Elementary Novels List
Elementary Complementary Instructional Materials
Elementary Language Arts
Grades 4-6
Granite School District
TITLE
AUTHOR
Abel’s Island
William Steig
Abraham’s Battle
Sara Harrell Banks
This Book is an account of the Battle of Gettysburg as seen by an exslave named Abraham. It is a great book to use with the civil war.
Curriculum ties: Social studies, Civil War and Gettysburg. Special
cautions: Somewhat graphic description of the battle.
Adaline Falling Star
Mary Pope Osborne
Adaline is the half-Native American daughter of Kit Carson. She is left with
white relatives in St. Louis while her widowed father goes on an
expedition. Told that her father is not going to keep his promise to return,
she escapes the cruel home to return to her mother’s people. She is
joined on the trail by an abandoned dog and learns a great deal about love
and loyalty. This is a compelling and gritty, but tender, tale of survival.
Curriculum ties: Western social studies. Cautions: To escape her
emotional pain, Adaline cuts her legs with a sharp knife and nearly dies
from an infection. Utah Children’s Book Award 2002 Nominee.
Adam of the Road
Elizabeth Gray
Aesop’s Fables
Ann McGovern
Afternoon of the Elves
Janet Taylor Lisle
A story of a street-smart girl trying to survive extreme poverty and keep
her family circumstances a secret. She creates an elf village in her yard to
escape from the grim reality that she faces every day. This is a good book
for issues of poverty, neglect, and prejudice. Best if read and discussed
within a whole class group.
Al Capone Does My Shirts
Gennifer Choldenko
Moose and his family live on Alcatraz. His father has been hired as a
guard. His older sister has undiagnosed autism. This is the story of the
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October 2007
struggles that the family face and how Al Capone uses his influences to
help this girl. Recommended for mature 5th and 6th grade readers.
Alice in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll
Alida’s Song
Gary Paulsen
This is a self-discovery story from the author’s own childhood. Raised in
difficult circumstances, he goes to live with his grandmother (Alida) on a
farm owned by two immigrant brothers. He develops self-esteem, learns
the value of hard work, and discovers what it really means to be sheltered
by caring adults. Excellent writing.
Alien For Rent
Betsy Duffey
Two children discover an alien who turns the fifth grade bully into a baby.
Utah Children’s Book Award 2002 Nominee.
American Tall Tales
Stoutenburg
Among the Hidden
Margaret Peterson Haddix
A futuristic novel about population control where only two children are
permitted per family. A third child, Luke, must choose between hidden
safety and a brave fight for freedom. Curriculum ties: World Governments.
Recommended for grades 5 and 6.
Amos Fortune, Free Man
Yates
Anastasia Krupnik
Lois Lowry
Anastasia is a typical ten-year-old girl going through the growing pains
often associated with girls her age--her teacher doesn’t like her poetry, her
parents are having a new baby, and she likes a boy. She keeps a love and
hate logbook. Eventually all the hates, except liver, are crossed out and
placed on the love list.
And Now Miguel
Joseph Krumgold
Miguel at 12 desperately wants to take his place among the men folk of
his family, by proving to his father that he is mature enough to be one of
the regular hands. For years he has dreamed of accompanying the
Chavez men on their annual summer trek up into the Sangre de Cristo
Mountains with their large flock of sheep. Despite his zeal, creativity and
real help with the family business, Miguel seems condemned to spend yet
another summer at home with the girls. This story will appeal more to
boys seeking macho experience for the role of females is relegated to the
superficial. Still the book provides warm, family interactions.
Anna All Year Round
Mary Downing Hahn
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October 2007
This story is based on the author’s mother’s experiences growing up in
Baltimore in the early 1900's. The main character, Anna, is nine years old.
She experiences growing up during an era when automobiles are
introduced, and a lamplighter lights strut lamps each night. Her
experiences will be familiar, however, in today’s world such as making
friends, learning to skate, having difficulty with long division. Delightful
story! Curriculum ties: Friendship, early 1900's in America.
Anne of Green Gables
L. M. Montgomery
Angel on the Square
Gloria Whelan
Twelve-year-old Katya Ivanova is living a life of luxury with her mother and
other cousin, Misha, in St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1913. Her mother is
asked to be a lady-in-waiting to the Empress, and Katya spends all her
time with the Grand Duchesses who becomes like family to her. In the
meantime, Misha is sent off to become a soldier. A terrible war soon
sweeps through Europe. Russia is beginning to crumble under the
growing revolution. Katya’s once-so-certain future begins to dissolve, and
she has to make plans to take charge of her own destiny. This book has a
sequel - The Impossible Journey. Curriculum ties: History, Russia,
Nicholas II-Emperor of Russia, revolution, historical fiction.
Art of Keeping Cool, The
Janet Taylor
The Story takes place in February 1942 in Rhode Island. Robert’s father
has gone to fight in the war and Robert, his mother, and sister go to live
near his father’s parents. The story tells how people in America felt and
their reaction to the war. Special cautions: Be aware of mature
persecution of the Germans, suicide of one character and incidence of a
shooting. Curriculum ties: Social studies, life in America during World War
II. For Grades 5 & 6.
Attaboy, Sam!
Lois Lowry
Attaboy, Sam! is a humorous adventure story of a nursery-school age boy.
He manages to keep his family out of his room for several days while he
makes a special birthday surprise for his mother. It’s an easy read for 4-6
grade students. The antics of Sam are immature and unsupervised.
Recommended for lower-level readers.
Babe the Gallant Pig
Baby
Dick King-Smith
Patricia MacLachlan
Baby is an elegantly written story that gently touches the emotions about
family, love, loss, and risk. The story flows from the point of view of a
twelve-year-old girl. The book beautifully illustrates the power of
language. Excellent literature for fifth and sixth grade. Gifted students
could benefit from exposure to the beautiful, yet simple, descriptive prose.
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October 2007
Baby Mouse Our Hero
Jennifer Holm
This is a cartoon strip filled with stories about baby mouse and how she
overcomes her fear of dodgeball.
Ballad of Lucy Whipple, The
Karen Cushman
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999.
Set in the era of the California gold rush, a young girl tells her unique view
point of a rough little town called Lucky Diggins. This is a well written
historical fiction with author’s notes and documentation. It is approved for
fourth through sixth grades, but there are some “blunt” terms.
Bandit’s Moon
Sid Fleischman
Annyrose is a newly orphaned young girl who escapes from the villainous
O.O. Mary. She then falls under the protection of a proud and fearless
Mexican bandit and his gang. She is passed off as a boy in her overalls
and short hair for most of the book. Annyrose is searching for her older
brother as she is galloping beside the famous outlaw in his quest of
hunting down the “Yankee that wronged him. Great book! Curriculum ties:
History, Cultures, Legends.
Banner in the Sky
Bat 6
James Ramsey Ullman
Virginia Euwer Wolff
A softball game is played every year by the sixth grade girls from two
neighboring towns. This year, 1949, there is a newcomer on each team:
Aki, whose family just returned from a Japanese Internment Camp, and
Shazam, whose father was killed at Pearl Harbor. A major problem arises
from the much-anticipated game. Curriculum ties: Social Studies, World
War II, Pearl Harbor. Recommended for grades 5 and 6. Requires teacher
assistance to promote understanding of the complex plot and character
development. Cautions: References to religion and an illegitimate baby.
Battle for the Castle
Elizabeth Winthrop
Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days
Stephen Manes
Be the Judge/Be the Jury (Series)*
Doreen Rappaport
Beany and the Dreaded Wedding
Susan Wojciechowski
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2003. This book is part of a series
of the adventures of Beany, and the “worrywart” attitude which she brings
to each adventure. Beany appears to be second or third grade, and her
activities reflect that age level. It is definitely a “girl book”. It is well written,
and the worries are typical of worries young elementary girls have.
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October 2007
Bear Dancer: The Story of a Ute Girl
Thelma Hatch Wyss
A beautifully told story about a young Ute girl.
Beasts of Tarzan, The
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Because of Winn Dixie
Kate DiCamillo
A ten-year-old girl adopts a stray dog and names him Winn Dixie. With the
help of her dog, the lonely girl meets new friends. The book is wonderful in
the development of characters and values and feelings.
Becoming Naomi León
Pam Muñoz Ryan
Naomi Soledad León Outlaw must contend with a lot in her young life. She
and her brother, Owen, are being raised in a small California town by their
great-grandmother. Naomi is considered “nobody special” by her
classmates, but she has a talent for carving, which she inherited from her
father who lives in Mexico. Although poor, they have a happy and peaceful
life until their mother, absent for seven years, returns to disrupt things.
This well-written story deals with family issues as Naomi discovers her
own true identity and pursues a happy ending. Curriculum ties: “Voice”.
Beehive Nominee 2005-2006.
Behind the Bedroom Wall
Laura F. Williams
It’s 1942 in Germany and thirteen-year-old Korina Rehme--along with her
two best friends--is an active member of a local Nazi youth group. She
believes that Hitler is helping Germany by dealing with the Jewish
problem. Korina has a rude awakening when she finds out that her
parents are hiding Jews behind her bedroom wall. She believes that her
parents are traitors, and she is put to the test in deciding what to do.
Curriculum ties: World War II. Recommended for Access 5th or 6th grade.
Behind the Lines
Isabelle Holland
Historical fiction dealing with a girl, Katie, who overhears her employer
planning to pay Katie’s brother to serve in the war in place of the
employer’s son. Excellent writing and telling of a turbulent tine in our
nation’s history. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social studies, Civil War.
Note: some violence against an animal and in a riot situation.
Bella at Midnight
Diane Stanley
Bella is a daughter of a knight. Her mother dies shortly after Bella is born.
Bella lives with a family in the European countryside during the mid evil
times.
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October 2007
Ben and Me
Robert Lawson
Benjamin Franklin, Amazing American
Margaret Davidson
Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The
Barbara Robinson
Best School Year Ever, The
Barbara Robinson
BFG, The
Roald Dahl
Black and Blue Magic
Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Black Beauty
Anna Sewell
Black Cauldron, The
Lloyd Alexander
Black Stallion, The
Walter Farley
Bloomability
Sharon Creech
Domenica Santolina Doone, better known as Dinnie, is whisked away from
her family by an aunt and uncle and taken to Switzerland to live for a year
where her uncle is the headmaster of a school. She is used to change as
her family constantly moves from place to place but has a hard time
adjusting to this new life. She misses home but is surrounded by students
from all over the world The story takes her through the year as she
discovers things (Bloomabilities) about herself she did not know. Easy to
read.
Blue Fingers: A Ninja’s Tale
Cheryl Aylward Whitesel
Koji is doubly unlucky. He is a twin, and in feudal Japan twins are thought
to bring great misfortune to all those around them. Though Koji and Taro
are Identical in appearance, Taro easily outdoes Koji at everything. Then
Koji’s life changes forever. Through an odd twist of fate, he is kidnapped
by a secret ninja clan and taken to their hidden camp high in the
mountains. He must forget his family and become a ninja – or die.
Blue Lightning
Barbara Timberlake Russell
After being hit by lightning, Calvin is knocked lifeless. Rory, a mischievous
ghost, takes over his body to follow him home and cause endless trouble.
Calvin finds a way to help Rory get to the other side.
Book Without Words, The: A Fable of Medieval Magic Avi
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October 2007
The book without words is a book of magic spells which can only cause
harm and eventual unhappiness. However, it can be read by a greeneyed reader filled with desire. An evil old man is planning to use the
magic to gain immortality. If he achieves his desire, others will die. The
sotry involves his raven, his young servant girl, two other children and
several evil adults. A monk and a “saint” are trying to recover the book to
hide it and its evil from mankind. This is the adventure. This dark fable
would be best suited for 6th graders or 4th-6th grade gifted students.
Borrowers, The
Mary Norton
Boston Jane
Jennifer L. Holm
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2003. Motherless tomboy, Jane, is
encouraged to attend a “proper” ladies school in Boston by a man who
leaves to find his fortune in the wild frontier of the Pacific Northwest. When
he later proposes marriage, she goes to meet him and discovers that he
has married an Indian woman and left the area. Jane finds that her
education has not prepared her for life as a pioneer frontier woman. This
book would make a good read aloud about how life in the city is different
from frontier life. Special cautions: One reference to female anatomy and
references to mature adult interpersonal relationships. Curriculum ties:
American History late 1700's/ early 1800's. For Grades 5 & 6.
Bound for Oregon
Jean Van Leeuwen
Mary Ellen Todd and their family set off across the country to settle in
Oregon. They encounter storms, swollen rivers to cross, Indians, disease
and death. The family makes it to Oregon intact and finds the lush, green
country they have dreamed about. Curriculum ties: 4th grade social
studies, science and health.
Boxcar Children, The (Series)*
Gertrude Chandler Warner
Boy
Roald Dahl
Boy at War, A
Harry Mazer
A young high school student, Adam, goes fishing with his friends at Pearl
Harbor the morning of December 7, 1941. They witness first hand the
Japanese attack and the devastation of the American fleet of ships.
Adam’s father, an officer on the Arizona, is listed as missing in action.
Adam’s friend, Davi, is of Japanese descent. Adam and Davi witness first
hand the racist views toward the Japanese during World War II.
Curriculum ties: World War II, Pearl Harbor, Japanese-Americans during
World War II.
Boy Who Saved Baseball, The
John Ritter
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October 2007
Tom’s friend, Dr. Altenheimer owns a baseball park and much of the small
town. Developers have come to him offering millions to sell his property.
Tom wants to keep the park, “Doc” offers a challenge, a baseball game
against the big summer camp. If the local summer camp wins, the
property stays as is. The story has a “coach” who is not respected by
many. Is he genuine? A boy who rallies the team, but is he “real?” The
ending is just as surprising as the rest of the story.
Boy Who Saved Cleveland, The
James Cross Giblin
The story is about Seth Doan, a young boy whose heroic efforts kept his
family and neighbors alive in the frontier town of Cleveland, Ohio.
Brian’s Winter
Gary Paulsen
This book is a great alternative ending to Hatchet. Though a bit graphic in
areas, especially when a wolf kills a bear, Brian proves the will to survive
can overcome all obstacles. A beautifully written book.
Bridge to Terabithia
Katherine Paterson
Brighty of the Grand Canyon
Marguerite Henry
Brighty is the story of a free-spirited wild donkey. As he roams the Grand
Canyon he encounters an old miner, President Teddy Roosevelt and a
ruthless claim-jumper. Brighty is a delightful story. Curriculum ties: Desert
Biome. Good for low 4th grade.
Bronze Bow, The
Elizabeth George Speare
Bud, Not Buddy
Christopher Paul Curtis
Bud, “not Buddy” was an orphan placed in a foster home during The
Depression. He ran away after being treated poorly and went looking for
his father. This well-written book tells of his adventures and gives a feel for
life in the 1930's. Curriculum ties: The Great Depression, unions,
homeless, minorities
Bully for You, Teddy Roosevelt
Jean Fritz
Bunnicula
D.J. Howe
Butterfly Lion, The
Michael Morpurgo
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999. This is a wonderful story with
a surprise ending. The story teaches some great characteristics such as
loyalty, commitment, and lasting friendship. This would be fun to read
together and discuss as a class.
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October 2007
Cabin Faced West, The
Jean Fritz
Caddie Woodlawn
Carol Ryrie Brink
Cages
Peg Kehret
This is a great book for stimulating discussions because it encompasses
many problems we have in our society today. Included issued are abuse,
shoplifting, alcoholism, major disappointments, and strained relationships
with parents and friends. It also shows that there are consequences for
bad behavior and a lesson to be learned.
Calico Captive
Elizabeth George Speare
This historical fiction book is based on an actual narrative of Susanna
Johnson that was published in 1807. Miriam Willard, aunt of Susanna,
must use pride and ingenuity to help her survive the rigors of Indian
captivity during the French and Indian War. This novel, set in 1754, is an
excellent resource to use when studying pre-Revolutionary War history in
the United States. Best suited for use in fifth or sixth grade classes.
Call it Courage
Armstrong Sperry
Can You Keep A Secret?
Dan Gutman
An easy reader book about an elementary classroom with a special
secret. The end result is a class celebration for the teacher. Curriculum
ties: Friendship.
