Chasing Vermeer
Balliett, Blue (2004) , 200+ pages
Illustrated by Brett Helquist
Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade)
Category: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Realistic Fiction
(This book has outstanding illustrations)

Is it a coincidence? Is it a dream? Do the pentiminoes have the answers? Will Calder and Petra be able to solve a mystery that baffles even the FBI? The mystery begins when Calder and Petra are drawn to a book of unexplained events, a series of strange letters, and a missing painting by Vermeer. Surrounded by mysterious figures, the children are left to decipher the codes that are keeping The Lady Writing, a painting by Vermeer, hidden. Using their knowledge and a mysterious connection to the lady in the painting, Calder and Petra will venture into the hallowed halls of the University of Chicago and follow the path of 12’s to find a truth that will unearth the lady and uncover the mystery of Vermeer’s works. Balliett’s first novel is full of mysterious twists and turns that will keep you turning pages in the hopes of solving a bit of the mystery yourself.

Alphabet Mystery
Audrey Wood (2003) , under 40 pages
Illustrated by Bruce Wood
Audience: Primary (k-3rd grade)
Category: Adventure, Concept, Fantasy
(This book has outstanding illustrations)

Charlie's alphabet is back, but this time the little x is missing. Little x has run away because he feels like the most unused letter in the alphabet. The other letters set out to find him. They find him in a castle happily dancing on a xylophone. The letters convince him that he is needed back home as part of Charlie's mom's birthday surprise. This book is by a mother and son team and has fantastic illustrations.

Eragon
Christopher Paolini (2003) , 200+ pages
Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade), Adult/Parent
Category: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Novello, Scary

When Eragon finds a beautiful blue stone he does not know what his discovery truly is- a dragon’s egg! With the hatching of the dragon’s egg, Eragon’s quest begins. It is a journey which will lead Eragon into a world of closely guarded secrets in search of the means by which to right the wrongs in Alagaesia. Joining Eragon and his dragon on their quest is Brom, a storyteller, whose own story may turn out to be more interesting than any he could ever tell. Although rife with hardships, Eragon’s journey is also full of possibilities. Will he become a Rider? Will he join the Varden- a secret society set up against the evil King Galbatorix? The first book in the Inheritance Trilogy, Eragon is an amazing work of fantasy that draws the reader in and encourages us to ride with Eragon upon his dragon’s back and uncover the secrets that make up his world.

Ms. Frizzle's Adventures: Medieval Castle
Joanna Cole (2003) , under 40 pages
Illustrated by Bruce Degen
Audience: Primary (k-3rd grade), Intermediate (4th-6th grade), Adult/Parent
Category: Adventure, Historical, Non-Fiction
(This book has outstanding illustrations)

Have you ever wondered how a castle was built or what the lords and ladies ate at a Medieval feast? Well, if you have, then you should join Ms. Frizzle and Arnold as they travel 900 years into the past to a medieval castle. This colorful and thoroughly detailed book will help you explore the who, what, when, where, why and how of castles beginning with the drawbridge and leading all the way to the top of the parapet. Meet the people who called a castle home, as well as participate in a medieval battle. A great book for all of who are ready to follow Ms. Frizzle and Arnold on a pathway to adventure.

The City of Ember
Jeanne DuPrau (2003) , 200+ pages
Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade)
Category: Adventure, Fantasy, Science Fiction

The year is 241. Twelve-year-old Lina and her friend Doon live in Ember, a city lit only by electric lights. They have never seen the sun and have no idea that it even exists. They are happy with their lives until Assignment Day. That's when they are given new jobs. Together, they find alarming signs that things are not at all well. Among other things the electric generators are breaking down and food supplies are dangerously low. Can the torn pieces of an old document hold the secret to saving their beloved city? Join the two friends as they risk their lives to find out.

A Week in the Woods
Andrew Clements (2002) , 160-200 pages
Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade)
Category: Adventure, Realistic Fiction

Mark Robert Chelmsley did not ask for his parents to be wealthy or to move to New Hampshire. Mark knows that his situation could be worse, because even though his parents are often out of town for weeks at a time, they still love him. Mark is upset about having to attend Hardy Elementary and finish out his fifth grade year. Though Mark is fortunate to have one of the most interesting fifth grade teachers, Mark refuses to pay attention in class or do any homework. Will Mark even be allowed to spend a week in the woods with his new classmates if he does not start to behave? Clements does a great job of expressing how a new kid might feel when trying to fit into a new school.

Molly Moon's Incredible Book of Hypnotism
Georgia Byng (2002) , 200+ pages
Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade)
Category: Adventure

Molly Moon is lonely living at the orphanage with her only friend, Rocky, to keep her company. She wishes she could find a new and exciting life far away from mean old Miss Adderstone and the orphanage bullies. Then one day, Molly's trip to the library turns into a big adventure. Molly finds a mysterious old book on hypnotism and learns how to hypnotize people! But she soon discovers that she isn't the only one who wants to use this incredible book of hypnotism. Someone wants her book and he'll do anything to get it! Can Molly stop it from falling into the wrong hands?

