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Gemeinhart, Dan.
SCAR ISLAND
New York : Scholastic, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 4.5
ISBN 1338053841
Meet Jonathan Grisby. He’s done something terrible, we just don’t know what that is quite yet. This unspeakable act that he’s committed has landed him at Slabhenge Reformatory School, which is situated on a remote island and also happens to be a former insane asylum. The outlook is grim from the outset. The building is falling apart, food is scarce and all of the authority figures are abusive and cruel. The boys who are being held here have little hope, until the day when a freak accident takes all of the adults out of the picture. It’s any delinquent teenagers dream: no rules! However, a pecking order soon takes form (think Lord of the Flies) and the boys seem to be little better off than they were before. Filled with suspense and adventure, Scar Island is a true page turner. Judge for yourself if Jonathan Grisby’s punishment fit his crime. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018) Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/7m5uKFBXGtb7X
Weeks, Sarah.
SAVE ME A SEAT
New York : Scholastic, 2016
Ravi Suryanarayanan is a rock star among elementary students… or, at least he was back home in India. He excels at math, English, and sports- especially cricket. He knows the proper way to address teachers, and brings a shiny tiffin box full of savory homemade curry for lunch every day. But now that he’s at school in New Jersey, nothing he does seems to be working out right. His teacher can’t pronounce his FIRST name right, never mind his last, he gets laughed at for standing to answer questions, and nobody seems to be able to understand his English, even though he’s been speaking it since he was small. His lone bright spot at school is the only other Indian boy, Dillon Samreen, who is also the most popular boy in class. Ravi is certain they will be best friends. Joe knows better. Joe has been at Albert Einstein Elementary School his whole life, and he knows that Dillon Samreen is trouble. Up until this year, Joe had two best friends, but they’ve moved away, and now Joe is alone to deal with Dillon’s bullying. His bright spot is getting time out of class with Miss Frost, who helps him with his lessons. Now, Joe shares his time with Miss Frost with Ravi, who does not seem to appreciate it, or to be picking up what a bully Dillon is. As Joe watches, Ravi is soon taking his place as Dillon’s favorite target. Is there anything Joe can do to help him, or himself? Both Joe and Ravi will need to look at things differently to make things better, together. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/U5UyfePUVY5OB
Salamon, Julie.
MUTT'S PROMISE
New York : Dial Books, 2016IL 3-6, RL 5.8
ISBN 0525427783
Mr. Thomas, the farmer, didn’t particularly want a dog, but Mutt was special. She was a stray and she was brave, therefore she won his heart and the heart of Gilberto, the migrant worker’s son. When Mutt has four puppies, Gilberto is in his glory. The happiness does not last though. Gilberto’s family must move on and the puppies are left behind. Two of the puppies get adopted by a nice family, but the other two (Luna and Chief) end up in a terrible, scary place where they are not treated very well: a puppy mill. Adventure ensues as these feisty puppies hatch a plan of escape and find their way to freedom. Mutt’s promise to her puppies was that they would find their true purpose in life. Does their mother’s promise come true for Luna and Chief? Will they ever be reunited with Gilberto? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/U5UyfePUVY5OB
Anderson, John David.
MS. BIXBY'S LAST DAY
New York : Walden Pond Press, 2016
Imagine the most incredible sixth grade teacher ever. Then you find out she has cancer. Three of Ms. Bixby’s students, Topher, Steve, and Brand set out to plan the most amazing last day before she goes in for treatment. Plans change suddenly when they find she has already entered the hospital. In an amazing journey told from the boys' differing perspectives, the boys hatch an incredible plan to show their appreciation, gratitude and love for Ms. Bixby. This fast paced plot weaves the boys' memories, experiences and interactions with each other and their beloved Ms. Bixby into a funny, heart wrenching narrative. Their adventures are a touching and moving testament how one teacher can impact her students beyond the classroom. Find out how they create the perfect “last day” complete with cheesecake, French fries, and Beethoven, surrounded by trees, laughter, and “Au revoir” but never good-bye. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/BAqFhsCVmUYqK
Shovan, Laura.
