Become absorbed
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in
ADVENTURE
David and the Phoenix
Edward Ormondroyd
A boy befriends a mythical beast in
this fantasy classic.
The Heroic Adventures of Hercules
Amsterdam Melissa Glenn Haber
When mouse-sized Hercules goes away
to school, a behind-the-walls adventure
begins.
The Search For Delicious Natalie
Babbitt What exactly does "delicious"
mean? To find an answer, Gaylen
consults many delightful people and
creatures.
Solomon Snow and the Stolen Jewel
Kaye Umansky
When Prudence Pridy's poacher father
is sent to a convict ship for deportation,
she and her friend Solomon Snow set
out to rescue him. Also: The Silver
Spoon of Solomon Snow
When Santa Fell to Earth Cornelia
Funke When one of the last "true" santas,
Niklas Goodfellow, crash-lands in a small
town, lonely kids Ben and Charlotte learn
his identity, help save him from giant
nutcrackers, and discover some real
Christmas magic.
The Castle Corona Sharon Creech
Two peasant children find a lost pouch
with the power to transform their lives.
A Dog's Life: The Autobiography of
a Stray Ann Martin Squirrel, a stray
puppy, tells her life story, from her
nurturing mother and brother to making
her own way in the world, facing busy
highways, changing seasons, and humans
both gentle and brutal.
Escaping the Giant Wave Peg Kehret
An earthquake creates a tsunami while
13-year-old Kyle is babysitting during a
family vacation at a Pacific Coast resort.
Kyle must try to save his sister, himself,
and a boy who has bullied him for years.
Ice Drift Theodore Taylor
Two Inuit brothers have to fend for themselves while stranded on an ice floe adrift
in the Greenland Strait.
The Mysterious Benedict Society Trent
Lee Stewart
Four children go undercover
at the Learning Institute for the Very
Enlightened, where the only rule is that
there are no rules. First in a series.
NERDS: National Espionage, Rescue,
and Defense Society Michael Buckley
Five misfits combine their talents and use
cutting edge gadgetry to fight evil around
the world.
Peter and the Starcatchers Dave Barry
Peter Pan and a group of fellow orphans
get involved in a plot to steal mysterious
“starstuff” that can make people fly.
First in a series.
Poppy and Ereth Avi
Poppy the deer mouse finds adventure
thrust upon her while rescuing Ereth the
porcupine from the mud.
The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles,
Bk. 1) Rick Riordan
The gods of Egypt are waking, and the
worst of them--Set--is coming after the
Kane family. Also: The Lightning Thief
series.
The Small Adventure of Popeye and
Elvis Barbara O'Connor
In Fayette, South Carolina, Popeye and
his new friend Elvis set out to find the
source of strange boats floating down
the creek.
A Whole Nother Story Cuthbert Soup
Ethan Cheeseman and his children hope
to settle in a nice small town long enough
to complete work on a time machine, but
spies and government agents have been
pursuing them and are about to catch up.
ADVENTURE—SERIES
Choose Your Own Adventure (various)
The Gecko and Sticky W. Van Draanen
Journal of a Cardboard Genius F.Asch
ANIMAL FICTION
A Bear Named Trouble
Marion Dane Bauer
In Anchorage, Alaska, a young brown bear
and a human whose father is a new keeper
at the Alaska Zoo make a connection.
The Bookstore Mouse Peggy Christian
A mouse living in an antiquarian bookstore
learns the true power of words when he
literally falls into a medieval tale.
City of Dogs Livi Michael
Norse mythology, a huge respect for dogs,
and many dashes of humor combine to tell
the tale of a grand quest to save the world.
BIOGRAPHY
Boy Roald Dahl
The author of Charlie and the Chocolate
Factory and many other beloved books
tells funny stories about his own childhood.
(nonfiction)
Escape! The Story of the Great
Houdini Sid Fleischman
Tells about the greatest magician of them
all, and his daring escapes from prison cells
and straitjackets. (nonfiction)
Gully's Travels Tor Seidler
A pampered dog is horrified to be dumped
at the humble home of Carlos the doorman.
Knucklehead: Tall Tales and Almost
True Stories of Growing Up Scieszka
Jon Scieszka The children's book author
tells wild and wacky tales about life with
five brothers. (nonfiction)
Sounder William Armstrong
A young boy grows in courage and
understanding by learning to read and
through his relationship with his devoted
dog Sounder. Newbery Medal winner.
My Life in Dog Years Gary Paulsen
The author of Hatchet and other acclaimed
novels introduces eight wonderful dogs he
has loved over the years in funny, moving
stories. (nonfiction)
Star in the Storm Joan Hiatt Harlow
In 1912, fearing for the safety of her
beloved Newfoundland dog Sirius,
12-year-old Maggie tries to save him
by keeping him hidden.
