MIDDLE READERS
Books are listed in alphabetical order by title. Click on the book link to have the book dropped directly into an Amazon.com shopping cart.
in association with Amazon.com
Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo
Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni describes her first summer in the town of Naomi, Florida, and all the good things that happen to her because of her big ugly dog Winn-Dixie.
Liz says:
“This is an amazingly touching and heartwarming story. It deals with some harsh realities in a very accessible way. It’s an easy book to read but I would most highly recommend it for 4th grade.”
Fig Pudding by Ralph Fletcher
Cliff describes the excitement, conflict, and sudden tragedy experienced by his large and boisterous family during his eleventh year.
Liz says:
“I just bought this for my 4th grade son. I’ll let you know what we think. In the meantime, Ralph Fletcher is wonderful so I have big hopes for this one.”
Frindle by Andrew Clements
When he decides to turn his fifth-grade teacher's love of the dictionary around on her, clever Nick Allen invents a new word and begins a chain of events that quickly moves beyond his control.
Liz says:
“This fantastical, wonderful book is loved by everyone. Clements always finds a way to deliver important messages through totally entertaining stories. This is a must read.”
From the Mixed-Up Files of Basil E. Frankweiler by E. L. Konigsburg
Two suburban children run away from their Connecticut home and go to New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, where their ingenuity enables them to live in luxury.
Liz says:
“This book will leave a lasting impression. You will never think of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the same way. This story is filled with adventure and mystery. Don’t miss this one - great even for 4th graders but certainly a must for 5th graders!” (This title also appears on the Liz Loves List for Tween Readers.)
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
In 1943, during the German occupation of Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie learns how to be brave and courageous when she helps shelter her Jewish friend from the Nazis.
Liz says:
“What an amazing story. If you want your kids to know about the Holocaust, or if they already know a little, this is the perfect book. Told with sensitivity and hopefulness and filled with historical accuracy, Lowry gives us a true gem!”
The Penderwicks: The Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall
While vacationing with their widowed father in the Berkshire Mountains, four lovable sisters, ages four through twelve, share adventures with a local boy, much to the dismay of his snobbish mother.
Sequel - The Penderwicks on Gardam Street
Lz says:
“This is a great example of a modern day old-fashioned storytelling. It’s a frolic! It’s also the winner of the National Book Award.”
The Prince of the Pond by Donna Jo Napoli
Having been turned into a frog by a hag, a frog-prince makes the best of his new life as he mates, raises a family, and instills a new kind of thinking into his frog family.
Liz says:
“Napoli is a master at fractured fairy tales. This is a charming and poignant twist on the Frog Prince Proper. This makes for a great read-aloud!”
Robot Dreams by Sara Varon
The enduring friendship between a dog and a robot is portrayed in this wordless graphic novel.
Liz says:
“I’m not always such a fan of graphic novels but this one is exceptional. It is a wonderful story of friendship. It is fun to “read” and has a terrific message.”
The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson
Odge Gribble, a young hag, accompanies an old wizard, a gentle fey, and a giant ogre on their mission through a magical tunnel from their Island to London to rescue their king and queen's son who had been stolen as an infant.
Liz says:
“I absolutely love this book. Ibbotson’s writing is reminiscent both of Roald Dahl and J, K, Rowling. This book does have some similarities with Harry Potter but don’t be fooled, this was published first. This is a thoroughly enjoyable fantasy adventure with very colorful characters. I would recommend this to 4th and 5th graders.”
Shiloh by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
When he finds a lost beagle in the hills behind his West Virginia home, Marty tries to hide it from his family and the dog's real owner, a mean-spirited man known to shoot deer out of season and to mistreat his dogs.
Liz says:
“This Newbery Medal winner is an example of a book that both kids and adults love. There are some very sad scenes but a happy ending awaits. This is a must read.”
Spider Boy by Ralph Fletcher
After moving to another state, seventh grader Bobby deals with the change by telling people at school made-up stories and then retreating into his world of pet spiders and books about spiders.
Liz says:
“This book is probably best for end of 4th grade and up. It’s very entertaining but has a lot of substance. Bobby faces many tough moments as the new kid in town. His interest in spiders provides lots of ammunition for the school bully, but Bobby figures out a way to deal with this. He’s a very believable character who comes up with some unbelievable stories! (There are also lots of spider facts!)”
