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  • Home
  • Downloads
  • Sparking Book Interest
    • Why Newbery?
    • Newbery Themes
    • Relevant Sources
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    • The Importance of Culture
  • Our Story
  • 2022 Centennial
  • About
    • History of Newbery
    • The Process of Choosing
    • Contact Us

Newbery Award Books Quality books for children

Newbery Award Books Quality books for childrenNewbery Award Books Quality books for childrenNewbery Award Books Quality books for childrenNewbery Award Books Quality books for children

Newbery Medal Books

Consult the list, skip to a specific time period, or order a book.

2021-2001   2000-1981   1980-1961   1960-1941   1940-1922

2021-2001

Book cover of When You Trap a Tiger

When You Trap a Tiger

2021

Author: Tae Keller

Main Character: 8-year-old Korean American girl named Lily and her family

Summary: This uplifting story brings Korean folklore to life as a girl goes on a quest to unlock the power of stories and save her grandmother; but can you trust a magical tiger? 

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 304


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Book Cover of New Kid

New Kid

2020

Author: Jerry Craft

Main Character: 7th grader Jordan Banks

Summary: Jordan loves drawing cartoons but gets enrolled in a private academic, prestigious school where he is one of the few kids of color and struggles with the challenges of two different worlds.

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 256


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Book Cover of Merci Suarez Changes Gears

Merci Suarez Changes Gears

2019

  • Author:  Meg Medina

Main Character: 6th-grader Mercedes "Merci" Suárez is a student at a Florida private school

Summary: Strong-willed Merci navigates difficult changes with friends, family and everyone.

Age Level: 10-12

Grade Level: 4-7

Number of Pages: 368


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Book cover of Hello Universe

Hello, Universe

2018

Author: Erin Entrada Kelly and Isabel Roxas

Main Character: 11-year-old Virgil also known as "Turtle"

Summary: Story of shy Filipino boy who wants to meet Valencia (a deaf girl) and a 12-year-old psychic Kaori helps him with his dilemma.

Age Level: 8-11

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 320

 

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Book cover of The Girl Who Drank The Moon

The Girl Who Drank The Moon

2017

Author: Kellie Barnhill

Main Character: Young girl named Luna

Summary: Luna, raised by a witch, needs to figure out how to handle the magical powers she was given.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 5-9

Number of Pages: 416

 

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Book cover of Last Stop on Market Street

Last Stop on Market Street

2016

Author: Matt de La Peña 

Main Character: Young boy, CJ, and grandmother, Nana

Summary: CJ wonders why their family has no car or no iPod...the  grandma encourages and reveals the beauty and fun in their world.

Age Level: 2-6

Grade Level: Pre K-1

Number of Pages: 32

 

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Book cover of The Crossover

The Crossover

2015

Author: Kwame Alexander

Main Character: Josh and Jordan, twin brothers, who share a love for basketball

Summary: Basketball and brotherhood intertwine to show Josh and Jordan that life doesn't come with a playbook.

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 5-7

Number of Pages: 240

 

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Book cover of Flora and Ulysses

Flora & Ulysses

2014

Author: Kate DiCamillo

Main Character: Flora Belle Buckman, self proclaimed cynic

Summary: Flora struggles with her parents divorce and saves Ulysses (a squirrel) from the neighbor's vacuum cleaner.

Age Level: 8-11

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 240


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Book cover of The One and Only Ivan

The One and Only Ivan

2013

Author: Katherine Applegate

Main Character: Gorilla named Ivan who has lived in the Big Top Mall for 27 years

Summary: The gorilla, Ivan, grows accustomed to living behind glass walls and rarely misses his life in the jungle. 

Age Level: 8-10

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 320

 

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Book cover of Dead End in Norvelt

Dead End in Norvelt

2012

Author: Jack Gantos

Main Character: Jack Gantos, American school boy

Summary: Jack Gantos' plans for his summer vacation ends when he is "grounded for life" by his feuding parents.

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 5-9

Number of Pages: 352

 

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Book cover of Moon Over Manifest

Moon Over Manifest

2011

Author: Clare Vanderpool

Main Character: Abilene Tucker, adventurous 12-year-old girl in 1936

Summary: Dad puts Abilene on train to live with friend; she jumps off at Manifest to learn about her dad.

