The Tale of Despereaux
by Kate DiCamillo
Genre: Fantasy/AR 4.7
Newbery Medal
This twisted cinderella tale features a brave little mouse, a clan of wicked basement dwelling rats, a princess, a princess-wannabe, and assorted other villains and indifferent characters. The pace of the story keeps the suspense building while the characters come to life as sympathetic, detestable, and/or inspiring. As with most fairy tales, there are some harsh realities to deal with, including the betrayal of Despereaux by his own family paralleled by Mig's story, who was first sold by her father and becomes a servant to Princess Pea. Of course, all will end well for our main characters, but not before they show what they are made of.
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The Barn
by Avi
Genre: Historical Fiction/AR 4.5
An ALA Notable Book
At 9 years old, Benjamin was sent away to school to fulfill the promise of his dying mother and the promise of an intellectual mind that all in the family (except Ben) believe sets him apart from the rest. Benjamin, however, believes he can do great things on the farm with his family. He proves it when his father gets sick and he convinces his brother and sister to help him build a barn that he believes will make his father want to live again.
Black-Eyed Susan
by Jennifer Armstrong
Genre: Historical Fiction/AR 5.1
Susan and her parents have moved to the prairie to stake their claim. Living in a sodhouse so depresses her mother with her memories of the fine homes and luxuries she once had in Ohio. It is up to Susan and her father to help her mother realize the beauty and splendor of the open plains. It's a hard task because the open fields can grip even Susan with the loneliness. This is a great book for those who love the Little House series.
Sounder
by William H. Armstrong
Genre: Historical Fiction/AR 5.3
Newbery Award
This is the story of a sharecropper family. The book takes its title from the name of the father's hound dog, the only character with a name in the book. When the boy's father is taken to jail for stealing food to feed his family, Sounder tries to follow and receives what should have been a deadly shot to the head. Sounder eventually recovers and returns to the family, but he has lost his powerful voice. The boy goes in search of his father every year trying to find where they have sent him to work off his sentence. The struggle for survival, sacrifices made to obtain an education and reunite a family, and the oppressive prejudice make this an emotionally difficult book to read. Read it anyway. You won't be sorry.
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Zen Shorts
by John J. Muth
Genre: Animal Fantasy/Multicultural Folk Tales/AR 2.9
Caldecott Honor Book
Stillwater, a friendly, wise panda bear moves into the same neighborhood with Addy, Michael, and Karl. Each of the children visit Stillwater who tells them stories that help them rethink the way they had viewed a problem confronting them. The beautiful illustrations capture the whimsy of childhood and the peacefulness of a meditative life.
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Two Under Par
by Kevin Henkes
Genre: Realistic Fiction/AR 4.7
Wedge has a new brother and father... a father who owns a miniature golf course. With a name like Wedge, you might think the boy would be happy with his mother's new marriage. Wedge, unfortunately, cannot find anything to like in his new family. It gets worse when he learns that his mother is expecting a child. What will Wedge do now?
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Ruby Holler
by Sharon Creech
Genre: Realistic Fiction/AR 4.3
Carnegie Award for Children's Literature
Dallas and Florida were orphaned when they were just babies. In the beginning, the orphanage caretakers, Mr. and Mrs. Trepid, intended to keep them for their own. The high-spirited twins, however, soon met the end of Mrs. Trepid's patience and understanding. Years roll by filled with stern discipline and intimidation until at age 13, the twins begin to plot an escape as the only way out of the abusive home. Enter Sairy and Tiller, an eccentric older couple from Ruby Holler. They become foster parents to Dallas and Florida with the intention of having the twins accompany them on their separate journeys. How can Dallas and Florida trust them? And, will trouble follow them?
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The Whipping Boy
by Sid Fleischman
Genre: Historical Fiction and Adventure/AR 3.9
Newbery Medal Winner
Did you know that when a young prince misbehaved a designated whipping boy took his punishment? If you were a sensitive person, such an arrangement would trouble your conscience considerably. Prince Brat, however, intentionally causes trouble. His whipping boy, Jemmy, refuses to cry which irks the prince. When the prince decides to run away, the prince forces Jemmy to come with him. They are immediately plunged into danger and are chased by a notorious robbing duo. The prince has to rely on the wits and charity of his whipping boy. Short, action packed chapters zip the story along to its perfect conclusion.
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On My Honor
by Marion Dane Bauer
Genre: Realistic Fiction/A.R. 5.3
Newbery Honor Book
Joel and Tony have been friends since they were born just 1 week apart. Joel is cautious and introspective. Tony is adventurous and daring. In fact, if they didn't live across the street from each other, they probably wouldn't still be friends. During a bike ride to Starved Rock, Tony decides to go for a swim in the river. Joel knows his father wouldn't approve. In fact, he made him promise on his honor that the boys would not take any detours on their way. Not keeping that promise has dire consequences for both boys and their families.
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