I'll Be There

by Holly Goldberg Stein
Lexile: 810
Genre: Realistic Fiction

Sam Border wishes he could escape the strange life his father has created for him. Riddle Border rarely talks, but as long as he has Sam, he'll be fine. Emily Bell is living the perfect life: nice family, nice friends, nice house. Sam, Riddle, and Emily have nothing in common, but when their three lives intersect, they will all be changed forever.

Between Shades of Gray

by Ruta Sepetys
Lexile: 490
Genre: Historical Fiction

15 year old Lina has a great life: a family who loves her, a chance to attend an art school, and the excitement of looking forward to her first date. But that all changes one night when there is a loud knock at the door. The Soviet police are there and they are given one hour to pack their belongings. They are put in a cattle train car and shipped to Siberia where they all have to fight daily to survive. Lina secretly draws pictures of the people and the events along her journey, hoping that someday they will be used to reunite her family and tell the awful story of what was being done to innocent people.

The One and Only Ivan

by Katherine Applegate
Lexile: ???
Genre: Fantasy

Ivan the gorilla is the star attraction at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade until Ruby, the baby elephant comes along. Ivan makes a promise to his best friend, Stella, that he will do whatever it takes to get Ruby a better life. Ivan can speak to his animal friends, but how will he be able to communicate with humans?

Who is Neil Armstrong?

by Roberta Edwards
Lexile: 810
Genre: Biography

Neil Armstrong is best known as being the first man on the moon. He uttered the words " That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind" which were heard by people all around the world. This book explains Neil's journey from a boy who loved to build model airplanes to the man who first set foot on the moon.

Sundiata: A Legend of Africa

Retold by Will Eisner
Lexile: ???
Genre: Traditional Literature/Graphic Novel

This is the story of Sundiata, a young Mali prince, who led an army to defeat the evil King Sumanguru who had for many years reigned over the country of Mali.

Strega Nona

by Tomie de Paola
Lexile: 800
Genre: Traditional Literature

Strega Nona is known for her magic touch. People in the village come to her with all sorts of problems. Strega Nona is getting older so she hires Big Anthony to help her keep up with the house and garden work. There is just one rule that Big Anthony must follow: "Don't touch the pasta pot."

The Persian Cinderella

by Shirley Climo
Lexile: 760
Genre: Traditional Literature

Settareh is a beautiful young maiden who is neglected by her aunts, cousins, and stepsisters. She is not planning to attend the New Year's celebration at the palace until she gains possession of a strange blue jug that grants her wishes. Will the wicked stepsisters ruin Settareh's chances for a happily ever after?