Clifford the Big Red Dog, by Norman Bridwell
Have you ever lived with a dog that was taller than your house? Then you should meet Clifford the big, but friendly dog! Come along on the daily adventures with Clifford and best friend Emily Elizabeth and see what it's like to own a dog with big expectations.
Gregory the Terrible Eater, by Mitchell Sharmat
A funny book about a not-so average young goat who only eats fruits and vegetables and avoids the typical goat diet of tires, tin cans, clothing, and shoes. Gregory's parents find ways to combine food from the average goat diet, with Gregory's fruits and vegetables into one meal. This funny story will entertain kids and teach them ways to eat healthier at the same time.
Frog and Toad, by Arold Lobel
This book is a fun children's story about a frog and a toad who become friends. Frog is green and friendly, while Toad is brown and serious. The two are able to set their differences aside and be friends as they go on adventures such as cleaning up Toad's house and flying kites. This is an enjoyable book for kids and helps teach them that appearance doesn't matter when choosing friends.
Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, by Judith Viorst
In this funny story, Alexander is just not having a good day. Nothing is going his way and whatever he does doesn't seem to work out. He decides that it would be best for him to move to Australia since everything in Australia is upside-down. In Australia he might he would be having a super, awesome, amazing day rather than a horrible one. This is a great story for kids of all ages and will help bad days aren't always as bad as they seem.
The Very Quiet Cricket, by Eric Carle
This story is about a small cricket that tries over and over to make a chirp by rubbing his wings together whenever other insects pass. He tries making the unique sounds of the other insects, but is unable to. However, when a cricket passes by, the small cricket is finally able to make his sound. This story teaches children how animals communicate with their own species.
Noisy Nora, by Rosemary Wells
Nora is a young girl who fails to earn the attention of her parents who are always taking care of her baby sister. Nora decides that causing some disasters around the house would definitely get her parents' attention. When she doesn't get their attention, she hides in the cupboards, eventually causing them to come looking. Children who have younger siblings should be able to relate to this funny and enjoyable story.
The Great Kapok Tree: A Tale of the Amazon Rain Forest, by Lynne Cherry
This well-illustrated story is about a Kapok Tree that stands tall in the Amazon Rain forest. One day a man sees the tree and decides to cut it down, but because of the tree's size, the man gets tired from cutting and falls asleep. While he is asleep, animals from the rainforest whisper to him, telling him not to cut the tree down. When he wakes up, he drops his axe and walks away. This story teaches children to respect our environment and that trees are homes to many animals.
Julius, the Baby of the World, by Kevin Henkes
Everyone in the family thinks Julius is a wonder, except for his older sister Lily. In fact, she wants Julius to leave and never come back. At Julius's party, however, Lily's cousin, Garland, don't quite agree with the family. Lily eventually stands up for her baby brother. This story shows children that no matter what your siblings
say, they will always love you.
GRADE 1
Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing, by Judi Barret
Children will enjoy reading this book as it is funny and easy to interpret. The book brings up age-old questions concerning animals and wearing clothing, with fun and interesting explanations.
Miss Bridie Chose a Shovel, Leslie Connor
This is a delightful story about Miss Bridie who chooses to move to America from her home country. Kids will enjoy reading about the adventures of whacky Miss Bridie, and why she chose to move to America.
Araminta's Paint Box, Karen Ackerman
When Araminta's father becomes the first doctor in a California town, Araminta is forced to journey across America. Kids will enjoy this story about her travels as well as her prized possession of her paint box.
The Scarebird, by Sid Fleischman
In this enjoyable, yet interesting story, a lonely farmer sets up a scarecrow to scare away the birds from his crops. Eventually the farmer names his scarecrow and begins to bond with him, despite his scary appearance.
Family Pictures/Cuadros de Familia, by Carmen Lomas Garza
In this story, kids will enjoy learning about the holidays and activities of the Hispanic culture. With beautiful pictures and simple captions, children will be able to experience what it's truly like to live in a Hispanic community.
Emily and the Enchanted Frog, by Helen V. Griffith
This fairy tale spoof includes three stories about prince frogs, magical elves, and even a crab who thinks he is a mermaid! Kids will enjoy reading these stories, while being able to understand the moral as well as make the connection to the real fairy tale!
And So They Build, by Bert Kitchen
Filled with detailed pictures, this book shows how 12 different species of animals live. With descriptions of the animal's homes and their behavior, kids will be able to understand how these animals survive on a daily basis.
