Animals
A Handful of Stars by Cynthia Lord
When her blind dog slips his collar, twelve-year old Lily meets Salma Santiago, a young Hispanic girl whose migrant family are in Maine for the blueberry-picking season, and, based partly on their mutual love of dogs, the two forge a friendship while painting bee boxes for Lily's grandfather--but as the Blueberry Queen pageant approaches Lily and Selma are confronted with some of the hard truths of prejudice and migrant life.
Student review
This book is great for those who like realistic fiction and a little bit of drama. There were some slow parts, but other than that it was a great book.
The Good, the Bad and the Beagle by Catherine Lloyd Burns
Shy eleven-year-old Veronica Louise Morgan of New York City is not happy about having to attend Randolf School for Girls, but by the end of her first year she not only has some new friends, she may have finally convinced her parents that she is ready to own a dog.
Student review
It was a great exiting book that I never wanted to put down. I would certainly recommend it for dog lovers!
Moo by Sharon Creech
Follows the efforts of twelve-year-old Reena, who has recently moved to rural Maine, to adjust to a new environment while unexpectedly bonding with an ornery cow.
Student review
The book was an easy but interesting read. It was slow at first but the ending was great.
Almost Home by Joan Bauer
| Sixth-grader Sugar and her mother lose their beloved house and experience the harsh world of homelessness. |
Student review
This book is so good! I can’t really explain it because there is a lot of information. It is not too long but it is a little confusing at some parts so if you are a slow reader and don’t always understand it, then I don’t recommend it.
Strays Like Us by Cecilia Galante
Twelve-year-old Winifred is being fostered by the eccentric but kind Margery Dawson while her mother is dealing with addiction problems, and mostly Fred is determined not to form any attachments to anybody--until the condition of Toby, the abused dog next door, captures first her attention and then her heart, and somehow it becomes increasingly difficult to stay detached from the people who are helping her.
Student review
This book is very heart-warming and good! I recommend this book