Hoopoe  
Bookworm for Kids

   
Books for Ages 8–12
Third, Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Grades

MischiefM Is for Mischief: An A to Z of Naughty Children
by Linda Ashman & Nancy Carpenter
Ages 6–10
Packed with assonance and alliteration, twenty-six naughty children romp through this book, illustrated by Carpenter’s energetic digital collages.

SeerThe Seer of Shadows
by Avi
Ages 9–12
This scary ghost story, set in 19th century New York City, is narrated by 14-year-old Horace Carpentine, apprentice to a photographer intent on duping a wealthy client.

VermeerChasing Vermeer
by Blue Balliett
Ages 9–12
Petra and Calder, two bright sixth-graders, join together to find a missing Vermeer painting. This mystery sends them on a quest full of patterns, puzzles, as they investigate the meaning of art. (1st in series)

WrightThe Wright 3
by Blue Balliett
Ages 9–12
Sixth-graders Petra and Calder are joined by Tommy in this architectural mystery as they try to prevent the destruction that threatens Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House. (2nd in series)

CalderThe Calder Game
by Blue Balliett
Ages 9–12
Now in 7th grade, series heroes Petra, Tommy, and Calder participate in the Calder Game, trying to join five ideas or things that move in relationship to each other. This provocative mix of mystery, art concepts, and philosophy will appeal to motivated readers. (3rd in series)

HeckHeck: Where the Bad Kids Go
by Dale E. Basye, Bob Dob
Ages 9–12
Milton, an innocent 11-year-old bookworm, and his 13-year-old rebellious sister Margo, meet their end in a ludicrous accident at the mall. Unfortunately Margo has been shoplifting and hid her loot in Milton’s backpack, so they are both sent to Heck, purgatory for children. Clever allusions (Heck’s ruler is Bea Elsa Bubb) make this funny book sparkle.

PenderwicksThe Penderwicks on Gardam Street
by Jeanne Birdsall
Ages 8–12
The four appealing soccer-playing Penderwick sisters (Rosalind, 12; Sky, 11; Jane, 10; Batty, 4) hatch the Save Daddy plan and orchestrate a series of disastrous dates to convince him that widowed life is far preferable to remarriage. This cozy book is the sequel to The Penderwicks.

SmokySmoky Night
text by Eve Bunting, illustrations by David Diaz
Caldecott Medal 1995
Ages 5–10

Daniel’s cat doesn’t get along with Mrs. Kim’s cat and Daniel’s mother doesn’t shop at Mrs. Kim’s store, preferring to patronize African-American stores. But when Daniel’s apartment building goes up in flames, all the neighbors, including the cats, learn the importance of working together and accepting differences. Inspired by the Los Angeles riots, this book delivers a message about racism with a light touch supported by dazzling mixed-media collage illustrations.

Never EversA Thousand Never Evers
by Shana Burg
Ages 9–12
Set in rural Mississippi during the civil rights movement, this emotionally compelling novel shows the racism and violence endured by the African-American community through Addie Ann Pickett, a junior high school girl. Caught between her mother’s rule to stay away from trouble and her brother and minister who argue that there comes a time when dignity is worth more than life, Addie has to make some difficult decisions.

Climate How We Know What We Know About Our Changing Climate: Scientists and Kids Explore Global Warming
by Lynne Cherry & Gary Braasch
Ages 10–14
Hopeful tone and comprehensive resource list.

BlackThe Black Book of Colors
by Menena Cottin & Rosana Faria
Ages 5–10
This book attempts to convey the experience of blindness. White text on black pages, with braille above, explain how Thomas tastes, feels, and hears about color words. Raised black lines on black paper, decodable by touch alone, illustrate Thomas’s color images. This amazing book allows young readers to experience the world in a new way.

Love Love Me Tender
by Audrey Couloumbis
Ages 8–12
Elvira (13) is horrified when her father leaves home for an Elvis convention and then her pregnant mother takes the rest of the family to stay with grandmother. Perceptive and lively portrayal of family dynamics.

MarigoldOnce Upon a Marigold
by Jean Ferris
Ages 9–12
Chris runs away from home when he is six and is raised in the forest by trolls. After spotting Marigold in her castle through his telescope, he sends a p-mail (pigeon mail) and they become friends. When he learns her life may be in danger, he heads off to save her. This fast-paced fantasy, romance, comedy, and coming-of-age novel is a lot of fun.

MarigoldTwice Upon a Marigold
by Jean Ferris
Ages 9–12
This hilarious warping of fairy-tail conventions continues the story of Marigold, her new husband, her father the king, and her evil step-mother who is not as dead as they hoped.

WeekA Couple of Boys Have the Best Week Ever
by Marla Frazee
Ages 6–9
Frazee’s hilarious cartoon drawings illustrate this delightful celebration of summer, best friends, and grandparents.

