The Literary Cafe The Literary Cafe Books for Readers and Thinkers Books for Readers and Thinkers
More The more you read, The more you know. The more you know, The smarter you grow. The smarter you grow, The stronger your voice, When speaking your mind, or making your choice.
Appetizers: Short, Savory Selections
1
Brother Eagle, Sister Sky * by Chief Seattle
Journey to Jo’burg by Beverly Naidoo
A Suquamish Indian chief describes his people's respect and love for the earth and concern for its destruction.
Separated from their mother by the harsh social and economic conditions prevalent among blacks in South Africa, thirteen-year-old Naledi and her younger brother make a journey over 300 kilometers to find her in Johannesburg.
AR BL: 4.4 Points: 0.5 Speech American Bookseller’s Book of the Year On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer When his best friend drowns while they are both swimming in a treacherous river that they had promised never to go near, Joel is devastated and terrified at having to tell both sets of parents the terrible consequences of their disobedience. AR BL: 4.7 Newbery Honor
Points: 2.0
Missing May by Cynthia Rylant
AR BL: 4.6
Points: 2.0
The Little Prince * by Antoine de Saint-Exupery This enchanting classic fable tells the story of a pilot downed in the Sahara and a boy from outer space who teaches hi the meaning of life. One of Dr. Salemi’s personal favorites. AR BL: 5.0 Points: 2.0 NCTE Notable Children’s Book in the Language Arts
Bull Run by Paul Fleischman
After the death of the beloved aunt who has raised her, twelve-year-old Summer and her Uncle Ob leave their West Virginia trailer in search of the strength to go on living.
Northerners, Southerners, generals, couriers, dreaming boys, and worried sisters describe the glory, the horror, the thrill, and the disillusionment of the first battle of the Civil War.
AR BL: 5.3 Newbery Medal
AR BL: 5.3 Points: 2.0 Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award
Points: 3.0
Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse
Good Masters! Sweet Ladies! Voices from a Medieval Village by Laura Amy Schitz
In a series of poems, fourteen-year-old Billie Jo relates the hardships of living on her family's wheat farm during the Dust Bowl years.
A collection of short one-person poems, featuring characters between the ages of ten and fifteen years old, who live in or near a thirteenth-century English manor.
AR BL: 5.3 Newbery Medal
AR BL: 5.6 Newbery Medal
Points: 3.0
Points: 2.0
Carver: a life in Poems By Marilyn Nelson
The Gift of the Magi * by O. Henry
Through 44 poems, told from the point of view of George Washington Carver and the people who knew him, Marilyn Nelson celebrates his character and accomplishments.
A husband and wife sacrifice treasured possessions in order to buy each other Christmas presents.
AR BL: 5.9 Points: 1.0 Coretta Scott King Honor Call It Courage by Armstrong Sperry Mafatu's name means "Stout Heart," but his people call him a coward. Ever since the sea took his mother's life and spared his own, he has lived with deep fear. And even though his father is the Great Chief of Hikueru--an island whose seafaring people worship courage--he is terrified.. By the time he is twelve years old, Mafatu can bear it no longer. He must conquer his fear alone. . . even if it means death. AR BL: 6.2 Newbery Medal
Points: 3.0
AR BL: 6.2 Points: 0.5 Classic Short Story I Have a Dream * by Martin Luther King, Jr. The text of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech is one of the most inspiring in American history. AR BL: 7.2 Speech
Points: 0.5
2
Soups, Salads, and Sandwiches: Humorous, but Filling Fare One Crazy Summer * By Rita Garcia-Williams
Joey Pigza Series By Jack Gantos
Delphine and her younger sisters travel across the country to visit the mother Delphine barely remembers in this humorous look at the very serious events happening in the country and the Civil Rights Movement during the summer of 1968.
Joey Pigza can't sit still. He can't pay attention, he can't follow the rules, and he can't help it. Especially when his meds aren't working. Joey's had problems ever since he was born, problems just like his father and grandmother have. And whether he's wreaking havoc on a class trip or swallowing his house key, Joey's problems keep getting worse. Will he ever get anything right? Find out in the humorous but thoughtprovoking Joey Pigza series by Jack Gantos.
AR BL: 4.6 Points: 7.0 Multiple Award Winner — Newbery Honor, Coretta Scott King, Scott O’Dell, Historical Fiction Award, National Book Award Finalist
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key AR BL: 4.9 Points: 5.0 National Book Award Finalist
A Long Way From Chicago A Year Down Yonder By Richard Peck A rollicking celebration of an eccentric grandmother and childhood memories. Set in the 1930s, this book follows Joe and Mary Alice Dowdel as they make their annual August trek to visit their grandmother who lives in a sleepy Illinois town somewhere between Chicago and St. Louis. You might also enjoy the Newbery Award Winning sequel, about Mary Alice’s adventures, A Year Down Yonder.
Joey Pigza Loses Control AR BL: 4.9 Points: 7.0 Newbery Honor What Would Joey Pigza Do? AR BL: 5.1 Points: 8.0 I Am Not Joey Pigza AR BL: 5.3 Points: 8.0
A Long Way From Chicago AR BL: 5.0 Points: 5.0 Newbery Honor and National Book Award Finalist
Rules of the Road By Joan Bauer Jenna is the kind of girl most likely to stand out in the crowd - for all the wrong reasons. But that doesn’t stop Madeline Gladstone from hiring Jenna to drive her cross country in a last ditch effort to stop her son from taking over the company. Now Jenna is about to become a shoe-store spy as she joins her crusty old employer for an eyeopening adventure that will teach them both the rules of the road - and the rules of life.
A Year Down Yonder AR BL: 4.5 Points: 4.0 Newbery Medal
Pippi Longstocking By Astrid Lindgren This classic novel features a heroine who is superstrong, independent, and lives just as she pleases. Her amusing antics are a source of shock and interest to the inhabitants of the tiny Swedish town where she lives, particularly to the children who live next door. AR BL: Classic
5.2
AR BL: 5.0 Points: 6.0 ALA Best Books of the Year
Points: 4.0 The Wednesday Wars By Gary D. Schmidt
Everything on a Waffle By Polly Hovarth Primrose Squarp simply knows her parents did not perish at sea during a terrible storm, but try convincing the other residents of Coal Harbour. Primrose finds sanctuary in a restaurant called The Girl in the Swing, where everything - including lasagna - is served on a waffle with some sage advice thrown in as a side. A mix of eccentric humor and probing philosophy makes this a great read. AR BL: 5.8 Newbery Honor
Points: 5.0
The Wednesday Wars is a wonderfully witty and compelling novel about the mishaps and misadventures of Holling Hoodhood over the course of his seventh grade school year . AR BL: 5.9 Newbery Honor
Points: 12.0
The Landry News By Andrew Clements A fifth-grader starts a newspaper with an editorial that prompts her burnt-out classroom teacher to really begin teaching again, but he is later threatened with disciplinary action as a result. AR BL: 6.0 Points: 4.0 NCTE Notable Book
4
From the Grill: Myths, Legends, Folk, Fairy, Tall and Other Tales
Beauty: A Retelling of Beauty and the Beast By Robin McKinley
The Wanderings of Odysseus: The Story of the Odydssey By Rosemary Sutcliff
Kind Beauty grows to love the Beast at whose castle she is compelled to stay and through her love releases him from the spell which had turned him from a handsome prince into an ugly beast.
After the Trojan War, the great warrior Odysseus is ready to return home to his wife and son, but a certain goddess has other plans for him. Rosemary Sutcliff transforms Homer's magnificent epic poem The Odyssey into an enthralling novel complete with a spectacular cast of men, magicians and monsters
AR BL: 5.6
Points: 16.0
AR BL: 6.5
Points: 5.0
D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths* By Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire This best-loved children's book about the gods and goddesses, kings and heroes of ancient Greek mythology offers a whirlwind introduction to Zeus, Hera, Hermes and the other gods, and their often rascally behavior on Mount Olympus and among mortals on Earth. AR BL: 6.6
Points: 6.0 Black Ships Before Troy By Rosemary Sutcliff Homer's epic poem, The Illiad, tells one of the greatest adventure stories of all time. Rosemary Sutcliff’s novel retells the ancient poem’s story where Helen of Troy’s abduction leads to a such a conflict between the Greeks and Trojans that even the gods and goddesses must take sides and intervene. It is in the Trojan War that the most valiant heroes of the ancient world face off against one another. Here Hectore, Ajax, Achilles, and Odysseus meet their most formidable challenges and in some casas their tragic ends. AR BL: 6.8
Cut From the Same Cloth American Women of Myth, Legend and Tall Tale By Robert D. San Souci "Stories culled from the melting pot of American culture (Hawaiian, Eskimo and Native American, among others) unite a league of female folk heroes as courageous, irascible and noble as any of their more famous male counterparts," AR BL: 6.2
Points: 5.0 American Tall Tales By Mary Pope Osborne Tall tales are the uniquely American literary genre of literature where geography, forces of nature, and strong characters converge. This great collection of tales by Magic Tree House author Mary Pope Osborne reflects the great diversity of America.