Mary Had a Little Lamp, by Jack Lechner
A story that will bring out the laughs! Mary is attached to her lamp and would pick it over anything else offered to her. Her concerned parents send her off to summer camp without her lamp! Learn about Mary's adventure to camp without her trusty lamp.
GRADE 2
Emma, by Wendy Kesselman
Emma is a lonely old lady who happens to be celebrating her 72nd birthday with her children and grandchildren. For her birthday, they bought her a painting of the town she grew up in. Although she may have appreciated the gift, she decides to repaint the town she remembers in her own way. After a couple of paintings, she no longer feels lonely and enjoys painting what she remembers.
Good Driving Amelia Badelia, by Herman Parish
Fasten your seat belts tightly as Amelia Badelia is back and on the road! Kids will enjoy her misunderstandings of driving concepts including a "fork in the road" and "spare tire" in this hilarious book about driving.
Elizabeth and Larry, by Marilyn Sadler
Kids will enjoy this book about the relationship between an elderly lady and an alligator. Although their friendship is strong, the alligator soon realizes that he does not fit in with Elizabeth's habitat. Although it's a struggle to remain close friends, there is a surprise ending. Along with the humorous style, you'll learn how different species survive in different habitats.
Guess Who My Favorite Person Is, by Byrd Baylor
This is a book of good feelings, as kids will enjoy the friendship made between a young man and a young girl in a field. By determining their favorite objects, they develop a friendship made over the course of an afternoon.
Wan Hu is in the Stars, by Jennifer Armstrong
In this nice Chinese fairy-tale and picture book, a poet by the name Wan Hu desires nothing more than to learn of the stars. He tries all the ways he could to learn them, but his absent-minded attitude confuses the rest of the village. After all the attempts Wan Hu decides to fly to the stars by strapping himself to a chair and setting off rockets. Let's hope he makes it.
Amelia's Road, by Linda Jacobs Altman
This story is about a girl named Amelia whose family frequently moves to pick crops. Amelia hates maps because her father always takes one out before they move. Read about Amelia's experiences throughout her travels and learn how she puts her spot on the map.
Dandelions, by Eve Bunting
This well-told story is about a family moving from Illinois to their new home back in the 1800's. When their sod house is finished, everybody is happy, except for the mother, who imagined her house would just blend in with the terrain. Her daughter, Zoe, decided to plant dandelions on the roof so that the house would stand out! This story will make you think about your own home and why it's unique.
A River Ran Wild, by Lynne Cherry
A biography about the river, this story takes us through time of what the Nashua River once was to what it is today. This intriguing story teaches children about how nature changes over time.
GRADE 3
Fanny's Dream, by Carolyn and Mark Buehner
In this fairy-tale-style story, we meet Fanny, a farm girl whose dream is to marry a prince. Instead of following her dream, she meets a short farmer by the name of Heber who proposes to her. They work together and share laughter on the farm for many years. This fairy tale is a great story about values.
Ida Early Comes Over the Mountain, by Robert Burch
Ida, a free-spirit, often boasts that she's done everything the right way. The story takes place during the Great Depression, when looking for a job was difficult. She decides to live with the motherless Sutton family. This story takes children through emotions such as pride and sadness and will show them what it means to be a good friend.
The Birchbark House, by Louise Erdrich
Learn what it's like to be a kid who is part of the Ojibwa tribe from the little island on Lake Superior. Experience the different lifestyle and the tribe's ways of survival. You can also see the Native Americans' perspectives on white settlers and travelers.
Sami and the Time of Troubles, by Florence Parry Heide
This powerful story shows children what it is like to be a kid living during wartimes. Sami is a 10-year-old boy living in Lebanon during a time of war. Children will enjoy this interesting tale about a boy, his family, and a serious war that forces them to run for shelter in Sami's uncle's basement.
Abel's Island, by William Steig
Come along on this adventurous tale about a daring mouse by the name of Abel, who gets carried away by a storm. Abel, now stranded alone on an island, tries to seek help for a long time. Abel learns how to survive on the island and one day figures out how to leave to go back to his wife, Amanda. This story will teach children some handy skills to survive on your own.
Maniac Magee, by Jerry Spinelli
This book will help you understand new values such as prejudice, love, and sadness, as Jeffery Lionel Magee, also known as Maniac Magee, takes you through the city of Two Mills. In the city, Magee tries his best to get people of different races to talk to each other as well as his own uncle and aunt. This book will help teach children about segregation.