Case of the Missing Marquees, The
Nancy Springer
Enola is the much younger sister of Sherlock Holmes. When her mother
disappears she finds her older brother to be of little help. She decides to
find her mother on her own, and becomes involved in the mystery of the
Marquees disappearance. Special cautions: For advanced 5th and 6th
grade readers
Castle in the Attic, The
Elizabeth Winthrop
Cat Who Went to Heaven, The
Elizabeth Coatsworth
The tale of a cat who brings good fortune to a painter. The painter knows
that the cat wants to be in his painting. He also knows that if he puts the
cat in the painting his reputation will be ruined.
Cay, The
Theodore Taylor
Certain Kind of Treasure, A
Kellene Despain
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October 2007
While digging for treasure, two friends have a squabble. This leads one of
them into a mysterious friendship with an old woman from another world
who teaches her some valuable lessons. She also learns that sometimes
a small decision can change someone’s future forever. Curriculum ties:
Friendship decisions.
Chalk Box Kid
Clyde R. Bulla
Charley Skedaddle
Patricia Beatty
Charley Skedaddle gives insight into the Civil War period in American
history. The story is based on factual information with a fictitious 12-yearold boy’s experiences as a drummer boy. He learns a great deal about
himself and his weaknesses and strengths as he struggles for survival out
of his familiar surroundings. Boys may particularly enjoy this book.
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
Roald Dahl
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
Roald Dahl
Charlotte’s Rose
Ann E. Cannon
Beehive Award Nominee 2004. Charlotte’s Rose if about a 13 year old girl
who is traveling from Liverpool, England, to Salt Lake City, Utah with her
father. Traveling by handcart with Mormon pioneers gives Charlotte many
challenges, including being responsible for a new born baby. Special
cautions: NOT for classroom use, as read aloud or assigned reading, for
student independent reading only.
Charlotte’s Web
E.B. White
Chasing Redbird
Sharon Creech
Thirteen-year-old Zinnia Taylor deals with the deaths of her cousin Rose
and her Aunt Jessie while growing up in an eccentric family in Kentucky.
Recommended for students with good problem solving skills.
Chasing Vermeer
Blue Balliett
Three mysterious letters, a stolen Vermeer painting, and two clever
children add up to an exciting adventure. Pantomimes, a secret code, and
picture clues help the children solve the mystery. Readers are invited to
help decipher the code and use their math skills as they participate.
Beehive Award Nominee 2005-2006.
Children of the Lamp: The Akhenaten Adventure
10
P.B. Kerr
October 2007
John and Philippa, 12-year-old twins, discover they are jinn. They go to
stay with their uncle in England and enter a mystery to discover missing
jinn. Curriculum ties: Egypt.
Children of the River
Caution: For mature sixth grade girls only.
Linda Crew
Chocolate Fever
Robert Kimmel Smith
Chocolate Touch, The
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1983.
Patrick Skene Catling
Christmas Box, The
Richard Paul Evans
Set in Salt Lake, this is a moving, tender story that deals positively with
death and family ties. It has deep meaning that might be enhanced with
teacher-directed discussion. Special cautions: The story has a strong
nondenominational Christian theme.
Christmas Carol, A
Charles Dickens
Christmas Sonata, A
Gary Paulsen
A young boy and his mother travel by train to visit relatives for Christmas
during World War II. The boy’s young cousin is dying. Both boys have
their faith in Santa Claus restored. They also begin to learn about dealing
with death. Curriculum ties: World War II, Transportation.
Cinderellis and the Glass Hill
Gail Carson Levine
The story is the fourth in the series, The Princess Tales. It is an
adaptation of the fairytale, The Princess and the Glass Hill. The king
places his daughter at the top of a glass hill. The one who can ride to the
top and claim the three golden apples wins her hand. With the aid of three
“magic” horses, a worthy Anon royal’ tries to win her love and hand.
Special cautions: Easy reading. A male Cinderella story. Utah Children’s
Book Award 2002 Nominee.
Circle of Gold
Candy Dawson Boyd
This book would probably interest girls more than boys. Mattie’s father
dies and things change. Her mother always seems to be angry, and her
twin brother seems very withdrawn. Mother’s Day is coming, and her
mother does not want to celebrate it. Mattie wants to buy her a beautiful
pin to cheer her up. This story tells how she goes about getting the pin for
her mother.
City of Ember
Jeanne DuPrau
The City of Ember is a city of darkness lighted only by electricity. But
supplies are running low and the generator that keeps the city alive is
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October 2007
worn to near beyond repair. Ember is the only life any have known for
hundreds of years. The builders of the city built it to preserve a group from
the pollution and death of the earth. Lina and Doon, are twelve years old
and having graduated from school have assumed the jobs they were given
by drawing a slip from a box. Realizing that Ember is dying, Lina finds part
of a message from the builders of the city, the way for the people of
Ember to return to Earth. Thus, begins their adventure and the difficulties
they must combat. An easy read and enjoyable. Beehive Award Winner
2005.
Elsie McPhee and her brother are kidnapped by their mother and moved
from place to place so their father will not be able to find them. Tommy
has learning problems which the mother wants to ignore. Elsie shows
great courage when Tommy becomes ill and needs her help. They are
eventually returned to their father and their home where Tommy and the
mother get the help they need. Good story for what often happens with
divorced parents. Curriculum ties: self-esteem, problem solving, pleasure
read.
Color Me Dark: The Diary of Nellie Lee Love,
Patricia C. McKissack
The Great Migration North
From the Dear America Series. The story begins “Mama gave my sister
and me diaries for Christmas.....” Nellie gives the daily account of her
family sharing family relationships, growing up in Tennessee in the early
1900's with lynchings, separate areas to live, and the acceptance by the
black society. The family moves to Chicago to have hope for a better life.
Racism still exists and erupts with the Chicago Riot in 1919.
The events are historically correct and the characters are strong
representatives of the black people of the time period.
Following the story, there is a section giving names, photographs, and
historical notes of the time period. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade United
States history. Recommendations: Excellent for sixth grade as students
look at relationships and results of prejudice.
Corn Grows Ripe, The
Dorothy Rhoads
This is a short novel about a young Mayan boy (Tigre) who, when his
father is badly injured, must take over the responsibility of planting and
harvesting the family corn. It also contains the Mayan folktale of how man
was created from corn. The reading is fairly easy with the exception of
many Spanish, Mayan, and Mexican words. The book does have its own
glossary of these words.
Courage of Sarah Noble, The
Alice Dalgliesh
The Courage of Sarah Noble is a good book to illustrate courage, but it
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October 2007
needs the historical background of the early colonization of America.
Students need to be aware of the spiritual needs and practices of the early
settlers. Some parents may object to the reading from the Bible and the
prayers. The level of the book is more primary than intermediate. Fifthgrade teachers who want to use it as part of social studies should read it
and have a clear reason for use in classroom instruction.
Cracker Jackson
Betsy Byars
Cracker, an 11-year-old boy, tries to save his beloved ex-babysitter from
spousal abuse. The book deals with this topic in a sensitive and
compassionate way. Special cautions: deals with the topic of spousal and
child abuse.
Crash
Jerry Spinelli
Crash is the story about a very intolerant boy who bullies and intimidates
others through words and actions. After his grandfather moves in with his
family and becomes ill, his attitude toward people changes. It is a good
book to read and discuss with mature students to examine how people
feel when negative treatment of people is given and received. Teachers
who choose to use this book should read it in advance and be certain that
it will be appropriate for their students.
Crazy Lady
Jane Leslie Conly
A young boy discovers that sometimes the people you and your friends
make fun of can turn out to be friends, even though they may have
problems.
Cricket in Times Square, The
George Sedden
Crispin the Cross of Lead Avi
Crispin is a thirteen-year-old boy living with his mother, both peasants, in
medieval England. Crispin’s mother dies and he finds himself with no
family or friends. Soon he is declared a “Wolf’s Head” meaning he can be
killed, and the killer will not be punished. Crispin runs and is befriended by
a traveling juggler. He finds he is being pursued across England, and he
does not know why.
The book is an excellent account of the difficulties and a variety of
situations found during this time period. The book contains violence, but it
is the violence of the time period. It ties well to the sixth-grade curriculum
and is an excellent book for advanced readers. Recommendations:
th
Accepted for 6 grade only.
Crossroads
Paul Pitts
Hobart Slim helps his mother run a shabby hotel when Lettie Medoza and
her family become stranded in town, Hobart makes a new friend. Lettie
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October 2007
teaches him to face his problems with the school bully and find ways to be
resourceful instead of complaining about problems.
Dancing in Cadillac Light
Kimberly Willis Holt
This story takes place in the summer of 1968 in a small rural town in East
Texas. Jaynell Lambert is the young heroine of the story who, when her
feelings get the best of her, escapes to an old salvage lot and pretends to
drive away. The town is awaiting the paving of the roads but for now,
Jaynell, her sister Racine, and her parents live with the dust and potholes
and dream of their lives turning into something grand. Their lives take a
turn when Jaynell’s grandpa moves in and buys a 1962 green Cadillac
convertible. It is more than dancing in the glow of the Cadillac’s headlights
that transforms this family. Curriculum ties: Family relationships, Culture
Bias, American History.
Daniel's Story
Carol Matas
Caution: Graphic portrayal of Holocaust. Mature sixth grade only!
Daphne’s Book
Mary Downing Hahn
A story of two seventh grade girls who don’t fit in well at school. To their
horror, they are paired for a picture book contest. They become friends,
and Daphne’s life as an orphan living with an impoverished and unstable
grandmother troubles both girls. Both girls are forced to make difficult
decisions.
Dead Man in Indian Creek
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1993.
Mary Downing Hahn
Dear Mr. Henshaw
Beverly Cleary
Detectives in Togas
Sixth grade curriculum.
Henry Winterfeld
Devil’s Arithmetic, The
Jane Yolen
Dinotopia-Windchaser
Scott Ciencin
This is a fantasy tale about people and dinosaurs living together.
Dive
Gordon Korman
Four students are given the opportunity to work for an oceanographic
institute as interns. They have a difficult time understanding why they are
ignored and have no work to do, until they run across a gold coin on the
ocean bottom. They soon discover the people hired to “map” the ocean
floor are actually treasure hunters. When the treasure hunters discover the
kids find, they are willing to stop at nothing to keep the kids from owning
the treasure. Curriculum ties: Study of the ocean.
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October 2007
Dog Jack
Florence W. Biros
A young slave escapes from the South and ends up fighting in the Civil
War for the North. He befriends a lost dog who becomes the mascot for
their regiment. It gives a feel for what the Civil War was like. Note:
tedious reading in some parts, includes religious experience at the end.
Curriculum ties to Social Studies & Civil War.
Door in the Wall, The
Marguerite De Angeli
Dragon Rider
Cornelia Funke
This book was written by the author of “The Thief Lord” and “Inkheart”.
Firedrake, Ben, (a human boy) and their furry friend, Sorrel, are in search
of the mythical place where dragons can live in peace forever. Together
they embark on a journey that takes them to magical lands where they
meet marvelous creatures and one ruthless villain.
This story is a quest to escape the pressures of a modern society no
longer in need of magical dragons. Any student that is in love with
mythical creatures will find this story enchanting and filled with adventure.
Curriculum ties: fantasy, fiction. Beehive Award Winner 2005-2006.
Dragon’s Gate
Laurence Yep
A young boy must leave China and join his father and uncle in working on
the transcontinental railroad in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Chinese
workers there are little more than slaves, driven to achieve the seemingly
impossible tasks. He learns much about his father and about life as he
grows up. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social studies, the building of the
transcontinental railroad and the Chinese. Recommendations: For high
readers.
Dragonslayers, The
Bruce Coville
Dragonsong
Anne McCaffrey
Eagle’s Shadow, The
Nora Martin
A twelve-year-old girl is sent to live with her unknown relatives in Alaska.
Slowly, she learns to love her relatives and her Indian culture. She finds
that great strength comes from within and that she can build her own
tomorrow. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social studies. Note: deals with
issues of alcoholism.
Earthquake Terror
Peg Kehret
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1999. Fast-paced book. Good for helping
children see the value of independence and ingenuity.
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October 2007
Eddie’s Menagerie
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1981.
Carolyn Haywood
Egypt Game, The
Zilpha Keatley Snyder
Ella Enchanted
Gail Carson Levine
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999. A sophisticated, elaborate
retelling of Cinderella with romance and just a little magic. Great for older
children, though it would probably be enjoyed more by girls than boys.
Encyclopedia Brown Boy Detective (Series)*
Donald J. Sobol
Endless Steppe, The
Esther Hautzig
Enormous Egg, The
Oliver Butterworth
Esperanza Rising
Pam Munoz Ryan
This story takes place during the Great Depression. It is the story of a
young girl raised in a wealthy family on a ranch in Mexico.
When sudden tragedy hits her family she is forced to flee to California and
finds herself a migrant farm worker. Esperanza must find a way to rise
above the prejudice and difficult conditions that she finds herself in
because her Mama’s life as well as her own depends on it. This story is
well written and shows insight into the Hispanic culture. It is a story of
survival and a celebration of the human spirit during a difficult time in our
nation’s history. Curriculum ties: Hispanic culture, American History,
family relationships, friendship.
Eternal Spring of Mr. Ito, The
Shiela Garrigue
Sarah truly loved Mr. Ito and what he taught her! This is an interesting
and educational book about the history of Canada during World War II to
be used with very mature sixth-grade students only.
Everest (Book 1, 2 & 3)
Gordon Korman
The series is moving, compelling and provides a well-researched insight
into the Everest experience. Outstanding character development,
opportunity to examine multiple moral dilemmas and example of
somewhat unique writing style would make this series an inviting
instructional tone. Curriculum ties: Social studies, language.
Every Living Thing
Cynthia Rylant
A collection of 12 short stories, each developed around a theme of an
animal impacting someone’s life. This book would be of special interest to
pet lovers.
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October 2007
Everything On A Waffle
Polly Horvath
‘Haven’t you ever just known something deep in your heart without reason?’ So
goes Primrose Squarps premise. She absolutely knows her parents did not
perish in a terrible storm at sea. The book recounts her adventures as an orphan
struggling to make the premise true.
Everywhere
Bruce Brooks
The tender story of a young boy and his grandfather who share their
summers and a precious friendship. This story is rich in detail and
imagery. Making projects together in Grandpa’s shop, listening to
baseball games on the radio, and exploring the world around them are
experiences they share. But when Grandpa has a heart attack and is
close to death, another boy, Dooley, shows up with an idea to keep
Grandpa from dying. Together the boys plan to find an animal that
resembles Grandpa B a turtle. They put special markings on its shell.
They plan to kill it B which they never do. At times the story line is a little
difficult to follow and may seem a bit confusing, especially in the
beginning. This book would be more appropriate for a fourth or fifth
grader than for a sixth grader.
Extraordinary Adventures of an Ordinary Boy, The, Book 1: – The Hero Revealed
William Boniface
When an ordinary boy wishes for super hero powers, he finds himself in
situations that require bravery and courage.
Eye of the Great Bear
Bill Wallace
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2000
A young boy finds courage and solves his inner problem by facing down a
bear to save his little sister’s life.
Fair Weather
Richard Peck
It is 1893 and the farm life that 13-year-old Rosie Beckett is accustomed
to is full of struggle and lots of hard work. Though the family is poor, they
feel content with their life. But, after a letter arrives from Rosie’s aunt
Euterpe in Chicago, life will never be the same. Rosie and her two siblings
are invited to stay with their aunt for a short time and to attend the World’s
Columbian Exposition. This is an entertaining story of the children’s
adventures during this once-in-a-lifetime experience. They learn more
about the world, the big city, and their own family as they take part in
hilarious and memorable events. Mr. Peck skillfully interweaves historical
facts with entertaining fiction and authentic photographs. Curriculum ties:
US History.
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October 2007
Fairest
Gail Carson Levine
Aza was an unattractive baby abandoned at the Featherbed Inn. She
becomes a lady-in –waiting for the queen. Her remarkable voice
captivates all, and the queen attempts to use Aza’s talents for her own
gain.
Fame and Glory in Freedom, Georgia
Barbara O’Connor
A young girl, Bird, wants nothing more than to be known for something
and recognized by her peers. Her second goal in life is to go to Disney
World. She befriends a new boy who has moved into town. She thinks
they are kindred spirits because they don’t seem to fit in at school. The
two of them work together to win the partner spelling bee with the grand
prize being a trip to Disney World. Beehive Award Nominee 2005-2006.
