| The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie “Author Sherman Alexie tells the story of Junior, a 14 year old who was born with water on the brain, is regularly the target of bullies, and is a budding cartoonist. In order to pursue a brighter future, Junior leaves his school on the Spokane Indian Reservation to attend an all-white high school. Junior’s decision to leave the reservation causes him to become an outcast in his own community and a curiosity at his new school. Despite a handicap, Junior becomes a starter on the basketball team at his new school, further driving a wedge between himself and the people he grew up with on the reservation. This novel is both humorous and heartbreaking at the same time.” Recommended by Ms. McGroarty, 7th Grade ELA Teacher |
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| Adaline Falling Star by Mary Pope Osborne “Eleven-year old Adaline is sent to live with her famous father, Kit Carson, after the death of her Arapaho mother. When too much time goes by, she begins to think she has been abandoned by her father. She sets off on her own to make her way back to her mother’s people. With the company of a stray dog she meets along the way, Adaline encounters many obstacles, but proves to herself and others just how strong an eleven-year-old can be.” Recommended by Mrs. Storie, 6th Grade ELA Teacher |
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| Guys Write for Guys Read by Jon Scieszka, ed. (nonfiction) “Yes, this addictive collection of memoirs written by popular middle school authors is SUPPOSE to be for boys but, secretly, girls will find they can’t put this book down, too! When Anthony Horowitz (author of the popular Stormbreaker series) tells the story of how “My French Teacher Tried to Kill Me,” and Stephen King tells about the poor babysitters that were fated to watch him, boys, girls and adults alike won’t be able to stop turning the pages of this anthology. All are different- some gross, some sad, some funny, some action-packed, but ALL are entertaining. Sample this collection by checking out www.guysread.com.” Recommended by Mrs. Natke, CMS Library Media Specialist |
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| Dragonwings by Laurence Yep “A realistic fiction story of Moon Shadow, a Chinese-American immigrant growing up in 1909 San Francisco. This story, of a young boy growing up with a father he's recently reconnected with, is inspiring and will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting to learn more!” Recommended by Mrs. Hagan, 6th Grade ELA Teacher |
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| Hoot by Carl Hiaasen “Hoot. A must-read for any kid with a big heart for animals and who believes that standing up for the under dog is a good thing. Recommended by Mrs. Capello 6th Grade ELA Teacher |
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| Matilda by Roald Dahl. “Can you multiply 478 x 2 in your head? Or have you ever read any of Charles Dickens's classics? Imagine being able to accomplish both of these feats and being only in kindergarten! In the fantasy novel, Matilda , a young girl is able to accomplish both of these endeavors without being taught by her parents or teachers! Matilda is a gifted girl, but many begin to wonder how she got so smart. Is she cheating? Is there some sort of magic involved? Both her parents and principal agree that Matilda is a nasty "twit" and needs to be punished for her "dishonesty." Little do they realize the depth of her intelligence. Can Matilda once again out-smart her principal and even her parents?” Recommended by Ms. Wilkowski, 6th Grade ELA Teacher |
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The Old Willis Place by Hahn, Mary Downing “This is a spooky ghost story that will have you shivering while you read it! Two kids, Diana and Georgie, are not allowed to have any friends, and they have very strict rules they must follow for their own good. But when a new girl moves in, they break all the rules to become her friend- and so the danger begins! Will it be too late to save themselves from the terrifying force watching them from the haunted Willis mansion? The ending is full of mystery and chills!” Recommended by Mrs. Ceilly, CMS Reading Teacher |
| The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin “A bizarre chain of events begins when sixteen unlikely people gather for the reading of Samuel W. Westing's will. And though no one knows why the eccentric, game-loving millionaire has chosen a virtual stranger - and a possible murderer - to inherit his vast fortune, one thing's for sure: Sam Westing may be dead...but that won’t stop him from playing one last game!” Recommended by Mrs. Wicks, 6th Grade ELA Teacher |
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| Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls “Have you ever wanted something so badly that you could think of nothing else? In Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, an adult Billy Coleman narrates his childhood memories when he was a 10 year old boy living in the Ozark Mountains in Oklahoma. He had an awful case of “puppy love” and wanted nothing more than a hound with which he could explore the woods and hunt “coons”. He knew his parents couldn’t afford to buy him a dog, so with hard work and determination, Billy did odd jobs for two years and saved up enough money to buy himself not one, but two coon dogs. Once Billy trained Old Dan and Little Ann to outsmart wily coons, the team became unstoppable. Not only did they qualify for a championship coon hunt, but the trio developed a special bond of love and loyalty. This book is filled with many adventures and sadly, tragedy. I'm warning you, be sure to keep the tissues handy as you will uncover the Native American legend about the wonderful, sacred power that exists Where the Red Fern Grows!” Recommended by Mrs. Korosec, 6th Grade ELA Teacher |
