Children's Books for Parents and Teachers » 8th Grade (Age 13)

20,000 Leagues Under The Sea

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:25:16 +0000

A huge sea monster has attacked and wrecked several ships from beneath the sea. Professor Arronax bravely joins a mission to hunt down the beast. He goes aboard the Nautilus, a secret submarine helmed by the mysterious Captain Nemo. At first, the mission is exciting, as Nemo takes Arronax on a voyage around the underwater world. But when things start to go wrong, Arronax finds there’s no escape from the Nautilus. He is now Captain Nemo’s captive 20,000 leagues under the sea!

A Book of Coupons

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 19:36:19 +0000

Monsieur Hubert Noël isn’t quite what his fifth-grade class expected. First, he gives all his students a book of coupons as a gift: one coupon for sleeping late, one for lost work, one for cheating, and more of the same. At first the students use them, but it’s not until they realize that Monsieur Noël is giving them more important gifts for free — books read aloud, a whole year of lessons, and out-of-the-ordinary field trips — that they stop clipping coupons. This book about a quirky teacher in an unconventional school will teach readers a lesson about one of life’s most precious gifts — the love of learning.

A Christmas Carol

admin — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 18:16:54 +0000

One of the best-loved and most quoted stories of “the man who invented Christmas”-English writer Charles Dickens-A Christmas Carol debuted in 1843 and has touched millions of hearts since. Cruel miser Ebeneezer Scrooge has never met a shilling he doesn’t like… and hardly a man he does. And he hates Christmas most of all. When Scrooge is visited by his old partner, Jacob Marley, and the ghosts of Christmas Past, Christmas Present, and Christmas Yet to Come, he learns eternal lessons of charity, kindness, and goodwill. Experience a true Victorian Christmas with Barbour’s tenth anniversary Value Book edition-now on quality stock!

A Little Princess

admin — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 17:03:11 +0000

Ostracized by the envious and less-privileged girls at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies, seven-year-old Sara Crewe is devastated when her adored, indulgent father dies, leaving her penniless and alone in the world. The story of how Sara’s fortunes change again, and how she discovers the true meaning of family, is a tale that … Continue reading →

A Smart Girl’s Guide to Friendship Troubles

cindy — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 18:41:24 +0000

How do you speak up when you’re afraid of hurting your friend’s feelings? What do you do after a really big fight? What if your friend leaves you for the popular crowd? Inside you’ll find tips, quizzes, and real-life stories that can help solve a girl’s most common friendship troubles. When your friendship’s in trouble, you need help — fast. Here’s the advice you need to get through the tough times and help you decide how to deal with friendship dilemmas

A Wind in the Door

admin — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 18:22:26 +0000

Meg Murry can’t help but be worried when her six-year-old brother, Charles Wallace, announces there are dragons in the vegetable garden. He’s so bright and so different from other kids, he’s getting bullied at school, and he is also strangely, seriously ill. But Charles Wallace is right about the dragons—actually a friendly entity who has come to help Charles Wallace fight his sickness. Meg and her friend Calvin O’Keefe join the dragon on a terrifying, wonderful journey into galactic space—where they must battle the forces of evil to save Charles Wallace and themselves.

A Wrinkle in Time

admin — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 22:20:06 +0000

Meg Murry and her friends become involved with unearthly strangers and a search for Meg’s father, who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government.

Abarat

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:36:43 +0000

It begins in the most boring place in the world: Chickentown, U.S.A. Candy Quackenbush lives in Chickentown, her heart bursting for some clue as to what her future might hold. When the answer comes, it’s not one she expects. Out of nowhere comes a wave, and Candy, led by a man called John Mischief (whose brothers live on the horns on his head), leaps into the surging waters and is carried away. Where? To the ABARAT: a vast archipelago where every island is a different hour of the day, from the Great Head that sits in the mysterious twilight waters of Eight in the Evening, to the sunlit wonders of Three in the Afternoon, where dragons roam, to the dark terrors of Gorgossium, the island of Midnight, ruled over by the Prince of Midnight himself, Christopher Carrion. As Candy journeys from one amazing place to another, making fast friends and encountering treacherous foes — mechanical bugs and giant moths, miraculous cats and men made of mud, a murderous wizard and his terrified slave-she begins to realize something. She has been here before. Candy has a place in this extraordinary world: she is here to help save the Abarat from the dark forces that are stirring at its heart. Forces older than Time itself, and more evil than anything Candy has ever encountered. She’s a strange heroine, she knows. But this is a strange world. And in the Abarat, all things are possible.