Peaceful Heroes Jonah Winter
Brief biographies of 14 people who famously
worked for peace, including Mahatma Gandhi,
Martin Luther King, Jr., and Sojourner Truth.
(nonfiction)
Waggit’s Tale Peter Howe
A coming-of-age story told from a dog’s
point of view.
When My Name Was Keoko
Linda Sue Park A true story of a girl and
her older brother growing up in World War
2 in Japanese-occupied Korea
We Can’t All Be Rattlesnakes
Patrick Jennings
A pet story told from the pet’s
point-of-view.
ANIMAL FICTION—SERIES
A Bear Called Paddington Michael Bond
...According to Humphrey Betty Birney
Molly Moon Georgia Byng
Poppy Avi
Silverwing Kenneth Oppel
CLASSIC FICTION
The Big Wave Pearl S. Buck
The famous story of a Japanese boy
who must face life after escaping the
tidal wave destruction of his family and
village.
The Castle Diary: The Journal of
Tobias Burgess Richard Platt
Tobias Burgess, an 11-year-old page,
describes daily life in a castle during
the course of a year.
James and the Giant Peach Roald Dahl
When James crawls inside a giant
peach, he meets a houseful of friends:
giant Grasshopper, Ladybug, Centipede,
and more.
Li Lun, Lad of Courage Carolyn
Trefinger Because of his fear of the sea, a
young Chinese boy is sent to a distant
mountain where he proves his bravery.
Run Away Home Patricia McKissack
In 1886 in Alabama, an 11-year-old girl
and her family befriend and give refuge
to a runaway boy.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper
Cranes Eleanor Coerr The true story of a girl
from Japan who became a heroine because
of her courage.
The Twenty-One Balloons
William Pène du Bois
Professor William Waterman Sherman
leaves San Francisco in a hot-air
balloon, intending to fly across the
Pacific Ocean. Instead he lands on
Krakatoa, a legendary island.
A Cricket in Times Square George Seldon
Chester Cricket travels to New York City and
meets new friends: Tucker Mouse, Harry
Cat, and the boy Mario. Newbery Honor Book.
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH Robert
O’Brien These special rats have been bred
for intelligence at the National Institute of
Mental Health (NIMH), and they come to the
aid of the mouse Mrs. Frisby in her efforts
to help her sick son. Newbery Medal winner.
The Phantom Tollbooth Norman Juster
When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in
Milo's room, he drives through only because
he has nothing better to do, and soon meets
strange and wonderful characters.
Shiloh Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
Eleven-year-old Marty living in the
mountains of West Virginia, comes across
an abused beagle pup named Shiloh and
sets out to protect it from its cruel owner.
(Newbery Medal Winner)
Tuck Everlasting Natalie Babbitt
Complications arise when the Tuck family
drinks from a spring of eternal life.
CONTEMPORARY FICTION
4 Kids in 5E & 1 Crazy Year
Virginia Frances Schwartz
Family, school, and life in general are seen
through the writings of four New York City
5th-graders when a new teacher shows
them how to write and how to believe in
themselves.
Along Came Spider James Preller
Fifth-grader Spider Stevens--nicknamed
for his climbing ability--wrestles with his
loyalty to his best friend versus friendship
with the popular crowd.
Circle of Gold Candy Dawson Boyd
Problems at home, problems at school
and Mattie wants to buy an expensive
Mother’s Day gift. (based on the life of
the author)
Eleven Patricia Reilly Giff
Sam discovers an old newspaper clipping
that brings up memories from his past,
and, with the help of a new friend at school
and the castle they are building for a school
project, his questions are answered.
Extra Credit Andrew Clements
As letters flow back and forth--between
the prairies of Illinois and the mountains of
Afghanistan, across cultural and religious
divides--Abby, Amira, and Sadeed begin
to speak and listen to each other.
The Homework Machine Dan Gutman
Four 5th-grade students--a geek, a class
clown, a teacher's pet, and a slacker—
relate events surrounding a computer
programmed to complete homework
assignments. Sequel: Return of the
Homework Machine.
How to Steal a Dog Barbara O'Connor
Fed up with living in the family car,
Georgina sets out to make money by
kidnapping a dog and then claiming the
reward.
Peace, Locomotion Jacqueline Woodson
In letters to his little sister, 6th-grader
Lonnie describes his foster family, including
his foster brother who returns home after
losing a leg in the Iraq War.
Skeleton Key (Alex Rider Adventure
Series) Anthony Horowitz
Alex joins with two American CIA agents
to save the free world.
Wait Till Helen Comes Mary Downing
Hahn
A move to a new home (a church)
brings secrets of the past, unsettled graves,
and a very real ghost.
Where the Ground Meets the Sky
Jacqueline Davies
Twelve year old Hazel
and her mother move across the country to
join her father who is helping to develop a
secret weapon to end World War 2.
