Summer Reading List for Grades 7 and 8 (Forms I and II)
Students are required to read 5 books over the summer. All rising Form I students are required to read Pool Boy
by Michael Simmons. All rising Form II students are required to read Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings.
Students must also read 4 additional free choice books from the summer reading list.
The books on this list are divided into general categories. Choose free choice books from different categories.
Students may listen to audio books but not exclusively. On the form below, please list the five books. Any other
books read can be listed on a separate sheet of paper.
A signed summer reading list must be handed in the first week of school to Mrs. Laurie Sears or Mrs. Ann Liu
in the library. It will count as a quiz grade for the first marking period. Students will receive a 100% quiz grade
if the reading list is handed in on time. (80% second week, 60% third, 0 after that.)
Title
Author
Category
Rating
1._Pool Boy or Red Kayak_Michael Simmons or Priscilla Cummings (Form I/II required book)_________
2.____________________________________________________________________________________
3.____________________________________________________________________________________
4.____________________________________________________________________________________
5.____________________________________________________________________________________
Rate the books from 1 to 5 stars, 5 being the best rating.
Student Name and Grade (printed legibly)___________________________________________________
Parent Name and Signature_______________________________________________________________
Writing for Required Reading
The required grade level reading book will be the basis for the first in-school writing assignment. When reading
Pool Boy or Red Kayak, consider various ideas and themes presented in the story. Do not write an essay - just
jot down notes, bookmark passages, and write annotations in the margins regarding the ideas and themes
mentioned below. When you return to school in the fall you will refer to these notes as you write a brief in-class
essay during your English class. You will be required to refer to at least three passages from the book to support
your answer.
Pool Boy by Michael Simmons Questions
1. Think about the times throughout the story Brett thinks his life couldn’t get any worse and what he
learns from them.
2. Think about Brett’s perspective about his family's reversal of fortune and ways in which his life is
becomes more challenging and ways in which his life was enhanced by his experiences.
3. Consider how Brett's personality, outlook on life, and attitude towards others changes throughout the
story.
4. At the beginning of the story Brett is a shallow, spoiled, entitled, rich teenager. How does his personality
and outlook on life change by the end of the story?
Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings Questions
1. Consider the following concepts/themes as you read and think about how they apply to Red Kayak.



2.
Do the right thing, even if it's harder than doing the wrong thing.
Actions speak louder than words; be careful about what actions you take.
Change will always happen, good or bad.
Trace Brady’s boat through the story. When is he going fast, when is he going slowly, and when is he
stopped? Contemplate the events that were happening at each one of these points in the story.
3. Judgment is a word with a number of meanings, one of which has to do with the ability to make the right
decision. In this story, Brady makes a number of decisions. As you read, make note of these decisions
and explain whether each was a good decision or not and why.
FORM I AND II REQUIRED READING
Form I
Pool Boy by Michael Simmons
Fifteen year old, Brett, had it all: good looks, a winning personality, and a lot of money. But when his
stockbroker dad goes to jail for insider trading, Brett, his mom and sisters must move in with their great-aunt.
Instead of sunbathing around the family pool, Brett takes a job cleaning the pools of his former neighbors.
Initially angry and bitter towards his father and the lost family fortune, Brett learns about forgiveness,
backbreaking work and the value of qualities beyond money.
Form II
Red Kayak by Priscilla Cummings
Brady loves his life on the beautiful Chesapeake Bay. Tragedy strikes when the kayak of one of Brady’s new
wealthy friends overturns in the bay, and Brady wonders if it was more than an accident. Soon, Brady discovers
the terrible truth behind the kayak’s sinking, and it will change the lives of those he loves forever.
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VISITING AUTHOR (MAY 2015)
American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang
In this graphic novel, three humorous and seemingly unrelated stories keep the reader's attention until they
come together at the end. The first story concerns a Chinese-American boy trying to fit in. The second is a
retelling of the Chinese fable of the monkey king. The third story involves a Chinese cousin who visits an
American boy each year. It's a nice combination of a fable and contemporary stories to convey the wonderful
lesson of accepting one's culture and identity with pride.
BOOKS BOYS SHOULD READ BY THE TIME
THEY LEAVE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The Adventures of Robin Hood by Roger Lancelyn Greene
This is the classic story of social justice and outrageous cunning. Robin Hood is champion of the poor and
oppressed in twelfth-century England by the cruel power of Prince John and the brutal Sheriff of Nottingham.
He takes refuge with his Merry Men in the vast Sherwood Forest, emerging time and again to outwit his
enemies with daring and panache.
The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
He's rude, arrogant, cold, unfriendly, and easily bored. But nobody minds, because Sherlock Holmes is a genius
at solving mysteries. These are some of the finest mystery stories ever written and will challenge your powers
of deduction. With an emphasis on detail and an eye for the unusual clue, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle transports the
reader to an England gone by. Read any collection of stories.
D'Aulaires Book of Greek Myths by Ingrid and Edgar D’Aulaire
In the D'Aulaires' book of myths all of the great gods and goddesses of ancient Greece are depicted in a
beautifully illustrated and skillfully told rendition of the classic myths. From petty squabbles to heroic deeds,
their actions cover the range of godly--and mortal--personalities. Try D’Auliares Book of Norse Myth’s too.
Island of the Blue Dolphin by Scott O’Dell
Imagine living alone on an island in the Pacific Ocean for 18 years, fighting off a pack of wild dogs, finding
your own food, and dealing with loneliness and terror all by yourself. This is the story of how an Indian girl,
Karana, overcame her hardship through self-reliance, strength, and serenity.
Just So Stories by Rudyard Kipling
These stories are collection of children's animal fables linked by poems by Rudyard Kipling, published in 1902.
Most of the stories include far-fetched descriptions of how certain animals developed their peculiar physical
characteristics, as in "How the Leopard Got His Spots." Read any compilation of these stories.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupery (translated by Richard Howard)
The narrator is a downed pilot in the Sahara Desert, frantically trying to repair his wrecked plane. One day the
apparition of a little prince appears and describes his journey from planet to planet. The Little Prince was
published in 1943, only a year before the author’s Lockheed P-38 vanished over the Mediterranean during a
reconnaissance mission. (Recommended for French students)
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Phantom Tollbooth by Norman Juster
When Milo returns home resigned to the boredom that is his life he finds a gift; an easy to assemble tollbooth.
When he drives through it in his toy car, Milo finds wild adventures in lands of Dictionopolis, Digitopolis, and
many places in between. He is on a quest to bring back the Princess of Rhyme and Reason. Along the way he
finds plenty to appreciate.
Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane
In the spring of 1863, as he faces battle for the first time at Chancellorsville, Virginia, a young Union soldier
matures to manhood and finds peace of mind as he comes to grips with his conflicting emotions about war.
Rip Van Winkle and other Tales by Washington Irving
Long ago in the Catskill Mountains of New York, Rip Van Winkle went into the mountains, bowled a little, and
fell asleep for twenty years. Read about Rip, the hapless Ichabod Crane and other characters devised through
the craft and imagination of Washington Irving.
Tales from the Arabian Nights
Full of mischief, valor, ribaldry, and romance, these are the tales that saved the life of Shahrazad, whose
husband, the king, executed each of his wives after a single night of marriage. Beginning an enchanting story
each evening, Shahrazad always withheld the ending. The tales include Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp,
Sinbad the Seaman and Sinbad the Landsman, and Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. Read any compilation of
these stories.
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
A revolutionary Victorian scientist who claims to have invented a time travel machine recounts his adventures
in the futuristic world to a group of skeptical friends.
Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
A mysterious seaman hides at a country inn; cut-throats raid a sleepy English village; suddenly, young Jim
Hawkins becomes the owner of a map leading to a lost tropical island and a fortune in stolen gold. Three
adventurers--Jim, Squire Trelawney, and Dr. Livesey set out to find the treasure. Enjoy this classic pirate tale.
Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea by Jules Verne
Join the professor and his two companions as they sail above and below the world's oceans as prisoners on the
fabulous electric submarine of the deranged Captain Nemo who has chosen to abandon civilization, and
restlessly roams the undersea world in an attempt to find peace of mind.
CLASSICS NEW AND OLD
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
This is Agatha Christie’s most suspenseful who-done-it. Ten strangers are brought to an isolated island on false
pretenses only to be accused of murder by their unknown host. One by one they are knocked off to the theme of
a children’s nursery rhyme. If you enjoyed this try Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express and Death on the
Nile.
Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
Set in Victorian London, the novel follows the shifting fortunes of a horse as he moves from owner to owner.
Narrated by the horse Black Beauty, the story offers an animal’s perspective of the world, and highlights the
thoughtless, even cruel treatment animals endured during that period.
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Dracula by Bram Stoker
Written in the form of letters and diary entries, Dracula chronicles the vampire's journey from his
Transylvanian castle to the nighttime streets of London. There, he searches for the blood he needs to stay
alive—the blood of strong men and beautiful women—while a small band of men and women, horrified by the
supernatural forces arrayed against them, risk their lives and their very souls to oppose the evil known only
as...Dracula.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451 is set in an alternate-future ruled by a tyrannical government in which firemen don't douse fires,
they ignite them. And they do this in homes that house the most evil of evils: books. But one day a fireman
named Montag meets a girl who shows him the beauty of books, of knowledge, of conceiving and sharing ideas;
she wakes him up, changing his life forever.
Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
A young Swiss student uncovers the secret of animating lifeless matter and, by assembling body parts, creates a
monster that vows revenge on his creator after being rejected from society.
The Good Earth by Pearl Buck
This story presents a graphic view of a China when the last emperor reigned and the vast political and social
upheavals of the twentieth century were but distant rumblings for the ordinary people. This moving, classic
story of the honest farmer and his selfless wife is must reading for those who would fully appreciate the
sweeping changes that have occurred in the lives of the Chinese people during this century.
Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathon Swift
This is a story of the fantastic voyages of Lemuel Gulliver, principally to four marvelous realms: Lilliput, where
the people are six inches tall; Brobdingnag, a land inhabited by giants; Laputa, a wondrous flying island; and a
country where the Houyhnhnms, a race of intelligent horses, are served by savage humanoid creatures called
Yahoos. Beneath the surface of this enchanting fantasy lurks a devastating critique of human malevolence,
stupidity, greed, vanity, and short-sightedness.
The Illustrated Man by Ray Bradbury
This book is a collection of short stories that can be read as a single novel. Here living cities take their
vengeance, technology awakens the most primal natural instincts, Martian invasions are foiled by the good life,
and dreams are carried aloft in junkyard rockets. A look into the future and past and the “what if's” that could
have been or could be.
Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
Kidnapped is a stirring adventure story about the orphan, David Balfour, who, after escaping through the
Scottish Highlands from the hands of his villainous uncle, becomes involved in Scotland's struggle for
independence.
Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
You’ve seen the movies—now read the books. This trilogy follows The Hobbit telling the great and dangerous
tale of the quest undertaken by Frodo Baggins and the Fellowship of the Ring: including Gandalf the wizard;
Samwise; Gimli the dwarf; Legolas the elf; Boromir of Gondor; and a mysterious stranger called Strider. The
future of Middle Earth depends upon their success.
Out of the Silent Planet by C. S. Lewis
Ransom, a linguist, is on a voyage to the planet Malacandra (Mars), where he learns that Thulcandra (Earth) is
called the silent planet because there has been no communication from it in years. The spiritual being in charge
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of the latter, having been corrupted, has essentially cut Thulcandra off from the other planets. Ransom is
ultimately sent back to Thulcandra with the two earthlings who had kidnapped him and brought him to
Malacandra.
The Pearl by John Steinbeck
Kino, a poor Mexican pearl fisher, finds a valuable pearl. Yet instead of bringing blessings, the pearl acts as a
harbinger of misfortune to Kino and his wife, Juana. Ultimately, it is returned from whence it came.
The Prince and the Pauper by Mark Twain
Set in sixteenth-century England, Mark Twain's classic tale features two identical-looking boys - a prince and a
pauper - who trade clothes and unintentionally step into each other's lives. While the urchin, Tom Canty,
discovers luxury and power, Prince Edward, dressed in rags, roams his kingdom and experiences the cruelties
inflicted on the poor by the Tudor monarchy.
Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe
A shipwreck’s sole escapee, Robinson Crusoe endures 28 years of solitude on a Caribbean island and manages
not only to survive but also to prevail. A warm humanity, evocative details of his struggle to tolerate his lonely
existence, and lively accounts of his many exploits make Robinson Crusoe the most engaging of narrators.
Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
The memorable story of two boys and the evil that grips their small Midwestern town with the arrival of a "dark
carnival" one autumn midnight. How these two innocents, both age 13, save the souls of the town (as well as
their own), makes for compelling reading on timeless themes.
Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
London lawyer, John Utterson, investigates a series of disturbing occurrences between his old friend, Dr Henry
Jekyll, and the monstrous Edward Hyde. This classic gothic tale was written and set in the Victorian era in
England.
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
Okonkwo is a Nigerian whose sense of manliness is more akin to that of his warrior ancestors than to that of his
fellow clansmen who have converted to Christianity and are appeasing the British administrators who infiltrate
their village. The tough, proud, hardworking Okonkwo is at once a quintessential old-order Nigerian and a
universal father figure. Achebe creates a many-sided picture of village life and a sympathetic hero.
War of the Worlds by H.G. Wells
Written in 1898, this early science fiction novel describes an invasion of England by aliens from Mars. It is one
of the earliest and best-known depictions of an alien invasion of Earth. The 1938 radio broadcast caused mass
hysteria, as many listeners believed that an actual Martian invasion was in progress.
GENERAL FICTION
As Easy as Falling Off the Face of the Earth by Lynne Rae Perkins
Sixteen-year-old Ry is traveling by train to summer camp when he finds out its been cancelled. When he hops
off the train in Montana to figure out what to do his troubles begin—the train moves on without him (but with
all his stuff), leaving him alone with a dying cell phone (charger is on the train). He befriends a man named Del,
and they set off on a cross-country road trip to get Ry back home. Along the way a number of minor and major
catastrophes happen.
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Ashes by Kathryn Lasky
In 1932 Berlin, blond 13 year-old Gabriella looks like the Aryan purists ideal, but her strongly anti-Fascist
family members are derisively called “white Jews,” and her astrophysicist father is friends with Einstein, whose
theory of relativity is termed “Jewish physics” by the Nazis. From Gabriella’s viewpoint, Lasky tells a gripping
story about Hitler’s early rise to power, including the Germans’ bitterness about their suffering after World War
I.
The Big Field by Mike Lupica
Hutch has always been the star shortstop until the arrival of Darryl “D-Will” Williams. D-Will, a top shortstop
prospect from Florida, displaces Hutch in more ways than one. Second base feels like second fiddle, and when
he sees his father giving fielding tips to D-Will—the same father who can’t be bothered to show up to watch his
son play—Hutch feels betrayed. With the summer league championship on the line, just how far is Hutch
willing to bend to be a good teammate?
The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel
The Boundless is on its maiden voyage across the country. First-class passenger Will Everett ends up in
possession of the key to a train car containing priceless treasures and becomes the target of sinister figures. In
order to survive, Will must join a traveling circus, enlisting the aid of the ringmaster, and Maren, a girl his age
who is an expert escape artist.
Bucking the Sarge by Christopher Paul Curtis
Deeply involved in his cold and manipulative mother's shady business dealings in Flint, Michigan, 14 year-old
Luther keeps a sense of humor while running the Happy Neighbor Group Home For Men, all the while
dreaming of going to college and becoming a philosopher.
Change-up: Mystery at the World Series by John Feinstein
Teenage sportswriters, Stevie and Susan, are assigned to cover the World Series, where the underdog
Washington Nationals are meeting the Boston Red Sox. While checking out the Cinderella story of Nationals'
rookie pitcher, Norbert Doyle, the friends discover a shadowy incident in the man's past. Although Doyle, his
children, and especially his agent attempt to deceive, manipulate, and intimidate them, in the end the two
reporters base their decision about running the story on the good it would do versus the harm it would cause.
Climbing the Stairs by Padma Ventatraman
During World War II and the last days of British occupation in India, 15 year-old Vidya dreams of attending
college. But when her father is beaten senseless by the British police, she is forced to live with her grandfather's
large traditional family, where the women live apart from the men and are meant to be married off as soon as
possible. Vidya's only refuge becomes her grandfather's upstairs library, which is forbidden to women. But
when Vidya's brother makes a choice the family cannot condone, Vidkya must question all she has believed in.
Code Name Verity by Elizabeth Wein
When a British spy plane crashes in Nazi-occupied France and "Verity" is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure
she doesn't stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she's living a spy's worst nightmare.
Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution.
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Code Talker: A Novel about the Navaho by Joseph Bruchac
World War II and 16 year-old Ned Begay claims he’s old enough to enlist, breezes his way through boot camp,
and suddenly finds himself involved in a top-secret task, one that’s exclusively performed by Navajos. Code
talker. With his native Navajo language as code, he must send crucial messages back and forth to aid in the
conflict against Japan. His experiences in the Pacific—from Guadalcanal to Iwo Jima and beyond—will leave
him forever changed.
Define Normal by Julie Ann Peters
When Jasmine, straight A goody goody, meets Antonia with the black lipstick and pierced eyebrow in peer
counseling neither realize that they will end up helping each other deal with family issues they are hiding.
Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos (Visiting Author 2013) (Not for students who read for 6th grade summer
reading!)
In the historic town of Norvelt, Pennsylvania, twelve-year-old Jack Gantos spends the summer of 1962
grounded for various offenses until he is assigned to help an elderly neighbor with a most unusual chore
involving the newly dead, molten wax, twisted promises, Girl Scout cookies, underage driving, lessons from
history, typewriting, and countless bloody noses. Return to Norvelt is sequel. (2012 Newbery Award winner)
The Dogs of Winter by Bobby Pyron
When Ivan's mother disappears, he's abandoned on the streets of Moscow, with little chance to make it through
the harsh winter. Ivan is adopted by a pack of dogs who become his family. Ivan and his pack roam the city and
countryside, using their wits to find food and shelter. A heart-pounding tale of survival and a moving look at
what makes us human.
Dodger by Terry Pratchett
A scruffy lad sees a girl leap desperately from a horse-drawn carriage in a vain attempt to escape her captors.
Can the lad stand by and let her be caught again? Of course not. Seventeen-year-old Dodger may be a street
urchin, but he gleans a living from London's sewers, and he knows a jewel when he sees one. He's not about to
let anything happen to the unknown girl—not even if her fate impacts some of the most powerful people in
England.
Down the Rabbit Hole by Peter Abrahams
Ingrid is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or at least her shoes are. Getting them back means getting
involved in a murder investigation rivaling those solved by her idol, Sherlock Holmes, and Ingrid has enough
on her plate with club soccer, school, and the plum role of Alice in the Echo Falls production of Alice in
Wonderland.
Elemental by Antony John
Set in the future, most of the population of the United States has been destroyed by the plague. Survivors have
formed colonies on the barrier islands off the east coast. In one small colony, almost all the members have
powers to control wind, water, earth, and fire—all but 16 year-old Thomas. When the Guardians of the village
are kidnapped by enemies seeking to take over their colony, it is up to Thomas and a small group of teens to
save them and preserve the mysteries of the island.
