Special Collections
Accelerated Reader Middle Grade Collection
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The Land
by Mildred D. TaylorThe son of a prosperous landowner and a former slave, Paul-Edward Logan is unlike any other boy he knows. His white father has acknowledged him and raised him openly-something unusual in post-Civil War Georgia. But as he grows into a man he learns that life for someone like him is not easy. Black people distrust him because he looks white. White people discriminate against him when they learn of his black heritage. Even within his own family he faces betrayal and degradation. So at the age of fourteen, he sets out toward the only dream he has ever had: to find land every bit as good as his father's, and make it his own.
Once again inspired by her own history, Ms. Taylor brings truth and power to the newest addition to the award-winning Logan family stories.
Winner of the Coretta Scott King Medal
La Línea
by Ann JaramilloMiguel has dreamed of joining his parents in California since the day they left him behind in Mexico six years, eleven months, and twelve days ago. On the morning of his fifteenth birthday, Miguel's wait is over. Or so he thinks.
The trip north to the border - la línea- is fraught with dangers. Thieves. Border guards. And a grueling, two-day trek across the desert. It would be hard enough to survive alone. But it's almost impossible with his tagalong sister in tow. Their money gone and their hopes nearly dashed, Miguel and his sister have no choice but to hop the infamous mata genteas it races toward the border. As they cling to the roof of the speeding train, they hold onto each other, and to their dreams. But they quickly learn that you can't always count on dreams - even the ones that come true.
This is the story of many undocumented immigranted to the USA, especially teenagers in search of their parents.
Lady of Palenque
by Anna KirwanThe bestselling author transports readers to the ancient Mayan realm of Bacal, where the 13-year-old daughter of King Hanaab Pacal embarks on a gripping and pivotal journey.
Kristina
by Carolyn MeyerMeyer offers a revealing look at Kristina, who was raised by the King and Queen of Sweden as a prince rather than a princess and assumed the throne as King at the age of 18.
Knuffle Bunny
by Mo WillemsTrixie, Daddy, and Knuffle Bunny take a trip to the neighborhood Laundromat. But the exciting adventure takes a dramatic turn when Trixie realizes somebunny was left behind. Using a combination of muted black-and-white photographs and expressive illustrations, this stunning book tells a brilliantly true-to-life tale about what happens when Daddy's in charge and things go terribly, hilariously wrong.
Knots in My Yo-Yo String
by Jerry Spinelli"A master of those embarrassing, gloppy, painful, and suddenly wonderful things that happen on the razor's edge between childhood and full-fledged adolescence" (The Washington Post), Newbery medalist Jerry Spinelli has penned his early autobiography with all the warmth, humor, and drama of his best-selling fiction. From first memories through high school, including first kiss, first punch, first trip to the principal's office, and first humiliating sports experience, this is not merely an account of a highly unusual childhood. Rather, like Spinelli's fiction, its appeal lies in the accessibility and universality of his life. Entertaining and fast-paced, this is a highly readable memoir-- a must-have for Spinelli fans of all ages.From the Trade Paperback edition.
The Knight at Dawn
by Mary Pope Osborne and Sal MurdoccaJack and Annie are ready for their next fantasy adventure in the bestselling middle-grade series--the Magic Tree House!
A castle with a secret passage!That's what Jack and Annie find when the Magic Tree House whisks them back to the Middle Ages for another wild adventure.
In the Great Hall of the castle, a feast is under way. But Jack and Annie aren't exactly welcome guests!
A Kiss For Little Bear
by Else Holmelund MinarikToo much kissing?
Little Bear sends Grandmother a picture, and she likes it so much she asks Hen to take him a thank-you kiss.
But Hen passes the kiss to Frog, who passes it to Cat, and on and on--will Little Bear ever get his kiss?
Kazunomiya
by Kathryn LaskyIntrigue and danger increase as Princess Kazunomiya's once-sheltered life in 19th-century Japan changes in this latest addition to the Royal Diaries series by a Newberry Honor-winning author. Illustrations.
Kaiulani
by Ellen Emerson WhiteMay 6, 1889
At Iolani Palace, Father and I met with Papa Moi and Mama Moi in the throne room. Papa Moi was solemn as he reminded me that it will be my responsibility to do as well as possible, and in that way, further the hopes of our nation. I was glad that I have never admitted to him how fearful I am about leaving. I think he would find that petty, as I go off not for myself, but for all of the Hawaiians I will someday lead.
"I will not fail, Papa, will I?" I asked Father, once we were in our carriage and on the way back to Ainahau.
"It is not even a possibility", he said, his voice full of confidence.
Just a Drop of Water
by Kerry O'Malley CerraEver since he was little, Jake Green has longed to be a soldier and a hero like his grandpa, who died serving his country. Right now, though, he just wants to outsmart-and outrun-the rival cross country team, the Palmetto Bugs.
But then the tragedy of September 11 happens. It's quickly discovered that one of the hijackers lived nearby, making Jake's Florida town an FBI hot spot.
Two days later, the tragedy becomes even more personal when Jake's best friend, Sam Madina, is pummeled for being an Arab Muslim by their bully classmate, Bobby. According to Jake's personal code of conduct, anyone who beats up your best friend is due for a butt kicking, and so Jake goes after Bobby. But soon after, Sam's father is detained by the FBI and Jake's mom doubts the innocence of Sam's family, forcing Jake to choose between his best friend and his parents.