Points: 5.0
AR BL: 6.2 Points: 5.0 The Golden Fleece and the Heroes Who Lived Before Achilles By Padraic Colum Enter a world where harpies torment mortals, the Argonaut Orpheus sings, the mighty god Zeus wages war on the Titans, and Prometheus steals fire. Author Padraic Colum weaves the tales of Jason and his Argonauts with classic Greek mythology to create this captivating epic about life, war, and astounding beings who lived in a time long past. AR BL: 7.3
Points: 13.0 The Adventures of Robin Hood Roger Lancelyn Green The classic story of social justice and outrageous cunning. Robin Hood is champion of the poor and oppressed by twelfth-century England against the cruel power of Prince John and the brutal Sheriff of Nottingham. He takes refuge with his Merrie Men in the vast Sherwood Forest, emerging time and again to outwit his enemies with daring and panache. AR BL: 8.1
Points: 11.0
King Arthur and His Knights of the Round Table Roger Lancelyn Green A legend is born when young Arthur meets Merlin and draws the mighty sword from its stone. This spellbinding retelling brings to life King Arthur and the adventures of his Knights, from the quest for the Holy Grail to the final tragedy of the Last Battle. AR BL: 7.7
Points: 11.0 The Children’s Homer By Padraic Colum Another retelling for children of Homer’s epic poems about the Trojan War The Iliad and Odyssey . AR BL: 6.9
Points: 9.0
5 Shadow Spinner By Susan Fletcher Every night, Shahrazad begins a story. And every morning, the Sultan lets her live another day -- providing the story is interesting enough to capture his attention. After almost one thousand nights, Shahrazad is running out of tales. And that is how Marjan's story begins. In this modern retelling . . . It falls to Marjan to help Shahrazad find new stories -- ones the Sultan has never heard before. To do that, the girl is forced to undertake a dangerous and forbidden mission: sneak from the harem and travel the city, pulling tales from strangers and bringing them back to Shahrazad. But as she searches the city, a wonderful thing happens. From a quiet spinner of tales, Marjan suddenly becomes the center of a more surprising story than she ever could have imagined. . . . AR BL: 4.6
Points: 8.0
Aladdin and Other Tales of the Arabian Nights N. J. Dawood
The Sword in the Stone* By T. H. White
The Tales from the Arabian Nights are ancient stories of romance, suspense, mystery, magic and adventure originating from Persia, India and Arabia, originally functioning as the daily entertainment of ordinary people. They are woven together under the premise that they saved the life of Shahrazad, a queen whose husband executed each of his new wives after one night of marriage. By beginning an exciting story every evening, but withholding the ending, Shahrazad was able to convince the breathless king to spare her for another day until the next installment. Of course, after 1001 nights of devious story-telling, she had saved her life forever. AR BL: 6.7
AR BL: 7.5 Points: 16.0 Tales of the Greek Heroes Roger Lancelyn Green
Points: 8.0
Tales of Ancient Egypt Roger Lancelyn Green The ancient Egyptians like other ancient civilizations developed their own mythology to explain the creation of the world and natural events. Roger Lancelyn Green has translated and transcribed many of these ancient myths in this collection. Look for connections with other ancient stories. AR BL: 7.2
Under the wise guidance of Merlin, the all-powerful magician for whom life progresses backwards, the young man who would become King Arthur slowly learns the code of being a gentleman while growing up in a colorful world peopled by knights in armor and fair damsels, foul monsters and evil witches,
The mysterious and exciting legends of the gods and heroes in Ancient Greece, from the adventures of Perseus, the labours of Heracles, the voyage of Jason and the Argonauts, to Odysseus and the Trojan wars. AR BL: 8.2 Points: 9.0
Points: 8.0
The Canterbury Tales Retold by Geraldine McCaughrean
Gilgamesh the Hero Retold by Geraldine McCaughrean The legend of Gilgamesh is the oldest written story, pre-dating both The Bible and The Iliad. This is a marvelous retelling of the epic story about a quest for immortality which also includes a legend of the Flood that is remarkably similar to the story of Noah.
McCaughrean presents a retelling in modern English of Geoffrey Chaucer's famous work in which a group of pilgrims in fourteenth-century England tell each other stories as they travel on a pilgrimage to the cathedral at Canterbury.
AR BL: 5.1
AR BL: 7.7
Points: 3.0
Cinder: Book 1 of The Lunar Chronicles By Marissa Meyer A futuristic re-telling of the classic Cinderella story, Cinder is a cyborg (part human, part machine) and must find a way to survive in a post apocalyptic world. Adopted as a young child, Cinder earns her keep in her home by working as a mechanic (who better to work on machines than someone who is part machine herself?). When the Crown Prince asks her to fix his robot, Cinder is sure her life is about to change for the better. But disaster strikes, the feared plague is now in the city and Cinder’s favorite step-sister has been stricken with the dread disease. Cinder’s step-mom blames Cinder, and Cinder finds herself volunteered for the plague immunization tests. Will Cinder survive the plague trials and be able to fix the prince’s robot? Will the prince discover Cinder is a cyborg and decide to have nothing to do with her? What is the mystery surrounding Cinder’s real parents? You’ll just have to read to find out.! AR BL: 5.8
Points: 14.0
Points: 5.0
6
Entrees: Fantasy
The Chronicles of Narnia* By C. S. Lewis
The Prydain Chronicles By Lloyd Alexander
The Chronicles of Narnia is a series of seven classic high fantasy novels which trace the adventures of various children who play important roles in the history of the fictional realm of Narnia where animals talk, magic is common, and good battles evil.. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is the best known book in the series, but all are fantastic reads for any college-bound student.
The Book of Three
The Magician’s Nephew The story of how Aslan created Narnia and gave the gift of speech to its animals. AR BL: 5.4
Points 6.0
The story of Taran, an assistant pig-keeper who wants to become a hero. AR BL: 5.3
Points 7.0
The Black Cauldron In Prydain it has become imperative that the black cauldron of Arawn be destroyed, and Taran decides that this is his opportunity to become a man among men. AR BL: 5.2 Points 7.0 Newbery Honor Book
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Four children travel to Narnia through a wardrobe, and while there, they meet Aslan, a great lion, and help in his battle with the evil White Witch. AR BL: 5.7
Points 6.0
The Castle of Lyr Princess Eilonwy must leave her friends to go to the Isle of Mona for training as a proper princess, where she learns about magic turned to evil purposes. AR BL: 5.4
The Horse and His Boy Two children and two talking horses save Narnia from the Calormen. AR BL: 5.8
Points 11.0
Four children help Prince Caspian and his army of Talking Beasts to free Narnia from evil. AR BL: 5.7
Points 10.0
The Voyage of the ‘Dawn Treader’ Two English children, accompanied by their peevish cousin Eustace, sail to the magic land of Narnia, where Eustace is temporarily transformed into a green dragon because of his selfish behavior and skepticism. AR BL: 5.9
Points 9.0
The Silver Chair Prince Rilian of Narnia is captured and taken to the Emerald Witch's underground kingdom. AR BL: 5.7
Points 8.0
The Last Battle
The tale of how evil came to Narnia, and how Aslan led his people to a glorious new paradise. AR BL: 5.6
Taran Wanderer This fourth volume in the series elates the adventures that befell Taran when he went in search of his birthright and the truth about himself. AR BL: 6.2
Prince Caspian
Points 7.0
“No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally – and often far more – worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond.” C.S. Lewis
Points 7.0
Points 9.0
The High King When the sword of Drnwyn falls into the hands of Arawn-Death-Lord, Taran and his friends raise an army to march against AR BL: 6.1 Newbery Medal
Points 11.0
Savvy By Ingrid Law Follow the adventures of Mibs Beaumont, whose thirteenth birthday has revealed her "savvy"--a magical power unique to each member of her family--just as her father is injured in a terrible accident. AR BL: 6.0 Newbery Honor
Points: 9.0
Scumble (sequel to Savvy) By Ingrid Law Mibs's cousin Ledge is disappointed to discover that his "savvyis to make things fall apart, which endangers his uncle Autry's ranch and reveals the family secret to future reporter Sarah. AR BL: 5.6
Points: 10.0
7 The Blue Sword Duology By Robin McKinley
Redwall Series (Any book ) By Brian Jacques
The Hero and the Crown
Brian Jacques wonderfully richly detailed fantasy series features a medieval world where the mice and other small animals work together to fight the evil in the world. There are too many books in the series to be listed here, but any of them are a fabulous introduction to the work of a master storyteller. Most of the books have book levels in the 5-5.9 range.
Aerin, with the guidance of the wizard Luthe and the help of the blue sword, wins the birthright due her as the daughter of the Damarian king and the witchwoman of the mysterious, demon-haunted North. Prequel to Blue Sword. AR BL: 7.0 Newbery Medal
Points: 15.0
Redwall AR BL: 5.6
Points: 16.0
The Blue Crown Harry, bored with her sheltered life in the remote orange-growing colony of Daria, discovers magic in herself when she is kidnapped by a native king with mysterious powers. AR BL: 6.8 Points: 17.0 Newbery Honor Book
A Series of Unfortunate Events Series (Any book from the series) By Lemony Snicket This thirteen book dark Gothic / fantasy series is remarkable in its use of unusual vocabulary in context. The series follows the adventures of the Baudelaire siblings who were orphaned when their parents were killed in a house fire. They are sent to live with a distant relative, a Count Olaf, who is determined to deprive the children of their inheritance. Books range in level from the low 6s to the 7s. The Bad Beginning AR BL: 6.8 Points: 4.0
Percy Jackson (Any book from either series) By Rick Riordan Great introductions to characters and stories of ancient Greek mythology. Percy Jackson and the Olympians The Lightning Thief (Book 1) Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson learns he is a demigod, the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea. His mother sends him to a summer camp for demigods where he and his new friends set out on a quest to prevent a war between the gods. AR BL: 4.7
Points: 13.0
Additional books in The Lightning Thief series are: Sea of Monsters, Titan’s Curse, Battle of the Labyrinth, and The Last Olympian. Book levels range from mid 4s to mid 5s. The Heroes of Olympus Series The follow-up series to Percy Jackson and the Olympians is just as exciting as a new group of heroes inherit a quest. However, if they are to survive the journey, they'll need the help of some familiar demigods. Titles include: The Lost Hero and The Son of Neptune with book levels from the mid 4s.
The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making By Catherynne M. Valente
The Dark is Rising Sequence (any individual title in the series) By Susan Cooper
The narrator tells a story, not unlike the perils of Alice in Wonderland and Dorothy (in Oz), of a twelve-year-old girl named September who is whisked away to Fairyland to retrieve the golden sword for the cruel Marquess.
This series of five books, based on Arthurian legends, Celtic and Norse Mythology, depicts the epic struggle of good against evil. Individual book titles are: Over Sea, Under Stone; The Dark is Rising, Greenwitch, The Grey King (a Newbery Award Winner), and Silver on the Tree.
AR BL: 5.8
AR Book Levels for the series range from 5.3 to 6.2 .
Points: 11.0
Inkheart Series (Any book in the series) By Cornelia Funke Inkheart follows the adventures of a 12-year-old girl whose life changes dramatically when she discovers that her father has an unusual ability which is that when he reads aloud, he can bring characters and items from books into the real world. AR BL: 5.4 Points 23 Sequels: Inkspell, Inkdeath
Harry Potter Series (Any book in the series) By J. K. Rowling The best known fantasy series of recent years, the Harry Potter series, chronicles the adventures of the young wizard and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, in their quest to overcome the Dark wizard Lord Voldemort, whose aims are to become immortal, to conquer the wizarding world, subjugate non-magical people and destroy all those who stand in his way, especially Harry Potter. Book levels range from the 5s to the 7s. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone AR BL: 5.5 Points: 12.0
8
Entrees: Science Fiction
The Last Book in the Universe By Rodman Philbrick
The Tripod Trilogy (any book in the series) By John Christopher
In the future the earth has been almost destroyed and most people spend their time plugged into brain -drain entertainment systems, Spaz is the rare human who can see life as it really is. With his friend Ryter, Spaz sets out on a quest to save his dying sister. Can Spaz possibly save the world in the process?
The White Mountains Young Will Parker and his companions make a perilous journey toward an outpost of freedom where they hope to escape from the ruling Tripods, who capture mature human beings and make them docile, obedient servants . AR BL: 6.0
AR BL: 5.0 Points: 6.0 YALSA Best Book for Young Adults
Points: 12.0
City of Gold and Lead
Ember Series (any book in the series) By Jeanne Duprau
Will Parker and his companions gain entry into an extraterrestrial city.