Endangered by Eliot Schefer
Sophie is not happy to be back in the Congo for the summer, but when she rescues an abused baby bonobo she
becomes more involved in her mother’s sanctuary. When an armed revolution breaks out in the country, the
sanctuary is attacked, and the two of them must escape unprepared into the jungle. Caught in the crosshairs of a
lethal conflict, they must struggle to keep safe, to eat, and to live. Read the sequel, Threatened.
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Evolution of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline Kelly
Six rambunctious brothers can make life miserable for Callie, but 1899 brings changes and bold discoveries.
Callie and her brothers have always feared and ignored their grandfather, a dedicated naturalist with shelves of
specimens in jars and an off-limits library. Callie’s curiosity grows. What do you think she does?
Ever After Ever by Jordan Sonnenblick
In Drums, Girls & Dangerous Pie, 8th grader Steven struggles to deal with his four-year-old brother Jeff’s
leukemia diagnosis amid the normal drama of being a teen. In this sequel, Jeffrey is now in 8th grade and just as
he's getting his first girlfriend, wondering why his best friend and fellow cancer survivor is acting so weird, and
trying to cope with some post-cancer disabilities. In a year of emotional and physical challenges, heartache,
humor, and love, Jeffrey learns to depend on himself and live life to the fullest.
Fantasy League by Mike Lupica
Charlie is a 12-year-old fantasy football savant whose great rep for gridiron picks make him a celebrity. Charlie
is thrilled when his best friend Anna introduces him to a real-life N.F.L. owner, but things get a little muddled
when the team’s boss starts tapping him for player tips—and they work!
Far, Far and Away by Tom McNeal
The ghost of Jacob Grimm communicates with a lonely boy who hears spirits. Jacob believes that by protecting
Jeremy he can finally move on after 200 years and reunite with his deceased brother. But when Jacob fails to
see the source of the danger threatening Jeremy, he must harness all of his ethereal resources to save the boy he
loves.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Greene
You saw the movie now read the book! This is a story of two teenagers with cancer who are struggling to find
their place and purpose in the world. Hazel and Augustus meet in Support Group, but they gain far more than
support. They gain a sense of purpose and find out what it means to be not dying of cancer but living with it.
The Finisher by David Baldacci
Vega Jane was always told no one could leave the town of Wormwood. She was told there was nothing outside
but a forest filled with danger and death. And she always believed it -- until the night she saw Quentin Herms
run away leaving behind a message that alerts her to the secrets he tried to leave behind.
Flipped by Wendy Van Draanen
In second grade, Juli was dazzled by her neighbor’s blue eyes, but Bryce ran whenever he saw her coming. Now
their feelings for each other have flipped and Bryce finds Juli strangely different somehow, but Juli thinks
Bryce is a coward and a sneak. In alternating chapters, two teenagers describe how their feelings about
themselves, each other, and their families have changed over the years.
Go Big or Go Home by Will Hobbs
Fourteen-year-old Brady and his cousin Quinn love extreme sports, but nothing could prepare them for the
aftermath of Brady's close encounter with a meteorite after it crashes into his Black Hills, South Dakota
bedroom.
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, (Landon Book Club Selection)
Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy. He would be completely normal if he didn't live
in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither
the world of the living nor of the dead. There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard but if Bod leaves the
graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family. . . .
Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures. (2009 Newbury Award Winner)
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Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
In a land where it is considered to be a misfortune to be the eldest of three sisters, Sophie is resigned to her fate
as a hat shop apprentice until a witch turns her into an old woman and she finds herself in the castle of the
greatly feared wizard Howl. Now there is a sequel The House of Many Ways.
In the Name of God by Paula Jolin
Seventeen-year-old Nadia, a young Syrian girl, strives to walk the straight path and follow the laws of Islam.
She is conflicted about her Westernized friends, the internal economic, social, and political struggles of her
country, and the war raging in Iraq. When her cousin is arrested for speaking out, Nadia finds herself drawn into
the dark world of Islamic fundamentalism, eventually contemplating the ultimate sacrifice to take a stand for
her people and her religion.
Invisible by Pete Hautman
Doug and Andy are unlikely best friends--one a loner obsessed by his model trains, the other a popular student
involved in football and theater--who grew up together and share a bond that nothing can sever.
Invisible Lines Mary Amato (Visiting Author 2011)
Trevor, a seventh-grader, lives in a run-down housing project but goes to school in a rich neighborhood nearby.
With his father in jail and his mom looking for work, Trevor must balance soccer practice with babysitting his
younger siblings. He finds escape from life’s pressures when he begins to keep a journal for science class,
which he fills with drawings, facts, and observations. You’ll recognize the Bethesda area setting!
The Last Mission by Harry Mazer (Landon Book Club Selection)
This fast moving World War II story follows a 15 year-old Jewish boy from Brooklyn who passes himself off as
his older brother to enlist in the Army Air Corp. Jack is sent oversees and gets more action than he bargained
for and learns about the reality of war. Anyone who enjoys action, adventure or war stories will enjoy this book
The Lab by Jack Heath
Meet a 16 year-old superhuman: Agent Six of Hearts. He's the strongest, most effective agent in the Deck, a
team of special agents fighting to uphold justice in a completely corrupt world. Six would be invincible...if not
for a deadly secret. He is the product of an illegal experiment by the Lab--a ruthless division of the corporation
that controls his world. When the Deck begins to investigate the Lab, Six walks a tightrope between his two
worlds, trying to keep his origin secret. But then he meets Kyntak, a boy whose past equals his own.
Lockdown by Dean Walter Myers
Fourteen-year-old Reese is in the second year of his sentence for stealing prescription pads and selling them to a
neighborhood dealer. He fears that his life is headed in a direction that will inevitably lead him “upstate,” to the
kind of prison you don’t leave. His determination to claw his way out of the downward spiral is tested when he
stands up to defend a weaker boy, and the resulting recriminations only seem to reinforce the impossibility of
escaping a hopeless future.
Mary, Bloody Mary by Carolyn Meyer
As the oldest daughter of Henry VIII, Mary Tudor’s story is a bitter tale of mistreatment, political machination,
and battling wills. Henry casts aside her mother, Catherine of Aragon, for the wicked Anne Boleyn, then
separates Mary from her mother and deprives them of wealth and security. Certain that she will one day be
queen, Mary fights back in the only ways she can, by becoming an accomplished spy, and refusing for years to
sign the acknowledgement of her illegitimacy.
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Ninth Ward by Jewell Park Phodes
Twelve-year-old Lanesha lives in a tight-knit community in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. She doesn't have a fancy
house like her uptown family or lots of friends like the other kids on her street. But what she does have is her
fiercely loving caretaker who is able to predict the future. So when Mama Ya-Ya's visions show a powerful
hurricane--Katrina--fast approaching, it's up to Lanesha to call upon the hope and strength Mama Ya-Ya has
given her to help them both survive the storm.
No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman
Eighth-grade football hero Wallace is sentenced to detention attending rehearsals of the school play where, in
spite of himself, he becomes wrapped up in the production and begins to suggest changes that improve not only
the play but his life as well.
Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick
After drinking and taking his mom's car for a spin, 16 year-old Alex Gregory finds himself in big trouble. Alex
is sentenced to 100 hours of community service at a nursing home. Soon Alex grows fond of Sol Lewis, a
crotchety, old man who teaches him something about the guitar, respecting the elderly, and taking responsibility
for his actions.
One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate (Landon/Holton Book Club Selection)
Ivan, a silverback gorilla, has lived in a glass, metal, and concrete enclosure at Big Top Mall for 27 years.
Bored, he watches TV, draws pictures, throws “me-balls” (dried excrement) at visitors, and enjoys the company
of an old elephant named Stella. After a baby elephant arrives, Ivan makes Stella a solemn promise that seems
impossible to fulfill. His story is based on the life of a gorilla now living at Zoo Atlanta.
Operation Redwood by Terrel S. French
When his mom heads off on a trip to China, 12 year-old Julian—whose father died when he was six—is left
with his wealthy uncle and aunt, the least sympathetic adult relatives. Things get interesting when Julian
discovers his uncle has acquired a grove of old-growth redwoods for logging. With the help of friends, Julian
launches a campaign to save the historic trees.
Orleans by Sherri Smith
After a string of devastating hurricanes and a severe outbreak of Delta Fever, the Gulf Coast has been
quarantined. Years later, residents of the Outer States are under the assumption that life in the Delta is all but
extinct…but in reality, a new primitive society has evolved. Fen, a Delta tribe member by chance meets Daniel,
an Outer States scientist who illegally snuck into the Delta. In order to survive, they must form an uneasy
alliance.
Paperboy by Vince Vawter
Eleven year-old Victor throws the meanest fastball in town, but talking is a whole different ball game. He can
barely say a word without stuttering. So when he takes over his best friend's paper route for a month he knows
he'll be forced to communicate with the different customers. The paper route poses challenges, but it's a run-in
with the neighborhood junkman, a bully and thief, that stirs up real trouble for Victor.
Peak by Roland Smith
When 14 year-old Peak Marcello's long-lost father presents the opportunity for them to summit Everest
together, Peak doesn't even consider saying no--even though he suspects there are a few strings attached. And if
he makes it to the top before his birthday, he'll be the youngest person ever to stand above 29,000 feet. It's not a
bad turn of events for a guy who's been stuck in New York City with only skyscrapers to (illegally) scale. Also
see Elephant Run, Jack’s Lie and Jack’s Run.
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QB1 by Mike Lupica
Freshman quarterback, Jake Cullen, plays high school football in the high-pressure land of Friday Night Lights
(Texas). His brother and father are football legends so his teammates assume the starting job will be handed to
him on a silver platter. But Jake is not his brother or his father. And while being a good teammate comes
naturally to Jake, being a winner and a celebrity does not. He's just like every other boy--awkward around a
pretty girl, in awe of his famous family, and desperate to simultaneously blend in and cast his own shadow.
