Freedom Summer by Deborah Wiles
Freedom Summer is the story of two best friends who have everything in common except for one thing: their skin color. This story takes place during the 1960’s when skin color had everything to do with the way you were treated. During that summer, the friends just wanted to be able to do everything together, but they quickly realized that was not possible due to segregation. However, at the end of the story, they take a stand and walk through the doors of a segregated general store together. Reading Level: 3.2 Interest Level: P-2 |
I Survived: The Attacks of September 11, 2001 by Lauren Tarshis
I Survived is the story of a boy named Lucas, and how one decision could change a life forever. Lucas played football in high school, but after a string of concussions found out he should drop the sport forever. He decided to venture into the city to visit his Uncle that he believed could convince his parents to keep letting him play. However, he went on the morning of September 11, 2001. He witnessed the Twin Towers attack, the towers falling, and trying to escape the city. This story is a firsthand account of the horrors of that day, and how it changed the world forever. Reading Level: 4.5 Interest Level: 2-5 |
Magic Treehouse #47: Abe Lincoln At Last! by Mary Pope Osbourne
In this Magic Treehouse novel, Jack and Annie are thrown back in time to 1861. This is during the Civil War, and Abraham Lincoln’s presidency. They want to meet Abe and ask him questions, but they question their magic and get sent to a time when Abe was much younger. However, they do not know it is him but help in anyways when he gets himself into a bad situation. It flashes forward in time and Abe sees and remembers them, and they are able to ask him what they need. Reading Level: 3.5 Interest Level: 2-5 |
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Number the Stars is the story of young Annemarie and her friends and family living in Denmark during the tragic World War II. This story speaks of how Nazi soldiers have taken over the country, leaving everyone living in fear. They bounce from place to place to try and escape the soldiers, and face many adversities alone that journey. However, the story concludes as World War II is ending. Reading Level: 4.5 Interest Level: 5-9 |
Sarah, Plain and Tall by Patricia MacLachlan
Sarah, Plain and Tall is a story of a woman who answers a letter to become a wife and a mother to two beautiful children. The children are scared that she will leave them within the month because they feel she misses her home too much. Sarah talks about the sea often, and tells the children stories of her old home. When the boy draws a picture, Sarah realizes he needs the colors of the sea, and so she leaves. The children think she is gone for good, but she shows back up with colored pencils and tells them she would miss them more than she ever missed the sea if she left them. Reading Level: 3.4 Interest Level: 4-7 |
The Wall by Eve Bunting
The Wall is the story of a little boy and his father visiting the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial in Washington, D.C. They are looking for his grandfather’s name so they can etch it on a piece of paper. The little boy leaves a picture of himself, and feels sad that he will never meet his grandfather. Throughout the story, we learn more about the wall and what is represents. Reading Level: 2.4 Interest Level: 1-4 |
The Year Of The Perfect Christmas Tree by Gloria Houston
The Year Of The Perfect Christmas Tree is the story of a little girl named Ruthie. Every year, a new family gets to choose the tree that will be displayed in the church on Christmas. Ruthie and her father go and pick the tree in the spring, but then he is shipped off to war. However, he does not return in time to get the tree, so Ruthie and her mother cut it down and deliver it. After the church has their Christmas play, Ruthie and her mother discover that her father has returned from the war. Reading Level: 4.2 Interest Level: K-3 |