Picture Books
by Jory John
Edward the giraffe has a problem. His neck is too long. He tries to cover it up with ties, scarves, and bows. He tries hiding it behind tall trees, beneath the waters of the river, and under deep ravines. But no matter what he does, he's still disappointed in and embarrassed by his long neck. Then one day, he meets Cyrus, a turtle discouraged by how short his neck is. The pair form a friendship and realize that, despite their initial opinions, they've been perfectly created.
Dear Librarian
by Lydia M. Sigwarth
When Lydia was just five years old, she, along with her father, mother, five big sisters, and baby brother, were homeless. For six months, they hopped around to the various houses of her extended family. Lydia had no special place just for herself until her mom brought her to the library one day. The librarian made her feel welcome and gave her the tools to travel anywhere through the pages of a book. Eventually, Lydia grew up and became a librarian to help other kids feel at home with books.
This is an epistolary story featuring the "thank you" of a young woman to the librarian who inspired her.
Take a Picture of Me, James Van Der Zee!
by Andrea J. Loney
The magazine article stated that whoever could sell the most sachets would win brand new photography equipment. 14-year-old James Vanderzee won the challenge and became the second person in Lennox, Massachusetts, to own a camera. He began taking pictures of his neighbors and friends.
Learning of the big city opportunities for a budding photographer, James packed up his meager belongings and moved to Harlem, New York. There, he made a name for himself as the first black photographer to document the lives of middle-class black Americans. Years later, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art needed pictures for a new exhibit, they discovered the long-forgotten photographs of an elderly James Vanderzee, and his work became famous once again.
The Vanishing Lake
by Paddy Donnelly
Though it looked like an ordinary waterhole, every so often, Lake Loughareema--the lake near Granddad's house--would disappear. Young Meara was desperate to find out how and why. Grandad presented many different theories — perhaps it was absorbed in the wool of fat sheep, or it was drained by mysterious mermaids who pulled the plug, or it froze in the night and was used as an ice cube by thirsty giants. But Meara knew none of these stories could be true. Early one morning, she joined Granddad on a hike up the mountain to learn the fantastical reason the Irish lake vanished every few days.
Leveled Readers
by Wendy Lewison
The bee sat on the duck, making the duck say, "Quack!" To escape the bee, the frightened duck sat on the back of a hen who sat on a pig, and so on until the entire barnyard was a big pile of chaos.
This Level 1 reader is full of one-vowel words, a small handful of special digraph words, and plenty of repetition for emerging readers.
by Leonard Kessler
Bobby has been up to bat twenty times. Bobby has struck out all twenty times. If only he had a better bat or a better helmet. His mother encourages him to ask his pal, Willie, for tips. Willie assures him that a "lucky" bat won't help. What Bobby needs is hard work and practice. In the next few weeks, the boys meet at a nearby field, and Bobby learns to swing. The day of the big game, Bobby steps up to the plate. The score is tied, and it's all up to him. Will he be able to make a hit, or will he strike out once again?
Baseball fans will enjoy this Level 2 reader.
Illustrated Chapter Books
by Farley Mowat
Billy first finds Wol after a storm. Later, he rescues Weeps from some boys who were doing it harm. Like all other wild creatures, these two great horned owls aren't at first too keen on living domesticated lives. But Billy is determined to raise them alongside his great menagerie of pets. When his father gets a new job and the family must move from their home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, to the bustling city of Toronto, Billy must find a home for his beloved feathered friends who have become like family.
A hilarious tale of one mishap after another, this book has been entertaining your readers for decades. That said, it includes two instances of antiquated descriptions of Native Americans as well as the following sentence from p. 61, "An Indian who was being chased by the Mounties, a long, long time ago, was supposed to have hanged himself on that branch so the Mounties wouldn't catch him alive."
The Case of the Missing Cheetah
by Veronica Mang
One rainy night, best friends Rita, Dot, and Peggy see a mysterious woman out their clubhouse window. Curious, they follow her only to discover that she is their teacher, Miss Khan. They soon realize, however, that "teacher" is just her cover. She's actually a member of a secret spy society of women. Miss Khan sees potential in the three young girls and challenges them to uncover the truth about the disappearance of a baby cheetah.
This is the first in a charming trio of illustrated chapter mysteries called the Secret Spy Society. Older fans of Cam Jensen will enjoy this more complex series, also starring female protagonists.
Please note: Though the book is based entirely on fiction, the author has included the personas of real female spies throughout history. An "Author's Note" at the back of the book features short biographical descriptions of the real women, including that of Josephine Baker, a performer who joined the French Resistance during World War II and was suspected of being bisexual. While the story does not mention anything about Baker's personal life, the "Author's Note" says the following: "Josephine did lots of things that women weren't supposed to do during her time--she adopted lots of children, refused to perform in places that prohibited African Americans, and loved whomever she wanted to."
Parents, Be Aware
by Abby Hanlon
As the youngest sibling, Dory, is often left out. Her older sister and brother don't want anything to do with her. They think she is a baby. In fact, they make up a fanciful story about a baby-stealing woman who roams the neighborhood snatching up anyone who acts immature. With creativity and a whole lot of hijinks, Dory, along with her imaginary friend Mary, outwits her siblings and the evil baby stealer.
This is the first in a seven-book series.
Things to know:
The relationship between Dory and her siblings is, at best, troubling. The older kids call her unkind names, and she continues to pester them on purpose. Dory blames her naughty behavior, including stealing, lying, blatant disobedience, and theatrical tantrums, on her imaginary friend. At one point, she stabs her doctor in the leg with the stick-end of a lollipop. In the end, she and her siblings play house, allowing Dory to be a "baby" without being criticized. However, none of the children really change their behavior, nor are they disciplined for their disrespect and disobedience. Their actions are presented as "normal childishness."
Just for you, Mom
by Katherine Reay
A product of the foster care system, want-to-be-writer Samantha Moore uses literature as a coping strategy in her adult life. Instead of sharing her actual view about a topic, she resorts to quoting classic books, particularly the works of Jane Austen. She receives a scholarship to a prestigious journalism school with one caveat: she must write letters to the anonymous benefactor “Mr. Knightley,” detailing her academic progress. Through the letters, Samantha grapples with her past trauma, begins to find hope in her new life, and navigates a budding relationship with a successful novelist.
Fans of Jane Austen will especially enjoy this epistolary novel, which explores themes of healing, rebuilding trust, and forging a new life.