Children's Books 2009 - 100 Titles for Reading and Sharing

Folk and Fairy Tales

CHICKEN LITTLE
Emberley, Rebecca
A flock of frantic fowls face a fiendish fox in this rambunctious retelling of a classic folktale.
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THE LION & THE MOUSE
Pinkney, Jerry
The Serengeti has never looked more majestic than in this nearly wordless fable illustrated with exquisite watercolors.
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SNOW WHITE: A THREE-DIMENSIONAL FAIRY-TALE THEATER
Ray, Jane
Multi-layered illustrations create an incomparably elegant setting in this "three-dimensional fairy-tale theater."
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TSUNAMI!
Kajikawa, Kimiko
Wealthy Ojiisan makes a great sacrifice to save his village from destruction. Striking collages illustrate this new version of an old tale.
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YUMMY: EIGHT FAVORITE FAIRY TALES
Cousins, Lucy
Warning! Watch out for the wolves, bears, and trolls in this deliciously high-spirited collection.
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Non-Fiction

14 COWS FOR AMERICA
Deedy, Carmen Agra
In the wake of September 11th, a small Maasai village expresses its compassion to the people of the United States through the offer of a precious, traditional gift. A lushly illustrated story based on a true incident.
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ADVENTURES IN CARTOONING
Sturm, James
With help from a dragon, a knight, and other cartoon figures, three professionals show young artists how to turn doodles into comics.
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ANNE FRANK: HER LIFE IN WORDS AND PICTURES
Metselaar, Menno
Many never-before-seen photographs illustrate this compelling story.
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BEFORE COLUMBUS: THE AMERICAS OF 1491
Mann, Charles C.
A sweeping portrait of the Western Hemisphere features new research and stunning color photographs.
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BUILDING ON NATURE: THE LIFE OF ANTONI GAUDI
Rodriquez, Rachel
A glowing portrait of the visionary architect who created one-of-kind- buildings in Barcelona using shapes and colors from the natural world.
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CARS ON MARS: ROVING THE RED PLANET
Siy, Alexandra
Join Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity in their quest to find evidence of extra-terrestrial life.
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CHILD OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Shelton, Paula Young
An inspiring child�s-eye view of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March as told by a daughter of the renowned activist Andrew Young.
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CLAUDETTE COLVIN: TWICE TOWARD JUSTICE
Hoose, Phillip
A teenager�s refusal to give up her seat on a segregated bus in Alabama provides a catalyst for the Montgomery Bus Boycott. An eye-opening account.
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THE DAY-GLO BROTHERS
Barton, Chris
Florescent oranges and greens illustrate this picture book biography of two brilliant inventors
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AN EYE FOR COLOR: THE STORY OF JOSEF ALBERS
Wing, Natasha
An acclaimed abstract artist mixes and matches colors to create startling visual effects. A picture book biography.
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THE GREAT AND ONLY BARNUM
Fleming, Candace
An entertaining biography of the unique 19th century American circus and museum impresario.
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HOW TO SCRATCH A WOMBAT
French, Jackie
Hilarious misadventures mark an author�s encounters with a succession of cute but big and strong-willed Australian marsupials.
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I AND I: BOB MARLEY
Medina, Tony
A biography in verse of the world�s most famous reggae musician, illustrated with evocative paintings.
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JOHN BROWN: HIS FIGHT FOR FREEDOM
Hendrix, John
A thought provoking portrait of the 19th century radical Abolitionist.
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LOST CHILDHOOD
Layson, Annelex Hofstra
A Dutch family in Indonesia is torn apart in this heart-felt memoir.
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LUCY LONG AGO
Thimmesh, Catherine
How scientists discovered one of the oldest proto-human fossils and what they learned from it.
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MARCHING FOR FREEDOM
Partridge, Elizabeth
A stirring day by day chronicle of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery March, with special focus on the children who participated. Illustrated with many period photographs.
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MOONSHOT: THE FLIGHT OF APOLLO 11
Floca, Brian
Fascinating details in both the art and narrative highlight a riveting picture book account of this historic mission.
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MYSTERIOUS MESSAGES: A HISTORY OF CODES AND CIPHERS
Blackwood, Gary
Required reading for aspiring spies, this handbook features examples from ancient civilizations to the 21st century.
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NEVER SMILE AT A MONKEY*
Jenkins, Steve
The reasons why you should never jostle a jellyfish, clutch a cane toad, or stare at a spitting cobra. A common sense guide to encounters with wild animals, illustrated with realistic paper collages.
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PHARAOH'S BOAT
Weitzman, David
The construction and the reconstruction of one of the ancient world�s greatest boats, beautifully illustrated.
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REDWOODS
Chin, Jason
A book about some of the oldest trees in the world transports a city boy to a grove of immense Sequoias. Imaginative pictures accompany the clear, factual text.
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SHOW OFF
Stephens, Sarah Hines
Instructions for an awesome range of activities, from launching a rocket and folding a Ninja star to designing fingernail decorations and creating fake tattoos.
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THE STORY OF SNOW
Cassino, Mark
How do snow crystals form? Why are no two alike? A clear presentation, illustrated
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TRUCE
Murphy, Jim
Enemy troops lay down their arms and celebrate Christmas Eve together in this poignant episode from World War I
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UNITE OR DIE: HOW THIRTEEN STATES BECAME A NATION
Jules, Jacqueline
Modern children take the part of quarrelling states in this humorous reenactment of the Constitutional Convention of 1787.
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WORDS TO MY LIFE'S SONG
Bryan, Ashley
A inspiring memoir by the beloved children�s book author and illustrator, with vibrant photographs and artwork.
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YOU NEVER HEARD OF SANDY KOUFAX?!
Winter, Jonah
A distinctively illustrated picture book profile of the greatest southpaw pitcher ever.
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Picture Books

