Wood-Ridge Intermediate School
Summer Reading Level 5
SELECTIONS
Lexile Range 460-560
NON-FICTION
Ella Fitzgerald: The Tale of a Vocal Virtuosa by Andrea Davis Pinkney
Ella Fitzgerald began her life as a singer on the stage of the Apollo Theater when she
was just seventeen years old. Her rich voice and vocal innovations brought her fame
and a remarkable career than spanned half a century and won her generations of
fans around the world. Acclaimed author Andrea Davis Pinkney has told Ella's
inspiring story in the voice of Scat Cat Monroe, a feline fan whose imagined
narrative sings with the infectious rhythms of scat. Two-time Caldecott Honor
winner Brian Pinkney's dramatic perspectives and fantastical images offer a jazzy
improvisation all their own.
Minty: A Story of Young Harriet Tubman by Alan Schroeder
Many people know about Harriet Tubman's adult life--how she helped hundreds of
slaves escape to freedom along the Underground Railroad. But how know about
Harriet Tubman's life as a little African-American girl? This dramatic portrayal will
open the eyes of countless young readers and help them to know the little girl who
would become one of America's greatest heroines.
FICTION
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
The Secret Garden celebrates a cherished classic with Tasha Tudor's wonderful
illustrations throughout, an extended author biography, games, activities, and more!
When orphaned Mary Lennox comes to live at her uncle's great house on the
Yorkshire Moors, she finds it full of secrets. The mansion has nearly one hundred
rooms, and her uncle keeps himself locked up. And at night, she hears the sound of
crying down one of the long corridors. The gardens surrounding the large property
are Mary's only escape. Then, Mary discovers a secret garden, surrounded by walls
and locked with a missing key. One day, with the help of two unexpected
companions, she discovers a way in. Is everything in the garden dead, or can Mary
bring it back to life? Supports the Common Core State Standards.
Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
The Prince and the Pauper is one of Twain's best-known and best-loved books
throughout the world. In this historical tale set in mid-nineteenth-century England,
the Prince of Wales and a lookalike pauper exchange places by accident just days
before Henry VIII's death. Each boy finds that his "father" believes him to be mad;
each is befriended by his "sister;" and each wakes from sleep thinking that his trying
experiences have been just a bad dream. Along the way each learns crucial lessons
about manners, morals, justice, and compassion. Mark Twain immersed himself in
English history to write this novel and passed on reference books to the artists so
that their illustrations could be historically accurate. He was "enchanted" with the
pictures they produced. His daughter Susy was convinced that The Prince and the
Pauper, a book her father subtitled, "a tale for young people of all ages" was "the
best book he has ever written."
Lexile Range 590-650
NON-FICTION
The Boston Massacre by Michael Burgan
This book provides a thorough overview of the background, the event itself, and the
aftermath. They discuss "taxation without representation" and the buildup of
tensions between the Redcoats and the residents of Boston. Their discussion of the
"massacre" itself (or "riot," if you prefer) avoid simplistic descriptions that praise
the freedom-loving colonists and blame the brutal Redcoats. They discuss the
agitation after the event by Samuel Adams but also discuss John Adams successful
efforts to get the Redcoats acquitted. It concludes with a brief account of the war's
outbreak at Lexington.
Discovering Mars: The Amazing Story of the Red Planet by Melvin Berger
Pretend you can go far, far back in time to about five billion years ago. Huge clouds
of dust and gas are swirling around in space. Each cloud stretches across trillions of
miles. As time goes by, the dust and gas pull closer together. The clouds shrink, but
they are still huge. They are now millions of miles across. This book is filled with
many wonderful color photos and the History of Mars.
FICTION
Gooney Bird Greene Titles by Lois Lowry
From the moment Gooney Bird Greene arrives at Watertower Elementary School,
her fellow second-graders are intrigued by her unique sense of style and her
unusual lunches. So when story time arrives, the choice is unanimous: they want to
hear about Gooney Bird Greene. And that suits her just fine, because, as it turns out,
Gooney Bird has quite a few interesting and "absolutely true" stories to tell. Through
Gooney Bird and her tales, acclaimed author Lois Lowry introduces young readers
to the concepts and elements of storytelling. By demonstrating some of the simple
techniques that reveal the extraordinary in everyday events, this book will
encourage the storyteller in everyone.
How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
A perennial children's favorite since its publication in 1973, this is the story of Billy,
who, because of a bet, is in the uncomfortable position of having to eat 15 worms in
15 days. The worms are supplied by his conniving opponent whose motto is "the
bigger and juicier, the better."
Lexile Range 710-760
NON-FICTION
The Story of Ruby Bridges by Robert Coles
A Pulitzer Prize-winning author and a Coretta Scott King Award-winning illustrator
bring to life the true story of an extraordinary six-year-old who helped shape
American history when she became the first African-American sent to first grade in
an all white school. This moving picture book captures the courage of a little girl
standing alone in the face of racism.
