The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen

Grades: 5-6

When Sage is taken from his orphanage by a nobleman, his life
completely changes. He soon discovers that he is part of a plot to
impersonate the long lost prince of the kingdom. Since only one boy
will be chosen, defiant Sage has to be the one … or it could mean his
death.

Author Website: http://www.jennielsen.com/

The Flying Beaver Brothers and the Evil Penguin Plan by Maxwell Eaton III

Grades: 3-6

Beaver brothers, Ace and Bub, are planning on winning the surfing
competition. Evil penguins are plotting a zany attempt to turn the
beaver’s tropical island into a polar resort. There is action, adventure,
silly puns and lots of fun packed into this little graphic novel.

Author Website: http://www.maxwelleaton.com/index.htm

Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli

Grades: 4-6

Twins Jake and Lily have always shared a special connection called
“goombla,” but the summer of their eleventh birthday their relationship
begins to change. Jake becomes friends with a group of local boys, the
“Death Rays,” and Lily, feeling abandoned, turns to her understanding
grandfather, Poppy, for help in finding her own way.

Author Website: http://www.jerryspinelli.com/newbery_001.htm

King of the Mound: My summer with Satchel Paige by Wes Tooke

Grades: 4-6

Nick loves baseball and helping out the Bismarck Churchill’s, the semiprofessional baseball team for which his father is a catcher. During the summer of 1935, as he is recovering from polio with a brace on one leg, he gets to see the great pitcher, Satchel Paige, play ball and learn important lessons about overcoming the odds.

Author Website: http://site.westooke.com/

Liar and Spy by Rebecca Stead

Grades: 3-6

After moving to a new neighborhood and attending his first Spy Club
meeting, Georges meets Safer, an exciting new friend! But when
Georges is assigned a new mission spying on his mysterious neighbor,
Mr. X, he begins to learn that Safer has been keeping some very serious
secrets of his own.

Author Website: http://www.rebeccasteadbooks.com/

The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate

Grades: 3-6

Inspired by the true story of a gorilla who spent 30 years alone in a
cage at an indoor zoo in a mall, this beautifully written book is told
from the point of view of Ivan, the Gorilla. Follow his struggle to free
himself and a baby elephant from his down and out “domain.”

Author Website: None

Snakes by Nic Bishop

Grades: 3-6

Are all snakes poisonous? How do they find their prey? Did you know
they hear by using the bones in their jaws? Explore the fascinating and
sometimes horrifying world of snakes with vivid, full page photographs
and engaging facts that will give you a new appreciation of these scaly
silent creatures.

Author Website: http://www.nicbishop.com/