Librarianjk recommends A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time

by Madeleine L'Engle

Summary: Meg Murry and her friends become involved with unearthly strangers and a search for Meg's father, who has disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government.

I enjoyed this book in fifth grade. Some of the scientific aspects can be hard to understand, but it is a wonderful story.

Interest Level: grade 4-6, grades 7-8
Reading Level: grade 5

Madlenka Soccer Star

Madlenka Soccer Star

by Peter Sís

Summary: Madlenka plays soccer in her city neighborhood--with the mailbox, a dog, a parking meter, and some cats.

This story is mediocre, but may be of interest to young soccer players and fans. What I like most about the book is the notes in the back which give a history of soccer.

Interest Level: grades K-3
Reading Level: grade 2

American Babies

American Babies

by The Global Fund for Children

Summary: Celebrate the American spirit with babies from all across the country

This is a cute board book with baby faces on each page which is appealing to very young babies.

Interest Level: birth-age 2
Reading Level: grade 1

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

Thanksgiving Picture Books

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Pablo Meets the Neighbours

Pablo Meets the Neighbours

by Keith Tutt

Summary: When fox cubs Pablo, Poppy, and Pumpkin decide to see what the human house near them is like, they make a big mess and the house's owners are not happy.

This is a humorous book that could be used for discussing appropriate behavior. After reading, an adult can discuss that everything has a place and that we should not feel bad for animals who live outdoors, bad behavior, and that the British spelling is different than American.

Interest Level: ages 2-4, grades k-3
Reading Level: grade 2

The Composer Is Dead

The Composer Is Dead

by Lemony Snicket

Summary: An inspector seeks to solve a murder mystery at the symphony by questioning each of the musical instruments.

This amusing book comes from the dark mind of Lemony Snicket, author A Series of Unfortunate Events. Having played the violin in orchestra during elementary and high school, I love the strange humor in this book. It is recommended for ages 5 and up, but I highly doubt many children that young could appreciate this book. This book is appropriate for reading to older children to introduce musical instruments in an orchestra or as a fun, offbeat read aloud to older students.

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