Haunted Houses by Adam Stone
Have you ever felt your house was haunted? Many people have reported that ghosts
or other paranormal creatures haunt their houses. Some claim to have seen objects
move by themselves. Others say they have heard strange noises or voices in their
homes. Can a house really be haunted by the paranormal? Let the students decide
once they read about the evidence and doubts behind haunted houses.
FICTION
The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
A shipwreck leaves young Alec stranded on a deserted island with a wild stallion.
Dependent on each other for survival, boy and horse learn to trust and love each
other as they establish an amazing friendship that lasts a lifetime.
The Giver by Lois Lowry
Lois Lowry's The Giver is the quintessential dystopian novel, followed by its
remarkable companions, Gathering Blue, Messenger r, and Son. When Jonas turns
12, he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. Now, it's time for
Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.
Lexile Range 760-840
NON-FICTION
Vikings by Allison Lassieur
Describes the Vikings, including their history, their weapons, and their way of life.
The Colony Virginia by Kevin Cunningham
A True Book--The Thirteen Colonies Are you thrilled by true adventure stories? do
you wonder how our founding fathers conquered the wilds of North America to
create the United States? You'll experience it all in these books that tell the story of
the brave men and women who escaped tyranny from across the ocean to forge a
new world in 13 colonies that led to the birth of the United States of America.
FICTION
Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin
In the Valley of Fruitless Mountain, a young girl named Minli lives in a ramshackle
hut with her parents. In the evenings, her father regales her with old folktales of the
Jade Dragon and the Old Man on the Moon, who knows the answers to all of life's
questions. Inspired by these stories, Minli sets off on an extraordinary journey to
find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune.
She encounters an assorted cast of characters and magical creatures along the way,
including a dragon who accompanies her on her quest for the ultimate answer.
Grace Lin, author of the beloved Year of the Dog and Year of the Rat , returns with a
wondrous story of adventure, faith, and friendship. A fantasy crossed with Chinese
folklore, Where the Mountain Meets the Moon is a timeless story reminiscent of The
Wizard of Oz. Her beautiful illustrations, printed in full-color, accompany the text
throughout. Once again, she has created a charming, engaging book for young
readers.
Matilda by Ronald Dahl
Matilda is a genius. Unfortunately, her family treats her like a dolt. Her crooked carsalesman father and loud, bingo-obsessed mother think Matilda's only talent is as a
scapegoat for everything that goes wrong in their miserable lives. But it's not long
before the sweet and sensitive child decides to fight back. Faced with practical jokes
of sheer brilliance, her parents don't stand a chance.
Lexile Range 850-880
NON-FICTION
Iroquois by Stephanie Takacs
People, societies, and cultures address needs and concerns in ways that are both
similar and different - c. Language, folktales, music, and art serve as expressions of
culture - d. People of different cultures think differently about their physical
environment and social conditions - e. Cultural unity and diversity can be identified
within and across groups People, Places, and Environments: III - g. Describe how
people in different areas reflect ideas, personality, culture, and wants and needs in
their homes, schools, etc.
The story of Amelia Earhart: Lone Star by Patricia Lauber
Traces the life of the pilot who became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic
Ocean and mysteriously disappeared in 1937 while attempting to fly around the
world.
FICTION
James and the Giant Peach by Ronald Dahl
Roald Dahl's children's classic will be rediscovered with wonder and delight in this
handsome gift edition with all-new black-and-white illustrations by Caldecott Honor
Book artist Lane Smith (who also designed the characters for the Disney animated
film). How James escapes from his miserable life with two nasty aunts and becomes
a hero to his new insect family, including Miss Spider, the Old-Green-Grasshopper,
the Centipede.
Harry Potter Series (Book 1) by J. K. Rowling
After 10 miserable years with his aunt and uncle, Harry Potter is invited to attend
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Each book follows another year in
Harry's education while more of his frightening destiny is revealed.
Lexile Range 950-980
NON-FICTION
Tales Mummies Tell by Patricia Lauber
Sand in their bread caused serious tooth problems for the ancient Egyptians,
peasants and pharaohs alike. Skull surgery was commonly performed by the Inca
Indians of Peru. A thick soup made of grain and seeds was a typical winter meal in
Denmark during the Iron Age. How can we be so sure of what ancient life was like?
Largely because, in recent years, mummies have begun to "talk" to scientists who
study them for clues to the distant past. X-rays reveal mummies that have never
been unwrapped. The shape of the face appears, and resemblances may establish
family relationships. In the bones of a mummy, medical scientists can read age at
death, signs of disease, fractures that healed. Teeth yield information about diet and
health. Sometimes a mummy offers a surprise: an Egyptian mummy is found to have
two skulls; another, long thought to be the child of a high priestess, turns out to be a
baboon. Sometimes a mummy tells a moving story: examination of a girl's mummy
shows she lived her short life in considerable pain; a man's mummy, with broken
bones and slit throat, proves he met a violent death. Generously illustrated with
photographs ranging from the gruesome to the starkly beautiful, Tales Mummies
Tell is a remarkable account of mummies -- intriguing talebearers from the past and
of the ways scientists unlock their secrets.
