2014 SUMMER READING LIST
Each year, Hunter College Elementary School students from kindergarten to sixth grade
present their recommendations of outstanding books they read this year. The list is arranged by
grade. Another great resource for summer reading lists is The Bank Street Children's Book
Committee’s 2014 Best Books of the Year
Please click on the following to read:
Kindergarten and First Grade Recommendations Second Grade
RecommendationsSecond Grade RecommendationsSecond Grade
RecommendationsSecond Grade Recommendations
Second Grade RecommendationsSecond Grade RecommendationsSecond Grade
Recommendations
Third Grade Recommendations
Fourth Grade Recommendations
Fifth Grade Recommendations
Sixth Grade Recommendations
Ms. Shostal’s Recommendations
Kindergarten and First Grade Recommendations
FICTION
Picture Books
Title
Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
(“Pigeon” series)
The Pigeon Finds a Hot Dog!
(“Pigeon” series)
Elephant & Piggie (series)
The Littlest Mountain
Meet the Marvel Super Heroes
A Pet Named Sneaker
Shark vs. Train
The Snowy Day
The Stupids (series)
The Snow Queen
Easy Chapter Books & Series
Title
The Adventures of Captain Underpants (series)
Biscuit (series):
Biscuit Finds a Friend
Bob Books (series)
Frozen: Anna’s Icy Adventure
Junie B. Jones, First Grader (series):
Boss of Lunch
Garfield (comic series)
Geronimo Stilton (series)
Magic Schoolbus (series)
Magic Tree House (series):
Abe Lincoln at Last!
Afternoon on the Amazon
Dogs in the Dead of Night
Dragon of the Red Dawn
Author
Mo Willems
Mo Willems
Mo Willems
Barb Rosenstock
Scott Peterson
Joan Heilbroner
Chris Barton
Ezra Jack Keats
Harry G. Allard Jr.
Hans Christian Anderson
Author
Dav Pilkey
Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Bobby Lynn Maslen
Disney Book Group
Barbara Park
Jim Davis
Geronimo Stilton
Various
Mary Pope Osborne
1
Good Morning Gorillas
Mummies in the Morning
Mercy Watson (series)
Nate the Great (series):
Nate the Great and the Sticky Case
Pony-Crazed Princess (series):
Princess Ellie’s Snowy Ride
Princess Ellie’s Treasure Hunt
Rainbow Magic Special Edition (series):
Cara the Camp Fairy
Joy the Summer Vacation Fairy
Holly the Christmas Fairy
Star Wars (Scholastic Series)
Star Wars (Grossett & Dunlap Series)
Super Diaper Baby (series):
Super Diaper Baby #2: The Invasion of the
Potty Snatchers
The Tiara Club (series):
Princess Bethany and the Lost Piglet
Chapter Books
Title
Alice in Wonderland
All-of-a-Kind Family (series)
By the Shores of Silver Lake (series)
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Charlotte’s Web
Harry Potter (series):
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
The Hobbit
James and the Giant Peach
Chronicles of Narnia (series):
The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe
Poetry
Title
A Norse Lullaby
NONFICTION
Title
Dragons: Truth, Myth and Legend
Legends: Beasts and Monsters
National Geographic Kids Ultimate Dinopedia:
The Most Complete Dinosaur Reference Ever
Natures Children (series)
Reptile
Basher (series):
Rocks & Minerals: A Gem of a Book
Soccer
The Story of the New York Yankees (MLB Readers)
Kate DiCamillo
Marjorie Weinman Sharmat
Diana Kimpton
Daisy Meadows
Various
Various
Dav Pilkey
Vivian French
Author
Lewis Carroll
Sydney Taylor
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Roald Dahl
E. B. White
J. K. Rowling
J.R.R. Tolkien
Roald Dahl
C.S. Lewis
Author
M.L. Van Vorst
Author
David Passes
Anthony Horowitz
Don Lessem
Various
DK Eyewitness Books
Simon Basher
DK Eyewitness Books
David Fischer
2
Title/Author
Amulet (series)
by Kazu Kibuishi
Second Grade Recommendations
FICTION
Description
It all starts off with two kids and a mom, but the mom gets kidnapped.
Do you think the kids will find her? If you like quests you’d like this
series. If you like the Bone or Zelda series you will like the Amulet
series. - Taishuan
The Black Stallion
by Walter Farley
Young Alec is on a ship. . .CRASH…BOOM…BOOM. The ship
breaks down and the black stallion travelling on the ship is neighing
like crazy. The stallion jumps into the water, and Alec watches the
stallion swim and then jumps into the water, grasping the stallion.
Does Alec survive? Read the book to find out. A second grader
would like this book because it is filled with adventure and wit. If you
like Black Beauty, you will like The Black Stallion. - Dylan
Bone (series)
by Jeff Smith
Crown of Thorns
This book takes you to a land of death and rat creatures. The good
side is led by dragons and a person named Grama Ben,
Granddaughter Thorn, Fone bone, Phoney Bone, Smiley Bone and
the Padawans. You’ll like this book if you like books about war. You
will like this book if you like the other books in the Bone series.
- Belayneh
The Dragonslayer
This book is about Phoncible Bone and the town’s people who try to
get somebody to kill a dragon because they believe the dragon is
trying to kill them. If you like fantasy books you will like this book.
- Johncito
The Boxcar Children
(series)
by Gertrude Chandler
Warner
Four children, homeless looking, walk into a bakery to buy four loaves
of bread. Where do they sleep at night? How did they become the
boxcar children and what happens to them? If you like the A to Z
Mysteries you will like this books and the rest of the series. - Maya
Critter Club (series)
by Callie Barkley
These books are about a club that takes care of cute animals that
they find. Each animal has a problem. Since there is more than one
member, each book is about a different girl. If you like books about
animals you would like these books. - Ariana
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
(series)
by Jeff Kinney
The Last Straw
Greg tries to get a girl to like him but it doesn’t go as planned. He has
to walk to school, go to soccer with his dad, and much more. If you
like funny books you will like this book. If you like the Dork Diaries
you will like this book. - Zoe
39 Clues (series)
by various authors
The Emperor's Code by Gordon Korman
Do you like suspense? Well if you do, you will like this book. Who
dies on Mt. Everest? Or was it no one? Do they find the clue? Read
the book to find out. If you like mystery and adventure you’ll like this
book. If you like the Percy Jackson series you’ll like this book. - Zac
3
Ever After High (series)
by Shannon Hale
This series is about all the different fairy tales, like Snow White and
Cinderella. The main characters are the Snow White’s daughter
(Apple) and the daughter of the Evil Queen (Raven). If you like
mysteries you will like this book. If you like the first book, you will like
the rest of the series. - Ava
Dork Diaries (series)
by Rachel Renee
Russell
Tales from a Not-So-Popular Party Girl
Dork Diaries is about a girl named Niki. She has a little sister named
Brianna, one arch-enemy, and two friends. Sometime she is so
happy she does a happy dance, like when she got the money for the
cell phone she wanted. If you like books that are funny, you might as
well read Dork Diaries. If you like the book Dreamer, Wisher, Liar and
Smile you would like the Dork Diaries. - Sophia
Tales from a Not-So-Talented Pop Star
This book is about a girl who really wants to make a band of her own
but she has to overcome many obstacles. You will have to read the
book to find out if she succeeds. I personally love books that are
funny. Even though this book is long it has pictures and I like that it
looks like it was written by hand. If you like the Diary of a Wimpy Kid,
you’ll love this book. - Ava
Fashion Kitty (series)
by Charise Mericle
Harper
Fashion Kitty versus the Fashion Queen
This book is about Fashion Kitty, the hero of fashion, and the Mean
Queen of fashion. The Mean Queen hates Fashion Kitty and dislikes
pink! See who wins the battle. If you like funny fiction comics, dig
into this one. If you like this book you should try the Captain
Underpants series and the Just Grace series. - Hope
Garfield (comic series)
by Jim Davis
Garfield by the Pound
Garfield is a comic about a fat cat named Garfield, who loves to eat,
sleep, and watch television all day. He also loves to play tricks on his
owner, Jon. Garfield hates their dog Odie and Odie’s very wet
tongue. If you like crazy and funny comics you will like this one. If
you like other Garfield comics you will like this one. - Georgie
Maggie Brooklyn
Mystery (series)
by Leslie Margolis
Girl's Best Friend
Dog walker and high schooler, Maggie Brooklyn, finds herself getting
wrapped up in mysteries that might just be connected in some sort of
way. With a few dropped clues and her ex-best friend Ivy, Maggie will
try to solve the mystery. If you like mysteries with twists and turns
you will like this book. If you like this book you will like Vanishing Act
by Leslie Margolis. - Niva
The Grimm Conclusion
(trilogy)
by Adam Gidwitz
This book is about two kids. One of them becomes a princess. Find
out what happens to them when they get a stepfather. You would like
this book if you like adventure and fantasy. If you like the Harry
Potter series you would like this book. - Emmett
Harry Potter (series)
by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
This book is about 13 year old Harry Potter, who in danger from the
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long-lost prisoner, Sirius Black. The Azkaban guards heard Sirius
mumbling in his sleep, “…he’s at Hogwarts…he’s at Hogwarts…Harry
Potter isn’t safe, even within the walls of his magical school…” If you
like action and danger you’ll definitely like this one. If you like the
Percy Jackson series you’ll like this one too. – Avery
Harry Potter and The Goblet of Fire
Three tournaments, all deadly. Four contestants that hope to live.
Big reward to the winner. Who will win? If you like excitement and a
bit of horror you’ll like this book. If you liked The Lost Hero, you will
like this book. – Fisher
Harry Potter stays with the Dursleys and the Dark Lord is after him.
There is a big tournament at wizarding school. This has a lot of
adventure, mystery and fantasy, but it may be scary for some people.
You should read the books in the series that come before this one. If
you like the Lord of the Rings series you might like this book. - Alok
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
The book is about three kids named Harry, Ron, and Hermione. The
have to hunt down these weird objects called horcruxes and destroy
them in order to defeat an evil wizard named Lord Voldemort. If you
like fantasy and adventure you’ll like this book. If you like the other
Harry Potter books you’ll love this one! - Shay
Heroes of Olympus
(series)
by Rick Riordan
This series is a companion to Percy Jackson and The Olympians.
They are very funny and exciting. If you like the Percy Jackson series
you will like these books. – Owen
House of Hades
Danger strikes when Percy Jackson and his girlfriend Annabeth fall
into Tartarus after the mommy of all spiders pull them in. Meanwhile,
on Leo’s ship, the Argus, the rest of the half-bloods sail to the doors
of death and the final challenge. If you like adventure and fantasy
you’ll like this book because it is filled with both. If you like this book
you will like Stickman Odyssey, D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths and
the Red Pyramid. – Kai
In the first book a boy named Jason wakes up on a bus and doesn’t
remember anything but his name, and that he has a girlfriend named
Piper and a best friend named Leo. Piper has a secret, her dad is
missing. Will Jason, Piper and Leo save her dad? In the second
book Percy and his two new friends go on a quest to save the god of
death. Will Percy, Hazel and Frank save him? In the third and fourth
book of the series the seven will have to face who, or what, is behind
all these evil schemes. This series is adventurous and funny and has
a lot of Greek and Roman mythology. If you like Harry Potter you will
like this series. - Will
Ivy and Bean (series)
by Annie Barrows
Ivy and Bean Take Care of the Babysitter
Ivy and Bean have a plan because Nancy, Bean’s sister, is
babysitting and they have to escape. Will they escape, or will Nancy
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get them in trouble? Read the book to find out. If you like funny, but
tense, books you will like this book. I recommend you read the other
books in the series before you read this one. - Sofia
Percy Jackson and the
Olympians (series)
by Rick Riordan
The series is about Percy Jackson, a boy that is a half-blood. A halfblood is a person who has one parent who is a god and one who is a
mortal. Percy befriends Grover, the school satyr. Then he goes to
Camp Half-Blood where he trains to kill monsters. On the way he
realizes that the titans are trying to destroy the gods. Will Percy
destroy the titans? Read the book to find out. The series is filled with
adventure, so if you like adventure books you will like this one. The
Percy Jackson series is just like the Harry Potter books. –Samuel
The Last Olympian
Do you like Greek mythology? If so, you will like this book. It is about
a boy named Percy Jackson who is a half-blood. A half-blood is a
child who has one parent who is a god and the other parent a mortal.
Percy goes to Camp Half-Blood and trains, and makes enemies. Will
he and his friends defeat them? If you like fantasy you will like this
book. If you liked the Harry Potter series you will like this book.
– Arjun
The Lightning Thief
Percy is trying to bring the lightning bolt to the gods so they will not
accuse him of stealing it. Does he succeed? Read the book to find
out. If you like action read this book. If you like the Harry Potter
series you will like this book. - Charles
Boxcar Children
(series)
by Gertrude Chandler
Warner
The Lighthouse Mystery
In this book, some kids and their grandfather move into a lighthouse
and meet a lot of people they haven’t met before. Their dog keeps
barking at midnight. Will they ever figure out why their dog keeps
barking at midnight? If you like mysteries you will like this book. If
you like the Boxcar Children series, the A to Z Mysteries series and
the Encyclopedia Brown series you will like this book. - Henry
Magic Treehouse
(series)
by Mary Pope Osborne
Mummies in the Morning
Jack and Annie travel back in time to ancient Egypt and get trapped in
a tomb. Do Jack and Annie escape before the mummy gets them? If
you like fantasy, mysteries and adventures you will like this book. If
you like the other Magic Treehouse books or the Bone series you’d
like this book. - Leo
My Weird School
(series)
by Dan Gutman
Miss Daisy is Crazy
Oh no! There is a kid who hates school but has to go there anyway.
But his teacher knows nothing. What is going to happen when the
kids have to teach the teacher? That’s weird. This book is very funny
and very exciting. If you like this book you’d like the rest of the series.
- Noah
Nancy Drew (series)
by Carolyn Keene
The Mystery of the Ivory Charm
An Indian man name Rai gives Nancy Drew a very rare charm. Can
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Nancy unlock the mystery of the ivory charm? If you like mysteries,
you will like this book. If you like the A to Z Mysteries series you’d like
the Nancy Drew series. - Sasha
The “Secret” Series
by Pseudonymous
Bosch
The Name of this Book is Secret
A girl named Cassandra is a survivalist and she finds out that two
people, Mr. Mauvais and Dr. L, killed a famous magician. Can
Cassandra find a friend to help? If you like mysteries and adventures
you will find one in this book. If you like If You’re Reading This It’s
Too Late, you’d love The Name of this Book is Secret. – Ilana
This book has fake character names and will not tell you any street
names or any real information. If you like mysteries you will like this
book. If you like The Great Cake Mystery: Precious Ramotswe’s Very
First Case by Alexander McCall Smith, you will like this book. -
Out of My Mind
by Sharon Draper
This book is about an eleven-year-old girl named Melody who has
disabilities. She cannot talk or walk, yet she is very smart.
