Summer Reading List 2014
Transcript of Summer Reading List 2014
Summer Reading List 2014 Our picks from the 2013-‐14 school year
Fiction -‐ Younger Readers Little Santa by Jon Agee A resident of the North Pole with the ability to slide up and down chimneys meets a flying reindeer and some industrious elves, in this fictional biography of Santa Claus. Pomelo’s Opposites by Ramona Badescu Pomelo the ele-‐fantastic hero explores opposites-‐-‐ of the classic variety, the philosophical, and those that are just plain silly and fun to read. White Water: Inspired by a True Story by Michael S. Bandy After tasting the warm, rusty water from the fountain designated for African Americans, a young boy questions why he cannot drink the cool, refreshing water from the "Whites Only" fountain. Based on a true experience co-‐author Michael S. Bandy had as a boy. The Bear in the Book by Kate Banks At the end of the day a little boy falls asleep as his mama reads about a bear hibernating. Knock Knock: My Dad’s Dream for Me by Daniel Beaty "A boy wakes up one morning to find his father gone. At first, he feels lost. But his father has left him a letter filled with advice to guide him through the times he cannot be there"-‐-‐Provided by publisher. Journey by Aaron Becker A young girl, having escaped from her loneliness through a door she drew on her bedroom wall, is captured by an evil emperor and must find a way to escape. Rabbit & Robot: the Sleepover by Cece Bell
Rabbit is excited about the sleepover he has carefully planned for his friend Robot, but Robot has some different ideas about how things should go. Nightsong by Ari Berk Chiro, a young bat, is nervous about flying into the world for the first time without his mother, especially on a very dark night, but he soon learns to rely on his "song" to find his way and stay safe. Beatrice Spells Some Lulus and Learns to Write a Letter by Cari Best "Beatrice enjoys learning to spell, and gets really excited about it after some encouragement from her grandmother, but she has trouble convincing her classmates that spelling is not boring"-‐-‐Provided by publisher. Giant Dance Party by Betsy Bird Six-‐year-‐old Lexy Tanz loves dancing so much that she wants to share her skills with others, and when she is becoming discouraged because no one wants lessons from a girl so small, a herd of hairy giants arrives to test her teaching ability. I’m Bored by Michael Ian Black When a bored girl meets a potato who finds children tedius, she tries to prove him wrong by demonstrating all of the things they can do, from turning cartwheels to using their imaginations. Inside Outside by Lizi Boyd In this story without words, a boy and his dog play inside and outside of their home. Mr. Tiger Goes Wild by Peter Brown Bored with city life and the proper behavior it requires, Mr. Tiger has a wild idea that leads him to discover his true nature. One Gorilla: A Counting Book by Anthony Browne Learn to count with a variety of primates-‐-‐gorillas, gibbons, mandrills, and others. Have You Seen my New Blue Socks? by Eve Bunting
The reader is invited to help Duck and his animal friends find a missing item. Friends by Eric Carle "When his friend moves away, a boy sets out on a journey to find her"-‐-‐Provided by publisher. Question Boy Meets Little Miss Know-‐It-‐All by Peter Catalanotto A curious boy with non-‐stop questions meets a girl who seems to know all the answers. The Astonishing Secret of Awesome Man by Michael Chabon A young superhero describes his awesome powers, which he then demonstrates as various foes arrive on the scene. Leo Geo and the Cosmic Crisis: Matt Data and the Cosmic Crisis by Jon Chad (graphic novel) Armed with his knowledge of science, Leo Geo becomes an astronaut and heads into space, where he encounters pirates and tries to stop a comet that is headed toward his brother's science laboratory on Earth, while his brother Matt Data travels to a space station in order to fix Leo's computer, Fizzcom. Train by Elisha Cooper Board a commuter train in New York, then follow the journey west and see the stations, the scenery, the different types of trains, and all the people who travel and work on the railroad system. Benjamin Bear in Bright Ideas! By Philippe Coudray (graphic novel) Benjamin Bear, accompanied by his faithful rabbit friend, continues to share his observations and questions about the world around him. The Really Groovy Story of the Tortoise and the Hare by Kristyn Crow A modern rhyme retells the events of the famous race between the boastful hare and the persevering tortoise. Deep in the Sahara by Kelly Cunnane
An Arab girl of the Sahara who wants to wear a malafa, the veiled dress worn by her mother and older sister, learns that the garment represents beauty, mystery, tradition, belonging, and faith. The Herd Boy by Niki Daly While doing a good job of caring for his grandfather's sheep and goat on the grasslands of South Africa, young Malusi dreams of everything from owning his own dog to becoming president one day. The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt When Duncan arrives at school one morning, he finds a stack of letters, one from each of his crayons, complaining about how he uses them. Nelly May has her Say by Cynthia DeFelice A retelling of an old tale in which a servant girl's new master insists she use uncommon names for common objects. Peanut and Fifi Have a Ball by Randall De Sève Squabbling over a toy ball, two sisters ultimately learn that playing together is even more fun. Weasels by Elys Dolan A group of weasels plot to take over the world in their secret lab. The Highway Rat by Julia Donaldson A very bad rat rides his horse along the highway, stealing travelers' food, from a rabbit's clover to a spider's flies, until clever Duck introduces him to her "sister." Little Cub by Olivier Dunrea A young bear cub, who is alone in the world, and Old Bear, who is grumpy and tired of living alone, meet and discover what they have been missing. How to Train a Train by Jason Carter Eaton Everything you need to know in order to find, keep and train your very own pet train. You'll discover where trains live, what they like to eat, and the very best train tricks around-‐-‐everything it takes to lay the tracks for a long and happy friendship.
Henry’s Map by David Elliot Henry, a very organized pig, frowns at the untidy farm where he lives, but after making a map to show where everything belongs, he and the other farm animals discover a big problem. The Matchbox Diary by Paul Fleischman Follow a girl's perusal of her great-‐grandfather's collection of matchboxes and small curios that document his poignant immigration journey from Italy to a new country. Oh, no! by Candace Fleming A series of animals falls into a deep hole, only to be saved at last by a very large rescuer. Papa’s Mechanical Fish by Candace Fleming In the summer of 1851, with encouragement and ideas provided by his family, an inventor builds a working submarine and takes his family for a ride. Includes notes about Lodner Phillips, the real inventor on whom the story is based. If You Want to See a Whale by Julie Fogliano Advises the reader about what to do, and not do, in order to successfully spot a whale, such as wrapping up in a not-‐too-‐cozy blanket, ignoring the roses, and especially, being patient. Ribbit! by Rodrigo Folguiera When a pig visits a frog pond, sits on a rock, and says only "Ribbit!" news spreads fast but only the wise old beetle has an explanation. Boot & Shoe by Marla Frazee Boot and Shoe are dogs that live in the same house, eat from the same bowl, and sleep in the same bed but spend their days on separate porches until a squirrel mixes things up. Olive and the Big Secret by Tor Freeman Olive has been told a big secret and she tells someone else until it eventually reaches the person who first talked to her.
