Boys

*Ghost by Jason Reynolds

A kid from “the projects” learns to put speed in service of character building and achievement. *Ghost by Jason Reynold.  Atheneum, 2016, 180 pages Reading ...
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Vote for . . . Whoever (A Re-post from 2012)

In a campaign season, especially a big general election like this one, parents and teachers want to give the kids a clue what’s going on.  ...
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Every Falling Star by Sungju Lee and Susan Elizabeth McClelland

Grit, friendship, and hope come together in this bittersweet memoir for teens. Every Falling Star: The True Story of How I Survived and Escaped North ...
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*The Radical Book for Kids by Champ Thornton

This fun and friendly compendium of Bible facts, everyday knowledge, history, how-to, wise counsel, apologetics, and doctrine is a terrific resource for every Christian kid. ...
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*The Book of God by Ben Avery

This comprehensive, accessible guide to the history of the Bible in graphic-novel format will have young readers referring to it again and again. *The Book ...
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Brother Andrew: God’s Secret Agent by Geoff and Janet Benge

Andrew never expected that God would fulfill his desire for adventure by using him to smuggle Bibles to believers in communist countries.   Brother Andrew: ...
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Kid Beowulf by Alexis Fajarda

A venerable legend gets a total makeover with this new graphic-novel series that does for early Europe what the Astrix series did for Rome. Kid ...
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Kid Owner by Tim Green

A 12-year-old inherits the Dallas Cowboys, leading to a unique set of challenges and opportunities for character growth. Kid Owner, by Tim Green.  Harper, 2015, ...
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Save Me a Seat by Sarah Weeks and Gita Varadarajan

"Don't judge a book--or a 5th grader--by its cover" is the message that comes through loud and clear in this heart-warming middle grades title. Save ...
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The Kids’ Book of Simple Machines by Kelly Doudna

A perfect instruction manual for young tinkerers who want to know how things work and how to leverage the six simple machines to build cool ...
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Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown

A 12-year-old video gamer learns to “level up” his academic and social skills to meet real-life challenges. Josh Baxter Levels Up by Gavin Brown.  Scholastic, ...
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*Frank and Lucky Get Schooled by Lynn Rae Perkins

Frank and Lucky’s close friendship leads them into countless adventures in learning, where “school subjects” never see the inside of a classroom. *Frank and Lucky ...
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*The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill by Andrea Warren

This accessible biography reveals the extraordinary, historically significant, and surprisingly admirable life of an American legend. *The Boy Who Became Buffalo Bill: Growing Up Billy ...
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Mayday by Karen Harrington

In Mayday, 13-year-old Wayne discovers that even a plane crash can have a silver lining, and treasures may hide under life’s hard knocks. Mayday by ...
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What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein

Lowland Tibet is the exotic setting for this coming-of-age story featuring an 11-year-old boy and the elephants he loves. What Elephants Know by Erick Dinerstein.  ...
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When I Was the Greatest by Jason Reynolds

A black teen in the 'hood struggles to maintain his focus when his best friend takes a wrong turn with potentially serious consequences. When I ...
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All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely

Rashad (a black guy) and Quinn (a white guy) take turns narrating this timely and moving young adult realistic fiction story about police brutality and ...
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Hilo: Saving the Whole Wide World by Judd Winick

The exuberant boy-robot Hilo is back from “the void,” pursuing his mission to destroy his arch-enemy Razorwark and discover his own origin and purpose. Hilo ...
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Reading Roald Dahl Redemptively: Two Thoughts

First posted in 2013. Summer is a great time for relaxing and reading of all kinds of fun books not usually assigned in literature class, ...
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The BFG by Roald Dahl

After the BFG snatches Sophie from her orphanage, she learns a lot about giants and the BFG makes a new friend in this quirky, British romp. ...
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The Big Dark by Rodman Philbrick

A small England Community fights for survival when a solar flare wipes out all sources of power, in this taut thriller with a 12-year-old hero. ...
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The Double Cross by Jackson Pearce