Everything is stuck in her head. How will she finally be able to share
her ideas with the world? Read the book to find out. I would
recommend this book to a third grader because it is a very good book
but it is sort of sad. - Odelya
Pikachu's Vacation by
Tracey West
Pikachu has a great adventure. Will he have to fight his enemies?
Will he find his way out of difficult situations? Read this book to find
out. If you like funny and adventurous books you will like this book. If
you like to read Pokemon books, you will like this book.-Amir
Lord of the Rings
(Trilogy)
by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Return of the King
This is the final book of the Lord of the Rings trilogy and I feel it is the
best. Will the good guys win? Find out in Return of the King. This is
a good series if you like adventure. If you like The Lion, The Witch
and the Wardrobe you will like this series. - Tristan
Malory Towers (series)
by Enid Blyton
Second Form at Malory Towers
This book is about some girls who go to a boarding school in
England. They play funny tricks on their teachers. But what tricks do
they play on Mamzelle Dupont? Read it to find out. If you like funny
books you’ll like this one. If you like Ballet Shoes you’ll like Second
Form at Malory Towers. - Cecilia
Septimus Heap (series)
by Angie Sage
Book Four: Queste
When Septimus Heap draws the questing stone he thinks he won’t
return because no extraordinary wizard apprentice has ever returned.
Will he? If you like fantasy, adventure and magic you will like this
book. If you like the Kane Chronicles you will like this book. - Ranen
Emily Windsnap
(series)
by Liz Kessler
The Tail of Emily Windsnap
Emily finds out in swim class that when she goes into the water she
becomes a mermaid. Luckily she gets out before anybody sees. One
night she sneaks out and meets a mermaid named Shona Silkfin.
Emily’s mom is a human. Emily’s dad left when she was a baby.
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Could he be a merman? Join Emily and Shona to find out. If you like
fantasy you’ll love this book. If you like this book you will like the rest
of the series. - Isabel
Warriors (series)
by Erin Hunter
Dawn of the Clans
When Squirrelpaw comes back to the Thunderclan camp to find it
deserted, she finds her clan at Sunningrock. . .weak and starving.
Then, the glorious moment when all four clans move to a new land fit
for living. Where is the land? Read to find out. Like cats? Like
adventure? Read the book. If you liked any book with adventure and
travel you’ll love Dawn of the Clans! –Sophie
Into the Wild
Young Rusty is a kitty pet, but then he meets clan cats! He joins
Thunder Clan and notices that they have a lot of training and they
change his name to Firepaw. He meets Tigerclaw, a grumpy old car
that makes a lot of fuss. But when Shadow Clan takes over Wind
Clan they must be prepared! Will Shadow Clan attack, and beat them,
or will Firepaw save the day? You’d like this book if you like adventure
books. You would also like the Seeker series. –Jane
When a cat named Rusty went into the wild, he found that he could
become a warrior. If you like adventure, you will like this book. If you
like to read about cats, you will like the Warrior series. –Maya
A Wrinkle in Time
By Madeleine L’Engle
Poetry
Title/Author
It's Raining Pigs &
Noodles by Jack
Prelutsky
There is a girl named Meg, and she loses her little brother, Charles
Wallace. Meg has to go back in time to try to find him. Does Meg
find Charles Wallace? If you like adventure you will like this book.
Surprisingly, if you like the Geronimo Stilton series you will like this
book. –Anya
Description
This book of poetry is funny, crazy, unexpected and weird. It had
rhyming poems, shape poems and funny poems. If you like Where
the Sidewalk Ends, you will like this book. -Shane
NONFICTION
Title/Author
The New York
Yankees: Legendary
Sports Teams
by Matt Christopher
Description
This book is about New York Yankees history. . .their years of
success, failure and it also talks about their greatest players and what
they did for the team. This book is about the greatest team in
baseball so if you like baseball you’ll like it. If you like to read Matt
Christopher’s fiction books you’ll like this book. -Elijah
8
Title/Author
The Cats Of
Tanglewood Forest
by Charles DeLint
Third Grade Recommendations
FICTION
Description
Do you like fantasy novels? Then I think you would like The Cats Of
Tanglewood Forest by Charles DeLint. This book is about a girl
named Lillian, whose life was perfectly normal before that snake just
had to bite her--before the cats saved her by turning her into a kitten.
But magic is never that simple. Now Lillian must embark on a journey,
from cat to girl, trying to get her old, simple life back. Will Lillian be
able to do it, or will she just have to live life as a kitten? If you like the
Warriors series, then I think you would like. The Cats Of Tanglewood
Forest. – Roxannah
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
(series)
by Jeff Kinney
Are you looking for a series that’s funny? Try the Diary of a Wimpy
Kid series. It’s about a middle school boy whose best friend Rowley
blames everything on Greg, the main character. Everything that Greg
wants he doesn’t get. Greg has two brothers, Manny and Rodrick but
Manny doesn’t get blamed for the bad things he does. I think this a
good book to read in summer because it’s funny. – Scott
Encyclopedia Brown
(series)
by Donald J.Sobol
Do you like mysteries? If so, these books are for you. These mindbusting mysteries are nearly impossible to solve! Unless you’re
Encyclopedia Brown, that is. If you like mysteries, or realistic fiction,
you’d love the Encyclopedia Brown books, by Donald J. Sobol.
I think these books would be good for grades 1 and up. It would be
good to read in the summer because in the summer EB runs his own
detective agency. - Jules
Myth-O-Mania
(series)
by Kate McMullan
Have a Hot Time in Hades
If you like Greek Mythology you’d like the book Have a Hot Time
Hades by Kate McMullan. Hades and his brothers and sisters get
saved by his brother Zeus from his father’s belly (he ate them
because they would be stronger then him). His brothers and sisters
pick what they will rule in the world. Hades and Zeus want to be ruler
of the universe so they play a game of poker. Will Hades be ruler of
the universe? Read the book to find out… If you like Greek
Mythology you’d like this book and if you already read it, try the
Heroes In Training series! - Joao
Heroes in Training
(series)
by Joan Holub and
Suzanne Williams
Heroes in Training is about the Olympians when they’re young. Some
Olympians in this book are Zeus, Poseidon and Hades. This book is
good for 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders. If you like a combination of
mystery, funny and adventure books, then you would like Heroes in
Training! Heroes in Training is like the Percy Jackson series, and the
Nerds series. Do you think the young Olympians will turn into
heroes? Try to find out by reading the book! - Avi
Percy Jackson and the
Olympians (series)
by Rick Riordan
Do you like the Harry Potter series? Well if you do like the Harry
Potter books, or any other fantasy, or traditional literature book series,
then you should try the Percy Jackson series by, Rick Riordan. The
Percy Jackson series is about a boy named – well, obviously Percy
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Jackson! Percy is a demigod. A demigod is half god and half mortal.
Percy is not the only demigod, in fact he lives with a whole camp of
demigods where they train to defeat monsters and titans.
Maybe Percy and his friends will take you on an adventure this
summer? – Emma
The Lightning Thief
If you want a great book to read over the summer, then read Percy
Jackson and the Lightning Thief, by Rick Riordan. Percy Jackson
and the Lightning Thief is about a boy named Percy Jackson who is a
demigod. For those who don’t know what a demigod is, it is a person
with one parent a god, and the other parent a mortal. In the story,
Percy Jackson is blamed for stealing the king of the gods’ (Zeus’s)
lightning bolt, because he is the son of a rival god to Zeus (Poseidon).
Will Percy find the thief or will the blame land on him? If he doesn’t
find the thief he will be killed. If you like myths and mysteries you will
love this book, because it has Greek myths (e.g. gods, monsters, and
mortals) and the mystery of who stole the lightning bolt. Also, if you
like Harry Potter you will love Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief,
because they are both about a boy who doesn’t know about a special
thing he possesses. After reading Percy Jackson and the Lightning
Thief, read Percy Jackson and the Sea of Monsters, which is the next
book in the series. – Marcus
There is a mortal named Percy Jackson who soon finds out that he is
a demigod and that his Latin/Greek teacher is the leader of many
Greek heroes. Come along with Percy and his friends on different
adventures. Will he survive? If you like myths and fantasy you will
definitely like this book. It has monsters, dragons, Greek myths and
gods. If you like the Harry Potter series you will like these books as
well because they are both full of fantasy. – Rahul
The Heroes of
Olympus (series)
by Rick Riordan
Do you like myths and legends and fantasies? Then this is the series
for you! The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan is a
companion series to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series,
also by Rick Riordan, so if you liked the Percy Jackson and the
Olympians series, you’ll like this series even more! The Heroes of
Olympians series is about seven heroes named Percy, Annabeth,
Hazel, Frank, Leo, Piper, and Jason. They are trying to stop the
ancient earth goddess, Gaea, from waking. If she wakes, she will
destroy all human civilization. Will our brave heroes stop her in time?
(If that doesn’t convince you, let me say it involves a flying ship, and
lots of pain and suffering.) So, what are you waiting for? Read it! Leigh
Tapestry (series)
by Henry F. Neff
Book One: The Hound of Rowan
Do you like magic? If you do, you’ll like this book. In this book, a boy
named Max gets shipped off to a magical school. Read this book to
find out what he learns. This book is mostly fantasy with some
fairytale and myth in it. I would suggest this book if you like Harry
Potter. I think this book would be a great summer read because it is
long and you can read it if you have nothing to do. -Auden
10
How to Train Your
Dragon (series)
by Cressida Cowell
Do you like books with a lot of suspense? Well, if you do, you should
read the How to Train Your Dragon series. This book is written by
Hiccup about his memories when he was a kid. The main character is
Hiccup Horrendous Haddock 111, he is an awesome sword fighter
and a very small Viking. His best friend Fishlegs is also a very small
Viking. Hiccup is the son of the chief. The chief’s name is Stoick The
Vast. It’s not as easy as you think, boarding Roman ships, entering a
library with 400-armed soldiers and swimming away from dragons.
Can Hiccup and Fishlegs survive? Read this series to find out! This is
a great book for grades 2-6. If you like adventures with pirates and
ships you will like this book. -Connor
I Survived (series) by
Lauren Tarshis
Do you like terrifying books? If you do, check out the I Survived series
by Lauren Tarshis. This series is about people and families surviving
deadly disasters! Can you survive the awesomeness of this series?
If you like scary books, you would like this series because it is very
terrifying at times because it is based on true events in history.
These one of a kind books are so special-- there are no books like
them, so check them out! -Jake
Invisible Inkling (trilogy)
By Emily Jenkins
Invisible Inkling: The Whoopie Pie War
Do you like fantasy and funny books? Well, if so, you should check
out Invisible Inkling Whoopie Pie War by Emily Jenkins. Hank’s
parents own an ice cream store. So what can go wrong? Will Betty
Ann’s Whoopie Pie Food Truck make the ice cream store go out of
business? Can Hank and Inkling save the store, or are they doomed
forever? Be sure to read this great book to find out! - Orli
The Chronicles of
Narnia (series)
by C. S. Lewis
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
Do you like fantasy and magical lands? If you do, then maybe you
should try reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C. S.
Lewis. One day, a girl named Lucy and her three siblings, Peter,
Susan, and Edmund venture into a wardrobe and discover a magical
world called Narnia. Along with the excitement of discovering a new
world, there is danger led by the White Witch. Will the four Penevsie
children overcome the danger? Read this book to find out! - Anastasia
Beacon Street Girls
(series)
by Annie Bryant
Maeve On the Red Carpet
For a great summer read, you should try the book, Maeve On the Red
Carpet by Annie Bryant. It has everything from annoying brothers to
glamorous movie stars. Are you in for a breathtaking story? You bet!
When Maeve goes to film camp, she meets a girl named Maddie.
Maeve is trying to get the main part at film camp, but will Maddie hog
it all? If you want to know what happens to Maeve you better read this
book to find out. If you like this book try the rest of the series plus the
Main Street book’s they are fantastic! - Lois
American Girl Mystery
(series)
by Elizabeth Jones
Missing Grace: A Kit Mystery
Kit’s dog, Grace, is missing! Who took Grace? Kit thinks some rich
man took Grace and he is trying to sell her. Is Kit’s idea true? You
have to find out by reading Missing Grace. I think 2-5 graders would
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like the book, Missing Grace by Elizabeth Jones. If you like
mysteries, I think you should try it. Missing Grace is a mystery story,
like the Nancy Drew books by Carolyn Keene. - Patricia
The One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate
Are you looking for a good summer read, you should read The One
And Only Ivan, by Katherine Applegate. This book is about a gorilla
named Ivan who lives in a zoo. His cage is located in next to an
injured elephant named Stella. There is a girl who gives Ivan paper
and crayons, and Ivan draws. What will happen to Ivan? Will he live in
a zoo forever? Read The One and Only Ivan to find out! If you like
fantasy you will like this book. It’s not like any other book I’ve read
before! - Nicolas
Do you like sad stories? The One And Only Ivan by Katherine
Applegate is a very sad story with a sprinkle of adventure in it. It`s
about a silverback gorilla named Ivan. Ivan is stuck in a cage in a mall
but he wants to be free and live in a zoo with the other silverback
gorillas. Will he live his dream? I think any 1st grader and up would
like this book because it has a bunch of animals that can do weird
tricks and that makes this book a little funny. This book is also very
sad because bad things happen to some of the animals. If you don`t
like sad books you probably will not like this book, though it does end
on a good note. If you like The One And Only Ivan you will also
probably like A Series Of Unfortunate Events, which is also sad and
adventurous. - Samantha
Peter Nimble and His
Fantastic Eyes
by Jonathan Auxie
Do you like fantasy? If so you should read Peter Nimble and His
Fantastic Eyes by Jonathan Auxier. Peter is a blind orphan led into a
life of theft. One day he steals a box of magical…eyes?! When he
tries a pair on, he gets teleported to an island where he gains a
mission to save a kingdom from its ruler. Will he succeed? Will he find
his family? Read Peter Nimble to find out! - Ximena M.
