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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

Kate DiCamillo

Memorable characters find themselves in sometimes unusual places — literally and figuratively — in DiCamillo's books. Meet mice and pigs and a china doll, each with human characteristics as well as humans with large problems but lots of heart. Enjoy these alone or with a friend.

Because of Winn-Dixie
Because of Winn-Dixie
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Soon after India Opal and her father, a preacher, move to a small Florida town, Opal meets an ugly stray mutt in the local grocery store, and names him after it. Opal and Winn Dixie build a unique family from an assortment of town residents for a poignant and very funny novel told from Opal's point of view.

Great Joy
Great Joy
Illustrated by: Bagram Ibatoulline
Age Level: 3-6
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

When Frances sees an organ grinder and his monkey sleeping outside of their apartment, she can think of little else – even during the Christmas pageant. It is then she finds just the right words. Soft, evocative illustrations enhance this touching story about concern and caring.

Mercy Watson Fights Crime
Mercy Watson Fights Crime
Illustrated by: Chris Van Dusen
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

Mercy loves buttered toast, so she assumes someone is making it when she hears the noise in the kitchen. What she finds, however, is a thief trying to steal the toaster! What follows is funny, fast, and very much in keeping for Mercy Watson.

Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig
Mercy Watson Thinks Like a Pig
Illustrated by: Chris Van Dusen
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

When Mercy Watson, the Watson's beloved pet pig, eats the neighbors' flowers Animal Control Officer Francine Poulet is called in to capture the culprit. In order to do so, Officer Poulet finds she must think like a pig! Humor abounds in this easy novel with a very satisfying conclusion for all.

Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Mercy Watson to the Rescue
Illustrated by: Chris Van Dusen
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Independent Reader

This is the first of the series of entertaining and engaging books about Mercy Watson, a charming pig adopted by a human couple. Here Mercy inadvertently saves the day, or at least her humans, amid a humorous series of events.

Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
Mercy Watson: Princess in Disguise
Illustrated by: Chris Van Dusen
Age Level: 6-9
Reading Level: Beginning Reader

What should a pink pig don for Halloween? A pink princess costume, of course. Mercy is reluctant until the mention of treats is made. This is as lively and funny as the other books about this porcine prima donna.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
Illustrated by: Bagram Ibatoulline
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Independent Reader

Edward Tulane is a vain and selfish china rabbit whose memorable journey teaches him what love is as well as the pain it can cause. This sparsely told tale is evocative and comes full circle bringing Edward and his story to a satisfying resolution.

The Tale of Despereaux
The Tale of Despereaux
Illustrated by: Timothy B. Ering
Age Level: 9-12
Reading Level: Family

Distinct stories which involve a mouse, a human princess, and a rat seamlessly come together to surprise and absorb readers as they see the struggle between light and dark in this Newbery-winning novel.

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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