A 12-year-old spy trainee proves his calling in spite of obvious physical drawbacks, in this entertaining middle-grade adventure. The Double Cross, and Other Skills I ...
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Astrotwins: Project Blastoff by Mark Kelly

Solid science fiction is delivered by an author who knows his stuff, though the materialist worldview is worth talking about. Astrotwins: Project Blastoff by Mark ...
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Frank Einstein and the Anti-Matter Motor by Jon Schieszka

Though not to be taken at all seriously, this wacky series by Jon Schieszka threads some real science into its far-out storylines. Frank Einstein and ...
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The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John

A fifth-grade prankster meets his match, joining forces with his rival to pull off the greatest fifth-grade prank of all time. The Terrible Two by ...
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McBroom series by Sid Fleischman

This post is part of our "Summer of Great Family Reads" series. Don't miss the initial post full of more excellent recommendations! McBroom’s Wonderful One-Acre ...
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The Pirate Jamboree

The Pirate Jamboree by Mark Teague. Orchard Books, 2013. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8Recommended for: Ages 0-8 Bottom Line: The neighborhood kids are ...
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Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key

In a fast, thrilling read, a 13-year-old boy must display courage, ingenuity, and persistence in extremely dangerous circumstances. Terror at Bottle Creek by Watt Key.  ...
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Soar by Joan Bauer

In this cozy sports story, Jeremiah has learned through difficulty, but may not be able to pass the lessons on to his teammates. Soar by ...
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5 Ways to Connect Legos and Literature

What do you do when spring is shining and the kids are squirming? If you have a child who is enthusiastic about Legos, enrich their time ...
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Bible Review: NKJV Courage Bible/NKJV Faith Bible

NKJV Courage Bible/NKJV Faith Bible.  Holman Bible Publishers, 2014, 1568 pages Reading Level: Young Adult, ages 12-15 Recommended for: ages 10-15 Bottom Line: An accurate, ...
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one big pair of underwear cover

3 Irresistible Picture Books for Boys

Pop quiz: What’s the funniest word in the English language? What competition is the fiercest? Do machines that are massive and gloriously noisy EVER have ...
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Good Reading for Teens–Except for One Thing . . .

Lately I read two books for teens, one fiction and one nonfiction, that conformed to time-honored, even classic, storylines.  The novel, A Step toward Falling, ...
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*Retro Reads: North to Freedom by Anne Holm

North to Freedom (I Am David) by Anne Holm.  Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 1963 (first edition), 256 pages. Reading Level: 10-12 Appropriate for: ages 12-up Bottom ...
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Septimus Heap

Originally published a couple years ago, this post explores one fantasy series for middle grade readers.    You know you have a good book . ...
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Newbery Buzz: Most Dangerous by Steve Sheinkin

It's that time again!  Less than a month before the American Library Association announces their Youth Media Awards, and chief among them is the coveted ...
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A Reflection on Rick Riordan

Five years ago I picked up a middle grade fantasy book called The Lightening Thief by Rick Riordan and was hooked by the end of ...
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Brick Flicks by Sarah Herman

Brick Flicks: A comprehensive guide to making your own stop-motion Lego movies by Sarah Herman. Skyhorse Publishing, 2014. 206 pages. Reading Level: Young Adult, Ages ...
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Matthew Muddles Through by Glenda Mathes

Matthew Muddles Through (Matthew in the Middle #1) by Glenda Mathes. CreateSpace, 2014, 220 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 ...
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Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve

Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve. Random House, Reading Level: Middle Grades, Ages 8-10 Recommended For: Ages 8-10 Bottom Line: A rollicking chapter book adventure with ...
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The Boys Who Challenged Hitler by Phillip Hoose

The Boys Who Challenged Hitler: Knud Pedersen and the Churchill Club by Phillip Hoose. Farrar Straus Giroux, 2015. 198 pages including appendices Reading Level: Middle ...
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SIX by M. M. Vaughan