Platypus Police Squad
(series)
by Jarett J. Krosoczka
Are you looking for a great mystery? If you are, try reading Platypus
Police Squad by Jarett J. Krosoczka. If you like other mysteries like
Encyclopedia Brown, you’ll love this one. This book is a mystery
about an animal who is selling illegal fish and the reasons why. This
book has red herrings galore and is good for grades 2nd, 3rd ,4th,
and 5th. In case you didn’t know what a red herring is, it is a false
clue. If you like Timmy Failure and his detective agency, you will love
Platypus Police Squad! - Brian
The Ostrich Conspiracy
Will the two detectives at Platypus Police Squad (PPS) Zengo and
O’Malley find out who caused the blackout at Kalamazoo City’s
pride on it’s opening day? In this thrilling chapterbook,two
detectives go through many challenges including fighting with a
moviestar at the top of a rollercoaster! A 2nd grader would like this
book if they like adventure,mystery, and police. If you like this book
you should like Lunch Lady, a series by the same author. – Julian
12
The School for Good
And Evil (series)
by Soman Chainani
The School for Good and Evil (Book One)
Do you like fantasy? If so, you would like The School for Good and
Evil by Soman Chainani. The book is about two girls who live in a
town where there’s a legend about a man called the School Master.
He takes two children eleven or older to a school called the School for
Good and Evil. The children learn to become fairy tale legends. Read
to see what happens next! If you like fantasy or Harry Potter this
book will be a delight, it is filled with magic! - Anna
The Spiderwick
Chronicles (series)
by Tony DiTerlizzi
Do you like mysteries? Well this is the best you will get!
Arthur Spiderwick is not an ordinary person, he has fairy friends to
help him out and now it is the Grace children’s turn to help. Jacob,
Simon and Malory have a challenge. This is a great book for you if
you are in 2nd to 6th grade. If you like this book, then check out the
series Beyond the Spiderwick. - Josie
Stick Dog (series)
by Tom Watson
Do you like hilarious adventure books? If you do, then you should
read the Stick Dog Series. It’s about Stick Dog and his friends
wanting food, and how many crazy ways they’ll try to get it. Anyone
would like this book because, who doesn’t like funny mixed with
adventure? If you like Stick Dog Wants A Hamburger, you would like
Stick Dog Wants A Hotdog! – Mina
This is a story about 5 dogs named Stick Dog, Poo-Poo, Karen, Mutt,
and Stripes. And today they want a frankfurter (hot dog). They make
the most elaborate plans! And there’s a raccoon that also wants one
too! Who will get there first? - Declan
Timmy Failure (series)
by Stephan Pastis
Mistakes Were Made
This book is about a boy named Timmy. He runs “the best detective
agency in town, probably the nation” along with his business partner
and pet polar bear, Total. However, Timmy is getting bad grades in
school and his mom is shutting down the agency. Can Timmy get his
detective agency back? – Jacob
Now Look What You’ve Done
Do you like humor or mystery books? Well if you do, you have to try
Timmy Failure: Now Look What You’ve Done by Stephan Pastis. It’s
about a boy named Timmy who runs a detective business. He has a
pet polar bear named Total who is his business partner. He lives with
his mom and his great grandma. I think if you like the Diary Of A
Wimpy Kid series, you will like the Timmy Failure series because they
are both humorous. I think any 3rd or 4th grader would like it because
it is very humorous and it has some mysteries. So if you want to find
out what happens next, read the book and find out! - Dylan
The Two Princesses of
Bamare
by Gail Carson Levine
Are you looking for a book that has lots of magic and adventure? If
yes, then you should read The Two Princesses of Bamare, by Gail
Carson Levine. It’s about two princess sisters. The eldest, Meril, is
brave and fearless while the youngest, Addie (Addelina), is shy and
scared. Meril’s dream is to find the cure for a horrible disease called
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the gray death. Days past and Meril catches the gray death and Addie
has to find the cure. She encounters many mythical creatures
throughout her journey. Eventually she finds the cure, but is it too
late? Read the book to find out. –Angeli
The Grimm Trilogy
by Adam Gidwitz
A Tale Dark and Grimm
A Tale Dark and Grimm is about Hansel and Gretel as they go
through many fairy tales like The Baker Woman and many others.
Warning: it is very very Grimm! If you like adventure, you’ll like A Tale
Dark and Grimm because there is a lot of adventure. If you like A
Tale Dark and Grimm you will like In A Glass Grimmly, as well.
– Allison
Warriors (series)
by Erin Hunter
Into the Wild
There once was a cat named Rusty and he was a kittypet. He went
away from home into the forest, where he found a group of cats called
ThunderClan. His name changed to Firepaw and he immediately
became an apprentice. Read the book to find out what happens next!
– Ava
Fire and Ice
Four cat clans are living in uneasy harmony. Fireheart is a
Thunderclan warrior and a former kittypet. He and Graystripe must
restore peace by bringing Windclan back. They will face enemy clans
and betrayal from within their own clan. Will they succeed? – Katie
Streetball Crew (series)
by Kareem AbdulJabbar and Raymond
Obstfeld
Book One: Sasquatch in the Paint
There is a boy named Theo who really stinks at basketball, but he is
still on the school team. His mom passed away a couple years ago,
now his dad is overprotective about everything he does. After a
school game, the coach said that the whole offense would be around
Theo. Will Theo step up his game?
A 3rd grader would like this book because it has humor in it and the
character gets better in each chapter.
This book is similar to the STAT series because it about a kid who did
not have a great childhood and are about kids who play basketball.
– Ben
Garfield (comic series)
by Jim Davis
Garfield is a cat who is always causing trouble to his owner, Jon. He
is fat and his favorite food is lasagna. He usually gets stuff in a funny
way like distracting Jon and eating his lunch. Will all Garfield’s tricks
be a success? Read Garfield to find out.
A 3rd grader would like this book if he/she likes funny stuff.
If you like the Bone series, you would like Garfield. – Bradley
Garfield is a fat cat who hassles everybody that gets in his way. He
loves to sleep, eat lasagna, and eat pretty much anything except
raisins. He hates dogs, raisins, diets, Nermal ( a cute cat. well actually
Garfield just hates cute over all.), and sometimes cat food. If you like
funny comics you’ll like Garfield, and if you enjoy the peanuts gang
you’ll also like Garfield. – Tobey
14
The Adventures of
Nanny Piggins (series)
By R.A. Spratt
The Adventures of Nanny Piggins is about when Mr. Green is so
desperate to hire a nanny that he hires a pig named Nanny Piggins.
Nanny Piggins teaches the kids to eat sweets and and do dangerous
stuff. With Nanny Piggins as a nanny anything could happen.
If you like fantasy, adventure, or funny books than The Adventures of
Nanny Piggins is the book for you! If you like Peter Pan than you will
love this book. – Hannah
War Horse
by Michael Morpurgo
A kid named Albert meets a horse named Joey, but they get
separated in a war . Do they get back together? Find out when you
read the book. – Harris
The Secrets of the
Immortal Nicholas
Flamel (series)
by Michael Scott
Nicholas Flamel’s nemesis, Jhon Dee is trying to bring the evil gods
back to life and rule the world. Flamel and his wife are trying to stop
him, but they are getting weak. They find two children who they think
to be the Twins of Legend, and begin to train them in magic. Can they
stop Dee in time? Read the seiries to find out! – Jayanti
Do you want to read an adventurous, magical, GLOWING novel?
Well, all of the books in this series are the perfect choice! In this
series two twins go on a dazzling adventure to learn five types of
magic. They get chased by Dark Elders, necromancers, and bad
magicians to find their way home. Will the twins live? Read Secrets of
the Immortal Nicholas Flamel, by Michael Scott to find out…
If you like fast paced adventures or The Kane Chronicles, by Rick
Riordan, you’re sure to like this book! – Thomas
The Chrestomanci
Series
by Dianna Wynne
Jones
Witch Week
In the orphanage/school spells are being cast everywhere. People
think there is a witch living among them. Class 6B is worried because
a note said there was a witch in the class. All the classmates have
different personalities. It is fun to see people notice that they are
witches. They even ride on mops because the broom is taken. It is
fun and mysterious. It is similar to Harry Potter. – Julia
Dear Dumb Diary
(series)
by Jim Benton
Dear Dumb Diary is about a girl in middle school going through life
and angeline and avoiding nicknames, all while surviving mom’s
cooking and meatloaf. Will she get out? Read to find out. - Leina
The Little House on the
Prairie (series)
by Laura Ingalls Wilder
The Little House on the Prairie series is a series of 9 books. These
books are about a little girl named Laura and her family that move
many times and survive the deadly winter. Will all of them survive or
will some die…? Read more to find out! – Luciana
The Sisters Grimm
(series)
by Michael Buckley
Two sisters, Daphne and Sabrina Grimm, are living happily in NYC,
but when Sabrina comes home from school, she and Daphne find
their parents gone. They have no known living relatives, so they are
forced to go to the orphanage. A number of crazy people pick them
up, and every time the Grimms manage to escape. An old woman,
Relda Grimm, claims to be their grandmother. Do they get away? Or
is Relda Grimm really their grandmother? Pick it up to find out! - Maya
15
Wonder by R.J. Palacio
Do you like to books that are sad and funny at the same time? Well if
you do, than you might like to read Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. It is the
story about a boy who is normal on the inside, but not on the outside.
He is about to start middle school, but he is really scared! Will people
learn that he is no different than everyone else? I would recommend
this book to anyone from third grade to seventh grade because those
are the ages that each of the perspectives in the book is written in. If
you like this book you may also like The One And Only Ivan. – Abby
August Pullman was born with facial deformities which stopped him
from going to regular school until now. At school August makes two
friends, Summer and Jack Will but when August hears Jack say to
August’s enemy “I’m only being nice to August because the principal
is telling me to,” August is heartbroken. Will August have fun at
school or will he not? Read Wonder to find out. If you like the Diary of
a Wimpy Kid series or realistic fiction about kids at school, you will
love Wonder – Zach
NONFICTION
Title/Author
Josephine
by Patricia Powell
Description
This is a biography about performer and civil rights pioneer,
Josephine Baker who lives with her family during the segregated
times. She is forced to work really hard. Every day she dreams about
singing and dancing and one day it comes true! She starts living in a
dream life but does it continue? Find out in Josephine. If you like
singing and dancing, you’ll love this book. It’s all about music and
dance.– Ava
16
Title/Author
The Lemonade Wars
(series)
By Jacqueline Davies
Fourth Grade Recommendations
FICTION
Description
The Candy Smash
This book is about Evan and Jessie Treski, when Valentine’s Day is
right around the corner. Jessie wants her 3rd Edition of the 4-O form
out by Valentine. She decides to uncover some secrets, like the
mysterious candy hearts appearing in their Valentine boxes, the heart
with M.M. + E.E. inside, and a survey about who likes who. Evan will
never admit it, but he likes poetry, and is not good at school, like his
younger sister. He is determined to keep his secrets, but can Jessie
uncover them? If you read The Candy Smash you’ll find out. - Tiffany
The Dragonet
Prophecy (series)
by Tui T. Sutherland
Wings of Fire: Book One
Clay, a young dragonet in a very special prophecy, has lived under a
mountain for his whole life. When he and his friends escape the
mountain, they run into one of the most powerful dragons in Pyrrhia,
Queen Scarlet. When Scarlet captures the dragonets and takes them
to the SkyWing kingdom, Clay figures dragons all over Pyrrhia are
trying to kill him and his best friends. He meets a mysterious
dragonet who could possibly be his friend, but when Clay figures out
her secret, he begins to wonder if he will ever escape the SkyWing
kingdom. Will Clay and his friends escape the SkyWing kingdom, or
will they stay prisoners forever? Oh yeah, and if they do escape, how
will they survive? This book should be read by students grades 2-6.
If you like fantasy books, bloody books, books with cliffhangers, and
books about survival and war, you will like this book. - India
The End of the
Beginning: Being the
Adventures of a Small
Snail (and an Even
Smaller Ant)
by Avi
It is about two adventurers, Edward and Avon. Edward is an ant and
Avon is a snail. They are on an amazing journey… along the
branches of a tree. They have an amusing time while they are slowly
inching along the branches. They move slowly inch by inch. A fourth
grader would enjoy this book because it is not as long as the normal
books they read. It is also captivating when you read the funny
adventures they get themselves into. It is a fun, quick read, and
hilarious. If you like funny books like the Grimm Conclusion you’ll like
The End of the Beginning. - Erica
The False Prince
by Jennifer A. Nielsen
The book that I am recommending is called The False Prince, by
Jennifer A. Nielsen. It is about a boy who lives in an orphanage. One
day, a rich man comes to take him. That man is called Conner. He
has taken two other boys from other orphanages to pretend to be the
prince who disappeared four years ago. Conner trains them to
become like that lost prince. What will happen to them? Read, The
False Prince, to find out! I think that 5th graders would like this book
because it has some violence, but it has a very interesting plot(by the
way, the genre of this book in fantasy). If you like this book, you will
like Eragon by Christopher Paolini. – Jessica
The Familiars (series)
by Adam Jay Epstein
An alley cat in the land of Vista stumbles into a magic pet store for
familiars and he gets picked by a young wizard in training to be his
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familiar but when he, and his fellow trainees get kidnapped, it is up to
him and the other familiars to rescue him. If you like fantasy
adventures this book is for you! A similar book is The
Warriors. - Bridget
The Girl Who Could Fly
by Victoria Forester
The Girl Who Could Fly is about a girl named Piper McCloud, who
ever since she was a baby, could float. One day she starts teaching
herself to fly, and gets really good at it. She goes to the Lowland
County Fourth of July picnic and accidentally exposes her flying. She
gets sent to a place that is the safest place for her to go, until she
realizes that this place is the most dangerous place for her. A 4th
grader would like this because it is an amazing book with
mischievous, secretive and awesome people! - Atara
The “Grimm” Trilogy
by Adam Gidwitz
In a Glass Grimmly (Book 2)
Jack and Jill go on an adventure to find the seeing glass, on the way
they run into giants and mermaids and goblins. They find one more
mysterious monster. Lots of fairy tales, lots of fun, in this thrilling tale.
