READING LIST: ART-SCIENCE GRADES 3-6

SERIES

Science for Kids series : Galileo, Newton, Einstein (all have activities as well as info)

Series: Masterpieces, artists and their works

NONFICTION

The boy who harnessed the wind

By Kamkwamba, William  Dewey: 621.4

The author details how he ignored naysayers and was able to bring electricity and running water to his Malawian village when he built a makeshift windmill out of scrap metal and spare parts.

The dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins : an illuminating history of Mr. Waterhouse Hawkins, artist and lecturer : true dinosaur story in three ages ....

By Kerley, Barbara  Dewey: 567.9

The true story of Victorian artist Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, who built life-sized models of dinosaurs in the hope of educating the world about what these awe-inspiring ancient animals were like.

Leonardo da Vinci : artist, inventor, and Renaissance man

By Koestler-Grack, Rachel A  Dewey: 709

Profiles the life and works of artist, sculptor, inventor, writer, and scientist, Leonardo da Vinci, and describes how much of his work became forerunners of many modern machines such as the automobile and the airplane.

Leonardo da Vinci by Barbara Witteman (biography)

Series: Masterpieces. Artists and their Work.

 Romare Bearden: Collage of Memories 
by Jan Greenberg
Recounts the life of the twentieth-century African-American collage artist who used his southern childhood. New York City, jazz, and Paris to influence his bold and meaningful art.

Starry messenger : a book depicting the life of a famous scientist, mathematician, astronomer, philosopher, physicist, Galileo Galilei

By Sis, Peter  Dewey: 520

Describes the life and work of Galileo who changed the way people saw the galaxy, by offering objective evidence that the earth was not the fixed center of the universe.

FICTION

Among the brave

By Haddix, Margaret Peterson  Dewey: -Fic-

In a society that allows families to have only two children, a group of third-borns tries to save themselves and others like them.

Beetle boy

By Leonard, M. G  Dewey: -Fic-

Darkus Cuttle has taken care of his father ever since his mother died, but his father vanished from a locked vault at the Natural History Museum, and now he lives with his eccentric uncle. One day he finds a large and unusually intelligent and self-aware beetle, and soon he and his two friends are caught up in a struggle to protect an intelligent super species of beetles

Benjamin Franklinstein lives!

By McElligott, Matthew  Dewey: -Fic-

While working on a science fair project, a Philadelphia school boy discovers both a secret laboratory in his basement and Benjamin Franklin, who comes to life after receiving a jolt of electricity.

Framed

By Cottrell Boyce, Frank  Dewey: -Fic-

Dylan and his sisters have some ideas about how to make Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel into a more profitable business, but it is not until some strange men arrive in their small town of Manod, Wales with valuable paintings, and their father disappears, that they consider turning to crime.

Me, Frida

By Novesky, Amy  Dewey: -Fic-

Artist Frida Kahlo finds her own voice and style when her famous husband, Diego Rivera, is commissioned to paint a mural in San Francisco, California, in the 1930s and she finds herself exploring the city on her own.

Space case

By Gibbs, Stuart  Dewey: -Fic-

"Dashiell Gibson, who lives on Moon Base Alpha, has to solve a murder of one of the moon's most prominent doctors"--Provided by publisher.

The 7 professors of the Far North

By Fardell, John  Dewey: -Fic-

Eleven-year-old Sam finds himself involved in a dangerous adventure when he and his new friends, brother and sister Ben and Zara, set off for the Arctic to try and rescue the siblings' great-uncle and five other professors from the mad scientist holding them prisoner.

Saffy's angel

By McKay, Hilary  Dewey: -Fic-

After learning that she was adopted, thirteen-year-old Saffron's relationship with her eccentric, artistic family changes, until they help her go back to Italy where she was born to find a special memento of her past.

SECRETS IN THE SNOW by Michaela MacColl

Historical Fiction (French Revolution & Britain 1700's),
Mystery, Romance, Jane Austen

264 pages; Grades 6-10

Junior Library Guild Selection

"Jane Austen's family is eager to secure her future by marrying her off. But Jane is much more interested in writing her novels, and finds every suitor lacking--until the mysterious Mr. Lefroy arrives. Could he be the one? Before Jane can find out, she must solve a murder, clear her family's name, and face a decision that might cost her true love." -The Publisher

Entertaining murder mystery with some romance that may tempt readers to discover the real Jane Austen. Writing reflects formality of the time period (the late 1700's), but is an appropriate reading level for students.

