2015 - 2016

How Tía Lola Saved the Summer By Julia Alvarez

• When three girls and their father visit for a week in the summer, it takes ía Lola to T́́��make Miguel forget his unhappiness at the absence of any boys and embrace the adventures that ensue.

Realistic FictionReading Level: 5.3 or T

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda By Tom Angleberger

FantasyReading Level: 4.7 or T

Sixth-grader Tommy and his friends describe their interactions with a paper finger puppet of Yoda, worn by their weird classmate Dwight, as they try to figure out whether or not the puppet can really predict the future. Includes instructions for making Origami Yoda.

El Deafo By Cece Bell

Graphic NovelMemoirReading Level: 3.3 or K

The author recounts in graphic novel format her experiences with hearing loss at a young age, including using a bulky hearing aid, learning how to lip read, and determining her "superpower."

The One and Only Ivan By Katherine Applegate

Reading Level: 3.3 or MAnimal Tale

Video interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYYL2LxotA8

Video Ivan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF1oWHL-lSs

Book Trailer:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF1oWHL-lSs

When Ivan, a gorilla who has lived for years in a down-and-out circus-themed mall, meets Ruby, a baby elephant that has been added to the mall, he decides that he must find her a better life.

The Shakespeare Stealer By Gary Blackwood

Historical FictionMysteryReading Level: 5.5 or Q

A young orphan boy is ordered by his master to infiltrate Shakespeare's acting troupe in order to steal the script of "Hamlet," but he discovers instead the meaning of friendship and loyalty.

Tua and the Elephant By R. P. Harris

AdventureReading Level: 5.2 or U

In Chiang Mai, Thailand, nine-year-old Tua releases an abused elephant from its chains. Can she complete the rescue by getting it to an elephant refuge without being caught herself?

Heart of A Samurai By Margi Preus

Historical FictionSurvival/AdventureReading Level: 5.4 or W

In 1841, rescued by an American whaler after a terrible shipwreck leaves him and his four companions castaways on a remote island, fourteen-year-old Manjiro, who dreams of becoming a samurai, learns new laws and customs as he becomes the first Japanese person to set foot in the United States.

Saving Kabul Corner By N. H. Senzai

Realistic FictionReading Level: 6.1 or V

Twelve-year-old Ariana, a tomboy, and her ladylike cousin Laila, recently arrived from Afghanistan, do not get along but they pull together when a rival Afghani grocery store opens, rekindling an old family feud and threatening their family's livelihood.

Hana's Suitcase on Stage By Karen Levine

• Website • http://www.hanassuitcase.ca/

True StoryReading Level: 5.3 or R

A biography of a Czech girl who died in the Holocaust, told in alternating chapters with an account of how the curator of a Japanese Holocaust center learned about her life after Hana's suitcase was sent to her, with the text of the play based on this biography.

P.S. Be Eleven By Rita Williams-Garcia

Historical FictionReading Level 4.5 or X

The Gaither sisters return to Brooklyn, where they adapt to new feelings of independence while managing changes large and small, from Pa's new girlfriend to a very different Uncle Darnell's return from Vietnam.