2021-2022 Book List

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao			Author Kat Zhang		2021-2022 Gallery
Illustrated by Charlene Chua	Publisher Aladdin	ISBN# 9781534411333 (HB)	Copyright 10/1/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 2.60
Amy loves to make bao with her family. But it takes skill to make the bao taste and look delicious. And her bao keep coming out all wrong. Then she has an idea that may give her a second chance…Will Amy ever make the perfect bao?

Amy Wu and the Perfect Bao, by Kat Zhang, ISBN 9781534411333, RL2.60. Amy loves to make bao with her family. But it takes skill to make the bao taste and look delicious. And her bao keep coming out all wrong. Then she has an idea that may give her a second chance…Will Amy ever make the perfect bao?

Be Loved			Author Emma Mae Jenkins		2021-2022 Lamplighter
Illustrated by	Publisher New Growth Press	ISBN# 9781948130929 (HB)	Copyright 11/11/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 0.00
Readers will experience the chain-breaking liberty of knowing the Lord’s presence and the freedom to be unique. This full-color, hardback book includes pictures from Emma Mae’s life, along with key Bible verses that God used to strengthen and guide her through the ups and downs of her high school years as a young Christian. Readers will learn to face the challenges of their student years with religion, courage, hope, and lifegiving love for others.

Be Loved, by Emma Mae Jenkins, ISBN 9781948130929, RL0.00. Readers will experience the chain-breaking liberty of knowing the Lord’s presence and the freedom to be unique. This full-color, hardback book includes pictures from Emma Mae’s life, along with key Bible verses that God used to strengthen and guide her through the ups and downs of her high school years as a young Christian. Readers will learn to face the challenges of their student years with religion, courage, hope, and lifegiving love for others.

Beyond Me			Author Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu		2021-2022 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Atheneum Books	ISBN# 9781481437899 (HB)	Copyright 6/30/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 0.00
In the aftermath of the natural disasters that have struck her country, eleven-year-old Maya is luckier than many. Her family didn’t lose their home, their lives, or each other. But Maya still can’t help feeling paralyzed with terror, and each aftershock that ripples out in the days that follow makes her fear all over again that her luck could change in an instant.

Beyond Me, by Annie Donwerth-Chikamatsu, ISBN 9781481437899, RL0.00. In the aftermath of the natural disasters that have struck her country, eleven-year-old Maya is luckier than many. Her family didn’t lose their home, their lives, or each other. But Maya still can’t help feeling paralyzed with terror, and each aftershock that ripples out in the days that follow makes her fear all over again that her luck could change in an instant.

Blue Skies			Author Anne Bustard		2021-2022 Lamplighter
Illustrated by	Publisher Simon & Schuster	ISBN# 9781534446069 (HB)	Copyright 3/17/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 0.00
Glory Bea Bennett knows that miracles happen in Gladiola, Texas, population 3,421. After all, her grandmother—the best matchmaker in the whole county—is responsible for thirty-nine of them. Now, Glory Bea needs a miracle of her own. The war ended three years ago, but Glory Bea’s father never returned home from the front in France. Glory Bea understands what Mama and Grams and Grandpa say—that Daddy died a hero on Omaha Beach—yet deep down in her heart, she believes Daddy is still out there. When the Gladiola Gazette reports that one of the boxcars from the Merci Train (the “thank you” train)—a train filled with gifts of gratitude from the people of France—will be stopping in Gladiola, she just knows daddy will be its surprise cargo. But miracles, like people, are always changing, until at last they find their way home.

Blue Skies, by Anne Bustard, ISBN 9781534446069, RL0.00. Glory Bea Bennett knows that miracles happen in Gladiola, Texas, population 3,421. After all, her grandmother—the best matchmaker in the whole county—is responsible for thirty-nine of them. Now, Glory Bea needs a miracle of her own. The war ended three years ago, but Glory Bea’s father never returned home from the front in France. Glory Bea understands what Mama and Grams and Grandpa say—that Daddy died a hero on Omaha Beach—yet deep down in her heart, she believes Daddy is still out there. When the Gladiola Gazette reports that one of the boxcars from the Merci Train (the “thank you” train)—a train filled with gifts of gratitude from the people of France—will be stopping in Gladiola, she just knows daddy will be its surprise cargo. But miracles, like people, are always changing, until at last they find their way home.