A 4th grader would like this book because it has fantasy and
adventure and it is a mix of all the fairytales you know. If you like In a
Glass Grimly you would like A Tale Dark and Grimm and The Grimm
Conclusion. – Joshua
The Grimm Conclusion (Book 3)
For my Summer reading book recommendation, I picked The Grimm
Conclusion by Adam Gidwitz. This book is about two kids, Jorinda
and Joringel. They both go through very unimaginative and grim
adventures based on modified fairytales. Their father died of
happiness, their mother is always in her work room, and the two
children live alone. When Joringel tries to save her, by going through
the devil’s lair and getting trapped in his house, does he escape with
Jorinda alive? Well, you have to read to find out! If you like fantasy
and adventure, then you’ll definitely love this book. WARNING: Be
ready for bloody goodness! If you like the book A Tale Dark and
Grimm, also by Adam Gidwitz, then you’ll totally love this bloody and
grim story too! - Tiffani
Harriet the Spy
by Louise Fitzhugh
Do you like books about kids just like you? Harriet M. Welsch is a
funny, spunky, realistic kid. She faces many problems including, but
not limited to, her beloved nurse (Ole Golly) leaving, being an onion in
the school Christmas Pageant, friendship troubles, and more! Read
Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh if you are interested. A fourth
grader would absolutely fall in love with this book because it is funny.
If you like realistic fiction (and even if you don’t), you will love this
book! If you like Stargirl, you’ll love Harriet the Spy! And if you like this
book, be sure to read: Harriet Spies Again; Harriet the Spy, Double
Agent; Sport, by Louise Fitzhugh (about Harriet’s best friend, Sport);
and The Long Secret, by Louise Fitzhugh (about Harriet’s friend, Beth
Ellen) - Natalie
Harry Potter (series)
by J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter was born, and next suddenly attacked. He survived, but
then had to live with the worst family ever for 10 whole years. Then a
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giant comes out of nowhere and says he has magic powers. He then
takes Harry with him somewhere. The giant takes he someplace
called Hogwarts. It appears to be a school. The question is, will he
survive? Does he even have any magic powers? Read this to find out!
A 4th grader would like this book because it’s mysterious, very
violent, and has a mixture of realistic fiction and fantasy. If you like the
Grimm Legacy, then you would like The Harry Potter Series. - Skyler
The Heroes of
Olympus (series)
by Rick Riordan
House of Hades
After Annabeth and Percy fall into Tartarus, the bottomed bottomless
pit, we find the group of seven in two groups: The five, plus Nico,
journey across Europe to the House of Hades, where they hope to get
Percy and Annabeth out of Tartarus. However, Percy and Annabeth
have their own challenges. Percy and Annabeth must fight many
monsters, some newly reformed, and make their way to the Doors of
Death, the elevator to reality. If you like Mythology (with a twist and
funny moments), you will love this book. If you like or love the House
of Hades and the rest of The Heroes of Olympus, you will like the
Percy Jackson and the Olympians series! - Daniel
The Incorrigible
Children of Ashton
Place (series)
by Maryrose Wood
Book IV: The Interrupted Tale
This is a really good book and the one I chose for the
recommendation. Governess Penelope Lumley must go back to her
school as a speaker. Also, she must take her pupils with her! And
these pupils are not ordinary children! Some say they were raised by
wolves. If you like hilarious mysteries, you’d definitely like this book.
If you have read the first three books in the series, you’d love the 4th
book. - Ryder
Jack And Jill
by Louisa May Alcott
Jack and Jill and all of their friends have exciting times. In trying to be
good, breaking bones, and getting into trouble there is a lot to do. And
you always wonder, what will happen to everyone? If you like realistic
fiction and classics, you will probably like this book. If you like Little
Women you would probably like Jack And Jill. - Anahi
The Land of Stories
(series)
by Chris Colfer
The first book in The Land of Stories is about two twins, Alex and
Connor, who discover a fairy-tale world hidden in an old book their
grandmother gave them. They accidentally fall into the book, and find
themselves in a land with Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Red Riding
Hood, and Goldilocks. They meet a friend, Froggy, and discover a
“myth” named the Wishing Spell. This could help them get back to the
human world! But, they have to travel everywhere in the fairy-tale
world to collect the objects they need to complete the Wishing Spell.
Along the way, they make many more friends. Alex finds that she
really loves the Land Of Stories, and wants to stay there, but her twin
Connor, wants to leave. Can the twins complete the spell and get to
the real world before the Evil Queen, also hunting for the objects,
finds them all? Read The Land of Stories The Wishing Spell to find
out!
The second book, The Enchantress Returns, is about the journey the
twins take back into the Land Of Stories, to find their mother, who has
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been kidnapped by the evil Enchantress. With the help of their fairy
tale friends, can they rescue their mother? And when they find out
that The portal to the human world is going to be closed, will they get
out? Read the second book to find out!
A fourth grader would like these books because it is very suspenseful,
and has fantasy and fairy tales. - Anju
The Looking Glass
Wars (series)
by Frank Beddor
This book is a fast paced, adventurous fantasy, about a girl named
Alyss (also known as Alice) in Wonderland, except it is not the
wonderland you know. Fleeing from terrible danger, magical portals
send Princess Alyss to our world. Her incredible imagination powers,
which make everything that she imagines, become real, starts to fade
away, until she loses it! Will she ever get her powers back? Will she
ever get back home? If you like unexpected twists and magic, then
you’ll like The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor. If you liked The
Immortal Secrets of Nicholas Flamel Series, by Michael Scott, then
you’d like The Looking Glass Wars by Frank Beddor. - Arianna
A Mango-Shaped Face
by Wendy Mass
My favorite book that I read in 2014 is A Mango-Shaped Face by
Wendy Mass. A Mango-Shaped Face is about a teenage girl named
Mia. She has a condition called synesthesia, “a mixing of the
senses.” She has been hiding it since kindergarten, when she
realized that not everyone saw sunflower-yellow whenever they saw
an “a”. The only thing that comforts her is her loyal cat, Mango. Join
Mia as she encounter obstacles, sadness, and realization throughout
this beautifully written book. If you liked The Candymakers, Every
Soul a Star ,or Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life (all by Wendy
Mass), you should read this book. This book also won the ALA
Schneider Family Book Award. - Dean
39 Clues (series)
by various
The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
Amy and Dan Cahill have a choice between $1,000,000 or a ticket to
a life-threatening race that could kill them, or make them the most
powerful person on Earth. They choose the race. So knowing the
first out of 39 clues they head off to Paris against their smart, artistic,
athletic, and even ruthless relatives. What will happen to Amy and
Dan? If you like adventure, mystery, or science fiction you’ll probably
like the Maze of Bones. If you like Percy Jackson you’ll probably like
Maze of Bones. - Leo
My Name is America
(series)
by Kathryn Lasky
The Journal of Augustus Pelletier
This book is a book about a half French, half Omaha Indian child who
is embarking on the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It is a thrilling tale of
many adventures. The series is also a fantastic series. So embark on
an adventure like no other with Augustus Pelletier! This is an ideal
book for fourth graders and up. This is a great book if you like
adventure. I hope anyone who reads this book will enjoy it. If you like
this book you should try reading other books in the My Name is
America series. I’m sure you will enjoy these books as well. Well,
happy reading! - Robert
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The “Secret” Series
by Pseudonymous
Bosch
The Secret Series is easily one of my favorite series of books. It is
about three kids named Cassandra, Max-Ernest and Yo-Yoji who are
with a group called the Terces Society. They fight the Midnight Sun
which is a group that is led by Dr. L or Luciano and Ms. Mauvais. I'd
recommend this for 4th-6th graders. If you like action packed almost
mystery books you would like this book. –Eric
I like these books because I can’t put them down. They’re about three
kids in 6th grade, Max-Ernest, Cass, and Yo-Yoji. They go through
adventures in their five books trying to stop the Midnight sun from
finding out the secret. Will Cass, the secret keeper, find the secret
without telling her friends, but still using their help? Will their secret
group, The Terces Society succeed--or will the Midnight Sun? Read
the Secret series to find out! I believe 3rd to 6th grade would love this
series. If you like Lemony Snicket I think you will like this too. The
authors in both books have a similar style of talking to the audience. I
hope you like this series! -Kivlighan
The Name of this Book is Secret
This book is about two kids that fight a group named Midnight Sun.
The writer never gives their real names, only the fake names of
Cassandra and Max-Ernest. They find clues and objects that might
help them solve a mystery. Will they succeed? – Eric
N.E.R.D.S. : National
Espionage Rescue
Defense Society
(series)
by Michael Buckley
This book is about a group of kids who have superpowers, and use
them to save the world from evil villains. Once the bully in the school
named Jackson finds their base, everything turns different and the
Nerds start questioning who their real enemy is. A 3rd grader would
like this book because, this book is adventurous, and funny, when I
was a 3rd grader, I always liked books that were funny and
adventurous that always gave me that laugh. If you like the Warrior
Cats series, then you’d love the Nerds series because they are both
very interesting books. – Charles
This book is about a group of school outcasts who work for a secret
organization who gives them superpowers. They fight around the
world in universe-staked battles. But when a new recruit joins the
team with no use at all, the team puts him to the test. Will he survive?
A third grader would like this book if they liked reading at all! If you
like action-packed realistic fiction, this is the book for you. – Kiran
N.E.R.D.S. #4: The Villain Virus
Julio Escala is a hyper child in middle school. Along with his four
other nerdy teammates, he defeats villains that have been turned evil
by a mysterious virus. He goes on many dangerous adventures
including a creepy bomb track-down in the Catacombs! Will Julio and
his teammates get rid of this mysterious virus? Read NERDS #4: The
Villain Virus to find out! If you like funny adventures you will love this
book. If you like any underdog books you will love NERDS #4: The
Villain Virus. - Nicholas
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Out of My Mind
by Sharon Draper
Melody Brooks is eleven years old and she can’t talk, walk, or write.
She is in a special class for “disabled” kids at school where she learns
the same boring preschool ABC lessons every year. Her class never
seems to move up a grade like the other kids, and she never learns
new things. People look at her and give her strange looks just
because she is in a wheelchair. She is the smartest kid in her whole
school and nobody knows it. Melody is going out of her mind until she
gets something that will allow her to talk. It will change her life forever.
What allows Melody to talk? Read, Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper
to find out. If you like realistic fiction then this book is for you.
If you like Wonder by R.J. Palacio then this book is a must. This book
is just like Wonder, both of the books really allow you to see what
someone else’s life is like and how hard their life is. – Isha
Out of My Mind is a serious, understanding, and uplifting book. It is
about an 11-year-old girl named Melody who has cerebral palsy, also
known as CP. She can’t walk, talk, or control herself. She goes to
Spaulding Street School, and has been in room H-5 since she was in
kindergarten. Melody is with all of the other kids with disabilities. All
the kids in H-5 are friendly, but Melody wishes she could be like the
“normal” kids. When she starts 5th grade, an inclusion program gets
started, and expands. Melody finally has a chance to be with the
“normal” kids. She wants the most to be friends with some of her
classmates. Not all of them want to be with a person who can’t talk
to, or play tag with. But when a girl named Rose comes to her, her
whole life changes. A fourth grader would like this book because it is
a serious book, and is different from the funny books that a lot of kids
like to read. If you liked RULES, by Cynthia Lord, then you would
love Out of my Mind by Sharon M. Draper. - Julia
Percy Jackson and the
Olympians (series)
by Rick Riordan
The Percy Jackson series is about people that go to a special camp
for demigods, which are people that have one godly parent. Percy
Jackson and his friends go on a new adventure in every book, and
they solve problems, that are very often caused by monsters.
Grades 2+ would love this book because it has a lot of action and
adventure. This is not a dull series! If you like adventure books, you
will love this series! If you like Harry Potter, or any other book about
kids with powers, you will love this series! - Natalya
The Red Blazer Girls
(series)
by Michael D. Beil
The Red Blazer Girls is about four girls who solve mysteries. Do you
like being the detective? Do you like solving the mystery before the
characters in the book do? If so then this book is for you. It is Harry
Potter and Nancy Drew rolled into a hilarious mystery for summer.
There is Sophie (the dramatic girl from France), Margaret (the walking
talking encyclopedia), Rebecca (the kind of rude sarcastic artist), and
Leigh Ann (the perfect, pretty, dancing and singing model). It’s a
comedy, a mystery, and a fun summer read. - Mariah
The Secrets of the
Immortal Nicholas
Flamel (series)
by Michael Scott
Josh and Sophie aren’t just ordinary twins. They find out that Josh’s
boss, Nick Flemming is really the famous alchemist, Nicholas Flamel,
and they are part of a prophecy. One of them has the potential to
save the world, the other, to destroy it. The people they were trying to
22
stop from coming back (the Dark Elders) into the Earth have
kidnapped Flamel’s wife. Can they save her and the world? If you like
fantasy, mysteries, and adventure, you’ll like this series. If you like the
series Harry Potter, you’d like the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas
Flamel. -Clarissa
The Silmarillion
by J.R.R. Tolkien
This book is about the rebellion of Fëanor and his kindred against the
Valar, their exile from Valinor, and their epic war against Morgoth, the
Dark Lord. Will they win? Who knows? Anyone ages 8-108 would like
this book if they liked books in the genre of epic fantasy or are a fan
of Lord of the Rings. - Philip
The Sister’s Grimm
(series)
by Michael Buckley
The Problem Child
Have you ever wondered what happens next to you favorite fairy tale
characters? Do they “live happily ever after”? WRONG! Join Sabrina
and Daphne Grimm as they continue the search of their stolen mother
and father. A murderous little girl and a giant monster. Can they find
the power they need to defeat them? If you have gotten bored of all
those cute fairy tales this is the mystery book for you. If you enjoyed
reading this book, you should check out A Tale Dark and Grimm by
Adam Gidwitz and the other books in that series. The Problem Child
is one of those breath-taking, heart-stopping, have-to-read-more
books. - Leila
Smile
by Raina Telgemeir
Raina Telgemeier's New York Times Bestseller, Smile is an amazing
book. It’s funny, sad, and a bit scary. Don’t let that fool you. The
book is about a sixth grader named Raina. One night her friends were
bringing her home and decided to run to the house. Raina Grabs on
to her friend’s hood but loses her grip and falls on her mouth. Find out
what she has to go through.I think all grades would like this book
because it’s mature while funny. If you like this book you will also like
Wonder by R.J Palacio. - Naia
Ordinary Raina, goes to a normal middle school in San Francisco. But
one, un-ordinary day, Raina was running with her girl scout friends
when BAM! Raina falls and her mouth starts gushing with blood.