Age Level: 10-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 384


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Book cover of When You Reach Me

When You Reach Me

2010

Author: Rebecca Stead

Main Character: 6th grader Miranda’s Sinclair from Upper West Side New York in 1978

Summary: Miranda’s world changes when she finds a mysterious notes.

Age Level: 8-10

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 208

 

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Book cover of The Graveyard Book

The Graveyard Book

2009

Author: Neil Gaiman

Main Character: Orphaned boy named Nobody "Bod" Owens

Summary: Story of the boy Nobody "Bod" Owens who is adopted and reared by the supernatural occupants of a graveyard after his family is brutally murdered

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 320

 

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Book cover of Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!

2008

Author: Laura Amy Schlitz

Main Character: Characters ranging from a run-away boy to the lord's daughter

Summary: Nineteen monologues and two dialogues performed by 5th grade students of Park School in Baltimore written by the author who was the librarian at the time.

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 5-9

Number of Pages: 96

 

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Book cover of The Higher Power of Lucky

The Higher Power of Lucky

2007

Author: Susan Patron

Main Character: 10-year-old, Lucky lives in trailer in small town Hard Pan, California

Summary: Lucky thinks running away is her only option when her guardian wants to go back to France.

Age Level: 8-11

Grade Level: 4-6

Number of Pages: 144

 

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Book cover of Criss Cross

Criss Cross

2006

Author: Lynne Rae Perkins

Main Character: 14-year-old Debbie and three middle school neighborhood friends

Summary: Criss-crossing are stories of middle school students. In cross moments, characters find truth.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 5-9

Number of Pages: 352

 

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Book cover of Kira-Kira

Kira-Kira

2005

Author: Cynthia Kadohata 

Main Character: Katie Takeshima and her sister set in the South in the 1950-60's

Summary: Lynn helps Katie regarding prejudice in school, teaches her the Japanese word "Kira Kira" meaning glittering, which became important after her sister's death.

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 5-9

Number of Pages: 256

 

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Book cover of The Tale of Despereaux

The Tale of Despereaux

2004

Author: Kate DiCamillo

Main Character: Mouse who lives in a castle named Despereaux Tilling and his acquaintances Ciaroscuro and Miggery Sow 

Summary: Despereaux, a young mouse who would rather read books than gnaw them, rescues princess from rats; story is told from a different perspectives.

Age Level: 7-10

Grade Level: 2-5

Number of Pages: 272

 

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Book cover of Crispin The Cross of Lead

Crispin: The Cross of Lead

2003

Author: Avi

Main Character: 13-year-old Crispin from England village in the 14th century

Summary: Crispin's life after mom dies and the story of the cross of lead she wore.

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 272

 

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Book cover of A Single Shard

A Single Shard

2002

Author: Linda Sue Park

Main Character: 12-year-old orphan, Tree-ear, in 12th-century Korea 

Summary: Tree-ear lives under a bridge with friend Crane-man and assists the master potter. 

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 160

 

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Book cover of A Year Down Yonder

A Year Down Yonder

2001

Author: Richard Peck

Main Character: 15-year-old Mary Alice Dowdel on a farm in Illinois

Summary: Mary Alice lives with no-nonsense country gal Grandma because of Great Depression.

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 130

 

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2000 - 1981

Book cover of  Bud, not Buddy

Bud, Not Buddy

2000

Author: Christopher Paul Curtis

Main Character: 10-year-old, Bud Caldwell in the Midwest in the late 1930s

Summary: Bud runs away from a foster home and begins journey in search of his father in the late 1930s.

Age Level: 10-11

Grade Level: 5-6

Number of Pages: 288

 

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Book cover of Holes

Holes

1999

Author: Louis Sachar

Main Character: Stanley Yelnats IV 

Summary: Stanley Yelnats, in juvenile detention, must dig holes every day. What's the Warden searching for?

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 5-6

Number of Pages: 233

 

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Book cover of Out of the Dust

Out of the Dust

1998

Author: Karen Hesse 

Main Character: 14-year-old girl, Billie Joe

Summary: Billie Joe struggles when her Oklahoma family and music are taken from her.

