paul Revere
GONYEA, MARK. Another Book About Design: Complicated Doesn't Make it Bad
Fun and interesting!
GUTMAN, DAN. The Homework Machine
Fifth-grade students have some fun with a computer that is programmed to do homework.
HARPER, CHARISE. Fashion Kitty
After a stack of fashion magazines falls on her head, Kiki turns into Fashion Kitty, a feline superhero who saves other kitties from fashion disaster. Graphic Novel.
HARPER, CHARISE. Just Grace
When 7-year-old Grace tries to help a neighbor feel better, her good intentions backfire.
HATKOFF, ISABELLA. Owen & Mzee: the true story of a remarkable friendship
The true story of an unusual friendship between a tortoise and a hippo.
HUNTER, ERIN. The Warriors graphic novel
An adventure series about a housecat who yearns for an exciting life and joins a clan of wild cats. There is a lot of danger and fighting, so this is for older readers.
IGGULDEN, CONN. Dangerous book for boys
An adventure guide for boys.
JONELL, LYNNE. Emmy and the incredible shrinking rat
When Emmy discovers that she and her parents are being drugged by their evil nanny with rodent potions that can change people in frightening ways, she and some new friends must try to return things to normal.
KELLER, LAURIE. Do Unto Otters: A Book About Manners
Mr. Rabbit wonders if he will be able to get along with his new neighbors, who are otters, until he is reminded of the golden rule.
KIMMEL, ERIC. A. Horn for Lois
A biography of the great jazz musician – Louis Armstrong. A Stepping Stones chapter book.
KINNEY, JEFF. Diary of a Wimpy Kid
also: Rodrick Rules
Greg records his sixth grade experiences in a middle school where he and his best friend, Rowley, undersized weaklings, hope to survive. But when Rowley grows more popular, things start to change.
LECHNER, JOHN. Sticky Burr: Adventures in Burrwood Forest
Sticky Burr is on the verge of being kicked out of his village in Burrwood Forest because he is not prickly enough to suit some of the other burrs, but when the village is attacked by wild dogs, Sticky Burr and his friends come to the rescue.
LEVINE, ELLEN. Henry’s freedom box
A fictionalized account of how in 1849 a Virginia slave, Henry "Box" Brown, escapes to freedom by shipping himself in a wooden crate from Richmond to Philadelphia.
LEWIN, TED. At Gleason’s Gym
Step inside Gleason's, the world's most famous boxing gym – home to legendary champions like Muhammad Ali and Jake La Motta. And meet Sugar Boy – a nine year who hopes to become a great boxer.
LORD, CYNTHIA. Rules
Frustrated at life with an autistic brother, twelve-year-old Catherine longs for a normal existence but her world is further complicated by a friendship with a young paraplegic.
LOWRY, LOIS. The Willoughbys
In this tongue-in-cheek take on classic themes in children's literature, the four Willoughby children set about to become "deserving orphans" after their neglectful parents embark on a treacherous around-the-world adventure, leaving them in the care of an odious nanny.
LUCKE, DEB. The Book of Time Outs: a mostly true history of the world’s biggest troublemakers
Tells about some interesting characters through history. Sometimes it's good to be bad…
MCCARTHY, MEGHAN. Strong Man: the story of Charlie Atlas
You've seen him in the back of comic books. Now meet the original 90 pound weakling.
MCKISSACK, PAT. Song for Harlem
In the summer of 1928, Lilly Belle Turner participates in a young author's writing program, taught by Zora Neale Hurston and hosted by A'Lelia Walker in her Harlem teahouse at the height of the Harlem Renaissance.
MOSS, MARISSA. Vote 4 Amelia
also: Max’s Logbook
America's favorite middle schooler is back. Amelia records her thoughts and feelings about running for school secretary.
NAGDA, ANN. Meow means mischief
A stray kitten turns out to be the perfect way to help Rana make friends in her new school and to feel more comfortable with her grandparents, who are visiting from India while her parents are away.
PENNYPACKER, SARA. Clementine's Letter
also: Clementine and The Talented Clementine Third grader Clementine is allergic to sitting still. So it is no surprise that she is always getting into trouble.
PRELUTSKY, JACK. My dog may be a genius
New poems by the master of funny.
QUATTLEBAUM, MARY. Jackson Jones and the curse of the outlaw rose
When Jackson and Reuben take a rose cutting from a graveyard for Mr. Kerring, events make them believe it is cursed and will continue to threaten anyone in its vicinity until it is returned.
