Straight from the horse's mouth

You never know when you'll find a good recommendation at the library.  Today, for instance, the following note was left on a shelf:

The reader has a good point.  Hank the Cowdog is one of the funniest characters out there.

Erickson, John (1983). Hank the Cowdog. (series) (Grades 4-6)

Hank is a cowdog.  More importantly, Hank is the Head of Ranch Security--at least, he's the Head of Ranch Security if you ask him.  If you ask anyone else on the ranch, you'll get a very different answer.  Hank is always getting into trouble with the ranchers and the other animals, despite his best intentions.  He's not as smart or as good-looking as he thinks he is, but he makes up for it in determination.  When a mysterious adventure arises, he's the first to run into it.  For instance, he stands his ground in the face of a plane (a "silver monster bird" trying to steal a steer, according to Hank) and almost manages to catch it before it veers away.

Hank's gruff way of talking and hilarious misunderstandings make these books fun to read aloud or alone, and the series is extensive enough that you'll always have your pick of books.  Although the first book is a good place to start, there's no need to read the series in order.  Each book stands well on its own and doesn't need anything more than Hank's own introduction: "It's me again, Hank the Cowdog."

"The Name of This Book Is Secret"

Bosch, Pseudonymous (2007). The Name of This Book is Secret. Grades 4-6.

The author of this book does not want to share too much information with you, including the names of the characters, where they live, or what they look like. Instead, he provides fictional names and let's you the reader use your imagination in realizing the setting and character traits.
If you can get past the first few pages where the author goes on and on explaining just why he is doing this, you will find that this book is a quirky mix of adventure and mystery.
Cassandra and Max-Ernest, the two main characters, are both outsiders at their school. When Cassandra's grandfathers are given a mysterious box that was found at a recently deceased magician's home, Cassandra notices something strange about it. This is where the adventure begins. Cassandra and Max-Ernest pair up to figure out the secret that the magician does not want anyone to know. They have to keep this box and any other contents they find away from the villains, Mr. L and Mrs. Mauvais, who may somehow be connected to the magician's death.
And if you enjoy this book, don't forget to read the sequel: If You're Reading This, It's Too Late.

"A Drowned Maiden's Hair"

Schlitz, Laura Amy (2006). A Drowned Maiden's Hair: A Melodrama. Grades 4-6.

Eleven-year-old Maud is known as a trouble maker at the Barbary Asylum for Female Orphans. When we meet her character, she has been locked in an
outhouse (outdoor bathroom) by a teacher as punishment. Several girls are awaiting adoption by three wealthy sisters, but to her teacher's astonishment, Maud is chosen over the others. Maud can not believe her luck! New experiences await her, including a train ride, eating exquisite foods, wearing beautiful clothes, and having her own room. At first she does not question why her room is in the attic or why she can't be seen by the neighbors, but Maude grows curious and eventually the sisters inform her that they are spiritualists who hold seances and that she is needed to act as a spirit. Maud knows that what they are doing is wrong, but she decides to play along with their charade. Only when she is left behind during a house fire does Maud realize that the women do not share her affection and that she is nothing more than their prop.

Donavan's Double Trouble

DeGross, Monalisa (2008). Donavan's Double Trouble. Grade 4-6.

Fourth grader, Donavan is looking forward to Heritage Month at his school. Every year, kids can bring in a person that will share something special about their heritage and it seems that everyone, including his sister Nikki, has someone lined up for the event. Donavan, however, is preoccupied with a few of his own dilemmas. At school he is having trouble with his math class and at home he is having trouble adjusting to his Uncle Vic who lost his legs while serving in the military. While Donavan's father attempts to teach him a few strategies for solving math problems, Donavan works on overcoming his discomfort around Uncle Vic. In the process, Donavan discovers that solving math problems doesn't have to feel horrible and realizes that he's not the only one with reservations about his Uncle's new way of life.