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 7+

Number of Pages: 227

 

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Book cover of The View From Saturday

The View From Saturday

1997

Author: E.L. Konigsburg

Main Character: Eva Marie Olinski, paraplegic teacher, and four of her students

Summary: 6 grade teacher, paraplegic Eva Marie Olinski, returns after accident and forms academic competition. 

Age Level: 10-11

Grade Level: 4-6

Number of Pages: 176

 

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Book cover of The Midwife's Apprentice

The Midwife's Apprentice

1996

Author: Karen Cushman 

Main Character: Orphaned and apprentice teen named Alyce in medieval Europe

Summary: Teen Alyce in the middle ages sleeps in a dung heap and meets midwife who instills confidence.

Age Level: 10-12

Grade Level: 5-7

Number of Pages: 144

 

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Book cover of Walk Two Moons

Walk Two Moons

1995

Author: Sharon Creech

Main Character: Narrator Salamanca Tree Hiddle, better known as Sal.

Summary: Sal takes a trip with her eccentric grandparents from Ohio to Idaho to visit her mother.

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 288

 

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Book cover of The Giver

The Giver

1994

Author: Lois Lowry

Main Character: 12-year-old boy named Jonas

Summary: Boy receives assignment from Elders from controlled community where he lives, but mysterious man reveals secrets behind facade of the community.

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 7-9

Number of Pages: 244

 

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Book cover of Missing May

Missing May

1993

Author: Cynthia Rylant

Main Character: Narrator, 6-year-old orphan, Summer, in present day West Virginia

Summary: Grieving Summer lives with Aunt May and Uncle Ob after mother died because no one wanted her. Six years later Aunt May dies.  Uncle Ob and Summer need May.

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 128

 

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Book cover of Shiloh

Shiloh

1992

Author: Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

Main Character: Narrator, Marty Preston, from West Virginia

Summary: Marty finds abused beagle owned by brutal neighbor Judd and meddles in Judd's business.

Age Level: 8-11

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 144

 

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Book cover of Maniac Magee

Maniac Magee

1991

Author: Jerry Spinelli

Main Character: Orphan Jeffrey Lionel (Maniac) Magee

Summary: Maniac becomes local legend (athleticism and fearlessness) amid sharp racial boundaries.

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 180

 

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Book cover of Number the Stars

Number the Stars

1990

Author: Lois Lowry

Main Character: 10-year-old Annemarie Johansen and her Jewish best friend Ellen Rosen

Summary: Denmark 1943, Annemarie's family helps best friend Ellen (Jewish) with protection from the Nazis by posing as part of her family. 

Age Level: 9-11

Grade Level: 5-7

Number of Pages: 160


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Book cover of Joyful Noise

Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices

1989

Author: Paul Fleischman

Main Character: Two-voice / choral group narrators

Summary: Presents 14 two-voice poems concerning insects offering alliteration, image, humor and facts.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 4-7

Number of Pages: 44

 

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Book cover of Lincoln: A Photobiography

Lincoln: A Photobiography

1988

Author: Russell Freedman

Main Character: Biography of Civil War President Lincoln

Summary: Lincoln's entire life: childhood, stint as a lawyer, courtship and marriage to Mary Todd Lincoln, ascent from Congressman to President.

Age Level: 10-12

Grade Level: 5-7

Number of Pages: 160

 

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Book cover of The Whipping Boy

The Whipping Boy

1987

Author: Sid Fleischman

Main Character: Jemmy, a young orphaned boy

Summary: Prince Horace misbehaves. Family provides Jemmy to be punished instead.  The two boys run away from home and exchange identities.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-8

Number of Pages: 96


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Book cover of Sarah, Plain and Tall

Sarah, Plain and Tall

1986

Author: Patricia MacLachlan

Main Character: Sarah, young girl from late 1900s in midwestern United States

Summary: Sarah Wheaton comes to the prairie answering ad for step mother to become the wife/mother to Anna and Caleb.  Children are concerned she will leave and return to Maine. 

Age Level: 8-10

Grade Level: 1-5

Number of Pages: 112

 

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Book cover of The Hero and the Crown

The Hero and the Crown

1985

Author: Robin McKinley

Main Character: Aerin, only child of Arlbeth, king of Damar

Summary: Prequel to The Blue Sword. Aerin-sol lives with father (King) thinking mother is North witch and is not accepted to royalty because of gender.

