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Search Criteria: Discipline - English-Language Arts/General ; Grade Level Span - 6-8; Language - English.
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11 Birthdays
Amanda and Leo were born on the same day and were friends until their tenth Wendy Mass
birthday. A misunderstanding results in the two not speaking to each other. On
their eleventh birthday, they plan to celebrate separately, but suddenly they
have to relive the day over and over. This contemporary work of fiction focuses
on friendship and has enough drama and surprises to keep middle-school
readers turning the pages.
English-Language
Arts/General
2010
A Maze Me:
Poems for
Girls
Contains 72 of Nye’s poems. Younger teens will be intrigued and inspired by
the poet’s ability to create poetry from different sources: a car manual, a
newspaper article, a taco sign, Julia Child’s patting potatoes, and a vapor trail
left in the sky by a pair of airplanes.
Naomi Shihab
Nye
English-Language
Arts/General
2005
Abel's Island
A gentleman mouse is stranded on an island. Formerly wealthy and spoiled,
he is forced to become adventurous and self-reliant. This book is useful for
character development studies.
William Steig
English-Language
Arts/General
1986
Achingly Alice
In this continuation of the Alice series books by Ms. Naylor, thirteen-year-old
Alice falls in love. She also tries her hand at matchmaking, only to find that
love is a very complex emotion. Can she love quiet, gentle Sam and Patrick,
her steady boyfriend, at the same time? Readers experience adolescent highs
and lows along with Alice and her friends.
Phyllis
Reynolds
Naylor
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Adem's Cross
Adem, an Albanian boy, and his family live in Serb-occupied Kosovo. They
face constant terror and harassment because of their policy of passive
resistance. When his sister is killed and his family singled out for special
suffering, Adem knows he must find a way to survive the cultural crossfire of
war and hatred. This novel depicts human rights violations and emotional
intensity.
Alice Mead
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
Adventures of
Tom Sawyer,
The
Twain’s classic tale describes the antics of Tom Sawyer and his pals at school, Mark Twain
church, and home. The book focuses on relationships, which are important
throughout the story, and situations that are still relevant today: sibling rivalry,
best friends, and boy–girl relationships. Several plots are involved, including a
murder and subsequent trial. Twain’s use of the vernacular adds interest but
can be difficult at times. Young people and adults can relate to this novel.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Aesop’s
Fables
Sixteen of Aesop’s fables are set in the grasslands of Africa and portray the
characters using African animals such as zebras, kudus, and mongrel dogs.
Illustrations are framed in stylized borders, created with watercolor and pencil,
and reflect the African flavor of the author’s adaptations. Use for reading aloud
in literature or character education studies or in art units.
African
American
Family Album,
The
This book, part of a series of books on various ethnicities, is a collection of the
memories and experiences of a people who are first Africans, then slaves, and
finally African Americans. This is an excellent resource for African American
history. Other books in The American Family Album series deal with Chinese
Americans, Cuban Americans, Irish Americans, Japanese Americans, and
many others.
Airborn
Matt, a young cabin boy aboard an airship, and Kate, a wealthy young girl
traveling with her chaperone, team up to search for the existence of
mysterious winged creatures reportedly living hundreds of feet above the
Earth's surface.
Kenneth Oppel
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
2004
Al Capone
Shines My
Shoes
Moose and the prisoners have further adventures in this long-awaited sequel
to Al CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS (Newbery Honor, 2004). Moose’s letter to
Al Capone results in his autistic sister being accepted for admission to a
special school. Did Al Capone really use his influence? Will he expect a return
Gennifer
Choldenko
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2009
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Beverley
Naidoo
Dorothy
Hoobler
Thomas
Hoobler
English-Language
Arts/General
Visual and
Performing Arts
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
1995
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favor? How will this affect Moose’s father, who is a prison guard?
Alabama Moon Ten-year-old Moon Blake has spent most of his life with his survivalist father in Watt Key
the dense Alabama forest. When his father dies, Moon is taken to a boys’
home, where he learns about friendship, the outside world, variety in meal
menus, and life with other children his age. Moon struggles to adjust to his new
life. An adventure and survival story with unique and memorable characters,
this book will appeal to reluctant readers and fans of Gary Paulsen’s fiction.
English-Language
Arts/General
Alchemy and
Meggy Swann
Meggy arrives to work for her father, who is deeply involved in the world of
Karen
alchemy and who has no time for his twelve-year-old daughter in this tale set
Cushman
in sixteenth-century London. Told with humor and accuracy, this story depicts
a feisty young girl with a disability who is determined to make something of her
life despite not being able to move around, except with walking sticks. Includes
notes with bibliographical references and descriptions of Elizabethan culture.
All the Colors
of the Race
This poetry collection is written from the point of view of a child with a black
mother and a white father. Illustrations portray a biracial family. The book is
currently out of print.
Arnold Adoff
Amazing Harry
Kellar: Great
American
Magician, The
Harry Kellar lived and performed during the nineteenth and early twentieth
century, first as a magician’s assistant and as a rising international star during
the “Golden Age of Magic.” During his career, Kellar performed for Theodore
Roosevelt’s family, mentored the Great Houdini, and established himself as
one of the great magicians in the field. Illustrated with reproductions of
advertising posters of the period and photographs. Includes a time line,
bibliography, and annotated sources.
Gail Jarrow
American
Dragons:
Twenty-five
Asian
American
Voices
This collection of autobiographical stories, poems, essays, and a monologue
Laurence Yep
explores the Asian American experience of children whose parents have
immigrated from another place and culture. It covers self-hate, family pressure,
perceptions, and values and is useful in multicultural studies and cultural
understanding. California author.
English-Language
Arts/General
1993
Amethyst
Ring, The
Julian Escobar, a young Spanish student, boldly impersonates Kukulcan,
legendary god of the Maya. But when the conquistadors drive him from his
realm, Julian becomes a wanderer and joins the army of Pizarro, which leads
him to Machu Picchu to witness the magnificence of the Incan empire before
its swift and tragic fall.
Scott O'Dell
English-Language
Arts/General
1983
Among the
Hidden
In a future where the Population Police enforce the law that limits a family to
only two children, third-child Luke lives in isolation and fear on his family's
farm. Eventually the twelve-year-old encounters another "third" child, who
convinces him that the government is wrong.
Margaret
Peterson
Haddix
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Anastasia
Krupnik
Anastasia is coping with being an only child, living with her professor father
and artist mother, and making lists. Then she discovers that her mother is
expecting a baby, and things begin to take on a new perspective.
Lois Lowry
English-Language
Arts/General
1981
And Now
Miguel
Twelve-year-old Miguel Chavez aspires to be allowed to go on the long annual Joseph
sheep drive with the older men of his family. When he attempts to prove his
Krumgold
readiness, his requests are ignored, so he prays to the saint of farmers, San
Ysidro. His prayer is answered, but the journey proves treacherous for Miguel.
English-Language
Arts/General
1984
And Picasso
Painted
Guernica
Readers come face to face with Picasso’s creative spirit in this beautiful book.
Chronicling Picasso’s journey as an artist, the book focuses on the creation of
his iconic work “Guernica” in 1937. The oversized format includes sketches
and a foldout of the painting. Although this is a children’s book, adults will
appreciate it as well.
Antsy Does
Time
Anthony “Antsy” Bonano is fourteen, and he finds out that his Swedish
Neal
classmate, Gunnar, is suffering from a rare disease and has only six months to Shusterman
live. Antsy begins to help Gunnar: he offers him a note giving his friend a
month of his own life. When others begin to follow Antsy’s lead, things get very
confusing and amusing. This California Young Reader Medal winner in the
Middle School/Junior High category is a continuation of Antsy’s earlier story
told in THE SCHWA WAS HERE (2004).
Any Small
Goodness: A
Novel of the
Barrio
After moving from Mexico to the barrio of East Los Angeles with his family,
Tony Johnston
Arturo and his friends share experiences dealing with a teacher who wants to
Americanize their names, playing basketball, and championing the school
librarian. Short, upbeat vignettes make this a good read-aloud choice. Includes
a glossary of Spanish words. California author and California setting.
Anything but
Typical
Autistic twelve-year-old Jason Blake is an aspiring author who, through a Web
site for writers, develops a friendship with a girl whose pen name is Phoenix
Bird. This story enhances understanding of how autism can affect family
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Alain Serres
Nora Raleigh
Baskin
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2008
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
Visual and
Performing Arts
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
Visual and
Performing Arts
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
2010
1987
2012
2010
2008
2001
2009
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members and interpersonal relationships.
Armageddon
Summer
The experiences of two young people whose parents are involved in a
religious cult are depicted in this novel about choices and personal freedoms.
The story switches between the point of view of fourteen-year-old Marina to
that of sixteen-year-old Jed as the two join an encampment to await the end of
the world. The book portrays a violent confrontation and could be useful in
studies of points of view and current events.
Bruce
Colville
Jane Yolen
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Ashwater
Experiment,
The
Twelve-year-old Hillary has attended 17 schools in eight years as her parents
travel back and forth across the country. When her parents agree to house-sit
for a year in Ashwater, California, Hillary treats that time as an experiment.
She learns about forming good friendships before packing up and hitting the
road again.
Amy Goldman
Koss
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
At the
CrossingPlaces
This second book in the Arthur Trilogy takes up the story of 14-year-old Arthur
Caldicot, now a squire in training to become a knight. As in the first book, THE
SEEING STONE, life in the Middle Ages is richly and accurately depicted
through Arthur’s narration. The third book in the trilogy is KING OF THE
MIDDLE MARCH.
Kevin CrossleyHolland
Baby
Twelve-year-old Larkin's life is turned upside down when a baby girl named
Sophie is left in a basket in the driveway of her family home. Her family and
her grandmother grow to love and care deeply for Sophie, but they know that
someday Sophie's mother will return and take her away from them.
Patricia
MacLachlan
Baby Flo:
Florence Mills
Lights Up the
Stage
Florence Mills was a well-known African American dancer, singer, and
Alan Schroeder
comedian during the Harlem Renaissance. This picture book for older readers
centers on her early years. Florence was admired by audiences around the
world and by legends of the jazz age before her early death at the age of thirtyone. Informative for students interested in the performing arts as well as those
wanting to know more about the Harlem Renaissance. Includes an author’s
note and historical photographs. California author.
English-Language
Arts/General
Visual and
Performing Arts
2012
Bamboo
People: A
Novel
This coming-of-age novel is narrated by two teenage boys on opposite sides of Mitali Perkins
the conflict between the Burmese government and the Karenni. One of the
boys is a Karenni refugee and the other is the son of an imprisoned Burmese
doctor. The two meet in the jungle and must learn to trust each other to
survive. This book invites discussion about irrational racial hatred that results
in war.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2010
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2000
Baseball in
Eleven short stories portray the lives of Mexican American children in everyday Gary Soto
April and Other situations - solving problems, dealing with friendships and disappointments,
Stories
and being part of a family. Humor and poignancy are sprinkled throughout the
writing. California author.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
2002
1993
Bear's House,
The
Although she sucks her thumb, smells bad, and loses herself in the makebelieve world of the three bears' dollhouse, a fourth-grader does know how to
care for her baby sister. This poignant story of child neglect and determination
contains emotional intensity.
Marilyn Sachs
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
Bearstone
Cloyd, a Native American teen, is angry at life and the people who expect him
to conform. During the summer he is sent to work with an elderly rancher.
Although Cloyd tests Walter constantly, the rancher never gives up on him.
Eventually Cloyd and Walter develop a unique bond. Both discover an answer
to their loneliness and alienation. The story depicts emotional intensity.
Will Hobbs
English-Language
Arts/General
1989
Becoming
Felix
Felix is an extraordinary twelve-year-old boy. His dedication follows several
paths: he wants to see the family farm succeed, and he wants his music to be
an essential part of his life. Somehow, he can't seem to have both. And then
he and his best friend, Steve, have a falling out and things just get worse.
Nancy Hope
Wilson
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
Been to
Yesterdays:
Poems of a
Life
Poet and compiler Lee Bennett Hopkins tells of his growing-up years in the
1950s. He had an unstable home life, frequently moving about with parents
who eventually divorced. In his free verse poems, Hopkins reflects with simple
clarity and honesty the frustrations and uncertainties of that period of his life.
This selection depicts emotional intensity.
Lee Bennett
Hopkins
English-Language
Arts/General
1995
Belle Prater's
Boy
Gypsy and her cross-eyed witty cousin Woodrow both have secrets that are
slowly revealed in this tale of friendship. Gypsy's father commits suicide, and
Woodrow's mother, Belle, abandons him. Woodrow's courage helps Gypsy
heal. The dialogue reflects the local dialect.
Ruth White
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
Between
Sisters
This book for mature middle-school and high-school students is set in
Adwoa Badoe
contemporary Ghana and was written by a Ghanaian physician now living in
Canada. Gloria is sixteen, struggles with reading, and has failed many of her
final exams. A distant cousin offers to send Gloria to school for dressmaking—
as long as she agrees to move to the city of Kumasi and help with the cousin’s
toddler son. Gloria accepts the challenge and quickly learns about friendship,
romance, city life, loyalty, AIDS, honesty, and the dangers of a new way of life.
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Recommended by the United States Board on Books for Young People.
Beyond the
Mango Tree
Sarina lives in Liberia with her possessive, diabetic mother and often-absent
father. Her friendship with Boima, a poor Liberian boy, shows the extreme gap
between the white family's luxury and the poverty of the Liberian population.
This selection uses the local dialect in much of the dialogue and depicts
emotional intensity. California author.
Amy Bronwen
Zemser
English-Language
Arts/General
Bill, the Boy
Wonder: The
Secret CoCreator of
Batman
Although Bob Kane received the credit for creating Batman, Bill Finger, who
received neither the fame nor the fortune, was far more instrumental in
creating the world of Gotham City. Bill’s story is presented in this visually
engaging picture book for older readers.
Marc Tyler
Nobleman
Bird Lake
Moon
Contemporary fiction set on a lake during summer vacation. Twelve-year-old
Kevin Henkes
Mitch and his mother take temporary refuge with her parents, who live on Bird
Lake, after Mitch’s father leaves them for another woman. When a family
moves in next door, Mitch becomes angry, as he imagined the empty house
might belong to him and his mother someday. The boy in that house is ten and
is also suffering; it is the first time he and his family have returned to the house
since a tragedy occurred at the lake many years ago. Strong characters and
true-to-life exploits make this an appealing title for readers in middle grades.
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
Birthday
Room, The
Ben receives two birthday gifts - an art studio and an invitation to visit his uncle Kevin Henkes
in Oregon. Ben feels the heavy weight of parental expectations to paint well
and is burdened by the estrangement that exists between his mother and her
brother that makes the trip to Oregon unlikely. However, the trip is made and
despite old hurts, the family is made whole again. This selection depicts
emotional intensity.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
English-Language
Arts/General
Visual and
Performing Arts
2012
Black Is Brown These biracial poems are about a family with a white father and a black
Is Tan
mother. The family members enjoy being with each other and doing family
things.
Arnold Adoff
Black Out
Loud
This anthology of modern poems by African Americans covers a broad range
of topics, including the state of being black, the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.,
and the experience of being a poet. The book is currently out of print.
Arnold Adoff
(editor)
English-Language
Arts/General
1970
Blackwater
A teenager wavers between staying silent and confessing his responsibility for Eve Bunting
a prank that results in two deaths. Brodie's rescue attempts make the teenager
an instant local hero before he has a chance to set the record straight. The
delay makes telling the truth harder to contemplate. BLACKWATER may be
used as a companion book to ON MY HONOR, by Marion Dane Bauer.
California author.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Blue Lipstick:
Concrete
Poems
This book is a companion to the author’s collection of concrete poems,
TECHNICALLY, IT’S NOT MY FAULT. Robert’s sister Jessie tells her side of
the story about their family. Jessie is a girl with strong opinions, and she isn’t
shy about sharing them. Her funny, sarcastic take on life is revealed through
concrete poetry: words, ideas, type, and design combine to make pictures and
patterns. The poems are inventive, irreverent, irresistible, and full of surprises.
Bluefish
Fourteen-year-old Travis has suffered profound loss, and he finds himself in
Pat Schmatz
new and uncomfortable surroundings. Just as Travis prepares for the “dreadful
routine” of his new school, he meets two exceptional people: Velveeta, an
eccentric girl, and a passionate English teacher named Mr. McQueen. This
realistic story reveals the powerful effect that reading can have on an
adolescent and the ability of an individual to influence another person’s life. An
ALA Notable Children’s Book (2012).
Bluish
Dreenie's curiosity about a frail, wheelchair-bound girl called Bluish leads to an Virginia
unlikely friendship and trust among three very different girls. This novel can be Hamilton
used to discuss people with disabilities and prejudice about those who seem
different. This selection depicts emotional intensity.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Boggart, The
When Emily and her family return to Canada from their trip to Scotland, where Susan Cooper
they visited the castle they had inherited, strange things begin to happen.
Could it be possible that she has accidentally trapped an invisible, mischievous
spirit - the Boggart - in her computer? Will the spirit continue to wreak havoc
for Emily and her family? Emily must discover how to send the spirit back to
Scotland.
English-Language
Arts/General
1993
John Grandits
Born Confused Seventeen-year-old Dimple discovers that her identity issues are not new. She Tanuja Desai
is not Indian enough for the Indians and not American enough for the
Hidier
Americans. Her parents want her to embrace her Indian heritage and set her
up with Karsh Kapoor, the son of a family friend. Dimple is not interested until
her beautiful and manipulative best friend, Gwyn, becomes obsessed with both
Dimple's heritage and the boy her parents presented to her. This causes
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Arts/General
History/Social
Science
1998
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Literary
Elements
2002
2007
English-Language 2011
Arts/General
Literacy/Motivation
English-Language
Arts/General
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Performing Arts
2002
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Dimple to get involved in the local South Asian community.
Borrowed
Children
Amanda is forced to be mother, housekeeper, and cook when her Mama
almost dies after the birth of young Willie. Life is tough in Goose Rock,
Kentucky, and Amanda longs to escape the oppression that holds her down.
When she gets a chance to go to Memphis to visit relatives, Amanda grows to
understand and appreciate her background and her life. This selection depicts
emotional intensity.
Boy in the
Striped
Pajamas, The
During World War II and the Holocaust, Bruno’s father, a German military man, John Boyne
receives a promotion, and the family moves to a new place. Bruno is a curious
child, and in his exploration he meets another boy his age whose life is quite
different from Bruno’s. The two form a strong friendship that leads to tragic
consequences. This book is labeled “Young Adult Fiction,” but it is written from
a childlike perspective. The content, however, is emotional, and students may
feel the need to discuss the issues they read about.