Across Five Aprils

admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:13:31 +0000

The unforgettable story of young Jethro Creighton, who comes of age during the turbulent years of the Civil War, by the Newbery Award-winning author of Up a Road Slowly. An impressive book both as a historically authentic Civil War novel and as a beautifully written family story.

Amber Was Brave, Essie Was Smart

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:38:43 +0000

Amber and Essie are sisters. Amber was brave. She wasn’t afraid of climbing up into high places. Essie was smart. She could read very hard library books. Together they make a good team. Their father is in prison, their mother works long hours, and there is little money to pay the bills. Through a series of interconnected poems, Williams presents Amber and Essie’s sad, funny, and moving tale. Full-color portraits of the girls precede the story, and an album of dramatic moments closes the book. Black-and-white pencil drawings are interspersed among the poems.

An Indian Winter

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 20:15:12 +0000

In 1833 German prince Maximilian and Swiss artist Karl Bodmer traveled through the Missouri River Valley to study Native Americans. Their detailed journals and artwork are the basis for this account of their travels. Freedman describes the customs, social structure, and artifacts the two men encountered as well as their friendship with the Mandan and … Continue reading →

Brian’s Return

admin — Tue, 06 May 2008 20:04:53 +0000

For more than a decade, readers and reviewers everywhere have praised Gary Paulsen’s exciting stories about brave Brian Robeson. In the Newbery Honor book Hatchet, 13-year-old Brian was stranded in the Canadian wilderness with only the clothes on his back and a hatchet to help him survive. The River brought 15-year-old Brian back to the wilderness for a government project — where he was left with a wounded partner and a rapid river to navigate. An alternative sequel, Brian’s Winter, posed the question: What if Brian had not been rescued? Now comes Brian’s Return — the final, gripping conclusion to Paulsen’s extraordinary saga.

Building Big

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:32:17 +0000

Future designers, engineers, and architects will find hours of discovery in Macauley’s newest book about what can be accomplished with common sense, imagination, and technology. It focuses on the design challenges and solutions that go into the building of everyday structures — bridges, tunnels, skyscrapers, domes, and dams. It also contains detailed drawings and a … Continue reading →

Castle

admin — Mon, 29 Jan 2007 05:26:01 +0000

The word itself conjures up mystery, romance, intrigue, and grandeur. What could be more perfect for an author/illustrator who has continually stripped away the mystique of architectural structures that have long fascinated modern man? With typical zest and wry sense of humor punctuating his drawings, David Macaulay traces the step-by-step planning and construction of both … Continue reading →

Catching Fire (Hunger Games Series #2)

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 21:23:19 +0000

Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has won the annual Hunger Games with fellow district tribute Peeta Mellark. But it was a victory won by defiance of the Capitol and their harsh rules. Katniss and Peeta should be happy. After all, they have just won for themselves and their families a life of safety and plenty. But there are rumors of rebellion among the subjects, and Katniss and Peeta, to their horror, are the faces of that rebellion. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge.

Cathy’s Key: If Found Call (650) 266-8202

cindy — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 16:14:22 +0000

Cathy has finally settled her curiosity about Victor—her off and on boyfriend—and his mysterious past. Suffice it to say that dating an immortal is far from easy! But now Cathy is stumbling across a trail of evidence pertaining to her own family—secrets about her father and the circumstances surrounding his death. Having an immortal boyfriend is sure to come in handy as her investigation continues, considering Cathy’s father is still alive. . . . Complete with evidence photos and a sixteen-page teaser for the third book, Cathy’s Key is sure to please!

Charlie Pippin

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:47:13 +0000

Also about a family, this story introduces a spunky girl determined to learn why her father is so angry and demanding. Chartreuse “Charlie” Pippin seeks her uncle’s help to learn about the Vietnam War. Boyd touches on sensitive issues that many young readers who would like to have a closer relationship to a parent will … Continue reading →

Deep Dish

admin — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 16:04:12 +0000

Chef extraordinaire Gina Foxton doesn’t expect anything to be handed to her on a platter. After years of hard work, the former runner-up Miss Teen Vidalia Onion is now the host of her own local Georgia public television show called Fresh Start, and she’s dating the show’s producer.

