 M
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. |
|
 The
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. |
|
 Chasing
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) |
|
 The
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) |
|
 The
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) |
|
 Heck:
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. |
|
 The
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. |
|
 Smoky
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. |
|
 A
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. |
|
 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. |
|
 The
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
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. |
|
 Once
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. |
|
 Twice
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. |
|
 A
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. |
|
 The
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) |
|
 The
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. |
|
 Found
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
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. |
|
 Twenty
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
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. |
|
 The
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. |
|
 The
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. |
|
 Savvy
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. |
|
 Ever
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. |
|
 Fables
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 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. |
|
 The
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. |
|
 The
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) |
|
 Forever
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) |
|
 Ashanti
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
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 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
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
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. |
|
 The
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. |
|
 Frankenstein
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. |
|
 The
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. |
|
 Smiles
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. |
|
 So
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. |
|
 Jumanji
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. |
|
 Golem
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. |
|
 Locomotion
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. |
|
 The
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. |
|
 Rapunzel
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. |
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