Wait For Me! Said Maggie McGee
Jean Van Leeuwen (2001) , under 40 pages
Illustrated by Jacqueline Rogers
Audience: Preschool, Primary (k-3rd grade)
Category: Adventure, Humor, Read Aloud

It's true Maggie is the littlest member of the family. All her brothers and sisters are bigger. They're always doing big kid things; climbing and swinging and reading and singing, "Hi ho, Hi ho, it's off to school we go!" Maggie can only wave good-bye and wait for their return. Being the littlest, Maggie has to wear all the hand me downs: overalls that smell like frogs, ballet shoes with holes in the toes, never any good stuff. Maggie even had to be a pumpkin three Halloweens in a row! But while Maggie is doing all that waiting, she is growing, too! Jean Van Leeuwen has captured the feelings of being the youngest in any family and shares them with us all. Illustrator Jacqueline Rogers' engaging water colors and subtle wit have captured and expressed a determined younger sibling ready to make her own mark in Maggie McGee.

Blizzard!: The Storm That Changed America
Jim Murphy (2000) , 120-160 pages
Illustrated by Jim Murphy
Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade)
Category: Adventure, Non-Fiction

What would you do if you were surprised by a blizzard? Would you be ready for winds of at least 35 miles per hour, temperatures of twenty degrees or lower, and snow that is higher than you are? Blizzard!   tells you just what the people in the Northeast did when an unexpected blizzard came to them in 1888. In one story,Rufus Billings and a dozen other students made it to school and waited for an hour at the locked front door until the principal arrived and told them school was closed. Many more stories of survival and those who didn't survive are included in Murphy's book.

When Jessie Came Across the Sea
Amy Hest (1997) , under 40 pages
Illustrated by P.J. Lynch
Audience: Primary (k-3rd grade), Intermediate (4th-6th grade)
Category: Adventure, Historical

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to leave your family and friends and sail to a new world? That is just what Jessie does as she says goodbye to her Grandmother and sets sail for America at the turn of the century. This courageous girl shows what it is like to start over and work hard to make a new life. Beautiful watercolor pictures add to the sense of awe and discovery as Jessie sees tall skyscrapers for the first time and explores the streets of New York. Still, something is missing for her happiness. Read this book and see what Jessie needs.

Gotcha!
Gail Jorgensen (1995) , under 40 pages
Illustrated by Kerry Argent
Audience: Toddlers, Preschool
Category: Adventure, Humor, Read Aloud

Oh no! There is an uninvited guest at Bertha Bear’s birthday party, and it is a big, black, beastly fly. And that fly is causing nothing but problems. Every time Bertha and her friends think they have caught the pesky fly... "GOTCHA!" they cry, but the fly has escaped. Will Bertha and her friends be able to get rid of the fly and have a party, or will the fly ruin the day? The brightly colored illustrations and humorous text make this story a great read aloud for young children.

The Last Holiday Concert
Andrew Clements (2004) , 160-200 pages
Audience: Intermediate (4th-6th grade)
Category: Realistic Fiction

Hart Evans just started sixth grade at Palmer Intermediate. He's popular, confident, and loves everything about school except for chorus and the teacher, Mr. Meinert. Well, Hart decides to spice things up one day by shooting two Number 16 rubber bands in Mr. Meinert's direction, but one rubber band accidentally hits the teacher. The next day, a furious Mr. Meinert informs the class they have to prepare for their big holiday concert…without his help! Will the class succeed? Who will lead chorus now? Can Mr. Meinert and Hart ever understand one another? Hart learns a lot about himself and Mr. Meinert in this book that’s sure to keep you turning the pages!

Hush hush : the dark secrets of scientific research (#16335N1)

by Jordan, Michael, 1941-

Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 192) and index. Looks at how scientific developments can sometimes go wrong and how corporations and scientists attempt to cover up the unintended consequences. Includes forty case studies from around the world.

My grandmother's stories : a collection of Jewish folk tales (#14181N4)

by Geras, Adele.

Notes: Bavsi's feast -- The faces of the Czar -- The golden shoes -- The tablecloth -- A tangle of woods -- Saving the pennies -- The garden of talking flowers -- The market of miseries -- An overcrowded house -- A phantom at the wedding. As a young girl spends time at her grandmother's apartment, she is treated to traditional Jewish tales, including "Bavsi's Feast," "The Golden Shoes," "The Garden of Talking Flowers," and "A Phantom at the Wedding."

Sparrow Jack (#08005N1)

by Gerstein, Mordicai.

Notes: "Frances Foster books." In 1868, John Bardsley, an immigrant from England, brought one thousand sparrows from his home country back to Philadelphia, where he hoped they would help save the trees from the inch-worms that were destroying them. Based on a true story.

The friend (#26787Q8)

by Stewart, Sarah, 1939-

Notes: With Mom too busy and Dad away much of the time, Belle finds companionship with a household employee who after each day's work takes Belle "hand in hand" to the beach.

Germs (#02923Q6)

by Collins, Ross.

Notes: Pox, a young germ on his first assignment, not only refuses to infect a girl with chicken pox, he also helps defend her from other germs and, for his heroism, is made Honorary Chief of the Immune System.