Great Biographies of Lesser Known People

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Small Acts of Amazing Courage by Gloria Whelan

Summary: In 1919, independent-minded fifteen-year-old Rosalind lives in India with her English parents, and when they fear she has fallen in with some rebellious types who believe in Indian self-government, she is sent "home" to London, where she has never been and where her older brother died, to stay with her two aunts.

I admire the main character, Rosalind. What I consider her strongest character traits, were seen as negative traits in females during this time in British culture  This is a very strong piece of historical fiction; while one may never have considered the types of choices people of this time had to make, the characters’ feelings are relatable. Even as an adult with a good amount of knowledge about the time period, I saw from a new angle how people of this time and place lived. This book may be very eye-opening to grade school students. I found the ending disappointing and inconclusive, but thoroughly enjoyed everything else about this story.

Interest Level: grades 4-8

Reading Level: grade 7

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 Grades 6-8

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Survival Stories for Grades 6-8

MORE Summer Reading Theme 2011 You Are Here for grades 6-8

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The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod: Eighth Grade Bites

by Heather Brewer

Summary: For thirteen years, Vlad, aided by his aunt and best friend, has kept secret that he is half-vampire, but when his missing teacher is replaced by a sinister substitute, he learns that there is more to being a vampire, and to his parents' deaths, than he could have guessed.

This is the first book in the Chronicles of Vladimir Tod series. It is an excellent read for anyone who is interested in vampires without a mushy romance element. Many young adult boys have requested this action story set in the present. Although Vlad is not entirely human, his emotions and characteristics seem to resonate with male and female teens alike. The small mysteries in the story held my interest throughout the book.

Interest Level: grades 6-12
Reading Level: grade 6

Summer Reading Theme 2011: You Are Here Reads for grades 6-8

The Alchemyst

by Michael Scott

Summary: While working at summer jobs in San Francisco, twins Sophie and Josh find themselves caught up in the deadly, centuries-old struggle between rival alchemists, Nicholas Flamel and John Dee, over the possession of an ancient and powerful book.

This is the exciting and fascinating first book in a series. I recommend this book to young adults and younger readers on a high reading level. I feel there is no objectionable material aside from fantasy violence. This series draws characters from ancient mythology of several different cultures. Like the Percy Jackson series, modern teen characters and ancient characters interact in an original story that takes place today.

Interest Level: grade 4-12
Reading Level: grade 6

Books to Discuss Values for grades 3-8

Mysteries for Grades 6-8

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Historical Fiction for Young Teens

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Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawls

Summary: A young boy saves money to buy two dogs. They become great companions.

I sobbed for at least an hour after reading this book. I do not recommend reading as a class, but if you do, be very cautious if a student has lost a loved one.

Interest Level: grades 4-8
Reading Level: grade 6

Vampire Reads for Young Adults

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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

Chit Lit for Young Teens

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Librarianjk recommends Who Stole Mona Lisa?

Who Stole Mona Lisa?

by Ruthie Knapp

Summary: Tells the story of the famous Leonardo Da Vinci portrait known as the Mona Lisa, including its 1911 theft from the Louvre in Paris, from the point of view of the subject of the painting. Includes an author's note with facts about the painting.

This is an excellent fictionalized story of a true event. The author weaves in many facts during the story in addition to the facts on the author’s note page. This book is appropriate for older readers interested in the Mona Lisa or art in general.

Interest Level: grades 4-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 2

Dragon Reads for Grades 6-8

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Librarianjk recommends Ballet for Martha

Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring

by Jan Greenberg

Summary: Tells the story behind the creation of "Appalachian Spring," describing Aaron Copland's composition, Martha Graham's intense choreography and Isamu Noguchi's set design

I recommend this book to older readers who are dancers or enjoy ballet. It is lengthy about the entire process of the creation of a ballet.

Interest Level: grades 3-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 5

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

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