Boy Who
Born in Malawi, where terrible drought and famine forced him to quit school
Harnessed the and almost claimed his life, William dreamed of building a windmill that would
Wind, The
bring electricity to his farm and community. Although his community thought he
was crazy, William persevered. Using parts he scavenged from the local dump
and an outdated book stolen from his school library, William made his dream a
reality.
George Ella
Lyon
Bryan
Mealer
William
Kamkwamba
English-Language
Arts/General
1988
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2008
English-Language
Arts/General
Mathematics
Science
2012
Boy Who
Saved
Baseball, The
Set in rural California, this story opens with twelve-year-old Tom learning that
John H. Ritter
eighty-seven-year-old Doc Altenheiner has promised not to sell his apple ranch
to developers, but only on one condition: if the local baseball team can defeat
the favored out-of-towners that summer. The story is filled with baseball lore
and unique, mysterious characters—such as Cruz de la Cruz, who comes into
town riding on a horse, and Dante Del Gato, a disgraced baseball player who
is willing to help the ragtag team. Written by a California author, the text is
simple enough to follow but is filled with poetry and wit.
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Literary
Elements
2003
Breakaway
Twelve-year-old LJ belongs on the soccer field. She loves scoring goals and
playing hard. When her competitive nature begins to alienate her friends, she
realizes that the team spirit is more important than just one player. An
excellent look at sports, girls, and bullying.
Andrea
Montalbano
English-Language
Arts/General
Physical
Education
2011
Breaking
Stalin’s Nose
This 2012 Newbery Honor Book is set in the Soviet Union during the time of
Stalin’s reign (1923–53). The story is told from the perspective of ten-year-old
Sasha Zaichek, whose father, despite being a member of the secret police, is
taken away to prison in the middle of the night. Over the next two days, Sasha
tries to believe that he will become a member of the Young Pioneers and that
somehow the things that happen at home and school are mistakes. Readers
older than Sasha will recognize his innocence and fear as his beliefs are
challenged and his worries about his father grow. This historical novel may
pique students’ curiosity about life during Stalin’s reign. It is memorable for its
glimpse into a time when families and entire communities lived under the
stresses of poverty, prejudice, and suspicion. California author.
Eugene Yelchin
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2011
Bridge to
Terabithia
Jess and Leslie become special friends as they create a magical secret world
that they call Terabithia. But when a tragic accident causes Leslie's death,
Jess is forced to face life alone. This junior novel confronts many of the issues
teens face and is great for literature circles. This selection depicts emotional
intensity.
Katherine
Paterson
Brooklyn
Bridge: A
Novel
Joe Michtom is fourteen in the summer of 1903, and his parents have turned
their Brooklyn apartment into a factory to make more and more teddy bears,
which are suddenly in demand. He yearns for romance, adventure, and the
opportunity to visit a recently opened park on Coney Island rather than make
stuffed bears. Interwoven with the events of Joe’s summer is a parallel story
about homeless ghost children who live in the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge.
The two stories become one, and the book ends in surprising fashion. Awardwinning author Karen Hesse includes notes about the real Michtoms, a
Russian Jewish family originally who began making teddy bears in Brooklyn in
the early 1900s.
Karen Hesse
Buccaneers,
The
In this sequel to THE WRECKERS and THE SMUGGLERS, the first two books Iain Lawrence
in the High Seas Trilogy, sixteen-year-old John Spencer sails THE DRAGON,
to the Caribbean to bring back sugar. Spencer encounters fierce storms,
illness, and buccaneers, making this a high-seas adventure filled with mystery
and intrigue.
English-Language
Arts/General
2001
Bucking the
Sarge
Deeply involved in his cold and manipulative mother's shady business dealings Christopher
in Flint, Michigan, fourteen-year-old Luther keeps a sense of humor while
Paul Curtis
running the Happy Neighbor Group Home For Men, all the while dreaming of
going to college and becoming a philosopher.
English-Language
Arts/General
2004
Bud, Not
Ten-year-old Bud - "not Buddy" - Caldwell is an orphan on the run during the
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Christopher
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English-Language
Arts/General
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Science
English-Language
1987
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Buddy
Great Depression. He escapes from an abusive foster home to find the man he Paul Curtis
believes to be his father. One dilemma after another uncovers a tough
character who perseveres and triumphs in his quest. See also THE
WATSON'S GO TO BIRMINGHAM-1963.
Buddha’s
Diamonds,
The
Set in postwar Vietnam, this story comes from co-author Thay Phap Niem’s
childhood. Tinh is ten years old and learns from his father about how to
support the family using a fishing boat. When a storm comes, Tinh’s courage is
tested. Cultural and Buddhist references are woven into this coming-of-age
story. A glossary and author’s notes provide background information. This is a
good choice for classroom discussions about responsibility, honesty, and faith.
California author.
Buddy Love
Now on Video
Buddy Love is a TV addict. Television replaces his life. When he begins to
view his life through the lens of a video camera, he realizes that it is more
interesting than he thought - and much better than his favorite shows.
Bystander
This realistic account of middle-school bullying follows seventh-grader Eric
James Preller
Hayes as he attempts to adjust to the hostile atmosphere of a new middle
school. Taken in by a charismatic student named Griffen, he quickly realizes
that the boy is a ruthless bully. Eric discovers the consequences of standing by
and watching as the bully at his new school hurts people. Although school
officials are aware of the problem, Eric may be the one with a solution.
Call It Courage Mafatu, a fifteen-year-old Polynesian boy, decides he must face his fears of
the ocean. Labeled a coward by the people of his village, his quest to find
courage leads him out onto the ocean alone. He ultimately ends up stranded
on an island visited by hostile tribes and is able to overcome his fears in the
process of adapting to new situations and preparing himself to return home.
Carolyn
Marsden
Thay Phap
Niem
Ilene Cooper
Armstrong
Sperry
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
Visual and
Performing Arts
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
English-Language
Arts/General
1995
English-Language 2009
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Writing
Literacy/Motivation
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
Science
1990
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2009
Camping with
the President
In 1903 President Theodore Roosevelt visited wilderness areas of the country Ginger
and asked to visit with naturalist John Muir in Yosemite. They camped together Wadsworth
for four days, riding on horseback through the sequoia forests and living in
tents at the foot of Bridalveil Fall. Includes detailed watercolor illustrations,
bibliographical references, and short biographies of President Roosevelt and
John Muir. California author.
Carolina Crow
Girl
Carolina likes her transient life on the road until she and her family become
Valerie Hobbs
squatters on the Crouch land. She learns about the "haves" and the "havenots." Opportunities open that allow her to change her life. What should she
do? Can she leave her family behind? This selection depicts mature situations.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Cars on Mars:
Roving the
Red Planet
“Dark Shadows on Mars: Scene from Durable NASA Rover” is one of the latest Alexandra Siy
photo captions from the space rover named Opportunity. Although the rovers
were designed to last for 90 days, they still actively survey Mars years later.
Future astronauts and space enthusiasts will enjoy this well-documented book,
which details plucky little mechanical “geologists.”
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
Charles
Dickens and
the Street
Children of
London
Enlightened at a young age by his own riches-to-rags childhood, Charles
Dickens sought to change the world of poor children in London through his
writing and his fortune. After his family went into debt and he found himself
working at a shoe-polish factory, Dickens soon realized that the members of
the lower class were no different than he—and even worse, they were given
no chance to better themselves. It was then that Dickens decided to use his
writing ability to tell the stories of those who had no voice. This book includes
short vignettes of the painter William Hogarth and Thomas Coram, a sea
captain who tried to alleviate the suffering of those children.
Charlie Pippin
Charlie is an enterprising eleven-year-old African American girl who learns that Candy Dawson
although war can change people, working for peaceful understanding in a
Boyd
family yields the greatest reward of all.
English-Language
Arts/General
1987
Chasing
Redbird
In the backwoods of Kentucky, home to thirteen-year-old Zinnia Taylor, she
wants to find a "quiet zone" away from her lively, loud family. Zinnia discovers
an old, overgrown trail in the woods and decides to reclaim it for her escapes.
She finds out that young Jake Boone is interested in her activities too!
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
Cheshire
A community of mice and a cheese-loving cat form an unlikely alliance at
Cheese Cat: A London’s Cheshire Cheese, an inn where Charles Dickens finds inspiration
Dickens of a
and Queen Victoria makes an unexpected appearance.
Tale, The
Chomp
Andrea Warren
Sharon Creech
Carmen
Agra Deedy
Randall
Wright
Teenager Wahoo Cray and his father, an animal wrangler, have been hired to Carl Hiaasen
help film an animal adventure show in the Florida Everglades. The Crays end
up having to outmaneuver the self-centered host of the show while looking
after a teenage girl who was physically abused by her father. Zany humor and
interesting information about animals of the Everglades are woven through this
novel. Fans of Hiassen’s other novels, including HOOT, FLUSH, and SCAT,
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Science
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History/Social
Science
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Arts/General
2011
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will enjoy this environmental romp.
Choosing Up
Sides
Luke Bledsoe is the son of a preacher. That fact in itself is limiting - especially
when his father considers baseball and being left-handed sinful signs. Luke
loves the game and soon proves his skills as the best "southpaw" in the entire
area. Can Luke honor his father or must he break from the unrealistic
constraints that keep him from feeling normal? Emotional impact and family
conflict are treated.
John H. Ritter
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Cinderella
Skeleton
This unique and humorous version of Cinderella is told in rhyming verse.
Cinderella is a skeleton living in a graveyard with her stepmother. The
illustrations conjure up the worst in each person, making the entire book
spooky, gruesome, and very funny. California author.
Robert D. San
Souci
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
Come Sing,
Jimmy Jo
When Jimmy Jo's country music singing talent brings fame to his family, he
suddenly becomes a target for fans - and for a man who insists he's Jimmy
Jo's real father. The complexities of being a "star" must be faced as Jimmy
Jo's life changes.
Katherine
Paterson
English-Language
Arts/General
1985
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Confessions of When Mary Elizabeth Cep and her family, minus Dad, move from New York to Dyan Sheldon
a Teenage
the New Jersey suburbs, she changes her name to Lola, campaigns to enrich
Drama Queen the lives of suburban teens, gains a loyal friend named Ella, and makes an
enemy of the popular and snooty Carla Santini. This hilarious, witty story has a
charming heroine, a despicable villainess, and unforgettable characters.
Cosmic
Twelve-year-old Liam looks like he could be thirty and is tired of being treated Frank Cottrell
as if he is older than he is. Posing as a chaperone on the first spaceship to
Boyce
take civilians into space, he ends up in outer space with a group of kids and no
adult supervision. Liam must think and act quickly to avert disaster. This book
is filled with gentle humor, wonderful characters, and wacky adventures.
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
2010
Countdown
For eleven-year old Franny, 1962 is a tough year. Her two most cherished
relationships—with her older sister and her best friend—seem to be falling
apart. Her uncle, a shell-shocked World War I veteran, has moved into her
house, and his odd behavior is putting a strain on the family. But none of that
will matter if President Kennedy cannot stop the Russians from launching
nuclear missiles into the United States from Cuba. Photographs, song lyrics,
cartoons, advertisements, and “duck and cover” instructions blend the facts
with Franny’s story. Merging fact with fiction, this title provides a well-written
look at one of the dramatic episodes in American history. An ALA Notable
Children’s Book (2011).
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2010
Deborah Wiles
Cowboy Ghost Living up to the standards set by an older brother isn't easy to do. Titus wants Robert Newton
to join his brother Micah on a cattle drive through the risky Florida wilderness
Peck
and finds himself tested more than he ever expected. The lives of ranch hands
and the cattle depend on him.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
CRASH
Crash Coogan is an arrogant, athletic seventh-grader with a jock mentality and Jerry Spinelli
a knack for putdowns, especially of Penn Webb, the pacifist nerd who has
been in his shadow since first grade. Things change when Crash's grandfather
comes to live with them and suffers a severe stroke. Crash begins to see life
through different eyes and grows to appreciate the simple gift of kindness that
Penn offers his grandfather to help him heal.
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
Crazy Lady!
Maxine Flooter's son, Ronald, has mental disabilities, and Maxine tries to
Jane Leslie
protect him from the world. Unfortunately, she has trouble keeping herself
Conly
together. A retired teacher encourages a struggling seventh-grader, Vernon, to
become Ronald's friend. A special friendship and understanding develop and
grow, as do both boys.
English-Language
Arts/General
1993
Crazy
Weekend
Hector and Mando experience a weekend they won't easily forget. The
Gary Soto
adventure begins when they visit Uncle Julio in Fresno. In his rickety old plane,
the boys witness an armored car heist and record the crime on film. The
robbers, however, have their own idea of getting even with the boys after
pictures appear in the morning paper. California author and setting.
English-Language
Arts/General
1994
Crossing to
Paradise
Gatty, the peasant girl first introduced in the author’s “Arthur” trilogy, is the star Kevin Crossleyof this novel. Her beautiful singing voice earns her a place on a pilgrimage to
Holland
Jerusalem. As Gatty journeys across Europe to the Holy Land, a richly detailed
medieval world is revealed. Readers will find that Gatty is an unforgettable
character.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2008
Crow Call
Written from the author’s memories of 1945, when her father returned from
World War II, this picture book deals with the experience of a child–parent
reunion after a wartime separation. Eight-year-old Lizzie is quietly happy to
accompany her father on a hunting trip to rid their farm of crop-eating crows.
He notices her feelings about what will happen to the flying birds when she
uses the crow-call whistle. The illustrations of the Pennsylvania countryside
are executed in muted shades of fall and are integral to the story.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2009
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Dairy Queen
D.J. knows firsthand, from the days when her older brothers were stars on Red Catherine
Bend’s football team, how hard her brothers trained every summer in
Gilbert Murdock
preparation for football season. Athletically gifted, D. J. had always been
available as an extra player for running routes and catching passes. But, in the
wake of her father’s accident, she is forced to quit the Red Bend girls
basketball team, forget about spring track, and watch her grades plummet as
she takes over all the farm work on the Wisconsin dairy that has been in her
family for generations.
Dandelion
Wine
This story depicts the magical summer of 1928 in twelve-year-old Douglas
Spaulding's life. The new edition by Random House includes an introduction
by the author.
Ray Bradbury
English-Language
Arts/General
1976
Dangerous
Skies
Set in the mud flats of the Chesapeake Bay, this mystery raises the issues of
old-fashioned racial hatred and prejudice. Two friends are caught in the
conflicts of truth, justice, and loyalty to each other.
Suzanne Fisher English-Language
Staples
Arts/General
1996
Dark Light,
The
The devastating social stigma associated with leprosy is portrayed in this
novel, a translation from Norwegian. Set in the 1800s, it is the story of Tora
and Endre, childhood friends whose lives are pulled in different ways. Tora
contracts leprosy and becomes an outcast sent to live her days in a leper's
hospital. Despite her condition, her personal courage and will to survive do not
diminish. This selection depicts emotional intensity and human rights
violations.
Mette Newth
English-Language
Arts/General
1995
Dark-Thirty:
Southern
Tales of the
Supernatural,
The
Inspired by African American history, this collection of original spine-tingling
tales evokes the eerie and mysterious quality of the half-hour before nightfall
and the ghostly, haunting events that occur at that time.
Patricia C.
McKissack
English-Language
Arts/General
1992
Dateline: Troy
The Trojan War is explored by using current newspaper headlines depicting
modern conflicts of war and comparing them to the feats and events at the
Battle of Troy. The comparison of myth to reality builds an understanding of
the events and attitudes of Homer's world. California author.
Paul
Fleischman
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
Dead End in
Norvelt
It is 1952, and twelve-year-old Jack Gantos is grounded for the summer when Jack Gantos
he accidentally shoots off his father’s Japanese rifle from World War II. Jack is
chosen to help an eccentric neighbor write obituaries, which he agrees to do in
order to get out of his room. He is also very interested in history, so the reader
gets to follow his musings about various historic personalities and events. This
book’s humor, wild and crazy happenings, and eccentric characters are
memorable.
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
December
Stillness
A successful lawyer clashes with his daughter over her attempts to help a
Mary Downing
homeless Vietnam veteran. Despite her good intentions, she learns that some Hahn
problems are not easily solved. The experience eventually brings daughter and
father, a Vietnam veteran himself, closer together.
English-Language
Arts/General
1988
Defiance
Eleven-year-old Toby knows that if he tells his parents about the lump on his
Valerie Hobbs
side, he will need to return to the hospital for treatment. He would rather keep
it a secret and have a vacation doing normal things such as riding his bike.
When Toby meets Pearl, an elderly poet with a cow named Blossom, he learns
some important lessons about living and dying. A moving story by a California
author.
English-Language
Arts/General
2005
Define
"Normal"
When she agrees to meet with Jasmine as a peer counselor at their middle
school, Antonia never dreams that this girl with a black lipstick and a pierced
eyebrow will end up helping her deal with the serious problems she faces at
home -- and become a good friend.
Julie Anne
Peters
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
Diary of a
Wimpy Kid
The first book in a series, this humorous work is written from a boy’s point of
Jeff Kinney
view but can be enjoyed by both boys and girls. Author Jeff Kinney uses
comical language to describe Greg Heffley’s first year of middle school. Written
as a diary, the book describes the relationships Greg has with his family
members and friends, the hazards of middle school, and growing pains. It
features comic-style illustrations and is especially recommended for struggling
readers and sixth-graders.
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
Dicey's Song
This sequel to the novel HOMECOMING portrays Dicey, a strong-minded teen, Cynthia Voigt
trying to ease up on the responsibility of acting as a parent now that she has
found a home for her younger siblings. Other titles featuring Dicey and her
family include THE RUNNER, SONS FROM AFAR, SEVENTEEN AGAINST
THE DEALER, and A SOLITARY BLUE, about Dicey's friend Jeff.
English-Language
Arts/General
1983
Dillon Dillon
Dillon Dillon often wondered but never inquired why he had identical first and
Kate Banks
last names until the family's annual summer vacation at Lake Waban. At his
tenth birthday celebration, Dillon learns the story behind the double names and
sets out to make sense of life and ultimately bring magic and healing. Two gifts
English-Language
Arts/General
2002
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Arts/General
Physical
Education
2006
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he receives, a red rowboat and a boomerang, teach him about responsibility
and loss.