Raina goes through major dental problems throughout middle school
and part of high school. Can she keep together her love life,
reputation, and her life in general with all these problems? A lot of
fourth graders love graphic novels. So if you like graphic novels that
are always keeping you in suspense, you should read Smile. The
Middle School series is similar to Smile. - Peri
Star Wars:
Jedi Academy (series)
by Jeffrey Brown
Roan is a humanoid who lives on Tatooine who, like his older brother,
Dave, and his father, is destined to be a pilot. When Roan is rejected
from Pilot Academy he is recommended to go to Jedi Academy. As a
late join, Roan is mystified by the stuff his new friends can do with the
force. As the test-semester grows nearer, Roan starts to believe he
isn’t cut out to be a Jedi and if so then it’s off to Plant School. - Aarish
Warriors (series)
by Erin Hunter
What if cats lived in civilizations in the wild? Into the Wild, by Erin
Hunter, turns this “what if” into reality. These cats are called the
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Warriors and they live in clans formed by their ancestors countless
years ago. The Warriors hunt using different techniques depending on
their clan. They battle over things such as territory and trespassers.
They also attack cats from outside the clans. In the first book, Into the
Wild, a kittypet, what the warriors call a housecat, is invited to join a
clan. Will the rest of the clans approve of this? Will they fight against
it? Read this book and the rest of the series to find out more. I think
that third grade and above would enjoy this thrilling series. It has a bit
of violence (battles, wounds) but a mature first or second grader
would probably be okay with it. If you like books that are full of
suspense and that seem very real, you will love this series. Also, if
you like books that are almost impossible to put down, you and the
Warriors series are meant to be together. If you like this series, you
will like the Survivors and the Seekers series also by Erin Hunter.
Survivors is about dogs and Seekers is about bears. There is also the
Warriors manga series, which are graphic novel-like new adventures.
I hope you enjoy the Warriors, Warriors Manga, Seekers, and
Survivors books! – Cindy
The book is about 4 groups of cats who live together but have
different life styles. Then trouble comes. Will they survive? I don’t
recommend this for very young kids, because there is a little violence
and blood. If you like books about surviving, books where characters
face death, and books about loyalty and betrayal, I recommend the
Warriors series. This series is similar to the Harry Potter series
because in both books, the characters fight for survival. If you like
Harry Potter, you would like this series too. – Kevin
Tales of the Wide
Awake Princess
(series)
by E. D. Baker
The Wildwood
Chronicles (series)
by Colin Meloy
This story is about a princess named Annabelle, or Annie as she likes
to be called. Her sister Gwendolyn is the most beautiful princess in
the land and a curse is placed on her. If Gwendolyn pricks her finger
on a spinning wheel, she will sleep for one hundred years. The spell
can be broken before one hundred years only if a prince kisses her.
On Gwendolyn’s birthday a gorgeous package arrives and inside
there is a tiny spinning wheel and she pricks herself! Everyone falls
down to the ground and goes to sleep instantaneously, except Annie.
She didn’t fall asleep because when she was little, a fairy named
Moonbeam blessed her so that she can never be affected by good or
bad magic. Annie now has to find a prince to kiss her sister and wake
her up. Will she find a prince or will her sister sleep for one hundred
years? You have to read the book to find out the answer. A 3rd-6th
grader would like this book because it pulls you in as soon as you
pick it up. If you liked The Wide Awake Princess, you would also like
Artemis The Brave by Joan Holub because they both have suspense,
battles, and romance. I like The Wide Awake Princess because it has
suspense, battles, and a hint of romance. - Sofia
Wildwood
When Prue’s brother, Mac, gets taken away by a murder of crows,
Prue and her friend Curtis venture into the Impassable Wilderness on
the outskirts of Portland, Oregon to find him and bring him back…
Under Wildwood
Curtis has become a Wildwood Bandit, and while his parents look for
24
him, his sisters are escaping an orphanage. And Prue and Curtis are
Under Wildwood…
Wildwood Imperium
Prue and Curtis must stop the magical ivy from inundating the whole
area while creating a boy to become king of South Wood. And
returning home safely is another problem…
A 3rd grader-adult would like (I mean LOVE) this Series because:
If you like Mysteries or Adventures, you will seriously love these! If
you like A Tale Dark And Grimm by Adam Gidwitz or Wonderstruck
by Brian Selznick, you will find this book enjoyable. –Evie
Wildwood
This book is about a girl named Prue whose 1 year old brother gets
abducted by crows. The crows bring him to the Impassable Woods,
otherwise known by Wildwood. The Impassable Woods go by its
name. Prue goes into the Impassable Woods, accompanied by a
friend, to find her brother. Will she find him? Or will it be too late…
A 4th Grader would like this book because it is filled with fantasy,
suspense, and secrets…If you liked Lloyd Alexander's Chronicles of
Prydain you will like this book. Don't miss the sequel! - Daisy
The “Grimm” Trilogy
by Adam Gidwitz
A Tale Dark & Grimm
Hansel and Gretel journey through a world of various fairy tales, and
maybe they die. Maybe even twice. Read to find out! If you like fairy
tales with a grim twist, you should read Adam Gidwitz’s A Tale Dark
and Grimm. Be sure to check out the rest of the trilogy! (In a Glass
Grimmly and The Grim Conclusion.) If you like the Grimm’s Fairy
Tale Collection or the Sister’s Grimm, you will like A Tale Dark And
Grimm. - Karina
The Lord of the Rings
Trilogy
by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Two Towers
A group made up of an elf, a dwarf, four hobbits, a man, and a wizard
walk through a magical world. With exciting parts, great parts, and a
mix of sadness and happiness, The Two Towers is just what you
would want to read. Any person would like this book and the rest of
the series. If you like adventure you would like this book. If you like
Harry Potter and Percy Jackson you would like this book. – Jamie
Ender’s Game
by Orson Scott Card
Ender is a kid who is separated from the rest. He gets sent off to an
army camp in space. He is a very smart child and fights with his brain.
The “Buggers”, a powerful alien race, are attacking Earth. He is a
great commander and leader. Will he be able to defeat the
“Buggers”? Read Ender’s Game to find out.
A 6th to 8th grader would like this book because of the adventure and
the powerful themes of the story. The book has many strong themes
like friendship, isolation, hard decisions, and his family. If you read
between the lines you will discover even more ideas. I like the
adventure and how Ender fights and teaches his strategies,
techniques and maneuvers.
If you liked this book, you will also like Halo by: Eric Nylund.
This book is: adventurous, fun, and interesting. – Corwin
25
NONFICTION
Title/Author
Weird But True: Stupid
Criminals
by National Geographic
Kids
Description
If you thought all criminals were dead serious and nowhere close to
funny, you are wrong. This book gives you 150 gut busting criminal
stories including: getting stuck in a chimney; getting attacked by a
pack of wild boars; and even having baggy pants that fall down so
much that the criminal takes his pants off and keeps on running. If
you're that curious, yet mischievous, this is the perfect book for you. Ben
The Wicked History of
the World
by Terry Deary and
Martin Brown
History is something you learn a lot of in school, but it’s boring. Not so
fast. This is a book on “history… with the nasty bits left in!” Learn
about the worst happenings of history, and still have a great time
reading it! Learn about grim games from Rome, terrifying torture that
was even done by the Church, woeful workers on Slum Street, and
more nasty fun! If you like horrible, yet fun at the same time, you will
love this book. - Max
26
Title/Author
Animorphs (series)
by K. A. Applegate
Fifth Grade Recommendations
FICTION
Description
Five kids are walking through the alley way, when all of a sudden, an
alien aircraft lands. From the alien, they receive the power of
morphing into any other creature they want to, but they also must
save the world from a dangerous alien that controls people’s minds.
Will they win the war with the mind controlling aliens? Read the book,
“Animorphs,” to find out! You will like this book if you like Sci-Fi or
fantasy books and you are in 3-5th grades. Also, if you like the book,
“The City Of Ember” you will probably like this book too. - Nikhil
Behind the Bookcase
by Mark Steensland
and Kelly Murphy
Behind the bookcase by Mark Steensland, and Kelly Murphy, is a
great book for 4-6 graders who enjoy creepy, dark, page-turners.
Behind the bookcase is about a girl named Sarah, who has to spend
the summer at her dead Grandma’s house, cleaning it up to be sold.
The old, beaten up look of the house was right. The place was no
normal house. On her first day there, she finds an unwritten letter.
“Strange things have been happening behind the bookcase,” it read.
Ever since Sarah read the letter, it seemed to be coming true. What
will happen with the bookcase? What will happen to Sarah? - Simone
Better Nate Than Ever
by Tim Federle
We, the readers follow Nate Foster, a young boy from boring
Jankburg Pennsylvania, who tries to fulfill his Broadway Dream. His
dream seems close to impossible, but through a scheme that involves
stealing his brother’s fake ID, and his mom’s credit card, he finds
himself in New York City, auditioning for ET, the Musical. Will Nate
get the part? If you like adventure novels, you will really like this book.
If you like books by Michael Buckley, and James Patterson, you will
like this funny, fun book about making dreams come true. - Emily
Better Nate Than Ever is about a boy who feels like a misfit in his little
town in Pennsylvania and dreams of performing on Broadway. He
runs away from home to audition for a musical, and has a great time
in New York City. If you are in fourth grade and up, and you like
adventure and realistic fiction, you will like Better Nate Than Ever.
Once you read and fall in love with this book, be sure to read the
sequel, 5, 6, 7, Nate! - Isaiah
Bliss (series)
by Kathryn Littlewood
Need a good book while you are lounging by the pool or lying out at
the beach? Something fun, engaging and a real page turner? Well,
if you like funny fantasies and tales of bravery, Bliss by Kathryn
Littlewood, should be at the top of your summer reading list. It has all
the aspects of a best seller and everywhere you look, people will be
reading it. Join in! The book is about an ordinary girl named Rose,
who lives in an ordinary town. However, the catch comes when
readers discover that Rose’s family has a magical secret….They are
Kitchen Magicians, guided by the magical cookbook that has been in
their family for countless generations. The twists and turns begin
when Rose’s parents go out of town for the week and their long lost
Aunt Lily arrives to kid-sit. When Lily’s evil intentions are exposed, it’s
27
going to take all of Rose’s, and her annoying brother’s, courage and
smarts, not to mention a little bit of magic, to stop the true villain…..
If you love this amazing book, or have already read it, add All of a
Kind Family or The Girl who Could Fly to your list. Have a great
summer! - Sylvi
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
Narrated by death, we follow the life of Liesel Meminger who is
unluckily caught up in the time of World War II. She is a foster girl
living outside of Munich, who scratches out a meager existence for
herself by stealing when she encounters something she can't resistbooks. But if she isn’t careful, she might get in trouble.! And on top of
everything there is a Jewish man hiding in her basement! Will Liesel
survive? Read this book to find out.
If you like sad, but heartwarming books, this book is for you.
Also if you like The Fault in our Stars, you would like the Book Thief.
This book is about love of books, heartbreak, and death. - Paget
Liesel Meminger is living through WWII in Nazi Germany, with her
foster parents. Liesel discovers her love for books, after she found the
Gravedigger's Handbook, then she cannot resist books. Soon Liesel
is stealing books from Nazi book burnings, the mayor's wife’s library,
and more. On top of everything she befriends a Jewish man that is
hiding in her basement. What will happen to Liesel? Will she and her
new family survive WWII? Read the Book Thief, by Markus Zusak to
find out! - Rachel
The Candymakers by
Wendy Mass
It’s that time of year again, and Logan Sweet from the town of Spring
Haven is the perfect age to compete in a 3-day hands-on candymaking competition, alongside allergy-filled smart Miles, strong
sweetheart Daisy, and intelligently obnoxious Philip. Each of them
has their own story… and their own secrets. But when competition
heats up, anything can happen. Who will win? Read the
Candymakers to find out. If you enjoyed “You Have To Stop This”
then you’ll definitely enjoy reading this. The Candymakers is an
action-packed secret-filled adventurous book that has a lot of humor
in it too with mysteries sprinkled in. It’s surprising, epic and
adventurous and sure to get a few laughs out of you. So go ahead,
read it and you won’t be able to put it down. - Will
Seven Wonders
(series)
by Jack Lerangis
The Colossus Rises
When Jack gets knocked unconscious after falling into the middle of
the street, he wakes up on an island with no idea where he is. Then,
an old man named Professor Bhegad tells him he has a special gene
marker called G7W and is descended from the royalty of Atlantis,
which apparently did exist. The gene will make Jack amazing at what
he is already good at, but he will die at 13 unless they can find the
seven “Loculi”, which are scattered around the world. Will Jack be
able to find the Loculi? Read the Colossus Rises to find out! If you like
adventure books, you’ll like the Colossus Rises. If you liked the
Lightning Thief, you will probably like this book. The Colossus Rises
is exciting, fast-paced, and filled with “ancient” magic. - Chris
28
Code Name Verity
by Elizabeth Wein
Julie has been captured by the Nazis and she is forced to reveal
information about the British Army, because she is a radio operator at
an airfield. She writes about her friend Maddie Brodatt, who is a pilot.
She reveals a lot of information, but is it what the Nazis wanted? Will
she survive? If you like strange, unpredictable and exciting stories,
you will love this book. If you like the book Redwall, or any other
books in that series, you will love Code Name Verity. - Robbie
The Lunar Chronicles
by Marissa Meyer
Cress
A cyborg on the run, a girl trapped on a satellite, an amazing story. A
glorious mixture of fantasy and science fiction, Cress, the 3rd book in
the Lunar Chronicles is a fast paced adventure tale with dashes of
humor and warmth. Cinder, a cyborg and her friends Scarlet, Wolf
and Captain Thorne are all escaping the clutches of the evil Lunar
queen, Levana. They discover Cress, a girl who was trapped on a
satellite and has some secrets of her own...If you like fantasy, science
fiction, power hungry queens and humor, you will like this book. This
book is similar to any book that is a twist of a classic fairytale. - Maira
The Divergent Trilogy
by Veronica Roth
Divergent
If you like action, adventure, and suspense, this is a book for you! In a
society where everyone is split up into five factions, a sixteen year old
named Beatrice Prior, must choose what faction to be in. The choices
are Abnegation (the selfless), Candor (the honest), Amity (the
peaceful), Dauntless (the brave) and Erudite (the intelligent). Will she
stay in the faction that she was raised in or will she go to where she
thinks she really belongs? Read Divergent to find out! Also if you liked
the Hunger Games you would love this book to. - Ben
Divergent is about a girl, Beatrice, who is born in a world with 5
factions. Abnegation (Selfless), Amity (Peaceful), Candor (Truthful),
Dauntless (Brave), and Erudite (Intelligent). She is born in
Abnegation and learns their ways. When it comes to taking the
aptitude test, she is Divergent which means she is equal of more than
1 faction. The next day, she has to choose where her fate rests.
