Summer provides many op

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Dear Parents,
As the summer months approach, our students are counting down to the last day of school!
Summer provides many opportunities for parents and young children to enjoy unforgettable
books together. By demonstrating the importance of reading at home, you can help your
child maintain the literacy skills he or she developed during the school year.
This summer we invite our young readers on a stimulating adventure of the imagination- the
world of numbers and counting. Connecting mathematics and literature in the library will
support HAFTR’s commitment to academic excellence across all genres. Under the
dedicated leadership of Ms. Hammer our literacy program will deepen and expand in scope
and substance. Mrs. Ashley Charnoff, a valued and talented member of our faculty will
coordinate this initiative.
In part, this year’s suggested reading list will reflect the new Common Core State Standards
in mathematics which was formulated to establish a clear set of expectations for elementary
and high school students nationwide. Their aim is to provide students with the knowledge
and skills necessary to succeed in life. In response to this initiative this year’s summer
reading list will include a section of K-2 book selections aligned to these standards.
Research has shown that building of language is an important way to support children’s
learning of mathematics. One characteristic of children who excel in math is that they can
explain and justify the mathematics they are doing. At the same time one of the best
predictors of later success in mathematics is how well children understand and tell stories.
Word problems are not unique to math. Children accompany many a storybook character as
they attempt to figure out a way to solve a problem. The language and illustrations in a book
often heighten a child’s sense of inquiry helping them comprehend and find solutions in ways
textbooks and workbooks often fail.
It all adds up to lots of fun and learning with books that we can count on.
I view the books in our library as tools to facilitate the development of social skills as well as
to encourage inquiry and promote the love of literature. To the benefit of all our students, Ms.
Hammer reinforces these concepts with her much appreciated Book of the Month selections.
We all know that there are often two sides to every story and that putting ourselves in
someone else’s shoes can be difficult. Our incoming 3rd-5th graders summer reading list
includes titles that deal with the issue of point of view. These books will introduce our
students to characters that will help them comprehend stories from different perspectives as
well as teach them to be open minded and willing to see things from other points of view.
Students will finally hear what really happened to Little Red Riding Hood from the Wolf’s
perspective.
As part of our introduction to the topic of point of view our students have been acting out real
life issues they have encountered in school. These activities have provided a context for
conversations about empathy and understanding another person's side of the story.
New and Noteworthy titles for all students are included in our summer reading list. Please
understand that picture books can enhance comprehension for students in all grades.
Summer offers a great opportunity for students to boost reading skills, and many libraries
offer summer reading programs with reading incentives to motivate children. This year the
New York State Senate in conjunction with the New York State Library offers an online
Summer Reading Program to children across the state. Participating students will use an
online journal to keep track of their reading progress throughout the summer.
Children who submit a completed journal will receive a Summer Reading Certificate. To
register for this program visit Senator Skelos’s website at www.skelos.mysenate.gov and
click on Summertime Reading. Click onto http://kids.nypl.org/book-lists for book lists, websites
and games for children.
The Newsday Summer Reading Supplement is another good source of reading resources. To
learn more about any of the books on this list visit the Barnes and Noble website or better yet
share a book browsing afternoon with your children and get to know their reading interests.
Our summer reading list has been submitted to the Peninsula and the Hewlett Woodmere
Public Libraries as well as to the Blue Door book store on Central Avenue in Cedarhurst.
These book selections are excellent resources for parents to refer to for year round reading.
I would like to express my personal and professional appreciation to our PTA and wonderful
parent body for their support of our Library Program. I wish you a safe, healthy and
wonderful summer filled with the joys of reading.
Phyllis Horowitz
Librarian
Morah Elka
Assistant Librarian
Books that Count
Math-terpieces
by Greg Tang
Greg Tang has written many clever books to build number sense in young children. Each
title brings to life another math concept for children to learn through literacy. See also: Best
of Times: Math Strategies That Multiply
Missing Math: A Number Mystery
by Loreen Leedy
In Missing Math, the numbers all over town suddenly disappear. The animals can’t count, use
the phone, or even find out what time it is. Rulers, money, and computers have all become
completely useless. . . . Can the town’s detective solve this numerical mystery? This book is
right on the number- our students love it!
Up, Tall, and High!
by Ethan Long
A bevy of birds performs a play in three acts, while teaching the concepts of up, tall, and high.
Children will delight in reading additional words hidden beneath thick flaps. Award Winner!
Zero the Hero
by Joan Holub
This new math picture book has a real story embedded with math concepts. Zero gets left
out of games and is not well-regarded by the other numbers. He doesn’t seem to matter
much for addition and subtraction and he’s no use at all in division. As for multiplication, the
other numbers fear him as he can zap them into nothingness. Shunned and feared, Zero
takes off. It’s only then that the other numbers realize that they’re stuck for without zero they
can’t go higher than 9.
Infinity and Me
by Kate Hosford
Uma's struggle with the meaning of infinity offers readers an introduction to this mathematical
concept. When little Uma gazes at the night sky and wonders how many stars are there, she asks, "How
could I even think about something as big as infinity?" When her grandmother and the school cook
offer creative ways of describing infinity she is never satisfied. After school, Grandma and Uma speak
about their love for each other and Grandma declares "…my love for you is as big as infinity." Then
Uma and her grandmother go outside to look at the sky, and snuggled up to Grandma, the sky no
longer seems so huge and cold.
The Sundae Scoop
by Stuart Murphy
Winnie, the lunch lady, is helping the children plan a sundae booth for the school picnic. What kinds of
ice-cream and toppings will they use? How many combinations are possible? This lesson involves
counting, adding, multiplying and fractions. This is a great summer read especially if you decide to
have your own ice-cream party!
Anno's Counting Book
by Anno Mitsumasa
A gift from a wizard makes Jack's fortune grow by ones and twos, then threes and fours, then faster
and faster, challenging you to keep track of his riches. * See also Anno's Mysterious Multiplying Jar
as well as other titles from this popular author.
Count the Monkeys
by Marc Barnett
Kids will giggle as they count all the animals that have frightened the monkeys off the pages. Full of
fun reader interactions that keep readers guessing until the very last page!
by Doris Fisher
One Odd Day
A young boy wakens to find out that everything around him is odd. Children love to search for all the
odd things that surround him through the day, both at home and at school.
The Berenstain Bears' Trouble With Money
by Jan and Stan Berenstein
Brother and sister Bear spend money as soon as they get it. Mama and Papa Bear want the cubs to
understand that there is more to know about money than just how to spend it.
A Chair for My Mother
by Vera Williams
A girl, her mother, and her grandmother save their coins in a large jar to buy a new chair after
a fire destroys their home and furniture.
* See also: Something For Me
A Bargain For Frances
by Russell Hoban
Even though Frances saves and saves for a china tea set her friend Thelma tricks her into
buying an old plastic tea set. Thelma says there are no “backsies” on the bargain. Read this
book with your children to find out how Frances finds a way to get what she really wants.
Measuring Penny
by Lauren Leeds
Lisa has an important homework assignment--to measure "something" in several different
ways. She decides to measure her dog, Penny, and learns a lot about her dog and
measuring and even has fun doing it.
Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money by Emily Jenkins
Two young entrepreneurs, Pauline and John-John, ignore their parents and set up a lemonade stand on
the snowy sidewalk. Under the guise of teaching her younger brother, Pauline teaches readers as well
about counting quarters while shopping for supplies and figuring out profits. This new title is a tale of
determination and marvelous math.
by Leo Lionni
Inch by Inch
In this tale Leo Lionni, introduces us to a clever inchworm who avoids being eaten by demonstrating
how useful he is as a measurement tool.
