Mrs.O'Brien's Summer Book List 2016

(Blue- Bluestem Nominee, Black- Caudill Nominee)

  1. Stella By Starlight - Sharon Draper *** (4-6)Great story about an African American girl and her family in the South during the Great Depression standing up for their rights to the KKK. Very similar to Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry, but a good read.

2.Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom: My Story of the Selma Voting Rights March - Lynda Lowery *** (5-8)A True Memoir written by the youngest girl on the civil rights march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965. Gives you a fascinating insight into the civil rights movement from a young girl’s perspective. Very quick read and quite interesting.

  1. Rain Reign - by Ann Martin **** (5-8) Wonderful story about an Autistic girl and her dog “Reign” as she deals with struggles at home and school. Loves homophones such as Rain and Reign. Very moving story that deals with a father/daughter relationship, Autism and the bond between a girl and her dog. I found it really endearing.
  2. Echo - by Pam Munoz Ryan **** (5-8) I just LOVED this story! Beautiful tales about different characters, all whom have difficulties to overcome but huge hearts, get woven together because of a very special harmonica. It has a fairy tale feel, mixed with historical fiction. Something for everyone. It was such a touching book! Possibly my favorite of the summer...

5.The Great Trouble: A Mystery of London, the Blue Death, and a Boy Called Eel - Deborah Hopkins **** (5-8)Very entertaining and suspenseful story about a poor boy trying to survive on the streets of London in 1854. Historical fiction, dealing with the cholera epidemic, mystery, adventure...Great read.

  1. Fish in a Tree - Lynda M. Hunt **** (5-8)LOVED this story. Beautifully, thoughtfully written. A touching story about a girl who struggles with being dyslexic and facing a class bully. A teacher helps her to see her strengths and many gifts.
  2. How I Became a Ghost -A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story - Tim Tingle *** (5-8)Powerful historical fiction piece about a young Indian boy and his family being forced to move across the country on the Trail of Tears. Realistic, tragic, moving. Very short read, but impactful.
  3. The Brilliant Fall of Gianna Z. - Kate Messner **** (4-6)The main character struggles with keeping up in school, a class bully, an aging Italian grandma and figuring out what is important in life. Great characters and entertaining story. Really enjoyable!
  4. Absolutely Almost - Lisa Graff *** (4-6)Realistic fiction about a boy who struggles in school and needs to learn about what his gifts are. Has a great, artistic babysitter who helps him discover his talents and helps him with his learning difficulties. Similar feel to Wonder but more predictable.
  5. Masterminds (#1) - Gordon Korman **** (4-7)Great Sci-Fi adventure where a group of kids living in a “Utopian” society discover that it is really a “Dystopian” place where they have been cloned. They plan their escape and leave you hanging at the end so you’ll want to read the sequel. Great fun!
  6. The Crossover - Kwame Alexander **** (5-8)Excellent writing in verse and rap about twin middle school boys who play basketball. They have a dad who’s a former NBA star, struggling with a heart condition. Creative and poignant, but intense at times.