What would happen if you invented a new word?

Clements, Andrew (1996). Frindle. Grades 3-5.

Nick Allen always came up with clever schemes to stall a teacher right before the bell rang, which usually meant no homework, but this year is going to be different. Nick is in the fifth grade and his teacher Mrs. Granger does not tolerate any type of nonsense. When Nick asks a question right before the bell, Mrs. Granger asks him to find out and report on the answer the next day! His report leaves him with an idea--he decides to get back at his teacher by inventing a new word, "frindle," which spreads like wild fire throughout the school. Soon Nick can't control the popularity of his new word and neither can Mrs. Granger. This new word catches the attention of the media and entrepreneurs, who sell products with "frindle" written on them and "frindle" is eventually included in the dictionary. Find out how Nick feels about his new word and whether he and Mrs. Granger can look past their differences.

Latest book club read

Codell, Esmé Raji (2003). Sahara Special. Grades 3-5.

Sahara, a fifth grader, knows that she is going to be a writer. She already has some stories in the library (hidden behind some books), but her school counseler thinks that she needs special education. After Sahara's letters to her father are confiscated and put in the principal's file, she stops doing her homework and is taken out of her regular classroom. But, when her mother demands that she is taken out of special ed, Sahara returns to her classroom and is pleasantly surprised with the arrival of a new teacher. Ms. Pointy, is not your regular teacher, she has bright lipstick, wears outrageous clothes, and teaches strange subjects. Her unique teaching style may be all that Sahara and the other students need in order to gain self-esteem and overcome their individual fears.

If you would like to join the Online Book Club for 3-5 graders, call the Needham Children's library: 781-455-7559 ext. 204.

19th century story for younger readers

Coville, Bruce (2007). Hans Brinker. Grades 3-5 or a Read-aloud.

A young Dutch boy and his sister seek out medical help for their sick father and hope to win an ice skating competition. This advanced picture book is a shortened version of Mary Mapes Dodge's original novel, Hans Brinker; or, The Silver Skates, A Story of Life in Holland (314 pages). Readers will enjoy the wintery illustrations, which capture aspects of life in a Dutch village during a cold winter.

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 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.

Great books for young mystery lovers.

Stevenson, James. The Mud Flat Mystery. 56 pages. (PreS - Grade 2)
In 12 short chapters the animals of Mud Flat attempt to figure out what is inside a box that has been left on the front porch of Duncan's home. You'll laugh at all the funny things the animals do while guessing what's inside the box.

Yolen, Jane. The Mary Celeste: An Unsolved Mystery from History. 1 v. (Grades 3-5)

A young girl tries to put together clues left by her detective father about the mysterious history of a ship called the Mary Celeste. In 1872 the ship was found with no passengers on board. A great book to read aloud and discuss the different theories of what may have happened. The main text is presented in a large box, while smaller boxes provide definitions for unknown terms.

Take a Trip to Never-Never Land

Barry, Dave (2006). Escape from the Carnivale. (A Never Land Book). 134 pages. Grades 3-5.



This is the first book of a new series from the author of Peter and the Starcatchers. Little Scallop is a princess of the Mollusk tribe, lives on Mollusk Island and has two mermaids, Aqua and Surf, as friends. Little Scallop doesn’t have many opportunities to have exciting adventures like her warrior brothers, but when Aqua and Surf invite her on a pearl-diving trip, she can’t wait to go! The only problem is that her parents would never let her go, so she sneaks off late in the night with Aqua and Surf. As soon as they leave, the problems begin. They run into a storm and a ship with sailors who want to catch a mermaid. Little Scallop always wanted an adventure, but will she and her friends make it back home?



Levine, Gail Carson (2007). Fairy Haven and the Quest for the Wand. 191 pages. Grades 2-4.

In this thrilling sequel to Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg, the three fairies: Rani, Tinker Bell, and Ree must bring the mermaid Soop her wand, as promised, or else their home and all the Never fairies will be swept away in the flood sent by Soop. Beautiful watercolor illustrations accompany the story. This would also make a great read aloud for children who love the world of fairies and magic.

Donaldson, Julia (2005). The Giants and the Joneses. 215 p. Gr. 3-5.

Jumbeelia is an eight-year-old giant who grows her own beanstalk and collects some "iggly plops" otherwise known as humans. She thinks that they are her toys and plays with them in her doll house, but her brother is jealous of Jumbeelia's new friends. He tries to take them away and plays dangerous games with them. The "iggly plops" try to escape, but will they be able to get away from the giants and the strange creatures of Groil?

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?

Books to Read about Martin Luther King Jr. and Civil Rights with children from Pre-school to Grade 8.

Johnson, Angela. Sweet Smell of Roses. PreS-Gr.1

Johnson portrays the crucial involvement of youth in the Civil Rights movement with a story about Minnie and her sister who join the march with Dr. King. The text of the story is interspersed with words from Dr. King’s speech. Illustrated with beautiful black & white pencil drawings and a hint of red throughout the book.

Patrick, Denise Lewis. A Lesson for Martin Luther King, Jr. 31 p. Gr.K-2
This story focuses on a specific incident from Martin Luther King, Jr.’s childhood, when his best friend's father said they could no longer play together because "colored and white can't mix!"

Weatherford, Carole Boston. Freedom on the Menu. Gr.1-4
In this picture book, Weatherford portrays the 1960 civil rights sit-ins at the Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, through the eyes of a young Southern black girl.

Shore, Diane ZuHone. This is the Dream. Gr.2-5
Shore presents the events of the Civil Rights movement through
lyrical verses and distinguished illustrations. Archival photos, newspaper clippings, and paintings are used throughout the book.

Farris, Christine King. My Brother Martin. 35 p. Gr.2-4
Read about Martin Luther King Jr.’s life from his sister’s perspective. She recalls the conditions in the South during segregation and how her father’s sermons taught them to stand up for justice and equality. This is a good biography for introducing young children to the concept of segregation and Dr. King’s message.

Adler, David. A. A Picture Book of Rosa Parks. Gr. 2-4
Adler presents a visual biography of the woman who famously refused to give up her seat on a bus and helped establish the civil rights movement.

Edwards, Pamela Duncan. The Bus Ride that Changed History.
Gr. 2-4
Read about Rosa Parks, a crucial figure in the Civil Rights Movement, who refused to stand up so that a white passenger could sit in her seat.

Rappaport, Doreen. Martin’s Big Words. Gr 3-5
Rappaport sums up King’s life and work with short paragraphs, which are followed by King’s own words. His book includes great illustrations made with watercolor and collage art.

Haskins, James. John Lewis in the Lead. Gr.3-5
A biography of John Lewis, Georgia Congressman and one of the 'Big Six' civil rights leaders of the 1960s. Haskins focuses on his youth through the voter registration drives that sparked 'Bloody Sunday.'

Rappaport, Doreen. Nobody Gonna Turn Me ‘Round: Stories and Songs of the Civil Rights Movement. 63 p. Gr.4-8
Rappaport uses songs, poems, memories, letters, court testimony, and first-person accounts to provide a moving portrayal of the experiences of African Americans from the 1955 Montgomery Bus Boycott to the Voting Rights Act in July 1965.