Breaking Stalin’s Nose by Eugene Yelchin
Recommended for: Grades 4 and up
2012 Newbery honor book
Ten year-old Sasha Zaichik dreams of becoming a Young Pioneer and following in his father’s footsteps to become a good communist in the service of Comrade Stalin. However, the night before the ceremony, their communal home’s doorbell rings, and his dad, a member of State Security (secret police), is suddenly arrested and taken away. In the course of a few hours, Sasha’s world turns upside down. Now, he himself is considered an enemy of the state. This short chapter book has wonderfully atmospheric black and white illustrations, and is a page-turning thriller based on historical facts.
A Million Miles From Boston by Karen Day
Recommended for Grades 5 and up
Sixth-grader Lucy cannot wait to go to Pierson Point, Maine for the summer with her father and younger brother. Pierson Point is a place of security and good memories for Lucy, whose mother is no longer living. In a typical “small world” scenario, there are new neighbors on Pierson Point, and they are not who Lucy would have chosen to live there! On top of that, her father has a girlfriend who visits frequently. Through the ups and downs of summer’s traditions, changes and challenges teach Lucy that first impressions aren’t everything!
Sidekicks by Dan Santat
Recommended for: Grades 3-5
Captain Amazing, defender of Metro City, is getting older. After an especially fierce superhero battle, he decides he needs a sidekick. His four pets, Manny the cat, Roscoe the dog, Fluffy the hamster, and Shifty the chameleon, all vie to be his chosen sidekick, and end up saving their master in his ultimate time of need. This graphic novel is full of great superhero action and humor, and is a surprisingly touching story about friendship and family, too.
Northern Exposures by Eric Walters
Recommended for: Grades 5 and up
Northern Exposures is real page-turner of an adventure story. It’s about 13 year-old Kevin, who wins a trip to Northern Canada to photograph polar bears. While there, Kevin gets caught in a dangerous local mystery involving polar bears, the tourism industry and poachers. This was a very exciting story that was hard to put down. If you like adventure, or are a Gary Paulsen fan, definitely give it a try.
There’s a Princess in the Palace by Zoe B. Alley
Recommended for: Grades 3-5
This large scale graphic novel is a hilarious mash-up of fractured princess fairy tales. Snow White, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, and more, are all interwoven to become characters in the same family. Filled with puns, asides, wit and sarcasm, this is a story you can read through quickly, then go back and spend time looking at the funny detailed pictures.
If you like fractured fairy tales and comics, check out these other titles: There’s a Wolf at the Door, Beauty and the Squat Bears, The Hunger of the Seven Squat Bears, Goldilocks and the Seven Squat Bears, Rapunzel’s Revenge, and Calamity Jack.
Anna Hibiscus series by Atinuke
Recommended for Grades 1 to 3
The extended family of Anna Hibiscus will hold your interest right through all four books in Atinuke’s series about a privileged young girl in Africa. Anna’s curiosity, compassion, and courage take the reader both inside and outside of the compound where her large family learns from the wisdom of Grandfather and Grandmother as well as the antics of her baby twin brothers, Double and Trouble. These books not only teach about another culture, but also inspire the reader to be kind and generous.
The Prince of Fenway Park by Julianna Baggott
Recommended for: Grades 5 to 7
As this story begins, the Red Sox are down 2 games against the Yankees in the American League Championship Series of 2004 and Red Sox fans are thinking about the Curse. Oscar has other worries. He feels he doesn’t fit in anywhere and his mom is sending him to stay with his father for a month or so. Oscar doesn’t really know his father. The surprise of his life awaits when his father reluctantly agrees and takes Oscar to his home – underneath Fenway Park! There Oscar learns that his father is one of the many Cursed Creatures both good and evil who cannot leave until the Red Sox Curse is broken. Will Oscar be the key?
Eggs over Evie by Alison Jackson
Recommended for: Grades 4 and up
13 year old Evie’s world has fallen apart with her parent’s divorce, her father moving out and taking “her” dog. She tries to keep her life sane by cooking (recipes included at the end of each chapter) since it was one thing she shared with her father, a TV chef. Her mother is usually busy with piano students so Evie prepares the meals. Readers will connect with Evie as she searches for love and stability. As her blended family grows, she helps an elderly neighbor with a pet, and cooks up a storm! And you might want to do some cooking as well, using Evie’s recipes!
Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke
Recommended for: Grades 2-5
While walking home from school one day, Zita and her friend Joseph stumble upon a mysterious device. When Zita presses the big red button and a portal to another world takes Joseph away, the adventure begins. Zita goes after him, and on her quest to save her friend, she encounters and befriends all sorts of strange creatures. A brave and headstrong heroine, funny and adorable alien characters, and tons of exciting action make this a real page-turner.
Ling & Ting: Not exactly the same! by Grace Lin
Recommended for: Grades K-2
Twin sisters Ling and Ting may look alike, but they are very different! In this easy reader chapter book, the sisters’ unique and complimentary personalities are revealed as they make dumplings together, get haircuts, and visit the library. Colorful illustrations are featured throughout the book. I loved reading about these smart and fun Chinese sisters, and hope more Ling and Ting books are in the works.