Mice by Rose Fyleman Simple, rhyming text celebrates what is nice about mice. Chu’s Day by Neil Gaiman A little panda named Chu has a habit of getting himself into trouble when he sneezes. The First Drawing by Mordicai Gerstein Thirty thousand years ago, an imaginative child sees the shapes of animals in clouds and on the walls of the cave he shares with his family, but no one else can see them until he makes the world's first drawing. Includes author's note on cave drawings. Little Naomi, Little Chick by Avirama Golan Little Naomi has a fun and busy day at preschool and with her family, while Little Chick has a busy, fun day on the farm. Me too! by Valeri Gorbachev Chipmunk and Bear spend a snowy day together and discover that they like to do all of the same things. Archie by Domenica More Gordon Archie, a fashion-‐loving dog with a faithful pet of his own, leads a quiet life until he gets a sewing machine and begins creating canine couture that captures attention all over town, even from a queen and her two royal corgis. The Silver Button by Bob Graham At the same moment that Jodie's baby brother takes his first step, a city's worth of moments unfold. Moose Crossing by Stephanie Greene Moose is excited when the sign "Moose Crossing" is put up, but he finds that tourists and fans can be exhausting. Moose’s Big Idea by Stephanie Greene Moose, who is good at drawing and making doughnuts, is upset when he loses his antlers, but his encounters with a hunter help them both gain self-‐respect.
Pig Pickin’ by Stephanie Greene Hildy is thrilled when a farmer invites her to enter his "pig pickin'" contest, believing it to be a competition to pick the prettiest pig, but when Moose learns what pig pickin' really is, he must come up with a way to save his friend. Princess Posey and the First Grade Parade by Stephanie Greene Posey's fear of starting first grade is alleviated when her teacher invites the students to wear their most comfortable clothes to school on the first day. Princess Posey and the New First Grader by Stephanie Greene "When Posey's first grade class gets a new student, she worries her friends will like the new girl more than her."-‐-‐. Princess Posey and the Next-‐Door Dog by Stephanie Greene Holding her princess wand, six-‐year-‐old Posey finds the courage to visit the large dog next door. Toys in Space by Mini Grey A group of toys, left out at night for the first time, begin to be afraid, but the WonderDoll distracts them by weaving a story of lost toys, space travel, and a strange alien. Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon Ralph struggles to find something to write about although his teacher insists there are stories everywhere. It’s Monday, Mrs. Jolly Bones! by Warren Hanson Mrs. Jolly Bones goes through the week, doing chores in her unique way. Extraordinary Jane by Hannah J. Harrison Jane the dog doesn't have a unique talent in the circus like the rest of her family, until the ringmaster discovers what is truly special about her. Grumpy Goat by Brett Helquist
Goat is the grumpiest animal at Sunny Acres farm until he remembers that there is more to life than eating and being alone. Penny and Her Doll by Kevin Henkes Penny instantly loves the doll her grandmother sends her, but finding the perfect name for her is a challenge. Penny and her Marble by Kevin Henkes Penny feels guilty after taking a beautiful blue marble that she sees in Mrs. Goodwin's grass, but gets a pleasant surprise when she goes to return it the next day. Penny and her Song by Kevin Henkes Penny comes home from school eager to share her very own song, but must wait until the time is right to teach it to her parents and the babies. The Year of Billy Miller by Kevin Henkes Seven-‐year-‐old Billy Miller starts second grade with a bump on his head and a lot of worries, but by the end of the year he has developed good relationships with his teacher, his little sister, and his parents and learned many important lessons. When Charley Met Grampa by Amy Hest Henry introduces his puppy Charley to Grampa who does not know how he feels about dogs until Charley saves his hat. Little Red Writing by Joan Holub Once upon a time, in pencil school, a brave little red pencil sets out to write an exciting story with nouns and adverbs and everything-‐-‐but first she has to face the ravenous pencil sharpener, the Wolf 3000. Flora and the Flamingo by Molly Schaar Idle In this wordless book, a friendship develops between a girl named Flora and a graceful flamingo, as they learn to dance together. Meanwhile Back at the Ranch by Anne Isaacs In 1870, Tulip Jones, a wealthy, self-‐reliant widow from England, acquires the By-‐Golly Gully Ranch in Texas and soon finds herself saddled with 1000 suitors.
This Moose Belongs to Me by Oliver Jeffers A young boy learns that moose do not always follow the rules of proper pet behavior. Lemonade in Winter: a Book About Two Kids Counting Money by Emily Jenkins Pauline and her brother John-‐John set up a stand to sell lemonade, limeade, and lemon-‐limeade one cold, wintry day, then try to attract customers as Pauline adds up their earnings. The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore by William Joyce Morris Lessmore loves words, stories and books, and after a tornado carries him to another land, dreary and colorless, he finds a single book in color that leads him to an amazing library where, he learns, the books need him as much as he needs them. Red Hat by Lita Judge In this almost wordless picture book, a troupe of baby forest animals borrows a child's hat, until all that is left is a long piece of red string. King for a Day by Rukhsana Khan Even though he is confined to a wheelchair, a Pakistani boy tries to capture the most kites during Basant, the annual spring kite festival, and become "king" for the day. Includes an afterword about the Basant festival. Come Back, Moon by David Kherdian A sleepless bear hides the moon, much to the displeasure of his forest animal friends who miss dancing under its light. Hanukkah Bear by Eric Kimmel On the first night of Hanukkah, Old Bear wanders into Bubba Brayna's house and receives a delicious helping of potato latkes when she mistakes him for the rabbi. Includes a recipe for latkes. This is Not My Hat by J. Klassen A little fish thinks he can get away with stealing a hat.
