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Classics for Beginner Readers (5-8)

Boys don't keep diariesor do they?

The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to

It's a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you're ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.

In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley's star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend's newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion.

Author/illustrator Jeff Kinney recalls the growing pains of school life and introduces a new kind of hero who epitomizes the challenges of being a kid. As Greg says in his diary, Just don't expect me to be all Dear Diary' this and Dear Diary' that.” Luckily for us, what Greg Heffley says he won't do and what he actually does are two very different things.

Since its launch in May 2004 on Funbrain.com, the Web version of Diary of a Wimpy Kid has been viewed by 20 million unique online readers. This year, it is averaging 70,000 readers a day.

F&P level: T

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by: Jeff Kinney

Let's face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg's father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other “manly” endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father's efforts to change him. But when Greg's dad threatens to send him to military academy, Greg realizes he has to shape up . . . or get shipped out.

Greg and his family and friends, who make the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books a must-read for middle school readers, are back and at their best in this hilarious new installment of the series, which is sure to please current fans while attracting new ones.

This highly anticipated third book in the critically acclaimed and bestselling series takes the art of being wimpy to a whole new level.

Publishers Weekly-1/19/2009:

The third book in this genre-busting series is certain to enlarge Kinney's presence on the bestseller lists, where the previous titles have taken up residence for the past two years. Kinney's spot-on humor and winning formula of deadpan text set against cartoons are back in full force. This time, Greg starts off on New Year's Day (he resolves to “help other people improve,” telling his mother, “I think you should work on chewing your potato chips more quietly”) and ends with summer vacation. As he fends off his father's attempts to make him more of a man (the threat of military school looms), Greg's hapless adventures include handing out anonymous valentines expressing his true feelings (“Dear James, You smell”), attempting to impress his classmate Holly and single-handedly wrecking his soccer team's perfect season. Kinney allows himself some insider humor as well, with Greg noting the “racket” children's book authors have going. “All you have to do is make up a character with a snappy name, and then make sure the character learns a lesson at the end of the book.” Greg, self-centered as ever, may be the exception proving that rule. Ages 8–12.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by: Jeff Kinney

Great Books for Boys (9-12)

Whatever you do, don't ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn't want to talk about it.

As Greg enters the new school year, he's eager to put the past three months behind him . . . and one event in particular. Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps. But secrets have a way of getting out . . . especially when a diary is involved.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules chronicles Greg's attempts to navigate the hazards of middle school, impress the girls, steer clear of the school talent show, and most important, keep his secret safe.

The highly anticipated sequel to the #1 New York Times bestselling book!

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2010 Young Adult Choices

Don't Sit on My Lunch!

by: Abby Klein, John McKinley

release date: Feb 01, 2005

Watch out, Junie B., there's a new kid on the block! It's Freddy Thresher, a 1st grader who knows it's a jungle out there. Here's the fourth in a new series by an elementary teacher who's seen it all.

"I have a problem. A really, really, big problem. I want to try out for the peewee hockey team, but so does Max . . ."
Bullies are a problem in school, and Max Sellars is the worst one yet. In addition to hassling Freddy, Max also challenges him for the open spot on the peewee hockey team. Freddy's close friend Jessie is a star hockey player, and she secretly teaches him some rules and tricks. In a warm and funny ending, Max and Freddy make peace with one another, and--in a surprising twist--end up becoming teammates.

The Giant Germ

by: Anne Capeci, Joanna Cole, John Speirs

Learn all about germs when Ms. Frizzle's class takes another exciting field trip!

Ms. Frizzle takes her class on amazing field trips in the Magic School Bus. They never know what will happen when they get on the bus, but they always learn something new about science!

In THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS CHAPTER BOOK #6: THE GIANT GERM, a class picnic in the park becomes an exploration of the mini world of microbes. Even though microbes are tiny, they have huge effects on the world. Ms. Frizzle and her class get into trouble when they run into a giant germ!

Twister Trouble

by: Ann Schreiber, John Speirs

The kids in Ms. Frizzle's class are getting ready for the Wild Weather Show. To prepare, they take a field trip to the Weatherama Amusement Park. The class finds out just how wild weather can be when they accidentally fly right into a powerful tornado.

Yikes! Bikes!

by: Abby Klein, John Mckinley

First grader Freddy Thresher wants to beat the local bully in raising money for the animal shelter, but first he needs to learn to ride a two-wheeler.

