Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle by George Hagen

Hagen, George. Gabriel Finley and the Raven's Riddle. New York: Schwartz & Wade Books, 2014. 371p.

Gabriel Finley loves solving riddles. He learned many riddles from his father, who has mysteriously disappeared. As Gabriel's twelfth birthday approaches, he meets a young raven and discovers that they can communicate with one another. He and the raven set forth on a quest to find Gabriel's father and to save their own lives, one riddle at a time.

Readers looking for a spooky, intriguing adventure filled with brainteasers and mystery will love this first book in a promising new series!   

Fuzzy Mud by Louis Sachar

Sachar, Louis. Fuzzy Mud. New York: Delacorte Press, 2015. 192 p.

In this fast-paced environmental thriller, fifth-grader Tamaya and her seventh-grade neighbor Marshall take a shortcut through the woods on their way home from school. During a conflict with a bully, they discover some "fuzzy mud," uncovering a corporate disaster that will soon affect their entire town.

Alternating between accounts of the middle schoolers' actions and transcripts of Senate hearings, this is a book that will keep readers hooked while sparking lively conversations in classroom environmental units.

Circus Mirandus by Cassie Beasley

Beasley, Cassie. Circus Mirandus. New York: Dial Books, 2015. 304 p.

Micah, a ten-year-old boy, has been under the care of his Grandpa Ephraim for many years. Micah's head and heart are filled with stories of a magical circus, Circus Mirandus, that changed his grandpa's life forever. When Grandpa Ephraim becomes gravely ill, however, strict Aunt Gertrudis moves in. Aunt Gertrudis does NOT believe in magic and forbids Micah from talking about it.  

Will Micah be able to help his grandpa achieve a mysterious miracle through Circus Mirandus while under the strict watch of Aunt Gertrudis? And what is the mysterious miracle after all...?

Warning: Once you start reading this book, you will not want to put it down until the mysterious request is revealed. Be prepared to feel every emotion as you flip through the pages of this magical, heartfelt and truly unforgettable journey!

Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate

Applegate, Katherine. Crenshaw. New York: Feiwel and Friends, 2015. 256p.

Jackson is a fifth grader who believes in hard facts. When his family comes upon financial trouble, he and his little sister are facing a tough move. In the midst of this difficult time, Jackson is VERY surprised by the return of his childhood imaginary friend, a large skateboarding cat named Crenshaw. Is Jackson losing his marbles, or will Crenshaw be able to help Jackson and his family when they need it the most? 

Alternating between humorous and tender, this book will warm readers' hearts while keeping them turning the pages to reach the ultimate resolution!  Fans of Katherine Applegate's Newbery Award winner The One and Only Ivan will definitely want to add this recent offering to their reading lists!

Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Hunt, Lynda Mullaly. Fish in a Tree. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2015. 266p.

Ally, a sixth-grade girl who has moved to seven schools in seven years, has been able to fool many teachers and classmates in the past. Her jokes and refusal to do assignments have masked her true struggle, which Mr. Daniels, her new teacher, is determined to discover. This remarkable book about finding bravery, friendship, confidence and determination against all odds, will resonate with students and teachers alike. For anyone who has had a teacher who has changed his/her life or anyone who strives to be that teacher every day, this book is for you!

Fans of this heartfelt novel will also want to read Lynda Mullaly Hunt's poignant chapter book debut, One for the Murphys, and Patricia Polacco's picture books Thank You, Mr. Falker and The Junkyard Wonders.  

Signal by Cynthia DeFelice

DeFelice, Cynthia. Signal. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2009.  176p.  

Owen McGuire moves into a new neighborhood in Upstate New York with his dad, who works all the time. Owen's only companion is his dog until he meets Campion, a mysterious girl with unusual green eyes. Campion begs Owen to help her signal her alien parents, who are supposed to return to Earth to pick her up. As Owen begins to help Campion, he wonders if he would be happier leaving Earth too. Find out what Owen discovers in this riveting story that will keep readers guessing until the very end! 

All Four Stars by Tara Dairman

Dairman, Tara. All Four Stars. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 2014.
 
Sixth-grader Gladys Gatsby has a passion for cooking but is banned from the kitchen after setting the curtains on fire one fateful evening. Living with parents who enjoy the convenience of nightly fast food and microwaved meals is especially frustrating for Gladys and her refined palate.

With the help of a gourmet grocery store owner, her aunt, an inspirational teacher, new friends, and friends' parents, Gladys tries to pursue her passion despite restrictions at home.

When a mix-up at a famous newspaper results in Gladys being offered a job as a restaurant critic, will she have what it takes to succeed? Can an eleven-year-old fulfill her dreams by writing reviews for an editor and readers who assume she is an adult?

This delectable story is the perfect treat for anyone who is interested in cooking, dining, writing, or pursuing a passion despite setbacks! It's also a tale for children who have dreamed of sharing their talents in a major way!

