St. Luke’s School Reading List

For Students Entering Fourth and Fifth Grade

Dear Fourth and Fifth Graders, You probably already have ways that you like to choose the books you read – following a friend’s recommendation, browsing library shelves, asking Ms. Eisman, visiting a bookstore, surfing amazon.com, or asking your teacher. Another place to get ideas is from The St. Luke’s School reading list. The reading list is meant to help you choose books to read during the school year or during vacations. The list is organized by genre. If you like a particular kind of book, it is probably best to start with that genre or to choose another one that you are curious about. You may find a favorite author listed. Please feel free to read any titles written by this author, not just the one listed. Every title also has a description of the story to help you decide if the book is right for you. For other ideas, you could also visit the New York Public Library, Bank Street Book Store, or Books of Wonder. These places also have lists that cover a variety of children’s literature awards like the Newbery Award or the National Book Award. All of these places, awards lists, and our school reading lists can all be found online. No matter how you choose your books, what is most important is to develop a habit of reading. So, find a favorite spot that you can make your own, curl up with a snack, and open yourself up to a world of magic, knowledge, and wonder. There is nothing quite as delicious as a good book.

Fantasy The Book of Three (series) Alexander An assistant pig keeper becomes a hero in this exciting tale based on Welsh legend and mythology.The first of five books in the series.

Edwards

City of Light City of Dark Avi Avi takes two standard forms, the novel and the comic book, and combines them for a unique reading experience. As Asterel searches for the token that will save the world from freezing, she races against time and the evil Mr. Underton. The Search For Delicious Babbitt Gaylen meets a 900-year-old creature called wooldweller among other creatures when he sets off to poll the kingdom for the prefect definition ofthe word delicious.

Prosper and Bo are orphans on the run who hide out in Venice, where they meet a mysterious character who calls himself the "Thief Lord." The Thief Lord has secrets of his own and soon the boys are thrust into circumstances that will lead them to a fantastic, spellbinding conclusion.

Tuck Everlasting Babbitt What would happen if you could live forever? Ten-year-old Winnie is about to find out in this clever and thought-provoking tale. The Devil’s Storybook The Devil’s Other Storybook Babbitt Twenty original stories about the Devil’s exploits, successes, and failures in Hell and in the world above. The Merlin Effect (series) T.A. Barron Even if you don't like "present-day" fantasy, this series is engulfed in enough ancient mystery and magic to satisfy anyone. The Wizard of Oz (series) Baum More than the MGM musical, these tales tell the other adventures of Dorothy, Tin Man, Lion, and Scarecrow. The Wish Giver Brittain What happens to three citizens of Coven Tree whenthe stranger, Thaddeus Blinn, offers them whateverthey wish for only fifty cents?

Into the Land of the Unicorns (series) Coville Fantasy and mystery combine when Cara is forced to flee Earth, clutching her grandmother's amulet and carrying a message for the unicorn queen. The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles

With help from an eccentric professor, three children locate the last of the great Whangdoodles and grant his heart’s desire. What’s a Whangdoodle? Read the book to find out. Half Magic (series) Eager Jane, her brother, and her two sisters have amazing adventures in time and space as a result of the half magic created by a strange old coin. The Thief Lord Cornelia Funke

Just Ella Haddix In Just Ella, Margaret Peterson Haddix puts a spin on the traditional Cinderella tale of the glass slippers. Ella gets the prince, but it that what she really wants? In the end, as in all good fairy tales, our heroine and hero do manage to live happily ever after--but with a twist. Wishes, Kisses, and Pigs Hearne Be careful what you wish for" is the lesson that resounds (a bit too loudly) throughout this offbeat fairy tale set in Tollivers' Hollow, "said to be a peculiar place, even a perilous place." The Secret of Platform 13 Ibbotson Eva Ibbotson is best known for her kids' fantasies - funny, wry, and just a little off-kilter. Her universe is full of wizards and witches, princes and magic. If you liked Harry Potter, try this.

Redwall (series) Jacques Brian Jacques uses the full force of his stunning storytelling talent to unravel the mystery and adventure that unfolds in these tales of Redwall, a land of talking mice, warring rats and badgers. Finn Family Moomintroll (series) Jansen The first in a series of offbeat but well-known fantasies, translated from the Finnish, about mythical beasties including Moomins, Snork Maiden, Moominpapa, Snufkin, and Sniff. Orwell’s Luck Jennings When a 12-year-old girl discovers an injured rabbit in her driveway, she adopts it, nurses it back to health, and names it Orwell. Then the magic starts. The Volumes of Chrestomanci Vol. 1&2 Jones In this multiple parallel universes of the Twelve Related Worlds, only an enchanter with nine lives ispowerful enough to control the rampant misuse of magic--and to hold the title Chrestomanci. If you liked Harry Potter, try this.

An orphan child named Wren, best friend to a kidnapped princess, undertakes to rescue the princess from her wicked uncle's dungeons.