Join Freddy and his friends for another 1st grade adventure! Content, humor, characters, and vocabulary are perfect for the chapter-book reader. In this book, Freddy and his classmates participate in a Bike-A-Thon to help raise money for a local animal shelter. After Freddy and Max make a bet to see who can do the most laps, Freddy needs to learn how to ride a two-wheeler fast!

Space Explorers

by: Eva Moore, Ted Enik

The Magic School Bus blasts off on a tour of the solar system, and the kids discover how other planets differ from Earth. This field trip is definitely far out!

The Search for the Missing Bones

by: Eva Moore

release date: Jan 01, 2000

Ms. Frizzle and her class visit the Hugh Mann Costume Company to learn all about skeletons: why we need them, what different bones are for, how doctors fix them when they're broken, and lots more.

The Wild Whale Watch

by: Eva Moore

release date: May 01, 2000

Wanda and her classmates accompany Ms. Frizzle on a whale watch, where they learn about whales and have incredible adventures.

If You Give a Mouse a Cookie (If You Give...)

by: Laura Joffe Numeroff

2013 summer reading list- Grade 2

Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the award-winning If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, one of the most beloved children's books of all time, from the #1 New York Times bestselling team Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond.

This book is a great first introduction to Mouse, the star of the If You Give series and a perennial favorite among children. And with its spare, rhythmic text and circular tale, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie is perfect for beginning readers and story time!

If a hungry little mouse shows up on your doorstep, you might want to give him a cookie. And if you give him a cookie, he'll ask for a glass of milk. He'll want to look in a mirror to make sure he doesn't have a milk mustache, and then he'll ask for a pair of scissors to give himself a trim....

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts

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The One Hundredth Day of School!

by: Abby Klein, John McKinley

With more than one million copies sold, this series is a huge Scholastic Book Clubs success. Klein presents a diverse community of 1st graders facing real issues that matter to this age group.

The 100th day of school is approaching, and to mark the occasion, Freddy and his classmates must each collect and bring to school 100 of something. Freddy is overwhelmed by the thought, then he has a great idea to collect 100 shark trading cards. But he only has 21 cards! How will be get another 79 before the 100th day of school? Even if he had the money, his mom would NEVER let him buy that much bubble gum. Join Freddy as he plots the perfcet plan to reach his goal.
The Ready, Freddy! series has content, humor, characters and vocabulary perfect for the early chapter-book reader.

The Truth about Bats

by: Eva Moore

release date: Jan 01, 2000

These books combine fun stories with neat facts, humor, illustrations-and they all feature the fabulous Ms. Fizzle!

If You Take a Mouse to School

release date: Jan 01, 2005

If you take a mouse to school, he'll ask you for your lunch box. When you give him your lunch box, he'll want a sandwich to go in it. Then he'll need a notebook and some pencils. He'll probably want to share your backpack, too . . .

The famous mouse from the New York Times #1 best-seller If You Take a Mouse to the Movies and If You give a Mouse a Cookie is back for his first day of school. Only Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond could make school this much fun!

If You Give a Pig a Party

release date: Jan 01, 2010

If you give a pig a party,she's going to ask for someballoons. When you give her the balloons, she'll want to decorate the house. When she's finished, she'll put on her favorite dress. Then she'll call all her friends -- Mouse, Moose, and more.

The little pig from If You Give a Pig a Pancake is back, and this time she wants to throw a great big party! Laura Numeroff and Felicia Bond have created another winning story for this beloved character in the tradition of the best-selling If You Give a Mouse a Cookie.

If You Give a Cat a Cupcake

by: Laura Numeroff, Felicia Bond

The mischief begins when these cuddly animals get more and more demanding! INCLUDES: If You Give A Dog A Donut / If You Give A Mouse A Cookie / If You Give a Cat a Cupcake / If You Give a Pig a Party / If You Give a Moose a Muffin / If You Take a Mouse to School / If You Take a Mouse to the Movies / If You Give A Pig a Pancake

Here's a Little Poem

by: Jane Yolen, Andrew Fusek Peters, Polly Dunbar

This exuberant celebration of poetry is an essential book for every young one's library and a gorgeous gift to be both shared and treasured.

Sit back and savor a superb collection of more than sixty poems by a wide range of talented writers, from Margaret Wise Brown to Gertrude Stein, Langston Hughes to A. A. Milne. Greeting the morning, enjoying the adventures of the day, cuddling up to a cozy bedtime — these are poems that highlight the moments of a toddler's world from dawn to dusk. Carefully gathered by Jane Yolen and Andrew Fusek Peters and delightfully illustrated by Polly Dunbar, HERE'S A LITTLE POEM offers a comprehensive introduction to some remarkable poets, even as it captures a very young child's intense delight in the experiences and rituals of every new day.

