Candyfloss by Jacqueline Wilson

When Floss's newly married mother and step father move to Australia, Floss must decide whether she will go with them or stay with her dad. She believes her dad needs her and she doesn't want to leave her school friends. This book is written by a British author, so you get the opportunity to learn how to interpret some of our words in a different way. For example, any guesses on what "candyfloss" or "slowcoach" means?

Death Mountain by Sherry Shahan

Erin is on her way to visit her mother whom she feels has abandoned her. The first problem occurs when Erin loses her bus ticket. She then meets Mae and Levi who persuade her to join them on a hike along the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The group experiences a terrible electrical storm causing Erin and Mae to get separated from tho others. Now, the serious adventure and survival story begins. Don't miss this story! You will feel like you are there trying to survive with the girls as they experience such obstacles as hunger, freezing weather elements, and serious injuries.

The Unfinished Angel by Sharon Creech

I loved this story. It has a light humorous twist introducing Zola, a unique American girl, to an angel, who has been without a purpose. Zola is the only human who can see the angel. The plot involves Zola and the angel working and fighting with each other to accomplish an important mission.

Piper Reed Navy Brat by Christine Davenier

This book introduces us to Piper Reed, a nine year old, spunky middle child. Piper's Dad is in the Navy which means the family must move occasionally. The story is full of family fun and the experiences that come when Piper must move to a new school. You can continue to follow Piper as this is the first book in a series.

Princess Ellie to the Rescue by Diana Kimpton

This is a fun princess story in the series of Pony-Crazed Princess. Princess Ellie finally gets to learn how to take care of her own pony when a new groom, Meg, is hired by the Royal family. The story is fun and has some mystery built into it. If you like this princess story, there are lots more books here at the library about Princess Ellie.

Cam Jansen the Mystery of the Gold Coins by David Adler

Cam and her friend Eric are at the school science fair when Cam's box camera comes up missing. As Cam and Eric head out on an adventure to capture the thief, they discover yet another crime. Some valuable gold coins are missing from the coin shop. This is a fun beginning mystery story.

Extra Credit by Andrew Clements

Abby doesn't like to stay inside to do her schoolwork. She is a nature lover. But now, she might have to repeat 6th grade. Abby's teacher gives her an extra credit project which involves learning about another country from a penpal.

I listened to the story on one of our playaways. If you haven't tried a playaway, you are missing a great way to read a story.

A Week in the Woods by Andrew Clements

12 year old Mark has recently moved to a new school. He is considered to be the "rich new kid". In the beginning of the story, Mark doesn't try to make new friends. He just wants the school year to be over. Slowly he changes his mind and then the adventure begins. It is time for a week in the woods.

The Secret School by Avi

This book reminded me of the Little House on the Prairie stories. The setting is a one room schoolhouse. All is going well until the teacher has a family emergency and has to leave which will close down the school for the rest of the term. Now comes the beginning of the "secret school".

Bystander by James Preller

Eric Hayes is the new boy at school. He meets Griffin and is trying to decide if Griffin is a friend or a bully. This is a facinating story! It is great read for any student who has been the "new kid" at school.

Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor

Addie's family live had never been what she would call "normal". With her Mommer's, it has been "always or nothing". Addie"s stepdad, Dwight, has come the closest of anyone trying to show her a normal family life. You will be touched by Addie's story. Addie is a remarkable young girl who makes some true friends while dealing with the most unpleasant family situations always finding a way to make the best of her life.

Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson

Did you ever feel like your brother or sister was more loved, got more attention, always had the lucky things happen to them? That is the story Sarah Louise tells. Her twin sister, Caroline, has always seemed to be the favored child. For example, the two girls live on a fishing island which is very secluded. To go to high school, you must leave the island to go to a boarding school. Sarah Louise wants desparately to go, but there is only enough money to send Caroline. And thus the story goes, Caroline gets all the good things while Sarah Louise gets the left overs.

This is a story about growing up. Sometimes life just doesn't seem fair, but we can become stronger from each experience.

I listened to this book on one of our Playaway books. If you haven't tried listening to a book, I would recommend that you do.

