Be kind to our environment. Please do not print out the entire list.
THE CABINET OF CURIOSITIES: 36 TALES BRIEF & SINISTER (Chiller)
A collection of thirty-six forty eerie and mysterious and very short stories by four different authors. The Cabinet of Curiosities is perfect for anyone who enjoys truly creepy tales.
Alexander, Kwame.
THE CROSSOVER (Realistic Fiction)
Fourteen-year-old twin basketball stars Josh and Jordan have always been close, super close — until one of them develops a new interest in girls. They struggle to remain best siblings and buddies on and off the basketball court and have to deal with the fact that their father’s health is declining. Told in thythmic and skillfully crafted short poems, the story, character, and emotions all ring true. (2015 Newbery Award winner)
Bell, Cece.
EL DEAFO (Memoir, Graphic Novel)
Cece Bell, author and artist, recounts in delightful panel art and witty dialog and internal monologue her experiences with hearing loss at a young age, including using a bulky hearing aid, learning how to lip read, and determining her “superpower.”
Holm, Jennifer.
THE FOURTEENTH GOLDFISH (Fantasy)
Eleven-year-old Ellie misses fifth grade, she misses her old best friend, and she even misses her dearly departed goldfish. Then one day a strange boy shows up. He’s bossy and cranky and weirdly looks like Ellie’s grandfather, a scientist who’s always been obsessed with immortality. Could this odd boy really be Grandpa Melvin who finally found the secret to eternal youth?
Palacio, R.J.
THE JULIAN CHAPTER: A WONDER STORY (Realistic Fiction)
Julian is a character who gave Auggie a hard time from the beloved book, WONDER. While WONDER told Auggie’s story through six different viewpoints, Julian’s perspective was never shared. Until now. Readers can finally discover what Julian thought and how he felt every step of the way!
Preus, Margi.
WEST OF THE MOON (Historical Fiction)
Set in 19th-century Norway, this story follows the misadventures of fourteen-year-old Astri, who was sold by her aunt as a servant girl to a mean goat keeper and who wants to go to America to find her father.
Rodkey, Geoff.
THE TAPPER TWINS GO TO WAR: WITH EACH OTHER (Humorous Stories)
This hilarious tale features twelve-year-old fraternal twins, Claudia and Reese, who are each other’s best frenemy and both want to come out on top in a “prank war!” But, when the situation gets really serious, the twins have to decide if it is worth the price to try to destroy each other.
de Fombelle, Timothée; translated by Sarah Ardizzone.
VANGO: BETWEEN SKY AND EARTH (Thriller)
A mysterious and athletic young man who, after surviving a shipwreck as an infant, lived on a small island until his home was invaded and his loved ones threatened. Vango’s heart-pounding adventures (around the time when World War II was about to begin,) took him to the many places, including an airship, a hidden monastery, and a posh hotel in New York City.
Ryan, Pam Muñoz.
ECHO (Fantasy)
Lost and alone in a forbidden forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself entwined in a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica. Decades later, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California all become interwoven when the very same harmonica lands in their lives.
Yang, Gene Luen.
AVATAR: THE RIFT (Fantasy, Graphic Novel)
In this 3rd installment of the AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER graphic novel, Avatar Aang and his friends confront an ancient spirit determined to destroy a town on land sacred to the Air Nomads. The Earth and Metal bender Toph and Aang find themselves on opposing sides in a battle of ideals.
Kiernan, Celine.
INTO THE GREY (Chiller)
After a fire destroyed their home, twins Dom and Pat moved to an isolated seashore cottage. There, they encounter a strange and sad boy, possibly a ghost. After a while, Pat realizes that Dom is possibly possessed or even dying and only he can help by finding clues in the “other world” in his dreams.
Jones, Kelly.
UNUSUAL CHICKENS FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL POULTRY FARMER (Humorous Stories)
Twelve-year-old Sophie Brown moves into the farm the family inherited from a great-uncle and finds a roost of unusual chickens with super powers. When a respected local farmer tries to steal them, Sophie must find a way to keep them and their superpowers safe. Told in a series of letters, quizzes, doodles, etc., this is a delightful and unusual new book to enjoy.
Compestine, Ying Chang.
SECRETS OF THE TERRA-COTTA SOLDIER (Fantasy)
Ming’s father is an archaeologist who is exiled to the countryside during the Cultural Revolution. When an imperial tomb is discovered in the village, Ming discovers a magical clay soldier who tells stories about ancient China while helping Ming to deal with the struggles in life.
Woodson, Jacqueline.
BROWN GIRL DREAMING (Memoir, Poetry)
In this verse memoir, vivid poems capture the joy of finding her own voice through writing stories and reflect on what it was like to grow up African American in the 1960s and 1970s Brooklyn, New York and Greenville, South Carolina. (2015 Newbery Honor book)
REALISTIC AND HISTORICAL FICTION
Applegate, Katherine.
THE ONE AND ONLY IVAN
Ivan, the show Gorilla at Big Top Mall near Exit 8, tells his story of captivity and his yearning to be freed from the cage in simple and wise words. Ivan’s story is inspired by true events and will warm any reader’s heart. This is the 2013 Newbery Award winner!
Avi.
CRISPIN: THE CROSS OF LEAD
After his mother’s death, Asta’s son, the nameless boy, found out that he not only had a name, but a noble one, too. He also found that his life was in danger, being wanted for dead of a crime he did not commit. While running for his life, he encounters Bear, a juggler with a secret and dangerous mission. This exciting, fast paced story set in 14th century England is the 2003 Newbery Winner.
Burnett, Frances H.
THE SECRET GARDEN
A lonely orphan girl comes to live with her uncle in England, discovers a secret garden, and finds friends and happiness. THE LITTLE PRINCESS is another excellent title.
Choldenko, Gennifer.
AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS.
12-year-old Moose just moved to Alkatraz, a high security prison, where his father works. Set in the 1930s when Al Capone, the famous mobster, was imprisoned there, Moose’s adventures are both hilarious and heart-warming, especially when he has to protect his older sister who has autism.
Cummings, Priscilla.
A FACE FIRST
12-year-old Kelley was horribly burned in an accident in the car driven by her mother. This thought-provoking novel allows the readers a glimpse into the painful process of rehabilitation of burn victims. An element of mystery gives another layer of intensity to the story.
Curtis, Christopher Paul.
BUD, NOT BUDDY
Bud, 10, is on the run from the orphanage and from yet another mean foster family. His mother died when he was 6 and he wants to find his father. Set in Michigan during the Great Depression, this story is told with a lot of humor and warmth. This is the 2000 Newbery Award winner. Curtis’s THE WATSONS GO TO BIRMINGHAM, 1963 is also excellent.
Curtis, Christopher Paul.
THE MIGHTY MISS MALONE
During the Depression era, 12-year-old Deza Malone, a star student, loving daughter and sister, and an aspiring writer, had to face many harsh truths in life: extreme poverty, a missing (presumed dead) father, and a big brother who didn’t seem to have much common sense. Full of spirit and creativity, the mighty Deza helped her family get through the tough time and found light and joy in the darkest hours.
Cushman, Karen
CATHERINE, CALLED BIRDY
Catherine, the daughter of an impoverished knight, is in her fourteenth year when she begins a record of her daily life. Her diary of the year 1290 provides a revealing, amusing, and vivid picture of both Catherine’s thoughts and Medieval life.
DiCamillo, Kate.
FLORA AND ULYSSES: THE ILLUMINATED ADVENTURES (Humorous)
When a powerful vacuum cleaner turned a common squirrel (Ulysses) into a flying, poetry-writing super-squirrel, Flora, the girl who just moved into the neighborhood finds uncommon friendships with the squirrel and the blind boy next door. This book won the 2014 Newbery Award for most distinguished American children’s book of the year.
Draper, Sharon.
OUT OF MY MIND
10 year-old Melody has never spoken a word. She has a brilliant mind trapped inside an uncontrollable body suffering from cerebral palsy and yet, she is full of insights and never gives up. With the support and help of her loving family and a special teacher, Melody fights against the odds and triumphs.
Federle, Tim.
BETTER NATE THAN EVER
Nate Foster, a boy from small town Jankburg, Pennsylvania, only ever wants to be a STAR in a Broadway Musical in this humorous account of his escapades. Will his passion, his strong will, and his friend Libby be able to propel him onto the big stage when an open casting call for E.T.: The Musical offers him the chance of a lifetime?
Feiffer, Jules.
THE MAN IN THE CEILING
The failures and triumphs of the family of a young cartoonist are told through text and comic strips by renown humorist Jules Feiffer.
Fine, Anne
THE TULIP TOUCH
When Natalie’s hotel-manager father moves the family into the sprawling Palace, Natalie makes friends with a strange and lonely girl, Tulip. Tulip monopolizes Anne and invents unpleasant games that eventually turn dangerous over the years.