DiamondThe Diamond of Drury Lane
by Julia Golding
Ages 10–14
Cat has lived in the Drury Lane Theater Royal ever since she was abandoned as a baby and taken in by Mr. Sheridan, the owner of the theater. After Cat sees Mr. Sheridan hiding a valuable diamond, she and her friends decide to help safeguard the treasure. Set in 1790s London, England, this thrilling mystery will keep readers glued to the pages. (first in a projected quartet)

StorytellerThe Storyteller’s Candle/La velita de los cuentos
by Lucia González, Lulu Delacre
Ages 4–9
This bilingual book set in 1929 tells the story of Pura Belpré, the first Puerto Rican librarian hired by the New York Public Library, through the eyes of two children who are inspired by her to enter the Library for the first time.

FoundFound
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
Ages 8–12
Jonah has always known he was adopted, and at age 13 he and his friends begin receiving mysterious messages. The kids track down other adoptees and learn the FBI is involved. The first in a new series: The Missing.

Well WitchedWell Witched
by Frances Hardinge
Ages 8–12
Stranded in a forbidden place, three friends steal coins from a wishing well for bus fare. To their horror, they find themselves possessed by powers they cannot control: Chelle voices the thoughts of others, Josh conducts electrical currents, Ryan grows warts with eyes. Told from Ryan’s point of view, this chilling supernatural thriller is distinguished by the vivid imagery of its language.

HeartbeatsTwenty Heartbeats
by Dennis Haseley, Ed Young
Ages 5–9
Set in the Far East long ago, a rich man hires an artist to paint his beloved horse. After years of waiting, the artists paints the horse in little more than 20 heartbeats. The rich man is furious until he sees thousands of drawings of his horse in the artist’s studio. Ed Young’s incredible illustrations bring the story to life.

Bird LakeBird Lake Moon
by Kevin Henkes
Ages 10–14
Mitch (12) is brooding about his parents’ upcoming divorce when he meets Spencer (10) who has been shaken by a drowning at Bird Lake. Told in alternating chapters from both viewpoints, this novel explores secrets, loss, and acceptance of what cannot be changed.

StatesThe Scrambled States of America Talent Show
by Laurie Keller
Ages 4–10
The 50 states are gathered for a talent show, and what a bunch of hams! Snappy dialog and energetic illustrations help kids absorb the state and geographic information.

Green GlassThe Green Glass Sea
by Ellen Klages
Ages 10–14
It’s 1943 and 10-year-old budding inventor Dewey Kerrigan sets off with her father to do secret war work in New Mexico. As the adults work on “the gadget,” the kids at Los Alamos are often left to their own devices. When the atomic bomb tests are finally successful, both children and adults grapple with the ethical implications as they realize how “the gadget” will be used. The unique atmosphere of the secretive scientific community is clearly presented in this excellent historical novel, but the true nature of “the gadget” may not be understood by kids who don’t know it already.

SavvySavvy
by Ingrid Law
Ages 9–12
In Mississippi Beaumont’s family turning 13 means your savvy kicks in—like causing a hurricane. With her father in a coma after a car accident and her birthday only two days away, Mississippi is sure her savvy will be waking people up. This vibrant novel explores finding your own voice in a book that should appeal to both girls and boys.

EverEver
by Gail Carson Levine
Ages 10–up
In this mythological tale, Kezi is the only daughter of a wealthy and devout family in an ancient vaguely Middle Eastern city. When her mother falls deathly ill, her father promises to sacrifice the first person who congratulates him if the god Admat will let her live. Another god tries to help Keri who is the first to congratulate her father.

FablesFables
by Arnold Lobel
Caldecott Medal 1981
Ages 6–10

These short original fables have unexpected morals. The humorous illustrations add to the fun.
 
Black and WhiteBlack and White
by David Macaulay
Caldecott Medal 1991
Ages 4–10

Four stories, that at first seem unrelated, each occupy a fourth of each two-page spread. The interactions between the four stories creates a fifth. There is no resolution, challenging readers to discover new meaning with each reading.

Doll PeopleThe Doll People
Doll People #1
by Ann M. Martin, Laura Godwin, Brian Selznick
Ages 8–12
Annabelle Doll has been eight years old for over 100 years. Not much has changed in that time, except for the disappearance of Aunt Sarah Doll 45 years ago. When Annabelle discovers Aunt Sarah’s diary she is determined to solve the mystery, though her ultra-cautious antique china family tries to discourage her. Then Tiffany and the rest of the totally modern “Real Pink Plastic” Funcraft family move in next door and Annabelle’s world is totally shaken up. This witty and intriguing tale will appeal to those who like action and suspence mixed with their fantasy.

Meanest DollThe Meanest Doll in the World
Doll People #2
by Ann M. Martin, Laura Godwin, Brian Selznick
Ages 8–12
Annabelle Doll and Tiffany Funcraft end up in the wrong backpack at school and end up in a house where the rest of the dolls live in fear of Mimi, a princess doll who is convinced she should be the queen of all dolls. Mimi smuggles herself back home with Annabelle and Tiffany and is soon at work causing discord between the Doll and Funcraft families. (sequel to The Doll People)

RoseForever Rose
by Hilary McKay
Ages 9–14
This fifth and final book in the delightfully daffy Casson family series is narrated by the youngest child, Rose, now 11. Rose is coping with her separated parents, talented siblings and their friends, and wondering if she is brilliant herself, or simply daft. (Previous books in the series: Saffy’s Angel, Indigo’s Star, Permanent Rose, Caddy Ever After)

AshantiAshanti to Zulu:
African Traditions
text by Margaret Musgrove, illustrations by Leo & Diane Dillon
Caldecott Medal 1977
Ages 6–12

Incredible pictures illustrate the traditions and customs of 26 African tribes beginning with letters from A to Z. Most paintings include a man, woman, child, artifact, living quarters, and a local animal.