When Jake finds out that Sam's been keeping secrets, too, he doesn't know who his allies are anymore. But the final blow comes when his grandpa's real past is revealed to Jake. Suddenly, everything he ever knew to be true feels like one big lie. In the end, he must decide: either walk away from Sam and the revenge that Bobby has planned, or become the hero he's always aspired to be.
A gripping and intensely touching debut middle grade novel by Kerry O'Malley Cerra, Just a Drop of Water brings the events of September 11, which shook the world, into the lens of a young boy who is desperately trying to understand the ramifications of this life-altering event.
Junie B. Jones Smells Something Fishy
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusJunie B. Jones has a pet day problem! There's going to be a pet day at school, only guess what? No dogs allowed! And that's the only kind of pet Junie B. has!
If Mother and Daddy won't buy her a new pet, Junie B. will just have to find one on her own. Like maybe a jar of ants. Or a wiggly worm. Or--could it be--something even better?
Junie B. Jones Loves Handsome Warren
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusThere's a new boy in kindergarten, and guess what? He's the handsomest guy Junie B. has ever seen. She and Lucille and that Grace all want him for a boyfriend. Only, he thinks Junie B. is a nutball. Just 'cause she couldn't stop laughing and rolling. So how is she supposed to get that boy to love her?
Junie B. Jones Is Not a Crook
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusA terrible thing happened to Junie B. Jones! And it's called -- someone took her new black furry mittens! And they kept them! They didn't even put them in the Lost and Found at school. So when Junie B. finds a wonderful pen on the floor, she should be allowed to keep it, too. Right? That's fair. Right? Right?
Junie B. Jones Is Captain Field Day
by Barbara ParkGo, team!
Afternoon kindergarten is having a field day, and Junie B. Jones is team captain! Only, here's the problem. Room Eight keeps on winning too many events. And so how will Room Nine ever become the kindergarten champions? As Captain Field Day, will Junie B. find a way to lead her team to victory? Or will it be up to somone else to save the day?
Junie B. Jones Is a Party Animal
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusJunie B. is spending the night!Lucille is having a sleepover party -- at her richie nanna's big giant house! Grace and Junie B. can't wait to see all the rich stuff in that place. Sleeping over at the nanna's is sure to be a dream come true!' Cause what could possibly go wrong?
Junie B. Jones Is a Graduation Girl
by Barbara ParkIt's kindergarten graduation! All the children in Room Nine are excited when they get their bright white graduation gowns. Mrs. says to keep them in their boxes until the big day. But Junie B. Jones just can't help herself. Then--uh-oh!--an accident happens! Can Junie B. find a way to fix things? Or will graduation be a spotty dotty disaster?
Junie B. Jones Is a Beauty Shop Guy
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusWhat's the bestest job ever? A beauty shop guy, that's what! And Junie B. Jones is going to be one when she grows up. But first she needs a little practice. And a few volunteers. Like her bunny slippers. And her dog.
And maybe even...herself? Is Junie B. on her way to a great new career? Or is she about to have the worst hair day ever?
Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusIntroducing Junie B. Jones, that lovable, mischievous kindergartner, in her hilarious first book, as she tells all about how she gets locked in school on her very first day!
Junie B. Jones Has a Monster Under Her Bed
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusThere's no such thing as monsters. Mother and Daddy even said so. But then why is there monster drool on Junie B.'s pillow? Oh, no! What if Paulie Allen Puffer is right -- what if she really does have a monster under her bed? If Junie B. goes to sleep, the monster might see her feet hanging down. And he might think her piggy toes are yummy little wiener sausages!
Junie B. Jones and the Yucky Blucky Fruitcake
by Barbara Park and Denise Brunkus"I'm the bestest winner in the world!"
It's Carnival Night, and Lucille has already won a box of fluffy cupcakes with sprinkles on them. But when Junie B. wins the Cake Walk, she chooses the bestest cake of all -- the one wrapped in sparkly aluminum foil. How was she to know it was a lethal weapon?
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusIntroducing Junie B. Jones, that lovable, mischievous kindergartner, in her hilarious first book, as she tells all about how she gets locked in school on her very first day!
Junie B. Jones and the Mushy Gushy Valentime
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusIt's a mushy gushy mystery!
Hurray! February 14--Valentime's Day, as June B. calls it--is just around the corner. Junie B. can't wait to see all the valentimes she'll get. But she never expected a big, mushy card from a secret admirer! Who is this secret mystery guy, anyway? Junie B. is determined to find out!
Junie B. Jones and that Meanie Jim's Birthday
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusGuess who's not invited?
That meanie Jim has invited everyone in Room Nine to his birthday party on Saturday -- except Junie B.! Should she have her own birthday party six months early and not invite Jim? Or should she move to It's a Small World After All in Disneyland?
Junie B. Jones and Some Sneaky Peeky Spying
by Barbara Park and Denise BrunkusJunie B. is the bestest spier in the whole world. That's 'cause she has sneaky feet. And her nose doesn't whistle when she breathes. But guess what? Junie B. might be real sneaky. And real peeky. But when she spies on Mrs., she could get into real trouble!