suggested by Wendy Woodfill, Juvenile Selection Librarian, Hennepin County Library

Wendy particularly recommends these books for readers in the upper elementary grades.

The Folk Keeper • Franny Billingsley

Orphan Corinna disguises herself as a boy to pose as a Folk Keeper, one who keeps evil folks at bay, and discovers her heritage as a real maiden when she is taken to live with a wealthy family in their manor by the sea.

Walk Two Moons• Sharon Creech

After her mother leaves home suddenly, Sal and her grandparents take a car trip retracing her mother's route. Along the way Sal recounts the story of her friend Phoebe, whose mother has also left.

Because of Winn-Dixie • Kate DiCamillo

Ten-year-old India Opal Buloni describes her first summer in the town of Naomi, Florida and all the good things that happen to her because of her big ugly dog, Winn-Dixie.

Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key • Jack Gantos

To the constant disappointment of this mother and teacher, Joey Pigza has trouble paying attention or controlling his mood swings when his medication wears off and he starts acting weird.

Among the Hidden • Margaret Peterson Haddix

A government decree allows each family two children. For Luke, a third child, this has meant a lifetime of hiding. But could a stray glimpse of a child in the house across the way lead to freedom?

Our Only May Amelia • Jennifer L. Holm

As the only girl in a Finnish American family of seven brothers, May Amelia Jackson resents being expected to act like a lady growing up in Washington state in 1899.

The Lives of Christopher Chant (3 book series) • Diana Wynne Jones

Young Christopher Chant, in training to become the next Chrestomanci or head controller of magic in the world, becomes a key figure in a battle with renegade sorcerers because he has nine lives.

The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe • C. S. Lewis

Four English schoolchildren find their way through the back of a wardrobe into the magic land of Narnia where they assist Aslan. the golden lion, to triumph over the White Witch who has cursed the land with eternal winter.

The Thief • Megan Whalen Turner

Gen flaunts his ingenuity as a thief and relishes the adventure that takes him to a remote temple of the gods where he will attempt to steal a precious stone.

Sammy Keyes and the Hotel Thief • Wendelin Van Draanen

Seventh grader Sammy's penchant for speaking her mind gets her in trouble when she involves herself in the investigation of a robbery at the "seedy" hotel across the street from the seniors' building where she is living with her grandmother.