Britfield and the Lost Crown			Author C. R. Stewart		2021-2022 Lamplighter
Illustrated by	Publisher Devonfiled Publishing LLC	ISBN# 9781732961210 (HB)	Copyright 8/1/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 5.60
He’s spent the majority of his life locked behind the cruel walls of Weatherly Orphanage, but when Tom learns that his parents might actually be alive, he is determined to find them. Together with his best friend Sarah, and armed with only the word “Britfield,” as a clue to Tom’s mysterious past, the two make a daring escape. Soon, they are on the run from a famous Scotland Yard detective and what appears to be half of the police officers in England! The hunt is on, but will Tom and Sarah be able to evade capture long enough to solve an even bigger conspiracy that could tear our world apart

Britfield and the Lost Crown, by C. R. Stewart, ISBN 9781732961210, RL5.60. He’s spent the majority of his life locked behind the cruel walls of Weatherly Orphanage, but when Tom learns that his parents might actually be alive, he is determined to find them. Together with his best friend Sarah, and armed with only the word “Britfield,” as a clue to Tom’s mysterious past, the two make a daring escape. Soon, they are on the run from a famous Scotland Yard detective and what appears to be half of the police officers in England! The hunt is on, but will Tom and Sarah be able to evade capture long enough to solve an even bigger conspiracy that could tear our world apart

By and By: Charles Albert Tindley, the Father of Gospel Music			Author Carole Weatherford		2021-2022 Gallery
Illustrated by Bryan Collier	Publisher Atheneum Books	ISBN# 9781534426368 (HB)	Copyright 1/14/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 3.70
At a time when most African Americans were still enslaved, Charles Tindley was born free. His childhood was far from easy, with backbreaking hours in the fields, and no opportunity to go to school. But the spirituals he heard as he worked made him long to know how to read the Gospel for himself. Late at night, he taught himself to read from scraps of newspapers. From those small scraps, young Charles raised himself to become a founding father of American gospel music whose hymn was the basis for the Civil Rights anthem “We Shall Overcome.”

By and By: Charles Albert Tindley, the Father of Gospel Music, by Carole Weatherford, ISBN 9781534426368, RL3.70. At a time when most African Americans were still enslaved, Charles Tindley was born free. His childhood was far from easy, with backbreaking hours in the fields, and no opportunity to go to school. But the spirituals he heard as he worked made him long to know how to read the Gospel for himself. Late at night, he taught himself to read from scraps of newspapers. From those small scraps, young Charles raised himself to become a founding father of American gospel music whose hymn was the basis for the Civil Rights anthem “We Shall Overcome.”

Chip and Curly: The Great Potato Race			Author Cathy Breisacher		2021-2022 Gallery
Illustrated by Joshua Heinsz	Publisher Sleeping Bear Press	ISBN# 9781585364084 (HB)	Copyright 5/15/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 2.90
Chip the potato chip is sure he has the annual Spud City Festival sack race in the bag—he’s been practicing all year. The Home Fries (local baseball team) and Sweet Potatoes (cheer squad) are all rooting for him. The French Fries even bring their tots over for an autograph. But when Curly the springy curly fry shows up, Chip knows he’s in trouble. This totally funny story is filled with clever potato puns—and subtle themes of sportsmanship and persistence. It will have kids and adults alike laughing out loud.

Chip and Curly: The Great Potato Race, by Cathy Breisacher, ISBN 9781585364084, RL2.90. Chip the potato chip is sure he has the annual Spud City Festival sack race in the bag—he’s been practicing all year. The Home Fries (local baseball team) and Sweet Potatoes (cheer squad) are all rooting for him. The French Fries even bring their tots over for an autograph. But when Curly the springy curly fry shows up, Chip knows he’s in trouble. This totally funny story is filled with clever potato puns—and subtle themes of sportsmanship and persistence. It will have kids and adults alike laughing out loud.

Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God			Author Shirley Raye Redmond		2021-2022 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Harvest House	ISBN# 9780736977340 (HB)	Copyright 1/7/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 0.00
Meet women who have used their God-given talents to live out their faith to the fullest. They come from a variety of backgrounds, eras, and ethnicities, but each one has answered the Lord’s call on their life in bold and innovative ways.

Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories of Daring Women of God, by Shirley Raye Redmond, ISBN 9780736977340, RL0.00. Meet women who have used their God-given talents to live out their faith to the fullest. They come from a variety of backgrounds, eras, and ethnicities, but each one has answered the Lord’s call on their life in bold and innovative ways.

Feast of Peas			Author Kashmira Sheth		2021-2022 Gallery
Illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler	Publisher Peachtree	ISBN# 9781682631355 (HB)	Copyright 3/1/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 0.00
Hard-working Jiva might not be the only one anticipating a delicious feast of peas from his garden. Every morning, Jiva works in his garden until the sun turns as red as a bride’s sari. He plants peas and beans, potatoes and tomatoes, eggplants and okra in his vegetable patch. When his friend Ruvji admires his plants Jiva sings, Plump peas, sweet peas, Lined- up-in-the-shell peas. Peas to munch, peas to crunch A feast of peas for lunch. But each time Jiva is ready to pick the peas for his feast, they’re already gone. What has happened?

Feast of Peas, by Kashmira Sheth, ISBN 9781682631355, RL0.00. Hard-working Jiva might not be the only one anticipating a delicious feast of peas from his garden. Every morning, Jiva works in his garden until the sun turns as red as a bride’s sari. He plants peas and beans, potatoes and tomatoes, eggplants and okra in his vegetable patch. When his friend Ruvji admires his plants Jiva sings, Plump peas, sweet peas, Lined- up-in-the-shell peas. Peas to munch, peas to crunch A feast of peas for lunch. But each time Jiva is ready to pick the peas for his feast, they’re already gone. What has happened?

Fighting for the Forest			Author P. O'Connell Pearson		2021-2022 Lamplighter
Illustrated by	Publisher Simon & Schuster	ISBN# 9781534429321 (HB)	Copyright 10/6/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 7.60
When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933, the United States was on the brink of economic collapse and environmental disaster. Thirty-four days later, the first of over three million impoverished young men were building parks and reclaiming the nation’s forests and farmlands. The Civilian Conservation Corps—FDR’s favorite program and “miracle of inter-agency cooperation”—resulted in the building and/or improvement of hundreds of state and national parks, the restoration of nearly 120 million acre of land, and the planting of some three billion trees—more than half of all the trees ever planted in the United States.

Fighting for the Forest, by P. O'Connell Pearson, ISBN 9781534429321, RL7.60. When Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in March 1933, the United States was on the brink of economic collapse and environmental disaster. Thirty-four days later, the first of over three million impoverished young men were building parks and reclaiming the nation’s forests and farmlands. The Civilian Conservation Corps—FDR’s favorite program and “miracle of inter-agency cooperation”—resulted in the building and/or improvement of hundreds of state and national parks, the restoration of nearly 120 million acre of land, and the planting of some three billion trees—more than half of all the trees ever planted in the United States.

Finding Home			Author Karen Kingsbury		2021-2022 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Simon & Schuster	ISBN# 9781534412187 (HB)	Copyright 2/25/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 3.20
Summer is over and Dad begins his important position at an Indiana hospital. Like it or not, Bloomington is the Baxter Family’s new home. As school starts, everyone finds reasons to be excited about the move. Everyone that is except Ashley. Ashley desperately misses the home and friends she left behind. As she realizes her siblings have their struggles, too, she can’t help but wonder if unlikely friends can be the best friends of all? And could time and love from her family be enough to make a house feel like home?

Finding Home, by Karen Kingsbury, ISBN 9781534412187, RL3.20. Summer is over and Dad begins his important position at an Indiana hospital. Like it or not, Bloomington is the Baxter Family’s new home. As school starts, everyone finds reasons to be excited about the move. Everyone that is except Ashley. Ashley desperately misses the home and friends she left behind. As she realizes her siblings have their struggles, too, she can’t help but wonder if unlikely friends can be the best friends of all? And could time and love from her family be enough to make a house feel like home?

Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis and His Brother			Author Caroline McAlister		2021-2022 Crown
Illustrated by Jessica Lanan	Publisher Roaring Book Press	ISBN# 9781626726581 (HB)	Copyright 11/19/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.50
Before C.S. Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, he was a young boy named Jack who spent his days dreaming up stories of other worlds filled with knights, castles, and talking animals. His brother, Warnie, spent his days imagining worlds filled with trains, boats, and technology. One rainy day, they found a wardrobe in a little room next to the attic, and they wondered, What if the wardrobe had no end?

Finding Narnia: The Story of C.S. Lewis and His Brother, by Caroline McAlister , ISBN 9781626726581, RL4.50. Before C.S. Lewis wrote The Chronicles of Narnia, he was a young boy named Jack who spent his days dreaming up stories of other worlds filled with knights, castles, and talking animals. His brother, Warnie, spent his days imagining worlds filled with trains, boats, and technology. One rainy day, they found a wardrobe in a little room next to the attic, and they wondered, What if the wardrobe had no end?

Gnu and Shrew			Author Danny Schnitzlein		2021-2022 Gallery
Illustrated by Anca Sandu	Publisher Peachtree	ISBN# 9781682631461 (HB)	Copyright 10/1/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 0.00
When Gnu says that there’s a cave filled with diamonds across the river, Shrew is intrigued. But Gnu seems to be all talk, fantasizing about riches yet dismissing all of Shrew’s suggestions. As Gnu dreams his days away, tossing out one big idea after another, Shrew spends his nights trying to make those dreams a reality. Can Gnu’s big ideas and Shrew’s hard work make something remarkable happen?

Gnu and Shrew, by Danny Schnitzlein, ISBN 9781682631461, RL0.00. When Gnu says that there’s a cave filled with diamonds across the river, Shrew is intrigued. But Gnu seems to be all talk, fantasizing about riches yet dismissing all of Shrew’s suggestions. As Gnu dreams his days away, tossing out one big idea after another, Shrew spends his nights trying to make those dreams a reality. Can Gnu’s big ideas and Shrew’s hard work make something remarkable happen?

Harlem Grown			Author Tony Hillery		2021-2022 Gallery
Illustrated by Jessie Hartland	Publisher Simon & Schuster	ISBN# 9781534402317 (HB)	Copyright 8/18/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 2.40
Harlem Grown tells the inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in a neighborhood. After seeing how restless they were and their lack of healthy food options, Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful and functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful while learning about healthy, sustainable eating and collaboration.

Harlem Grown, by Tony Hillery , ISBN 9781534402317, RL2.40. Harlem Grown tells the inspiring true story of how one man made a big difference in a neighborhood. After seeing how restless they were and their lack of healthy food options, Tony Hillery invited students from an underfunded school to turn a vacant lot into a beautiful and functional farm. By getting their hands dirty, these kids turned an abandoned space into something beautiful and useful while learning about healthy, sustainable eating and collaboration.

Her Own Two Feet			Author Meredith Davis and Rebeka Uwitonze		2021-2022 Lamplighter
Illustrated by	Publisher Scholatic Focus	ISBN# 9781338356373 (HB)	Copyright 10/1/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.80
Rebeka Uwitonze was born in Rwanda with curled and twisted feet, which meant she had to crawl or be carried to get around. At nine years old, she gets an offer that could change her life. A doctor in the US might be able to turn her feet. But it means leaving her own family behind and going to America on her own.

Her Own Two Feet, by Meredith Davis and Rebeka Uwitonze, ISBN 9781338356373, RL4.80. Rebeka Uwitonze was born in Rwanda with curled and twisted feet, which meant she had to crawl or be carried to get around. At nine years old, she gets an offer that could change her life. A doctor in the US might be able to turn her feet. But it means leaving her own family behind and going to America on her own.

Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention			Author Pip Jones		2021-2022 Gallery
Illustrated by Sara Ogilvie	Publisher Peachtree	ISBN# 9781471145230 (HB)	Copyright 3/1/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 0.00
Izzy Gizmo has been invited to Technoff Isle’s Genius Convention where the inventor of the best machine will win coveted admittance to the Genius Guild. But with fearsome foe Abi von Lavish getting the best of her at every turn, how can Izzy and Fixer come up with the winning invention?

Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention, by Pip Jones, ISBN 9781471145230, RL0.00. Izzy Gizmo has been invited to Technoff Isle’s Genius Convention where the inventor of the best machine will win coveted admittance to the Genius Guild. But with fearsome foe Abi von Lavish getting the best of her at every turn, how can Izzy and Fixer come up with the winning invention?

Lety Out Loud			Author Angela Cervantes		2021-2022 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Scholastic Press	ISBN# 9781338159349 (HB)	Copyright 2/26/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.50
Lety Muñoz’s first language is Spanish, and she likes to take her time putting her words together. She loves volunteering at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter because the dogs and cats there don’t care if she can’t always find the right word. When the shelter needs a volunteer to write animal profiles, Lety jumps at the chance. But grumpy classmate Hunter also wants to write profiles—so now they have to work as a team. Hunter’s not much of a team player, though. He devises a secret competition to decide who will be the official shelter scribe. Whoever helps get their animals adopted the fastest wins. The loser scoops dog food.

Lety Out Loud, by Angela Cervantes, ISBN 9781338159349, RL4.50. Lety Muñoz’s first language is Spanish, and she likes to take her time putting her words together. She loves volunteering at the Furry Friends Animal Shelter because the dogs and cats there don’t care if she can’t always find the right word. When the shelter needs a volunteer to write animal profiles, Lety jumps at the chance. But grumpy classmate Hunter also wants to write profiles—so now they have to work as a team. Hunter’s not much of a team player, though. He devises a secret competition to decide who will be the official shelter scribe. Whoever helps get their animals adopted the fastest wins. The loser scoops dog food.

Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog			Author Lisa Papp		2021-2022 Gallery
Illustrated by	Publisher Peachtree	ISBN# 9781682631492 (HB)	Copyright 9/1/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 2.60
Madeline Finn and Star are off to Walker Oaks, a retirement community where Star will take his tests to become a Therapy Dog. Accompanied by Mom, Mrs. Dimple, and Bonnie the library dog, she and Star make their way through a variety of challenges and meet several new friends. But Madeline Finn can’t stop thinking about an elderly man in a wheelchair who never smiles. Is there something she and Star can do to help?

Madeline Finn and the Therapy Dog, by Lisa Papp, ISBN 9781682631492, RL2.60. Madeline Finn and Star are off to Walker Oaks, a retirement community where Star will take his tests to become a Therapy Dog. Accompanied by Mom, Mrs. Dimple, and Bonnie the library dog, she and Star make their way through a variety of challenges and meet several new friends. But Madeline Finn can’t stop thinking about an elderly man in a wheelchair who never smiles. Is there something she and Star can do to help?

Parker Looks Up: Am Extraordinary Moment			Author Parker and Jessica Curry		2021-2022 Gallery
Illustrated by Brittany Jackson	Publisher Aladdin	ISBN# 9781534451865 (HB)	Copyright 10/15/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 2.80
When Parker Curry came face-to-face with Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, she didn’t just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen—one with dynamic self-assurance, regality, beauty, and truth who captured this young girl’s imagination. When a nearby museum-goer snapped a photo of a mesmerized Parker, it became an internet sensation. Inspired by this visit, Parker, and her mother, Jessica Curry, tell the story of a young girl and her family, whose trip to a museum becomes an extraordinary moment, in a moving picture book.

Parker Looks Up: Am Extraordinary Moment, by Parker and Jessica Curry, ISBN 9781534451865, RL2.80. When Parker Curry came face-to-face with Amy Sherald’s transcendent portrait of First Lady Michelle Obama at the National Portrait Gallery, she didn’t just see the First Lady of the United States. She saw a queen—one with dynamic self-assurance, regality, beauty, and truth who captured this young girl’s imagination. When a nearby museum-goer snapped a photo of a mesmerized Parker, it became an internet sensation. Inspired by this visit, Parker, and her mother, Jessica Curry, tell the story of a young girl and her family, whose trip to a museum becomes an extraordinary moment, in a moving picture book.

