List of great books librarians need in their collections. Many home school libraries would benefit from these. Many of these will fit into multiple genres, I picked the one they are normally placed in. I will be updating this list daily to add to it....
Sections
10
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Sports
Historical Fiction
Scary or Suspense
Fantasy
Books that fit in this genre, have things like talking animals and magic. Normally some sort of adventure of mission in the story as well.
Harry Potter is always a favorite-skip the first chapter in book 1 the first time you read it.
Harry Potter : : Booksamillion.com
Magical transformation.
Ratty by Suzanne Selfors, Lavanya Naidu, Paperback
These are great, dinosaurs are like tweens or teenagers.
Wings of Fire #1-5 Special Edition Box Set by Tui T. Sutherland
Great for teaching empathy and funny.
Crenshaw by Katherine Applegate, Paperback
This one would be good for 5-8th grade readers as well,
Lightningborn: (Storm Dragons, Book 1) by Julie Kagawa, Paperback
A great series for kids, suggest them to boys!!
Percy Jackson and the Olympians Book Series
A great fantasy series! Buy individually or a boxed set.
Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard Paperback Boxed Set
new fantasy series by a great author, quick read
Best Wishes (Best Wishes #1) by Sarah Mlynowski, Paperback
Wonderful series, great fun
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor Series #1)
Great fantasy book, main character students love.
The Secret Library by Kekla Magoon, Paperback
First book in a trilogy, my students loved the characters. Some connections to folklore as well as a great book with friendships and suspense.
Nic Blake and the Remarkables: The Manifestor
This book has a lot of connections to mythology and folklore. If your child liked Tristan Strong books they will enjoy these.
Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms
This book could go in several categories. She's half girl, half cat and solves mysteries.
Catty Corner Lands on Her Feet: 9781454956488
These books are fun and there are several in the series so easy to continue with characters they love.
The Kingdom Of Wrenly
Fans of the movies and series will enjoy the books. If they have seen them it will help with the pronunciations. :)
How to Train Your Dragon (How to Train Your Dragon Series #1)
This series does an amazing job connecting the real world to fables and tall tales. The audiobook is also very well done.
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky (Tristan Strong Series #1)
Very popular this year. Students love the covers, many compare it to Harry Potter or the Nevermoor series.
Map of Flames (Forgotten Five Series #1) by Lisa McMann, Paperback
This book series is amazing. I can't believe we don't have movies being made for it yet. READ it!
Winston Chu vs. the Wingmeisters by Stacey Lee, Hardcover
New release for the mythology or Percy Jackson fans.
The Court of the Dead: A Nico di Angelo Adventure (Signed B&N Exclusive ...
This fantasy series I recommend for older students, 5th grade and up. Phoenixes and dragons help to keep students spellbound. I personally loved it too.
Paper Dragons: The Fight for the Hidden Realm
Shapeshifters and magic add to the appeal of this illustrated novel. My students struggled with the names of the characters, but it led to a great conversation about individuality.
Afia in the Land of Wonders by Mia Araujo, Hardcover
Think superheroes mixed with foster homes. Great fun. Many of my students reread these books.
The Unforgettable Logan Foster #1 by Shawn Peters, Paperback
Love this series.
The Poisoned King
New series my students have asked for, but I haven't got it in yet.
Witchycakes #2: Changing Magic
Award winning, Thai-inspired book looks at the impact parents can have on their children. A great adventure.
The Last Mapmaker
Adventure, sisterhood, fun--all of these describe this book.
The Midwatch Institute for Wayward Girls
New release! Jorge finds a magical harpoon. Ghost & person become friends.
Graciela in the Abyss by Meg Medina, Anna and Elena Balbusso, Hardcover
Science Fiction
Science Fiction involves science, technology, time travel and aliens. Usually (but not always) set in the future or on another planet.
Great SCI-fi plus it is a fast read, small chapters.
The Wild Robot : Volume 1 by Peter Brown
Classic, also available as a graphic novel
A Wrinkle in Time (Time Quintet Series #1) (Newbery Medal Winner)
Fun school based
Welcome to Superhero School by Gracie Dix, Paperback
Science fiction book that draws in my most reluctant readers
Trex|Paperback
A random group of main characters from different time frames allows for a variety of perspectives. Lots of great science and technology involved.