THE LAST FIFTH GRADE OF EMERSON ELEMENTARY
New York : Wendy Lamb, 2016Eighteen kids, one year of poems, one school set to close. Two yellow bulldozers crouched outside, ready to eat the building in one greedy gulp. But whose idea was it to close the school, anyway? Can the students possibly figure out a way to change their minds? But look out, bulldozers. Ms. Hill’s fifth-grade class has plans for you. They’re going to speak up and work together to save their school. Ideas are put forward, committees formed, and plans put into practice, all described by the students in the class by way of the poems they’re writing for the time capsule that will be buried to commemorate the closing of the school. Along the way, each student reveals a lot about themselves, and about their fellow fifth-graders. As you read, you’ll discover that there’s a lot more going on in everyone’s life than just a school closing. You’ll find yourself deciding which students are your favorites, and which ones are not… Will the class be able to save their precious school? Whether they succeed or not, you’ll be glad you got to know the students of the last fifth-grade of Emerson Elementary! (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/vkugIIZwoldon
Fantaskey Beth.
ISABEL FEENEY
New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2016
IL 3-6, RL 5.5
ISBN 0544582497
The time: 1926. The Location: Chicago. 10 year old Isabel Feeney is a newsgirl selling copies of the Tribune on the streets of Chicago--an unusual pursuit for a young girl during this era in a time of gangsters, corruption and guns. As she hits the streets everyday trying to make a meager living for herself and her family, Isabel dreams of becoming a journalist. Her idol is the famous crime reporter Maude Collier. Isabel wants to write for the Tribune, not just sell it. Isabel gets her chance to do some sleuthing as one of her customers, Miss Giddings, becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her gangster boyfriend. Isabel arrived on the scene just after the gun went off. Convinced of Miss Giddings innocence, Isabel sets out to prove it. Starting her own investigation, she tracks down clues and teams up with her idol reporter, Maude Collins. As Isabel starts to unravel the-who done it mystery, she becomes the target of someone who wants to silence her. Will Isabel be able to prove that Miss Giddings is innocent? Will her dream of becoming a crime reporter become reality? Is Maude Collins really an ally? Will Isabel be silenced? Discover the answers to these questions and more in Isabel Feeney, Star Reporter. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/ZmeAcPw5qGEi8
Schmid, Susan Maupin.
IF THE MAGIC FITS
New York : Random House, 2016
IL 3-6, RL 4.0
ISBN 0553533665
Darling Dimple has heard the old stories of Princess Mariposa’s castle and how it was built by dragons tricked into being shackled on the tower and turned to stone by magic. But in her job as pot scrubber in the under-cellar of the castle, there’s no time to think about that. Soon Darling gets a new job as Under-presser (ironer!) for the Princess’s clothes in the upper-attic, and it’s there that she discovers an old closet full of 100 gorgeous dresses, all numbered and waiting to be tried on. Not only are they beautiful, but they are magical, and when Darling slips one on, she transforms into another woman in the castle. And that’s when her adventures begin. Filled with palace intrigue and conspiracy, imposters, weddings, magical canaries and mice, and of course, lots and lots of amazing dresses, this is a great start to a new series. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast https://spark.adobe.com/video/3JdCXzZ9Sht7S
Telgemeier, Raina.
GHOSTSGraphix, 2016
Catrina’s family is moving to northern California, hoping the cool sea air will make it easier for her little sister Maya to breathe, despite her cystic fibrosis. Moving is never easy. Leaving friends and favorite things behind, while having to navigate an entirely new place can be daunting- frightening even. For Catrina, her new home in Bahia de la Luna is even more so. On their first day in town, the sisters meet Carlos, a neighbor boy who explains that their new town is full of GHOSTS. He explains they’re not scary, but actually the spirits of lost loved ones, returning to visit. Maya is thrilled and insists on learning more, but Catrina is freaked out. When an encounter with an honest-to-god ghost puts Maya in the hospital, Catrina refuses to hear any more about them, or from Carlos. But Dia de los Muertos is approaching, and Maya’s prognosis isn’t improving. Catrina can no longer ignore her fears, and must learn to face them, both otherworldly and right at home. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/zJohsACr4R96k
Peck, Richard.