The Ordinary Princess Kaye Unlike her six beautiful sisters, Princess Amy has mousy brown hair and freckles, and she would rather embark on an enchanting adventure in the forest than marry a prince. Ella Enchanted The Wish (sequel) Levine Ella Enchanted is a remarkable rewrite of the Cinderella tale. This story includes make-believe languages, creatures from fantasy fiction, and explanations for magic from a fairy's perspective. The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe The Chronicles of Narnia (series) Lewis Four English children have exciting experiences with talking beasts and weird magic in the mysterious land of Narnia. Travel Far Pay No Fare Lindbergh When 12-year-old Owen and his weird cousin, Parsley, use a magic bookmark to bring animals and events to life from their favorite books, they end up in a potentially disastrous predicament.

The Blue Sword (series) McKinley Harry Crewe, an orphan girl who is bored with her sheltered life in the remote orange-growing colony of Daria, discovers magic in herself when kid-napped by a native king with mysterious powers. The Prince of the Pond Napoli An unusual twist on the story of the frog prince, the tale is full of humor, with more information on the physiology and behavior of frogs than one would expect to find in a fantasy and a hero whose deeds are guaranteed to maintain readers' interest. Harry Potter and the Sorcceror’s Stone (series) Rowling A few people think these are good books. Wren to the Rescue (series) Smith

The "Mary Poppins" Books Travers For all her offended sniffs and humphs, Mary Poppins is likely the most exciting nanny England--and the world--has ever seen. Young Jane and Michael Banks have no idea what's in store for them when Mary Poppins blows in on the east wind one autumn evening. Instead of Three Wishes Turner From leprechauns being sighted in New Hampshire to an inner city boy who goes back in time to prehistoric Sweden, this collection of stories is utterly delightful and perfectly crafted.

The Mennyms (series) Waugh The Mennyms are a family of dolls, made by an elderly woman before her death and imbued with the ability to think and speak. They live undiscovered until one day they receive a letter from the landlord who intends to pay them a visit. Dealing with Dragons (series) Wrede The first book in The Enchanted Forest Chronicles, featuring Princess Cimorene who is not the marrying type. A delightful fairy tale parody. If you liked Ella Enchanted, try this.

The Dragon of Lost Sea (series) Yep The outlawed princess of the Dragon Clan and her young human companion undergo fearsome trials in their quest for an evil enchantress. If you liked Harry Potter, try this. Passager (series) Yolen An eight-year-old boy is abandoned in the woods ofmedieval England. He is captured by the kindly master Robin who sets out to tame him. The book ends as the boy remembers that his name is Merlin.This first book of a trilogy will have readers waitingfor the next.

Science-Fiction The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm Nancy Farmer Three mutant detectives use their special powers tosearch for the kidnapped children of General Matsika in 2194 Zimbabwe.

A Wrinkle In Time (series) L'Engle A trio of whimsical characters, intent on helping Meg to find her father, take her along with her brother and their friend on an interplanetary voyage. This is the first of the series Maphead Maphead: The Return Howarth Maphead and his father, Powers, live in a parallel universe called the Subtle World, a world that exists alongside and within ordinary reality, invisible to all but a few people. To gain his full power, Maphead must meet his mother--a mortal--during his twelfth year. Lizard Music Pinkwater When left to take care of himself, a boy becomes involved with a community of intelligent lizards who tell him of an invasion from outer space.

Animal Stories Sounder Armstrong Angry and humiliated when his father is jailed for stealing food for his family, a young boy grows in courage and understanding with the help of his devoted dog, Sounder.

Perloo the Bold Avi Perloo, a member of the long-lived Montmers, a sophisticated race of jackrabbit-like mammals, is torn between a chance for glory and a longing to crawl back to his burrow and curl up with a good book. Poppy (series) Avi A courageous mouse embarks on a journey to save her family and defeat the tyrannical horned owl who rules the forest. I Houdini Banks Houdini, the hamster of masterful escapes, recites his personal history, including the many successful slips he's given his owners. The Incredible Journey Burnford Two dogs and a cat support each other through hardships and danger as they travel over two hundred miles across Canada to reach their home. Because of Winn Dixie DiCamillo Because of Winn-Dixie, Opal makes new friends among the somewhat unusual residents of her new southern hometown. Opal's down-home charm and dead-on honesty will earn her friends and fans far beyond the confines of Naomi, Florida. The Black Stallion (series) Farley From Alec Ramsay and the Black's first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this beloved story will hold the rapt attention of readers. Old Yeller Gipson Travis hates the dog, that they named 'Old Yeller', until Old Yeller saves Travis' life. Soon they are best buddies, but the fate that is awaiting at the end brings them apart. Protecting Marie Henkes A young girl's special relationships with her father and beloved dog are enhanced by themes of wanting and getting and realizing that life is not always simple or easy. If you liked Because of Winn Dixie, try this.

