| by: Children’s Services Staff, Naperville Public Library | |
Title: The Roar (481p.) 2009 Author: Clayton, Emma Reading Level: Grades 4 & up Genre: Science Fiction Summary: In the near future after an animal plague has forced the world’s population into the northern third of the world, Mika and the other children his age are given the opportunity to play a special computer game and win prizes to make their family’s life better. Mika senses that there is a hidden reason behind the pod fighter game, but continues to play to find his twin sister who he doesn’t believe died in an accident. Mika and the other players get to live the exciting game, but will they regret it? (cdg) | |
Title: Bravo Zulu, Samantha (133 p.) 2007 Author: Duble, Kathleen Benner Reading Level: Grades 4 & up Genre: Realistic Fiction Summary: While spending a month of her summer vacation with her grandparents, twelve year old Samantha (Sam), suspects that her grandfather is hiding a mysterious secret. Sam enjoys learning unusual facts and these are included in the story. Here’s one for you to guess: How many basketballs would fit into the Grand Canyon? You’ll have to read the book to find out! (cmm) | |
Title: Scat (371 p.) 2009 Author: Hiaasen, Carl Reading Level: Grades 3 & up Genre: Realistic Fiction, Mystery Summary: If you liked Hoot, you will enjoy Scat. When an unpopular teacher disappears during a field trip, Nick and Marta try to figure out what happened. While investigating, the kids get involved with a ruthless oil company, an endangered panther, and a troubled teen. Nick also has to deal with his injured dad returning from Iraq. (klk) | |
Title: The Beef Princess of Practical County (226 p.) 2009 Author: Houts, Michelle Reading Level: Grades 4 – 6 Genre: Realistic Fiction Summary: Twelve year-old Libby Ryan has the opportunity to raise and show a calf from her family’s cattle farm at the Practical County Fair in Indiana. She is the first girl in her family to take on the challenge. Her dad warns her not to name the calf because it will be auctioned at the end of the fair. But Libby can’t resist naming her calf, “Mule,” which describes his disposition. As the competition draws near Libby doesn’t know how she is going to part with her beloved “Mule.” (los) | |
Title: The Genie Scheme (179 p.) 2009 Author: Jones, Kimberly Reading Level: Grades 3 - 5 Genre: Fantasy, Humor Summary: Janna does a good deed by giving a homeless woman a hat and scarf. That night a genie appears in her bedroom. Now, Janna can wish for anything she wants! Will her wishes bring her happiness or trouble? (cmm) | |
Title: Stolen Children (165 p.) 2008 Author: Kehret, Peg Reading Level: Grades 3 - 5 Genre: Realistic Fiction Summary: Fourteen year old, Amy, is kidnapped with the three year old child that she is watching. She uses the skills she learned in a babysitting class and her own good judgement to survive the situation and try to escape. This is an exciting, suspenseful book! (cmm) | |
Title: How Oliver Olson Changed the World (103 p.) 2009 Author: Mills, Claudia Reading Level: Grades 2 - 3 Genre: Realistic Fiction, School Story Summary: Third grader Oliver Olson feels sorry for the planet Pluto. Sometimes he feels like an outsider, just like Pluto. When talkative classmate Crystal becomes his partner for a science project, it changes Oliver’s world. (cmm) | |
Title: Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and Three Cups of Tea (32 p.) 2009 Author: Mortenson, Greg and Roth, Susan L. Reading Level: Grades 2 - 5 Genre: Nonfiction Summary: Listen to the Wind, is the younger version of the New York Times Best Seller, Three Cups of Tea. It is just as moving and inspiring as the adult version.This book retells Greg Mortenson’s story of building schools in dangerous and remote areas of Asia, where children were eager to learn, but had no place to go. The younger version has the added dimension of wonderful illustrations.They are colorful collages that the illustrator incorporated from bits of fabric, paper and fibers that reminded her of the area. Adult and child can experience this story and discuss how we all can make a difference.(sk) | |
Title: Down Girl and Sit: Smarter than Squirrels (64 p.) 2004 Author: Nolan, Lucy Reading Level: Grades 1 - 3 Genre: Humor Summary: It’s rare to find a book which makes one laugh on almost every page. The humor stems from the author’s “spot-on” take on how dogs see the world. The two main characters think their names are “Down Girl” and “Sit” because that is what their masters shout at them when they get into mischief. Giggle along the pages as DG and S protect their masters from their arch nemesis “Here Kitty Kitty” and neighborhood squirrels. The humor is multigenerational and makes a great read aloud.( Note: The sequel, On the Road, is a Monarch nominee for 2010). (ce) | |
Title: Lucky Breaks (181 p.) 2009 Author: Patron, Susan Reading Level: Grades 3 - 6 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Friendship Summary: In this sequel to The Higher Power of Lucky, Lucky is excited about meeting a new friend and going on an adventure to find a piece of a brooch. The story showcases the interesting characters in Hard Pan and the activities leading up to Lucky’s eleventh birthday. Find out what happens to Lucky after an incident at an abandoned well. (klk) | |
Title: The Coastwatcher (132 p.) 2005 Author: Weston, Elise Reading Level: Grades 3 - 5 Genre: Historical Fiction, Realistic Fiction Summary: In South Carolina during World War II, Hugh and his family are spending their summer at the seashore. Hugh learns that German prisoners are being held nearby and thinks that he has found clues that mean they are plotting to escape. Can Hugh find a way to stop them? Who will believe his story? (cmm) | |
Title: Georgie’s Moon (167 p.) 2006 Author: Woodworth, Chris Reading Level: Grades 4 - 5 Genre: Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction Summary: Georgie is anxiously awaiting the return of her father from the Vietnam War. Her adjustment to living in a small town in Indiana, entering a new middle school, and being concerned with her father create conflicts in her life. The world situation during this historic time period is reflected in Georgie’s angry behavior. Shooting the Moon by Frances O’Roark presents a similar premise of looking at the moon and connecting with a family member serving in Vietnam. (cmm) | |