How Much Is A Million?
by David Schwartz
This title provides children with tangible ways to grasp what exactly a million of something might
look like. Schwartz uses something children know like goldfish and shows that if a goldfish bowl
could hold a million goldfish, then the bowl would be big enough to hold a whale.
by Ralph Myller
How Big is A Foot?
This story about a king helps students grasp basic concepts of measurement and see how units of
measure relate to the real world. This humorous title is enjoyed by all!
Missing Mittens: Odd and Even Numbers
by Stuart Murphy
As a farmer tries to find the correct number of mittens for his various farmyard animals, the reader is
introduced to odd and even numbers. Stuart Murphy’s books show kids that they can use math every
day- to share a pizza, spend their allowance and even sort socks.
A Dollar For Penny
by Julia Glass
Penny learns about currency when she sets up a lemonade stand to earn money for her
mother's birthday card. Told in rhyme, this delightful story combines the teaching of addition
with a traditional rite of childhood entrepreneurship!
Grandpa's Corner Store
by DyAnne DiSalvo-Ryan
When a giant new supermarket moves into the neighborhood, Lucy's grandpa plans to sell
his store. With the help of friends and neighbors, Lucy helps keep this from happening.
Award Winner!
How the Second Grade Got $8,205.50 to Visit the Statue of Liberty by Zimelman, N.
This child friendly book chronicles the triumphs and setbacks of the second grade as they try a variety
of schemes to raise money for a trip to the Statue of Liberty.
A Cloak for the Dreamer
by Amy Friedman
A tailor and his sons sew together pieces of cloth to create cloaks. The geographic designs can be used
to begin a variety of math investigations. Children love this story!
Jack the Builder
by Stuart Murphy
This story about blocks and what Jack builds with them introduces the reader to counting and simple
addition.
Lots of Dots
by Craig Frazier
Circular shapes are spotted in familiar objects and everyday situations.
Something Good
by Robert Munsch
Tyya's dad won't buy anything good at the store - no ice cream, no candy, no cookies.
But when the
saleslady puts a price sticker on Tyya's nose, Daddy is finally forced to buy something good. The
illustrations in this title are lively, simple and expressive. The characters practically jump off the page.
HAFTR students love Robert Munsch!
by Stuart Murphy
Lemonade for Sale
Four kids and their parrot Petey run a sometimes thriving lemonade stand whose patrons
include all kinds of neighbors—even a juggler. They create a bar graph to track the rise and
fall of their lemonade sales. Illustrator Tricia Tusa has made understanding bar graphs a
breeze.
The Shape of Things
by Dayle Ann Dodds
Four-line verses demonstrate how simple shapes can be combined into more exciting pieces
of the world. Rectangles become part of a train; circles turn into a Ferris wheel. Young
children can spend hours identifying the shapes used to compose the graphics, and will likely
see shapes in everything around them after enjoying this book.
Lots and Lots of Zebra Stripes: Patterns in Nature
by Steven Swineburn
On the first page of this gorgeous photo-essay, Swinburne defines patterns as lines and
shapes that repeat. He helps the reader find them on the striped watermelons of summer
pumpkins of autumn. Using a variety of simple questions, he encourages youngsters to look
for patterns in likely as well as unlikely places.
The Best Vacation Ever
by Stuart Murphy
This busy family needs a vacation, but they don’t know where to go. Mom and Dad want
peace and quiet and grandma wants to go somewhere hot. The pig-tailed narrator gathers all
this data and makes a chart to help determine the perfect vacation destination. Learning math
is fun when a vacation is the answer!
Grandfather Tang’s Story
by Ann Tompert
This original tangram tale is framed by the loving relationship between a grandfather and
granddaughter as they share a story under the shade of an old tree. Tangrams are ancient
Chinese puzzles in which a square is cut into seven traditional pieces (each called a tan),
arranged into patterns used to help tell the story.
by Judith Viorst
Alexander, Who used to Be Rich Last Sunday
This popular title is about a boy whose allowance burns a hole in his pocket. Students learn
about currency and money concepts as they read about Alexander and his funny
experiences.
One Hundred Hungry Ants
by Elinor Pinczes
This child friendly rhyming text describes the progress of one hundred ants marching toward
a picnic. To travel faster, one ant suggests dividing into two lines of fifty, then four lines of
twenty-five, and finally ten lines of ten. Their frantic reorganization takes so long that the
picnic is gone by the time they arrive.
by Allen Say
The Bicycle Man
Japanese children holding a sports festival in their country schoolyard are charmed by the
bicycle tricks of an American soldier. This story incorporates measurement skills in the
context of judging sports events.
by Marilyn Burns
The Greedy Triangle
In this book the triangle gets sick of being a triangle and goes to the shape shifter to change
into a quadrilateral, then pentagon, hexagon and so on.... a great way to illustrate how
shapes are used in our environment. This title is a favorite!
Jim and the Beanstalk
by R. Briggs
This fractured fairytale puts a twist on a familiar tale that will elicit laughter and learning about
measurement and proportion.
The Baseball Counting Book
by Barbara McGrath
Let Charles take you out to the ballgame with a book that teaches counting from one ball to
twenty baseball cards. Readers watch young children play a game from start to finish. A
must-have for baseball fans both young and old.
Mouse Mice Series:
Count Off, Squeak Scouts!
Albert’s Bigger Then Big Idea
Mice on Ice
by Laura Driscoll
by Eleanor May
by Deborah Melman
Mouse siblings Wanda and Albert’s math-centered adventures help early readers see how to
best tackle problems and find solutions. The text and illustrations in the following titles
present many opportunities for learning math concepts in a fun and interesting way. For
additional titles refer to the Mouse Mice Series.
Emily’s First 100 Days of School
by Rosemary Wells
Rosemary Wells makes numbers fun and relevant to daily life in this picture book. Emily's
teacher promises that her class will have a special celebration on the 100th day of school.
Every day the children write a new number in their number books and Emily includes it in a
story. Every page is filled with details, but the numbers stand out, as do the many counting
opportunities, making this a delightful learning opportunity.
This Tree Counts
by Allison Formento
If you listen carefully to the lone tree behind Oak Lane School, it has a story to tell, about...
one owl, two spiders, three squirrels, four robins, five caterpillars, six ants, seven crickets,
eight flies, nine ladybugs, and ten earthworms, all living safe and free in their tree home.
Read this book with your children and find out what the tree needs.
by Greg Tang
Math Potatoes
By solving challenges that encourage kids to "group" numbers rather than memorize
formulas, even the most reluctant math learners are inspired to see math in a whole new
way. Mind stretching math riddles abound in this title.
Each Orange has 8 Slice
by Paul Giganti,
Each orange has 8 slices and each slice has 2 seeds, how many seeds are there in all?
Students will have fun whether they multiply, add or count their way through the math puzzles
hiding in the world all around them.
One Grain of Rice
by Demi
Long ago in India, there lived a raja who believed that he was wise and fair. However, every
year he kept nearly all the rice for himself. Then a village girl named Rani devised a clever
plan using the power of doubling to win more than one billion grains of rice from the raja.
Don’t miss this beautifully illustrated story with its intriguing math components.
Subtraction Action
by Loreen Leedy
A scholarly hippo leads her class on a fun-filled adventure in numbers. Readers learn, along
with Miss Prime's students, about such important mathematical concepts as the definition of
difference, writing a subtraction equation and regrouping.
Ocean Counting
by Janet Lawler
Throughout our world's oceans live wild animals that swim, leap, and dive through the pages
of this charming title. The photography in this book presents young readers with a foundation
for learning basic counting skills while discovering some magnificent ocean animals.
Pepper’s Journal
by S.J. Murphy
Children learn calendar concepts as Lisa writes in her journal about her new kitten.