Quicksilver by Stephanie Spinner
Hermes—also known as Mercury, Wayfinder, and Prince of Thieves—has many talents. Wearing his famed
winged sandals, he does the bidding of his father Zeus, leads the dead down to Hades, and practices his favorite
arts of trickery and theft. He’s an entertaining and ideal narrator on a fast-paced journey through ancient Greek
mythology—from Medusa’s cave to Trojan War battlefields to the mysterious Underworld. Try Quiver by the
same author.
Running Dream by Wendy Van Draanen
Jessica thinks her life is over when she loses a leg in a car accident. As she struggles to cope with crutches and
prosthesis, Jessica feels oddly both in the spotlight and invisible. People don't know what to say and act like
she's not there. She could handle it better if she weren't keenly aware that she'd done the same thing to Rosa, a
girl with cerebral palsy. Rosa has been tutoring her in math. Although, Jessica may be able to run again, she
wants to take Rosa with her across the finish line.
Rush for the Gold by John Feinstein
Stevie Thomas covers the progress of his beautiful, brilliant, talented girlfriend for a Washington paper as she
makes her way through the Olympics Trials and then the early heats in London. He begins to smell a rat when
he spots an associate of pushy agent J.P. Scott meeting with a hot-looking Russian swimmer who is competing
against her.
Saving Sky by Diane Stanley (Visiting Author 2012)
The country is at war, terrorists strike at random, and the power grid is down. Thirteen-year-old Sky Brightman
is untouched by it all since she lives off the grid in rural New Mexico with no television or internet to bring
disturbing news into her family's home. When a string of mysterious arrests begins and her new friend, Kareem,
becomes a target, she summons her courage and ingenuity and takes a stand against injustice.
Savvy by Ingrid Law
Mississippi (Mibs) eagerly awaits her 13th birthday when she, like everyone else in Beaumont family develops a
supernatural ability, or “savvy, ” which must then be tamed. When her father is in a serious accident far away,
Momma goes to his side, leaving the rest of the family to cope with Mibs’ 13th birthday on their own. Initially
believing that her savvy is the ability to restore life, Mibs sets out with her siblings and friends to find the
hospital and heal her father. Scumble is the sequel.
Ship Breaker by Paolo Bacigalupi
Climate change and violent storms have put much of the Gulf coastal area under water, petroleum-based fuel is
scarce, and oil tankers are obsolete. As part of a light scavenge crew, 15 year-old Nailer teams with other teens
to strip deserted tankers of all valuable scrap material. Nailer's future seems bleak until he discovers Nina, the
wealthy, attractive survivor of a shipwreck. Rather than kill Nina and steal the salvage, Nailer opts to save her,
triggering a harrowing journey to the submerged cities of Orleans to find people loyal to Nina. Drowned Cities
is the sequel.
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Skink No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen
Fourteen year-old Malley runs off with a stranger she met online to escape being sent to boarding school. Wild
Skink, a charismatic and slightly crazy ex-governor of Florida turned eco-warrior, sets off on her trail - with
Malley’s teenaged cousin in tow. The two get in and out of trouble across the swampy state.
The Swap by Megan Shull
With one random wish, Jack and Ellie are living life in each other's shoes. He's her. And she's him. Now they're
dealing with each other's middle school dramas.
Sofia’s War by Avi
In 1776, after witnessing the execution of Nathan Hale in British occupied New York City, Sophia resolves to
do all she can to help the American cause. Recruited as a spy, she’s placed as a maid in the home of the British
Supreme Commander, where she uncovers a plot led by a traitor that could destroy the American forces. The
identity of the traitor is so shocking that no one believes her. She decides to stop the plot herself and risks
execution, if caught.
Throwing Heat by Fred Bowen (Visiting Author 2010)
Having moved up to the Rising Stars League, 8th grade fireballer Jack discovers that a 75-mile-an-hour fastball
does him no good if he can’t get it over the plate. Then his sister’s boyfriend, a college pitching coach, offers
the insight that control trumps speed.
Thunder Over Kandahar by Sharon McKay
When her British and American-educated parents' return to Afghanistan is cut short by a terrible attack, 14year-old Yasmine is sent to Kandahar for safety. Instead, the driver abandons her and her friend Tamanna along
the way, and they must travel on their own through Taliban controlled mountains.
Transall Saga by Gary Paulsen (Landon/Holton MS Book Club Selection)
Mark's solo camping trip in the desert turns into a terrifying and thrilling odyssey when a mysterious beam of
light transports him to another time on what appears to be another planet. As Mark searches for a pathway back
to his own time on Earth, he must make a new life in a new world. His encounters with primitive tribes bring
the joy of human bonds, but violence and war as well--and, finally, a contest in which he discovers his own
startling powers.
Trash by Andy Mulligan
Raphael, Gardo, and Rat are “dumpsite boys” that make a living picking through the mountains of garbage on
the outskirts of a large third world city. One day, Raphael finds something so mysterious that he decides to keep
it, even when the city police offer a handsome reward for its return. That decision brings with it terrifying
consequences, and soon the dumpsite boys must use all of their cunning and courage to stay ahead of their
pursuers. It’s up to the boys who have no education, no parents, no homes, and no money—to solve the mystery
and right a terrible wrong.
True Legend by Mike Lupica
Basketball phenom, Drew Robinson, buys in to his own hype, much to the chagrin of his mother, who wants to
keep her boy's head grounded--and suddenly trouble has a way of finding him. That is, until a washed-up
former playground legend steps back onto the court and takes Drew under his wing.
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The Walk On by John Feinstein
Alex Myers is a quarterback, but it’s clear that the position is filled by the coach’s son, Matt. Alex gets a
chance to show what he can do when Matt is injured, and he helps win a key game. But Alex’s school drug test
comes back positive for steroids. Alex knows that’s not right. But he doesn’t know if it’s a mistake—or if
someone wants to make sure he can’t play. . . .
War Horse by Michael Morpurgo
Joey, a beautiful red colt, has been loved and cared for by Albert, a young English farm boy. As World War I
begins, Albert's father sells Joey to a captain in the cavalry. Life in the army is difficult but gets much worse
when he is captured by the Germans and used to pull hospital carts and then gun carts through the muddy
trenches. As the soldiers from both sides share their thoughts and feelings with Joey, readers get unique and
perceptive views of World War I.
When Legends Die by Hal Borland
When his father killed another brave, Thomas Black Bull and his parents sought refuge in the wilderness. There
they took up life as it had been in the old days, hunting and fishing, battling for survival. But an accident
claimed the father's life and the grieving mother died shortly afterward. Left alone, the young Indian boy vowed
never to return to the white man's world, to the alien laws that had condemned his father.
The Young Elites by Marie Lu
In the author of Legends new series, Adelina Amouteru survives the blood fever with great new powers that
make her part of the Young Elites. Teren Santoro’s job is to seek out the Young Elites and destroy them.
Zen and the Art of Faking It by Jordan Sonnenblick (Landon/Holton MS Book Club Selection)
When 13 year-old San Lee moves to a new town and school for the umpteenth time, he is looking for a way to
stand out when his knowledge of Zen Buddhism, gained in his previous school, provides the answer--and the
need to quickly become a convincing Zen master.
FICTION SERIES
Read any book in the following series.
The 8th Continent by Matt London
Evie and Rick Lane are determined to transform the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a huge pile of floating
garbage, into an eighth continent, using a special formula developed by their father. This new continent will be
a place where their family can make their own rules and live free from the intervention of Winterpole, a global
governing agency run by bumbling bureaucrats. But they must act fast before others attempt to turn the Garbage
Patch into a Miami-on-steriods.
Across a War Tossed Sea by L.M. Elliott
Brother’s Wesley and Charles escape the Blitz by evacuating from England to America. Culture shock is
intense as they adjust to rural Virginia farm life and have to learn new sports and customs, plus deal with racial
segregation and bullying. When they discover that a Nazi POW camp close by and that U-boats are torpedoing
American ships off the nearby Atlantic coastline, their sense of safety vanishes. (Read the companion books A
Troubled Peace and Under a War-Torn Sky.)
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Shadow Children by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Luke is a shadow child, a third child born in a country where the government has made it illegal for families to
have more than two children. He's lived his entire life in hiding. One day, Luke is shocked to see a girl's face in
the window of the house next door where he knows two other children already live. Jen, a shadow child like
himself, is willing to risk everything to come out of the shadows. (Among the Hidden and six other books in the
series.)
Bartimaeus by Jonathan Stroud
England is in the power of magicians who hold all government offices. Young Nathaniel is apprenticed to a
mediocre bureaucrat who does not see the boy's exceptional talents. When Nathaniel is humiliated by a most
powerful and evil magician, he seeks revenge by experimenting with spells far beyond his years. With
vengeance now his master, Nathaniel summons forth a 5000-year-old djinni named Bartimaeus. Summoning
him is one thing but controlling him is another.
Beyonders by Brandon Mull
A day at the zoo ends when 13 year-old Jason suddenly is transported from the hippo tank to Lyria, a place
unlike anything he's ever seen. Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world.
With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the
word of power that can destroy the emperor.
Brian’s Saga by Gary Paulsen
After a plane crash, 13 year-old Brian spends fifty-four days in the wilderness, learning to survive initially with
only the aid of a hatchet given him by his mother, and learning also to survive his parents' divorce. Read other
books in the Brian’s Saga series.