The White Giraffe Lauren St. John
Martine goes to live with her grandmother
on a wildlife game reserve in South Africa,
where she befriends a mythical white
giraffe. Sequel: Dolphin Song.
BOOKS BOYS LOVE (Girls too!)
Alvin Ho Lenore Look
Fan of all superheroes, Alvin must
overcome his own many fears to make
friends.
Brendan Buckley’s Universe and
Everything In It
Sundee Tucker Frazier
Brendan applies his scientific problemsolving ability to connect with is
grandfather and unearth family secrets.
Donavan’s Double Trouble
Monalisa DeGross
Donavan thought that fourth grade
would be his best year ever. Instead,
it's turning out to be nothing but trouble.
The Fabled Fourth-Graders of Aesop
Elementary Candace Fleming
A chapter book of contemporary fables
about a rambunctious group of fourth
graders and their amazing teacher—the
globe-trotting Mr. Jupiter.
Iggie’s House Judy Blume
A new family’s arrival to
Grove Street
causes others
to examine their
perspectives.
The Lemonade War Jaqueline Davies Evan
discovers that his younger sister
will be in his fourth-grade classroom, and
they begin a fierce competition to earn
more money than the other before school
starts.
Lenny's Space Kate Banks
A nine-year-old grows up through hard
and thoughtful work.
No Talking Andrew Clements
Lynsey and Dave debate whether girls or
boys are noisier, declaring a two-day war
of silence in which the words of those
who speak are counted against them.
Also: Frindle; The Jacket; The
Janitor’s Boy; The Landry News;
Lunch Money
Oggie Cooder Sarah Weeks
Suddenly, Oggie's the star of the school
but he's not sure that he wants to shine.
The Seven Wonders of Sassafrass
Springs Betty G. Birney
A tale of transformation, of finding the
extraordinary in the ordinary, of the
wonderful things that can happen
anywhere to anyone.
Yang the Eldest and His Odd Jobs
Lensey Namioka
Third Sister and her siblings try to help
Eldest Brother, the most talented
musician in the Yang family, find work to
pay for a new violin.
BOOKS BOYS LOVE—SERIES
The Great Brain John D. Fitzgerald
Henry & Ribsy Beverly Cleary
Junebug Alice Mead
Nicholas René Goscinny
FANTASY & SCIENCE FICTION
The Dragon’s Boy Jane Yolen
Young Arthur meets a dragon and comes
to accept him as a friend and a mentor.
Kenny and the Dragon
Tony DiTerlizzi
Book-loving Kenny the rabbit must find
a way to prevent a battle between a
bookstore owner George and another,
gentle dragon while satisfying the
dragon-crazed townspeople.
The Indian in the Cupboard
Lynne Reid Banks
When Omri receives an old cupboard and an
ordinary plastic toy Indian for
his birthday he is not prepared for the
adventure that follows.
Mail Order Ninja Joshua Elder
When Timmy orders his own ninja
through the mail, he and his town may
never be the same again! (graphic
novel)
The Secret Country (Trilogy)
Jane Johnson
When a talking cat convinces Ben to
purchase it from Mr. Dodds's Pet
Emporium, the boy has no idea what
adventures await him.
The Seventh Tower: The Fall
Garth Nix Tal has lived his whole life
in darkness. He has never left his home,
a mysterious castle of seven towers. He
does not see the threat that will tear
apart his family and his world.
The Wish Giver Bill Brittain
There was nothing scary about
Thaddeus Blinn when he appeared
under the old tree. At least not until
the wishing began...
Be A Genie in Six Easy Steps
Linda Chapman & Steve Cole
Four stepsiblings discover a book—
inhabited by a grouchy bookworm—
that promises to make the reader
into a wish-granting genie.
The Blue Shoe Roderick Townley
When Hap steals a diamond from a
fancy blue shoe to help a beggar, he's
sentenced to work in the mines, home
to the enslaved, blue-skinned Aukis.
Herbert's Wormhole Peter Nelson
Alex, a video game fanatic, travels with
his neighbor, an inventor, to the 22nd century
and faces off against aliens, who are not as
kindly as most people think.
The Magic Thief Sarah Prineas
A young thief begins a life of magic
and adventure after picking the pocket
of a powerful wizard who is attempting
to reverse the troubling decline of magic
in Wellmet City. Try this if you loved the
Harry Potter books! Sequels: Lost, Found.
Odd and the Frost Giants Neil Gaiman
An unlucky 12-year-old Norwegian boy
named Odd leads the Norse gods Loki,
Thor, and Odin in an attempt to outwit
evil Frost Giants who have taken over
Asgard.
Old Cemetery Road 43: Dying to
Meet You Kate Klise
An author moves into an old mansion
already inhabited by a boy and a ghost;
told in letters, newspaper clippings and
drawings.
