Hard Gold

Hard Gold: The Colorado Gold Rush of 1859, a tale of the Old West by Avi

As part of Avi's "I Witness" series, this book tells the first person (but fictional) story of Early Whittcomb, a thirteen year old boy from Iowa. Prompted by a threat to his family farm (the railroad wants to build through their land), Early runs away to follow his uncle Jesse to Colorado to look for gold. Early signs on as a helper on a wagon train for a barber and his family, meeting the challenges and hardships as a pioneer heading West in the mid-19th century. Dangers await them at every turn, even after they arrive in Colorado. The gold rush provides a great backdrop for this adventure.

"I Witness" books are historical fiction featuring young characters and based on events from American history. Avi liberally sprinkles in maps, old photographs, and even newspaper clippings to enrich the historical setting. These well-researched books also include glossaries to help explain terms and people from the period. Although the characters he creates are fictional, Avi's fascinating stories could be real. These books are perfect for curious readers 5th grade and up.

Next Please: Books for 3-4 Year Olds

Next Please by Ernst Jandl

Five broken toys wait in a dimly lit room for their turn to see the doctor. The simple text and bare waiting room creates a feeling of anxiousness that a child might feel as they wait their turn in a doctor's office. The book begins with "Five are waiting" and repeats the countdown until it's time for the last patient to enter.

The Maze of Bones

The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan
Book One of The 39 Clues series

The 39 Clues series is a unique new mystery that follows siblings Amy and Dan Cahill as they follow clues left by their late Grandmother. After her death, Amy and Dan find out that their extended family is much larger (and more powerful!) than they'd ever imagined!

At the reading of their Grandmother's will, Dan and Amy are given the choice of receiving a million dollars immediately, or uncovering the 39 clues hidden around the world that will lead to "something bigger..." but no one knows what. By taking on the clues, they end up in a dangerous race against their own family members that takes them around the country and eventually, the world.

There will be 10 books in this exciting series, each written by a different author. This mystery is perfect for middle school readers, with enough action and suspense to keep you on your toes! Start the adventure in The Maze of Bones, continue it with One False Note, by Gordon Korman, and keep an eye out for book 3, coming soon!

The Leanin' Dog

The Leanin’ Dog
By K. A. Nuzum
Reading level: Grade 4 and up

Dog lovers will appreciate the loyalty of the Leanin’ Dog who befriends a lonely eleven year old girl living with her father in a wilderness cabin. Left to herself each day while her father goes out hunting and trapping, Dessa Dean coaxes a stray dog to return day after day so that she has companionship which she dearly misses since the tragic death of her diabetic mother in a snowstorm. The story has an exciting ending and satisfying conclusion.

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period

If a Tree Falls at Lunch Period by Gennifer Choldenko
Reading Level: grades 6-10

If a tree falls in the forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound? Choldenko uses this middle-school story to explore the impact an individual can make in others' lives, intentionally or otherwise.

Kirsten and Walker tell this story in alternating chapters from opposite viewpoints. Their lives don't intersect until they find themselves in the same class at a fancy private school. But once they meet, these seventh-graders find themselves connected in ways they could never have imagined. Along the way, both of them also touch the lives of their classmates and families in unexpected ways.

So, if a tree falls at lunch period...?

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes

Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes by Mem Fox & Helen Oxenbury
Reading Level: Ages Birth-5

Celebrating babies all over the world, this book explores baby hands and baby feet. One baby is born far away, and another is born on the next day. Each baby has something in common, ten little fingers, and ten little toes.

Told in a repetitive pattern, perfect for early readers, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes illustrates how babies all over the world are unique. But each baby also has something in common. This book is perfect for families with little ones!

Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley

Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley by Aaron Blabey
Reading level: Ages 3-6

Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley are opposites, but they are best friends. Pearl Barley is loud, Charlie Parsley is quiet. Pearl Barley likes to act nutty, Charlie Parsley likes to think. Despite their differences Pearl and Charlie appreciate each other.

A charming picture book for young readers, and a heartwarming story for adults Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley tells a tale familiar to all. The book helps readers learn that despite differences friendships endure.