Disappearing
Acts
Novice mystery readers will enjoy the latest antics of Herculeah Jones, an
amazing female supersleuth, as she attempts to locate her best friend's longmissing father and to solve the puzzle of a body found in a comedy club
bathroom. Is it all part of the "disappearing act"? This volume is a part of the
Herculeah Jones Mystery series, which includes DEAD LETTER, THE DARK
STAIRS, and TAROT SAYS BEWARE.
Betsy Cromer
Byars
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Distant
Enemy, A
Living between two cultures isn't easy for Joseph, who is part Yup'ik Eskimo
and part white. In a series of events to honor his native culture, Joseph strikes
out, but his actions backfire and prove harmful to others. He knows he needs
to learn to deal with his problems and mistakes.
Deb Vanasse
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
Dogtag
Summer
Set in Santa Rosa, California, in 1980, this novel follows Tracy and her friend
Stargazer during the summer after sixth grade. They open her adoptive
father’s box filled with items from his time in Vietnam, where he was a soldier.
A dogtag and a photograph spark memories of Tracy’s life in Vietnam as a
“con lai” child who suffered not only from the war but also from being the child
of one parent who was Vietnamese and one who was American. Her adoptive
father suffers as a result of his wartime experiences, and her mother tries to
help and understand her daughter as the family struggles to become a true
family unit. California author.
Elizabeth
Partridge
Door Near
Here, A
When her mother's alcoholism reaches an extreme, sixteen-year-old Katherine Heather
goes to great lengths to take care of her siblings while hiding their problems
Quarles
from the world. Mature situations and emotional intensity are contained in this
novel.
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
Dove Song
Set in the 1960s, this story is about eleven-year-old Bobbie Lynn, whose father Kristine L.
is reported missing in Vietnam. When her mother has an emotional
Franklin
breakdown, Bobbie Lynn and her brother attempt to hide the fact from the
outside world. When Bobbie Lynn becomes ill, she finally reaches out to the
mother of her only friend. The book contains emotional intensity and will
appeal to reluctant but mature readers.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Dream Keeper The works of African American Harlem Renaissance poet Langston Hughes
Langston
and Other
are featured in this complete compilation of his writing. Many poems celebrate Hughes
Poems, The
the blues in a poetic form. Teachers are sure to find this "dream" series poems
useful and appropriate for study.
English-Language
Arts/General
1994
EarthShattering
Poems
More than 40 poets are featured in this anthology that covers a wide variety of
topics and moods about life, loving, and challenges that people face. Each
poem reflects an earth-shattering situation for the poet.
Liz Rosenberg
(editor)
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Emperor's
New Clothes:
A Tale Set in
China, The
Set in ancient China, this story is a retelling of the classic Hans Christian
Andersen tale about the vain emperor. Chinese symbols are used throughout
the tale and displayed in the colorful illustrations. The author's note explains
these symbols and where to look for them in the book. Can be used as a
picture book for older readers.
Demi
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2000
Empty Pot,
The
Ping, a Chinese boy, can grow the most wonderful flowers. The emperor,
looking for a successor, gives a seed to each child to find out who can grow
the most beautiful flower. Ping carefully plants and tends his seed, but nothing
sprouts. The small, detailed watercolor illustrations reflect the Asian setting of
this story, good for starting discussions on truth and courage.
Demi
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
1990
Eragon
In Aagaesia, a fifteen-year-old boy of unknown lineage called Eragon finds a
mysterious stone that weaves his life into an intricate tapestry of destiny,
magic, and power, peopled with dragons, elves, and monsters.
Christopher
Paolini
Erika’s Story
Set in 1944 in Nazi Germany, when many Jewish families were being taken by Ruth Vander
train to concentration camps, this picture book for older readers offers calm,
Zee
sparse text that meshes perfectly with the illustrator’s detailed images. The
narrator relays the true story of how she was saved from certain death when
her mother made a courageous but horrifying decision. The book may be used
as an introduction to studies of the Holocaust, as a read-aloud before a class
study of a full-length title, or in an art-class unit on the use of color,
illustrations, or realism. Students may also consider, discuss, and write about
why the book cover has a five-pointed star rather than the Jewish six-pointed
star.
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Literary
Elements
English-Language
Arts/Writing
History/Social
Science
2003
Every Soul a
Star
The lives of three teenagers intersect at a remote campground where
thousands of people have flocked to witness a total solar eclipse. The story is
told from each teenager’s point of view in alternating chapters. Details about
solar eclipses and astronomy are deftly woven into the story as the plot traces
the internal struggle of each teen and brings her or him to a new level of
maturity.
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
2008
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Wendy Mass
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
2003
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Everything on
a Waffle
Eleven-year-old Primrose lives in a small fishing village in British Columbia.
She recounts her experiences and all that she learns about human nature and
the unpredictability of life in the months after her parents are lost at sea.
Polly Horvath
English-Language
Arts/General
2001
Extra Credit
Two gifted students correspond as pen pals: Abby lives in Illinois, and Sadeed
lives in the mountains of Afghanistan. But things get complicated because
Sadeed’s culture does not allow him to have contact with girls. This is a warm,
humorous, and insightful school story that will keep readers turning the pages
while providing a glimpse into a life that is very different from the ones lived by
most young people in the United States. The book’s full-page pencil
illustrations add to its appeal.
Andrew
Clements
English-Language
Arts/General
2009
Faith, Hope,
and Ivy June
Two seventh-graders take part in an exchange program in Kentucky and learn
about friendship as they write about their experiences in journals. Catherine
Combs lives with her upper-middle-class family in the city of Lexington, while
Ivy June Mosley lives with her grandparents in the Appalachian coal-mining
town of Thunder Creek. The girls are together for two weeks in each other’s
home and learn that differences are not barriers to friendship. Traumatic
events involving family members create tension in the story and eventually
bring the girls to a new understanding of how people and their families can
support one another.
Phyllis
Reynolds
Naylor
English-Language
Arts/General
2009
Family of
Poems: My
Favorite
Poetry for
Children, A
An illustrated poetry anthology for children and families with more than 100
Caroline
poems from around the world. Caroline Kennedy has crafted a mix of poetic
Kennedy
genres for family and classroom read-alouds. Walt Whitman, Shakespeare, E.
E. Cummings, Nikki Giovanni, and Emily Dickinson are just a few of the poets
included in this collection. Jon Muth’s watercolor paintings capture the essence
of each poem and invite young readers to visit these verses time and time
again.
Family Tree
Tyler Stoudt lives with her father, Jakob, the only family she has ever known.
Katherine Ayers English-Language
When her teacher assigns a family tree project in history/social science, Tyler
Arts/General
knows she has been given an impossible task. Although the assignment opens
years of pain, Tyler discovers her Amish background and the love that made
her parents "outsiders."
1996
Far North
Gabe Rogers, a Texas transplant, has relocated to Alaska to be near his
father. Gabe accepts an invitation to a sightseeing excursion with a young
bush pilot. The group experiences serious trouble, and Gabe and his travel
companions are confronted with a survival challenge beyond belief. Only skill,
willpower, and determination give Gabe and his companions any hope.
Will Hobbs
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
1996
Faraway
Island, A
Originally published in Swedish, this story is set in 1939. Two Jewish sisters
are sent to the safety offered by a small Swedish island. Sadly, the girls are
not able to live together. Nellie, age eight, quickly adapts and fits in with a
warm and loving family. Stephie, age twelve, is assigned to live with a cold,
stern woman whose husband is kind but whose work as a fisherman keeps
him away from home. This is the first of four highly acclaimed books centering
on Stephie and her family during World War II.
Annika Thor
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2009
Fatty Legs: A
True Story
Olemaun, an eight-year-old Inuvialiut girl, wants to learn to read. She
convinces her father to allow her to leave their small village on an Arctic island
to become a student at a residential school. Her strong spirit allows her not
only to survive but also to thrive and learn in a difficult environment where she
becomes the target of an extremely mean teacher. Based on the author’s
childhood, this illustrated story is co-authored by her daughter-in-law.
Illustrations, black-and-white family photographs, and an afterword are
included.
Christy
JordanFenton
Margaret
PokiakFenton
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2010
Feathers
Set in 1971, this story centers on Frannie, who is in sixth grade in a mostly
black classroom. It is told from Frannie’s viewpoint and filled with memorable
characters: Frannie’s good-looking but socially isolated older brother, who is
deaf; Samantha, the daughter of a conservative Baptist minister; a new boy
who says he is not white but has long hair and white skin and is named “Jesus
Boy”; and Trevor, the class bully, who also has light skin. Frannie’s teacher
introduces her students to Emily Dickinson and her poem, “Hope is the Thing
with Feathers.” An excellent choice for starting a discussion about disabilities,
religion, appearances, and bullying. A Newbery Honor title for 2008.
Fingertips of
Duncan
Dorfman, The
Twelve-year-olds Duncan Dorfman, April Blunt, and Nate Saviano meet at the Meg Wolitzer
Youth Scrabble Tournament. Although each has a different reason for
attending, they realize that something more important than the grand prize is at
stake. Shrewd observations and wry humor make this an enjoyable read for all
ages. An ALA Notable Children’s Book (2012).
Jacqueline
Woodson
Fire Pony, The Joe Dilly and his brother are misfits of sorts. Perhaps that is why settling down Rodman
is difficult. Life at the Bar None Ranch is going smoothly for them until
Philbrick
competition surfaces at the regional fair and the trouble begins again. Will they
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English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Writing
2005
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
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Arts/General
1996
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have to leave town again? This novel depicts emotional intensity and mature
situations.
Firefly Letters:
A Suffragette’s
Journey to
Cuba, The
Swedish feminist Fredrika Bremer visits Cuba to distance herself from the
demands of her stifling family. Told in free verse and in the voices of Fredrika,
Emma, Cecelia, and Beni, this story is set in Cuba in 1851. It is partly based
on diaries and letters written by Bremer. The stories of the three women, each
of whom pursues a different type of freedom, culminate with a surprising and
difficult decision by one of them. Will appeal to reluctant readers and all who
appreciate strong female characters. California author.
Margarita Engle
Flight of Red
Bird, The Life
of Zitkala-Sa,
The
This biography chronicles the experiences of a Yankton Indian woman whose
life spanned the end of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth
century through her own reminiscences, letters, speeches, and stories.
Doreen
Rappaport
Flyaway
When her father suffers a heart attack during a bird-watching event and is
taken to the hospital to recover, thirteen-year-old Isla meets a young leukemia
patient named Harry, who appreciates and understands her love of birds.
Outside Harry’s window, Isla sees a lost swan struggling to fly. By saving the
swan, Isla also tries to make things better for her father and her new friend
Harry. This compelling yet sensitive story of a young girl who copes with
unexpected events in life will encourage readers to draw strength from the
loving bonds of family and friendship. An ALA Notable Children’s Book (2012).
Lucy
Christopher
Folk Keeper,
The
This short novel draws on selkie folklore for an eerie tale of young, orphaned
Corinna, who disguises herself as a boy so she can pose as a Folk Keeper.
Her job is to keep at bay the ravenous Folk that lives beneath the foundling
home.
Franny
Billingsley
Forever Rose
This is the last in a series of books centered on the Casson family and written Hilary McKay
by an award-winning English author. The first book, SAFFY’S ANGEL,
introduces four siblings, each named for a paint color; Mummy, who is an artist
and spends most of her time in the art shed; and Daddy Bill, who spends most
of his time away in London. The family is messy and chaotic, but each member
is witty and lovable. The story of this final book is told by Rose, the youngest
family member, who is turning twelve and manages to bring the fragmented
family back together when she exposes an amazing and wonderful secret.
Francie
Francie Weaver, like her father, wants to leave Alabama and head north for a
Karen English
new start. Chicago sounds like the place to be. Francie befriends sixteen-yearold Jesse, who wants to learn how to read. But when Jesse is accused of
attacking a white man, Francie knows she is putting her family in danger by
assisting him. Human rights violations are depicted. The language and
attitudes reflect the time.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Freak the
Mighty
A very unusual and special friendship exists between oversized, learningdisabled Max and his new friend, Freak, a classmate whose birth defects have
limited the growth of his body but not the power of his brain or his capacity to
care about others. Together they become an unbeatable team, fighting time
and the narrow attitudes of others.
Rodman
Philbrick
English-Language
Arts/General
1993
Gathering Blue Kira's world of the future is almost medieval, filled with violence, bleakness,
anger and hostility. She has the unusual skill of embroidery and is given the
honorable job of Threader. She enlists her friend Matt to go out into the
unknown world to look for blue thread. This powerful story is bleak at times,
but it also portrays hope, change, and enlightenment.
Lois Lowry
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
Getting Near
to Baby
When their baby sister dies and their mother slips into a depression, twelveyear-old Willa Jo and Little Sister go to live with their bossy Aunt Patty. The
story, set in North Carolina, starts with the two sisters on the roof of the house
where they spend the day.
Audrey
Couloumbis
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Ghost of a
Hanged Man
Outlaw Jake Barnett is found guilty of killing 16 people and is hanged in the
summer of 1877. Before his death he vows revenge against the judge, the
sheriff, and their families. His vow is forgotten until record flooding occurs and
coffins in the cemetery start popping up out of the ground. Suddenly, the
question arises of whether the town's misfortunes are coincidental or the work
of Jake's ghost. This suspenseful selection is great to read aloud.
Vivian Vande
Velde
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Gift Moves,
The
In a futuristic United States devoid of wealth, a teenage baker befriends a
talented weaver's apprentice who holds a dark secret.
Steve Lyon
English-Language
Arts/General
2004
Gift of the
Magi and
Other Stories,
The
This collection of short stories features such diverse settings as the drawing
rooms of the Victorian age and the deserts of the Old West. O. Henry's zestful
blend of humor and melancholy provides a sentimental look at American life in
the early twentieth century.
O. Henry
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
Girl Called Al,
A warm friendship develops between two girls who live in a city apartment
Constance C.
English-Language
1994
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English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Literary
Elements
2010
1997
2011
2001
2008
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A
house. One of the girls is Al, a nonconformist with very interesting ideas and
thoughts.
Greene
Arts/General
Girl Named
Disaster, A
When Nhamo learns that she must marry an older man with three wives, she
resolves to save herself and runs away. In a stolen boat on an unknown river,
she faces starvation, near drowning, and wild animals. By communing with the
spirits of the past, she survives and thrives.
Nancy Farmer
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
Girl Who Saw
Lions, The
This work of contemporary fiction is told in alternating voices. Rosa is a
thirteen-year-old girl living in England, and her mother is trying to adopt a child
from Tanzania. Abela is nine and lives in Tanzania, where people are dying
from AIDS. Abela must survive the lions of this world as she makes her way
toward hope and life. Written by a British Carnegie Medal winner, this is a
compelling story dealing with difficult topics such as death, female
circumcision, and intercountry adoption.
Berlie Doherty
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
Virginia
Hamilton
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
Girl Who Spun In this West Indian version of Rumpelstiltskin, Quashiba, a young spinner, is
Gold, The
married to Big King, who insists that she produce gold. A cruel-looking little
creature appears and says he'll spin gold for her if she can guess his name.
The acrylic illustrations use gold lavishly, and the easygoing West Indian text
makes this a fun read-aloud.
Girlhearts
Thirteen-year-old Sarabeth Silver's life is turned upside down when her mother Norma Fox
dies suddenly, leaving her orphaned, confused, and at the mercy of everyone Mazer
who seems to know what is best for her. This novel combines gentle humor
with serious relationship issues and ends on a positive note. Useful for
discussions about death and grieving.
English-Language
Arts/General
2001
Giver, The
Jonas lives in a seemingly utopian society. He is about to experience the
Ceremony of Twelve to determine his role in life. Little does he know that he
will discover the secret memories of his dystopian society. The story depicts
human rights violations with mature themes and emotional intensity and is a
good selection for literature circles.
English-Language
Arts/General
1993
Glory Be
Set in Mississippi during the summer of 1964, this story centers on Gloriana,
Augusta
an eleven-year-old girl who discovers that the swimming pool she planned to
Scattergood
use all summer will be closed—but not for the reason given to the public.
Gloriana becomes friends with a girl whose mother, a nurse, will run a
Freedom Clinic for poor black people. Gloriana learns some new truths. This
book may be used to introduce the civil rights movement and spark discussion.
See also the picture book FREEDOM SUMMER by Deborah Wiles, which is
set in the same time period and covers similar issues.
Lois Lowry
Golden
Lyra, an orphan being raised by the Scholars of Jordan College, is a
Philip Pullman
Compass, The precocious child who lives a life of adventure on the roofs and in the
catacombs of the college. A strange encounter one evening with her uncle and
the continued disappearance of young children from the country thrust Lyra
into a mystery and a quest found only in fantasy stories. This book is the first in
a trilogy of high fantasy; the others are THE SUBTLE KNIFE and THE AMBER
SPYGLASS.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
1995
Good, the Bad,
and the
Barbie: A
Doll’s History
and Her
Impact on Us,
The
Learn how Barbie has influenced generations of girls for more than 50 years.
The book includes criticisms of the doll, her questionable body image, and her
influence on fashion. An index and bibliographical references are included. A
Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People (2011).
Tanya Lee
Stone
Grasshopper
Summer
Eleven-year-old Sam White and his family move from Kentucky to the Dakota
territory, never imagining how hard life would become for them. When crops
are eaten by grasshoppers, life becomes even more unbearable. Sam knows
that special help is needed if they hope to take the land and claim it as theirs.
Ann Warren
Turner
English-Language
Arts/General
1989
Graveyard
Book, The
Nobody Owens was orphaned in infancy when his family was violently
Neil Gaiman
murdered in their home. During the crime, Nobody crawled up a hill and into a
graveyard, where he was adopted by the local ghosts. This story traces the life
of Nobody from infancy through his teen years. It will appeal to readers who
enjoy fantasy and odd tales and to reluctant readers.
English-Language
Arts/General
2010
Great Brain,
The
The witty and humorous schemes of Tom, alias the Great Brain of Adenville,
Utah, are narrated by his seven-year-old brother John, who is often the victim
of Tom's schemes. His narratives include imagination and exaggeration. This
is the first book in The Great Brain series.
John D.
Fitzgerald
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
Great Gilly
Hopkins, The
Gilly, a foster child, has been angry, lonely, and hurting for so long that she is
always ready to fight anyone who tries to be friendly. She begrudgingly
accepts love from her guardian, Trotter, and a freaky kid in a foster home,
giving her the strength to face tough days ahead. This book reflects
Katherine
Paterson
English-Language
Arts/General
1987
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Science
2012
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contemporary language used by the story's defiant character.