Fitzhugh, Louise.
HARRIET THE SPY
The thoughts and notebooks of a young girl who lives in New York City, is unhappy when her nurse leaves, and “spies” and writes about her classmates.
Fitzmaurice, Kathryn.
A DIAMOND IN THE DESERT
In early 1940s, many Japanese Americans were forced to leave their homes to live in large relocation centers (internment camps). Testu Kishi, 12, had to get on the bus with his mother and sister to Gila River Camp, leaving behind their dog, his beloved baseball team, and his father, who was detained for question. In the following years, Tetsu had to combat the humiliation, sorrow, and lack of resources with dignity, hope, and his love of baseball.
George, Jean Craighead.
JULIE OF THE WOLVES
Alone and lost in the Alaskan wilderness without food or a compass, Julie is accepted by a pack of wolves who help her struggle to survive.
Giff, Patricia Reilly.
PICTURES OF HOLLIS WOODS.
12-year-old Hollis Woods has been sent to one foster home after another all her life. She is an amazing artist. With descriptions of her drawings, Hollis tells a moving story of a deeply bonding relationship with her newest foster mother, artist Josie, and her dream of a perfect family.
Green, Tim.
FOOTBALL GENIUS
12-year-old Troy’s uncanny ability to predict upcoming football plays landed him a job as a “secret weapon” for the Atlanta Falcons. Lots of NFL insider information from a former NFL player. This summer, also look for FOOTBALL HERO and other sports novels by this author.
Greenwald, Lisa.
MY LIFE IN PINK AND GREEN
In this funny and sweet story, Lucy Desberg’s tries to save her family’s struggling drugstore by running a successful makeover business. The sequels are MY SUMMER OF PINK AND GREEN and PINK AND GREEN IS THE NEW BLACK.
Hiassen, Carl.
SCAT
Like HOOT and FLUSH, SCAT is another humorous, environmentally conscious, and quick-paced mystery, set in Florida. Another favorite title by the same author is CHOMP featuring gators, gator wranglers, reality survival TV shows, and friends who help each other in time of crisis.
Kadohata, Cynthia.
THE THING ABOUT LUCK
When a family emergency took her parents away back to Japan, Summer spends her vacation working as a cook for wheat harvesters. She tries to please her old-fashioned and demanding grandparents, helps her friendless little brother fit in, and experiences her first romance and heartache. This is the 2013 National Book Award winner.
Konigsburg, E.L.
FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER
Claudia knows she has to run away, but grubby hideouts are not her style. The Metropolitan Museum of Art has all the elegance she wants – and much, much more.
Konigsburg, E.L.
THE VIEW FROM SATURDAY
This is a comic novel about four students who develop a special bond and attract the attention of their teacher, a paraplegic. She chooses them to represent their sixth-grade class and compete in the Academic Bowl. The 1997 Newbery Winner.
Lai, Thanhha.
INSIDE OUT AND BACK AGAIN
In sparse and evocative verse, author Thanhha Lai retells her childhood experiences of the dangerous journey escaping the war-torn and politically dangerous Vietnam and finding her place and a second home in the United States with her family.
Levine, Gail Carson.
DAVE AT NIGHT
Dave becomes an orphan and is sent to the Hebrew Home for Boys (or Hell Hole of Brats.) He never stops trying to escape and, sneaking out at night, he meets a mysterious old man who introduces him to a different life and world. He also becomes best buddies with other orphan boys.
Lin, Grace.
YEAR OF THE DOG
Frustrated at her seeming lack of talent for anything, a young Taiwanese American girl sets out to apply the lessons of the Chinese Year of the Dog, those of making best friends and finding oneself, to her own life. YEAR OF THE RAT is a 2008 follow-up of Pacy’s story.
Lupica, Mike.
HEAVY HITTERS
In the first game of the all-star games, Ben gets hit by a pitch that really upsets him. Not to mention that Justin, the best hitter on the team, is acting oddly and performs unevenly on the field. As Justin’s teammate, Ben decides to help Justin with his hidden family problem. Sports story fans will also enjoy: BATBOY, SHOOT OUT, HEAT, and many other titles.
Lyons, Mary.
LETTERS FROM A SLAVE GIRL
A fictionalized version of the life of Harriet Jacobs, told in the form of letters that she might have written during her slavery in North Carolina and as she prepared for escape to the North in 1842.
Martin, Anne and Danziger, Paula.
P.S. LONGER LETTER LATER: A NOVEL IN LETTERS
Elizabeth and Tara*Starr are best friends. When Elizabeth moves away before their junior high years, they start corresponding and reporting to each other their respective lives in detail via letters. The sequel is SNAIL MAIL NO MORE.
Mass, Wende.
A MANGO-SHAPED SPACE
Living with Synethesia (a mental condition that connects the five senses in unusual ways,) 13-year-old Mia sees colors in every letter of the alphabet, every number, and every note of music and feels alone and a complete outsider until she finds out that there are plenty of others in the world who share the same condition and experiences.
McKay, Hilary.
SAFFY’S ANGEL
Saffy finds out at the beginning of this humorous story that she was adopted into this very loving but quirky family of artists. She becomes obsessed with the idea to search for an angel statue in Italy which she remembers from the toddler days with her mother. This is the first in a 5-book series.
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds.
ALICE IN RAPTURE SORT-OF
The summer of 12 year old Alice is filled with excitement, including going on a first date with her best friend. Always entertaining and enlightening, this and the first book in the series, THE AGONY OF ALICE and the many sequels have been favorites of middle school students.
Nicholls, Sally.
WAYS TO LIVE FOREVER
“My name is Sam. I am eleven years old. I collect stories and fantastic facts. I have leukemia. By the time you read this, I will probably be dead.” This moving story about a terminally ill boy who tries to live his remaining days to the fullest and thus leaving a mark forever will make you cry but also have so many hilarious scenes that will make you laugh and admire Sam and his friend Felix for their vibrant minds.
Palacio, R.J.
WONDER
When home-schooled Auggie goes to school for the first time (in fifth grade,) he has a lot to adjust to. First, there are the stares and shocked faces all around him due to his facial deformity. Then, there are other unexpected disappointments and delights with new friends and altered relationships at home. Authentically told from many different perspectives, WONDER gives us a brave and funny young hero who faces life’s obstacles with gusto and with support from those who love him.
Paterson, Katherine.
BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA
Jess meets a neighbor girl named Leslie who leads him to the magical world of imagination. This power of imagination also helps him get through one of the most terrible things that will happen to him.
Paulsen, Gary
BRIAN’S WINTER (Companion book to HATCHET)
Instead of being rescued from a plane crash, as in the author’s book HATCHET, this story portrays what would have happened to Brian had he been forced to survive a winter in the wilderness with only his survival pack and hatchet.
Philbrick, W.R.
FREAK THE MIGHTY
At the beginning of eighth grade, Max, a slow learner who is HUGE for his age and his new friend Freak, whose birth defect has affected his body but not his brilliant mind, find that when combining forces they make a powerful team.
Preller, James.
SIX INNINGS
James Preller poured much of his passion for the game into a finely crafted story set in just ONE little league game: 6 innings, character sketches of 12 players of one visiting team. The format is a play-by-play report of the BIG game, but it is more than mere reporting. Readers will fall in love with the game, and further understand its relationship with the greater picture of Life.
Rylant, Cynthia
MISSING MAY
An eccentric cast of characters provide the focal point for this moving story, which grapples with the most important questions of all: Why do people die, and how do the survivors go on?
Sachar, Louis.
HOLES
Stanley Yelnats (his name is a palindrome) is accused of stealing a baseball player’s sneakers so he is sent to a “camp” in the middle of the desert where he has to dig holes five-foot by five-foot by five-foot every day. He meets a boy named Zero. Together they try to escape the sinister warden and her cronies.
Selznick, Brian.
WONDERSTRUCK
When Ben’s mother died, his chance of finding out his true identity, including who his father was, became exceedingly small. When he discovered a potential clue, Ben followed it even though it meant that he had to travel from Michigan to New York City by himself in his deaf state, and did not know exactly how to proceed. Little by little, the mystery unfolds in this stunningly illustrated tale of two people with their own stories fifty years apart and yet closely connected.
Speare, Elizabeth
THE WITCH OF BLACKBIRD POND
Kit, an orphan from Barbados, comes to live with her relatives in the Colony of Connecticut. When she befriends an old woman accused of witchcraft, Kit gets drawn into the hysteria of the great witch hunt.
Spinelli, Jerry.
JAKE AND LILY
Jake and Lily are twins and they have a secret that binds them even stronger together: their telepathic connection with each other, to feel each other’s feelings and sense each other’s surroundings. But in the summer of their 11th birthday, things are not the same. They are growing apart and losing their special bond. Lily is desperate to reconnect while Jake would rather spend the summer with the pack of boys who find great pleasure in picking on others.