The City of Ember
AR BL: 6.5
Ember, a 241-year-old city, surrounded by a dark unknown, was built to ensure that humans would continue to exist on Earth, but the instructions for getting out have been lost and forgotten. Can Lina and Doon find a way out and save their families and friends? AR BL: 5.0 Points: 9.0 ALA Notable Book
Ender’s Game* By Orson Scott Card
Will and a small group of free people plan to destroy the three great cities of the Tripods before the arrival of a space ship destined to doom the planet. Points: 8.0
The Space Trilogy (any book in the series) By C. S. Lewis Out of the Silent Planet
The buggers have invaded Earth twice. The last time mankind survived only because of the brilliance of Commander Mazer Rackham. Years later, a third invasion is feared and a new commander is sought. Ender Wiggin is only six years old when he is plucked to succeed Rackham and sent to the space station Battle School. Using his astonishing intelligence, Ender where despite his youth and small stature, he is quickly promoted up the ranks, but can a mere boy really save the Earth? AR BL: 5.5
The Pool of Fire
AR BL: 7.0
Other books in The City of Ember series are The People of Sparks, The Prophet of Yonwood, and The Diamond of Darkhold.
Points: 8.0
Points: 16.0
The Ear, The Eye, and the Arm By Nancy Framer
AR BL: 7.4
Points: 10.0 Perelandia Pitted against the most destructive of human weaknesses, temptation, the Dr. Ransom must battle evil on a new planet -- Perelandra -- when it is invaded by a dark force. AR BL: 7.3
The year is 2194, and Tendai, Rita, and Kuda are the children of Zimbabwe's wealthy and powerful chief of security. They've escaped from their father's estate to explore the dangerous city of Harare--and promptly disappear. Their parents call in the Ear, the Eye, and the Arm, detectives whose exposure to nuclear waste has given them special powers. Together they must save the children from the evils of the past, the technology of the future, and criminals with plans much more sinister than anyone could have imagined. AR BL: 4.7
A megalomaniacal physicist is in need of a human sacrifice, and Dr. Ransom would seem to fit the bill. Once on the planet, however, Ransom eludes his captors, risking his life and his chances of returning to Earth, becoming a stranger in a land.
Points: 12
Points: 15.0
That Hideous Strength Finding himself in a world of superior alien beings and scientific experiments run amok, Dr. Ransom struggles with questions of ethics and morality, applying age-old wisdom to a brave new universe dominated by science. AR BL: 7.1
Points: 26.0
9 The Missing Series (any book in the series) by Margaret Peterson Haddix Book 1: Found Thirteen-year-old Jonah has always known that he was adopted, and he has never thought it was a big deal. Then his friend, Chip finds out he is also adopted, and the boys begin receiving mysterious and threatening letters. Jonah and his friends travel through time in Found and find out that one of them is actually a missing child from the past. The subsequent books in this series attempt solve the mystery other missing children from history as Jonah and his friends attempt to solve the mystery of Jonah’s own past. AR BL: 5.0
Points: 9.0
Other books in the series are Sent, Sabotaged, Torn, and Caught, with more to come. AR levels 5.0 and up.
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea By Jules Verne First published in 1869. This is a nineteenth-century science fiction tale of an electric submarine, its eccentric captain, and an undersea world. AR BL: 10.0
Points: 28 The War of the Worlds By H. G. Wells First published in 1898. Martians invade late nineteenth century England and create havoc in this classic science fiction story. AR BL: 9.1
Points: 11.0
The Search for Wondla By Tony DiTerlizzi When a marauder destroys the underground sanctuary that Eva Nine was raised in by the robot Muthr, she is forced to flee aboveground. Eva Nine is searching for anyone else like her, for she knows that other humans exist,. She possesses a scrap of cardboard on which is depicted a young girl, an adult, and a robot, with the strange word, “WondLa.” AR BL: 5.2
Points: 11.0
10
Entrees: Time Travel Science Fiction
The Blue Comet By Rosemary Wells Searching for his father, Oscar boards a train that takes him on an adventure that crosses the country both forward and backward in time. AR BL: 4.7
Points: 8.0
The Devil’s Arithmetic By Jane Yolen Hannah dreads going to her family's Passover Seder— she's tired of hearing her relatives talk about the past. But when she opens the front door to symbolically welcome the prophet Elijah, she's transported to a Polish village in the year 1942, where she becomes caught up in the tragedy of the time. AR BL: 5.7 Points: 7.0 National Jewish Book Award King of Shadows By Susan Cooper While in London as part of an all-boy acting company preparing to perform in a replica of the famous Globe Theatre, Nat Field suddenly finds himself transported back to 1599 and performing in the original theater under the tutelage of Shakespeare himself. AR BL: 6.2
Points: 8.0
11
Entress: Steampunk Sci-fi The Leviathan Trilogy “A Steampunk Trilogy” By Scott Westerfield
Airborn Series By Kenneth Oppel
Leviathan
Airborn
In an alternate 1914 Europe, 15-year-old Austrian Prince Alek, running from the Clanker Powers who are trying to take over the globe, forms an alliance with Deryn, who, disguised as a boy to join the British Air Service, is learning to fly.
Matt, a cabin boy aboard an airship, and Kate, a wealthy girl traveling with her chaperone, team up to search for the existence of mysterious creatures reportedly living hundreds of feet above the Earth's surface.
AR BL: 5.3 Points: 13.0 Locus Award for Best Young Adult Fiction Behemoth In the second book of the trilogy, Austrian Prince Alek eludes the Germans by traveling in the "Leviathan" with his new friend Deryn to Constantinople, where he faces a whole new set of challenges. AR BL: 5.4
Points: 15.0
Skybreaker Matt Cruse, a student at the Airship Academy, and Kate de Vries, a young heiress, team up with a gypsy and a daring captain to find a long-lost airship rumored to carry a treasure beyond imagination.
AR BL: 5.0
Points 16.0
Points: 13.0
Starclimber
Goliath Goliath is an outstanding finale to this imaginative and vivid steampunk trilogy. On the last leg of their round-the-world quest to end World War I, Alek and Deryn work together to reclaim Alek’s throne as Prince of Austria despite the presence of a homicidal maniac onboard the Leviathan. AR BL: 5.3
AR BL : 5.1
Points: 14.0
On Canada's first venture into outer space, Matt Cruse and Kate de Vries journey on the "Starclimber" and face a series of catastrophes that threaten the survival of all on board.
AR BL: 4.9
Points: 15.0
12
Nothing’s Perfect: Dystopian Science Fiction
The Shadow Children Series (any book in the series) By Margaret Peterson Haddix
The Giver Quartet
W
hile Gathering Blue, Messenger and Son are not true sequels to The Giver, they do take place in the same world and deal with the same themes and in some instances the same people.
Among the Hidden In a future where the Population Police enforce the law limiting a family to only two children, Luke has lived all his twelve years in isolation and fear on his family’s farm, until another “third” convinces him that the government is wrong. AR BL: 4.8
Points: 5.0
In this speculation on the nature of the future of human society, life in Kira's community is nasty, brutish, and, for the ill or disabled, short.
Among the Imposters
AR BL: 5.0
When Luke enters boarding school under an assumed name, he is forced to face his fears and his fellow humans.
Messenger
AR BL: 4.9
Points: 5.0
Among the Betrayed Thirteen-year-old Nina is imprisoned by the Population Police, who give her the option of helping them identify illegal “third-born” children or facing death. AR BL: 4.9
Gathering Blue
Points: 5.0
Additional books in the series are: Among the Barons, Among the Brave, Among the Enemy, and Among the Free.
Points: 7.0
In this novel that unites characters from "The Giver" and "Gathering Blue," Matty, a young member of a utopian community that values honesty, conceals an emerging healing power that he cannot explain or understand. AR BL: 4.9
Points: 5.0
Son They called her Water Claire. When she washed up on their shore, no one knew that she came from a society where emotions and colors didn’t exist. That she had become a Vessel at age thirteen. That she had carried a Product at age fourteen. That it had been stolen from her body. Claire had a son. But what became of him she never knew. What was his name? Was he even alive? She was supposed to forget him, but that was impossible. Now Claire will stop at nothing to find her child, even if it means making an unimaginable sacrifice. AR BL: 5..0
Points: 11.0
13
Because of the inherent themes of dystopian literature, most dystopian novels are aimed at more mature readers. Please read the descriptions and special notations carefully to determine if a book is right for you. The Hunger Games Trilogy By Suzanne Collins
Uglies By Scott Westerfeld
In a not-too-distant future, the United States of America has collapsed, weakened by drought, fire, famine, and war, to be replaced by Panem, a country divided into the Capitol and 12 districts. Each year, two young representatives from each district are selected by lottery to participate in The Hunger Games. Part entertainment, part brutal intimidation of the subjugated districts, the televised games are broadcasted throughout Panem as the 24 participants are forced to eliminate their competitors, literally, with all citizens required to watch. When 16-year-old Katniss's young sister, Prim, is selected as the mining district's female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart, Peeta, the son of the town baker who seems to have all the fighting skills of a lump of bread dough, will be pitted against bigger, stronger representatives who have trained for this their whole lives. Collins's characters are completely realistic and sympathetic as they form alliances and friendships in the face of overwhelming odds.
Imagine a future world where everyone thinks they are born ugly, and the government requires everyone to undergo an operation at age 16 which wipes out physical differences and makes everyone conform to an ideal standard of beauty. The "New Pretties" are then free to play and party. Tally Youngblood can’t wait to be made pretty and be reunited with her BFF, Peris. To pass the time until her operation, Tally spends her time playing tricks on the establishment with her new friend, Shay. But Shay has a secret and Tally has been reclassified! Will Tally still get to become a Pretty?
The sequels, Catching Fire and Mockingjay are equally engrossing and intense. AR Book levels are in the low 5s. Note: Adolescent Content and Themes, Mild Romance, Violence
Divergent By Veronica Roth She turns to the future in a world that’s falling apart. For sixteen-year-old Tris, the world changes in a heartbeat when she is forced to make a terrible choice. Turning her back on her family, Tris ventures out, alone, determined to find out where she truly belongs. Shocked by the brutality of her new life, Tris can trust no one. And yet she is drawn to a boy who seems to both threaten and protect her. The hardest choices may yet lie ahead… AR BL: 4.8 Points: 16.0 Note: Adolescent Themes and Content, Mild Romance, Violence Note: Divergent is the first book in a dystopian trilogy. Currently only Divergent and its sequel, Insurgent have been published. However, Divergent is the only book available in the New Hope library as the sequel delves further into more adolescent romance, content, and themes. Students wishing to read Insurgent for a book analysis assignment will need parental permission and will have to obtain the book on their own.
````
AR BL: 5.2 Points: 13.0 Note: Mature themes and content, mention of adolescent “partying” with mention of alcoholic drinks, mild romance, violence Note: Uglies is the first book in a dystopian quartet. However, Uglies is the only book available in the New Hope library as the two sequels and the companion book delve further into more adolescent content and themes. Students wishing to read the sequels (Pretties and Specials) and the companion book (Extras) for a book analysis assignment will need parental permission and will need to obtain the book on their own.
