PINE TREE 2013-2014
ANNOTATED LIST
OF BOOKS
Books are listed from easiest to most difficult.
Ruby and the Booker Boys: Brand New School, Brave New Ruby by Derrick Barnes
Realistic: Ruby Booker starts third grade at Hope Road Academy, the same school her three older brothers attend. She has
big, big plans to make a name for herself and to prove that she is one-of-a-kind.
Waiting for the Magic by Patricia Maclachlan
Fantasy: When William’s father leaves, his home is just not right. It takes the magic of four dogs and a cat to transform his
home and to learn that love can hold them altogether.
Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary
Fantasy/adventure: Ralph S. Mouse is not like other mice. He begins an adventure on a toy motorcycle that sets him up to
be an unexpected hero.
Being Teddy Roosevelt by Claudia Mills (visiting author in March)
Classic: Fourth grader Riley is researching about President Teddy Roosevelt for his school biography project. What he learns
is how to be brave, persevere and get what he desires most.
Who Is Bill Gates? By Patricia Dermuth
Biography: Bill Gates was a computer genius, the creator of Microsoft, and a man who has given billions of dollars to worthy
causes. Learn all about his life story and what inspired him to accomplish so much.
STAT #3 Slam Dunk by Amar’e Stoudemire
Realistic Fiction: Amar'e shares his life when he was 11 and striving for his first slam dunk. When an injury takes him out of
basketball camp, he and his friends make a plan to achieve Amar’e’s goal. In the end, he finds hard work pays off in many ways.
Double Dog Dare by Lisa Graff
Realistic: Kansa and Francine face off in a crazy “Dare” competition. They find themselves doing unexpected things, discover
they have more in common then they think and end up in an unlikely friendship.
Eleanor Roosevelt: First Lady of the World by Time for Kids and Dina El Nabli
Biography: In spite of a difficult childhood, Eleanor Roosevelt used her personal gifts and abilities to change the world
around her even beyond the sphere of her husband, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
I am Harriet Tubman by Grace Norwich
Biography: Follow the life of Harriet Tubman as she leads others to freedom on the Underground Railroad.
The Penderwicks by Jeanne Birdsall
Realistic: Join the Penderwick sisters and Jeffrey as they embark on a series of unexpected summer adventures. Can they
stay out of trouble while still enjoying their summer vacation?
Dodger and Me by Jordan Sonnenblick
Fantasy: Miserable because his only friend moved away and he has once again caused his baseball team to lose a game, fifthgrader Willy Ryan's life suddenly becomes a lot more interesting when he meets Dodger. The only problem is that Dodger is a
furry, blue chimpanzee that only he can see and Willy must decide what he really wishes for in life.
Sylvia & Aki by Winifred Conkling
Historical fiction: Aki and Sylvia are from different families and different races. During World War II, the pair shares
the awfulness of segregation and judgment based on race.
Capture the Flag by Messner
Mystery: While waiting at the airport, three kids find themselves in a great adventure to recover a stolen U.S. treasure.
Faced with giant men with tattoos and danger, the three new friends piece together this mystery using their unique talents.
Bird in a Box by Andrea Pinkney
Historical Fiction: In 1936, three children meet at the Mercy Home for Negro Orphans in New York State. While they are
not all orphans, they are all dealing with grief and loss. With the help of a sympathetic staff member and the boxing matches
of Joe Louis, they manage to overcome their obstacles.
DK Earthquakes & Other Natural Disasters by Harriet Griffey
Nonfiction: These true stories provide detailed accounts of natural disasters, like earthquakes and volcano eruptions. Read
about why they happened and what people did in response to them.
Sixty-eight Rooms by Marianne Malone
Fantasy/Adventure: Ruthie and Jack discover a magic key that will allow them to have an adventure in a miniature world of
houses created by Mrs. James Thorpe. Together they discover they can change things past and present.
What was the Battle of Gettysburg? by Jim O’Connor
Nonfiction: Read this true and interesting book about the events surrounding one of the most famous battles in U.S. history.
Learn how this 3 day battle not only caused friends and family to fight against each other, but resulted in many deaths.
The Book of Elsewhere: The Shadows by Jacqueline West
Fantasy/Adventure: Olive has moved into a new house full of secrets, including magical paintings and people from a
different time and place. She finds herself drawn into them and has an adventure few would ever believe.
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai
Historical Fiction: Ha is forced to leave her home in Vietnam in the midst of war. She describes what it is like to come to a
new country and adjust to a new culture.
Popular Clone by M.E. Castle
Science Fiction: Twelve-year-old Fisher Bas is a science-loving bully magnet. When he clones himself, he discovers that his
double is infinitely cooler than himself. Instead of life getting easier, having a clone causes more problems than Fisher thinks.
You can check out these exciting books from both your school’s Media Center and the West
Bloomfield Township Public Library. Your classroom will also have copies of the books. You can
even purchase your own copies from Barnes and Noble (starting October 4th).