If You Give a Pig a Pancake

release date: Jan 01, 1999

If you give a pig a pancake, she'll want some syrup to go with it. You'll give her some of your favourite maple syrup, and she'll probably get all sticky, so she'll want to take a bath. She'll ask you for some bubbles. When you give her the bubbles...

Ages 0–5

The Chick and the Duckling

by: Mirra Ginsburg

release date: Feb 28, 1988

As Duckling sets off to explore the world, Chick is close behind, mimicking each of his actions with a perky "Me too." But when Duckling decides to go for a swim, his friend is in for a surprise.
This charming tale, with brightly colored illustrations by Jose Aruego and Ariane Dewey, will delight small children who are also discovering the world around them.

Herman the Helper

by: Robert Kraus, Jose Aruego, Ariane Dewey

Herman the helpful octopus is always willing to assist anyone who needs his help--old or young, friend or enemy.

SNOWY DAY

by: Ezra Jack Keats

release date: Jan 01, 1986

Winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal!

No book has captured the magic and sense of possibility of the first snowfall better than The Snowy Day. Universal in its appeal, the story has become a favorite of millions, as it reveals a child's wonder at a new world, and the hope of capturing and keeping that wonder forever.
The adventures of a little boy in the city on a very snowy day.

"Keats's sparse collage illustrations capture the wonder and beauty a snowy day can bring to a small child."—Barnes & Noble

"Ezra Jack Keats's classic The Snowy Day, winner of the 1963 Caldecott Medal, pays homage to the wonder and pure pleasure a child experiences when the world is blanketed in snow."—Publisher's Weekly

"The book is notable not only for its lovely artwork and tone, but also for its importance as a trailblazer. According to Horn Book magazine, The Snowy Day was "the very first full-color picture book to feature a small black hero"—yet another reason to add this classic to your shelves. It's as unique and special as a snowflake."—Amazon.com

The Adventures of Taxi Dog

by: Sal Barracca

Maxi, a homeless mutt in New York City, has always fended for himself. Then one day a kind taxi driver named Jim offers him friendship, a home, and a place in the front seat! From that moment on, Maxi and Jim revel in the sights and sounds of the city, and share all sorts of wild adventures-from rushing two clowns and a chimp to the circus, to singing duets with an opera diva! These and other adventures are brilliantly depicted in Mark Buehner's witty, detail-packed oil paintings.

The Giving Tree

by: Shel Silverstein

100 Books Every Boy Should Read

'Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy.'

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

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A Tree Is Nice

by: Janice May Udry, Marc Simont

Trees are beautiful. They fill up the sky. If you have a tree, you can climb up its trunk, roll in its leaves, or hang a swing from one of its limbs. Cows and babies can nap in the shade of a tree. Birds can make nests in the branches. A tree is good to have around. A tree is nice.

The Little Engine That Could

by: Watty Piper

Hardcover

A Hat for Minerva Louise

by: Janet Morgan Stoeke

FOR USE IN SCHOOLS AND LIBRARIES ONLY. Minerva Louise, a snow-loving chicken, mistakes a pair of mittens for two hats to keep both ends warm.

If You Give a Moose a Muffin

release date: Jan 01, 1991

If a big hungry moose comes to visit, you might give him a muffin to make him feel at home. If you give him a muffin, he'll want some jam to go with it. When he's eaten all your muffins, he'll want to go to the store to get some more muffin mix.

In this hilarious sequel to If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the young host is again run ragged by a surprise guest. Young readers will delight in the comic complications that follow when a little boy entertains a gregarious moose.

Jump, Frog, Jump!

by: Robert Kalan

"This is the turtle that slid into the pond and ate the snake that dropped from a branch and swallowed the fish that swam after the frog -- JUMP, FROG, JUMP!" This infectious cumulative tale will soon have the young frogs you know jumping and chanting with joy.

Farmer Duck

by: Martin Waddell

Martin Waddell's uplifting modern fable and Helen Oxenbury's humor and pathos make this a very special collaboration.

Farmer Duck isn't your average duck. This duck cooks and cleans, tends the fields, and cares for the other animals on the farm—all because the owner of the farm is too lazy to do these things himself. But when Farmer Duck finally collapses from exhaustion, the farmyard animals come to the rescue with a simple but heroic plan.

Clifford The Big Red Dog

by: Norman Bridwell

release date: Jan 01, 1992