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Featured books by

Eve Bunting

Reading Rockets recommends the following books by Eve Bunting.

A Day's Work
A Day's Work
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Ronald Himler
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

When his grandfather arrives from Mexico, Francisco helps him find work as a gardener even though he is really a carpenter. When they mistakenly pull all the plants but leave the weeds, Abuelo, upset at Francisco's lie, refuses to accept payment until the job is done correctly.

A Picnic in October
A Picnic in October
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Nancy Carpenter
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Tony is not looking forward to his family's annual picnic at Liberty Island in October. Nevertheless, his grandmother insists that they maintain the tradition of celebrating her birthday with Lady Liberty. At first it doesn't seem like much fun — until Tony finally begins to understand why the Statue of Liberty means so much to his grandmother. Lovely colorful acrylic paintings bring this special tribute to life.

A Turkey for Thanksgiving
A Turkey for Thanksgiving
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Diane De Groat
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Mr. and Mrs. Moose invite all their animal friends for Thanksgiving dinner. The only one missing is Turkey. They set out to find him, not realizing that Turkey is quaking with fear because he thinks his hosts want him on their table, not at it.

Dandelions
Dandelions
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Greg Shed
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

When Zoe and her family move to the Nebraska prairie, it is the isolation and sameness of the landscape that depresses her mother most. A simple clump of dandelions planted on the roof of their sod house, however, provides color and hope.

Dreaming of America: An Ellis Island Story
Dreaming of America: An Ellis Island Story
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Ben F. Stahl
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Eve Bunting tells the inspiring true story of the first Ellis Island immigrant, fifteen-year-old Annie Moore of Cork, Ireland. An afterword provides information about Annie and her family. Photos are paired with the vibrant illustrations.

Fly Away Home
Fly Away Home
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Ronald Himler
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

A boy tells of his life living in an airport with his dad, remaining unnoticed but noticing how others seem to have so much. Homelessness is realistically portrayed in this bestselling book with sensitivity and hope.

Going Home
Going Home
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Mama and Papa are excited to take a break from working in the fields and go home, but Carlos and his sisters are not sure how they feel about traveling to Mexico. Soon after arriving, however, they meet their loving extended family, and the children begin to understand what it meant for their parents to leave home in order to offer the family a better future. David Diaz's stunning illustrations layered on top of photos of Mexican folk art bring Eve Bunting's beautiful story to life.

How Many Days to America?: A Thanksgiving Story
How Many Days to America?: A Thanksgiving Story
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Beth Peck
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

After the soldiers come, Papa tells his family that they must leave everything behind and set sail for America. The journey across the Caribbean is dangerous and long, and our narrator and his little sister keep asking — just how many days is it to America? Prolific children's author Eve Bunting, herself an immigrant from Ireland, shares the story of a new generation of pilgrims who are willing to risk their lives to look for freedom in America.

One Green Apple
One Green Apple
By: Eve Bunting
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

In this heartwarming story, Farah is trying to get used to a new country and language. She knows what's happening around her, but without the words to say what she's thinking in English, she feels alienated from her classmates. A trip to the apple orchard helps her begin to bridge those gaps, however, and she realizes that "Laughs sound the same as at home." As she practices her first "outside-myself word," she knows that she will be able to say more in time. Beautiful watercolor illustrations bring Farah, her classmates, and the apple orchard to life.

Our Library
Our Library
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Maggie Smith
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

"There's nothing you can't learn to do when you have books." Eve Bunting's characters take this lesson to heart when they learn that their library will be closing. From painting the roof to speaking wisely to grumpy beavers, they learn everything they need to know to save the library. Lovely and bright illustrations will appeal to young readers.

Smoky Night
Smoky Night
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: David Diaz
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

In this Caldecott Medal book, a boy and his mother come to know a Korean neighbor when their cats escape during the Los Angeles riots. Boldly colored paintings and textured collage illustrations help distance readers while evoking the tension of the time.

So Far from the Sea
So Far from the Sea
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Chris K. Soentpiet
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

All the more moving in its restraint, this picture-book account of a fictional family reveals, with gentle dignity, a sad chapter in American history. Laura Iwasaki and her Japanese-American family will soon move from California to Boston, so they are making one last visit to Laura's grandfather's grave, which lies near the Sierra Nevada Mountains, so far from the sea he loved. Before World War II, he was a fisherman. Then, along with Laura's father, her grandmother, and 10,000 other Japanese Americans, he was sent to the Manzanar War Relocation Center. There he died, and his grave is marked with only a ring of stones. The family leaves silk flowers, but Laura leaves her own special memento. — School Library Journal

That's What Leprechauns Do
That's What Leprechauns Do
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Emily Arnold McCully
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Three leprechauns can't help but create a bit of mischief on their way to place their pot of gold at the bottom of the rainbow; that's what leprechauns do! This spritely original tale, accompanied by energetic illustrations evokes the magic and mayhem often attributed to the Little Folk of Irish lore.

The Butterfly House
The Butterfly House
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Greg Shed
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

A girl and her grandfather make a butterfly house that provides shelter for Painted Ladies even after the girl grows up. The cyclical nature of life is gently portrayed in handsome paintings and lyrical language.

The Wall
The Wall
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Ronald Himler
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

A boy describes the trip he takes with his father to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. Together, they look for the name of his grandfather, who died before he was born.

The Wedding
The Wedding
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Ida Trapani
Age Level: 0-3
Reading Level: Pre-Reader

Miss Brindle Cow collects other animals on her way to a very speical wedding – her own! The lighthearted, rhyming text combines with humorous illustrations for a playful and satisfying bovine romp.

The Wednesday Surprise
The Wednesday Surprise
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Donald Carrick
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Anna and her grandmother share many things, including Grandma's big secret. As a special surprise for her Dad's birthday, Anna teacher her Grandma to read a story out loud.

Train to Somewhere
Train to Somewhere
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Ronald Himler
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

In the 1850s, "Orphan Trains" carried children from New York City orphanages to new homes in the West. Many, like Marianne, hoped to be reunited with their parents. Though not all of the children found happiness, Marianne's story provides hope and an introduction to an intriguing period in American history.

Will It Be a Baby Brother?
Will It Be a Baby Brother?
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: Beth Spiegel
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Edward thinks he only wants a baby brother but when his parents come home with his new sibling, Edward is thrilled to meet baby Sara. Cartoon illustrations present the family and getting-ready-for-baby rituals accessibly and comfortingly.

Your Move
Your Move
By: Eve Bunting
Illustrated by: James Ransome
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Ten-year-old James is intrigued by the K-Bones, a local gang, and considers joining. But when his six-year-old brother witnesses him vandalize a sign, he begins to have second thoughts. A tough topic is handled in a brief but effective way, sure to launch discussion.

Interested in wonderful interviews with tween and teen authors? Hop on over to our sister site, AdLit.org, and browse the library.

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