THE BEST MAN
New York : Dial Books for Young Readers, 2016
IL 3-6, RL 4.1
ISBN 0803738390
“Boys aren’t too interested in weddings.” That’s what
6th grader, Archer Magill says, despite the fact that he has
already been in two. We first meet Archer after the wedding of two
of his role-models (his uncle and his favorite teacher), but we
won’t hear that story until later. Instead, we get to reminisce
along with him about the first wedding he was in as a first grader
and what a “train wreck” that was due to a rather embarrassing
wardrobe malfunction (involving a lack of underwear). We get to
watch Archer navigate through his fifth grade year with all of its
ups and downs with lots of humor, some heartache, and more love
than anything else. A heartwarming and wholesome story that will
leave the reader feeling satisfied and content. As for that second
wedding? Archer managed to stay fully dressed for that one. He was
the best man, after all. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/AkqFwlwESa71O
Reynolds, Jason.
GHOST
New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2016
Rl 5-8, RL 4.6
ISBN 1481450158
It seems like Castle Crenshaw has been running for most of his life---mostly from his experiences growing up in a tough neighborhood. He gives himself the nickname “Ghost” after he and his mother manage to run away from the most terrifying experience of all… now his father is in prison—and that’s a good thing. Ghost runs so fast that when a local track coach sees him sprint across the park, he’s determined to sign him up for the team. But maybe Ghost doesn’t want to be part of a team---all of those kids know more about track than he does, and there’s all those rules he’ll need to follow, that just seem to slow him down… There comes a time when you need to stop running away from the life you’ve had, and learn how to run toward a better life. Can Ghost learn this lesson in time? (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
SUBJECTS: Coaches (Athletics) -- Fiction.
Running -- Fiction.
Self-realization -- Fiction.
Track and field -- Fiction.
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/TB7XDS25UyoGc
Grimes, Nikki.
GARVEY'S CHOICE
New York : WordSong, 2016
IL 5-8, RL 4.5
ISBN 1629797405
Garvey feels he isn’t the son his Father wanted. His father wants him to excel in sports but Garvey isn’t good at sports. Garvey likes science fiction, astronomy, and reading. He also likes music and singing. A new friend encourages him to join the school chorus and Garvey gets to sing a solo. This novel is written in Tanka, an ancient poetry form which consists of five lines. The poetry style captures the many moods, feelings, and music of Garvey’s world. Get to know Garvey by reading “Garvey’s Choice” and hear the music of his story for yourself. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018) Podcast:
https://spark.adobe.com/video/MqUfNw4Td3Wu0
MacHale, D. J.
THE CURSE OF THE BOGGIN
New York ; Random House, 2016
IL 3-6, RL 5.8
ISBN 1101932538
There’s a place where the spirits tell their tales. Tales of unexplained mysteries, ghosts and bogeymen. They all have a story to tell, so come to The Library, if you have the key. Marcus has a key and he needs to get into that library to find some answers. What is The Library, exactly, and why are these creepy things trying to take the key from him? Why does the Boggin want the key? Marcus is having strange dreams and seeing awful things happen to other people. A strange man in a bathrobe is haunting him, fires rage and then just disappear. What is happening-- is it real or is he going nuts? Marcus hopes The Library has the answer before the terror gets worse. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/aL1DQCwDcXfq7
Preller, James.
THE COURAGE TEST
New York : Feiwel and Friends, 2016
IL 3-6, RL 4.4
ISBN 1250093910
Will doesn’t have any choice, he does not want to go
camping but, his father drags him along anyway. He wanted to play
baseball this summer. Instead, he’s following the route that Lewis
and Clark took as they explored the wilderness. Boring!! However,
Will senses something isn’t right. Why did his father decide on
this trip so suddenly? The trip isn’t all bad. He meets exciting
strangers, has a few thrills. Thrills like whitewater rapids, high
mountain cliffs and a bear. That bear was scary! What do you do
when you meet an angry bear? Will finds out about courage. A
little courage may help you out during life’s little tests. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/SE5GuIMNQ19LW
Clary, Julian.
