Liz says:

“This book is probably best for the end of 4th grade and up. It’s very entertaining but has a lot of substance. Bobby faces many tough moments as the new kid in town. His interest in spiders provides lots of ammunition for the school bully, but Bobby figures out a way to deal with this. He’s a very believable character who comes up with some unbelievable stories! (There are also lots of spider facts!)”

When he finds a lost beagle in the hills behind his West Virginia home, Marty tries to hide it from his family and the dog’s real owner, a mean-spirited man known to shoot deer out of season and to mistreat his dogs.

Liz says:

“This Newbery Medal winner is an example of a book that both kids and adults love. There are some very sad scenes but a happy ending awaits. This is a must read.”

Hospitalized with the dreaded atom bomb disease, leukemia, a child in Hiroshima races against time to fold one thousand paper cranes to verify the legend that by doing so a sick person will become healthy.

Liz says:

“This is a truly beautiful story about the power of hope in the face of great tragedy.”

The enduring friendship between a dog and a robot is portrayed in this wordless graphic novel.

Liz says:

“I’m not always such a fan of graphic novels but this one is exceptional. It is a wonderful story of friendship. It is fun to “read” and has a terrific message.”

Having been turned into a frog by a hag, a frog-prince makes the best of his new life as he mates, raises a family, and instills a new kind of thinking into his frog family.

Liz says:

“Napoli is a master at fractured fairy tales. This is a charming and poignant twist on the Frog Prince Proper. This makes for a great read-aloud!”

Liz says:

“This is an adorable story written by one of the best authors for kids and young adults.”

While vacationing with their widowed father in the Berkshire Mountains, four lovable sisters, ages four through twelve, share adventures with a local boy, much to the dismay of his snobbish mother.

Liz says:

“This is a great example of modern day old-fashioned storytelling. It’s a frolic! It’s also the winner of the National Book Award.”

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!”