What will she choose? And what does divergent really mean? You
will like this book if you are a 5th grader because Divergent is a
fantasy world full of surprises and action packed scenes. If you liked
any book in the Hunger Games series, Divergent is set in the same
type of dystopian world. It’s suspenseful, exciting, and packs a punch
for any reader! –Jared
Divergent is a book by Veronica Roth about a futuristic kid of a
community where there are factions and you serve your faction before
family. You group is the faction your family is in, and you choose your
faction when you’re 16 years old. The factions are Amity, Dauntless,
Candor, Abnegation, and Erudite. In this book Beatrice/Tris starts as
Abnegation and has to choose whether she is brave or selfless. Read
the book to see what she chooses. A fifth grader would like this book
because it is suspenseful and has some action too. If you like this
book you should read the Hunger Games because these two books
are very alike. –Jonathan
29
In future Chicago, 16 year old Beatrice Prior must make a choice. A
very important one, because it will decide the course of the rest of her
life. She must choose which faction she wishes to live in, either
Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Erudite (the
intelligent), Candor (the truthful), or Amity (the peaceful). Her test
results show Divergent, which means she can pick Abnegation,
Dauntless, or Erudite. She makes a very surprising choice that
surprises even herself. She changes her name to Tris, and learns that
she did not make the right choice. Well, at least not for the reason she
thinks. A 5th grader would like this book because it is very
suspenseful, and full of secrets, betrayal and plot twists. The next
books in the series are Insurgent and Allegiant. If you like this book
you will like Magyk by Angie Sage. - Zachary
Diary of a Wimpy Kid
(series)
by Jeff Kinney
Epic (series)
by Conor Kostick
The Fault In Our Stars
by John Green
Dog Days
It’s summer vacation and Greg wants to play video games. However
mom has different ideas about spending more family time together.
Whose vision prevails? Antics at the Country Club and the Boardwalk
produce a lot to laugh at. Read on to see what happens next. A
second through fifth grader would like this book because it’s funny
and adventurous. I recommend the first Diary of a Wimpy Kid
because it is just like Dog Days. In three words I would say this book
is funny, adventurous and silly. - Sage
Epic
Epic is about a society on a planet called New Earth where violence is
banned. The people of New Earth solve all their problems in a fantasy
video game called Epic. But when “The Osterfjord Players” discover
the game is rigged, the mysterious council of Central Allocations is
exposed…This book is a must read for any gamers. But, along with
the virtual aspect of the book it also describes the situation on New
Earth lightly delving into politics. If you liked The Eye Of Minds, you
would like Epic. Epic is imaginative, cool, and of course…EPIC Garrett
The Fault In Our Stars is about a 16 year old girl named Hazel
Lancaster who has cancer. Her mother and doctor agree that she is
depressed, and send her to a support group. There she meets a 17year old boy named Augustus Waters (who has been N.E.C--no
evidence of cancer--for 3 years), and immediately has a crush on him.
Their love takes them on “a roller coaster that only goes up” –
Augustus Waters. What will happen to them, and their cancer? Read
the book to find out. If you're not sure whether or not you would like
this book, I will tell you why a 5th grader would like this book: A 5th
grader would like this book if they like funny realistic fiction with a dark
twist of the characters fate (hem hem… The Hunger Games). The
Fault In Our Stars has lots of dark humor, and will get most 5th
graders hooked within the first chapter. You're still not sure? Okay,
well if you have read any of John Green’s other books like Paper
Towns, Looking for Alaska, or An Abundance of Katherines, you will
LOVE his new book. It offers darkly humorous insights on having
cancer. It is suspenseful because you don’t know what will happen
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with their health. And finally, it is heartwarming, because you really
fall in love with these characters whose stars are certainly faulted.
Read this book, and you will laugh, cry, hope, and live alongside
Hazel and Augustus. –Betty
The Fault in Our Stars is about a girl named Hazel Grace Lancaster,
and she has cancer. Her life is pretty much turned upside-down when
she meets Augustus Waters in a Cancer Kids Support group. Will he
change her life positively, or will it all plummet downhill? If a 5th
grader could handle it, they would enjoy it if they liked books with
pain, adventure, and just the right romantic light to shine down and
make everything better. This book is sad, yet heartfelt, and comedic,
just enough to make your world fall into theirs. Some other books by
John Green are Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, An Abundance of
Katherines, and Will Grayson. –Crystal
Hazel Grace has lung cancer, and it’s not going away. As if things
aren’t bad enough her mom is making her go to a support group!
Lucky for Hazel, in support she meets Augustus. Augustus lost his leg
to cancer, and is cancer free for 14 months. Augustus and Hazel
seem to be soul mates, but in order to love, first they need to win the
impossible battle against cancer. The Fault in Our Stars is a realistic
fiction book about what children really experience with cancer. While
the book has several sad notes the occasional spot of humor is never
far off. The Fault in Our Stars is like no other book before, a one in a
million, but if you like humorous, romantic, and heartfelt books, then
this book is the one for you. Enjoy! –Rebecca
The Gallagher Girls
(series)
by Ally Carter
Cameron Morgan is a sophomore at the Gallagher Academy for
Exceptional Young Women, a boarding school, or at least that’s what
people outside of the school think. It’s actually a school for spies.
Starting in her sophomore year, Cammie has to struggle with a
boyfriend that doesn’t know that Cammie is a spy, a mysterious
school for boys (specifically one mysterious boy named Zach), and a
group of terrorists chasing her around the world. Will Cammie
eventually make it through her senior year at the Academy? Read the
Gallagher Girl series to find out…A 5th grader would like this series if
they like realistic fiction and mysteries. If you liked The Heist Society,
you would like the Gallagher Girl series. The series is mysterious,
romantic, and really shows the importance of friends, the ones that
stick with you until the end. -Rebecca
Hold Fast by Blue
Balliett
Hold Fast is about a very poor family whose father disappears, they
get robbed and then they have no place to go… except the homeless
shelter. Will the family find their father and discover what happened
to him, despite their grief and worry? A fifth grader would like this
book because it is filled with mystery. If you like mystery, you’ll like
Hold Fast. Hold Fast will also be an exciting book for readers of the
Grimm Conclusion and other of Adam Gidwitz’s books. This book is
bloody, scary, and mysterious and I recommend it to 5th and 6th
graders. - Gabriel
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I Funny (series)
by James Patterson
I Funny is about a disabled kid named Jamie Grimm. He loves
comedy and making up his own jokes. He likes to tell these jokes to
his uncle's customers (Jamie's uncle owns a diner). Jamie enters a
“Planet's Funniest Kid” contest. Find out what happens to Jamie in I
funny.
If you like nonfiction books you would like I Funny. Also, if you liked
the Middle School series also written by James Patterson you would
enjoy I Funny. This book funny, sweet and cute. - Zoe
The Kane Chronicles
(series)
by Rick Riordan
There is action around every corner, and you never know what’s
coming next. From blowing up the Rosetta Stone to unleashing Set,
the Egyptian God of chaos, you can see that a day in the life of the
Kanes is nowhere close to normal! The Kanes are a family consisting
of Amos and Julius Kane who are brothers, and Sadie and Carter
Kane, who are siblings, children of Julius Kane. This series is just like
the Percy Jackson series, but with two narrators, Egyptian mythology,
and no shortage of demons, and magic. If you liked the Heroes of
Olympus series, the Kane Chronicles is the next thing for you to read!
-Kubair
The Heroes of
Olympus (series)
by Rick Riordan
The Mark of Athena
Percy and his friends are on a mission to save a statue. But do they
get home in time or will war erupt against the Greeks and the
Romans? A fifth grader would like this because it is filled with action
and humor. If you like the Mark of Athena you would like the Son of
Neptune. This book is awesome, hilarious, and adventurous. Ellington
The Maze Runner
(trilogy)
by James Dashner
The Maze Runner
Thomas wakes up in a metal box, knowing nothing but his name. He
hears noises outside, boys talking, almost like they’re gathering
around him. Boys surround Thomas, and tell him they call the ‘place’
the Glade. Outside of the box isn’t… normal. Four giant stone walls
surround the Gladers, and outside the walls is a maze. However,
some boys have been there for over two years and still haven’t found
a way out. The only people in the Glade are boys, until a young
woman, Theresa, arrives. She arrives with a note saying:
EVERYTHING IS GOING TO CHANGE. Will the boys find their way
out of the maze? Find out in James Dashner’s, The Maze Runner.
If you like adventurous and heart beating books, you will definitely like
The Maze Runner. If you liked the book Hatchet, then you might like
the Maze Runner. This is an action packed book. Read it! -Anthony
Middle School (series):
by James Patterson
How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill Chloe
Skulduggery Pleasant
(series)
by Derek Landy
Skulduggery Pleasant (Book 1)
Skulduggery Pleasant is a book about a skeleton. An ace detective,
fire-throwing, crackerjack sorcerer, snappy dressing, walking, talking
skeleton. ‘It almost sounds fun...’ you must be saying. Well, the book
is funny! Anyway, he’s also an ally, protector and mentor of 12-year
old, Stephanie Edgley, a darkly talented and very unusual girl. What
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makes them friends? Why are they drawn towards evil? Will they
Let evil win? Over his dead, um, undead body. A fifth grader, (or any
other person, as a matter of fact) might like this book because it is
“AwEsOmE read it. If you liked Inkheart, you would like Skulduggery
Pleasant. They’re both action-pack, filled with magic, awesome, and
other stuff. Just read it. Or read both. That’s okay too. But read
Skulduggery Pleasant first. ‘Cause it is hilariously mysterious, and
hilarious, and mysterious. – Andrew
You were looking for a book to read, yes? OK, then, you should read
the Skulduggery Pleasant series-books 1-9. Three words to describe
these books: Oh, not again. They’re about a skeleton; a talkin’
skeleton who drives around in a 1954 Bentley R-Type Continental,
one of only 208 ever made, a car that housed a six-cylinder, 4.5-liter
engine and was retrofitted with power locks, climate control, satellite
navigation and a bunch of other conveniences. Also, he throws
fireballs, shoots bad guys, and makes the whole thing sound like a
joke, if you ask me, you’d definitely like this book just because it’s
really, really funny and cool. Great plot. Great characters. You’ll love
the clever, villainous minions. I would end with a statement saying
that if you liked this book, you’ll love Skulduggery Pleasant, but that
doesn’t really work here, because this series is unlike any other book
I’ve EVER read. You’ve gotta read this book. - Serena
The Grimm Trilogy
by Adam Gidwitz
A Tale Dark and Grimm
A Tale Dark and Grimm is the first book of the series by Adam
Gidwitz. It’s about the old, gory versions of some old fairy tales such
as Hansel and Gretel and Cinderella. Read these books to find out
the truth! If you like fantasy and humor, you’d like this book, which (in
my opinion), is appropriate for any grade--if you’re not prone to
nightmares. There is no similar book (that I know of) to this one, but
any reader can like it. - Zoe
Theodore Boone:
Kid Lawyer (series)
by John Grisham
Theodore Boone is a kid lawyer. His mom and dad own a law firm.
Theo is always in the courtroom. Then in his quiet town of
Strattenburg there is a murder and Theo uncovers a piece of
evidence that could reverse the verdict. Can Theo stop the accused,
Mr. Duffy, from getting away from murder free of charge? Find out in
Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer. If you like mysteries and fast paced
adventures you will like this book. If you liked the Hardy Boys than
you will love Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer. It is mysterious,
exhilarating, and thrilling. -Alexandra
Uglies (series)
by Scott Weathersfield
Uglies
Tally Youngblood can’t wait to turn sixteen. That’s because in her
world, at sixteen, you get turned supermodel gorgeous by a huge
surgery. But when Tally’s rebel friend Shay runs away one day before
their shared birthday, the feared and fabled cruel Pretties (called
Specials) face Tally with a choice. That choice is to either betray her
best friend, or never turn Pretty. Will Tally betray Shay and her new
home in the Smoke, or will she choose to never turn pretty and live
her whole life Ugly? This is a suspenseful, surprising and riveting fast33
paced post apocalyptic sci-fi book. A fifth grader who likes fantasy or
science fiction books, or if they read and liked the similar books of
Pivot Point and/or the Unwanted series, would like this book. If you
have not read these books but have read Uglies, I also recommend
these as follow up reads. - Sierra
The Wednesday Wars
by Gary D. Schmidt
The Wednesday Wars tell the story of a boy living in America during
the Vietnam war. Though there are more major worries about the war,
he still loves baseball, hates his teacher, Ms. Baker, and has a witty
sense of humor. In this book Schmidt spares us the drama, but
skillfully weaves the sad and hopeful stories of people whose families
are fighting in the war. In this school story of family love,
Shakespeare, and cheese puffs, Schmidt shows Holling Hoodhood’s
life with emotion and a great deal of sarcastic humor. A fifth grader
would like the book because of the wit, emotion, and unique style. If
you like hopeful and funny realistic fiction, this book is for you!! If you
liked Okay For Now, also by Gary D. Schmidt, you’d like the
Wednesday Wars too. This riveting, humorous, rollercoaster ride of
emotion is a need-to-read for sure! Lily
Holling Hoodhood has a teacher that “hates” him. However his dad
needs the teacher Ms. Baker to like him so her family will give
Holling’s family a job. Holling thinks that everything that his teacher
does is an evil plan to get rid of him. Will Holling survive through the
school year and get his dad the job? Find out in the Wednesday
Wars. If you like funny books and the book, Okay for Now, you will
love this book. This book is exciting, suspenseful, and very funny. Nicky
The Westing Game
by Ellen Raskin
When the millionaire, Samuel W. Westing, dies, sixteen relatives are
invited to the reading of his will. In the will Mr. Westing announces
that they are invited to play the Westing Game, but no one knows the
objective. They are split up into pairs that Mr. Westing has already
picked out and are given clues of random words. Mr. Westing may be
in the grave, but he knows things that he should not know, like that he
did not die of natural causes but of murder by someone in the room!
If you like mysteries then you will like this book, and if you liked the 39
Clues series’ you will like this book. This book is full of secrets,
mystery and suspense. - Sabina
Who Put That Hair in
My Toothbrush?
by Jerry Spinelli
Enemies. That’s what Megan and Greg are…yet they are siblings!