The Matched Trilogy Matched, Crossed, Reached By Ally Condie For Cassia, nothing is left to chance--not what she will eat, the job she will have, or the boy she will eventually marry. In Matched, the Society Officials have determined optimal outcomes for all aspects of daily life, thereby removing the "burden" of choice. When Cassia's best friend is identified as her ideal Marriage Match it confirms her belief that Society knows best, until she plugs in her Match microchip and a different boy’s face flashes on the screen. This improbable mistake sets Cassia on a dangerous path to the unthinkable -- rebelling against the predetermined life Society has in store for her. The Matched Trilogy reminds readers that freedom of choice is precious, and not without sacrifice. Note: Matched and Crossed feature mild romance and are less violent than many other dystopian novels. Reached will be published in November 2012. Since it has not been pre-read, we encourage parents to use their judgment as to whether this book is an appropriate choice for their child. Matched AR BL: 4.8
Points: 13.0
Crossed AR BL: 4.2
Points: 12.0
14
Athletic Diets: MVP Reads for Sports Fans and Athletes
Football Genius Series (any book in the series) By Tim Green Troy and his single mother are struggling a bit, but she gets a job with the Atlanta Falcons. This allows her to have a pass to games, and when Troy realizes that the players are not anticipating the plays the way he is, he uses his pass to try to get to the coach. This is not a good idea, and his mother is temporarily fired. Troy also makes the bad decision to steal an official football from a player's yard, but when the player comes to retrieve it, he realizes that Troy does have the ability to predict game plays, and the team can use this to their advantage.
Books by Mike Lupica (any book by this author) Some of His Best Are: True Legend There's a reason teammates call him "True." Because for basketball phenom Drew Robinson, there is nothing more true than his talent on the court. It's the kind that comes along once in a generation and is loaded with perks--and with problems.
Sequels include: Football Hero, Football Champ, The Big Time, and Deep Zone.
Before long, True buys in to his own hype, much to the chagrin of his mother, who wants to keep her boy's head grounded--and suddenly trouble has a way of finding him. That is, until a washed -up former playground legend steps back onto the court and takes True under his wing.
AR Book Levels range from the upper 4s to the low 5s.
AR BL: 5.2
Baseball Great Series (any book in the series) By Tim Green Josh feels like he's starting to make it big! Jaden, the school reporter, says he's going to take the baseball team to number one. Then his dad pulls him off the field and signs him up with Coach Rocky Valentine's youth championship team, the Titans. He says Josh has what it takes to be a baseball great—and the Titans will help him get there., but at what cost??? Sequels: Rivals and The Best of the Best. AR Book Levels range from upper 4s to low 5s.
Pinch Hit By Tim Green Trevor and Sam look alike. But their lives couldn't be more different. Trevor is a movie star, There's nothing he doesn't have except the one thing he wants most: to play baseball for real. Sam is a regular kid who seems to have what it takes to make it to baseball's Major Leagues. He's determined to get the scouts at the big USC tournament to recognize his talent., and he’d like to see his dad’s dream of becoming a screenwriter come true, too. When Sam signs up at Casting Central to make some extra money, he and Trevor come together on a movie set and see the chance to trade places—to pinch hit for each other and make everyone’s dream come true. At first, it's all good. . . . But what happens when the boys take their game too far? AR BL: 4.4
Points: 9.0
Points 10.0
The Underdogs Will Tyler can fly on a football field. He may not be the biggest running back around, but no one can touch him when it comes to hitting the hole and finding the end zone. And no one can match his love of the game. When Will has a football in hand, he may as well be flying for real because life can't touch him - his dad isn't so defeated, his town isn't so poor, and everyone has something to cheer for. All of which does him no good if the football season is canceled. With no funding for things like uniforms and a cared-for playing field, with seemingly every other family moving to find jobs, there simply isn't enough money or players for a season. Unless one kid can rally an entire town and give everyone a reason to believe... AR BL:
5.2
Points: 9.0
The Batboy Even though his mother feels baseball ruined her marriage to his father, she allows fourteen-year-old Brian to become a batboy for the Detroit Tigers, who have just drafted his favorite player back onto the team. AR BL: 5.7 Points: 8.0 Additional Titles by Mike Lupica ito check out nclude:
Heat (Baseball) Game Changers (Football) Travel Team (Basketball) Million-Dollar Throw (Football) Shoot Out (Soccer) Summer Ball (Basketball) The Big Field (Baseball)
15 John Feinstein’s Sports Mysteries (any book in the series) By John Feinstein Steven Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson are aspiring sports journalists. They both work for their school paper to hone their craft, but their writing is not the only skill that they are practicing. No matter what great sporting event they attend from the Final Four to the Super Bowl to the Olympics, Steven and Susan Carol find themselves in the middle of a mystery! Written by one of the great sports writers of our time, these mysteries are a great combination of authentic sports action and suspense. Titles include Final Four; Vanishing Act - Mystery at the U.S. Open; Cover-Up Mystery at the Super Bowl; Change-Up - Mystery at the World Series; The Rivalry - Mystery at the Army-Navy Game; and Rush for the Gold - Mystery at the Olympics. AR Book Levels range from the high 4s to the mid 5s.
Unstoppable By Tim Green If anyone understands the phrase "tough luck," it's Harrison. As a foster kid in a cruel home, he knows his dream of one day playing for the NFL is a long shot. Then Harrison's luck seems to change. He is brought into a new home with kind, loving parents—his new dad is even a football coach. Harrison's big build and his incredible determination quickly make him a star running back on the junior-high-school team. In no time, he's practically unstoppable. But Harrison's good luck can't last forever. No AR Quiz Yet — Too New! :)
Over the Wall By John Ritter Tyler's temper is out of control. If he isn't careful, he'll blow his chances of making the All -Star team and being noticed by a scout. But Tyler's coach, a Vietnam War veteran, has seen anger destroy enough people. He knows that if Tyler is ever going to fulfill his dreams, he'll have to learn to fight his battles with his glove, his bat, and his love for the game. Not with his fists. But it all comes down to Tyler. Does he care enough about his future to work through the past? AR BL: 4.2
Points: 10
````
16
Entrees: Mysteries
The National Park Mysteries (any book in the series) By Gloria Skurzynski and Alane Ferguson Jack and Ashley Landon have an exciting life. They often have a “new” brother or sister as their parents often serve as foster parents.. Furthermore, their father is a professional photographer and their mom a wildlife veterinarian and biologist. Their parents’ jobs allow the Landon family to travel and live in some of the most beautiful places in the world, America’s National Parks. Jack and Ashley can find trouble anywhere, however, and find themselves in the middle of a mystery wherever they go. The first book in the series, Wolf Stalker, takes place in Yellowstone National Park where the newly reintroduced wolves are blamed for an attack and a disappearance. Other titles include: Rage of Fire, Cliff-Hanger, Deadly Waters, The Hunted, Ghost Horses, Escape from Fear, Over the Edge, Valley of Death, Out of the Deep, Running Scared, Buried Alive, and Night of the Black Bear. AR Book Levels for the series range from the high 4s to the mid 5s The Sisters Grimm Mystery Series (any book) By Michael Buckley
John Feinstein’s Sports Mysteries (any book in the series) By John Feinstein
The Grimm sisters, Sabrina and Daphne, have been shuffled from foster home to foster home since their parents’ disappearance. Their caseworker doesn’t care that the girls have been mistreated,, but they finally end up in the town of Everafters in the care of their long lost grandmother. The girls soon take part in the family business, becoming amateur detectives. A great mix of fairy tale, fantasy, and mystery, this series is sure to please. Titles in the series include: The Fairy Tale Detectives, The Usual Suspects, The Problem Childe, Once Upon a Crime, Magic and Other Misdemeanors, Tales from the Hood, The Everafter War, The Inside War, and The Council of Mirrors.
Steven Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson are aspiring sports journalists. They both work for their school paper to hone their craft, but their writing is not the only skill that they are practicing. No matter what great sporting event they attend from the Final Four to the Super Bowl to the Olympics, Steven and Susan Carol find themselves in the middle of a mystery! Written by one of the great sports writers of our time, these mysteries are a great combination of authentic sports action and suspense. Titles include Final Four; Vanishing Act - Mystery at the U.S. Open; Cover-Up Mystery at the Super Bowl; Change-Up - Mystery at the World Series; The Rivalry - Mystery at the Army-Navy Game; and Rush for the Gold - Mystery at the Olympics.
AR Book Levels for the series range from the upper 4s to the mid 5s.
AR Book Levels range from the high 4s to the mid 5s.
Scat By Carl Hiaasen
Ghost Canoe By Will Hobbs
Nick and Marta are determined to find what happened to the biology teacher after she disappears on a school field trip to Black Vine Swamp. The result is a fast paced ecological mystery involving the Florida panther and a cast of unique characters. Highly recommended by Mrs. Ramsey.
An Edgar Award winning historical mystery set on the northwest coast of the United States, Ghost Canoe features a ghostly canoe, a skeleton, an ancient treasure, betrayal, and a murder! Join 14 year-old Nathan McAllister as he and his new friend Lighthouse George paddle the fierce waters of the Pacific looking for clues.
AR BL: 5.5
AR BL: 5.9
Points: 12.0
The Mysterious Benedict Society (Series - choose any book) By Trenton Lee Stewart
Points: 8.0
Kokopelli’s Flute By Will Hobbs
After Reynie Muldoon responds to an advertisement recruiting "gifted children looking for special opportunities," he finds himself in a world of mystery and adventure. The 11-year-old orphan is one of four children to complete a series of challenging and creative tasks, and in the process become the Mysterious Benedict Society. The young investigators need to use their special talents and abilities in order to discover the secrets of a criminal mastermind, and their only chance to defeat him is through working together.
The magic had always been there. 13-year-old Tepary Jones could feel it. Fascinated by Picture House, the ancient cliff dwelling near his parents' Seed Farm, he knew this would be the perfect place to view his first total eclipse of the moon. Waiting for the eclipse to begin, Tep admired the mysterious pictures chipped into the cliff walls by the Ancient Ones. His favorites were two of Kokopelli, the legendary humpbacked flute player. Suddenly Tep's dog Dusty heard noises— robbers with shovels were digging in the red sandstone, destroying the ancient ruins and stealing the priceless treasures! In their haste the vandals left behind a small, polished bone flute. Something told Tep he shouldn't put the flute to his lips, but he did. . . .
Sequels: The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Perilous Journey and The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner’s Dilemma Prequel: The Extraordinary Education of Nicholas Benedict
A mystery story with magical elements, full of scientific and historical facts, adventure, and a coming-of-age storyline, Kokopelli’s Flute is hard to categorize, but Will Hobbs managed to weave all the divergent elements together to create one fantastic, fascinating read. Highly recommended by Mrs. Carter.
AR Book levels range from 5.6 to 6.3.
AR BL: 5.3
Points: 6.0
17 Theodore Boone Mysteries (any book in the series) By John Grisham
Enola Holms Mysteries (any book in the series) By Nancy Springer
A perfect murder. A faceless witness. A lone courtroom champion knows the whole truth…and he's only thirteen years old. Meet Theodore Boone, Kid Lawyer.