THE SUMMER I SAVED THE WORLD ....IN 65 DAYS by Michele Hurwitz

Realistic Fiction, Friendship, Families, Helping People,  Romance

265 pages; grades 5-8

Horn Book Guide (Fall 2014)
"The summer before ninth grade, Nina is adrift: she's growing apart from her best friend, and her family hardly speaks to one another. Then she decides to do one small, anonymous kind act each day, hoping to bring some good to her neighborhood. Nina is a thoughtful, inspiring hero who proves that one person really can make a difference."

Love, love this book! You have suspense, the difficulties that sometimes come with friendship, loneliness, happiness, triumph, and a lot of great characters in one small neighborhood.

Put this on your recommended list for middle school.

I AM A GENIUS OF UNSPEAKABLE EVIL AND I WANT TO BE YOUR CLASS PRESIDENT by Josh Lieb

Humor, School, Genius

302 pages; YA

"Twelve-year-old evil genius, Oliver, uses his great brain to become the third richest person in the world, and finds that overthrowing foreign dictators is easier than getting the kids in his middle school to vote him class president."
-Publisher's description

This kid is so evil. Forget role models! I couldn't stop reading it. It was grabbed up immediately by one of my students before I could finish it. He had just told me that he doesn't like to read, so if this book gets him reading, well then I love it!

OUT OF MY MIND by Sharon Draper

white Realistic Fiction, Overcoming Adversity, Assistive Technology, Friendship, Family, Courage

295 pages Grades 5-8

Starred reviews

Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2010)
"Narrator Melody is a fifth grader with cerebral palsy. She's brilliant, but few people realize just how brilliant until she receives "Elvira," her Medi-Talker computer. Draper paints the picture of a real girl--with tantrums and attitude, problems with mean girls and oafish adults. This is an eye-opening book with an unforgettable protagonist and a rich cast of fully realized, complicated characters."

An unforgettable description of the frustration and heartache experienced by people who must cope with disabilities that cause others to stereotype and exclude them. A powerful book for class discussion or independent reading. Pair with Wonder by Palacio.

THE WAR THAT SAVED MY LIFE by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Historical Fiction, World War II, Disabilities, Courage, Family, Friendship, Horses

2015, 316 pages

Newbery Honor and many starred reviews

Horn Book Guide starred (Fall 2015)

Ten-year-old Ada, abused by her cruel, ignorant mam due to an unrepaired clubfoot, has never been outside her squalid London flat. With WWII imminent, her brother, Jamie, is evacuated to the countryside, and Ada determines to go with him. The emotional content feels completely true, especially in recognition of how far Ada's journey will be to both physical and mental health.

This is an absolute winner. It has a great story line and gives a vivid portrayal of a child's perspective of the war in England. Readers will be inspired by Ada's courage and the people who help her. Love this book! I give it 5 stars!

COUNTING BY 7'S by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Realistic Fiction, Geniuses, Eccentricities, Family, Friendship, Loss

378 pages; 2014

Horn Book Guide starred (Spring 2014)

After her parents' death, twelve-year-old Willow Chance, a genius obsessed with plants and medical conditions, is taken in by her only friend, high schooler Mai Nguyen, Mai's mother Pattie, and Mai's surly brother, Quang-ha. What sets this novel apart from the average orphan-finds-a-home book is its lack of sentimentality, its truly multicultural cast, and its precise, poignant tone.

Love, love this book! Sloan, author of Apple Blossom Possum (a very different type of book), is a top notch author. Counting by 7's would be a great book club or class discussion.

ZERO TO HERO by Henry Winkler

Fantasy, Ghosts, Bullies

170 pages, 2012

A short, fun story that empathizes with the challenges of middle school social complexities.

"Billy Broccoli is new to the neighborhood, and wants cool friends and a spot on the baseball team more than anything. But the one thing he never wanted is his own personal ghost. So imagine his surprise when he ends up sharing a room with Hoover Porterhouse, a funny ghost with a whole lot of attitude.
When an obnoxious school bully sets out to demolish Billy, the Hoove comes up with a plan for revenge. It’s all in the Hoove's Rule Number Forty-Two: Stay cool. And like it or not, Billy and the Hoove have to stick together if Billy ever wants to get in style, get even, and conquer the school." - from the publisher

MANIAC MAGEE by Jerry Spinelli

Fiction, Prejudice, Racism, Homelessness, Family, Strength

Newbery Award 1991; Boston Globe/Hornbook Award 1990
184 pages, 1990

Let's not forget to recommend this powerful, heartwarming book! It exemplifies the strength of innocence and truth. An uplifting story that will also make you want to cry.