The Quest Begins (Seekers, #1)
Erin Hunter
Three young bears of
different species--one black, one polar,
and one grizzly--travel on a perilous
quest to the Northern Lights, escorting a
shape-shifting grizzly cub whose destiny
will affect them all.
Swordbird Nancy Yi Fan
Warring blue jays and cardinals call on
Swordbird, the heroic bird of peace, to
rescue them from the evil plans of a tyrant
hawk lord. Sequel: Sword Quest.
FANTASY—SERIES
Charlie Bone Jenny Nimmo
Deltora Quest Emily Rodda
The Dragonology Chronicles
Dugald Steer
Erec Rex Kaza Kingsley
The Floods: Good Neighbors
C. Thompson
Mistmantle Chronicles M.I. McAllister
Schooling Around Andy Griffiths
Sonic Archie Comic Publications
The Spiderwick Chronicles
T. DiTerlizzi
HISTORY
Horns and Wrinkles Joseph Helgerson
Claire and her bullying cousin Duke are
drawn into an adventure involving
Bodacious Deepthink the Great Rock
Troll, a helpful fairy, and a group of trolls.
Beneath the Streets of Boston: Building
America’s First Subway Joe McKendry
New England history buffs and those
interested in the origins of mass transport
will welcome this look at the beginnings of
America's first subway. (nonfiction)
Brain Power: World History Timelines
Penny Clarke
Young readers will enjoy browsing through
this heavily illustrated capsule history of
the human race. (nonfiction)
Cave Paintings to Picasso: The Inside
Scoop on 50 Art Masterpieces
Henry Sayre
Shows 50 major works of art from 22,000
B.C. to A.D. 1964 and summarizes the
history and significance of each. (nonfiction)
The Daily Disaster: Real-Life Stories of 30
Amazing Disasters Cormac O’Brien
A chronological account of the world's
biggest disasters in a newspaper format, plus
activities and facts about each time period.
(nonfiction)
Down the Colorado: John Wesley Powell,
the One-Armed Explorer
Deborah Kogan Ray
Traces the life of an explorer whose
landmark journey in 1869 down the Colorado
River made him a national hero. (nonfiction)
Fooled You! Fakes and Hoaxes Through
the Years Elaine Pascoe
A guide to the truth behind famous pranks
and cons. (nonfiction)
How to be a Revolutionary War Soldier
(series) National Geographic provides an
illustrated explanation of what it takes to be
one of these fierce fighters. Also from National
Georaphic: Ancient Greek Athelete; Aztec
Warrior; Roman Soldier; Medieval Knight.
(nonfiction) Interactive History Adventure
(series) The Boston Massacre; The Battle of
Bunker Hill; The Revolutionary War Even
though the story comes straight from history,
you choose how the story ends.
Marooned: The Strange But True
Adventures of Alexander Selkirk,
the Real Robinson Crusoe
The real-life story of a famous castaway.
(nonfiction)
The Mutiny on the Bounty Patrick
O’Brien An illustrated account of the
rebellion of sailors on a British Navy ship
in 1787. (nonfiction)
Our Country's Presidents Ann Bausum
Provides comprehensive profiles of all our
presidents.
Paths to Peace Jane Breskin Zalben
Profiles of 16 world peacemakers, such as
Mahatma Gandhi, Anne Frank, and the
Dalai Lama. (nonfiction)
Sequoyah: The Cherokee Man Who
Gave His People Writing James Rumford
A biography of the Native American leader
who found a way to preserve his people’s
words. (nonfiction)
A River of Words: The Story of William
Carlos Williams Jen Bryant
A biography of the poet.
Shipwrecked! The True Adventures
of a Japanese Boy Rhoda Blumberg
After a terrible shipwreck left him cast
away, 14-year-old Manjiro became the
first Japanese person to set foot in the
United States. (nonfiction)
Whaam! The Art and Life of Roy
Lichtenstein Susan Goldman Rubin
A biography of the Pop artist and a look at
his comic book-inspired work. (nonfiction)
ship bound for Boston, Anthony thought he
had finally escaped slavery, but his owner
finds him. This is a true story.
Ancient Rome (DK Revealed) Peter
Chrisp Describes and depicts the people,
places, and events of Ancient Rome, from
the early days of the Republic through the
High Empire period and beyond. (nonfiction)
Anthony Burns: The Defeat and
Triumph of a Fugitive Slave
Virginia Hamilton After stowing away on a
ship bound for Boston, Anthony believes he is
free until his master finds him; does Anthony
remain free? This is a true story.