More Animal Stories Misty of Chincoteague Henry Marguerite Henry's Newbery Honor Book has captivated generations of boys and girls both with its thrilling descriptions of true incidents from the tiny island of Chincoteague, and its realistic yet wonderfully magical atmosphere. King of the Wind Henry A spirited Arabian horse, ancestor of the famous Man ‘O War, and a mute stable boy become fast friends in this book by the author of Misty of Chincoteague, Stormy, Misty’s Foal, and other books. The Mouse and His Child Hoban An intricate fantasy that chronicles the hazardous and heroic adventures of a broken windup mouse and his father in search of happiness and security. If you liked The Rats of NIMH, try this. The Animal Family Jarrell This tale of a lonely hunter and a mermaid and how they acquires a family is the stuff from which a lifetime of dreams and epiphanies is made. Gentle Ben Morey This is a book about a young boy who has a special friendship with an Alaskan Brown Bear named Ben. Shiloh (series) Naylor When he finds a lost beagle in the hills behind his West Virginia home, Marty tries to hide from his family and the dog’s real owner, a mean-spirited man who mistreats his pets. Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh O'Brien To help her children, a widowed mouse seeks aid from the rats wise from former experiences in a scientific laboratory. The series continues in sequels by O’Brien’s daughter, Jane Leslie Conly. The Wainscott Weasel Seidler While other young weasels dance under the pines, Bagley thinks about Bridget, the mesmerizing fish who lives in a pond down the brook from his den. If you liked Poppy, try this.

Abel's Island Steig Castaway on a deserted island, Abel, a very civilized mouse, finds his resourcefulness and endurance tested to the limit as he struggles to survive and return home. The Cricket in Times Square (series) Selden After Chester cricket arrives in Times Square via a picnic basket from Connecticut, he finds three good friends: a boy named Mario, Tucker – a fast-talking Broadway mouse, and his pal, Harry Cat. Stuart Little White Into a normal American family there was born a second son no bigger and no less than a mouse.

Realistic Fiction Are You There God? It's Me Margaret… Blume After her family moves to New Jersey, an almost-twelve-year-old Margaret Simon talks to God about all the trials, tribulations, emotional upheavals, and changes in her life and body. Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing (series) Blume Peter, because he's the oldest, must deal with Fudgie's disgusting cuteness, his constant meddling with Peter's stuff, and other grave offenses, one of which is almost too much to bear. The first of three entertaining yarns. The Secret Garden Burnett Mary Lennox, lonely and sad, comes to live at her uncle's great house on the Yorkshire moors, she finds it full of secrets. P.S. Longer Letter Later Snail Mail No More (sequel) Danziger Tara*Starr is as colorful as her name. Her best friend, Elizabeth, who is decidedly more retiring, must start seventh grade without the moral support of her lively, humorous friend who has moved away. The girls try to keep their friendship alive through letters.

More Realistic Fiction

The Man in the Ceiling Feiffer Jimmy Jibbett loves drawing cartoons and hopes to be great some day--but first he must cope with a lack of privacy, a father who wishes he liked sports instead of drawing, a popular older boy who pressures him to sell out and his own urge to give up when he's failing. If you liked Jack’s Black Book, try this. The Great Brain (series) Fitzgerald The shrewdest con artist west of the Mississippi during the early 1900s was 10-year-old Tom Fitzgerald, alias "The Great Brain." Harriet the Spy Fitzhugh Louise Fitzhugh's vivid novel about a spirited young girl who prepares for her future as a writer by spying on neighbors and strangers, and learns some life lessons in the process.

Nobody’s Family Is Going to Change Fitzhugh Emma wants to be a lawyer - her dad is against female lawyers. Willie (Emma's younger brother) wants to dance - but again his father is against the idea and would really like Willie to be a lawyer. Jack’s Black Book (series) Gantos Jack Henry and his eccentric family are back from Barbados (see Jack's New Power) to muddle through their latest adventure. At the end of his seventh-grade year, Jack is resolved to begin a writing career. Falcon’s Egg Gray Discovering a mysterious dragon egg in Central Park, Falcon, the daughter of a hectic and eccentric family, is amazed when the egg releases a wonderful magical power when it is hatched. If you liked Because of Winn Dixie, try this. Honus and Me Gutman Joe Stoshack and his mom aren't rich, so when Joe finds a valuable baseball card in an old lady's attic, he thinks he's got it made.