SIX by M. M. Vaughan. Simon & Shuster (Margaret K. Elderberry Books), 2015. 361 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: Ages 10-14 ...
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Fort by Cynthia DeFelice

Fort by Cynthia DeFelice. Farrar Strauss Giroux, 2015. 200 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 10-12 (especially boys and reluctant readers) ...
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Illusionarium by Heather Dixon

Illusionarium by Heather Dixon.  Greenwillow Books, 2015.  368 pages.  Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 15 and up Bottom Line: A darker steam-punk fantasy, Illusionarium ...
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Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore

Making the Team by Stephanie Perry Moore and Derrick Moore. Alec London Series. Lift Every Voice Books (a Moody Imprint), 2011. 160 pages. Reading Level: Middle ...
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McSweeney's The Goods, vol. 1

McSweeney’s The Goods, vol. 1

The Goods, vol. 1 by McSweeney's. Big Picture Press, 2013. 96 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Recommended For: Ages 8 and up Bottom ...
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The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind by William Kamkwamba

William Kamkwamba's own story of his efforts to bring reliable electrical power to his impoverished African village makes fascinating reading, especially for mechanically-minded middle-graders. The ...
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The Founding Fathers! by Jonah Winter

The Founding Fathers! Those Horse-Ridin',Fiddle-Playin', Book-Readin', Gun Totin' Gentlemen Who Started America, by Jonah Winter, Illustration by Barry Blitt. Atheneum, 2015. 40 pages Reading Level: ...
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The Fog Diver by Joel Ross

The Fog Diver by Joel Ross. Harper, 2015. 323 pages. Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-16 Bottom Line: The Fog Diver ...
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Salamandastron (Redwall series, Book 5) by Brian Jacques

This review is brought to us by Malachi Stade, who just finished a semester internship with Redeemed Reader.  Thank you, Malachi!   Salamandastron (Redwall series, Book ...
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Goblins by Philip Reeve

Goblins by Philip Reeve.  Scholastic Press, 2012.  340 pages.  Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up Bottom Line: The Hobbit meets Septimus Heap, with a ...
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Wilder Boys by Brandon Wallace

Wilder Boys by Brandon Wallace. Aladdin, 2015. 220 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 (especially boys) Bottom Line: Questionable premises ...
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*Hostage Run by Andrew Klavan (The MindWar Trilogy, Book 2)

Hostage Run (The MindWar Trilogy, Book 2) by Andrew Klavan. Thomas Nelson, 2015. 352 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Recommended for: Ages 12 and up Bottom Line: In ...
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The Whisperer by Fiona McIntosh

The Whisperer by Fiona McIntosh. Knopf, 2014. 390 pages Reading level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Bottom line: The Whisperer spins a ...
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My Near-Death Adventures by Alison DeCamp

My Near-Death Adventures (99% True!) by Alison DeCamp. Crown, 2015. 252 pages Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-12 (especially boys) Bottom ...
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Story Thieves by James Riley

Story Thieves by James Riley. Simon & Shuster (Aladdin), 2015. 383 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 10-14 Bottom Line: This ...
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*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell

*Rabbit and Robot: The Sleepover by Cece Bell. Candlewick, 2014. 50 pages. Reading Level: Easy Readers, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Age 4-8 Rabbit’s friend Robot ...
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A Pet for Fly Guy (Fly Guy Series) by Tedd Arnold

A Pet for Fly Guy by Tedd Arnold. Orchard Books, 2014. 32 pages.  Reading Level: Early Reader, ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8, especially boys ...
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Masterminds by Gordon Korman

Masterminds by Gordon Korman. Balzer & Bray, 2015, 336 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended for: ages 12-15 Bottom Line: Masterminds raises some ...
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Owl Boy by Brian Schatell

Owl Boy by Brian Schatell. Holiday House, 2015. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture books, Ages 4-8 Recommended For: Ages 4-8 Al is an owl fanatic. ...
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cover of Silent Star

