Books by Author:
ANDREW CLEMENTS
Jake Drake Class Clown
Chapter Book
Summary: Jake is a 2nd grader and is stuck with a substitute teacher, Ms. Bruce. It does not seem like Ms. Bruce smiles at all, so Jake makes it his number one goal to make her smile. Except it is not all that easy. He winds up getting sent to the principals office and Ms. Bruce, Jake, and the principal have a talk. It turns out, Ms. Bruce finds him very funny, but was told to never laugh in front of her students until December, otherwise the class will never listen to her. She decides that is not true and the class continues on to finish the rest of the school year!
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.9 (2nd Grade 9 Months)
Chapter Book
Summary: Jake is a 2nd grader and is stuck with a substitute teacher, Ms. Bruce. It does not seem like Ms. Bruce smiles at all, so Jake makes it his number one goal to make her smile. Except it is not all that easy. He winds up getting sent to the principals office and Ms. Bruce, Jake, and the principal have a talk. It turns out, Ms. Bruce finds him very funny, but was told to never laugh in front of her students until December, otherwise the class will never listen to her. She decides that is not true and the class continues on to finish the rest of the school year!
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.9 (2nd Grade 9 Months)
The Janitor’s Boy
Chapter Book
Summary: Jack is embarrassed by his father’s job as a custodian, but what makes matters worse is his dad is the custodian for the same school Jack goes to. In order to make his dad mad, Jack decides to stick gum under the school desk. Consequentially, he is caught and told to clean gum off of desks for three weeks. Now, Jack is working for his dad. During this time, Jack learns a lot about his dad that he never knew. After John, his father, returned home from the Vietnam War he was lost with his life and needed help. A janitor offered him help and a job and that is how he began working there. Then, one afternoon while Jack was cleaning gum, he curiously went into the steam tunnel. While trying to find his way out, he finds a room with a kid named Eddie, who lives there. Jack’s father explained to Jack that the room was set up for people who needed help just like he did when he returned home from war. This put a different perspective of his dad in Jack’s mind.
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.3 (4th Grade 3 Months)
Chapter Book
Summary: Jack is embarrassed by his father’s job as a custodian, but what makes matters worse is his dad is the custodian for the same school Jack goes to. In order to make his dad mad, Jack decides to stick gum under the school desk. Consequentially, he is caught and told to clean gum off of desks for three weeks. Now, Jack is working for his dad. During this time, Jack learns a lot about his dad that he never knew. After John, his father, returned home from the Vietnam War he was lost with his life and needed help. A janitor offered him help and a job and that is how he began working there. Then, one afternoon while Jack was cleaning gum, he curiously went into the steam tunnel. While trying to find his way out, he finds a room with a kid named Eddie, who lives there. Jack’s father explained to Jack that the room was set up for people who needed help just like he did when he returned home from war. This put a different perspective of his dad in Jack’s mind.
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.3 (4th Grade 3 Months)
ANN M. MARTIN
The Meanest Doll in
the World
Chapter Book
Summary: Kate Palmer has dolls that she names Annabelle Doll and Tiffany Funcraft. Unbeknownst to Kate, her dolls are alive and seek adventure by going to school with Kate in her backpack. There, they mistakenly get into the wrong backpack and end up going home with BJ. BJ’s sister has many dolls, which Annabelle and Tiffany meet. Except there’s one really mean doll named Princess Mimi; the other dolls refer to her as Mean Mimi. Anxious to get back to their own home, Tiffany and Annabelle are sure to get into the right backpack the following day at school, except Mean Mimi has followed them. She plans to show Kate that her dolls are real and made a huge mess. If a human witnesses a doll move, the doll immediately goes into Permanent Doll State and can no longer move. Kate’s younger sister sees Mean Mimi moving, so she can no longer be move and eventually ends up in the lost and found box at school.
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.2 (4th Grade 2 Months)
Chapter Book
Summary: Kate Palmer has dolls that she names Annabelle Doll and Tiffany Funcraft. Unbeknownst to Kate, her dolls are alive and seek adventure by going to school with Kate in her backpack. There, they mistakenly get into the wrong backpack and end up going home with BJ. BJ’s sister has many dolls, which Annabelle and Tiffany meet. Except there’s one really mean doll named Princess Mimi; the other dolls refer to her as Mean Mimi. Anxious to get back to their own home, Tiffany and Annabelle are sure to get into the right backpack the following day at school, except Mean Mimi has followed them. She plans to show Kate that her dolls are real and made a huge mess. If a human witnesses a doll move, the doll immediately goes into Permanent Doll State and can no longer move. Kate’s younger sister sees Mean Mimi moving, so she can no longer be move and eventually ends up in the lost and found box at school.
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.2 (4th Grade 2 Months)
Rain Reign
Chapter Book
Summary: This story is written in the perspective of a fifth grade girl named Rose who has Autism. Rose and her dad live in New York together, after her mom left them when Rose was young. One day, her dad brings home a dog he found and gives it to Rose. She names him Rain because he was soaking yet after being left out in the rain. She also has a liking for homonyms and Rain is special because his name has three homonyms! Rose and Rain become the best of friends and spend most of their time alone because her dad goes to the bar every night leaving Rose by herself. However, that all quickly ends when a hurricane hits their town and Rain runs away. Rose blames her dad for leaving him outside without his collar on. But, there’s only one way Rose can get Rain back and that is by going out and looking for her. This isn’t easy for Rose, who follows exactly the same schedules and never strays outside of her comfort zone. Will she ever find Rain and bring him home again?
Interest Level: 9 – 12 Years Old
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4th – 6th Grade
Chapter Book
Summary: This story is written in the perspective of a fifth grade girl named Rose who has Autism. Rose and her dad live in New York together, after her mom left them when Rose was young. One day, her dad brings home a dog he found and gives it to Rose. She names him Rain because he was soaking yet after being left out in the rain. She also has a liking for homonyms and Rain is special because his name has three homonyms! Rose and Rain become the best of friends and spend most of their time alone because her dad goes to the bar every night leaving Rose by herself. However, that all quickly ends when a hurricane hits their town and Rain runs away. Rose blames her dad for leaving him outside without his collar on. But, there’s only one way Rose can get Rain back and that is by going out and looking for her. This isn’t easy for Rose, who follows exactly the same schedules and never strays outside of her comfort zone. Will she ever find Rain and bring him home again?