Family Under the Bridge, The
Natalie Savage Carlson
Fantastic Mr. Fox
Roald Dahl
Farmer Boy
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Fever 1793
Laurie Halse Anderson
This realistic story told by a fourteen year old girl named Mattie, who
survives the terrible Yellow Fever outbreak in Philadelphia in 1793. The
book tells about sick people being abandoned, and men pushing hand
wagons around collecting the dead. The city is transformed into a living
nightmare for families, with so many sick and dying. Everyone is trying to
flee the city except for the few brave people who care for the sick. The
volunteers of the Free African Society, who worked at Bush Hill, devoted
themselves with incredible courage to care for strangers.
The book is tied to fifth grade curriculum because it happens right after the
Revolutionary War. Mattie talks about seeing George Washington and
Thomas Jefferson around town. There is talk of the delegates meeting in
secret to discuss changes in the government. In the middle of the Yellow
Fever epidemic, George Washington headed south, and later laid the
corner stone for the United States Capitol building in 1793.
Finding Buck McHenry
Alfred Slate
Jason decides he has found the ‘Great’ Buck McHenry, a famous baseball
player. After he is dropped from his old baseball team, Jason helps form a
new team with Buck McHenry as the coach. Jason breaks promises and
now everyone associated with the team may be affected. Note: There are
no consequences for lying and deceiving others. Curriculum ties: black
history of baseball.
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October 2007
Flea Circus Summer
Cheryl Ware
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999. This is a funny story about a
young girl’s summer job. While delivering papers, she meets the “old”
teacher who lives above the funeral home. She overcomes her fear and
finds a friend and some good advice. The story is told in letters from
Venola May to her friend and the Underwater Flea Circus Co. We learn a
little about false advertising and getting your money back. Light and funny.
Flipped
Wendelin VanDraanen
This novel is told from two different points of view – Bryce and Julianna.
The story starts as Bryce moves in across the street from Julianna. She
instantly falls for Bryce and wants desperately for him to be her friend.
Bryce on the other hand, wants nothing to do with this pest until a few
years later when Julianna is losing interest. Curriculum ties: Point of view;
voice; relationships. Beehive Nominee 2005
Flying Solo
Ralph Fletcher
When a substitute teacher does not arrive, a sixth grade class decides to
run the class themselves instead of getting help from the office. Obviously
a work of fiction, the students follow the day’s agenda. The day is
remarkable because the students resolve many of their feelings regarding
the prior death of a fellow classmate. Curriculum ties: Writing-6 traits,
voice.
Flush
Carl Hiaasen
Noah’s dad tries to stop illegal waste dumping into the local bay by sinking
the boat that is responsible. To keep their father out of jail, Noah and
sister must prove that the boat was guilty of illegal waste dumping. Special
cautions: For advanced readers or 6th grade students.
Fog Magic
Julia Sauer
Follow My Leader
James B. Garfield
Jimmy has to relearn everything he knows when he is blinded in an
accident with a firecracker. He learns to read braille and use a cane. He is
given a guide dog and faces all of the challenges of learning to work with
him. As it turns out Leader, the guide dog becomes a true hero.
Curriculum ties: Health and safety. Recommendations: This is a reprint
from 1957, slightly dated, but a wonderful story.
Footprints in the Window
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
This is a dark tale of a boy who is caught in the clutches of a strange
phenomenon where he must travel to the distant past in order to right an
unpredictable wrong. The story is confusing and only becomes less so at
the end. This book is third in a series and is hard to follow if the first two
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October 2007
books haven’t been read.
Forging of the Blade, The
R. L. Lafevers
Kenric’s father has been kidnapped by an evil power, Lord Mordig, who
has killed the king and has plans to rule Lowthar. Kenric sets off to find
his father with the help of goblins and Fey folk. This book is the first of a
trilogy. Recommended for grades 4 or 5 and low readers. Easy read with
no special cautions.
Forgotten Door, The
Alexander Key
Foster’s War
Carolyn Reeder
The year is 1941 and the U.S. declares war on Japan. Foster Simmons,
11, is caught up in the conflict. His brother signed up to get away from
their father and ends up overseas. His best friend, a Japanese boy, is sent
away to a camp. Foster’s father is harsh, and his mother is trying to keep
peace in the family. Everyone is pitching in to work for the peace effort of
the war. Curriculum ties: World War II, Fifth grade social studies.
Cautions: Japanese are referred to as “Japs”, discussion-good read aloud.
Frankenbug
Steven Cousins
Adam loves collecting and studying bugs. When the class bully begins
harassing him because of this interest Adam decides to create a monster
bug for protection. The story tells how he orders the parts he needs to
build the “bug”. Curriculum ties: Science and insects.
Freckle Juice
Judy Blume
Freedom Train
Dorothy Sterling
Friendship, The
Mildred Taylor
This story brings the Logan children into a difficult situation. They have
been warned never to go to the Wallace store but when asked to do an
errand for a friend they find themselves face to face with danger. The story
is set in 1933 in Mississippi. The ending is best followed by discussion as
it will haunt the reader. Curriculum ties: Civil rights. Special cautions or
recommendations: Racial situations and tensions.
Frindle
Andrew Clements
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 2000. A lighthearted story about a
young boy who, while learning about how words are created, decides to
invent a new word for a pen. What happens when the new word spreads
is a humorous lesson in communication and special friendships.
Curriculum ties: Creativity, Inventions, Teacher/Student Relationships,
Dictionary.
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October 2007
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E.
Frankweiler
E.L. Koningsburg
Gathering Blue
Lois Lowry
Three orphaned children hold the continuation of a society’s culture in
their hands. The book alludes to cultural segregation based on personal
physical characteristics and violent treatment of certain societal members.
Recommended for mature readers with teacher discussion.
Gathering of Days, A
Joan Blos
Gawgon and the Boy, The
Lloyd Alexander
Eleven-year-old David has been ill and unable to attend school. During his
recovery, he is tutored by an elderly aunt, whom he calls Gawgon, but
means Gorgon, a creature he has read about in Greek mythology. As she
introduces David to classics and to famous people of history, he makes up
stories where he and his aunt play major, but fictitious roles.
The strength of this book is the “voice” of David as he adds his own
experiences and blends his ideas with the reality of what he has learned. It
is an excellent book for sixth-grade curriculum both in social studies and
literature. His “voice” does alter reality, Bonaparte becomes “Bones-Apart”
as one of many examples. Another strength of the book is the
development of the relationship between, David, the boy, and the
“Garwon”, his aunt. For 5th and 6th grades.
George Washington’ Socks
lvira Woodruff
George’ Marvelous Medicine
Roald Dahl
Ghost Cadet, The
Elaine Marie Alphin
Ghost of Fossil Glen, The
Cynthis De Felice
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999. A fun and exciting book
about Allie, a bright and imaginative young lady who finds a good friend in
Dub. She also has a ghost friend, Lucy, who helps her solve a mystery
concerning Lucy’s death.
Ghosts of Mercy Manor
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1995.
Betty Ren Wright
Giant Rat of Sumatra, The or Pirate Galore
Sid Fleischman
Shipwreck was taken aboard the pirate ship “The Giant Rat of Sumatra”
after his ship was wrecked. Captain Gallows has decided to give up the
sea and return to California. Shipwreck only wants to get back to Boston
to see if the mental picture he has of his mother is real. Captain Gallows
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October 2007
has Shipwreck stay with him where we find intrigue, retribution, and a
search for a missing person. Can Shipwreck ever find his way back to
Boston?
Goblins in the Castle
Bruce Coville
William, an orphan, is taken in as a baby by the Baron at Toad-in-a-Cage
Castle. He explores hidden passageways and discovers mysterious
secrets about the castle. William’s most difficult decision comes when he
must judge between two factions that both claim to be telling the truth. A
light, fast-paced, suspenseful fantasy novel for low to middle readers.
Links to sixth grade Middle Ages curriculum are minimal.
Gold Cadillac, The
Mildred D. Taylor
This story is about a Northern black family who buys a new car. The father
proudly wants to show it to his relatives in the Deep South. The journey is
more than the miles traveled as suspicion and anger arise. This book
needs to be discussed and some background information provided.
Curriculum ties: Civil rights.
Gold Dust
Chris Lynch
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2003. Napoleon moves into a
school in Boston from Dominica. He is befriended by Richard who eats
and breathes baseball. Richard teaches Napolean baseball but Napoleon
is not interested; he has his own passions. Explores the relationships
between racial groups. Special cautions: Difficult to understand.
Curriculum ties: Integration of schools.
Golden & Grey (An Unremarkable Boy and
Louise Arnold
A Rather Remarkable Ghost)
Tom moves into a new neighborhood. He has no friends and is being
teased at school! Grey Arthur is a ghost who befriends tom. This is a
story about their adventures. Recommended for readers below grade 4 to
6.
Golden Goblet, The
Eloise McGraw
Good Master, The
Kate Seredy
A delightful tale of a young girl’s playfulness created by the pampering of
her father. The change in her attitude and behavior as she is cajoled and
led by the “Good Master” is enjoyable to watch unfold. Curriculum ties:
European History, Geography, Customs.
Good Night, Maman
Norma Fox Mazer
Karen Levi, a Jewish schoolgirl, is hiding from the German soldiers in
Paris during World War II. Her beloved grandmother has died, and her
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October 2007
father has been arrested. Her family now consists of an older brother and
her mother (Maman). The family moves from place to place desperately
trying to avoid capture. When Maman becomes ill, Karin and her brother
must leave her. Karin hopes to see her mother again and continues to
write letters to give to her one day. The two children become some of the
few refugees from Europe to come to the United States. Karin narrates her
story and shares her letters and her hopes of being reunited with her
mother. Curriculum ties: World War II, values of race equality, etc.
Good Night Mr. Tom
Michelle Magorian
Gooney Bird Greene
Lois Lowry
Gooney Bird is a very unusual student. She dresses in strange clothes,
but she is a GREAT story-teller. Her stories sound unbelievable but they
always work out to be true due to a strange twist of words. She ends up
telling the class how to write in great detail. Curriculum ties: Writing.
Granny Torrelli Makes Soup
Sharon Creech
This wonderful book is a tale about the relationship of a young woman,
Rosie, with her loving Italian grandmother, as well as the relationship she
has with those around her.
As Granny Torrelli has Rosie help her make her zupa (soup) she helps
Rosie learn how to treat others by telling her stories of her life in Italy.
Rosie compares her grandmother’s best friend to her own best friend,
Bailey. Through the stories of Granny Torrelli, Rosie learns valuable
lessons of love and life. Beehive Nominee 2005.
Grasshopper Summer
Ann Turner
Great Brain, The (Series)*
John D. Fitzgerald
Great Gilly Hopkins, The
Katherine Paterson
Green Book, The
J. P. Walsh
A novel about the last refugees to leave the dying Planet Earth. The
group has to flee in an outdated spaceship. The travelers land on a
faraway planet and begin to explore their new world. The space travelers
make interesting discoveries as they try to live on the new planet. A short
novel and interesting read with important environmental and survival
issues addressed.
Gregor the Overlander
Suzanne Collins
Eleven year old Gregor follows his two year old sister through an air duct
in their apartment building laundry room in New York City and falls into the
Underland. There humans live with bats, cockroaches, spiders, and rats
that are giant sized and able to talk. Gregor gets involved in the fulfillment
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October 2007
of an ancient prophecy. Curriculum ties: Fantasy. Beehive Nominee 2005.
Guest
Michael Dorris
The author of Morning Girl writes another short novel on the perspective
of Native American tribes and their early interactions with Anglo culture.
The story is of Moss and Trouble, an Algonquin boy and girl, who struggle
with the problems of growing up in the Massachusetts area during the time
of the first Thanksgiving.
Gypsy Game, The
Zilpha Keatley Snyder
This is a companion to The Egypt Game. The same five children tire of
Egypt and decide to play Gypsies. One of the 6th grade boys runs away
from home because he thinks that his grandparents will take him from his
father. The other four try to help Toby and eventually involve their parents
who help return Toby to his father. The children have many adventures
and even find a dog. It has a happy ending.
Half and Half
Lensey Nanioka
Fiona Cheng is half Chinese and half Scottish. Since she looks Chinese,
people assume she is more interested in her Chinese heritage than her
Scottish. She is confused too, but wants to honor her Scottish heritage.
There is nothing objectionable about this book and the subject matter is
certainly relevant with our diverse communities, but it is very predictable
and a little boring. Curriculum ties: Social Studies.
Half Magic
Katherine Paterson
Harriet Tubman
Kate McMullan
Harriett’s Hare
Dick King-Smith
This is a delightful book about an alien that comes to earth in the form of a talking
hare and. becomes friends with a young girl. Before he returns to his own planet
he gives her a gift that will change her life. Recommended for lower level
readers.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)
J.K. Rowling
Harry and his friends are in their second year at Hogwarts School for
Witchcraft and Wizardry. Someone is turning the students into stone.
Snakes, giant spiders and all sorts of scary creatures must be faced, but
in the end courage and loyalty overcome evil.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Book 4)
J.K. Rowling
Harry is now 13 and in his fourth year at Hogwarts. He finds himself
involved in a competition between two schools-which has not happened
for a hundred years. He also finds that he is more interested in girls. This
book is darker and more violent than the first three. Teachers are
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October 2007
cautioned that it may only be for more mature readers.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Book 3) J.K. Rowling
Harry is in his third year at Hogwarts. A murderer has escaped Azkaban,
the Wizard’s prison. Everyone is afraid he is after Harry. Harry is not even
safe at Hogwarts. In the end we learn that the love of a mother and father
is a most powerful force.
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (Book 1)
J.K. Rowling
This book is an adventure in fantasy! A delightful account of Harry, the
orphaned son of parents with magical powers. Harry discovers his own
powers when he is invited to attend the sorcerers’ academy. His
adventures in magic, encounters with dark powers and the loyalty of new
friends make the book hard to put down.
Hatchet
Gary Paulsen
Heartbeat
Sharon Creech
Twelve-year-old Annie’s life is changing. Her grandfather who lives with
her is forgetful, her mother is pregnant, and her best friend Max becomes
moody. Annie loves to run and run. She hears her heartbeat; the baby’s
heart and other rhythms of life seem to make sense now. Beehive Award
Nominee 2005-2006.
Heaven
Angela Johnson
A family moves to Heaven, Ohio after the mother discovers a postcard
from there and decides that is where she wants to raise her family. Marley,
a 14-year-old girl, is happy living in Heaven until she finds out she was
adopted by her uncle and aunt. Her feelings are finally resolved when her
birth father comes to visit. Special cautions or recommendations: Some
swearing and reference to scars from self mutilation.
Helen Keller
Stuart & PollyAnn Graff
Helen Keller: The Story of My Life
Helen Keller
Helen Keller tells her own story. Curriculum ties: Autobiography.
Hello, My Name Is Scrambled Eggs
Jamie Gilson
A Vietnamese family comes to live with a host family until their own
housing is ready. Harvey plans to show the new kid the ropes, but he finds
it difficult to explain English terms to someone speaking another language.
Curriculum ties: Vietnam era, Immigration.
Help! I’m a Prisoner in the Library
Eth Clifford
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October 2007
Henry Reed Inc.
Keith Robertson
Hero, The
Ron Woods
Jamie and his cousin, Jerry, are excited about trying out the raft they’ve
built. They are not so excited, however, about having to include Dennis.
Everyone either avoids Dennis or makes fun of him; he’s just so >different’
and he comes from such a strange family, too. One little act of
disobedience has catastrophic results and life-changing consequences for
all three boys. A lesson is learned about the complexities of life and of
human relationships. Curriculum ties: Values, ethics, friendship,
assertiveness. Cautions and recommendations: This is an excellent piece
of writing with a surprise twist in the plot that makes this novel an excellent
springboard for discussions of values, ethics, and some of the >gray’
areas of life. However, this book is not for everyone, nor is it for every
class. Teachers should know their class well, and read the book
thoughtfully before deciding to use it for study.
High King
Holes
Lloyd Alexander
Louis Sacher
Stanley’s family has a history of bad luck. Stanley was in the wrong place
at the wrong time and was sent to Camp Green Lake, a boys’ juvenile
detention center. As punishment, each boy must dig a hole 5' deep x 5'
across in the dried up lake. The warden says it builds character, but
Stanley finds out otherwise. A novel you can’t put down. It’s both serious
and funny. Curriculum ties: Change, Tall tales. Recommendations: High
ability readers and teacher direction to appreciate the foreshadowing.