Open This Little Book by Jesse Klausmeier Die-‐cut pages open to reveal different animals, each opening a book of a different color and reading about the next. The Adventures of a South Pole Pig by Chris Kurtz Flora the pig ditches the sedentary life on the farm for an adventure in Antarctica, where she escapes the knife and lives her dream of pulling a sled with a team of dogs. Paul Meets Bernadette by Rosy Lamb Paul, a fish, swims in circles everyday, until one day, Bernadette shows him that there is a whole world out there to see. It’s a Tiger! by David LaRochelle A child imagines that he is in a story where he encounters a tiger at every turn. Moo! by David LaRochelle When Cow gets her hooves on the farmer's car, she takes it for a wild ride through the country. Sleep Like a Tiger by Mary Logue At bedtime a young girl asks "Does everything in the world go to sleep?" Brush of the Gods by Lenore Look During the Tang dynasty, master painter Wu Daozi creates an extraordinary mural for the emperor. The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig Brian has always felt invisible at school, but when a new student, Justin, arrives, everything changes. Snowflakes Fall by Patricia MacLachlan In this illustrated poem in honor of the victims of the 2012 shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, falling snowflakes celebrate the uniqueness of life, its precious, simple moments, and the strength of memory. Too Tall Houses by Gianna Marino
Owl and Rabbit are good friends and neighbors atop a hill, but when Rabbit's garden blocks Owl's view of the forest Owl builds a higher house, which prevents sunlight from reaching Rabbit's plants. Squeak, Rumble, Whomp! Whomp! Whomp!: A Sonic Adventure by Winton Marsalis Illustrations and onomatopoeic text describe the sights and sounds of a neighborhood. Lulu and the Dog from the Sea by Hilary McKay Seven-‐year-‐old Lulu and her cousin think their vacation house is the most perfect place ever until they find a trouble-‐prone, stray dog living on the beach. Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay Lulu, who loves animals, brings an abandoned duck egg to school, even though her teacher has banned Lulu from bringing animals to school ever again. How to Be a Cat by Nikki McClure Cut-‐paper illustrations and single words of text show a kitten's attempts to imitate an adult cat's mastery of such skills as stretching and stalking. Pete Won’t Eat by Emily Arnold McCully Pete the pig does not want to eat his slop, but cannot go out to play with his brother and sisters until he does. The Monster’s Monster by Patrick McDonnell Grouch, Grump, and little Gloom 'n' Doom spend much of their time arguing over who is the "biggest and baddest" until they build a monster together that turns out to be very different than what they expect. SuperHero ABC by Bob McLeod Humorously-‐named superheroes such as Goo Girl and The Volcano represent the letters of the alphabet from A to Z. Take Me Out to the Yakyu by Aaron Meshon A little boy's grandfathers, one in America and one in Japan, teach him about baseball and its rich, varying cultural traditions.
Sophie’s Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller A young girl befriends a squash. Lucky Ducklings by Eva Moore While following their mother through town, five little ducklings fall into a storm drain. Twelve Kinds of Ice by Ellen Bryan Obed From the first ice, a thin skin on a bucket of water, through thickly-‐iced fields, streams, and gardens, a girl, her family, and friends anticipate and enjoy a winter of skating, ending with an ice show complete with costumes, refreshments, and clowns. Molly, by Golly! The Legend of Molly Williams, America’s First Female Firefighter by Dianne Ochiltree A fictional tale of Molly Williams, the United State's first female firefighter, about how she battled a fire during a blizzard along with New York City's Fire Company Number 11. The Mighty Lalouche by Matthew Olshan In Paris, France, more than a hundred years ago, a small man named Lalouche is let go from his job as a mail carrier and discovers that he has great skill as a fighter. Going Green by Christine Pakkala Lola Zuckerman is always last but she wants to come in first place in the Going Green contest at school to prove to her ex-‐best-‐friend Amanda Anderson who always comes in first place. The Kindhearted Crocodile by Lucia Panzieri A crocodile that longs to be a pet sneaks into a house, hides in the pages of a picture book during the day, and comes out at night to do kind and useful things for the family while they sleep. Xander’s Panda Party by Linda Sue Park Xander's plan to host a panda party falls through since he is the only panda at the zoo, but when he extends the invitation to all of the bears, complications ensue. Includes author's note on the wonders of the
animal kingdom and the international effort to save pandas from extinction. The Mouse with the Question Mark Tail by Richard Peck A very small mouse of unknown origins runs away from school in the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace shortly before the celebration of Queen Victoria's diamond jubilee, celebrating her sixty years on the British throne. Once Upon a Northern Night by Jean Pendziwol The beauty and wonder of a northern winter night unfold. Clementine and the Spring Trip by Sara Pennypacker Third-‐grader Clementine's school field trip to Plimoth Plantation leads to all kinds of discoveries, from fourth grade eating rules to the source of the stink on the bus. The Boy and the Airplane by Mark Pett A wordless picture book in which a boy comes up with an inventive solution for getting his toy airplane down from the roof. Black Dog by Levi Pinfold The Hope family spots a large black dog outside of their home, and Small, the youngest member of the family, is the only one brave enough to face the dog. The Tortoise & the Hare by Jerry Pinkney Illustrations and minimal text relate the familiar fable of the race between a slow tortoise and a quick but foolish hare. The Watermelon Seed by Greg Pizzoli After swallowing a watermelon seed, a crocodile imagines a scary outcome. Bully by Patricia Polacco Sixth-‐grade friends Lyla and Jamie, both new to their school, stand up for each other when a clique of popular girls bullies them online. I am So Handsome by Mario Ramos
A wolf wanders through the woods asking for compliments from everyone he meets. Daisy Gets Lost by Christopher Raschka A young dog experiences the fear of being lost and the joys of being found when she becomes separated from her owner. Everyone Can Learn to Ride a Bike by Christopher Raschka A father teaches his daughter all about bicycle riding, from selecting the right bike to trying again after a fall. Steam Train, Dream Train by Sherri Duskey Rinker In this book with rhyming text, the dream train pulls into the station and all the different cars are loaded by the animal workers, each with the appropriate cargo. Exclamation Mark by Amy Krouse Rosenthal An exclamation mark, who does not look like the periods around him, learns to embrace what makes him stand out. Secret Pizza Party by Adam Rubin While Raccoon is eating pizza at his secret pizza party, he sees a masquerade party going on in the house next door to him and joins the fun. Happy Birthday, Bunny! by Elizabeth Garton Scanlon Illustrations and rhyming text portray the birthday party of a beloved baby. Perfectly Percy by Paul Schmid Percy the porcupine loves balloons but he must find a way to keep them from popping. Willie and Uncle Bill by Amy Schwartz When Willie's Uncle Bill comes to babysit, they have excellent adventures making icky stew, getting a haircut at Hair by Pierre, and jamming with a band. The Three Ninja Pigs by Corey Rosen Schwartz
In this twist on "The Three Little Pigs" tale, Pig One and Two neglect their ninja school martial arts training and are no match for the wolf, but Pig Three's practice and dedication saves the day. Includes glossary of Japanese martial arts terms. Battle Bunny by Jon Scieszka Alex, whose birthday it is, hijacks a story about Birthday Bunny on his special day and turns it into a battle between a supervillain and his enemies in the forest-‐-‐who, in the original story, are simply planning a surprise party. Bully by Laura Vaccaro Seeger A little bull discovers that he has been a big bully. Unicorn Thinks He’s Pretty Great by Bob Shea Envy turns to admiration and finally to friendship for Goat and Unicorn. Tiger in my Soup by Kashmira Sheth Left in the care of his older sister, a boy begs her to read his favorite book, but she is too absorbed in her own reading even to notice when a tiger comes to life in the steam from his soup. Dusk by Uri Shulevitz A boy with a dog and a grandfather with a beard watch holiday lights turn on in the city. E-‐I-‐E-‐I-‐O: How Old MacDonald Got His Farm (with a little help from hen) by Judy Sierra Old MacDonald is persuaded by his little red hen to turn his yard into an organic farm. Abe Lincoln’s Dream by Lane Smith When a schoolgirl gets separated from her tour of the White House and finds herself in the Lincoln bedroom, she also discovers the ghost of the great man himself. The Dark by Lemony Snicket Laszlo is afraid of the dark, which lives in the same big, creaky house as him, until one night the dark pays him a visit.