The Greek News Anton Powell & Philip
Steele
Presents a "special edition" of a
Greek newspaper that spans the years 1500
to 146 B.C. and contains articles about
history, politics, feasts, fashions, theater,
gods and wars. (nonfiction)
Egypt (Insiders series) Joyce Tyldesley
Get a glimpse inside the chambers of King
Tut's tomb, examine each layer of
mummification, and see the inner workings
of pyramid-building. (nonfiction)
Mummies: The Newest, Coolest &
Creepiest From Around the World
Shelley Tanaka
Discusses the latest
mummy finds from different cultures,
climates and time periods. (nonfiction)
The Roman News Andrew Langley
A "special edition" of a Roman newspaper,
with articles about Roman history, politics,
religion, fashion, food, and daily life,
spanning the years of the Roman Empire
from 753 B.C. to 476 A.D. (nonfiction)
HISTORICAL FICTION
A Gathering of Days Joan W. Blos
This is the journal (1830-320 of Catherine
Cabot Hall in which she writes of the
hardships of her pioneer life and her
personal struggles. (Newbery Medal winner)
Ancient Egypt: An Interactive History
Adventure Heather Adamson
Jump into a life from long ago! You choose
who to be, where to go, and what to do.
Chains Laurie Halse Anderson
It’s wartime in 1776 and Isabel, a slave,
is separated from her sister and forced
to work for a new mistress who is loyal
to England. How does her nightmare
turn into hope?
The Green Glass Sea Ellen Klages
The year is 1943, and both Dewey's dad
and Suze's parents are scientists working
on a secret "war work" project in Los
Alamos, New Mexico.
Hubert Invents the Wheel Claire
Montgmery A creative 15-year-old boy in
Ancient Sumeria invents the wheel, resulting
in many adventures, both humorous and
threatening.
The Liberation of Gabriel King K.L. Going
In Georgia in the summer of 1976, a white
boy who is being bullied and an African
American girl who is facing prejudice decide
to overcome their many fears together as
they enter 5th grade.
Looking for Marco Polo Alan Armstrong
When they lose touch with his father's Gobi
Desert expedition, Mark and his mother go
to Venice, Italy, where Mark learns about
the legendary Marco Polo and his adventures
in the Far East.
The Teacher’s Funeral Richard Peck
When Miss Myrt Arbuckle dies in 1904, a new
teacher (Russell’s worst nightmare) takes
over the rural Dakota school.
Also by Peck: A Year Down Under
The Thieves of Ostia Caroline Lawrence
Four young people set out to discover why
dogs are mysteriously dying in the Roman
port city of Ostia in 79 A.D. (The Roman
Mysteries, book 1.)
Time Cat Lloyd Alexander
The adventures of Jason and his cat, who
takes him through time into nine fantastic
lives.
HUMOR
The Big One-Oh Dean Pitchford
Chronicles Charley’s attempt to determine
a theme, bake a cake, and make enough
friends to celebrate turning 10.
Class Clown Johanna Hurwitz
Lucas Cott, the most outrageous boy
in the class, finds it hard to turn over
a new leaf when he decides to become
the perfect student.
The Eddie Dickens Trilogy: A House
Called Awful End Philip Ardagh
A silly story of an ill-fated boy who is
forcedto take part in a quest so
preposterous that it could only conclude
at A House Called Awful End.
Fudge Judy Blume
Follow Henry as he tries to relate to his
impossible younger brother Fudge.
Also: Superfudge
Punished David Lubar
When Logan doesn't apologize sincerely,
a mysterious gentleman punishes him by
causing him to speak in puns..
Three Rotten Eggs Gregory Maguire
The students of Miss Earth's class in rural
Vermont experience an eventful spring
when they become involved with a bully,
an egg hunt, and chicks.
What’s the Weather Inside?
Karma Wilson A collection of nonsensical
and commonsense poems.
Diary of a Wimpy Kid Jeff Kinney
Greg records his 6th-grade experiences
in a middle school where he and his
best friend, Rowley, hope just to survive.
First in a series.
Leaping Beauty and Other Animal
Fairy Tales Gregory Maguire
Twisted fairy tales, such as “The Three
Little Penguins and the Big Bad Walrus”
and “Cinder-Elephant,” that will make
you laugh.
Mudshark Gary Paulsen
When 65 erasers go missing, the
principal enlists the help of the school's
best problem solver and locator of lost
items, 12-year-old Lyle, known as
Mudshark.
My Rotten Life (Nathan Abercrombie,
Accidental Zombie, Bk. 1) David Lubar
Nathan agrees to try an experimental
formula and becomes a half-dead zombie,
a condition which, it turns out, has some
real advantages.
Jabberwocky
Lewis Carroll; adapted by Christopher
Myers
Takes a classic poem and puts
a new twist on it.
No Talking Andrew Clements
The noisy 5th-grade boys of Laketon
Elementary School challenge the
equally loud 5th-grade girls to a
"no talking" contest.