Homecoming, The
Cynthia Voight
Homer Price
Robert McCluskey
Honus and Me
Dan Gutman
While cleaning out a neighbor’s attic, Joey finds a valuable baseball card
with magical powers. The card allows both him and Honus Wagner to
travel back and forth in time. But is the card really his?
Hoot
Carl Hiaasen
Roy Eberhardt has arrived, unhappily, in Florida. He finds a friend in
Beatrice and her half-brother, an enemy named Dana. When Roy spots
the running boy, he senses a mystery and sets himself on the boy’s trail.
The chase introduces him to some intriguing Floridian creatures including
some burrowing owls. Hoot is a fun mystery with an environmental lesson.
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October 2007
House in the Snow, The
M. J. Engh
House of Sixty Fathers, The
Meindert DeJong
A young boy in China is alone in enemy territory after his family escapes
from the Japanese army by fleeing down river. With only his lucky pig for
company he begins his dangerous journey in search of his family.
Curriculum ties: World War II.
House on Hackman’s Hill, The
Joan Lowery Nixon
A mystery enjoyed by most children but may be frightening for some.
How to Eat Fried Worms
Thomas Rockwell
Hundred Dresses, The
Eleanor Ruth Estes
Hundred Penny Box, The
Sharon Bell Mathis
The theme and style of this book are rather sophisticated. It would be a
good read-aloud book or an assigned book to go along with a theme on
the elderly or grandparents. A young reader would get the most benefit
from this book if it were teacher directed.
I Have a Dream: The Story of
Margaret Davidson
Martin Luther King
This is a biography of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is written so that even
elementary children can understand the conflicts and politics that
influenced the civil rights movement. The book presents the facts in a
clear and concise manner with black and white pictures of the era.
Curriculum ties to Black History Month, Civil Rights, and Martin Luther
King, Jr. Day. Recommended for grades 4 to 6.
Iceberg Hermit, The
Arthur Roth
IdaB..And Her Plans to Maximize Fun,
Katherine Hannigan
Avoid Disaster and (Possibly) Save the World
Ida B. Applewood is a home schooled only child who thinks her life is
righter than right – until her mother discovers she has cancer and is in a
battle for her life. Not only does Ida B. have to go to public school, but her
father is forced to sell off part of their farm and some of Ida B.’s beloved
trees are sacrificed. Her life becomes a million miles beyond wrong and
Ida B. has some painful growing up to do. A delightful character study with
some important messages. Beehive Award Nominee 2005-2006.
Ida Early Comes over the Mountain
Robert Burch
Ida is hired as a housekeeper during the depression to help a family with
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October 2007
four children whose mother died. A bossy aunt who had been taking care
of them goes back to Atlanta, and the children learn many surprising and
wonderful things with Ida around. Curriculum ties: Social Studies.
I’m Not Who You Think I Am
Peg Kehret
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2000
A mentally ill woman stalks 13-year-old Ginger claiming to be her birth
mother. Ginger’s friend, Karie, saves the day while Ginger saves the job
of the girls’ basketball coach.
Impossible Journey, The
Gloria Whelan
This story is a sequel to Angel on the Square. Katya has married Misha,
and they have two children, Marya and Georgi. When Katya and Misha
are arrested for speaking against the government, Katya is sent to Siberia
and Misha is sent to work in the mines. A neighbor couple takes Marya
and Georgi in, but it soon becomes apparent that they are only keeping
the children so they can claim their belongings.
After the neighbors tire of the children and tell them that they will be put
into a children’s home, Marya decides that they must go to find their
mother. They undertake the bold adventure and eventually find Mother.
With the help of a friend, Father is released from the mines, and the family
is reunited for a time.
In Care of Cassie Tucker
Ivy Ruckman
Cassie Tucker lives on a farm with her family in the summer of 1899. Her
aunt and uncle die from a disease and her cousin, whom she has never
met, comes to live with them. The story deals with what takes place that
summer and how the family adjusts to having Evan and especially Cassie
live with them. Curriculum ties: Social Studies.
In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson
Bette Bao Lord
In-Between Days, The
Eve Bunting
This is an excellent book on feelings. It deals with a family of three:
George, his brother James, and their father. George’s father starts
bringing Caroline around and suddenly everything’s changing. As they
spend more time together, James acts like Carolyn is part of the family.
This really bothers George, so just before Christmas, he comes up with a
plan or terrible trick to get rid of Caroline. George realizes the damage
that he has done and the pain he has caused everyone including himself.
He then apologizes, and things work out.
Incredible Journey, The
Burnford
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October 2007
Indian Captive: the Story of Mary Jemison
Lois Lenski
Indian Captive is based on the factual events that occurred in the life of a
girl named Mary Jemison. In the year 1758, at age twelve, Mary was
captured by Iroquois Indians. Although Mary chose to live her entire life
with the Indians, this story chronicles only the first two years of her
experiences.
Indian in the Cupboard, The (Series)* Lynn Reid Banks
Inkheart
Cornelia Funke
Inkheart is the story of one who can read with such power that the
characters come to life from the pages of fiction. Meggie’s father is a book
binder who never reads to Meggie because of this power and the night he
read from Inkheart and brought an evil ruler into Meggie’s world. One night
Meggie discovers that she and her father must find a way to stop the
magic and restore peace in their lives. This is an exciting fantasy book for
advanced fourth-grade and fifth and sixth-grade students. Beehive
Nominee 2005.
Island (Series), 1- Shipwreck, 2-Survival,
3-Escape
Korman, Gordon
Six kids - 1 shipwreck - 1 desert island. Six children, determined my their
parents to have serious problems ranging from sibling fighting, vandalism,
too much television, etc., are sent for a trip at sea as a form of “survival
camp”. After the shipwreck, they are on a desert island and must find a
way to survive. As they learn to work together, they find additional
problems, one is seriously injured and the island has additional company bad company.
These books are excellent for read aloud, and especially enjoyed by fifth
and sixth graders.
Iron Dragon Never Sleeps, The
Stephen Krensky
This story is written from the viewpoint of 10-year-old Winnie Tucker. She,
along with her mother, spends the summer of 1867 in California where her
father is working for the Central Pacific Railroad Company. She makes
friends with Lee Cheng, a young Chinese boy, whose views of the Iron
Dragon are vastly different from her father’s. When tensions arise over
working conditions, Winnie is forced to take sides. Special cautions:
Chinese Racial Relationships with other cultures. Curriculum ties:
Transcontinental railroad, westward expansion, and immigration.
Island of the Blue Dolphin
Scott O’Dell
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October 2007
Island of the Great Yellow Ox
Walter Macken
Island on Bird Street, The
Lois Lenski
This story takes place during World War II and is told from the viewpoint of
an eleven-year-old Jewish boy living in the Ghetto in Poland, waiting for
his father to return. It tells what he must go through to survive as he
remains in hiding from German soldiers. It is considered a young adult
book, but may be appropriate for sixth graders. Caution: the text contains
words that may be offensive to some.
It’s Like This, Cat
Emily Cheney Neville
Dave brings a large, orange, stray cat home. Cat joins him in adventures
and helps Dave meet new people. The adventures and new friends help
Dave mature and help his father to become more understanding. Dave
and his father learn to appreciate each other better. The story is set in
New York City in the early 1960's. There are references to Belafonte
records, West Side Story, and beatniks that may be unfamiliar to today’s
student. The writing style is typical of the 60's.
Jack Black and the Ship of Thieves
Carol Hughes
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2003. Jack is excited to be on the
maiden voyage of the Bellerophon, the largest airship in the world. That is,
until he overhears disturbing news of danger and falls right into a miracle
pirate ship, the Hyperion. Jack wants and needs to contact his father or
someone to help him. Only Jack has the information to save him. Full of
adventure.
Jacob’s Rescue
Drucker & Halperin
Jaguar
Roland Smith
Jaguar is an adventure story about the son of a field biologist who joins his
father in an expedition to create a jaguar preserve in the Amazon. The
story includes several sub plots which include violence, the romance of
Jake’s father and a female scientist who is part of the expedition, and the
relationship between Jake and his grandfather who is in a senior center in
the United States. There is some concern with the moral issue of the
father and the female scientist living together although they are not
married and some of the violence is strong violence. However, it is well
written, the characters are strong, and it presents a vivid accurate picture
of man’s greed and dedication to preserving the environment. It is a book
enjoyed by boys at a fifth and sixth grade level.
James and the Giant Peach
Roald Dahl
Janitor’s Boy, The
Andrew Clements
Jack Rankin is completely humiliated when he has to attend fifth grade in
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October 2007
the same school where his dad is the janitor. His embarrassment turns to
anger, and he decides to smear a little gum around to get even with his
dad. He is caught and has to assist the janitor after school for three weeks
as punishment. Jack finds the key safe and decides to do a little
exploring. A frightening excursion through a steam tunnel and what he
finds at the end of it gives him a wonderful appreciation of who his dad
really is.
Jason’s Gold
Will Hobbs
Jason’s Gold is an excellent book, educational and exciting to read. Jason
Hawthorn starts out to prospect for gold in the Klondike and ends up
looking for his brothers who left earlier taking all of the family money. The
story is about his many adventures, meeting influential people, befriending
a 12-year-old boy named Charlie, running into bears and moose and
experiencing the terrors of the sub arctic winter.
Jennifer, Hecate, Macbeth, William
McKinley and Me, Elizabeth
E.L. Koningsburg
Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher
Bruce Coville
Utah Children’s Book Winner 1994. This is a book for those who love
make-believe and dragons. Some children might wish they could raise a
dragon just like Jeremy did. The story shows love and honesty and has a
great moral at the end. A great read aloud.
Johnny Tremain
Esther Forbes
Joshua’s Song
Joan Hiatt Harlow
During the 1919 influenza pandemic in Boston, a 13 year old boy must
support his family by selling newspapers. The book takes a look into the
early history of the impact newspapers had on our country. It includes a
look at the “Great Molasses Flood”. Curriculum Ties: Social Studies,
American History.
Journal of James Edmund Pease, The
Jim Murphy
James is his company’s historian during the Civil War and tells his
experiences in first person. Allow discussion time and provide teacher
guidance while reading this book. It is more interesting than most history
textbooks and gives insights on the soldiers of the Civil War and what it
may have been like to be in the Union Army.
Journal of Jasper Jonathan Pierce Ann Rinaldi
A Pilgrim Boy, The
Jasper is a young boy going to America on the Mayflower as a bound
servant to a pilgrim. In a diary, he writes daily to his brother about the trip
across the ocean and their first year in America. He tells about historical
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October 2007
events, the other people on the voyage, and their feelings and
experiences. Curriculum ties: Pilgrims.
Journey
Patricia MacLachlan
Journey, eleven, and his sister, Cat, are left by their mother. He is sad
and angry and spends the summer looking for the clues that will explain
why she left. He searches photographs for answers and hunts for family
resemblances in Grandma’s albums. His grandfather takes photographs
to help provide Journey with a past. In the process, Journey looks to and
finds that the camera is a means of finding things his naked eye missed B
like the love that still binds his family.
Journey to America
Sonia Levitin
The Platts are Jewish and living in Berlin. When Hitler comes to power
and discriminates against the Jews, the father leaves for America to save
money to later send for his family. The mother and three daughters are
left behind. The story centers around Lisa Platt, a young girl, and the
hardships she endures.
Social Studies ties to fifth grade Immigration and sixth grade World War II.
Journey to the New World, A: The
Kathryn Lasky
Diary of Remember Patience Whipple
From the Dear America Series. This is a delightful story of Remember
Patience Whipple who traveled on the Mayflower with her family to
Plymouth, Massachusetts. Remember’s diary tells of many hardships that
the colonists may have faced during their journey to America and the
struggles they faced after they arrived. Curriculum ties: Social studies.
Journey to the River Sea
Eva Ibbotson
An orphan, Maia, is sent to live with unknown relatives in Brazil, on a
plantation near the mysterious Amazon River. Her travel companion and
new governess is Miss Minton, a fierce looking woman. Unfortunately,
Maia’s relatives are not so appealing. She soon makes friends with a child
actor and then a mysterious Indian boy. It is when she gets involved in a
mystery involving her Indian friend and an inheritance that Maia has a
chance to escape the Carters and have an Amazon adventure.
Curriculum ties: Brazil along Amazon River, History 1889-1930; role of
governesses.
Journey to Topaz
Yoshiko Uchida
Judy Moody
Megan McDonald
This story is about Judy, her family, and friends. It tells of her moods
during various school activities and while dealing with her brother. Good
for low readers, 4th and below.
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October 2007
Jump Ship to Freedom
James Lincoln and
Christopher Collier
Young Daniel Arabus and his mother are slaves in the house of Captain
Ivers of Stratford, Connecticut. By law they should be free, since Daniel’s
father fought in the Revolutionary army and earned enough in soldiers’
notes to buy his family’s liberty. But now Daniel’s father is dead, and Mrs.
Ivers had taken the notes from his mother. When Daniel bravely steals the
notes back, a furious Captain Ivers forces him aboard a ship bound for the
West Indies - and slavery. Daniel must make a decision that will change
his future and that of his mother. This book is based on actual events and
people that lived in this time period. The last chapter of the book describes
how the Collier brothers used this information to write historical fiction.
Curriculum ties: Social studies, history, Revolutionary War, geography,
political viewpoints, racial issues, historical fiction. Special cautions or
recommendations: Teachers need to be sensitive to the racial issues that
existed in the late 1700's. A discussion on slavery would be beneficial as
well as an awareness of the language used during this time period.
Junebug
Alice Mead
This book is a “real-life” depiction of an inner city black community.
Junebug is a fourth grade boy who lives in an inner city black community
with his mother, sister and aunt. June bug encounters many difficult
situations because of where he lives.
Kid in the Red Jacket, The
Barbara Park
Kidnappers, The
Willo Davis Roberts
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2000. Excellent story of the
kidnapping of the school bully as observed by his victim. The story would
appeal to students as it looks at solving the kidnapping and relationships
between students and family members. The mystery is well developed
and has interesting side issues of personalities and a setting of the very
wealthy where all is not always wonderful.
King of the Wind
Marguerite Henry
Kiss the Dust
Elizabeth Laird
A very realistic story of a 12-year old and her Kurdish family trapped in the
Iran/Iraq war and their daring escape. This is a gripping tale of courage
and coming of age. Family values are woven throughout. Because this
book contains advanced vocabulary, fifth and sixth graders who are strong
readers may enjoy it most.
Kneeknock Rise
Natalie Babbit
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October 2007
Kokopelli’s Flute
Will Hobbs
Tepary and his dog Dusty witness robbers destroying ancient and
priceless treasurers at Picture House. After he blows the polished bone
flute, Tepary transforms into a rat. He finds at the site an adventure that
moves between the magic of fantasy and the reality of stealing and
destroying priceless treasures. Curriculum ties: History, Values Education,
Archeology, Agriculture.
Lampfish of Twill, The
Janet Taylor Lisle
Land I Lost, The
Huynh Quang Nhuong
The author grew up in the highlands of Vietnam. He writes his memories
of childhood which included the dangers of the animals and jungle. The
sequel to this book is Water Buffalo Days: Growing up in Vietnam.
Curriculum ties: Culture comparison - Vietnam. Special cautions: Not very
well written and slow moving.
Landry News, The
Andrew Clements
Mr. Larson is a fifth grade teacher who has “burn-out”. He reads the
newspaper and lets his students learn on their own. Cary Landry writes a
newspaper where her reporting of the facts often hurts others and causes
problems. Cary writes an editorial stating that Mr. Larson does not teach
his class, so his salary should be divided among the students. Mr. Larson
comes to examine his teaching. Cary comes to examine her motives, and
the class becomes involved in writing their own newspaper. This story has
a theme similar to Frindle but is not as well written.
Last Lobo, The
Roland Smith
Jacob Lansa travels with his grandfather back to the Hopi reservation
where he was born. He discovers that the Hopi reservation is divided over
a lobo, a Mexican wolf. Some Hopi believe the lobo is a vicious creature
that has been killing off their livestock. Others believe it is a spirit of the
plains, a ghost wolf. Although it is an endangered species, the frightened
Hopi begin to hunt the lobo. Jacob is trying to save the lobo by capturing
it, and letting it loose somewhere safe, somewhere it can truly be free.
Last Man’s Reward, The
David Patneaude
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999. Albert and his four friends
hide a secret box with a treasure deep in an old mine, vowing that its
contents will belong to the one who is the “last man” in their neighborhood.