When No One is Watching by Eileen Spinelli When alone, a young girl enjoys dancing, singing, growling, and cheering but when anyone other than her best friend is watching, she is quiet and shy. Third Grade Angels by Jerry Spinelli George 'Suds' Morton competes with his third-‐grade classmates to earn the first 'halo' of the year for good behavior, but being good turns out to be more stressful than he anticipated. Bear Has a Story to Tell by Philip Christian Stead Bear, with the help of his animal friends, remembers the story he had hoped to tell before the onset of winter. Hello, My Name is Ruby by Philip Christian Stead Ruby, a very small bird in a very big world, is looking for a friend, so she introduces herself... The Diggers are Coming by Susan Steggall Follows all the people and vehicles involved in building a house -‐ from the wreckers coming to clear the ground, through planners, bulldozers, diggers, tippers, mixers, trucks, builders, cranes, rollers and vans, to the people coming to move into the new houses. How to Ride a Lion by Helen Stephens Iris understands that grown-‐ups are afraid of lions, but when she finds one in her playhouse she knows he is kind so she keeps him hidden from her parents for as long as possible. Ball by Mary Sullivan While searching for someone to play ball with him, a dog dreams of fantastical adventures he could have with his ball. It’s All About Me-‐ow: A Young Cat’s Guide to the Good Life by Hudson Talbott A cat gives three kittens advice on how to charm, entertain, and communicate with their new human family.
Polar Bear Morning by Lauren Thompson A little polar bear cub ventures out of her den for the first time and meets a new friend. Round is a Tortilla: a Book of Shapes by Roseanne Thong A little girl discovers things that are round, square, and rectangular in her Hispanic American neighborhood. Outfoxed by Mike Twohy Fox breaks into a henhouse to steal a chicken for dinner but grabs Duck, instead-‐-‐a clever fowl that pretends to be a dog. Here Comes the Easter Cat by Deborah Underwood When Cat tries to replace the Easter Bunny, he soon learns that the job is much harder than he expected-‐-‐and does not allow time for naps. Flight 1-‐2-‐3 by Maria Van Leishout A boy counts his way through the airport and onto the plane as it flies towards its destination. A Long Way Away by Frank Viva A picture book that can be read front-‐to-‐back or back-‐to-‐front. Start from one end and journey from outer space down to the sea; start from the other end and journey from deep in the sea out to a distant planet. A Trip to the Bottom of the World with Mouse by Frank Viva A boy and a mouse take a bumpy sea journey to the majestic expanses of the Antarctic, where they see the sights and meet new friends. Time-‐out for Sophie by Rosemary Wells Although Sophie wants to be helpful and good, sometimes she ignores her mother, father, and grandmother and must have a time-‐out. Mr. Wuffles! by David Wiesner Mr. Wuffles ignores all of his cat toys but one, which turns out to be a spaceship piloted by small green aliens. When Mr. Wuffles plays rough with the little ship, the aliens must venture into the cat's territory to make emergency repairs.
Goldilocks and the Three Dinosaurs by Mo Willems A spin on the traditional tale with dinosaurs who visit Norway as the main characters. That is Not a Good Idea! by Mo Willems Illustrations that resemble a silent film tell the story of a plump mama goose who is invited to dinner by a hungry fox while her babies try to warn her that it is a bad idea. The Insomniacs by Karina Wolf When Mr. and Mrs. Insomniac and little Mika move twelve time zones away, they have trouble staying awake during the day and make an interesting discovery about themselves. Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson When Ms. Albert teaches a lesson on kindness, Chloe realizes that she and her friends have been wrong in making fun of new student Maya's shabby clothes and refusing to play with her.
Fiction – Older Readers Explorer: The Lost Islands (graphic novel) An anthology of short graphic works by such artists as Kazu Kibuishi, Dave Roman, and Raina Telgemeier, all on the theme of lost islands. Fake Mustache by Tom Angleberger Lenny Flem Jr. is the only one standing between his evil-‐genius best friend Casper and world domination as Casper uses a spectacularly convincing fake mustache and the ability to hypnotize to rob banks, amass a vast fortune, and run for president. The True Blue Scouts of Sugar Man Swamp by Kathi Appelt Twelve-‐year-‐old Chap Brayburn, ancient Sugar Man, and his raccoon-‐brother Swamp Scouts Bingo and J'miah try to save Bayou Tourterelle
from feral pigs Clydine and Buzzie, greedy Sunny Boy Beaucoup, and world-‐class alligator wrestler and would-‐be land developer Jaeger Stitch. Pickle by Kimberly Baker Using a bogus name, the League of Picklemakers, sixth-‐grader Ben and three recruits start a prank-‐pulling club and receive funding from their middle school's PTA. Hold Fast by Blue Balliett On a cold winter day in Chicago, Early's father disappeared, and now she, her mother and her brother have been forced to flee their apartment and join the ranks of the homeless-‐-‐and it is up to Early to hold her family together and solve the mystery surrounding her father. I Represent Sean Rosen by Jeff Baron With the help of his "manager," a thirteen-‐year-‐old boy sells a movie idea to a major Hollywood studio. Tumtum & Nutmeg: The Rose Cottage Tales by Emily Bearn A Christmas adventure -‐-‐ A seaside surprise -‐-‐ A circus adventure. Tumtum and Nutmeg happily reside inside the broom cupboard at Rose Cottage and watch over the human children who live there, but when their home is threatened by mean-‐spirited Aunt Ivy, a schoolteacher named Miss Short, and pirating pond rats, the mice will stop at nothing to make things right. Dorko the Magnificent by Andrea Beaty Robbie Darko is an old-‐school, pull-‐a-‐rabbit-‐out-‐of-‐your-‐hat-‐style magician, but despite his best efforts, something always goes wrong with his tricks until crotchety Grandma Melvyn moves in and teaches him something about the true meaning of magic. Jinx by Sage Blackwood A young boy named Jinx encounters magic and danger as he grows up in the deep, dark forest known as the Urwald and discovers that the world beyond-‐-‐and within-‐-‐the Urwald is more complex than he could imagine.