THE BOLDS
New York : Carolrhoda Books, 2016
IL 3-6, RL 5.0
ISBN 1512404403
The Bolds are your typical family-- two parents, two children. They have a nice house, both parents have good jobs and they love to have fun. They love to laugh. There is one small difference--they are hyenas. They have fur and keep their tails tucked in tight. For years they have pretended to be humans but now their neighbors are getting suspicious. Are the Bolds really the Bolds? Don’t you think they act like… um…you know like … animals? What can they do but to try and act normal. Surprise encounters, new friends and with a little luck maybe all of this will blow over. Let’s hope the Bolds will come out on top. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/y0jdvRfi4dfW8
McDonough, Yona Zeldis.
THE BICYCLE SPY
New York : Scholastic, 2016
IL 3-6, RL 5.8
ISBN 0545850959
Marcel loves to ride his bicycle through the streets of his
town in France. He makes bread deliveries for his parent’s bakery.
Marcel dreams of riding in the Tour De France, a famous bike race.
But, since the German occupation of his country, all races have
been cancelled. There are soldiers everywhere, stopping people
with their checkpoints and questions. Marcel is stopped everyday
as he makes his deliveries. Then, during one of his trips, Marcel
learns that his family is in danger. His parents are members of
the French resistance, a group dedicated to defeating the Germans.
Marcel’s bike rides became more risky by the day, and soon he will
have to ride to save many more lives than just his own. (New Hampshire Great Stone Face Award nominee, 2018)
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/TKF5MycIGaA3k
Leveen, Tom.
SHACKLED
New York : Simon Pulse, 2015
IL YA
ISBN 1481422499
Pelly struggles with mood swings and anxiety. She has trouble being in public and has tried for years to overcome her issues. They stem back to six years ago when she and her best friend were little. They were playing a game of hide and seek in a department store. And Tara disappeared. Pelly blames herself and has been trying to cope ever since. She now works part time in a coffee shop and takes classes online. When she thinks she sees Tara at the shop, her world starts spinning. No one believes her that it was Tara. After all, everyone assumes she died years ago. As Pelly continues to investigate, she is joined by another employee of the coffee shop. This girl really couldn't have been Tara, could it?
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/h07vQ9VJgnqL0
Lakin, Patricia.
BICYCLES
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 4.5
ISBN 1481448960
Do you have a bicycle? Did you ever really look at it to figure out how it was made? That is what this book looks at. Start by looking at the history of the bicycle and then move on to learning about bicycle maker Aaron Dykstra. This is a fascinating look at bicycles and how they are engineered.
https://spark.adobe.com/video/G2NPisOWONUlq
Khan, Hena.
AMINA'S VOICE
New York : Salaam Reads, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 4.6
ISBN 1481492063
Amina and Soojin have been best friends for a long time but now things are changing. They are in middle school and Soojin is including Emily in their group. This throws Amina for a loop since Emily has always been so mean to them. As she gets to know Emily, she doesn't seem so bad. But to add to the changes in her life, Amina's uncle from Pakistan has come to stay with them for a few months. And Soojin is becoming an American citizen and talking about changing her name. Why can't things just stay the same?
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/jO2drNhZf9oaS
Jeter, Derek.
FAIR BALL
New York : Jeter Children's/Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.3
ISBN 1481491482
Inspired by Derek Jeter's childhood, this book tells the story of a time in his life where baseball, school and friends dominate. Derek's baseball team is playing in the finals and he is very determined to win. His friends on the team don't seem as dedicated. As a matter of fact, his best friend Dave almost seems like he no longer wants to be Derek's friend. What is going on? Derek learns that the world isn't always fair.
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/PcRu66tq0oPGj
Catanese, P. W.
THE THIEF AND THE BEANSTALK
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 5-8, RL 5.5ISBN 1481476327
Nick reluctantly joins a group of thieves. He is alone and cold and hungry and Finch, the head of the group, offers friendship and food in exchange for Nick working with the guys. When Finch tells him the plan, Nick thinks this is crazy. Finch believes the story of Jack and the Beanstalk and thinks he has found Jack's house. He plans to have Nick climb into the window and then open the door for the rest of the thieves. Well, it turns out that maybe there was some truth to the tale and Nick finds himself repeating some of the mistakes from the past.
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/r9k75rrks3d3O
SCAR ISLAND
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