2013-14 Oregon Battle of the Books
Grades 3-5 Annotated Booklist
Note to parents: Oregon Battle of the Books Division 1 is open to third, fourth and fifth grade students. However, the titles are selected with the reading level and maturity of fourth and fifth graders in mind. You may feel that the content and/or theme of one or two of these titles are inappropriate for your child. We recommend that you read and discuss these books with your child. A book that stretches a child’s thinking is a great opportunity to discuss world events and your family’s values.
Abraham Lincolnby Mary Pope Osborne (2011)
Nonfiction AR level 5.1, points: 1, 750L, 117 pages
This book answers Jack and Annie’s questions on returning from their adventure with Abraham Lincoln, including what it was like to grow up in a log cabin, what Lincoln's family life was like, and how he became the sixteenth president of the United States.
Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich (1999)
Historical AR level 6.1, points: 7, 970L, 244 pages
In 1847, seven-year-old Omakayas, or Little Frog, the sole survivor of a smallpox epidemic on Spirit Island, lives through adventures with her adopted family on Lake Superior's Madeline Island.
Clementine by Sara Pennypacker (2008)
RealisticAR level 4.5, points: 2, 720L, 154 pages
Clementine’s great ideas somehow end in disaster all week long, beginning as she tries to help her friend Margaret get gum out of her hair.
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary (1983)
RealisticAR level 4.9, points: 3,910L, 144 pages
Through a series of letters to his favorite author, young Leigh Botts learns to cope with loneliness and his parents’ divorce.
Eleven by Patricia Reilly Giff (2008)
MysteryAR level 4.1 points: 4, 600L, 164 pages
Sam cannot read. When he discovers an old newspaper clipping with a photograph of him as a toddler on the eve of his eleventh birthday, he experiences painful memories that make him question who he really is. Sam enlists the help of a new classmate to help him solve the mystery.
Gregor the Overlander by Suzanne Collins(2003)
FantasyAR level 4.8, points: 8, 630L, 311 pages
When Gregor falls through a grate in the laundry room of his apartment building, he discovers the Underland, where he embarks on a dangerous adventure that may solve the mystery of his father's disappearance.
Inside Out and Back Again by Thanhha Lai (2011)
HistoricalAR level4.8, points: 2, 800L, 262 pages
This autobiographical novel written in verse, follows Vietnamese 10-year-old Kim Hà during 1975, as Saigon is about to fall. (2012 Newbery Honor Book)
Into the Firestorm by Deborah Hopkinson(2006)
HistoricalAR level 4.2, points: 5, 600L, 200 pages
Eleven-year-old orphan Nicholas risks his life to save his employer's dog after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire.
Kenny & the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi(2008)
FantasyAR level 5.4, points: 3, 820L, 151 pages
When Kenny’s new best buddy is designated a scourge by the village of Roundbrook and marked for imminent extermination, Kenny comes up with an ingenious plan to give his neighbors what they want without losing his friend.
Marty McGuire by Kate Messner(2011)
RealisticAR level 3.8, points: 2,660L,129 pages
Marty, a tomboy who loves to catch frogs, is forced to portray the princess in the school play, The Frog Prince. (2014 Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Nominee)
Pie by Sarah Weeks (2011)
MysteryAR level 5.6, points: 5, 930L, 183 pages
Pie baker Polly,famous for her generosity and pie, bequeaths her secret pie-crust recipe to her grumpy pet cat, and the cat to her beloved niece Alice.When the cat disappears, Alice begins an investigation that might save her family and her town. (2014 Oregon Readers Choice Award Nominee)
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo (2003)
FantasyAR level 4.7, points: 5, 670L, 267 pages
Tiny mouse, Despereaux, in love with a human princess, goes to her rescue when she is kidnapped by a sneaky rat. (2004 Newbery Medal winner)
Umbrella Summer by Lisa Graff(2009)
RealisticAR level 4.6, points: 6, 820L,235 pages
After her 11-year-old brother Jared’s unexpected death from a rare heart condition, Annie goes from adventurous to always cautious.
Waiting for the Magic by Patricia MacLachlan (2011)
FantasyAR level 3, points: 2, 420L,143 pages
William’s father leaves and his mother adopts four dogs and a cat. The pets magically converse with his little sister, dispensing wisdom that helps bring the family back together. (2014 Beverly Cleary Children’s Choice Award Nominee)
Who is Neil Armstrong? by Roberta Edwards(2008)
NonfictionAR level 5.4, points: 1, 810L,112pages
This biography shows that astronaut Neil Armstrong was interested in flight long before he famously stepped on the moon on July 20, 1969 in “a giant leap for mankind.”
Young Fredle by Cynthia Voigt, (2011)
AR level 5.1, points: 8, 840L, 227 pages
Fredle, a curious kitchen mouse, eats a strange new substance, gets sick, is kicked out and finds himself outside, where his adventures begin. (2014 Oregon Readers Choice Award Nominee)