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
The adventures of Despereaux Tilling, a small mouse of unusual talents, the princess that he loves, the servant girl who longs to be a princess, and a devious rat determined to bring them all to ruin.
Liz says
“This adventurous fairy tale has all the right ingredients: a castle, a king & princess, good versus evil. Sprinkle this with a good sense of humor and an enticing narration and you have winner.”
Poppy by Avi
Poppy, a deer mouse, urges her family to move next to a field of corn big enough to feed them all forever, but Mr. Ocax, a terrifying owl, has other ideas.
Liz says:
“This is an adorable story written by one of the best authors for kids and young adults.”
Half Magic by Edward Eager
Faced with a dull summer in the city, Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha suddenly find themselves involved in a series of extraordinary adventures after Jane discovers an ordinary-looking coin that seems to grant wishes.
Liz says:
“This magical tale is pure fun and it’s written so well; I would say this is a classic and a must read!”
Mr. Chickee’s Funny Money by Christopher Paul Curtis
Flint Future Detective Club members Steven Carter, his friend Russell, and Russell's dog Zoopy solve the mystery of a quadrillion-dollar bill with the image of James Brown on it.
Liz say:
“Curtis is one of the best authors around. I’ve read his books for older kids and am excited to try this one. I’m sure it’s a winner!”
Granny Torelli Makes Soup by Sharon Creech
With the help of her wise old grandmother, twelve-year-old Rosie manages to work out some problems in her relationship with her best friend, Bailey, the boy next door.
Liz says:
“Sharon Creech is always wonderful. Girls will love this!”
Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes by Eleanor Coerr
Hospitalized with the dreaded atom bomb disease, leukemia, a child in Hiroshima races against time to fold one thousand paper cranes to verify the legend that by doing so a sick person will become healthy.
Liz says;
“This is a truly beautiful story about the power of hope in the face of great tragedy.”
HOME > MIDDLE READERS
Charlotte’s Web by E. B. White
Wilbur, the pig, is desolate when he discovers that he is destined to be the farmer’s Christmas dinner until his spider friend, Charlotte, decides to help him.
Liz says:
“This timeless classic is loved by all who read it. You will laugh and you’ll cry and everything in between.”
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
In this novel based on the story of Cinderella, Ella struggles against the childhood curse that forces her to obey any order given to her.
Liz says:
“Gail Carson Levine is fabulous! This is a totally entertaining story with interesting twists and turns to the familiar story. Girls love this. I haven’t seen the movie, but I have heard it’s good!”
Framed by Frank Cottrell Boyce
Dylan and his sisters have some ideas about how to make Snowdonia Oasis Auto Marvel into a more profitable business, but it is not until some strange men arrive in their small town of Manod, Wales with valuable paintings, and their father disappears, that they consider turning to crime.
The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman
Four fifth-grade students--a geek, a class clown, a teacher's pet, and a slacker--as well as their teacher and mothers, each relate events surrounding a computer programmed to complete homework assignments.
How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor
Living in the family car in their small North Carolina town after their father leaves them virtually penniless, Georgina, desperate to improve their situation and unwilling to accept her overworked mother's calls for patience, persuades her younger brother to help her in an elaborate scheme to get money by stealing a dog and then claiming the reward that the owners are bound to offer.
Lenny’s Space by Kate Banks
Nine-year-old Lenny gets in trouble and has no friends because he cannot control himself in school and his interests are not like those of his classmates, until he starts visiting Muriel, a counselor, and meets Van, a boy his age who has leukemia.
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Edward Tulane, a cold-hearted and proud toy rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from the little girl who adores him and travels across the country, acquiring new owners and listening to their hopes, dreams, and histories.
No Talking by Andrew Clements
The noisy fifth grade boys of Laketon Elementary School challenge the equally loud fifth grade girls to a "no talking" contest.
Whittington by Alan Armstrong
Whittington, a feline descendant of Dick Whittington's famous cat of English folklore, appears at a rundown barnyard plagued by rats and restores harmony while telling his ancestor's story.
The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
Amy and Dan, members of the powerful Cahill family, try to uncover the thirty-nine clues which will reveal the secrets of their lineage.
Liz says:
“This is the first of a planned series each to be written by a different author. Riordan (author of the Percy Jackson series) has planned the story arc for the series and this first installment is full of adventure, mystery and history. The next one in the series is written by Gordon Korman and will be available on December 2.”