A Season of Gifts Richard Peck
When a new family moves in next
door to Grandma Dowdel, they discover
a neighbor with remarkable gifts to
share.
Whales on Stilts! M.T. Anderson
Racing against the clock, three students
must foil a plot to conquer the world using
an army of whales. First in M.T. Anderson’s
Thrilling Tales series.
Zoobreak Gordon Korman
After a class trip to a floating zoo where
animals are mistreated, Griffin Bing and
his band of misfits plan a rescue.
HUMOR—SERIES
The Dodgeball Chronicles
Frank Cammuso
Magic Pickle Scott Morse
Shredderman Wendelin van Draanen
Super Goofballs Peter Hannan
MYSTERY
The 13th Floor: A Ghost Story
Sid Fleischman
When his older sister disappears,
12-year-old Buddy follows her back in time
and finds himself aboard a 17th-century
pirate ship captained by a distant relative.
The Case of the Baker Street
Irregular Robert Newman
Brought to London under mysterious
circumstances, a boy seeks the help of
Sherlock Holmes when his tutor is
kidnapped.
Edgar Font’s Hunt for a House to
Haunt Patrick H.T. Doyle
On the day eccentric ex-adventurer,
Edgar Font dies he wants to haunt a
house as unique as he is.
Harriet the Spy Louise Fitzhugh
Harriet’s horrified when her secret
notebook is confiscated by her
classmates and read aloud! Now Harriet's
knee-deep in trouble as the tables are
turned on her.
The Mysterious Matter of I. M. Fine
Diane Stanley Noticing that a popular
series of horror novels is having a bizarre
effect on the behavior of its readers,
Franny and Beamer set out to find the
mysterious author.
Spiral-Bound Aaron Renier
The town citizens bond together over
the monster in the pond. (graphic novel)
The Case of the Case of Mistaken
Identity (Brixton Brothers, #1)
Mac Barnett
Steve must elude librarians,
police, and the mysterious Mr. E as he seeks
a missing quilt containing coded information.
The House With a Clock in its Walls
John Bellairs
A boy and his warlock uncle try to unlock
the mystery behind a clock hidden in the
walls of their old house.
The Maze of Bones (39 Clues)
Rick Riordan
Amy and Dan try to find
the lost source of their family's power by
decoding 39 clues throughout the world.
First in a series.
The Name of this Book is Secret
Pseudonymous Bosch
Two misfits try to solve the mystery of a
dead magician and stop the evil Dr. L and
Ms. Mauvais, who are searching for the
secret of immortality. Sequel:
If You’re Reading This, It’s Too Late.
Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money
Christopher Paul Curtis
When Mr. Chickee gives Steven--President
of The Future Detectives of Flint—
a quadrillion-dollar bill with a picture of
James Brown on it, he and his friends
must figure out the origin of the funny
money. Sequel: Mr. Chickee’s Messy
Mission.
The Puzzling World of Winston Breen
Eric Berlin Puzzle-crazy Winston and his
sister get involved in a dangerous mystery
involving a hidden ring. Puzzles for the
reader to solve are included.
Room One: A Mystery or Two
Andrew Clements
Ted Hammond,
the only sixth grader in his small
Nebraska town's one-room schoolhouse,
searches for clues to the disappearance
of a homeless family.
Scat Carl Hiaasen
Nick and his friend Marta decide to
investigate when a mysterious fire starts
near a Florida wildlife preserve and an
unpopular teacher goes missing.
STORY COLLECTIONS
The Dark Thirty Patricia Mckissack
These 10 spine-tinglers range from
straightup ghost stories to eerie
narratives.
Five-Minute Tales
Margaret Read MacDonald
Another delightful collection of
entertaining stories from around the
world to read or tell on any occasion.
Leaping Beauty: and Other Animal
Fairy Tales Gregory Maguire
In stories such as “Cinder Elephant” and
“The Three Little Penguins and the Big
Bad Walrus,” creates funny new versions
of old tales.
Strange Happenings: Five Tales of
Transformation Avi
In this short story collection, Avi offers
five fantastical tales, set in both
contemporary and fairy-tale lands, that
explore the notion of transformation.
Stories to Solve George Shannon
Brief folk tales in which there is a mystery
or problem for the reader to solve.
Also: More Stories to Solve ; Still More
Stories to Solve
Sword of the Samurai Eric Kimmel
Seven short stories about samurai warriors,
their way of life,
courage,
wit and
foolishness.
SPORTS
The Aurora County All Stars Deb Wiles
House Jackson can finally play ball after
year off.
