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.”

Liz says:

“This fun, qurky book is extremely entertaining. In the meantime, you might even learn a bit about art history”

What starts out as a perfectly ordinary day in the Small house turns into Stitches Saturday when Cleo gets a cut on the head after her twin brother, Jack, accidentally pulls down their Toy House.

Liz says:

“Perfect for beginning readers this book is both playful and meaningful as it delves into family dynamics, most notably sibling relationships.”

Given a camera that takes and prints tiny pictures just before leaving for the family farm in Canada, a young girl records a vacation that gets off to a slow start, but winds up being a family reunion filled with good memories.

Liz says:

““Newbery Award winning author, Perkins, received 5 starred reviews for this awesome book. Told through text and illustrations of “vacation photos”, kids will love to learn about another family’s trials and tribulations during their family vacation.”

When Suzie Gump, the richest lady in town, walks into Otis’s empty antique shop and insists on buying nothing, she starts a fad that has everyone buying nothing and emptying their homes and stores to make room for it–until Suzie realizes things have gone too far.

Liz says:

“Reminiscent of The Emperor’s New Clothes this silly satire about trends and material goods will delight kids and adults alike. This book is really something!”

With a little courage and a lot of practice, Little Rat overcomes her fear of sailing.

Liz says:

“Little Rat is an endearing character who has a determined spirit. She will take you through some challenging moments with great rewards in the end for Little Rat and those who read her stories. (One interesting note – at least according to me – these books are written and illustrated by a mother-daughter team!)”

Little Rat loves the violin but hates to practice, until her teacher suggests she perform a duet with one of the advanced students at the holiday concert.

Liz says:

“Little Rat is an endearing character who has a determined spirit. She will take you through some challenging moments with great rewards in the end for Little Rat and those who read her stories. (One interesting note – at least according to me – these books are written and illustrated by a mother-daughter team!)”