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If I Stay
Mia is a perfect student and musician, awaiting an acceptance letter from Juliard. She has rock n' roller parents, a sweet little brother, and a rebellious but lovable boyfriend. When she gets in a car crash with her entire family, she is the only survivor. While in a coma in the hospital, Mia is able to choose between living and dying. This book is about her taking a look at her life and deciding whether or not she wants to stay. YA Forman, G. (2010). If I Stay. Speak. -
Dial M for Mongoose
Chet Gecko, a crime-fighting gecko and student at Emerson Hicky Elementary, is on the case again. This time it is exploding dumpsters, thefts, a stink bomb in the school, and more! Someone is even trying to sabatoge Mrs. Debree and gets her fired. Chet uses a great balance of humor and problem solving skills to close the case. There is a whole series of Chet Gecko mysteries to add to your library! Ages 8-12 Hale, B. (2010). Dial M for Mongoose -
The Fault in Our Stars
Hazel and Gus, two teenagers with cancer, meet in a support group and quickly become more than friends. Gus's previous girlfriend passed away from cancer, and Hazel is nervous about hurting him again. Gus is so charming and persistent, that the two fall fast in love anyway. The story takes several emotional turns and left me personally in tears for days after reading it. After finishing the the book I literally hugged it. YA Green, J. (2012) The Fault in Our Stars. Penguin Young Readers Group. -
Dragons Love Tacos
This is a story about how much dragons love tacos! But as much as they love tacos, they HATE spicy salsa. When having a party with dragons, make sure to have lots of tacos on hand, but hide the spicy salsa. Watch what happens when the dragons accidentally get into the salsa! Ages 3-5. Rubin, A. Dragons Love Tacos. (2012) Penguin Young Readers Group. -
The Day the Crayons Quit
The crayons have quit, but they have left hilarious, hand-written notes in their place for their owner, Duncan. This story shows the crayon's perspective and how they are tired of being limited by their color. This story is hilarious and engaging, while giving students a new perspective. Ages 3-7 Daywalt, D. The Day the Crayons Quit. (2013) Penguin Young Readers Group. -
We Were Liars
Cadence and her mom join their extended family on their private island off the east coast every summer. When Cady has an accident, the "liars," which are her and her cousins, must keep a secret. Cady has lost her memory in her accident and cannot recall what happened. This is the story of her replaying her memories and learning the truth about her family. YA Lockhart, E. (2014) We Were Liars. Delacorte Press. -
Please, Mr. Panda
Panda wants to share his donuts with his other animals friends, but they do not remember their manners! When his friends are rude, Panda responds with, "No you cannot have a doughnut. I have changed my mind." In the end the lemur uses his manners and gets the whole box! A great way to teach "please" and "thank you." Ages 3-5 Anthony, S. Please, Mr. Panda. (2014). Scholastic, Inc. -
28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World
This book shows 28 different days and figures that helped shape African American history, including the death of Crispus Attucks, the passing of the 14th amendment, the Brown vs. Board of Ed ruling, and the election of Barack Obama. Each event is presented in a different format such as a poem, eulogy, outline, etc. Ages 4-10 Smith, C. (2015) 28 Days: Moments in Black History that Changed the World. Roaring Book Press. -
Best Friend Battle
Sylvie's enemy, George, is trying to steal her best friend, Miranda. Sylvie works to show Miranda who her true best friend is by giving her a birthday present greater than George's. Sylvie goes to great lengths to keep George from Miranda, including stealing his ferret! In the end they all learn to be friends. Ages 7-10. Eyre, L. (2015) Best Friend Battle. Scholastic, Inc. -
Abraham Lincoln & Frederick Douglass: The Story Behind an American Friendship
This book goes through the history of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass's friendship. While Lincoln was the president, Douglass was a former slave fighting for the rights of African Americans. Though they didn't always agree, they became friends and together influenced the outcome of the civil war and future of America. Ages 9-12. Freedman, R. (2012) Abraham Lincoln & Frederick Douglass: The Story Behind an American Friendship.