Little Wolf's Book of Badness by Ian Whybrow

We all know wolves are supposed to be mean and dangerous animals. In this very funny, beginning chapter book, Little Wolf is worrying his parents because he is too well behaved. He is even nice to his baby brother, Smellybreff!

So, Little Wolf's parents send him on a journey through a dark forest to attend his Uncle Bigbad's school, Cunning College. There Little Wolf can learn the proper way to act wild and become a bad wolf.

This book will keep you laughing right up to the last page!

Among the Impostors by Margaret Peterson Haddix

This is the sequel to Among the Hidden. If that book captured your interest, you won't be disappointed with Among the Impostors. Luke tells his story of being left, with a new identity, at the Hendricks School for Boys. In this society, parents can not have more than two children. Any third child lives in fear for his/her life. Strange, even mysterious things happen at the Hendicks School and Luke is determined to discover the secrets of the school.

Jane Goodall Legendary Primatologist by Brenda Haugen

This book tells the story of Jane Goodall, the famous researcher, who taught us so much about the life of chimpanzees. It is fascinating to hear Jane tell her life story, how from a very young age, she wanted to travel to Africa to learn about the animals that lived there.

Jane ends the book with a message hoping that all of us can help make our world a better place.

Wing Nut by M.J. Auch

Twelve year old Grady and his mother have been moving from place to place since Grady's dad died in a tragic accident. His mom always seems to be able to get some kind of a job to support the two of them.

The most recent move is living with and caring for an elderly man, Charlie. Grady learns what it is finally like to have a real home. He also learnsfrom Charlie about mechanics and bird watching.

At the same time, Grady teaches Charlie to enjoy his life again.

Walking With Henry by Thomas Locker

This is an Easy Fiction book which takes young readers on an imaginary journey into some of nature's most beautiful settings. As you follow the journey, you get acquainted with Henry David Thoreau's love for nature.

Thomas Locker is the illustrator. He has created facinating illustrations which again bring the text to life.

Talkin' About Bessie by Nikki Grimes

I have been wanting to read some biographies, but I wanted some great illustrations with my book choice. Voila...this is the perfect book to meet that criteria! The illustrations are by E.B. Lewis and they are wonderful. For me, the illustrations really make the text come alive.

I did not know who Bessie Coleman was before reading this book. I learned that she was a very brave African American lady who lived during the time when racial predjudice was often a roadblock.

Bessie had a dream which she fulfilled determined not to let anyone or any circumstance deter her. She became the first African American female pilot.

Bessie's story is one to remember. She encourages us to never be afraid to pursue our dreams.

Every Soul A Star by Wendy Mass

I just finished listening to this book and I loved it! Ally, her brother, Kenny, and their parents own and live at the Moon Shadow Campground located in the middle of nowhere. This is the only life Ally and Kenny have ever known.

As the story opens, the family is anxiously waiting for a solar eclipse which will draw thousands of visiting campers. What they don't know is that their parents have a huge surprise in store for the kids following the eclipse.

The Market Square Dog by James Herriot

This is another great story by the famous veterinarian, James Herriot. This story begins in the town square where there is an open market. A stray dog appears going from booth to booth begging food from the venders. After some adventure, the "market dog" disappears from the shelter only to be arrested by the town policeman. This book has a great storyline. The illustrations help you to visualize the story even more. Wait until you see how the story ends! I want to read more James Herriot stories!

A Dog on His Own by Jary Jane Auch

If you are a dog lover, you will like this book! You have no doubt heard the term "K-9", well the main character in this story is named "K-10" because he is extra special. K-10 has learned to be cautious of humans. They always seem to let him down. So to avoid being hurt again, K-10 is on the road to freedom or so he thinks. That's where the adventures of this book begin.

Enemy Pie by Derek Munson

Another great picture book for you older kids! Did you ever have someone you considered an enemy......somone you just don't like? In fact, would you like to be rid of your enemy? Well, this book might help you solve that problem.