The Brotherband Chronicles by John Flanagan
This trilogy, a spinoff of the Rangers Apprentice series (see below), follows the exciting adventures of Skandian
youth, Hal and his brotherband friends, as they pursue the pirate, Zavac. Zavac has the Andomal, the priceless
Skandian artifact stolen when the brotherband let down their guard.
Divergent by Veronica Roth (Landon/Holton MS Book Club Selection)
In Beatrice Prior’s dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the
cultivation of a particular virtue—honesty, selflessness, bravery, peacefulness and intelligence. On an
appointed day of every year, all 16 year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their
lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can’t have
both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.
Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card
"Ender" Wiggin thinks he is playing computer simulated war games. The result of genetic experimentation,
Ender may be the military genius Earth desperately needs in a war against an alien enemy seeking to destroy all
human life. The only way to find out is to throw Ender into ever harsher training, to chip away and find the
diamond inside, or destroy him utterly. Ender Wiggin is six years old when it begins. He will grow up fast.
(There are five more in this series plus spinoffs such as The Ender’s Shadow Saga.)
Five Ancestors by Jeff Stone
Twelve-year-old Fu and his three temple brothers don’t know who their parents were. One terrible night, the
temple is destroyed. Fu and his brothers are the only survivors. Charged by their grandmaster to uncover the
secrets of their past, the five flee into the countryside and go their separate ways. (Of special interest to those
that enjoy anime and martial arts.)
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Gone by Michael Grant
One seemingly normal day everyone over the age of fourteen simply disappears. A girl driving with her
grandfather plunges into a horrific car wreck; food and medical supplies dwindle; and bullies take over as the
remaining children attempt to set up some form of workable society. Even stranger though, are the bizarre,
sometimes terrifying powers that some of the kids are developing.
Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan (Visiting Author 2009)
Jason, Piper, and Leo, three students from a school for "bad kids," find themselves at Camp Half-Blood, where
they learn that they are demigods and begin a quest to free Hera, who has been imprisoned by Mother Earth
herself. Don't miss The Kane Chronicles and Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem. The Capitol is harsh and cruel
and controls the 12 districts by forcing them all to send one girl and one boy to participate in the annual Hunger
Games, a fight to the death on live TV. When 16 year-old Katniss’s sister is chosen for the Games, Katniss
volunteers to take her place. Although she sees it as a death sentence she resolves to outwit the games creators.
Sequels include Catching Fire and Mockingjay.
I am Number Four Series by Pittacus Lore
Nine of us came here. We look like you. We talk like you. We live among you—but we are not you. We have
powers you dream of having. We are the superheroes you worship in movies and comic books. But we are real.
They caught Number One in Malaysia. Number Two in England. And Number Three in Kenya. They killed
them all. I am Number Four. I am next.
Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
With only an ancient sword and the advice of an old storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon
must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a king whose evil knows no
bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders?
Joey Pigza Series by Jack Gantos (Visiting Author 2011)
Joey Pigza can't sit still, he can't pay attention, he can't follow the rules, and he can't help it...especially when his
meds aren't working. Joey was born with ADHD and his problems keep getting worse. Joey knows he's really a
good kid, but no matter how hard he tries to do the right thing, something always seems to go wrong. Will he
ever get anything right?
Last Survivors by Susan Beth Pfeffer
It's been a year since a meteor collided with the moon, catastrophically altering the earth's climate. For Miranda
Evans, life as she knew it no longer exists. Many of her friends and neighbors have died, the landscape is
frozen, and food is increasingly scarce. The struggle to survive intensifies when Miranda's father and
stepmother arrive with a baby and three strangers in tow.
Legend by Marie Lu
The former western United States is now home to the Republic, a totalitarian nightmare, battling both the
Colonies and a homegrown terrorist group. June, an orphaned, privileged prodigy and rising military star, and
Day, a whip-smart, good-hearted street kid whose nonviolent crimes and ability to escape capture have made
him the Republic’s most-wanted offender. When Day is framed for June’s brother’s murder, June is ordered to
hunt him down. See Prodigy and Champion.
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The Mapmaker’s Trilogy by S. E. Grove
For generations, Sophia's family of explorers and cartologers have been traveling and mapping the New World
—a world changed by the Great Disruption of 1799, when all the continents were flung into different time
periods. Years ago, her parents went on an urgent mission and never returned. Left in the care of Uncle
Shadrack, the foremost cartologer in Boston Sophia has learned to take care of herself. When Uncle Shadrack is
suddenly kidnapped Sofia must use her skills and wits to survive!
Maximum Ride by James Patterson
Max Ride and five other human-avian genetic hybrids fly (literally) from the lab where they were created as
experiments and forge a new life in hiding. When 6 year-old Angel is captured, Max leads her makeshift family
in a rescue attempt, raising questions about their origins and destiny.
The Mazer Runner by James Dashner
When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by boys
whose memories are also gone. Outside the stone walls that surround the Glade is an ever-changing maze. It’s
the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive. Then a girl arrives and delivers a message:
Remember. Survive. Run.
Middle School by James Patterson
Rafe is a typical 6th grade student. He is nervous and unsure of himself. On the first day, while listening to all
the rules he will have to follow at Hills Village Middle School, Rafe decides to break every rule in the book.
Things start to unravel when he gets caught vandalizing property and bully Miller the Killer sends his mom a
copy of his notebook that details his rule breaking plan Operation R.A.F.E.
The Missing by Margaret Peterson Haddix
One night a plane appeared out of nowhere. The only passengers aboard were 36 babies. As soon as the babies
were taken off the plane, it vanished. Now, thirteen years later, two of those children are receiving sinister
messages, and they begin to investigate their past. Their quest to discover where they really came from leads
them to a conspiracy that reaches from the far past to the distant future—and will take them hurtling through
time.
My Side of the Mountain by Jean Craighead George
Young Sam Gribley feels closed in by the city and his large family, so he runs away to the Catskills. He spends
a year in the wilderness where he sets up house in a huge hollowed-out tree, with a falcon and a weasel for
companions and his wits as his tool for survival. Read On the Far Side of the Mountain and Frightful’s
Mountain.
Pulse by Patrick Carman
In the year 2051, Faith Daniels discovers that she can move objects with her mind. This telekinetic ability is
called a "pulse," and her mysterious classmate, Dylan Gilmore, has the talent, too. In riveting action scenes,
Faith demonstrates her ability to use her pulse against a group of telekinesis masters who are so powerful they
can flatten their enemies by uprooting streetlights and throwing boulders. But even with her unusual talent, the
mind—and the heart – can be difficult to control. If Faith wants to join forces with Dylan and save the world,
she'll have to harness the power of both. Sequel is Tremor.
The Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan
Fifteen year-old Will has been chosen as a Ranger’s apprentice. The villagers believe the Rangers practice
magic that makes them invisible to ordinary people. What he doesn’t realize yet is that the Rangers are the
protectors of the kingdom. Highly trained in the skills of battle and surveillance, they fight the battles before the
battles reach the people. And as Will is about to learn, there is a large battle brewing.
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Sherlock Holmes-the Legend Begins by Andrew Lane
Fourteen-year-old Sherlock Holmes, on break from boarding school, is staying in Hampshire with his strange
uncle and aunt. When two local people die from symptoms that resemble the plague, Holmes begins to
investigate what really killed them, helped by his new American tutor. So begins Sherlock’s true education in
detection, as he discovers the dastardly crimes of a brilliantly sinister villain of exquisitely malign intent.
A Tale Dark and Grimm Series by Adam Gidwitz
Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight other Grimm fairy tales. As the brave siblings roam
the forest brimming with menacing foes (witches, warlocks, dragons, and the devil himself) they learn the true
story behind the famous tales, as well as how to take charge of their destinies and create their own happily ever
after. Because once upon a time, fairy tales were awesome.
Virals by Kathy Reichs
After rescuing a stray wolfdog pup from a top-secret lab, Tory and her friends are exposed to a rare strain of
canine parvovirus, changing them--and their DNA--forever. Now they are more than friends. They are a pack.
They are Virals. And they're dangerous to the core. But are they unstoppable enough to catch a cold-blooded
murderer?
NONFICTION
A Night to Remember by Walter Lord
A riveting account of the Titanic's fatal collision and the behavior of the passengers and crew, both good and
bad. Some sacrificed their lives. Wives pleaded with husbands to join them in lifeboats; gentlemen went stiff
upper lipped to their deaths in full evening dress; and hundreds of steerage passengers, trapped below decks,
sought help in vain. From the initial distress flares to the struggles of those left adrift for hours in freezing
waters, this edition brings that moonlit night in 1912 to life for a new generation of readers.
Beautiful Swimmer by John Barth and William W. Warner
This book describes the world of the Chesapeake's most intriguing crustaceans, the winds and tides of the Bay
itself and the struggles of the waterman who make their living in pursuit of the blue crab.
Becoming Benjamin Franklin: How a Candle-Makers Son Helped Light the Flame of Liberty by Russell
Freedman
What do you really know about Ben Franklin? Did you know this mischievous boy became a rebellious
apprentice, then a successful colonial printer, and finally an influential figure in the world and in our nation’s
founding? Find out how Franklin informed and amused his countrymen with Poor Richard’s Almanack,
warmed them with his innovative stove design, enlightened them through his experiments on electricity, and
protected them by inventing the lightning rod.
Bomb: the Race to Build-and Steal-the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon by Steve Sheinkin
In December of 1938, a chemist in a German laboratory made a shocking discovery. When placed next to
radioactive material, a Uranium atom split in two. That simple discovery launched a scientific race that spanned
3 continents. This is the story of the atomic bomb: the plotting, the risk-taking, the deceit, and genius that
created the world's most formidable weapon.