REISMAN, MICHAEL. Simon Bloom: The Gravity Keeper
Nerdy sixth-grader Simon Bloom finds a book that enables him to control the laws of physics, but when two thugs come after him, he needs the formulas in the book to save himself.
REX, ADAM. True Meaning of Smekday
When her mother is abducted by aliens on Christmas Eve (or "Smekday" Eve since the Boov invasion), 11 yearold Tip hops in the family car and heads south to find her and meets an alien Boov mechanic who agrees to help her and save the planet from disaster.
RICHARDSON, CHARRISE K. Real Lucky Charm
Thinking that luck -- rather than hard work -- has helped her succeed, ten-year-old Mia panics and turns to her twin brother for help when her lucky gold basketball goes missing from her charm bracelet.
ROBERTS, DAVID & JEREMY LESLIE. Pick me up: stuff you need to know…
Jam-packed with lots of information about everything!
RODRIQUEZ, ALEX. Out of the Ballpark
Although Alex is nervous about his role in the approaching baseball playoffs and championship game, he soon figures out how to fix his mistakes and become a better player.
ROMPELLA, NATALE. Don’t Squash that Bug: The Curious Kid's Guide to Insects
There is lots of information in this well-illustrated book about bugs.
RUBIN, SUSAN GOLDMAN. Delicious: The life and art of Wayne Theibaud
An enticing biography of the 20th century painter, famed for ordinary objects like cakes and ice cream.
also: Edward Hopper: painter of light and shadow
SCHADE, SUSAN. The Fog Mound. Books 1- 3.
The adventures of Thelonius, a young chipmunk who escapes danger and finds the Fog Mound, where all creatures live in peace and harmony. There are 3 books in this series.
SCHULMAN, JANET. Pale Male: Citizen Hawk of New York City
Meet one of New York City's most famous residents – the red-tailed hawk that made his nest on an apartment building across from Central Park.
SELZNICK, BRIAN. The Invention of Hugo Cabret: A novel in words and pictures
When twelve-year-old Hugo, an orphan living and repairing clocks within the walls of a Paris train station in 1931, meets a mysterious toyseller and his goddaughter, his undercover life and his biggest secret are jeopardized.
SIS, PETER. The Wall: Growing up behind the Iron Curtain
Artist and author Peter Sis literally draws you into his life story.
SMALLCOMB, PAM. The Last Burp of Mac McGerp
Mac McGerp, winner of the Best Burper first prize at the Tri-county Fair, and his good friend, Lido, try to figure out how to deal with the new repressive school principal.
SNYDER, ZILPHA KEATLEY. Treasures of Weatherby
also: The Bronze Pen
Determined to be as strong and powerful as his ancestors, twelve-year-old Harleigh Fourth try to foil the plans of a distant relative who is seeking the long-lost Weatherby fortune
STADLER, ALEXANDER. Julian Rodriguez. Episode One: Trash Crisis on Earth
Julian Rodriguez escapes from the crisis of the moment (being sent to his room for not taking out the trash) by imagining he is a space warrior.
STEWART, TRENTON LEE. The Mysterious Benedict Society
also: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey
After passing a series of mind-bending tests, four children are selected for a secret mission that requires them to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.
STIER, CATHERINE. If I Ran for President
Six children take turns explaining the election process – as if they were running for president. Interesting and fun.
URBAN, LINDA. Crooked Kind of Perfect
Ten-year-old Zoe Elias, who longs to play the piano but must resign herself to learning the organ, instead, finds that her musicianship has a positive impact on her workaholic mother, her jittery father, and her school social life.
VARON, SARA. Robot dreams
The enduring friendship between a dog and a robot is portrayed in this wordless graphic novel
WEATHERFORD, CAROLE. A Negro League Scrapbook
Imagine that you are an outstanding baseball player, but banned from the major leagues. Imagine having a dream, but no chance to make that dream come true. Meet all the great ball players in the Negro Leagues.
WEEKS, SARAH. Oggie Cooder
Quirky fourth-grader Oggie Cooder goes from being shunned to everyone's best friend when his uncanny ability to chew slices of cheese into the shapes of states wins him a slot on a popular television talent show, but he soon learns the perils of being a celebrity--and having a neighbor girl as his manager.