MYSTERY—SERIES
Cabin Creek Mysteries Kristiana Gregory
Crime Through Time Bill Doyle
The Famous Five Enid Blyton
Ghosthunters Cornelia Funke
Spy Mice Heather Vogel Frederick
Two-Minute Mysteries Donald J. Sobol
Baseball Top Ten James Buckley
A collection of top ten lists about baseball,
covering such topics as most career
strikeouts and highest percentage of Hall
of Fame votes received. Also: Super
Shortstops; World Series; World
Series Heroes (nonfiction)
Long Ball: The Legend and Lore of
the Home Run
Mark Stewart & Mike Kennedy
Traces the history of the home run in
Major League baseball. (nonfiction)
One-Handed Catch M.J. Auch
After losing his hand in an accident,
Norman uses hard work and humor to
learn to live with his disability and to
succeed at baseball, art, and other
activities.
Sports Hall of Weird Kevin Sylvester
Strange and sometimes gross moments
in sports. (nonfiction)
Sports Illustrated Year in Sports
Scholastic Reference
A sports almanac for fans.
The Warriors Joseph Bruchac
Jake has left the reservation for private
school, where everyone loves lacrosse,
but no one knows like Jake does, as an
Iroquois. (fiction)
And Nobody Got Hurt! The World's
Weirdest, Wackiest True Sports Stories
Len Berman
Crazy and amazing sports
moments from around the world, including
baseball, football, basketball, hockey, golf,
tennis, bicycling and bullfighting.
The Batboy Mike Lupica
Even though his mother feels baseball
ruined her marriage to his father, she
allows Brian to become a bat boy for the
Detroit Tigers, who have just drafted
his favorite player back onto the team.
Great Moments in Basketball History
Matt Christopher
A look back at more than 15 of the sport's
best moments, the superstar players that
made them, and the teams that they
played for. (nonfiction)
Football Genius Tim Green
Troy has a gift for predicting football plays
before they occur and attempts to use his
ability to help his favorite team, the Atlanta
Falcons, but he must first prove himself to
the coach and players.
How Angel Peterson Got His Name
Gary Paulsen
Paulsen attempted some wild and funny
stunts growing up in a small Minnesota
town, from trying to break the world speed
record on skis to hang gliding with an army
surplus target kite. (nonfiction)
The Prince of Fenway Park
Julianna Baggott
Oscar, age 12, must break the curse of
the Red Sox and free the Cursed
Creatures of Fenway Park as well in this
fantasy sports tale.
Ray and Me: A Baseball Card
Adventure
Dan Gutman
Stosh travels back in time to try to save
Ray Chapman, a batter who was killed by
a pitch in New York in 1920.
S.O.R. Losers Avi
When a misfit group of non-jocks form
a soccer team, they try for an all-losing
season.
Sports Camp Rich Wallace
Despite being the smallest kid at camp,
Riley is determined to win the mile-long
swimming race--isn't the giant snapping
turtle just a legend?
Tiger (The Five Ancesters series) Jeff Stone
When a temple is destroyed in 17th-century
China, young warrior-monks must use their
kung fu skills to retrieve ancient scrolls.
Top of the Order John Coy
Four very different friends must deal with
a new member of their baseball teama girl.
Two Hot Dogs With Everything
Paul Haven Although everyone credits
Danny and his superstitions for the
Slugger’s first winning streak in 108
baseball seasons, he believes that his
discovery of a secret from the team’s
past may be the real reason behind the
ball club’s success.
Two-Minute Drill Mike Lupica
Brainy Scott, a great kicker who otherwise
struggles with football, and a star
quarterback Chris, who has dyslexia,
team up to help each other succeed
in both football and school.
SPORTS SERIES
At the Plate With... Matt Christopher
Barnstormers Loren Long & Phil Bildner
Baseball Card Adventures Dan Gutman
Legends in Sports Matt Christopher
National Geographic Extreme Sports
On the Court With... Matt Christopher
Super Sports Stars (series) Stew Thornley
Winning Season (series) Rich Wallace
THE WORLD AROUND YOU - SCIENCE AND
NATURE
Animal Giants: What Kids Really
Want to Know About Giant Animals
Sara Louise Kras Cool facts about the
biggest creatures, from blue whales to
giant bugs. (nonfiction)
Bright Ideas Ann Rossi
A description of the many ideas from the
Age of Invention in America. (nonfiction)
Car Science Richard Hammond
Diagrams, cutaways, computer graphics,
and text offer an illustrated examination
of how cars work. (nonfiction)
Cool Stuff 2.0 and How It Works
John Woodcock
For the hippest
technophiles... (nonfiction)
Crafty Inventions (series) Gerry Bailey
Provides a history of inventions as well
as experiments or make-and-do projects
for each item. Also: Health and
Medicine; Modern Times; Middle Ages;
Weapons and War (nonfiction)
Do Not Open John Farndon
A colorful book filled with mysteries,
illusions, hoaxes, and explanations of
secret systems and complexes.