Call Me Francis Tucket, by Gary Paulsen
If you read Mr. Tucket, then you'll definitely have to check out this book. Experience the Wild West with Tucket as we watch him deal with concepts such as theft, abandonment, and rebuilding. Although it may have been a dangerous time, Tucket helped tame the wild in the West.
The Castle in the Attic, Elizabeth Winthrop
This fantasy story is about the quest to recapture a small-scale "kingdom." Read about William who miniaturizes himself to help Sir Simon fight off the evil wizard, Alastor from taking over the castle.
GRADE 4
The Barn, Avi
In this touching story, Ben, the youngest child in his family has been told to come back home due to a family emergency. Ben's father has had a stroke and can no longer take care of the family and farm. Read how Ben is able to build the barn and rebuild his family.
Tuck Everlasting, Natalie Babbitt
This is a unique story that takes you far into the concepts of choices. Winnie, a bored and over-protected girl meets the Tuck family. The Tucks have been drinking water from a well causing them to be immortal and not age. As the story progresses, new challenges arise. Can the Tucks keep their secret? Should Winnie drink from the well?
Everywhere, by Bruce Brooks
Kids will enjoy this wonderful and magical book about Peanut and Dooley. Read about their attempt to resurrect Peanut's beloved grandfather through an ancient magical process. Will it work? Will anyone be harmed?
The Place of the Lions, by Eric Campell
When Chris and his father travel to Tanzania to start a new life, their plane suddenly crashes. With the plane's pilot unconscious and his father seriously hurt, Chris needs to find help. The plan happens to land near an area surrounded by a pack of lions. Dangerous poachers are in the area as well. It is up to Chris to find help for both him and the lions.
Bud, Not Buddy, Chistoper Paul Curtis
In this book, an orphan named Bud decides to go out on a quest to find his father. Although alone, Bud takes us on an adventure using his rule: "To have a funnier life and make a better liar out of yourself." This book helps teach the values of love, family, and a home. Find out if Bud is able to make the successful journey to find his family.
Thank You, Jackie Robinson, by Barbara Cohen
Baseball fanatic Sam attempts to do something beyond the game. His mother runs an inn and the cook, Davey, happens to be Sam's best friend. Davey, who is African American, admires Jackie Robinson because he was the first black man in the Major Leagues. Both Sam and Davey go to see Jackie Robinson play. While traveling, they experience troubles including segregation and sickness. Sam believes the only way to save Davey is to get an autographed Jackie Robinson baseball. This touching and emotional story brings out a bond between two friends and shows what it was like to live during the years of segregation.
What Jamie Saw, by Carolyn Coman
This is a very thoughtful story about child-abuse and how to heal the wounds of fear. After Jamie's father, Van, becomes explosive and angry, Jamie leaves with her mother Patty, and sister, Nin, to live with Patty's friend Earl. With the help of Earl as well as Jamie's teacher, they are able to live safely.
Walk Two Moons, by Sharon Creech
Thirteen-year-old Sal and her grandparents are traveling across the country on the same route her abandoning mother took. On her trip, you learn a lot about Sal's relationship with her grandparents, her best friend, and her father. However, her relationship with her mom is difficult and she can't forgive her mother for leaving her. You will enjoy the mysterious quest that Sal takes to find her mom.
GRADE 5 AND UP
Going Through the Gate, by Janet S. Anderson
Miss Clough has been the teacher of the town's single class school for years now. It is graduation day for the sixth graders and they are about to experience something that has never been done by the class before: walking through the gate. Supposedly, when you walk through the gate, magical fantasies come upon you. You'll enjoy this book's rite of passage story as well as the mystery and suspense it holds.
The Moves Make the Man, by Bruce Brooks
Jerome is a baseball fanatic and the only black student at his all-white school. Soon, he meets Bix, who shares in Jerome's passion for baseball. Although they have a new friendship, they are both dealing with family issues at home. This book shows children that race doesn't matter.
The Pinballs, by Betsy Byars
This positive story about three orphans that are taken in by the Mason family will touch many readers. The three orphans, Carrie, Harvey, and Thomas J all come from abusive backgrounds, and believe that they are constantly being controlled by others. That's where the name pinball comes from. As time goes on in the Masons' house, the three learn to care for, love and trust one another.
Nory Ryans's Song, by Patricia Reilly Giff
This book takes place during the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-1800s. The potatoes, however, were not the only thing destroyed. When the famine broke out, Nory's father decided to leave the family to work on a fishing boat, but never came back. Some other members of Nory's family left for America. This touching story will help you see what it was like for Nory to help her family survive.