Spinelli, Jerry.
MANIAC MAGEE
Funny and fantastic, Maniac Magee is the fastest runner in town. He’s even better at showing people how to get along with one another.
Stead, Rebecca.
LIAR AND SPY
7th grader Georges (the S is silent) has to move to a new apartment because his father lost his job and his mother has to work extra shifts at the hospital. Georges is left to make friends with a boy, Safer, upstairs and receives cryptic and sometimes dangerous “assignments” to spy on a supposed murderer who lives in their building.
Weeks, Sarah.
SO B. IT!
Heidi’s mother suffers from severe mental illness and only knows 23 words. By chance, Heidi finds a clue in the drawer one day and that sets off her quest for her mother’s and her own true identities.
Williams-Garcia, Rita.
P.S. BE ELEVEN
Back to Brooklyn from the summer with their mother and the Black Panthers (as told in the first book of this historical fiction series, ONE CRAZY SUMMER, 11-year-old Delphine had to face many challenges: from dealing with her father’s new girlfriend, shocked by an uncle changed by the Vietnam War, to adjusting to her two little sisters’ increased independence, not to mention other more pressing issues: starting sixth grade, being the tallest girl in her class, and the upcoming school dance! The third book is GONE CRAZY IN ALABAMA.
Wilson, Jacqueline
DOUBLE ACT
Written in two but interlaced voices of a pair of identical twins, this is an amusing story about how Ruby and Garnet learn to grow apart but still remain best friends with each other. Some of the capers they get themselves into (going to London to be auditioned for a TV show, for example) are funny and memorable. Other titles by this witty author you might enjoy are: BAD GIRLS, THE LOTTIE PROJECT, THE SUITCASE KID, and ELSA, STAR OF THE SHELTER.
Woodson, Jacqueline
LOCOMOTION
In this verse novel, Lonnie Collins Motion (LoCoMotion) tells with crystal clarity how life is like after losing his parents in a tragic fire, living with a foster mother, and missing his little sister who is sent to stay with a different foster family. The sequel, told in a series of letters, is PEACE, LOCOMOTION where Lonnie encounters a foster brother who has been wounded during the Iraqi war and suffers from psychological damages.
SCIENCE FICTION
Asimov, Isaac.
FOUNDATION (series)
In this classic science fiction tale, the Foundations are created by Hari Seldon to preserve human culture after the collapse of the first galactic empire. The series follows the developments as the Foundations struggle to survive and fulfill the mission.
Card, Orson Scott.
ENDER’S GAME and ENDER’S SHADOW (two series)
In these two companion stories, Ender and Bean are two brilliant young children who are given the burden of saving humanity from the invading alien force. Action packed, these two titles are thoughtful and deal with human nature in a profound fashion. (These books do not shy away from using realistic, and sometimes, offensive language or dealing with tough and rough situations. More suitable for older and more mature readers.)
Carman, Patrick
ATHERTON: THE HOUSE OF POWER (series)
This is an exciting adventure story set in a strange world that is in the process of collapsing. Edgar, a lonely boy and a gifted climber, discovers all kinds of secrets and mysterious history of the only home he’d ever known.
DuPrau, Jeanne
THE CITY OF EMBER (series)
It is the year 241 in the City of Ember. People are getting really desperate; the canned food supply which was believed to be endless is shrinking rapidly; the generator for electricity that is the only source of light for the entire city is faltering. 12-year-old Lina and Doon are determined to find a way out of Ember and save the City.
Falkner, Brian.
BRAIN JACK
In a near-future New York City, fourteen-year-old computer genius Sam Wilson manages to hack into the AT&T network and sets off a chain of events that have a profound effect on human activity throughout the world.
Farmer, Nancy.
THE EAR, THE EYE, AND THE ARM
Tendai is a boy who lives in Zimbabwe in 2194. His father General Matsika forbids him to leave his house. However, Tendai steals away with his brother and sister. In the city he is kidnapped by gangsters and wakes up in the land of the Ear, the Eye, and the Arm – three mutants with super powers who will help Tendai to avoid evils of the past and technology of the future to return home.
Haddix, Margaret Peterson.
AMONG THE HIDDEN (Shadow Children series)
In a future U.S., when every family can only have two children, Luke, 12, the third boy in his farming family, has been hidden since birth, safe for the time being from the Population Police. Will Luke be able to change his world with the help of an underground organization?
Haddix, Margaret Peterson.
FOUND (The Missing series)
When Jonah and Chip, who are both adopted, learn they were discovered on a plane that appeared out of nowhere, full of babies with no adults on board, they realize that they have uncovered a mystery involving time travel and two opposing forces, each trying to repair the fabric of time. There are eight books in the series, including SENT, SABOTAGED, TORN, etc.
L’Engle, Madeleine.
A WRINKLE IN TIME (series)
Meg Murry, along with her brother and a good friend, embark on a journey through space and time, accompanied by a mysterious midnight visitor. Their quest is to find (and rescue?) Meg’s father, a physicist who disappeared while experimenting with time travel. The sequels are A WIND IN THE DOOR, A SWIFTLY TILTING PLANET, and MANY WATERS.
O’Brien, Robert C.
MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH
Mrs. Frisby, the widowed mouse, has a terrible situation and she has nowhere to turn to but the super-rats who keep to themselves. A 1972 Newbery Winner.
Oppel, Kenneth.
AIRBORN and SKYBREAKER
Matt, a cabin boy aboard a luxury airship, saves a dying balloonist whose ship has been damaged. The balloonist’s last words are about beautiful, winged creatures. One year later, the granddaughter of the balloonist takes passage on the airship, hoping to find the mysterious creatures. The third book, STARCLIMBER, was published in February 2009.
Paulsen, Gary.
THE TRANSALL SAGA
While backpacking in the desert, thirteen-year-old Mark falls into a tube of blue light and is transported to a more primitive world. He must use his knowledge and skills to survive.
Reeve, Philip.
MORTAL ENGINES (The Hungry Cities series)
In this original and fast-paced science fiction, set in a post-apocalypse future, cities of the world move around on tractor treads pursuing and scavenging each other.
Rex, Adam.
THE TRUE MEANING OF SMEKDAY
When her mother is abducted by aliens on Christmas Eve (or “Smekday” Eve since the Boov invasion), twelve-year-old Tip hops in the family car and heads south to find her and meets an alien Boov mechanic who agrees to help her and save the planet from disaster. Inventive and full of witty remarks and observations.
Sanderson, Stead, Rebecca.
WHEN YOU REACH ME
12-year-old Miranda has received some really odd notes from “You” and she knows that when “you” reaches her, something life-changing will happen to her.
Vande Velde, Vivian
HEIR APPARENT
Giannine, trapped in the mal-functioning virtual reality game of Heir Apparent, has to win the game before her body deteriorates and she dies. The game, set in a magical, medieval time, demands that she makes alliances with the right people, slays a dragon, solves riddles, and many other tasks. This page-turner is filled with true danger and humor on the side. A wonderful summer read.
Walden, Mark.
H.I.V.E.: Higher Institute of Villainous Education (series)
Summary: When they are swept away to a hidden academy for training evil geniuses, Otto, a brilliant orphan; Wing, a sensitive warrior; Laura, a shy computer specialist; and Shelby, an infamous jewel thief, plot to beat the odds and escape.
Wells, H.G.
THE WAR OF THE WORLDS
The Martians are landing on earth! They’ve already destroyed London. Who or what can stop them from taking over the whole world? This classic story brings the hysteria and madness of a nightmare to life.
Westerfeld, Scott.
LEVIATHAN (series)
This science fiction takes place in an alternate Europe at the beginning of the 20th century. The countries are at war but one group of countries use mechanical weapons that are like Transformers and the other countries utilize genetically engineered, half machine, half animal composite weaponry. Many intriguing events bring Austrian Prince Alek and airman Deryn Sharp (a girl in disguise) together into exciting adventures. The sequels are GOLIATH and BEHEMOTH.
FANTASY
Alexander, Lloyd.
PRYDAIN CHRONICLES (five books)
The first title in the Chronicles of Prydain is THE BOOK OF THREE, in which Taran, Assistant Pig-Keeper of Prydain becomes involved in a hazardous mission to save his country from the forces of evil.
Alexander, William.
GOBLIN SECRETS
The City of Zombay is home to many fantastic creatures. The witch Graba keeps a group of urchins to do her bidding. One of them is Rownie, who runs away to join the Goblin Theater group and to search for his missing older brother Rowan. The many mysterious powers of the witch and the Goblins are entertwined with the fate of Zombay and Rownie/Rowan might be the only people who could save the whole town.
Barron, T.A.
THE LOST YEARS OF MERLIN (series)
A boy named Emrys finds himself washed up from the sea, almost dead. He doesn’t remember anything about himself. When he grows up and finally decides to seek his fortune far way, he lands in Fincayra and meets new friends. He has to solve the riddle of the Land of the Giants and eventually learns his true identity and his true power.
