Hello rising fifth graders!
It is time for summer reading! We are asking you to read at least five books this summer. We have attached the book log and suggested book titles if you need some ideas, but you are not limited to this reading list. Fifth Graders: Please look to the book log below for a required assignment when you return in August.
In addition, we have a list of books that we DO NOT want you to read this summer because we will be reading the titles throughout the school year. Please DO NOT read the following books: 1. Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt 2. Waterman’s Boy by Susan Sharpe 3. My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier and Christopher Collier 4. Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech 5. Free Baseball by Sue Corbett 6. Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli 7. The Giver by Lois Lowry 8. Crossover by Kwame Alexander 9. Taste of Salt by Frances Temple 10. Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan
Name ______Grade ______Summer Reading Log for Fifth Graders
Directions: Please read at least five books this summer and record them below as you read. Bring this book log to your language arts class on the first day of school.
Fifth Grade Only: Before you return to school in August, please write a letter to your teachers telling them about yourself. How was your summer? What do you like to do for fun? What do you enjoy doing at school? What are you looking forward to in fifth grade? Please bring this letter to your language arts teacher on the first day of school.
Book Title Author
1.*
2.*
3.*
4.*
5.*
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
*Required number of books. If you need additional space, please write on the back of this sheet. Green Acres School Reading Suggestions for Students Entering 5th and 6th Grades updated May 2015
Abirached, Zeina. I Remember Beirut
Presents Zeina Abirached's wartime memories of growing up in Beirut, Lebanon in the 1980s, when Christians and Muslims were fighting in her neighborhood. (Translated from French.) Graphic novel.
Anderson, Laurie Halse. Fever 1793 In 1793 Philadelphia, 16-year-old Matilda Cook, separated from her sick mother, learns about perseverance and self- reliance when she is forced to cope with the horrors of a yellow fever epidemic. Historical fiction.
Applegate, Katherine. Home of the Brave Presents the first-person account of an orphaned African boy’s journey from war in Sudan to a new life in Minnesota. Told in narrative verse.
Applegate, Katherine. The One and Only Ivan When Ivan, a gorilla who has lived for years in a down-and-out circus-themed mall, meets Ruby, a baby elephant that has been added to the mall, he decides that he must find a better life for her.
Aronson, Marc. Trapped: How the World Rescued 33 Miners from 2,000 Feet Below the Chilean Desert This true story describes how experts from around the world--from drillers to astronauts to submarine specialists--came together to make possible the remarkable rescue of 33 miners trapped in a copper-goldmine in San Jose, Chile in 2010. Nonfiction.
Atkinson, Elizabeth. I, Emma Freke Growing up near Boston with her free-spirited mother and old-world grandfather, 12-year-old Emma always has felt out of place. When she attends the reunion that her father's family holds annually in Wisconsin, she is in for some surprises.
Atkinson, Rick. D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944 Meticulously researched account of a vital World War II operation. Nonfiction.
Auxler, Jonathan. Peter Nimble and His Fantastic Eyes Raised to be a thief, 10-year-old blind orphan Peter Nimble steals from a mysterious stranger three pairs of magical eyes that lead him to a hidden island where he must decide whether to become a hero or to resume his life of crime. Fantasy.
Baker, Kim. PICKLE: The (Formerly) Anonymous Prank Club of Fountain Point Middle School Using a bogus name, the League of Picklemakers, 6th grader Ben and three recruits start a prank-pulling club and receive funding from their middle school's PTA.
Balliett, Blue. The Danger Box In small-town Michigan, 12-year-old Zoomy and his new friend Lorrol investigate the journal found inside a mysterious box and find family secrets and a more valuable treasure, while a dangerous stranger watches and waits.
Bauer, Marion Dane. On My Honor When his best friend drowns while they are swimming in a river that they had promised never to go near, Joel is terrified at having to tell both sets of parents what has happened.
Bell, Cece. El Deafo In this funny, poignant memoir, the author recounts her experiences with hearing loss at a young age, including using a bulky hearing aid strapped to her chest, learning how to lip read, and determining her "superpower." Graphic novel.
Bell, Juliet. Kepler’s Dream When 11-year-old Ella’s mother is hospitalized and Ella has to spend the summer with her grandmother, someone steals a treasured 17th century book written by German astronomer Johannes Kepler from the family library, and Ella is determined to find the thief.
Bingham, Kelly L. Shark Girl After a shark attack leads to the amputation of her right arm, 15-year-old Jane, an aspiring artist, struggles to come to terms with her loss and the changes it imposes on her day-to-day life and her plans for the future.
Black, Holly. Doll Bones Zach, Alice, and Poppy, friends from a Pennsylvania middle school who have long enjoyed acting out imaginary adventures with dolls and action figures, embark on a real-life quest to Ohio to bury a doll made from the ashes of a dead girl. Fantasy.
Blackwood, Sage. Jinx Young wizard-in-training Jinx encounters magic and danger as he grows up in the deep, dark forest known as the Urwald and discovers that the world beyond--and within--the Urwald is more complex than he could have imagined. Fantasy.
Blackwood, Sage. Jinx’s Magic (sequel to Jinx) A young wizard's apprentice, Jinx, learns that his forest home, the Urwald, is under threat, and he must travel to a new land to save it. Fantasy.
Booth, Coe. Kinda Like Brothers When his mother takes in a 12-year-old foster boy, Jarrett is forced to share his room and his friends.
Boyce, Frank Cottrell. Cosmic Twelve-year-old Liam is so tall that people think he should act like an adult, which leads him to become the adult chaperone for a group of kids on the first spaceship to take civilians into space. Science fiction.
Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. Jefferson’s Sons: A Founding Father’s Secret Children Presents a fictionalized look at the last twenty years of Thomas Jefferson's life at Monticello through the eyes of three of his slaves, two of whom were his sons by his slave, Sally Hemings. Historical fiction.
Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker. The War That Saved My Life Kept at home by her mother, who is humiliated by Ada’s club foot, 9-year-old Ada sneaks out to join her little brother Jamie when he is shipped out of London during World War II. The siblings move in with a woman whose care changes their lives. Historical fiction.
Brown, Don. America is Under Attack: September 11, 2001; The Day the Towers Fell Narrates the details of the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, from the plane hijackings to the collapse of the World Trade Center. Nonfiction.
Bruchac, Joseph. Code Talker: A Novel about the Navajo Marines of World War Two Written from the perspective of a fictional 16-year-old Navajo boy, this book tells the true story of Navajos recruited by the U.S. Marines during World War II to send secret tactical messages using a code derived from the Navajo language. Historical fiction.
Burg, Ann. All the Broken Pieces An Amerasian boy, evacuated from Vietnam towards the end of the Vietnam War and adopted by an American family, is haunted by his past and is the object of prejudice. Historical fiction. Told in narrative verse.