Let's Find Out About Money
by Kathy Barabas,
This picture book helps students learn and discover how coins go from rocks in the ground, to
the U.S. Mint ultimately landing to their piggy banks!
Let’s Count to 100
by Masayuki Sebe
Let’s Count to 100! is a great book where every turn of the page is a new adventure in
counting. Colorful cartoon characters are organized by color and/or category in sets of ten.
Hidden search and find surprises are found throughout the book, including subtle clues that
lead to the next page. A great book for young and old alike!
Ten Little Caterpillars
by Boll Martin
Illustrations and rhyming text follow ten caterpillars as one wriggles up a flower stem, another
sails across a garden pool, and one reaches an apple leaf where something amazing
happens.
1 + 1 = 5 and Other Unlikely Additions
by David LaRochelle
This clever concept book asks children to take a fresh look at simple addition. Are there times
when one plus one can equal three and not two? Yes—if you add one unicorn and one goat,
you get three horns. A great way to encourage outside-the-box thinking!
12 Ways to Get To 11
by Eve Merriam
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 - 12 What happened to 11? Is it in the magician's hat or maybe it's in
the mailbox? Eve Merrian takes young readers on a counting adventure as she demonstrates
twelve witty and imaginative ways to get to eleven.
.
The King’s Chessboard
by D. Birch
This book demonstrates the number pattern of exponential growth. A wise old man requests
grains of rice according to the number of squares on a king’s chessboard.
Math Curse
by John Scieszka
Many of us take the mathematics in the world around us for granted. The main character in
this title thinks of everything in life as a math problem. HAFTR Favorite!
by Hazel Hutchins
A Second is a Hiccup
Using concepts that youngsters understand, the author explains the meaning of divisions in
time. A minute is "sixty hiccups." Building a tower, running through a shower and climbing a
tree, will cover an hour. A week encompasses, among other things, seven nights of sleep and
seven wake ups in the morning. This book is another wonderful combination of words
and pictures aligned to math concepts.
by Patricia Polacco
Thundercake
When the dark clouds drift over Grandma’s farm, her frightened granddaughter hides under
the bed. Her grandma insists that this is Thunder Cake baking weather and the two are soon
scrambling to gather the ingredients to make the cake- and get it into the oven before the
storm arrives. Measurement is a basic math concept within the context of this great story.
* Our students love Patricia Polacco
by Pat Hutchins
The Door Bell Rang
Victoria and Sam are delighted when Mama bakes a tray of a dozen cookies. They count
them and find that each can have six. When the doorbell rings, friends arrive and the cookies
must be re-divided. This happens again and again, and the number of cookies on each plate
decreases as the visitors in the kitchen increase. The math concepts abound within the
context of the story making this book an excellent choice for curriculum support in the primary
grades. Have fun share this book with Mom or Grandma.
The Greedy Triangle
by Marilyn Burns
Kids will get their early math skills in shape with this popular picture book. Bored and
dissatisfied with his life, a triangle visits a local shapeshifter to add another angle to his
shape. Poof! He becomes a quadrilateral. He then gets greedy and keeps adding angles until
he's completely transformed. Kids enjoy the colorful introduction to shapes and basic math
concepts.
Night Light
by Nicholas Blechman
This new interactive title will keep children interested and engaged for many readings. They
will count the lights round and square on alternating black spreads highlighting the numbers
from 1 to 10 and back again. Counting shapes and patterns end in a child’s bedroom as he
dozes off dreaming of all the vehicles counted in this mathematical journey. Great new title!
by D.B. Johnson
Henry Hikes to Fitchburg
A bear named Henry makes a bet that he will get to Fitchburg before his friend does. While
his friend does chores to earn enough money for a train ticket, Henry takes a stroll through
the countryside. Thoreau is the model for Henry and nineteenth century New England
provides the setting for this romp. Children love to figure out and predict which friend will
reach their destination first. They estimate the number of hours Henry worked and figure out
how much he must have received per hour. *See also Henry Builds a Cabin and Henry
Works.
Spaghetti and Meantballs for All
by Marilyn Burns
Mr. and Mrs. Comfort are having a family reunion! Mr. Comfort starts cooking up his famous
spaghetti and meatballs, while Mrs. Comfort carefully arranges eight tables and thirty-two
chairs so that everyone will have a seat. The tables look lovely, the food is ready, and here
come the guests--with their own seating plans! This delightful book uses wit and humor to
draw children into thinking about area and perimeter.
Wumbers: El8te in a New Kind of Story
by Amy Krouse Rosenthal
A "wumber" is a word crea8ted using numbers. Words and numbers
always seem to come in somewhat separate packages, but in “Wumbers,” they get melded
together in such a way that it doesn’t matter if your child is a math fanatic, or a word worm.
By replacing parts of the words with numbers, it provides an interesting read.
Tricking the Tallyman
by S.D. Schindler
Do you know how many people live in your house? How many people live in your
neighborhood? Now, how many people live in your city? Every 10 years in the United States
we count everyone. In 1790 it was the first time we counted the people in the United States,
and many people became suspicious of the counting. This picture book tells a great story,
and also teaches a lot about the American government and history of the United States.
Those Shoes
by Marybeth Boelts
Jeremy desperately wants a pair of sneakers. However, money is tight, and his grandmother reminds
him that there is a difference between what he wants and what he needs. This story exposes the value
many children place on wearing the same cool clothing and fitting in with the in-crowd; however, a
message of generosity shines through when Jeremy gives his prized sneakers to a friend in need.
The 512 Ant on Sullivan Street
by Marilyn Burns
Ants are stealing all the goodies in this delightful book written in the style of the cumulative poem This
Is the House That Jack Built. The story is a delightful look at doubling, as ants steal food from a
family picnic.
Early Reader Roundup
Picture Books
Reading picture books aloud builds family togetherness and bonding. It leads to great discussions and
builds an eagerness for reading. Repeated reading of well loved books increases vocabulary, fluency,
comprehension and of course eagerness for reading.
The Fantastic Flying Books of Mr. Morris Lessmore
by William Joyce
Joyce won an academy award in 2011 for animated short film after which he wrote this book.
After a tornado transports book lover and writer Morris to a dreary, far-off land, he finds an
abandoned library. The books care for and protect him as he ages and finds the ability to
write again. This is my favorite book of the year! Check the You Tube video- the children
loved it!!
by Leslie Simpson
Yuvi’s Candy Tree
Yuvi, a little Jewish girl living in Ethiopia, dreams of a place where candy grows on trees.
Based on a true story, this book tells of Yuvi’s extraordinary journey to Israel with her
grandmother - a passage from famine and fear to oranges and freedom.
Good Night Israel
by Mark Jasper
This board book illustrates Israel's natural and cultural wonders, showing the passage of
both a single day and the four seasons while visiting the Western Wall, the Israeli Museum,
the Dead Sea, the Red Sea, and Masada.
Jumping Jenny
by Ellen Barri
Jenny loves to jump, but when her energetic jumping gets her into trouble, she decides to
retire her pogo stick. When her school decides to hold a fundraising fair she discovers that
her skill can be used for a good cause.
Henry’s Map
by David Elliot
Henry’s Map is a fun-filled introduction to maps through the eyes of an adorable pig. Henry is
a very particular sort of pig. "A place for everything and everything in its place," he always
says. But when he looks out his window he is troubled. The farm is a mess! Henry is worried
that nobody will be able to find anything in this mess. So he draws a map showing all the
animals exactly where they belong. His animal friends tag along adding humor to the story.
Bagels From Benny
by Aubrey Davis
While working in his grandfather’s bakery, Benny learns the joys of giving and receiving,
caring and gratitude. This popular title delivers a great message.
