Bibliography

Theme 4: Person to Person

The books listed below may be available through publishers, distributors such as bookstores or online retailers, or library systems.

Recommended Leveled Books for Independent Reading

Below Level

Beethoven Lives Upstairs by Barbara Nichol
Orchard 1994 (32p) also paper
When Beethoven moves in, young Christophe writes to his uncle about their strange boarder.

Creativity by John Steptoe
Clarion 1997 (32p)
Charles befriends Hector, a new kid from Puerto Rico, and discovers they have much in common.
Multicultural

A Likely Place by Paula Fox
Aladdin 1997 (80p)
When Lewis's conventional parents go on a trip, he stays with the unconventional Miss Fitchlow.

Blackberries in the Dark by Mavis Jukes
Knopf 1993 (48p) also paper
Austin spends his first summer since Grandpa's death.

The Kid in the Red Jacket by Barbara Park
Random 1995 (113p)
Ten-year-old Howard has a six-year-old neighbor determined to become his best friend.

Like Jake and Me by Mavis Jukes
Knopf 1997 (96p) paper
Alex wants to be like his rugged cowboy stepfather.

A Letter to Mrs. Roosevelt by C. Coco De Young
Delacorte 1999 (105p)
When her family faces losing its home during the Depression, Margo writes to Eleanor Roosevelt.

* Anastasia at Your Service by Lois Lowry
Houghton 1982 (160p)
Thinking she's taking a job as a lady's companion, Anastasia discovers she's been hired as a maid.

Thank You, Jackie Robinson by Barbara Cohen
Beech Tree 1997 (128p) paper
A boy and an old man, each of a different race and religion, become friends through their admiration for Jackie Robinson.
Multicultural

On Level

* Bill Peet: An Autobiography by Bill Peet
Houghton 1989 (192p)
The author/illustrator tells his life story in this award-winning book.

Yellow Bird and Me by Joyce Hansen
Clarion 1986 (180p)
Doris reluctantly starts helping the class clown with his reading problem and finds a new friend.
Multicultural

* Apple Is My Sign by Mary Riskind
Houghton 1981 (160p)
A boy returns home after his first term at a school for the deaf.

Unbroken by Jessie Haas
Greenwillow 1999 (186p)
Orphaned by an accident, Harriet must make a new life with her irascible aunt and uncle.

Ernestine and Amanda by Sandra Belton
Simon 1996 (145p) also paper
Two girls reluctantly form a fragile friendship.
Multicultural

Thief of Hearts by Laurence Yep
Harper 1995 (208p) also paper
Chinese American Stacy resents having to look after the new Chinese girl at school until the girl is accused of theft.
Multicultural

I Am Lavina Cumming by Susan Lowell
Milkweed 1997 (196p) paper
Lavina goes reluctantly to live with her aunt in California.

Strider by Beverly Cleary
Morrow 1991 (176p) also paper
In the sequel to Dear Mr. Henshaw, Leigh Botts and a friend care for an abandoned dog they name Strider.

Yolanda's Genius by Carol Fenner
McElderry 1995 (224p)
Yolanda, who believes her brother is a musical genius, must find a way to make others believe her.
Multicultural

The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt by Patricia MacLachlan
Harper 1988 (144p) also paper
Minna wishes that her mother and father would act normal, like the parents of her friends.

The Birthday Room by Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow 1999 (176p)
When Ben and his mother visit his uncle, he learns more about his family.

Chevrolet Saturdays by Candy Dawson Boyd
Simon 1993 (176p) also paper
Joey's difficulties at school may bring him closer to his new stepfather.

Jericho by Janet Hickman
Morrow 1994 (135p)
While caring for her ailing great-grandmother, Angela develops a new appreciation for the women in her family.

Above Level

The Pinballs by Betsy Byars
Harper 1977 (144p) also paper
Three lonely youngsters in a caring foster home learn to care about themselves and each other.
Classic

* Orphan Train Rider by Andrea Warren
Houghton 1996 (80p)
Lee Nailing, who rode an orphan train to Texas in 1926, eventually found a home and family.

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
Harper 1963 (256p) also paper
The life of Colin, a spoiled, lonely invalid, changes dramatically when his orphaned cousin arrives.
Classic