Age Level: 10-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 272

 

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Book cover of Dear Mr. Henshaw

Dear Mr. Henshaw

1984

Author: Beverly Cleary

Main Character: 6th grade Leigh who is new in town

Summary: Young boy deals with anger of absentee by befriending an author and learns to accept the parts of his life he cannot change.

Age Level: 8-10

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 160

 

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Book cover of Dicey's Song

Dicey's Song

1983

Author: Cynthia Voigt

Main Character: Dicey Tillerman and 3 siblings, Sammy, Maybeth, and James Summary: Four children living with crazy and widowed grandmother Abigail Tillerman (Gram), on her farm in Crisfield, Maryland where siblings pursue keeping family together.

Age Level: 12+

Grade Level: 7-9

Number of Pages: 256

 

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Book cover of A Visit To William Blake's Inn

A Visit to William Blake's Inn

1982

Author: Nancy Willard

Main Character: Poetry for children with imaginary inn and unusual guests

Summary: Poems for children; no plot line, but well-loved characters (dragons, angels, rabbit, cat) appear.

Age Level: 4-7

Grade Level: 2-3

Number of Pages: 48

 

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Book cover of Jacob Have I Loved

Jacob Have I Loved

1981

Author: Katherine Paterson

Main Character: Sara Louise Bradshaw and twin Caroline in Chesapeake Bay during WWII

Summary: Twins strive through sibling rivalry.  Sara Louise recalls her jealousy of her twin during adolescent years that caused her unhappiness.

Age Level: 13

Grade Level: 8-9

Number of Pages: 256

 

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1980 - 1961

Book cover of A Gathering of Days

A Gathering of Days: A New England Girl's Journal, 1830-32

1980

Author: Joan W. Blos

Main Character: 13-year-old Catherine and best friend Cassie

Summary: A pivotal year for teenage girl of change and loss who keeps house for widowed father and sister and begins to journal from 1830 - 1832. 

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 7-9

Number of Pages: 144

 

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Book cover of The Westing Game

The Westing Game

1979

Author: Ellen Raskin

Main Character: 16 potential heirs to Westing's will

Summary: The final will of Sam Westing is structured like a puzzle, with the 16 heirs challenged to find the solution. In the will it states one of Westing's heirs has killed him.

Age Level: 9-12

  1. Grade Level: 5-7

Number of Pages: 192

 

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Book cover of The Bridge to Terabithia

The Bridge to Terabithia

1978

Author: Katherine Paterson

Main Character: 11-year-old Jesse "Jess" Aarons and his next-door neighbor Leslie Burke

Summary: Fifth-grade boy and girl create imaginary kingdom (Terabithia) in the woods.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 4-7

Number of Pages: 144

 

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Book cover of Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

1977

Author: Mildred D. Taylor

Main Character: Nine-year-old Cassie Logan and siblings Stacey (12), Christopher-John (7) and Little Man (6) in rural Mississippi

Summary: Cassie and family live on Mississippi farm and believed in the power of owning property.

Age Level: 8+

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 72

 

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Book cover of M. C. Higgins, the Great

M. C. Higgins, the Great

1976

Author: Virginia Hamilton

Main Character: 13-year-old Mayo Cornelius Higgins who lives in the Appalachian Mountains

Summary: Bildungsroman that covers three eventful days in the life of teenager on a fictional mountain in Kentucky who must reconcile between tradition and change. 

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 288

 

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Book cover of The Grey King

The Grey King

1975

Author: Susan Cooper

Main Character: Will Stanton and his friend Bran Davies

Summary: Welsh legend about a harp of gold, hidden within a certain hill, that will be found by a boy and a white dog with silver eyes.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 176

 

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Book cover of The Slave Dancer

The Slave Dancer

1974

Author: Paula Fox

Main Character: 13-year-old Jessie Bollier

Summary: Jessie witnessed first-hand the savagery of the Atlantic slave trade.

