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Just a Drop of Water
by Kerry O'Malley CerraEver since he was little, Jake Green has longed to be a soldier and a hero like his grandpa, who died serving his country. Right now, though, he just wants to outsmart-and outrun-the rival cross country team, the Palmetto Bugs.
But then the tragedy of September 11 happens. It's quickly discovered that one of the hijackers lived nearby, making Jake's Florida town an FBI hot spot.
Two days later, the tragedy becomes even more personal when Jake's best friend, Sam Madina, is pummeled for being an Arab Muslim by their bully classmate, Bobby. According to Jake's personal code of conduct, anyone who beats up your best friend is due for a butt kicking, and so Jake goes after Bobby. But soon after, Sam's father is detained by the FBI and Jake's mom doubts the innocence of Sam's family, forcing Jake to choose between his best friend and his parents.
When Jake finds out that Sam's been keeping secrets, too, he doesn't know who his allies are anymore. But the final blow comes when his grandpa's real past is revealed to Jake. Suddenly, everything he ever knew to be true feels like one big lie. In the end, he must decide: either walk away from Sam and the revenge that Bobby has planned, or become the hero he's always aspired to be.
A gripping and intensely touching debut middle grade novel by Kerry O'Malley Cerra, Just a Drop of Water brings the events of September 11, which shook the world, into the lens of a young boy who is desperately trying to understand the ramifications of this life-altering event.
Jefferson's Sons
by Kimberly Brubaker BradleyThis story of Thomas Jefferson's children by one of his slaves, Sally Hemings, tells a darker piece of America's history from an often unseen perspective-that of three of Jefferson's slaves-including two of his own children.
As each child grows up and tells his story, the contradiction between slavery and freedom becomes starker, calliing into question the real meaning of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." This poignant story sheds light on what life was like as one of Jefferson's invisible offspring.
Power Forward
by Sally Wern Comport and Hena KhanFrom the critically acclaimed author of Amina’s Voice comes the first book in an exciting new middle grade series about a fourth-grader with big dreams of basketball stardom.
Fourth grader Zayd Saleem has some serious hoop dreams. He’s not just going to be a professional basketball player. He’s going to be a star. A legend. The first Pakistani-American kid to make it to the NBA. He knows this deep in his soul. It’s his destiny.
There are only a few small things in his way. For starters, Zayd’s only on the D-team. (D stands for developmental, but to Zayd it’s always felt like a bad grade or something.) Not to mention, he’s a bit on the scrawny side, even for the fourth grade team. But his best friend Adam is on the Gold Team, and it’s Zayd’s dream for the two of them to play together.
His mom and dad don’t get it. They want him to practice his violin way more than his jump shot. When he gets caught blowing off his violin lessons to practice, Zayd’s parents lay down the ultimate punishment: he has to hang up his high tops and isn’t allowed to play basketball anymore. As tryouts for the Gold Team approach, Zayd has to find the courage to stand up for himself and chase his dream.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
by Sherman AlexieBestselling author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a budding cartoonist growing up on the Spokane Indian Reservation.
Determined to take his future into his own hands, Junior leaves his troubled school on the rez to attend an all-white farm town high school where the only other Indian is the school mascot.
Heartbreaking, funny, and beautifully written, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, which is based on the author's own experiences, coupled with poignant drawings by Ellen Forney that reflect the character's art, chronicles the contemporary adolescence of one Native American boy as he attempts to break away from the life he was destined to live.
With a forward by Markus Zusak, interviews with Sherman Alexie and Ellen Forney, and four-color interior art throughout, this edition is perfect for fans and collectors alike.
Summerlost
by Ally CondieA tender and compelling contemporary novel for young readers about facing loss and finding friendship, from Ally Condie, international bestselling author of the Matched series.
Sometimes it takes a new friend to bring you home. It's the first real summer since the accident that killed Cedar's father and younger brother, Ben. Cedar and what's left of her family are returning to the town of Iron Creek for the summer.
They're just settling into their new house when a boy named Leo, dressed in costume, rides by on his bike. Intrigued, Cedar follows him to the renowned Summerlost theatre festival.
Soon, she not only has a new friend in Leo and a job working concessions at the festival, she finds herself surrounded by mystery.
The mystery of the tragic, too-short life of the Hollywood actress who haunts the halls of Summerlost. And the mystery of the strange gifts that keep appearing for Cedar.
Infused with emotion and rich with understanding, Summerlost is the touching new novel from Ally Condie, the international bestselling author of the Matched series that highlights the strength of family and personal resilience in the face of tragedy.
After the Rain
by Norma Fox MazerAt fifteen, Rachel is a worrier. She worries about whether her family understands her, whether her friends like her, and whether she'll get her first kiss before she turns sixteen. And she worries about whether she can handle having a real boyfriend if he does come along.
But it takes a dying old man -- her grandfather -- who has never been easy for anyone to handle, to show Rachel she has very special abilities. With love and compassion, she reaches the heart of an old tyrant who has always been unreachable. And in so doing, she comes to a better understanding of her family, her friends, and herself.