Interest Level: 9 – 12 Years Old
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4th – 6th Grade
AUDREY WOOD
Alphabet Adventure
Picture Book
Summary: Charley’s Alphabet contains the lower case letters of the alphabet. Capital T is their teacher and his little letters that they are all ready to go to Alphabet Island to help the school kids learn. On their way there, lower case “i” loses his dot. Now they cannot go and help the children learn if “i” does not have a dot. They search everywhere for it and when they cannot find it, they begin looking for other objects that could replace the dot. Eventually, the dot comes out and says it was just playing a trick on them and hiding. Now, they can finally go to Alphabet Island!
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.3 (3rd Grade 3 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: Charley’s Alphabet contains the lower case letters of the alphabet. Capital T is their teacher and his little letters that they are all ready to go to Alphabet Island to help the school kids learn. On their way there, lower case “i” loses his dot. Now they cannot go and help the children learn if “i” does not have a dot. They search everywhere for it and when they cannot find it, they begin looking for other objects that could replace the dot. Eventually, the dot comes out and says it was just playing a trick on them and hiding. Now, they can finally go to Alphabet Island!
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.3 (3rd Grade 3 Months)
Alphabet Mystery
Picture Book
Summary: One night, the lower case letters are all in their beds, when they realize “x” is missing. They fly out on a pencil to search for “x”. They finally find “x” in a castle playing a xylophone for a capital M, the Master. Lower case “x” tells his fellow letters that he ran away from home because not many words have “x” in it and he does not have an important role to play. The other letters tell him that he can be very useful in decorating a birthday cake for their mom! The cake read “I love you Mom xxxx”.
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.1 (3rd Grade 1 Month)
Picture Book
Summary: One night, the lower case letters are all in their beds, when they realize “x” is missing. They fly out on a pencil to search for “x”. They finally find “x” in a castle playing a xylophone for a capital M, the Master. Lower case “x” tells his fellow letters that he ran away from home because not many words have “x” in it and he does not have an important role to play. The other letters tell him that he can be very useful in decorating a birthday cake for their mom! The cake read “I love you Mom xxxx”.
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.1 (3rd Grade 1 Month)
BEVERLY CLEARY
Ramona the Pest
Chapter Book
Summary: Ramona is eager to start Kindergarten and absolutely loves her teacher Miss. Binney. She loves Kindergarten too, she just has a problem sitting and being quiet. Ramona is always so fascinated on what others around her are doing or drawing or writing. This soon gets her the nickname “pest” by a girl in her class named Susan. Susan has long blonde curly hair, which Ramona decides to pull in order to get back at her for calling her a pest! Unfortunately, this ends Ramona up in the principal’s office and is sent home. Now she thinks Miss. Binney, the teacher she absolutely adores, does not like her anymore. Until one day, she receives a nice letter from her, which makes Ramona happy and ready to go back to school!
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.1 (4th Grade 1 Month)
Chapter Book
Summary: Ramona is eager to start Kindergarten and absolutely loves her teacher Miss. Binney. She loves Kindergarten too, she just has a problem sitting and being quiet. Ramona is always so fascinated on what others around her are doing or drawing or writing. This soon gets her the nickname “pest” by a girl in her class named Susan. Susan has long blonde curly hair, which Ramona decides to pull in order to get back at her for calling her a pest! Unfortunately, this ends Ramona up in the principal’s office and is sent home. Now she thinks Miss. Binney, the teacher she absolutely adores, does not like her anymore. Until one day, she receives a nice letter from her, which makes Ramona happy and ready to go back to school!
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.1 (4th Grade 1 Month)
Ribsy
Chapter Book
Summary: This book completes the Henry Huggins series. Henry is the child of Mr. and Mrs. Huggins, and the owner of Ribsy. One day, the Huggins family decides to go to the mall in their new car. They do not allow Ribsy to come along because the car is new and he will not be allowed in the shopping mall anyway. With a mind of his own, Ribsy chases their car down the block, where they finally allow him to come along. While they shop, Ribsy gets himself in trouble after leaving the car and returning to the wrong one. The car he gets into is a nice family who bath and dote on him. Even though he is getting much love from this new family, Ribsy misses Henry and runs away to look for him. His wild journey to find Henry does not stop there. But, he is finally reunited with him after being spotted on a fire escape!
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.1 (4th Grade 1 Month)
Chapter Book
Summary: This book completes the Henry Huggins series. Henry is the child of Mr. and Mrs. Huggins, and the owner of Ribsy. One day, the Huggins family decides to go to the mall in their new car. They do not allow Ribsy to come along because the car is new and he will not be allowed in the shopping mall anyway. With a mind of his own, Ribsy chases their car down the block, where they finally allow him to come along. While they shop, Ribsy gets himself in trouble after leaving the car and returning to the wrong one. The car he gets into is a nice family who bath and dote on him. Even though he is getting much love from this new family, Ribsy misses Henry and runs away to look for him. His wild journey to find Henry does not stop there. But, he is finally reunited with him after being spotted on a fire escape!
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.1 (4th Grade 1 Month)
CYNTHIA RYLANT
All In A Day
Picture Book
Summary: This book shows all of the opportunities that can occur in just one day in time. It is very simply written and illustrated, for kids to understand the message being portrayed. The author describes how easily something can change for better or for worse. Also, the author mentions how a day gives you the chance of a fresh start, but it is up to you whether on what choices you make and how you spend your time.
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.2 (2nd Grade 2 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: This book shows all of the opportunities that can occur in just one day in time. It is very simply written and illustrated, for kids to understand the message being portrayed. The author describes how easily something can change for better or for worse. Also, the author mentions how a day gives you the chance of a fresh start, but it is up to you whether on what choices you make and how you spend your time.