Everything on a Waffle Horovath In the small Canadian town of Coal Harbour, in a quaint restaurant called The Girl on the Red Swing, everything comes on a waffle – lasagna, fish, you name it. Even waffles! Eleven-year-old Primrose Squarp loves this homey place, especially its owner, Kate Bowzer. From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler Koningsburg A young girl and her younger brother run away from their home in Connecticut and end up living in the Metropolitan Museum, in New York City. Together they unravel a mystery. The View From Saturday E.L. Konigsburg Mrs. Olinsky chooses a group of her sixth graders to be on the Academic Bowl team. The book is filled with surprises as we learn about each of them and their teacher. Anastasia Krupnik (series) Lowry Anastasia's tenth year has some good things, like falling in love and really getting to know her grandmother, and some bad things, like finding out about an impending baby brother. Arthur for the Very First Time MacLachlan When Arthur goes to stay with his Great-Aunt Elda and Great-Uncle Wrisby on their farm, his world is turned upside down. For the first time Arthur wonders what's real and what's not. Felita Mohr A story of a Puerto Rican family struggling to give their children a brighter future in the face of racism and prejudice. Felita's parents promise she will love their new neighborhood. Only Abuelita, her grandmother, understands how much Felita will miss her old block, and her best friend Gigi. Secret Letters From 0-10 Morgenstern Quirky characters, heightening suspense, and hilarious situations are deftly combined in this tender French novel that examines a few of the large and small ways people affect one another.

More Realistic Fiction

The Agony of Alice (series) Naylor Alice McKinley is about to become a teenager, but she doesn't know how. Is she doomed to a life of one embarrassment after another? If you like this,try Anastasia Krupnik.

Starfisher

The Great Gilly Hopkins Paterson Eleven-year-old Gilly has been stuck in more foster families than she can remember, and she's disliked them all intensely. Against all odds, she is determined to find her birth mother. All Alone in the Universe Perkins A quiet, kind story, a chronology of heartache and healing told around the milestones of summer vacation, first boyfriends, and Thanksgiving at the kids' table. Strudel Stories Rocklin Mixing memories of her own relatives' stories with a bit of history and imagination, Rocklin makes her Jewish family come alive in these warm, humorous selections. The Skirt Soto In this cheery snapshot of a Mexican-American family in California, Miata attempts to retrieve from her schoolbus the folklorico skirt she left behind. Ballet Shoes (series) Streatfield Streatfeild's well-known story of three poor adoptive sisters who are trained as dancers and actresses in order to support the family. Scooter Williams Set in a New York City housing project, this series of vignettes forms a bouncy oversize novel about a girl's adjustment to her parents' divorce.

The World of Daughter McGuire Wyeth Eleven-year-old Daughter McGuire is having a hard time – her parents are separated, she is responsible every day after school for her eight-year-old brother, Satch, and she has a family heritage project due. According to her family tree, she is African-Italian-Irish-Jewish-Russian-American!

Dream Soul Yep Two engrossing books about the story of the Chinese American Lee family in Clarksburg, West Virginia in 1927.

Tales of Adventure

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle Avi In 1832, thirteen-year-old Charlotte Doyle, the only passenger and only female aboard a sailing ship bound from England to Rhode Island, is drawn into danger when she joins the crew in a revolt against the captain. The Indian in the Cupboard (series) Banks Omri's big brother has no birthday present for him, so he gives Omri an old medicine cabinet he found. The cabinet still doesn't seem like much of a present until Omri dumps a plastic toy Indian into it just before falling asleep. Then the magic begins. The Twenty-One Balloons DuBois Professor William Waterman Sherman intends to fly across the Pacific Ocean. But through a twist of fate, he lands on Krakatoa, and discovers a world of unimaginable wealth, eccentric inhabitants, and incredible balloon inventions. My Side of the Mountain On the Far Side of the Mountain (sequel) George Sam Gribley is terribly unhappy living in New York City with his family, so he runs away to the Catskill Mountains to live in the woods-all by himself. If you liked this, read Hatchet.

More Tales of Adventure

A Girl Named Disaster Farmer Eleven-year-old Nhamo invites young readers to share her adventures in the wilds of Africa as she flees from her village and a planned marriage to a cruel stranger. Stone Fox Gardiner Ten-year-old Willy needs to win the big dogsled race in order to pay the back taxes on his grandfather's farm. Running Out of Time Haddix Believing herself to be a frontier child in 1840, Jessie is shocked when her mother reveals a secret – it's really 1996. Slake's Limbo Holman When Artemis Slake disappears into the subway tunnels of New York, no one misses him, no one cares, or so he thinks. But 13-year-old Artemis manages to survive on his own. In fact, he flourishes, as he creates his own little world apart. The Wreckers Lawrence In 1799, a storm rages and a ship is wrecked on therocky Cornwall. John, who was sailing home after his first trading voyage with his merchant father, is apparently the only survivor.

The Swiss Family Robinson

Blizzard!: The Storm That Changed America (non-fiction) Murphy In March of 1888, two massive weather systems converged on the northeastern United States. The storms caught a nation unaware; for two days an ensuing blizzard raged, killing hundreds of people.

Island of the Blue Dolphins O'Dell A haunting and unusual story based on the fact that in the early 1800s an Indian girl spent 18 yearsalone on a rocky island far off the coast of California.