Burg, Ann. Serafina’s Promise: A Novel in Verse In a poor village outside of Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Serafina works hard to help her family as she dreams of going to school and becoming a doctor. Then the 2010 earthquake hits, and Serafina must summon all her courage to find her father and get medicine for her sick baby brother, as she has promised. Historical fiction. Told in narrative verse.
Byrd, Robert. Electric Ben: The Amazing Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin A beautifully designed and engagingly written account of Ben Franklin’s influential and inspirational life. Nonfiction.
Camper, Cathy. Lowriders in Space Lupe, Flapjack, and Elirio customize their car into a low rider in order to win the Universal Car Competition cash prize that will enable them to buy their own garage. Graphic novel.
Carbone, Lisa. Storm Warriors After his mother's death in 1895, 12-year-old Nathan moves with his father and grandfather to Pea Island off the coast of North Carolina, where he hopes to join the all-black crew at the nearby lifesaving station, despite his father's objections. This novel is based on real people and actual shipwrecks. Historical fiction.
Carman, Patrick. Trackers The trackers, four tech-savvy kids armed with high-tech video cameras and coding skills, are in a high stakes game with Shantorian, the world's most dangerous hacker.
Cavanaugh, Nancy. This Journal Belongs to Ratchet Homeschooled by her mechanic-environmentalist father, 11-year-old Rachel "Ratchet" Vance records her efforts to make friends, save a park, remember her mother, and find her own definition of "normal."
Choldenko, Gennifer. Al Capone Does my Shirts In 1935, 12-year-old Moose Flanagan and his family move to Alcatraz Island so that his father can work in the prison and his autistic sister can attend a special school. Historical fiction.
Choldenko, Gennifer. Al Capone Shines my Shoes (sequel to Al Capone Does My Shirts) Moose Flanagan, who lives on Alcatraz along with his family and the families of the other prison guards, is frightened when he discovers that noted gangster Al Capone, a prisoner there, wants a favor in return for the help that he secretly gave to Moose. Historical fiction.
Choldenko, Gennifer. Al Capone Does my Homework (last book in the trilogy) On Alcatraz Island, the prison-employee father of Moose Flanagan is in danger when he is promoted to Associate Warden. Historical fiction.
Christopher, Lucy. Flyaway While her father is in the hospital, 13-year-old Isla befriends Harry, the first boy to understand her love of the outdoors. As Harry's health fails, Isla tries to help both him and the lone swan they see, struggling to fly, on the lake outside Harry's window.
Clements, Andrew. About Average As the end of 6th grade approaches, Jordan Johnson, unhappy that she is only average in appearance, intelligence, and athletic ability, reveals her special skills when disaster strikes her central Illinois elementary school.
Clements, Andrew. Lost and Found Identical twins Ray and Jay Grayson, about to start 6th grade in a new town, discover that the school does not have any records for Ray and decide that this lost information could prove useful, fun, and maybe even a little dangerous.
Clements, Andrew. Things Not Seen When 15-year-old Bobby wakes up and finds himself invisible, he and his parents and his new blind friend, Alicia, try to find out what caused his condition and how to reverse it.
Creech, Sharon. The Great Unexpected The author weaves two worlds together in this multilayered story about two estranged Irish sisters, two American orphans, and unexpected gifts.
Cummings, Priscilla. Red Kayak Living near the water on Maryland's Eastern Shore, 13-year-old Brady and his best friends J.T. and Digger become entangled in a tragedy that tests their friendship and their ideas about right and wrong.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Madman of Piney Woods In 1901 the people of Buxton, Canada (originally a settlement of runaway slaves) and Chatham, Canada (settled by Irish farmers, among others) are still haunted by two events from half a century before--the American Civil War and the Irish potato famine--and the lasting damage to the survivors. Historical fiction.
Curtis, Christopher Paul. The Mighty Miss Malone During the Great Depression, there are no jobs for black men in Gary, Indiana, so Deza’s father leaves to find work. Deza, the smartest girl in her class, and her mother and older brother Jimmy go in search of him and end up in a makeshift town for homeless people. Jimmy has a beautiful voice and hopes to set out on his own and become a performer. Historical fiction.
Cushman, Karen. The Ballad of Lucy Whipple In 1849, 12-year-old California Morning Whipple, who renames herself Lucy, is distraught when her mother moves the family from Massachusetts to a rough California mining town. Historical fiction.
Cushman, Karen. Will Sparrow’s Road. In 1599 England, 12-year-old lying, thieving Will Sparrow runs away, meets many colorful characters on the road, and then reluctantly joins a traveling "oddities" exhibit, where he learns to see beyond appearances. Historical fiction.
Deedy, Carmen Agra. The Cheshire Cheese Cat: A Dickens of a Tale A community of mice and a cheese-loving cat form an unlikely alliance at London's Cheshire Cheese Inn, where Charles Dickens finds inspiration and Queen Victoria makes an unexpected appearance. Fantasy.
Dowd, Siobhan. The London Eye Mystery When Ted and Kat's cousin Salim disappears from the London Eye ferris wheel, the two siblings --Ted with his "differently wired" brain and impatient Kat -- work together to find out what happened to Salim.
Dowell, Frances O’Roark. The Second Life of Abigail Walker Bullied by two mean girls in her 6th grade class, a lonely, plump girl gains self-confidence and makes new friends after a mysterious fox gently bites her.
Dowell, Frances O’Roark. Shooting the Moon When her brother is sent to fight in Vietnam, 12-year-old Jamie begins to reconsider the army world in which she has grown up. Historical fiction.
Draper, Sharon. Out of My Mind Considered by many to be mentally retarded, a brilliant 5th grader with cerebral palsy finally gets a device that allows her to “speak” for the first time.
Draper, Sharon. Stella by Starlight In a segregated North Carolina town in 1932, the Ku Klux Klan suddenly reappears, 11-year-old Stella and her younger brother witness something they’re not supposed to see, and Stella decides to fight back against injustice. Historical fiction.
Elliot, Laura. Across a War-Tossed Sea Fourteen-year-old Charles and his 10-year-old brother adjust to life in Virginia after fleeing from London’s nightly bombing during World War II. Historical fiction.
Ellis, Deborah. No Ordinary Day When orphaned preteen Valli discovers that her “aunt” is a stranger who was paid to take Valli in, she leaves her life of coal picking in Jharia, India and begins a series of adventures that include a chance encounter with a caring doctor, who reveals that Valli’s “magical feet” are not magical at all.
Fardell, John. The 7 Professors of the Far North Eleven-year-old Sam becomes involved in a dangerous adventure when he and his new friends, siblings Ben and Zara, set off for the Arctic to try to rescue the siblings’ great-uncle and five other professors from the mad scientist who is holding them prisoner.