The Breaker Boys, by Pat Hughes
Nate Tanning comes from a family of mine owners and has had trouble finding the right group of friends in the mining town where he lives. He soon begins to hang out with some "breaker boys." However, if Nate told the boys about his family, they would reject him and if Nate told his family about his friends then they would disallow it. The breaker boys soon go on a strike against the mine company, and Nate has to pick either his friends or his family.
I am Regina, by Sally M. Keehn
Regina Leininger, a child from Pennsylvania, was captured by the Native Americans in 1755. Originally a white settler, Regina lives with the Native Americans for eight years. Although she tried keeping her identity, she eventually adapted to a Native American lifestyle. When the Native Americans brought her back to her original family, she had trouble remembering her original name. This book gives a chance to see what it was like for not only the white settlers, but for the Native Americans, during the 1700's.
Jacob Have I Loved, by Katherine Patterson
Similar to the biblical story of Jacob and Esau, Louise felt like she was ignored by her family, because they were focusing more on the success of her twin sister Caroline. Louise is portrayed as the not-so special girl and gradually identifies her talents as you read along in the book. You'll enjoy reading this story of Louise's journey to self-appreciation and identified talent.
Previous Reading List - February 2009
KINDERGARTEN
Olivia, Ian Falconer
A story about a fun-loving pig that enjoys painting and the beach. Olivia hates naps but loves making sandcastles and torturing her little brother. . A story that all ages alike will enjoy.
Goodnight Moon, Margaret Wise Brown and Clement Hurd
A classic story, this picture book is great for kids of all ages. With colorful pictures and a poem-like style, it will be a favorite among kids as a nighttime story.
Where's Spot, Eric Hill
This lift-the-flap book is a great story for young readers. They will be excited to search for Spot, the colorful dog, throughout the fun board book.
GRADE 1
Green Eggs and Ham, Dr. Seuss
A children's classic story about not wanting to eat green eggs and ham! Children will love this rhyming tale.
Clifford, Norman Bridwell
A tale about an irresistible big red dog and his adventures with his owner, Emily Elizabeth. Kids will be enthralled by this story of the biggest dog on the block!
Itchy Itchy Chicken Pox, Grace MacCarone
The rhymes and story are sure to keep kids entertained, with or without the chicken pox!
The Rainbow Fish, Marcus Pfister
This colorful, glittery book has been a favorite of young readers for years and continues to be. The lesson of this story revolves around being blinded by outside beauty so much that you lose sight of people's inner beauty!
Are you my mother? P.D. Eastman
This story chronicles the journey of a baby bird who is trying to find his mother. He asks cows, planes, and even steam shovels if they are his mother! After relentless looking, he is finally able to find his mother.
Corduroy, Don Freeman
Corduroy is a mischievous bear that sneaks around his department store at night! This story about the lovable bear is sure to warm the hearts of those who read it and his adventurous night, hiding in beds and riding down escalators is a heartwarming tale.
Blueberries for Sal, Robert McCloskey
A timeless classic about a mother and daughter who go blueberry picking atop of Blueberry Hill. The other side of the hill is home to a mother bear and her cub, who are also picking berries. The two mothers continue on when their daughters stop to rest and meet at the top!
5 Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, Eileen Christelow
A story about the classic tale of 5 little monkey siblings jumping on their bed! After dismissing their doctor's words of wisdom, they continue jumping, and we all know the story!
GRADE 2
A Girl Named Helen Keller, Margo Lundell
A colorful depiction of the extraordinary Helen Keller and her incredibly teacher. The end of the book houses a brail alphabet for kids to learn.
The Wheels on the Bus, Paul O. Zelinsky
A book adaptation of the classic children's song "The Wheels on the Bus." With flaps, tabs, and other movable parts, it makes it an interactive tale!
The Berenstain Bears Books, Stan and Jan Berenstain
A series of books depicting the Berenstain Family, a group of four, loving bears who have all sorts of mishaps happen together!
Madeline, Ludwig Bemelmans
Madeline is a girl who loves adventure! Read about all her fun and interesting stories with Miss Clavelle, and her lovable friends. Set in Paris, this story is all about Madeline's trip to the hospital in the middle of the night.
Arthur Book Series, Marc Brown
Arthur the Anteater has many other animal friends that go through all different adventures together! Read about this elementary school aged young anteater and all his mishaps.
GRADE 3
The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Stupid Fairy Tales, Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith
A funny alteration of all the classic stories that we have grown up with. These tales are sure to make children roll on the floor with laughter as they here about the mishaps of the Little Red Hen, Cinderella, and other classic characters.
