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Frank Einstein and the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka

January 01, 2020

Want to learn how to make a baking soda volcano? Or discover how a bike can fly? In Frank Einstein, goofy robot humor is mixed with scientific drawings and urgent problem solving, as Frank, his friend Watson, and Frank's two robots named Klink and Klank attempt to win the science prize. 

The Crossover by Kwame Alexander

January 01, 2020

“The Crossover” is a 2015 children's book by American author Kwame Alexander. Alexander’s work is the winner of the 2015 Newbery Medal, Coretta Scott King Award Honor and is a New York Times Bestseller. It is told from the perspective of Josh Bell, a talented basketball player who encounters many new situations with his basketball career and his family. Specifically, Josh faces the difficulty of his twin brother growing distant from him because of a girl, alongside his Dad encountering life-threatening medical complications, and Josh getting suspended from the basketball team. Along with creative lingo and relevant themes, the novel's visual format is unique and can be engaging for a reader who struggles with traditional writing styles.

 

Serafina and the Black Cloak

January 01, 2020

A brave and unusual girl named Serafina lives secretly in the basement of the grand Biltmore Estate. Serafina's pa, the estate's maintenance man, has warned her to keep herself hidden from the fancy folk who live on the floors above, but when children at the estate start disappearing, Serafina and her friend Braeden Vanderbilt must work together to solve a dark and dangerous mystery. This novel is for readers 9 and up. 

Yellowstar by Jennifer Roy

January 01, 2020

"In 1945 the war ended. The Germans surrendered, and the ghetto was liberated. Out of over a quarter of a million people, about 800 walked out of the ghetto. Of those who survived, only twelve were children. I was one of the twelve." (page 3) This is the true story of Syvia Perlmutter—a story of courage, heartbreak, and finally survival despite the terrible circumstances in which she grew up, toby her niece. A timeline, historical notes, and an author's note are included. This sobering book is applicable for ages 10-13. 

Pax by Sara Pennypacker

January 01, 2020

Pax and Peter have been inseparable ever since Peter rescued Pax as a kit. But one day the unimaginable happens: Peter's dad enlists in the military and makes him return the fox to the wild. As Pax takes on a journey of his won, living in the woods, Peter sets out to rescue Pax. This heartwarming novel can be enjoyed by readers aged 10-14. 

Soar by Joan Bauer

January 01, 2020

Jeremiah is the world's biggest baseball fan, yet he cannot play baseball because of an operation on his heart. Instead of playing, he ends up coaching baseball, in order to keep the love of the sport alive in Hillcrest. This book is full of team work and inspiring work ethic, and can be enjoyed by anyone ages 10 and up.

Hero by Jennifer Li Shotz

January 01, 2020

When Hero, a retired search and rescue dog, and his owner, Ben, find an injured and stray dog. they take him in. One day, Scout, the once stray dog, goes missing. Ben and Hero then enter into a dangerous and exciting path to try and to Scout. Jennifer Li Shotz is a New York Times Bestselling author and Hero can be enjoyed by anyone aged 8-12. 

Moo a novel by Sharon Creech

January 01, 2020

When twelve year old Reena, her little brother, Luke, and their parents move to Maine, Reena doesn't know what to expect. In the midst of her new transitions, she finds herself being volunteered, by her parents, to help an old, eccentric neighbor, named Mrs. Falala, who has one very sassy cow named Zora. Sharon Creech is a winner of the  Newbery Medal award for her book, Walk Two Moons. Moo is a New York Times Bestseller and great for any reader ages 8-12.

I Am Walt Disney by Grace Norwich and illustrated by Phil Parks

January 01, 2020

Containing a table of contents, 10 fun facts about Walt, a glossary, a bibliography, an index and more; this biography of America's beloved dreamer, Walt Disney, is a great read for students in 3rd or 4th grade. With so many resources within this small chapter book, checking for understanding is very accessible. 

7 Sector 7 by David Wiesner

January 01, 2020

A school trip is a chance to see the world in a new way. But if you’re a kid who can draw, it’s even more. It’s a chance to make others see the world in a new way too. As a Caldecott Honor Book recipient, David Wiesner's book reflects his interest in things that may or may not be in the sky. Identifying the main idea could be a strategy practiced while reading this masterpiece. 