Story of friendship in 1926 South Carolina

Fuqua, Jonathon Scott (2002). Darby.* Grades 4-6.
Set in 1926, nine-year-old Darby Carmichael lives in Marlboro County, South Carolina where racial tensions are high. Her father owns a store and is a farmer who employs black sharecroppers. One of Darby's good friends is Evette, the daughter of a sharecropper. When Evette tells Darby that she wants to be a newspaper editor, Darby begins to have writing ambitions of her own. Evette helps Darby with her first newspaper article for the local paper and after that Darby is a local celebrity, but when Darby begins to observe and write about the racial inequality and tension in her town, some citizens are less than thrilled. Unfortunately, her family becomes targeted by a group of whites that disagree with Darby's opinion.
This is a great story about a young girl who is not afraid to speak the truth, no matter the consequences. Great book for a book club or classroom read-aloud.

*NPL does not own this title.

Will Jealousy Come Between Two Best Friends?

Haworth, Danette (2008). Violet Raines Almost Got Struck by Lightning. Grades 4 - 6.

Violet Raines and Lottie are best friends and have lived in Florida their entire lives. The two girls enjoy Sunday fish frys and hanging out, but when new girl, Melissa arrives from Detroit, she becomes a threat to Violet and Lottie's friendship--or at least that's how Violet feels. While Lottie and Melissa's friendship develops, Violet refuses to accept any changes and chooses to hang out with her childhood friend Eddie instead. It might just take a disaster for Violet to accept Melissa as a friend!

Giant beasts attacking innocent citizens of London!

Stewart, Paul & Riddell, Chris (2008). The Curse of the Night Wolf. (Barnaby Grimes, bk.1) Grades 4-6.


Barnaby Grimes is a tick-tock lad, a.k.a fast messenger, in London. He leaps over rooftops to get his messages around town, but one night he happens to run into a giant beast! He is lucky and manages to escape the jaws of this enormous wolf, but some are not as lucky. After his friend Old Benjamin tells him about a miracle cure offered by a local doctor, he is attacked by an enormous wolf. When more people around town begin to disappear, Barnaby becomes suspicious that this miracle cure has something to do with it. He is determined to uncover the mystery behind these crimes in London, but will he be able to stop the brutal attacks or will he become a victim himself?

The Healing Power of Music

Morpugro, Michael (2008). The Mozart Question. Grades 4-6.

Paolo Levi is a world-renowned violinist with a secret that no one has attempted or dared to uncover. When Lesley, a journalist, is scheduled to interview Levi, she is told not to ask the "Mozart question." What is the "Mozart question" she wonders? Lesley's interview question prompts Levi to recall how as a boy he developed his passion for the violin after his mother showed him a hidden violin belonging to his father. He would secretly borrow the violin and sneak out for lessons with a man who had once known Levi's parents and the secret they kept hidden all these years from their son. Beautiful watercolor illustrations are interspersed throughout the book.

This is a deeply moving story about the healing power of music. Although the terrible accounts of the Holocaust are not described in this story, the author alludes to some of the events and provides brief recollections of life at the camps.

Readers who are not familiar with the Holocaust may be interested in reading several sources:

Bachrach, Susan D. Tell Them We Remember: The Story of the Holocaust.

Krinitz, Esther Nisenthal. Memories of Survival.

Rubin, Susan Goldman. The Cat with the Yellow Star: Coming of Age in Terezin.

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 Chilling Ghost Story

Avi (2008). The Seer of Shadows. 202 pages. Grades 4-6.

It is 1872 in New York City and Horace Carpetine has learned that he can see shadows or ghosts. He is an apprentice to Enoch Middleditch, a photographer, who takes advantage of a wealthy family through a hoax. When Mrs. Von Macht contacts Mr. Middleditch, she informs him that her daughter has passed on, but she can still feel her presence. Mr. Middleditch decides to take Mrs. Von Macht's photographs and add in an image of her departed daughter, Eleanora. But, when Horace begins taking his own pictures in the Von Macht house, he is surprised to find a real image of the dead daughter. He learns the secret behind Eleanora's death from Pegg, the Von Macht's servant, and the two join to help Eleanora's spirit rest once and for all.

Fairy Tale Fans

Rodda, Emily (2008). The Key to Rondo. 342 pages. Grades 4-6.

If you enjoy books with fairy tale tie-ins, such as Into the Woods by Lyn Gardner, then this is a book for you!

