Gib Rides Home
Gib is an orphan around the early 1900's. He realizes the older he gets the less likely he will be adopted. But he also finds out that most older boys are "farmed out" for cheap labor. This is his story of his "adoption" and the home he finally finds of his dreams.

Cry, the Beloved Country by Alan Paton

Zulu priest, Stephen Kumalo leaves his South African village to find out the fate of his son and his sister in the city of Johannesburg. He tries to bring his family back from the brink of destruction. This book was written before the apartheid laws were in place in South Africa. Racial tension dominates the book. A story of great love and compassion that braces both sides of the races.

Red Blade and the Black Bear by Virgina F. Voight

An Indian boy befriends an orphaned cub and the bond between them grows stronger as each has the chance to save the life of the other.

The Stronghold by Mollie Hunter

Setting takes place during the time of the Druids - priests in Scotland. Coll, crippled in youth during a Roman raid for slaves, tries to convine the Chief that his plan for a stronghold he designed over many years is the best answer to thwart the raiders from Rome. Gripping story.

Nurk the Strange, Surprising Adventures of a (Somewhat) Brave Shrew
by Ursula Vernon Harcourt c2008 131 pages.
Nurk, a small shrew ,goes on an adventure to find the owner of a letter mistakenly mailed to him. This is a great fantasy, and a good read aloud. Readers will care what happens to Nurk and enjoy reading about his adventures.

Perloo the Bold
Avi Scholastic c1998 223 pages.
Perloo, a shy quiet rabbit who would rather stay in his warm home by himself and read is forced into the politics of the Montmers by Lucabara. Jolaine, the granter ,has made him the next leader after her death rather than her son Berwig. What follows is the exciting story of Perloo's adventures as he must lead the Montmers , bring peace with the Felbarts, and survive the attacks of Berwig.
Grades 3 and up.

The Mysterious Benedict Society, by Trenton Lee Stewart. Little Brown and Company c2007 485 pages.
After passing a series of test four children, Reynie, Kate, Constance and Sticky are selected to go on a secret mission . They are sent to the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened where they become spies for Mr. Benedict. A good science fiction read for 5th and up.