Saving Hanno: The Story of a Refugee Dog			Author Miriam Halahmy		2021-2022 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Holiday House	ISBN# 9780823441655 (HB)	Copyright 4/23/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 0.00
What if you had to leave your dog behind when you fled? Nine-year-old Rudi has a chance to leave the dangers of Nazi Germany on a Kindertransport to England. However, he cannot bring Hanno, his wonderful dachshund. Luckily, his family finds a way to smuggle Hanno to London. But with England on the brink of war, Hanno is still not safe.

Saving Hanno: The Story of a Refugee Dog, by Miriam Halahmy, ISBN 9780823441655, RL0.00. What if you had to leave your dog behind when you fled? Nine-year-old Rudi has a chance to leave the dangers of Nazi Germany on a Kindertransport to England. However, he cannot bring Hanno, his wonderful dachshund. Luckily, his family finds a way to smuggle Hanno to London. But with England on the brink of war, Hanno is still not safe.

Searching for Lottie			Author Susan L. Ross		2021-2022 Lamplighter
Illustrated by	Publisher Holiday House	ISBN# 9780823441662 (HB)	Copyright 2/26/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.70
Charlie, a budding violinist, decides to research the life of her great-aunt and namesake for her middle school ancestry project. Everyone in Charlie’s family believes Great-Aunt Charlotte (called Lottie), a violin prodigy, died at the hands of the Nazis, but the more Charlie uncovers about her long-lost relative, the more muddied Great-Aunt Lottie’s story becomes. Could it be that Lottie somehow survived the war by hiding in Hungary? Could she even still be alive today?

Searching for Lottie, by Susan L. Ross, ISBN 9780823441662, RL4.70. Charlie, a budding violinist, decides to research the life of her great-aunt and namesake for her middle school ancestry project. Everyone in Charlie’s family believes Great-Aunt Charlotte (called Lottie), a violin prodigy, died at the hands of the Nazis, but the more Charlie uncovers about her long-lost relative, the more muddied Great-Aunt Lottie’s story becomes. Could it be that Lottie somehow survived the war by hiding in Hungary? Could she even still be alive today?

Shine!			Author J.J. and Chris Grabenstein		2021-2022 Lamplighter
Illustrated by	Publisher Random House	ISBN# 9781524717667 (HB)	Copyright 11/5/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.40
Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper’s hero—astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse—but Piper knows the truth: some people are born to shine, and she’s just not one of them. That fact has never been clearer than now, since her dad’s new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper definitely doesn’t fit in.

Shine!, by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein, ISBN 9781524717667, RL4.40. Shine on! might be the catchphrase of twelve-year-old Piper’s hero—astronaut, astronomer, and television host Nellie Dumont Frisse—but Piper knows the truth: some people are born to shine, and she’s just not one of them. That fact has never been clearer than now, since her dad’s new job has landed them both at Chumley Prep, a posh private school where everyone seems to be the best at something and where Piper definitely doesn’t fit in.

Squirrel in the Museum			Author Viviann Vande Velde		2021-2022 Crown
Illustrated by Steve Björkman	Publisher Holiday House	ISBN# 9780823441679 (HB)	Copyright 3/19/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 5.30
When Twitch hears that the school children are taking a field trip to the science museum, he decides he wants to join in the fun—so he stows away on the school bus and hides in a backpack to get in. But as always, not everyone is glad to see a squirrel in their midst. Pursued by security guards, Twitch turns the exhibits into his own private carnival rides—swinging on a Foucault pendulum, riding a model Mars Rover, and skittering across the Bernoulli air pressure table. Just when it seems like there’s no escape, Twitch’s chaotic romp turns up some surprises for the museum staff. . . and a friendly boy in a wheelchair saves the day for the squirrel, sneaking him back out.