The Matchbox Diary
by Paul Fleischman
Newbery Medalist Paul Fleischman tells a breathtaking immigration tale.
"Pick whatever you like most. Then I’ll tell you it’s' story."
When a little girl visits her great-grandfather at his curio-filled home, she chooses an unusual
object to learn about: an old cigar box. What she finds inside surprises her: a collection of
matchboxes making up her great-grandfather’s diary, each one evoking a memory. Together
they tell of his journey from Italy to a new country. A bottle cap he saw on his way to the boat
as well as a baseball ticket brings life to their journey through time as well as toward each
other.
First Rain
by Charlotte Herman
When Abby moves with her family to Israel, she misses her grandmother and remembers the
fun they had with each other. Writing to each other helps, but it doesn’t take the place of
spending time together.
by Mary Ann Hoberman
All Kinds of Families
With irresistible rollicking rhyme Mary Ann Hoberman shows readers that families, large and small,
are all around us. From celery stalks to bottle caps, buttons, and rings, the objects we group together
form families, just like the ones we are a part of. And, as we grow up, our families grow, too.
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons
by Eric Litwin
Pete the Cat loves the buttons on his shirt so much that he makes up a song about them; and
even as the buttons pop off, one by one, he still finds a reason to sing.
Baxter, the Pig Who Wanted to Be Kosher
by Laurel Snyder
Upon hearing of the joys and sweetness of Shabbat and, especially, of Shabbat dinner,
Baxter the Pig sets out to understand what it means to be kosher.
The Cats on Ben Yehuda Street
by Anne Stampler
Mrs. Spiegel loves her two cats, but it’s clear that her grouchy neighbor, Mr. Modiano, doesn’t
share her warm feelings. Should we be surprised that, when one of the cats goes missing, it
is Mr. Modiano who searches the streets of Tel Aviv to find her?
Green
by Laura Seeger
This author engages all her senses with her fresh approach to the multiple meanings of green
in his original concept book.
by Linda Heller
How Dalia Put a Big Yellow Comforter Inside a Tiny Blue Box
As Dalia explores tzedakah with her friends, she creates a tzedakah box where she can keep
the money she’s saving to help those in need. In the process Dalia, her friends and her little
brother Yossi learns about the power and joy of giving to others.
Extra Yarn
by Mac Barnett
With a supply of yarn that never runs out, Annabelle knits for everyone and everything in
town until an evil archduke decides he wants the yarn for himself.
Charley's First Night
by Amy Hest
An adorable puppy is comforted his first night in a new home by a young boy who cares for
Charley throughout the long hours.
Let's Go for a Drive!
by Mo Willems
Good friends Elephant and Piggie’s best plans in preparing to take a drive go awry when they
realize they have no car.
A 2013 Geisel Honor Book
The Interrupting Chicken
This hilarious tale presents Little Chicken and her papa who just wants to get through a bedtime story
without his daughter’s annoying interruptions. A fabulous fun read!
HAFTR Best Seller!
Z Is for Moose
by Kelly Bingham
Moose is very eager to play his part in the alphabet book his friend Zebra is putting together, but he
behaves badly when his letter passes and he does not have a role until Zebra finds a spot for him.
Exclamation Mark
by Amy Rosenthal
This is a
story about an exclamation mark. This exclamation mark's story is really everyone's story. It's about
fitting in....and standing out....and, with the help of others, finding your way. We all have an inner
exclamation mark. The question is how to find it.
This Is Not My Hat
by John Klassen
In this humorous tale, a tiny fish knows it’s wrong to steal a hat, but he can’t resist because it fits him
just right. This not-to-be-missed title will delight children again and again.
Award winner!
by Jane Yolan
How Do Dinosaurs Go To School?
Colorful illustrations and simple text describe how ten dinosaurs should and should not behave during
a typical school day.
How To
by Julie Morstad
This new title offers advice on “how tos” including how to go fast, how to see the wind and how to be
brave. The text and fine-line drawings portray children encountering new experiences with humor and
wit. I’m looking forward to sharing this title with our students.
Hello! Hello
by Matthew Cordell
Outside the world is bright and colorful, but Lydia's family is too busy with their gadgets to
notice. She says Hello to everyone. Hello? Hello! Her father says hello while texting, her
mother says hello while working on her laptop. Lydia, now restless, ventures outside. There
are so many things to say hello to! Hello rocks! Hello leaves! Hello flowers! When Lydia
comes back home she decides to show her family what she has found, and its hello world
and goodbye gadgets.
Amelia Bedelia’s First Vote
by Herman Parish
Election time is almost here and Amelia decides students should be allowed to vote on rules at school.
Amelia’s humor and mishaps mixes with information about the election process.* See also Amelia
Bedelia’s First Day of School as well as other titles in this series.
Who Says Women Can't Be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell
by: Tanya Lee Stone
Elizabeth was a strong-minded girl. As a young woman, it was her determination and strength that
allowed her to graduate as the first female physician in 1849. Lighthearted illustrations and interesting
information make this title an inspiring read.
by Mo Willems
Big Guy Took My Ball!
Piggie is a victim of larceny! A big guy took her ball. Piggie's best bud Gerald is a big kid, but is he
big enough to retrieve the ball? Find out in this fun packed Mo Willem’s picture book. Mo Willem’s
unique style never fails to capture the interest of our students.
See other titles!
You Can’t Take a Balloon Into the Metropolitan Museum of Art
by Jacqueline Weitzman
In this wordless story, a young girl and her grandmother view works inside the museum, while the
balloon she has been forced to leave outside floats around New York City causing a series of mishaps
that mirror scenes in the museum’s artworks.
Students never tire of this book.
by Susan Meddaugh
Funny Bone Jokes and Riddles
Based on characters created and portrayed on PBS this book is full of puns, plays on words and riddles
for beginning readers. Children will love the humor. A fun summer read!
Heat Wave
by Eileen Spinelli
Long before there were air conditioners the citizens of Lumberville suffered an unbearable heat wave.
The story follows several townspeople as the hilariously cope with the hot weather.
You Read to me and I’ll Read to You
by Mary Ann Hoberman
Here’s a Book With something new – You read to me! I’ll read to you! This book about family tales
includes rhyme and repetition to make reading fun.
by Greg Pizzoli
The Watermelon Seed
Children love this hilarious book. With perfect comic pacing, Greg Pizzoli introduces us to one funny
crocodile that has one big fear: swallowing a watermelon seed. What will he do when his greatest fear
is realized? Will vines sprout out his ears? Will his skin turn pink? This crocodile has a wild
imagination that kids will love.
The Curious Garden
by Lane Smith
The Curious Garden is a magical story about a boy’s dream and how the efforts of one small person
can help change the world. A beautiful inspiring story!!!
The Art Lesson
by Tomie DePaola
In this charming story, young Tommy wants to become an artist when he grows up. After learning
about his weekly art lessons in first grade, he becomes very excited. This excitement turns to dismay
when he realizes that he must follow strict rules in art class. After recognizing his special artistic
talents, his teacher offers a compromise that allows Tommy to continue working toward his dream.
Balloons Over Broadway: The True Story of the Puppeteer of Macy’s Parade by Melissa Sweet
This entertaining title relates the true story of Tony Sarg, the artistic inventor who created the huge
balloons that float through New York City each Thanksgiving Award winner!
Early Reader Chapter Books
Squirrel World : Park Pals Adventure Series
by Johanna Hurwitz
When Lexi the squirrel and his cousin Lenox leave Central Park to find the New York City
streets for which they were named, they discover that the human world is wilder- and more
dangerous- than they had ever imagined. *Excellent series
by Penny Archer
Name That Dog
This collection of humorously illustrated poems about dogs, their names and their unique
personalities is hard to keep on the shelves. Many of our students have memorized these
poems.