Barry, Dave.
PETER AND THE STARCATCHERS (series)
This adventurous story tells how Peter Pan became the boy-who-never-dies and how he and Captain Hook became mortal enemies.
Baum, L. Frank.
THE WIZARD OF OZ (series)
The adventure of a girl in a magical new world called OZ you have probably seen the movie but you don’t know the book.
Collins, Suzanne.
GREGOR THE OVERLANDER (series)
Gregor, a New York City boy, and his toddler sister, Boots, encounter a world of unlikely creatures: humans who have been underground for six hundred years and have become pale and purple-eyed; gigantic roaches who are helpers and enormous rats who will destroy their enemies at all cost! This series (five books altogether) offers both thrilling adventures and a thoughtful look at wars and relationships between different peoples.
Cooper, Susan
OVER SEA, UNDER STONE (series)
The first of THE DARK IS RISING series in which the three Drew children find an ancient map in the attic and begin the search for a grail that will reveal the true story of King Arthur, and entrap them in a battle between the forces of Light and the forces of Dark. (Continue the series if you like the first one.)
Corder, Zizou.
LIONBOY trilogy
A mother/daughter team co-wrote this fast-paced thrilling tale. Charlie Ashanti runs away from his kidnapper and goes on a grand adventure trying to rescue his parents who were also kidnapped. On his way, Charlie, who can speak Cat, joins a floating grand circus and receives help from a host of alley cats, as well as lions and humans.
Cottrell Boyce, Frank.
MILLIONS
In this sweet, fast-paced, funny novel set in England, fourth-grader Damien Cunningham and his older brother, Anthony, ponder what to do after a big bag of furnace-bound, pre-Euro pound notes is hurled from a train and lands at Damien’s feet.
Deutsch, Barry.
HEREVILLE: HOW MIRKA GOT HER SWORD (Graphie Novel)
In this enchanting graphic novel, Mirka, an Orthodox Jewish girl with an unconventional dream to search and fight a Troll, engages in verbal sparring with her witty stepmother, battles a talking pig, and must master her knitting skills to defeat her final foe! The sequel HEREVILLE: HOW MIRKA MET A METEORITE finds Mirka in an even more dangerous situation: she has to face a copy of herself who intends to replace and erase the real Mirka.
DiTerlizzi, Tony.
THE SPIDERWICK CHRONICLES (series)
After moving to a strange old house and finding a fascinating but dangerous book (Arthur Spiderwick’s Field Guide to the Fantastical World Around You), the three children of the Grace family have to battle scary magical creatures and puzzle out their own family history. There are five books in this series.
Ende, Michael.
THE NEVER ENDING STORY
Bastien steals a book and goes inside the book himself to experience fantastic adventures: riding a dragon and discovering the secrets of the various inhabitants in the story. He never suspects that his own life might be in peril once he gets into the land of the never ending story.
Farmer, Nancy.
THE SEA OF TROLLS trilogy
Jack’s quest and wild adventures in Northern lands will satisfy readers who want a fast and exciting read. The outrageous characters include looting pirates, trolls, dragons, giant spiders, and fierce boars. The fantastic sequels are THE LAND OF SILVER APPLES and THE ISLANDS OF THE BLESSED.
Farrey, Brian.
THE VENGEKEEP PROPHECIES
Jaxter Grimjinx, 12, and a professional thief — so is his dad and his mom and his little sister and his grandmother. Each of them has a special talent: forgery, lock-picking, pick-pocketing, etc. Jaxter is no good at most regular thieving skills — but his talent at mixing anti-jinx potions and ability to solve mysteries will come in handy when the fake fatal prophecies come to live one by one, threatening to destroy not only his family, but the entire city.
Ferris, Jean.
ONCE UPON A MARIGOLD trilogy
This delightful fairy tale’s main characters are Marigold, a princess, and Christian, a forest foundling, who form a great friendship because they both love reading and writing. In fact, they send p-mail (mail carried by pigeons) to each other before they even met in person. Lots of action and funny scenes.
Fisher, Catherine.
THE DARK CITY and sequels
The first book in the Relics Master series (4 books, all set to be published this summer,) The Dark City is set in a futuristic world where the technologies of our world have become mysterious and magical relics of the past, and the Relic Masters who keep and use the powers from these relics are being hunted down and eliminated by The Watch. Raffi, a young Relic Master in training, has to help his mentor escape a terrible fate and to deal with a young woman who is a waffling spy sent by The Watch.
Flanagan, John.
RANGER’S APPRENTICE (series)
Young Will becomes the Ranger’s Apprentice in the first book of this expansive adventure series where he and his cohorts have to face monsters and many severe conditions to keep the Kingdom of Araluen safe from invaders and traitors that come from near and far.
Funke, Cornelia. Inkheart. Translated by Anthea Bell.
INKHEART
Meggie, 12 years old, goes on a dangerous adventure in which she and her father are pursued by a group of sinister bandits, led by a man named Scorpio. Most intriguing are the identities of the bandits (who were fictional characters from story books) and the magical ability of Meggie’s father who can “read” people, animals, and objects OUT of and INto books!
Gidwitz, Adam.
IN A GLASS GRIMMLY
Jack and Jill, cousins from the Royal Court, left their homes and parents to seek for a better future and a place they could be accepted. On tthe way, they have to combat man-eating giants, creepy mermaids, conniving goblins, and befriend a gigantic salamander, before their journey takes them back home. Read all three titles for the full enjoyment: A TALE DARK AND GRIMM, IN A GLASS GRIMMLY, and THE GRIMM CONCLUSION.
Hale, Shannon.
PRINCESS ACADEMY
Miri changes from an outcast and voiceless little girl into a strong, resilient, courageous leader of the Princess Academy, the school from which the prince must choose a bride.
Hale, Shannon.
RAPUNZEL’S REVENGE (Graphic Novel)
Set in the Wild Wild West, this Rapunzel is courageous and resourceful beyond your imagination! Her long hair? It’s a handy weapon that she uses like a lasso to fight outlaws and finally free herself and her real mother from the evil clutch of the Witch. Great story accompanied by fabulous illustrations! The sequel is CALAMITY JACK.
Healy, Christopher.
THE HERO’S GUIDE TO SAVING YOUR KINGDOM
In this fractured and hilarious fairy-tale mashup, the four princes who saved Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Snow White, and Rapunzel are now outcasts of their own Kingdoms. They find out about an evil plot that will ruin all their lands and have to overcome their own weaknesses and save their Kingdoms. The sequels are also a lot of fun to read: THE HERO’S GUIDE TO STORMING THE CASTLE and THE HERO’S GUIDE BEING AN OUTLAW.
Hennesey, Carolyn.
PANDORA GETS JEALOUS (series)
Pandy finally got something great to show her classmates at the Athena Maiden Middle School, in Ancient Greece. She has a certain “box.” But when she opens it, all sorts of unpleasant things come out and now it is up to her to get each of them back into the box. First up? Jealousy! The sequels deal with heart, greed, fright, vainity, laziness, etc.
Hunter, Erin.
POWER OF THREE and WARRIORS (series)
The clans of wild cats have been living in relative peace for generations, but now things are changing and many thrilling adventures and action-packed events take place.
Jonell, Lynne.
EMMY AND THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKING RAT
After inheriting a large mansion, Emmy’s parents kept going away on vacations, leaving Emmy to cope in a new school and under the care of a villainous nanny. Her new found friends, a boy, a magical rat, and some other powerful rodents, will help her win back everything she has lost. The two sequels are also fun to read: EMMY AND THE HOME FOR TROUBLED GIRLS and EMMY AND THE BATS IN THE BELFRY.
Jones, Diana Wynne
A CHARMED LIFE (The Chrestomanci series)
Magic is an everyday affair in the charmed world of the story. It bubbles with invention and surprises. You’ll meet Cat and Gwendolen and Chrestomanci — and you’ll never know who may turn out to be a witch or an enchanter! All the titles in the series are amusing and truly magical.
Jones, Diana Wynne
HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE and CASTLE IN THE AIR
In these two stories, quite different in their settings, Jones weaves magic and humor to create the foremost entertainment for her readers.
Juster, Norton.
THE PHANTOM TOLL BOOTH
A story about a boy who goes through a toll booth and finds himself in a magical new world where he saves the day.
Law, Ingrid.
SAVVY
A “savvy” is a special supernatural power when you turn thirteen — if you are one of the Beaumont family members in the Midwest! Mibs’ big day is coming and she cannot wait to discover what her savvy is and whether her new found power will be able to save her father. Cool magical abilities and a cast of likable characters will surely entertain any reader.
Levine, Gail Carson.
ELLA ENCHANTED
A story about a noble girl, Ella, who suffers from a terrible curse from birth: the curse that forces her to obey anybody’s command. This is a humorous and well-crafted retelling of the Cinderella story with a really likable main character. Another light fantasy by Carson is TWO PRINCESSES OF BAMARRE.