Books in a Series:
Here are some suggestions for books that you may like:
Buckley, Michael Sisters Grimm
Charles, Veronika Martenova. Easy-to-read spooky tales series
Clements, Andrew. Jake Drake series
Danko, Dan. Sidekicks series
Deutsch, Stacia Blast from the past series
Draper, Sharon. Ziggy and the black dinosaurs series
Gutman, Dan. My Weird School series
Holm, Jennifer. Babymouse series
Hunter, Erin. The Warriors series
also: The Warriors Graphic Novel series
Jacques, Brian. Redwall Graphic Novel series
Klein, Abby. Ready Freddy series
Leonard, Elise. Al's World series
Martin, Ann. Main Street series
Mazer, Anne Sister magic series
McDonald, Megan. Stink series
Moore, Ulysses Ulysses Moore series
New Naturebooks series
Small, Charlie Charlie Small series
Sports For Fun series
Stanley, George Edward. Third-Grade Detectives series
Geronimo Stilton series
Van Draanen, Wendelin. Shredderman series
Wesley, Valerie. Willimina series
Woodward, John Close- up series (Ocean Life / Our Homes / /Food)
You wouldn’t want to be a . . . series

Download this list as a PDF document here

Choices: 6-8

nonfiction and biography

Bodies from the ash by James Deem
On the morning of August 24, AD 79, Mount Vesuvius began to erupt. Within 24 hours, the entire city of Pompeii and many of its 20,000 citizens were lost - until their remains were rediscovered hundreds of years later. Amazing photographs help illustrate this history of Pompeii.
Children of Alcatraz: Growing Up on the Rock by Claire Rudolf Murphy
Yes, Al Capone called Alcatraz home – but so did many children. This is the story of the children of the lighthouse keepers, soldiers and prison authorities who lived on the island that was home to the famous prison.
Read it with Al Capone Does My Shirts.
Excelsior: the Amazing Life of Stan Lee by Stan Lee
Stan Lee’s name is legendary in the history of comic books. This inspirational autobiography skillfully illustrates the rise of Marvel Comics. “Excelsior” depicts the development of the comic book industry, and his creation of super hero magazines titles such as: Fantastic Four, Incredible Hulk, Iron Man, and Spider Man, all created by Stan Lee.
ER Vets: Life in an Animal Emergency Room by Donna Jackson
Lucy, a ball python, has been stuck in a car dashboard overnight. Shelley, a border collie has been hit by a car. A premature foal cannot survive without help. These are the daily patients for ER vets at Colorado State University's Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
The Greatest: Muhammad Ali by Walter Dean Myers
An engrossing account of the life and times of one of boxing’s most accomplished and colorful athletes. The reader will not only learn about his life, but also see him in his place in the history of America.
Guinness Book of World Records, 2008
The weird, the amazing, the fantastic. Read about record winning achievements in this collection of extraordinary facts. This edition includes spectacular photos and a Sports Reference section.
Masters of the Comic Book Universe Revealed! by Arie Kaplan
Kaplan, a writer for MAD Magazine, compiled this book for comic book artists and fans alike. Kaplan depicts the lives of legendary comic book artists such as: Will Eisner, Stan Lee (Iron Man, Spiderman, Fantastic Four), Neil Gaiman (Sandman), and Dwayne Duffie (Static, Icon, and Damage Control). This book is great for people who are interested in the history of comic books.
Secrets of a Civil War Submarine:Solving the Mysteries of the H.L. Hunley by Sally Walker
What happened to sink this early submarine, and why did it take over 130 years of searching to find the wreckage? Find out about the sub, its mission, and the recovery of its secrets in this fascinating tale of bravery, mystery, bones and gold.
We Are the Ship: the story of the Negro Baseball League by Kadir Nelson
They barely got paid, they often didn’t have matching uniforms, they couldn’t afford to stay in hotels, and they couldn’t get food in many places they traveled
because they were Black. But, they loved the game and they were some of the best athletes of their day. Who’s Better and Who’s Best in Baseball? Also, …in Basketball? by Elliott Kalb
Mr. Stats at ESPN, TNT and HBO has talked to players and coaches, and worked through the numbers to give you his opinion – and all of the stats to go with it – on the best players of all time.
Wild World of the Future by Claire Pye
The earth and its creatures were very different 200 million years ago, and will be very different 200 million years from now. Hopping snails and wasps the size of crows are only two of the life forms that could exist 5, 100 and 200 million years in the future.