Molly the Pony: A True Story
by Pam Kaster
A small pony survives Hurricane Katrina and the loss of a leg to become a therapy animal.
The Trouble With Chickens
by Doreen Cronin
This book is filled with humorous vignettes telling the story of how a former search and
rescue dog became a hero by solving a complicated missing chicken case.
Pearl and Wagner: Five Days till Summer
by Kate McMullan
As the school year ends, Pearl begins to worry about the next one—especially about her new
teacher. Expressive mixed-media illustrations
Penny and Her Doll
by Kevin Henkes
Penny must decide on the perfect name for the new doll that her grandma sends her. An
award winning favorite!
by Sara Pennypacker
Clementine
While sorting through difficulties in her friendship with her neighbor Margaret, eight-year-old
Clementine gains several unique hairstyles while also helping her father in his efforts to
banish pigeons from the front of their apartment building.
Students love this series!
Cam Jansen and the Summer Camp Mystery
by David A. Adler
Cam Jansen and her best friend, Eric, are spending three weeks at Camp Eagle Lake. Along with
sports, arts and crafts, and other fun activities, there are also three exciting mysteries to solve. Three
camp mysteries in one book are perfect for summer reading. Visit the Super Sleuth Headquarters for
downloads of fun Cam Jansen activities for your mystery reading. Check for other titles!
Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown!
by Paula Danziger
Amber Brown is excited to be starting second grade--and a little nervous. Hannah Burton is going to
be in her class, and Amber knows Hannah can be mean. But on the way to school with her best friend
Justin, Amber makes a decision. She is going to be ready for whatever happens.
by Robert Kimmel Smith
Chocolate Fever
Chocolate lovers will identify with Henry who eats chocolate wherever and however he wants. What a
shock when he breaks out in a rash of brown spots that smell like chocolate! After running away from
the doctor at the hospital, Henry stands up to a gang of boys and hitches a ride with a truck driver.
Embedded in this tale are lessons in courage, caring and prejudice.
Dinosaurs Before Dark
by Mary Pope Osborne
Eight year- old Jack and his sister Annie find a magic Tree House which wisks them back to an ancient
time zone where they encounter wild dinosaurs.
*See other titles in this series!
Henry and Mudge and the Great Grandpas
by Cynthia Rylant
Henry and Mudge love to visit Henry's great-grandfather. In fact, they love visiting all of the grandpas
that live in the retirement home. Together with his dog Mudge and all of the grandpas, Henry explores
the woods, swims in a secret pond, plays checkers, and enjoys the stories of each of these lively old
men.
Great Series!
by Anne Barrows
Ivy and Bean
When seven-year-old Bean plays a mean trick on her sister, she finds unexpected support for her antics
yfrom Ivy, the new neighbor, who is less boring than Bean first suspected. Series
Bink and Gollie: Two for One
by Kate DiCamillo
Best friends and yet complete opposites, Bink and Gollie, attend the State Fair and realize their
differences only serve them to unite as friends forever.
by Dori Chacontas
Cork and Fuzz: The Swimming Lesson
Cork the muskrat wants his best friend Fuzz, a possum, to visit his home, but first he must teach Fuzz
to swim and not be afraid of the water. Seris
Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!
by Grace Lin
Ling and Ting are identical twins who people think are exactly the same, but time and again they prove
to be different.
Flat Stanley
by Jeff Brown
After a bulletin board falls on Stanley while he was sleeping he finds that being flat has its
advantages. See other titles in this series!
by Jon, Agee
Orangutan Tongs: Poems to Tickle Your Tongue
Tongue twisters and word games kids will love. This book is difficult to keep on the shelves!
Balto and the Great Race
by Elizabeth Cody Kimmel
Heading bravely into a brutal blizzard Balto leads the race to bring antitoxin serum to dozens
of sick children in Nome. A statue of Balto stands in Central Park in memory of this
courageous dog.
by James Howe
Pinky and Rex
This series about two best friends is great for beginning readers. In this title they are heading
off to Camp Wackatootchee for two solid weeks. Rex seems excited and is busy getting in
shape; meanwhile, Pinky is trying to hide his fear of camp. Pinky sees the situation from a
new perspective when Rex tells him just how scared she would be if he weren't going with
her.
Nate the Great and the Hungry Book Club
by Margarine Sharmat
Rosamond, who starts a book club, claims there is a monster on the loose that is ruining
pages of her cook book which leads Nate the Great and his dog Slug, to investigate as
undercover detectives.
Series
Mouse and Mole
by Wong Herbert Lee
Our students are hooked as they join Mouse and Mole on high-flying adventures in which
teamwork and good ideas always make for a fun reading experience.
The Kid Who Only Hit Hommers
by Matt Christopher
In this title a boy becomes a phenomenal baseball player one summer when a mysterious
stranger resembling Babe Ruth befriends him. Whether it be baseball, soccer or swimming
Matt Christopher knows how to engage students in sports competitions as well as through
engaging stories.
There’s Two Sides to Every Story!
These titles provide students with the opportunity to use illustrations and text to develop an
understanding of the point of view of the characters.
Mirror Mirror: A Book of Reversible Verse- by Marilyn Singer
This title includes a brilliant collection of fairy tale style poems that can be read two ways-both
up and down which gives a different perspective or meaning. This book is loads of fun! See
also Follow Follow a companion piece to Mirror, Mirror.
by Lynne Cherry
The Great Kapok Tree
A man chopping down a great kapok tree in the Brazilian rain forest puts down his ax, and, as
he sleeps, the animals who live in the tree plead with him not to destroy their world. The
many different animals that live in a great kapok tree in the rainforest try to convince a man
with an ax of the importance of not cutting down their home.
Voices in the Park
by Anthony Brown
How do you teach children to identify when a story is being told by a different point of view?
Start with picture books. I love Anthony Browne's book Voices in the Park. It is the simple
story of a day in the park told from four points of view. Characters all tell the same story but
they tell it differently.
by R.J. Palacio
Wonder
Auggie is a smart and plucky 10 year old that was born with a misshapen head and disfigured
face. His parents decide that it is time for him to stop being home schooled and enroll him in
5th grade at a private school in Manhattan. Each chapter is told from the viewpoint of one of
the characters and all of the characters grow as the story progresses.
2013 Newbery Award Winner!!!
What Really Happened to the Little Red Riding Hood: The Wolf’s Story by Toby Forward The wolf
comes forward to show how he is completely innocent of scaring Little Red Riding Hood and her
grandmother.
Hey Little Ant
This story asks the reader to consider life from an insect’s point of view. Through a rhyming song, we
consider the consequences of squishing an ant that is doing no harm to anyone. The dialogue takes the
form of a debate between an ant and a little boy. The boy wants to squish the ant and argues why he
should. The ant argues why the boy should let him go. The story ends with the little boy's shoe still up
in the air and no decision having been made.
by Jane Yolen
Encounter
Encounter is another great picture book told from a different point of view. Jane Yolen gives children
something to ponder when they read the Native American’s version of the Columbus story.
The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs
by Jon Scieszka
Victim for centuries of a bad press, Alexander T. Wolf steps forward to give his side of the story.
Trying to borrow a cup of sugar to make a cake for his dear old Granny, Al calls on his neighbors--and
can he help it if two of them built such shoddy houses. It's those reporters from the Daily Pig that
made Al out to be Big and Bad. Pig Pen. ``I was framed,'' he concludes mournfully. This title brings
laughter with every reading!!
The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig
by Eugene Trivizas
It was
time for the three little wolves to go out into the world, so off they went and built themselves a
splendid brick house. But they hadn't reckoned on the big bad pig that soon came along and knocked
their house down. The little wolves built a strong house of concrete, in which they were sure to be safe.