Newbery Medal Honor book
Al Capone Does My Shirts
by Gennifer CholdenkoToday I moved to a twelve-acre rock covered with cement, topped with bird turd and surrounded by water. I'm not the only kid who lives here.
There's my sister, Natalie, except she doesn't count. And there are twenty-three other kids who live on the island because their dads work as guards or cooks or doctors or electricians for the prison, like my dad does. Plus, there are a ton of murderers, rapists, hit men, con men, stickup men, embezzlers, connivers, burglars, kidnappers and maybe even an innocent man or two, though I doubt it.
The convicts we have are the kind other prisons don't want. I never knew prisons could be picky, but I guess they can. You get to Alcatraz by being the worst of the worst. Unless you're me. I came here because my mother said I had to.
A Newbery Honor Book
Ms. Todd Is Odd!
by Dan Gutman and Jim PaillotMs. Todd is subbing, and A.J. and his friends are sure she kidnapped Miss Daisy so she could take over her job. They're going to have to do the detective work to get the goods on her. But it won't be easy! Ms. Todd is the weirdest substitute teacher in the history of the world!
Clementine's Letter
by Sara PennypackerClementine can't believe her ears - her beloved teacher, Mr. D'Matz, might be leaving them for the rest of the year to go on a research trip to Egypt! No other teacher has ever understood her impulsiveness, her itch to draw constantly, or her need to play "Beat the Clock" when the day feels too long. And in his place, he's left a substitute with a whole new set of rules that Clementine just can't figure out. The only solution, she decides, is to hatch a plan to get Mr. D'Matz back. If it means ruining her teacher's once-in-a-lifetime chance -- well, it's worth it. Isn't it?
Judy Moody Goes to College
by Megan McdonaldA few sessions with a college-age math tutor turns Judy into a jargon-spouting polygon princess, in the funniest Judy Moody caper yet.
Commander Toad and the Planet of the Grapes
by Jane YolenWhen Commander Toad finds a new planet that seems the ideal place for a picnic for his tired crew, he and Lieutenant Lily go down to look around first, only to be swallowed up by giant grapes. Is this the end for the brave crew of the Star Warts? Or can Doc Peeper, the ship's medical officer, help them escape from the Planet of the Grapes? Young fans of Star Wars, Star Trek and silliness will toad-ally love Commander Toad!
Horrible Harry and the Holidaze
by Suzy KlineThe holiday season is here, and the kids in Room 3B are learning about all the different ways people celebrate. In addition to Christmas and Hanukkah, there?s Kwanzaa, Three Kings? Day, Korean New Year, and more. All the talk about holidays has everyone feeling festive. Everyone, that is, except Harry. He doesn?t seem to care about the holidays, the class pet, or even the new student in class. It?s clear that something is bugging Harry?but what could it be? .
Horrible Harry and the Dungeon
by Suzy KlineThere's a new rule at South School? If you misbehave, you go to the Suspension Room (or "the Dungeon," as the students of Room 2B call it). The rumors are flying about what actually goes on down there, but Harry won?t be satisfied until he finds out for himself.
Amber Brown Is on the Move
by Paula DanzigerFun and not-so-fun changes are keeping Amber Brown, the most colorful chapter-book character, hopping!
Now that Amber’s mom and Max are married, the three of them are moving to a new house and Amber is worried about more than just packing. How can she leave the home her dad used to live in? And with her dad dating again, how will they ever find time for just the two of them, like they used to?
All of these changes make Amber's head spin, but with standardized tests coming up at school as well as a dance competition, she needs to focus more than ever. ...Sometimes, Amber realizes, moving on means taking one step at a time.
Bruce Coville and Elizabeth Levy perfectly capture the magic, heart, and delightfully punny humor of Paula Danziger’s Amber Brown. .
Amber Brown is Green With Envy
by Paula Danziger and Tony RossHaving her parents live in the same town isn't working out as well as Amber had hoped. Since she's staying at her dad's over Christmas vacation, she doesn't get to go to Disneyland with her mom and aunt Pam.
When her mom gets back, she tells Amber that she and Max are getting married soon and are going to look for a new house-maybe even in a new town! And then, when Amber is meant to see a movie with her dad, he goes out on a date instead.
Some kids have parents who are still together. Some kids don't ever have to move. Some kids seem to have no problems-making Amber Brown green with envy.
I, Amber Brown
by Paula Danziger and Tony RossAmber Brown loves the holidays. But this year, the season is bringing big changes.
Amber's dad has moved back to New Jersey, which means shared custody. Soon Amber feels as if half of her belongs to her mom and half of her belongs to her dad. Amber decides that she needs to claim something for herself, and when the topic of ear-piercing comes up, she knows just what she's going to do! After all, don't her ears belong to her?