Flotsam by David Wiesner

January 01, 2020

“Flotsam:

Something that floats.

If it floats in the ocean, it may wash up on the beach,

where someone may find it

and be astonished,

and share the discovery

with someone else-

as David Wiesner shares it with you.”

As a recipient of the New York Times best illustrated children’s book award, this wordless picture book could greatly benefit a student practicing making predictions. 

The Dark by Lemony Snicket and illustrated by Jon Klassen

January 01, 2020

Laszlo is afraid of the dark which lives in the same big, creaky house as him, until one night the dark pays him a visit. This unusual read is quite simple in vocabulary, yet profound in its essence. A reader practicing summarization could be greatly benefited through reading this book. 

My Rows and Piles of Coins by Tololwa M. Mollel and illustrated by E. B. Lewis

January 01, 2020

The market is full of wonderful things-roasted peanuts, rice cakes, toy trucks, kites-but Saruni doesn’t buy any of them. He is saving for something special. How happy and proud he will be when he can help his mother carry heavy goods to market on his very own bicycle. This story takes place in Tanzania, and offers many (possibly) new words such as; sambusa and pikipiki that the reader can use to expand their vocabulary. 

Corgiville Fair by Tasha Tudor

January 01, 2020

In Corgiville, as in many small towns all over America, the biggest event of the year is the fair. And the most exciting thing at the Corgiville fair is the goat race. Caleb Corgi has spent months training his goat, Josephine, for the big event. But Edgar Tomcat’s goat is fast, too, and Caleb knows that Edgar is not above indulging in some dirty tricks in order to win. This charming tale could be used to help the reader with making inferences, as the story takes on twists and turns. 

The Bracelet by Yoshiko Uchida and Joanna Yardley

January 01, 2020

“’Will they shoot if anybody tries to run away?’ she asked her sister. But Reiko just shrugged. ‘I don’t know,’ she said solemnly. ‘Maybe.’”

In 1942, shortly after the outbreak of war with Japan, the United States government uprooted and imprisoned 120,000 West Coast Japanese Americans, two-thirds of whom were American citizens. They had done nothing wrong nor broken any laws, but without trial or hearing they were imprisoned first in abandoned racetracks and fairgrounds, and then sent to ten bleak internment camps located in remote areas of the country. This book beckons the reader to ask questions and dig further into a devastating reality for many in the 1940's. 

Mississippi Morning by Ruth Vander Zee and illustrated by Floyd Cooper

January 01, 2020

James William’s comfortable life suddenly becomes disrupted when he not only learns that a black man’s house was purposely burnt, but when he also learns about the Klan. As William soon begins to encounter the devastating reality of social injustice, he is soon faced with many questions and decisions. This thought-provoking story of one boy’s loss of naïveté to social injustice will challenge young readers to question their own assumptions and confront personal decisions. Having your reader summarize the story will not only add to their toolbox of academia, but it will also emphasize the reality of the story's substance. 

Something Beautiful by Sharon Dennis Wyeth and illustrated by Christ K. Soentpiet

January 01, 2020

Experience the beauty of friendship and the power of hope as a little girl searches for beauty in her neighborhood. As she seeks to look past the scary sights on the sidewalks and the angry scribbling on the walls, she finds encounters many people who are beautiful. Asking your reader questions about the state of the character and her surroundings while reading this story can improve reading comprehension. 

The White Pony by Sandra Byrd and illustrated by Sarah Waldron

January 01, 2020

The tale of the white pony is a child’s favorite story. This legend is of love that looks beyond what is on the outside and introduces a glimpse of what Native American folk tale was for many people. Having your child determine the supporting details of the story while reading it will produce reading comprehension and create a holistic view of the narrative.  

I Get So Hungry by Bebe Moore Campbell and illustrated by Amy Bates

January 01, 2020

Once Niki starts eating, it is hard for her to stop. Many kids at school tease her about her weight. When Nikki’s overweight teacher begins to live a healthier lifestyle, Nikki decides to join her. This new lifestyle is not easy, but with support from her friends and family, Nikki continues to persevere. A solidified comprehension of reading can be accomplished for the reader through identifying the main idea of the book. 

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