Enola Holmes, the fourteen-year-old younger sister of the world famous detective Sherlock Holmes, solves mysteries, too, much to her older brother’s dismay. This series is a terrific introduction to the Victorian Age and a great gateway to the more complex Sherlock Holmes mysteries.
The sakes are high, but Theo won't stop until justice is served. Brimming with the intrigue and suspense that made John Grisham a #1 international bestseller and the undisputed master of the legal thriller, the Theodore Boone mystery series will keep you guessing and turning the pages. Titles: Theodore Boone: Kid Lawyer, Theodore Boone: The Abduction, Theodore Boone: The Accused.
AR Book levels are range from the mid 6s to the mid 7s. The Art Mystery Series (any book in the series) By Blue Balliett Chasing Vermeer
AR Book levels range from 5.2 to 5.7 .
When seemingly unrelated and strange events start to happen and a precious Vermeer painting disappears, eleven-year-olds Petra Andalee and Calder Pillay combine their talents to solve an international art scandal.
The Egypt Game By Zilpha Keatley Snyder Two girls get involved in an elaborate "Egypt game," a fantasy game that soon grows to include six “Egyptians” but strange,, unexplainable things are happening in the neighborhood. Has the “Egypt Game” gone too far? AR BL: 6.4
Points: 7.0
Sequels: The Wright 3 and The Calder Game AR Book Levels range from 5.4 to 5.8
Newbery Award Winner
Sammy Keyes Mystery Series (any book in the series) By Wendelin Van Draanen This series of award-winning comedic mystery novels follow the intrepid middle-schooler Sammy Keyes as she finds trouble and works to get herself out of it. Told in first person, readers can so relate to Sammy’s ability to do the wrong thing at the wrong time, but still persevere until the end. Sammy Keyes is a younger, tougher Nancy Drew. AR Book levels range from the upper 4s to the high 5s.
Holes* By Louis Sachar Stanley Yelnats was given a choice. The judge said, "You may go to jail, or you may go to Camp Green Lake." Stanley was from a poor family. He had never been to camp before. All is not what it seems, however, and Stanley soon discovers there is much more going on at Camp Green Lake than character building. Can he discover what they mystery is? AR BL: 4.7 Points: 6.0 Newbery Award Winner
Dovey Coe By Francis O’Rourke Dowell
House of Dies Drear By Virginia Hamilton
“My name is Dovey Coe and I reckon it don't matter if you like me or not. I'm here to lay the record straight, to let you know them folks saying I done a terrible thing are liars. I aim to prove it, too. I hated Parnell Caraway as much as the next person, but I didn't kill him. “ So begins this great historical mystery set in Appalachia. AR BL: 5.4
The house held secrets, TIt had a century-old legend - two fugitive slaves had been killed by bounty hunters after leaving its passageways, and Dies Drear himself, the abolitionist who has made the house into a station on the Underground Railroad, had been murdered there. The ghosts of the three were said to walk its rooms...
Points: 6.0
AR BL: 4.8
Hoot By Carl Hiaasen Roy is the new kid in town. Again! Unfortunately, Roy's first acquaintance in Florida is Dana Matherson, a wellknown bully. Then again, if Dana hadn't been sinking his thumbs into Roy's temples and mashing his face against the school-bus window, Roy might never have spotted the boy running away from the school bus, carried no books, and — here's the odd part — wore no shoes.
Points: 9.0
The Westing Game By Ellen Raskin
Sensing a mystery, Roy sets himself on the boy's trail. The chase introduces him to potty-trained alligators, a fake-fart champion, some burrowing owls, a renegade eco-avenger, and several extremely poisonous snakes with unnaturally sparkling tails.
This Newbery award winning book is known for its extremely complex plot structure that is part mystery story, part play-along game, and part doit-yourself puzzle. Sixteen game players have been invited to hear the reading of Sam Westing’s will. They could become millionaires. It all depends on how they play the tricky and dangerous Westing game, a game involving blizzards, burglaries, and bombings. Unfortunately, they are all also suspects in Sam Westing’s murder!
AR BL: 5.2
AR BL: 5.3
Points: 9.0
Points: 8.0
0
Newbery Award Winner
18
For Adventurous Tastes: The Best in Action and Adventure
Far North By Will Hobbs
Zach’s Lie and Jack’s Run By Roland Smith
This multiple award winning adventure takes readers on a wild journey in Canada’s Northern Territories. Trapped in a frozen world of moose, wolves, and bears, Gabe and Raymond, two boys from vastly different cultures come to depend on each other for their very survival.
Jack Osborne was a pretty average kid - was, that is, until the night masked men break into his house, threaten his family, and ransack their home. Why? As it turns out, the small airline that Jack's dad owns is actually a front for illegal drug trafficking. Now Jack's dad has been arrested, and his "business associates" want to make sure he doesn't talk. The only way to safety for Jack, his mother, and his sister is the Witness Security Program, which means that Jack Osborne from Texas will now be Zach Granger from Nevada. But just as Zach finally begins to put the pieces of his life back together, he finds himself in danger - and what he does now could mean life or death for everyone he cares about most.
AR BL: 5.3
Points:
9.0
Alex Rider Spy Thrillers (any book in the series) (Mature readers: violence due to the nature of the spy novel) By Anthony Horowitz Book 1: Stormbreaker Move over, James Bond, Alex Rider has arrived. When Alex’s uncle is killed, Alex learns his uncle wasn’t a banker, but a spy for MI6. Now the British government needs 14-year-old Alex to finish his uncle’s mission!
AR BL: 4.3
Sequel: Jack’s Run - Find out what happens next to Zach and his family. The Maze By Will Hobbs Just fourteen, Rick Walker is alone, on the run, and desperate. Stowing away in the back of a truck, he suddenly finds himself at a dead end, out in the middle of nowhere. The Maze. In this surreal landscape of stark redrock spires and deep sandstone canyons, Rick stumbles into the remote camp of Lon Peregrino, a bird biologist who is releasing fledgling California condors back into the wild. Can Lon and his birds help Rick find a way out of the maze of his life?
Other titles in the series include: Point Blank, Skeleton Key, Eagle Strike, Scorpia, Ark Angel, Snakehead, Crocodile Tears, Scorpia Rising AR BL: 5.1
Points: 7.0
The Brian Books by Gary Paulsen * (any book in the series) Hatchet*
AR BL: 5.0
This Newbery Honor Winner is an adventure classic. Brian is still trying to deal with his parent’s divorce when the plane he is traveling in to visit his Dad crashes in the wilderness. With only the hatchet, his mom gave him before he boarded the plane, Brian must find a way to survive.
No adults, no permit, no river map. 15-yearold Jessie and her six companions from Discovery Unlimited, an outdoor ed program she's been sent to by her father, “borrow” the company's rafting gear and take off down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon on their own. Pursued by helicopters, they boldly push on into the black-walled inner gorge, the heart of the Grand Canyon, only to encounter huge rapids, bone-chilling rain, injuries, and conflict within the group. What will be the consequences of their reckless adventure?
Julie of the Wolves (any book in the series) By Jean Craighead George
AR book levels for the series range from 5.0 to 5.7.
7.0
Downriver
AR Book levels for the series range from 5.5 to
Other books in the series: Julie and Julie’s Wolf Pack.
Points:
Downriver and River Thunder By Will Hobbs
Other Books in the Series: The River, Brian’s Return, Brian’s Winter, Brian’s Hunt
Miyax, like many adolescents, is torn. But unlike most, her choices may determine whether she lives or dies. At 13, an orphan, and unhappily married, Miyax runs away from her husband's parents' home, hoping to reach San Francisco and her pen pal. But she becomes lost in the vast Alaskan tundra, with no food, no shelter, and no idea which is the way to safety. When a pack of wolves begins to accept her into their community, Miyax must learn to think like a wolf as well. If she trusts her Eskimo instincts, will she stand a chance of surviving.
Points: 7.0
AR BL: 4.9
Points:
River Thunder “They're calling it a flood—highest water anyone's ever seen in the Grand Canyon! It's all over the national news!” Jessie and her companions from Downriver have returned to the Grand Canyon, brimming with anticipation about running the big rapids: Granite, Hermit, Crystal, Lava Falls. For Jessie it's a dream come true—a chance to row her own raft down the Colorado River. But the river has its own surprises in store. AR BL: 5.0
Points:
7.0
8.0
19 The Voyage of the Frog By Gary Paulsen
Thunder Cave By Roland Smith
Fourteen-year-old David Alspeth intended only to fulfill his uncle’s last wish when he set sail in the Frog, but when a savage storm slams the tiny sailboat, David is stranded. No wind. No radio. Little water. Seven cans of food. And the storm is just the first challenge David must face . . . .
