This list was reviewed and recommended by Sherry Girard, Fire Lake Elementary
Title |
Author |
Details |
Categories |
ISBN |
Description |
Among the Hidden |
Margaret Peterson Haddix |
Simon & Schuster
1998
153p |
Science fiction |
0689817002 |
 In a futuristic society that prohibits the existence of a "third" child, Luke has been forced to hide for his entire life to avoid discovery by the Population Police. When a new subdivision is built next the family's farm, Luke cannot even leave the house at night nor can his family risk acknowledging his presence. One day, while hiding in the attic, he sees movement in one of the nearby houses and gathers up his courage to investigate. Luke discovers that he is not the only "third" child hiding from the Population Police. This title is a haunting read that will invoke prompts for writing and classroom discussions.
Sequels:
Among the Impostors, 2002
Among the Betrayed, 2003
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Artemis Fowl |
Eoin Colfer |
Hyperion Books for Children
2001
277p |
Fairies-Fiction |
0786808012 |
 At twelve, Artemis Fowl is a criminal mastermind with one goal in mind, to capture a fairy and ransom them for their legendary fairy gold. When Artemis captures Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit, her boss Commander Harry Root uses all of his resources to get her back. Full of action, humor and word plays this book will keep the reader wandering though a world of technology and folklore. The word plays like "LEPrecon Unit" may need some explanation for students. A "hidden" code is found at the bottom of each page for those adventurous readers to solve.
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Because of Winn-Dixie |
Kate DiCamillo |
Candlewick Press
2000
182p |
Dogs-Fiction |
0763607762 |
 The setting for this title is in Naomi, Florida, where India Opal Buloni has just moved with her father. She claims and names a stray dog as it is being chased out of a "Winn-Dixie" grocery store. As she narrates the book, she describes how Winn-Dixie assists her meeting and creating a cohesive gathering of a variety of unique and special individuals with diverse personalities. A good addition to units involving Conflict Resolution or Character traits.
Newbery Honor 2001 |
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Castaways of the Flying Dutchman |
Brian Jacques |
Philomel
2001
327 p |
Heroes-Fiction;
Angels-Fiction |
0399236015 |
 A boy stows away on the Flying Dutchman as it heads out on its last voyage. During the voyage, the boy and his dog endure harsh treatment by the captain and his crew. In the final storm, the two are washed overboard and rescued by an angel. Neb and his dog Den are guided through history to help those in need. In this adventure, they are lead to a 19th century village in England, to solve a mystery and save an ancient village from destruction. Brian Jacques has given the readers another wonderful adventure full of suspense, riddles and mysteries.
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First Test |
Tamora Pierce |
Random House
1999
216 p |
Fantasy, Knights and Knighthood-Fiction
(Series: Protector of the Small) |
0679989145 (lib. bdg.) |
 Keladry of Mindalen, a daughter of nobles wants to become a knight and must go through many hardships in order to continue her training. Keladry is bullied by some of the other pages, given the largest and most temperamental warhorse and must endure extra challenges without complaint. Keladry shows a remarkable inner strength and determination in her quest to become a knight.
Sequels in this series Page & Squire
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Gathering Blue |
Lois Lowry |
Houghton Mifflin
2000
215 p |
Science Fiction; Physical Handicaps - Fiction |
0618055819 |
 Orphaned, lame and living in poverty, Kira is suddenly taken to the Council Ediffice and begins living in luxury. She learns that she is to use her gift of weaving to restore and finish the Singer's robe, which is the historical record of her people. She meets other children who also have unique talents and begins to wonder about future of her people and their society. The Giver, also by Lois Lowry, would provide a good companion title for discussion and comparisons.
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The Great Turkey Walk |
Kathleen Karr |
Farrar, Straus and Giroux
1998
199 p |
Frontier and Pioneer life; Turkeys-Fiction |
0374327734 |
 With the encouragement from his teacher, a "somewhat simple-minded" fifteen-year-old boy decides to herd 1000 turkeys from Missouri to Denver, Colorado for a better market price. The trail is full of adventures from "rustling" to an encounter with Indians, finding shelter, food, and water for his "herd". This humorous tale is a fits well with units dealing with frontier and pioneer life.
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Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone |
J.K. Rowling |
Scholastic Press
1998
309 p |
Fantasy-Fiction; Wizards- Fiction |
0390353403 |
 Harry is living with an aunt and uncle who mistreat and neglect him and his cousin a spoiled bully. All of that changes as a mysterious letter arrives informing Harry that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry begins to find out that his father was a famous wizard that was attacked and killed by an evil wizard. In this conflict Harry loses his mother and father but gains a mysterious lightening shaped mark on his forehead.
This title is am amazing use of imagination and a classic battle of good versus evil. A lively, and engaging read aloud selection.
Sequels: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban; Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire; Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix; Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows |
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Jason's Gold |
Will Hobbs |
Morrow Junior
1999
192 p |
Klondike River Valley (Yukon);
Gold Discoveries - Fiction |
0688150934 |
 When gold is discovered in Canada's Yukon Territory in 1897 Jason follows his brothers into the Yukon in the hopes of striking it rich. The descriptions of his journey and experiences make the gold rush come alive for the readers. This title is a great addition for units involving exploration, survival and gold discoveries.
