Louisa May Alcott briefly worked as a nurse during the Civil War before becoming ill herself. In this Magic Tree House fantasy, Jack and Annie travel back to the Civil War, meeting Clara Barton and help nurse the soldiers wounded in battle.
Civil War on Sunday
While parents may be miffed when young dinosaurs test limits, they are always reassured of their parents’ cunfailing love. Told in rhyme, this latest addition to the series by this talented writer/artist team is sure to please young children as they cuddle with their parents.
How Do Dinosaurs Say I Love You?
Otis, a small tractor, becomes despondent when he is replaced by a larger, more modern tractor. Even his friend, a once lonely calf, can’t stir Otis — that is, until the calf becomes stuck in a pond of mud and only small, brave Otis can save her. A limited palette and onomatopoeic language create an old-fashioned feeling and completely satisfying book.
Otis
A long-eared hound is the king’s official taster whose job is to make sure that nothing will harm the young royal. Even after dog and his cook search worldwide for new, tasty recipes, the king refuses to eat. Intervention by royal parents is required when secret candy eating is revealed, resolving all issues. Humor abounds in this satisfying saga.
The King’s Taster
The narrator begins his neighborhood trek with an infectious rhyme, saying that some days “you just gotta wokka.” In fact, he is so infectious that others join him to say and show how they wokka-wokka, too. Lively illustrations and playful nonsense rhymes make this a joyful walk down any street.
How Do You Wokka-Wokka?
A bath made Farley, a hairy (and very pleasing) pooch, hungry and so before his owner could slip his collar back on, Farley is off following delicious smells. Although Farley becomes disoriented, he finds his way home and even helps a lost child along the way. Comic strip fans will recognize the characters, though this tale stands alone.
Farley Follows His Nose
Are dust bunnies real? In this silly book they are, and Ed, Ned, Ted, and Bob speak in rhyme all the time! Large illustrations and conversation bubbles show which dust bunny is speaking — that is, until the cleaning tools come out. The broad humor makes for an appealing, easy-to-read tale.
Rhyming Dust Bunnies
Nate, boy detective, and his dog Sludge work to solve the mystery of missing pages. Called in by the head of a book club, the young detective uses his powers of observation and various clues to solve the latest whodunit in the Nate series.
Nate the Great and the Hungry Book Club
Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy, like to play hide and seek but Fly Guy’s favorite place to hide is the dump. Will Buzz and Fly Guy ever be reunited in a place that’s filled with flies? The outrageous illustrations add to the humor of a bug-eyed Fly Guy and his bug-eyed buddy.
I Spy Fly Guy!
Ten year old Allie Sherman resists her family’s move until she learns that they will live on Strawberry Hill. It is on this intriguing sounding street that Allie finds a friend, confronts racism, and comes to appreciate her family. Set during the Great Depression, this nostalgic novel continues to ring true.
Strawberry Hill
Paulie Pastrami is just a kid, and a kid who even has trouble getting his socks to match. But Paulie has big plans. In order to achieve his plan of world peace, Paulie begins with small kindnesses which are sure to grow. Bold, comic illustrations complement this recognizable, winning, and empowering story.
Paulie Pastrami Achieves World Peace
Born into a poor Roma family, Django Reinhardt’s musical talent takes him to perform on European stages for appreciative audiences. Here, the basics of his life are presented in vibrant, expressive paintings and a poetic text. An author’s note encourages finding out more about this little known musician.
Django: World’s Greatest Jazz Guitarist
Dyamonde, a bright, articulate and confident 3rd grader, is entering the library’s poetry contest to win the prize money. Then Dyamonde and her friend, Free, learn that their new friend, Damaris, who is also the best poet in their class, lives in a homeless shelter. The duo of friends turns into a trio — who take a different look at what wealth really means.
Rich: A Dyamonde Daniel Book
Nubs was the leader of a pack of wild dogs in Iraq but became part of a human pack when he met Marine Major Brian Dennis. The story of this amazing friendship is all the more remarkable as it happened in a war zone. It is documented in photographs and a lucid text that comes to a very satisfying conclusion.
Nubs: The True Story of a Mutt, a Marine and a Miracle
When his teacher assigns a science project, 3rd grader Oliver is enthusiastic about doing it independently. His rather overprotective parents, however, have different ideas. How Oliver and his newfound friend and classmate overcome the obstacles makes for engaging reading with lots of laughs.
How Oliver Olson Changed the World
Jake (aka the Pain) and his older sister Abigail (the Great One) are back, each sharing one of their experiences, alternating perspectives and voices from one chapter to the next. Each vignette is plausible, recognizable, and often humorous. Cartoon-like illustrations enhance the characterization and their wit.
Friend or Fiend? With the Pain & the Great One
Formerly enslaved in the 19th century, Bass Reeves escaped Texas and lived with Indians. It was in Indian Territory that he gained the skills he most needed when he became a lawman, known for his talent and integrity. Lively language and stylized illustrations provide a memorable portrait of this real western hero.
Bad News for Outlaws: The Remarkable Life of Bass Reeves, Deputy US Marshall
Based in the author’s experiences of her father’s return from a war, this sophisticated, evocative story still resonates. Lizzie goes out with her dad to call crows, the pests that eat the family’s crops. Call them Lizzie does but her father decides not to shoot them. Atmospheric illustrations further distinguish this timeless story.
Crow Call
The timid 2nd grader is back, this time fearful of an upcoming camping trip with his father. Alvin’s siblings try to help him but actually create a different sort of disaster. Readers will enjoy laughing along with these memorable characters.
Alvin Ho: Allergic to Camping, Hiking, and Other Natural Disasters (Book 2)
The well-known fable about how the smallest creature — a mouse — saves the majestic lion is a tale of kindness returned. Here it is effectively recast as a wordless story in a new setting. Stunning illustrations are expressive and emotive, evoking Africa’s Serengeti while retaining the tale’s power. (2010 Caldecott Medal Winner)
The Lion and the Mouse
A Newbery Honor book that accounts the life and musical career of the great African American vocalist, Marion Anderson, in the context of the history of civil rights in the United States.
The Voice That Challenged a Nation
When Thembi’s family learns that South Africa will hold elections, her 100-year-old grandmother announces that she too will vote now that she has the opportunity. This story of quiet determination pays tribute to the people of South Africa and the privilege of casting a ballot. Pastel sketches convey the joy and warmth of the bond between Thembi and Gogo.
The Day Gogo Went to Vote
Mother Paula’s newest (#469) All American Pancake House is about to be built in Coconut Grove, Florida, on a site where a colony of endangered burrowing owls live. Mullet Fingers, who has been quietly committing acts of sabotage at the construction site to save the owls, is befriended by Roy Eberhardt, the quiet, new kid in town. Together with Mullet’s stepsister Beatrice, the three make it their mission to expose the restaurant company’s wrongdoing.
Hoot
When Mary Poppins arrived at the house on Cherry Tree Lane, life became much different and more exciting. The unique nanny stayed only until the wind changed leaving the family with many happy memories. Some echoes of the film are evident, however, the book remains a read aloud classic that stands apart and is rather different.