ALL THE WORLD
Scanlon, Liz Garton
A gentle celebration of families, friendship, and community expressed in flowing rhymes and appealing art.
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ARCHIE AND THE PIRATES
Rosenthal, Marc
Stranded on a desert island, an intrepid monkey leads a rescue mission against pirates who have captured one of his friends. A rip-roaring adventure.
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BARNYARD SLAM
Regan, Dian Curtis
Fur and feathers fly when Yo Mama Goose organizes a raucous poetry contest.
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EL BARRIO
Chocolate, Debbi
Jewel toned art captures a boy�s proud account of his sister�s quincea�era party and their vibrant community life.
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BIRDS
Henkes, Kevin
A child takes delight in identifying many colorful birds through the seasons. For younger readers
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BRING ME SOME APPLES AND I'LL MAKE YOU A PIE
Gourley, Robin
A future chef gathers fruits and vegetables with her family to enjoy throughout the year. Recipes included
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CHICKEN CHEEKS
Black, Michale Ian
The end is �rear� in this hilarious catalog of animal posteriors.
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CREATURE ABC
Zuckerman, Andrew
Stunning color photography makes this alphabetical gallery of animals especially memorable.
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THE CURIOUS GARDEN
Brown, Peter
With a child�s care, an abandoned elevated train track becomes a beautiful natural garden.
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DINOTRUX
Gall, Chris
Cave families beware! Garbageadon is gobbling, Cementosaurus is growling, and Craneosaurus is cracking and munching!
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FU FINDS THE WAY
Rocco, John
Armed not with a sword but with a teacup, a very small boy makes peace with a very mighty warrior.
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HELLO BABY!
Fox, Mem
Fascinating paper collage animal portraits illustrate this tender greeting from parent to child.
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IMOGENE'S LAST STAND
Fleming, Candace
In this uplifting tale, a young history buff rallies local support and fights City Hall to save an old community building.
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LOOKING LIKE ME
Myers, Walter Dean
�I looked in the mirror / and what did I see?� Dazzling art celebrates this exuberant expression of self.
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MY ABUELITA
Johnston, Tony
Apple-cheeked handmade dolls illustrate this intimate tale of a little boy and his grandmother preparing for their day.
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READ IT, DON'T EAT IT!
Schoenherr, Ian
Cartoon animals humorously demonstrate the right and wrong ways to treat books - especially library books.
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RHYMING DUST BUNNIES
Thomas, Jan
So absorbed are a trio of brightly colored dust bunnies in making rhymes that they pay no heed to an approaching broom and other hazards.
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ROBOT ZOT
Scieszka, Jon
A tiny but aggressive alien robot attacks unsuspecting dolls, toys, and appliances and finds true love in this hilarious escapade.
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THE SNOWY DAY
Sakai, Komako
An unexpected snowstorm allows a little bunny and his mother to enjoy a quiet day at home
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SPELLS
Gravett, Emily
A frog�s effort to become a handsome prince takes zany turns.
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THE SUPER HUNGRY DINOSAUR
Waddell, Martin
A little boy tames the wild creatures running amok in his backyard.
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THE TERRIBLE PLOP
Dubosarsky, Ursula
A mysterious noise sends terrified rabbits, monkeys, and other animals on a madcap dash through the woods.
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WAITING FOR WINTER
Meschenmoser, Sebastian
Squirrel, hedgehog, and bear each imagine what snow is in this expressively illustrated story for the very young.
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Poetry and Song