Great Wall of
Lucy Wu, The
Lucy Wu has her sixth-grade year all planned out. Her sister is going to
Wendy Shang
college, so Lucy will now have a room of her own, and she is looking forward
to playing basketball again. But then her parents insist that she sign up for
Chinese school, which conflicts with basketball. When Lucy finds out that Yi
Po, her great aunt, is coming for an extended visit from China, Lucy learns that
she will have to share her room with her aunt—and her plans for the perfect
year are shattered.
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
Grey King, The The adventures of Will Stanton are chronicled as he travels to Wales in search Susan Cooper
of a magical golden harp needed to defeat the Grey King, one of the faces of
the Dark. This is the fourth book in the Dark Is Rising series, but it may stand
by itself. See also OVER SEA, UNDER TONE; THE DARK IS RISING;
GREENWITCH; and the fifth volume SILVER ON THE TREE.
English-Language
Arts/General
1975
Guy Time
This book is a humorous account of thirteen-year-old Guy's dealing with the
separation and the possible divorce of his eccentric parents and his own
newfound interest in girls. Can be useful for discussions of adolescent issues.
Sarah Weeks
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
Harry Potter
and the
Chamber of
Secrets
Chronicles Harry’s second year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and
Wizardry. The Chamber of Secrets has been opened, and a dark power is
released that visits the school.
J. K. Rowling
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Harry Potter
and the
Deathly
Hallows
Harry, along with his friends Ron and Hermoine, sets out on a final quest to
defeat Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters. In this final novel of the sevenbook Harry Potter series, Harry faces more danger than in all of the other six
books combined—from the direct threat of the Death Eaters and you-knowwho, to the subtle peril of losing faith in himself.
J. K. Rowling
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
Harry Potter
Harry Potter’s fourth year at Hogwarts will be anything but normal. Harry finds
and the Goblet himself involved in a mysterious competition between Hogwarts and two other
of Fire
schools of magic. Harry wants to be a normal fourteen-year-old wizard, but he
is not—and he learns that being different can sometimes be deadly.
J. K. Rowling
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
Harry Potter
and the HalfBlood Prince
Harry Potter’s sixth year opens in the middle of a war between good and evil.
Lord Voldemort has returned, and the Order of the Phoenix has suffered
losses. With the guidance of Dumbledore, Harry discovers the complex story
behind the boy who became Lord Voldemort.
J. K. Rowling
English-Language
Arts/General
2005
Harry Potter
and the Order
of the Phoenix
Harry, now a fifth-year student at Hogwarts, struggles with a problematic and
threatening teacher and dreams of his past. Along the way, he learns how
strong his friends are and how fierce his enemies can be.
J. K. Rowling
English-Language
Arts/General
2003
Harry Potter
and the
Prisoner of
Azkaban
The third book in J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series finds Harry in his third
year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry must confront the
dangerous wizard responsible for the death of his parents. Sirius Black, an
escaped convict from the prison of Azkaban, is on the loose—and he is after
Harry Potter.
J. K. Rowling
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Harry Potter
and the
Sorcerer's
Stone
The exciting experiences of Harry Potter are described as he goes from being
an ordinary boy to being an unusual student at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft
and Wizardry. This story is highly useful as a read-aloud book as well as for
independent reading. It is the first book in the series that includes HARRY
POTTER AND THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS, HARRY POTTER AND THE
PRISONER OF AZKABAN, and HARRY POTTER AND THE GOBLET OF
FIRE.
J. K. Rowling
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Haveli
In this sequel to SHABANU: DAUGHTER OF THE WIND, the title character
lives in a haveli while dealing with the issues of her husband's other wives, her
daughter's education, her best friend's engagement, and her growing love for
someone she can never have. This selection depicts violence.
Suzanne Fisher
Staples
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2000
Hawksmaid:
The Untold
Story of Robin
Hood and
Maid Marian
Set in twelfth-century England, this tale of Maid Marian is reinvented. She is a
strong young woman who has become a master falconer and has learned to
communicate with her birds. Maid Marian and her birds, along with Flynn
(Robin Hood), help the impoverished people of the area while trying to foil
Prince John’s attempts to steal the crown. This fictional work, which includes
elements of fantasy, will interest students looking for adventure and strong
female characters.
Kathryn Lasky
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2010
Heart of a
Champion
Seth and Jimmy’s friendship is based on their love of baseball. This novel
addresses issues relevant to teenagers: alcohol abuse, loss, divorce, and
unfulfilled dreams. Baseball fans will enjoy the extensive baseball action, and
reluctant readers and boys will be drawn to Seth’s narrative of his friendship
with Jimmy.
Carl Deuker
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
Heaven
When fourteen-year-old Marley discovers her parents are not her natural
parents, her previously peaceful world is suddenly not what it seemed to be.
Angela
Johnson
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
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This novel is useful for a discussion about adoption.
Here Lies the
Librarian
Set in 1914 in Indiana, this novel tells of fourteen-year-old Eleanor “Peewee”
McGrath and her brother, who run an automobile repair shop. Four young
women who are studying library science arrive in cars and are intent on
reviving the town library. The library is closed because the stern librarian who
ran the place “expired.” The book depicts small-town America during the early
twentieth century, automobile racing, and early feminist issues. Wit and humor
make this book fun to read and will lead readers to Richard Peck’s other titles.
Heroes of the
Valley
Fans of Jonathan Stroud’s “Bartimaeus Trilogy” will enjoy this unusual coming- Jonathan
of-age fantasy set in a valley in an unnamed country long ago. Halli is the
Stroud
younger son of the House of Svein and, unlike his tall and handsome older
brothers, he is stumpy, swarthy, and short-legged. He uses his intelligence to
play practical jokes. When one of his tricks goes wrong, he decides to repair
the damage by avenging the murder of his uncle. In the process, he finds
friendship with a strong, unusual young woman and uncovers the surprising
truth about the valley’s heroes and legends while also discovering his own
talents. This fantasy story would work well for thematic discussions about
heroes, myths, and truth.
English-Language
Arts/General
2009
Higher Power
of Lucky, The
Fearing that her legal guardian plans to abandon her by returning to France,
ten-year-old Lucky Trimble, an aspiring scientist who lives in Hard Pan,
California, decides to run away. She seeks a “Higher Power” that will bring
love and stability to her life. California author. Newbery Medal winner (2007).
Susan Patron
English-Language
Arts/General
2006
Hobbit, The
In the land of Middle Earth - inhabited by dwarves, elves, goblins, dragons,
and humans - Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, encounters many adventures when
he is persuaded to join a band of dwarves on an expedition to recover a stolen
treasure hidden by a thieving dragon. See other titles by this author.
J. R. R. Tolkien
English-Language
Arts/General
1984
Hole in My Life The noted author of children's and young adult books relates in this
autobiography how, as a young adult, he became a drug user and smuggler,
spent time in prison, went to college, and then became a successful and
popular author.
Jack Gantos
English-Language
Arts/General
2002
Homecoming
Cynthia Voigt
English-Language
Arts/General
1982
Hurt Go Happy Joey Willis is thirteen and has been deaf since the age of six. She reads lips to Ginny Rorby
help her communicate, but she is beginning to feel frustrated and isolated.
Joey meets an elderly neighbor whose parents were deaf and who, along with
his baby chimpanzee, opens new worlds for Joey as he teaches her sign
language. Themes of communication, protection of animals, and parent–child
conflicts make this a touching and compelling story.
English-Language
Arts/General
2006
I Am Wings:
Poems About
Love
The 33 poems deal with the human emotions of falling in love and having love
fall out of one's life. Through the eyes and words of one young man, readers
can revisit, reflect on, or anticipate love touching their lives.
Ralph Fletcher
English-Language
Arts/General
1994
I, Too, Sing
America:
Three
Centuries of
African
American
Poetry
This collection of poems by African American writers features works by Lucy
Terry, Gwendolyn Bennett, and Alice Walker.
Catherine
Clinton
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
If You're Not
from the
Prairie
Although the author and illustrator describe the prairies of Canada, people
from the Midwest plains of Colorado, Nebraska, and Kansas can relate to the
images. The lyrical text questions readers with repetitive phrases.
David Bouchard English-Language
Arts/General
1995
Illyrian
Adventure,
The
Vesper Holly's fascination with an ancient legend leads her into an exciting
adventure in the tiny country of Illyria. She and her guardian set out to search
for a legendary treasure. But Illyria is in a dangerous state of rebellion, and
someone wants Vesper out of the way—for good. Other titles by this author
include THE EL DORADO ADVENTURE (1987), DRACKENBERG
ADVENTURE (1988), and PHILADELPHIA ADVENTURE (1992).
Lloyd
Alexander
2000
In the
Beginning:
Creation
Stories from
Around the
Hamilton presents 25 creation myths from various cultures and retells them in
a language reflective of the original. Images from the tales are captured in fullpage illustrations. After each tale Hamilton includes a brief commentary on the
story's origin and originators.
Virginia
Hamilton
Dicey Tillerman has to get her brothers and sisters to her grandmother's
house. But will Grandmother want them when she finds out that they have
been abandoned by their mother? Dicey is determined to keep her family
together and make peace with her estranged grandmother. This story
chronicles their journey along the eastern coastal region. See also DICEY'S
SONG by this author.
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
Richard Peck
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2006
1988
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World
Incantation
Sixteen-year-old Estrella de Madrigal, living in Spain during the Inquisition,
Alice Hoffman
learns many difficult truths as she witnesses atrocities against Jews and
Muslims in her village. She also discovers the truth about secret identities,
strange practices, and hidden rituals in her own family heritage. This selection
provides a realistic but age-appropriate depiction of book burnings and trials of
“heretics” during a period of history when violence and intolerance were
widespread.
Ink Garden of
Brother
Theophane,
The
A monk in medieval Ireland is bored with his work and his colorless life. He
walks through the fields to find bark for the brown ink used in the writings of
the brothers and discovers things in nature that can be used to create inks of
different colors. Written in verse and illustrated in watercolors and with cut
paper, this picture book is informative and inspirational. Includes an author’s
note, list of additional titles, and Web links on how to make ink colors and on
the history of illuminated manuscripts.
C. M. Millen
Inkheart
The author of THE THIEF LORD, an international best-seller, brings readers
another spellbinding tale of adventure and magic. Meggie lives with her father,
a bookbinder who possesses an extraordinary magical power: bringing book
characters to life. This is an exceptionally satisfying fantasy that will reach a
broad range of readers.
Cornelia Funke
English-Language
Arts/General
2003
Inland Whale:
Nine Stories
Retold from
California
Indian
Legends, The
These nine stories, retold from California Indian legends, bring the oral
traditions of primitive peoples into the realm of literature. California author.
Theodora
Kroeber
English-Language
Arts/General
1989
Invisible
In this novel, mental illness is central to the plot. Seventeen-year-old Dougie is Pete Hautman
a loner who is thoroughly obsessed with the model train world he has created
in the basement. Other students feel threatened by Dougie’s disturbing
behavior and react by treating him with cruelty and violence, which only serves
to escalate his descent into unreality, isolation, and obsession. Doug’s best
friend and next-door neighbor, the popular Andy Morrow, is both a drama kid
and the star quarterback on the football team. Doug and Andy were involved in
something tragic in the recent past—and ultimately, Dougie is forced to
remember what happened.
English-Language
Arts/General
2005
Iqbal
This is a fictionalized account of a Pakistani child who escaped from bondage
in a carpet factory and went on to help liberate other children like him before
being gunned down at the age of thirteen.
English-Language
Arts/General
2003
Iqbal Masih
and the
Crusaders
Against Child
Slavery
In December 1994 twelve-year-old Iqbal Masih was honored as a hero. Just
Susan Kuklin
two years earlier, he had been a slave, condemned to a lifetime of bonded
labor in a Pakistani carpet factory. Five months later he was dead, murdered in
his homeland. This incident started an international movement of middleschool-age students to free children who are living in slavery.
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Islander, The
Life on the island with his grandfather was often lonely for Daniel, but the old
brass key given to him by a mermaid gradually unlocks his feelings and his
ability to love. After his grandfather's death, the key once again opens some
final gifts for him.
Cynthia Rylant
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Izzy, Willy-Nilly Popular fifteen-year-old Izzy loses her leg as a result of an automobile
accident that occurs when her date is drunk and drives. She learns to cope
with her disability, but some of her peers cannot. She loses some old friends
but makes others as she redefines herself. The novel contains references to
controlled substances (alcohol).
Cynthia Voigt
English-Language
Arts/General
1986
Jabuti, the
Tortoise: A
Trickster Tale
from the
Amazon
This trickster tale from the Amazon is about a flute-playing tortoise who wants
to play for the King. Vulture offers him a ride but deliberately drops him,
causing his shell to break. Other animals gather him up and glue his pieces
back together. Vivid colors and geometrically drawn shapes help to tell the
story.
Gerald
McDermott
English-Language
Arts/General
2001
Jake's Orphan
Set in the 1920s, this story is about orphan brothers Tree and Acorn Smith,
who long to escape a life in the orphanage for a place they can call home.
Tree gets his opportunity when he is selected by Delton Gunderson to go to
Delton's farm located on the prairies of North Dakota. But Acorn isn't selected.
The unpredictable Acorn later shows up at the farm, having run away from the
orphanage. Will he ruin Tree's chance for a happy life? This story depicts
emotional intensity.
Peggy Brooke
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
Jar of Tiny
Stars: Poems
by NCTE
The poems in this collection were selected by children. Each participating child Bernice E.
selected his or her five favorite poems from those written by poets who had
Cullininan
been honored with a poetry award from the National Council of Teachers of
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
Francesco
D'Adamo
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
Visual and
Performing Arts
2007
2010
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AwardEnglish.
Winning Poets,
A
Jefferson’s
Sons: A
Founding
Father’s
Secret
Children
This is a fictionalized look at Thomas Jefferson and the children he had with
Sally Hemmings. Beverly, Harriet, Madison, and Eston do get special
treatment, but they are still slaves and are forbidden to mention who their
father is. As each child grows up, questions about slavery and freedom
become more difficult. The book raises the question about the true meaning of
“life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” An ALA Notable Children’s Book
(2012).
Joey Pigza
Swallowed the
Key
Joey Pigza is out of control because he has attention deficit disorder (ADD).
Jack Gantos
After injuring another student, Joey finally gets the right professional help and
starts to regain control of his actions. The story is told from Joey's point of view
and is useful to introduce a discussion about ADD or attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Journey
When Journey and his sister Cat get left with their grandparents one summer
Patricia
because their mother decides simply to leave, Journey is angry and tries to
MacLachlan
find the reasons behind her decision. A wise grandfather and photographs help
Journey deal with the anger and disappointment and let him "see" the world
through a different lens. This selection contains emotional intensity.
English-Language
Arts/General
1991
Jumanji
One boring afternoon, Peter and Judy play a strange board game that they find Chris Van
in a park. Fantasy and reality blend together in Van Allsburg's signature black- Allsburg
and-white illustrations as the bizarre game comes to life and the pair's quiet
house transforms into an exotic jungle. Also written by this author are the
stories WRETCHED STONE and WRECK OF THE ZEPHYR.
Kami and the
Yaks
A young deaf Sherpa boy in the Himalayas helps his father and brother as they Andrea Stenn
search for the family’s missing yaks. Kami must struggle up steep paths
Stryer
through a hailstorm and, after discovering that a small yak has become
wedged between rocks, he must work to make his family understand what he
has discovered. Striking watercolor artwork complements the story. Use to
spark discussions about symbolic illustrations, courage, communication, and
disabilities.
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
Keeper
Ten-year-old Keeper heads to a sandbar in a small boat with her dog BD
(“Best Dog”) and a seagull named Captain to find her mother, a mermaid who
left her when she was only three. This is the story of a young girl who learns
that there is nothing more magical and mythical than love.
Kathi Appelt
English-Language
Arts/General
2010
Keeper of the
Grail
The story is set in the Middle Ages during the years of the Third Crusade.
Tristan, a young orphan, is chosen to be a squire to one of the Knights
Templar. Eventually he is entrusted with the Holy Grail, and his quest is to
return the Grail to England. Full of adventure and medieval lore, this is the first
in Michael Spradlin’s “The Youngest Templar” series.
Michael
Spradlin
Keeper of the
Night
Set in Guam, this haunting story looks at thirteen-year-old Isabel Moreno and
her family trying to cope with the suicide of her mother. The story is presented
in short vignettes, each taking the reader closer to discovering the full story of
her mother's death. Through the course of the story, the reader learns about
the culture and beliefs of the people of Guam. The story was inspired by Holt's
childhood when she lived in Guam. This work is an accurate description of
grief, deep sorrow, and healing.
Kimberly Willis
Holt
English-Language
Arts/General
2003
King of
Dragons, The
A homeless boy, Ian, finds he must fend for himself when his father fails to
return one day. Ian becomes fascinated when workers begin setting up a kite
exhibition in the abandoned city courthouse he has been living in. He
eventually learns enough about kites from the books at the exhibit to be hired
as a tour guide for children.
Carol Fenner
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
King of the
Middle March
In this final book of the Arthur Trilogy, teenager Arthur Caldicot is knighted and Kevin Crossleyjoins the Fourth Crusade. When he learns that he has much in common with
Holland
his enemies and witnesses the brutality of war, he is conflicted. Paralleling
Arthur’s story is the downfall of the legendary King Arthur, as viewed through a
magical seeing stone, a gift from Merlin. The first two books in the trilogy are
THE SEEING STONE and AT THE CROSSING-PLACES.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2004
Kira-Kira
A close friendship between two Japanese-American sisters growing up in rural
Georgia during the late 1950s and early 1960s turns to despair when one
sister becomes terminally ill. Told in the first person voice.
Cynthia
Kadohata
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2006
Kite Fighters,
The
In Korea in 1473, eleven-year-old Young-sup overcomes a rivalry with his
older brother who, as the first-born son, receives special treatment from their
father and combines his kite-flying skill with his brother's kite-making skill in an
Linda Sue Park
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
2000
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
Kimberly
Brubaker
Bradley
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
Mathematics
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2011
2000
2008
16/33
9/10/2014
Search - Recommended Literature List (CA Dept of Education)
attempt to win the New Year kite competition.
Science
Lady of
Guadalupe,
The
An Indian peasant is visited by the Virgin Mary in 1531 and is instructed to tell Tomie dePaola
the bishop of Mexico to build a church in her honor. The sign that she provided
became the source of the legend for this patron saint of Mexico - The Lady of
Guadalupe.
