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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.

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.

When Billy Twitters refuses to change his slovenly habits, his parents bring in an immense blue whale which Billy must care for and transport everywhere. How he solves this problem makes a slightly surreal and slyly funny whale of a tale through understated humor in both text and illustration.

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.

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.

This fictionalized story of Kojo, a boy from Ghana, who changes his world with a small loan and one hen, is based on a real person. Kwabena Darko lives in West Africa and started a system of micro-loans in villages that would not otherwise have access. Additional resources and sources for further information allow readers to find out more.

Written in verse, this is a Pura Belpré Award-winning portrait of Juan Francisco Manzano, the poet who was born a slave in Cuba in 1797. Margarita Engle explores Manzano’s poetic interpretations of his world and what freedom really means in a slave society.

Madeline introduces manners for many situations in rhyme, illustrated with light lines and watercolor illustrations.

This beloved fantasy begins in Kansas when Dorothy Gale and her dog, Toto, are transported to another land by way of a cyclone. There she meets the Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, and Cowardly Lion as well as a host of other extraordinary characters. The movie classic, released in 1939, retains the essence of this quintessentially American tale which was first published in 1900.

Having a four-year old sister like Ramona can be a real pain as 9-year old Beezus (aka Beatrice) knows all too well. Ramona likes to do things in her own often pesky, frequently funny, and always imaginative way. The movie version of the modern classic was released in March 2010.

How the Murray children search through time to find and save their missing scientist father continues to enthrall readers even 50 years after its publication. The author was awarded the Newbery Medal for what has become a classic time travel fantasy.

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.

Little Chick is impatient and oh-so-child-like in each of her three short adventures. Wise Old-Auntie provides gentle guidance to Little Chick. Large pages support expressive, open, and winning watercolors to complement the satisfying story in three chapters.

As Foo, a frog, grows larger, so does his conviction that he is the biggest animal in the world. Of course, when Foo deflates, his friends assure him he’s still a fine size for a frog. Onomatopoeia and jaunty illustrations distinguish this retelling.

All children know a lot of things like when “I look in a mirror/what I see is me” and that they will continue to grow and learn. Poetic, child-like realizations combine with strong, uncluttered graphics to affirm and maybe even instruct.

While visiting her father and stepmother in a lakeside cabin, Maggie notices a beautiful blue heron in the sky. Seeing this bird each morning helps Maggie through the tough visit, and she summons the strength to help the heron when it seems to be in danger.

Stillwater, a large panda, tells each child a story that illustrates a principle of Zen. Although the tales will captivate children, adults may recognize the philosophy imbedded in them. Delicate, handsome illustrations capture the mood and flow of the stories.

Calling the Doves is poet Juan Felipe Herrera’s story of his migrant farmworker childhood. In delightful and lyrical language, he recreates the joy of eating breakfast under the open sky, listening to Mexican songs in the little trailer house his father built, and celebrating with other families at a fiesta in the mountains. He remembers his mother singing songs and reciting poetry, and his father telling stories and calling the doves.

Katy Duck loved to dance through each season but was especially excited about the spring recital: “A show to celebrate spring!” Though Katy is disappointed with her assignment, she blossoms as a lowly caterpillar in this recognizable and humorous tale.

The basic life and accomplishments of Abraham Lincoln are introduced in free verse and detailed illustrations in an open format. A concluding note provides additional information.

This novel, written in free verse, tells the story of Kek, an eleven-year-old boy from the Sudan who arrives as a refugee to Minnesota in the middle of winter. In moments both amusing and heartbreaking, it is possible to see through Kek’s eyes what it is like for new immigrants who come to this country and to think about the scars that war leaves on its youngest victims. Teacher’s Guide (opens in a new window) available.

When Raisin moves across the country, she keeps her friends back in California updated with a blog. Since no one in the East will ever see what she’s writing, she can be frank about how she feels. But it doesn’t take long for her to get discovered.

After getting expelled from yet another school for yet another clash with mythological monsters only he can see, 12-year-old Percy Jackson is taken to Camp Half-Blood, where he finally learns the truth about his unique abilities: he is a demigod, half human, half immortal. He’s a 21st century son of the ancient Greek god Poseidon on the biggest adventure of his young life — a quest to find out who stole Zeus’s lightening bolt! Together with his trusted friends, Percy travels through the United States, battling monsters and hunting the elusive title character. (Book 1 in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)

A bald baby with a round head and an expressive face confronts the challenge of learning how to walk. Children who have mastered the art of walking and adults who cheer them on will appreciate the subtle humor in both text and cartoon-like illustration.