Knots in My Yo-Yo String: The Autobiography of a Kid by Jerry Spenelli
A master of those embarrassing, gloppy, painful, and suddenly wonderful things that
happen on the razor's edge between childhood and full-fledged adolescence" (The
Washington Post), Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli has penned his early
autobiography with all the warmth, humor, and drama of his best-selling fiction.
From first memories through high school, including first kiss, first punch, first trip to
the principal's office, and first humiliating sports experience, this is not merely an
account of a highly unusual childhood. Rather, like Spinelli's fiction, its appeal lies in
the accessibility and universality of his life. Entertaining and fast-paced, this is a
highly readable memoir-- a must-have for Spinelli fans of all ages.
FICTION
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Lewis Carroll's timeless classic brought to life by one of the most revered children's
book illustrators of our time! Suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by
her. There was nothing so very remarkable in that; nor did Alice think it so very
much out of the way to hear the Rabbit say to itself, "Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be too
late!" Lewis Carroll's masterpiece, an exuberant mix of fun and fantasy, logic and
lunacy, silliness and droll splendor, revolutionized children's literature. Its influence
has been immeasurable, and the story's cast of characters, including Alice herself,
the Mad Hatter, and the Cheshire Cat, hold a beloved place in our culture. Now Helen
Oxenbury, one of the world's most acclaimed illustrators--whose many books for
children include the award-winning FARMER DUCK, by Martin Waddell, as well as
her Tom and Pippo books--has brought her own special brand of magic to Lewis
Carroll's classic. And ALICE'S ADVENTURES IN WONDERLAND is Helen Oxenbury at
her very best. Her vision of Alice is unique and modern. Her Wonderland is fresh,
whimsical, and lovingly created. With more illustrations than any other edition, this
beautiful volume has all the warmth, depth of emotion, humor, and acute
observations of people and animals for which Helen Oxenbury's work is so highly
regarded. Join us in celebrating a major artistic achievement! And welcome back--to
a Wonderland that is as astonishingly new as it is joyously familiar.
Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain
The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is the first of Mark Twain's novels to feature one of
the best-loved characters in American fiction, with a critical introduction by John
Seelye in Penguin Classics. From the famous episodes of the whitewashed fence and
the ordeal in the cave to the trial of Injun Joe, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is
redolent of life in the Mississippi River towns in which Twain spent his own youth. A
somber undercurrent flows through the high humor and unabashed nostalgia of the
novel, however, for beneath the innocence of childhood lie the inequities of adult
reality - base emotions and superstitions, murder and revenge, starvation and
slavery. In his illuminating introduction, noted Twain scholar John Seelye considers
Twain's impact on American letters and discusses the balance between humorous
escapades and serious concern that is found in much of Twain's writing. Samuel
Langhorne Clemens (1835-1910) trained as a steamboat pilot on the Mississippi
river; 'Mark Twain', a phrase used on riverboats to indicate that the water is two
fathoms deep, became the pseudonym by which he was best known. After the Civil
War, Twain turned to journalism, publishing his first short story in 1865. Dubbed
'the father of American literature' by William Faulkner, Twain led a colorful life of
travelling, bankruptcy and great literary success. If you enjoyed The Adventures of
Tom Sawyer, you may like Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, also
available in Penguin Classics. 'The hero is one of the most endearing in literature
Daily Telegraph
Lexile Range 990 and above
NON-FICTION
Forces and Motion by Louis David Dreier
How can a car accelerate yet stay at the same speed? What force enables airplanes
to fly? Why is it almost impossible to sink in the Dead Sea? This title looks at all the
forces that operate in the world, from the simple pushes and pulls exerted by our
muscles to the mysterious force of gravity. This book explains how forces such as
momentum, friction and pressure affect our lives and presents the laws that
describe how forces work.
The Wright Brothers: How They invented the Airplane by Russell Freedman
The first powered, sustained, and controlled airplane flight, and the men behind it. A
Newbery honor
FICTION
Percy Jackson by Rick Riordan
Time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos
draws near. Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable as Kronos's army prepares to
invade. To stop them, Percy and his demigod friends set out on a quest through the
Labyrinth.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Lost Brian Robertson, sole passenger on a Cessna 406, is on his way to visit his
father when the tiny bush plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness. With nothing
but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother had given him
as a present, Brian finds himself completely alone. Challenged by his fear and
despair -- and plagued with the weight of a dreadful secret he's been keeping since
his parent's divorce -- Brian must tame his inner demons in order to survive. It will
take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he
possessed.