For Other Professionals
Summer Reading
2009 Big Summer Read
Recommended Books for 6-9 Year Olds
Browse through the recommended books below or download the guide as a one-page handout you can easily take to the library or store.
- Download the 2009 guide for 6-9 year olds (332K PDF)*
Follow the life of a puffin pair as they nest, hatch, care for, and teach their "puffling" until it can live independently. A note about Puffin Project concludes this handsome and dramatic book.
A comic book story is used to introduce the basics of comic book making and cartooning. Here, a princess tries to make a comic but needs help. And help comes in the form of a Magic Cartooning Elf — for a appealing and instructive result.
What experts know about various dinosaurs is presented with a brief overview of 11 less well known dinosaurs and an image of what it may have looked like. An overview of dinosaur "stomping grounds" and a glossary concludes this unique look at the popular (and happily extinct) monsters.
Arresting photographs and understandable text introduce a wide range of moths and butterflies. Not only will readers gain an understanding of what differentiates them, but come to appreciate them as they learn about a variety of Lepidoptera.
Noted naturalist, Arnosky, trekked through Florida's Everglades to count crocodiles, the once endangered reptiles. Through informal narration and arresting, large paintings, these toothy creatures come alive. A DVD with highlights of the author’s trek is included.
Mixed media illustrations and playful poetry portray a range of mostly well known dinosaurs from their start to extinction. Wordplay and poetry combine to present prehistoric creatures in a large format just right to support the subject.
Underwater photographers, Hayes & Doubilet, provide basic information about their work as photographers as well as about sharks, their habitats, and the challenges faced by sharks in lucid text and stunning photographs, the latest in this captivating series.
If all of the 300 million people were simply one village of 100 people, its diversity is easier to understand. That's just what the author has done to make the complex make-up of the U.S. residents (in terms of languages spoken, ages, and more). Colorful illustrations accompany the understandable text. Additional resources complete the book. If the World Were a Village: A Book About the World’s People, also by Smith, looks at the inhabitants of the world as a village to allow its diversity to become more understandable for adults and children.
Richly textured illustrations bring to life the true story of one man's efforts to build a school and change the world one child at a time. Greg Mortenson's work in the mountainous regions of Pakistan concludes with actual photographs and more information on how the book was created adds to the appeal for young readers.
Self confident, cheerful, and bright but friendless, Dyamond is the newest kid in Mrs. Cordell's 3rd grade. That is, until a grumpy boy named Free moves to town — and a friendship begins. Lively, believable, and likeable characters introduce this new heroine.
Relive the journey of the Apollo 11 where the first people stepped on the moon's surface and saw Earth from a very different perspective. Eloquent language and illustrations combine to present this historical event in a unique, unforgettable way.
The story of a Russian family's emigration to the United States parallels the travel from Paris of Bartholdi’s statue of Lady Liberty. Both tell moving sagas and intersect in a unique way. poignant illustrations make this a memorable presentation.
Each room of every house holds items, objects, and other surprises that were invented at one time or another. (A kitchen calendar, for example, comes from a 16th century. Detailed, interactive pages are filled with fascinating tidbits sure to intrigue and inspire.
Stink, Judy Moody's bright but short little brother presents his version of an encyclopedia. It begins with the Anatomy of Stink and continues through to Z (Zero, ZZZs, until Zee End!). Fun, fact-filled and fully sourced, just right for Stink fans.
Ever hear of psychedelic colors? Meet Joe and Bob Switzer who invented interesting new colors — which not only defined a generation but helped save lives. Cartoon-like illustrations complement the tone of this picture book biography.
Wolf makes peace with Red Riding Hood and soon the repentant wolf becomes vegetarian and becomes popular. A jealous Red re-introduces the wolf to carnivore delights and regains her status as the forest's nicest resident. Pop-ups and pull outs and sophisticated humor make distinguish this very funny book.
Based on a well-known almanac, these portable, colorful cards will engage children as they learn more about dinosaurs through activities, games, and more. Each is presented on sturdy cards as is the accordion answer card included for challenged adults.
Sam's clear, boyish voice becomes clear from the first poem and as he and his family take to the car traveling toward an ocean vacation. Sam is all boy reflected in his candid observations, his often humorous actions, and black/white illustrations.
Have you ever wondered about the creator of Mickey Mouse; the man whose name is synonymous with theme parks and family films? Meet Walt Disney in this readable (though unauthorized) biography.
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