Hatchet (series) Paulsen When the small plane he is traveling in crashes, Brian Robeson finds himself alone and stranded in the Canadian wilderness with only the clothes he is wearing and a hatchet. Survival is one theme of many Gary Paulsen stories. Swallows and Amazons Ransome The summer adventures of two sets of English children who camp on a small island, go sailing, and live off the land. The Cay Taylor Phillip survives the shark-infested waters of the Caribbean. Can he also survive the blindness that follows? The Thief Turner Set in a time long ago and far away, this first-person novel tells of a gifted young thief, imprisoned for life, who is offered one chance to win his freedom. The Castle in the Attic Battle of the Castle (sequel) Winthrop The mysterious castle William's housekeeper told him about is suddenly his--an old, authentic wood-en model with a knight as tall as his finger to guard the gate, and it's the best gift he ever received.

Wyss Classic tale of a family that survives a shipwreck. Through ingenuity and working together, they build a paradise on an island populated by an impossibly rich array of plants and animals. Read the book and find out what that tree house in Disney World is all about.

Historical Fiction

Beyond the Western Sea (Book I and II) Avi A Victorian serial novel with a huge cast, and a multiplicity of short chapters setting out an episodic plot replete with chance meetings, narrow escapes, and dismaying revelations.

More Historical Fiction

Storm Warriors Carbone In 1895, Nathan moves to Pea Island where he hopes to join the all-black crew of surfmen at the Pea Island Life Saving Station. Catherine Called Birdy Cushman Life in the last decade of the twelfth century as seen through the eyes of a young teenage girl. Matilda Bone Cushman Matilda is an excessively pious young woman, obsessed with the saints whose voices chorus in her ear and the recollected wisdom of her former teacher and mentor, Father Leufredus. Lily’s Crossing Giff During a summer spent at Rockaway beach in1944, 10-year-old Lily’s friendship with Albert, a young Hungarian refugee, causes her to see the war and her own world differently. Nora Ryan’s Song Giff Life is hard for poor Irish potato farmers, but 12-year-old Nora Ryan and her family have always scraped by, until one morning. . . Hope’s Crossing Goodman A courageous young girl is kidnapped by British loyalists during the Revolutionary War period. Hope escapes before she can be sold to a slave trader, and with her captor's aged mother, Maude, makes her way to a war-torn but bustling New YorkCity.

The teenage son of a former slave joins a cattle drive from Texas to Abilene. Despite the bigotry of the trail boss (The Captain), rustlers, and stampedes, Joshua is determined to prove himself on his first drive.

Winter Hare Goodman Set in 1140, this exciting book chronicles the desireof 12-year-old Will to emulate King Arthur and to become a great knight during a time of civil war in England.

A broken piece of pottery sets events in motion as an orphan struggles to pay off his debt to a master potter. This finely crafted novel brings 12th-century Korea and these indelible characters to life. Newbery award.

Our Only May Ameila Holms Twelve-year-old May Amelia is too busy chasing sheep, fishing for salmon, and keeping pace with her seven Finnish brothers to bother wearing a dress or scrubbing behind her ears. Unfortunately, she's being pressured to clean up her act.

Marie Antoinette: Princess of Versailles “Royal Diaries” series Lasky Kathryn Lasky invents a diary of the young Marie Antoinette in 1769 – the year she is to be married off to Dauphin Louis Auguste, eldest grandson of the French king Louis XV. Dave at Night Levine Two Jewish boys are growing up in 1920s New York, playing stickball and – in Dave's case – getting into trouble. But when their father dies, Dave finds himself separated from his older brother and thrust into the cold halls of the Hebrew Home for Boys. Number the Stars Lowry Ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her best friend Ellen Rosen often think of life before the war. It's now 1943 and their life in Copenhagen is filled with school, food shortages, and the Nazi soldiers marching through town. Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba (“Dear America” series) McKissack In present-day Angola, the African queen Nzingha is a cultural hero for her resistance to the Portuguese colonizers and slave traders during her nearly 40-year rule in the early seventeenth century. The Journal of Joshua Loper: A Black Cowboy (“My America” series) Myers

A Single Shard Park

The Witch of Blackbird Pond Speare Cat misses her home in Barbados, and the cold winters of New England are a new experience for her, but a greater threat comes from the Puritan neighbors who do not understand her.

Even More Historical Fiction The Land Mildred D. Taylor After the Civil War Paul, the son of a white father and a black mother, finds himself caught between the two worlds of colored folks and white folks as he pursues his dream of owning land of his own. Coretta Scott King award & Scott O’Dell award. Kaiulani: The People’s Princess (“Royal Diaries” series) White The daughter of a European merchant and a Hawaiian princess, Kaiulani was a direct heir to the Kalakaua dynasty, and third in line for the Hawaiian throne. The "Little House on the Prairie" Books Wilder The adventures continue for Laura Ingalls and her family as they leave their little house in the big woods of Wisconsin and set out for Kansas. Caleb’s Choice Wisler In the 1850s, after his father goes bankrupt, Caleb finds himself at the home of his grandmother in north Texas. There his life is saved by a runaway slave. When he discovers that his cousin is helping other runaways, he must decide whether tohelp her or not.

