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.

Great picture books that teach about equality and friendship

Here are some great books to read to your preschoolers that introduce concepts of equality, difference, and friendship.




Hallinan, P.K. A Rainbow of Friends.
A story about the special qualities friends have, despite their differences or difficulties.

Howe, James. Horace and Morris but Mostly Dolores.
Three mice learn that the best clubs include everyone.

Raschka, Chris. Yo! Yes?
Two boys meet on the street and after exchanging a few simple words become friends.

Do you have what it takes to win the Golly-whopper Games?

Feldman, Jody (2008). The Golly-Whopper Games. 308 pages. Grades 4-7.

Twelve-year-old Gil Goodson's life hasn't been the same since "the Incident," when his father was falsely accused of stealing money from his employer, the Golly Toy and Game Company (GTGC). The kids at school treat him horribly and can't seem to get over "the Incident." Gil believes that his only chance at a fresh start for him and his family is to compete and win the Golly-whopper Games sponsored by the GTGC. Gil and thousands of other children must solve word games, puzzles, and other stunts in order to win prizes, including a college scholarship. During the games, Gil must work with the other finalists as a team, as well as independently in order to get to the final four. Some of the puzzles and codes are tricky, but the contestants solve them in their own unique way. Readers can solve the word puzzles and codes along with Gil and the other contestants. A fun and humorous book about a boy who justs wants to live a normal life.

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.

Mazer, Norma Fox (2007). Ten Ways to Make My Sister Disappear. 148 pages. Grades 4-6.



Have you ever imagined what life might be like without your annoying sibling? Meet Sprig, a ten-year-old girl, who imagines the many ways in which she could get rid of her older sister, Dakota, who constantly teases and bosses her around. But, when their father leaves for work in Afghanistan, the sisters grow closer together through their mutual concern for his safety.

Riordan, Rick. The Lightning Thief. (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, bk. 1) 377 pages. Grades 5 - 8.

Percy Jackson always thought that he was just a normal kid with a few issues, like dyslexia. But when his class takes a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York he realizes that something is more than a little bit weird. Mrs. Dodds, his math teacher, has always been mean to him, but at the museum she actually tries to kill him! After his escape he realizes that no one else, including his best friend Grover, knows who she is. Why was he the only one who saw her? To make things worse, his boarding school has kicked him out, just like every other school in the past. When Percy returns home to his mom, she decides to take him on a trip and that is when everything changes. They are attacked and chased by a minotaur and Percy's mother is killed, or is she? Only Percy and Grover make it to Half-Blood Hill, a summer camp for children of the Greek gods, where once he is claimed by a god he will be able to undertake a quest that will change his life forever. If you love this book read the second in this series, The Sea of Monsters.

Picture Books about Friendship

Bloom, Suzanne. A Splendid Friend, Indeed.
Can a goose and a polar bear be friends? Find out how a curious goose wins over a polar bear who can't be bothered.

Dunrea, Olivier. Gossie & Friends: A First Flap Book.
Your child will enjoy reading about Gossie, Gertie, BooBoo, and Peedie. Lift the flaps to learn about colors, seasons, countings, and more!

Ford, Miela. Bear Play.
Two polar bears have a great time playing in the water.

West, Colin. "Buzz, Buzz, Buzz," Went Bumblebee.
The bumblebee buzzes from one animal to the next, hoping to find a friend. He finally lands on a butterfly who doesn't mind a bumblebee on his wing.

Rainy Weekend - nothing to do?

Bronco Charlie and the Pony Express, Marleen Targ Brill (Gr. 2-4) 46 p.
Children who love to read adventure stories and nonfiction will enjoy reading about a boy named Charlie Miller who in 1861 became the youngest rider for the Pony Express. Try other books in the “On My Own History” series, including Allen Jay and the Underground Railroad, Keep the Lights Burning, Abbie, and Saving the Liberty Bell.

Keeker and the Sugar Shack, Hadley Higginson (Gr. 2-4) 46 p.
Meet Keeker, a nine year old girl who lives in Vermont and owns a pony named Plum. In the third book of the “Sneaky Pony Series,” Keeker and Plum decide to investigate a new neighbor who has moved in next door. Keeker thinks that her neighbor might be a witch, but first impressions aren’t always right.

Today I Will Fly, Mo Willems (Gr. K-3) 57 p.
If your child loved Willems’ picture books, such as “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus” he/she will equally love Today I Will Fly. Piggie announces to elephant that she will fly, but elephant is skeptical. Despite elephant’s negative outlook, Piggie is confident and says “I will try” and asks her friends for help. This is a great story that encourages children to ask for help, but to never give up.

The Curious Demise of a Contrary Cat, Lynne Berry (PreS - Gr. 1)
The story of a cat who is always busy doing something other than what his owner, the witch, asks. Find out what becomes of this contrary cat. Kids and parents will enjoy the creative rhyming and repetitive text that is accompanied by black and white Edward Gorey-like illustrations.

Books to read aloud

Are you looking for a variety of books to read aloud to your youngsters? Here are some older classics as well as some more recent titles.

Bulion, Leslie. Hey There, Stink Bug! 45 p.
Kids will enjoy learning about different insects through poetry. The author uses different poetic styles to describe how insects capture prey, trick predators, attract mates, and have managed to survive for 400 million years. Witty and humorous poems for all ages! Includes a glossary and poetry notes. Independent reading for grades 2-5.

Naylor, Phyllis Reynolds. Patches and Scratches. 74 p.

Sarah Simpson, also known as “Idea Girl”, loves to solve problems. Her friend Peter would like to have a dog, but his grandmother won’t allow him to. Sarah tries to find a solution to Peter’s dilemma. She gives him a goldfish and then a turtle, but he is not happy with these pets. When Peter’s grandmother is given a cat named Patches, Sarah and Peter try to convince her that she should keep it. Independent reading for grades 2-4.

Seuling, Barbara. Robert and the Great Escape. 118 p.

Robert and his friend Paul go on an exciting skiing vacation, but when they return to school they find that their third grade pet, Sally the snake, has gone missing! Independent reading for grades 2-4.

Voigt, Cynthia. The Rosie Stories. 48 p.

Rosie is a dog who loves to eat everything. Read about her funny and mischievous attempts to get food from the breakfast table and even the trash when no one is home. Independent reading for grades 2-3.

White, E.B. The Trumpet of the Swan. 210 p.

Louis is a trumpeter swan just like the rest of his family. But unlike his brothers and sisters, Louis can’t make a sound! When Louis meets Serena he can’t win her affection, because he can’t trumpet his love. He thinks of other ways to win her love, including learning how to read and write. Nothing seems to work, but then his father steals him a trumpet. Will a trumpet solve his problem? Independent reading for grades 4-6.

Wilson, A.N. Tabitha. 42 p.
For children who love to read about cats! Five short stories about a cat named Tabitha, her father Pufftail, and the other cats in the neighborhood. Venture into the world of a curious kitten growing into a cat. A great set of stories to read together before bedtime or for your independent reader in grades 2-4.