Summer has just begun. Everything is going great until Jeremy moves into the neighborhood and becomes Enemy Number One. How can you get rid of an enemy? Thankfully Dad comes to the rescue. He has a special recipe for "Enemy Pie", guaranteed to rid you of your enemy!

The result of the recipe? Read and find out!

Otto Grows Down by Michael Sussman

I decided to read some and share some picture books. I think we miss so many good picture books thinking we have to have a "real" story from a chapter book. We have fantastic picture books for older kids in the E Fiction section. Take a look! OK here is my first picture book posting.

Did you ever wish you could make your younger brother or sister disappear? If so, you will love this story. 6 year old Otto is tired of his annoying baby sister, so when he gets to make a wish for his 6th birthday, guess what he wishes? Yes, and then time begins going backward.........Read and see what happens.

Being Teddy Roosevelt by Claudia Mills

The fourth grade class is studying biographies of famous people. Riley has drawn the name of Teddy Roosevelt. As Riley researches, he learns some interesting facts about Roosevelt. I think you will like learning about Teddy Roosevelt and several other famous Americans.

Riley really wants to learn to play the saxophone, he doesn't own one. So he makes a plan on how he can get one.

If you want a beginning chapter book, this would be a great one!

Saffy's Angel by Hilary McKay

Saffy is one of four children. Each of the kids has been named after a paint color.......except Saffy. She makes the discovery that she was adopted which upsets her greatly. Her mother assures her that being adopted makes no

After Saffy's grandfather dies, Saffy and her new friend, Sarah, go on an adventure to find Saffy's inheritance, a garden angel!

I listened to the audio version of this book. It just kept me wanting to find out what was going to happen next. This book is part of the Casson family series. Don't miss this one!

Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Luke lives in a future time when a family is limited to having only two children. Luke happens to be the third child which makes him illegal and a danger to his family. Amazingly, Luke finds another shadow child who teaches him about the outside world. This book tells the fascinating story of Luke's life as a "hidden", shadow child. Among the Hidden is the first book in the Shadow Children series.

Belle Teal

Belle Teal is a fifth grader who faces many challenges for a young girl. She and her best friend become the only friends of a new boy in their class. Belle Teals soon learns from this new friendship what discrimination means.

Belle watches as her momma works hard to better her life and provide for the family. Then, Belle's gram begins to slowly slip away into a world unfamiliar to Belle.

Fifth grade is a year Belle Teal will always remember! I listened to this book on audio. I felt like I had made a new friend after listening to this book.

Locked Garden by Gloria Whelan

This story is set in the early 1900's. Two young sisters, Verna and Carlie, have recently lost their mother. Their father, a doctor, decides to take a new position as a doctor at an assylum! This doesn't seem to be a very pleasant environment for two young girls in which to grow up, but the girls learn to appreciate those who are different from themselves. In fact, one young patient, Eleanor, from the assylum comes to work in the doctor's home. The girl's very strict Aunt Maude becomes very jealous of the girls' affection toward Eleanor.

I loved this story!

The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester

Piper McCloud lived with her Ma and Pa on a farm in the lowland country. She appeared like every other boy and girl her age, except she was discoveredas a baby to have a special talent. Piper could fly!

Her Ma and Pa wanted her to keep her talent a secret, but that wasn't be be. So her parents tried to isolate Piper from other children.

Suddenly her life changed! Piper was sent off to a special school with other children who have unexplainable talents. In the beginning, Piper loves being with the other children. Then things at her new school begin to take a different twist.

This is a fun story with some mystery involved!

Lily's Crossing by Patricia Reilly Giff

Lilly is preparing to spend a wonderful summer with her best friend, Margaret. Suddenly her plans are ruined as World War II breaks out and changes everyone's life. Lily's best friend moves away and as if that isn't bad enough, Lily's father is sent off to war.

As the story unfolds, Lily makes a new friend, Albert. He is a refugee boy from Hungary. He has lost most of his family due to the war and is desparately hoping to find his sister, Ruth.

This is a wonderful story that will take you back to a time when things were different. I felt like I became a friend to Lily and Albert myself.