Lewis, C.S.
THE LION, THE WITCH, AND THE WARDROBE (The Chronicles of Narnia)
A magic wardrobe allows three children to enter a perpetual wintry land ruled by the white witch. They embark on adventures that lead them through a commitment involving trust and sacrifice to find the only creature who can turn winter into spring. Part of the seven-book NARNIA series.
Lowry, Lois
GOSSAMER
The Littlest One, a young dream-giver, while learning to bestow dreams from loving memories, tries to save an eight-year-old boy from the effects of both his abusive past and the nightmares inflicted on him by the frightening Sinisteeds.
Nesbit, E.
FIVE CHILDREN AND IT
When five brothers and sisters discover a Psammead (a sand fairy who is obliged to grant wishes that last a whole day) digging in the quarry near their summer cottage, the stage is set for wondrous adventures.
Paolini, Christopher.
ERAGON, ELDEST, and BRISINGR
At the beginning of the story, fifteen-year-old farm boy Eragon encounters magic and magical objects and quickly realizes that he is a gifted Dragon Rider. He takes on the dangerous and exciting task of fighting the evil powers that will destroy his Empire. This is Book One in the Inheritance series. ELDEST is its sequel.
Pattou, Edith.
EAST
In this retelling of a Scandinavian folk tale “East of the Sun, West of the Moon” Rose saves her sister’s life and the family fortune by agreeing to go and live far away with the white bear, in his wondrous cave. There are several narrators of this story — Rose, The White Bear, Rose’s Father, The Troll Queen, and Rose’s Brother. The reader pieces together a richly detailed, moving, imaginative story that is full of action and thrilling adventures.
Pearce, Philippa.
TOM’S MIDNIGHT GARDEN
When the grandfather clock strikes thirteen, Tom is released from ordinary time. The boredom and loneliness of his summer vacation fade away as he escapes to nightly adventures in the midnight garden.
Pierce, Tamora.
ALANNA: THE FIRST ADVENTURE (series)
Eleven year old Alanna, who wishes to be a Knight, disguises herself as a boy and has exciting adventures. This is the first book in the SONG OF THE LIONESS quartet. Also read THE WILD MAGIC series, and the CIRCLE OF MAGIC series.
Pullman, Philip.
THE GOLDEN COMPASS (His Dark Materials trilogy)
Lyra and her daemon Pantalaimon live in Jordan College, Oxford. Like other daemons of young children, Pantalaimon can change shapes and turn into any animal he wants to. When Lyra finds out some hidden secrets and gets involved with the grown-ups’ and the Church’s politics, her life makes a sharp turn and she is in constant danger and has many heart-stopping adventures.
Riordan, Rick.
THE LOST HERO series
Not long after the end of the last Percy Jackson story, three fresh and powerful demi-gods are introduced: Jason, Piper and Leo. They take turns narrating the exciting story based on Greek and Roman mythologies but set in contemporary United States. At the end of this story full of cool magic and innovative gadgets, the readers cannot wait to continue the adventure in the Heroes of Olympus series.
Riordan, Rick
PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS series
Percy Jackson’s (half-human, half-Greek God) action-packed and page-turning fun adventures in present day America have delighted many young readers. Now all five books are available, it is a great time to read the entire series!
Rowling, J.K.
HARRY POTTER series
Until he turns age 11, Harry Potter lives the horrible life as an orphaned “muggle” but this all changes magically when he’s invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is famous and he is clueless about why he is so famous – until he starts exploring and discovering all sorts of incredible powers he has. This is the first book of an extremely popular 7-volume series.
Sage, Angie.
MAGYK series
After learning that she is the Princess, Jenna is whisked from her home and carried toward safety by the Extraordinary Wizard, those she always believed were her father and brother, and a young guard known only as Boy 412–pursued by agents of those who killed her mother ten years earlier. This is followed by FLYTE, PHYSIK, and the fourth title, out in 2008, QUESTE.
Sanderson, Brandon.
RITHMATIST
A Rithmatist defends, with geometric chalk patterns, against the mercilessly dangerous Wild Chalklings (that crawl around on 2-dimensional surfaces and can dissolve a person.) Although Joel knows everything about Rithmatist, he has no magical ability to be trained as one. When students of the Academy start disappearing, Joel must combine force with a Rithmatist student to solve the deadly mystery.
Schlitz, Laura Amy.
SPLENDORS AND GLOOMS
Clara Wintermute, the young daughter of a wealthy Victorian doctor, was bewitched and turned into a ballerina puppet by the evil wizard Grisin whose tyrannic control over Lizzie Rose and Parsefall, his two orphan apprentices, resulted in their running away with the puppets. At Cassandra the witch’s castle, everything — spells, curses, the fight for power, and the search for happiness and home, all came to a breathtaking and powerful conclusion.
Smith, Jeff.
BONE series
The adventure starts when cousins Fone Bone, Phoney Bone, and Smiley Bone are run out of Boneville and later get separated and lost in the wilderness, meeting monsters and making friends as they attempt to return home.
Stroud, Jonathan.
THE RING OF SOLOMON
Bartimaeous, the wise-cracking, powerful, but not always lucky djinni comes back in this prequel to the best-selling trilogy. This time, he has to accomplish the impossible job to steal the magical ring from King Solomon while in a reluctant alliance with a young female assassin. The Bartimaeous trilogy leading up to the publication of this prequel is also highly recommended: THE AMULET OF SAMARKAND, THE GOLEM’S EYE, PTOLEMY’S GATE.
Tan, Shaun.
TALES FROM OUTER SUBURBIA
From the author/illustrator of THE ARRIVAL, this collection of short and unexpected stories with whimsical illustrations will delight, puzzle, and enlighten readers.
Thompson, Kate
THE NEW POLICEMAN
Irish teenager JJ Liddy discovers that time is leaking from his world into the land of the fairies, and as he attempts to stop the leak he finds out about his family history and a crime his great-grandfather possibly committed. Once you’ve finished this, don’t forget to get the sequel: THE LAST OF THE HIGH KINGS.
Tolkien, J.R.R.
THE HOBBIT
This is the prelude to The Lord of the Rings series, in which Bilbo Baggins is drawn from his quaint hobbit-hole to wondrous adventures involving elves, dwarfs, goblins and dragons in the far-off magic lands beyond the Misty Mountains.
Uehashi, Nahoko.
MORIBITO: GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT
Spear-wielding warrior woman Balsa takes on an almost impossible mission: to protect the Second Prince from being assassinated by the Emperor’s hunters and from being eaten alive by the spirit monster Rarunga. This first installment of a popular Japanese series is very exciting.
Wilson, N.D.
100 CUPBOARDS
Staying in the attic room of Uncle Frank’s mysterious house, twelve-year-old Henry discovers one hundred cupboards of various sizes and designs which turn out to be portals to many magical worlds: some friendly, others sinister.
Wrede, Patricia.
DEALING WITH DRAGONS series
Cimorene hates being a princess so she runs away to live with dragons. This is a fun read about Cimorene’s adventures with the dragons. These adventures continue in SEARCHING FOR DRAGONS, CALLING ON DRAGONS and TALKING TO DRAGONS.
HUMOROUS STORIES
Angleberger, Tom.
FAKE MUSTACHE
Lenny’s best friend Casper bought a special fake mustache (Heidelberg Handlebar Number Seven: made with real human hair) that gives him evil super powers. Teamed up with the popular TV teen actress, Jodie O’Rodeo, Lenny tries to thaw Casper’s wild schemes: from robbing banks to winning the presidential election.
Angleberger, Tom.
THE STRANGE CASE OF ORIGAMI YODA (series)
Sixth-grader Tommy and his friends describe their interactions with a paper finger puppet of Yoda, worn by their weird classmate Dwight, as they try to figure out whether or not the puppet can really predict the future. Other titles in the series are DARTH PAPER STRIKES BACK, THE SECRET OF THE FORTUNE WOOKIEE, and more.
Appelt, Kathi.
THE TRUE BLUE SCOUTS OF SUGARMAN SWAMP
Raccoons that scout for danger, a 12-year-old boy who struggles to maintain the family business (Paradise Pies Cafe,) a mysterious swamp god, some mean thugs and a group of even meaner hogs make for a hilarious, action packed, and heartwarming tall tale. A finalist at the National Book Awards of 2013.
Babbit, Natalie.
DEVIL’S STORYBOOK.
A humorous book of stories about the Devil. Each short story is very funny and has a moral. I suggest this book for readers over the age of 8. The sequel is DEVIL’S OTHER STORYBOOK.
Brooke, William.
A IS FOR AARRGH!
Mog, a young boy living during the Stone Age, discovers words and language and teaches his fellow cave dwellers how to talk, thus altering the course of history.