Full of all the fun, humor, and realistic dialogue that Paula Danziger's famous for, this is a winning entry in the ever-popular series."Upbeat, authentic, and humorous." - School Library Journal, starred review"Fresh and fast-paced." - Entertainment Weekly
Ice Wreck
by Lucille Recht PennerA hundred years ago, Ernest Shackleton and his crew set out for the South Pole. They never made it. Within sight of land, the ship ran into dangerous waters filled with chunks of ice. Then the sea froze around them! There was no hope of rescue. Could Shackleton find a way to save himself and his men? "Well-written and packed with illustrations and photographs, this amazing tale of the will to survive under unthinkable circumstances will amaze kids and keep them glued to every page."--Dallas Morning News"Shackleton's heart-pounding expedition and rescue comes vividly to life in this beginning chapter book."--BooklistLucille Recht Penner is the author of many nonfiction books for kids, including Dinosaur Babies, and Monster Bugs, in Random House's Step into Reading program. Two of her titles were named Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Books. The author lives in Tucson, AZ.
The Parker Inheritance
by Varian JohnsonWhen Candice finds a letter in an old attic in Lambert, South Carolina, she isn't sure she should read it. It's addressed to her grandmother, who left the town in shame. But the letter describes a young woman. An injustice that happened decades ago. A mystery enfolding the letter-writer. And the fortune that awaits the person who solves the puzzle.
So with the help of Brandon Jones, the quiet boy across the street, she begins to decipher the clues. The challenge will lead them deep into Lambert's history, full of ugly deeds, forgotten heroes, and one great love; and deeper into their own families, with their own unspoken secrets. Can they find the fortune and fulfill the letter's promise before the answers slip into the past yet again?
Forty Acres and Maybe a Mule
by Wendell Minor and Harriette Gillem RobinetMaybe nobody gave freedom, and nobody could take it away like they could take away a family farm. Maybe freedom was something you claimed for yourself. Like other ex-slaves, Pascal and his older brother Gideon have been promised forty acres and maybe a mule. With the family of friends they have built along the way, they claim a place of their own.
Green Gloryland is the most wonderful place on earth, their own family farm with a healthy cotton crop and plenty to eat. But the notorious night riders have plans to take it away, threatening to tear the beautiful freedom that the two boys are enjoying for the first time in their young lives. Coming alive in plain, vibrant language is this story of the Reconstruction, after the Civil War.
Winner of the Scott O'Dell Award for Historical Fiction
Scorpions
by Walter Dean MyersBad Trouble
Lately everybody's messing with Jamal. His teachers, the kids at school, even his dad. And now that Jamal's brother Randy's in the slam, Crazy Mack has a crazy idea. He wants Jamal to take control of the Scorpions and run crack.
All the gang jive--Jamal has no use for it. Unless, like some say, it's the only way to cop the bread for Randy's appeal...
The story of twelve-year-old Jamal, whose life changes drastically when he acquires a gun. Though he survives the experience, it's not without sacrificing his innocence and possibly his relationship with his best friend.
Newbery Honor book
Turtle in Paradise
by Jennifer L. HolmIn Jennifer L. Holm's New York Times bestselling, Newbery Honor winning middle grade historical fiction novel, life isn't like the movies. But then again, 11-year-old Turtle is no Shirley Temple
She's smart and tough and has seen enough of the world not to expect a Hollywood ending. After all, it's 1935 and jobs and money and sometimes even dreams are scarce. So when Turtle's mama gets a job housekeeping for a lady who doesn't like kids, Turtle says goodbye without a tear and heads off to Key West, Florida to live with relatives she's never met.
Florida's like nothing Turtle's ever seen before though. It's hot and strange, full of rag tag boy cousins, family secrets, scams, and even buried pirate treasure!
Before she knows what's happened, Turtle finds herself coming out of the shell she's spent her life building, and as she does, her world opens up in the most unexpected ways.
Filled with adventure, humor and heart, Turtle in Paradise is an instant classic both boys and girls with love.
Includes an Author's Note with photographs and further background on the Great Depression, as well as additional resources and websites.
Explore Asia (Explore the Continents)
by Bobbie Kalman and Rebecca SjongerThis book explores Asia--the biggest continent in the world. It also talks about its geography, people, famous tourist places and other interesting facts.
Niagara Falls, or Does It?
by Henry Winkler and Lin OliverHank Zipzer wants to do well in fourth grade.
He's smart, creative and funny but writing a five paragraph essay about what he did last summer sounds impossible because he's not so good at writing, spelling or other school subjects. Since he can't write about Niagara Falls, he decides to build it. The idea sounds great and his friends are helping. To his amazement, his project doesn't go over at all well in school and now he may not be able to be in the magic show he and his pals Frankie and Ashley have cooked up.
As hard as Hank tries to do school assignments like other kids, he spends all of his energy trying to stay out of trouble because he can't do the work. Then he winds up in trouble anyway. Finally a teacher he meets while in detention has an idea that might help him in school and his parents begin to understand he actually has talents! Search for the author, Henry Winkler and find more funny books about Henry Zipzer in the Bookshare collection.
The Littles Go to School
by John Peterson"I still don't see why I have to go," said Lucy. "But Lucy, it's fun," said Tom. "You get to see lots of the tiny kids from all over the Big Valley. We use the chalkboards. We read some of the textbooks the big kids use. There are maps and charts, and we live in dormitories in the walls of the classroom. You'll like it." Tom and Lucy are going to school! But an unexpected adventure in a gerbil cage gets them to school a little too early!