But when her show gets canceled, and she catches her boyfriend in flagrante delicto with the boss’s wife, Gina realizes that she’s meant for bigger and better things. The Cooking Channel is looking for its next star, and Gina is certain that she fits the bill. Trouble is, the execs also have their eye on Mr. “Kill It and Grill It” Tate Moody, the star of a hunting, fishing, and cooking show called Vittles. Tate is the ultimate man’s man, with a dog named Moonpie and a penchant for flannel shirts. Little does Gina know, though, that she and Tate are soon to embark on the cook-off of their lives.

Dragonwings (Golden Mountain Chronicles: 1903)

admin — Mon, 05 May 2008 15:10:49 +0000

Will Windrider take to the skies? Moon shadow is eight years old when he sails from China to join his father, Windrider, in America. Windrider lives in San Francisco and makes his living doing laundry. Father and son have never met. But Moon Shadow grows to love and respect his father and to believe in his wonderful dream. And Windrider, with Moon Shadow’s help is willing to endure the mockery of the other Chinese, the poverty, the separation from his wife and country’even the great earthquake’to make his dream come true.

Ella Enchanted

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 18:16:46 +0000

At her birth, a fairy blesses baby Eleanor with the gift of obedience. But for Ella this is a curse. She must spend her life doing literally everything that is asked of her, from sweeping the floor to handing over valued jewelry. When her mother dies, her father sends her away to boarding school with two cruel sisters. Ella’s spunk keeps her afloat until she meets her charming prince, breaks the wicked spell, and begins her “happily ever after” life.

Eulalia! (Redwall #19)

admin — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 17:42:50 +0000

Lord Asheye of Salamandastron has a prophecy: A new Badger Lord must take his place and reign over the legendary badger fortress. But who is this young warrior who shuns both armor and sword? And how is he to be found? Mad Maudie, a feisty haremaid of the Long Patrol, is just the one to track him down. Meanwhile, the unsuspecting future Badger Lord has been captured by a scurrilous group of Sea Raiders led by the infamous fox, Vizka Longtooth, who intends on conquering Redwall Abbey. It is up to our young hero to defend Redwall so that he may fulfill his destiny as leader of Salamandastron.

Flying Solo

admin — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 23:13:17 +0000

What happens to a class when the substitute teacher fails to show up? Mr. Fabian’s sixth-grade class goes solo for the day. They run the class themselves according to the routine established by their well-liked teacher. They do relatively well until a fight breaks out between two students over the death of a classmate, Tommy, who died six months earlier. Because of this fight, students start to deal with their guilt and sorrow over their classmate’s death. Fletcher balances a wide variety of emotions so the story is at times sad, funny, and profound.

Gathering the Sun: An Alphabet in Spanish and English

admin — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 20:25:32 +0000

Using the letters of the Spanish alphabet, Ada has written 27 poems that appear in both Spanish and English. These poems honor the lives, experiences, and culture of the Spanish-speaking people who work the farmland of the American West. Silva’s vivid paintings reflect his Mexican heritage and his life as a child working on farms.

Growing up: It’s a Girl Thing

admin — Wed, 06 May 2009 16:58:12 +0000

Girls in their pre-teens will find this book to be right on track with their health concerns and feelings as they enter into the complexities of puberty. Author Jukes discusses tampons, shaving, body changes, and everything in between. Packed with wisdom and humor, this book is sure to be a hit for a generation surrounded with myths about the process of growing up. It answers honestly all those questions you’re too embarrassed to ask, while offering reassurance that what is happening is a normal part of growing up. Jukes also offers an encouraging hand to parents and teachers, who have no idea of how to discuss these very sensitive and personal issues with the adolescent girls in their lives. This may be the only book you’ll ever need to cope with this turbulent stage of life.

Guts: The True Stories Behind Hatchet and the Brian Books

admin — Mon, 17 Sep 2007 21:31:34 +0000

Paulsen writes about the real events that influenced Brian Robeson’s story in Hatchet. Paulsen’s stint as a volunteer emergency worker, experiences racing dogs in Alaska, and other hair-raising exploits give a glimpse into the real-life adventures that inspire his characters.