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Bootleg, Murder, Moonshine and Lawless Years of Prohibition by Karen Blumenthal
This book explores a fascinating time in our nation’s history. When a Constitutional Amendment banning the
sale and consumption of alcohol was ratified, it was hailed as the end of public drunkenness, alcoholism, and
many other social problems related to booze. Instead, it began a decade of lawlessness (with the most upright
citizens breaking the law), bribery, gangsters, murder and mayhem.
Bottlemania: How Water Went on Sale and Why We Bought It by Elizabeth Royte
An investigation into the commercialization of drinking water traces the process through which companies
acquire, bottle, and market water, in an account that addresses such issues as the risks of water-decontaminating
practices.
The Boys of Winter by Wayne Coffey
The story of the victory by the U.S. men's hockey team over the vaunted Soviets in the 1980 Winter Olympics
is still as luminous and improbable as it was nearly 25 years ago: a group of plucky but not overwhelmingly
gifted young amateurs, whose style of play is overhauled by their mercurial but visionary coach Herb Brooks,
taking on the virtually unbeatable Soviet pros on their way to a gold medal.
Chasing Lincoln’s Killer by James L. Swanson
"This story is true. All the characters are real and were alive during the great manhunt of April 1865”. So
begins this fast-paced thriller that tells the story of the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth: a wild twelveday chase through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of
Virginia.
Chew on This: Everything You Don’t Want to Know About Fast Food by Eric Schlosser & Charles Wilson
A history of the fast-food industry and the agribusiness and animal husbandry methods that support it. From the
37-day life of the pre-McNugget chicken to the appallingly inhumane conditions of slaughterhouses and
meatpacking plant, the gruesome details behind the tasty burgers and sandwiches are laid out. Equally
disturbing is his revelation of the way that the fast-food giants have studied childhood behavior and geared their
commercials and free toy inclusions to hook the youngest consumers.
Courage Has No Color, the True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers by Tanya
Lee Stone
What did it take to be a paratrooper in World War II? Specialized training, extreme physical fitness, courage,
….and white skin…until the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion (the Triple Nickles) was formed . Follow the
triumphs and frustrations of these soldiers as they pursued their dreams.
The Dangerous Book For Boys by Conn Iggulden and Hal Iggulden
The bestselling book for every boy from eight to eighty, covering essential boyhood skills such as building tree
houses, learning how to fish, finding true north, and even answering the age old question of what is the big deal
with girls?
The Dark Game: True Spy Stories from Invisible Ink to C.I.A. Moles by Paul Janeczko
From clothesline codes to surveillance satellites and cyber espionage, the author uncovers two centuries’ worth
of true spy stories in U.S. history. Colorful personalities, daring missions, the feats of the loyal, and the damage
of traitors are interspersed with a look at the technological advances that continue to change the rules of
gathering intelligence.
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Elements: a Visual Exploration of Every Known Atom in the Universe by Theodore Gray
Elements are what we - and everything around us - are made of. But how many elements have you seen in their
pure, raw, uncombined form? This book presents photographic representations of the 118 elements in the period
table, along with facts, figures and stories about each one.
The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion and the Fall of Imperial Russia by Candace Fleming
A thrilling account of Russia’s last royal family. Their extravagant lifestyle and denial of the plight of Russia’s
poor masses resulted in their tragic murder by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Beautiful but undereducated princesses, a
hemophiliac prince, an evil monk, massive social unrest and a clueless Czar…what couldn’t go wrong?
Go Graphic Design by Chip Kidd
This stunning introduction to the ways in which a designer communicates ideas to the world, is written and
designed just for those curious teens who want to learn the secret of how to make things dynamic and
interesting. The author explains elements of design, (form, line, color, scale, typography, etc) but most
important, how to use those elements in creative ways. Like putting the word “go” on a stop sign, Go is all
about shaking things up!
The Great Adventure: Theodore Roosevelt and the Rise of Modern America by Albert Marrin
Theodore Roosevelt is one of America's liveliest and most influential figures. He was a scholar, cowboy, war
hero, explorer, and a brilliant politician. As president, Roosevelt's far-reaching policies abroad and at home
forever changed both our nation's place in the world and the life of every modern American.
Guinea Pig Scientists: Bold, Self-Experimenters in Science and Medicine by Mel Boring
Science and medicine made personal with ten stories of self-experimentation. Who are these "guinea pig
scientists"? Searching for clues to some of science's stranger questions, they are people who devoted their lives
to finding answers. These stories span more than 200 years and uncover the science behind digestion, the spread
of yellow fever, and more.
Guys Read: True Stories by Jon Scieszka and Jim Murphy
Ten stories by some of today’s most notable nonfiction authors. Stories about being shipwrecked and enslaved
in West Africa in 1815: Almost being killed canoeing frigid Alaskan waters: Jumbo the biggest elephant ever;
and an unsettling history of dental horrors from 6,500 years ago to the present day. Each story is unique and
just for boys.
How Everything Works by Louis Bloomfield
The amazing gizmos and gadgets that are part of our everyday life don’t rely on magic but on physics!
Examines everything from roller coasters to radio, knuckleballs to nuclear weapons, How Everything Works
reveals the answers to such questions as why the sky is blue, why metal is a problem in microwave ovens, how
MRIs see inside you, and why some clothes require dry cleaning.
If the World Were a Village: A Book about the World’s People by David J. Smith
There are currently more than six billion people on the planet! This book will help you better understand the
world's peoples and their ways of life. These statistics -- some surprising, some shocking -- and David Smith's
tips on building "world-mindedness" will encourage readers to embrace the bigger picture and help them to
establish their own place in the global village.
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The Illustrated Longitude by Dava Sobel
This is the story of how 18th-century scientist and clockmaker William Harrison solved one of the most
perplexing problems of history--determining east-west location at sea. This was no obscure, curious difficulty-without longitude, ships often found themselves so far off course that sailors would starve or die of scurvy
before they could reach port. When a nationally-sponsored contest offered a large cash prize to the person who
could develop a method to accurately determine longitude, the race was on.
Material World: A Global Family Portrait by Peter Menzel and Charles Mann
A fascinating look at the material possessions of “average” families throughout the world. The contents of their
houses are moved outside in order to create visible representations of their relative standards of living. The dirt
house and few possessions of Mali residents contrast vividly with the 4 cars, 45-foot long sofa, and 12+ oriental
carpets lined up outside the luxury home of a family from Kuwait. Each chapter includes interesting
comparisons as televisions, meals, and toilets.
The Math Book: from Pythagoras to the 57th Dimension: 250 Milestones in the History of Mathematics by
Clifford Pickover
Have you ever wondered “what is math good for”? You’ll find out in this book. This book covers 250
milestones in mathematical history. Learn about cicada-generated prime numbers, magic squares from centuries
ago, the discovery of pi and calculus, and the butterfly effect. Each topic gets a lavishly illustrated spread with
stunning color art, along with formulas and concepts, fascinating facts about scientists’ lives, and real-world
applications of the theorems.
The Mysterious Universe: Supernovae, Dark Energy and Black Holes by Ellen Jackson
Follow Dr. Fillippenko and his High-Z Supernova Search Team to Mauna Kea volcano in Hawaii, where they
study space phenomena and look for supernovae, dying stars that explode with the power of billions of
hydrogen bombs. Dr. Fillippenko looks for black holes--areas in space with such a strong gravitational pull that
no matter or energy can escape from them--with his robotic telescope. And they study the effects of dark
energy, the mysterious force that scientists believe is pushing the universe apart, causing its constant and
accelerating expansion.
The Nazi Hunter’s: How a Team of Spies and survivor’s Captured the World’s Most Notorious Nazi by Neal
Bascomb
Fifteen years after the end of WWII, the new Israeli secret service intelligence agency, Mossad, captured and
brought to justice a notorious Nazi war criminal. Adolf Eichmann, one of the orchestrators of the Holocaust,
was discovered living in Argentina. Eichmann’s capture proved to be a hair-raising maneuver as any slight
misstep could result in irreparable damage to both this endeavor and to the Israeli government.
Never Easy Never Pretty by Dean Bartoli Smith (Visiting Author 2014)
This is the fascinating story of the Baltimore Ravens electrifying 2012 football season and their unlikely run to
a Super Bowl victory. The author recalls the ups and downs and ultimate thrills of a special season while also
showing how a football team impacts its fans and its city.
Outcasts United: the Story of a Refugee Soccer Team that Changed a Town by Warren St. John
Clarkston, Georgia, was a typical southern town until it became a refugee resettlement center. This is an
inspirational story about how the Fugees, a youth soccer team made up of diverse refugees from around the
world, and their formidable female coach, Luma Mufleh, changed and inspired the entire community.
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Philosophy: 100 Essential Thinkers by Philip Stokes
Who am I? What is justice? What does it mean to live a good life? This book explores the questions and
arguments of philosophy through the work of one hundred of the greatest thinkers within the Western
intellectual tradition Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau and Nietzsche, to name just a few--and the questions and
observations that inspired them.
The President Has Been Shot by James L. Swanson
America experienced one of the most shocking, sad and terrifying events on Nov. 22, 1963, the day our
country’s youngest president was assassinated. This book highlights John F. Kennedy’s naval career, his
tragically shortened presidential term, and his family life with Jacqueline Bouvier. The author balances this
coverage of the former president with a profile of Lee Harvey Oswald as well as the dramatic events
surrounding the assassination.
The Secret Life of Money by Kira Vermond
What is money? What is credit? What is interest? What is an entrepreneur? These topics are covered as well as
the economics of money and its social and psychological impacts. Through anecdote, analogy, interviews, and
personal experience, Vermond conveys a range of concepts, including a brief history, working and earning,
credit and saving, and sharing the wealth responsibly.