But that didn't stop the big bad pig that made short work of it with a pneumatic drill. This title is a fun
retelling of the traditional tale from the point of view of the pig.
* by Ed Young
Seven Blind Mice
Six blind men have learned about the world through sound and touch. When the prince gets a
new elephant, the men decide to go to the palace and touch it. Each man feels only a part of
the elephant - its side, its trunk, its tusk, its ear, its tail, and its leg - and gets a different
impression of what an elephant looks like. They argue among themselves about it, until the
wise prince kindly tells them that they are all right - they just need to put all the parts together!
Two Bad Ants
by Chris Van Allsburg
The world is very different from the ants’ point of view. Two greedy ants have a series of
misadventures before returning safely home.
Dear Mrs. LaRue
by Mark Teague
The LaRue series by Mark Teague is great for teaching children about point of view. The
humorous stories are told in a series of letters from Ike, the dog, to his owner Mrs. LaRue. Is
Ike really telling the truth? If the children miss the clues in the text check the illustrations for
picture clues.
Talkin' About Bessie
by Nikki Grimes
This is an extremely interesting and cleverly written story about the first African-American
woman to become a pilot. Each page tells the story from a different person's point of view. All
of the storytellers knew Bessie Coleman.
by Judith Viorst
Earrings!!
What's a young girl supposed to do when her mom and dad refuse to let her have her ears
pierced? She can argue, she can beg, she can scream that-if only they'll say yes -- she'll be
nice to her little brother for one whole year. And whether or not she persuades them, she
can find herself in this true and funny tale of a persistent girl determined to have what she
wants and needs and loves: beautiful, glorious earrings for pierced ears.
Cinderella’s Rat
by Susan Meddaugh
This retelling of the classic Cinderella story is a perfect example of a fractured fairy tale, with
switched point of view (told by the rat/coachboy), plays on words, and dramatic tension
by Karen Orloff
I Wanna Iguanna
This funny story is told through an amusing exchange of notes, as Alex tries to convince his
mother that he should be allowed to adopt a friend's baby iguana. The boy pulls out all the
stops in his arguments: iguanas are quiet (so are tarantulas, Mom counters); the reptile could
be kept on the dresser (they grow to over six feet, Mom replies); the iguana could be the
brother he's always wanted (you already have a brother, Mom reminds him).
by Charlotte Blessing
New Old Shoes
This story is narrated by a pair of red sneakers and follows their journey from their first home
with a young boy in America to children in Africa. They start out jumping over puddles and
pedaling his bicycle. When the sneakers begin to look worn, the family sends them to Africa,
and a boy receives the shoes with as much excitement as the original owner. After
adventures with him, they end up with a girl who wears them to walk to school, and who
ultimately uses them as the hands for her scarecrow.
Spunky Tells All
by Ann Cameron
This story about Julian and his brother Huey is told from the dog’s point of view. Spunky
understands humans most of the time and wishes they would learn to speak dog. Thinking
Spunky needs a playmate, the family adopts a cat.
Who Stole Mona Lisa?
by Ruthie Knapp
This story is told from the point of view of the painting itself. The painting tells how one
night a man with a mustache "ripped me off the wall." The next day, people searched
everywhere. A reward was offered. The man with the moustache looked at me all the time.
When he heard the police searching nearby, he stuck me under the stove. He took me to Italy
and tried to sell me there. He was arrested and sent to jail. Then, our narrator says, "I was
joyfully returned to my wall at the museum.”
A Tale Dark and Grim
by Adam Gidwitz
In this original tale Hansel and Gretel walk out of their own story and enter eight other classic
fairytales. As readers follow the siblings through a forest brimming with menacing foes, they
learn the true story behind the bread crumbs, edible houses and outwitted witches.
If the Shoe Fits: Voices from Cinderella
by Laura Whipple
This interesting title is an imaginative extension of the classic fairy tale and an interesting
examination of point of view. In 33 poems, readers hear from the evil stepmother, the
prince, the fairy godmother, even the rat who becomes the coachman.
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by Patricia Lauber
Lone Star: The Story of Amelia Earhart
This biography provides a fascinating look at the life of a remarkable woman and the
unsolved mystery surrounding her disappearance during her attempt to fly around the world
in 1937.
George Washington's Socks
by Elvira Woodruff
This is a wonderful book for teaching history and point of view. It shows how a character's
viewpoint can change over time and that events can be interpreted in more than one way.
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Freaky Friday
by Mary Rogers
A great book to teach point of view! A mother and her daughter switch bodies and suddenly
see things in a whole new light! This is a popular title!
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If a Bus Could Talk: The Story of Rosa Parks
by Faith Ringgold
If a bus could talk, it would tell the story of a young African-American girl named Rosa who had to
walk miles to her one-room schoolhouse in Alabama while white children rode to their school in a bus.
It would tell how the adult Rosa rode to and from work on a segregated city bus and couldn't sit in the
same row as a white person. It would tell of the fateful day when Rosa refused to give up her seat to a
white man and how that act of courage inspired others around the world to stand up for freedom. This
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engaging story is told through the point of view of the bus.
The Pain and the Great One
by Judy Blume
An eight-year-old girl, "The Great One," and her six-year-old brother, "The Pain," state their cases
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about each other regarding who is best loved by their parents.
The Lemonade War
by Jacqueline Davies
This story is told from the point of view of two warring siblings in alternating points of view.
Fourth-grader Evan is people-smart. He’s good at talking with people, even grownups. His younger
sister, Jessie, on the other hand, is math-smart, but not especially good with people. When the
siblings’ lemonade stand war begins, there really is no telling who will win. Brimming with marketing
tips for making money at any business, definitions of business terms, and even math problems, this
funny novel demonstrates how arguments can escalate if the characters are not respectful of each
other’s point of view. *See sequels to this popular series!
Chapter Book
The World According to Humphrey
by Betty Birney
Humphrey's world consists of Room 26, an elementary classroom, and the children's homes he visits
on weekends. Humphrey is wry-humored and big-hearted . . . for a hamster. His views underscore the
importance of knowing the full story before making judgments, and his presence makes a positive
difference in the lives of the people he meets. This title is a winning book that will appeal to children
who like tales about animals, school life, and friendship. *See other titles in this series!
Dear America Books
The books in this series deal with controversial issues and events and are excellent for pointing out
different viewpoints of people during different time periods.
*See other titles.
Chapter Books
by Jessica Day George
Tuesdays at the Castle
Told from the perspective of an 11-year-old princess, Celie, this story takes place in a castle that has its
own mind: It can add rooms, make decisions for the kingdom, and welcome or scorn various visitors.
Celie is determined to create an atlas of her castle and is always walking around with maps. Excellent
example of point of view!
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The Danger Box
by Blue Balliett
This fascinating mystery is told from three different perspectives. Throughout the story there are
fantastic instances of kids using the library to answer their own questions and to really get into
research in an effort to find out the real story.
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Our HAFTR Best Seller List
plus Notable New Titles for Intermediate Readers
Matilda
by Roald Dahl
Matilda is a gifted four year old whose parents don’t appreciate her talents. Life with her
parents is bearable only because she teaches herself to read, finds the public library and
discovers literature. Matilda is a library poster child!
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Out in Left Field
by Don Lemna
Donald is sure that his life is ruined when a fly ball knocks him senseless out in left field. The
error costs his team the game, and Donald is convinced that the whole town is laughing at
him. Students will welcome the return of this young hero in a hilarious new story. *See Also:
When the Sergeant Came Marching Home.
Chapter book
Brave Girl: Clara and the Shirtwaist Makers' Strike of 1909
by Michelle Markel
This picture-book biography tells the story of the organizer of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory strike.
