Number the Stars
Author: Lois Lowry Genre: Historical Fiction Copyright: 1989 Reading Level: 5-6 Topic: Young Adult Theme: Bravery and frienship Good Read Aloud?: Yes Summary: This is a story about the escape of a Jewish family, the Rosens, from Denmark during World War II. The main character, Annemarie Johansen, and her family take in Annemarie's Jewish bestfriend Ellen Rosen and conceal her like she is part of the family. They watch as the German troops take away over seven thousand Jewish people over seas to Sweden |
Cake Pop Crush
Author: Suzanne Nelson Genre: Young Adult Copyright: 2013 Reading Level: 6-8 Topic: Young Adult Theme: Listen to your heart Good Read Aloud?: No Summary: This is the story of Alicia Ramirez and her love for baking. Of course, her specialty is making cake pops. Her family owns a small bakery in town called "Say it With Flour". Then, a coffee shop opens up right across the street hurting the business. To try and save the business, Ali and the son of the coffee shop owner have a cake pop bake off. |
Out of the Dust
Author: Karen Hesse Genre: Historical Fiction/Poetry Copyright: 1997 Reading Level: 6-8 Topic: Young Adult Theme: Only time will heal Good Read Aloud?: Yes Summary: This is the story of Billie Jo trying to help her family during the dust bowl days of the Depression. Her mother then dies in a tragic accident and Billie Jo is left with many responsibilities on her family farm. She learns to cope with the loss of her mother and her grieving father. She eventually gets to do what she loves in the end, and that is play the piano. |
Bridge to Terabithia
Author: Katherine Paterson Genre: Realistic Fiction Copyright: 1977 Reading Level: 5-6 Topic: Young Adult Theme: Love and friendship never dies Good Read Aloud?: Yes Summary: This is the moving story about Jess Aarons and Leslie Burke. Jess thought he was the fastest kid in school until his new neighbor Leslie out runs him. An instant friendship began, and they created the imaginary world of Terabithia. They cross the creek everyday to get there, and one day tragedy strikes and Jess is left alone. Jess strives to keep the memory of Leslie and Terabithia alive. |
Harbor Me
Author: Jacqueline Woodson Genre: Fiction Copyright: 2018 Reading Level: 3-5, 6-8 Topic: Young Adult Theme: It's easier to get through something if you talk about it and go through it together Good Read Aloud?: Yes Summary: This is the story of six kids in a diverse classroom who come together in an "ARTT" (A Room To Talk!). These students have parents incarcerated, deported, and also students who fear racial profiling. When they are all together in the room, they can talk about anything, no judgement. They build a bond with each other that no one can break. |
Wonder
Author: R. J. Palacio Genre: Fiction Copyright: 2012 Reading Level: 3-5, 6-8 Topic: Young Adult Theme: One person's differences can touch the lives of others Good Read Aloud?: Yes Summary: This is the story of August Pullman who was born with a craniofacial abnormality. This genetic defect caused his facial features to be severely deformed. As he transitions from home schooling to a private school in fifth grade, August has to deal with more than just being new. This amazing story will touch your heart! |