Leo is given a family heirloom, a music box, which has magic powers. When his cousin, Mimi and her dog, arrive for a visit, she winds the music box four times and opens the door to a magical place called Rondo. The adventure begins when the magic is released. The Blue Queen kidnaps Mimi's dog, which causes Mimi and a reluctant Leo to follow her into Rondo. They must travel through this new place and encounter characters from well-known nursery rhymes and fairy tales in order to rescue Mimi's pet. This is an action-packed adventure with a fast paced story line.

An ancient door, mysterious codes, and a map

Baccalario, Pierdomenico (2006). The Door to Time. (Ulysses Moore, bk. 1) 222 pages. Grades 4-6.

Julia and Jason have moved into Argo Manor in Kilmore Cove, a grand mansion with an unsolved mystery. The previous owner, Ulysses Moore, left behind interesting clues and codes to unlock an ancient door. With the help of Rick, a local boy, Julia and Jason begin their adventure, which leads them down dark stairways and grottos beneath the old house. They must solve codes and riddles in order to find the map that Ulysses intended for them to find. Little do they know that someone else is after the same thing and will stop at nothing to find it before they do. Will the three children locate the ancient map or will their journey lead them to an even more fantastical place?

Three Fantasy Books in One!

Stewart, Paul (2003). Muddle Earth. 450 pages. Grades 4-6.

Joe Jefferson can't think of what to write for his English assignment, which needs to be about an adventure. When he goes outside for a walk with his dog, he suddenly becomes part of another world, Muddle Earth, where he must play the role of warrior-hero. It is now up to Joe and his new friends to stop Dr. Cuddles from imprisoning the wizards and ruling Muddle Earth.

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.

Animal Fantasy Fans!

Fan, Nancy Yi (2007). Swordbird. 219 pages. Grades 4-6.

If you enjoy Animal Fantasy books, don't miss Swordbird, which was written by 11 year-old Fan! Deep in Stone-Run Forest, the once peaceful blue jays and cardinals have become enemies over stolen food and eggs. But who really stole these items? In addition to the warring birds, a terrible hawk, Turnatt, is planning to enslave all of the forest birds and force them to build his fortress. Only Swordbird, a bird of peace, can rescue the birds, but will he arrive in time?

Watch out Brothers Grimm, here come the Sisters Grimm!

Buckley, Michael (2005). The Fairy Tale Detectives. (The Sisters Grimm, bk. 1) 284 pages. Grades 4-6.


Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are sisters who have been sent to live with their grandmother, whom they believed was dead. Their parents have been missing for over 2 years and they have lost hope of being reunited with them. When they arrive at their grandmother's home, Sabrina and Daphne find themselves in a fairy tale world complete with pixies, Jack (from Jack and the Beanstalk), the Three Little Pigs, and of course Prince Charming. Before they have a chance to settle in, the Grimm family is on the case of a giant who has crushed a farmer's home. But, before the sisters can learn more about this unusal world and their new family,
their grandmother is kidnapped by the giant and the Grimm sisters must save her!

Recently Added Fiction

Barber, Tiki. Kickoff! 153 pages. Grades 4-6.

Tiki and Ronde's summer is winding down and it will soon be time to start junior high. This year they will tryout for the Hidden Valley Eagles team, but there is much more competition than in elementary school. Will Tiki and Ronde make the team or spend the season on the bench?

Berkeley, Jon. The Tiger's Egg. 400 pages. Grades 4-7.
In the second book from The Wednesday Tales, orphan Miles Wednesday joins the Circus Bolsillo with his angel-friend Little. Hoping to find out more about his parents, Miles joins Doctor Tau-Tau on a journey, which he believes will lead to his father, but he soon finds out that Doctor Tau-Tau is on a quest to find the Tiger's Egg instead.

Doder, Joshua. A Dog Called Grk. 241 pages. Grades 5-7.

When Tim Malt finds a dog called Grk near his home in London, he tries to find Grk's owner. After doing some detective work, Tim learns that Grk belongs to Natascha Raffifi who has been kidnapped along with her parents and taken back to their homeland in Eastern Europe. Tim is determined to return Grk to Natascha and manages to get to Stanislavia where she is being held prisoner. Will he rescue Natascha and reunite her with Grk?

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.

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 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.