Silent Star by Bill Wise, illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William Hoy by Bill Wise, illustrated by Adam Gustavson. Lee and Low, 2012. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture ...
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Lucky Strike by Bobby Pyron

Lucky Strike by Bobby Pyron. Scholastic (Arthur Levine), 2015. 263 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-12 Bottom Line: A “lucky” ...
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The Only Game by Mike Lupica

The Only Game by Mike Lupica (Home Team series, #1). Simon & Shuster, 2015. 321 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages ...
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Legends by Howard Bryant

Legends: The Best Players,Games, and Teams in Baseball by Howard Bryant. Philomel Press, 2015. 228 pages, including index. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Recommended ...
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Guts & Glory: The American Civil War by Ben Thompson

Guts & Glory: The American Civil War by Ben Thompson. Little, Brown, 2014. 317 pages, including index. Reading Level: Middle Grades,  ages 10-12 Recommended for: ...
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Bible Review: Guys Life Application Study Bible

Guys Life Application Study Bible NLT. Tyndale House, 2013 (second edition). 1562 pages Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: ages 8-14 Bottom Line: ...
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Bible Review: The Action Bible ESV

The Action Bible Study Bible ESV, edited by Catherine deVries, illustrated by Sergio Cariello. David C. Cook, 2015. 1248 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages ...
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Bible Review: God’s Word for Boys (and Girls)

God’s Word for Boys and God’s Word for Girls. Larry Richards, general editor. Baker, 2014 (latest edition), 1713 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 ...
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cover of Jasper John Dooley

Jasper John Dooley: You’re in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson

Jasper John Dooley: You're in Trouble! by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2015. 124 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages ...
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cover of Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind

Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind by Caroline Adderson

Jasper John Dooley: Left Behind by Caroline Adderson and illustrated by Ben Clanton. Kids Can Press, 2011. 132 pages. Reading Level: Chapter Books, ages 4-8 Recommended ...
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Six Picture Books for Boys Who Can’t Sit Still!

Here are six favorite, irresistible picture books for boys who are competitive,   WHO WILL WIN?! love superheroes, Both MARVELous and COMICal hate peas, She ...
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*The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Adam Rex

*The Dirty Cowboy by Amy Timberlake, illustrated by Adam Rex. Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2003. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: ...
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Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen

Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett, illustrated by Jon Klassen. Candlewick, 2014. 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 4-8 Recommended For: ages ...
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Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel

Some Bugs by Angela DiTerlizzi, illustrated by Brendan Wenzel. Beach Lane Books, 2014. 32 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, ages 0-4 Some Bugs is a fun, ...
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*Rise by Trip Lee

*Rise: Get Up and Live in God's Great Story by Trip Lee.  Thomas Nelson, 2014.  240 pages.  Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 and up Maturity ...
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Arcady’s Goal by Eugene Yelchin

Arcady’s Goal by Eugene Yelchin. Henry Holt, 2014. 234 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: 3 (ages 8-10) and up Bottom Line: ...
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Avalon by Mindee Arnett

Avalon by Mindee Arnett, Balzer + Bray, 2014. 415 pages. Reading Level:  Young Adults, (ages 12-14) and up Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) and up Readers meet ...
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Wazdot? by Michael Slack

Wazdot? by Michael Slack. Disney-Hyperion, 2014. 48 pages. Reading Level: Picture Books, Ages 0-4Recommended For: Ages 0-4 Wazdot? is a simple, visually humorous farm-themed book with ...
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cover of Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel

*Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel by Virginia Lee Burton

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel ...
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*Choo Choo by Virgina Lee Burton

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from ourWinter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! *Choo Choo: The Story of a Little ...
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The Scavengers by Michael Perry

The Scavengers by Michael Perry. Harper, 2014, 322 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages10-12) and up One-line Summary: The Scavengers ...
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Celebrating Virginia Lee Burton’s Classic Favorites

