Friendship and strength in the Bronx

Adler, David A. (2008). Don't Talk to Me about the War. Grades 5-7.

It is 1940 and thirteen-year-old Tommy's life is about to change. All his friend Beth talks about these days is the war in Europe. But Tommy doesn't care about that--it's so far away. He would rather listen to the Dodgers game and play stickball. When Beth introduces him to a girl named Sarah, who used to live in Germany, Tommy learns about her experiences with the war and the reason why her family came to the U.S. In addition to the war, Tommy's mother's health is declining and she doesn't know why. The responsibilities at home begin to increase and at first Tommy worries that he won't have time to spend with his friends, but in the end he realizes what really matters.

Adler provides accurate historical details from this time period and creates a character that kids will be able to relate to while learning more about America's role during World War II.

A story of friendship and a talking hen

Cowley, Joy (2008). Chicken Feathers. 149 pages. Grades 3-5.


During the summer while Josh's mother was in the hospital waiting for her baby to be born, Josh spent his time with a chicken who possesed a special talent. Her name was Semolina and she could talk! When Josh noticed that eggs were disappearing, he asked Semolina, who informed him that a fox was stealing them. Unfortunately, Josh's father didn't believe him, especially when he found out who it was that told Josh. Find out if Josh can convince his father in time and prevent Semolina from becoming fox's dinner.

Adventures of a small town boy and his dog

Ylvisaker, Anne (2007). Little Klein. 186 pages. Grades 3-6.


Nine-year-old Harold Sylvester George Klein, known as "Little Klein," is the smallest and youngest in his family, and his brothers, "the Bigs," never let him forget it. One day, a dog named LeRoy finds Harold and follows him home. Soon the two are inseparable and they find themselves having one adventure after another. But, when disaster strikes and his brothers are the ones needing help, Harold takes action and saves the day.
This is a great story for kids who enjoy reading realistic stories about adventure and friendship between children and animals. Other books to try include: DiCamillo's Because of Winn Dixie, Naylor's Shiloh, and Twain's The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.

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.

A great book to read in bits or in one sitting!

Spinelli, Eileen (2007). Where I Live. unpaged. Grades 1-4.


Meet Diana, a girl who loves astronomy, and writing poetry. So far life is good--she just won a poetry contest, is painting star charts in her room, and spends time with best friend Rose. But, when her parents tell Diana and her sister that they must move, her happiness fades. Diana does not look forward to living at her grandfather's house--six hours away from Rose! After a short time, however, Diana meets a boy who shares some of her same interests and suddenly things aren't as bad as they seemed. This story is written in verse, which makes it feel like you are reading Diana's personal journal.

A little bit of magic, mixed with realism.

Going, K.L. (2007) The Garden of Eve. 234 pages. Grades 4-6.


Eve loved to listen to her mother's stories and believed that magical things really could happen. After her mother's death, she no longer believe in stories until mysterious things begin happening at an old orchard her father purchased in upstate New York. Within the their first few days in Beaumont, Eve meets a boy who claims to be a ghost and receives a mysterious seed as a gift for her eleventh birthday. When she plants the seed, it takes her and the boy on a strange journey.

Wonderful historical fiction novel!

Rinaldi, Ann (2007). Come Juneteenth. 246 pages. (Grades 5-7).


The Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, but it took two and a half years for Texas slave owners to inform their slaves for fear of an uprising. Fourteen-year old Luli has grown up during the Civil War alongside Sis Goose, a slave who was raised as Luli's sister. The girls tell each other everything, but when Lincoln issues the Emancipation Proclamation, Luli is forbidden to tell Sis Goose that she is free. When Union soldiers arrive in Texas, Sis Goose learns that she has been free for over two years. Her trust in Luli is broken and she is forced to run away with a Union soldier, which results in a devastating tragedy.

Giff, Patricia Reilly (2006). Water Street. 164 pages. Grades 4-6.

It is 1875 and 13 year-old Bird Mallon lives with her family on Water Street with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge as it was being built. Her parents came to New York from Ireland and want nothing more for Bird and her siblings than to grow up with more education and opportunities than they had. Bird’s mother is a healer, her sister Annie works in a box factory, and Hughie fights for money.
When new tenants move into their building, Bird hopes that she will have a new girl friend, instead she meets Thomas Neary, a boy, who writes stories and lives with his Pop, who spends most of his time at the bar. The story follows Thomas and Bird's friendship through 8th grade graduation. Throughout this time they share with each other their hopes and dreams. Giff's use of historical material provides an accurate portrayal of the struggle of Irish immigrants in New York. This is a great book that can be used to supplement history lessons on 19th century Irish immigrant life.

Cummings, Mary (2006). Three Names of Me. (Gr. 2-4)

Ada is a girl who was adopted from China. She has three names: one given by her mother, one she received at the orphanage, and one her American parents gave her. Ada explores each of her three names and their importance to her. Beautiful illustrations accompany the text. There are ideas for scrapbooking at the end, as well as a section where Ada lists her favorite things. This is a great book to share with a child who is interested in learning about Chinese culture and heritage.

Here are some similar books that you might enjoy:

• Fisher, Iris L. (1987). Katie-Bo: An Adoption Story.


• Lewis, Rose (2007). Every Year On Your Birthday.


• Rodowsky, Colby F (2007). Ben and the Sudden-Too Big Family.


• Say, Allen (1997). Allison.