Mystery/Adventure

Down the Rabbit Hole: an Echo Falls Mystery by Peter Abrahams
Between soccer, school, admiration for Sherlock Holmes, and playing the role of Alice in Wonderland with her local theatre group, eighth-grader Ingrid has a lot on her mind. But when a local woman is murdered, and Ingrid’s soccer cleats are found at the scene of the crime, can Ingrid face up to the danger and intrigue to solve the mystery on her own?
The Case of the Left-Handed Lady by Nancy Springer
Fourteen-year-old Enola Holmes is being hunted by her brother, the famous detective Sherlock Holmes. While trying to elude her brother she tries to solve the kidnapping of sixteen-year-old Lady Cecily in nineteenth-century London.
The first book of the Enola Holmes mystery series is The Case of the Missing Marquess.
Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz
The action and adventure continues for teenage spy Alex Rider in this newest book in the series. In Southeast Asia and Australia Alex faces danger at every turn as he tries to stop ruthless gangs. Alex has the opportunity to work with his newly-found godfather and to learn more about his parents.

historical fiction

Bread and Roses Too by Katherine Paterson
Twelve-year-old Rosa and thirteen-year-old Jake form an unlikely friendship as they try to survive and understand the 1912 Bread and Roses strike of mill workers in Lawrence, Massachusetts.
Elijah of Buxton by Christopher Paul Curtis
Eleven-year-old Elijah Freeman, the first free-born child in Buxton, Canada, which is a haven for slaves fleeing the American South in 1859, uses his wits and skills to try to bring to justice the lying preacher who has stolen money that was to be used to buy a family's freedom.
The Green Glass Sea by Ellen Klages
Dewey’s the weirdest kid around. An inventor even. When Suze’s mom suggests that she should get together with Dewey to work on homework, Suze agrees out loud. But she’s thinking, “And maybe pigs will fly.” It’s 1944 and Dewey, Suze and a lot of other kids have been uprooted and sent to live in Los Alamos, New Mexico where their parents are working on a TOP SECRET project.
The Inventions of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick
Hugo spends his life in secret in the walls of the Paris train station, until he gets caught stealing and things begin to unravel. Hugo’s adventure unfolds through both the text and the pictures in this exciting story.
On the Wings of Heroes by Richard Peck
This story takes place in a time when the whole street played “hide and seek.” And everyone knew each other. Davy’s brother flies war planes and there are air raid drills at home as they wait for Bill’s safe return to the family in this World War II story.
Shadows of Ghadames by Joelle Stolz
11-year-old Malika lives in the Libyan city of Ghadames and is preparing to enter the adult world of Muslim women of the 19th century, socializing only with women and spending her days secluded from the world on the rooftops of the city. When the women rescue an injured man and hide him on the rooftop of their home, Malika’s life changes forever.