After 14 year old Jacob Lansa's mother is killed in an accident, he flees his New York City home to try and find his Dad, a wildlife biologist studying and trying to protect elephants in a remote part of Kenya. Although he has already learned much about survival and wildlife biology from survival school and his Hopi father and grandfather, Jacob must still struggle and learn as he faces challenges from thieves, lions, poachers, heat and drought
AR BL: 6.0
Points: 5.0
AR BL: 4,2
Touching Spirit Bear (for mature readers: violence) By Ben Mikaelsen Cole has done it this time. He’s been breaking the law for years, but this time he has really hurt someone. As a Native American, he is offered Circle Justice and receives banishment to a remote Alaskan island. There he is mauled by the legendary white spirit bear. As he waits for death, Cole’s thoughts shift from anger to humility. To survive, he must stop blaming others and take responsibility for his life. Is it too late for Cole to turn his life around? AR BL:
5.3
Points:
9.0
Trapped in Death Cave By Bill Wallace Everybody thinks Gary's grampa died in a fishing accident. But from a note Grampa left, Gary suspects he was murdered. The note tells of a million dollars in gold hidden in a cave and an old Indian curse promising that anyone who touches it will die! Gary and his friend Brian are sure that if they find the gold, they will also find Grampa's killer. But treasure hunting can be deadly. Now they are stuck in a dark cavern full of tangled skeletons, restless Indian spirits, and a murderer out for their blood! Will Brian and Gary ever get out of Death Cave alive? AR BL: 4.2
The Cay By Theodore Taylor Phillip is excited when the Germans invade the small island of Curaao. War has always been a game to him, and he's eager to glimpse it firsthand-until the freighter he and his mother are traveling to the United States on is torpedoed. When Phillip comes to, he is on a small raft in the middle of the sea. Besides Stew Cat, his only companion is an old West Indian, Timothy. Phillip remembers his mother's warning about black people: "They are different, and they live differently." But by the time the castaways arrive on a small island, Phillip's head injury has made him blind and dependent on Timothy. AR BL:
5.3
Points: 4.0
Gold! Gold discovered in Alaska! This historical adventure is a page turning blend of fact and fiction as fifteen-year-old Jason Hawthorn jumps a train for Seattle, stows away on a ship bound for the goldfields, and joins thousands of fellow prospectors attempting the difficult journey to the dangerous Klondike. Jason and his dog face moose, bears, and the terrors of a subarctic winter in this bone-chilling survival story. AR BL: 6.0
Points: 8,0
Points: 5.0
Stranded By Ben Mihaelsen Nothing has been the same for Koby since she lost her foot in an accident four years ago. Between the smothering concern of her parents and the awkward glances from the kids at school, Koby can truly feel at home only when she is on the ocean in her dinghy, Titmouse. But tonight, when twelve-year-old Koby finds herself stranded in the middle of the dark ocean with two dying pilot whales and an aching "phantom" foot, she can do little more than tremble. The lives of the two whales are literally in Koby's hands and her strength is weakening. There are no rescuers in sight. The ocean is the last place Koby wants to be . AR BL:
Jason’s Gold By Will Hobbs
Points: 9.0
4.2
Points: 8,0
My Side of the Mountain (any book in the series) By Jean Craighead George Every kid thinks about running away at one point or another; few get farther than the end of the block. Young Sam Gribley gets to the end of the block and keeps going--all the way to the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York. There he sets up house in a huge hollowed-out tree, with a falcon and a weasel for companions and his wits as his tool for survival. AR BL: 5.2
Points: 6.0
Sequels: The Other Side of the Mountain; Frightful’s
20
Entrees: Historical Fiction - Meaty Reads Set in the Past
Behind the Bedroom Wall By Laura E. Williams It’s 1942 and 13 year-old Korinna Rehe is an an active member of her local Jungmadel, a Nazi youth group, along with many of her friends. She believes that Hitler is helping Germany by dealing with what he calls the “Jewish Problem,” a program she witnesses as her Jewish neighbors are attacked and taken from their homes. Korinna’s parents, however, secretly are members of an underground group that is secretly helping Jewish members of their community to escape. When Korinna discovers a refugee family hiding behind the wall of her bedroom and Hitler’s Gestapo are tipped off, she must decide what she really believes and whom she really trusts. AR BL: 4.4 Points 4.0
Angel on the Square By Gloria Whelan
Between of Shades of Gray By Ruta Sepetys
It’s a golden time for the aristocracy of St. Petersburg in the fall of 1914. The daughter of a lady-in-waiting, Katya Ivanova is safe behind the palace walls. She takes her vacations on the imperial yacht and her tea with the Tsar’s daughters. The royal family feels like her own. But . . . outside the palace, a devastating war is sweeping across Europe ,and deep unrest takes root in Russia. As the flame of revolution ignites ina country where the rich have always ruled, Katya’s once-certain future dissolves away . . . .
In 1941, fifteen-year-old Lina is preparing for art school, first dates, and all
AR BL 5.6
that summer has to offer. But one night, the Soviet secret police barge violently into her home, deporting her along with her mother and younger brother. They are being sent to Siberia. Lina's father has been separated from the family and sentenced to death in a prison camp. All is lost. Lina fights for her life, fearless, vowing that if she survives she will honor her family, and the thousands like hers, by documenting their experience in her art and writing. She risks everything to use her art as messages, hoping they will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive.
Points: 8.0
The Last Mission By Harry Mazer
It is a long and harrowing journey, and it is only their incredible strength, love, and hope that pull Lina and her family through each day. But will love be enough to keep them alive?
In 1944, as World War II is raging across Europe, fifteen-year-old Jack Raab dreams of being a hero. Leaving New York City, his family, and his boyhood behind, Jack uses a false I.D. and lies his way into the U.S. Air Force.
AR BL: 3.6
Points: 9.0
Code Talker By Joseph Bruchac
From their base in England, he and his crew fly twentyfour treacherous bombing missions over occupied Europe. The war is almost over and Hitler near defeat when they fly their last mission -- a mission destined for disaster. Shot down far behind enemy lines, Jack is taken prisoner and sent to a German POW camp, where his experiences are more terrifying than anything he'd ever imagined. AR BL: 4.3
The United States is at war, and sixteenyear old Ned Begay wants to join the cause --especially when he hears that Navajos are being specifically recruited by the Marine Corps. So he claims he's old enough to enlist, breezes his way through boot camp, and suddenly find himself involved in a topsecret task, one that's exclusively performed by Navajos. He becomes a code talker. . .
Points: 6.0
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi*
AR BL: 6.4
A vicious captain, a mutinous crew -and a young girl caught in the middle . . . . “Not every thirteen-year-old girl is accused of murder, brought to trial, and found guilty. But I was just such a girl, and my story is worth relating even if it did happen years ago. Be warned, however: If strong ideas and action offend you, read no more. Find another companion to share your idle hours. For my part I intend to tell the truth as I lived it. . . . “ Follow Charlotte’s amazing adventures at sea in this Newbery Honor Book. AR BL:
5.3
Points:
8.0
Points: 9.0
Caddie Woodlawn By Carol Ryrie Brink Caddie Woodlawn is a real adventurer. She'd rather hunt than sew and plow than bake, and tries to beat her brother's dares every chance she gets. Caddie is friends with Indians, who scare most of the neighbors -- neighbors who, like her mother and sisters, don't understand her at all. A classic Newbery Award winning novel. AR BL:
6.0
Points: 8.0
21 A Proud Taste for Scarlet and Miniver By E.L. Konigsburg
A Single Shard By Linda Sue Park
Eleanor of Aquitaine, wife to two kings, mother to two others, has been waiting in Heaven a long time -- eight centuries, more or less -- to be reunited with her second husband, Henry II of England. Finally, the day has come when Henry will be judged for admission. While Eleanor, never a patient woman in life or afterlife, waits, three people, each of whom was close to Eleanor during a time of her life, join her. Their reminiscences do far more than help distract Eleanor -- they also paint a rich portrait of an extraordinary woman who was front and center in a remarkable period in history and whose accomplishments have had an important influence on society through the ages.
When the polite greeting in a society is "Have you eaten well today?' one may guess that subsistence is of prime concern. Surely no one in this twelfth-century Korean village is more accustomed to hunger than the orphan boy Tree-ear and his guardian Crane-man who is lame. They sleep under a bridge in summer and in a pit in winter, eating what they can forage in the woods or garbage piles. At the age of 12, Tree-ear becomes an assistant to the potter Min. A hard taskmaster to himself and the boy, Min is the maker of the finest celadon ware in Ch'ul'po, a village known for its pottery. When Min entrusts two precious pots to Tree-ear to deliver to Songdo, the boy must make his way across miles of unknown territory, relying on his courage and wits to prove himself worthy of Min's trust .
AR BL: 5.4
Points: 5.0
Milkweed By Jerry Spinelli
AR BL:
He's a boy called Jew. Gypsy. Stop thief. Filthy son of Abraham. He's a boy who lives in the streets of Warsaw. He's a boy who steals food for himself, and the other orphans. He's a boy who believes in bread, and mothers, and angels. He's a boy who wants to be a Nazi, with tall, shiny jackboots of his own-until the day that suddenly makes him change his mind. And when the trains come to take the Jews from the ghetto, he's a boy who realizes it's safest of all to be nobody. AR BL: 3.6
Points: 7.0
Kit Tyler is marked by suspicion and disapproval from the moment she arrives on the unfamiliar shores of colonial Connecticut in 1867. Alone and desperate, she has been forced to leave her beloved home on the island of Barbados and join a family she has never met. Torn between her quest for belonging and her desire to be true to herself, Kit struggles to survive in a hostile place. Just when it seems she must give up, she finds a kindred spirit. But Kit’s friendship with Hannah Tupper, believed by the colonists to be a witch, proves more taboo than she could have imagined and ultimately forces Kit to choose between her heart and her duty. 5.7 Points: 9.0
Newbery Award Winner
Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy By Gary D. Schmidt It only takes a few hours for Turner Buckminster to start hating Phippsburg, Maine. No one in town will let him forget that he's a minister's son, even if he doesn't act like one. But then he meets Lizzie Bright Griffin, a smart and sassy girl from a poor nearby island community founded by former slaves. Despite his father's--and the town's--disapproval of their friendship, Turner spends time with Lizzie, opening up a whole new world to him, filled with the mystery and wonder of Maine's rocky coast., but can their friendship last? AR BL:
5.9
Points;
10.0
Points: 6.0
Newbery Award Winner
Storm Warriors By Elisa Carbone
The Witch of Blackbird Pond By Elizabeth George Speare
AR BL:
6.6
Newbery Honor Book
Driven from his home by the Ku Klux Klan and still reeling from the death of his mother, Nathan moves with his father and grandfather to the desolate Pea Island on the Outer Banks of North Carolina to start a new life. Fortunately, life on Pea Island at the end of the 19th century is far from quiet. The other island residents include the surfmen-the African American crew of the nearby U.S. Life-Saving Station--and soon Nathan is lending an extra hand to these men as they rescue sailors from sinking ships. Working and learning alongside the courageous surfmen, Nathan begins to dream of becoming one himself. But the reality of post-Civil War racism starts to show itself as he gradually realizes the futility of his dream. And then another dream begins to take shape, one that Nathan refuses to let anyone take from him. AR BL:
5.5
Points:
6.0
I Rode a Horse of Milk White Jade By Diane Lee Wilson When Oyuna was a baby, a horse accidentally crushed her foot, cursing her family with bad luck. Oyuna vows to restore good fortune to her family...but how? One fateful day, soldiers from the great Khan's army invade her village to steal horses and gather new soldiers. In hopes of bringing honor to her family, Oyuna courageously disguises herself as a boy and joins the soldiers on their quest. With only her horse and her cat to keep her company, Oyuna sets off on an amazing journey across deserts and mountains-a journey that will change her life forever. AR BL:
6.3
Points: 10.0
22
Entrees: Contemporary Realistic Fiction — Keeping it Real
The Breadwinner Trilogy (any book in the trilogy) By Deborah Ellis
Out of My Mind By Sharon Draper
The Breadwinner
Melody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged, because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow.