Federle, Tim. Better Nate Than Ever Bullied, insecure 8th grader Nate Foster dreams of performing in a Broadway musical and concocts a plan to run away to New York and audition for the role of Elliot in the musical version of "E.T."
Federle, Tim. Five, Six, Seven, Nate! Now on Broadway as second understudy for E.T., Nate Foster keeps in close contact with his best friend, Libby, as he faces his nemesis, Jordan Rylance, and struggles with his own insecurities as the cast member with the least training and experience and as a boy questioning traditional ideas about masculinity.
Feinstein, John. Last Shot After winning a basketball reporting contest, 8th graders Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol are sent to cover the Final Four tournament, where they discover that a talented player is being blackmailed into throwing the final game.
Feinstein, John. The Rivalry: Mystery at the Army-Navy Game Eighth-grade sportswriters Stevie Thomas and Susan Carol team up to solve a mystery at the famous Army-Navy football game.
Ferber, Brenda A. Julia’s Kitchen Struggling to find a way to deal with her emotions and to reach out to her grieving father after her mother and younger sister are killed in a house fire, 11-year-old Cara decides to continue her mother’s home-based baking business.
Ferrari, Michael. Born to Fly Eleven-year-old Bird has loved flying in small propeller planes with her mechanic dad, who is shipped overseas after the Japanese Navy bombs Pearl Harbor. Through a class project, she befriends a Japanese-American student who is suspected of being a spy. Historical fiction.
Fforde, Jasper. The Last Dragonslayer Fifteen-year-old Jennifer Strange, who runs one of the last Houses of Enchantment, faces events that will change her life and the lives of all in the United Kingdoms. Fantasy trilogy.
Fillion, Susan. Miss Etta and Dr. Claribel: Bringing Matisse to America This is the true story of two sisters from Baltimore in the early 1900s who saw the potential of young artists like Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso when few people, or institutions, in America even knew that they existed. The women began to build one of the major collections of modern art in the U.S. Nonfiction.
Fleming, Candace. Amelia Lost: The Life and Disappearance of Amelia Earhart Reading like a suspenseful thriller, this book provides a fresh look by alternating between biographical chapters and a dramatic recounting of Earhart’s last flight and the subsequent search. Nonfiction.
Fleming, Candace. The Great and Only Barnum: The Tremendous, Stupendous Life of Showman P. T. Barnum Filled with primary sources, this biography describes the life of one of the greatest showmen of all time and the circus culture he helped to create. Nonfiction.
Fleming, Candace. The Family Romanov: Murder, Rebellion & the Fall of Imperial Russia This is a page-turning, meticulously researched account of the personal lives of the family of Russia’s last tsar set against the backdrop of the social and political upheaval of the period. Inserts feature period photographs and compelling primary-source material. Nonfiction.
Flores-Galbis, Enrique. Raining Sardines Two Cuban children, artistic Ernestina and analytical Enriquito, use their ingenuity to save a herd of wild horses and to stop a powerful landowner from spoiling their village in pre-Castro Cuba. Historical fiction.
Forester, Victoria. The Girl Who Could Fly When homeschooled farm girl Piper McCloud reveals her ability to fly, she is taken to a secret government facility to be trained with other exceptional children, but she soon realizes that something is very wrong and begins working with brilliant, wealthy Conrad to escape. Fantasy.
Freedman, Paula. My Basmati Bat Mitzvah Tara Feinstein, proud of both her East Indian and Jewish heritage, questions what it means to have a Bat Mitzvah and deals with her own doubts about her faith.
Friend, Natasha. Perfect When her father dies, a 13-year-old uses bulimia as a way to avoid her mother's and her 10-year-old sister's grief, as well as her own.
Frost, Helen. Diamond Willow In a remote area of Alaska, a 12-year-old part-Athabascan girl is more comfortable being with her family’s sled dogs than with people. Her solo trip by dogsled to visit her grandparents turns into an intense adventure, and she is helped by the spirits of her ancestors, who live on in the animals around her. Told in diamond-shaped verse with hidden messages.
Frost, Helen. Hidden When 14 year olds Wren and Darra meet at a Michigan summer camp, both are overwhelmed by memories from six years earlier, when Darra's father stole a car, unaware that Wren was hiding in the back. Told in narrative verse with hidden messages.
Fusco, Kimberly Newton. The Wonder of Charlie Anne Charlie Anne and her African-American next-door neighbor Phoebe form a friendship that begins to transform their 1930s Massachusetts farm town, which is torn by the Depression and racial tension. Historical fiction.
Gantos, Jack. Dead End in Norvelt Blending real people and historical events with wildly fictional events, this humorous novel tells the story of 12-year-old future author Jack Gantos during the summer of 1962 in the historic town of Norvelt, PA. Jack is “grounded” for various offenses but is allowed to help an elderly neighbor with an unusual task involving the newly dead, molten wax, twisted promises, Girl Scout cookies, underage driving, lessons from history, typewriting, and countless bloody noses. Historical fiction.
Gidwitz, Adam. A Tale Dark and Grimm Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and into eight more tales, where they encounter witches, kind strangers, and other helpful folk. Based in part on the Grimms' fairy tales Faithful Johannes, Hansel and Gretel, The seven ravens, Brother and sister, The robber bridegroom, and The devil and his three golden hairs.
Gidwitz, Adam. In a Glass Grimmly (companion to A Tale Dark and Grimm) Cousins Jack and Jill and a three-legged talking frog encounter giants, mermaids, and goblins as they search for a magic mirror. Based in part on fairytales from the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen.
Gidwitz, Adam. The Grimm Conclusion (final book in the trilogy) In more gruesome Grimm-inspired stories, siblings Jorinda and Joringel have separate, shocking adventures as they fight to keep their promise to stay together.
Gownley, Jimmy. The Dumbest Idea Ever The author recounts how he became a teenage comic book artist. Graphic memoir.
Grabenstein, Chris. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library In this puzzle adventure, a famous game maker has invited 12 lucky 7th graders to stay overnight in the new interactive town library he has designed, and they find out that they must work together to solve puzzles in order to find the secret exit.
Graff, Lisa. Absolutely Almost Ten-year-old Albie has never been the smartest, tallest, best at gym, greatest artist, or most musical in his class, as his parents keep reminding him, but new nanny Calista helps him uncover his strengths and take pride in himself.
Graff, Lisa. A Tangle of Knots Multiple viewpoints, magic, and an array of talents intersect in a puzzle involving an orphan, a mysterious man in a gray suit, and an array of powder-blue suitcases. Fantasy.
Green, Tim. Unstoppable In a new foster family with Coach as his new dad, 13-year-old Harrison begins to play on the football team and shows great skill until he is sidelined by an injury and ultimately by bone cancer. Supported by the people around him and by an unstoppable spirit, he struggles to achieve his goals.