science fiction/fantasy

Dr. Franklin’s Island by Ann Halam
An airplane with a group of science students crashes into the ocean and only three survive stranded on a deserted island. While struggling to survive they become part of a science experiment involving animal genes being transferred into humans.
Eldest by Christopher Paolini
Eragon and his dragon Saphira continue their adventures. Their training must be completed, the corrupt emperor of Alagaesia is searching for them, and they must help the Varden regroup for the next big battle. Action and excitement abound – but if you haven’t read the first book yet, start with Eragon.
The third book, Brisingr, will be available in August, 2008.
The Extras by Paul Westerfeld
In a futuristic society one’s popularity rating determines where and how one lives, the higher your rating the more you get. Like everyone else Aya Fuse is an extra. Follow her exploits as she strives to raise her popularity rank.
This is the fourth book in The Uglies series which includes The Pretties and The Specials.
Gossamer by Lois Lowry
Do you know where dreams come from? Tiny creatures that inhabit this story gather gentle bits and pieces of the past to create dreams for a young boy and old woman in this beautiful book.
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libba Bray
After her mother’s suicide Gemma is sent to a boarding school in London. There she begins to have visions of her mother’s death and learns about sorcery as well as proper deportment for Victorian ladies.
Marvelous World, Marvelous Effect by Troy Cle
This fantasy novel is set in East Orange, New Jersey. Louis Proof, an African American, slips into a coma after accompanying his friend to an amusement park. He wakes up with super human powers in a different dimension and battles creatures in a fight against evil.
Memoirs of a Teenage Amnesiac by Gabrielle Zevin
After a fall in which she hits her head, Naomi Porter has no memory of her life after sixth grade. When she returns to school the high school junior must deal with the people who were her friends, renew or create new friendships and accept the forgotten divorce of her parents. There are clues about her life and she has to decide what, if any, changes she wishes to make. If you could “re-invent” yourself what would you do?
Quest by Angie Sage
In book 4 of the series, Septimus Heap must find the House of Foryx, where all time meets, to rescue Nikko and Snori. . If you like Harry Potter, you're sure to like Septimus Heap.
Other Septimus Heap titles include Magyk, Flyte, and Physik.

