"The Courage of Sarah Noble"
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by Alice Dalgliesh
Level: 8-12 years
This book is a classic! It's about a little girl who joins her father on a journey to find a new home in the western frontier. They build a new home for the family and befriend the Indians. When it's time to go back and get the family, the little girl is left behind with Indian friends. During this whole process, she remembers what her mother has told her... Keep up your courage, Sarah Noble! It's a wonderful story.
"The Little House on the Prairie Series"
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by Laura Ingalls Wilder
Level: grades 1-5
I grew up reading the Little House books so they have always been special to
me. When I finished one I couldn't wait to get my hands on another and
travel back to that time where everything seemed simpler somehow, despite the
hardships. Now I have started reading the series to my 4 year old son and
he is loving it. We read at least a chapter a night and it sparks great
discussion about the "good ol' days"-- what modern conveniences we
have that they lacked, family values, etc. I find it a great way to teach
him a little history on his level and he is glued to my every word (although he
wishes there were more pictures). Though this too allows him to use his
imagination more. We just love this series and hope other children of all
ages will too.
All Poppleton Books (compare
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by Cynthia Rylant
Level: 1-3
Poppleton is a pig who has lots of adventures with his friends Cherry Sue llama,
Fillmore goat, and Hudson mouse. In one story, he goes to the library. He needs
lip balm for a dry part, tissues for a sad part, his pocket watch for a slow
part. But he loved his adventure.
I love Poppleton because he's cute and it's a heartwarming story.
"A Brush with Magic" (link url=http://erclk.about.com/?zi=6/Zen]compare prices[/link]
by William J. Brooke
Level: 4 - A
A beautiful, funny novel-length retelling of a Chinese myth. A boy with a magic paintbrush and a runaway maiden-in-waiting join forces to free her from the tyrannical emperor and his daughter. The characters are quirky and funny, while the message -- to never shy away from your wildest dreams -- is beautifully delivered. Unfortunately out of print, but grab it at the library. My 9 year old and I hated for it to end.
"Vacation Under the
Volcano" (Magic Tree House series) (compare
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by Mary Pope Osborne
Level: ? my son read it in 2nd grade (chapter book)
My son loves the whole Magic Tree House series. He began reading these
books in 2nd grade. They are chapter books with approx. 70 pages.
My son also likes The Cul De Sac Kids by Beverly Lewis. These are also
chapter books with approx. 70 pgs. and there is a lesson to be learned.
"The Fire Cat"
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by Esther Averill
Level: 2nd
A cute story about a cat. My 2nd grader, who struggles with reading, loved this book and read it 3 times.
"Tornado Alert"
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by Franklyn M. Branley
Level: 6 yrs. +
This is a "Let's Read and Find Out Science Book." The book discusses the nature of tornados, where they most frequently occur, and what to do if a tornado is near you. My son says he wants to be a storm-chaser when he grows up and, as a result, has developed a pretty good library on weather, specifically tornadoes. This is a good "starter" book for future storm-chasers or those just fascinated by weather science.
"Amelia Earhart Young Air Pioneer"
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by Jane Moore Howe
Level: 3rd to 5th grade
This is a reissue of the classic Childhood of Famous Americans title--new, beautiful cover and illustrations but same great text inside. Kids will love the stories of Amelia's adventures--building her own roller coaster, exploring a cave--and parents will love the positive qualities of the high-spirited young girl who grew up to be a famous aviator.
"Betsy and Tacy Series"
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by Maud Hart Lovelace
Level: 8-10 yrs
The story is about Betsy and Tacy in the beginning of the century. These best friends are around 5 years old in the beginning of this series and have many adventures. As they grow with the series, the wholesome adventures grow with your child. I read this classic series myself in elementary school and am excited to share it with my girls who loved reading about Betsy and Tacy.
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Preschool Level Books
Upper Elementary/Jr. High/High School (Grades 5-12)
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