"In this modern-day tall tale, Spinelli ( Dump Days ; Jason and Marceline ) presents a humorous yet poignant look at the issue of race relations, a rare topic for a work aimed at middle readers. Orphaned as an infant, Jerry Magee is reared by his feuding aunt and uncle until he runs away at age eight. He finds his way to Two Mills, Pa., where the legend of ``Maniac'' Magee begins after he scores major upsets against Brian Denehy, the star high school football player, and Little League tough guy, John McNab. In racially divided Two Mills, the Beales, a black family, take Maniac in, but despite his local fame, community pressure forces him out and he returns to living at the zoo. Park groundskeeper Grayson next cares for the boy, but the old man dies and Maniac moves into the squalid home of the McNabs, who are convinced a race war is imminent. After a showdown with his nemesis, Mars Bar, Maniac bridges the gap between the two sides of town and finally finds a home. Full of snappy street-talk cadences, this off-the-wall yarn will give readers of all colors plenty of food for thought. Ages 8-12" -Publishers Weekly May 1990

COUNTDOWN by Deborah Wiles

Historical Fiction, 1960's, Cuban Missile Crisis
2010
Grades 5-8
ALA Notable Book 2011; Starred Reviews

"The narrator of this first-rate novel is eleven-year-old Air Force brat (and middle child) Franny Chapman. With JFK facing down Communists and a father on active duty, Franny has cause to feel on edge. Eye-grabbing graphic spreads of Cold War-era images, lyrics, speeches, and headlines are shrewdly interspersed throughout the book, providing most of the social commentary and historical explication."  -Hornbook Fall 2010

This would be a fabulous book for classes studying U.S. History during the early 1960's. The primary resources interspersed bring this era to life. Very engaging and informative.

ESCAPE FROM MR. LEMONCELLO'S LIBRARY by Chris Grabenstein

Humor, Mystery, Games, Libraries

2013 

"Grades 4-7. Here’s an instantly engaging and wildly creative mystery that is sure to have readers looking at their humble local library in a new light. Mr. Lemoncello is an eccentric game designer who has just funded a very special new library in his hometown. In honor of the grand opening, Lemoncello has selected a dozen 12-year-olds to participate in an overnight lock-in event at the library. But when the kids wake up, they discover a new and unexpected game is afoot: whoever can find a way out of Mr. Lemoncello’s library will win the grand prize. Avid readers will get a kick out of the references to classic and current children’s literature as the kids solve clues to escape and win the game. Main character Kyle Keeley works hard to beat his nemesis, the conniving bully Charles Chilington, who constantly reminds everyone that he is always successful. As Lemoncello says, knowledge not shared remains unknown, and the group learns that working together just might be the key to solving the mystery. An ode to libraries and literature that is a worthy successor to the original madman riddle master himself, Willy Wonka." -Booklist starred (June 1, 2013 (Vol. 109, No. 19))


This is fantastic! I am in the middle of it, but can't wait to put the book into a student's hands....or maybe do a bit of a read aloud. A real winner!!! 

SWEET MISS HONEYWELL'S REVENGE by Kathryn Reiss

Ghosts Fiction, Dollhouses Fiction, Families, Divorce, Friendship
435 pages
Grades 5-8
2004

"Zibby Thorne doesn't know what possessed her to buy an antique dollhouse--she doesn't even like dolls. But when her friends and family start having bizarre accidents clearly connected to the dollhouse, she can't ignore the menacing structure any longer.

Zibby is sure that one particularly creepy doll in a gray dress is somehow responsible for the trouble. She discovers the doll is controlled by the spirit of "sweet" Miss Honeywell, a vengeful governess who seeks to control Zibby and her friends from beyond the grave. They must find a way to stop Miss Honeywell before her wrath becomes deadly."

---The Publisher

A 'fun-scary' book that encompasses the difficulty of divorce and family love. A little long in the middle, but picks up and finishes with a satisfying ending.

