Short stories by Judy Blume for Beginning Readers

Blume, Judy. Soupy Saturdays with the Pain & the Great One. 108 pages. Grades 1-3.


In seven short stories for beginning readers, Blume expands on her earlier book The Pain and the Great One. The chapters alternate between Abigail (the Great One) and Jacob's (the Pain) side of the story. Each one is filled with humor and depicts the insights of sibling relationships. In addition to the funny stories, readers will enjoy the great illustrations by James Stevenson, another picture book author/illustrator. This is a great book to read aloud with the whole family!

Last Call for Summer Reading Goodie Bags!

Did you participate in the Summer Reading Club?

If you read 10 books/hours you can pick up your goodie bag and certificate!

The deadline is Tuesday, September 30!

Madame President and a Haunted White House

St. George, Judith (2007). The Ghost, The White House, and Me. 153 pages. Grades 3-5.


After their mother is elected President of the United States, eleven-year-old KayKay and her sister Annie move into the White House. Although their new home comes with great features, such as a bowling alley and their own chef, the girls miss spending time with their busy mother. KayKay occupies her time by writing mystery books and scaring her sister with stories about a ghost who haunts the Lincoln bedroom. After some persuasion, Annie joins KayKay in investigating the mystery and scaring an important guest, but in the end they get a surprise of their own.

Higgins, F.E. (2007). The Black Book of Secrets. 273 pages. Grades 5-8.

After barely escaping his thieving parents, Ludlow Fitch hitches a ride on the back of a carriage to the village of Pagus Parvus where he meets Joe Zabidou, the "Secret Pawnbroker." Ludlow becomes his assistant and each night when a different villager appears on Joe's doorstep to share a deep, dark secret, he transcribes these confessions. Through these midnight sessions, Ludlow and Joe learn how Mr. Ratchet, who owns most of the town, has cheated and blackmailed most of the residents. The situation quickly gets worse when Mr. Ratchet realizes what is going on and he attempts to turn the villagers against Joe and Ludlow.

A new adventure from Erin Hunter

Hunter, Erin (2008). The Quest Begins. (The Seekers, bk.1) 293 pages. (Grades 5-7).

The story follows the journey of three bears: Kallik, a polar bear, Toklo, a grizzly bear, and Lusa, a black bear. Each bear must overcome hardships in order to continue their quest to the Northern Lights. Kallik becomes separated from her family and must continue on her own. Toklo is abandoned by his mother and meets a shape-shifting cub. Lusa meets Oka, Toklo's mother in the zoo, and promises to find him and bring him a message. It seems that destiny will bring these three bears together on a dangerous journey that will continue throughout this new series. Includes an excerpt from Great Bear Lake (The Seekers, bk. 2).

If you liked "Chasing Vermeer," you'll love...

Broach, Elise (2005). Shakespeare's Secret. 250 pages. (Grades 4-7).

Sixth-grader Hero and her family have moved into the "Murphy diamond" house, which is what the locals call it, ever since a 17 carat diamond went missing. With the help of her neighbor, Mrs. Roth, and Danny an eighth-grade boy, Hero attempts to find the diamond and along the way, uncovers important historical information.

Fans of the "Amelia" notebooks & Riot Brothers series will enjoy this book!

Amato, Mary (2006). Please Write in this Book. 97 pages. Grades 2-4.

At the beginning of the school year, Ms. Wurtz leaves a blank book in the Writer's Corner for her students to find and contribute to. The students begin to write in the book and create a dialogue, but soon there is a rivalry between the boys and girls. The boys' writing includes silly rhymes and potty humor, while the girls' attempt to resolve the problem by encouraging everyone to write "nice things". The students also include hand-drawn illustrations throughout the book. Eventually, all the students decide to contribute to a story and end the book. Both boys and girls will enjoy this fun book with humorous illustrations and silly dialogue.

A boy, a flying boat, and an evil genius...

Miller, Wiley (2006). The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Basil. 126 pages. Grades 3-5.

Twelve-year old Basil lives in a lighthouse in Maine where nothing much happens...until now. An unexpected visitor arrives at Basil's window, in a flying boat! Professor Angus McGookin and Basil take a trip to the city of Helios, where they encounter interesting inventions, flying pteranodons, and an evil genius. Kids will also enjoy the colorful illustrations and comical characters.

Counting pennies...

Harris, Trudy (2008). Jenny Found a Penny. 32 pages. Grades K-3.

A great book to introduce children to counting money. Jenny finds coins around her home and earns money through doing chores. She's trying to save up for a special gift, but when she finally reaches her goal of $1.00, Jenny encounters a few obstacles. Will she be able to bring her gift home?