Dahl, Roald.
ROALD DAHL’S REVOLTING RHYMES
Dahl changes your view of fairy tales in this collection of short twisted tales/rhymes by making them funnier, odder, and definitely more gruesome.
Enzensberger, Hans Magnus
THE NUMBER DEVIL
12-year-old Robert is bored with math and can’t stand his math teacher whose main interest in life is to secretly eat pretzels when his students are solving math problems. When the Number Devil starts to visit Robert in his dreams, however, Robert is intrigued and inspired by the funky things numbers can do! This is for both math lovers and people who dislike math with a passion.
Gantos, Jack.
DEAD END IN NORVELT
In a light-hearted and earnest voice, Jack Gantos, a 12-year-old boy in 1962 Norvelt, Pennsylvania, reports the many zany incidents of his summer vacation: from misfiring his father’s war rifle (and potentially caused a neighbor’s death,) to helping an old woman boil her hands in hot wax, to trying to solve the mystery of the rapid and unexpected series of deaths in the neighborhood. This is the 2012 Newbery Award winner.
Gantos, Jack.
JOEY PIGZA SWALLOWED THE KEY series
JOEY PIGZA is a completely “wired” kid. When he doesn’t take his meds, he often loses control over what he’s doing, like accidentally snipped off the tip of his classmate’s nose with a pair of scissors. In this 4-book series, Joey grows up and has to deal with an even weirder bunch of family members. Both extremely funny and deeply emotional, this is a highly regarded series.
Horvath, Polly.
EVERYTHING ON A WAFFLE
Primrose’s dire predicment — losing her parents in a storm, combined with her humorous observations of the adults surrounding her, make this a quirky tale of faith, friendship, and growth. At the end of each chapter, there is a recipe that fits into the story. A Newbery Honor book of 2002.
Kinney, Jeff
DIARY OF A WIMPY KID series
This laugh-out-loud story, featuring comic illustrations, chronicles middle school student Greg Heffley’s year of mishaps and exaggerated incidents. This popular book is followed by more titles, RODRICK RULES, THE LAST STRAW, THE UGLY TRUTH, etc.
Klise, Kate.
REGARDING THE FOUNTAIN: A TALE, IN LETTERS, OF LIARS AND LEAKS series
This short, beautifully illustrated “watery” story has so many twists and turns and so many word plays that it will amuse you on a hot summer day. There are many other titles in the “Regarding” series, such as REGARDING THE BATHROOM and REGARDING THE TREES. Another highly entertaining book by the same author is LETTERS FROM CAMP.
Mercado, Nancy, editor
TRIPPING OVER THE LUNCH LADY: AND OTHER SCHOOL STORIES
This is an anthology of ten humorous short stories about life in school, written by well-known authors of children’s books.
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds.
THE GRAND ESCAPE
Marco and Polo might have been content to stay housecats forever. But Marco has been “reading” about ranches and wants to find one, while Polo longs to meet the mother he barely remembers. Together they set out on a journey and meet up with a gang of alley cats. They have to solve 3 mysteries of life in order to join the club.
Peck, Richard.
A YEAR DOWN YONDER
A rip-roaring story set against the backdrop of the Depression Era, features a grandmother who is a sharp shooter, bakes the most delicious pies, steals pumpkins from her neighbor’s garden, plays tricks on Halloween pranksters, and is truly kind-hearted.
Russell, Rachel Renee.
DORK DIARIES series
In the first book of the series, fourteen-year-old Nikki Maxwell writes in her diary of her struggle to be popular at her exclusive new private school, then of finding her place after she gives up on being part of the elite group. This is a continuing series with eight books published.
Sachar, Louis.
DOGS DON’T TELL JOKES
A boy named Goon wants to be a professional comedian. When a talent show comes around, he figures that it’s his lucky day to make his dream come true. But it is not so easy to become a star, as he realizes. This is a very funny book that also has a few great football scenes.
Sleator, William.
ODD BALLS
This is a collection of short stories of an odd ball family. In one story, a boy is hypnotized by his brother’s friend and actually drinks out of the toilet bowl! Another time the children throw water balloons out of a window at people and are not even punished. This is a great funny book.
Anderson, M.T.
WHALES ON STILTS
Three resourceful children attempt to save the world from a mad scientist’s evil plan involving mind-controlled whales-on-stilts. First in a series.
Avi.
THE TRUE CONFESSIONS OF CHARLOTTE DOYLE
Charlotte leaves England in 1832 to rejoin her family and finds herself aboard a troubled ship sailing to Rhode Island under the brutal Captain Jaggery.
Avi.
WOLF RIDER
In this psychological thriller, 15-year-old Andy risks his own safety trying to protect Nina, a young woman that Andy believes to be the future victim of a planned murder.
Bellairs, John.
THE GHOST IN THE MIRROR
Strange things have been happening to Mrs. Zimmerman. It all started when she first saw the images in the mirror of the old dead witchcraft teacher. Now she and Rose Rita must go back in time and save the wise family from “the great wrong.” Check out all of Bellairs tales of supernatural and mystery.
Brittain, Bill.
THE WISH GIVER
At the carnival in Coven Tree, four villagers received a wish card each from a mysterious little man. Their wishes came true, but all with unexpected maybe undesirable results.
Colfer, Eoin.
AIRMAN
When Conor Broekhart, teenage inventor and swordsman, is wrongfully jailed, he devices a daring escape from the island prison to clear his name and keep the kingdom from falling into evil hands. This is a very exciting new story from the popular author of the ARTEMIS FOWL series.
Compestine, Ying Chang.
A BANQUET FOR HUNGRY GHOSTS
In this collection of eight nightmare inducing, chilling and disturbing stories, all set in China, readers will also read about some customs and policies of current day China and learn to make some traditional dishes.
Conrad, Pam.
STONE WORDS — A GHOST STORY
Zoe always knows that something is not quite right with the friend she has, another little girl also named Zoe — no one else seems to notice this Zoe’s existence. In this ghost/time-travel story, the Zoe of the present has to find a way to rescue the ghostly Zoe from the past.
Cooney, Caroline B.
THE FACE ON THE MILK CARTON
A photograph of a missing girl from a long time ago on a milk carton leads Janie on a search for her real identity. This is the first book of a 4-book series.
Delaney, Joseph.
THE LAST APPRENTICE series
Starting with REVENGE OF THE WITCH, this dark and chilling series takes the readers into the world of Spooks: those who rid the villages of witches, ghosts, goblins, and other undesirable spirits. Timid readers do not try!
Gaiman, Neil
THE GRAVEYARD BOOK
What happens when a baby is adopted by a graveyard full of (mostly) friendly ghosts? He learns all the ghostly knowledge and skills: fading, haunting, sliding from human sights. He also encounters strange and (often) frightening creatures: ghouls, sleers, hell hounds, and murderers. This is the 2009 Newbery Award winning title.
Grabenstein, Chris.
ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO’S LIBRARY
Kyle wins a spot to be one of the first 12 kids in the new town library, designed by the genius Mr. Lemoncello, for an overnight of fun, food, and games. However, the children discover the next morning that they are locked inside the library and unless they solve every clue and puzzle left for them, they will not be able to leave.
Hahn, Mary Downing.
WAIT TILL HELEN COMES
Molly saves her strange stepsister from the ghost of a child who haunts the cemetery behind their new home.
Hiaasen, Carl
FLUSH
Teenager Noah and his sister Abbey try to help clear their father’s name and rescue him from jail by catching the casino owner Dusty in his illegal actions. This action-packed mystery possesses the quirkiness and the concerns for the environment that so many readers have loved in Hiaasen’s previous book, HOOT.
Hoffman, Nina Kiriki.
A STIR OF BONES
Susan can communicate with her House. When she joins the group of new friends to venture into a haunted house, her ability to communicate with the House helps Susan wake up and befriend the ghost boy, Nathan, whose spirit has been trapped in the house where he died a long time ago. This book is just creepy enough, just romantic enough, and complex, but not confusing, for those who want to have a little bit of “chilling” sensation for a hot summer day!
Hoobler, Dorothy.
THE DEMON IN THE TEAHOUSE
14-year-old Seikei, the adopted son of Judge Ooka, a Japanese “Sherlock Holm” is sent to solve the mystery of the fires and murders of Geishas in Edo and its nearby pleasure town? The first novel in this series is GHOST IN THE TAIKAIDO INN. The newest installment is IN DARKNESS, DEATH.
Horowitz, Anthony.
ALEX RIDER series
Alex Rider, a 14-year-old orphan, has been trained by his uncle Ian to be superbly athletic and remarkably resourceful, the stuff that makes for a great spy. It turns out that Alex needs every skill he has, when, after Uncle Ian dies, he is forced to work for the British intelligence agency MI6 to be one of their youngest agents. In the series, Alex has to defeat notorious villains and gather intelligence for MI6 time and time again, relying on physical powers, smarts, and some really cool gadgets!
