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Al Capone Does My Shirts
In 1935, twelve-year-old Moose Flanagan moves with his family to Alcatraz Island when his father becomes a guard at the infamous prison. He strives to define his own identity as he and his family adjust to their new environment and struggle to cope with his sister's autism. This is a Newbery Honor Book and the first of a trilogy. Gr. 5 - 8 (Early Adolescence)
Choldenko, G. (2004). Al Capone does my shirts. New York: Puffin Books. -
Benno and the Night of Broken Glass
A cat living in Berlin in 1938 witnesses the events of Kristallnacht. This picture book provides a sensitive and age-appropriate introduction to the beginning of the Holocaust for upper-elementary students, and it will help them develop empathy for those who experienced these horrific events. A School Library Journal Best Books of 2010 selection. Gr. 3 - 5.
Wiviott, M. (2010). Benno and the Night of Broken Glass. Minneapolis, MN: Kar-Ben Publishing. -
Shark vs. Train
Two boys pit their favorite toys against one another in a series of contests. Enlivened with bright illustrations, this book offers a humorous look at the importance of imaginary play to young children. PreS. - Gr. 2
Barton, C. (2010). Shark vs. Train. New York: Little, Brown and Company. -
What If?
This colorful tale relates the ambiguous fate of a beach ball at the seaside. With three alternate endings, this book makes an excellent read-aloud to discuss decisions and consequences. PreS. - Gr. 1
Seeger, L. (2010). What if? New York: Roaring Brook Press. -
Divergent
Sixteen-year-old Beatrice Prior has made a decision that separates her from all she has ever known. As she attempts to forge her new identity and to explore her first experience of romantic love, she uncovers the moral imperfections of her society. As the trilogy progresses, she and her friends must decide how to respond to their staggering discoveries. Gr. 9 - 12 (Late Adolescence)
Roth, V. (2011). Divergent. New York: Katherine Tegen Books. -
The Fault in Our Stars
Sixteen-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster explores the meaning of life and love while battling Stage IV thyroid cancer. John Green's well-crafted narrative is touching, funny, and very human. Gr. 9 -12 (Mid/Late Adolescence)
Green, J. (2012). The fault in our stars. New York: Penguin Group (USA) Inc. -
Penny and Her Marble
After taking a pretty marble that belongs to her neighbor, Penny feels guilty and decides to return it. This book, which can be enjoyed independently or as a read-aloud, is a fun way for children to learn about the meaning of ownership and the importance of honesty. Gr. K - 3.
Henkes, K. (2013). Penny and her marble. New York: Greenwillow Books. -
Rooftoppers
As twelve-year-old Sophie searches for her mother, readers explore vivid depictions Victorian London and Paris in this story of family and friendship. Gr. 3 - 6
Rundell, K. (2013). Rooftoppers. New York: Simon & Schuster. -
Zebra Forest
When an escaped convict causes eleven-year-old Annie and her little brother Rew to realize that everything they have believed about their lives is a lie, they must embark on an emotional journey toward truth, forgiveness, and acceptance for the adults in their lives. Ages 9 - 12 (Early Adolescence)
Gewirtz, A. (2013). Zebra forest. Somerville, MA: Candelwick Press. -
Counting by 7s
Willow Chance is a twelve-old-old genius who has always been comfortable with her status as an outsider. But when tragedy strikes, she must redefine who she is and where she belongs, touching many lives along the way. Gr. 5 - 8 (Early Adolescence)
Sloan, H. (2013). Counting by 7s. New York: Dial Books for Young Readers.
