Reading Rockets offers reading comprehension and language arts teaching strategies for kids, and is a free web site for parents and educators
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Reading Rockets offers a wealth of reading strategies, lessons, and activities designed to help young children learn how to read and read better. Our reading resources assist parents, teachers, and other educators in working with struggling readers who require additional help in reading fundamentals and comprehension skills development.

Featured books by

Avi

Reading Rockets recommends the following books by Avi.

"Who Was That Masked Man, Anyway?"
"Who Was That Masked Man, Anyway?"
By: Avi
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Frankie lives in Brooklyn, New York, during World War II. He has an active imagination that is enhanced by popular radio shows: The Green Hornet, The Lone Ranger, and others. The story, setting, and characters unfold through the dialogue of the characters and the radio shows to which they listen.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead
Crispin: The Cross of Lead
By: Avi
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

In this Newbery Medal-winning novel, Crispin is falsely accused of murder and must flee his medieval town to save his life. But, just as he's leaving, he learns from the village priest that his parents' origins – and fates – might be more mysterious than he ever imagined…

Never Mind!: A Twin Novel
Never Mind!: A Twin Novel
By: Avi & Rachel Vail
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Twelve-year-old twins, Edward and Meg, have little in common beyond their birthday – that is, until they attend separate schools. Told by the distinctly different voices of Edward (Avi) and Meg (Rachael Vail), this tale of sibling life is sure to make readers laugh out loud.

Perloo the Bold
Perloo the Bold
By: Avi
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Perloo is a peaceful scholar who has been chosen to succeed Jolaine as leader of the furry underground people called the Montmers. He finds himself in danger, though, when Jolaine dies and her evil son seizes control of the burrow.

Poppy
Poppy
By: Avi
Illustrated by: Brian Floca
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

A small mouse named Poppy overcomes a stronger adversary – an owl named Ocax – through determination and inner strength in this first installment of the popular Tales from Dimwood Forest series.

S.O.R. Losers
S.O.R. Losers
By: Avi
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

The motto of South Orange River (S.O.R.) Middle School’s sports program is "everybody plays, everybody wins." But all that changes when a group of eleven unenthusiastic seventh graders are forced to form a soccer team. Learn the secret of the S.O.R. Losers' success in this original sports story.

The End of the Beginning:  Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (And An Even Smaller Ant)
The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (And An Even Smaller Ant)
By: Avi
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Avon the snail's voracious reading convinces him that having an adventure is the key to a happy life. So, he sets out on a journey with his new friend, Edward the ant. In a series of very short chapters, the two travel – at a snail's pace – the length of a branch, meeting assorted characters along the way.

The Good Dog
The Good Dog
By: Avi
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

McKinley is a dog who takes his responsibilities seriously. Not only does the malamute take special care of his human pup, Jack, he also helps save a greyhound from an abusive master in this action-packed novel for younger readers.

The Secret School
The Secret School
By: Avi
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

More than anything, 14-year-old Ida Bidson wants to become a teacher. But her dream falters when the one-room school in her remote Colorado town shuts down. Her only hope is to keep the school open without anyone finding out. Yet even a secret school needs a teacher. Is Ida ready to take charge?

The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle
By: Avi
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Told in the form of a recollection, these "confessions" cover 13-year-old Charlotte's eventful 1832 transatlantic crossing. She begins her trip as a prim schoolgirl returning from England to her home and family in America, but by the end she is in command of the Seahawk.

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