Martin, Ann M. and Laura Godwin.
THE DOLL PEOPLE
Annabelle Doll has been eight-years-old for over one hundred years. Being cooped up in the same dollhouse with the same people is boring–until the pink plastic Funcrafts arrive. This is followed by THE MEANEST DOLL IN THE WORLD and the newest RUNAWAY DOLLS.
Mass, Wendy.
THE CANDYMAKERS
When four twelve-year-olds, including Logan, who has grown up never leaving his parents’ Life Is Sweet candy factory, compete in the Confectionary Association’s annual contest, they unexpectedly become friends and uncover secrets about themselves during the process.
Miller, Kristen
KIKI STRIKE: INSIDE THE SHADOW CITY
Twelve-year-old Ananka discovers an underground room in the park across from her New York City apartment, and meets a mysterious girl called Kiki Strike who becomes a mastermind of a group of super-talented girls that sets out to save the city from the impending destruction. Its sequels, KIKI STRIKE: THE EMPERESS’S TOMB and KIKI STRIKE: THE DARKNESS DWELLLERS are even more action-packed.
Mulligan, Andy.
TRASH
In an unnamed third-world country, living off of the garbage dump to barely survive, three young teens, Raphael, Gordo, and Rat, discovered an item that will lead them to a series of life-threatening events in a world of political corruption.
Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds
JADE GREEN
This is a chilling ghost story in which an orphaned girl, Judith, moving in with her uncle, is confronted with the spirit (and the bloody severed hand) of a girl, Jade Green. Judith tries to solve the sinister mystery on her own.
Nielsen, Jennifer A.
THE FALSE PRINCE (Realistic)
Sage, an orphan, who is a practiced thief and has incredible street smarts, suddenly finds himself, along with two other orphans, captured and trained by a nobleman to impersonate a long lost prince. Only one of them will succeed — and those who don’t, will be disposed of to keep the secret. Truths and lies, alliances and plots, false steps and triumphs make this action-packed story told from Sage’s first person point of view incredibly intriguing. This is a first volume of a trilogy.
Nixon, Joan Lowery
THE KIDNAPPING OF CHRISTINA LATTIMORE
Christina has a great life. She’s rich, she goes to a good school, and she is popular. Then, she gets kidnapped and everything changes. What makes it worse is that her parents are convinced that she is an accomplice in her own kidnapping. What will happen to Christina and who is the real culprit? Read and find out.
Potter, Ellen.
OLIVIA KIDNEY
Olivia Kidney is a 12-year-old girl whose life changes from the ordinary to the completely bizarre: encountering a murderous ex-pirate, a world renowned psychic, and even a ghost.
Potter, Ellen.
PISH POSH
Clara Francofile determines who’s in and who’s out at her parents’ trendy restaurant Pish Posh, but when she encounters a 12-year-old jewel thief, she is led to meet a ghost and solve, unwittingly, a 200-year-old secret.
Preller, James.
SCARY TALES series
The first title in this series is HOME SWEET HORROR: After the death of his mother, eight-year-old Liam and his father and sister move to a new house for a fresh start, but Liam soon discovers that the old house is haunted. Other titles are: I SCREAM, YOU SCREAM, GOOD NIGHT, ZOMBIE, and more.
Raskin, Ellen.
THE WESTING GAME
Sam Westing has died. 16 people came to hear his will. It turns out that they are all related. The will says that some one has murdered Westing and the heirs have to solve a puzzle game in order to inherit the huge amount of money left by him. This is a fun-filled mystery.
Roberts, Willo Davis
CAUGHT!
After a bus journey in search of their father, Vickie and her younger sister discover that he is missing and may need their help.
Selznick, Brian
THE INVENTION OF HUGO CABRET
Hugo Cabret, a young boy in 1931 Paris, holds many secrets and has suffered many losses. In this beautifully told, both in words and pictures, story, Hugo finds his self-worth and a warm place in the world. This story is part mystery and part historical fiction and entirely charming.
Sherry, Maureen.
WALLS WITHIN WALLS
This fun mystery of three NYC children solving a riddles and puzzles to find a treasure hidden somewhere in the city, is a perfect fit for readers from New York and are familiar with most of the landmarks referenced in the book and yet will be intrigued to know more about the hidden history of them.
Snicket, Lemony.
A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS series
The three Baudelaire orphans’ struggle against the evil Count Olaf is detailed in these thirteen highly original, dark, and yet humorous mystery stories.
Springer, Nancy
THE CASE OF THE BIZARRE BOUQUETS: AN ENOLA HOLMES MYSTERY
In this exciting sleuthing tale, Enola Holmes must decode the hidden messages in the strange bouquets by using the language of flowers in order to rescue Dr. Watson, her brother’s friend and assistant.
Stewart, Trenton Lee.
THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY
Four extremely gifted and talented children are recruited by Mr. Benedict to go on a secret mission to thwart the plans of world domination by the evil genius Mr. Curtains at an isolated school on an island. The sequels, THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PERILOUS JOURNEY and THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY AND THE PRISONER’S DILEMMA are every bit as exciting as the first one.
Stone, Jeff.
FIVE ANCESTERS series
The young monks, highly trained in martial arts, must face their old friend who has betrayed them and murdered the other monks in his desire to become the most powerful martial arts master.
Stroud, Jonathan.
THE SCREAMING STAIRCASE (Mystery/Horror)
Lockwood & Co. is a Psychic Investigation Agency to help the haunted living solve ghostly cases. When Lucy Carlyle, a talented young agent, joins the Agency, she finds herself on a mission that could result in her and her coworkers’ terrifying demise. This is the first in the Lockwood & Co. series. The second installment is THE WHISPERING SKULL.
Teitelbaum, Michael.
THE SCARY STATES OF AMERICA
Twelve-year-old Jason Specter introduces and presents his favorite stories of the paranormal–one from each state of the Union–submitted to the Web site he created after his own encounter with a ghost at school three years earlier.
POETRY
Adoff, Arnold, ed.
MY BLACK ME: BEGINNING BOOK OF BLACK POETRY
A compilation of poems reflecting thoughts on being Black by such authors as Langston Hughes and Nikki Giovanni. Poet Adoff and his wife Virginia Hamilton have published many other worthwhile anthologies.
Agard, John, ed.
THE CARIBBEAN DOZEN
Thirteen Caribbean poets recount childhood experiences in poetry and prose. This collection is both a delight to the eye and the mind.
Bierhorst, John.
IN THE TRAIL OF THE WIND: AMERICAN INDIAN POEMS AND RITUAL ORATIONS
This collection of Indian poetry originates from various tribes and is arranged by theme.
Brenner, Barbara (Editor)
VOICES: POETRY AND ART FROM AROUND THE WORLD
A sampler of traditional, ancient and modern poetry from six continents is interspersed with illustrations of world art and sculpture.
Bryan, Ashley.
ASHLEY BRYAN’S ABC OF AFRICAN AMERICAN POETRY
Poems ranging from the intense to the whimsical reflect the diverse voices of poets such as Rita Dove, Lucille Clifton, and Gwendolyn Brooks. The colorful illustrations add to the appeal of the collection.
Calmenson, Stephanie.
NEVER TAKES A PIG OUT TO LUNCH: and other funny poems about animals
Humorous poems and funny pictures will sure keep you laughing. A good book to share with a friend.
Carman, Bliss, ed.
THE OXFORD BOOK OF CHILDREN’S VERSE IN AMERICA
Three hundred more pages filled with American poems written for children or traditionally enjoyed by children, by Longfellow, Poe, Eugene Field, Dr. Seuss, Jack Prelutsky and many other poets.
Demi, selec. & illus.
IN THE EYES OF THE CAT: JAPANESE POETRY FOR ALL SEASONS
A selection of mostly haiku organized by season with corresponding illustrations.
Eliot, T.S.
OLD POSSUM’S BOOK OF PRACTICAL CATS
“The naming of cats is a difficult matter…” So starts this classic which was turned into a musical.
Feelings, Tom, ill.
SOUL LOOKS BACK IN WONDER
Tom Feelings’ stunning illustrations accompany the powerful poems by some of the most celebrated African American poets, including Maya Angelou, Langston Hughes, and Margaret Walker.
Gollub, Matthew. Illustrated by Kazuko G. Stone.
COOL MELONS — TURN TO FROGS: THE LIFE AND POEMS OF ISSA
This is a collection of 33 haikus by an eighteenth-century Japanese poet. Both the English and the Japanese versions of each poem are presented.
Hughes, Langston.
THE DREAM KEEPER AND OTHER POEMS
A major African-American poet, Hughes’ poetry is written in a spirit of racial pride and protest.
Kennedy, Caroline.