Jane, the Fox & Me by Fanny Britt (graphic novel) Hélène seeks solace in the pages of "Jane Eyre" while the kids at school ostracize her, but she finally finds friendship on a school camping trip. Serafina’s Promise by Ann E. Burg In a poor village outside of Port-‐au-‐Prince, Haiti, Serafina works hard to help her family, but dreams of going to school and becoming a doctor-‐-‐then the earthquake hits and Serafina must summon all her courage to find her father and still get medicine for her sick baby brother as she promised. Odd Duck by Cecil Castellucci Theodora and Chad, two odd ducks, form a unique friendship between them. The Year of the Baby by Andrea Cheng Fifth-‐grader Anna is concerned that her baby sister Kaylee, adopted from China three months ago, is not thriving so she and her best friends, Laura and Camille, create a science project that may save the day. Unspoken: A Story from the Underground Railroad by Henry Cole In this wordless picture book, a young Southern farm girl discovers a runaway slave hiding behind the corn crib in the barn and decides to help him. Sylvia and Aki by Winifred Conkling At the start of World War II, Japanese-‐American third-‐grader Aki and her family are sent to an internment camp in Poston, Arizona, while Mexican-‐American third-‐grader Sylvia's family leases their Orange County, California, farm and begins a fight to stop school segregation. Ghost Hawk by Susan Cooper At the end of a winter-‐long journey into manhood, Little Hawk returns to find his village decimated by a white man's plague and soon, despite a fresh start, Little Hawk dies violently but his spirit remains trapped, seeing how his world changes. The Boy on the Porch by Sharon Creech
One day John and Martha, a young couple, find a boy asleep on their porch. The boy is unable to speak and explain who he is, so they choose to care for the boy and embrace his exuberant spirit and talents. Hereville: How Mirka Met a Meteorite by Barry Deutsch (graphic novel) Orthodox Jewish girl Mirka challenges her doppelganger, who was created when a witch threw Mirka's hair at a meteor, to a three part contest, with the loser being banished from Hereville. Trading Faces by Julia DeVilliers Seventh-‐grade twins Payton and Emma decide to shake things up at their new middle school by switching places and taking on each other's lives, and their antics teach them that no one is exactly who the world thinks they are. Flora & Ulysses: the Illuminated Adventures by Kate DiCamillo A girl named Flora and a squirrel named Ulysses, whose life was saved by Flora after he was involved in an incident with a vacuum cleaner, team up to use Ulysses' superpowers to conquer villains and protect the weak. Chickadee by Louise Erdrich In 1866, Omakayas's son Chickadee is kidnapped by two ne'er-‐do-‐well brothers from his own tribe and must make a daring escape, forge unlikely friendships, and set out on an exciting and dangerous journey to get back home. The Last Martin by Jonathan Friesen Thirteen-‐year-‐old Martin Boyle struggles to break a family curse after discovering that he has only twelve weeks to live. Salt by Helen Frost Twelve-‐year-‐olds Anikwa, of the Miami village of Kekionga, and James, of the trading post outside Fort Wayne, find their friendship threatened by the rising fear and tension brought by the War of 1812. Beholding Bee by Kimberly Newton Fusco
In 1942, when life turns sour at the carnival that has always been her home, eleven-‐year-‐old Bee takes her dog, Peabody, and piglet, Cordelia, and sets out to find a real home, aided by two women only Bee and her pets can see. Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos In the historic town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania, twelve-‐year-‐old Jack Gantos spends the summer of 1962 grounded for various offenses until he is assigned to help an elderly neighbor with a most unusual chore involving the newly dead, molten wax, twisted promises, Girl Scout cookies, underage driving, lessons from history, typewriting, and countless bloody noses. From Norvelt to Nowhere by Jack Gantos After an explosion, a new crime by an old murderer, and the sad passing of the founder of Norvelt, Pennsylvania, twelve-‐year-‐old Jack accompanies his slightly mental elderly mentor, Miss Volker, on a cross-‐country run as she pursues the oddest of outlaws. Zebra Forest by Adina Gewirtz Eleven-‐year-‐old Annie and her younger brother are being raised by their Gran and are surrounded by family secrets, but everything changes when an escaped criminal shows up at their house and takes them all hostage. In a Glass Grimmly by Adam Gidwitz Frog joins cousins Jack and Jill in leaving their own stories to seek a magic mirror, encountering such creatures as giants, mermaids, and goblins along the way. Based in part on fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. Gingersnap by Patricia Reilly Giff When her brother Rob, a Navy cook, goes missing in action during World War II, Jayna, desperate for family, leaves upstate New York and their cranky landlady, accompanied by a turtle and a ghost, to seek their grandmother, who Rob believes may live in Brooklyn. Includes soup recipes. Falling into Place by Stephanie Greene
As eleven-‐year-‐old Margaret struggles to find a way of coping with the hassles of a new stepfamily, she learns that her Gran is facing similar concerns after moving to a retirement community and becoming a widow. Happy Birthday, Sophie Hartley by Stephanie Greene A girl in a large family is looking forward to her first "double digit" birthday, but soon discovers that growing up brings some unwanted changes. Queen Sophie Hartley by Stephanie Greene A suggestion from her mother leads Sophie to befriend the new girl at school and an elderly, grouchy woman, and helps her overcome the feeling that she is not good at anything. Back in Time with Thomas Edison by Dan Gutman Thirteen-‐year-‐old Robert "Qwerty" Stevens uses the time machine he finds in his back yard to visit Thomas Edison's workshop in 1879, and there helps develop the electric light bulb, but then needs his sister's help to return to his own time. Legends of Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke (graphic novel) Zita is determined to find her way home to Earth, but her exploits have made her an intergallactic megastar, and as her true self is eclipsed by her public persona, she faces a robot doppelganger, unsure of who she can trust. The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London, The Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel by Deborah Hopkinson Eel, an orphan, and his best friend Florrie must help Dr. John Snow prove that cholera is spread through water, and not poisonous air, when an epidemic sweeps across their London neighborhood in 1854. One Year in Coal Harbor by Polly Horvath In a small fishing village in British Columbia, twelve-‐year-‐old Primrose tries to be a matchmaker for her Uncle Jack, befriends Ked, a new foster child, tries to decide if she is willing to go to jail for her convictions, and together with Ked, publishes a cook book to raise money for the Fisherman's Aid. Includes recipes.