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Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key |
Jack Gantos |
Farrar, Straus, Giroux
1998 |
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0374336644 |
 Joey Pigza gives the reader a unique look at a young boy with an attention &endash; deficit hyperactivity disorder. Joey knows that his mood swings and behavior is not acceptable but at times is unable to control his behavior. When his teacher and mother are at their wits end, Joey ends up attending a special school to help him understand and control his mood swings. A good addition in units exploring differences and learning styles.
Sequel: Joey Pigza Loses Control
2001 Newbery Honor |
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Landry News |
Andrew Clements |
Simon & Schuster
1999
123 p |
Newspapers-Fiction;
School-Fiction |
0689818173 |
 When a fifth-grade girl transfers to a new school, she discovers that her "burnt-out" teacher has become complacent reading the newspaper while his class works on "self directed" assignments. Her critical newspaper article about the teacher jars him into action and has the class write its own newspaper. The result places the teacher in jeopardy of disciplinary action and the possibility of losing his job. This short realistic fiction title is a natural curriculum tie to the studies on the United States Constitution and 1st Amendment Rights. In addition, this title is a good resource for Language Arts units involving newspaper writing or journaling activities. |
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A Long Way From Chicago |
Richard Peck |
Dial
1998
148 p |
Depressions;
1929- Fiction; Grandmothers - Fiction |
0803722907 |
 Joey and his sister are sent to spend two weeks in the summer with their "crusty" and individualist Grandmother Dowd. He narrates a humorous yet realistic look at life during the Great Depression with a remarkable lady.
Newbery Award & Honor title
Sequel: A Year Down Yonder |
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School Story |
Andrew Clements |
Simon & Schuster
2001 |
|
0689825943 |
 Zoe's best friend Natalie writes a story that Zoe believes is good enough to be published. The submittal of the manuscript should be easy since Natalie's mother is an editor of a large publishing house. However, Natalie does not want any preferential treatment from her mother. So the girls enlist the aide of a teacher, get legal advice from Zoe's father and submit the story under a pen name. With Zoe's cleverness and fast-talking the story gets into the right hands to be recognized as a well-written piece.
Readers will love the "pushy", fast-talking and clever Zoe while rooting for Natalie as her dream comes true in becoming a published author. A good curriculum tie to Language Arts units and learning the publishing process. |
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Stowaway |
Karen Hesse |
Margaret K. McElderry
2000
319 p |
Cook, James, 1728-1779--Fiction. (Map & Globe skills / Journal Writing / Explorers) |
0689839871 |
 A young boy stows away aboard the Endeavor and journals the voyage and explorations of Captain Cook. Each journal entry is done with latitude and longitude, giving the reader an opportunity to "map" the voyage. A good addition to Social studies units involving map skills, explorers and other cultures.
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The Two Princesses of Bamarra |
Gail Carson Levine |
HarperCollins
2001
241 p |
Princesses-Fiction;
Magic-Fiction |
0060293160 |
 Princess Addie has always been the timid, shy and cautious sister, while Meryl is always ready for a new adventure. When Meryl falls ill with the Grey death, Addie must find the strength, courage and cunning to meet all challenges in order to save her sister's life. She gathers up the Bloodbiter sword, seven-league boots, magic spyglass and an enchanted tablecloth as she sets out on her adventure. Action packed, suspenseful, with enough fantasy and twists for all to enjoy.
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The Wanderer |
Sharon Creech |
HarperCollins
2000
303 p |
Ocean voyages-Fiction;
Family Life-Fiction |
0060277300 |
 Sophie joins her cousin and other family members on a voyage on a forty-five sailboat on an adventure to England to see their grandfather. Their "voices" clearly are defined by the two characters in not only the journal format but in the changing of fonts in the text of the book. This title can easily be used for curriculum ties to units involving explorers and journal writing.
Newbery Honor 2001 |
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A Year Down Yonder |
Richard Peck |
Dial
2000
130 p |
Depressions;
1929- Fiction; Grandmothers - Fiction |
0803725183 |
 Mary Alice narrates as she is sent to live with her grandmother because of the depression. Mary Alice dreads and is frightened of her unique "larger-than-life" grandmother. The descriptions, characters, humor and love in this title captivate the reader to appreciate this very special story. An excellent addition for studies involving the "Great Depression".
Newbery Award & Honor title |
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The Year of Miss Agnes |
Kirkpatrick Hill |
Margaret K. McElderry
2000
115 p |
Alaska- Fiction; Schools-Fiction |
0689829337 |
 Fred (short for Frederika) relates the story of a teacher who arrives to teach in an Athapascan village in 1948. Miss Agnes is from England and introduces the children to the art of learning and drinking tea. A great read aloud for an Alaskan unit and an inspiration for those who love teaching. Other titles written by this author include Tough Boy and Sister and Winter Camp.
ALA Notable book 2001 |
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