AFRICAN ACROSTICS: A WORD IN EDGEWAYS
Harley, Avis
Short poems with a clever twist are paired with a photographic gallery of African amimals, from the bat-eared fox to the bonobo.
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COME TO THE CASTLE
Ashman, Linda
In light-hearted verse, the Earl of Daftwood invites readers to a medieval feast and tournament. Young viewers will pore over the equally entertaining illustrations.
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A FOOT IN THE MOUTH
Janeczko, Paul
Fanciful images accompany a broad gathering of new and classic poems to perform.
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THE FROGS AND TOADS ALL SANG
Lobel, Arnold
Yet more amphibians make merry in the newly discovered collection of poems and pictures by the beloved creator of the Frog and Toad series. A companion title is ODD OWLS AND & STOUT PIGS.
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MY PEOPLE
Hughes, Langston
A poet�s joyful affirmation of beauty finds an inspiring parallel in the photographer�s gallery of memorable portraits.
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THE NEGRO SPEAKS OF RIVERS
Huges, Langston
"My sould has grown deep like the rivers." Sublime paintings capture the grandeur of Hughes' majestic poem.
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ODD OWLS & STOUT PIGS
Lobel, Arnold
More humorous poetry from the creator of the Frog and Toad series.
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ORANGUTAN TONGS: POEMS TO TANGLE YOUR TONGUE
Agee, Jon
Only readers who can say "overeager ogre" or "knapsack strap snapped" should attempt these tempting tongue twisters.
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RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS: A YEAR IN COLORS
Sidman, Joyce
Sidman links hues and seasons in this vibrant cycle of poems and pictures.
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THE UNDERWEAR SALESMAN AND OTHER JOBS FOR BETTER OR VERSE
Lewis, J. Patrick
From the sublime to the seemingly ridiculous, this catalog of little known but real occupations presents career choices from banana picker to highway line painter
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Stories for Older Readers