English-Language
Arts/General
1980
Lawn Boy
A series of lessons in modern economics underlie this hilarious story of a
Gary Paulsen
twelve-year-old boy who is a whiz in the lawn-mowing business. The cast of
characters includes the boy with a rider mower; a stockbroker decked out in a
bizarre 1970s getup; a guy named Pasqual with dozens of “cousins” who are
ready and willing to work; a prizefighter named Joseph Powdermilk Jr., who
has a granite fist and a heart of gold; and a local organized-crime figure named
Rock with his truckload of henchmen. This is a hilarious 88-page crash course
in Gonzo economics.
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
Lightning
Thief, The
(Percy
Jackson and
the Olympians)
After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the
sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like
himself. All too soon, a prophecy from the Oracle sends Percy on his first
quest to prevent a war among the gods of Olympus. This book, written and
illustrated in graphic-novel format, is the first book of the “Percy Jackson and
the Olympians” series.
Rick Riordan
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
Lights on the
Nile
Kepi, a young girl, has been content to stay at home and help her father, who
was wounded while building a pyramid for the pharaoh Khufu. Kidnapped
along with her baboon, Babu, Kepi is taken to the capital city. Losing Babu,
she appeals to the pharaoh for help and discovers she has powers she never
dreamed of. The author once again weaves the theme of the origin of fairies
into a story that is filled with ancient Egyptian history, friendship, and
adventure.
Donna Jo
Napoli
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2011
Lincoln and
His Boys
A fictionalized biography of Abraham Lincoln as seen through the eyes of his
two younger sons. The first part is through Willie’s eyes and the second is
through Tad’s. Lincoln is seen as a tolerant father, full of patience, love, and
good humor. This is a short but memorable book about the period of Lincoln’s
life when he was in the White House and just before his death. Illustrated with
paintings by artist P. J. Lynch.
Rosemary
Wells
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2009
Lincoln Tells a
Joke: How
Laughter
Saved the
President (And
the Country)
This upbeat book centers on President Lincoln’s use of wit, humor, and
wordplay in his speeches and everyday communications. Use as a read-aloud
for younger students and middle-schoolers to show the human side of this
familiar American president. Acrylic artwork complements the text, and the
book offers source materials and a Web link to Lincoln’s speeches. California
authors. See also GEORGE WASHINGTON’S TEETH (by Deborah Chandra
and Madeleine Comora) for another unusual picture book about an American
president.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2010
Kathleen
Krull
Paul Brewer
Lion, the
The adventurous journey of four English children is traced as they discover the C. S. Lewis
Witch, and the magical land of Narnia behind an old wardrobe. They join the good and
Wardrobe, The powerful lion, Aslan, in a battle against the reign of the evil witch and restore
peace. The novel is engaging and imaginative. Further adventures in Narnia
may be found in the other six books of The Chronicles of Narnia series.
Lions of Little
Rock, The
The story of the Little Rock Nine’s actions to integrate Arkansas schools is well Kristin Levine
known—but less is known about 1958, the year following the historical event,
when people struggled to continue educational integration. Amidst this volatile
historical setting, two middle-school girls, Marlee and Liz, cross the racial
divide and forge a potentially dangerous friendship. This book provides an
opportunity for middle-school readers to gain a fuller understanding and
appreciation of the risks people took to ensure greater equality for all children.
London Eye
Mystery, The
Ted and his older sister, Kat, watch their cousin Salim board the London Eye,
an immense observation wheel. But when Salim’s capsule comes around
again, Ted and Kat don’t see Salim, who has mysteriously vanished. The
siblings join forces to solve the mystery after the police are unable to do so.
Ultimately, the key to the mystery is discovered by one of the siblings, whose
brain works in a very unique way as a result of Asperger’s syndrome.
Lone Wolf
Long Season
of Rain, The
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
1994
2012
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
For Perry DuBois the life he and his father have created for themselves after
Kristine L.
his mother's departure seems impersonal and free of attachments. Each
Franklin
respects the other's space and need for privacy. But when the old Bennett
house is invaded by a lively family with a motor-mouth daughter, Perry realizes
that human contact and love are important ingredients for living. This selection
depicts emotional intensity.
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
When an orphaned male child is brought into the household of a Korean
military family, all types of conflicts emerge for Junehee Lee, the eleven-yearold daughter. Junehee's father wants the boy sent away, but the mother wants
to adopt the boy. Conflicts grow and deepen during the family's summer
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
Siobhan Dowd
English-Language
Arts/General
Helen Kim
17/33
9/10/2014
Search - Recommended Literature List (CA Dept of Education)
holiday by the ocean. This selection depicts emotional intensity.
Long Walk to
Water, A
Based on a true story, this compelling tale of survival is told as two alternating Linda Sue Park
narratives. The author’s notes provide background information. In 2008, Nya
makes two trips a day, each trip a two-hour walk, to bring water to her family.
The story of Salva Dut is set in 1985. Young Salva is eleven years old when he
becomes separated from his family and other members of his Dinka tribe and
is recruited as one of the “lost boys” of Sudan. The two stories intersect by the
end of the book, which highlights the importance of water, courage, and hope.
Pair with the picture book ONE WELL: THE STORY OF WATER ON EARTH
(2007) by Rochelle Strauss.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2010
Lost in the War Young Lisa is forced to deal with the traumas her mother, who was an Army
nurse in the Vietnam War, is experiencing - years after her service in Vietnam.
A class project and a caring teacher help both mother and daughter overcome
their grief, anger, and loss. This selection depicts emotional intensity.
Nancy Antle
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Lucky Breaks
In this sequel to Newbery winner THE HIGHER POWER OF LUCKY, the
reader is reintroduced to the small California desert town of Hard Pan and to
Lucky Tipton and her friends, Miles and Lincoln. A group of prospectors stop
by the café owned by Lucky’s mother; among them is Paloma, who appears to
be a possible new friend for Lucky. The book is full of charm, adventure,
dangers, and most of all, quirky but lovable characters. The final title in the
trilogy is LUCKY FOR GOOD. California author.
Susan Patron
English-Language
Arts/General
2009
Ludie's Song
Whether one is Black or White in rural Georgia of the 1950s sets the rules
about how people interact with one another. Marty starts to question all the
limitations - the do's and don'ts - that keep being tossed her way. When she
meets Ludie, the washerwoman's strange daughter, Marty quickly judges the
girl before getting to know her story and the talents she possesses.
Dirlie Herlihy
English-Language
Arts/General
1988
Magician, The
(The Secrets
of the Immortal
Nicholas
Flamel)
The second in a series of six books, this action-packed fantasy includes
references to myths and legends as well as historical locations. Conspiracies,
magic, and battles mix with friendships and betrayal to make for great reading.
The immortal Nicholas Flamel, the twins Sophie and Josh, and the ancient
Scathach have escaped the devastation and danger in Ojai for Paris, arriving
through a ley line located in the Witch of Endor’s house. THE ALCHEMYST is
the first book of the series.
Michael Scott
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
Mailbox, The
When twelve-year-old Gabe finds his uncle, a Vietnam veteran, dead, he tells
no one—because he is afraid of being returned to foster care. The following
day, his uncle’s body is gone, and Gabe has an anonymous message in his
mailbox.
Audrey Shafer
English-Language
Arts/General
2006
Maizon at Blue Maizon Singh takes the biggest step of her life when she accepts a scholarship Jacqueline
Hill
to a boarding school and leaves behind her grandma and her best friend.
Woodson
Maizon learns about racism and elitism in this sequel to LAST SUMMER WITH
MAIZON.
English-Language
Arts/General
1994
MangoShaped
Space, A
English-Language
Arts/General
2003
English-Language
Arts/General
1990
For thirteen-year-old Mia, sounds, numbers, and words appear in color. In her Wendy Mass
early years, she thinks everyone sees things in the same way. She learns to
hide her condition until she can no longer do so because it interferes with
learning math. This is a story about friendship, finding solutions, a beloved pet,
family support, and an unusual condition called synesthesia. High-interest
reading for reluctant readers and those who enjoy unique situations and
characters.
Maniac Magee Maniac is an "on-his-own" kid searching for a place that he can call home.
When he sees no difference between the people of the East Side and the
West Side, others begin to realize that Jeffrey "Maniac" Magee is truly the
"stuff" from which legends are made.
Jerry Spinelli
Marcelo in the
Real World
Marcelo Sandoval is on the high-functioning end of the spectrum for
Francisco X.
Asperger’s syndrome. Until now, his father, an attorney, has consented to
Stork
Marcelo’s long-time attendance at a special private school and to his son’s
living in a customized tree house in the family’s yard. But his father dictates
that in order to return to Paterson instead of the public high school for his
senior year, Marcelo must spend the summer successfully working in the
mailroom of his father’s law firm. In doing so, Marcelo becomes involved in
finding justice for a pretty adolescent girl who suffered disfigurement of half her
face in a car accident.
English-Language
Arts/General
Health
2009
Master of
Deceit: J.
Edgar Hoover
and America in
the Age of Lies
Examining the story of America during J. Edgar Hoover’s reign as head of the
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Aronson unmasks one of the most
famous power brokers of the twentieth century. Hoover gave Americans the
sense of security they demanded and managed to give himself and members
of the FBI the power they felt they deserved. An excellent resource for
introducing discussions about privacy, First Amendment rights, and
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2012
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
Marc Aronson
18/33
9/10/2014
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government control.
Me, Frida
This biography of Frida Kahlo, set in San Francisco in 1930, describes when
Amy Novesky
she and her husband Diego Rivera arrived from Mexico as Rivera is
commissioned to paint murals for the Pacific Stock Exchange. At first, Frida is
shy and lonely, but she soon shows she is strong, feisty, and creative. This
true story encourages children to believe in themselves so they can make their
dreams come true. Illustrated with brilliant charcoal-and-acrylic paintings.
California author and California illustrator.
English-Language
Arts/General
Visual and
Performing Arts
2010
Med Head: My
Knock-Down,
Drag-Out,
Drugged-Up
Battle with My
Brain
The true story of Cory Friedman details his 13-year battle with Tourette’s
syndrome, conflicting medical diagnoses, and numerous medications. His
parents support his battle and his conflict with the school district, which
advocates a different school setting for Cory. Eventually, Cory becomes
addicted to drugs as a result of trying to medicate himself. This is a powerful
story of Cory’s fight to overcome his condition and addiction and of the
incredible, unconditional love of his parents. An earlier edition of this book was
titled AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE.
English-Language
Arts/General
Health
2010
Million Dollar
Shot, The
Eleven-year-old Eddie, who lives in a Louisiana trailer park with his widowed
mother, gets a chance to win a million dollars by sinking a foul shot at the
National Basketball Association finals.
Dan Gutman
Miracle
Worker, The
Considered an American classic, this play chronicles the struggle between
Helen Keller, a visually impaired student, and her teacher, Annie Sullivan, as
Annie attempts to help Helen learn to communicate. Students in both middle
school and high school enjoy reading this play aloud and discussing its
powerful themes.
William Gibson
Miranda's Last
Stand
Miranda and her mother take the opportunity to escape life in the fort as
laundry workers to join Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show. Miranda loves the
adventures but must fight her mother's prejudice toward the Indians who are
part of the show. Miranda wants to be friends with the show's company but
doesn't desire continuous hardships with her mother.
Gloria Whelan
Miss
Peregrine’s
Home for
Peculiar
Children
A horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob on a journey to a remote
Ransom Riggs
island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss
Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned
bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just
peculiar. Period photographs make the book even more intriguing.
Hal
Friedman
James
Patterson
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
Visual and
Performing Arts
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
Visual and
Performing Arts
1997
2008
1999
2011
Money Hungry Raspberry, aged thirteen, looks for opportunities to earn money however she
can so she and her mother will not be homeless again. When her mother
suspects Raspberry of stealing money, her mom throws most of it out the
window and it appears that they will be homeless again.
Sharon Flake
English-Language
Arts/General
2001
Monument,
The
Gary Paulsen
English-Language
Arts/General
1993
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Moonshiner's
Son
Tom Higgin's father is a moonshiner, making some of the finest whiskey in the Carolyn Reeder English-Language
Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. Prohibition isn't about to stop this family
Arts/General
business. But when the new preacher and his family arrive and decide to fight
the evils of alcohol, Tom has to decide if the preacher's daughters' suggestions
are more sensible than his family tradition.
1993
Mostly True
Adventures of
Homer P. Figg,
The
Through a series of fascinating events, Homer Figg’s older brother has been
Rodman
illegally sold to the Union army. On a quest to save him, Homer encounters
Philbrick
strange people of that era, including tricksters who steal his money, a snake-oil
salesman, and a hot-air balloonist. Although this story is humorous, it is woven
with factual information about the Civil War. The book includes a glossary of
Civil War facts and slang.
2009
Music from a
Place Called
Half Moon
Trouble starts when Edie Jo's father stands up at a Wednesday evening
church meeting and suggests that the annual vacation Bible school should not
just nurture white children, but should be open to all children, including halfbreeds and full-blooded Indians. Edie agrees because of her new friendship
with Cherokee Fish, a half-breed with a gift for making his harmonica sing.
Theirs is a special friendship that transcends color. This book depicts
emotional intensity.
Jerrie Oughton
English-Language
Arts/General
1995
Music of What
Happens:
This anthology of poetry by approximately 75 different authors reflects many
cultures and times and covers a wide range of topics.
Paul B.
Janeczko
English-Language
Arts/General
1988
A young orphan is befriended by an artist who has been hired by a small
Kansas town to create a war monument. This short novel contains references
to controlled substances (alcohol).
Moon over
A young soldier's impressions of army life and the civil war are expressed in
Craig CristTennessee: A this poem. The Battle of Gettysburg serves as a culminating facet of the poem. Evans
Boy's Civil War
Journal
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
19/33
9/10/2014
Search - Recommended Literature List (CA Dept of Education)
Poems That
Tell Stories,
The
(editor)
Music Was It:
Young
Leonard
Bernstein
The opening quotation—“Life without music is unthinkable”—summarizes this Susan
biography of Leonard Bernstein, the famous conductor of the New York
Goldman Rubin
Philharmonic and composer of many Broadway musicals, including West Side
Story. With his passion and tremendous talent, he overcame prejudice and his
father’s strong disapproval of his career in music. Source notes include a
discography, videography, and bibliography. ALA Notable Children’s Books
(2012); Carter G. Woodson Honor Book (2012); Sibert Honor (2012). California
author.
English-Language
Arts/General
Visual and
Performing Arts
My Louisiana
Sky
Set in the South of the 1950s, this coming-of-age novel explores twelve-yearold Tiger Ann's struggle to accept her grandmother's death and her mentally
deficient parents. She also has to face the decisions she must make about her
life. The novel depicts emotional intensity and the language reflects the times.
Kimberly Willis
Holt
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Nation
A tsunami has destroyed much of the world as island boy Mau knows it. He is
joined by Daphne, from the other side of this alternative nineteenth-century
world, and eventually, by other refugees. A survival story and adventure told
with wit but also layered with questions about religion, gender, rituals, ethics,
and faith.
Terry Pratchett
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
Ninth Ward
In a community called the Ninth Ward in Louisiana, twelve-year-old Lanesha,
who sees spirits, lives with her adopted grandmother. Lanesha has no choice
but to stay and endure Hurricane Katrina, which bears down upon her
community. The thought-provoking story covers the bravery of this young girl
and the obstacles she faces. Excellent for discussing themes of family bonds,
friendship, and resilience. Jane Addams Book Winner (2011); Coretta Scott
King Author Honor (2011).
Jewell Parker
Rhodes
No More
Strangers
Now: Young
Voices from a
New South
Africa
Teenagers who live in South Africa discuss their lives and the effect of the end
of apartheid on their futures. The teenagers come from a variety of
backgrounds, and the photographs illustrate their daily lives. The book
includes a foreword by Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
Tim McKee
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Nobody's
Daughter
When eleven-year-old Emily is sent to the Austen Home for Orphan Girls after Susan Beth
her aunt's death, she experiences the sting of bullying and the realization that Pfeffer
she must find her long-lost sister if life is ever to be normal again. With the help
and understanding of the town librarian, Emily finds the balance in life she has
been seeking. Set in the 1960s, this novel contains emotional intensity.
English-Language
Arts/General
1995
Novio Boy: A
Play
In this play, a young boy comes of age in a Hispanic community in Fresno,
Gary Soto
California. Rudy, a ninth-grader, wants to take Patricia, an eleventh-grader, out
on a date, but struggles to scrape up enough cash and avoid interference from
his nosy family. California author.
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Writing
English-Language
Arts/General
Visual and
Performing Arts
2011
2010
1997
Oh, the Places This is the last book that Dr. Seuss published. Although it contains a
Dr. Seuss
You’ll Go
discussion of the ups and downs of life and the difficulties that must be
navigated on the road to success, it is ultimately a book of encouragement.
Often given to graduates, the book may also be used in middle-school
classrooms to begin units on career education or to spark relevant discussions
about life. California author.
English-Language 1990
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Writing
Literacy/Motivation
Okay for Now
Fourteen-year-old Doug Swieteck recently moved to a new town. He has no
friends, a lousy older brother, an abusive father, and troubles at school.
Together with an unlikely ally, Doug finds sanctuary in the local library. This
novel combines multiple themes of loss and recovery in a narrative filled with
unusual characters and invaluable lessons about love, creativity, and survival.
This is, in part, a story about the therapeutic value of art.
English-Language
Arts/General
Visual and
Performing Arts
Old Yeller
The emotional story of the relationship of Travis with his dog, Old Yeller, is set Fred Gipson
in the Texas hill country in the late 1860s. The novel focuses on the dog's
devotion to its duty and its master and on Travis's heartbreaking realization
that he must kill Yeller when the dog becomes rabid. The language in the story
reflects the times.
English-Language
Arts/General
1956
Olive's Ocean
Olive Barstow is dead, hit by a car while riding her bicycle. Martha is sorry, but
because they had not been friends, Olive's death does not really touch her
until Olive's mother brings Martha a journal page that Olive had written before
her death. Olive and Martha are connected in ways that change Martha's
summer and probably her life.
Kevin Henkes
English-Language
Arts/General
2003
One Crazy
Summer
In the summer of 1968, eleven-year-old Delphine, nine-year-old Vonetta, and
seven-year-old Fern are sent from their home in Brooklyn to visit their mother
in Oakland, California. Rather than spend time with them, the mother sends
Rita WilliamsGarcia
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
Gary D.