Harris and Me: A Summer Remembered

admin — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 17:21:32 +0000

A young city boy is sent to spend the summer on his aunt and uncle’s farm. Though he has lived many places over the years, he has never experienced anything like farm life . . . and he has never met anyone like Harris, his daredevil of a cousin. If the two of them can survive wrestling three-hundred-pound pigs and mouse-hunting with toothless old Louie’s fire-spitting pet lynx–which, unlike his master, has plenty of teeth–they just might make it through the summer!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows #7

cindy — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 22:28:50 +0000

A phenomenon like Harry Potter does not come along very often. The young wizard and his eager companions Hermione Granger and Ron Weasley have inspired countless children to delve into reading with a fervor rarely seen, and we have J. K. Rowling to thank for that! Rowling has created a fantastic world of wizards and … Continue reading →

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone #1

cindy — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 03:49:33 +0000

Say you’ve spent the first 10 years of your life sleeping under the stairs of a family who loathes you. Then, in an absurd, magical twist of fate you find yourself surrounded by wizards, a caged snowy owl, a phoenix-feather wand, and jellybeans that come in every flavor, including strawberry, curry, grass, and sardine. Not only that, but you discover that you are a wizard yourself! This is exactly what happens to young Harry Potter in J.K. Rowling’s enchanting, funny debut novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. In the nonmagic human world–the world of “Muggles”–Harry is a nobody, treated like dirt by the aunt and uncle who begrudgingly inherited him when his parents were killed by the evil Voldemort. But in the world of wizards, small, skinny Harry is famous as a survivor of the wizard who tried to kill him. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he’s quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley.

A mysterious letter, delivered by the friendly giant Hagrid, wrenches Harry from his dreary, Muggle-ridden existence: “We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.” Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, “I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!” Soon enough, however, Harry finds himself at Hogwarts with his owl Hedwig… and that’s where the real adventure–humorous, haunting, and suspenseful–begins. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, first published in England as Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, continues to win major awards in England. So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children’s Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. This magical, gripping, brilliant book–a future classic to be sure–will leave kids clamoring for Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets and Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. — Karin Snelson

Harry Potter: Tales of Beedle the Bard

admin — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 09:51:35 +0000

The Tales of Beedle the Bard, a Wizarding classic, first came to Muggle readers’ attention in the book known as Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. Now, thanks to Hermione Granger’s new translation from the ancient runes, we present this stunning edition with an introduction, notes, and illustrations by J. K. Rowling, and extensive commentary by Albus Dumbledore. Never before have Muggles been privy to these richly imaginative tales: “The Wizard and the Hopping Pot,” “The Fountain of Fair Fortune,” “The Warlock’s Hairy Heart,” “Babbitty Rabbitty and Her Cackling Stump,” and of course, “The Tale of the Three Brothers.” But not only are they the equal of fairy tales we now know and love, reading them gives new insight into the world of Harry Potter. The stories are accompanied by delightful pen-and-ink illustrations by Ms. Rowling herself, featuring a still-life frontispiece for each one. Professor Dumbledore’s commentary—apparently written some eighteen months before his death—reveals not just his vast knowledge of Wizarding lore, but also more of his personal qualities: his sense of humor, his courage, his pride in his abilities, and his hard-won wisdom. Names familiar from the Harry Potter novels sprinkle the pages, including Aberforth Dumbledore, Lucius Malfoy and his forebears, and Sir Nicholas de Mimsy-Porpington (or “Nearly Headless Nick”), as well as other professors at Hogwarts and the past owners of the Elder Wand. Dumbledore tells us of incidents unique to the Wizarding world, like hilariously troubled theatrical productions at Hogwartsor the dangers of having a “hairy heart.” But he also reveals aspects of the Wizarding world that his Muggle readers might find all too familiar, like censorship, intolerance, and questions about the deepest mysteries in life. Altogether, this is an essential addition to our store of knowledge about the world and the magic that J. K. Rowling has created, and a book every true Harry Potter fan will want to have for their shelves.

Hatchet (Brian’s Saga Series #1)

admin — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 15:56:50 +0000

Brian Robertson, sole passenger on a Cessna 406, is on his way to visit his father when the tiny bush plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness. With nothing but his clothing, a tattered windbreaker, and the hatchet his mother had given him as a present, Brian finds himself completely alone. Challenged by his fear and despair — and plagued with the weight of a dreadful secret he’s been keeping since his parent’s divorce — brian must tame his inner demons in order to survive. It will take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he possessed.