
Jiro becomes an apprentice puppeteer during a difficult time in Osaka, Japan. Though clumsy for a puppeteer, Jiro has other qualities that help him overcome grave situations and solve a dangerous mystery.
The Master Puppeteer

Trixie and her friend Honey find mystery and adventure wherever they go in their Hudson Valley town, Sleepyside. Originally written in the 1940s and 50s, Trixie Belden is remarkably contemporary while having the wholesomeness of an earlier time.
Trixie Belden Series

Naomi and her younger brother Owen have lived with their grandmother in a small trailer for many years, ever since they were abandoned by their mother. When Mom Terri Lynn suddenly returns, does she really have the kids’ best interests at heart?
Becoming Naomi León

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… (2003 Newbery Medal Winner)
Crispin: The Cross of Lead

When an orphaned boy fulfills an ancient prophesy and becomes a dragon rider to help Firedrake find the Rim of Heaven, he finds more than just adventure. The fantastic journey is filled with characters from folklore, and the classic struggle between good and evil makes a spirited good read aloud.
Dragon Rider

Judge is desperate. His mother has threatened to send him to a different school next year. To prove he can succeed at his current school, Judge needs to bring up his grades. After weeks of hard work — all while dealing with his sometimes difficult brother and his dyslexia — Judge’s hopes depend on winning a science competition. Soon it all comes down to the egg drop.
Egg-Drop Blues

Encyclopedia Brown comes by his name honestly: he often seems like a walking book of knowledge. But this fifth grader knows how to put his knowledge to use — much to the disgust of the bad guys! At the end of each chapter, Encyclopedia Brown solves the mystery and readers are asked if they know how. The clever answers are at the book of the book.
Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective

Instead of celebrating her 13th birthday in her prosperous Mexican home as she expected, Esperanza must adjust to the murder of her father, the loss of her house and wealth, and her new life as a farm worker in California. This readable coming-of-age novel is based on the life of the author’s grandmother.
Esperanza Rising

Joey is out of control. He knows it, his mom knows it, and the school knows it. Nothing seems to remedy his behavior until Joey runs away from a class field trip, hurts a classmate, and is sent to a special education program. There, his medications are regulated and Joey achieves a level of control.
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key

In this book by Newbery Medal-winning author Karen Hesse, the highly skilled Juice, who can handle everything from power tools to her Pa’s depression, is plagued by an inability to understand letters and reading.
Just Juice

This tender novel describes a loving Japanese-American family from the point of view of the younger sister. Personal challenges and family tragedy, particularly the older sister’s struggle with lymphoma, are set against the oppressive social climate of the South during the 1950s and early 1960s. (2005 Newbery Medal Winner)
Kira-Kira

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.
Perloo the Bold

Pippi, an amazingly strong child, can pick up the house in which she lives alone in the middle of town. Her extraordinary adventures continue to delight and amaze children, just as Pippi did for the author’s own daughter.
Pippi Longstocking

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.
Poppy

Ramona is ready for the challenges of a new school — without her older sister. It’s a year of change for the Quimby family and if everyone else can adjust, so can Ramona. The normal challenges of family life come alive here with verve and humor.
Ramona Quimby, Age 8

Charlotte Parkhurst could do almost anything with horses. Once out of the orphanage, Charlotte masquerades successfully as a man named Charley, and in spite of huge obstacles is able to drive a stagecoach and work with horses. Based on a real person, Charley also became the first woman to cast her vote in the state of California.
Riding Freedom

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 11 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.
S.O.R. Losers

Harold the family dog narrates three stories of life with supernatural suspicions which begins with Bunnicula, the bunny with fangs. In the Howliday Inn while boarding at the Chateau Bow-Wow, Harold and Chester (the Monroe cat) encounter a werewolf, perhaps. Chester and Harold must stop zombie vegetables when the Celery Stalks at Midnight. Over-the-top humor is very appealing to a broad range of listeners (including adults!).
The Bunnicula Collection: Books 1 to 3

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 Good Dog

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 Secret School

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.
The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle

Trixie’s summer is boring until she meets the new girl who moves into the area. Together Honey and Trixie meet a runaway boy and help him solve the mystery of his eccentric uncle. The first in a series of mysteries written more than 50 years ago has been reissued and reflects a less cynical era.
Trixie Belden: The Secret of the Mansion

Solomon has never had an easy time in school because of his dyslexia. But then, in a desolate part of an old graveyard, he finds himself battling the effects of an ancient curse put on the land by a witch many years before. With the help of a professor, his teacher, and a young girl, they unravel the mystery and break the curse forever.
Whispers in the Graveyard

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.