Lost BoyLost Boy
by Linda Newbery
Ages 8–12
Just after moving to Wales, Matt imagines a car crash and finds himself next to the grave of a boy with his initials. Soon he is involved in trying to solve the mystery of three lost boys while trying to fit into a village with well-kept secrets.

Boys of SteelBoys of Steel: The Creators of Superman
by Marc Tyler Nobleman, Ross Macdonald
Ages 10–up
This colorful picture book biography introduces the youthful creators of Superman: writer Jerry Siegel and illustrator Joe Shuster, two mild-mannered misfit teens in depression-era Cleveland who escaped into fantasy worlds of science fiction and adventure. In 1934, at age 20, they created Superman, who was everything they were not. Four years later they convinced a publisher to take a chance on their character in a brand new format—the comic book.

Keeping ScoreKeeping Score
by Linda Sue Park
Ages 9–12
Jim teaches Maggie the art of scoring a baseball game, and she believes her extra involvement in the game helps support her beloved Dodgers. When Jim is drafted and sent to Korea, she searches for a way to support him, too.

six InningsSix Innings
by James Preller
Ages 9–14
Perceptive portrait of a group of boys who play Little League baseball. Each character is unique and realistic.

Magic ThiefThe Magic Thief
by Sarah Prineas
Ages 10–up
Connwaer, a preteen pickpocket, steals a magical stone from Nevery, the most powerful wizard in Wellmet. Surprised that the boy was not killed by the strong magic, the wizard takes Conn on as an apprentice and enrolls him in magic school. Nevery’s journal entries offer an intriguing counterpoint to Conn’s candid perspective in this first of a trilogy.

FrankensteinFrankenstein Makes a Sandwich
by Adam Rex
Ages 5–10
This hilarious collection of illustrated poems describes the lives of famous monsters. Kids will love the effortless rhymes and the different art styles, individually tailored for each creature. Great read-aloud.

CabretThe Invention of Hugo Cabret
by Brian Selznick
Caldecott Medal 2008
Ages 9–12

Hugo, a 12-year-old-orphan lives in the walls of a Paris train station at the turn of the 20th century, trying to finish an invention his father left. Black and white pencil illustrations pay homage to flickering silent movies.

smilesSmiles to Go
by Jerry Spinelli
Ages 9–12
Ninth grader Will Tuppance plays chess, gazes at stars, makes plans, and is in love with baffling Mi-Su.

PresidentSo You Want to Be President?
text by Judith St. George, illustrations by David Small
Caldecott Medal 2001
Ages 8–12

This lighthearted book uses anecdotes and trivia to convey the message that anyone can be president. The humorous caricatures highlight each president’s best known qualities.

JumanjiJumanji
by Chris Van Allsburg
Caldecott Medal 1982
Ages 8–12

When Judy and Peter find a board game in the park, they take it home and begin to play. Soon the jungle adventure comes to life and chimps and rhinos are roaming through the house. Incredibly detailed illustrations bring the perilous predicaments to life.

GolemGolem
by David Wisniewski
Caldecott Medal 1997
Ages 6–10

Elaborate cut-paper collage illustrations provide dramatic visuals for this retelling of a Jewish legend of Rabbi Loew who used his powers to create a gigantic Golem from clay to protect his people from persecution in the ghettos of 16th-century Prague.

LocomotionLocomotion
by Jacqueline Woodson
Ages 9–12
In 60 poems, 11-year-old Lonnie Collins Motion tells his story as he explores different forms of poetry. Called Locomotion because of his constant activity, Lonnie and his sister were orphaned four years earlier. His younger sister Lili was adopted, and Lonnie struggles to stay in touch with her. The poignant poems tell a complex story of loss, grief, and poverty, while also demonstrating Lonnie’s creativity and optimism.

Dragon's ChildThe Dragon’s Child:
A Story of Angel Island
by Laurence Yep with Kathleen S. Yep
Ages 8–12
Based on transcripts of Laurence Yep’s father’s 1922 immigration interview, this short novel relates the harrowing experiences of ten-year-old Gim Lew, who is interned on Angel Island in San Francisco Bay, where he must submit to lengthy detailed interviews about his home, village and neighbors, in order to prove he is who he claims to be.

RapunzelRapunzel
by Paul O. Zelinsky
Caldecott Medal 1998
Ages 4–10

The beautiful Italian Renaissance-styled illustrations with warm golden tones bring the classic Brothers Grimm fairy tale to life.