Once On This River Wyeth This riveting historical novel recounts a trip from Madagascar to New York in 1760 and a young blackgirl's shocking discovery of her true heritage.

Biography & Autobiography

Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World Armstrong The harrowing survival story of English explorer SirErnest Shackleton and 27 sailors who attempted tocross the frozen Antarctic continent from one side to the other.

A timid child from a dysfunctional family, Eleanor Roosevelt became a courageous woman whose career grew from a series of devastating events.

Born Free Adams The story of Elsa the lion and her cubs. If you liked Old Yeller or The Incredible Journey, read this book. Ethel and Ernest Briggs Poignant, funny, and utterly original, Ethel & Ernest is Raymond Briggs's loving depiction of his parents' in the 1970s. lives from their chance first encounter in the 1920s until their deaths

Cleopatra Brooks This fact-filled account reads like a novel as it charts the life, times, and politics of Cleopatra, queen of Egypt. Talking With Adventurers Cummings Each interview consists of a brief autobiographical summary followed by responses to a list of questions. Well-known and unfamiliar subjects are included, and photos are provided. Boy Dahl Can this book explain all of those terrible grown ups in Roald Dahl’s fiction stories? The Longitude Prize Dash Longitude was a mystery, and many disoriented ships sank until, in the 18th century, an English clockmaker developed a series of instruments to establish a ship's east-west position. Babe Didrikson Zaharias Freedman The best athlete of the 20th century may have been Babe Didrickson Zaharias, who appears in a vibrant biography that crushes any remaining myths about women in sports Eleanor Roosevelt Freedman

More Biography & Autobiography

What’s the big Idea, Ben Franklin? Fritz A brief biography of the 18th-Century printer, inventor, and statesman who played an influential role in the early history of the United States. Beyond The Sea of Ice: The Story of Henry Hudson Goodman The book presents a clear overview of the explorer's accomplishments and sad fate. Excerpts from the diaries of Hudson and some of his shipmates accompany the text. I Have a Dream Haskins There are numerous biographies of Martin Luther King, but Rosa Parks's sensitive and reflective introduction and the boxed inserts of King's actual words make this account particularly appealing. Lives of the Athletes : Thrills, Spills (And What the Neighbors Thought) Krull Profiles twenty athletes of the 1900s who broke new ground in their sports and often fought racial or gender barriers as well. Others in the series include writers, artists, musicians, presidents, and women. Spellbinder Lalicki This intriguing biography surveys the life of Elrich Weiss, better known as Harry Houdini. Lalicki sifts through the many contradictions of Houdini's life to unveil Houdini's stratospheric rise to success. Childhood of "Famous Americans" Biography Series Macmillan Publishers Written by a variety of different authors, these biographies are lively and informative. Malcolm X Myers Born Malcolm Little, Malcolm X spent much of his life speaking out for the equality of black people and the need for individuals to take personal responsibility for their own success in America.

Shout Sister Shout Orgill In this richly illustrated collection, music critic Roxane Orgill paints vivid word pictures of the lives of 10 women vocalists who span the century, from Sophie Tucker, Last of the Red Hot Mamas, to country singer Lucinda Williams. Bill Peet: An Autobiography Peet Well-known author and illustrator, Bill Peet tells of his boyhood, his constant doodling and drawing, and how he joined Disney during the depression as a finish cartoonist. Living Dangerously Rappaport This compilation offers exciting reading about six dauntless and determined adventurers who, as women, broke new ground by climbing, flying, diving, running, exploring, or going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. The Upstairs Room Reiss In this fine autobiographical novel, Johanna Reiss depicts the trials of her Dutch-Jewish family who hid out for two years during World War II.

Knots in My Yo-Yo String Spinelli Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli has penned his early autobiography with all the warmth, humor, and drama of his best-selling fiction. Entertaining and fast-paced, this is a highly readable memoir-- a must-have for Spinelli fans. Forging Freedom Talbot Talbott tells the story of his friend Jaap Penraat, who, as a young architectural student in Amsterdam under the Nazi occupation, saved hundreds of Jews from arrest, first by forging their ID cards, and then by devising an elaborate escape plan to smuggle them over the border to freedom.

Poetry & Word Play Go Hang a Salami I'm a Lasagna Hog Agee Zany black-and-white drawings complement a selection of palindromes, words or sentences that read the same forward and backward. Poetry For Young People: Lewis Carroll Much of the sly, entertaining, and sometimes just plain odd poetry that is scattered among Lewis Carroll's books is gathered here. Poems For Youth Dickinson A new edition of a book published in 1934, this handsome volume presents Emily Dickinson's poetry to young people. Mammalopedia Florian For a reader with a sophisticated vocabulary and a love of words, mammalabilia provides 21 clever rhymed verses about a variety of animals, some familiar and others exotic. Insectlopedia Florian Insectlopedia swarms, buzzes, and slithers with poetry and paint. Douglas Florian has come up with a delightful infestation of 21 spider and insect poems and paintings, awash in watercolor and collage on primed brown paper bags. Poetry For Young People: Robert Frost From the Great Poets series--exquisite small-format collections of classic poetry enhanced by full-color reproductions of period art, and readable, scholarlyintroductions.

