Last updated: Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Avi. CRISPEN AT THE EDGE OF THE WORLD. Hyperion, 2006. Grades 5- 7

The contining adventures of Crispen and his friend, Bear, as they encounter numerous dangers in setting off to live their lives as free men.

Dahlberg, Maurine F. THE STORY OF JONAS. Farrar , 2007. Grades 5-8

In 1859, thirteen-year-old Jonas, a slave, is ordered to accompany the master's son, Percy, to the gold fields. He finds acceptance on a wagon train and for the first time wants to be free.

Deary, Teny.FLIGHT OF THE FIRE THIEF. Kingfisher, 2006. Grades 5- 7

Second book in the Fire Thief Trilogy...brings mythology alive with exciting adventures.

Duble, Kathleen. BRAVO ZULU SAMANTHA! Peachtree, 2007. Grades 4-6

A spirited girl who loves facts, a secretive grandfather and a military history make for exciting reading.

Gray, Dianne. TOMORROW THE RIVER. Houghton-Mifflin, 2006. Grades 5-7

A train ride filled with interesting characters keeps Maggie busy until she arrives on a river in Iowa and her family's riverboat.

Howe, James. BUNNICUILA MEETS EDGAR ALLAN CROWE. Atheneum, 2006. Grades 4-6

A visiting author who dresses in black and a flock of crows may spell disaster for the Monroe's pet rabbit, Bunnicula. A fun read.

McCaughrean, Geraldine. PETER PAN IN SCARLET. McEldeny Books, 2006. Grades 4-8

The first sequel to the beloved classic filled with new adventures, set in the 1930s.

McKissack, Patricia. A FRIENDSHIP FOR TODAY. Scholastic, 2007. Grades 4- 7

The touching story of one of the first African-American children to enroll in what had been an all white school.

Merrill, Jean. THE TOOTHPASTE MILLIONAIRE. Hoghton-Mifflin reissue, 2006. Grades 3-6.

To save on toothpaste, Rufus makes a gallon at home and becomes a millionaire before eighth grade.

Murphy, Jim. DESPERATE JOURNEY. Scholastic, 2006. Grades 5-8

Maggie, her brother and ailing mother are in a desperate race to get a cargo to Buffalo for a much needed bonus. A thrilling adventure tale.

Nitz, Kristin. SAVING THE GRIFFIN. Peachtree, 2007. Grades 4-7

Two children, a lost baby griffin, danger and fear make an exciting tale set in the present day.

Rinaldi, Ann. COME JUNETEENTH. Harcourt, 2007. Grades 5-8

What happens when a slave is not told for two years that she is free?

Tripp, Jenny. PETE AND FREMONT. Harcourt, 2007. Grades 4-6

Pete, the poodle, was the star of the circus until a new pup steals the show. When a grizzly bear arrives as the new attraction, what should Pete do?

Updale, Eleanor. MONTMORENCY'S REVENGE. Orchard Books, 2007. Grades 5-8

Continuation of a popular series as Montmorency and friends are determined to track down the killer who has ruined their lives.

White, Ruth. WAY DOWN DEEP. Farrar, 2007. Grades 4-6

An abandoned three year old is tken in by the town and cared for. When she is twelve, a family arrives with news of her past. She has tough decisions to make.