Greg, put hair in the tooth brush of his little sister Megan. After one of
their fights, even Dad, who is always jolly, mutters, “Sibling rivalry,”
and Mom has to meditate every afternoon. Megan who loves to play a
prank on Greg finds a cockroach in her bag from school and puts it in
Greg’s (a clean freak) room! After Megan ruins Greg’s egg
assignment he can’t stand it anymore and he throws her hockey stick
to the middle of the pond. However, Megan and Greg have their own
problems. Greg can’t decide which girl he loves and he Sassoons his
hair and lifts weights half the time to look strong. As for Megan, she
and her 89 year old friend Emilie, who she calls her grandmother, are
a perfect match--but she and the popular girl named Zoe might not
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be. How will Megan and Greg solve their problems? Read the
hilarious, thought provoking, and tantalizing novel called, Who Put
That Hair in my Tooth Brush, to find out! -Anya
Wonder
by R.J. Palacio
Title/Author
I Am Malala by
Malala Yousafzai
August “Auggie” Pullman was born with a facial deformity. He’s never
gone to a normal school because of his face--until now. Auggie is
about to head off to Beecher Prep for 5th Grade. Everyone has
friends from 4th grade to hang out with, but Auggie is alone. No one
wants to go near him, never mind interact with him. Auggie is
determined to find friends, but it’s not going to be easy. He’ll have to
deal with bullies and taunting, teasing and harassing. Will Auggie’s
classmates see him for who he is, or will he remain lonesome and
friendless? Read Wonder to find out! If you like Out Of My Mind you
will love Wonder. Wonder is a story of courage, kindness, and
struggle that is sure to keep you reading. -Clara
NONFICTION
Description
This is the autobiography of the brave Pakistani girl who stood up for
her right to an education in the remote valley of Swat. Malala
encounters the Taliban on a bus one morning while daring to go
school which changes her life. It is an eye-opening story of the
horrors that she faced on her crusade for women’s rights, and the
struggle of many Pakistanis under the Taliban regime that swept the
violent nation for years. Read this riveting tale to hear of Malala’s
determination and the cruelty she faced, while fulfilling her dream of
giving all children a chance for education in a society that expects
women to spend their lives under a veil. - Sophie
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Title/Author
The Divergent Trilogy
by Veronica Roth
Sixth Grade Recommendations
FICTION
Description
Divergent
Three words to describe this book are suspenseful, captivating, and
fast-moving. If you like a lot of suspense and action you will definitely
like Divergent, by Veronica Roth. What will the future be like?
Divergent tells you how the future would be if you had to make lifechanging choices every day. Divergent is about a 16 year old girl who
is pressured to make a choice: to do what she wants, or to stay with
her family. Through Divergent, you experience the life of a conflicted
girl and you get a first-hand look at her fears, her love life, and her
conscious. You also experience a violent war where she again must
choose between friends or family. Will she stay loyal? Read the book
to find out. –Octavia
Do you know where you belong? Well, Beatrice Prior sure doesn’t. In
the book, Divergent, by Veronica Roth, Beatrice (Tris) Prior, is living
in a post-apocalyptic Chicago where you have to know where you
belong. In this society, there are five different groups called factions.
These factions all value different characteristics and play a different
part in society. The first faction, where Beatrice lives before she is
sixteen is called Abnegation, these are the selfless. The Abnegation
run the government, because they aren’t biased to anything. They
also help the factionless, people who fail initiation to any of the
factions, they are homeless. The next faction is Erudite, they know
everything. Erudite are the smart people who value knowledge and
technology. They HATE the Abnegation. There is also the Amity and
Candor, Amity values peacefulness and kindness, whereas Candor
value truth and honesty. The last faction is Dauntless, the warrior
faction, they protect the city from everything outside of the fence.
Dauntless are adrenaline junkies to everyone else, but to themselves,
they are just trying to have a good time. Follow Tris as she goes on
adventures through dauntless, meets new friends, saves lives, and
takes some away. If you liked The Giver by Lowis Lowry, you will
love Divergent. Veronica Roth has also made two other books in this
series, Insurgent and Allegiant. The movie to this book came out in
March of 2014 and I loved it. –Sydney
Allegiant
When Tris, Tobias, and a bunch of other people decide to leave the
dystopian version of Chicago, they are definitely in for the adventure
of their lives. When their family and friends’ life is at risk, Tris and the
others must find a way to stop the danger, even if it means that their
lives will be at risk. This sequel to Divergent and Insurgent is sure to
leave you wanting to read more. It has romance, action, and
adventure. If I could describe Allegiant in three words, they would be
thrilling, intriguing, and dystopian. This book is sure to thrill and you
will want to read it all in one sitting (even though that isn’t
recommended because the entire book is 526 pages long). If you are
in fifth or sixth grade Allegiant will be a good book for you because it
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is very long and a little too gory for younger readers. If you liked The
Hunger Games, you will also like Allegiant. - Anna
And Then There Were
None
by Agatha Christie
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie is an excellent book
for 6th Graders. It includes ten suspects in cases of murder where the
truth was never found. Each of these strangers has received a
mysterious letter, inviting them to a private island only accessible by
boat. As soon as they arrive, a mysterious voice reads a list out to the
party of ten, accusing them of murder. Shortly thereafter, one unlucky
guest succumbs to murder. As the other guests try to escape the
inescapable island, more and more guests die from the unseen
murderer. Will anyone make it out alive? Who is the murderer? Read,
And Then There Were None, to find out. This book is perfect for 6th
graders because it keeps you on your toes throughout the book. It
creates a sense of hostility in all the characters, which leaves no
character innocent. - Evan
The Book Thief
by Markus Zusak
Have you read The Book Thief by Markus Zusak? If not, you should
definitely read it! Narrated by Death himself, you read about a
spectacularly created world and a little girl inside it. Liesel Meminger
is a nine year old girl living in Nazi Germany in 1939. When her
brother dies on a crowded train, Liesel is devastated. However,
during the burial, the gravedigger drops a book in the snow. The
Grave Digger’s Handbook. Liesel steals it, and now she has her first
book. Witnessing a Nazi book burning, Liesel sets a course as a
book thief. Little does she know the danger she creates for herself
and for Max a man hiding in her basement. If you liked books by
either Lemony Snicket or Pseudonymous Bosch, you would like this
book. It is a heartbreaking, beautifully created story. Will Liesel
survive? Is her family safe? What will happen to Max? Read The
Book Thief to find out! - Theodore
The Hunger Games
Trilogy
by Suzanne Collins
Catching Fire
Catching Fire is the second book in “The Hunger Games” series. It
follows the story of Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire, and her struggle
to defeat the Capitol. She had won the hunger games, and she was
going on the victory tour with her fellow victor, Peeta Mellark. She
hears from President Snow that the districts are starting to create
uprisings and Katniss becomes a target of the Capitol. As she
continues to struggle with the capitol, Gale, her best friend since
childhood, starts to have feelings for her. She is not only stuck in a
love triangle between Peeta and Gale, but in for the biggest twist of
her life... If you like sci-fi, action and drama, you will definitely like this
book. - Simone
Danny The Champion
Of The World
by Roald Dahl
Danny The Champion Of The World is about a boy named Danny and
his father. They live together in a caravan in England. They don’t
have much money, but they’re able to survive. Danny’s grandfather
showed Danny’s dad how to poach, and now the dad is teaching
Danny how to poach. There is a mean man who lives down the road
named Mr. Hazel. Every year, he has a huge poaching party.
However, this year, Danny and his dad go on a huge poaching
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expedition to try and trick Mr. Hazel. Do Danny and his father
succeed in ruining Mr. Hazel? Read Danny The Champion Of The
World to find out. A 6th grader would like this book because it has
many valuable life lessons tied into it. They would also like the book
because there is a lot of good humor. If you like adventure books, this
is a great book for you. If you liked Cloudy With A Chance Of
Meatballs you’d like this book. -Billy
Dave at Night
by Gail Carson Levine
In the book, Dave at Night by Gail Carson Levine, young Dave’s life
falls apart. From his mother dying when he was a baby, to his father
falling off a roof and killing himself, it has been hard. Dave has to
protect himself in the orphanage with the help of his “buddies.” If you
like adventure books, you would like this book. Will everything turn
out to be alright for Dave? Find out in Dave at Night! -Synthia
The Mysterious
Benedict Society
(series)
by Trenton Lee Stewart
In The Mysterious Benedict Society, the fate of the world rests
squarely on four children: George "Sticky" Washington, a boy with an
amazing span of knowledge, due to his eidetic memory; Kate
Weatherall, an extremely athletic, brave and at sometimes
overconfident girl who can do practically anything using the contents
of the bucket strapped to her waist; Constance Contraire the
youngest of the four, a girl who is often grumpy, sarcastic, whiny, and
all-around stubborn, but with her delightfully hilarious poems, she
brings a great comedy to the table; and finally Reynie Muldoon, a
young orphan who views the world as a puzzle just waiting to be
solved. As a natural leader Reynie unites the four to become the
Mysterious Benedict Society. I'd say the world's in good hands.
This book is for people who love suspense as well as a good laugh. If
I were to describe it in three words, they would be: Just Read It. –
Chance
Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict
The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict by Trenton Lee
Stewart is a captivating book full of clever tricks and everlasting
friendships. Young Nicholas Benedict has recently arrived at
Rothschild's End, one of the many orphanages that he had lived in.
When he learns that the orphanage director, Mr. Collum, is on a wild
chase for a treasure worth many millions of dollars, Nicholas knows
that it will take more than average intelligence to make heads or tails
of the confusing treasure. But Nicholas has to avoid both Mr. Collum
and the Spiders, the feared group of bullies. Anyone from 3rd grade
to 7th would like this book because Nicholas always has an ingenious
way to get out of sticky situations. If you like riddles and realistic
fiction, you will definitely like The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas
Benedict. -Nya
Fahrenheit 451
by Ray Bradbury
What if there was a world where firemen didn’t put out fires, but
instead started them? Guy Montag is one of these firemen, called on
to burn down houses that hold the ultimate contraband: Books. Guy is
content with his life, until a series of sudden events drive him to do
the unthinkable. He begins saving books from the inferno. If
somebody finds out, it means death for him. Can Guy keep his secret,
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or will he go down in flames? You would like this book if you like
action, suspense, and dystopian fiction.- Elijah
The Fault in Our Stars
by John Green
The Fault in our Stars is about a girl named Hazel who has terminal
cancer. She goes to a support group and meets a boy named
Augustus Waters. He used to have cancer. Hazel immediately has a
crush on him, read The Fault in Our Stars to see where this will take
them. If you like meaningful and sad love stories than you will love the
Fault in Our Stars. If you liked The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by
Stephen Chbosky, and 13 Reasons Why, by Jay Asher, than you will
love this book. -Erika
When Hazel Grace Lancaster meets Augustus Waters at a cancer
support group they immediately fall in love. They go on adventures in
their town as well as takes them all the way to Amsterdam. Read, The
Fault in Our Stars, to find out what changes their lives. A 6th grader
would like this book because it is a romantic novel. If you liked other
John Green books You will love this one. Also, this book was just
made into a fabulous movie. –Julia
In The Fault in Our Stars, a 16 year old girl has terminal thyroid
cancer. Hazel attends some “stupid” support group where one day
she meets a new boy, Augustus Waters. Hazel immediately gains a
crush on this new Augustus (Gus) Waters. Gus says that he has
osteosarcoma, he is missing a leg, but is now cancer free. Gus and
Hazel fall in love and have a true love story, not one of those icky
movie stories. The Fault in Our Stars is a captivating and moving love
story that will keep you at the edge of your seat. If you liked the book
An Abundance of Katherines, you will truly love The Fault in Our
Stars. “I am on a roller coaster that only goes up my friend.” -Augustus Waters -Mia
The Fault in Our Stars is about a sixteen year old girl named Hazel.
Hazel has thyroid cancer which makes it hard to breathe without help.
At a cancer support group that her mother makes her go to, Hazel
meets a boy named Augustus Waters who changes her perspective
on life, for the better. Augustus had osteosarcoma but it is contained
after he had part of his leg amputated. Hazel feels better about life as
she and Augustus become closer. To quote the book, “I fell in love the
way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.”. If you liked the
book Out of My Mind by Sharon Draper, you will like this book. -Sofia
The Lord of the Rings
Trilogy
by J. R. R. Tolkien
The Fellowship of the Ring
In The Fellowship of the Ring by J. R. R. Tolkien, Frodo Baggins, a
hobbit, must undertake a perilous journey to destroy an evil ring.
Stalking him are black riders, orcs, goblins, and evil wolves.
Revealing his identity would be fatal, so he must proceed with
caution. But there may be a traitor in their quest. Read this book to
find out if Aragorn is helping Frodo, or if he is working for the black
riders. A sixth grader would like this book if they enjoyed fantasy
novels with a variety of species in them. If you liked Gregor the
Overlander or Ranger’s Apprentice, you will probably like this book.
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Disclaimer: Read The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien first! - Inko
Football Genius
(series)
by Tim Green
Football Genius
I recommend the book Football Genius by former Atlanta Falcons
linebacker Tim Green. This book is about a kid named Troy who
knows what another team’s play will be before the play start. He uses
this ability for the little league football team he plays on. When his
mom gets a job for the Falcons he tells one of the kids on his team
that he can get a football from Seth Halloway, the best defender in the
NFL, because he lives near him. He sneaks into Seth’s front lawn
and tries to get one. Does he succeed? Can Seth help the Falcons?
And what happens when Seth’s long gone father appears on the
scene? Find out by reading Football Genius by Tim Green. - Andrew
A Girl Named Digit
by Annabel Monaghan
Adventurous, Awesome, and Unique! This is a book about a girl,
Farrah (nicknamed Digit), that can make what seems like a random
sequence of numbers into an elaborate string of numbers. She is
amazing at math, but in her new school she wants to “blend in”. One
night, when she is watching a TV show, numbers appear at the
bottom of the screen, and the next night this happens, and so on. She
now has a full set of numbers, and “coincidentally” there is a bombing
at JFK airport. Are they connected? Has the tv station figured this
out and are the FBI watching? This book is amazing and if you like
realistic fiction, and adventure you will absolutely love this book! This
book is hard to compare to another but I promise you, if you read it
you will love it! - Gigi
The Heroes of
Olympus (series)
by Rick Riordan
House of Hades
Percy and Annabeth have fallen into the dark regions of Tartarus.