Young Parvana lives with her family in one room of a bombed-out apartment building in Kabul, Afghanistan. Because he has a foreign education, her father is arrested by the Taliban, the religious group that controls the country. Since women cannot appear in public unless covered head to toe, or go to school, or work outside the home, the family becomes increasingly desperate until Parvana conceives a plan. She cuts her hair and disguises herself as a boy to earn money for her family. Parvana’s determination to survive is the force that drives this novel set against the backdrop of an intolerable situation brought about by war and religious fanaticism. AR BL: 4.5 Points: 4.0 Sequels: Parvana’s Journey, Mud City
Stargirl (Mature Readers — Adolescent Content) By Jerry Spinelli Stargirl. From the day she arrives at quiet Mica High in a burst of color and sound, the hallways hum with the murmur of “Stargirl, Stargirl.” She captures Leo Borlock’s heart with just one smile. She sparks a school-spirit revolution with just one cheer. The students of Mica High are enchanted. At first. Then they turn on her. Stargirl is suddenly shunned for everything that makes her different, and Leo, panicked and desperate with love, urges her to become the very thing that can destroy her: normal. AR BL:
4.2
Points:
6.0
Chasing Redbird By Sharon Creech It started out as an ordinary summer. But the minute thirteen-year-old Zinny discovered the old, overgrown trail that ran through the woods behind her family's house, she realized that things were about to change. Right from the start, Zinny knew that uncovering the trail would be more than just a summer project. It was her chance to finally make people notice her, and to have a place she could call her very own. But more than that, Zinny knew that the trail somehow held the key to all kinds of questions. And that the only way to understand her family, her Aunt Jessie's death, and herself was to find out where it went. AR BL:
5.0
Points: 7.0
AR BL: 4.3
Points: 8.0
The Pigman (Mature Readers — Adolescent Content) By Paul Zindel For sophomores John and Lorraine, the world feels meaningless; nothing is important. They certainly can never please their parents, and school is a chore. To pass the time, they play pranks on unsuspecting people. It's during one of these pranks that they meet the "Pigman"--a fat, balding old man with a zany smile plastered on his face. In spite of themselves, John and Lorraine soon find that they're caught up in Mr. Pignati's zest for life. In fact, they become so involved that they begin to destroy the only corner of the world that's ever mattered to them. AR BL:
5.5
Points:
6.0
The View From Saturday By E.L. Konigsburg Mrs. Eva Marie Olinski always gave good answers. Whenever she was asked how she had selected her team for the Academic Bowl, she chose one of several good answers. Most often she said that the four members of her team had skills that balanced one another. That was reasonable. Sometimes she said that she knew her team would practice. That was accurate. To the district superintendent of schools, she gave a bad answer, but she did that only once, only to him, and if that answer was not good, her reason for giving it was. The fact was that Mrs. Olinski did not know how she had chosen her team, and the further fact was that she didn't know that she didn't know until she did know. They called themselves The Souls. They told Mrs. Olinski that they were The Souls long before they were a team, but she told them that they were a team as soon as they became The Souls. Then after a while, teacher and team agreed that they were arguing chicken-or-egg. People still remark about how extraordinary it was to have four sixth graders make it to the finals. There had been a few seventh graders scattered among the other teams, but all the rest of the middle school regional champs were eighth graders. Epiphany had never before won even the local championship, and there they were, up on stage, ready to compete for the state trophy. But could The Souls win? Another Newbery Award Winning book from the author of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. AR BL :
5.9
Points:
7.0
23 The Skin I’m In (Mature Readers — Adolescent Content) By Sharon Flake Thirteen-year old Maleeka Madison is tall, skinny, and darkskinned. That's a problem for her, because it's such a problem for everyone else at school, it seems. To make her life easier, Maleeka befriends the toughest girl in school. Only bullies force you to pay more than you’d like, so life for Maleeka just gets harder, until she learns to stand up for herself and love the skin she's in.
AR BL : 4.1 Points: 4.0 Coretta Scott King Award Mockingbird By Kathryn Erskine Caitlin has Asperger's. The world according to her is black and white; anything in between is confusing. Before, when things got confusing, Caitlin went to her older brother, Devon, for help. But Devon has died, and Caitlin's dadMelody is not like most people. She cannot walk or talk, but she has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She is smarter than most of the adults who try to diagnose her and smarter than her classmates in her integrated classroom—the very same classmates who dismiss her as mentally challenged, because she cannot tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by cerebral palsy. And she’s determined to let everyone know it…somehow. is so distraught that he is just not helpful. Caitlin wants everything to go back to the way things were, but she doesn't know how to do that. Then she comes across the word closure- and she realizes this is what she needs. And in her search for it, Caitlin discovers that the world may not be black and white after all. AR BL: 3.6
Points: 5.0
National Book Award Finalist
The Outsiders (Mature Readers — Adolescent Content, Violence) By S.E. Hinton According to Ponyboy, there are two kinds of people in the world: greasers and socs. A soc (short for "social") has money, can get away with just about anything, and has an attitude longer than a limousine. A greaser, on the other hand, always lives on the outside and needs to watch his back. Ponyboy is a greaser, and he's always been proud of it, even willing to rumble against a gang of socs for the sake of his fellow greasers--until one terrible night when his friend Johnny kills a soc. The murder gets under Ponyboy's skin, causing his bifurcated world to crumble and teaching him that pain feels the same whether a soc or a greaser. The Outsiders is a classic coming-of-age story. Companion Book: That Was Then, This Is Now AR BL: 3.6
Points: 5.0
24
Classic Feasts: Stories That Have Stood the Test of Time
Pinocchio (unabridged) By Carlo Collodi
Little Women (unabridged) By Louisa May Alcott
The old wood-carver Geppetto decides to make a wonderful puppet which can dance and turn somersaults, but by chance he chooses an unusual piece of wood - and the finished puppet can talk and misbehave like the liveliest child. But Pinocchio is brave and inquisitive as well as naughty, and after some hair-raising adventures, he earns his heart's desire.
While their father is away in the Civil War. the four March girls -- practical Meg, rambunctious Jo, sweet Beth and childish artist Amy -- live in genteel poverty with their mother Marmee. Despite having little money, the girls keep their spirits up with writing, gardening, homemade plays, and the occasional romp with wealthier pals. Their pal, "poor little rich boy" Laurie, joins in and becomes their adoptive brother, as the girls deal with the facts of growing up.
AR BL: 5.3
Points: 6.0
The Secret Garden (unabridged) By Francis Hodgson Burnett What secrets lie behind the doors at Misselthwaite Manor? Recently arrived at her uncle's estate, orphaned Mary Lennox is spoiled, sickly, and certain she won't enjoy living there. Then she discovers the arched doorway into an overgrown garden, shut up since the death of her aunt ten years earlier. Mary soon begins transforming it into a thing of beauty--unaware that she is changing too. But Misselthwaite hides another secret, as mary discovers one night. High in a dark room, away from the rest of the house, lies her young cousin, Colin, who believes he is an incurable invalid, destined to die young. His tantrums are so frightful, no one can reason with him. If only, Mary hopes, she can get Colin to love the secret garden as much as she does, its magic will work wonders on him. AR BL: 6.3
Points: 13.0
Swiss Family Robinson (unabridged) By Johann Wyss
AR BL: 7.9
Treasure Island (unabridged) By Robert Louis Stevenson A mysterious seaman hides at a country inn; cutthroats raid a sleepy English village; suddenly, young Jim Hawkins becomes the owner of a map leading to a lost tropical island and a fortune in stolen gold. Three adventures--Jim, Squire Trelawney, and Dr. Livesey--set out to find the treasure. But they trust the one they should most fear, Long John Silver. Charming, brave ruthless, murderous, Silver fills the squire's ship with pirates. And on the desolate, fever-infested island, the quest for gold becomes a deadly war of hide and seek. Desperate defenders against merciless killers battling over a cursed treasure won with blood, buried with blood, sought with blood. Incredible wealth that Jim and his friends can only claim‌ If they survive! AR BL: 8.3
Life is good for Buck in Santa Clara Valley, where he spends his days eating and sleeping in the golden sunshine. But one day a treacherous act of betrayal leads to his kidnap, and he is forced into a life of toil and danger. Dragged away to be a sledge dog in the harsh and freezing cold Yukon, Buck must fight for his survivial. Can he rise above his enemies and become the master of his realm once again?
Points: 23.0
Anne of Green Gables (any book in the series) By Lucy Maud Montgomery When Marilla Cuthbert's brother, Matthew, returns home to Green Gables with a chatty redheaded orphan girl, Marilla exclaims, "But we asked for a boy. We have no use for a girl." It's not long, though, before the Cuthberts can't imagine how they could ever do without young Anne of Green Gables--but not for the original reasons they sought an orphan. Somewhere between the time Anne "confesses" to losing Marilla's amethyst pin (which she never took) in hopes of being allowed to go to a picnic, and when Anne accidentally dyes her hated carrot-red hair green, Marilla says to Matthew, "One thing's for certain, no house that Anne's in will ever be dull." And no book that she's in will be, either. Readers will be thrilled to know that there are 11 more books about Anne and her many adventures. AR BL:
7.3
Points:
17
Points: 12.0
The Call of the Wild (unabridged) By Jack London
When a Swiss family is stranded on a tropical island, they remain optimistic and inventive. With what they salvage from the wrecked ship and the island's resources, they adapt to their new life. AR BL: 9.7
Points: 33.0
AR BL: 8.0
Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (unabridged) By Lewis Carroll On an ordinary summer's afternoon, Alice tumbles down a hole and an extraordinary adventure begins. In a strange world with even stranger characters, she meets a rabbit with a pocket watch, joins a Mad Hatter's Tea Party, and plays croquet with the Queen! Lost in this fantasy land, Alice finds herself growing more and more curious by the minute . . . AR BL: 7.4
Points: 5.0
Points: 7.0
25 The Hound of the Baskervilles (unabridged) By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
White Fang (unabridged) By Jack London Jack London's classic adventure story about the friendship developed between a Yukon gold hunter and the mixed dog-wolf he rescues from the hands of a man who mistreats him. AR BL:
7.4
The terrible spectacle of the beast, the fog of the moor, the discovery of a body: this classic horror story pits detective against dog. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on the wild Devon moorland with the footprints of a giant hound nearby, the blame is placed on a family curse. It is left to Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson to solve the mystery of the legend of the phantom hound before Sir Charles' heir comes to an equally gruesome end.
Points: 13.0
The Jungle Book (unabridged) By Rudyard Kipling Saved from the jaws of the evil tiger Shere Khan, young Mowgli is adopted by a wolf pack and taught the law of the jungle by lovable old Baloo the bear and Bhageera the panther. The adventures of Rikki-Tikki-Tavi the snake-fighting mongoose, little Toomai and the elephant?s secret dance, and Kotick the white seal are all part of Mowgli?s extraordinary journey with his animal friends. AR BL:
7.4
AR BL:
Peter Pan (unabridged) By J. M. Barrie Peter Pan and Tinkerbell lead the three Darling children over the rooftops of London and away to Neverland - the island where the lost boys play. Magic and mischief is in the air but if villainous Captain Hook has his way, before long someone will be swimming with the crocodiles... 7.2
Black Beauty is a handsome, sweet-tempered colt with a strong spirit. As a young colt he is free to gallop in the fresh green meadows with his beloved mother, Duchess, and their kind master. But when his owners are forced to sell him, Black Beauty goes from a life of comfort and kindness to one of hard labor and cruelty. Bravely he works as hard as he can, suffering at the hands of men who treat animals badly. But Black Beauty has an unbreakable spirit and will, and is determined to survive . . . AR BL:
7.7
Dorothy thinks she is lost forever when a terrifying tornado crashes through Kansas and whisks her and her dog, Toto, far away to the magical land of Oz. To get home Dorothy must follow the yellow brick road to Emerald City and find the wonderfully mysterious Wizard of Oz. Together with her companions the Tin Woodman, the Scarecrow and the Cowardly Lion whom she meets on the way, Dorothy embarks on a strange and enchanting adventure.