Scientists in the Field series
This series shows scientists immersed in the unpredictable and dynamic natural world. The books show
firsthand adventures in the great outdoors—adventures with a purpose. Highly recommended volumes from a
variety of authors include; The Bat Scientists, Polar Bear Scientists, Science Warriors: Battle against Invasive
Species, Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsom and the Science of Ocean Motion, Frog Scientist, and Wild Horse
Scientist, Hive Detectives: Chronicle of a Honeybee Catastrophe, among others.
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
In 1960, a woman noticed the birds had stopped singing and their population had severely decreased in her
neighborhood. She asked her friend, biologist/writer Rachel Carson, to investigate this wildlife mystery. Rachel
discovered that he over-spraying of DDT, dieldrin and other pest killers was poisoning the entire world of living
things, humanity included. Silent Spring, released in 1962, offered the first shattering look at widespread
ecological degradation and touched off an environmental awareness that still exists.
Speak Up and Get Along! by Scott Cooper
School work can be challenging but learning how to get along with people can be just as important. This book
will give you tips on how make friends and get along with all sorts of people. Provided is a collection of 21
concrete strategies kids can pull out and use to express themselves, build relationships, end arguments and
fights, halt bullying, and beat unhappy feelings.
The Story of Stuff: How Our Obsession with Stuff is Trashing the Planet, Our Communities and Our Health
– and a Vision for Change by Annie Leonard
Why is there so much garbage, and where does it go? Leonard has traveled the world tracking trash and its
wake of destruction. She’s argues that perpetual economic growth and the rampant consumer culture it
engenders are at the root of today’s environmental crises. She describes the extraction of natural resources and
the production, distribution, consumption, and disposal of various products and makes a strong case for
focusing on quality of life not quantity of stuff.
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Sugar Changed the World by Marc Aranson
From the slave trade through abolition; from revolutions (American, French, and Haitian) to the Louisiana
Purchase; from the decline of honey to the rise of saccharine, these events and many more are directly traced to
the cultivation and production of sugar cane around the world. With a focus on slavery, the authors demonstrate
how this one crop, with its unique harvesting needs, helped to bring about a particularly brutal form of slavery.
Stronger than Steel: Spider Silk DNA & the Quest for a Bulletproof Vests, Sutures and Parachute Rope by
Bridget Heos
Learn how this amazing material might someday be used to repair or replace human ligaments and bones,
improve body armor, strengthen parachute rope, and even tether an airplane to an aircraft carrier! Explore rapid
advancements in the application of genetic medicine and their potential to save and improve lives while
considering the crucial ethical concerns of genetic research.
They Call Themselves the KKK by Susan Bartoletti
The Ku Klux Klan began as a small mischievous social club but evolved into a powerful, destructive
organization. As the federal government struggled to provide law and order and to protect the rights of freed
slaves, secret groups of Southern whites banded together to vent their anger over lost property, prosperity, and
power. The KKK dens spread across the South targeting, terrorizing and sometimes murdering freed blacks and
their supporters.
Titanic: Voices from the Disaster by Deborah Hopkinson
Packed with heart stopping action, devastating drama, fascinating historical details, and loads of archival
photographs on almost every page, this gripping story follows the Titanic and its passengers from the ship’s
celebrated launch in Ireland to her cataclysmic icy end.
Trapped: How the World Rescued 33 Miners from 2,000 Feet Below the Chilean Desert by Marc Aronson
A captivating account of the 2010 Chilean copper mine collapse that trapped 33 miners for more than two
months. The author explains how the Earth’s formation and plate tectonics created the copper lines and provides
a brief history of metalworking and mining. From there the story becomes as intriguing and suspenseful as any
work of fiction; the miners’ struggle to survive below ground is contrasted with the frenzy of the work
aboveground by the mine officials, the government, and many others working to save the men.
Useful Mathematical & Physical Formulae by Matthew Watkins
This book fits the major equations from Math and Physics into one tiny, complete-with-cartoons volume. This
book covers algebra, statistics, geometry, probabilities, trigonometry, mechanics and much more. (This is a
great choice for math fans.)
War to End All Wars: World War I by Russell Freedman
This first global war in which modern weapons inflicted mass slaughter and an estimated 20 million people
were killed is described in this book. The battle details of No Man’s Land, trench warfare, machine guns, poison
gas, tanks, and emerging aircraft technology are contrasted with the military leaders’ distance from the mass of
soldiers and everyday people. The connections between this war and the causes of future conflict, including
World War II and discord in the Middle East are explained.
Wheels of Change; How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom by Sue Macy
Take a lively look at women's history from aboard a bicycle, which granted females the freedom of mobility
and helped women gain the right to vote and make choices regarding their lives. This witty book deftly covers
early (and comical) objections, influence on fashion, and impact on social change inspired by the bicycle,
which, according to Susan B. Anthony, "has done more to emancipate women than anything else in the world."
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Why is Milk White? By Alexa Coelho
How does sunblock protect your skin from getting burned? Why is hair gel so slimy? Why do your feet smell?
What makes your breath smell bad? Find the answers to these and many other chemistry questions in this book!.
World War II for Kids by Richard Panchyk
This book is packed with fascinating information, from Hitler's rise to power in 1933 to the surrender of the
Japanese in 1945 and is filled with excerpts from actual wartime letters written to and by American and German
troops, personal anecdotes from people who lived through the war in the United States, Germany, Britain,
Russia, Hungary, and Japan, and gripping stories from Holocaust survivors-all add a humanizing global
perspective to the war.
World without Fish by Mark Kurlansky
This book connects all the dots—biology, economics, evolution, politics, climate, history, culture, food, and
nutrition—in a way that kids can really understand. It describes how the fish we most commonly eat, including
tuna, salmon, cod, and swordfish, could disappear within 50 years, and the domino effect it would have—
oceans teeming with jellyfish and turning pinkish orange from algal blooms; seabirds disappearing, then
reptiles, then mammals. It describes the back-and-forth dynamic of fishermen and scientists. It covers the
effects of industrialized fishing, and how bottom-dragging nets are turning the ocean floor into a desert.
Written in Bone: Buried Lives of Jamestown and Colonial Maryland by Sally M. Walker
Take an archaeological tour of human and material remains from 17th- and 18th-century Jamestown and
colonial Maryland. Burial sites of colonists from various backgrounds are excavated, including a teenage
indentured servant hastily buried in a trash pit. Find out how archaeologists determine the gender and age of a
skeleton, or whether a skull represents a person originating from Europe or Africa.
Years of Dust: The Story of the Dust Bowl by Albert Marrin
Before global warming, there was dust. In the 1930s, dangerous black storms swept through the Great Plains.
Created by drought and reckless farming, these lethal storms were part of an environmental, economic, and
human catastrophe that changed the course of American history. Learn about the causes of the Dust Bowl
disaster and the impact on those who lived through it.
MEMOIR/BIOGRAPHY
A Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park
When the Sudanese civil war reaches his village in 1985, 11 year-old Salva becomes separated from his family
and must walk with other Dinka tribe members through southern Sudan, Ethiopia, and Kenya in search of safe
haven. Based on the life of Salva Dut, who, after emigrating to America in 1996, began a project to dig water
wells in Sudan.
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
This is the story of a boy caught up in the brutal wars of 1990’s Sierra Leone. He was a regular boy who
enjoyed hip-hop, Shakespeare, and mischief-making until rebel forces destroyed his village and drove him from
his home. Eventually he was recruited by the national army, made a full soldier, and learned to shoot an AK-47.
A few years later agents from the United Nations pulled him out of the army and placed him in a rehabilitation
center. As the anger and hate slowly faded away, Beah began to work as an advocate for children’s rights. (For
more mature Form I and II.)
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Charles and Emma: The Darwin’s Leap of Faith by Deborah Heiligman
A thought-provoking account of the man behind evolutionary theory: how his personal life affected his work
and vice versa. Darwin published The Origin of Species, his revolutionary book on evolution, in 1859. Nearly
150 years later, the theory of evolution continues to create tension between the scientific and religious
communities. This tension raged within Darwin himself, and played an important part in his marriage: his
wife, Emma, was quite religious, and her faith gave Charles a lot to think about as he worked on a theory that
continues to spark intense debates.
Claudette Colvin by Phillip Hoose
On March 2, 1955, fifteen-year-old Claudette Colvin fed up with the daily injustices of Jim Crow segregation,
refused to give her seat to a white woman on a segregated bus in Montgomery, Alabama. Instead of being
celebrated as Rosa Parks would be just nine months later, Colvin was shunned by her classmates and dismissed
by community leaders.
Death Be Not Proud by John Gunther
Johnny Gunther was only seventeen years old when he died of a brain tumor. During the months of his illness,
everyone near him was unforgettably impressed by his level-headed courage, his wit and quiet friendliness, and,
above all, his unfaltering patience through times of despair. This deeply moving book is a father's memoir of a
brave, intelligent, and spirited boy.
Diego Rivera: An Artist for the People by Susan Goldman Rubin
Delve into the life and artwork of this famous Mexican painter and muralist. His work often called attention to
the culture and struggles of the Mexican working class. Explore how studio work left him deeply unsatisfied as
he realized his calling was to create massive public artworks for regular people, while celebrating the dignity of
their labor.
Earth Hero’s: Champions of the Wilderness by Carol Malnor and Bruce Malnor
Earth Hero’s brings to life the lives of great environmentalists in a fresh and moving way. You can feel their
idealism and reverence for life in the stories of these remarkable men and women. The passion and profound
impact of the heroes of yesterday will inspire the young to be our leaders tomorrow.
Escape: The Story of the Great Houdini by Sid Fleischman
Adopting a tone somewhere between vaudeville announcer and carnival barker, Fleischman lures readers to the
greatest show of all: reading. A magician himself, Fleischman does not disappear from the narrative but offers
personal comments and conjures up verbal wordplay. He displays the drama of Houdini's escapades and
adventures with sure and energetic pacing.