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein

Grabenstein, Chris. Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library. New York: Random House, 2013. 304p.  

After winning an essay contest, twelve twelve-year-olds are invited to a sleepover in the town's mysteriously-designed new public library. The library, created by world-famous eccentric game designer Luigi Lemoncello, includes state-of-the-art board and video game rooms, an ever-changing Wonder Dome, interactive mechanical displays, hover ladders to access books, and holograms of people and animals contained within the library's sections.

As the children awake from a late night of enjoying the library's many wonders, they realize that they are locked in! They soon discover that they are contestants in a reality game called "Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library." Who will have what it takes to solve challenging puzzles, answer trivia questions, and win this incredible game?

This is the perfect book for trivia/ puzzle enthusiasts, students who loved Night at the Museum or Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and library fans everywhere!

The Vanishing Coin by Kate Egan with Magician Mike Lane

Egan, Kate and Magician Mike Lane. The Vanishing Coin. New York: Feiwel and Friends, 2014. 142p.  

Fourth grader Mike Weiss has a difficult time paying attention in school and usually finds himself sitting in the principal's office despite his best intentions. When he and his "gifted" neighbor Nora find a magic shop called The White Rabbit, Mike's life begins to change. For the first time, Mike discovers his strengths. As he begins to realize that he is very intelligent after all, what will it take for others to recognize that too?

Students who have trouble paying attention in class will find plenty of reassurance in this first book in The Magic Shop series! Magic enthusiasts will also love these books, as step-by-step directions for magic tricks are revealed within each one. Hours of fun await curious readers! 

One for the Murphys by Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Hunt, Lynda Mullaly. One for the Murphys. New York: Nancy Paulsen Books, 2012.

Carley Connors has been placed in foster care after a life-changing altercation with her mom and stepfather. When she moves in with seemingly perfect Julie Murphy, Julie's firefighter, Red-Sox-fanatic husband and their three rambunctious boys, Carley discovers a whole new world. She begins to learn about stereotypes, love, friendship and the person she hopes to be. As her mom starts recovering, though, Carley has to make tough decisions about who she is and where she really belongs.

Have tissues ready for this memorable, moving story that is an excellent choice for character development units and for discussions on the effects of stereotypes.

 

Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff

Graff, Lisa. Absolutely Almost. New York: Philomel Books, 2014. 288p.  

Albie is going into fifth grade and has always been told that he is almost successful. School is a struggle for him, as is making new friends. When he is forced to attend a public school, he is faced with the challenges of math club, spelling and reading difficulties, and tough decisions about which classmates to trust. Ultimately, he must decide whether or not being "cool" is worthwhile. With the help of a new nanny and an inspirational math teacher, Albie begins to discover that there are many things he does know after all.

This is a powerfully reflective book and one without easy, happy solutions. It will lead to many class discussions about the way that we treat one another and about how and why people are persistent despite major disappointments. One of the book's most memorable quotes, "You can't get where you're going without being where you've been," will make an especially poignant springboard for writing and conversation. Students could even create their own "Things I Know" lists after reading the book's final chapter!      

Captain Awesome to the Rescue! by Stan Kirby

Kirby, Stan. Captain Awesome to the Rescue! New York: Little Simon, 2012. 128p.

Eight-year-old Eugene McGillicudy is starting a new school. An avid reader of Super Dude comics, Eugene becomes a superhero of his own- Captain Awesome! Captain Awesome saves his bedroom from Queen Stinkypants (his baby sister) and helps his new teacher by rescuing a stolen class pet hamster, Turbo. Along the way, Eugene and his alter-ego also learn how to make friends and survive the big transition to a new town. 

Funny text supported by comedic illustrations will make this series a great choice for reluctant readers, comic book fans and anyone who has ever dreamed of becoming a superhero!

Jedi Academy by Jeffrey Brown

Brown, Jeffrey. Jedi Academy. New York: Scholastic, 2013. 160p.

Roan Novachez has dreamed of becoming a Star Pilot like his brother and father ever since he was a toddler. When he isn't accepted into Pilot Academy Middle School and is instead invited to attend Jedi Academy, Roan thinks his life is over. Once he arrives at Jedi Academy, though, he meets an interesting mix of classmates and starts taking lessons with Master Yoda. Soon, his life begins to change... 

This series, told through journal entries, cartoons, letters, report cards and newspaper articles, will inspire a whole new generation of Star Wars fans and writers! Social drama, combined with a great introduction to Jedi principles, make this fun reading for all!

Rules by Cynthia Lord

Lord, Cynthia. Rules. New York: Scholastic, 2006. 214p.  

Twelve-year-old Catherine has spent much of her time writing rules to help her younger brother David through life. David, who has autism, requires a lot of attention from Catherine and their parents. 