The Thing About Luck by Cynthia Kadohata Just when twelve-‐year-‐old Summer thinks nothing else can possibly go wrong in a year of bad luck, an emergency takes her parents to Japan, leaving Summer to care for her little brother while helping her grandmother cook and do laundry for harvest workers. Dogs of War by Sheila Keenan (graphic novel) Three fictional stories, told in graphic novel format, about soldiers in World War I, World War II, and the Vietnam War who were aided by combat dogs. Based on true stories. Bowling Alley Bandit by Laurie Keller Arnie the talking doughnut is delighted to be Mr. Bing's new pet "doughnut-‐dog," so when Mr. Bing starts rolling gutter balls during a big bowling tournament, Arnie suspects foul play and sets out to solve the mystery. The Spotted Dog Last Seen by Jessica Scott Kerrin When a new book arrives at the library with a secret code written inside, Derek, with the help of his friends, follows the clues from one novel to the next and makes a discovery that may help him get past a terrible loss. Fourmile by Watt Key "A mysterious stranger arrives at a boy's rundown Alabama farm home, just as a dangerous situation is unfolding for the twelve-‐year-‐old and his widowed mother"-‐-‐Provided by publisher. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Hard Luck by Jeff Kinney (graphic novel) "Greg Heffley's on a losing streak. His best friend, Rowley Jefferson, has ditched him, and finding new friends in middle school is proving to be a tough task. To change his fortunes, Greg decides to take a leap of faith and turn his decisions over to chance. Will a roll of the dice turn things around, or is Greg's life destined to be just another hard-‐luck story?"-‐-‐. My Happy Life by Rose Lagercrantz Best friends Ella and Dani do everything together, but when things change Dani is not prepared.
Elvis and the Underdogs by Jenny Lee All his life Benji, now ten, has been sickly and he has long been targeted by the school bully, but after a seizure Benji gets a therapy dog that is not only big enough to protect him, it can also talk. A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd The Pickles are new to Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, a town which legend says was once magic-‐-‐but Felicity is convinced the magic is still there, and with the help of her new friend Jonah the Beedle she hopes to bring the magic back. Half a Chance by Cynthia Lord Lucy, with her mother and her photographer father, has just moved to a small rural community in New Hampshire, and with her new friend Nate she plans to spend the summer taking photos for a contest, but pictures sometimes reveal more than people are willing to see. Edward’s Eyes by Patricia MacLachlan Edward is one of a large and close family that loves baseball, music, books, and each other, and when he unexpectedly dies and his parents donate his organs, his wonderful eyes go to a perfect recipient. Hiding Out at the Pancake Palace by Nan Marino "When musical prodigy, Elvis Ruby, completely freezes up on television, he is forced to hide out in the Pinelands of New Jersey and try to find his way back to the music once again with the help of a new friend"-‐-‐Provided by publisher. The Great Cake Mystery: Precious Ramotswe’s Very First Case by Alexander McCall Smith Before becoming the first female private investigator in Botswana, eight-‐year-‐old Precious Ramotswe tracks down a thief who has been stealing her classmates' snacks. On the Road to Mr. Mineo’s by Barbara O’Connor Sherman, a one-‐legged pigeon, sets everyone aflutter in a small southern town.
Olympians by George O’Connor (graphic novel) A fictionalized account, in graphic novel format, of the Greek myth of Poseidon, the god of the sea. Big Nate Flips Out by Lincoln Peirce (graphic novel) Sixth-‐grader and self-‐proclaimed genius Nate Wright's sloppiness is getting out of hand and getting Francis in trouble. Bluffton: My Summers with Buster by Matt Phelan (graphic novel) The year is 1908 and a troupe of vaudeville performers has arrived in sleepy Muskegon, Michigan, to spend the summer. Young Henry Harrison is fascinated with the animals and performers, but mostly with a slapstick performer his own age named Buster Keaton, who is also a master prankster and loves to play baseball. Rooftoppers by Katherine Rundell When authorities threaten to take Sophie, twelve, from Charles who has been her guardian since she was one and both survived a shipwreck, the pair goes to Paris to try to find Sophie's mother, and they are aided by Matteo and his band of "rooftoppers.". Magicalamity by Kate Saunders Eleven-‐year-‐old Tom is shocked to learn that he is a demisprite, half fairy and half mortal, and that he, aided by three fairy godmothers, must save his father, who is hiding in the fairy Realm, while safeguarding his mortal mother. Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy Schlitz When Clara vanishes after the puppeteer Grisini and two orphaned assistants were at her twelfth birthday party, suspicion of kidnapping chases the trio away from London and soon the two orphans are caught in a trap set by Grisini's ancient rival, a witch with a deadly inheritance to shed before it is too late. Counting by 7s by Holly Goldberg Sloan Twelve-‐year-‐old genius and outsider Willow Chance must figure out how to connect with other people and find a surrogate family for herself after her parents are killed in a car accident.
Liar & Spy by Rebecca Stead Seventh-‐grader Georges adjusts to moving from a house to an apartment, his father's efforts to start a new business, his mother's extra shifts as a nurse, being picked on at school, and Safer, a boy who wants his help spying on another resident of their building. It’s the First Day of School…Forever! by R.L. Stine Everything goes wrong for eleven-‐year-‐old Artie on his first day at Ardmore Middle School, from the moment his alarm goes off until the next morning, when everything is repeated exactly the same way. I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis In July, 1916, Chet Roscow is fascinated by news accounts of the great white shark said to be attacking people along the New Jersey shore not far from his home, but when he goes swimming in Matawan Creek he discovers the truth of the stories. The Babysitter’s Club: A graphic novel by Raina Telgemeier (graphic novel) Kristy gets an idea for a babysitter's club and enlists the help of her friends, Mary Anne and Claudia, who introduce a new member, Stacey. Cardboard by Doug TenNapel (graphic novel) Cam gets a cardboard box for a birthday present that he makes into a man which comes to life, but when his neighbor Marcus takes the cardboard box, he creates his own evil creations that threaten to destroy them all. One Came Home by Amy Timberlake In 1871 Wisconsin, thirteen-‐year-‐old Georgia sets out to find her sister Agatha, presumed dead when remains are found wearing the dress she was last seen in, and before the end of the year gains fame as a sharpshooter and foiler of counterfeiters. The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila Turnage When Miss Lana accidentally buys a haunted inn at the Tupelo Landing town auction, Desperado Detectives-‐-‐aka Mo LoBeau and her best friend Dale-‐-‐opens up a paranormal division to solve the ghost's identity before the town's big 250th anniversary bash.
The Center of Everything by Linda Urban Ruby Pepperdine thinks her life is perfect until her best friend gets mad at her and her grandmother, Gigi, passes away, and looks forward to setting things right when she reads her prize-‐winning essay at the Bunning Day Parade. The Real Boy by Anne Ursu A shy boy named Oscar who works as the hand to a powerful magic worker becomes the only person who can save his village from an evil monster. The Vine Basket by Josanne La Valley Life has been hard for fourteen-‐year-‐old Mehrigul, a member of the Uyghur tribal group scorned by the Chinese communist regime, so when an American offers to buy all the baskets she can make in three weeks, Mehrigul strives for a better future for herself and her family despite her father's opposition. Navigating Early by Clare Vanderpool Odyssey-‐like adventure of two boys' incredible quest on the Appalachian Trail where they deal with pirates, buried secrets, and extraordinary encounters. P.S. Be Eleven by Rita Williams-‐Garcia After spending the Summer of 1968 with their mother and the Black Panthers, Delphine, Vonetta, and Fern return home to Brooklyn with a new feeling of independence, but they discover their father has a new girlfriend, Uncle Darnell has come home from Vietnam a changed man, and Big Ma still expects Delphine to take care of everything. Feeling overwhelmed, Delphine writes to her mother, who reminds her to enjoy being eleven and not grow up too fast. Gone Fishing: A Novel in Verse by Tamera Will Wissinger In this novel told through poems, nine-‐year-‐old Sam loves fishing with his dad, so when his pesky little sister horns in on their fishing trip, he is none too pleased. Includes primer on rhyme, poetry techniques, rhythm, stanzas, and poetic forms.