Age Level: 11+

Grade Level: 4-8

Number of Pages: 192

 

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Book cover of Julie of the Wolves

Julie of the Wolves

1973

Author: Jean Craighead George

Main Character: 13-year-old orphaned Julie an Inuk girl

Summary: Eskimo Miyax (known as Julie from her San Francisco penpal) runs away from her village and is lost in the Alaskan wilderness and where she is accepted by a pack of Arctic wolves.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 6-8

Number of Pages: 171

 

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Book cover of Mrs Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh

1972

Author: Robert C. O'Brien

Main Character: Widowed field mouse, Mrs. Frisby with her four small children

Summary: Mrs. Frisby's son is ill with pneumonia as farmer begins spring plowing and must move her family immediately.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 240

 

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Book cover of The Summer of the Swans

Summer of the Swans

1971

Author: Betsy Byars

Main Character: 14-year-old Sara Byars and mentally challenged brother, Charlie

Summary: Sara's life flows smoothly like a gliding swan until her little brother disappears forcing her to see life in a whole new way.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 129

 

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Book cover of Sounder

Sounder

1970

Author: William H. Armstrong

Main Character: Young boy referred only as "the boy" living in a sharecropper family in the Deep South

Summary: Sharecroppers' dog, name is Sounder. Love, faith and land bind family despite the extreme prejudice and inhumanity.

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 7-9

Number of Pages: 116

 

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Book cover of  The High King

The High King

1969

Author: Lloyd Alexander

Main Character: Taran, Welsh Assistant Pig-Keeper, joined by three other interesting characters

Summary: Young male adult makes crucial decisions as he confronts evil enchantress. Part of a three book series.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 272

 

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Book cover of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

1968

Author: E. L. Konigsburg

Main Character: 12-year-old Claudia Kincaid and her sibling 9-year-old James

Summary: Claudia and Jamie run away from home and live in a New York City museum; they find themselves involved in a mystery.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 168

 

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Book cover of Up a Road Slowly

Up a Road Slowly

1967

Author: Irene Hunt

Main Character: 7-year-old Julie matures through age 17

Summary: Garnet lives on a farm with her family but longs to go out and explore on her own looking for new adventures.

Age Level: 12+

Grade Level: 7-12

Number of Pages: 192

 

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Book cover of I, Juan de Pareja

I, Juan de Pareja

1966

  • Author: Borton de Trevino

Main Character: Character of Pareja, a half-African slave of Velazquez

Summary: Young boy born into slavery in Spain in 1600 after the death of his mother becomes artist apprentice.

Age Level: 10-15

Grade Level:   5-9

Number of Pages:  192


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Book cover of  Shadow of a Bull

Shadow of a Bull

1965

Author: Maia Wojciechowska

Main Character: 12-year-old Manolo Olivar, son of Juan Olivar, a renowned bullfighter in Spain

Summary: Young boy's deceased father was a bullfighter; Manolo struggles to pursue his own destiny.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 4-8

Number of Pages: 160


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Book cover of It's Like This, Cat

It's Like This, Cat

1964

Author: Emily Cheney Neville

Main Character: 14-year-old Dave Mitchell growing up in New York City

Summary: Dave and his father disagree over many issues which is softened when Dave meets brings home a loving tomcat  who also leads him to Tom and Mary who open his eyes to music and theater.

Age Level: 7-11

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 192

 

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Book cover of A Wrinkle in Time

A Wrinkle in Time

1963

Author: Madeleine L'Engle

Main Character: Meg Murray, brother Charles and friend Calvin O'Keefe

Summary: Three children search for Mr. Murray, a scientist father who disappeared during secret work.

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 256

 

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Book cover of The Bronze Bow

The Bronze Bow

1962

Author: Elizabeth George Speare

Main Character: Young Jewish boy, Daniel bar Jamin, who lives the same time as Jesus of Nazareth

Summary: Young man Daniel, of biblical time, wants to revenge the death of his father but finds out the only thing stronger than hate is love.

Age Level: 10-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 254


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Book cover of Island of the Blue Dolphins

Island of the Blue Dolphins

1961

Author: Scott O'Dell

Main Character: 12-year-old Karana on an island off the coast of California in the early 1800s

Summary: Karana is stranded for years on an island; based on true story of Juana Maria of Nicoleño Native American.