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.2 (2nd Grade 2 Months)
The Old Woman Who
Named Things
Picture Book
Summary: After all of her friends outlived her and she had no more friends left, an old lady was lonesome by herself. To give herself some company, she decided to only name things she had that would definitely out live her. This included things like her car, house, chair, bed, and dresser. She was determined she would no longer lose someone or something with a name. When a puppy arrives at her gate she gives it food but refuses to keep him or even name him. The puppy did not seem to mind because everyday he came back, ate her food, and went home. Then, one day the dog did not come back. The old woman realized she missed him and went to look for him at the dog pound. She took him home and named him Lucky!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.4 (3rd Grade 4 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: After all of her friends outlived her and she had no more friends left, an old lady was lonesome by herself. To give herself some company, she decided to only name things she had that would definitely out live her. This included things like her car, house, chair, bed, and dresser. She was determined she would no longer lose someone or something with a name. When a puppy arrives at her gate she gives it food but refuses to keep him or even name him. The puppy did not seem to mind because everyday he came back, ate her food, and went home. Then, one day the dog did not come back. The old woman realized she missed him and went to look for him at the dog pound. She took him home and named him Lucky!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.4 (3rd Grade 4 Months)
DAVID SHANNON
Good Boy, Fergus!
Picture Book
Summary: Fergus is a little white dog who is always told he is a good boy, even when sometimes he is not. For example, when he is called to come in he does not until Mr. F. has to go out and pick him up; or when he digs out and eats the flowerpot. But, he can sit, lie down, and roll over on command! Fergus loves human food and will beg for it until Mr. F shares his dinner with him. Then, when its time to eat his own dog food, he will not eat it until there is Whip-Cream on top!
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.0 (beginning of 2nd Grade)
Picture Book
Summary: Fergus is a little white dog who is always told he is a good boy, even when sometimes he is not. For example, when he is called to come in he does not until Mr. F. has to go out and pick him up; or when he digs out and eats the flowerpot. But, he can sit, lie down, and roll over on command! Fergus loves human food and will beg for it until Mr. F shares his dinner with him. Then, when its time to eat his own dog food, he will not eat it until there is Whip-Cream on top!
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.0 (beginning of 2nd Grade)
Jangles: A Big Fish
Story
Picture Book
Summary: One evening, a father tells his son the story of Jangles. It begins by him describing how big and mighty this trout named Jangles is! Jangles can eat animals larger than him, he once saved a baby from drowning, and he is impossible to catch! Therefore, it is every fisherman’s dream to catch a fish like that. But, Jangles was too clever and fast to be caught! Until one night, when the father was a young boy, he was fishing late at night when a fish on his rod pulled him over the boat and into the water. It was Jangles! The big trout brought him to his house and told him stories from long ago. When it was time to go the boy tricked Jangles and caught him. After convincing the boy to let him go, the boy repaid Jangles by removing all of the hooks in his mouth.
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.1 (4th Grade 1 Month)
Picture Book
Summary: One evening, a father tells his son the story of Jangles. It begins by him describing how big and mighty this trout named Jangles is! Jangles can eat animals larger than him, he once saved a baby from drowning, and he is impossible to catch! Therefore, it is every fisherman’s dream to catch a fish like that. But, Jangles was too clever and fast to be caught! Until one night, when the father was a young boy, he was fishing late at night when a fish on his rod pulled him over the boat and into the water. It was Jangles! The big trout brought him to his house and told him stories from long ago. When it was time to go the boy tricked Jangles and caught him. After convincing the boy to let him go, the boy repaid Jangles by removing all of the hooks in his mouth.
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.1 (4th Grade 1 Month)
ERIC CARLE
The Mixed-Up Chameleon
Picture Book
Summary: When the chameleon sits on a green life he turns green and when he is on the sand he turns the yellow color of the sand. A chameleon blends in with its’ background. But changing colors was not unique enough for this chameleon after he sees a zoo! Amazed by all of the different animals, he wishes to be like each of them. Soon enough he is a combination of nine different animals! The problem then becomes being able to do simple things that he used to be able to do when he was just a chameleon, like eating a fly. The chameleon realizes that he would rather just be himself!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 1.8 (1st Grade 8 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: When the chameleon sits on a green life he turns green and when he is on the sand he turns the yellow color of the sand. A chameleon blends in with its’ background. But changing colors was not unique enough for this chameleon after he sees a zoo! Amazed by all of the different animals, he wishes to be like each of them. Soon enough he is a combination of nine different animals! The problem then becomes being able to do simple things that he used to be able to do when he was just a chameleon, like eating a fly. The chameleon realizes that he would rather just be himself!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 1.8 (1st Grade 8 Months)
Pancakes, Pancakes!
Picture Book
Summary: Jack lives on a farm and decides he wants pancakes for his breakfast. After telling his mom that he wants pancakes for breakfast, Jack realizes that he has a lot to do in order to make the pancakes. First he has to mill the wheat for flour, then collect the chicken’s eggs, and milk the cow for milk. Finally, after a morning of hard work, Jack finally gets to enjoy his pancakes.
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.6 (3rd Grade 6 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: Jack lives on a farm and decides he wants pancakes for his breakfast. After telling his mom that he wants pancakes for breakfast, Jack realizes that he has a lot to do in order to make the pancakes. First he has to mill the wheat for flour, then collect the chicken’s eggs, and milk the cow for milk. Finally, after a morning of hard work, Jack finally gets to enjoy his pancakes.
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.6 (3rd Grade 6 Months)
JON SCIESZKA
Seen Art?
Picture Book
Summary: A boy goes into New York City to see his friend Art. However, during the same time, the Modern Museum of Art “MoMA” is having their grand opening. Therefore, when he asks a woman on the street if she knows where Art is, she directs him to the museum, not his friend. He goes to the museum and on a tour through the museum because every time he asks for Art someone directs him to a piece of art. Confused as to where his friend is, he leaves the museum. Then, he finally runs into his friend Art! They go into the museum and this time he is the tour guide.
Interest Level: 2nd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.0 (beginning of 2nd Grade)
Picture Book
Summary: A boy goes into New York City to see his friend Art. However, during the same time, the Modern Museum of Art “MoMA” is having their grand opening. Therefore, when he asks a woman on the street if she knows where Art is, she directs him to the museum, not his friend. He goes to the museum and on a tour through the museum because every time he asks for Art someone directs him to a piece of art. Confused as to where his friend is, he leaves the museum. Then, he finally runs into his friend Art! They go into the museum and this time he is the tour guide.