The Doomsday Vault by Thomas Wheeler, Hardcover
New book from one of my students’ favorite authors.
Moonleapers, Book 1: Moonleapers by Margaret Peterson Haddix, Hardcover
This book will lead to wonderful deep discussions about scientific testing & society
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of Nimh (Newbery Medal Winner)
Realistic Fiction
These books have stories that could happen in real life. Things you could see or experience in your life.
This book connects to students with medical problems
Dancing in the Storm by Amie Darnell Specht, Shannon Hitchcock, Hardcover
This series is funny and relatable. Mainly 5th grade and up for the whole series
Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All: (A Newbery Honor Book)
All of her books are amazing.
Candle Island by Lauren Wolk, Hardcover
Classic adventure book. Several books in the series. Popular with boys.
Hatchet (Brian's Saga Series #1) by Gary Paulsen, Paperback
Heart wrenching book. Teaches empathy, can look at bullying as well.
Wonder by R. J. Palacio, Hardcover
Easily relatable characters
Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero by Kelly J. Baptist
I love this series. Students connect easily with the characters.
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
This book is for all the super smart students, made it very easy to relate to.
Golden Ticket: Egan, Kate
This book is great to connect with homelessness or even students that are transient.
No Fixed Address: Nielsen, Susin: 9781524768348
This book deals with real health conditions. Great to bring up the discussion with your child about things that people can't control. Also good to pull in empathy.
Hummingbird: Lloyd, Natalie: 9781338654585
This book has been popular with my counselor and social worker's students. It has some emotional regulation in it and big topics with kids.
And Then, Boom! - Fipps, Lisa: Books
A great friendship story that also helps adults to discuss the differences in different types of feelings.
Books - Shouting at the Rain: Mullaly Hunt, Lynda
Great for anyone who loved the Disney series. Kids will relate to a parent getting a new job and having to relocate.
Queen of the Sea (Cruise Life #1)
The look of this reminds students of Diary of a Wimpy Kid, but its down-to-Earth style hits home with students. The series has real-world examples of situations and feelings.
Penny Draws a Best Friend - Sara Shepard
This book has a lot of issues that students deal with like being in charge of siblings, moving and fitting in. The main character takes on burdens for things that happened and deals with things beyond her years.
A Field Guide to Broken Promises by Leah Stecher, Hardcover
These books are funny and have realistic aspects. Many sibling situations and feelings about others.
Operation Sisterhood by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich, Paperback
This book is amazing, I recommend reading it yourself to determine if it is a good pick for your student. Might be a good read with your student.
Look Both Ways: A Tale Told in Ten Blocks
Sports
These books focus around some sport. You normally see characters dealing with real world examples that effect their life and athletic path.
All of his books relate to a variety of sports. Tons of choices for each sport.
Off the Bench by Jake Maddox, Sean Tiffany, Paperback
Newberry winner, written in verse.
The Crossover (Newbery Medal Winner) by Kwame Alexander, Dawud ...
My students love this book. They tell me they enjoy how relateable the characters are to themselves.
We Are Family: James, LeBron, Williams
The girls have flocked to this book. Many sports fiction books are geared towards boys. This one is enjoyed by both, but my girls keep it checked out.
Fast Pitch: Stone, Nic: 9781984893048
A set of twins, both skaters that end up with each other as doubles skating. Lots of sibling issues. Hockey and skating is very popular currently so several students asking for this one.
On Thin Ice by Jessica Kim, Hardcover
Skating is currently a high request item in my books. This one has the main character as a girl which helps to attract more female readers at school.
Bea Mullins Takes a Shot by Emily Deibert, Paperback
The popularity of Wednesday has led to more interest in fencing in my area. This book deals with coming back from an injury and having to adapt and change.
It's All or Nothing, Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arango, Hardcover
Historical Fiction
Based on events that really happened. Normally have a specific year or time frame mentioned. Big adventures can happen in these books around historic events.
All Alan Gratz books are amazing!
Refugee by Alan Gratz, Hardcover
great for history and animal lovers
Rescue on the Oregon Trail (Ranger in Time Series #1)
Wonderful book
One Big Open Sky by Lesa Cline-Ransome, Hardcover
I survive series covers a variety of years and historical events
I Survived Book Series
Great WWII book
The War Below by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch, Paperback
Historical fiction find.