real life

After Tupac and D Foster by Jacqueline Woodson
Two best friends who love rap music are looking for their “Big Purpose” in life. When “D” wanders on their street one day, two best friends become three. What’s it like out there? “D” knows. She’s cool! What happens when they roam off the block?
Big Field by Mike Lupica
When fourteen-year-old baseball player Hutch feels threatened by the arrival of a new teammate named Darryl, he tries to work through his insecurities about both Darryl and his remote and silent father, who was once a great ballplayer too.
Click by David Almon, Eoin Colfer, et al
Maggie is left a box of 7 seashells and a note with an instruction from her photojournalist grandfather, George “Gee” Keane. Each of the 10 chapters is written by a different author who unfold the puzzle of the 7 shells.
The Day Joanie Frankenhauser Became a Boy by Francess Lantz
Joanie’s always hated doing “girl” things and longs to be one of the guys. So, when her new school thinks her name is John, instead of Joanie, she lets them think it. Now she has to try to keep the biggest secret of her life – John Frankenhauser is really a girl.
Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff
Sam has very strange dreams with the number eleven. He can’t read and just before his eleventh birthday he finds a box with newspaper articles that provide a clue to his past.
Getting Air by Dan Gutman
It’s summer vacation and three friends from New Jersey are on their way to California for an awesome skateboarding experience. But their plane is hijacked by terrorists and their plans take a dramatic change.
Imani in Young Love and Deception by Jackie Hardrick
Imani is a 16-year-old girl who is fascinated with playing basketball at Westmore High School and she is ambitious about attending college. While trying to develop a friendship with a fellow basketball athlete named Tyler she is confronted with a series of social adversities with her rival, Brianna
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by Wendy Mass
Jeremy receives a box from his dead father inscribed with “The Meaning of Life – for Jeremy Fink to open on his 13th birthday”. So begins the adventurous search for 4 keys to fit the 4 different locks on the box and finding answers to more than the meaning of life.
Leon and the Champion Chip by Allan Kurzwell
Through trial and error, Leon Zeisel, potato chip extraordinaire, and his buddies manage to get rid of the class bully with exploding results. This book includes playful drawings with a mix of science, voodoo dolls and big laughs.
Rules by Cynthia Lord
This Newberry Honor Book is the story of Catherine and her family including her younger autistic brother. She makes up rules for David to follow like “you have to keep your pants on in public.” As Catherine teaches David how the world works she wonders what does normal mean.
The Skin I’m In by Sharon G. Flake
“Maleeka, forgive and forget. That’s easier than dragging around anger like sacks of stone.” Maleeka wants to forgive and wants to stand up to Charlise, but her fear of being hurt and ridiculed keep her stuck. Join her in her struggle to accept herself in a world that judges others on looks alone.
Stanford Wong Flunks Big-Time by Lisa Yee
Sixth grader Stanford is great at basketball – but when he flunks English big time, he finds out he has to trade basketball camp for summer school. Icckk! Then his mother hires him a tutor – know-it-all girl genius, Millicent Min – and unexpected things happen.
Also try Millicent Min, Girl Genius, for the other side of the story.
Wilderness by Roddy Doyle
Tom and Johnny head off for an action-packed vacation. Traveling by dogsled in the icy north is exciting till their mom gets lost in a storm. Determined to rescue her, the brothers go where no sleds have gone before. Will there be wolves and bears? Mom, where are you?

humor

Death By Eggplant by Susan Heyboer O'Keefe
Bertie has a secret; he loves to cook and wants to be a famous chef. First he needs to finish eighth grade with a passing grade. His teacher gives him a “flour sack baby” for extra credit. Will “Cleo,” his five pound bag of flour, survive or be turned into waffles for breakfast?
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Greg Heffley’s Journal by Jeff Kinney
Greg records his 6th grade experiences where he and his friend, Rowley, hope to survive amongst the bigger students and retain their friendship.
Greg’s experiences continue in Rodrick Rules.
Middle School is Worse Than Meatloaf by Jennifer L. Holm
One girl’s horrible (and sometimes wonderful) school year, told entirely through her stuff.
My Nights at the Improv by Jan Siebold
Lizzie always has the perfect answer and the coolest comeback; except that it comes with a 30 second delay. Her timing improves as she secretly observes an improvisational theater class, which helps her to adapt in her new school and to find her true voice. You, too, could pick up some tips on how to think on your feet!
Sleeping Freshman Never Lie by David Lubar
Scott Hudson's freshman year is not going well. The seniors pick on him, he's up all night with homework, and he's foolishly joined the school paper, student council, and stage crew in failed attempts to get close to his crush. Will he ever make it to sophomore year?
The True Meaning of Smek Day by Rex
Aliens have taken over the Earth and re-located all humans to Arizona. They have captured Tip’s mother and Tip and a renegade Boov named J. Lo set out to find her.

short stories

Best Shorts selected by Avi
This collection of short stories has something for everyone; classic stories, horror, biography, fantasy, etc. Choose a genre you like or read something different.
Horowitz Horror by Anthony Horowitz
This book of short stories by the author of the Alex Rider series will leave you wanting even more. They are quick reads with unexpected endings, “stories you’ll wish you’d never read.”
Also available is More Horowitz Horror.
Invasion of the Road Weenies by David Lubar
Weird and wacky stories to make you laugh and shiver. Warning: Don’t read right before bed!