Dreams of Glory Glaser Divided into sections labeled "Sports," "Power," and "Dreams of Glory," the thirty poems in reflect the hopes, fears, and aspirations of modern girls. Joyful Noise Fleischman Joyful noise is a great book to read with another person. It is filled with poems for two voices. Read it with a friend.

Extra Innings Hopkins A handsome collection of poems about baseball, from the pros to the children of the little league. Stone Bench in an Empty Ark Janeczko A collection of haiku poems that celebrate city life, illustrated with black-and-white photos. Ackamarackus: Julius Lester's Sumptuously Silly Fantastically Funny Fables Lester In these six highly alliterative fables, Lester creates some of the silliest critters ever to have walked (or flown or swum) this earth. Butterfly Jar Moss Wise, wacky, and brimming with memorable characters, The Butterfly Jar will tickle the funny bones and warm the hearts of children and adults. Bones Poems Moss A whimsical, imaginative collection of rhymes about dinosaurs and primitive humans that illuminate the curiosities of nature and science. The New Kid on the Block (series) Prelutsky These exuberant valises of verse bulge with many poems about things you've never thought about like Underwater Wibbles who dine on cheese. The Green Grass Grew All Around Schwartz Full of vigorous, swinging rhythms and funny, often nasty, sentiments, the pages are filled with well-known rhymes as well as new discoveries.

Eight Ate (word-play series) Terbain From a bare bear to a foul fowl, this collection of original riddles will keep you laughing.

Folklore & Fairytales

Fairy Tales Doherty Doherty's retellings are respectful of the originals, while incorporating her own strong, vibrant voice.

More Folklore & Fairytales

In the Beginning Hamilton The creation myths of different religions and cultures are told in a lively fashion. The People Could Fly Hamilton Humor, magic and mystery underscore the theme of freedom in these collections of stories drawn from the African-American folktale tradition. The Legend of King Arthur Lister This book is fantastic for anyone who would like to start learning the legends of the Round Table, Merlin, Guinevere and Lancelot, and of course the once and future king himself, Arthur. The Dark Thirty McKissack These 10 spine-tinglers range from straight-up ghost stories to other Southern tales of the supernatural. Dreamtime: Aboriginal Stories Oodgeroo-Bancroft 27 stories by an honored Aboriginal writer are divided into Stories from Stradbroke – memoirs of the author's childhood in the 1920s and '30s, and Stories from the Old & New Dreamtime – Aborigine myths and new stories told in traditional styles. Cut From the Same Cloth San Souci Arranged geographically from northeast to west (including Alaska and Hawaii), these 15 tales of clever, strong- willed, or larger-than-life women represent several cultures:Anglo-, Native-, African-, and Mexican-American. The Serpent Slayer and Other Stories of Strong Women Tchana 18 stories showcase the courage, cleverness, and integrity of women who dare to go beyond their traditional roles and stand up for themselves and their people.

Vampire Bugs Wyeth Six tales of young people transformed into lightning bugs, placed under spells, or visited by ghosts will raise goosebumps and serve as an introduction to African-American folklore. The Rainbow People Tongues of Jade Yep In these two collections, Newbery Honor Award-winner Laurence Yep has collected and retold folktales originally recounted by Chinese-American immigrants as part of a 1930s WPA project. Here There Be Unicorns Yolen A fabulous collection of unicorn stories and poems, with both medieval and modern settings about the fabled beast's healing powers and quintessential goodness. The poems, which are written in a variety of styles, including some that are quite challenging, are sure to generate interesting discussions about creative expression. The Outspoken Princess and the Gentle Knight Zipes Fifteen distinguished authors, including Tanith Lee, Jane Yolen, A. S. Byatt, and Lloyd Alexander, present magical, modern renditions of traditional fairy tales.

Humor Bud Not Buddy Curtis Set in Michigan during the Great Depression, this is an Oliver Twist kind of foundling story, but it's told with affectionate comedy. Bud is charming and sincere, and the cast of characters is authentic and memorable. The Watson's Go to Birmingham, 1963 Curtis Paul Curtis's wonderfully-told story is a strong one with humor, tragedy and family life finely interwoven. Our House: The Stories of Levittown Conrad This collection uses the history of Levittown, that quintessential post- World War II Long Island suburb, as the organizing principle underlying six finely crafted short stories.