Schmidt
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
2011
2010
20/33
9/10/2014
Search - Recommended Literature List (CA Dept of Education)
her girls to a summer camp sponsored by a revolutionary group, the Black
Panthers. The novel is set during one of the most tumultuous years in recent
American history. This is a heartbreaking and unforgettable story.
Science
One-Eyed Cat
An eleven-year-old boy shoots a stray cat with his new air rifle and
subsequently suffers from guilt. He eventually assumes responsibility for his
deed.
Operation
Redwood
This is a tale of two boys and a girl who plot to protect a privately owned grove Susannah T.
of old-growth redwoods from being cut down by a corporation that is controlled French
by an uncle of one of the young characters. The novel is filled with action and
shows the power of individuals to stand up to environmental wrongdoing.
California author.
Other Side:
Shorter
Poems, The
Telling her story in first-person narrative, the author revisits growing up in her
childhood town of Shorter, Alabama. Thirty-three poems capture her
reflections, insights, and attitudes. The selection includes photographs of the
author as a child. Readers may also want to read her short novel HEAVEN.
Angela
Johnson
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Our House:
The Stories of
Levittown
Six children, each of whom grew up in a different decade, remember what it
was like to live in Levittown, Long Island, New York. The stories cover the
1940s to the 1990s. Each fictional vignette examines the issues of the day in
this middle-class community where families own their own homes.
Pam Conrad
English-Language
Arts/General
1995
Our Only May
Amelia
Being the only girl in a family of seven brothers can be a real hardship for
anyone. Most often, May Amelia becomes "one of the boys" and does what
they do. That works until she is reminded that she is some sort of "miracle,"
and papa begins ordering her around again. Readers can enjoy the growing
pains of this unlikely Finnish American character in Washington State in the
early 1900s.
Jennifer L.
Holm
Out of
Darkness: The
Story of Louis
Braille
Louis Braille, a young French boy, opens the world of words - reading and
writing - to the blind. Braille's process of experimentation and modification is
told against the uproar and controversy that his work caused. This book could
easily be used with David Adler's THE PICTURE BOOK BIOGRAPHY OF
LOUIS BRAILLE (Holiday House).
Russell
Freedman
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
Out of My
Mind
Melody, a fifth-grader with cerebral palsy, is unable to speak, walk, or care for
herself. Intelligent and tenacious, she learns to communicate through a MediTalker computer. Eventually she is able to participate in a mainstream
classroom, where she experiences new frustrations and joys. This narrative is
told from Melody’s point of view and realistically conveys her situation. The
book addresses misconceptions about children and adults who have physical
limitations.
Sharon Draper
English-Language
Arts/General
2010
Owl's Song,
The
A young Indian boy struggles to survive in a world that is determined to erase
his identity. Billy White Hawk finds happiness in his artistic creations, but
tensions and anger lead to an explosion with unexpected results.
Janet C. Hale
English-Language
Arts/General
1974
Oxford Book of This collection of poems introduces verse to younger children to help them
Poetry for
make the transition from nursery rhymes to more serious poetry. The book is
Children
currently out of print.
Edward Blishen English-Language
(editor)
Arts/General
1963
Paint the Wind Maya has lived in California with her overly protective paternal grandmother
since the accidental death of Maya’s parents when she was six. When her
grandmother suddenly dies, Maya moves to a ranch in Wyoming with her
mother’s aunt, and she finds herself in a whole new world. A companion story
is told about a mustang mare named Artemisia that was once owned by
Maya’s mother and is now wild and free. This book weaves together a horse
story, a coming-of-age tale, and a survival adventure. Includes a glossary, a
bibliography, and a list of related Web sites. California author.
Pam Muñoz
Ryan
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
Passager
Yolen writes three books about Merlin, the wizard of King Arthur's court, when
he is young. PASSAGER is followed by HOBBY (1996) and MERLIN (1997).
Jane Yolen
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
People Could
Fly: American
Black
Folktales, The
This collection of African American folktales features animals, fantasy, the
Virginia
supernatural, and the desire for freedom that was born of the sorrow of the
Hamilton
slaves but was passed on with hope. The tales are excellent for reading aloud.
Pictures, 1918
Owning a camera in 1918 is a rare opportunity, especially if you are female.
Capturing history in action while balancing life on the home front creates
definite challenges for Asia, the fifteen-year-old main character.
Pop
Marcus is the new kid in town. A star at his old school, he now aspires to play Gordon Korman
quarterback for the high school football team in his new town. One day,
Marcus meets an eccentric middle-aged man named Charlie, who teaches
Marcus more about football and tackling than he could have imagined. The two
develop an instant bond. But Marcus gradually learns that Charlie is suffering
from early-onset Alzheimer’s, the result of Charlie’s past as a standout NFL
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Paula Fox
Jeanette Ingold
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
Physical
Education
1984
2009
2000
2009
1998
2009
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linebacker. As Charlie teaches Marcus to love the “pop”—the sound of a hard
hit in football—Marcus comes to see the dangers of contact sports.
Poppy
When the deer mice that live in the Gray house want to move to a better
location for food and shelter, they must secure permission from a powerful,
controlling owl that rules Dimwood Forest. Brave Poppy and her friend
Ragweed attempt to defy the owl and strike out on their own. An adventure of
good versus evil ensues.
Avi
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
Preacher's Boy Robbie is challenged by the limitations of his preacher father's beliefs and
expectations. When another preacher proclaims the end of the world is near,
Robbie chooses to free himself of the strict rules of God and to enjoy the time
that remains. Emotional intensity is depicted in this selection.
Katherine
Paterson
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Puppies, Dogs
and Blue
Northers:
Reflections on
Being Raised
by a Pack of
Sled Dogs
In this autobiographical account, Paulsen traces the life of Cookie, his lead
sled dog, from the birth of her final litter of puppies to her ultimate retirement
from sled-dog racing. Fans of Paulsen’s MY LIFE IN DOG YEARS will enjoy
taking a closer look at one of his favorite dogs. Paulsen’s respect for the
intelligence and resourcefulness of dogs is a strong theme in this short work.
Gary Paulsen
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
Quicksand
Pony, The
Joe and his emotionally disturbed mother, Joycie, have lived in hiding for years Alison Lester
in a secret valley nestled in the headland. Joycie dies, leaving Joe to cope in
the wilderness alone. A year after his mother's death, Joe follows Biddy and
her parents on a cattle drive. He is torn between his growing need for human
companionship and his love for the only home he has ever known. This
selection depicts emotional intensity.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Quicksilver
View four Greek myths through the eyes of Hermes, the son of Zeus and
Stephanie
messenger of the gods. This is a quick-paced retelling of myths about the
Spinner
Trojan War, Persephone, Perseus, and Odysseus. Readers will enjoy Hermes’
humorous narration of the adventures. This is a companion book to QUIVER,
the author’s award-winning retelling of the myth of Atalanta.
Quiver
Atalanta, the fastest mortal in the world and a skilled archer, has vowed to
Stephanie
remain single. When her father, the king, insists that she marry and produce a Spinner
son, Atalanta proposes a challenge: she will marry a man who can beat her in
a foot race, but anyone who loses to her will be killed. Her plan works perfectly
—until the gods get involved. This is an entertaining retelling of the Greek
myth, with a strong female protagonist. Readers will also enjoy the author’s
book QUICKSILVER (2005).
Rain Is Not My Rain tells her story, and readers learn that she is fourteen years old, of mixed
Cynthia Leitich
Indian Name
Native American and German–Irish heritage, and that her best friend Galen
Smith
recently died. After withdrawing from life for a period, she begins to take on the
world again—through the lenses of a camera—when she becomes involved
with her aunt’s Native American summer youth camp. Themes of family,
growth, discovery, and healing are woven through this coming-of-age story.
English-Language 2005
Arts/General
Literacy/Motivation
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Literary
Elements
Visual and
Performing Arts
2002
2001
Rainbows Are
Made: Poems
by Carl
Sandburg
This excellent anthology contains 70 of the poet's early poems. They represent Carl Sandburg
a wide spectrum including "Pencils" and "River Moons."
English-Language
Arts/General
1988
Reaching
Dustin
Carly, a popular sixth grader, is forced to work on an interview assignment with Vicki Grove
Dustin, a strange, sullen, and unpopular boy. She uncovers a boy who is
struggling with the suicide of his mother, his father's abuse, and a secret he is
determined not to reveal. Mature situations are treated.
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Real
Young Colly tries to help an Indian boy and his grandmother caught in a
"forever day" in this time-travel adventure that shifts from the Hollywood era of
the 1930s to 1770 and the tribe of the Cahuilla Indians.
Felice Holman
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
Red Kayak
In this coming-of-age story, a teenager must face the truth about a kayaking
accident that killed his neighbor’s child. The plot details Brady’s internal
struggle as the facts surrounding the accident slowly emerge. The resolution
deals with a difficult decision and issues of special interest to teen boys. An
ALA Best Book for Young Adults (2006).
Priscilla
Cummings
English-Language
Arts/General
2006
Redwall
Matthias the mouse tries to recapture a magical sword to defend Redwall
Abbey against the attack of an infamous rat. The book features lively
characters and an intriguing plot. Other books by this author include LORD
BROCKTREE: A TALE FROM REDWALL, SALAMANDASTRON, and THE
LEGEND OF LUKE.
Brian Jacques
English-Language
Arts/General
1986
Relatively
Speaking:
The concept of family and what family can mean is viewed through the eyes of
an eleven-year-old male narrator in this collection of free verse poems. The
Ralph Fletcher
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
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Poems About
Family
poems interweave to tell a story of living and loving.
Remembering
Mrs. Rossi
Eight-year-old Annie and her father struggle to cope after the unexpected
death of her mother and his wife. When the students from her mother’s sixthgrade class share their scrapbook memories with Annie and Mr. Rossi, it
helps. Illustrated with occasional ink sketches. A gracious, sensitive book
about life and death.
Amy Hest
English-Language
Arts/General
Requiem:
The resilient artist–writer community of the Terezin concentration camp makes
Poems of the
its voice heard in this new collection of poems and illustrations. Czech poet
Terezin Ghetto Janeczko gives voice to the daily horrors of the concentration camp through
the inmates’ pictures and poetry. Although the prisoners’ experiences were
sad, their bravery and hope shine through. See also THE HARMONICA by
Tony Johnson, a picture book for older readers about the power of music.
Paul B.
Janeczko
Return to Bitter Returning to the southern Appalachian home that Lacey and her mother left
Creek
years before is suddenly a very scary proposition for twelve-year-old Lacey.
She and her mother don't fit in and her grandmother is never pleased with
anything they do. Only her cousin makes life bearable. Is tragedy the only
thing that will bring them together?
Doris Buchanan English-Language
Smith
Arts/General
1986
Ringside,
1925: Views
from the
Scopes Trial:
A Novel
This novel, written in verse, tells the story of the Scopes Monkey Trial. The
adolescent narrators frame the news of the trial in the context of their daily
lives, which are altered by the upheaval, notoriety, and economic benefits that
come to their town. The author neatly fits in subtle details of life in the 1920s
that portray how technology and culture have thoroughly rocked the world
since the days of silent movies, the Great Gatsby, and the first commercial
music recordings.
Jen Bryant
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2008
Rock and the
River, The
In the spring of 1968 in Chicago, two sons of a confidante of the Reverend Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr., learn what the Black Panther Party and brotherhood
are really all about. The brothers end up in a Chicago hospital after being
beaten by white thugs. Through this novel, readers will begin to understand
what life was like for blacks in America in 1968.
Kekla Magoon
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2009
Ropemaker,
The
When the magic that protects their valley starts to fail, Tilja and her
companions journey into the evil empire to find the ancient magician Faheel,
who originally cast those spells in this quest fantasy.
Peter Dickinson English-Language
Arts/General
2001
Ruby Holler
Thirteen-year-old twins, Dallas and Florida, have grown up in an orphanage
and are convinced they're clumsy, stupid, and unlovable until they are taken in
by Sairy and Tiller. Time, patience, plenty of home-cooked food, and caring
prove to the twins that they are worthy of love. Filled with humor, adventure,
mischief, mystery, and good will, this book is an entertaining read.
Sharon Creech
English-Language
Arts/General
2002
Rules
A heartfelt and witty book about feeling different and finding acceptance—
beyond the rules. Twelve-year-old Catherine just wants a normal life, which is
nearly impossible because she has a brother with autism and a family that
revolves around his disability. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a
paraplegic boy, and Kristi, the next-door friend she has always wished for, her
own shocking behavior turns everything upside down and forces her to ask:
What is normal?
Cynthia Lord
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
Rumpelstiltskin This is a richly illustrated retelling of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm’s tale of
Paul O.
Rumpelstiltskin. A miller’s daughter is instructed to spin straw into gold by a
Zelinsky
greedy king. Rumpelstiltskin agrees to complete the task for her if she will
promise to give him her first-born child. Middle-school students will enjoy the
medieval setting and the exquisite oil paintings. The book can be used to spark
discussions about who is good and who is evil in the story.
English-Language
Arts/General
1986
Runaways,
The
Dani's life suddenly becomes complicated when she and her mother inherit an
old ranch in 1951. Although none of them really run away, Dani, Stormy, and
Pixie plan to escape from Rattler Springs, Nevada, and their family problems.
This selection depicts emotional intensity. California author.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Running
Dream, The
A bus accident leaves sixteen-year-old Jessica hospitalized and in crisis.
Wendelin Van
Athletics and running have always been a major part of her life, and now she
Draanen
must deal with the loss of her leg, crutches, fittings for a prosthetic leg, and the
social and academic demands of high school. Strong characters, a surprising
friendship, and a realistic story make this book a compelling read. California
author.
Zilpha Keatley
Snyder
Running Out of When a diphtheria epidemic hits her village, thirteen-year-old Jessie discovers Margaret
Time
it is not 1840, but actually 1996, and her family lives in a reconstructed historic Peterson
site that is really a secret science experiment. Jessie escapes from the village Haddix
to save the dying children and finds herself in the middle of a very different and
most unfamiliar world.
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Literary
Elements
History/Social
Science
2007
English-Language
Arts/General
Health
Physical
Education
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
2011
1995
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Sabriel
The first book in a trilogy, this story centers on the Abhorsen—necromancers
Garth Nix
who protect the people from the living dead. Sabriel, the young daughter of the
current Abhorsen, sets off on a journey to rescue her father from the world of
the dead with the help of Touchstone, a forgotten prince, and Mogget, a
magical creature.
Sacred Places
The religions of the world are celebrated through poems and illustrations in this Jane Yolen
collection about sacred places revered by people of various faiths. Sacred
places include Stonehenge in England and the Taj Mahal in India.
Saint George
and the
Dragon: A
Golden
Legend
According to legend, Saint George slays the dragon that has been terrorizing
Margaret
the countryside for years and brings peace to the land. This adaptation is
Hodges
useful in the study of myths and legends and in comparing different versions of (adapter)
the same tale. It is also a good story to read aloud.
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
1995
1996
1984
Saladin: Noble This biography depicts the life of Saladin, an influential Muslim leader and
Prince of Islam sultan who led his people during the time of the twelfth-century Crusades. It
discusses the Crusades and the political and religious history of the Middle
East and Western Europe. The author's detailed color paintings are inspired
from Islamic art of the period. The text includes a glossary and a bibliography.
Diane Stanley
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2002
Saltypie: A
Choctaw
Journey from
Darkness into
Light
Choctaw storyteller Tim Tingle presents a narrative that honors his
grandmother, who was rendered blind by an act of violence, and the power of
family during times of crisis. Can be used as a read-aloud or as a picture book
for older readers. May lead to discussions about bullying, stereotypes,
invented words, blindness, Native Americans, and extended families. Author’s
notes provide background information about the Choctaw nation as well as
ideas for using the book in classroom lessons. California illustrator.
Tim Tingle
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2010
Same Sun
Here
River Dean Justice lives in the mountains of eastern Kentucky. Meena Joshi
now lives in New York City’s Chinatown, but she is a native of northern India.
Through a pen-pal relationship, these two middle-school students overcome
their stereotypes of each other’s culture and come to see that they have a lot
in common.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2012
Sammy Keyes
and the Hotel
Thief
Young Sammy (Samantha) Keyes has an unusual life in her grandmother's
Wendelin Van
retirement apartment. She witnesses a burglary through her binoculars and all Draanen
sorts of troubles begin. The California author offers a number of Sammy Keyes
sequels, including SAMMY KEYES AND THE SKELETON MAN and SAMMY
KEYES AND THE CHRISTMAS ELVES
Neela
Vaswani
Silas House
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Sammy Keyes In the third adventure of young detective Sammy In the third adventure of
and the Sisters young detective Sammy Keyes, she tries to solve the mystery of missing
of Mercy
property. Included in this mystery are issues dealing with upper-grade bullies
and concerns about Sammy's absent mother. The California author offers a
number of Sammy Keyes sequels including: SAMMY KEYES AND THE
SKELETON MAN and SAMMY KEYES AND THE CHRISTMAS ELVES
Wendelin Van
Draanen
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Sasquatch
Dylan's father hears that a team of researchers are hunting the mythical
sasquatch and he is determined to stop them. Dylan follows his erratic father
into the woods that border the slope of Mount St. Helens, an active volcano,
and joins an aging biologist who is concerned about the hunt. Danger stalks
each group as they search for sasquatch.
Roland Smith
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Savvy
A child’s thirteenth birthday is important in the Beaumont family, and Mibs is
looking forward to hers because that is when she will discover her savvy—a
supernatural power. However, the excitement of the day is eclipsed by a
terrible accident which launches Mibs on a quest to get to the hospital to try to
help her father.
Ingrid Law
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
Scat
Author and columnist Carl Hiaasen offers a humorous mystery for children.
After a field trip to the Everglades, a school class takes a head count and
discovers that one person is missing: Bunny Starch, the most feared biology
teacher ever. Nick and Marta are both suspicious and try to uncover the truth,
despite the police and the headmaster’s insistence that nothing is wrong.
Carl Hiaasen
Schwa Was
Here, The
Anthony, also known as “Antsy,” is fascinated by the fact that no one ever sees Neal
Calvin Schwa. Even when his actions are strange and when he dresses like a Shusterman
freak, people barely notice The Schwa. The two boys form a partnership and
get away with all kinds of mischief, from conducting experiments at school to
confounding opponents on the basketball court. ALA Notable Children’s Book
(2005); California Young Reader Medal Winner (2007–08). California author.
English-Language
Arts/General
2006
Second Sight:
Stories for a
New
Millennium
This collection of eight short stories by notable young adult writers deals with
visions of the new millennium with humor, fantasy, and realism. Authors like
Avi, Richard Peck, Madeleine L'Engle, and Rita Williams-Garcia are featured.
