Book Finder

Miss Brooks, the librarian at the narrator’s school, brings books alive by dressing up for reading circle. But the narrator still doesn’t find books intriguing like Miss Brooks — that is until she finds one filled with all of the gross things she enjoys; she’s discovered Shrek! Cartoon-like illustrations present the eccentric but lovable characters in this playful tale.

In this heartwarming story, Farah is trying to get used to a new country and language. She knows what’s happening around her, but without the words to say what she’s thinking in English, she feels alienated from her classmates. A trip to the apple orchard helps her begin to bridge those gaps, however, and she realizes that “Laughs sound the same as at home.” As she practices her first “outside-myself word,” she knows that she will be able to say more in time. Beautiful watercolor illustrations bring Farah, her classmates, and the apple orchard to life.

Thomas (aka Gib) Gilbert’s aunt, Emily Dickinson, gave him a poem and a dead bee to share in school. Because no one understands it, Gib defends his aunt (who jokingly tells him to call her “uncle”) and gets into a fight. Gib learns, however, to tell the truth, “but tell it slant…” This engaging glimpse of a poet and her family is based on actual events revealed in free verse and delicate illustration.

Junie B. worries about her loose tooth. If she’s the first in her class to lose a tooth, will she appear different, weird? It’s inevitable that Junie B.’s tooth comes out and when it does, she sets out to learn what the Tooth Fairy does with all of those teeth. The answer is, of course, addressed in Junie B.’s signature, amusing style!

On the day that Henry’s mom includes a special blueberry muffin in his lunch, Henry’s teacher moves his desk next to Chloe. A smitten Henry — a young cat — gives his tasty treat to the attractive bunny. Soft illustrations and an understated text combine to create a winning portrait of infatuation and friendship.

Meet the Hatchers through the voice of Peter, the oldest of son, tormented (as all siblings are) by his younger and perennially “cute” brother, Farley (better known as Fudge). Their life in an apartment in New York City sparkles with humor and plausible family scenes in this first of the stories of Peter, his family, and ultimately his neighbors.

Jake (aka The Pain), a first grader and his sister, 3rd grader Abigail (aka The Great One), share vignettes in alternating chapters about life and living in their school and at home. Though they are indeed sibling rivals, each child is fiercely loyal to the other and confronts familiar school problems as a duo with verve and humor.

Leonard is disappointed in superhero school; the only thing his teacher, The Blue Tornado, talks about is math and other dull stuff. Fractions and division come in quite handy for the student team, however, when Ice Zombies appear! Exaggerated humor in both text and illustration make this a real champ.

Bespectacled Sunday Chutney has an unusual name — and she’s always the new girl as her family moves frequently for her dad’s work. Her voice is real as is her take on herself and her life (which she admits is sometimes lonely) and utterly charming. The illustrations are as quirky as the character herself.

Ever wonder what pencils and pens do when you fall asleep? Well, Tony’s tools try to help him out by writing his story for school. Humorous illustrations animate writing instruments in this retro-looking fantasy.

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.

Babymouse may be a cartoon mouse, but she has experiences that will resonate with her tween audience: friend drama, boring old school, and the social strata of those same friends and school.

Self-confident, cheerful, and bright but friendless, Dyamond is the newest kid in Mrs. Cordell’s 3rd grade. That is, until a grumpy boy named Free moves to town — and a friendship begins. Lively, believable, and likeable characters introduce this new heroine.

Thea, a student in Topeka, Kansas, observes the growth of the three unusual beans she plants for her science project. A series of letters to various experts chronicles the unusual vegetation that develops — though readers will see the giant beanstalk for the tale it is.

When their secret gets out and the bad guys close in, Trash, Martin, Flinch, and the gang find themselves in a fight for survival against a brutal enemy. An action-packed adventure where things blow up, people die, and Torchie buys an accordion.

Annie’s grandfather letters to her started when she was born and continues as Annie grows. The loving relationship and Annie’s increasing maturity is chronicled in this attractive and engaging book.

No one wants to take on the 4th grade class at Aesop Elementary: that is until Mr. Jupiter appears on the scene. The new teacher captivates his students while helping them learn a few lessons (remember the school’s name!) along the way.

Lemon was a lucky duck. His brood mates were all healthy and eventually went to live independently, but Ms. Lake and her class would always provide Lemon the special attention he needed. This surprising story is based on the author’s experience with the real Lemon the duck.

Things aren’t always as they seem as young Alfie learns when he helps one of the “big boys” Alfie knows from the school next door. Young readers will see themselves in Hughes’ gentle illustrations which depict everyday people doing daily things.

Being small isn’t always easy, especially when growing up is associated with getting bigger. The pitfalls and pleasures of being a small fry is explored in a series of short poems accompanied by spirited illustrations.

Tiddler was a chronically late little fish with a big imagination. Tiddler’s tales are believed by only one fish who shares them — which is what brings Tiddler safely home when he’s really lost. Bright, cartoon-like illustrations add detail to this cumulative tale.

Fourth grader Donovan (introduced in Donovan’s Word Jar (opens in a new window)) learns to cope with the change in his favorite uncle (who lost both legs in the war), with having difficulty in school, and more — all’s possible with the help of his supportive and involved family.

These groaners play with words, like: “What member of the royal family can you find in your school? The prince-ipal!” Each silly riddle is accompanied by cartoonish illustrations to explain or just add to the humor.

Cam (short for “Camera”) uses her photographic memory to help solve the theft of the cans and bottles to be recycled to earn money for her school. This installment in the gentle mystery series features a particularly timely topic.