In 1943, during the German occupation of Denmark, ten-year-old Annemarie learns how to be brave and courageous when she helps shelter her Jewish friend from the Nazis.

Liz says:

“What an amazing story. If you want your kids to know about the Holocaust, or if they already know a little, this is the perfect book. Told with sensitivity and hopefulness and filled with historical accuracy, Lowry gives us a true gem!”

The noisy fifth grade boys of Laketon Elementary School challenge the equally loud fifth grade girls to a “no talking” contest.

Liz says:

“Clements is a master at depicting school life. Kids will love the fast paced story told though the viewpoints of the kids and the teachers. This is a fun read with lots of good lessons.”

Flint Future Detective Club members Steven Carter, his friend Russell, and Russell’s dog Zoopy solve the mystery of a quadrillion-dollar bill with the image of James Brown on it.

Liz says:

“Curtis is one of the best authors around. I’ve read his books for older kids and am excited to try this one. I’m sure it’s a winner!”

Edward Tulane, a cold-hearted and proud toy rabbit, loves only himself until he is separated from the little girl who adores him and travels across the country, acquiring new owners and listening to their hopes, dreams, and histories.

Liz says:

“Beautifully written and illustrated, Edward’s journey teaches him and his readers about kindness and love. DiCamillo is at her best here!”

Living in the family car in their small North Carolina town after their father leaves them virtually penniless, Georgina, desperate to improve their situation and unwilling to accept her overworked mother’s calls for patience, persuades her younger brother to help her in an elaborate scheme to get money by stealing a dog and then claiming the reward that the owners are bound to offer.

Liz says:

“In the context of a weighty story, O’Connor manages to convey a sense of humor and hope. The characters are multi-dimensional and unforgettable. If you love this book you might also want to try Becoming Naomi Leon by Pam Munoz Ryan and Waiting for Normal by Leslie Connor.”

Liz says:

“This story will resonate with kids and is a certain winner, even for the most reluctant readers. Each chapter presents a series of firsthand accounts from multiple characters; the entries can be as long as a page or as short as a sentence. I wrote my MLS thesis on the appeal of “alternative format” books and firmly believe that this type of narrative (with lots of white space on the page) is a great way to entice those not inclined to enjoying reading!”

Faced with a dull summer in the city, Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha suddenly find themselves involved in a series of extraordinary adventures after Jane discovers an ordinary-looking coin that seems to grant wishes.

Liz says:

“This magical tale is pure fun and it’s written so well; I would say this is a classic and a must read!”

With the help of her wise old grandmother, twelve-year-old Rosie manages to work out some problems in her relationship with her best friend, Bailey, the boy next door.

Liz says:

“Sharon Creech is always wonderful. Girls will love this!”

Two suburban children run away from their Connecticut home and go to New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, where their ingenuity enables them to live in luxury.

Liz says:

“This book will leave a lasting impression. You will never think of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in the same way. This story is filled with adventure and mystery. Don’t miss this one – great even for 4th graders but certainly a must for 5th graders!” (This title also appears on the Liz Loves List for Tween Readers.)

When he decides to turn his fifth-grade teacher’s love of the dictionary around on her, clever Nick Allen invents a new word and begins a chain of events that quickly moves beyond his control.

Liz says:

“This fantastical, wonderful book is loved by everyone. Clements always finds a way to deliver important messages through totally entertaining stories. This is a must read.”