Meanwhile, on the surface Jason, Nico, and the rest of their group
struggle to travel to Epirus and the House of Hades. As both groups
close in on the House of Hades, a door between life and death, they
will have to fight monsters and stay alive. Will they reach the House of
Hades, or will the world be plunged into an endless darkness? Read
the book to find out. If I had to describe The House of Hades using 3
words, they would be outstanding, magical, and unbelievable. I
believe that 4th-7th graders will fall in love with this exciting thriller
because of the occasional humor and outstanding storyline. If you like
a story full of adventure, suspense, or myth, this story is perfect for
you. The way Rick Riordan incorporates Greek and Roman myth with
the real world is outstanding. It allows kids to learn Greek and Roman
myth while having a great time reading this book. If you liked the
Harry Potter Series or the Percy Jackson series this book is for you.
Please note that this is the fourth book in the series and it is
recommended that you read the other books first. - Matthew
The Julian Chapter
(companion novella)
by R.J. Palacio
Fans of the bestseller book “Wonder” by R.J. Palacio finished the
book craving more. Now, R.J. Palacio writes one final chapter, from
the bully’s perspective. “The Julian Chapter” is divided into two parts.
The first is called “Before.” It’s about the events in “Wonder” and all of
the events from Julian’s perspective. Readers will find out what
exactly happened, and how everything in “Wonder” changed. The
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second section is “After”. Any sixth grader who read “Wonder” would
love “The Julian Chapter” since they are both incredibly captivating.
It’s also heartwarming, and I rethought things that I’ve done after
reading it. This book is similar to “Wonder” since the same characters
are events are involved, except R.J. Palacio takes a different spin as
she creates a second wonderful book.
The Chaos Walking
Trilogy
by Patrick Ness
The Knife of Never Letting Go
The Knife of Never Letting Go is a wonderfully narrated horror/fantasy
novel about a boy named Todd Hewitt and his adventures with his
talking dog Manchee, and a mysterious girl by the name of Viola
Eade. The book begins with Todd and his home of Prentisstown.
Prentisstown seems to Todd to be the only town in New World. It’s
surrounded by a swamp that no-one ever has returned from. The
thing is, in Prentisstown, there are only men, and everyone can hear
each other’s thoughts (called Noise) and this Noise has driven almost
everyone insane. One day, Todd finds something strange. Something
odd. A hole in the Noise. What does Todd exactly find? Find out in
The Knife of Never Letting Go! - Javi
The Legend Trilogy
by Marie Lu
Legend
America at war with itself. A second civil war tore the country in half,
and two factions are fighting for the scraps--the Colonies, and the
Republic of America. The story follows two people who couldn’t be
any more different than they are now. June Iparis, a high ranking
agent in the Republic, searching for the person who killed her brother.
Daniel “Day” Wing, a teen on the run from authorities for a crime he
didn’t commit. They cross paths, and nothing in their lives will ever be
the same again. If you enjoy some action, yet still like a hint of
romance, this book is for you. Like the popular Divergent trilogy, this
book is part of a series, so if you like a read that will last you a while,
read it! It’s great! -Bram
The Leviathan Trilogy
by Scott Westerfeld
Leviathan
Leviathan is an exciting steampunk novel by written by Scott
Westerfeld and illustrated by Keith Thompson. The book starts out at
the beginning of WWI right after the archduke of Austria-Hungary is
assassinated in Serbia by the Germans, who convince everyone that
the Serbians did it. Fearing for his life, Aleksander the sun of the
duke, flees from his country to the mountains with a few loyal men
and a Stormwalker. It is in there that the Leviathan a huge airship is
discovered in the force. Can Aleksander regain his country? What
will happen? - Horatio
The Mortal Instruments
(series)
by Cassandra Clare
The Mortal Instruments is a six book series that begins with the City
of Bones. This book is about Clary Fray, a 16 year old girl, who gets
sucked into the world of the Nephilim, or shadowhunters. She
discovers that the world is full of demons, werewolves, vampires,
warlocks, and faeries. - Reed
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Mr. Penumbra’s 24
Hour Bookstore
by Robert Sloan
Clayton has recently lost his job as a web designer at NewBagel, a
bagel shop dedicated to making perfect mathematical bagels.
Fortunately, a walk through San Francisco leads him to Mr.
Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore, a strange bookstore owned by old
man Mr. Penumbra. At first glance, the bookshop seems ordinary
enough. However, in addition to a normal, if limited, selection, the
store boasts a large number of books written in some sort of code or
puzzle, and a strange group of people who use these books. Can
Clayton, a programmer who includes lines of code like,
“Clayton_is_awesome,” solve the mystery of the books? Read Mr.
Penumbra’s 24 Hour Bookstore, an exciting semi-realistic fiction
novel, to find out. - Ben
N.E.R.D.S.: National
Espionage, Rescue,
and Defense Society
(series)
by Michael Buckley
The Cheerleaders of Doom
N.E.R.D.S., or National Espionage, Rescue, and Defense Society, is
a group of highly trained 5th Graders. The five of them, named
Matilda, Ruby, Duncan, Julio, and Jackson, with code names of
Wheezer, Pufferfish, Gluestick, Flinch, and Braceface, are trying to
save the world from their former teammate, Heathcliff Hodges, also
known as Simon. Unfortunately, they're up against a bigger threat
than they bargained for. Another of their former teammates, Gerdie
Baker, has come up with an extraordinary machine that opens up into
other universes. Not only does the team have to stop Gerdie, but they
have to stop Heathcliff as well…4th, 5th, and 6th graders would like
this book because the kids in NERDS are their age. Also, with a little
bit of awesomeness and a whole lot of excitement, this book is just
right for people who love that. -Ainsley
The Schwa Was Here
and
Ship Out of Luck
(companion novels)
by Neal Shusterman
The Schwa Was Here, by Neal Shusterman, is a great book for 6th
graders. In this book, middle-schooler, Antsy Bonano, meets Calvin
a.k.a. “The Schwa,” a boy who is almost invisible. This book is
partially about Calvin’s struggle to be noticed, and also partially about
troubles with Antsy’s father’s restaurant. This compelling plotline is
mixed in with many hilarious quotes that will keep you laughing until
you stop breathing, and amazing scenes--like when Antsy dumps
water on a Senator’s head. A 6th grader would like this book because
it is absolutely hilarious, and maintains a very interesting story at the
same time. Once I started this book, I couldn’t put it down. This book
is very similar to Better Nate Than Ever by Tim Federle, because they
both are about kids struggling to be noticed. - Adam
The book, Ship Out of Luck by Neal Shusterman, is about a boy
named Antsy Bonano. He goes on a cruise. Old Man Crawley, his
dad’s boss, is rich and invited the family. Later, something happens
that gets him into trouble…BIG trouble. This book is a companion to
The Schwa Was Here. A 6th grader would like this book because the
author uses humor to tell the story. Even Shusterman’s chapter titles
are funny. This book is similar to books written by Tim Federle, Better
Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate! - Kennan
Thirteen Reason Why
by Jay Asher
Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher, is a wonderful, sad, honest
novel about life as a teenager in (America). The, main character is a
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young “man” named Clay. He receives- a box of tapes in the mail,
from his old, friend, Hannah, who recently killed herself. He listens to
the tapes all night. What does he discover? - Isha
The True Confessions
of Charlotte Doyle
by Avi
In the book, The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle, a stuck-up
young girl who comes from a family higher up on the social ladder
takes a ship ride to America to join the rest of her family. However,
the person who is hired to carry the luggage runs away-- pay or no
pay --once he hears the name of the captain. When she gets on the
ship, many men warn her about the captain and tell her to leave. The
family that was supposed to be on the ship with her supposedly
canceled… so she is a teen trapped on a ship with a frighteningly
large number of middle-aged sailors. This book is suspenseful, and
has many plot twists. It is a very interesting book. 5th and 6th Grade
might like this book due to its fantastic plot, interesting characters, or
setting, which is about early 1800s. People who enjoy this book would
like the Brotherband Chronicles. - Jonah
The True Meaning of
Smekday by Adam Rex
The True Meaning of Smekday by Adam Rex is about a girl named
Tip that meets an alien named J. Lo, and runs off to Arizona to get
away from an intergalactic war. They end up stopping off in Roswell,
New Mexico to fix their floating car (called the Slushious) and meet
very eccentric characters. How will it end? Will the other aliens find
Tip during the escape? Read the book to find out. If you liked Cold
Cereal or Unlucky Charms, you would definitely like this book. -Julian
The Wells Bequest
by Polly Shulman
In The Wells Bequest, Leo is introduced to the Circulating Materials
Repository. He is fascinated by their collection of objects and soon
gets a job there. He discovers the Wells Bequest, a special collection
of robots and a time machine. Along with his friend, Jaya, he locates
a mini time machine, and he and Jaya use it to travel back in the past
to warn Nikola Tesla of a dangerous invention. Sixth Grade would like
this because they have enough previous knowledge of historical
events and other historical people that the book would be interesting
to them. If you like science fiction, you will love this book. -Ailsa
Will Grayson,
Will Grayson
by John Green
Will Grayson, Will Grayson is about two boys who meet each other in
a shop and find they have the same name. How crazy is that? And
that’s not all. What happens next will really stun you. But I’m not
going to give it away. This book is appropriate for older kids no
younger than fifth or sixth grade. -Jonah
The Land of Stories
(series)
by Chris Colfer
The Wishing Spell
This book takes fairy tales to the next level. Chris Colfer makes two
siblings, a brother and sister, Alex and Connor Bailey, go on a quest
to find the Wishing Spell…after they fall into a book given to them by
their grandmother. This book is called The Land of Stories. The
Wishing Spell grants the user one wish. Alex and Connor want to go
home. It requires items that, together, will make the spell.
Unfortunately the Evil Queen wants the items too, for a reason the
twins do not know. With the help of their friends including, a giant
talking frog named Froggy, Queen Red Riding Hood, outlaw
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Goldilocks, and the Sea Foam Spirit they search for the items. Will
they find the items? Or will the Evil Queen get the spell first? Read
the Wishing Spell to find out. This book is similar to A Tale Dark and
Grimm by Adam Gidwitz. - Daniel
Wonder
by R. J. Palacio
Title/Author
Number Freak by
Derrick Niederman
Unbroken: A World
War II Story of Survival,
Resilience, and
Redemption by Laura
Hillenbrand
Hilarious, enjoyable, and lively! Wonder is about a boy that is
physically different. He is homeschooled and after he finds his
courage, he finally goes to school. This boy does not “fit in” at his new
school. He makes one friend, but is he a real friend? If you like
truthful and sad books, you would love this one. If you enjoy the book,
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper you will love the book Wonder.
This book is for all ages, and it is easy to understand. “Jack,
sometimes you don't have to be mean to hurt someone.” R.J. Palacio,
Wonder. -Hannah
NONFICTION
Description
Who says non-fiction has to be boring? Number Freak reveals the
secrets of all numbers from 1 to 200. This book is an excellent
collection of interesting facts about numbers, revealing patterns and
formulas you never knew existed. Besides mathematical properties,
Niederman adds riddles, puzzles, and elements of popular culture,
making Number Freak a great read everybody, whether you like math
or not. With so much information, this book is easy to put down, but
you’ll want to pick it up again to learn something new. - Masha
Unbroken, by Laura Hillenbrand is biography about Louie Zamperini.
Louie is an Olympic runner who served in WWII. His airplane crashed
in the South Pacific Ocean. He stayed adrift for 3 weeks before being
caught by a Japanese Patrol. Will he survive the rest of the war, or
will he die trying? You will like Unbroken if you like Frozen in Time, by
Michal Zuckoff. Both of these books are about airmen who were
stranded in hostile environments. As it says in the title, Unbroken is
about survival, resilience, and redemption. - Asher
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Title/Author
Harriet the Spy, 50th
Anniversary Edition
by Louise Fitzhugh
Ms. Shostal’s Recommendations
FICTION
Description
Using her keen observation skills, 11-year-old Harriet M. Welsch
writes down in her notebook what she considers the truth about
everyone in and around her New York City neighborhood. What
happens when she loses track of her notebook and it ends up in the
wrong hands? How can Harriet find a way to keep her integrity and
also put her life and her friendships back together? Harriet is an
amazingly fresh and strong character that even after 50 years is still
representative of children today. Read the tributes by Judy Blume,
Meg Cabot, Lois Lowry, Rebecca Stead, and many more, as well as a
map of Harriet's New York City neighborhood and spy route that’s
very close to our school and original author/editor correspondence.
For all ages.
Escape from Mr.
Lemoncello’s Library
by Chris Grabenstein
Love solving puzzles? Mr. Lemoncello is an expert in challenging
you. Class clown, Kyle Keeley wins a coveted spot to be one of the
first 12 kids in the library for an overnight of fun, food, and lots and
lots of games. But when morning comes Kyle discovers that there’s
more mysteries awaiting. And the stakes are very high. For fans of
Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Far, Far Away
by Tom McNeal
Want another inspired book taken from the Brother’s Grimm? Try this
dark, contemporary fairy tale in the tradition of Neil Gaiman.
Jeremy
Johnson Johnson hears voices. Or, specifically, one voice: the ghost
of Jacob Grimm, one half of The Brothers Grimm. Jacob watches
over Jeremy, protecting him from an unknown dark evil whispered
about in the space between this world and the next. But Jacob can't
protect Jeremy from everything. And as anyone familiar with the
Brothers Grimm know, not all fairy tales have happy endings. For
older grades.
Paperboy
by Vince Vawter
This Newbery Honor winner is perfect for fans of To Kill a
Mockingbird, The King's Speech, and The Help. A boy who stutters
comes of age in the segregated South, during the summer that
changes his life.
Little Man throws the meanest fastball in town.
But talking is a whole different ball game. He can barely say a word
without stuttering--not even his own name. So when he takes over his
best friend's paper route for the month of July, he's not exactly looking
forward to interacting with the customers. But it's the neighborhood
junkman, a bully and thief, who stirs up real trouble in Little Man's life.
Zane and the
Hurricane: a story of
Katrina by
Rodman Phibrick
Newbery Honor author Rodman Philbrick presents a gripping yet
poignant novel about a 12-year-old boy and his dog who become
trapped in New Orleans during the horrors of Hurricane Katrina. For
older grades.
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Title/Author
Lincoln’s Grave
Robbers by
Steve Sheinkin
NONFICTION
Description
A true crime thriller -- the first book for older grades to tell the nearly
unknown tale of the brazen attempt to steal Abraham Lincoln's body
and counterfeiter Benjamin Boyd's gang is in the thick of it that recalls
the Keystone Cops! Suspenseful and dramatic. Read any book by
Sheinkin such as The notorious Benedict Arnold: a true story of
adventure, heroism & treachery, or Bomb: The race to build the
world’s most dangerous weapon. Sheinkin brings all his research to
life. For older grades.
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