Interest Level: 2nd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.0 (beginning of 2nd Grade)
The True Story of the
Three Little Pigs!
Picture Book
Summary: The wolf from the Three Little Pigs fairytale tells his side of the story. His name is Alexander T. Wolf, but he is referred to as Al. He claims he was in the middle of making his granny a birthday cake when he realized that he ran out of sugar. Al also says that he had a cold, which was causing him to constantly sneeze and cough. His neighbor was the First Little Pig and Al went over there to ask if he could borrow some sugar. The Pig’s straw house made Al sneeze and down went the house. Then, when Al realized the First Little Pig was dead, he ate him because that is what wolves eat. A similar thing happened at the Second Little Pig’s house as well as the Third’s. However, the Third Little Pig’s house was made of brick, so it did not make him sneeze, nor did it fall down. But, the Pig made Al mad and Al caused a scene. News reporters and the police came, but since the story was kind of boring the news reporters blew it all out of proportion making things up, so the article would be more interesting.
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.0 (beginning of 3rd Grade)
Picture Book
Summary: The wolf from the Three Little Pigs fairytale tells his side of the story. His name is Alexander T. Wolf, but he is referred to as Al. He claims he was in the middle of making his granny a birthday cake when he realized that he ran out of sugar. Al also says that he had a cold, which was causing him to constantly sneeze and cough. His neighbor was the First Little Pig and Al went over there to ask if he could borrow some sugar. The Pig’s straw house made Al sneeze and down went the house. Then, when Al realized the First Little Pig was dead, he ate him because that is what wolves eat. A similar thing happened at the Second Little Pig’s house as well as the Third’s. However, the Third Little Pig’s house was made of brick, so it did not make him sneeze, nor did it fall down. But, the Pig made Al mad and Al caused a scene. News reporters and the police came, but since the story was kind of boring the news reporters blew it all out of proportion making things up, so the article would be more interesting.
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.0 (beginning of 3rd Grade)
JUDY BLUME
Double Fudge
Chapter Book
Summary: Farley Drexel Hatcher, also known as Fudge, becomes infatuated with money. He makes his own money, he makes lists of presents that he wants for years ahead, and for Halloween is a miser. His parents decide to take him to Washington D.C. to see where money is made. While they are there, they run into their distant family the Howie Hatchers, who live in Hawaii. Howie and his wife, Eudora, have twin girls, Flora and Fauna, and a son who has the same birth name as Fudge! Fudge’s older brother, Peter decides to nickname him Mini. This surprised family visit turns a bit longer when the Howie Hatchers stay with the Hatchers for a few weeks, and the chaos begins.
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.5 (4th Grade 5 Months)
Chapter Book
Summary: Farley Drexel Hatcher, also known as Fudge, becomes infatuated with money. He makes his own money, he makes lists of presents that he wants for years ahead, and for Halloween is a miser. His parents decide to take him to Washington D.C. to see where money is made. While they are there, they run into their distant family the Howie Hatchers, who live in Hawaii. Howie and his wife, Eudora, have twin girls, Flora and Fauna, and a son who has the same birth name as Fudge! Fudge’s older brother, Peter decides to nickname him Mini. This surprised family visit turns a bit longer when the Howie Hatchers stay with the Hatchers for a few weeks, and the chaos begins.
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 4.5 (4th Grade 5 Months)
Freckle Juice
Chapter Book
Summary: Andrew Marcus does not have freckles, but his classmate, Nicky Lane has millions of freckles! Andrew is jealous of Nicky and wants to have freckles just like him. Plus, then he won’t have to wash his neck because his mom will not notice when it is dirty. One day in school Andrew asks Nicky how he got his freckles. Nicky’s response was not very helpful because he said he was just born with them. Their classmate Sharon overhears the boys talking and offers Andrew her secret formula to get freckles for only fifty cents. After drinking the formula, that contained very weird and gross ingredients, Andrew got very ill. In order to not look like a fool in front of Sharon, he returns to school with the freckles he drew on using a blue marker. It didn’t work very well because everyone noticed and laughed. Ms. Kelly, the teacher, offered him her secret recipe to help remove freckles. Surprisingly, Nicky Lane said he wanted some too!
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.6 (3rd Grade 6 Months)
Chapter Book
Summary: Andrew Marcus does not have freckles, but his classmate, Nicky Lane has millions of freckles! Andrew is jealous of Nicky and wants to have freckles just like him. Plus, then he won’t have to wash his neck because his mom will not notice when it is dirty. One day in school Andrew asks Nicky how he got his freckles. Nicky’s response was not very helpful because he said he was just born with them. Their classmate Sharon overhears the boys talking and offers Andrew her secret formula to get freckles for only fifty cents. After drinking the formula, that contained very weird and gross ingredients, Andrew got very ill. In order to not look like a fool in front of Sharon, he returns to school with the freckles he drew on using a blue marker. It didn’t work very well because everyone noticed and laughed. Ms. Kelly, the teacher, offered him her secret recipe to help remove freckles. Surprisingly, Nicky Lane said he wanted some too!
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.6 (3rd Grade 6 Months)
KEVIN HENKES
A Good Day
Picture Book
Summary: A dog, a bird, a squirrel, and a fox are all off to a rough start in their day. The bird loses his feather, the dog’s leash was tangled, the fox lost his mom, and the squirrel accidently let go of her nut. However, they each overcame their rough morning by thinking positively and working through their problems.
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.1 (2nd Grade 1 Month)
Picture Book
Summary: A dog, a bird, a squirrel, and a fox are all off to a rough start in their day. The bird loses his feather, the dog’s leash was tangled, the fox lost his mom, and the squirrel accidently let go of her nut. However, they each overcame their rough morning by thinking positively and working through their problems.
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.1 (2nd Grade 1 Month)
Kitten’s First Full
Moon
Picture Book
Summary: While out on the porch one night, Kitten saw a full moon. But, she did not know it was the moon and mistook it for a bowl of milk. After jumping as high as she could, running for it, expanding her neck to make it longer, and climbing a tree, she realized she was not going to have any milk. Nevertheless, from the top of the tree she climbed, she spotted what she thought was an even bigger bowl of milk in the pond; it was really the moon’s reflection in the water. Excited, Kitten jumped into the pond and sadly realized it was not milk. Gloomily walking back to the porch, she saw that there was a bowl of milk left out for her.