Gündisch, Karin. How I Became an American Based on letters written by actual immigrants, this book tells the story of fictional 10-year-old Johann and his family, Germans living in Austria-Hungary, who board a ship in 1902 to immigrate to Youngstown, Ohio, where they make a new life as Americans. Translated from German. Historical fiction.
Gutman, Dan. The Genius Files (series), Bk One: Mission Unstoppable On a cross-country vacation with their parents, twins Coke and Pepsi, soon to turn 13, fend off strange assassins as they try to come to terms with their involvement in a top-secret government organization known as The Genius Files.
Gutman, Dan. The Genius Files (series), Bk Two: Never Say Genius As their cross-country journey with their parents continues through the Midwest, twins Coke and Pepsi, now 13, again face strange assassins at such places as the first McDonald's restaurant and Cedar Point amusement park. Gutman, Dan. The Genius Files (series), Bk Three: You Only Die Twice Coke and Pepsi continue on their perilous cross-country trip and encounter a series of villains as they head for Graceland.
Gutman, Dan. The Genius Files (series), Bk Four: From Texas with Love After escaping from Graceland, Coke and Pepsi resume their wacky road trip across America in a convertible.
Gutman, Dan. The Genius Files (series), Bk Five: License to Thrill On the last leg of their cross-country trip, Coke and Pepsi face many dangers as they reach their final destination.
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. The Shadow Children (series), Bk One: 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 12 years in isolation and fear on his family's farm, until another third-born child convinces him that the government is wrong
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. The Shadow Children (series), Bk Two: Among the Impostors Luke enters a boarding school under the assumed name of Lee Grant, a baron (a member of the highest social class).
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. The Shadow Children (series), Bk Three: Among the Betrayed Nina Idi, a third child, has been betrayed and is arrested by the Population Police.
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. The Shadow Children (series), Bk Four: Among the Barons Lee Grant’s younger brother, Smits, arrives at the boarding school, and Luke lives with increasingly complex lies and with the fear that Smits will turn him over to the Population Police.
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. The Shadow Children (series), Bk Five: Among the Brave Trey enlists in the Population Police and makes a deal with a resistance movement member.
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. The Shadow Children (series), Bk Six: Among the Enemy Brought to Population Police headquarters to train as an officer, Matthias meets Nina, who enlists his help in a plot to undermine the police.
Haddix, Margaret Peterson. The Shadow Children (series), Bk Seven: Among the Free When 13-year-old Luke Garner unwittingly sets off a rebellion that sweeps the country and ousts the Population Police from power, he quickly realizes that the new regime is corrupt and that he may hold the only key to true freedom.
Hagen, George. Gabriel Finley & the Raven's Riddle Aided by the young raven Paladin, which whom he has a magical bond, 11-year-old Gabriel travels to the foreboding land of Aviopolis, where he must face challenges and unanswerable riddles to rescue his long-missing father. Fantasy.
Hahn, Mary Downing. The Old Willis Place: A Ghost Story Tired of the rules that have bound them ever since "the bad thing happened," 12-year-old Diana ignores her brother's warnings and befriends the daughter of the new caretaker. This friendship sets in motion events that lead to the release of the spirit of the mean woman who once ruled the old Willis place.
Haig, Matt. Samuel Blink and the Forbidden Forest Accompanied by his aunt's Norwegian elkhound, 12-year-old Samuel ventures into a forbidden, weird forest filled with magical and dangerous creatures to rescue his younger sister. Fantasy.
Hale, Nathan. Big Bad Ironclad (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series) Hanged spy Nathan Hale recounts the future history of naval warfare during the Civil War. Graphic historical fiction.
Hale, Nathan. One Dead Spy (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series) Hanged spy Nathan Hale tells his own story. Graphic historical fiction.
Hale, Nathan. Donner Dinner Party (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series) The Reed family struggles to survive the wagon train journey from Illinois to California as members of the ill-fated Donner Party. Graphic historical fiction.
Hale, Nathan. Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood (A World War I Tale) (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales series) Describes pivotal World War I battles on the western front with an animal cast. Graphic historical fiction.
Hale, Nathan. The Underground Abductor (An Abolitionist Tale) (Nathan Hale’s Hazardous Tales series) Nathan Hale tells the story of Araminta Ross, who later changed her name to Harriet Tubman. Graphic historical fiction.
Harris, Teresa E. The Perfect Place When 12-year-old Treasure’s dad disappears and her mother leaves to look for him, Treasure and her younger sister must move in with seemingly dictatorial Great-Aunt Grace, who is full of surprises. . Herrera, Robin. Hope Is a Ferris Wheel After moving from Oregon to a trailer park in California, 10-year-old Star participates in a poetry club, where she learns some important lessons about herself and her own hopes and dreams for the future.
Hilmo, Tess. With a Name Like Love Thirteen-year-old Ollie Love gets tangled up in a murder mystery when her itinerant preaching family arrives in the small town of Binder, Arkansas in 1957. Historical fiction.
Hobbs, Will. Crossing the Wire Fifteen-year-old Victor journeys north in a desperate attempt to cross the Arizona border and find work in the United States to support his family in central Mexico.
Hobbs, Will. Kokopelli’s Flute Thirteen-year-old Tepary discovers an old flute in a cliff dwelling in New Mexico, and through its power he learns about ancient Native American magic.
Holczer, Tracy. The Secret Hum of a Daisy Twelve-year-old Grace and her mother have been looking for the perfect home, but after her mother's sudden death, Grace is forced to live with a grandmother she's never met. Clues in a mysterious treasure hunt that her grandmother has set up help her to find her way.
Holm, Jennifer I. The Trouble with May Amelia Living with seven brothers and her father, who thinks girls are useless, a 13-year-old Finnish-American farm girl is determined to prove her worth when an enterprising gentleman tries to purchase their cash-strapped family settlement in Washington State in 1900. Historical fiction.
Hopkinson, Deborah. Titanic: Voices from the Disaster Uses the voices and stories of Titanic survivors and witnesses to tell the story of the Titanic’s maiden voyage from Southampton to New York. Nonfiction.
Horvath, Polly. Everything on a Waffle Eleven-year-old Primrose, who lives in a small fishing village in British Columbia, recounts her experiences and all that she learns about human nature and the unpredictability of life in the months after her parents are lost at sea. Horvath, Polly. One Year in Coal Harbor (sequel to Everything on a Waffle) In a small fishing village in British Columbia, 12-year-old Primrose tries to be a matchmaker for her Uncle Jack, befriends a new foster child, tries to decide whether she is willing to go to jail for her convictions, and helps to publish a cookbook to raise money for the Fisherman's Aid. Includes recipes.
