Fox and Hen Together

by Béatrice Rodriguez

Summary: In this sequel to The Chicken Thief, the chicken goes on an adventure when the refrigerator is empty and finds a surprise when returning home.

This wordless book’s illustrations depict interesting events. The illustrations are not extremely detailed, however, that may aid children in creating their own unique story.

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

by Roald Dahl

Summary: A young boy named Charlie finds a golden chocolate wrapper that is his ticket to a special tour through a chocolate factory.

I read this book in fifth grade and thoroughly enjoyed it. Many parts are funny in an obscure way, and I will admit I did not understand all of the humor until I re-read it later in life. It would be fun to have a class chocolate party after completing this book. Of course, a teacher would need to identify any allergies.

Inerest Level: grades 3-6
Reading Level: grade 5

Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie

Summary: The adventures of the three Darling children in Neverland with Peter Pan, the boy who would not grow up.

It is interesting going back to read the original classic after seeing many of its offspring. Growing up I watched the Disney cartoon and Hook over and over again. In high school, I performed in the musical. The movie Peter Pan from 2003 claimed to stay true to the story, but it really did not. Personally, I think it is great to have children read books if they have seen the movie version, especially with recent movies, because today’s movies often do not follow the book closely. A good follow up is to compare and contrast the two. This is an important academic skill, such as in research papers.

Interest Level: grades k-6
Reading Level: grade 5

Carl's Afternoon in the Park

Carl’s Afternoon in the Park
by Alexandra Day

This is mostly a wordless book. The first and last pages contain dialogue between two women putting Carl the Dog in charge of a puppy and a baby. The three have adventures together in-between.

This is a great book to pick out details and ask what a child thinks when reading one-on-one. A child can tell a story themselves! I would however, want to let a child know that I would never leave them in charge with a dog, no matter how smart the dog is!

Interest Level: ages 2-4

Adventure Books for Young Adults

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Science Fiction for Young Teens

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Librarianjk recommends The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle by Avi

Summary: As the lone "young lady" on a transatlantic voyage in 1832, Charlotte learns that the captain is murderous and the crew rebellious.

Charlotte is a very strong female character, especially for her time period. I was very impressed with her courage in her adventures when I was younger as well.

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

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 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

Judy Moody

Judy Moody

by Megan McDonald

Summary: Third grader Judy Moody is in a first day of school bad mood until she gets an assignment to create a collage all about herself and begins creating her masterpiece, the Me collage.

This book is a terrific read for students transitioning to chapter books. Boys and girls alike relate to funny Judy. This book is part of a series during which Judy ages as the series progresses. Her brother’s tales the “Stink” series are on a slightly lower reading level and are humorous as well.

Interest Level: grades k-3, grades 4-6

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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The Field Guide

The Field Guide

by Tony DiTerlizzi

Summary: When the Grace children go to stay at their Great Aunt Lucinda's worn Victorian house, they discover a field guide to fairies and other creatures and begin to have some unusual experiences.

This book is a little slow in the beginning; therefore, I would not recommend it to reluctant readers. Those who enjoy reading fantasy will enjoy this book and will find the second book more of a fast-paced treat. 

Interest Level: grades 3-6
Reading Level: grade 4

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

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland

by Lewis Carroll

Summary: By falling down a rabbit hole, Alice experiences unusual adventures with a variety of nonsensical characters.   

This classic book is still an appealing fantasy today for young children and grade school students. The nonsense extends beyond the Disney cartoon and humorous for its strangeness.

Interest Level: grades k-3, grades 4-6
Reading Level: grade 6

Librarianjk recommends A Pirate's Guide to First Grade

A Pirate's Guide to First Grade

by James Preller

Summary: A young pirate and his crew embark on a grand adventure when they board the bus for the first day of first grade.

This is an awesome pirate book! I recommend it to anyone who like likes the way pirates spoke. This may be a little confusing for the very young, but there is a vocabulary section in the back for all pirate terms mentioned.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades K-3

Reading Level: grade 3

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 Over the Rainbow

Over the Rainbow

by E.Y. Harburg

Summary: Illustrates the well-known song with paintings of a young girl's search for happiness.

This book has beautiful, imaginative illustrations of what lies over the rainbow.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, 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