Barber Game Time Books by Tiki Barber and Ronde Barber with Paul Mantell
Inspired by childhood memories of Tiki and Ronde Barber, brothers and former NFL players, these books about football, baseball, and basketball are filled with exciting plays, perseverance, and teamwork, showing what it takes to succeed in any sport.
The Beef Princess of Practical County by Michelle Houts
Twelve-year-old Libby Ryan is finally old enough to raise steers to show at the Practical County Fair in Nowhere, Indiana. This novel tells her journey which is filled with family, friends, choices, pressure, growing up, and letting go. It is best suited for upper elementary and junior high girls. RL 5
Betsy-Tacy series by Maud Hart Lovelace
The first book in this series came out of the author’s bedtime stories to her daughter. Readers clamored for more so she continued to write stories about Betsy’s childhood, teen years and young adulthood. Betsy’s adventures closely mirror Mrs. Lovelace’s life growing up in Mankato, Minnesota, traveling to Europe and returning to the United States to marry. These books are classics which have been delighting readers since the 1940’s. RL 4-5
Blue Willow by Doris Gates
Janey’s dad says she’s been living an adventure each day as the daughter of a migrant worker. She has different ideas of what adventure is. Can she learn to see life through her father’s eyes? Can she be brave enough to take the risks needed for herself and her family even when it means giving away her beloved blue willow plate? Find out in this 1941 Newbery Honor Book. Parents may want to note that although this book was groundbreaking for incorporating realistic problems and friendships among children of different races, some of the language is now dated. RL 5
The Bobbsey Twins series by Laura Lee Hope
This mystery series has been delighting children for more than fifty years. The books are written on a fourth – fifth grade reading level. Original and updated versions are available. The original series has some dated language.
The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer
One person’s bright idea can change the world! As a teenager in Malawi, William overcame a lack of formal education, poverty, and famine to build a windmill that would change not only his family’s life but also those of his fellow Malawians. The Young Readers version of this gripping story is recommended for fourth – seventh graders. Parents of younger or sensitive readers may want to know that this true stories recounts the belief in magic that many Malawians have (sometimes through scary stories), the effects that famine had on individuals and the country, and the sad death of his pet dog. Parents may also want to note that a picture book version of this story is available but the contrast between magic and science is not as clear. RL 5.8
Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis
A series of seven fantasy novels for children. Great for adults, too! These classic books follow the adventures of four children as they enter the realm of Narnia, where animals talk, magic abounds and good battles evil. Written on a fifth grade level.
Dear Emma by Johanna Hurwitz
Peek into the life of Dossi Rabinowitz through her letters to friends in Vermont in this interesting historical fiction book. Dossi lives in a tenament building in busy New York City in 1910. Follow her through joys and trials during her last year of grammar school. Learn about the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire and compare and contrast city and rural life. This book is out of print but is available through Kindle. RL 5, GRL: U
Girlhood Journeys published by Aladdin and Simon & Schuster
Five girls from five countries in five time periods all share a positive attitude and a love of adventure in these short historical fiction novels that include nonfiction background material at the end of the book. Although on a third – fifth grade reading level, they are appropriate for younger readers. Most of the titles in this series are out of print but available through Kindle.
Books by Marguerite Henry
Marguerite Henry (1902-1997) was a prolific writer of children’s books, basing them on true stories of horses and other animals. She is well-known for winning the Newbery Honor Medal for Misty of Chincoteague (the first in a three part series) and Justin Morgan Had a Horse. Her books are a real treat for horse lovers.
In Their Own Words series (some by George Sullivan, some by Peter & Connie Roop)
These exciting biographies about famous Americans use the subjects’ own words to help tell their story. There are stories about Abraham Lincoln, Lewis and Clark, Pocahontas, Paul Revere, Harriet Tubman, and more. Several books from this older series are still in print. RL 4-5
The Incredible Journey by Sheila Burnford
A brave young Labrador retriever leads an old bull terrier and a self-sufficient Siamese cat on a trip across the Canadian wilderness to be reunited with their human family. In addition to enjoying a heart-warming tale, astute readers will also learn about Canadian culture, flora, and fauna. Parents of younger or sensitive readers may want to note that there are several descriptions of animals hunting and eating other animals, one incident of a deer-hunting boy shooting a lynx who attacks him, and a casual mention of men smoking. RL 5, GRL: V
Phineas L. MacGuire. . . Blasts Off! by Frances O’Roark Dowell
Phineas L. MacGuire (a.k.a. Mac) has a mission – to raise enough money to go to Space Camp. Follow Mac, fellow scientist Arethae, and artist friend Ben as they team up to earn money and do scientific experiments while walking and bonding with a slobbering , lumbering yellow lab named Lemon Drop. This book humorously presents a healthy dose of scientific facts on mold, bacteria, and outer space. Parents may want to note that two sets of parents in this book are divorced but the noncustodial parents maintain healthy relationships with their children and ex-spouses. Want more of this page turning “science” fiction? – Read more in Phineas L. MacGuire…Erupts! and Phineas L. MacGuire…Gets Slimed! RL 5
Ranger in Time – Rescue on the Oregon Trail by Kate Messner
Students who want a glimpse of what life was really like on the Oregon Trail will be captivated by the first installment of the Ranger in Time series. The author meticulously researched her topics by reading journals of real pioneers who traveled over the trails and by spending time with two search and rescue dogs and their handlers. Pioneer facts, suggestions for further reading, and a list of sources used are given at the end of the book. Parents may want to note that real-life hazards of the Oregon Trail are detailed including the death of a set of parents from illness, parents arguing over a river crossing, and a near-drowning. GRL: T
Thanksgiving: The True Story by Penny Colman
This award-winning (2009 Bank Street – Best Children’s Book of the Year) nonfiction chapter book uncovers the rich story of a cherished American holiday.
Tofu Quilt by Ching Yeung Russell
A collection of thirty-eight poems recollecting the author’s childhood in Hong Kong in the 1960’s.