POEMS TO LEARN BY HERAT
In this new collection of more than 100 classic poems, the anthologist Caroline Kennedy (daughter of President and First Lady John and Jacqueline Kennedy) invites us to enjoy the worthwhile challenge and unbound joy in memorizing and recite great poetry.
Koch, Kenneth and Kate Farrell, selec.
TALKING TO THE SUN: AN ILLUSTRATED ANTHOLOGY OF POEMS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Poems from many countries organized by themes and illustrated by works from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Lear, Edward
A BOOK OF NONSENSE
The Metropolitan Museum reprint captures all the nonsense and absurdity in verse and illustration of this master of the limerick. There are many other editions.
Nye, Naomi Shihab, ed.
THIS SAME SKY: A collection of poems from around the world
A poetry anthology in which 120 poets from sixty-two different countries celebrate the natural world and its human and animal inhabitants. Elegantly designed and lovingly selected by poet Nye, this collection belongs on any poetry lover’s shelf.
Opie, Iona, ed.
THE OXFORD BOOK OF CHILDREN’S VERSE
A standard collection of mainly British poems for children.
Park, Linda Sue.
TAP DANCING ON THE ROOF: SIJO POEMS
Describing familiar topics such as breakfast, long division, seasons, and pockets, these poems, in the traditional Korean poetic form, the Sijo, are often funny and always surprising.
Prelutsky, Jack.
PIZZA THE SIZE OF THE SUN
A collection of whimsical short poems illustrated by James Stevenson. If you like Shel Silverstein, you will enjoy this collection, too. Also other collections by Prelutsky, including THE DRAGONS ARE SINGING TONIGHT, A. NONNY MOUSE WRITES AGAIN, MONDAY’S TROLL.
Scieszka, Jon.
SCIENCE VERSE
The power duo of humorous writings for children did it again — Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith created this collection of poetry and song parodies that actually deliver reliable scientific facts!
Sidman, Joyce.
DARK EMPEROR AND OTHER POEMS OF THE NIGHT
In this 2011 Newbery honor title, twelve beautifully crafted poems about the nocturnal experiences are accompanied by informational text about night-time plants and animals.
Stevenson, Robert Louis.
A CHILD’S GARDEN OF VERSES
There are many different editions of this collection — pick out one with great illustrations and enjoy the rich flavor of these timeless poems.
Whipple, Laura, ed.
CELEBRATING AMERICA: A COLLECTION OF POEMS AND IMAGES OF THE AMERICAN SPIRIT
More than 60 poems portrays the “Land,” the “Stories,” the “Heart,” the “People,” and the “Spirit” of America. Each is carefully paired with a piece of suitable art work from the Art Institute of Chicago. This anthology gives insightful glimpses to the U.S. history.
Wissinger, Tamera Will.
GONE FISHING: A NOVEL IN VERSE (Poetry)
This story of a nine-year-old boy’s eventful day of fishing told in a wide variety of poetic forms exploring sibling rivalry, the love of father and son, and the excitement – and difficulty — of fishing.
NONFICTION, BIOGRAPHY and MEMOIRS
Blumberg, Rhoda.
SHIPWRECKED
A true and dramatic account of the very first Japanese man who came to the United States after his fishing boat was shipwrecked in the 1800’s.
Booth, Ben.
SWORDS: An Artist’s Devotion
Intricate, breathtakingly beautiful illustrations are accompanied by carefully researched information about the history of swords from many cultures and through hundreds of years. This is a great book to re-visit over and over again in order to obtain better understanding of the artistic and practical aspects of this weapon.
Fleischman, Sid
THE ABRACADABRA KID: A WRITER’S LIFE
A rollicking autobiographical journey follows Fleischman from budding magician to award winning author.
Freedman, Russell
ELEANOR ROOSEVELT: A LIFE OF DISCOVERY
The marvelously rich and full life of this legendary first lady is profiled in an excellent photo-biography. A Newbery Honor Book.
Gourse, Leslie
DIZZY GILLESPIE AND THE BIRTH OF BEBOP
This is the story of jazz great Dizzy Gillespie, his passion for music and how he charted new territory and won recognition for one of America’s greatest original art forms.
Lawlor, Laurie.
HELEN KELLER: REBELLIOUS SPIRIT
This carefully researched and fluidly written biography on Helen Keller portrays her as a distinctive and sometimes flawed individual.
Losure, Mary.
FAIRY RING
Frances (9) and Elsie (15) were cousins. During the summer when Frances stayed with Elsie in 1917, the two girls took photographs of what looked like fairies, dancing or resting in the meadow near Elsie’s house. These photographs became a sensational story that made many people believe the existence of fairies, including the famous author and spiritualist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
Lowry, Lois.
LOOKING BACK: A BOOK OF MEMORIES
Using family photographs and quotes from her books, the very popular author (of THE GIVER and the ANASTASIA KRUPNIC stories) provides glimpses into her life.
Marcus, Leonard.
SIDE BY SIDE
Five teams of picture books authors and illustrators are interviewed and their stories of collaboration are documented in this informative and delightful collection.
Montgomery, Sy.
TEMPLE GRANDIN
An internationally renowned animal scientist and engineer who was born with autism, Temple Grandin has taken down many barriers and opened many doors: she has designed much more humane slaughter houses, consulted with multi-national fast food chains on how to better treat animals, and has been able to bring much greater understanding of how an autistic mind functions to the world at large.
Napoli, Donna Jo.
TREASURY OF EGYPTIAN MYTHOLOGY (Nonfiction)
This ample collection of Egyptian mythological stories accompanied by historical, cultural, and geographic context on the sidebars will not only entertain readers but also provide fascinating historical information.
Partridge, Elizabeth.
MARCHING FOR FREEDOM
This photo-documentary presents the passionate and sometimes deadly three months of protests that led to the famous march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, focusing on the courageous young people who faced terrifying violence to fight for the right to vote.
Paulsen, Gary.
GUTS: THE TRUE STORIES BEHIND HATCHET AND THE BRIAN BOOKS
Gary Paulsen records in (often quite gory) details many dangerous situations he experienced and wove into his Brian books, including the chilling close-up knowledge of heart attacks, the tragedy of a child killed by two kicks from the razor-sharp hooves and many others.
Peet, Bill.
AN AUTOBIOGRAPHY
This picture book with autobiographical text follows Peet from early boyhood memories to his work for Disney studios and to the creation of his own picture books. Familiar characters from his books and movies appear often.
Porcellino, John.
THOREAU AT WALDEN (Graphic Novel)
Thoreau was a famous American thinker and writer in the 19th century. This graphic treatment provides young readers a tangible interpretation of Thoreau’s experiences living in harmony with nature. A wonderful book that should be shared by the whole family.
Say, Allen.
DRAWING FROM MEMORY
Caldecott Award winner Allen Say recounts his childhood in Japan during World War II when he was kicked out of his home by his father due to his desire to become a cartoonist and when he found a master cartoonist as his mentor who became a second father to him. This beautifully rendered memoir in text and drawings allows the readers to experience Say’s sorrows and joyous moments in his young life.
Sheinkin, Steve.
BOMB: THE RACE TO BUILD – AND STEAL – THE WORLD’S MOST DANGEROUS WEAPON
The stage is World War II; the characters are scientists, government officials, and spies; the drama is one of scientific triumphs, international espionage, and the race to win the war. The stakes couldn’t have been higher and the storytelling couldn’t have been more compelling in this stellar, award-winning nonfiction.
Sis, Peter.
THE TREE OF LIFE: A BOOK DEPICTING THE LIFE OF CHARLES DARWIN NATURALIST, GEOLOGIST AND THINKER.
Darwin’s unique Life and work is presented in a vsually stunning, complex and appealing manner that begs multiple readings.
Spinelli, Jerry.
KNOTS IN MY YO-YO STRING
Spinelli, author of MANIAC MAGEE and WRINGER, turns regular happenings in his life, like sidewalk races and his first kiss, into hilarious episodes in this autobiography.
Stone, Tanya Lee.
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE BARBIE: A DOLL’S HISTORY AND HER IMPACT ON US
The internationally famous Barbie Doll has a fascinating history. This entertaining and often enlightening nonfiction details the many lives and faces through decades and examines the impacts Barbie has on art, feminist movement, and the general population.
Telgemeier, Raina.
SMILE
An autobiography in graphic novel format shows how Raina lost two of her front teeth in an accident when she was twelve and her struggles with various all sorts of dental procedures throughout her adolescence.
Uchida, Yoshika
THE INVISIBLE THREAD
In her autobiography, the author Yoshiko Uchida describes growing up in California as a Nisei, a second-generation Japanese American, and the story of her family’s internment in a Utah concentration camp during World War II.
Warren, Andrea
SURVIVING HITLER: A BOY IN THE NAZI DEATH CAMP
This is a powerful story of Jack Mandelbaum. As a teenager during WWII, he spent three horrific years in a concentration camp, and as a grown-man, he chose the path of tolerance and forgiveness.
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