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
Madeleine
L'Engle (and
others)
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
2009
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Secret
Garden, The
Ten-year-old Mary, a spoiled and sour child, has not known love or discipline. Frances
She moves to her uncle's house in Yorkshire, England, after the death of her
Hodgson
parents. There she discovers the mysteries hidden away in his dark and
Burnett
gloomy estate. Mary and Collin continue to be classic characters 85 years after
their creation. This work is also available on audiocassette.
English-Language
Arts/General
1987
Secret Letters
from 0 to 10
Ernest leads an unadventurous and routine life until he meets Victoria, who
Susie
teaches him about families, living, and loving. Translated from French, this title Morgenstern
has won 16 international awards, including France's Prix Totem.
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Secret Soldier:
The Story of
Deborah
Sampson
Set during the American Revolutionary War, this work of historical fiction
Sheila Solomon
begins with a narration by a young soldier, Robert Shurtliff, who pretends to be Klass
dead. Gravediggers begin their work, and then the nurses notice movement
from the body. A doctor makes a startling discovery: the young soldier is a
female. Deborah had a hard life even before her seventeen months as a
soldier: her father abandoned her when she was five, and her mother, who
was unable to care for her, gave her away to be an indentured servant. The
book includes notes on what is known about the real Deborah Sampson. This
well-researched and well-written story features a strong, patriotic, and
courageous young woman.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2009
Seeing Stone,
The
Arthur de Caldicot, a thirteen-year-old boy growing up on a manor in 1199,
dreams of becoming a knight. Through a piece of obsidian given to him by
Merlin, a family friend, he sees glimpses of his destiny and discovers that his
life parallels that of a young King Arthur. This is the first book in “The Arthur
trilogy,” which includes AT THE CROSSING-PLACES (2002) and KING OF
THE MIDDLE MARCH (2003).
Kevin CrossleyHolland
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2001
Shabanu:
Daughter of
the Wind
Shabanu, an eleven-year-old girl in the Cholistan Desert of Pakistan, is an
Suzanne Fisher
independent, carefree spirit. When she is pledged in marriage to an old man
Staples
whose money will help the family, she is faced with the decision of obeying her
father's wishes or striking out on her own.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2003
Shadow of a
Bull
Ever since Manolo's father's death, the town has waited for Manolo to mature
and follow in his father's footsteps as a bullfighter. Manolo works hard to face
this moment with honor, knowing that it could bring his death.
Shaker Hearts
English-Language
Arts/General
1992
This collection of verse reflects the life, beliefs, and attitudes of the Shaker
Ann Warren
people. Hancock Shaker Village in Massachusetts serves as the location for
Turner
the visual and topical research for the book. The simplicity of the verse reflects
the simplicity of the lifestyle of the Shakers.
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
Ship Breaker
In a futuristic setting on the Gulf Coast, fifteen-year-old Nailer has been
assigned to the job of ship breaking. He spends his days engaged in the
dangerous activity of pulling copper wire from old oil tankers and avoiding his
violent father. In a twist of fate, he comes across a beached clipper ship and
must make a choice: strip the ship, or save a wealthy teenage girl he finds
trapped on the boat.
English-Language
Arts/General
2010
Shiva's Fire
Parvati is a young girl, born in a poor village, whose dancing talents emerge
Suzanne Fisher
and set her apart from others. A guru/master of classical dance recognizes her Staples
raw talent and takes her to his school in Madras, India. Mysticism and
romance are tied together as Parvati blossoms as a classical dancer and
meets the maharaja's son. The book presents a vivid depiction of Indian life
within the caste system.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
Visual and
Performing Arts
2001
Shooting the
Moon
Twelve-year-old Jamie and her older brother T. J. are part of a military family,
and thus it is not surprising when T. J. enlists and heads to Vietnam. The
surprising part is that their mother and father, who is a colonel, are not very
happy to learn that T. J. has signed up and gone off to fight in a war. In this
coming-of-age story, the reader and Jamie learn about the realities of war as
Jamie develops the film T. J. sends her from faraway battlefields. A powerful
story about learning and growing up during the time of the Vietnam War.
Frances
O’Roark Dowell
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2008
Silent Boy,
The
In flashbacks, Katy, the daughter of the town doctor, remembers her smalltown childhood. In 1910 she was eight years old, she remembers befriending
young Jacob, who seems to be autistic, and also remembers a tragedy that
her intuitive understanding is unable to prevent.
Lois Lowry
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2005
Silent to the
Bone
Branwell's baby sister, Nikki, has been abused and is in a coma. The
babysitter accuses Branwell. He's jailed, and the trauma causes him to
become mute, unable to defend himself. Branwell's best friend, Connor,
devises a system of flash cards and blinking, and the communication begins.
The themes of friendship, family, loyalty, and trust, combined with the whodone-it mystery, serve to fascinate young readers.
E. L.
Konigsburg
Silk & Venom:
Searching for
a Dangerous
Follows Greta Binford, a biology professor and arachnologist, on her journey
Kathryn Lasky
into the Caribbean to search for the Loxosceles, a deadly and reclusive spider.
This lively, informative book presents scientific answers that are hidden in the
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
Maia
Wojciechowska
Paolo
Bacigalupi
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
25/33
9/10/2014
Search - Recommended Literature List (CA Dept of Education)
Spider
spider’s DNA. It includes intimate photos of everything from venom-milking in a
lab to multicolored spiders in shimmering webs. Pair with Nic Bishop’s
SPIDERS (2007).
Single Shard,
A
A thirteen-year-old orphan in medieval Korea, living under a bridge, longs to
become a potter of celadon ware. He becomes an assistant to a master potter
and is entrusted with the delivery of two precious pots.
Linda Sue Park
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
Visual and
Performing Arts
2003
Skellig
Michael is upset by his baby sister's illness and a recent move. In a run-down
shed he finds a mysterious stranger named Skellig. Together with his new
neighbor Mina, he nurses the ailing bird-like man back to health. Sharing this
selection will invite discussion about the identity of Skellig and will work well in
a literature circle format.
David Almond
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
1999
Skin I'm In,
The
Thirteen-year-old Maleeka, uncomfortable because her skin is extremely dark,
meets a new teacher with a birthmark on her face. She learns how to value
who she is and to accept what she looks like.
Sharon Flake
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Slake's Limbo
Aremis Slake, a fifteen-year-old boy who is totally alone, finds refuge in the
New York City subway system, where he discovers a hidden construction site
in the shape of a cave. He learns to survive on his own, makes important
discoveries about himself, and ultimately is accepted.
Felice Holman
English-Language
Arts/General
1986
Slob
Despite his school’s motto—“Compassion, Not Competition”—overweight
Owen is picked on and victimized by students. Not only is he the heaviest kid
in his middle school, he is also the smartest. Owen’s main goal is to invent a
television that can see the past to find out what happened the day his parents
were killed.
Ellen Potter
English-Language
Arts/General
2009
Small as an
Elephant
Abandoned by his mother at a campground in Acadia National Park, Jack tries
to make his way back to Boston with only a small toy elephant for company.
Jack’s mother is constantly on his mind and in his memories. This is a
discerning portrayal of how one child copes with the difficulties of having a
mentally ill parent.
Jennifer
Richard
Jacobson
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
Small Steps
In this sequel to HOLES (1998), Armpit, a former resident of Camp Green
Louis Sachar
Lake, is now sixteen years old and is trying to turn his life around. He seems to
be on the right path until his old pal X-Ray shows up with a get-rich-quick
scheme. Suddenly, Armpit’s life spins out of control and is changed forever.
English-Language
Arts/General
2006
Snake
Dreamer
Sixteen-year-old Dura Thrasman has nightmares about snakes, and the only
Priscilla
cure appears to be a visit to a clinic in Greece run by the Gordon sisters. There Galloway
Dura becomes tangled up in the Greek myth of Medusa and a web of
mysterious happenings. The story has an emotional impact.
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
So B. It: A
Novel
Twelve-year old Heidi lives in an apartment with her developmentally
Sarah Weeks
challenged mother and is being raised by a neighbor who is an agoraphobic.
After finding some old photographs, Heidi becomes curious about her past and
sets off on a solo quest to find answers. This is a story about self-discovery,
acceptance, and diverse living situations.
English-Language
Arts/General
2004
Son of the
Mob
Seventeen-year-old Vince's life is constantly complicated by the fact that he is
the son of a powerful Mafia boss, a relationship that threatens to destroy his
romance with the daughter of an FBI agent. The novel's quick pace and
upbeat style offers readers comedy, romance, and suspense.
Gordon Korman English-Language
Arts/General
2002
Sonia
Sotomayor: A
Judge Grows
in the Bronx (la
juez que creció
en el Bronx)
The primary focus of this biography is Supreme Court Justice Sonia
Sotomayor’s childhood and early adulthood. Readers see a little girl facing
numerous challenges: immigrant parents with little education, a poor urban
neighborhood, a father who dies when she is nine, and a diagnosis of
diabetes. Despite these challenges, the love and attention of her mother help
motivate Sonia to work so hard that she earned a full scholarship to Princeton
University. This book is written in both English and Spanish.
Jonah Winter
2009
Sort of Forever Best friends Cady and Nana experience a journey of growth and awareness
when twelve-year-old Nana is diagnosed with terminal cancer. Cady struggles
to be loyal to her friend while going ahead with her own life. The book
confronts an important issue some students will face and contains emotional
intensity.
Sally Warner
Star Split
The year is 3038, and thirteen-year-old Darci Murlowe is a product of the Bio
Kathryn Lasky
Union's society and government. When she uncovers a movement that seeks
to end genetic manipulation of the next generation, Darci must analyze her
own fears and beliefs, take a stand, and face possible life-threatening dangers.
This selection contains mature situations.
Storm in the
Set during the dust bowl in 1937 in Kansas, this graphic novel weaves
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Matt Phelan
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
English-Language
1998
2001
2009
26/33
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Barn, The
combines elements of historical fiction, the supernatural, and tall tales. The
story of Jack, an eleven-year-old boy, is told through a series of pictures and
sparse text. Jack’s sister suffers from “dust pneumonia,” and he fears he has
“dust dementia” when he begins to see a shadowy figure in an abandoned
barn.
Stormbreaker
After the death of the uncle who had been his guardian, fourteen-year-old Alex Anthony
Rider continues his uncle's dangerous work for Britain's intelligence agency,
Horowitz
MI6.
Strays Like Us
Molly and Will are new kids on the block, both aware that they are misfits trying Richard Peck
to be invisible in a new setting. They decide to stick together as they start
seventh grade at a new school. They soon discover that they aren't the only
ones with unique problems. Issues of substance abuse and mental health are
depicted.
Summer at
A cute girl with a wicked curveball will turn out to be Nicholas Mettleson’s
Forsaken Lake constant companion this summer—the summer that his divorced parents send
twelve year-old Nicholas and his twin ten-year-old sisters to stay with their
great-uncle Nick at Forsaken Lake in Ohio. Nicholas’s namesake is the same
guy with whom Nicholas’s father spent summers as a teenager, learning
sailing and filmmaking in the process. But events caused Nicholas’s father to
leave abruptly and never return. These long-buried mysteries from 25 years
ago are unraveled by this son of the boy and this daughter of the girl who
were, themselves, inseparable all those years ago—until something went very
wrong.
Summer
Before Boys,
The
Arts/General
Michael D. Beil
When her mother is deployed to serve as a nurse in the war in Iraq, twelveNora Raleigh
year-old Julia is sent to spend the summer with relatives. Julia’s summer is
Baskin
fraught with worry over her mother’s safety and tension in her relationship with
her best friend and cousin, Eliza, because of a boy. The imaginative games
that the girls invent during their summer together are woven through the story,
along with information about the mortality rates of women who were involved in
the American Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and the
conflict in Vietnam.
Summer of the Fourteen-year-old Sara is jolted out of a period of discontent by the
Swans, The
disappearance of her mentally handicapped ten-year-old brother, Charlie. She
gains new insight into herself and her family as she forgets about her selfperceived miseries and realizes her love for Charlie.
Betsy Cromer
Byars
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
2001
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
English-Language
Arts/General
2012
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
1970
Superman
versus the Ku
Klux Klan: The
True Story of
How the Iconic
Superhero
Battled the
Men of Hate
Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two Jewish teenagers and comic-book buffs
Rick Bowers
from Cleveland, Ohio, invented the superhero Superman as a defender of the
powerless. During the 1930s, Superman was the champion of the oppressed
and downtrodden. In the World War II period, some Superman comics and
radio shows focused on the political issues of the time, especially fascism.
After the war, DC Comics used the popularity of the Superman character to
target the bigotry of the Ku Klux Klan in the South. This book includes blackand-white and color photographs and illustrations, a bibliography, and sources.
An afterword updates the profiles of the major individuals involved in creating
the comics and the radio shows. Useful for exploring media studies, graphic
novels, and civil rights.
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Writing
History/Social
Science
Visual and
Performing Arts
2011
Surrender
Tree, The
Through the eyes of Rosa (the healer), this novel—written in free verse—
relates events from the late-nineteenth-century Cuban struggle for
independence. The United States eventually entered this war, which is known
in history books as the Spanish–American War. Most of the main characters
are based on actual historical figures from the conflict. This is a moving tribute
to the author’s great-grandparents, who were survivors of this horrific time in
Cuban history. California author.
Margarita Engle
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2008
Sweet Words
So Brave: The
Story of
African
American
Literature
An elderly man tells his granddaughter about the literature and history of their
people in a folksy voice and idiomatic language. The literary discussion, from
slave narratives to Maya Angelou, is direct and relates to the writer's life and
times. This book includes black-and-white photographs and a recommended
reading list.
Barbara K.
Curry
Tales from
Gold
Mountain:
Stories of the
Chinese in the
New World
Eight original stories give readers a sense of the hardships faced by the first
Paul Yee
Chinese Americans. In "Spirits of the Railway," a young man appeases the
ghosts of dead railroad workers who were never properly buried. In "Forbidden
Fruit," a father's prejudice keeps his daughter from marrying her beloved. This
book includes illustrations.
Talkin' About
Bessie: The
Story of
An imagined monologue on each page tells about the life of Bessie Coleman
by those who knew her best. As a young girl, Bessie was determined to be the
first African American female pilot. This picture book biography for older
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Nikki Grimes
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
2002
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Aviator
Elizabeth
Coleman
readers is filled with facts about a brave woman and enables young readers to
understand her spirit.
Teacher's
Funeral: A
Comedy in
Three Parts,
The
In rural 1904 Indiana, fifteen-year-old Russell's dreams of quitting school and
joining a wheat threshing crew are disrupted when his older sister takes over
the teaching at his one-room schoolhouse after mean old Myrt Arbuckle "hauls
off and dies."
Richard Peck
English-Language
Arts/General
2004
Team Picture
Life is improving for David in his foster home, and school is going well. His
Dean Hughes
baseball team is headed for the championship, but getting along with his
teammates just isn't happening. When his foster dad begins drinking again,
David knows that he may be taken away from the best situation he's ever been
in. This selection depicts mature situations, emotional intensity, and substance
use and abuse.
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Technically,
It’s Not My
Fault:
Concrete
Poems
A funny fictional character named Robert uses concrete poems—poems that
have a visual element—to share tales of his life and his pesky little sister,
Jessie. This is an exceptional introduction to poetry for reluctant readers. ALA
Notable Children’s Book (2005); ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult
Readers (2005).
John Grandits
Tell Us We’re
Home
A tale of friendship between three eighth-grade girls: Jaya, Maria, and Lola.
They are members of immigrant families in which all of the parents hold jobs
as house cleaners and nannies in an upscale suburban community in New
Jersey. The story incorporates details of the current economic crisis, looks at
the American Dream in the twenty-first century, and probes status and
entitlement.
Marina Budhos
English-Language
Arts/General
2010
Tequila Worm, After someone uses a racial slur against her, Sophia decides to get even by
The
doing better than her tormentor in school. Set in a close-knit barrio community
in McCallister, Texas, the story follows Sophia through her childhood and teen
years. It details the wonderful traditions of her Mexican American heritage. An
ALA Notable Children’s Book (2006).
Viola Canales
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
Thank You,
Jackie
Robinson
Sam (a fatherless white boy) and Davy (an older African American man) share
a mutual admiration for Jackie Robinson. When Davy suffers a heart attack,
Sam brings a ball autographed by the famous player to his old friend's death
bed. The story depicts emotional intensity.
Barbara Cohen
English-Language
Arts/General
1974
Thief Lord,
The
Prosper and Boniface, orphaned after the death of their parents, run from
Hamburg to Venice to escape being adopted by an evil aunt. They are
befriended by a gang of thieves headed by the Thief Lord and become
involved in mystery and adventure. The reader is treated to the wonders of
Venice, as well as fantasy, intrigue, and magic.
Cornelia Funke
English-Language
Arts/General
2002
Thoreau at
Walden
Henry David Thoreau’s observations of his surroundings, his compassion, and
his examination of the human condition led him to form a philosophy that has
inspired many to move to the beat of a different drummer. Manageable
excerpts of Thoreau’s classic text are presented with simple illustrations in this
graphic-format book.
Henry David
Thoreau
John
Porcellino
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
Thunder Over
Kandahar
Yasmine is fourteen and has spent most of her years in England. She is now in Sharon E.
Afghanistan with her parents, who are targeted by the Taliban. In the small
McKay
village where her family has moved, Yasmine becomes best friends with
Tamanna, who is also targeted, as her violent uncle has plans to give her in
marriage to a much older man. Both girls must flee to save their lives. This
contemporary story makes for compelling reading, and the photographs placed
at the beginning of each chapter help make the setting real. The book may
spark discussions about women’s issues, friendship, survival, and wartime
violence. A USBBY Outstanding International Book (2011).
Time Apart, A
Without warning, Houston teenager Ginny Dorris is sent off to England to join
her father in a university experiment - a recreation of an Iron Age community while her mother recovers from breast cancer treatment. Readers learn about
the ancient past while experiencing how Ginny copes with homesickness and
with her parents in this story based on a real-life Iron Age experiment.
Diane Stanley
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Time for
Andrew: A
Ghost Story
Andrew, a timid twelve-year-old, is forced to spend the summer at his greataunt's spooky house. Tricked by the ghost of a look-alike ancestor, he gets
trapped in the past. This adventure invites character study and prediction.
Mary Downing
Hahn
English-Language
Arts/General
1994
Totally Joe
Funny and introspective, Joe is a gay seventh-grader whose teacher gives him James Howe
the assignment to write an “alphabiography”—his life story, from A to Z.