The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond by Brenda Woods A biracial girl finally gets the chance to meet the African American side of her family.
Nonfiction Space Encyclopedia: A Tour of our Solar System and Beyond by David A. Aguilar Text and photographs look at the solar system, the stars and beyond. Electricity All Around by Barbara Alpert Simple text and full-‐color photographs provide a brief introduction to electricity. Fifty Cents and a Dream: Young Booker T. Washington by Jabari Asim An illustrated introduction to the life of Booker T. Washington that focuses on his hard work and determination to earn a college degree. A Rock is Lively by Dianna Hutts Aston Introduces young readers to rocks and minerals. Energy Makes Things Happen by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley Contains information on energy, in simple text with illustrations, and shows how energy comes from the sun and can be transferred from one thing to another, including food, animals, and water. Henry and the Cannons: An Extraordinary True Story of the American Revolution by Don Brown Presents an illustrated account of how bookseller Henry Knox moved 59 cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston during the Revolutionary War, helping Americans to make a pivotal victory. In New York by Marc Brown Takes readers on a tour of New York City.
A Splash of Red: the Life and Art of Horace Pippin by Jennifer Bryant An illustrated biography of African American painter, Horace Pippin. Look Up! Henrietta Leavitt, Pioneering Woman Astronomer by Robert Burleigh An illustrated biography of the pioneering woman astronomer Henrietta Leavitt. See What a Seal Can Do by Christine Butterworth Describes different types of seals and all the things seals can do in the sea. Mysterious Patterns: Finding Fractals in Nature by Sarah Campbell A photographic introduction to shapes and fractal patterns in nature. What’s Your Favorite Animal? by Eric Carle Fourteen children's book authors and artists use illustrations and personal stories to share details about their favorite animals. Look Up! : Bird-‐Watching in your Own Backyard by Annette Cate An illustrated guide to bird watching. Island: A Story of the Galapagós by Jason Chin A history of the Galapagos Island, describing how the island formed and animals came to inhabit it. Using Water by Sharon Katz Cooper Why is water important? -‐-‐ Where does water come from? -‐-‐ How do we use water? -‐-‐ Can we run out of water? -‐-‐ Water cycle in a bag!. Simple text and photos explore how humans use water, where it comes from, and why it should be conserved. Includes an activity. The Mystery of Darwin’s Frog by Martha L. Crump In 1840, Charles Darwin found a new and strange species of frog in Chile that shocked and stumped scientists, scientists continued to study the frog through the years, and today scientists are working to save Darwin's frog from extinction.
Get the Scoop on Animal Poop! : From Lions to Tapeworms, 251 Cool Facts about Scat, Frass, Dung, and More! by Dawn Cusick Provides over 250 facts about animal feces and how it is used by various species. Tracks, Scats, and Signs by Leslie A. Dendy Describes how to find and identify footprints, droppings, nests, feathers, fur, and other common clues left by seventeen wild animals as they pursue their lives in woods, fields, and along ponds. The Periodic Table: Elements with Style by Adrian Dingle Combines science and art to create a simple way for students to learn the periodic table. What is Science by Rebecca Kai Dotlich Introduces young readers to the world of science and all it encompasses. Potatoes on Rooftops: Farming in the City by Hadley Dyer Looks at farming and growing food in the city for children. Noah Webster and His Words by Jeri Ferris An illustrated account of the life of Noah Webster, a Connecticut farm boy who spent twenty years writing what became the first American dictionary ever to be published. Locomotive by Brian Floca Details what the first passengers experienced as they traveled West on the transcontinental railroad in the summer of 1869. Shiver Me Timbers! : Pirate poems & Paintings by Douglas Florian An illustrated collection of poems for children about pirates. Not-‐For-‐Parents: How to be a Dinosaur Hunter – Your Globe-‐Trotting, Time-‐Traveling Guide by Scott Forbes Explains where and how to find dinosaur remains, including bones, teeth, eggs, and footprints, and describes when, where, and how dinosaurs lived.
The Price of Freedom: How One Town Stood Up to Slavery by Judith Bloom Fradin Documents the efforts of an Ohio community to secure the freedom of escaped slave John Price, examining various aspects of Price's escape from Kentucky, the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850, and the heroic showdown. Angel Island: Gateway to Gold Mountain by Russell Freedman Explores the lives and treatment of Asian immigrants detained at Angel Island Immigration Station in San Francisco, California, during the early twentieth century. Includes translations of poems carved by detainees into the walls in Chinese script. The Boston Tea Party by Russell Freedman Introduces young readers to the Boston Tea Party and its impact on American history. That’s a Possibility! : A Book About What Might Happen by Bruce Goldstone With colorful photographs and interactive examples, Bruce Goldstone introduces children to the ideas of something being possible, probable, or impossible. The Mad Potter: George E. Ohr, Eccentric Genius by Jan Greenberg Looks at the life of potter George E. Ohr, known for his unique designs, whose work did not become widely successful until after his death. Frog Song by Brenda Guiberson Discusses the songs of many different frogs from all parts of the globe. The Greatest Dinosaur Ever by Brenda Guiberson Describes the features of a variety of dinosaurs, inspiring readers to choose their favorite. Computers by Charlotte Guillain Discusses different types of computer careers, including website designer, game developer, IT support technician, computer graphics animator, and more.
Peace by Wendy Anderson Halperin Answers the question pondered by Taoism, how can we bring peace to the world. All the Way to the Ocean by Joel Harper Isaac and James discover the cause and effect relationship between our cities' storm drains and the world's oceans, lakes, and rivers. How the Meteorite Got to the Museum by Jessie Hartland Details the steps that brought a meteor from outer space, across the eastern United States, to the roof of a car in Peekskill, New York, and was then was verified, tested, and exhibited at the American Museum of Natural History. The Boy Who Loved Math: the Improbable Life of Paul Erdos by Deborah Heiligman Presents a brief biography of mathematician Paul Erdős. The Tree Lady: the True Story of How One Tree-‐Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by Joseph H. Hopkins An illustrated look at the life of Kate Sessions, who planted a nursery in San Diego, California, after making a deal with the city. Annie and Helen by Deborah Hopkinson Describes the relationship between Helen Keller and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, and includes excerpts from letters written by Annie about her work with Helen. Nest by Jorey Hurley A simple depiction of a year in the life of a bird. My First Day by Steve Jenkins Newborn animals describe things they did on the day they were born. Includes facts about each species featured. Thomas Jefferson: Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Everything by Maira Kalman Text and colorful illustrations shed light on the life and interests of Thomas Jefferson.