You Can't Eat Your Chicken Pox Amber Brown, Paula Danzinger and Tony Ross
This humorous tale about Amber Brown and her chicken pox (that come on during her trip to London with her aunt!) is sure to delight young readers with funny conversation and a heartwarming story about a daughter reuniting with her father.
The Bridge to Terabithia, Katherine Peterson and Donna Diamond
This story about two friends who create a secret and magical kingdom in the woods is heartwarming. After Leslie movies to town and meets Jess, the two become instant friends and create this secret world that the two of them rule as king and queen.
A Bear Called Paddington, Michael Bond
A classic story about a bear who was found in London's Paddington Station wearing a sign, "Please Look After This Bear," and was taken in by a loving family. His adventures and mishaps living with his new family are outlined in this book.
Sarah Plain and Tall, Patricia MacLachlan
A wonderful story for children about classic, early American Life that follows a young girl growing up on a farm.
Nasty Stinky Sneakers, Eve Bunting
A story about Colin, who wants to win three pairs of Slam Dunkers sneakers. He must have the stinkiest sneakers to win these new shoes though! His friend Webster helps him with all the possible ways to make the stinkiest sneakers and win his crush, Poppy's, heart.
GRADE 4
A Wrinkle in Time, Madeline L'Engle
An enchanting tale about Meg Murry, her little brother Charles Wallace and their mother who are greeted by an unusual stranger in their kitchen when getting a midnight snack...
The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe, C.S. Lewis
The first book in the Chronicles of Narnia Series, this tale follows four children as they go through a wardrobe door into a magical land called Narnia. They are swept up in the power of the White Witch and must endure in this magical, wintry land.
Sideways Stories from Wayside School, Louis Sachar and Julie Brinckloe
These heartwarming stories of the children at the strange Wayside School are included in this anthology of stories. Funny mishaps and such happen to these students and every reader is sure to get a kick out of this book!
Harriet the Spy, Louis Fitzhugh
A story about an investigative little girl named Harriet who spies on people and writes about them in her notebook. The story portrays childhood issues and problems, especially when her classmates find the book and read what she has said about them, making her an outcast.
Matilda, Roald Dahl and Quentin Blake
A story about a small girl who can move things with her mind and gets lost in her own little world. It's a wonderful tale that will have readers at the edge of their seats!
There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom, Louis Sachar
A story about a friendless fifth grader named Bradley Chalkers. He is befriended by a new boy at school named Jeff, and then by the new school counselor, who, when Jeff retracts his friendship offer, helps him restore his self confidence.
The School Story, Andrew Clements
A cheerful story about two young girls who are aspiring novelists! This book chronicles their adventure to get their book into the right hands, without anyone knowing that the authors are only twelve years old.
GRADE 5 AND UP
The Cay, Theodore Taylor
This adventure tale follows Phillip, an eleven year old boy who is blinded when his boat is torpedoed while travelling to safety of a war with his mother. He ends up on a raft with a cat and an old black man. They land on a deserted island and grow to love and learn from each other.
The Homework Machine, Dan Gutman
A fascinating story about Brenton, a computer genius, who invents a machine that is able to do homework for him. His three friends, Kelsey, Sam and Judy soon find out and are abusing his machine, jeopardizing their friendship and their homework skills!
No Talking, Andrew Clements
This funny novel tells the story of Dave Packer and his fifth grade classmates who challenge each other to a no talking contest for 48 hours! Do you think you could stay quiet for 48 hours?
Chicken Boy, Frances O'Roark Dowell
This heartwarming story is about a Tobin, a seventh grader who becomes friends with Henry, the new kid in school. Tobin doesn't have a very good home life, but when he befriends Henry, he is taught all these new things he never knew before, including having a friend, and learning how to raise chickens!
Free Baseball, Sue Corbett
Felix is a young boy who knows very little about his father, who risked his life to send him to America with his mother from Cuba, other than him being a famous baseball player in Cuba. The minute a Cuban baseball team rolls into town, Felix is immediately enthralled, and when he goes to ask if any of them knew his father, he is mistaken for their new batboy and has the time of his life aiding the team and learning about his love of baseball.
The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs, Betty G. Birney
Eben McAllister is an eleven year old boy living in Sassafras Springs, MO in 1923. He is fascinated by the Seven Wonders of the World and is challenged to find the Seven Wonders in seven days in his hometown of Sassafras Springs. If he finds them, he will get a ticket to Colorado to visit his cousins.