Retrieving the treasure presents some frightening obstacles, but there are
important reasons for claiming it. It will be used to help someone in great
need. This is an especially good adventure story for boys. May be most
appropriate for upper fifth and sixth graders.
Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, The
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Julie Andrews Edwards
October 2007
The Potter children meet Professor Savant at the zoo. Suddenly, they are
involved in the quest for the elusive whangdoodle. The children learn a lot
of valuable lessons in life along their journey. Special cautions: Cloning is
touched on briefly.
Last Safe House, The
Barbara Greenwood
Eliza Jackson, an eleven-year-old girl, is on the run from a southern
plantation. She is one of many slaves who followed a network of hiding
places traveling to the free northern states and later into Canada. For
Eliza, the Reid’s home is the last safe house at the end of a long road to
freedom known as the Underground Railroad. It has many activities
included. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social studies.
Later, Gator
Laurence Yep
Teddy needs to buy a birthday present for his 8 year old younger brother.
He wants something that is weird enough to teach both his brother and
their mother a lesson. What he thinks is the perfect solution backfires on
him, but having an alligator for a pet causes a strong bond to be built
between the two brothers. Curriculum ties: Chinese Americans.
Legend of Jimmy Spoon
Kristiana Gregory
Jimmy Spoon is a 12 year old pioneer boy living in Salt Lake City. His
father will not allow him to own a horse. When two Indian boys offer him a
horse if he will go to their camp, he decides to take their offer. He
discovers that he is expected to stay with them. He learns all about life as
a Shoshoni. Exciting adventures! Curriculum ties: Utah History.
Letter, the Witch, and the Ring, The
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1981.
John Bellairs
Letters from Rifka
Karen Hesse
Liberation of Gabriel King, The
K.L. Going
Grita is a black girl living in Georgia. Gabe is her best friend. Together
each child overcomes individual fears. This is a story about their
struggles. Curriculum ties: U.S. History during the 1970’s, civil rights.
Light at Tern Rock, The
Julia L. Sauer
A book dealing with anger and broken promises. This is a little book at about
fourth-grade reading level. Especially good for those who love the sea.
Light in the Forest, The
Conrad Richter
John Butler was taken from his white family when he was young. He was
adopted and given the name True Son. He was reared to think, feel and
fight like an Indian. When he was fifteen, True Son was ordered to go
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October 2007
back to his white family because the Indians made a treaty with the
whites. Because he had learned to hate the white man, he did not want to
return. Where did he belong? This story show both the Indian and white
point of view. Special cautions or recommendations: For mature 5th & 6th
grades, violence, mature theme requires teacher discussion.
Light in the Storm, A
Karen Hesse
Delightfully written as the diary of Amelia Martin. Amelia lives at a light
house in Delaware. She tells not only the events of the Civil War, but the
events happening in her family which in many ways parallel the events of
the war. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social studies, Civil War.
Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, The
(Series: Chronicles of Narnia)*
C.S. Lewis
Listening For Lions
Gloria Whelan
Rachel Sheridan is raised in Africa, but during the influenza epidemic of
1919 both parents are taken. She is taken to live with two neighbors, the
Prichards, whose daughter Rachel’s age has died. She discovered she is
to take the place of Valerie, the Prichard’s daughter. Her job is to go to
England, convince the Prichard grandfather to send money to the
Prichards in Africa. She falls in love with Grandfather – and when the
Prichards come she is forced to lie or tell the truth. She tells the truth and
is adopted by Grandfather. Curriculum ties: Geography, social studies,
history, values.
Little House on the Prairie (Series)*
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Little Princess, A
Francis Hodgson Burnett
Excellent, well-written book. Good for upper sixth grade. Good teacher
read aloud book for grades 4 and 5.
Lone Wolf
Kristine L. Franklin
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999. An excellent, well-written
book that shows the hurt of a boy from a separated family who hides his
feelings.
Loner, The
Ester Weir
Long Way from Chicago, A
Richard Peck
A thirteen-year chronicle of two children’s summer vacations with their
grandmother, a naughty and strong-willed woman. Through the years they
learn more about her good intentions and the quirks of her personality.
Curriculum ties: Life in America in the 1930's.
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October 2007
Lord of the Deep
Graham Salisbury
Mikey is working on his step-father’s boat as a deckhand. Some of the
men that charter the boat are pretty hard to take. Mikey is forced to see
compromises he doesn’t like and struggles with a moral dilemma. This is a
terrific book.
Loser
J
erry Spinelli
This is a story about a boy who is clumsy, not a good student, made fun of
by other students and last to be chosen on every team. In spite of this
Zinkoff loves school, is persistent and keeps trying. Good book to discuss
being kind to others and friendship. Curriculum ties: Friendship.
Lost in the Devil’s Desert
Gloria Skurzynski
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1984. An eleven-year-old boy is
accidentally kidnaped by two ex-convicts. He escapes only to find himself
lost in Devil’s Desert. How does he survive?
Louis Braille
Margaret Davidson
Louis Pasteur
Rae Bains
Love, Ruby Lavendar
Deborah Wiles
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2003
The story of Ruby Lavendar is as colorful as her name. One adventure
and disappointment after another defines who Ruby is and how she deals
with life. From chicken thievery, Melba Jane and her grandmother, Ruby
learns how to deal with whatever life throws in her path.
Love That Dog
Sharon Creech
Written from a boy’s perspective, this book takes us on a journey through
poetry. Jack begins the school year disliking poetry and writing. As the
year progresses, so does Jack’s love for poetry and writing. Curriculum
ties: Six-trait writing-voice.
M.C. Higgins, The Great
Virginia Hamilton
Maggie’s Door
Patricia Reilly Giff
(companion novel to Nory Ryan’s Song)
Short synopsis of story: This is the companion novel to “Nory Ryan’s
Song” by the same author. The story tells of what happened to Nory as
she sets out alone to Galway in Ireland to find her family and to sail for
Brooklyn in America. Throughout her journey she faces many challenges
and hardships as she seeks her goal of freedom. A Parallel story shares
the point of view from her neighbor and close friend, Sean Red Mallo, as
he seeks the same goal. The two forge ahead despite many obstacles and
together they find Maggie’s Door, their new start to life, in America.
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October 2007
Curriculum ties: US History, (Historical Fiction) Immigration. Beehive
Nominee 2005.
Maniac Magee
Jerry Spinelli
Margaret Pumphrey’s Pilgrim Stories
Elvajean Hall
This story tells of the Pilgrim’s dangerous journey to find a place to
worship as they wished. The book begins in 1606 when the Pilgrims leave
England and ends a year after they arrive in the New World. The book is
full of interesting facts and gives good background of the sacrifices they
made and the dangers they faced. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social
studies, easy reading.
Matchlock Gun, The
Walter Dumaux Edmonds
Matilda
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1991.
Roald Dahl
Max and Me and the Time Machine
Gary Greer & Bob Ruddick
Mayfield Crossing
Vaunda Micheaux Nelson
A small town school is shut down and forces the kids to go to a large
school where there are no blacks. Mayfield kids are very innocent to the
harsh reality of integration and segregation. They challenge the new kids
of Parkview to a baseball game and it breaks the ice. Well written and very
touching. Curriculum ties: Racial problems and integration of schools.
Me and the Weirdos
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1986.
Jane Sutton
Measle and the Wrathmonk
Jan Ogilvy
A ten-year-old orphan boy is being raised by an evil “wrathmonk.” His
horrible life is complicated when he has a spell placed on him making him
a half inch tall. As he struggles to save himself, he also frees other victims
who are trapped in a toy train set. Beehive Award Nominee 2005-2006.
Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Kate DiCamillo
Mercy Watson is a pig. She is the “child” of the Watsons. When she
becomes frightened in the night, she climbs in the bed with the Watsons.
The bed breaks through the ceiling and Mercy jumps off, leaving the
Watsons hanging in the ceiling. Mercy goes looking for her favorite meal
“buttered toast” and ends up scaring the neighbors. They call the fire
department which rescues the Watsons. Mercy is a Hero!!
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October 2007
Recommendations: This would be great for struggling readers or ESL. It is
geared to lower grades.
Midnight for Charlie Bone: Book 1 Children
Jenny Nimmo
Of the Red King
Charlie Bone finds out that he is endowed when he discovers that he can
hear the voices of people in photographs. His horrible aunts discover he is
one of the chosen and sends him off to the Bloor’s Academy for Gifted
Children. Along with some of his classmates, Charlie sets out to uncover
an exciting mystery. Curriculum ties: Fantasy, friendship. Beehive
Nominee 2005.
Midnight Fox, The
Betsy Byars
Midnight Magic
Avi
This book is set in 1491 at the Royal Palace of Pergamontio. A Magician,
who believes in logic not magic and this twelve year old assistant are
summoned to the Palace to solve the Princess’s haunting. The story is full
of court intrigue, interesting characters and some good twists. The
haunting is solved by good detective work and a logical analysis of the
information. A good mystery. Curriculum ties: Middle Ages. Utah
Children’s Book Award Winner 2002.
Midnight Rider
Joan Hiatt Harlow
Fourteen-year-old Hannah is orphaned and living with her cruel aunt. Her
only comfort is her horse, Promise, but her aunt sells the horse and
indentures Hannah to the family of a British general. Hannah promises to
get Promise back, and joins in the fight for freedom. Hannah, disguised
as a boy begins to attend meetings with Sons of Liberty which leads to a
dangerous mission.
Midwife’s Apprentice, The
Karen Cushman
One frosty evening, Brat finds shelter and warmth in a farmer’s dung
heap. There Jane, the village midwife, finds her and takes her to begin her
new career as the midwife’s apprentice. Approved for 6th grade only
because of the details about a midwife’s duties and some descriptions of
conditions.
Milkweed
Jerry Spinelli
An eight year old boy finds himself in the middle of Nazi occupied Warsaw
in 1939. He is adopted by other orphaned boys and learns to steal to exist,
the Oliver Twist of the Warsaw ghetto. The reader sees and learns about
the ghetto through the mind and eyes of the eight year old. A tough
subject to cover is treated quite well. Special cautions: For Sixth grade
only. This book deals with the awful living conditions of the Jews in the
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October 2007
Warsaw ghetto in 1939. Curriculum ties: Sixth grade social studies, World
War II.
Minstrel in the Tower, The
Gloria Skurzynski
Roger (11) and Alice (8) live with their mother in a humble cottage and are
waiting for their father to return from the Crusades. Their mother becomes
very ill and sends them to find their uncle. She gives them her lute to
present to him, but on the way they are kidnaped and the lute is taken.
Alice escapes and finds her uncle. They rescue Roger and return to their
mother. Roger’s uncle makes him heir to the barony. Curriculum ties: the
Crusades or British History. Recommendations: Easy reading and a
simple plot.
Miracles on Maple Hill
Virginia Sorenson
Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, The
Kate DiCamillo
A fabulous story about a china rabbit named Edward Tulane. This story is
the adventure that Edward experienced after being lost by his wealthy
owner, Abilene. Special cautions: This book may be more suitable for
younger readers.
Miss Hickory
Carolyn S. Bailey
Miss Hickory is a children’s classic. The book’s delightful fantasy is tinged
with a certain sense of melancholy because Miss Hickory is not always the
congenial, eternally happy heroine that we sometimes expect in children’s
books.
Missing May
Cynthia Rylant
Mississippi Bridge
Mildred D. Taylor
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Award. A young boy, Jeremy, watches
events in his town that are racially biased. He sees several white people
arrive at the last moment to ride the bus. They displace Black residents
who had previously purchased tickets. When the bus crashes, Jeremy
must examine his feelings. Some of the characters from Roll of Thunder
Hear My Cry are in this novel.
Special cautions: Classroom teacher must be racially sensitive and
prepare students historically for the use of “Nigger” and the actions
brought about by racial prejudice coupled with problems from the
depression of the 1930s. Approved for grades 5 and 6 only. Curriculum
ties: Social Studies - 1930's - Mississippi.
Mr. Lincoln’s Drummer
G. Clifton Wiser
Ten year old Willie Johnson is too young to serve as a soldier, so he joins
the military as a drummer. He finds out that it is difficult to be in the Army.
Sickness and lack of food and clothing cause many to die or go back
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October 2007
home before they even go to battle. Willie is courageous and keeps his
drum even when other soldiers tell him to ditch it in a retreat. He is
awarded for his bravery by Mr. Lincoln himself. A true story.
Mr. Popper’s Penguins
Richard Atwater
Mr. Tuckett
Gary Paulsen
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
Robert C. O’Brien
Moccasin Trail
Eloise Jarvis McGraw
A good book that requiring discussion due to difficult vocabulary. After
Jim Keath ran away from home and lived as a Crow Indian for six years,
he learned that his two brothers and a sister were journeying west to settle
and need his help to obtain land. This book tells of his finding them, their
difficult journey to Oregon, the hard adjustment of living among white men
again, the kidnapping of their younger brother, and the reuniting of the
family.
Molly Moon’s Incredible Book of Hypnotism
Georgia Byng
Molly Moon is unattractive, unliked, unappreciated, and an orphan. The
orphanage is run by a woman who hates children and a cook who cooks
chicken heads and spoiled food. When Molly discovers a book in the
library on the power of hypnotism her world changes dramatically. She
begins by hypnotizing the matron and the cook, winning a talent show with
enough money to fly to New York and moves to hypnotizing a great
number of the people in New York City. Through many adventures and
dangerous escapes from the wicked “Professor” Nockman, professor of
crooks Molly comes to realize there are more important things in life than
money and fame. Beehive Nominee 2005.
Monkey Island
Paula Fox
Clay Garrity, an eleven-year-old boy, finds himself alone in the world.
First, his father leaves the home soon after he loses his job. Then his
mother who is expecting a baby disappears and leaves him in their
welfare hotel. Clay turns to the streets in New York City and meets two
homeless men in a park who become Clay’s new family during the winter.
He has a dilemma, does he stay on the dangerous streets and try to find
his parents, or does he go into a shelter or foster home and be safe?
Moon Bridge, The
Marcia Savin
This story of two girls is set in San Francisco right after Japan bombed
Pearl Harbor. One of the girls is Japanese-American. The book tells of
their friendship, how it grew and developed and what happened when the
Japanese girl was “relocated”. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social studies,
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World War II.
Murder at Mill Hollow
Peggy Barton and John Quinn
Cousins Peter and Catherine are at Mill Hollow while their parents are on
vacation in London. The adventure begins when Peter notices a wavering
light following the trail to the Lightening Tree and makes out two figures
struggling up the trail as if they are carrying something heavy. Could they
be carrying the missing camp counselor, or has Peter been reading too
many mystery books? What actions would a brave seventh grader take?
A fun novel for students who have gone or will go to Mill Hollow. Easy
reading.
Music of Dolphins, The
Karen Hesse
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999
The Music of Dolphins is a wonderful fantasy, yet it is a tragic story of a
young girl and what happens to her when society tries to do what is best
for her and it backfires. A compelling story that can’t be put down until it is
finished.
My Brother Made Me Do It
Peg Kehret
The story is told as eleven-year-old Julie Welsh writes letters to her pen
pal Mrs. Kaplan an 89-year-old who lives in a rest home. Julie boldly
battles juvenile arthritis. She delightfully tells the story of her life including
running in her school’s marathon race.
My Name is Not Angelica
Scott O’Dell
A sixteen-year-old girl is taken from her home in Africa to become a slave
on the island of St. John with many other slaves. This is the story of the
Great Slave Rebellion of 1733 and how one girl triumphs over the situation
while the other slaves pay the ultimate price. Curriculum ties: Social
Studies. Special cautions or recommendations: some disturbing incidents
occur because of the slavery issue.
My Secret War
Mary Pope Osborne
The story of what was happening in the United States at the beginning of
WWII at the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is written in diary form
from the main characters, Madeline’s, point of view. Good insight into how
children felt during that time period. Easy to read.
My Side of the Mountain
Jean Craighead George
My Teacher is an Alien
Bruce Coville
Three students discover that their teacher is an alien who has kidnaped
their previous teacher and is about to kidnap some of them for a project
back home. After their discovery the excitement begins.
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October 2007
Mystery at Blackbeard’s Cove
Audrey Penn
This story is set on Ocracoke Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
Four children grant their old friend Mrs. McNemish, a descendant of
Blackbeard, her last wish – burial at sea. She leaves them a clue to a
hidden treasure and a mysterious inheritance. This book has history of
the past and present intertwined. Curriculum ties: U.S. History and
legends. Recommendations: Read aloud only for 5th & 6th only – not to
be assigned to students. Teachers should pre-read to edit for language
and scenes that may be too intense for some students.