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.3 (2nd Grade 3 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: While out on the porch one night, Kitten saw a full moon. But, she did not know it was the moon and mistook it for a bowl of milk. After jumping as high as she could, running for it, expanding her neck to make it longer, and climbing a tree, she realized she was not going to have any milk. Nevertheless, from the top of the tree she climbed, she spotted what she thought was an even bigger bowl of milk in the pond; it was really the moon’s reflection in the water. Excited, Kitten jumped into the pond and sadly realized it was not milk. Gloomily walking back to the porch, she saw that there was a bowl of milk left out for her.
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.3 (2nd Grade 3 Months)
LAURA NUMEROFF
If You Give A Moose A Muffin
Picture Book
Summary: A young boy sees a moose outside of his window. He decides that he will share a muffin with the moose. But, the problem is… then the moose will want some jam. Once the moose winds up eating all of the muffins he is going to want more. Now the little boy has to get ready to go out to the store to buy ingredients, but before he even leaves, the moose is already requesting something else! It is a never-ending list of things the moose is going to want to go along with something the little boy does or gives him!
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.4 (2nd Grade 4 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: A young boy sees a moose outside of his window. He decides that he will share a muffin with the moose. But, the problem is… then the moose will want some jam. Once the moose winds up eating all of the muffins he is going to want more. Now the little boy has to get ready to go out to the store to buy ingredients, but before he even leaves, the moose is already requesting something else! It is a never-ending list of things the moose is going to want to go along with something the little boy does or gives him!
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.4 (2nd Grade 4 Months)
If You Take A Mouse To School
Picture Book
Summary: A mouse is brought to school with a young boy. The mouse wants to have everything the boy has or at least share. He also wants to do everything the students are doing. After writing his own book, Goodnight Mouse, the mouse wants to keep it in a safe place, which is in the boy’s lunchbox. Then, to make sure it’s kept safe, the mouse hides the lunch box. Once the bell rings, they all go out to the bus stop and play soccer and basketball. After playing, the mouse wants his snack in the lunchbox, so now the boy has to take him back to school!
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.4 (2nd Grade 4 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: A mouse is brought to school with a young boy. The mouse wants to have everything the boy has or at least share. He also wants to do everything the students are doing. After writing his own book, Goodnight Mouse, the mouse wants to keep it in a safe place, which is in the boy’s lunchbox. Then, to make sure it’s kept safe, the mouse hides the lunch box. Once the bell rings, they all go out to the bus stop and play soccer and basketball. After playing, the mouse wants his snack in the lunchbox, so now the boy has to take him back to school!
Interest Level: Pre-Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.4 (2nd Grade 4 Months)
LEO LIONNI
Inch By Inch
Picture Book
Summary: One morning, while sitting on a branch an inchworm was about to be food for a hummingbird. Before he could be eaten, the inchworm convinced the hummingbird that he was useful because he could measure things. To prove himself, he measured the bird’s tail. Amazed, the bird took the inchworm around to measure other bird’s beaks, tails, feathers, and wings. Then, he got to the nightingale bird that demanded he measure his singing. The inchworm did not know how to measure singing, so he began inching his away!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 1.8 (1st Grade 8 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: One morning, while sitting on a branch an inchworm was about to be food for a hummingbird. Before he could be eaten, the inchworm convinced the hummingbird that he was useful because he could measure things. To prove himself, he measured the bird’s tail. Amazed, the bird took the inchworm around to measure other bird’s beaks, tails, feathers, and wings. Then, he got to the nightingale bird that demanded he measure his singing. The inchworm did not know how to measure singing, so he began inching his away!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 1.8 (1st Grade 8 Months)
Tico and the Golden Wings
Picture Book
Summary: Once there was a bird named Tico, who had no wings, so he could not fly. Luckily, his friends were nice to him and would bring him berries and food from the trees. But, Tico was sad he could not fly, until one night the wishingbird came and granted Tico a wish. Tico wished for golden wings and that is what he got. As happy as he was about his new wings and ability to fly, his friends were mad because he was different. Tico began giving his golden wings away to people who needed them. With each golden wing he gave away a black one would appear and soon enough his wings were all black just like his friends!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.3 (3rd Grade 3 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: Once there was a bird named Tico, who had no wings, so he could not fly. Luckily, his friends were nice to him and would bring him berries and food from the trees. But, Tico was sad he could not fly, until one night the wishingbird came and granted Tico a wish. Tico wished for golden wings and that is what he got. As happy as he was about his new wings and ability to fly, his friends were mad because he was different. Tico began giving his golden wings away to people who needed them. With each golden wing he gave away a black one would appear and soon enough his wings were all black just like his friends!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.3 (3rd Grade 3 Months)
MAURICE SENDAK
Alligators All Around
Picture Book
Summary: This book describes funny things the alligators are doing corresponding with the alphabet. Each letter, A through Z has a short sentence or few words, all starting with that same letter, in which illustrate what the alligators are doing. It’s a great early reader’s book to help children learn the alphabet in a fun way.
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.0 (beginning of 2nd Grade)
Picture Book
Summary: This book describes funny things the alligators are doing corresponding with the alphabet. Each letter, A through Z has a short sentence or few words, all starting with that same letter, in which illustrate what the alligators are doing. It’s a great early reader’s book to help children learn the alphabet in a fun way.
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 2.0 (beginning of 2nd Grade)
Where the Wild Things
Are
Picture Book
Summary: Max liked to pretend to be some sort of scary monster by dressing up in a costume and causing uproar in his house. Max’s mom did not like it very much and sent him to his room before they even ate dinner! That is when plants grew around his room, soon becoming a forest and an ocean with a sailboat of his own. When Max jumped in the boat he went off for a long time. Finally, he reached the “wild things” and was even scarier than they were! Max soon was their king, but after awhile he missed home. So, he got back in his boat and went home where his mother left him his dinner.