Catherine is a talented artist who is starting to crave some attention of her own. A new girl has moved in next door, and Catherine hopes that they will become best friends. Meanwhile, Catherine meets a boy her age at her brother's appointments and explores a whole new world of communication and adventure with him. Will she be able to maintain both friendships while protecting her brother? When she is forced to make hard choices, what rules will Catherine decide to follow in her own life?

This beautifully-written, heart-wrenching book is sure to engage students in discussions about needs, responsibilities, social rules and choices we make regarding friendship. Based on the author's experiences within her own family, this story will also help students come to a better understanding of the people around them. Activities at the end of the book, such as "A New Set of Rules," can lead to meaningful writing opportunities in the classroom.    

The Magnificent 12: The Call by Michael Grant

Grant, Michael. The Magnificent 12: The Call. New York: Katherine Tegen Books, 2010. 227p.  

Twelve-year-old Mack MacAvoy is afraid of almost everything. He is shocked to receive a visit from a three-thousand-year-old man named Grimluk, who thinks that Mack is destined to save the world. After learning that he is one of the "Magnificent 12," a group that is called together to stop the Pale Queen from destroying Earth, Mack embarks on a dangerous quest with the help of his former bully, Stefan. Can a boy who fears everything become a hero? What will happen when a Golem (mud man) version of Mack takes his place at home and at school while he is gone?

This adventurous, laugh-out-loud hilarious first book in The Magnificent 12 series will keep readers thoroughly entertained as they root for an underdog of a hero! Chapters that alternate between the present and far-distant past and Golem's notes to Mack explaining everything that happens while Mack is away add humorous layers to the story.  




    

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

DuPrau, Jeanne. The City of Ember. New York: Yearling Books, 2004. 270p.  

Over two hundred years have passed since the city of Ember was designed to save the human race. The original builders left instructions to help the people of Ember in an emergency, but those instructions have been lost over time. The city's lights are beginning to burn out, and soon Ember will be in total darkness. 

Twelve-year-old Lina Mayfleet and Doon Harrow, her former classmate, are willing to risk everything to save their people. Will they succeed?

Continue the adventure by reading all four books in the Books of Ember series! 

  

  

The Hypnotists by Gordon Korman

Korman, Gordon. The Hypnotists. New York: Scholastic Press, 2013. 240p.  

In this fast-paced thriller, twelve-year-old Jax Opus discovers that he has hypnotic abilities and is a descendant of the two most powerful hypnotic families in history. When he is recruited by Sentia, an organization for mind-benders, he soon realizes that he has become part of a dangerous plot. What will he do with this new, perilous knowledge? Will Jax be able to save his friends and family before it's too late?

Readers who finish this first book in the series will be eager to read its sequel, Memory Maze!  

The Emerald Atlas by John Stephens

Stephens, John. The Emerald Atlas. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2011. 417p.  

In this first installment of The Books of Beginning series, three children are given to a mysterious stranger in the middle of the night. They are placed in orphanage after orphanage until they're finally sent to an old house in Cambridge Falls, where they discover the Atlas of Time, a book that gives them the power to time travel. As they begin to learn more about their unique abilities and start unraveling the mystery of the sudden separation from their parents ten years earlier, they must face a wicked Countess and her army of Screechers, among other obstacles.  

This series is an engrossing, thrilling choice for fantasy readers who like their adventures a bit on the scary side!

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made by Stephan Pastis

Pastis, Stephan. Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made. Somerville: Candlewick Press, 2013. 304p.  

Put this book and its sequels in the hands of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Big Nate fans. They will thank you!

Written in short segments of text enhanced by witty, captioned black-and-white cartoons, this is the story of Timmy Failure, a precocious child who has trouble paying attention in school but dreams of running a Fortune 500 detective agency. With his sidekick Total the polar bear, Timmy has developed "Total Failure, Inc." and attempts to solve clients' cases. Despite his impressive vocabulary and persistence in saving his agency, Timmy frequently fails to see the obvious and draws the wrong conclusions for each of his cases.

Readers who understand the humor in this series have mastered two very important reading skills: making inferences (the ones that Timmy does not!) and defining vocabulary words in context (as many of Timmy's sentences use sophisticated language). Bright but reluctant readers will be hooked!

Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims by Rush Limbaugh

Limbaugh, Rush. Rush Revere and the Brave Pilgrims. New York: Threshold Editions, 2013. 224p.  

History teacher Rush Revere travels back in time with his horse Liberty to give his students an up-close look at life on the Mayflower and to help them understand what the first year on Plymouth Plantation was really like. As readers meet William Bradford, Myles Standish, Squanto and other brave figures, they will enjoy experiencing history and will discover many important decisions that shaped our country!

History comes alive again in Rush Revere and the First Patriots, an exciting second book in the Time-Travel Adventures with Exceptional Americans series!