Naked Mole, The – Rat Letters
Mary Amato
A seventh grade girl chronicles her problems growing up through diary
and e-mail entries. Frankie, a straight A student, begins acting out when
she discovers her father is dating someone. Through e-mail with her
father’s new friend, she finds resolution to many of her problems.
Naya Nuki
Kenneth Thomasma
The story of a Shoshone Indian girl who was captured by another tribe of
Indians. Connections to fourth grade Utah history.
Next Spring an Oriole
Gloria Whelan
This book deals mainly with tolerance and understanding between white
people and Native Americans. Low level reading.
Niagara Falls or Does It?
Henry Winkler
Fourth grader, Hank Zipzer, is assigned to write a five paragraph essay on
what he did on his summer vacation. Because the blank piece of paper
causes him complete writer’s block he decides to create a demonstration
for his class instead. The results are disastrous! Hank learns about
himself and the being different isn’t always bad. Curriculum ties: writing.
Night of the Twister
Ivy Ruckman
Nightmare Mountain
Peg Kehret
No Dogs Allowed
Bill Wallace
Twelve-year-old Kristina, still struggling to come to terms with the death of
her beloved horse, finds it difficult to accept the new dog she receives for
her birthday.
No Such Thing as a Witch
Ruth Chew
Maggie Brown moves in next door to Nora and Tad. She makes the most
wonderful fudge. They are sure she is a witch because people who eat the
43
October 2007
fudge begin to act like animals. Her landlady is going to call the
department of health because Maggie has so many animals. Nora and
Tad use the effects of the fudge to help Maggie keep her apartment and
her animals. A delightful story.
Noonday Friends, The
Mary Stolz
This is a story about a family that is struggling to make ends meet. Fanny
has to do her share by tending her little brother after school. She longs to
be able to spend more time with her friends sharing secrets and dreams.
This realistic fiction story is set in the mid 60's.
Nory Ryan’s Song
Patricia Reilly Giff
An English Lord is forcing the Irish from their land. The potato famine
finishes the job. Nory is a young Irish girl who tries to provide for her family
and neighbors until they can go to America and join other family members.
Curriculum ties: Immigration and poverty.
Not-Just-Anybody Family, The
Betsy Byars
The adventures of the Blossom family. With their mother away on a rodeo
trip, their grandfather in jail and their younger brother Junior in the
hospital, Maggie and Vern must solve the family problems with the help of
their friend Ralphie. Recommended for grades 4 and 5.
Nowhere to Call Home
Cynthia De Felice
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2000. This story is a portrayal of the
life of the homeless in America during the Great Depression. It is seen
through the eyes of a girl dressed as a boy who hops a freight train and
meets a fellow hobo who becomes her guide and mentor. She is
shocked and chastened by her adventures and returns to her former life.
Use this with mature fifth and sixth grade readers only.
Ties Great Depression
Number the Stars
Lois Lowry
Odysseus and the Magic of Circe
I. M. Richardson
Old Ramon
Jack Schaefer
This story centers on a wise older shepherd, a young boy, and two sheep
dogs. Pedro, the son of his patron, learns about caring for a herd of
sheep in the harsh terrain of the Mojave Desert. He also learns about
friendship, loyalty, loss, and wisdom. Some children might find this story
hard to follow. This book contains some bad language.
Old Yeller
Fred Gibson
Old Willis Place, The
Mary Downing Hahn
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October 2007
This is a fantasy story about a brother and sister who live in a remote part
of town. George and Diane need to face Miss Lillian about an incident
that happened in the past. Recommendations: This is a good text for
teaching questioning.
On My Honor
Marion Bauer
On the Far Side of the Mountain
Jean Craighead George
This is a sequel to My Side of the Mountain. Sam Gribley is joined by his
high-spirited sister, Alice. Together they make the wilderness their home
and grow closer as brother and sister. The two join forces to help protect
falcons and other endangered wildlife.
Once Upon a Marigold
Jean Ferris
This is a light hearted story filled with youthful romance and a quest for the
Princess’s hand. The setting is medieval, and the characters are trolls,
fairies and mythical creatures. The cover claims it is a story that is part
comedy, part love story, and part everything but the kitchen sink, and so it
is. Curriculum ties: fiction, fairy tales. Six traits: voice, word choice.
One Eyed Giant: Tales of the Odyssey No. 1
Mary Pope Osborne
Odysseus leaves his home to fight in the Trojan War and is gone much
longer than he ever imagined. The book is a collection of the thrilling
stories from Homer’s Odyssey.
The end of the book has a list of the many Greek Gods and Goddesses.
Easy to read. Curriculum ties: Social Studies. Beehive Nominee 2005.
Onion John
J. Krumgold
Orphan Train Adventures, The
Joan Lowery
Other Side of the Mountain, The
Evans G. Valens
Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great
Judy Bloom
Our Only May Amelia
Jennifer L. Holm
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2000. May Amelia Jackson is the
only girl ever born on the Nasal River in Washington. Most of the time,
she forgets she is a girl and joins her seven brothers. An excellent and
realistic story of Finnish immigrants in 1899, taken from the author’s
grandaunt’s diary. The text contains no quotation marks which might be
hard for some students to follow.
Curriculum ties: frontier and pioneer life.
Over Sea, Under Stone
Susan Cooper
Three children find an ancient map that leads them to adventure! A
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October 2007
modern story with classic elements: good versus evil, mystery, suspense
and ties with the Arthurian Legend. This is the first book in a remarkable
series that will be greatly enjoyed by many students.
Owls in the Family
Farley Mowat
P.S. Longer Letter Later
Paula Danzinger &
Ann M. Martin
Elizabeth and Tara were best friends and neighbors. When Tara moved
away from Elizabeth they agree to keep in touch by writing letters. This
book is a series of letters written by the two girls. Special caution: This
book was approved only for 6th grade students. The girls are physically
maturing, and their letters talk about these changes, divorce, and reasons
why some people get divorced.
Pedro’s Journal
Pam Conrad
Peppermints in the Parlor
Barbarer, Brooks, Walla
Perloo the Bold
Avi
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2000. Perloo, a shy, scholarly
Montmer, is content reading his history books in his burrow. His life is
interrupted by a summons from the Montmer leader who is assigning him
to be the next granter (leader) B an assignment he would rather not have.
Other Montmers want this title and to war with their enemy, the Felbarts.
So begins Perloo’s incredible task and adventures B he will alter the future
of Montmers everywhere.
Good read aloud. This book contains sharp satire on political greed.
Peter and the Starcatchers
Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Peter and four other orphans are put on “The Never Land”, a ship bound
for an island where they would be servants. They meet up with Molly, a
star catcher, and her magic trunk. Countless adventures await Molly and
the boys as they try to save the trunk from getting into the wrong hands.
This is a pre-Peter Pan story, telling how Peter gets his flying powers, how
Captain Hook loses his hand and how Tinker Bell and mermaids come to
be. Curriculum ties: fantasy, life skills.
Phantom Toll Booth, The
Norton Joster
Phillip Hall Likes Me I Reckon
Bette Greene
Pictures of Hollis Woods
Patricia Reilly Giff
Beehive Award Nominee 2004. Hollis Woods is a twelve-year-old girl who
has been in and out of foster homes for years. Her special talent is
running away, but her special yearning is for a place to belong. This is a
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October 2007
terrific story with a happy ending.
Pinballs
Betsy Byars
Pippi Longstocking
Astrid Lindgren
Poppy
Avi
A delightful story of forest creatures and their struggle to survive. Poppy is
a free-spirited mouse who learns the secret of Dimwood forest and its
dictator owl, Mr. Ocax. Her courage secures the future of her family.
Recommended for lower level 4th grade.
Prince and the Pauper, The
Mark Twain
Prince of Whales, The
R.L. Eischer
Princess Academy
Shannon Hale
Miri, whose family has lived and worked forever pounding a meager living
from the stone in the mountains, has learned she and other eligible girls
will attend an academy to prepare to become the next queen of the
kingdom. The prince himself will travel to the village to choose his bride
when they are finished. Miri, who has never fit in with other girls in her
village because she has not worked in the quarry, finds herself confronting
both competition among the girls and her own confused feelings about
being chosen. When danger comes to the academy, Miri, small but
determined, must find a way to save her classmates. Curriculum ties to
friendship, and economy (supply and demand).
Pushcart War, The
Joan Merrill
Question of Trust, A
Marion Bauer
A story of two brothers dealing with the separation of their parents. They
find and care for a cat family. The children’s interactions with the cats
parallel the experiences of the boys with their mother.
Rainbow People, The
Laurence Yep
This is a collection of 20 Chinese Folk Tales. Laurence Yep has compiled
them into five categories to help the reader understand the lessons that
should be learned from each of the short stories. The categories are
Tricksters, Fools, Virtues and Vices, Chinese America and Love. Some
background knowledge on China would be helpful before reading some of
the folk tales as they deal with issues such as death and gambling. These
folk tales could be used as extensions in a study of Asian cultures or a
compare/contrast unit in Language Arts.
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October 2007
Ralph S. Mouse (Series)*
Ramona (Series)*
Beverly Cleary
Beverly Cleary
Ramona and Her Father
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1980.
Beverly Cleary
Ranger’s Apprentice Book
John Flanagan
Book One: The Ruins of Gorlan
Will has always wanted to become a knight but he was too small. Instead,
he was chosen to become an apprentice to a mysterious group called the
Rangers. His natural abilities of moving silently, climbing, curiosity, and
bravery make him a good candidate for this organization. Will he be able
to use these skills to help protect the kingdom against Morgarath, Lord of
the Mountains of Rain and Night, and his assassins who are sent to
destroy his master?
Ravenmaster’s Secret, The: Escape From The
Elvira Woodruff
Tower of London
This novel is an excellent novel for sixth-grade students studying the
Middle Ages. The focus is on the son of the Ravenmaster of the Tower of
London. Tradition held that the ravens who lived in the Tower of London
must be protected or luck and good fortune would leave the rulers of
England; therefore a family lived in the Tower of London and protected the
ravens and also provided food and care for the prisoners.
The main plot of the story surrounds the capture of a young girl and her
father who are kept in the Tower of London as they are Scottish rebels.
The young boy in the story must decide if he will stand by and see the girl
killed for treason or help her escape. The high recommendations for this
book are based on the introduction of life and difficulties of the culture of
the Middle Ages in a town setting. Recommendations: Save for sixth
grade because of the strong curriculum ties.
Regarding the Fountain
Kate Klise
The school drinking fountain has sprung a leak, and the principal dashes
off a request to Flowing Waters Fountains, Etc. Letters, postcards,
memos, transcripts and official documents make up the text of the book.
The school board president is up in arms as well as Dee Eel of the water
supply company. A scandal is brewing and Mr. N’s fifth grade class is
turning up secrets. Curriculum ties: Letter writing, Art, Social Studies
(discuss school board duties).
Reluctant God, The
Pamela Service
This book is a mix of ancient and modern historical fantasy. The plot
gives some insights into the mysteries of ancient Egypt, yet it fails to
explain the journey through time as two teenagers get involved in a series
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October 2007
of events that are hard to believe and reflect a disregard for law, respect
and responsibility. This book should be used with caution for sixth graders
only.
Remember My Name
Sara Banks
A young girl with Cherokee ancestry finds she must leave the home she’s
grown up in to live with her uncle. She soon finds herself caught up with
the Cherokee nation and the Trail of Tears, the Indian Removal of 1838.
Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social studies.
Ribsy
Beverly Cleary
Henry Huggins’ dog Ribsy gets lost when the family is at a shopping
center. The book tells of Ribsy’s adventures as he tries to find his family.
Riding Freedom
Pam Munoz Ryan
Charlotte lives in a home for boys. She is meant to be the “kitchen girl”,
but after several difficulties she runs away dressed as a boy. She
becomes a wagon drive, and then moves to California where she is
injured and loses an eye. She continues to drive wagons, buys a farm and
raises horses. Book is very well written and based on a true story about
“One-Eyed Charlie”, the first woman to vote (although she was dressed as
a man).
Rifles for Watie
Harold Keith
River, The
Gary Paulsen
Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest
Ann McGovern
An accurate depiction of the classic tale of Robin Hood which includes 10
adventures of Robin Hood and his band of loyal men. Good introduction to
a classic tale in an easy-to-understand format.
Robin’s Country
Monica Furlong
The book is a fictional account of Robin Hood from the point of view of
Dummy, a young boy who cannot speak because of a traumatic accident
as a child. In escaping from a harsh master, Dummy stumbles on Robin’s
camp. As he lives with Robin’s men, he gains understanding of himself
and the times. Curriculum ties: It is related to sixth grade Middle Ages;
however, the fictional account and the easy read make it more a book for
recreational reading rather than tied to social studies. Recommended for
grades 4 and 5.
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October 2007
Rodizina
Karen Cushman
This story is told through the eyes of a 12 year old Polish girl, Rodizina,
who finds herself an orphan on the streets of Chicago. She is only one of
many who find themselves on the “Orphan Trains” bound for the west to
be placed into homes. The only thing these children have in common is
their memories of their families and a need to belong somewhere. Their
experience on the trains and with their prospective adoptive families is a
harsh picture of reality in the late 1800’s. Curriculum ties: US History.
Special cautions: Spouse/child abuse, sexual innuendo, abandonment.
Beehive Nominee 2005. Recommended for fifth and sixth grades.
Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry
For use in 6th grade only.
Mildred D. Taylor
Roller Skater
Ruth Sawyer
Lucinda’s parents leave her with dear Miss Peters while they go to Europe
for a year. This is the story of a ten-year-old tomboy who wants to roller
skate to school in the 1890s. She explores New York and makes friends
with all the neighborhood characters. This is a slow-moving novel and
contains unfamiliar words because of the 1890s setting.
Ties history
Rosa Parks, My Story
Rosa Parks
Rowan of Rin
Emily Rodda
Beehive Award Nominee 2004. A fun adventure-fantasy story about a
young boy who must leave his family and face his fears to save his village.
Ruby Holler
Sharon Creech
Beehive Award Winner 2004. Dallas and Florida are the “trouble twins”.
They have lived either in an orphanage or a series of terrible foster homes
all their lives. They have come to think of all adults as “trouble grown-ups”.
The adults they have known were short-tempered and quick to punish.
They have no idea that there are adults who are loving, generous and
forgiving. That is until they are taken to Ruby Holler by Sairy and Tiller, a
couple in their sixties who are looking for one more adventure. As the
story unfolds, we see the power of love and kindness in the children’s
lives. Through adventures and misadventures, Sairy and Tiller are
accepting and understanding. In the end, the bad people get their just
rewards as do the good. This is an upbeat book with a good message for
adults as well as children.
Ruby Lee, Brave and True
Lenore Look
Ruby is an eight-year-old Asian-American girl. She is very adventurous
and has many entertaining stories about her life and her community.
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October 2007
Beehive Award Nominee 2005-2006.
Running Out of Time
Margaret Peterson Haddix
This is a time travel book with an interesting twist that is realistic and
creates more interest than the typical genre. The plot involves the desire
to use people for scientific research. What would happen if people truly
lived as they did in a frontier village without modern medicine? The plot
involves travel outside the restricted community to the modern world. It is
a favorite book for students and shows differences between time periods
in a realistic way. This book provides a springboard for discussion about
complex issues: right and wrong, values, acceptance, etc. The teacher
should provide time for discussion of these issues if the book is assigned.
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
Eleanor Coerr
Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief
Wendelin Van Dragnen
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2000. Sammy lives with her
grandmother in a low-cost, high-rise apartment building. While watching
out the window with a pair of binoculars, Sammy sees a man stealing
money in the room of the hotel across the street. Telling everything may
get her grandma in trouble. Not telling will not catch the thief.
Sarah Bishop
Scott O’Dell
Sarah, Plain and Tall
Patricia MacLachlan
Sasquatch
Roland Smith
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2000. This book presents an
interesting approach to the Sasquatch idea. The characters involved have
well-developed personalities making the story more complex and
interesting. This is a well-written story of the interplay of characters and
the relationship between a boy and his father. It does present an
unbelievable approach to the situation.
School Spirits
Michael O. Tunnell
Patrick and his father move to Waskasoo City. Patrick’s father will be the
principal of Craven Hill School. Patrick has problems with bullies. That is
just a small problem for him after he meets the ghost of a child who wants
Patrick to help him. A good mystery.
