The Jewel Fish of Karnak

by Graeme Base

Summary: Two thieves, caught stealing from an Egyptian market, are brought before the Cat Pharaoh who agrees to pardon them if they bring back a treasure that was stolen from her. They must not take anything else or get the precious Jewel Fish wet.

This is the coolest picture book I have seen a long time. The back cover contains a movable puzzle. The Cat Pharaoh challenges readers to go to the author’s website with the answers. Even without this feature, the book contains a fantastic fable, and the illustrations are absolutely beautiful. I highly recommend this book to any primary grade student and older children who are up for a fun challenge.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Skulduggery Pleasant

by Derek Landy

Summary: When twelve-year-old Stephanie inherits her weird uncle's estate, she must join forces with Skulduggery Pleasant, a skeleton mage, to save the world from the Faceless Ones.

This is a strange, far-fetched, fabulous fantasy. I thoroughly enjoyed Skulduggery’s dry sense of humor and bitter sarcasm. I admire Stephanie, who is a strong, stubborn, young female. I look forward to continuing this series.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 5

Horror Stories for Young Adults

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Young Adult Science Fiction Reads: Dystopias and Futuristic Societies

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Survival Stories for Grades 6-8

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

by James Patterson

Summary: Fifteen-year-old Daniel has followed in his parents' footsteps as the Alien Hunter, exterminating beings on The List of Alien Outlaws on Terra Firma, but when he faces his first of the top ten outlaws, the very existence Earth and another planet are at stake.

Fans of adventure and action will be captivated by the book’s story. Despite its theme, the book is somewhat relatable; the book is told in first person by Daniel, a teenage boy with common teenage struggles. I enjoyed Daniel’s cynical and sarcastic outtake which adds a layer of humor to the story. This book is generally labeled as young adult, but it is not inappropriate for older elementary students who are strong readers.

Interest Level: grades 4-12
Reading Level: Young Adult

 

Painter and Ugly

by Robert J. Blake

Summary: Painter and Ugly, two sled dogs who are inseparable best friends, are put on different teams for the Junior Iditarod, but they manage to find their way back to one another for the big race.

This is a touching story about friendship. I am a huge dog lover and I would believe this story could be true if it did not mention that the two dogs share a food bowl. My three docile labs will only become aggressive about that. The book includes a note from the author about how and why the book was written.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 3

Science Fiction for Young Teens

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Oscar and the Very Hungry Dragon

Oscar and the Very Hungry Dragon

by Ute Krause

Summary: No princess is around to be fed to the dragon so Little Oscar's name is pulled from the hat. Learn how the boy's cleverness comes to his rescue!

I found the beginning of this book slightly disturbing, but the middle and the ending are humorous. This book is wonderful simply for entertainment. It is lengthy and most appropriate for third graders and advanced second graders to read to themselves.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

Summary: The struggle of three brothers to stay together after their parent's death and their quest for identity among the conflicting values of their adolescent society.

Although this book is considered to be on a fourth grade reading level, the content is mature including gangs and violence. I feel it is most appropriate for middle school and high school students.I read this as a sixth grade honors student and it was a little intense for me, though it was very enjoyable. It is a great book for putting your life into perspective as a youth.

Reading Level: grade 5
Interest Level: 6-12

The Legend of the Golden Snail

The Legend of the Golden Snail

by Graeme Base

Summary: Wilbur loves the legend of the Golden Snail, an enchanted galleon, and vows to become its next master.

This is a lengthy picture book. The vibrant illustrations in this book may help to hold younger readers’ attention. I recommend it to those who enjoy strange nautical adventures such as The Pirates of the Caribbean.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Knights of the Kitchen Table

Knights of the Kitchen Table 

by Jon Scieszka

Joe receives a magic book for his birthday present from his uncle. Joe, Fred and Sam are transported to a time when evil knights, fire-breathing dragons and vile-smelling giants roamed the land.                                                     

This humorous story is part of Time Warp Trio series. This is an excellent book for reluctant readers and is popular among boys. It is appropriate for both young children reading on a high level and older children reading on a lower level.

Interest Level: grades 4-6

Reading Level: grade 5

Dragon Reads for Grades 6-8

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Librarianjk recommends Saint George and the Dragon

Saint George and the Dragon

by Margaret Hodges

Summary: Retells the segment from Spenser's The Faerie Queene, in which George, the Red Cross Knight, slays the dreadful dragon that has been terrorizing the countryside for years and brings peace and joy to the land.

The detailed, vivid illustrations in this book are stunning. I recommend this book to anyone who likes knight and dragon stories. I do not recommend this book as a read-aloud or for reading to the very young. The book’s size is deceptive; it is a long story.

Interest Level: grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 6

If you like the Percy Jackson Series you might like...

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Hedgie Blasts Off!

Hedgie Blasts Off!

By Jan Brett

Summary: When the spectacular, sparkling explosions at a popular tourist sight slow down, Hedgie the hedgehog is the only one capable of flying to the tiny planet Mikkop to see what is wrong.

This book is an unusual space story. If you like underdog stories, this book may be for you. Actually, the dogs are the big shots and the hedgehog is the metaphorical underdog.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Librarianjk recommends Politically Correct Bedtime Stories

Politically Correct Bedtime Stories

by James Finn Garner

Summary: “Politically correct" versions of traditional fairy tales or bedtime stories that have been changed to be feminist, equal-opportunist, etc.

Though many people do not recommend this book for children because of content and comprehension, I enjoyed this book in fourth grade. I did not understand everything, but what I did understand I found hilarious. There are others in the series I found just as entertaining. However, for a younger child there are now more age-appropriate fractured fairytales.

Interest Level: Young Adult
Reading Level: Young Adult

Librarianjk recommends Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

Lunch Lady and the Cyborg Substitute

 by Jarrett J. Krosoczka

Summary: The school lunch lady is a secret crime fighter who uncovers an evil plot to replace all the popular teachers with robots.

This book is very funny in a silly way. This book is great for young reluctant readers.

Interest Level: grades 2-6
Reading Level: 2

Dragon Stew

Dragon Stew

 by Steve Smallman

Summary: When five bored Vikings go looking for adventure, they decide on a fearless quest to catch a dragon for their stew.

This books’ purpose seems to be exclusively entertainment. I recommend it to children interested in Vikings and dragons.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 3

Mystery Books for Beginning Readers

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