Kids Book Index
Gennifer Choldenko
Liam describes fifth grade as difficult to navigate. At home, his younger siblings each bring their own challenges, while the family’s incontinent dog and landlord create his greatest worries. The story follows Liam as he copes with school, siblings, and the sources of anxiety in his household. Black-and-white illustrations accompany the text.
This book appears on 1 reading list across 1 edition.
A Slip of a GirlPatricia Reilly GiffAnna’s family farm is at risk during the Irish Land Wars. After her mother dies and her older siblings emigrate, Anna and her father are left caring for her younger sister, who has special needs. Poor harvests mean they cannot afford the rent on land their family has worked for years. Anna becomes involved in the struggle against evictions of farming families in Ireland. Told in verse, the novel draws on the author’s own family history from the late nineteenth century.Nine to TwelveOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
Each Tiny SparkPablo CartayaTwelve-year-old Emilia Torres is creative and can focus deeply when engaged, but finds organization difficult. Her father has returned from an overseas tour of duty and is sometimes affectionate but also withdrawn, complicating their relationship. When he teaches Emilia to weld, they begin to connect. Meanwhile, a social-studies project and a proposal to redraw school boundaries lead Emilia to confront immigration, fairness, and the effects of anti-immigration views in her community.Nine to TwelveLexile Text Measure 680LATOS Book Level 4.4On the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details
Owl’s Outstanding DonutsRobin YardiTen-year-old Mattie lives in a trailer with her aunt Molly after her mother’s death. Molly owns Owl’s Outstanding Donuts. An owl alerts Mattie to water contamination near the donut shop, prompting her to investigate who is responsible. As she tries to identify the polluters, Mattie also faces fears that have persisted since losing her mother. The mystery unfolds in California.Nine to TwelveOn the same reading list for the same age or grade groupView book details