The Awesome Inner Workings of Video Games by Arie Kaplan Looks at how video game hardware, software, and memory work. Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers’ Strike of 1909 by Michelle Markel Describes how immigrant Clara Lemlich, fought back against the poor treatment of her fellow factory workers and led the largest walkout of women workers in the country. Forgive Me, I Meant to do it: False Apology Poems by Gail Carson Levine A collection of poems with false apologies from author Gail Carson Levine. The Fantastic Jungles of Henri Rousseau by Michelle Markel Introduces readers to the life and accomplishments of Henri Rousseau, a self-‐taught painter who faced harsh criticism but persevered and succeeded. The Long, Long Journey: the Godwit’s Amazing Migration by Sandra Markle Tells the story of the annual migration of the Bar-‐tailed godwit. Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin Follows the life of urban farmer Will Allen, who grew up on a dairy farm, had a career in professional basketball, but decided to return to growing food in Milwaukee. Gandhi: A March to the Sea by Alice B. McGinty Recounts the March to the Sea, in which, Mohandas Gandi and seventy protesters marched from Ahmedabad to Dandi, in twenty-‐four days, to protest the laws and taxes that Great Britain put on salt. Minecraft Essential Handbook by Stephanie Milton A handbook to the video game Minecraft, discussing how to find resources, make a shelter, craft tools and weapons, and protect yourself from monsters, and featuring tips from Minecraft experts.
The Giant and How He Humbugged America by Jim Murphy A description of the Cardiff Giant mystery in which a man in upstate New York buried a ten-‐foot-‐tall, petrified model of a man, which was discovered by well diggers a year later, and set into motion a money-‐making spectacle. Colorful Dreamer: the Story of Artist Henri Matisse by Marjorie Blain Parker Colorful illustrations and text describe how Henri Matisse grew up to be a famous painter. Martin & Mahalia: His Words, Her Song by Andrea David Pinkney Describes how Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahalia Jackson shared a message of peace and hope in the civil rights movement. Josephine: the Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker by Patricia Hruby Powell A portrait of the performer and civil rights advocate Josephine Baker. Stardines Swim High Across the Sky and Other Poems by Jack Prelutsky A collection of poems describing imaginary creatures such as Bluffaloes, Swapitis, and Stardines. Helen’s Big World: the Life of Helen Keller by Doreen Rappaport An illustrated biography of Helen Keller, introducing young readers to her life and legacy, and including quotations by Keller. To Dare Mighty Things: the Life of Theodore Roosevelt by Doreen Rappaport This picture book biography explores the life of Theodore Roosevelt through vivid prose and the president's own words. Who Pooped in the Park? by Gary Robson Series of books which follows a family in various national parks, where they look for signs of some of the many different animals that live in the region.
Northwest Passage by Stan Rogers Combines a story about the elusive route through the Arctic Ocean to the Pacific with illustrations, maps, commentary, a timeline of northern exploration, mini-‐biographies of explorers, and the music and verses for the song that inspired the book. The Noisy Paint Box: the Colors and Sounds of Kandinsky’s Abstract Art by Barb Rosenstock Describes how Wassily Kandinsky's creative life was profoundly shaped by a neurological condition called synesthesia which caused him to experienced colors as sounds and sounds as colors. Parrots over Puerto Rico by Susan L. Roth "A combined history of the Puerto Rican parrot and the island of Puerto Rico, highlighting current efforts to save the Puerto Rican parrot by protecting and managing this endangered species"-‐-‐Provided by publisher. From the Good Mountain: How Gutenberg Changed the World by James Rumford Describes how Johann Gutenberg's printing press changed the world and how early books were printed. A Dog is a Dog: and That’s Why He’s So Special by Clarice Rutherford Discusses the behavior and characteristics of dogs, explaining their history, instincts, and how they are trained. Monsieur Marceau by Leda Schubert An illustrated biography of the famous French mime, Marcel Marceau. The Port Chicago 50: Disaster, Mutiny, and the Fight for Civil Rights by Steve Sheinkin Describes the fifty black sailors who refused to work in unsafe and unfair conditions after an explosion in Port Chicago killed 320 servicemen, and how the incident influenced civil rights. Something to Prove: the Great Satchel Paige vs. Rookie Joe DiMaggio by Robert Skead
Tells the story of the first meeting in 1936 between African American baseball pitcher Satchel Paige and Joe DiMaggio when he was a hot prospect at the beginning of his baseball career. When Stravinsky Met Nijinsky: Two Artists, Their Ballet, and One Extraordinary Riot by Lauren Stringer Describes the ballet collaboration of dancer Vaslav Nijinsky and composer Igor Stravinsky. Who Says Women Can’t be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell by Tanya Lee Stone An introduction to the life and achievements of the first American female doctor describes the limited career prospects available to women in the early nineteenth-‐century, the opposition Blackwell faced while pursuing a medical education, and her pioneering medical career that opened doors for future generations of women. Scaly, Spotted, Feathered, Frilled: How do we know what Dinosaurs Really Looked Like? by Catherine Thimmesh Examines the art of paleoartists and describes how we know what dinosaurs really looked like. S is for Scientists: A Discovery Alphabet by Larry Verstraete A rhyming alphabet that names people, places, and discoveries in the history of science, and provides background information on each one. Digger, Dozer, Dumper by Hope Vestergaard A treasury of sixteen poems highlights the jobs and personalities of an assortment of vehicles from an ambulance to a snowplow. Alphasaurs and other Prehistoric Types by Sharon Werner Presents illustrations of various dinosaurs made up of letters of the alphabet, and includes information about each dinosaur. Pug and Other Animal Poems by Valerie Worth An illustrated collection of poems about foxes, cats, rabbits, pugs, and other animals.
The Guy Who Invented Home Video Games: Ralph Baer and His Awesome Invention by Edwin Brit Wyckoff The battle zone -‐-‐ The invisible boy -‐-‐ Made in America -‐-‐ "What else can a TV do?" -‐-‐ Honors and surprises. Introduces the life and accomplishments of Ralph Baer, dubbed the "father of video games" by President George W. Bush, and describes the development of the Magnavox Odyssey, the first home video game console. Firefly July: a Year of Very Short Poems An illustrated collection of classic short poems by Emily Dickinson, Langston Hughes, Charlotte Zolotow, and others. National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry: with Favorites from Robert Frost, Jack Prelutsky, Emily Dickinson, and more Full-‐color photographs accompany two hundred poems about animals.