Clara an immigrant who spoke little English, not only worked to support her family in a factory but
read and studied at night. It was Clara who finally--in Yiddish--called for a general strike. She was
arrested 17 times and beaten, but the strike won the right to unionize for workers in many factories.
The One and Only Ivan
by Katherine Applegate
Based on a true story, Ivan, a silverback gorilla tells the story of his life in captivity at The Big
Top Mall. Ivan is a friend to the other animals there, including elephants Stella and Ruby and
Bob the dog. Ivan creates art and through his art and a connection with Julia, a human child,
is able to draw attention to the neglect and deplorable conditions in which the animals live. A
powerful story, beautifully told in short chapters.
2013 Award Winner Chapter Book
Who Was Jim Henson?
by Joan Holub
Jim Henson broke into television with a five-minute puppetry segment when he was only a
freshman in college. He created puppets like none ever seen before. His Muppets became
world-renowned celebrities Most pages are at least half illustration and half text making it
accessible to reluctant readers. Our students love this biography series.
Mystery in Chocolate Town Hershey Pennsylvania
by Carole Marsh
This mystery series for intermediate readers has been a big hit in our library. In this title the author
weaves interesting historical and geographical information about Milton and Kitty Hershey, the
Hershey Chocolate Company, and the town of Hershey into her story. Summer is a great time to
travel – try these summer reads.
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Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom
by Rachel Vail
Justin is an excellent worrier. But having survived third grade, he thinks he should try going to day
camp, despite his parents’ misgivings. Can he do it? Humorous black-and-white illustrations add to the
fun.
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Alvin Ho, Alergic to Camping, Hiking and Other Natural Disasters by Lenore Look
Laugh as you read about young Alvin Ho, anxious about almost everything, as he
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experiences his first family camping trip. Timely tale!
*I’ve Lost My Hippopotamus
by Jack Prelutsky,
Imaginary animals depicted in clever, humorous verse and silly pictures provide wonderful,
challenging word play.
Those Rebels, John & Tom
by Barbara Kerley
A lively and humorous account of how Presidents John Adams and Thomas Jefferson
struggled to gain independence for America.
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The London Eye Mystery
by Siobhan Dowd
When Ted and Kate’s cousin Salem disappear from the London Eye Ferris Wheel the two siblings
must work together – Ted with his brain that is wired differently and impatient Kate - to try to solve the
mystery of what happened to Sal.
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by Don Yaccarino
The Fantastic Undersea Life of Jacques Cousteau
This picture biography tells the story of the French underwater explorer J.C. and his many discoveries
about the ocean and its creatures. Introduce it to a child who loves the water, animals, inventions, the
environment, or one who simply wants an inspiring story that is beautifully illustrated. Pic. Book
Brothers at Bat: The True Story of an Amazing All-Brother Baseball Team
by Audrey Vernick
The Accera family had twelve sons who all played baseball together from the time they were children,
through World War Two, and into adulthood. The story of their friendship and positive family attitude
is as inspiring as their baseball records.
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by Shel Silverstein
Where The Sidewalk Ends
Our students adore this anthology of children’s poems. Don’t be surprised if they can recite
some of the poems from memory. “Sick” and “Smart” are our student’s favorites! Enjoy!
Eleven Birthdays
by Wendy Mass
Best friends since their mothers met at the hospital when they were born, Amanda and Leo always
celebrate their birthdays together. However, now that they are turning 11, they are no longer speaking
to each other. This is one different birthday.
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My Life As a Cartoonist
by Janet Tashjian
When a wheelchair-bound kid arrives in his classroom, Derek has a bright idea. He decides to train the
family's pet monkey to help Umberto. But the new kid isn't appreciative; in fact, he resents the idea
and begins making jokes about Derek. Before long, things escalate: Umberto begins pilfering Derek's
cartoon ideas and claiming that he is the victim of theft. Finally, Derek decides that there is only one
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way to save his endangered reputation: a cartoon strip.
Lunch Money
by Andrew Clements
Twelve-year-old Greg, who has always been good at moneymaking projects, is surprised to find
himself teaming up with his lifelong rival, Maura, to create a series of comic books to sell at school.
Our students are big fans of Andrew Cement’s realistic fiction chapter books.
Breadcrumbs
by Anne Ursu
Hazel and Jack are best friends until an accident with a magical mirror and a run in with a villainous
queen found Hazel on her own, entering enchanted woods in the hopes of saving Jack’s life. Our
students were mesmerized by this story – as was I.
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Love That Dog
by Sharon Creech
Sharon Creech tells a heartwarming tale in Love That Dog, a story written in prose disguised as poetry.
Poetry is something that young Jack can't stand -- it's confusing and odd and strictly for girls. But his
teacher insists on giving out assignments that require him to read and write the stuff. When he creates
his own poetry and the teacher wants to post it on a board for the class to see, Jack insists on
anonymity. But once he sees how good his poetry looks typed out in neat letters on yellow paper and
hears approbation from his peers, he finally lays claim to his work.
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of an American Feud
Worst of Friends: Thomas Jefferson, John Adams and the True Story
by Suzanne Jurmain
John Adams and Thomas Jefferson were good friends with very different personalities. However their
differing views on how to run the newly created United States turned them into the worst of friends.
Full of both history and humor, this is the story of two of America's most well-known presidents and
how they learned to put their political differences aside for the sake of friendship.
Picture Book
The World In Your Lunch Box: The Wacky History and the Weird Science of Every Day
Foods
by Claire Eamer
This is a delightful, fun cleverly illustrated, and informative book about common foods and their
global origins. The author covers the many variations and uses of ordinary foods, spices and herbs. She
adds riddles, jokes and comical drawings, to enhance the enjoyment of the topic and text. Organized in
the form of a daily Monday through Sunday lunch diary, the author provides extensive historical
background along with stories.
Chapter Book
by Lincoln Pierce
Big Nate: On A Roll
Big Nate is on a roll! He’s a big deal in his scout troop . . . until Arthur—aka Mr. Perfect—joins up.
Now Nate’s stuck in second place. Find out how he overcomes the competition. The cartoons and
dialogue hook readers in from the very start and keep them entertained until the end. The comic-strip
illustrations throughout add to the fun. See other titles in this popular series!
Chapter Book
The Boy Who Invented TV
by Kathleen Krull
Philo Farnsworth came up with the idea of how television could work. The book takes him from a
toddler who drew train engines to a teen who automated the washing machine to a young adult and his
television invention. Exceptional images add to this story that will inspire children to see what
imagination and diligence can accomplish.
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The Secret of the Village Fool
by Rebecca Upjohn
The children of a Polish Jewish family who survived World War II tell the story of how they were
saved—and who saved them.
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by Patricia Polacco
The Art of Miss Chew
A long-term substitute teacher sees only her reading difficulty, but Trisha’s talent is nurtured when Mr.
Donovan sends her to Miss Chew’s special art class.
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“Who Could That Be at This Hour?”
by Lemony Snicket,
Thirteen-year-old Lemony Snicket survives an attempt on his life, an inept mentor, a pointless crime,
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and a backstabbing friend. This new title is a popular read!
Our HAFTR Best Seller List
plus Notable New Titles for Advanced Readers
Steve Jobs: Thinking Differently
by Patricia Lakin
During his lifetime, the unique Steve Jobs was driven to create many wonderful devices that alter our
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lives in profound ways. A compelling read!
Because of Mr. Terupt
by Rob Buyea
Short chapters, each narrated by one of seven 5th graders in Mr. Terupt’s class, chronicle the school
year by month. We get to know the new girl, the prankster, the bully, the brain, the one who never
stands up for herself and the one who hates school. Mr. Terupt is a teacher who always understands
them, knows how to guide them, and makes learning fun. A prank results in a tragic accident.
