The Stinky Cheese Man and Other Fairly Stupid Tales

Written by Jon Scieszka

The Phantom Tollbooth

For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different. Milo visits the Island of Conclusions (you get there by jumping), learns about time from a ticking watchdog named Tock, and even embarks on a quest to rescue Rhyme and Reason! Somewhere along the way, Milo realizes something astonishing. Life is far from dull. In fact, it’s exciting beyond his wildest dreams. 

Written by Norton Juster

A Wrinkle in Time

Up the Tree House

By Gary Wittmann

Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons

 

This book is a very simple counting book that counts down the four buttons he loses off of his favorite shirt. Pete keeps singing his groovy song and never gets disheartened about losing his buttons. 

Written by Eric Litwin, illustrated by James Dean

• Publisher: HarperCollins (May 1, 2012)

Wonder

Wonder (by R.J Palacio) is about young boy, August Pullman, who has a congenital facial abnormality. After being homeschooled, he enters school for the first time in fifth grade and has to cope with a range of reactions to his unusual appearance, as well as a lot of typical middle school drama. Some kids use hateful language, and some people suggest that Auggie is mentally deficient. These situations are upsetting, as are other hardships that Auggie's family endures, including loss of a beloved family pet. However, goodness wins out, and readers should find it inspiring and uplifting. 

Book Trailer

• Publisher: Brilliance Audio; MP3 Una edition (April 8, 2014)

The One and Only Ivan

Ivan is a laid back gorilla who lives at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade. He has no real complaints, as he has grown used to his small domain and the humans who visit him every day. In fact, he barely remembers that he once had another life in the jungles of Africa. Ivan lives out his days with the companionship of his best friends, Stella, a wise old elephant, and Bob, a stray dog. But Ivan's true passion is making art, and he spends his days trying to capture his surroundings through his art. When Ruby, a new baby elephant joins their group, Ivan suddenly realizes it is up to him to change their lives for the better.
Book Trailer