Age Level: 9-11

Grade Level: 1-8

Number of Pages: 192

 

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1960 - 1941

Book cover of Onion John

Onion John

1960

Author: Joseph Krumgold

Main Character: 12-year-old Andy Rusch in New Jersey in the 1950's

Summary: Andy's friendship with an immigrant handyman is almost wrecked by good intentions.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 5-6

Number of Pages: 256


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Book cover of The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The Witch of Blackbird Pond

1959

Author: Elizabeth George Speare

Main Character: 16-year-old Katherine Tyler (known as Kit Tyler) in 17th century in England

Summary: Tyler arrives in Connecticut from Barbados and struggles to survive in a hostile place.

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 5-7

Number of Pages: 261


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Book cover of Rifles for Watie

Rifles for Watie

1958

Author: Harold Keith

Main Character: 16-year-old Jefferson Davis Bussey in Mississippi during the Civil War

Summary: Jefferson defends the Union during the Civil War. But as a spy, he sees no difference in either side.

Age Level: 13+

Grade Level: 8-12

Number of Pages: 352


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Book cover of Miracles on Maple Hill

Miracles on Maple Hill

1957

Author: Virginia Sorensen

Main Character: 10-year-old Marly and her older brother Joe

Summary: Marly's father suffered terribly during the Korean War; unable to find a job, he became bitter. Mom persuades family to take Maple Hill summer retreat.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 248


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Book cover of Carry on, Mr. Bowditch

Carry On, Mr. Bowditch

1956

Author: Jean Lee Latham

Main Character: Nat Bowditch, 18th math wizard, during the Revolutionary War era in Salem, Massachusetts 

Summary: Nat loves school and math but is forced to quit for economic reasons to help his father make barrels.

Age Level: 12+

Grade Level: 7-9

Number of Pages: 256


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Book cover of The Wheel on the School

The Wheel on the School

1955

Author: Meindert DeJong

Main Character: Schoolchildren: Lina, Jella, Auka, Eelka, Pier and Dirk in Dutch fishing village

Summary: Children become determined to bring the storks back to their little town and include the whole community to put a wagon wheel on their school so that they can get storks to roost there.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-6

Number of Pages: 320


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Book cover of ...And Now Miguel

...And Now Miguel

1954

Author: Joseph Krumgold

Main Character: 12-year-old Miguel Chavez, a Hispanic-American shepherd from New Mexico

Summary: Miguel wants, with all his heart, to go on the long, hard sheep drive.  He prays so this will happen, and it does with some dangerous consequences.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 256


  • Purchase the Paperback (1984)
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Book cover of Secret of the Andes

Secret of the Andes

1953

Author: Ann Nolan Clark

Main Character: Cusi, a modern Inca boy, from the Andes mountains

Summary: Cusi lives with Chuto in Andes herding llamas and journeys with pet Misti to the world of many people.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 120


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Book cover of Ginger Pye

Ginger Pye

1952

Author: Eleanor Estes 

Main Character: Jerry Pye, resident in Cranbury, Connecticut, in 1919

Summary: Jerry bought Ginger for $1. Pup knows tricks, is smart, and steals hearts until someone steals him.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 320


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Book cover of Amos Fortune Free Man

Amos Fortune Free Man

1951

Author: Elizabeth Yates

Main Character: Amos Fortune, a young African prince of the tribe At-mun-shi, born in Africa in 1710

Summary: Amos is captured by slave traders and brought to Massachusetts - finally freed at age 60 with dignity.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 192


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Book cover of The Door in the Wall

The Door in the Wall

1950

Author: Marguerite de Angeli

Main Character: Boy named Robin in England in the MIddle Ages and Brother Luke, a friar

Summary: Young Robin is to be sent away to become a knight like his father, but his dreams are endangered when he loses the use of his legs.

Age Level: 12

Grade Level: 6-7

Number of Pages: 128


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Book cover of  King of the Wind

King of the Wind

1949

Author: Marguerite Henry

Main Character: Arabian horse named Sham and stable boy named Agba

Summary: Story of Godolphin Arabian horse as told by "Man o' War" horse owner. 

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 176


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Book cover of The Twenty-One Balloons

The Twenty-One Balloons

1948

Author: William Pene du Bois 

Main Character: Professor William Waterman Sherman in 1883

Summary: Professor flies across Pacific Ocean upon retirement using balloons and lands on Krakatoa to find incredible balloon inventions.