Squirrel in the Museum, by Viviann Vande Velde, ISBN 9780823441679, RL5.30. When Twitch hears that the school children are taking a field trip to the science museum, he decides he wants to join in the fun—so he stows away on the school bus and hides in a backpack to get in. But as always, not everyone is glad to see a squirrel in their midst. Pursued by security guards, Twitch turns the exhibits into his own private carnival rides—swinging on a Foucault pendulum, riding a model Mars Rover, and skittering across the Bernoulli air pressure table. Just when it seems like there’s no escape, Twitch’s chaotic romp turns up some surprises for the museum staff. . . and a friendly boy in a wheelchair saves the day for the squirrel, sneaking him back out.

Squirreled Away (The Dead Sea Squirrels)			Author Mike Nawrocki		2021-2022 Crown
Illustrated by Luke Séguin-Magee	Publisher Tyndale Kids	ISBN# 9781496434982 (PB)	Copyright 5/7/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.30
In the first installment of this hilarious new chapter-book series, ten-year-old Michael and his friend Justin sneak into the Dead Sea caves near the archaeological dig where Michael’s dad is working. Michael finds two 2,000-year-old squirrels petrified in sea salt. Hijinks ensue as Michael tries to bring them back to the U. S., hidden in his backpack. What Michael thinks are just cool souvenirs may turn out to be something much more! The Dead Sea Squirrels series is humorous, fun, and filled with character-building lessons.

Squirreled Away (The Dead Sea Squirrels), by Mike Nawrocki, ISBN 9781496434982, RL4.30. In the first installment of this hilarious new chapter-book series, ten-year-old Michael and his friend Justin sneak into the Dead Sea caves near the archaeological dig where Michael’s dad is working. Michael finds two 2,000-year-old squirrels petrified in sea salt. Hijinks ensue as Michael tries to bring them back to the U. S., hidden in his backpack. What Michael thinks are just cool souvenirs may turn out to be something much more! The Dead Sea Squirrels series is humorous, fun, and filled with character-building lessons.

Things Seen From Above			Author Shelley Pearsall		2021-2022 Lamplighter
Illustrated by	Publisher Alfred A. Knopf	ISBN# 9781524717391 (HB)	Copyright 2/4/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 5.20
April is looking for an escape from the sixth-grade lunch hour, which has become a social-scene nightmare, so she signs up to be a “buddy bench monitor” for the fourth graders’ recess. Joey Byrd is a boy on the fringes, who wanders the playground alone, dragging his foot through the dirt. But over time, April realizes that Joey isn’t just making random circles. When you look at his designs from above, a story emerges… Joey’s “bird’s eye” drawings reveal what he observes and thinks about every day.

Things Seen From Above, by Shelley Pearsall, ISBN 9781524717391, RL5.20. April is looking for an escape from the sixth-grade lunch hour, which has become a social-scene nightmare, so she signs up to be a “buddy bench monitor” for the fourth graders’ recess. Joey Byrd is a boy on the fringes, who wanders the playground alone, dragging his foot through the dirt. But over time, April realizes that Joey isn’t just making random circles. When you look at his designs from above, a story emerges… Joey’s “bird’s eye” drawings reveal what he observes and thinks about every day.

Trouble at Table 5: Busted by Breakfast			Author Tom Watson		2021-2022 Crown
Illustrated by Marta Kissi	Publisher Harper Collins	ISBN# 9780062953445 (HB)	Copyright 2/25/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 3.50
Simon always has a lot to say. And sometimes he can’t stop talking—even in the middle of class. When Simon gets in trouble for jabbering at school, his best friends, Molly and Rosie, think up a plan to keep him from getting grounded at home! It involves cars, suds, and pink plastic flamingos! But will their big plan turn into an even bigger disaster?

Trouble at Table 5: Busted by Breakfast, by Tom Watson, ISBN 9780062953445, RL3.50. Simon always has a lot to say. And sometimes he can’t stop talking—even in the middle of class. When Simon gets in trouble for jabbering at school, his best friends, Molly and Rosie, think up a plan to keep him from getting grounded at home! It involves cars, suds, and pink plastic flamingos! But will their big plan turn into an even bigger disaster?