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.4 (3rd Grade 4 Months)
Picture Book
Summary: Max liked to pretend to be some sort of scary monster by dressing up in a costume and causing uproar in his house. Max’s mom did not like it very much and sent him to his room before they even ate dinner! That is when plants grew around his room, soon becoming a forest and an ocean with a sailboat of his own. When Max jumped in the boat he went off for a long time. Finally, he reached the “wild things” and was even scarier than they were! Max soon was their king, but after awhile he missed home. So, he got back in his boat and went home where his mother left him his dinner.
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Grade Level/Reading Level: 3.4 (3rd Grade 4 Months)
My Choice Books:
A Bad Case of the Stripes
By: David Shannon
Genre: Diversity
Summary: Camilla’s secret is that she likes lima beans. However, because of peer pressure and being afraid of what others may think of her, she refuses to eat her lima beans. By doing this, Camilla is trying to fit in and at the same time denying her differences. Consequently, she starts turning into the colors or patterns of whatever is surrounding her. These crazy colors do not go away until she eats her lima beans.
Interest Level: Pre-kindergarten - 3rd Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.7 (2nd Grade 7 Months)
By: David Shannon
Genre: Diversity
Summary: Camilla’s secret is that she likes lima beans. However, because of peer pressure and being afraid of what others may think of her, she refuses to eat her lima beans. By doing this, Camilla is trying to fit in and at the same time denying her differences. Consequently, she starts turning into the colors or patterns of whatever is surrounding her. These crazy colors do not go away until she eats her lima beans.
Interest Level: Pre-kindergarten - 3rd Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.7 (2nd Grade 7 Months)
Cinder Edna
By: Ellen Jackson
Genre: Fractured Fairytale & Cinderella
Summary: Cinderella and Cinder Edna are neighbors, both working for their evil stepmothers and
stepsisters. Cinderella is saved by a fairy godmother but Cinder Edna is not. However, Cinder Edna is hard working and knows many house hold tricks that others would not know. Ultimately, she lives a happier life with her acquired skills.
Interest Level: 3rd - 5th Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.5 (4th Grade, 5 Months)
By: Ellen Jackson
Genre: Fractured Fairytale & Cinderella
Summary: Cinderella and Cinder Edna are neighbors, both working for their evil stepmothers and
stepsisters. Cinderella is saved by a fairy godmother but Cinder Edna is not. However, Cinder Edna is hard working and knows many house hold tricks that others would not know. Ultimately, she lives a happier life with her acquired skills.
Interest Level: 3rd - 5th Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.5 (4th Grade, 5 Months)
Fred Stays With Me
By: Nancy Coffelt
Genre: Diversity/Social Issues – Divorce
Summary: A young girl has a mom and dad that are divorced. She spends time at both her mom and dads house. She has a dog, named Fred and he goes wherever she goes. So, if she is at her mom’s house, Fred is also at her mom’s house and if she is at her dad’s house, then Fred is also at her dad’s house. However, one day her mom gets tired of Fred’s barking and says he can’t live there anymore. Then, her dad says that he’s tired of Fred eating all of his socks and he can’t live there anymore. But, the problem is, Fred doesn’t live at either house, he only visits when the little girl does!
Interest Level: 3 – 6 Years Old
Grade Level Equivalent: Pre-Kindergarten – 1st Grade
By: Nancy Coffelt
Genre: Diversity/Social Issues – Divorce
Summary: A young girl has a mom and dad that are divorced. She spends time at both her mom and dads house. She has a dog, named Fred and he goes wherever she goes. So, if she is at her mom’s house, Fred is also at her mom’s house and if she is at her dad’s house, then Fred is also at her dad’s house. However, one day her mom gets tired of Fred’s barking and says he can’t live there anymore. Then, her dad says that he’s tired of Fred eating all of his socks and he can’t live there anymore. But, the problem is, Fred doesn’t live at either house, he only visits when the little girl does!
Interest Level: 3 – 6 Years Old
Grade Level Equivalent: Pre-Kindergarten – 1st Grade
I Love You Like Crazy Cakes
By: Rose Lewis
Genre: Diversity
Summary: A woman is missing one important thing in her life – a baby. Over in China, a nursery holds many babies who all are taken care of by nannies. But, they are missing one thing too – a mom. One day the woman wrote to the Chinese asking for a baby and they said yes! She traveled all the way to China to meet her new baby! The baby’s new aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents were all at the airport awaiting her arrival! That night, when everyone left, the mother rocked her new child to sleep.
Interest Level: Kindergarten -2nd Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.8 (2nd Grade 8 Months)
By: Rose Lewis
Genre: Diversity
Summary: A woman is missing one important thing in her life – a baby. Over in China, a nursery holds many babies who all are taken care of by nannies. But, they are missing one thing too – a mom. One day the woman wrote to the Chinese asking for a baby and they said yes! She traveled all the way to China to meet her new baby! The baby’s new aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents were all at the airport awaiting her arrival! That night, when everyone left, the mother rocked her new child to sleep.
Interest Level: Kindergarten -2nd Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.8 (2nd Grade 8 Months)
The Lion and the Bird
By: Marianne Dubuc
Genre: Fiction
Summary: One day in autumn, Lion was out in his garden planting flowers. All of a sudden, a bird, who is having trouble flying, lands in Lion’s garden. He took the bird in his house and kept him warm all winter long. But, when all of the birds migrate in springtime, the little birdie flew away with them, leaving Lion behind. Lion was sad and missed his friend. Spring continued on and soon summer was over. It was autumn again and Birdie came back to live with Lion for the winter again!
Interest Level: 4 Years Old and up
Grade Level Equivalent: Pre-Kindergarten and up
By: Marianne Dubuc
Genre: Fiction
Summary: One day in autumn, Lion was out in his garden planting flowers. All of a sudden, a bird, who is having trouble flying, lands in Lion’s garden. He took the bird in his house and kept him warm all winter long. But, when all of the birds migrate in springtime, the little birdie flew away with them, leaving Lion behind. Lion was sad and missed his friend. Spring continued on and soon summer was over. It was autumn again and Birdie came back to live with Lion for the winter again!