Johnson, Varian. The Great Greene Heist Jackson Greene has a reputation as a prankster at Maplewood Middle School, but after the last disaster he is trying to go straight. However, when it looks as if his old nemesis Keith may steal the election for student council president from Jackson's former best friend, Gabriela, he assembles a team to make sure that Keith does not succeed.
Jökulsson, Illugi. FC Barcelona The official history of FC Barcelona from 1899 to the present, including the stories of current and upcoming stars. Nonfiction.
Kadohata, Cynthia. Half a World Away Twelve-year-old Jaden, an emotionally traumatized adopted boy fascinated by electricity, feels a connection to a small, weak toddler with special needs in Kazakhstan, where Jaden's family is trying to adopt a "normal" baby.
Kidd, Chip. Go: A Kidd's Guide to Graphic Design An award-winning graphic designer describes the ways in which a designer communicates his or her ideas to the world. Nonfiction.
Kirby, Matthew. The Clockwork Three The paths of three poor people intertwine: orphaned Giuseppe, who finds a beautiful violin; Hannah, a hotel maid who learns about hidden treasure; and Frederick, an apprentice clockmaker who is making an automaton in secret
Kirby, Matthew. Icefall Trapped in a hidden fortress tucked between towering mountains and a frozen sea, Solveig, her brother the crown prince, and their older sister anxiously await news of their father’s victory in battle. Acts of treachery occur, and the king’s children don’t know whom to trust.
Kirkpatrick, Katherine. Mysterious Bones: The Story of Kennewick Man Explores the 1996 discovery of the skeletal remains of Kennewick Man and the ensuing battle between scientists and Native American tribes for control of the remains. Nonfiction.
Klages, Ellen. The Green Glass Sea It is 1943, and 11-year-old Dewey is traveling west by train to live with her scientist father, but no one will tell her exactly where he is. When she reaches Los Alamos, New Mexico, she learns that he is involved in a top-secret government program. Historical fiction.
Klages, Ellen. White Sands, Red Menace It is 1946, and Dewey is now living near the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico with the Gordon family. Dewey and her "sister," Suze, share secrets, art, and science as they adjust to high school in an isolated desert town. Then Dewey's long-lost mother reappears in their lives. Historical fiction.
Klass, David. Stuck on Earth. On a secret mission to evaluate whether the human race should be annihilated, a space alien inhabits the body of a bullied 14-year-old boy. Science fiction.
Klise, Kate. Grounded After her father, brother, and sister are killed in a plane crash, 12-year-old Daralynn's life in tiny Digginsville, Missouri proceeds as her mother becomes angry and embittered, her grandmother becomes senile, and her flamboyant aunt continues to run the Summer Sunset Retirement Home for Distinguished Gentlemen, while being courted by the owner of the town's new crematorium.
Korman, Gordon. Masterminds A group of kids living in a perfect town make a shocking discovery and realize that they cannot trust anyone, including their parents.
Korman, Gordon. Schooled Capricorn (Cap) Anderson has been homeschooled by his hippie grandmother, Rain. When she falls and needs to stay in the hospital, Cap has to attend the local middle school. His weirdness makes him a moving target.
Korman, Gordon. Ungifted Due to an administrative mix-up, troublemaker Donovan Curtis is sent to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction, a special program for gifted and talented students, after pulling a major prank at his middle school.
Krishnaswami, Uma. The Grand Plan to Fix Everything Eleven-year-old Dini loves movies, so when she learns that her family is moving to India for two years, her devastation over leaving her best friend in Maryland is tempered by the possibility of meeting her favorite actress, Dolly Singh.
Krishnaswami, Uma. The Problem with Being Slightly Heroic Complications ensue when Bollywood star Dolly Singh premieres her new movie at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., and super fan Dinni and her best friend Maddie present a dance at the grand opening.
LaFleur, Suzanne. Love, Aubrey After her father and younger sister die in a car accident, Aubrey goes to live with her grandmother in Vermont. Throughout the grieving process, Aubrey’s progress is reflected in the letters she writes.
Lại, Thanhhà. Inside Out & Back Again Through a series of poems, a young girl chronicles the life-changing year of 1975, when she, her mother, and her brothers leave Vietnam and resettle in Alabama. Historical fiction. Told in narrative verse.
Lại, Thanhhà. Listen, Slowly Assisting her grandmother's investigation of her grandfather's fate during the Vietnam War, Mai struggles to adapt to an unfamiliar culture while redefining her sense of family
Landy, Derek. Scepter of the Ancients (Skulduggery Pleasant) When 12-year-old Stephanie inherits her eccentric uncle's estate, she must join forces with Skulduggery Pleasant, a walking, talking skeleton, to save the world from the Faceless Ones. Fantasy.
Larsom, Kirby. Hattie Big Sky. Sixteen-year-old Hattie inherits her uncle's homesteading claim in Montana in 1917 and encounters some unexpected problems related to the war in Europe. Historical fiction.
Larson, Kirby. Hattie Ever After. In 1919, 17-year-old Hattie leaves the Montana prairie--and her sweetheart Charlie--to become a female reporter in San Francisco. Historical fiction.
Lasky, Kathryn. Chasing Orion In 1952, 11-year-old Georgie moves with her family to a new Indiana neighborhood in which her smart and beautiful teenaged neighbor, who has polio, is encased in an iron lung. Historical fiction
Levinson, Cynthia Y. We've Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children's March Describing the experiences of four young arrestees in detail, Levinson recounts the events leading up to, and the aftermath of, the march of 4,000 African-American students to jail to fight for justice in May 1963. Nonfiction.
Lewis, Gill. Wild Wings Callum becomes friends with Iona, a practically feral classmate who has discovered an osprey, thought to be extinct in Scotland, on Callum's family farm. They eventually share the secret with others, including Jeneba in Gambia, as they track the bird’s migratory route.
Lewis, John. March: Book One One of the original Freedom Riders, currently a U.S. Representative, recalls his early years. Graphic memoir.
Lewis, John. March: Book Two Lewis gives a first-person account of the climactic days of the Civil Rights Movement. Graphic memoir.
Lin, Grace. Starry River of the Sky An innkeeper's chore boy discovers that a visitor's stories hold the key to returning the moon to the Starry River of the Sky. Fantasy.
Lin, Grace. Where the Mountain Meets the Moon A young girl sets off on an extraordinary journey to find the Old Man on the Moon to ask him how she can change her family's fortune. Fantasy.
Lloyd, Natalie. A Snicker of Magic The Pickles are new to Midnight Gulch, Tennessee, a town once renowned for its magic, but 12-year-old “word collector” Felicity is convinced that the magic is still there and hopes to bring it back with the help of her new friend Jonah. Fantasy.
Lord, Cynthia. Half a Chance Lucy, her mother, and her photographer father have just moved to a small lake community in New Hampshire, and with her new friend Nate she plans to spend the summer taking photos of loons for a contest, but pictures sometimes reveal more than people are willing to see.
Lord, Cynthia. Rules Frustrated at life with her autistic younger brother, 12-year-old Catherine longs for a normal existence, but her world is complicated further by her friendship with a nonverbal paraplegic boy.
Lowry, Lois. Gossamer While learning to bestow dreams, a young dream giver tries to save an 8-year-old boy from the effects of both his abusive past and the nightmares inflicted on him by the frightening Sinisteeds.
Lowry, Lois. Son (finale to The Giver quartet) Unlike the other Birthmothers in her utopian community, teenaged Claire forms an attachment to her baby and feels great loss when he is taken to the Nurturing Center to be adopted by a family unit.
Lunn, Janet. The Hollow Tree It is 1777, and Phoebe is thrown headlong into the turmoil of war when her beloved cousin is hanged as a British spy. When she finds his secret message to the British general, she decides to deliver it herself to Fort Ticonderoga. Historical fiction.
Lupica, Mike. Fantasy League In Los Angeles, 12-year-old Charlie's skill at fantasy football gains the attention of both the local media and the owner of a professional football team.
Malchow, Alex and Hal. The Sword of Darrow Evil goblins bring war to the peaceful kingdom of Sonnencrest. Princess Babette, who has learned magic from a powerful wizard, teams up with Darrow, an unlikely hero with a gift for inspiring others, to try to defeat the goblins. Fantasy. (This novel was written by a father and his then 8-year-old son, who struggled with a learning disability.)
Martin, Ann M. Belle Teal Belle Teal's entrance into 5th grade in the early 1960s brings many changes and challenges as her Gran's memory begins to slip, her mom spends long hours away at work, and her class gets two new students, including an African- American boy. Historical fiction. Martin, Ann M. Everything for a Dog In interconnected stories that eventually converge, orphaned dog Bone finds and loses a series of homes, a family pet helps Charlie cope with his brother's death, and lonely Henry pleads for a dog of his own.
Martin, Ann M. Rain Reign Fifth grader Rose, who has Asperger's syndrome, names her stray dog Rain. When a storm hits, her beloved companion goes missing, and Rose's search for her ends with a distressing surprise.
McKay, Hilary. Caddy’s World Twelve-year-old Caddy's world turns upside down when her father temporarily becomes a stay-at-home "mom" and her three best friends since Kindergarten begin to move in different directions.
Meloy, Maile. The Apothecary A 14-year-old American girl’s life changes unexpectedly when her family moves to London in 1952 and she and a mysterious apothecary’s son, Benjamin, get swept up in a race to save the world from nuclear war. Historical fantasy.
Meloy, Maile. The Apprentices (sequel to The Apothecary) Two years later, Benjamin, in w.r-torn Vietnam with his father to treat the sick and wounded, finds out through a magical elixir that Janie is in trouble halfway around the world and calls on his friend Pip to help in a fast-moving series of settings and escape scenes. Historical fantasy.
Milford, Kate. Greenglass House At Greenglass House, a smuggler's inn, 12-year-old Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, plans to spend his winter holidays relaxing, but soon guests are arriving with strange stories about the house, and Milo and Meddy, the cook's daughter, embark on an adventure. Fantasy.
Mitchell, Don. The Freedom Summer Murders With meticulous details, recounts the circumstances and events leading up to, and the aftermath of, the murders of three civil rights workers in Mississippi in June 1964. Nonfiction.
Montgomery, Sy. Temple Grandin: How the Girl Who Loved Cows Embraced Autism and Changed the World This biography of Dr. Temple Grandin describes her life with autism, how she overcame key disabilities through education and the support of her mother, and her groundbreaking work as a scientist and designer of cruelty-free livestock facilities. Nonfiction.
Mull, Brandon. The Candy Shop War (series) When 5th graders Nate, Summer, Trevor, and Pigeon meet the owner of the new candy store in town and receive a magical candy that endows them with superpowers, they discover dangerous consequences along with its benefits. Fantasy.
Mull, Brandon. The Candy Shop War, Bk 2: Arcade Catastrophe Nate and his friends think that the new Arcadeland -- where tickets can earn jets, tanks, subs, and racecars -- is totally cool until they learn that the arcade owner is hiding a secret. Fantasy.
Napoli, Donna Jo. Treasury of Greek Mythology: Classic Stories of Gods, Goddesses, Heroes & Monsters This introduction to Greek mythology combines retellings of classic Greek tales and detailed illustrations with character profiles, historical insights, and cultural facts. Nonfiction.
Nielsen, Jennifer A. The Ascendance Trilogy, Bk 1: The False Prince There is civil unrest in the kingdom , and a defiant orphaned boy and other orphans vie to impersonate the king’s long-lost son. Fantasy.
Nielsen, Jennifer A. The Ascendance Trilogy, Bk 2: The Runaway King Young King Jaron has taken the throne of Carthya, but after enemies attempt to assassinate him, and a neighboring kingdom threatens invasion, he finds that he has no friends in the palace, not even his bride-to-be, princess Amarinda, and his regents think it would be better for Carthya if he just disappeared again. Fantasy.
Nielsen, Jennifer A. The Ascendance Trilogy, Bk 3: The Shadow Throne Young King Jaron has had nothing but trouble with his advisors and regents since he ascended the throne of Carthya, and now King Vargan of Avenia has invaded the land and captured Imogen, and Jaron must find some way to rescue her and save his kingdom. Fantasy.
Oppel, Kenneth. The Boundless Aboard "The Boundless," the greatest train ever built, on its maiden voyage across Canada, teenager Will enlists the aid of a traveling circus to save the train from villains. Historical fantasy. Palacio, R. J. Wonder Auggie Pullman, who was born with extreme facial abnormalities, goes from being home-schooled to entering 5th grade at a private middle school in Manhattan, which entails enduring the taunting and fear of his classmates.
Patterson, James. I Funny: A Middle School Story Resolving to become the world's greatest stand-up comedian despite less-than-funny challenges in his life, wheelchair- bound middle school student Jamie Grimm endures bullying from his mean-spirited cousin and hopes he will be judged fairly when he enters a local comedy contest.
Pearsall, Shelley. Crooked River In Ohio in 1812, 12-year-old Rebecca's father chains a Native American in their loft to await trial for murder. Rebecca struggles with the idea that an innocent man may be convicted and sentenced to death and wonders how she can ensure that he gets a fair trial. Historical fiction.
Polonsky, Ami. Gracefully Grayson Transgender 6th grader Grayson, perceived by classmates as a male, auditions for the female lead in the school play.
Preller, James. Bystander Thirteen-year-old Eric discovers that there are consequences to taking a stand against the bully at his new school. Although school officials are aware of the problem, Eric may be the one with a solution.
Raschka, Chris. Seriously, Norman! Engrossed in virtual-reality video games to the point that he is nagged constantly by his mother, imaginative Norman and his friends launch an investigation to figure out why grownups behave in such inexplicable ways.
Riordan, Rick. The Blood of Olympus (Heroes of Olympus series) The Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II deal with troubles on many fronts to prevent the earth mother, Gaea, from waking and stop war from breaking out at Camp Half-Blood. Fantasy.
Ritter, John H. The Boy Who Saved Baseball The fate of a small California town rests on the outcome of one baseball game. Twelve-year-old Tom hopes to lead his team to victory with the secrets of a disgraced player, once the town’s greatest hitter.
Ritter, John H. Over the Wall Thirteen-year-old Tyler, who has trouble controlling his anger, spends an important summer with his cousins in New York City playing baseball and sorting out his feelings about violence, war, and in particular the Vietnamese conflict that took his grandfather's life.
Rose, Caroline Starr. May B. When a failed wheat crop nearly bankrupts the Betterly family, Pa pulls 12-year-old May, who suffers from dyslexia, from school and hires her out to a couple new to the Kansas frontier. Historical fiction. Told in narrative verse.
Rubin, Susan Goldman. Freedom Summer: The 1964 Struggle for Civil Rights in Mississippi With meticulous detail, retells the events leading up to the murders of three civil rights workers by Klansmen in Mississippi in June 1964. Nonfiction.
Rubin, Susan Goldman. Diego Rivera Offers insight into the life and artwork of the famous Mexican painter and muralist and follows his career, looking at his influences and tracing the evolution of his style. Nonfiction.
Rundell, Katherine. Cartwheeling in Thunderstorms Forced to leave her carefree life in Zimbabwe and go to boarding school in England, free-spirited Will (Wilhelmina) learns to cope with her cold new surroundings and bullying classmates in London.
Rusch, Elizabeth. The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity Rusch tells the story of the two robot vehicles, Spirit and Opportunity, that were sent to explore Mars, lasted far beyond their projected lives of 3 months, and sent back invaluable images of the environmentally hostile planet. Nonfiction.
Salisbury, Graham. Night of the Howling Dogs In 1975, eleven Boy Scouts, their leaders, and some new friends camping at Halape, Hawaii find their survival skills put to the test when a massive earthquake strikes, followed by a tsunami.
Scattergood, Augusta. Glory Be In the summer of 1964, Glory's town of Hanging Moss, Mississippi is beset by racial tension when town leaders close her beloved public pool rather than desegregate it, and Glory becomes an activist. Historical fiction.
Schanzer, Rosalyn. Witches: The Absolutely True Tale of Disaster in Salem In January 1692, two young girls in Salem Village, Massachusetts were diagnosed as being bewitched. Mass hysteria involving accused witches and corrupt officials turned a mysterious illness into a witch hunt that took more than a dozen lives and ruined hundreds more. Nonfiction.
Schlitz, Laura Amy. Splendors and Glooms When Clara vanishes after the puppeteer Grisini and two orphaned assistants appear at her 12th birthday party, suspicion of kidnapping chases the trio away from London. Soon the two orphans are caught in a trap set by Grisini's ancient rival, a witch with a deadly inheritance to shed before it is too late. Historical fantasy.
Schmidt, Gary D. Okay for Now In 1968, with the Vietnam War and Apollo 11 in the background, 8th grader Doug struggles to be more than the thug that his teachers and the police think him to be. He finds an unlikely ally in savvy Lil Spicer as they explore naturalist and artist John Audubon's enormous book "Birds of America" and try to recover pages that have been sold off. Historical fiction.
Schmidt, Gary D. What Came from the Stars In a desperate attempt at survival, a peaceful civilization on a faraway planet besieged by a dark lord sends its most precious gift across the cosmos into the lunchbox of 6th grader Tommy Pepper of Plymouth, Massachusetts. Science fiction.
Schwabach, Karen. The Storm Before Atlanta In 1863 in northwestern Georgia, an unlikely alliance forms between 10-year-old New York drummer boy Jeremy, 14-year-old Confederate Charlie, and runaway slave Dulcie as they learn truths about the Civil War, slavery, and freedom. Historical fiction.
Senzai, N. H. Shooting Kabul Escaping from Taliban-controlled Afghanistan in the summer of 2001, 11-year-old Fadi and his family immigrate to the San Francisco Bay Area, where Fadi is desperate to return to the Pakistani refugee camp where his little sister was accidentally left behind. Senzai, N. H. Saving Kabul Corner (companion to Shooting Kabul) This mystery at the core of the rivalry between the owners of two Afghani grocery stores in a California mall weaves in Afghan culture, politics, and history. Shafer, Audrey. The Mailbox Twelve-year-old Gabe, afraid of being sent back into the foster care system, tries to hide the death of his Vietnam Vet uncle from the local authorities. Suddenly his uncle’s body disappears, and there is a mysterious note in the mailbox. Sheinkin, Steve. Bomb: The Race to Build – and Steal – the World’s Most Dangerous Weapon A spy-thriller account of the countries and players involved in the race to build an atomic bomb. Nonfiction. Sheinkin, Steve. Lincoln's Grave Robbers Describes how a counterfeiting ring plotted to ransom Lincoln's body to secure the release of their imprisoned ringleader, and how a fledging Secret Service and an undercover agent conducted a daring election-night sting operation. Nonfiction. Sheinkin, Steve. The Port Chicago 50 Recounts the events leading up to the 1944 civil rights protest involving hundreds of African-American Navy servicemen who were charged unjustly with mutiny for refusing to work in unsafe conditions after the deadly Port Chicago explosion. Nonfiction. Shurtliff, Liesl. Rump: The True Story of Rumpelstiltskin Relates the tale of Rumpelstiltskin's childhood and youth, explaining why his name is so important, how at age 12 he is able to spin straw into gold, and why a first-born child is his reward for helping the miller's daughter-turned-queen. Fantasy. Skurzynski, Gloria. This Is Rocket Science: True Stories of the Risk-Taking Scientists Who Figure Out Ways to Explore Beyond Earth Provides a history of rockets and rocket science, from the Chinese discovery of gunpowder to the development of nuclear spacecraft and rockets that sail on solar winds. Nonfiction.
Stanley, Ed. Grand Central Terminal: Gateway to New York City Provides a history of Grand Central Terminal from the mid-19th century to the present, including its construction and architecture, the role played by Cornelius Vanderbilt, and facts about railroads in general. Nonfiction.
Stead, Rebecca. Liar & Spy Seventh-grader Georges adjusts to moving from a house to an apartment, his father's efforts to start a new business, his mother's extra shifts as a nurse, being picked on at school, and Safer, a boy who wants his help in spying on another resident of their building.
Stephens, John. The Emerald Atlas Taken from their parents at a young age, Kate and her siblings move from one orphanage to another until they are sent to live with the mysterious Dr. Pym. They learn that they have special powers, a prophesied quest to find a magical book, and a fearsome enemy. Fantasy.
Stone, Tanya Lee. Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles: America’s First Black Paratroopers Recounts the untold story of the formation and contributions of America’s first black paratroopers, the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, in the face of rampant discrimination and prejudice. Nonfiction.
Stroud, Jonathan. The Screaming Staircase Three young operatives of a Psychic Detection Agency battle an epidemic of ghosts in London.
Stroud, Jonathan. The Whispering Skull (sequel to The Screaming Staircase) Scotland Yard hires the Psychic Detection agents, and they are off on spine-chilling adventures.
Telgemeier, Raina. Drama Callie rides an emotional roller coaster while serving on the stage crew for a middle school musical as various relationships begin and end, and others never quite get started. Graphic novel.
Telgemeier, Raina. Sisters Two sisters who don’t get along find common ground on a family road trip. Graphic novel.
Thomson, Sarah L. Dragon’s Egg A young girl trained as a dragon keeper learns that the legends of old are true when she is entrusted with carrying a dragon's egg to the fabled Hatching Grounds, a dangerous journey on which she is assisted by a knight's squire. Fantaasy.
Tolan, Stephanie S. Listen! During her solitary convalescence from a crippling accident, 12-year-old Charley finds a wild dog, and the arduous process of training him leads her to explore her feelings about her mother's death two years earlier.
Tunnell, Michael O. Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift’s “Chocolate Pilot” Recounts the life of the American Air Force pilot responsible for setting up the airlift of candy to the children of Berlin in 1948 and 1949 after the end of World War II and describes the gratitude of the German people for his efforts. Nonfiction.
Turnage, Sheila. Three Times Lucky Washed ashore as a baby in tiny Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, Mo LoBeau, now eleven, and her best friend Dale turn detective when the amnesiac Colonel, owner of a café and co-parent of Mo with his cook, Miss Lana, seems to be implicated in a murder.
Turnage, Sheila. The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing (sequel to Three Times Lucky) Mo and Dale try to find out who is haunting Tupelo Landing’s historic old inn.
Turner, Pamela S. The Dolphins of Shark Bay Scientists studying the dolphins of coastal Australia consider the many potential sources of dolphin intelligence and what dolphin behavior can tell the scientific community about human intelligence, captive animals, and the future of the oceans. Nonfiction.
Urban, Linda. Hound Dog True Mattie, a shy 5th grader, wants to hide out at her new school by acting as apprentice to her Uncle Potluck, the custodian, but her plan falls apart when she summons the courage to speak about what matters most and finds a true friend.
Valente, Catherynne M. The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making Twelve-year-old September's ordinary life in Omaha turns to adventure when a Green Wind takes her to Fairyland to retrieve a talisman that the new and fickle Marquess wants from the enchanted woods. Fantasy.
Valente, Catherynne M. The Girl Who Fell Beneath Fairyland and Led the Revels There After returning to Fairyland, September discovers that her stolen shadow has become the Hollow Queen, the new ruler of Fairyland Below, who is stealing the magic and shadows from Fairyland folk and refusing to give them back. Fantasy.
Van Allsburg, Chris The Chronicles of Harris Burdick: Fourteen Amazing Authors Tell the Tales Renowned storytellers – including Kate DiCamillo, Lois Lowry, Stephen King, and Jon Scieszka – share original tales inspired by the thought-provoking illustrations in Chris Van Allsburg’s The Mysteries of Harris Burdick.
Van Draanen, Wendelin. Flipped In alternating chapters, two neighbors -- a boy and a girl -- describe how their feelings about themselves, each other, and their families have changed over the years.
Van Leeuwen, Jean. Cabin on Trouble Creek In 1803 in Ohio, two young brothers are left to finish the log cabin and guard the land while their father goes back to Pennsylvania to get their mother and younger siblings. Historical fiction.
Vanderpool, Clare. Moon over Manifest In the summer of 1936 (during the Great Depression), 12-year-old Abilene’s father, a drifter, sends her to stay with an old friend in Manifest, Kansas, where he grew up and where she hopes to find out some things about his past. Historical fiction.
Vanderpool, Clare. Navigating Early At the end of World War II, 13-year-old Jack is placed in a boy's boarding school in Maine, where he meets Early Auden, the strangest of boys, who reads the number pi as a story and collects clippings about the sightings of a great black bear in the nearby mountains. Together they embark on a quest on the Appalachian Trail in search of the great black bear, but what they are searching for is sometimes different from what they find. Historical fiction.
Walsh, Pat. The Crowfield Curse In 1347, 14-year-old William, an orphaned, impoverished servant at Crowfield Abbey, saves the life of a hobgoblin caught in a trap, discovers his own magical gift, and becomes involved in a spooky mystery. Historical fantasy.
Weeks, Sarah. So B. It After spending her life with her mentally retarded mother and agoraphobic neighbor, 12-year-old Heidi sets out from Reno, Nevada for New York to find out who she is.
Wells, Rosemary. On the Blue Comet When the Depression hits and 11-year-old Oscar's father must sell their home and their treasured model trains to seek work in California, the boy (left behind with his stern aunt in Illinois) befriends a mysterious drifter, witnesses a bank robbery, and suddenly is catapulted onto a train that takes him to a different time and place. Historical fiction/time travel.
Wood, Maryrose. The Mysterious Howling Fifteen-year-old Miss Penelope Lumley, a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, is hired as governess to three young children who have been raised by wolves. She must teach them to behave in a civilized manner quickly, in preparation for a Christmas ball.
Woods, Brenda. Saint Louis Armstrong Beach As Hurricane Katrina bears down on New Orleans in 2005, Saint is stuck in the city after escaping evacuation so he can look for his dog, Shadow. He, Shadow, and an elderly neighbor, Miz Moran, take shelter in her attic.
Woodson, Jacqueline. Brown Girl Dreaming Writer Jacqueline Woodson describes her birth during the Civil Rights Movement, her struggles with reading as a child, what it was like to grow up as an African American in the 1960s and 1970s, the inspiration she found in stories, and her development as a writer. Memoir. Told in narrative verse.
Wrightson, Patricia. The Nargun and the Stars An ancient stone creature threatens the lives of a family on a lonely sheep farm in Australia. Fantasy.
Yousafzai, Malala. I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World The Pakistani teen who was shot for supporting education for girls tells her story. Memoir. (Malala shared the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014.)