WAR HORSE by Michael Morpurgo

Fiction, World War I, Horses, Friendship
Grades 5-8
67 pages

"We'll be friends, you and I. I'll call you Joey,' Albert said. 'I'll look after you. We'll always be friends, I promise.' Albert Narracott, a farmer's boy, makes this promise to his horse, Joey, in Devon, England. But this is before the First World War, and before Joey leaves for France to become a war horse. What happens to Joey in the British army? What will the Germans and the French do to him when they find him? And how will Albert find Joey again? Read this story and find out."
- The Publisher

GREAT book! Full disclosure I love horses, but this story about friendship, loyalty, and forgiveness will touch the heart of anyone.

THE SON OF NEPTUNE by Rick Riordan

Fantasy, Mythology

"Percy is confused. When he awoke after his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain-fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy managed to make it to the camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he had to continually kill monsters that, annoyingly, would not stay dead. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. When the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk.

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother claims he is descended from ancient heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery-although not good enough to help the Fifth Cohort win at war games. His big and bulky physique makes him feel like a clumsy ox, especially in front of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely-enough, even, to share the secret he holds close to his heart.

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far north as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment in the Heroes of Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all of whom are destined to play a part in the most important quest of all: the Prophecy of Seven." ---from the publisher

Riordan reaches the level of J.K. Rowling. He is fantastic. Read this series.

Fabulous Fantasy Books

a duplicate posting from the Eastchester Summer Reading Blog

Harry Potter series - J.K Rowling
Inkheart - Cornelia Funke
Hunger Games - Suzanne Collins
The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials) by Philip Pullman
The Mortal Instrument series - Cassandra Clare
The Divergent series - Veronica Roth
Twilight series - Stephenie Meyer
Rick Riordan's series - Greek Gods and demigods!
The Abhorsen Trilogy - Garth Nix
The Keys to the Kingdom - Garth Nix
The Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan
Song of the Lioness series - Tamora Pierce
A Great and Terrible Beauty by Libby Bray - The Gemma Doyle Series
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children - Ransom Riggs
The Bartimaeus Trilogy - Jonathan Stroud
The Land of Stories - Chris Colfer
The Maze Runner - series (beware horror page-turner!) -James Dashner
Kingdom Keepers - Ridley Pearson
The Wee Free Men - Maurice and His Educated Rodents and the Discworld series by Terry Pratchett...The Sir Terry Pratchett himself

Some great classics!
The Dark is Rising - Susan Cooper
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings - J.R. Tolkien
The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald (Gave me nightmares, but unforgettable!)
A Wrinkle in Time series by Madeleine L'Engle

THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY by Trenton Lee Steward

Science Fiction, Adventure, Schools
2008, 485 pages

ALA Notable and starred reviews

"Are you a gifted child looking for special opportunities?"

"When this peculiar ad appears in the newspaper, dozens of children enroll to take a series of mysterious, mind-bending texts. (And you, dear reader, can test your wits right alongside them.) But in the end just four very special children will succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and resourceful children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules.

As our heroes face physical and mental trials beyond their wildest imaginations, they have no choice but to turn to each other for support. But with their newfound friendship at stake, will they be able to pass the most important test of all? Welcome to the Mysterious Benedict Society." From the Publisher

This is an absolutely engaging adventure that involves problem-solving, loyalty, and bravery. I was so sorry when it ended, but good news...there are sequels!

THE FOURTH STALL by Chris Rylander

Realistic Fiction, School, Friends, Bullying, Mystery, Humor

"The humor of Diary of a Wimpy Kid meets a Godfather-like tale of crime and betrayal in this first book in Chris Rylander's The Fourth Stall Saga.

Do you need something? Mac can get it for you. He and his best friend and business manager, Vince. Their methods might sometimes run afoul of the law, or at least the school code of conduct, but if you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can pay him, Mac is on your side.

 His office is located in the East Wing boy's bathroom, fourth stall from the high window. And business is booming. Or at least it was, until this particular Monday. Because this Monday is when Mac and Vince find out that the trouble with solving everyone else's problems is there's no one left to solve yours.

The school setting; fast-paced, cinematic, and funny story; and engaging voice make The Fourth Stall a perfect classroom read." From the Publisher

This is a real favorite with my sixth graders. It's a page turner! Mac's business operation is outrageous and breaks a lot of rules....and the law at times, but the story works just because it is so outrageous - believable, but not really. What saves Mac in the reader's eyes is that he really is a nice kid and wants to look out for others...while making money.