Interest Level: 4 Years Old and up
Grade Level Equivalent: Pre-Kindergarten and up
Measuring Penny
By: Loreen Leedy
Genre: Math – Measurement
Summary: At school, Lisa’s class is given an at-home assignment to measure an object or thing using different measurement tools. After thinking long and hard about what she wants to use for her measurement project, Lisa decides on her dog, Penny. Penny has to be measured in weight, height, and length in both standard and non-standard units of measurement. Lisa uses Q-tips to measure the length of Penny’s ears. At the dog park, Lisa compares Penny’s size to the other dogs. Also, she chooses to make home-made dog biscuits, which consists of measuring ingredients. Lisa explores all attributes of measurement during her project on Penny!
Interest Level: 2nd – 4th Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2 (4th Grade 2 Months)
By: Loreen Leedy
Genre: Math – Measurement
Summary: At school, Lisa’s class is given an at-home assignment to measure an object or thing using different measurement tools. After thinking long and hard about what she wants to use for her measurement project, Lisa decides on her dog, Penny. Penny has to be measured in weight, height, and length in both standard and non-standard units of measurement. Lisa uses Q-tips to measure the length of Penny’s ears. At the dog park, Lisa compares Penny’s size to the other dogs. Also, she chooses to make home-made dog biscuits, which consists of measuring ingredients. Lisa explores all attributes of measurement during her project on Penny!
Interest Level: 2nd – 4th Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 4.2 (4th Grade 2 Months)
More or Less?
By: Stuart J. Murphy
Genre: Math
Summary: Bayside School was having a school fair to celebrate their principles retirement. There were many games, activities, and competitions at the function. One booth involved a student, Eddie, to be blindfolded and guess the age of the participant. In order for Eddie to win he had to guess their age based off of three questions he could ask. The questions went like “is it less than 10?” or “is it more than 7?” Eddie was good at guessing the contestants’ age because he used math strategies he was familiar with such as, comparing the values of numbers and being able to figure out what numbers come before and after it.
Interest Level: 6 – 10 Years Old
Grade Level Equivalent: 1st Grade and up
By: Stuart J. Murphy
Genre: Math
Summary: Bayside School was having a school fair to celebrate their principles retirement. There were many games, activities, and competitions at the function. One booth involved a student, Eddie, to be blindfolded and guess the age of the participant. In order for Eddie to win he had to guess their age based off of three questions he could ask. The questions went like “is it less than 10?” or “is it more than 7?” Eddie was good at guessing the contestants’ age because he used math strategies he was familiar with such as, comparing the values of numbers and being able to figure out what numbers come before and after it.
Interest Level: 6 – 10 Years Old
Grade Level Equivalent: 1st Grade and up
My Rotten Redheaded Older Brother
By: Patricia Polacco
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: This book is about a girl named Tricia and her older brother, Richard, who do not get along at all! Everything Richard does is superior to Tricia, and Tricia cannot stand it! One night, Tricia and her grandmother are looking at the stars and Tricia makes a wish to be able to do something that is better than her brother. Just when she thinks she can go on the merry-go-round longer than her brother can, she falls off and gets hurt. To her surprise, Richard helped take care of her, which made her realize how much he really cares about her.
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.9 (3rd Grade 9 Months)
By: Patricia Polacco
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Summary: This book is about a girl named Tricia and her older brother, Richard, who do not get along at all! Everything Richard does is superior to Tricia, and Tricia cannot stand it! One night, Tricia and her grandmother are looking at the stars and Tricia makes a wish to be able to do something that is better than her brother. Just when she thinks she can go on the merry-go-round longer than her brother can, she falls off and gets hurt. To her surprise, Richard helped take care of her, which made her realize how much he really cares about her.
Interest Level: 3rd – 5th Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 3.9 (3rd Grade 9 Months)
New Shoes for Silvia
By: Johanna Hurwitz
Genre: Diversity
Summary: Tia Rosita sent Silvia and her family a package one day. In the package were beautiful, shiny, brand new red shoes for Silvia. She was so excited to show off her new shoes, except they were too big. Silvia began using the shoes for other purposes like a bed for her dolls and to hold all her pebbles and rocks she picked up in the yard. Eventually, Silvia forgot about the shoes and continued wearing her shoes that fit her. A few years later, she decided she would try on the shoes again because they have to fit now and they did! Silvia was finally able to show off her shoes which were still beautiful and shiny!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.5 (2nd Grade 5 Months)
By: Johanna Hurwitz
Genre: Diversity
Summary: Tia Rosita sent Silvia and her family a package one day. In the package were beautiful, shiny, brand new red shoes for Silvia. She was so excited to show off her new shoes, except they were too big. Silvia began using the shoes for other purposes like a bed for her dolls and to hold all her pebbles and rocks she picked up in the yard. Eventually, Silvia forgot about the shoes and continued wearing her shoes that fit her. A few years later, she decided she would try on the shoes again because they have to fit now and they did! Silvia was finally able to show off her shoes which were still beautiful and shiny!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.5 (2nd Grade 5 Months)
The Orphan: A Cinderella Story From Greece
By: Anthony Manna
Genre: Cultural Cinderella
Summary: A young girl lives in Greece with her mom and dad. One day, the young girl’s mom dies and in Greece when a child’s mother dies the child is considered an orphan. The young girl is now an orphan and becomes known as Orphan. Orphan’s father gets remarried to a woman with two daughters, who treat Orphan terribly. Not knowing what to do, she runs away to her mom’s grave, one day, and cries. Her mother’s spirit talks to her saying that good fortune is waiting for her at her house. The following day, Mother Nature drops gifts, out of the sky, for her. The Prince announces that he will be at Church that Sunday, so Orphan wears her new gifts. The moment she walks into the Church, Prince falls in love with her and catches her one day by spreading honey all over the floor. Orphan’s feet get stuck in the honey and Prince expresses his love for her, so they get married!