Age Level: 9-11

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 192


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Book cover of Miss Hickory

Miss Hickory

1947

Author: Carolyn Sherwin Bailey

Main Character: Miss Hickory, a doll made from an apple tree twig and hickory nut

Summary: Miss Hickory (doll) spends a New Hampshire winter alone.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 128


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Book cover of Strawberry Girl

Strawberry Girl

1946

Author: Lois Lenski

Main Character: 10-year-old Burdie Boyer in the Florida backwoods

Summary: Family just moved to Florida backwoods and struggle through weather but found neighborly kindness.  Making a new farm prosperous is not easy.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-6

Number of Pages: 208


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Book cover of  Rabbit Hill

Rabbit Hill

1945

Author: Robert Lawson

Main Character: Little Georgie of the rabbit family

Summary: New Folks move into the Big House, Rabbits hope folks plant a garden and are surprised instead. 

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 127


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Book cover of Johnny Tremain

Johnny Tremain

1944

Author: Esther Forbes

Main Character: 14-year-old apprentice Johnny Tremain

Summary: Historical American Revolutionary War novel about apprentice Johnny needing to find work.

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 5-7

Number of Pages: 320


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Book cover of Adam of the Road

Adam of the Road

1943

Author: Elizabeth Janet Gray

Main Character: 11-year-old Adam in 13th Century England

Summary: Adam loses spaniel (Nick) and minstrel father (Roger).  When Nick realizes his dog is stolen and his father disappears, he suddenly finds himself alone.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 317


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Book cover of The Matchlock Gun

The Matchlock Gun

1942

sed rPurchase the i

rPrAuthor: Walter Edmonds

Main Character: Edward in 1756 in New York State

Summary: Father taught Edward how to use a gun, would Edward be able to handle protect his family.

Age Level: 7-10

Grade Level: 2-5

Number of Pages: 61


  •  Purchase the Hardcover( 1941)
  • Purchase the Revised Version
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Book cover of Call It Courage

Call It Courage

1941

Author: Armstrong Sperry

Main Character: Matfu, son of the Great Chief of Hikueru

Summary: Maftu feared and avoided the sea. To conquer his fear he took a canoe out alone and landed on deserted island.

Age Level: 9-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 128


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1940 - 1922

Book cover of Daniel Boone

Daniel Boone

1940

Author: James Daugherty

Main Character: Daniel Boone, wilderness scout

Summary: First and most reliable biography of the story of his life, death and legacy.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 4-8

Number of Pages: 464


  • Purchase the Hardcover(1940)


Book cover of Thimble Summer

Thimble Summer

1939

Author: Elizabeth Enright

Main Character: 10-year-old Garnet Linden lives on a Wisconsin farm in the 1930s

Summary: Garnet finds a silver thimble she believes might have extraordinary magic.  Garnet begins to experience adventures never before imagined on a farm.

Age Level: 8-10

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 144


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Book cover of The White Stag

The White Stag

1938

Author: Kate Seredy

Main Character: Two sons of Nimrod: Hunor and Magyar 

Summary: Huns and Magyars tribes follow pagan god (white stag) to their promised homeland in Hungary.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 96


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Book cover of Roller Skates

Roller Skates

1937

Author: Ruth Sawyer

Main Character: 10-year-old narrator Lucinda Wyman in New York City

Summary: While Lucinda's parent travel overseas, she has the freedom to explore on her own every day. This brings new and interesting adventures.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 192


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Book cover of Caddie Woodlawn

Caddie Woodlawn

1936

Author: Carol Ryearie Brink

Main Character: 11-year-old tomboy name Caroline Augusta Woodlawn, nickname Caddie, set in 1860s

Summary: Caddie is an adventurer who is friends with Indians - she'd rather hunt than bake and plow than sew.

Age Level: 9-11

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 257


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Book cover of Dobry

Dobry

1935

Author: Monica Shannon

Main Character: Young boy, Dobry, lives in small farming village in Bulgaria

Summary: Lived with his widowed mother and grandfather and had to convince his mother that his talent was as a sculptor and not as a farmer.

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 5+

Number of Pages: 192


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Book cover of Invincible Louisa

Invincible Louisa

1934

 Author: Cornelia Meigs

Main Character: Louisa May Alcott, author of "Little Women"

Summary: Opens with Louisa's birth in Germantown, Pennsylvania, and follows throughout her life. It concludes with Louisa writing "Little Women."