ALL THE BROKEN PIECES
Burg, Ann E.
With help from loving adoptive parents and others, Matt confronts the horrors of his childhood in war-torn Vietnam.
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BOBBY VS. GIRLS (ACCIDENTALLY)
Yee, Lisa
Bobby enters fourth grade and can�t understand why his best friend, Holly, would rather buy clothes than hunt for rocks. Is she turning into a �girl?
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BURN MY HEART
Naidoo, Beverley
A Kikuyu boy gains sobering insight into the racial intolerance of the British settlers in this harrowing tale set in 1950�s Kenya.
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CAMILLE MCPHEE FELL UNDER THE BUS...
Tracy, Kristen
Despite problems at home and one funny mishap after another at school, nothing keeps ever hopeful, fourth grader Camille down for long.
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THE CASE OF THE CASE OF MISTAKEN IDENTITY
Barnett, Mac
Is Steve a detective or a villainous spy? Everyone - but Steve � thinks he is one or the other in this hilarious caper.
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THE CATS OF ROXVILLE STATION
George, Jean Craighead
Ratchet, an abandoned kitten, finds her place in a community of half-wild cats.
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CONFETTI GIRL
Lopez, Diana
Constructing confetti-filled cascarones helps Lina and her best friend, Vanessa, cope with first crushes, eccentric parents, and the perils of sixth grade.
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THE EVOLUTION OF CALPURNIA TATE
Kelly, Jacqueline
Callie would rather study plants and bugs with her grandfather than stitch samplers with her mother. Set in Texas in 1899.
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THE EYEBALL COLLECTOR
Higgins, F. E.
A quest to avenge his father�s death leads young Hector to creepy Withypitts Hall and its decadent Lady Mandible.
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IN MEMORY OF GORFMAN T. FROG
Donovan, Gail
The discovery of a five-legged frog in his backyard prompts motormouth Joshua to lead a school-wide environmental crusade.
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JANUARY'S SPARROW
Polacco, Patricia
A Michigan town bands together to save a family of escaped slaves from relentless pursuers. Intense artwork amplifies the power of this tale inspired by true events.
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THE KIND OF FRIENDS WE USED TO BE
Dowell, Frances O'Roark
Despite growing differences, cheerleader Marylin and rock star wannabe Kate try to repair their once close friendship at the start of seventh grade.
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THE LOST CONSPIRACY
Hardinge, Frances
Two sisters unwillingly lead a rebellion in this epic fantasy set on a tropical island dominated by active volcanoes and other deadly dangers.
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LOVE, AUBREY
LaFleur, Suzanne
With help from her devoted grandmother and wonderful new neighbors, 11-year-old Aubrey struggles to recover from a devastating family tragedy.
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THE MOSTLY TRUE ADVENTURES OF HOMER P. FIGG
Philbrick, Rodman
Young Homer single-handedly wins the Civil War - or so he claims - in this light-hearted historical tale.
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NEIL ARMSTRONG IS MY UNCLE & OTHER LIES MUSCLE MAN MCGINTY TOLD ME
Marino, Nan
In the summer of 1969, Tamara tries to convince her neighbors that the new kid on the block is a �squirrely runt, a lying snake, and a pitiful excuse for a ten-year-old.�
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THE NINE POUND HAMMER
Bemis, John Claude
The children of John Henry and other tall-tale heroes join forces with the Pirate Queen to save orphans, rescue captives, and battle villains.
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OPERATION REDWOOD
French, S. Terrell
Though they are not quite sure how, Julian and his friends set out to thwart his greedy uncle�s plan to destroy a grove of ancient trees.
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RAIDERS' RANSOM
Diamand, Emily
A determined young heroine with a valuable seacat and a mysterious talking jewel faces pirates and worse in this rollicking adventure, set in a future flooded England.
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THE SECRET SCIENCE ALLIANCE AND THE COPYCAT CROOK
Davis, Eleanor
A trio of brilliant young inventors fights to prevent an evil scientist from using their own blueprints for nefarious purposes. A fast-paced graphic romp.
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THE STORM IN THE BARN
Phelan, Matt
A Kansas farm boy battles a powerful magical creature to save his dying Dust Bowl era community in this haunting graphic novel.
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TROPICAL SECRETS
Engle, Margarita
Stranded in Cuba, a Holocaust refugee from Germany finds unexpected comfort in new friends and the warm local culture.
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WE CAN'T ALL BE RATTLESNAKES
Jennings, Patrick
Friendship with a mouse named Breakfast complicates the escape plans of Crusher, a captive gopher snake.
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WHEN YOU REACH ME
Stead, Rebecca
Miranda grows increasingly alarmed as she finds mysterious notes tucked into her personal belongings that foretell a coming death. Not all is as it appears in this intriguing New York City tale.
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WHERE THE MOUNTAIN MEETS THE MOON
Lin, Grace
Determined to change her family�s fortunes, Min Li pairs with an earthbound dragon to track down the wise Old Man of the Moon.
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Z. REX
Cole, Steve
A video game monster brought to life becomes a terrifying ally for Adam, who is on the run after his father�s disappearance.
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Stories for Younger Readers

CALVIN COCONUT: TROUBLE MAGNET
Salisbury, Graham
Not only does Calvin have to cope with fourth grade �boot camp� but also tropical bugs, bullies, and a crabby teenage house guest.
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THE DOLL SHOP DOWNSTAIRS
McDonough, Yona Zeldis
Anna loves playing with the dolls that her father repairs, but she longs to have one of her very own. Set on the Lower East Side during World War I.
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DRAGONBREATH
Vernon, Ursula
Danny the dragon would rather face deadly dangers under the sea than go to the library to research his school report. A hilarious adventure told in a mix of words and comics.
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HOW OLIVER OLSON CHANGED THE WORLD
Mills, Claudia
Third grader Oliver finally gets his parents to stop doing his homework by building his own space diorama.
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MAKE WAY FOR DYAMONDE DANIEL
Grimes, Nikki
Eager to make friends after moving from Brooklyn to Harlem, Dyamonde wonders what�s up with the classmate she dubs Rude Boy.
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THE SMALL ADVENTURES OF POPEYE AND ELVIS
O'Connor, Barbara
Life gets much less boring for Popeye and his new friend when secret messages come floating down the creek on little boats made from drink cartons.
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THE SQUIRREL'S BIRTHDAY AND OTHER PARTIES
Tellegen, Toon
A squirrel, an ant, and their many friends dance, eat cake, and party! party! party! in these nine short stories. Illustrated with especially charming pictures.
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SUNNY HOLIDAY
Paratore, Coleen Murtagh
Sunny and her best friend invent holidays, dress up for weekly building potlucks, and challenge the mayor to keep his promise to clean up the neighborhood.
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WISHWORKS INC.
Tolan, Stephanie
Nick learns the truth behind the old warning � be careful what you wish for - when the dog he gets is not quite what he had in mind.
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