School Story, The
Andrew Clements
th
Natalie and Zoe, 6 graders, are best friends. When Natalie starts to write
a novel, Zoe encourages her to finish it and get it published. The girls use
pen names and elicit the help of their teacher in their publishing efforts, to
keep their identities a secret from Natalie’s mother who is a children’s
book editor. The book provides information about how a book is published.
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October 2007
Search for the Shadowman
Joan Lowery Nixon
A seventh grade boy unveils a family secret as he completes an
assignment for school. Techniques for conducting a family history are
discussed. Recommended for grades 4 and 5.
Secret Garden, The
Frances Hodgson Burnett
Secret School, The
Avi
When the teacher of a one-room school leaves her position mid year, the
school board plans to close the school. The students have another plan,
however, and vote to have Ida Bedson, a student, take over as the
teacher.
Secret War, My
Mary Pope Osborne
The story of what was happening in the United States at the beginning of
WWII at the time of the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is written in diary form
from the main characters, Madeline’s point of view. Good insight into how
children felt during that time period. Easy to read.
Secret of Platform 13, The
Eva Ibbotson
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 2001. Under Platform 13, on of
London’s busiest train stations, is an old doorway. Behind it is the
entrance to a magical island kingdom where people live with mermaids,
ogres, and the mist makers. A beastly woman kidnaps the island’s young
prince. A strange band of rescuers seeks to find him, save him, and
return him to the king and queen. Good read aloud B full of adventure.
Secret of the Andes
Ann Nolan Clark
Cusi, a modern Inca boy, leaves his home high in the Andes mountains to
learn the mysterious secret of his ancient ancestors. Accompanied by his
pet llama, Misti, he slowly discovers the truth about his birth and his
people’s ancient glory. Now he must prove himself worthy to be entrusted
with the fabulous secret of the past. Curriculum ties: Culture, History,
Geography, Community of Caring Values. Special cautions: it discusses
blood sacrifice and chewing cocoa leaves.
Sees Behind Trees
Michael Dorris
Walnut is so nearsighted he is unable to hit a target with a bow and arrow.
He has other gifts, however, that allow him to “see what can’t be seen.” An
elder in the tribe takes him on a journey hoping he can help him find the
land of water. They find their destination, but this story has a surprising
ending. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social studies. Special cautions or
recommendations: More mature readers will enjoy it, less mature readers
may find it confusing.
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October 2007
Series of Unfortunate Events, A (series)
Lemony Snicket
The Bad Beginning (Book 1)
The Reptile Room (Book 2)
The Wide Window (Book 3)
The Miserable Mill (Book 4)
The Austere Academy (Book 5)
The author of this series of five books describes the series as “extremely
unpleasant” which is very accurate. It is the story of three children who
have one hapless, miserable experience after another. There are no
happy endings in any of the books. However, the books are vastly
appealing to many students. They appeal to their sense of humor and their
“enjoyment” of disaster. This series has a place in the independent
reading of fourth through sixth grade students who enjoy the humor of the
events.
Serpent Tide
K.L. Fogg
Wesley Vandergrift wonders why he isn’t like the other boys in his costal
South Carolina town. It’s not easy being the son of an eccentric,
billionaire mother. Now through a twist of fate, Wesley meets someone
who knows who he really is, and soon Wesley finds himself in more of an
adventure than he bargained for.
Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs,
The Betty G. Birney
When Eben McAllister reads about the Seven Wonders of the World, he
longs to escape the small farming community of Sassasfras Springs. His
pa gets tired of his moping and challenges him to find Seven Wonders in
Sassafras Springs. If he does, then Eben will get the adventure he’s been
craving for – a trip to Colorado to visit his aunt. He doesn’t think he will
have any luck at all, but figures he will give it a try. While on his mission,
he annoys some of his friends and neighbors, and discovers that he is in
for a big surprise. Utah Beehive Award Nominee 2006.
Shades of Gray
Carolyn Reeder
Will Page is a very angry and bitter boy. All of his family is dead. He has
been sent to live with this poor Northern cousins. When Will arrives in the
North, he is full of hatred and blames the North for all his problems. Will,
now has to do all the work instead of having servants do it and helps to
feed the family. This story illustrates how the Civil war affected families on
both sides. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social studies, Civil War.
Shadow of a Bull
Maia Wojciechowska
Shadows on the Sea
Joan Hiatt Harlow
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October 2007
This story is set during WWII, when fourteen year old Jill is sent to Maine
to stay with her grandmother while her parents are away. Jill is worried for
the safety of her mother because there are German subs in the North
Atlantic Ocean where her mother is traveling. She discovers plenty of
questions and secrets to get the bottom of this mystery.
Shadowman’s Way, The
Paul Pitts
This is the third book that Paul Pitts has written about cultural differences.
Nelson is a young Navajo boy who is forced to make difficult choices when
he befriends an Anglo boy, Spence, in a predominantly Navajo
community. The issues such as bigotry and prejudice are presented in a
way that would interest upper elementary students. This book offers a
unique and current perspective on two cultures that coexist in Utah.
Shakespeare Stealer, The
Gary Blackwood
Widge, a poor orphan with the rare ability to write unique, coded
shorthand, is ordered by his master to copy the play Hamlet. He works his
way into the Globe Theatre, where Shakespeare’s troupe rehearses and
performs, and finally feels like he belongs. Now he must decide whether
to betray his cruel master or his new friends.
Shoebag
Mary James
A cockroach turns into a boy and lives with a family who has a very
spoiled daughter. He spends his time trying to go back to being a
cockroach. Curriculum ties: bugs, science, bullying. Recommendations:
for low-readers, limited appeal.
Sherlock Holmes Series
Arthur C. Doyle
Shiloh
Phyllis Naylor
Sideways Stories from Wayside School (Series)*
Louis Sachar
Sign of the Beaver, The
Elizabeth George Speare
Silent Thunder
Andrea Davis Pinkney
This Civil War story takes place in 1862 and is told through the eyes of
eleven-year-old Summer and her thirteen-year-old brother, Rosco who are
slave children on the Parnell plantation. They are learning to read which is
dangerous and illegal. We learn of their wishes and desires and their need
for freedom. Curriculum ties: Voice, 6 traits/5th grade-historical fiction.
Sing Down the Moon
Scott O’Dell
Sisters Grimm, The
Michael Buckley
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October 2007
Sabrina and Daphne Grimm’s parents mysteriously disappear. After many
foster homes, they were sent to live with their grandmother whom they
previously believed to be dead. Granny Relda reveals that the girls have
two famous ancestors, the Brothers Grimm. The adventures begin as
they try to rescue their grandmother from the giant that took her. Fairytale
characters come into play throughout the adventures.
Sitting Bull
Jane Fleischer
Skinnybones
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1987.
Barbara Park
Smart Dog
Vivian VandeVelde
Amy is a fifth grader. She is not popular and is often the target of Kaitlyn,
one of the most popular girls. Amy meets a dog who has run away from a
university lab. The dog is intelligent and able to talk. As Amy tries to save
the dog, her relationships improve with other students, and she becomes
more confident. Curriculum ties: Friendship.
Snow Treasure
Marie McSwigan
So Far From Home
Barry Denenberg
Ireland experienced an extended crop failure known as the Great Famine.
Many immigrated to other countries. Mary Driscoll journeyed to America
all alone to live with her aunt. This book tells of her hardships at sea and
in the new land working in the mill. Mary also struggles with being Irish
and being treated differently by other girls. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade
social studies, immigration.
Soft Rain
Cornelia Cornelissen
The story is about a 9-year-old Native American girl whose family is forced
from their home and onto a reservation. It is fairly accurate historically in
regard to the “Trail of Tears” and what an actual family might have
experienced around 1800. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social studies.
Soldier’s Heart
Gary Paulsen
This historical fiction tells of one young Union soldier’s participation in the
Civil War. It is appropriate only for use as part of a fifth-grade Civil War
study because of the graphic descriptions.
Someone Was Watching
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1998.
David Patneaude
Sounder
William Howard Armstrong
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October 2007
Spiderwick Chronicles Book 1: Field Guide
Tony DiTerlizzi and Holly Black
This is the first book in a series of five. When their parents divorce, the
three Grace children and their Mother move from New York City to the
Spiderwick Estate, a large crumbling Victorian house in the country.
Secret rooms, strange books, mysterious messages and a boggart are
some of the things they encounter. They make peace with their house
boggart but much more adventure is promised in the following books.
Beehive Nominee 2005.
Star Fisher, The
Laurence Yep
This book deals with the experiences a Chinese-American family have
when they are the first minorities in their community. It teaches about the
Chinese culture and has examples of prejudice and persecution.
Star-Spangled Secret, The
K.M. Kimball
The story takes place during the War of 1812 and is about a mother and
daughter whose son/brother is reported as drowned. Caroline, the sister,
does not believe he has drowned and finds a way to go to Baltimore to
look for him. It is a fast read and well written. Curriculum ties: 5th grade
social studies.
Stepping on the Cracks
Mary Downing Hahn
The Stink Files: The Postman Always Brings Mice
Holm and Hamel
This is the first book in a mystery series about a cat, James Edward
Bristlefur, who lived with a British agent, Sir Archibald until Sir Arhchibald
was killed by his enemies. The cat was then shipped to America by Sir
Archibald’s enemies. In America he was adopted by a family with a young
boy, and renamed Mr. Stink. These stories will be about the adventures he
has in America. Beehive Award Nominee 2005-2006.
Stinker from Space
Pamela F. Service
Song of the Wanderer
Bruce Caville
A fantasy story about unicorns and humans, magic, good versus evil and
make believe. As there are references to previous happenings, reading
the first book in the series would be helpful with understanding what
happens before the book begins. Utah Children’s Book Award 2002
Nominee.
Sticks
Joan Bauer
There’s only one thing in world Mickey Vernon really wants, and it’s
hanging in the window of his family’s pool hall. It’s an awesome shirt that
says “Vernon’s Pool Hall Youth Tournament Champion”, and the winner of
the ten to thirteen-year-old nine-ball tournament will have the honor of
wearing it. Amazing triple bank shots, fifth grade heroics, and desperate
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measures to deal with unreasonable mothers add up to a hilarious novel
about pool, parents, and trying to be the best.
Stone Fox
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1985.
John Reynolds Gardiner
Stones in Water
Donna Jo Napoli
Young Italian boys watching a movie are rounded up, packed into a train
and taken to work in a brutal work camp. One boy who is Jewish must
hide his circumcision to live. The book shows the horrid aspects of war
through the eyes of young boys. Curriculum ties: Sixth grade social
studies.
Stray, The
Dick King-Smith
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999. This is a cute story about a
little old lady who is tired of living in a nursing home and being told what to
do. She runs away and finds a nice family to take care of her. In the end,
she adopts a dog who is a stray also. Low reading level.
Strider
Beverly Cleary
Stuart Little
E.B. White
Summer of the Bonepile Monster, The
Aileen Kilgore Henderson
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999. This book is about the
mysterious and intriguing summer two children spend with their “Grancy”
in rural Alabama. A well-written book with many possibilities for class
discussions.
Summer of the Swans, The
Betsy Byars
Summer of the Monkeys
Wilson Rawls
Superfudge
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1982.
Judy Blume
Surviving Brick Johnson
Laurie Myers
This is a simple story that will appeal to boys, especially those who like
karate, baseball and trading cards. Alex pokes fun at one of the school’s
biggest students and his friends convince him that Brick is out to maim
him. How he avoids Brick and eventually comes to discover how we can
break down stereotypes and forge great friendships makes for a good
discussion tale. Curriculum ties: Community of Caring (Respect).
Swift Rivers
Cornelia Meigs
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Swift Rivers is a great adventure story, particularly for boys. The story
gives insight into the destruction of timber during the early years of logging
down the Mississippi River. Many social and cultural issues and varied
personalities provide opportunities for group discussion.
Swiss Family Robinson, The
Johann Wyss
A minister and his family are shipwrecked on an island. This is the story
of their survival on the island. It is typical of a classic novel of the time with
sophisticated vocabulary. Reading is tedious at times.
Take a Stand, Rosa Parks
Peter & Connie Roop
Easy reading story about the life of Rosa Parks. The book, has many
details about her childhood years. The book also takes us through her
arrest for not giving up her seat on the bus. The book describes the
problems faced in the South with the Klu Klux Klan. Curriculum ties:
Human rights.
Tale of Despereaux, The
Kate DiCamillo
This is the story of a mouse who is rejected by his family and all the other
mice. He is sent to the dungeon to be eaten by rats. He escapes and has
adventures with one of the rats. They end up saving the princess.
Newberry Winner 2004.
Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing
Judy Blume
Taste of Blackberries, A
Doris Buchanan Smith
Taste of Smoke, A
Marion Dane Baugh
A growing-up story about a girl and her older sister. Use with caution
because of one implied reference to sexual relations.
Teacher’s Funeral, The: A Comedy In Three Parts
Richard Peck
This book presents a look at country life and learning in a one-room
school house in the early 1900s. Russell is not at all sad when his teacher
dies just before school begins for the year, until his older sister becomes
the new teacher. The teacher and students learn much about life and
academics at Hominy Ridge School. Recommended that this book be
used as a read aloud as much background knowledge is needed.
Teacher’s Pet
Johanna Hurwitz
Cricket is the perfect student, and the teacher’s pet each year until she is
in Ms. Schraalenburgh’s class. This 4th grade teacher does not have a
teacher’s pet. Cricket also has some competition for being the smartest
student in class when Zoe Mitchell moves in. Girls would enjoy this book.
Easy reading.
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There’s a Boy in the Girls’ Bathroom
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1992.
Louis Sachar
There’s An Owl In The Shower
Jean Craighead George
When a young boy brings home an injured owl, it turns his family life
upside down. The fact that his father is an angry logger out of work
because of the spotted owl’s endangered status, does not help. A
delightful story, rich with scientific and environmental insights, this story
shows how stepping into the life of another can change one’s mind and
heart. Curriculum ties: Habitat, Web of Life, Endangered Species,
Environmental Education.
Thief Lord, The
Cornelia Funke
Beehive Award Nominee 2004. Two boys run away to Venice when their
parents die. They meet with the Thief Lord, who has a band of orphan kids
who steal for him and live in an abandoned movie theater. They sell the
stolen goods to a man who runs a pawn shop. The pawn shop owner tells
them about a Conte who wants them to steal a wooden wing. As they
proceed in their plans to steal the wing, they are also being followed by a
detective who wants to find the younger boy to give him to his aunt, who
wishes to adopt only him, while his brother will not be adopted. Many
adventures follow in this adventure with a surprise ending.
Things Not Seen
Andrew Clements
Bobby tells his story of how he wakes up one morning and discovers he
has become invisible. He continues his story of how he copes, the
dangers, and solving the “problem.” The characters are very well
devdloped and the situation believable. There is a “friendship/romance”
with Bobby and a blind girl, nicely developed with strong focus on
relationships. Recommendation: Mature fifth and sixth grades.
This Island Isn’t Big Enough for the Four of Us
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1990.
Gary Greer
Thomas A. Edison-Young Inventor
Sue Guthridge
This book focuses on the childhood of Thomas Edison, showing how his
curiosity led to his inventions. It only includes a few of his inventions.
Curriculum ties: Science.
Thunder Cave
Roland Smith
A great adventure story that is exciting reading for both boys and girls.
Jacob Lansa, 14, has been told by his stepfather after his mother’s death
that he is being sent to live with his aunt and uncle in Nebraska. He takes
off alone in search of his father, a field biologist studying elephants in a
remote area of Kenya. He has many thrilling adventures before he meets
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up with Supeet, a Masai, who has a quest of his own. Together they find
Jacobs father, end the drought, and save the great elephants from
extinction! Curriculum ties: Africa.
Thunder from the Sea
Joan Hiatt Harlow
Tom Campbell is adopted by a family with no children. His new father is a
fisherman and while out fishing they rescue a young Newfoundland dog
from the sea. Tom faces challenges as his adoptive mother discovers that
she is pregnant, and another family tries to claim the rescued dog.
Thunder Rolling in the Mountains
Scott O’Dell
Scott O’Dell died during the writing of this novel; his wife, Elizabeth Hall,
completed the work and had it published. This historical novel, narrated by
a daughter of Chief Joseph, recounts the tragic events that occurred
during the forced relocation of the Nez Perce tribe from tribal grounds to
reservation during the late 1800s. Curriculum ties: Fifth grade social
studies. Cautions: Though the historical events and locations in this novel
will draw the attention of teachers of Fifth Grade Social Studies, many
students at this age level may have difficulty with the spare writing style
and the violent images presented. Teachers should thoughtfully read this
book before presenting it to students.