Audio books

The Revenge of the Shadow King by Derek Benz
Max Sumner and his friends form a club called the Grey Griffins, after a popular card game, and when characters from the game start to appear, it is up to Max and his friends to stop the wicked creatures from destroying their town.
Hitler Youith: Growing Up in Hitler’s Shadow by Susan Campbell Bartolett
Hitler relied heavily on youth and teenagers to carry out his vision for Germany. This is the story of young people who took part in or bravely rebelled against the atrocities that occurred in Nazi Germany. The last CD contains a photo slideshow that can be viewed on a computer.
Nightjohn by Gary Paulsen
Twelve-year-old Sarny's brutal life as a slave becomes even more dangerous when a newly arrived slave offers to teach her how to read. The adventures of Sarny continue in Sarny, a life remembered.

graphic novels

The Arrival by Shaun Tan
This wordless novel is a unique experience that captures what it’s like be a new person in a strange land. Odd creatures become pets, flying machines look like ships and castles have faces. It does end up like home. Find out how it happens!
Indiana Jones by [various authors]
Hold onto your fedoras! This adventurer of film (and Disney) fame is now available in colorful graphic novel versions.
More How to Draw Manga
Calling all Manga fans! Learn how to draw those characters for yourself, up close and in action. Step-by-step instructions and loads of illustrations make this fun and easy.
Redwall by Brian Jacques
See Matthias and the other Redwall characters come to life in this graphic version of the classic book.

in a series

Bully by Paul Langan
It's bad enough that Darrell is getting beat up for his lunch money every day at Bluford High. He also has a bossy uncle and bickering cousins. What's a scrawny freshman to do?
Some other titles in the The Bluford Series include: Summer of Secrets, Blood is Thicker and Brothers in Arms.
Shadow Children by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Each title in this series reveals a different aspect of a dystropian future in which illegal “third children” are hunted by ruthless Population Police. Is true freedom really possible? Follow each title to the end to find out.
Includes titles: (1) Among the Hidden, (2) Among the Imposters, (3) Among the Betrayed, (4) Among the Barons, (5) Among the Brave, (6) Among the Enemy, (7) Among the Free
Three Girls in the City: Self-Portrait by Jeanne Betancourt
Three girls from different backgrounds are grouped together for a summer photography class in New York City. How can they possibly work together when they don’t even like each other? Become friends, not likely.
Find out more about them in the next 3 volumes, Exposed, Black & White, and Close-up.

oldies but goodies

Frankenstein by Mary W. Shelley
In this classic horror story a monster assembled by a scientist from parts of dead bodies develops a mind of his own as he learns to loathe himself and hate his creator.
Watership Down by Richard Adams
An epic, adventurous tale of a group of rabbits who must abandon their home to save themselves and embark on a treacherous journey to make a new life

local authors

Benedict Arnold by Jim Murphy
The name Benedict Arnold is forever linked with the word TRAITOR! In this book, Jim Murphy tells the whole story of this man, whose treachery has overshadowed his many accomplishments. Did you know that there is a monument in Saratoga, New York that does not have Benedict Arnold’s name on it?
Heroes of the Negro League by Mark Chiarello and Jack Morelli
In 1990, comic artist and editor Chiarello painted portraits of baseball greats of the Negro Leagues. These were packaged as a set of trading cards celebrating these players, many of whom never appeared on cards before. These watercolors, plus several dozen new ones, are the illustrations for this book.
Remix: Conversations with Immigrant Teenagers by Marina Budhos
In fourteen interviews with new Americans from Latin America, Asia, Europe, Africa and the Caribbean, the author found fourteen remarkable stories. Remix exposes the too-often hidden world of immigrants, and often reveals what it means to be a teenager today.
Simon Bloom, the Gravity Keeper by Michael Reisman
How does an ordinary sixth grader wind up floating on the ceiling and hurling villains through a forest? Join Simon and his friends on their adventure, as they use their knowledge of science to fight off the evil sources, in a struggle over a book of formulas that will allow the Keeper to control the universe.

If you have any comments or suggestions, please contact Beth Halliday, head of children's services.
This page was last updated October 2008.