Interest Level: 4 – 8 Years Old
Grade Level Equivalent: Pre-Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
By: Anthony Manna
Genre: Cultural Cinderella
Summary: A young girl lives in Greece with her mom and dad. One day, the young girl’s mom dies and in Greece when a child’s mother dies the child is considered an orphan. The young girl is now an orphan and becomes known as Orphan. Orphan’s father gets remarried to a woman with two daughters, who treat Orphan terribly. Not knowing what to do, she runs away to her mom’s grave, one day, and cries. Her mother’s spirit talks to her saying that good fortune is waiting for her at her house. The following day, Mother Nature drops gifts, out of the sky, for her. The Prince announces that he will be at Church that Sunday, so Orphan wears her new gifts. The moment she walks into the Church, Prince falls in love with her and catches her one day by spreading honey all over the floor. Orphan’s feet get stuck in the honey and Prince expresses his love for her, so they get married!
Interest Level: 4 – 8 Years Old
Grade Level Equivalent: Pre-Kindergarten – 3rd Grade
Piggybook
By: Anthony Browne
Genre: Culture – Traditional Roles
Summary: Mr. Piggott, Mrs. Piggott and their two sons, Simon and Patrick, all live together, but Mrs. Piggott does all of the cleaning, cooking, ironing, straightening. Mr. Piggott yells for Mrs. Piggott every morning while he waits for his breakfast. Simon and Patrick sit in front of the T.V. everyday after school, while their mom prepares, cooks, and serves them dinner. Until one day, Mrs. Piggott decides to leave. It isn’t until then that they realize how much she does for them and how hard it is for only one person to do all of the house chores by themselves. When Mrs. Piggott returns home, Mr. Piggott does the ironing, the boys make the beds, and she fixes the car.
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.7 (2nd Grade 7 Months)
By: Anthony Browne
Genre: Culture – Traditional Roles
Summary: Mr. Piggott, Mrs. Piggott and their two sons, Simon and Patrick, all live together, but Mrs. Piggott does all of the cleaning, cooking, ironing, straightening. Mr. Piggott yells for Mrs. Piggott every morning while he waits for his breakfast. Simon and Patrick sit in front of the T.V. everyday after school, while their mom prepares, cooks, and serves them dinner. Until one day, Mrs. Piggott decides to leave. It isn’t until then that they realize how much she does for them and how hard it is for only one person to do all of the house chores by themselves. When Mrs. Piggott returns home, Mr. Piggott does the ironing, the boys make the beds, and she fixes the car.
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.7 (2nd Grade 7 Months)
Romeow & Drooliet
By: Nina Laden
Genre:
Summary: This children’s story is a spin off of Romeo and Juliet with a bit more humor and written for children to understand. There are many points in the story where students could stop and make predictions about what will happen next. Also, it is a great way to show children that if cats and dogs can be friends, then so can they!
Interest Level: 8 Years Old and up
Grade Level Equivalent: 3 Years Old and up
By: Nina Laden
Genre:
Summary: This children’s story is a spin off of Romeo and Juliet with a bit more humor and written for children to understand. There are many points in the story where students could stop and make predictions about what will happen next. Also, it is a great way to show children that if cats and dogs can be friends, then so can they!
Interest Level: 8 Years Old and up
Grade Level Equivalent: 3 Years Old and up
The Salmon Princess: An Alaskan Cinderella Story
By: Mindy Dwyer
Genre: Cultural Cinderella
Summary: A mother and father live in Alaska with their daughter, Cinder. The father is a fisherman and Cinder and her mother prepare and smoke all of the salmon he brings home. Unfortunately, the mother passes away and the father remarries a woman with two sons. The Silver Salmon Festival is coming up with a chance to win silver bars! Cinder is told she can’t go to the Festival by her step-mom because she has to smoke all of the fish with no help. Cinder’s wish is granted when an eagle flies by and drops a dress for her to wear, with the instructions to go, but return the dress by sunrise. At the event, Cinder meets a Salmon Prince. During her hurried exit, Cinder’s boot gets caught, causing her to drop all of her raffle tickets, which held the winning ticket! The Salmon Prince finds her with the help of the eagle and they get married!
Interest Level: 3 – 7 Years Old
Grade Level Equivalent: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
By: Mindy Dwyer
Genre: Cultural Cinderella
Summary: A mother and father live in Alaska with their daughter, Cinder. The father is a fisherman and Cinder and her mother prepare and smoke all of the salmon he brings home. Unfortunately, the mother passes away and the father remarries a woman with two sons. The Silver Salmon Festival is coming up with a chance to win silver bars! Cinder is told she can’t go to the Festival by her step-mom because she has to smoke all of the fish with no help. Cinder’s wish is granted when an eagle flies by and drops a dress for her to wear, with the instructions to go, but return the dress by sunrise. At the event, Cinder meets a Salmon Prince. During her hurried exit, Cinder’s boot gets caught, causing her to drop all of her raffle tickets, which held the winning ticket! The Salmon Prince finds her with the help of the eagle and they get married!
Interest Level: 3 – 7 Years Old
Grade Level Equivalent: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Tar Beach
By: Faith Ringgold
Genre: Historical Fiction & Diversity
Summary: Cassie Louise Lightfoot is an eight-year-old girl, who lives with her mom, dad, and brother Bebe. They spend a lot of time on their apartment’s rooftop, which is referred to as “Tar Beach”. Up there you can see everything and it’s beautiful! Cassie is particularly interested in the George Washington Bridge that she can see from the rooftop. Her dad helped to build the bridge and it was completed on her exact birthday! She wishes that the bridge was hers and her wish comes true because she knows how to fly! Since Cassie knows how to fly, all she has to do is fly over any building or bridge she wants and it’s hers!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.9 (2nd Grade, 9 Months)
By: Faith Ringgold
Genre: Historical Fiction & Diversity
Summary: Cassie Louise Lightfoot is an eight-year-old girl, who lives with her mom, dad, and brother Bebe. They spend a lot of time on their apartment’s rooftop, which is referred to as “Tar Beach”. Up there you can see everything and it’s beautiful! Cassie is particularly interested in the George Washington Bridge that she can see from the rooftop. Her dad helped to build the bridge and it was completed on her exact birthday! She wishes that the bridge was hers and her wish comes true because she knows how to fly! Since Cassie knows how to fly, all she has to do is fly over any building or bridge she wants and it’s hers!
Interest Level: Kindergarten – 2nd Grade
Grade Level Equivalent: 2.9 (2nd Grade, 9 Months)