Facing the Lion by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton (Visiting Author)
Facing the Lion is the extraordinary memoir of Lekuton’s nomadic boyhood in Kenya. Lekuton grew up a
Maasai in Africa, herding cows and playing in trees before entering a missionary boarding school, attending
college in the U.S. Lekuton taught at the Langley School in Virginia, and is now a member of Parliament in the
Kenya National Assembly.
The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P.T. Barnum by Candace
Fleming
Ladies and gentlemen, children of all ages, step right up and meet the man who created the American Museum
in New York City, who won a seat in the Connecticut legislature, and who, at the age of 60, joined the circus!
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I am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World (Young Reader’s Edition) by
Malala Yousafzai
When Taliban extremists took over the Swat Valley in Pakistan, Malala and her family had to live under the
brutal rule of terrorists. When the Taliban decreed that girls were prohibited from receiving an education,
Malala defied this ban. For this action she was shot in the head point-blank while riding a bus to school. But she
defied death as she did the Taliban and at age 16 she has become a global symbol of peaceful protest and the
youngest nominee ever for the Nobel Peace Prize.
Isaac Newton by Kathleen Krull
What was Isaac Newton like? Secretive, vindictive, withdrawn, obsessive, and, oh, yes, brilliant. His
imagination was so large that, just "by thinking on it," he invented calculus and figured out the scientific
explanation of gravity. Yet Newton was so small-minded that he set out to destroy other scientists who dared
question his findings.
John Muir: My Life with Nature by John Muir and Joseph Cornell
This unique “autobiography” of John Muir is told in his own words, brimming with his spirit and his
adventures. The text was selected and retold by naturalist Joseph Cornell. The result is a book with an aliveness,
a presence of goodness, adventure, enthusiasm, and sensitive love of each animal and plant that will give young
adults an experience of a true hero. It is a book that expands your sense of hope, adventure, and awareness.
Lafayette and the American Revolution by Russell Freedman
Inspired by an idealistic belief in the cause of liberty and a determination to prove himself worthy on the
battlefield, Lafayette, a 19-year-old French nobleman, left his young wife and daughter, ignored a royal order,
crossed the ocean to America, and took up a commission in the Continental army. Lafayette’s courage and
personal charm endeared him to Washington, who gradually gave him more difficult missions, culminating in
the containment of Cornwallis’ troops at Yorktown.
Leonardo da Vinci by Kathleen Krull
With a totally captivating opening and a conversational writing style, Krull offers a vivid description of life in
the Middle Ages: no printed books, no bathrooms, and a belief in magic. In a time when pig manure was used to
cure nosebleeds, the dawning of the Renaissance would have been quite a contrast indeed. The book moves
along at a steady clip and adds details to bring da Vinci and his times to life.
Lives of the Artists: Masterpieces, Messes (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull
Most people can name some famous artists and recognize their best-known works. But what's behind all that
painting, drawing, and sculpting? What was Leonardo da Vinci’s snack of choice while he painted Mona Lisa's
mysterious smile? Why did Georgia O’Keeffe find bones so appealing? Who called Diego Rivera “Frog-Face”?
Find out what makes them so fascinating?
Lives of the Writers: Comedies, Tragedies (and What the Neighbors Thought) by Kathleen Krull
In addition to historical notes these brief biographies contain amusing anecdotes that put flesh and blood on dry
literary bones. Hans Christian Andersen, for example, "was known to hug trees." Emily Dickinson and Mark
Twain shared an eccentricity-they both dressed solely in white. Jane Austen ate chocolate for breakfast, and
Jack London liked to pose outrageous challenges to his houseguests-swallowing live goldfish, perhaps, or
pushing peanuts up their noses. Lots of delicious tidbits offered up here!
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The Notorious Benedict Arnold: a True Story of Adventure, Heroism and Treachery by Steve Sheinkin
Arguably, the United States most vilified traitor, Benedict Arnold was reckless and adventurous. Without his
impetuous personality and willingness to hurl himself into a fray, the war might have been lost. Arnold’s fall is
understandable, if inexcusable. How much did his wounds, colossal ego, and need for money sway him to
become a potential betrayer?
Sport Short: An Anthology of Short Stories by Joseph Bruchac, et al.
A collection of eight semi-autobiographical stories about the authors experiences with sports while growing up.
They range from the game "Bombardment" over the lunch hour, sports from gym class, karate, ballet, wrestling,
to baseball, basketball and football.
Steve Jobs: the Man Who Thought Different by Karen Blumenthal
The riveting story of the Apple computer creator - the roller-coaster life and intense personality of a creative
entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers,
animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.
Swimming to Antarctica: Tales of a Long-Distance Swimmer by Lynne Cox
Cox is one of the world's leading long-distance swimmers, has been a risk-taker ever since she was nine. It isn't
until she competes in the Nile River swim that the tale turns ugly-she's swimming in raw sewage and chemical
waste, fending off the dead rats and broken glass. Undeterred, she plans more ambitious swims-around the
shark-infested Cape of Good Hope Cox ends her story with her swim to Antarctica.
Unbroken: an Olympian’s Journey from Airman to Castaway to Captive (Young Adult Adaptation) by Lauren
Hillenbrand
The inspirational true story of how Louis Zamperini, a juvenile delinquent-turned-Olympic athlete and World
War II pilot, crashed into the ocean and survived for weeks on a life raft only to become a prisoner of war.
The Wall: Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain by Peter Sis
Peter Sís was born on the communist side of Iron Curtain. As a child, he loved Stalin and believed what he was
told to believe. As the Iron Curtain began to crack and news from the West slowly filtered in he began to
question these beliefs. Then came the Prague Spring of 1968, and for a teenager who wanted to see the world
and meet the Beatles, this was a magical time but brought to a sudden and brutal end by the Soviet-led invasion.
We Were There, Too: Young People in U.S. History by Phillip Hoose
A fascinating collection of stories about young people at the center of every event that shaped America, from
12-year-old Diego Bermedez who sailed with Christopher Columbus in 1492 to high school junior Claudette
Colvin's refusal to give up her seat in 1955 Montgomery, Alabama, nine months before Rosa Parks.
POETRY and BOOKS in VERSE
19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems from the Middle East by Naomi Shihab Nye
Beginning with a work inspired by the events of September 11, Naomi Shihab Nye brings together 60 of her
poems in 19 Varieties of Gazelle: Poems of the Middle East including "Different Ways to Pray," "The
Palestinians Have Given Up Parties" and "Football" focus on the Middle East and the Arab-American
experience.
Blue Lipstick: Concrete Poems by John Grandits
A 15-year-old girl named Jessie voices typical and not so typical teenage concerns in this unique, hilarious
collection of poems. Her musings about playing volleyball and cello, dealing with her annoying younger brother
and writing poetry to cat are never boring or predictable.
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Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodsen
In vivid poems, Jacqueline Woodsen shares what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s
and 1970s, living with the remnants of Jim Crow and her growing awareness of the Civil Rights movement.
Committed to Memory: 100 Best Poems to Memorize by John Hollander
A selection of 100 poems ranging from Blake and Hughes, Bishop and Thomas, to Yeats and Hayden. These
are classics that lend themselves to memory, being short; often in form, or at least metrical; always rhythmic;
and delightful.
Crossover by Kwame Alexander
Josh and Jordan Bell must come to grips with growing up on and off the basketball court to realize breaking the
rules comes at a terrible price and is a game changer for their entire family.
Dream Keeper and Other Poems by Langston Hughes
Black-and-white scratchboard illustrations express the emotion and beat of the poetry, the laughter that hides
pain, the celebration and the struggle of the African American experience, and the music of the weary blues.
The poems are as powerful today as when they were first published, 60 years ago.
A Fury of Motion: Poetry for Boys by Charles Chigna
While the first ten poems are about sports, the remaining thirty-plus cover a variety of topics, including a
haircut, a firefly, different seasons, playground showdown, ants, eternity, family, death, and dreams. There is a
good balance of funny and serious, rhyming and free verse. The poems are targeted at teens, but are appropriate
for younger children as well.
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai (Poetry or Memoir)
When ten-year-old Hà’s father goes missing in action during the Vietnam War, she flees with her mother and
three older brothers. They find a home in Alabama, where Hà is treated cruelly by her mean classmates.
Eventually, Hà does get back at the sneering kids who bully her at school, and she finds help adjusting to her
new life from a kind teacher who lost a son in Vietnam.
The Poet Slave of Cuba: A Biography of Juan Francisco Manzano by Margarita Engle
A story about the boyhood of the nineteenth-century Cuban slave Juan Francisco Manzano, who secretly
learned to read and wrote poetry about beauty and courage in his world of cruelty and brutality.
Poetry Speaks Who I Am by Elise Paschen
This collection of more than 100 remarkable poems are about you, who you are, and who you are becoming.
These poems are dynamic, accessible, challenging, classic, edgy, and ultimately not quite perfect. Just like you.
If you're lucky, it'll serve as a gateway to a lifetime lived with poetry.
Residence on Earth by Pablo Neruda
Residence on Earth is on of Neruda's greatest work. One reviewer called this bilingual publication "a
revolution... a classic by which masterpieces are judged". (A good choice for students studying Spanish)
Technically, It’s Not My Fault: Concrete Poems by John Grandits
An eleven-year-old boy named Robert voices typical—and not so typical—middle-grade concerns in this
unique collection of hilarious poems. His musings cover the usual stuff, like pizza, homework, thank-you notes,
and his annoying older sister.
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The Trouble with Poetry and Other Poems by Billy Collins
Using simple, understandable language, Collins captures ordinary life–its pleasure, its discontents, its moments
of sadness and of joy.
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