Book Recommendations

Delia and her friends have been preparing for the World Double Dutch Championships forever, it seems. Jumping Double Dutch is their favorite thing to do. But Delia is keeping a secret that may prevent them from jumping in the championships. I liked the friendships in this book and how the characters eventually choose to deal with their problems. Plus, the double dutching in it is fun!

Mrs. Spisak

When Sarah Byrnes was three years old she was badly burned in a mysterious accident and her father refused to allow her to get reconstructive surgery.   Eric Calhoun, Moby to his friends, eats constantly and has the size to prove it.  Because they both have the “terminal uglies” as they call it, Sarah and Eric become best friends.  When Eric joins the high school swim team and starts to slim down and Sarah confronts the “mystery” of her accident, their friendship undergoes a test that leaves Sarah hospitalized.  Will they be able to get through the pain and come out on the other side stronger?  Chirs Crutcher weaves a powerful story about the joys and pains of friendship.

Mrs. Branyon

Scout Finch lives in the South of the Great Depression.  Her father Atticus Finch and her brother Jem and their maid Calpurnia all contribute to the growth and development of this 6 year old.  It is the year she discovers prejudice, hatred, and violence.  Yet with these discoveries, she finds that her father is one of the best people she has ever known, her brother is her hero, and the mysterious Boo Radley is not as scary as she has always thought.

Mrs. Branyon

If someone invited you to go to a new and different galaxy, would you go?  Meg Murry and Charles Wallace decide definitely yes they would go to rescue their father and bring him back to the dimension where they live.  Can they do it or will they be defeated by the evil forces which are trying to stop them?

Mrs. Branyon

As the school bully is terrorizing him, Roy Eberhardt sees a boy running outside of the bus window. His desire to find out more about the running boy leads him on an adventure that involves potty-trained alligators, poisonous snakes with sparkling tales, and a quest to stop a big corporation from building in his town. I love a good story that shows how kids can make a difference in the world!

Mrs. Spisak

Dave’s father has just died, and his stepmother doesn’t want him. So, he is sent off to the Hebrew Home for Boys. One night Dave breaks out of the home and is drawn into the enticing world of the Harlem Renaissance. Enjoying parties attended by Langston Hughes and others of the time, his eyes open to a whole new world of hope. I love the tie in of music and art and the famous people of this time. I felt like I was actually at some of the parties Dave went to at night when he snuck out of the orphanage.

Mrs. Spisak

The Bronze Bow is one of my favorite young adult books ever! I was completely wrapped up in the story from start to finish.

Driven by a strong desire to avenge his father’s death, Daniel bar Jamin moves to the hills outside of his village to live and plot with a band of outlaws. His hatred is directed at the Roman soldiers who crucified his father. This story is set in Biblical times and chronicles Daniel’s journey from hatred to love and acceptance.

Mrs. Spisak