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Matched by Ally Condie
This book is perfect for an early-to-mid-adolescent who is trying to figure out who he/she is and what role he/she plays in society. It would appeal to a reader who is debating a pushback against one's own family/house rules. The main character, Cassia, is a fireball with tons of gusto -- readers will be drawn into her breathless bravery and acts of confidence!
Early to Mid Adolescene
Ages: 10 - 14
Grades 5 - 9
Citation:
Condie, A. (2010). Matched. New York, NY: Penguin Group. -
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
This heartwrenching tale will pull at even a reluctant reader's heartstrings. It deals with serious content such as adolescent cancer, teen romance, and teen fatalities (via disease), but also teaches a great deal about viewing others' lives through a different lens. This would be most ideal for a later mid-adolescent to late-adolescent reader!
Ages: 13 + (to adult!) Grades: 8 - 12 + (to adulthood)
Citation: Green, J. (2014). The fault in our stars. New York, NY: Dutton Books. -
Baby Roar! Roar! by Dawn Sirett
This book is excellent for introducing animals to pre-readers. They can see, touch, feel, and interact with the bright colors and begin to learn sight words!
Ages: 1-3
Citation:
Sirett, D. (2014). Baby roar roar. New York, NY: DK Publishing. -
The Misadventures of Salem Hyde: Cookie Catastrophe by Frank Cammuso
This graphic novel will earn rave reviews from young readers who like to solve problems, earn peer attention and keep friendships, and also get in a little laugh. This book was getting checked out like crazy at my local library so this tells me it's a popular one!
Ages: 6-9
Grades: 2-4
Citation:
Cammuso, F. The misadventures of salem hyde: Cookie catastrophe. New York, NY: Abrams. -
Geronimo Stilton: Welcome to Moldy Manor
This extremely clever tale teaches readers to think about their finances in an approachable, funny manner! The book features many bolded and colored words that significantly stand out. Sight words will abound in this book!
Ages: 7-10
Grades: 2-5
Citation:
Stilton, G. (2014). Geronimo stilton: Welcome to moldy manor. New York, NY: Scholastic Inc. -
Smithsonian Little Explorer: Tyrannosaurus Rex
This book is full of exciting pictures, photos, and details about one of the most ferocious animals to walk the earth! Young readers will love learning (and sharing their nefound knowledge with their peers and family!) the hunting and living habits of the T. rex -- I've seen this firsthand with 10-year-olds! They love it! (Grades 3-5)
Citation:
Wegwerth, A.L. (2015). Smithsonian little explorer: Tyrannosaurus rex. North Mankato, MN: Capstone Press. -
All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven
This book contains mature elements that would be better placed in a setting with support for a maturing and changing reader, such as in middle or high school. It explores the theme of teen love, suicidal ruminations and follow-through, mental illness, and family dynamics. This book would be best for a mid-adolescent to late-adolescent.
Ages: 15 + (even BIG kids!)
Grades: 9 - adult
Citation:
Niven, J. (2015). All the bright places. New York, NY: Alfred Knopf. -
Completely Clementine by Sara Pennypacker
Clementine teaches a young reader what it's like to have normal fears and anxiety and how to deal with them in this personable and helpful tale! Readers will be able to relate to the real-life problems of a teacher leaving at the end of the school year and Mom having another baby.
Ages: 6-8
Grades: 1-4
Citation:
Pennypacker, S. (2015). Completely clementine. New York, NY: Disney. -
Look by Édouard Manceau
This is a book that kids will want to touch, explore, feel, gaze at, peruse, flip, interact with, and more! Very engaging and hands-on!
Ages: 3-7
Grades: Preschool - 2
Citation:
Manceau, E. (2015). Look. Berkeley, CA: Owlkids Books Inc. -
Whose Tools? by Toni Buzzeo & Jim Datz
This is a fun book that educates children while they guess who would use a list of tools on each page, from a mason's, to electrician's, to a painter's, to even themselves! This would be very fun for an astute pre-K or kindergarten student, especially as they build their language and cognitive skills!
Ages: 3-5
Citation:
Buzzeo, T., & Datz, J. (2015). Whose tools? New York, NY: Abrams Appleseed.
