2006-2007
Book Selections for Grades 3-5

In this twist on the familiar fairy-tale, instead of the frog becoming a prince after Princess Emeralda kisses him, the princess also becomes a frog. From that moment to the end of the story, the two green, insect-eating frogs struggle to undo the spells that have bewitched them. As they pursue this quest, the two must also avoid a dragon, a frog-eating dog, and an angry witch. Witty dialogue, comical situations, and hilarious characters quickly move this tale to its satisfying ending.

As the smallest and youngest of the litter, Runt tries hard to keep up with his brothers and sisters as they venture into the woods of Minnesota. The young cub is determined to prove his worth to his father, King, and the wolf pack by performing a heroic deed. An opportunity finally occurs when Bider, a white male, challenges King for leadership of the pack. This compelling and memorable tale offers insights into the complex culture of these wild animals.

Cody Lee Carson, a new fifth grader, resolves to become a changed man and create a new image for himself. No longer will he be the old-Cody doofus, but, instead, an ace-brilliant fifth grade hero, class president candidate, and confident person. In this day-to-day diary, Cody becomes involved in practical jokes, preadolescent awkward moments, and silly fifth grade fun on his way to becoming a new man.

Twelve-year-old Ernie’s father has forbidden him to create any more offbeat businesses. However, after he discovers an empty lot, the young business entrepreneur starts a pet funeral business that quickly proves profitable. Although the business is successful, Ernie becomes increasingly more hard- hearted toward his employees and customers. His friendships suffer and, in the end, Ernie learns that there are more important things in life than making money.

Bombay is very different from Hamlet, Illinois, for nine-year-old Lowji, who moves with his parents during early summer vacation. At first, Lowji is lonely and bewildered in this strange country. He yearns for a pet and finally persuades his cranky landlady to adopt a cat, dog, and goat that he happily learns to care for while finally making new friends. Details about Indian culture are thoughtfully interwoven in this gentle and age-appropriate tale.

Thirteen-year-old Thirteen-year-old Ben, mentioned in Crossing Jordan, narrates this story about a North Florida family spending the Christmas holiday in the Florida Keys in order to oversee the uncle’s marina. As soon as they arrive, Ben meets Mica, the daughter of a marine biologist, who has traveled the world with her father and who introduces Ben and his brother to a life of adventure on the water. Unfortunately, Mica’s impulsiveness leads to several mishaps and Ben’s family soon discovers that Mica’s seemingly idyllic life is filled with real life problems. (For mature readers)

The unthinkable occurs when 10-year-old Anya’s hair falls out and she is diagnosed with alopecia areata (an autoimmune disease that makes hair fall out in clumps). While Anya is dealing with her feelings and fears about wearing a wig to school, an unlikely, quiet classmate, Keely, demonstrates courage and compassion by finding a constructive way to help Anya. This informative story switches points of view from Anya and her feelings about the loss of her hair and fear of discovery to Keely and her resolve to support Anya through this difficult time.

In 1906, daily life was difficult in San Francisco for thirteen-year-old Jacob Kaufman and his family. Then the disastrous earthquake destroyed the city. Alone and frightened, Jacob, with his stray dog Quake, wander around the city looking for his family. During his ordeal, Jacob is befriended by a young Chinese boy, San, and an Irish family, the Flanagans. Although Jacob and the San Franciscans must endure many hardships, they learn the true meaning of friendship, generosity, and courage.

Aiden and Meg Falconer are on a quest to prove their parents’ innocence. In this fast-paced story, Aiden and Meg travel across the United States in search of Frank Lindenauer, a man who also worked for the CIA and who may be able to help them. The two children evade the police with the help of Miguel, another escapee from the Sunnydale Farm. Miguel saves Aiden and Meg from danger more than once during the journey. In this first novel of Gorman’s On the Run series, Chasing the Falconers delivers a quick, high-action cliff-hanger that will prompt readers to seek other books in the series.

Jack, a young apprentice sailor, washes up on a mysterious island that is populated by two groups of dogs and a herd of sheep. Jack finds that years after the people have deserted the island, one group of dogs, the honorable shepherds, continue to herd the sheep and protect them from the other wild forest- dwelling dogs or fangos. Jack and the young Border collie, Moxie, alternately tell this heart-warming story, giving insights into both the human and canine worlds. Engaging characters and fast-paced action bring this novel, which is based on a New Zealand Maori legend, to life for today’s readers.

Mark and Skye befriend the new sixth grader, Josh, as the school year begins in Idaho. Overweight Josh is also quickly pulled into smooth-talking Corey’s circle of friends who supposedly want him to join the hockey team, but really only want him to test the pond’s ice. Eventually, Mark, who is borderline autistic, and Skye talk Josh out of skating on the unsafe ice. Corey then shoves Alex out onto the ice with disastrous results. In the end, it is up to Skye, Mark, and Josh to prove their friendship and courageously save Alex.

Sixth grader Jason Percy and his family are planning a trip from Texas to California. Jason is excited about the trip because he will finally ride on an airplane and have an opportunity to try out for his favorite television show, “Masquerade Mania.” Unfortunately, the plans quickly change to traveling across country by automobile with a small camper or “big sardine can.” To make matters worse, Jason almost misses his chance to appear on the television show when his allosaurus head costume is missing. This fast-paced novel filled with snappy dialogue will appeal to reluctant readers.

Thirteen-year-old Lily and her mom move to her great-uncle’s summer home in Cape May, New Jersey. Immediately, Lily is drawn into an adventure involving a new friend, a fake medium, and ghosts of all ages and shapes. Lily quickly learns that the drafty old Victorian house is haunted when mysterious events occur and objects appear and reappear in different rooms, including her mother’s old Kewpie doll. As the tension builds, Lily is determined to uncover the truth about her family’s tragic secrets and finally rid the house of the unwanted ghosts. (For mature readers)

When 13-year-old twins Grace and Marty are sent to live with their Uncle Wolfe, they find that their anthropologist uncle is obsessed with finding cryptids, mysterious creatures believed to be long extinct. After parachuting from an airplane into the Congolese jungle, Marty and Grace quickly show their courage and ingenuity as they survive the wilderness and elude capture by evil Noah Blackwood’s men. The creative plot and fast-paced action make this a good choice for adventure fans.

As a secret cyber-hero, fifth grader Nolan Byrd wields his digital camera in defense of truth and justice. Nolan, as Shredderman, posts clever messages on his web site to help unmask the vandals that are painting silly faces all over town. Twists and turns in this fast-paced story show how Shredderman uses brain over brawn to finally uncover the true culprit.