"Revolution is not a dinner party, or writing an essay, or painting a picture..."

Compestine, Ying Chang (2007). Revolution is Not a Dinner Party. 248 pages. Grades 5-8.


In early 1972, eight-year-old Ling lives with her parents, both doctors, in a comfortable apartment building. But that very summer, Ling's life changes when Comrade Li, a political officer, moves into a room in their apartment. Chairman Mao is the adored leader and anyone who disagrees with his views or is seen as being part of the bourgeois, is declared an enemy. Ling begins to witness the cruelty that meets her neighbors and her own family during the Cultural Revolution. Over four years, Ling grows into a teenager and endures more hardships than anyone, especially a child, should ever face.

An intriguing story about a young girl's life during the Cultural Revolution, based on the author's own experiences.

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore...

Wilson, N.D. (2007). 100 Cupboards. 289 pages. Grades 4-6.

Henry's life changes dramatically after his parents are kidnapped. He leaves Boston, where he lived a sheltered life, and moves in with his Aunt, Uncle and their children in Kansas, where he can roam freely and even ride in the open cab of his Uncle's truck. Henry is given a cozy room in the attic, which has a secret waiting for him to discover. When pieces of plaster begin to fall from the wall, Henry finds hidden cabinet doors in all shapes, colors, and sizes. With his cousin, Henrietta, they discover that each door leads to a different world.

The story begins on the slow side, but the excitement picks up once Henry and Henrietta begin wandering through the different worlds. You can find the list and a drawing of the cabinets at the beginning of the book.

A story of friendship and strength

Day, Karen (2007). Tall Tales. 299 pages. Grades 5-7.

Sixth-grader Meg has moved again and is going to start another new school, this time in Indiana. She is worried about making friends and when anyone asks about her or her family, Meg makes up tall tales. She makes up stories, because she has a secret that no one can ever find out. But, when Meg meets Grace she realizes that Grace is a true friend and she slowly begins to trust her and her family.

Curtis, Christopher Paul (2007). Mr. Chickee’s Messy Mission. 230 p. (Gr. 3-6)
Join the Flint Future Detectives on another mystery and fantasy adventure. When Russell’s dog, Rodney Rodent, chases a gnome and disappears into a mural, Steve Carter and his friends follow him and meet Mr. Chickee. If they want to return to their own universe, the detectives have to find Rodney Rodent and save the alternate universe of Ourside at the same time.

Fontes, Justine & Ron (2007). The Trojan Horse: The Fall of Troy. 48 p. (Gr. 4-6)

If your kids like to hear myths and legends, but can’t read Virgil on their own, then have them try this refreshing new take on Greek myths in the form of a graphic novel (comic book). Kids will enjoy learning about the battle of Troy and the story behind the wooden horse through scenes full of action and color.

Gifford, Peggy (2007). Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little. 92 p. (Gr. 3-5)
Meet nine year old Moxy who realizes that summer is ending and she has not yet read her summer reading assignment! Does this sound familiar? The book that she has put off reading is “Stuart Little,” but not because she doesn’t like it. Moxy brings the book with her everywhere, including the pool. It’s just that she hasn’t managed to spare any time to read it. Will Moxy finish the book the day before she starts fourth grade or will she have to face the consequences?

McAllister, Angela (2006). Digory the Dragon Slayer. 124 p. (Gr. 3-5)

Digory was an average boy until he found a dragon’s tooth while walking through the forest. Suddenly, the people of his village think that he has slayed a dragon! Now he is considered a knight, but can Digory face a real dragon?

Exciting historical fiction

Kathryn Lasky's The Last Girls of Pompeii.

184 p. Gr. 6-8

In the year A.D. 79, 12 year old Julia is the youngest child in the Petreius family who was born with a deformed arm, which she refers to as the “Curse of Venus.” The summer has been a busy one for Julia, because her sister Cornelia is to be wed. Both their parents are consumed by the wedding preparations and Julia gets dragged from one augur to the next. While her family is preparing for the upcoming wedding Julia and her slave Sura begin to notice strange things happening in Pompeii. First they notice that the water from the fountain is not flowing as freely as usual and then they smell sulfur, which has an odor like rotten eggs. Little do they know that beneath Mount Vesuvius there is a volcano that is ready to erupt and destroy the lives of the ones they love.