Room on the Broom
Author: Julia Donaldson
RU Level: Kindergarten

Finding room on her broom for others is very hard for the witch.  However, in the end she is very glad she did!

Creepy Carrots!
Author: Aaron Reynolds and Peter Brown
RU Level: Kindergarten

Story that describes what happens when rabbit gets too greedy in eating carrots. Although done in a comical way, the dark illustrations and tone may not be for sensitive children.  Others will find it very amusing!

I Need My Monster
Author: Amanda Noll
RU Level: 1st Grade

Wait--is having a monster under the bed a good thing?  Apparently so, in this beautifully illustrated book telling of a boy who misses his monster when he finds a note: "Gone fishing. Back in a week." After auditioning a few substitutes who find him too picky, Ethan decides he and his monster were made for each other.  Any child scared of monsters will not appreciate this--others will love the clever spin of a monster being a necessity!

The Berenstain Bears Trick or Treat
Author: Stan & Jan Berenstain
RU Level: RU 2nd Grade

A classic Berenstain Bears book where Brother and Sister Bear discover that all is not as it seems when it comes to being spooked!

Dia de Los MuertosAuthor: Roseanne Thong
RU Level: 1st Grade

Rhyming text introduces students to the traditions followed for the Latin American holiday Day of the Dead. 

Author: Mara Rockliff
RU Level: 3rd Grade

A little-known true story that shows how Ben Franklin used the scientific method, without anyone knowing he's doing it, to explain the miraculous powers of Dr. Mesmer, a man who was amazing the people of France by healing their ailments by simply waving a wand over them. This account shows how the word "mesmerized" came about.

Wonderful illustrations and information outlining the scientific method and showing how it is used in everyday life. Will provide an opportunity for a parent-child discussion concerning the power of our thoughts and avoiding deception.

Titles: Vary
Authors: Vary
RU Level: 4th Grade

A collection of books that combine a fictionalized story with page inserts of fact that give more information to better understand the story.  The books cover a wide-range of topics so there will be something that will appeal to everyone.  Some titles feature the SLIP Club whose members slip back in time for their adventures and some have current day settings.

Unfortunately, all books labeled DK Adventures are not created the same.  Some titles contain only fact and some only fiction.  Because of this, please check the RU list for specific titles.  This is a fast growing collection so more titles will continue to be added as they are reviewed!

Series: The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency; 1
Author: Jordan Stratford 
RU Level: 6

Did you know that the world's first computer programmer and the world's first science-fiction author were women?  Can you imagine if they joined forces, as girls, to form a detective agency? The Wollstonecraft Detective Agency has its first case when Ada Byron and Mary Shelley hunt for a stolen Turkish moonstone. In a time when girls access to outside world of London was limited, these clever girls enlist the help of a young Charles Dickens, visit Newgate Prison, and travel in a hot-air balloon to solve the case.

Just as interesting as the fictional account are the end notes which give factual information concerning the real-life characters.  A book which morphs fact into clever fiction while characterizing unusual women as likable and ahead of their time.