This could be a good match for both reluctant and avid readers.

MILKWEED by Jerry Spinelli

Children and War; Historical Fiction; Holocaust

"Follows a young Jewish orphan in the Warsaw ghetto during World War Two as he slowly understands the horrible reality that surrounds him and attempts to steal in order to help others survive."

This is a lyrical novel juxtaposed against the brutality of the Holocaust seen through the eyes of a boy too young to understand, thus emphasizing the tragedy of events. I was mesmerized by Spinelli's writing and found the story compelling, although was a little unsatisfied with the ending. Still, it would be a book to be paired with Orlev's Run Boy, Run as suggested by the review below.

Booklist starred (October 15, 2003 (Vol. 100, No. 4))

Holocaust survivor stories for teens run the risk of being either too brutal or too sentimental. These two novels avoid sensationalizing the violence because, in each case, the protagonist is a child too young to understand what's going on, which distances the horror. In both books the child is saved, but there's no radiant uplift about rescuers. Yes, some heroes do hide the children and help them, but as John Auerbach shows in his adult autobiographical story collection, The Owl and Other Stories [BKL S 15 03], which centers on escaping the Warsaw ghetto, luck and wild coincidence were a large part of what enabled a few to live. Part survival adventure, part Holocaust history, these novels tell their story through the eyes of a Polish orphan on the run from the Nazis. Orlev is a Holocaust survivor, and his award-winning novels about being a child in the Warsaw ghetto, including The Man from the Other Side (1991), are widely read. This new story is not based on his own experience, but it does come from real life--the experience of an illiterate ghetto survivor who escaped into the Polish countryside, stealing, foraging, begging, working. The boy is nurtured by some and hated by many. He hides his circumcision and invents a Catholic identity; he forgets his real name, his family, and the street where he lived. In one unforgettable incident, he loses his right arm because a Polish doctor refuses to operate on a Jew. He survives, immigrating to Israel, where Orlev hears him tell his story. The narrative is simple and spare, factual about everything from hunting with a slingshot to making a fire with a piece of glass, and it's always true to the viewpoint of a boy who thinks he is "about nine." In contrast, Spinelli's narrative is manic, fast, and scattered, authentically capturing the perspective of a young child who doesn't know if he's a Jew or a Gypsy; he has never known family or community. He lives by stealing; his name may be Stopthief. Unlike Orlev's protagonist, this boy lives in the ghetto, where the daily atrocities he witnesses-- hanging bodies, massacres, shootings, roundups, transports--are the only reality he knows. His matter-of-fact account distances the brutality without sensationalizing or lessening the truth. He first finds shelter with a gang of street kids, where one fierce older boy protects him, invents an identity for him, and teaches him survival skills. Later he lives with a Jewish family. The history is true, so although Spinelli's narrator is young, the brutal realism in the story makes this a book for older children. Both novels end with what seems to be a contrived escape, though in Orlev's story, the ending is true. Add these stirring titles to the Holocaust curriculum; the youth of the protagonists allows them to ask questions and get answers that will help readers learn the history.

ECHO by Pam Munoz Ryan

Newbery Honor 2016; PW Best Books of the Year 2015; Notable Children's Books - Middle Readers - 2016

Discrimination; Family; Historical Fiction; Magic; Music; World War II

"No matter how much sadness there is in life, there are equal amounts of maybe things will get better someday soon" Echo

"Winner of a 2016 Newbery Honor, ECHO pushes the boundaries of genre, form, and storytelling innovation.

Lost and alone in a forbidden forest, Otto meets three mysterious sisters and suddenly finds himself entwined in a puzzling quest involving a prophecy, a promise, and a harmonica.

Decades later, Friedrich in Germany, Mike in Pennsylvania, and Ivy in California each, in turn, become interwoven when the very same harmonica lands in their lives. All the children face daunting challenges: rescuing a father, protecting a brother, holding a family together. And ultimately, pulled by the invisible thread of destiny, their suspenseful solo stories converge in an orchestral crescendo.