More Humor The BFG Dahl The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) is one of Roald Dahl's most lovable character creations. With Sophie nestled into the soft skin of his ear he captures dreams as though they were exotic butterflies. Fantastic Mr. Fox Dahl Mr. Fox is surrounded! He's going to have to come up with a truly fantastic plan to dig himself out of trouble this time. When they try to dig him out, he digs faster; when they lay siege to his den, he tunnels to where the farmers least expect him--their own larders! The Trolls Horovath Mom and Dad are off to Paris and in dire need of a last-minute babysitter. Aunt Sally, however, is not Mr. Anderson's first choice. She is his story-telling sister who does silly things with string beans. Uncanny Unmentionable (series) Jennings Horror story fans are sure to be drawn to these twovolumes; however, those expecting the genre's traditional fare may be taken aback by the author's Monty Pythonesque sense of humor. Surprising, gross, scary, and unpredictable.

The triumph of Bradley Chalkers, the weird, insecure bully of the fifth grade, will appeal to every reader who has cheered for--or been--the underdog.

Regarding the Fountain Klise The school in Dry Creek needs a new drinking fountain, but a simple request for a catalog turns the town upside down when Florence Waters begins corresponding with the fifth-grade class. Letters from Camp Klise Anyone who has been to summer camp will delight in this wild spoof of camp life told entirely in letters, memos, and whimsical illustrations, Homer Price Centerburg Tales (sequel) McCloskey Popular and preposterous stories about a young Midwestern boy who is always getting into trouble.

The Pushcart War Merrill A funny tale about a fictional war in 1976 between New York City’s truck drivers & pushcart peddlers. Owls in the Family Mowat Every child needs to have a pet. No one could argue with that, but what happens when your pet is an owl, and your owl is terrorizing the neighborhood? A Year Down Yonder A Long Way From Chicago Peck These two books contain thoroughly entertaining stories featuring Grandma Dowdel, whose ungrandmotherly ways are a constant source of surprise, and often shock, to her grandchildren. Holes Sachar A darkly humorous tale of crime and punishment. This one-of-a-kind book is one that you will never forget. There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom Sachar

Dogs Don't Tell Jokes Sachar Twelve-year-old jokester Gary Boone knows he was born to be a comedian, it's the kids in his class who think he's just a goon.

Mystery The House with a Clock in its Walls (series) Bellairs This is a deliciously chilling tale, with healthy doses of humor and compassion thrown in for good measure. Lewis always dreamed of living in an old house full of secret passageways, hidden rooms, and big marble fireplaces. And suddenly, after the death of his parents, he finds himself in just such a mansion--his Uncle Jonathan's.

More Mystery Stonewords Conrad A strange tale in which two girls, one in the past and one in the present, move back and forth in each other's lives. Zoe's grandparents think that Zoe Louise is Zoe's imaginary friend.The truth, however, is that Zoe Louise lived in Zoe's house a century ago, and her ghost has returned to solve a terrible mystery. . . Wait Till Helen Comes Hahn A powerful, convincing, and frightening tale. Ghost-story fans have a spooky treat in store. What's thatmisty white figure lurking behind that tree near that old overgrown grave? Could it be Helen? Read the book and find out.

The "Bunnicula" Series Howe Told by Harold, the family dog, the hilarious tale ofa bunny found by the Monroes in a Dracula movie and the effort of Harold and Chester, the cat, to “save” the family from what they suspect is a vampire rabbit. (And, other stories.)

Clockwork Pullman The frightening story about a king with a heart made of clockworks becomes horrifyingly real when a hooded, menacing figure from the tale, the mad doctor Kalmenius, enters the inn where the tale is being told. Count Karlstein Pullman The wicked Count Karlstein plans to sacrifice his two young nieces to save himself from the pact he entered into with the Demon Huntsman, tales of whom circulate widely in their mountainous Swiss village. A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning (series) Snicket This highly popular series tells the grim tale of the Baudelaire children and all of the problems they face. Somehow, they always manage to get by.

The Dollhouse Murders Wright Discovering an old-fashioned dollhouse in a dusty attic, Amy is unaware that the dollhouse holds a deadly, forgotten secret about a past murder, and the dolls decide that Amy must learn the truth.

Mythology d'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths d'Aulaire's Book of Norse Gods d'Aulaire Theses best-loved children's book about the gods and goddesses, kings and heroes of ancient mythology offer a whirlwind introduction to the gods and goddesses of the past. Cats From Myth Dogs From Myth Hausman These handsome, oversize books are not just a treat for cat and dog lovers but also for readers who enjoy a good folktale. A Family Treasury of Myths From Around the World Koenig This global collection is clearly designed as a book for family sharing. Greek Gods and Heroes Graves Venerable writer Robert Graves re-tells the most memorable Greek myths in a fun loving style that will entertain children and adults. Heroes, Gods and Monsters of Greek Myths Evslin In this compelling book, Evslin introduces readers to the wondrous and terrifying world of superhuman beings, such as Medusa and the Minotaur, and the glory of gods like Zeus, Athena, and Poseidon – brought magically to life through exciting retellings of great adventurers such as Perseus, Daedalus, Prometheus, and others.