Through the assignment, Joe explores issues of friendship, family, school, and
being bullied. He faces his sexuality, questioning gender expectations and
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
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Science
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/Literary
Elements
English-Language
Arts/Writing
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2004
2010
28/33
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traditional roles as he realizes he is gay. Because Joe is different, he is
tormented by Kevin, who calls Joe disparaging names and falsely accuses him
of kissing a jock named Colin, who is not yet ready to come out as gay. This
book inspired the national “No Name-Calling Week” adopted in school districts
across the United States.
Touching Spirit Cole's anger erupts into violence. To avoid going to prison, he agrees to
Ben Mikaelsen
Bear
participate in a sentencing alternative based on the Native American Circle
Justice. He is sent to a remote Alaskan island where an encounter with a huge
Spirit Bear changes his life.
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
2001
Transall Saga,
The
Mark's solo camping trip is catapulted into a time-travel adventure. Challenged
by completely foreign creatures, cultures, and customs, Mark searches for the
truth and the way to return to his own reality.
Gary Paulsen
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Trouble Don't
Last
Eleven-year-old Samuel tells how he is forced to run with an old slave from a
plantation in Kentucky to freedom in Canada. They encounter prejudice and
hardship as well as heroism on their journey. Always there is the memory of
daily life under slavery and the anguish of family separation.
Shelley
Pearsall
English-Language
Arts/General
2002
True
Confession of
Charlotte
Doyle, The
When Charlotte Doyle boards the ship in England to join her father in
Avi
Providence, Rhode Island, little does she realize the harrowing adventures that
await her. She becomes embroiled in a murder on the ship and is forced to
survive in a most unlikely fashion as she proves her skill and proficiency as a
sailor. This story depicts emotional intensity.
English-Language
Arts/General
1990
Tulip Touch,
The
Set in England, this novel explores the devastating friendship that grows
between the unsuspecting Natalie and the strange girl who lives on the
neighboring farm. Natalie eventually feels the impact of this negative
friendship. The story depicts emotional intensity and mature situations.
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
Twisted
Summer
Summer vacations at Crystal Lake have always been enjoyable for Cici and
Willo Davis
her family, but this summer things are different. A murder the previous summer Roberts
and Cici's belief that the wrong person has been accused propel her into
action and danger.
English-Language
Arts/General
1996
Uncle Daddy
When his long-absent father suddenly reappears, nine-year-old Rivers
struggles with conflicting feelings and reexamines his relationship with the
great-uncle who had served as his father.
Ralph Fletcher
English-Language
Arts/General
2001
Underneath,
The
An old hound, a pregnant cat, and two kittens born underneath the house
endure separation and danger. This is a harrowing but sweet tale about love
and its power, hatred, and the fragility of happiness. Reminiscent of
SOUNDER, SHILOH, and THE YEARLING.
Kathi Appelt
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
Unraveling
Freedom: The
Battle for
Democracy on
the Home
Front During
World War I
In the United States, World War I brought hysteria and the suspension of longstanding constitutional freedoms for many Americans. German Americans and
other Eastern European cultural groups were especially affected after
American troops were sent overseas. This book is illustrated with numerous
reproductions of photographs, cartoons, and other rare images. It includes
first-person stories, an afterword about subsequent events and President
Wilson’s legacy, and a time line of other wartime presidents. This wellresearched overview provides a useful introduction to this period of American
and world history. A National Council for Social Studies Trade Book (2011).
Ann Bausum
Utterly Yours,
Booker Jones
Booker is having writer's block - and that's a terrible position for any author-tobe. He's sure he will never complete writing SPACE COWS, or the protest
speech that he agreed to write for a school rally. It doesn't help that his
grandfather has suffered a stroke and now seems to be a stranger. Life will
never be the same again!
Betsy Duffey
English-Language
Arts/General
1995
Voices of
Silence, The
The injustice and turmoil of Romania in the late 1980s are portrayed in this
novel of a nation's struggle to confront an oppressive ruler. Told through the
eyes of young teens, the struggle to survive and find meaning in life are vividly
real. Human rights violations and emotional intensity are portrayed.
Bel Mooney
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
Voyages,
This collection presents 53 of Whitman's poems selected by Lee Bennet
Poems by Walt Hopkins. It includes handsome black-and-white drawings and a short
Whitman
biography of the poet.
Walt Whitman
English-Language
Arts/General
1987
Waiting for
Normal
After her adored stepfather and half-sisters move, twelve-year-old Addie and
her mother move to a small trailer by the railroad tracks. Addie tries to cope
with her mother’s erratic behavior. She finds comfort in occasional visits to her
sisters’ home and in her neighbors—especially Soula, who is battling cancer.
Addie believes that if she is patient, her life eventually will be normal. But her
mother’s behavior becomes more difficult to endure as time passes.
Leslie Connor
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
Waiting to
Waltz, a
Childhood:
A young girl's growing-up in a small Appalachian town is chronicled through 30 Cynthia Rylant
poems by an award-winning author.
English-Language
Arts/General
1984
http://www3.cde.ca.gov/reclitlist/search.aspx
Anne Fine
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2010
29/33
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Poems
Walk Two
Moons
While Salamanca tells her grandparents the story of her friend Phoebe, whose
mother disappeared, her own experiences are slowly revealed. The story
explores a young girl's struggle in accepting her mother's death and features
American Indian wisdom and values. The emotional intensity of loss confronts
almost all the characters. The book covers many issues, including adoption.
Sharon Creech
Walker's
Crossing
Ryan, a seventh-grader, wants only to be a cowboy on the large Wyoming
ranch on which his family lives. When Gil, his older brother, joins a militia hate
group, Ryan is torn between being loyal to his brother and knowing what is
right and decent. This book deals with serious topics of prejudice, racism, and
religious, linguistic, and ethnic discrimination.
Phyllis
Reynolds
Naylor
Wanting Mor
Set in Afghanistan in 2001 and based on actual events, this story deals with a
young girl who must face the death of her mother, as well as abandonment,
when her country is torn by war and poverty. Jameela must deal with issues of
faith, a disfiguring birth defect, trying to learn to read, and accepting help from
people she fears. Pair with Deborah Ellis’ “The Breadwinner” trilogy or
Suzanne Fisher Staples’ UNDER THE PERSIMMON TREE (2005).
Rukhsana Khan
English-Language
Arts/General
Health
2009
Warmer World:
From Polar
Bears to
Butterflies,
How Climate
Change
Affects
Wildlife, A
Clear writing and artwork in soft pastels help explain the impact of global
warming on various animals. The text will appeal to students in middle grades,
and the inclusion of animals such as walruses, penguins, butterflies, and polar
bears should captivate younger children and struggling readers. A glossary
and suggested resources are included. California author.
Caroline Arnold
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
2012
Warp Speed
Seventh-grader Marley Sandelski is a die-hard Star Trek fan and a member of
the Rancho Rosetta Middle School AV club. He is pretty sure he is a loser and
spends a good portion of his days avoiding the school bullies, who seem to
enjoy vandalizing his locker and giving him a good pummeling. Marley’s firstperson narrative is a humorous but sensitive look at teenage angst, selfdiscovery, acceptance, bullying, and unrequited love. California author.
Lisa Yee
English-Language
Arts/General
2011
What Are
You? Voices of
Mixed Race
Young People
Mixed-race young people must deal with added pressures and considerations
that never cross the minds of most teens or adults. Although several entries
express understandable anger, hurt, and confusion, many offer uplifting
portraits of young people determined not to let prejudice or narrowmindedness stand in their way. California author.
Pearl Fuyo
English-Language
Gaskins (editor) Arts/General
1999
Wheels of
Change: How
Women Rode
the Bicycle to
Freedom (with
a Few Flat
Tires Along the
Way)
This book discusses the emergence of the bicycle and its role in encouraging
Sue Macy
women to challenge their limited social role at the turn of the twentieth century.
The bicycle gave women access to an independent means of transportation,
opening up a new world of opportunities. Includes numerous archival images
and photographs, sidebars that expand on related topics (including trailblazers
Marie Curie and Annie Oakley), direct quotes from proponents and detractors,
a time line, and list of resources. This historical overview will stimulate further
research on the changing role of women in society. California author.
When JFK
Was My
Father
Thirteen-year-old Georgia creates her own world, fantasizing that President
John F. Kennedy is her father. While away at boarding school, she discovers
the importance of making friends and believing in herself instead of retreating
to a world of make-believe voices and solitary activities.
When the
Circus Came
to Town
Ten-year-old Ursula lives with her parents at a Montana stagecoach stop.
Laurence Yep
When smallpox leaves her face scarred, she refuses to socialize, not even with
the Chinese cook. It's not until the cook's cousins stage a circus for the town
that Ursula comes out. In turn she puts on a Chinese New Year celebration
when the circus troupe is stranded by a Montana blizzard. California author.
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
2004
When You
Reach Me
In the 1970s, as her mother prepares to be a contestant on the TV show “The
$20,000 Pyramid,” sixth-grader Miranda struggles with the loss of her best
friend Sal, mysterious notes that find their way to her, and the strange
homeless man on her corner. The notes keep coming, and Miranda slowly
realizes that whoever is leaving them knows all about her—including things
that have not even happened yet.
English-Language
Arts/General
Science
2009
Amy Gordon
Rebecca Stead
When Zachary In the summer that thirteen-year-old Toby is abandoned by his mother, he
Kimberly Willis
Beaver Came meets Zachary Beaver, the fattest boy in the world. As Toby struggles to make Holt
to Town
sense of his life, he learns the value of friendship and caring.
Where the Red
Fern Grows:
The Story of
Two Dogs and
This story of a young boy's childhood in the Ozarks features his intense
relationship with two coon hounds and the many adventures they have while
hunting. The story follows Billy from the time he only dreams of having dogs to
the moment one of them is killed while saving its master. This classic story of
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Wilson Rawls
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
Health
History/Social
Science
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
1994
1999
2011
1999
1999
2001
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a Boy
friendship, both human and canine, is set in the Depression-era South.
Where You
Belong
Fiona is on the run because of her abusive father. She finds safety with a
former classmate, an African American girl. Together they experience an
unusual bonding and friendship when they spend time together away from
their schools. This novel depicts abusive relationships.
Mary Ann
McGuigan
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
White
Darkness: A
Novel, The
Symone is fourteen years old, partially deaf, a loner at school, and extremely
interested in the person and the history of Captain Laurence “Titus” Oates.
Titus was an explorer and a victim of Robert Scott’s South Pole expedition in
1912. When Symone is offered an opportunity to visit Antarctica with “Uncle”
Victor, she joins him and finds herself in an adventure that becomes a survival
story. This book was originally published in England.
Geraldine
McCaughrean
English-Language
Arts/General
2008
White
Mountains,
The
THE WHITE MOUNTAINS is the first in a series of books about the invasion of John
the Tripods and three boys who find a way to fight the invaders. Other titles in Christopher
the series include THE CITY OF GOLD AND LEAD, THE POOL OF FIRE, and
the prequel WHEN THE TRIPODS CAME.
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Who Am I
Without Him?:
Short Stories
About Girls
and the Boys
in Their Lives
Ten short stories that are both hilarious and anguished, discuss growing up
black today. The author speaks with a truthful voice about family, friends,
school, and especially about finding a boyfriend.
Sharon Flake
English-Language
Arts/General
2004
Wild Girl
Since the death of her mother several years ago, Twelve-year-old Lidie has
Patricia Reilly
lived in Brazil with an aunt and uncle. Her great love is horses, and she has
Giff
become a skillful rider. Lidie travels to New York to join her father and older
brother, both of whom train racehorses. A parallel story unfolds: the birth of a
filly, Wild Girl, who eventually meets Lidie. Themes of immigration will resonate
with those who have had to deal with changes in their lives resulting from
relocation. The story will also appeal to middle-graders who yearn to own or
ride a horse.
English-Language
Arts/General
2009
Wild Timothy
Timothy Martin is a "nerd" by his father's and older brother's standards. He
isn't a star athlete or a great outdoorsman. When a wilderness camping trip is
planned, he wants no part of it. He hopes they will quickly head back to
civilization but, instead, he gets lost!
Gary L.
Blackwood
English-Language
Arts/General
1987
Window, The
Rayona, a Native American and African American mixed-race child, is sent
away to spend time in Kentucky with her grandmother. Imagine her surprise
when she discovers that Grandma and her aunts are white. This is a powerpacked story of what it means to be family.
Michael Dorris
English-Language
Arts/General
1997
Wizard of Oz,
The
In this classic in children's literature, Dorothy is transported to the Land of Oz
Frank L. Baum
by a cyclone and must find the great wizard in order to return home to Kansas.
The story is also available on audiocassette.
English-Language
Arts/General
1988
Wolf Shadows
The balance of nature and the impact of human play is depicted in this novel
about two friends who are forced to confront their values, friendship, and
attitude toward nature. Issues of right and wrong emerge for the reader to
explore.
Mary Casanova English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Wonder
Auggie Pullman was born with a combination of genetic disorders that caused
extreme disfigurement of his facial features. Homeschooled until he was ten,
Auggie spent the first year of regular school in a fifth-grade classroom. This
narrative is told in shifting first-person accounts that provide insights, from a
variety of perspectives, into Auggie’s struggle to be accepted for who he is.
R. J. Palacio
English-Language
Arts/General
2012
Woodsong
In this autobiographical work, Paulsen imparts his love of the wilderness and of Gary Paulsen
dog sledding. The first half of the book recounts his experiences with his sled
dogs and the winter adventures they shared in Minnesota. The second half of
the book is a personal description of his participation in the Iditarod, the
famous race held in Alaska each year.
English-Language
Arts/General
2007
Words by
Heart
Lena, a young African American girl, struggles when her family leaves their
black Southern town and moves west to a mostly white town. The family
suffers from racist treatment that ultimately leads to the death of Lena's
hardworking, good-natured father. This selection depicts emotional intensity.
Ouida
Sebestyen
English-Language
Arts/General
1979
Words in the
Dust
Based on a true story, this debut novel centers on a shy girl who hopes for
peace, wants to attend school, and would like to have her cleft palate fixed.
Zulaikha knows that everything will be provided for her if God is willing
—“Inshallah.” This is a heart-wrenching look at the role of women in Afghani
society and of an Afghan family trying to survive in very difficult times.
Trent Reedy
Wringer
The annual pigeon shoot provides the young boys of the community the
opportunity to prove their fortitude and manhood by serving as "wringers."
Palmer La Rue isn't sure he wants the opportunity or if he believes in the long-
Jerry Spinelli
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2011
1997
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held tradition. However, not participating can have consequences, too.
Wrinkle in
Time, A
Meg and Charles Wallace and Calvin O'Keefe search for Meg's father, a
scientist who disappeared while trying to solve the tesseract (wrinkle in time)
problem. The story combines theology, fantasy, and science in a story of time
and space travel and the power of good over evil. The value of a close, loving
family is emphasized. Other books in the series are SWIFTLY TILTING
PLANET and WIND IN THE DOOR.
Madeleine
L'Engle
Year of Miss
Agnes, The
Ten-year-old Fred (short for Frederika) narrates the story of school and village
life among the Athabascan people in Alaska during 1948. This was the
watermark year when Miss Agnes arrived in the village as their new teacher
and changed their lives. This is a wonderful story about learning, trust, and
friendship. Good read-aloud.
Kirkpatrick Hill
Year of the
Sawdust Man,
The
Set in a small Louisiana town in 1933, this selection features eleven-year-old
A. LaFaye
Nissa, whose mother leaves the home. Nissa struggles with accepting the loss
of her mother while also facing her father's increasing interest in another
woman. This selection depicts emotional intensity and mature situations. The
language reflects the era and a Southern dialect. The story invites discussion
about the effects of divorce.
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
Year the
Swallows
Came Early,
The
Eleven-year-old Eleanor “Groovy” Robinson lives near the ocean and the
Kathryn
famous church mission in San Juan Capistrano. Her main interest is cooking,
Fitzmaurice
and she dreams of going to a culinary school. Her mother, a hairdresser, is a
warm and loving person, and life is good until Groovy’s father is arrested.
Frankie, Groovy’s best friend, is also having difficulties. The two companions
must find a balance between their expectations and reality. This novel, the first
from California author Kathryn Fitzmaurice, is filled with memorable
characters.
English-Language
Arts/General
2009
Yellow Star,
The: The
Legend of King
Christian X of
Denmark
This legend relates how King Christian X of Denmark sewed a yellow star onto Carmen Agra
his clothing, thus defying Hitler's orders and empowering his people to
proclaim solidarity with their Jewish friends and neighbors in World War II. An
author's note separates fact from fiction.
English-Language
Arts/General
2000
English-Language
Arts/General
1987
English-Language
Arts/General
1998
You Come Too This collection of the poems of poet laureate Robert Frost has special appeal
to young and old readers alike.
Robert Frost
English-Language
Arts/General
History/Social
Science
1995
2000
Young, Black,
and
Determined: A
Biography of
Lorraine
Hansberry
From an early age Lorraine Hansberry was aware of the tensions of racism
that divided American society. This book covers Hansberry's life from her
childhood in Chicago to her death in New York at age thirty-four. A
bibliography, timeline, index, and black-and-white photographs are included.
Zack
Zack, the son of a Jewish father and an African American mother, writes a
research project on a former slave that inspires him to learn more of his own
history. He sets off on a journey, determined to find the secret that has kept
him from knowing his own grandfather.
William Bell
English-Language
Arts/General
1999
Zeely
Greeder's summer at her uncle's farm is made special because of her
friendship with a very tall, composed woman who raises hogs and who closely
resembles the magazine photograph of a Watusi queen.
Virginia
Hamilton
English-Language
Arts/General
1967
Zlateh the
Goat and
Other Stories
Seven Jewish folklores of Poland are transformed with poetic power by the
author and illustrator. The essence of human nature is exuberantly imparted in
the retellings.
Isaac Bashevis
Singer
English-Language
Arts/General
1966
Zora and Me
A fictionalized account of Zora Neale Hurston, a preeminent twentieth-century Victoria Bond
writer and folklorist. The book chronicles Zora’s childhood with her best friend
Carrie in Eatonville, Florida, as they learn about life, death, and the differences
between truth, lies, and pretending. The story is told through the eyes of
Carrie. Includes an annotated bibliography of the works of Zora Neale Hurston,
a short biography of the author, and information about Eatonville, Florida—one
of the first African American towns to be formed after the Emancipation
Proclamation.
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