Richly imagined and masterfully crafted, this impassioned, uplifting, and virtuosic tour de force will resound in your heart long after the last note has been struck." --From the Publisher

I wasn't sure where this book was going in the opening fairy-tale like story, but was pulled in when it transitioned to the story of Friedrich in Germany during World War II. Ryan's writing is beautiful and masterful. The story becomes more intriguing as it progresses through the three children's lives. I loved this story. It would be a wonderful read aloud with much material for discussion. Great connections to music and World War II. Grades 5-8

APPLEBLOSSOM THE POSSUM by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Animal Fantasy, Opossums; Adventure

"Fans of E.B. White and Dick King-Smith will adore this heartwarming and funny animal adventure by the award-winning author of Counting by 7s

Mama has trained up her baby possums in the ways of their breed, and now it's time for all of them—even little Appleblossom—to make their way in the world. Appleblossom knows the rules: she must never be seen during the day, and she must avoid cars, humans, and the dreaded hairies (sometimes known as dogs). Even so, Appleblossom decides to spy on a human family—and accidentally falls down their chimney! The curious Appleblossom, her faithful brothers—who launch a hilarious rescue mission—and even the little girl in the house have no idea how fascinating the big world can be. But they're about to find out!

With dynamic illustrations, a tight-knit family, and a glimpse at the world from a charming little marsupial's point of view, this cozy animal story is a perfect read-aloud and a classic in the making." (From the publisher)

My Comments
Adorable! Sloan shows the world from a possum's point of view with humor and hair-raising adventures. Kids can probably relate to some of the possum personalities and learn a little animal science a long the way. Very well done. This may be more on the elementary level, but I would recommend it to some sixth graders too.

FLORA AND ULYSSES: THE ILLUMINATED ADVENTURES by Kate DiCamillo

Illustrated by K.G. Campbell

Animal Fantasy; Superheroes; Squirrels; Humor; Divorce
Newbery Winner 2014

"It begins, as the best superhero stories do, with a tragic accident that has unexpected consequences. The squirrel never saw the vacuum cleaner coming, but self-described cynic Flora Belle Buckman, who has read every issue of the comic book Terrible Things Can Happen to You!, is just the right person to step in and save him. What neither can predict is that Ulysses (the squirrel) has been born anew, with powers of strength, flight, and misspelled poetry -- and that Flora will be changed too, as she discovers the possibility of hope and the promise of a capacious heart. From #1 New York Times best-selling author Kate DiCamillo comes a laugh-out-loud story filled with eccentric, endearing characters and featuring an exciting new format -- a novel interspersed with comic-style graphic sequences and full-page illustrations, all rendered in black-and-white by up-and-coming artist K. G. Campbell." (From the publisher)

My Comments
A fun and incredibly creative book. I kept thinking, "How did DiCamillo ever come up with this story?" But it works! The reader sees the world from the perspective of the squirrel and Flora in a way that makes total sense.

That said, it's not for every reader. I would give it to kids who want to laugh and be surprised. There is a dark, almost Roald Dahl shadow to this story, however, in the relationship of Flora with her mother who has distanced herself from Flora. But there is resolution, love, and understanding at the end.

THE CAPTURE by Katherine Lasky

Guardians of Ga'hoole series. Book One.

Animal Fantasy; Owls; Good and Evil; Survival

"Soren, a barn owl that is captured and taken to a special school for orphaned owls, is befriended by elf owl Gylfie and together the two set out to discover what is really going on at St. Aegolius Academy." (Publisher's description)

My Comments

This has been a standing favorite for years with my students. It is easy enough for many readers, but the theme of good versus evil may be interpreted on different levels, thus extending the recommended reading level of this story and providing excellent discussion questions for classroom reading. For example, the consequences of standing up to evil are often fatal, and a malevolent leader may not want the owls - the people - to think for themselves.

This is a pretty solid winner for most middle school students.

MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH by Robert C. Brien

Old Favorite. Love, love, love this one!
animal fantasy; courage

"With nowhere else to turn, a field mouse asks the clever escaped lab rats living under the rosebush to help save her son, who lies in the path of the farmer's tractor, too ill to be moved." (Follett Description)

My Comments
'This story pulls you in with the gentle, but oh so brave and loyal little mouse, Mrs. Frisby. Old fashioned courage and family love. It's a tearjerker at the end. Beautiful descriptive writing.

Bank Street College's Picks for 2015

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Super Hero Books for Grades 4-7 Bookopolis

See these recommendations from Bookopolis.
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