Kid's Page

Kid's Programs

Just for Kids Links

Booklists for Kids

Summer Reading Lists from Area Schools

Great Reading: Grades 4 & 5

 

 

 

Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis

Bud is an orphan living in foster homes who sets out to find his real father. His search for information is based on a poster his mother owned. The musician on the poster is Herman E. Calloway, and Bud thinks he will solve the mystery of his past if he can just find him. The setting is 1930’s Michigan. A Newbery Award book.

Crispin: The Cross of Lead by Avi

This Newbery Award book, set in medieval England, details a peasant boy’s life and involves much mystery and intrigue. Running for his life, Crispin must use his wits to survive. In Crispin: At the Edge of the World, Crispin’s adventures in medieval England continue. Crispin, Bear, and Troth band together to survive in a dangerous world. The Brotherhood is planning a revolt against the King and the three are right in the middle of it.

Dogboy by Christopher Russell

Brind is the dogboy, more familiar and comfortable with the animals he grew up with than humans. Brind is sought after because of his ability to communicate with the mastiff dogs and his best friend dog Glaive. But danger and treachery are involved. Set in the time of the Hundred Years War between France and England, Brind is in the middle of the fight.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling

Coming in July, 2007, this is the final book of the series with Harry Potter featuring his adventures involving the world of magic and the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Joey Pigza Loses Control by Jack Gantos

Young Joey has some problems. His parents are divorced and a little strange. He lives with his mother and grandmother and copes in a variety of ways. This is the second book of three written about Joey. He is a real likeable character and shows courage and humor in dealing with his estranged father.

King of the Middle March by Kevin Crossley-Holland

This story is set in medieval England at the start of the fourth crusade. Medieval life is detailed in this adventure story that parallels the life of young Arthur de Caldicot with the legendary King Arthur and his knights. The main character has a “seeing stone” given to him by Merlin.

The Land by Mildred Taylor

Set before and after the Civil War, this story is the prequel to the author’s Newbery Award book, Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. Paul-Edward Logan wants to buy his own land and make a future for himself. His hard work and many obstacles are all a part of the deal.

Lyddie by Katherine Paterson

Historical fiction about the life of Lyddie Worthen, a poor farm girl who takes work in a factory in Lowell, Massachusetts in the 1840’s. Lyddie wants to change her life and keep the family farm.

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Edward, a toy rabbit, travels the country and gets to know a number of owners who take care of him and teach him about life and love. Winner of the 2006 Newbery Award.

Mountain Pose by Nancy Hope Wilson

Ellie inherits a Vermont farm from her grandmother and discovers many secrets from the past when she finds and reads some old diaries.

Ola Shakes It Up by Joanne Hyppolite

Ola and her family move into a new neighborhood, but she misses her old Roxbury neighborhood where she was comfortable and the people were friendly.

The Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy by Jeanne Birdsall

The Penderwick children arrive at their summer vacation destination in the Berkshires with their widowed father. The book title says it all. See what adventures they get into in this old-fashioned family story.

Project Mulberry by Linda Sue Park

Julia and friend Patrick work on a state fair project together and discover much more about life while teaming up for it. Award-winning author Linda Sue Park uniquely offers a dialogue between Julia and herself between chapters.

Replay by Sharon Creech

An interesting format of a play within a book traces the story of main character Leo and his sometimes overwhelming Italian family. Leo discovers his father’s journal in the attic and with it learns about himself and his own family mystery.

Stay! Keeper’s Story by Lois Lowry

This is a funny, clever tale written from the dog’s point of view. Keeper wants to find his long-lost sister. His story includes fame and fortune and some real adventure.

The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett

The historic Robie House is slated for demolition. Petra and Calder are involved in its rescue, but there are many eerie happenings. The famous architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, features in the plot. Can a house really communicate with people?

A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck

Mary Alice is going to live with her grandmother for a year. Grandma is feisty and certainly unpredictable. This funny story is set in rural Illinois in the 1930’s and is a Newbery Medal book.

Series Books

Artemis Fowl series by Eion Colfer

Series of books about criminal mastermind Artemis Fowl. This magical book will remind you of the Harry Potter series.

Babymouse by Jennifer Holm

This graphic novel series features Babymouse. She’s sassy and imaginative and on the go.

Chet Gecko Mysteries series by Bruce Hale

This 4th grade detective is a lizard with attitude. He likes to solve mysteries and loves to eat desserts! Find out about Chet’s chunky rival private eye in Key Lardo.

Get Ready for Gabi! Who’s That Girl? by Marisa Montes

Gabi has gumption and new neighbors moving in. She’s hoping for a new friend. This series has a glossary of Spanish/English words in the back.

The Land of Elyon by Patrick Carman

Alexa and her friends travel across the Lonely Sea to rescue her friend Yipes. They are involved in some daring adventures and seek the Tenth City where Elyon resides.

Matt Christopher Sports series by Matt Christopher

All kinds of sports are featured in these books about boys and girls and the fun and predicaments that arise in life. Dive Right In features the sport of swimming.

The Spiderwick Chronicles series by Tony DeTerlizzi and Holly Black

A fantasy series with siblings Jared, Mallory, and Simon and plenty of adventures with sprites, goblins and fairies.

Time Warp Trio series by Jon Scieszka

This series of books, including See You Later, Gladiator, and Hey Kid, Want To Buy A Bridge?, involves three boys who travel through time and become involved in many adventures. You may learn something about history while you’re reading!

Ziggy and the Black Dinosaurs by Sharon M. Draper

Four friends start a club and have some summer adventures in their clubhouse. Ziggy, Rashawn, Jerome, and Rico become the Black Dinosaurs.

Compiled by Youth Services Department, Springfield City Library, 2007

Home | Catalog | Databases | Branches | Kids | Teens | Calendar | Site Index