Excellent new title!!!!
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The Sixty Eight Rooms
by Marianne Malone
A fantasy adventure about the Thorne Rooms, sixty-eight miniature rooms made by Mrs. James Ward
Thorne in the 1930’s, and a magic key that allows a person to shrink down small enough to explore the
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room’s secrets. A fabulous fantasy!
Splendors and Glooms
by Laur Schlitz
After a master puppeteer performs at her twelfth birthday party, Clara disappears. Has she
been kidnapped or did she run away? This title is a real page turner!
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Savvy
by Ingrid Law
Mississippi Beaumont's family, turning 13 means your savvy kicks in. When her grandfather turned
13, he created Idaho. And when her brother turned 13, he caused a hurricane. At the start of the
author’s award winning novel, Mississippi's 13th birthday is only two days away .With her dad in a
coma after a horrible car accident, Mississippi is convinced that her savvy will have something to do
with waking people up. Along with her brothers she sneaks aboard a delivery bus she believes is
heading toward her dad, hoping to save him. The journey is memorable, the characters are unique and
the story has been enjoyed by many of our students.
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When You Reach Me
by Rebecca Stead
As her mother prepares to be on the television show “Twenty Thousand Dollar Pyramid” a twelve year
old N.Y.C girl tries to make sense of mysterious notes received from an anonymous source that seems
to defy the laws of time and space.
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by Brian Seznick
Wonderstruck: A Novel in Words and Pictures
Having lost his mother and his hearing in a short time, twelve-year-old Ben leaves his Minnesota home
to seek the father he never knew in New York City. He meets Rosa who is also longing for something
missing from her life. Ben’s story is told in words; Rosa’s in pictures. This title is not to be missed!
Smile
by Raina Telgemeier
Raina just wants to be a normal sixth grader. One night after Girl Scouts meeting she trips and falls,
severely injuring her two front teeth. What follows is a long and frustrating journey with on-again, offagain braces, surgery, embarrassing headgear, and even a retainer with fake teeth attached. This title
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will make you smile.
The Klipfish Code
by Mary Casanova
In the year 1942 Norway was under Nazi occupation. Despite her grandfather’s warnings, twelveyear-old Marit has decided to take action. Through her eyes, readers experience the untold story of
Norwegians’ resistance and their response to the arrest of schoolteachers for their refusal to teach Nazi
propaganda to Norwegian schoolchildren. This novel is about risks taken, secrets kept and questions
about whom to trust. Outstanding title!
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life
by Wendy Mass
Just before his 13 birthday Jeremy receives a keyless locked box which was set aside by his father
five years earlier before he died. Jeremy is determined to figure out his father’s advice regarding the
meaning of life. This title will keep our reader’s interest from start to finish.
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th
Sparky the Life and Art of Charles Schultz
by Beverley Gherman
The author presents an insightful portrait of Peanuts creator Charles Schulz. She uses a tone that will
draw readers in, as will the facts and anecdotes she has selected about. From his boyhood as an only
child who loved the funny papers (and to draw) to his later years as a successful cartoonist Schulz
always found inspiration for his art in his personal life. Photographs are plentiful, but the element sure
to be most appreciated by fans is the inclusion of numerous Peanuts comic strips.
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Iceberg, Right Ahead!: The Tragedy of the Titanic
by Stephanie Sammartino
Drawing from official documents, logs, and diaries and illustrated with photographs, this
gripping chronicle records the tragic story, from the original design and construction to the
discovery of the ship's remains.
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Ten Good and Bad Things about My Life (So Far)
by Ann M. Martin
A canceled vacation trip and a fight with her best friend are among the many things fifth grader Pearl
has to deal with after her father loses his job.
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Summer Ball
by Mike Lupica
Thirteen-year—old Danny must prove himself to a disapproving coach and stand up t rivals as a
basketball summer camp. Mike Lupica is a favorite sports writer. See other titles by this author.
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Slob
by Ellen Potter
Twelve-year-old Owen Birnbaum is the fattest kid in school. He’s also a genius who invents cool
contraptions like a TV that shows the past. Something happened two years ago that he needs to see.
But genius or not, there is much Owen can't outthink. His gym coach is on a mission to humiliate him.
He's sure that if he can only get the TV to work, things will start to make sense. But it will take a
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revelation for Owen to see the answer's not in the past, but the present.
Once
by Morris Gleitzman
Felix, a Jewish boy in Poland in 1942, is hiding from the Nazis in a Catholic orphanage. When he
thinks his parents are in danger, Felix sets off to warn them and lands up straight in the heart of Nazioccupied Poland. Despite his grim surroundings, Felix never loses hope. Our students are clamoring
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for the sequel (entitled Then) of this outstanding book.
A Long Walk to Water
by Linda Sue Park
Eleven year old Salva becomes separated during the Sudanese civil war in 1985. He walks
through the southern Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya searching for a safe haven. This book is
based on the life of Salve Dut, who after arriving in America in 1996 began a project to dig
wells in Sudan.
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Out of My Mind
by Sharon Draper
Fifteen- year- old Melody has a photographic memory. She's the smartest kid in her whole
school, but no one knows it. Most people don't think she's capable of learning, and up until
recently her school days consisted of listening to the same alphabet lessons again and again.
If only she could speak up, if only she could tell people what she thinks and knows…but she
can't, because Melody can't talk. Walk or write. Being stuck inside her head is making Melody
go out of her mind—that is, until she discovers something that will allow her to speak for the
first time ever.
by Geronamo Stilton
Geronamo Stilton: The Amazing Voyage
Geronimo returns to the Kingdom of Fantasy when he learns that the Kingdom has fallen under an
endless, freezing winter and the Queen of the Fairies is in danger. Once there, Geronimo explores
fantastical new lands and travels on a magical talking ship. Can Geronimo extinguish a threatening
volcano in time to restore peace to the Kingdom of Fantasy?
See other titles in this chapter book series!
by Eric Berlin
The Puzzling World of Winston Breen
Puzzle crazy twelve-year-old Winston and his sister Katie find themselves in a strange mystery
involving a hidden ring. Puzzles for the reader to solve are included throughout this intriguing book.
Buddy
by M.H. Herlong
Twelve-year-old Li’l T, his three-legged dog, Buddy, and a close-knit family face the hardship brought
on by Hurricane Katrina and learn about survival and letting go.
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Summer of the Gypsy Moths
Sara Pennypacker
When Great-Aunt Louise dies unexpectedly, her eleven-year-old wards, grandniece Stella and a foster
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child, Angel, must find a way to survive in unimaginable circumstances.
Letters to Leo
by Amy Hest
Annie writes letters to her new dog, revealing the inner life of a New York City fourth grader who has
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lost her mother.
Liar & Spy
by Rebecca Stead
When his dad loses his job and the family must move to an apartment, Georges meets Safer, who
involves him in spying on another neighbor, Mr. X.
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by Cynthia Lord
Rules
Catherine wants a normal life which is impossible when you have a brother with autism and a family
that revolves around his disability. She's spent years trying to teach David the rules to proper behavior
in order to avoid embarrassing situations. But the summer Catherine meets Jason, a new sort-of friend,
and Kristi, the next-door friend she's always wished for, it's her own shocking behavior that turns
everything upside down and forces her to ask: What is normal?
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Teammates
by Peter Golenbock
This story tells how Jackie Robinson became the first black player on a major league baseball team and
how on a fateful day in Cincinnati, Pee Wee Reese took a stand and declared Jackie his teammate.
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Silent Star: The Story of Deaf Major Leaguer William Hoy
by Bill Wise
Although he couldn’t hear his teammates calling plays, William Hoy became one of baseball’s greatest
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outfielders.