When I Pray for You			Author Matthew Turner		2021-2022 Gallery
Illustrated by Kimberley Barnes	Publisher Waterbrook	ISBN# 9780525650584 (HB)	Copyright 2/19/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 0.00
When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings parents pray over their children, and shares with the little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them.

When I Pray for You, by Matthew Turner, ISBN 9780525650584, RL0.00. When I Pray for You celebrates the dreams, hopes, and longings parents pray over their children, and shares with the little ones how much care and concern a loved one feels for them.

William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad			Author Don Tate		2021-2022 Crown
Illustrated by	Publisher Peachtree	ISBN# 9781561459353 (HB)	Copyright 11/1/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 0.00
William Still’s parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. As a young man, William went to work for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, where he raised money, planned rescues, and helped freedom seekers who had traveled north. And then one day, a strangely familiar man came into William’s office, searching for information about his long-lost family. Could it be?

William Still and His Freedom Stories: The Father of the Underground Railroad, by Don Tate, ISBN 9781561459353, RL0.00. William Still’s parents escaped slavery but had to leave two of their children behind, a tragedy that haunted the family. As a young man, William went to work for the Pennsylvania Anti-Slavery Society, where he raised money, planned rescues, and helped freedom seekers who had traveled north. And then one day, a strangely familiar man came into William’s office, searching for information about his long-lost family. Could it be?

Words on Fire			Author Jennifer A. Nielsen		2021-2022 Lamplighter
Illustrated by	Publisher Scholastic Press	ISBN# 9781338275476 (HB)	Copyright 10/1/2019	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 5.60
Danger is never far from Audra’s family farm in Lithuania. She always avoids the occupying Russian Cossack soldiers, who insist that everyone must become Russian—they have banned Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language. But Audra knows her parents are involved in something secret and perilous. In June 1893, when Cossacks arrive abruptly at their door, Audra’s parents insist that she flee, taking with her an important package and instructions for where to deliver it. But escape means abandoning her parents to a terrible fate.

Words on Fire, by Jennifer A. Nielsen, ISBN 9781338275476, RL5.60. Danger is never far from Audra’s family farm in Lithuania. She always avoids the occupying Russian Cossack soldiers, who insist that everyone must become Russian—they have banned Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language. But Audra knows her parents are involved in something secret and perilous. In June 1893, when Cossacks arrive abruptly at their door, Audra’s parents insist that she flee, taking with her an important package and instructions for where to deliver it. But escape means abandoning her parents to a terrible fate.

The Turnover			Author Mike Lupica		2021-2022 Lamplighter
Illustrated by	Publisher Simon & Schuster	ISBN# 9781534421585 (HB)	Copyright 6/9/2020	Intl. Setting	Reading Level 4.80
Gramps is Lucas’s hero, which is second only to the fact that he is also Lucas’s basketball coach. Gramps coached the team to victory in the championships last year, and when he decides to come out of retirement to coach another season, Lucas is thrilled. This season will absolutely be the greatest yet. So when his English teacher challenges the class to write a biography of the person they most admire, Lucas can’t think of anyone he’d rather write about. Except…Gramps is being cagey. He avoids every question Lucas asks, and gets angry every time Lucas brings up his past as a hotshot basketball player. Lucas can’t help but wonder—is there something Gramps is trying to hide? And if there is, will Lucas be prepared to face the truth about the man he thought he knew? With basketball championships fast approaching, time is running out for Lucas to decide.

The Turnover, by Mike Lupica, ISBN 9781534421585, RL4.80. Gramps is Lucas’s hero, which is second only to the fact that he is also Lucas’s basketball coach. Gramps coached the team to victory in the championships last year, and when he decides to come out of retirement to coach another season, Lucas is thrilled. This season will absolutely be the greatest yet. So when his English teacher challenges the class to write a biography of the person they most admire, Lucas can’t think of anyone he’d rather write about. Except…Gramps is being cagey. He avoids every question Lucas asks, and gets angry every time Lucas brings up his past as a hotshot basketball player. Lucas can’t help but wonder—is there something Gramps is trying to hide? And if there is, will Lucas be prepared to face the truth about the man he thought he knew? With basketball championships fast approaching, time is running out for Lucas to decide.