Time for Andrew
Mary Downing Hahn
This ghost story is only slightly scary. It’s a story about two look-a-like
distant cousins who exchange places in time. It’s interesting and well
written. Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1996.
Time Cat
Lloyd Alexander
This book is a quick journey through various ancient civilizations as seen
by a talking cat and his young owner. Due to style, the plot and
characters are shallow. Best if read and discussed within a whole class
group. Sixth grade students could benefit from discussion of civilizations.
Toothpaste Millionaire, The
Jean Merrill
This is a cute story with a simplistic view of the free enterprise system.
Sixth grader Rufus Mayflower becomes a millionaire by manufacturing
toothpaste. A good learning model.
Tracker
Gary Paulsen
Trapped in Death Cave
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1989.
Bill Wallace
Trial By Journal
Kate Klise
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2003. Lily Watson is a twelve-yearold girl, who has been selected to serve on a murder jury. Her jury has
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been sequestered so Lily has to stay in a hotel. The only people Lily can
talk to is the other jurors. Lily will be missing school so part of her makeup
work is to keep a journal throughout the trial.
Trapped in Slickrock Canyon
Gloria Skurzynski
Two cousins are placed in a life-threatening situation. The differences in
their backgrounds and experiences bring out feelings and thoughts that
create mistrust in each other as they fight for survival. Curriculum ties:
History, Weather. Recommended for 5th and 6th grade.
The Tripods (series)
John Christopher
The White Mountains
The City of Gold and Lead
The Pool of Fire
The genre is science fiction. The civilization we know has been destroyed,
and aliens who have taken over the world control the people by
“capping”them at age 12. The caps enable the aliens to control thought.
Will is recruited by a group of uncapped whose aim is to destroy the
aliens. The books, written from Will’s point of view tell of adventures, trials,
and friendships in the quest to free the people from alien rule.
Trouble River
Betsy Byars
Tru Confessions
Janet Tashjian
Tru Confessions is the story of Trudy and her mentally retarded twin
brother. Torn between accepting his condition and seeking a cure for him,
Trudy writes and produces a documentary about him. Written as a
personal narrative with creative layout designs.
True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle,
The Avi
Trumpet of the Swan, The
E.B. White
Truth is a Bright Star
Joan Price
This is a story of the kidnapping by Spanish soldiers of Hopi children who
are sold into slavery. The story centers on Lama and his experience with
his owner, a fur trapper. Curriculum ties: Social studies and Indian studies.
Tuck Everlasting
Natalie Babbit
Tucket’s Travels: Francis Tucket’s Adventures
Gary Paulsen
In the West, 1847-1849 (Books 1-5)
This well-written series of books gives a clear vision of the life of travelers
during the time period of the Oregon Trail. The main character is a positive
role model who values family and life.
Special cautions/recommendations: Books one and two, Mr. Tucket and
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Call Me Francis Tucket, are appropriate for classroom work. Books three,
four, and five, Tucket’s Ride, Tucket’s Gold and Tucket’s Home, are to be
used as student-selected materials only. The realistic violence and more
mature themes may be objectionable to some parents and students.
Curriculum ties: westward expansion, fourth grade history.
Twenty-one Balloons, The
William Pene DuBois
Two Princesses of Bamarre, The
Gail Carson Levine
Two sisters, Addie and Meryl, are princesses, daughters of the king of the
fantasy kingdom, Bamarre. Addie is fearful, shy, and dependant on her
sister Meryl, who is bold and brave and plans to find the cure for the gray
death, which besets the kingdom. When tragedy strikes, it is Addie who
must go to find the cure and fight ogres, specters, gryphons and dragons.
This book is by the same author who wrote Elle Enchanted and who has
once again created a fantasy worth reading by all ages.
Two Tickets to Freedom
Florence B. Freedman
This is an exciting story of how Ellen Craft and William Craft escaped
Macon, Georgia in 1848. Curriculum ties: Fifth Grade Social Studies.
Under The Blood-Red Sun
Graham Salisbury
Tomi’s parents moved to Hawaii from Japan to make a better life for
themselves and their family. Tomi is a good student, has great friends and
loves playing baseball. But everything changes when Pearl Harbor is
attacked. Tomi must now accept extra responsibilities for his family when
his father and grandfather are taken into custody. He must also accept
the fears and suspicions that other people now associate with his
ancestry. Curriculum ties: United States/World history; prejudice and
racism. Recommendations: For grades 5 & 6. Book should be read aloud
with younger children who will have questions about the phonetic spellings
of the broken English of several characters.
Understanding Buddy
Marc Komblatt
Fifth grader Sam Keeperman helps the new kid at school to deal with the
death of his mother. Sam almost loses his other friends in his attempt to
help.
Upstairs Room, The
Johanna Reiss
Velveteen Rabbit, The
Marjorie Williams
View From the Cherry Tree, The
Roberts
View from Saturday, A
E.L. Konigsburg
In a real-life situation, a diverse group of sixth graders compete in a scholastic
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contest. This book deals with issues of prejudice, bullies, and divorce. It is about
kids who are intelligent and willing to study and excel. It may be especially
enjoyed by gifted students.
Voyage of the Frog, The
Gary Paulsen
Fourteen-year-old David Alspeth intended to fulfill his uncle’s last wish to spread
his ashes upon the open sea when he set sail in the “Frog”. His plans are
changed when a savage storm slams the tiny sailboat. David is forced to fight for
his survival alone on the sea. Curriculum ties: Survival, Man/Nature.
Recommended for grades 5 and 6.
Wait Till Helen Comes
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1988.
Mary Downing Hahn
Wanderer, The
Sharon Creech
Thirteen-year-old Sophie, her three uncles and two cousins set sail on
“The Wanderer” and cross the Atlantic Ocean toward England where
Bompie, her new grandfather lives. Through Sophie’s and Cody’s travel
logs, we learn of the many experiences the crew has as their perilous
journey unfolds. Sophie, adopted, also has to come to grips with the
memories of her forgotten past. The crew discovers the joys and trials of
belonging to a family.
Wanted: Mud Blossom
Betsy Byars
Watchdog and the Coyotes
Utah Children’s Book Award Winner 1997.
Bill Wallace
War with Grandpa, The
Robert Kimmel Smith
Warriors into the Wild
Erin Hunter
Four Clans of wild cats share the forest and abide by rules established by
ancestors long ago. When the ThunderClan is in grave danger, an
ordinary house cat turns out to be the bravest warrior of all.
Water Buffalo Days
Huynh Quang Nhuong
The author tells of his boyhood days in Vietnam. The family purchases
and raises a water buffalo that becomes part of their family and a source
of pride for the community. Good for introducing or comparing cultures.
Water Horse, The
Dick King-Smith
A fantasy telling of the origin of the Loch Ness Monster, which in “reality”
is a friendly water horse hatched from an egg and raised by two young
children and their grandfather. Special cautions: Recommended for
younger readers. A very easy read. Utah Children’s Book Award 2002
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Nominee.
Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963, The
Christopher P. Curtis
This is a very humorous yet serious and touching story of a black family
from Flint, Michigan who learn about discrimination first hand while visiting
Birmingham, Alabama in 1963. This book has received many awards
including the 1996 Newbery Honor Book and the 1996 Coretta Scott King
Honor Book. Curriculum ties: Black History, Civil Rights. Special cautions
or recommendations: Contains some “cussing”. Teachers, be sure to read
this before introducing it to your class.
Wayside School (Series)*
Louis Sachar
Weasel
Cynthia C. DeFelice
Weedflower
Cynthia Kadahota
Sumiko is only 12 years old, but she can already divide her life into two
distinct periods: the good times before Pearly Harbor and the bad times
after. At the internment camp, she and her family cope with their new
situation, and the uncertainty of the future.
Week in the Woods, A
Andrew Clements
A week in the woods is the highlight for every fifth grader in a New
Hampshire school until a new rich kid, Mark, moves into town. Since Mark
plans on going to boarding school in the sixth grade, he begins his new
school totally disinterested in everything. He is the first student ever to ask
if he has to go to the woods. When he changes his mind and decides he
wants to go, his science teacher has already concluded that Mark is
trouble. When Mark is falsely accused of bring a weapon to camp, he
disappears into the woods putting himself and others in danger. His
science teacher discovers Mark’s innocence and goes into the woods in
an attempt to save Mark.
Well Wished
Franny Billingsley
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2000
Eleven-year-old Nuria lives with her grandfather up on the mountain near
the village of Bishop Mayne. In the village there is a magical wishing well
where one may make one wish in a lifetime. The well can create
problems for those who use its power. One wish took all the children in the
town away. Catty, one child who mysteriously became crippled, returns.
Catty asks Nuria to make a wish so she can walk again. The wish goes
wrong, and it is Nuria then that is crippled in Catty’s body. Catty assumes
Nuria’s life. Be careful what you wish for. This storyline may not move
clearly and swiftly enough for some readers.
Westing Game, The
Ellen Raskin
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Wheel on the School, The
Meindert DeJong
When Hitler Stole Pink Rabbit
Judith Kerr
When My Name was Keoko
Linda Park
Beehive Award Nominee 2004. A Korean family tells what life was like
during the Japanese occupation of Korea at the beginning of World War II.
Among other changes to their daily lives, all Koreans were forced to take
Japanese names and speak only Japanese. Curriculum ties: World War II
from asian perspective, prejudice, patriotism.
When the Circus Came to Town
Polly Horvath
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 1999
This is the story of an ex-circus family who moves into a small town and
changes the peaceful existence there. It is a funny book that teaches
about accepting people.
When the Soldiers Were Gone
Vera W. Propp
Utah Children’s Book Award Nominee 2000
An eight-year-old Jewish boy lives with his parents’ friends during the
Holocaust for safety. He grows up thinking they are his parents. After the
war his real parents come to get him, and he has a hard time realizing he
has a different family. This is a good way for children to see what
happened during the Holocaust.
Tie Sixth grade Social Studies
When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
Kimberly Willis Holt
Nothing ever happens in small town, Antler, Texas. That is until one
summer. Things changed. Toby’s mother leaves to become a rock star
singer, his best friend Cal’s brother goes off to war, and the fattest boy in
the world, Zachary Beaver, arrives in town to be shown. Zachary stays on
and the boys are enthralled with him and his stories. They come to know
the true Zachary. Curriculum ties: Friendship, acceptance, Vietnam war.
Where the Red Fern Grows
Wilson Rawls
Whipping Boy, The
Sid Fleishman
White Fang
Jack London
White Star
Marty Crisp
Twelve year old Sam is traveling back to America from England on the
Titanic. He finds there are dogs aboard the ship and he takes on the job
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of caring for them. The relationship that he forms with White Star, and
Irish Setter, is tested when the Titanic sinks.
Wind in the Door
Madeleine L’Engle
Wind in the Willows, The
Kenneth Grahame
Windcatcher
Avi
Winter of Red Snow, The
Kristiana Gregory
The Revolutionary War Diary of Abigail Jane Stewart from the Dear
America Series. This is a wonderful story of Abigail Jane Stewart. She
lived at Valley Forge during the time of the Revolutionary War. George
Washington and many soldiers come to Valley Forge to stay for the winter.
Abigail’s diary tells of many experiences that could have happened while
the soldiers stayed at Valley Forge.
Winter Room, The
Gary Paulsen
Wish Giver, The
Bill Brittain
Wish in the Bottle, The
Morna Macleod
An easy-to-read story about a family of two sisters and a brother who
enjoy an adventure with an interesting ending. They discover how easy it
is to give up three wishes just by expressing wants or needs.
Witch of Blackbird Pond, The
Elizabeth George Speare
Witches, The
Roald Dahl
Wizard of Oz
Frank Baum
Wolf Brother
Michelle Paver
Torak is a 12-year-old boy whose father dies. Before he dies Torak
promises his father to take a journey to find “The Mountain of the World
Spirit.” This book is about his journey. Cautions: This book contains a
graphic depiction of an animal attack.
Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet, The
Eleanor Cameron
David and Chuck answer an ad and with the help of Mr. Bass, build a
spaceship and fly it to the Mushroom Planet. Curriculum ties: Goes well
with Planet X science unit from William and Mary.
Word Eater, The
Mary Amato
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The magical story of a small worm that has the power to make things
disappear. Lerner Chanse, a sixth-grader who is miserable in her new
school, is faced with the dilemma of which words to feed Fip. She learns
that great power brings great responsibility. A simple tale. Utah Children’s
Book Award 2002 Nominee.
Words of Stone
Kevin Henkes
World According to Humphrey, The
Betty G. Birney
The protagonist is a classroom pet hamster. Getting past some annoying
writing, the reader will find value in some of the points made at the end of
the book. It may appeal to anyone who has a hamster in the classroom
and gives some good care tips. Best suited for younger readers.
Wrinkle in Time, A
Madeleine L’Engle
Year of Impossible Good-byes
Sook Nyul Choi
This book is a compelling look at Korea’s struggles. It shows the lack of
freedoms other cultures have forced on a people. The book has an
ending that shows what courage and the human spirit can accomplish.
Year of Impossible Good-byes is appropriate for sixth grade or above, but
there is a reference about the taking of the sock girls that implies they will
be forced into prostitution. Use this book with caution.
Year of Miss Agnes, The
Kirkpatrick Hill
Set in Alaska in 1948, this story of a great teacher is told through the eyes
of a student. It is told with warmth and humor. The students learn that
when they go through the door opened by a teacher, nothing will ever be
the same again. The culture of Alaska is woven throughout the tale. Utah
Children’s Book Award 2002 Nominee.
Year of the Panda, The
Miriam Schlein
This story of a young boy’s love for a baby panda expresses a complex
message about endangered animals. The author portrays the conflicts
between the needs of the poor and endangered animals. It shows what a
government can do when it makes a commitment.
Yellow Star
Jennifer Roy
Yellow Star is the true story of Syria Perlmutter, one of twelve children to
survive the Lodz Ghetto of Poland during the Holocaust. The story is told
from the perspective of a child. Each section is started with a simple
explanation of the historical background of that section, and then is written
in free verse.
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Yolanda’s Genius
Carol Fenner
Yolanda’s family lives in Chicago. Their family moves to Michigan
because of Chicago’s inner- city issues. Yolanda has shown that her
brother is a musical genius and tries to convince the adults around her of
his special gift. Special cautions: This book talks about the drugs and
street life in Chicago. Teachers should review this book and evaluate it in
terms of the school community. It is recommended for mature 5th and 6th
grader readers.
Zach’s Lie
Roland Smith
Zack Granger is really Jack Osborne. He’s a pretty ordinary kid until his
dad is arrested for consorting with drug traffickers. When his dad winds up
in jail, Jack, his sister, and mother are put into the witness security
program. Cautions: This is a wonderful book with a lot of heart. However,
it starts in the middle of the story then flashes back to the beginning and
then moves forward to the end. This could be quite confusing for less
capable readers, but for better readers or as a read aloud it’s a great
book.
Zeely
Virginia Hamilton
Elizabeth and her brother spend the summer at their uncle’s farm without
their parents. Elizabeth meets Zeely, a very tall, dignified older girl. After
finding a picture of an African queen in a magazine, Elizabeth decides
Zeely must be an African princess. Zeely helps Elizabeth discover that
“what’s inside you” is what counts. Curriculum ties: African History.
Zlata’s Diary
Zlata Filipovic
OTHER BOOKS
SERIES BOOKS
Books in a series marked with an asterisk (*) are approved if they have a
copyright date before 1996. Any books added to the series after 1996 must be
reviewed by the committee.
GIFTED PROGRAM
Novels recommended for The College of William and Mary National Language
Arts Curriculum Project for High Ability Learners are approved for use with
elementary students only through special permission from the Gifted Education
Department.
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HOUGHTON-MIFFLIN AND OPEN COURT MATERIALS
Open Court and Houghton-Mifflin, Invitations to Literacy, are two reading
programs adopted by Granite District for use in grades four through six. Books
listed in the bibliographies of this program may be used, following the
recommendations given in the program, by schools adopting Houghton-Mifflin
and Open Court.
Exceptions to this approval are novels already listed for use in secondary schools. Please check
the Secondary Instructional Materials list before using books from the bibliography for total-class
instruction.
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