Points: 8.0
When Sara Crewe arrives at Miss Minchin's London boarding school, she seems just like a real little princess. She wears beautiful clothes, has gracious manners, and tells the most wonderful stories. Then one day, Sara suddenly becomes penniless. Now she must wear rags, sleep in the school's dreary attic, and work for her living. Sara is all alone, but keeps telling herself that she can still be a princess inside, if only she tries hard enough. 6.0
Points: 11.0
Journey to the Center of the Earth (unabridged) By Jules Verne From the discovery of a strange parchment in an old bookseller's shop to the fantastic descent through a dormant volcano into a subterranean world of danger and beauty, the story follows three men as they venture into the unknown to discover what lies at the center of the earth. AR BL: 9.9 Points: 17 Note: Any unabridged Jules Verne title would be acceptable..
Points: 11.0
The Wizard of Oz (unabridged) By L. Frank Baum
A Little Princess (unabridged) By Francis Hodgson Burnett
AR BL:
Points: 11.0
Black Beauty (unabridged) By Anna Sewell
Points: 20.0
AR BL:
8.3
AR BL:
The Wind in the Willows (unabridged) By Kenneth Grahame The much-loved classic tales of Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad. When Mole goes boating with Ratty instead of doing his spring-cleaning, he discovers a whole new world. As well as adventures on the river and in the Wild Wood, there are high jinks on the open road with that reckless ruffian, Mr Toad of Toad Hall. Ratty, Mole, Badger and Toad become the firmest of friends, but after Toad's latest escapade, can they join together and beat the wretched weasels once and for all? AR BL:
8.2
Points: 11.0
7.0
Points: 7.0
26
Honored Guests: Autobiographies, Biographies, and Memoirs
Soul Surfer By Bethany Hamilton
Find Where The Wind Goes: Moments From My Life By Dr. Mae Jemison
Bethany Hamilton, a 14-year-old aspiring professional surfer from Hawaii, lost her arm in a shark attack. With writer Sheryl Berk and Rick Bundschuh, a pastor whom the teen calls her spiritual advisor, she offers an upbeat chronicle of her life.
What does it take to go from a fear of heights to dancing above the stratosphere as the world's first woman of color to travel into space? Dr. Mae Jemison shares funny and inspirational anecdotes from moments in her life.
AR BL: 6.0
AR BL: 7.2
Points 5.0
Condoleezza Rice: A Memoir of My Extraordinary, Ordinary Family and Me By Condoleezza Rice Condoleezza, who served as National Security Advisor and as Secretary of State during the George W. Bush administrations, looks back over her life, discussing her childhood in Birmingham in the 1950s, her career in education, and her government service. AR BL: 8.1
Points: 12.0
Through My Eyes By Tim Tebow Tim Tebow traces his path to success, his childhood as the son of Christian missionaries, and how his faith combined with his drive to succeed have made him the person he is today. AR BL: 6.9
Boy: Tales of Childhood By Roald Dahl This book presents humorous anecdotes from author Roald Dahl’s childhood which includes summer vacations in Norway and an English boarding school. AR BL: 6.0
Amy Carmichael’s life was marked by a simple, determined obedience to God, regardless of circumstance or consequences. Her story and legacy are stunning reminders of the impact of one person who will fear God and nothing else... AR BL: 6.7
This is a biography of the African princess saved from execution and taken to England, where Queen Victoria oversaw her upbringing and where she lived for a time before marrying an African missionary.
Drew Brees discusses the shoulder injury that almost destroyed his career, the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the comeback made by himself, the city, and his team during the 2009 season.
We Beat the Street: How a Friendship Pact Led to Success By Sampson Davis
Points: 7.0
At Her Majesty’s Request: An African Princess in Vicotrian England By Walter Dean Myers
Coming Back Stronger: Unleashing the Hidden Power of Adversity By Drew Brees
Points: 17.0
Points: 6.0
Amy Carmichael: Rescuer of Precious Gems By Janet and Geoff Benge
Points: 1260
AR BL: 6.6
Points: 7.0
AR BL: 7.1
Points: 3.0
Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices and Priorities of A Winning Life By Tony Dungy
Three men from Newark share anecdotes from their childhoods, teen years, and young adult lives after they pledge in high school to stay safe from drugs, gangs, and crime, and work to become doctors. The text contains violence.
In this memoir, Tony Dungy reveals the secrets to his success—principles, practices, and priorities that have kept him on track despite overwhelming obstacles, including firings, stereotypings, and the tragic los of a child. His thoughts on leading, succeeding, and attaining true significance will inspire you to take a long, hard look at the things that really matter in your own life.
AR BL: 5.8
AR BL: 7.1
Points: 7.0
Points: 16.0
Eric Liddell: Something Greater Than Gold By Janet Benge As the race began, it seemed obvious that Eric Liddell was overmatched. Now the crowd in the Olympic stadium hushed as this runner from Scotland refused to be passed. As Eric crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted in applause heard all over Paris. Eric Liddell had done the impossible. Eric’s refusal earlier that week to run on Sunday in the Olympic 100-meter race had stunned the world. Now his incredible victory in the 400-meter reace further strengthened his belief in God’s promise, “He who honors Me, I will honor.” AR BL: 7.0 Points: 8.0
27 Steve Jobs: The Man Who Thought Different By Karen Blumenthal This biography chronicles the life and accomplishments of Apple mogul Steve Jobs, discussing his ideas and describing how he has influenced life in the twenty-first century. AR BL: 8.2
Points: 9.0
David Livingstone: Africa’s Trailblazer By Janet and Geoff Benge With the heart of an explorer and the passion of an evangelist, David Livingstone mapped vast, unexplored areas of Africa, sharing the gospel with whomever he encountered. His stamina, perseverance, and dogged determination created the legacy of a trailblazing explorer with an undying hunger to make Christ known wherever his steps led him. AR BL: 6.9
Zlata’s Diary: A Child’s Life in Sarajevo By Zlata Filipovic
Carver: A Life in Poems By Marilyn Nelson
This book presents the diary of a thirteen-year-old girl living in Sarajevo, begun just before her eleventh birthday when there was still peace in her homeland. AR BL: 4.3
This collection of poems assembled by award-winning writer Marilyn Nelson is a compelling, lyrical account of the life of revered African-American botanist and inventor George Washington Carver’s life.
Points: 5.0 Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart By Candace Fleming This book traces the life of female aviator Amelia Earhart from her childhood to her final flight, discusses the extensive search for her and her missing plane, and includes photographs, maps, and handwritten notes by Amelia. AR BL: 6.6
Points: 5.0
Hudson Taylor: Deep in the Heart of China By Janet and Geoff Benge
AR BL: 6.9
Points: 8.0 Nelson Mandela: No Easy Walk to Freedom By Barry Denenberg Son of a tribal chief, Nelson Mandela became a lawyer and worked tirelessly to free his people. In 1964, he was convicted of trying to overthrow the government and spent the next twenty-six years in jail. At last, in 1990, he was released from prison, and resumed his place as the leader of black South Africa’s fight for freedom. In April 1994, his admirers around the world cheered as, in the first all-race election, Nelson Mandela became the president of South Africa. AR BL: 75.
Points:
Points: 8.0
Guts By Gary Paulsen Guess what -- Gary Paulsen was being kind to Brian. In Guts, Gary tells the real stories behind the Brian books, the stories of the adventures that inspired him to write Brian Robeson's story: working as an emergency volunteer; the death that inspired the pilot's death in Hatchet; plane crashes he has seen and near-misses of his own. There's even a handy chapter on "Eating Eyeballs and Guts or Starving: The Fine Art of Wilderness Nutrition “. AR BL: 6.5
Hudson Taylor survived his perilous maiden voyage to his beloved China. With his heart set in determined obedience to God, and trusting the provision of the One who had called him. Hudson overcame persecution and almost overwhelming personal losses to bring God’s truth to China. AR BL: 6.8
Points: 8.0
Points: 4.0
Specialties of the House: History Left for Dead: The Story of the USS Indianapolis By Pete Nelson It was the worst disaster in U. S. Navel history. Just after midnight on July 30, 1945, the USS Indianapois was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine. The ship sank in 14 minutes. More than a thousand men were thrown into shark-infested waters. But the U.S. Navy did not even know they were missing.
AR BL: 8.3 Points: 11.0 Spirit of Endurance By Jennifer Armstrong In August 1914, Sir Ernest Shacklleton set out from England in an attempt to lead the first expedition across the Antarctic continent. What followed was one of the most extraordinary survival stories in history: a ship trapped and wrecked in the ice; an expedition marooned, first on the constantly shifting Antarctic ice pack, then on a remote uninhabited island; a daring open boat voyage across the world’s most violent ocean; a trek over unmapped mountains; and finally, an amazing rescue. This is a spellbinding account of an incredible, true adventure story. AR BL: 5.7
Points 1.0
The Hidden Children Howard Greenfield During World War II, thousands of Jewish Children were sent away from their homes and hidden from the Nazis. Most of them lived with strangers who risked their own lives to protect them. This is the story of a few of the Hidden Children.
AR BL: 6.7
Points 5.0
York’s Adventures with Lewis and Clark: An African American’s Part in the Great Expedition By Rhoda Blumberg Did you know that an African-American man participated in Lewis and Clark's famous expedition? Working alongside free men, Clark's slave York played an important role in the journey's success. This award-winning book draws on extensive research to give a gripping and insightful account of York's significant contribution to this landmark historical event. AR BL: 7.9
Points 3.0
30
Master Chefs: Great Authors, Many Great Books
Madeleine L’Engle
If
you enjoyed reading A Wrinkle in Time last year, you might like to read the sequels. This science fantasy series (L’Engle’s own term for her writing) follows the lives of the Murry family as they try to save the world from evil forces. The Wind in the Door Meg Calvin and the disagreeable school principal, Mr. Jenkins have to travel inside one of Charles Wallace’s mitochondria to save him from a deadly disease, part of a comic battle against the evil Echthroi and the forces of the “Unnaming.” AR BL: 5.0 Newbery Honor
Points: 7.0
A Swiftly Tilting Planet Charles Wallace must save the world from nuclear war by going back in time and changing might-have-bens accompanied in spirit (through kything) by Meg whose body remains at home. AR BL: 4.7
Points: 7.0 Many Waters Sandy and Dnnys Murry, the twin brothers of Meg and Charles Wallace, accidentally travel back in time and meet Noah. They help the patriarch reconcile with his father, fall in love with Noah’s daughter Yalith, and become involved in a struggle between the seraphim and the nephilm. AR BL: 4.7
Points: 10.0
An Acceptable Time Meg and Calvin’s eldest daughter, Polly, visits her maternal grandparents only to find herself trapped 3000 years in the past, caught up in a struggle between the People of the Wind and the warlike, drought-stricken People Across the Lake. AR BL: 4.5
Points: 11.0
Other books about the O’Keefe’s (Meg and Calvin’s children) include :
The Arm of the Starfish Dragons in the Water A House Like a Lotus
L”Engle also wrote a series about another family, the Austins. Titles in that series include:
Meet the Austins A Ring of Endless Light, The Moon by Night Troubling a Star
31
Desserts: