Fantasy
The Tale of Despereaux
By: Kate DiCamillo
Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other’s lives. And what happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out. ~bookbrowse.com
Winner of the John Newbery Medal 2004
"It has new and interesting words and a clever ending." ~Alexis, 2012-2013
Welcome to the story of Despereaux Tilling, a mouse who is in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea. It is also the story of a rat called Roscuro, who lives in the darkness and covets a world filled with light. And it is the story of Miggery Sow, a slow-witted serving girl who harbors a simple, impossible wish. These three characters are about to embark on a journey that will lead them down into a horrible dungeon, up into a glittering castle, and, ultimately, into each other’s lives. And what happens then? As Kate DiCamillo would say: Reader, it is your destiny to find out. ~bookbrowse.com
Winner of the John Newbery Medal 2004
"It has new and interesting words and a clever ending." ~Alexis, 2012-2013
The Familiars Series
By: Adam Jay Epstein
Ordinary, stray alley cat, Aldwyn, is accidentally picked to magical familiar of a young wizard named Jack. When Jack is kidnapped, Aldwyn is determined to rescue him. But will his street smarts be enough to save Jack?
Nominated for 2013 Bluestem Award
"I like this series because [the story] has magic and mystery. Also, there are lots of different characters." ~Nate, 2012-2013
Ordinary, stray alley cat, Aldwyn, is accidentally picked to magical familiar of a young wizard named Jack. When Jack is kidnapped, Aldwyn is determined to rescue him. But will his street smarts be enough to save Jack?
Nominated for 2013 Bluestem Award
"I like this series because [the story] has magic and mystery. Also, there are lots of different characters." ~Nate, 2012-2013
The Unwanteds
By: Lisa McMann
Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths. Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, Alex discovers a stunning secret. But it's a rare, unique occurance for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises... that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle. ~amazon.com
It's an amazing, path winding book about friendship and your full potential in a magical place. ~Ryan, 2012-2013
Every year in Quill, thirteen-year-olds are sorted into categories: the strong, intelligent Wanteds go to university, and the artistic Unwanteds are sent to their deaths. Thirteen-year-old Alex tries his hardest to be stoic when his fate is announced as Unwanted, even while leaving behind his twin, Aaron, a Wanted. Upon arrival at the destination where he expected to be eliminated, Alex discovers a stunning secret. But it's a rare, unique occurance for twins to be separated between Wanted and Unwanted, and as Alex and Aaron's bond stretches across their separation, a threat arises... that will pit brother against brother in an ultimate, magical battle. ~amazon.com
It's an amazing, path winding book about friendship and your full potential in a magical place. ~Ryan, 2012-2013
Realistic Fiction
Wonder
By: RJ Palacio
"I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse."
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. ~amazon.com
Nominated for 2014 Bluestem Award and the 2014 Rebecca Caudill Award
"It inspires you to not judge a book by its cover." ~ Catherine, 2012-2013
"It shows the life of a boy with a different appearance." ~Hadley, 2012-2013
"I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse."
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. ~amazon.com
Nominated for 2014 Bluestem Award and the 2014 Rebecca Caudill Award
"It inspires you to not judge a book by its cover." ~ Catherine, 2012-2013
"It shows the life of a boy with a different appearance." ~Hadley, 2012-2013
Because of Mr. Terupt
By: Rob Buyea
It’s the start of fifth grade for seven kids at Snow Hill School. Only Mr. Terupt, their new and energetic teacher, seems to know how to deal with them all. He makes the classroom a fun place, even if he doesn’t let them get away with much . . . until the snowy winter day when an accident changes everything—and everyone.~goodreads.com
Nominated for 2013 Bluestem Award
"It's full of great surprises and different perspectives. It gives you an idea about a 5th grade class."
~Evie, 2012-2013
"It is full of awesome surprises and is from different people's perspectives, with a very happy ending."~Anabelle, 2012-2013
It’s the start of fifth grade for seven kids at Snow Hill School. Only Mr. Terupt, their new and energetic teacher, seems to know how to deal with them all. He makes the classroom a fun place, even if he doesn’t let them get away with much . . . until the snowy winter day when an accident changes everything—and everyone.~goodreads.com
Nominated for 2013 Bluestem Award
"It's full of great surprises and different perspectives. It gives you an idea about a 5th grade class."
~Evie, 2012-2013
"It is full of awesome surprises and is from different people's perspectives, with a very happy ending."~Anabelle, 2012-2013
Out of My Mind
By: Sharon Draper
Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. She's the smartest kid in her whole school—but no one knows it. Most people—her teachers and doctors included—don't think she's capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again. If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows . . . but she can't, because Melody can't talk. She can't walk. She can't write. Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind—that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice . . . but not everyone around her is ready to hear it. ~goodreads.com
"An adventure for the main character, Melody, and I like how the author put it in Melody's point of view." ~Julie, 2012-2013
"[I like this book] because I think it sends a great message to the reader." ~Dani, 2012-2013
Eleven-year-old Melody has a photographic memory. She's the smartest kid in her whole school—but no one knows it. Most people—her teachers and doctors included—don't think she's capable of learning, and up until recently her school days consisted of listening to the same preschool-level alphabet lessons again and again and again. If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows . . . but she can't, because Melody can't talk. She can't walk. She can't write. Being stuck inside her head is making Melody go out of her mind—that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the first time ever. At last Melody has a voice . . . but not everyone around her is ready to hear it. ~goodreads.com
"An adventure for the main character, Melody, and I like how the author put it in Melody's point of view." ~Julie, 2012-2013
"[I like this book] because I think it sends a great message to the reader." ~Dani, 2012-2013
Historical Fiction
The Sixty Eight Rooms
By: Marianne Malone
"I like this book because I like a lot of adventure, and it is a really happy, spectacular book." ~Owen in Ellis' Class
"I like this book because I like a lot of adventure, and it is a really happy, spectacular book." ~Owen in Ellis' Class
The Secret School
By: Avi
More than anything, Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. To do that, she must finish eighth grade, then go on to high school. But her dream falters when the one-room school in her remote Colorado town shuts down. Her only hope is to keep the school open without anyone finding out. Yet even a secret school needs a teacher. Ida can't be it. . . . Or can she? ~amazon.com
"I like this book because it has a lot of cliff hangers, and it's just a good book." ~Mary, 2012-2013
More than anything, Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. To do that, she must finish eighth grade, then go on to high school. But her dream falters when the one-room school in her remote Colorado town shuts down. Her only hope is to keep the school open without anyone finding out. Yet even a secret school needs a teacher. Ida can't be it. . . . Or can she? ~amazon.com
"I like this book because it has a lot of cliff hangers, and it's just a good book." ~Mary, 2012-2013
Adventure
The Humphrey Series
By: Betty G. Birney
You can learn a lot about life by observing another species. That’s what Humphrey was told when he was first brought to Room 26. And boy, is it true! In addition to his classroom escapades, each weekend this amazing hamster gets to sleep over with a different student, like Lower-Your-Voice-A.J. and Speak-Up-Sayeh. Soon Humphrey learns to read, write, and even help the students with their problems. Humphrey has friends, adventures, and a cage with a lock-thatdoesn’t- lock. ~penguin.com
"...has adventure and great tips for taking care of animals." ~ Anna, 2012-2013
You can learn a lot about life by observing another species. That’s what Humphrey was told when he was first brought to Room 26. And boy, is it true! In addition to his classroom escapades, each weekend this amazing hamster gets to sleep over with a different student, like Lower-Your-Voice-A.J. and Speak-Up-Sayeh. Soon Humphrey learns to read, write, and even help the students with their problems. Humphrey has friends, adventures, and a cage with a lock-thatdoesn’t- lock. ~penguin.com
"...has adventure and great tips for taking care of animals." ~ Anna, 2012-2013
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series
By: Rick Riordan
Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson knew that he was different from other kids. He just didn't know how different. After an attack by a Fury, he is taken to Camp Half-Blood where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. Join Percy Jackson on his incredible journey to stop the epic war of the gods. ~amazon.com
"For the kids who like Greek Mythology or Fantasy, this is Greek Mythology and fantasy COMBINED!" ~Iris, 2012-2013
"I like it because some of the characters are interesting and crazy creatures. I also like Percy because he is very funny." ~William, 2012-2013
"[I like The Lightning Thief] because it has a good combination of action and fun."
~Nathan, 2012-2013
Twelve-year-old Percy Jackson knew that he was different from other kids. He just didn't know how different. After an attack by a Fury, he is taken to Camp Half-Blood where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: He is a demigod, half human, half immortal. Even more stunning: His father is the Greek god Poseidon, ruler of the sea, making Percy one of the most powerful demigods alive. Join Percy Jackson on his incredible journey to stop the epic war of the gods. ~amazon.com
"For the kids who like Greek Mythology or Fantasy, this is Greek Mythology and fantasy COMBINED!" ~Iris, 2012-2013
"I like it because some of the characters are interesting and crazy creatures. I also like Percy because he is very funny." ~William, 2012-2013
"[I like The Lightning Thief] because it has a good combination of action and fun."
~Nathan, 2012-2013
Mystery
Poetry
Suspense/Spooky
Graphic Novels
Smile
By: Raine Telgemeier
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. ~goodreads.com
Winner of the 2013 Rebecca Caudill Award
"I like the book because it goes through her life with getting her teeth knocked out and getting braces." ~Allison, 2012-2013
"...that it's a comic book. I also like it because it has a lot of funny characters." ~Hadley, 2012-2013
"If you like comic books, read this book!" ~Lucy, 2012-2013
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. But one night after Girl Scouts she trips and falls, severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, off-again braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. And on top of all that, there's still more to deal with: a major earthquake, boy confusion, and friends who turn out to be not so friendly. ~goodreads.com
Winner of the 2013 Rebecca Caudill Award
"I like the book because it goes through her life with getting her teeth knocked out and getting braces." ~Allison, 2012-2013
"...that it's a comic book. I also like it because it has a lot of funny characters." ~Hadley, 2012-2013
"If you like comic books, read this book!" ~Lucy, 2012-2013