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 256


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Book cover of Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze

Young Fu of the Upper Yangtze

1933

Author: Elizabeth Lewis

Main Character: 13-year-old Young Fu Yuin-Fah, 1920s in Chungking

Summary: Story of Fu Yuin-Fah, the son of a widow from western China.  He goes from a young arrogant boy to a mature, humble youth of 18 encountering several challenges and obstacles.

Age Level: 10+

Grade Level: 5-9

Number of Pages: 320


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Book cover of Waterless Mountain

Waterless Mountain

1932

Author: Laura Adams Armer

Main Character: Navajo Indian Dawn Boy, also known as "Younger Brother" or "Little Singer" living in Arizona in the 1920s

Summary: Dawn Boy follows in the footsteps of his uncle and becomes a medicine man and undergoes several arduous years of training.

Age Level: 10-14

Grade Level: 5-9

Number of Pages: 190


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Book cover of The Cat Who Went to Heaven

The Cat Who Went to Heaven

1931

Author: Elizabeth Coatsworth

Main Character: Japanese artist and his housekeeper

Summary: ALegend of a tiny white cat and a poor artists who won a commission of a Buddha painting for a healthy sum and believes the cat brought him good luck.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 100


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Book cover of Hitty, Her First Hundred Years

Hitty, Her First Hundred Years

1930

Author: Rachel Field

Main Character: Narration by a wooden 19th century doll named Mehitabel (Hitty) carved for a little girl, Phoebe Preble

Summary: Details Hitty's adventures as she becomes separated from Phoebe and travels from owner to owner over the course of a century.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 4-6

Number of Pages: 256


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Book cover of The Trumpeter of Krakow

The Trumpeter of Krakow

1929

Author: Eric P. Kelly

Main Character: 15-year-old Joseph Charnetski from a Polish noble family from Kresy (modern day Ukraine)

Summary: Joseph was bound by an ancient oath to protect the crystal from plundering Tartars.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 228


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Book cover of Gay Neck

Gay Neck, the Story of a Pigeon

1928

Author: Dhan Gopal Mukerji

Main Character: Gay-Neck, a prized Indian pigeon, and his master

Summary: Story of the training of a carrier pigeon and its courageous and spirited service during WW1 over the housetops of an Indian village, in the Himalayan Mountains, and on the French battlefield

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 122


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Book cover of Smoky the Cowhorse

Smoky, the Cowhorse

1927

Author: Will James

Main Character: Horse Smoky and Trainer Clint

Summary: Smoky, born in wild western US (1910's), story is told from birth to a rodeo star. Clint is his devoted trainer.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 336


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Book cover of Shen of the Sea

Shen of the Sea: Chinese Stories for Children

1926

Author: Arthur Bowie Chrisman

Main Character: Various

Summary: Sixteen stories, strong in humor and rich in Chinese wisdom, admirably show Chinese life and spirit.

Age Level: 8-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 221


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Book cover of Tales from Silver Lands

Tales from Silver Lands

1925

Author: Charles Finger

Main Character: Various

Summary: Nineteen South American fantasy folktales showing the struggle for a life in which good overcomes evil.

Age Level: 7-11

Grade Level: 2-6

Number of Pages: 256


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Book cover of The Dark Frigate

The Dark Frigate

1924

Author: Charles Hawes

Main Character: Nineteen-year-old Philip Marsham

Summary: Philip flees in fear and joins a dark frigate "Rose of Devon". After their boat is seized by a devious group, he is forced on a murderous expedition.

Age Level: 7-12

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 278


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Book cover of The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle

1923

Author: Hugh Lofting

Main Character: Narrator by 9 and 1/2- year-old Tommy Stubbins, a crewman

Summary: Tommy finds squirrel injured by hawk and asks help from Doctor Dolittle who can speak to animals.

Age Level: 7-11

Grade Level: 3-6

Number of Pages: 336


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Book cover of The Story of Mankind

The Story of Mankind

1922

Author: Hendrik Willem van Loon

Main Character: Narrated by the author and written for his children (Hansje and Willem)

Summary: Western civilization history written in short chapters from primitive man to the formation of the modern nation. 

Age Level: 5-7

Grade Level: 3-7

Number of Pages: 529


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