(nonfiction)
Earthquakes Judith Bloom Fradin
Explains the science of earthquakes,
explores some of history's worst disasters,
and explains how earthquakes could be
predicted.
Extreme Animals: The Toughest
Creatures on Earth Nicola Davies
Much of the life on earth thrives in
conditions that humans could not endure
for five minutes or less. (nonfiction)
Go Figure! A Totally Cool Book About
Numbers Johnny Ball
A collection of math activities that include
brainteasers, magic tricks, and mindreading games. (nonfiction)
Hip Hop Speaks to Children: A
Celebration of Poetry With a Beat
edited by Nikki Giovanni
The Human Machine: An Owner's
Guide to the Body Richard Walker
Looks at the body as a machine with
different parts and mechanical systems.
(nonfiction)
How We Know What We Know About
Our Changing Climate: Scientists and
Kids Explore Global Warming
Lynne Cherry
An introduction to the science behind
environmental headlines.
Little Lions, Bull Baiters, & Hunting
Hounds Jeff Crosby & Shelly Ann Jackson
A fascinating look at the groups that have
developed—hunting, herding, working,
and companion—as humans bred dogs .
(nonfiction)
Look! Zooming in On Art Gillian Wolfe
Terrific examinations of various artworks.
Also: Look! Seeing the Light in Art:
Look! Body Language in Art
Mars and the Search for Life Elaine
Scott Find out how scientists are
investigating whether life ever existed
on Mars. (nonfiction)
Pocket Babies and Other amazing
Marsupials Sneed Collard
Terrific introduction to these pocket-ed
creatures. (nonfiction)
Poop: A Natural History of the
Unmentionable Nicola Davies
A humorous but informative book about
dung in the animal kingdom. Award
winner. (nonfiction)
Science on the Loose: Amazing
Activities and Science Facts You'll
Never Believe Helaine Becker
A guide to many science activities which
will help you answer those wild questions
you may have about how the world works.
The Story of Salt Mark Kurlansky (nonfiction)
Uses salt as the lens through which to
present a new perspective on history.
Stomp Rockets, Catapults, and
Kaleidoscopes: 30+ Amazing Science
Projects You Can Build for Less than
$1 Curt Gabrielson
The title says it all... plunge in for some
fun! (nonfiction)
Transformed: How Everyday Things
Are Made Bill Slavin
This lively presentation looks at how 69
familiar items are made. (nonfiction)
What Darwin Saw: The Journey That
Changed the World Rosalyn Schanzer
Tells about young Darwin's experiences
traveling the world on the HMS Beagle,
using the naturalist's own journals.
Animals and Habitats of the United
States Jeff Corwin
A look at four
unique American ecosystems: Yellowstone,
the Sonoran Desert, Monterey Bay in
California, and the Florida Everglades.
fts(nonfiction)
The Frog Scientist Pamela S. Turner
Tyrone Hayes works to discover the effects
pesticides have on frogs and, in turn, us.
(nonfiction)
Dangerous Planet: Natural Disasters
that Changed History Bryn Barnard
Describes nine events, ranging from a
devastating asteroid hit 65 million years
ago to the winds that foiled invasions of
Japan in 1274 and 1281 and the possible
impact of global warming today.
Earth in the Hot Seat: Bulletins from
a Warming World Marfe Ferguson Delano
Uses a visual, magazine-like format to
explain the dangers and challenges of
global warming.
Mistakes that Worked Charlotte Jones
The stories of 40 items that were invented or
named by accident, including aspirin, X-rays,
Frisbees, Silly Putty, and Velcro.
The Whale Scientists: Solving the
Mystery of Whale Strandings
Fran Hodgkins
Discusses the history of whales and how
scientists are trying to find out why there
are whale strandings. (nonfiction)
What’s Eating You? Parasites - - The
Inside Story Nicola Davies
Explains in text and pictures the secrets of
parasites’ amazing life cycles and how hosts
fight back. (nonfiction)
Inventions (Insiders series)
Glenn Murphy A colorful survey of great
inventions through time, from the wheel
to the clock, the printing press, trains,
planes, rockets, computers and more.
(nonfiction)
Rain Forests (Insiders series) Richard C.
Vogt
A beautifully illustrated introduction
to a habitat in crisis and the creatures that
live there. (nonfiction)
Robots from Everyday to Out of This
World Editors of Yes Magazine
Introduces robots that defuse bombs, assist
surgeons, explore Mars, and kick soccer
balls. (nonfiction)
Wild Animals in Captivity
Rob Laidlaw
Should wild animals be kept in captivity?
(nonfiction)
Charlie’s Raven Jean Craighead George
Charlie’s friend Singing Bird, a Teton Sioux,
tells him that ravens have curing powers, so
Charlie steals a baby raven from its nest
hoping that it will make his sick granddad
better.