Once upon a time there was a little boy whose mother regularly took him and his siblings to the library. Every time he went, he ...
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Sir Thomas the Hesitant by Liam Perrin

Sir Thomas the Hesitant by Liam Perrin.  CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform,  2013.  254 pages.   Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12 and up Maturity Level: 4 ...
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cover of Hello Ninja

Hello Ninja by N. D. Wilson

This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! Hello Ninja by N. D. Wilson ...
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Threatened by Eliot Schrefer

Threatened by Eliot Schrefer. Scholastic, 2014. 278 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 15-18 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: Threatened, one of this year’s ...
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Leroy Ninker Saddles Up by Kate DiCamillo

Jaunty, boisterous Leroy Ninker and his horse, Maybelline, star in this first volume of the Tales of Deckawoo Drive. Leroy Ninker Saddles Up (Tales from ...
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cover of The Miniature World of Marvin and James

The Miniature World of Marvin and James by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy

The Miniature World of Marvin and James (Masterpiece Adventures, Book 1) by Elise Broach and illustrated by Kelly Murphy. Henry Holt and Co., 2014. 112 ...
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If You’re Reading This by Trent Reedy

If You’re Reading This, by Trent Reedy. Scholastic, 2014. 296 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: If ...
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The Young Carthaginian by G.A. Henty, read by Jim Weiss

The Young Carthaginian by G.A. Henty. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss. Greathall Productions, 2004.  Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8 and upMaturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) ...
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cover of I Survived True Stories

I Survived True Stories: Five Epic Disasters by Lauren Tarshis

 This book is a "Best of the Best" pick from our Winter Book Fair. CLICK HERE to see more gift ideas! I Survived True Stories: ...
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cover of MindWar

*MindWar: A Novel (The MindWar Trilogy, Book 1) by Andrew Klavan

MindWar: A Novel (The MindWar Trilogy, Book 1) by Andrew Klavan. Thomas Nelson, 2014. 336 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12 and upRecommended for: Ages ...
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*Heart of a Samurai by Margi Preus

Note: this review was originally published on February 4, 2011.  Heart of a Samurai, by Margi Preus, Amulet Books, 277 pages plus historical note and ...
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The Paladin Prophesy: Book 1 by Mark Frost

The Paladin Prophesy: Book 1 by Mark Frost. Random House, 2012. 560 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 6 (ages 15-18) One-line Summary: ...
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cover of The Great Turkey Walk

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr

The Great Turkey Walk by Kathleen Karr. Square Fish, 2000 (reprint; original pub. date 1998). 208 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades (ages 10-12)Recommended for: Ages ...
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Young Houdini: The Magician’s Fire by Simon Nicholson

Young Houdini: the Magician’s Fire by Simon Nicholson. Sourcebooks, 2014. 232 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Maturity Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-10 Imagine ...
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Come On, Seabiscuit! by Ralph Moody. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss.

Come On, Seabiscuit! by Ralph Moody. Bison Books, 2003. 172 pages. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss. Greathall Productions. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12, Young Adult, ages 12-18, ...
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*Carry on Mr. Bowditch, by Jean Lee Latham. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss.

*Carry On, Mr. Bowditch by Jean Lee Latham. Audiobook read by Jim Weiss, Greathall Productions, 2009. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 8-12 Maturity Level: Levels 3-5 ...
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D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944 by Rick Atkinson

D-Day: The Invasion of Normandy, 1944 by Rick Atkinson. Holt, 2014. 202 pages. Reading Level: Young Adults, ages 12-15 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 10-12) On the ...
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World War I: An Interactive History Adventure by Gwenyth Swain

World War I: an Interactive History Adventure by Gwenyth Swain. (You Choose Books), Capstone, 2012. 112 pages including timeline, index, etc. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey by Nick Bertozzi

Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey by Nick Bertozzi. First Second, 2014. 125 pages. Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12 Maturity Level: 4 (ages 11-12) and up This ...
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