I Escaped The Prison Island: An 1836 Child Convict Survival Story
Connections to the Dutch resistance during WWII. Helps to teach bravery and dignity.
Code Name Kingfisher: Kessler, Liz: 9781665929738
This book has a lot of prejudice and other sensitive topics. Very easy to make connections to other situations.
Stella by Starlight: Draper, Sharon M. - Books
One of my favorite books to do a project with. Have students make a suitcase to put only the few things that fit in, and that's it.
Bud, Not Buddy (Newbery Medal Winner)
This book connects different cultures and does it effortlessly. Students with ELL friends may especially connect with the story.
Esperanza Rising (Scholastic Gold) by Pam Muñoz Ryan, Paperback
Scary or Suspense
These books normally have a setting that is considered spooky. Many have monsters, ghosts, or other creepy creatures.
Great selections.
A Mary Downing Hahn Ghostly Collection: 3 Books in 1
These books fit in several genres
Last Kids on Earth Series
All Goosebumps are amazing.
List of Books by R. L. Stine
My students love this series. Some of them say its scary others that it is just a thriller
Greystone Secrets #1: The Strangers
My students read this one in record time. The cover art is also engaging.
The Forgotten Girl: Brown, India Hill - Books
If you loved Fear Street or Goosebumps, these books are perfect. Lots of little stories makes it great for a read aloud or bedtime stories.
Stinetinglers: New Stories by Master of Scary
This one is on the older side. Mainly 5th grade+
Blood in the Water: Untold Family Tragedy
This book was just released. It has a creepy house, bizarre accidents and ghosts. My students are ready for this one.
The Last Resort by Erin Entrada Kelly, Hardcover
My students LOVED the cover enough to put it on hold, without reading the description.
Lost on Doll Island
Mystery
These stories include figuring out “who done it” There are normally crimes or secrets.
This is on the KBA nominee list for 25/26
Trouble at the Tangerine by Gillian McDunn, Hardcover
Think escape room with a mystery
The Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsay Currie, Paperback
Great mystery series, kind of adventurous as well.
City Spies (City Spies Series #1) by James Ponti, Paperback
Fun read
A Strange Thing Happened in Cherry Hall by Jasmine Warga, Hardcover
Very popular mystery series. Currently have a waiting list at school for the first one.
A Royal Conundrum (The Misfits) by Yee
Fun book to read aloud. Lots of activities to connect with.
Holes (Holes Series) by Louis Sachar
This book has been checked out every day since I put it in the library. It is especially popular with my fourth graders.
The Sherlock Society - Ponti, James: Books
Cute series, mystery and adventure. The variety of characters kept my students interested and connecting with the story.
The Mysterious Moonstone (Key Hunters #1) by Eric Luper, Paperback
New release in this series. I have 5 students asking for it.
Hurricane Heist by James Ponti, Hardcover
The main character loves mysteries and solving puzzles. This book deals with losing a parent who just disappears. This book may hit too close to home for some students. I'd preview it if necessary.
Gus and Glory by Sarah Guillory, Hardcover
Humor
These books are made to make you laugh. Humor can be found in all genres.
This book was difficult to put in a genre. There are elements that fit well into realistic fiction, some that hit humor. Both authors involved are masters of their craft. Highly recommend.
J vs. K by Kwame Alexander, Jerry Craft, Hardcover
This whole series is funny.
Mistakes Were Made (Timmy Failure Series #1) by Stephan Pastis, Paperback
This series is funny and its a graphic novel
Wagnificent: The Adventures of Thunder and Sage
This book could fit into several genres
Old School by Gordon Korman, Hardcover
All of his books are fun to read
List of Books by Mac Barnett
Animal Fiction
Stories where animals are the focal point. The animals may have human traits and they can be the main characters.
The Otter has a disability which makes it very easy to connect to human disabilities.
Odder: The Novel by Katherine Applegate, Charles Santoso, Hardcover
Everything she writes is amazing.
Dogtown - Katherine Applegate
This book will make you want to read the whole series
The One and Only Ivan (Newbery Medal Winner)
My students are waiting for this one. They have made up several scenarios based off the cover.
Bad Badger: A Love Story - Books
I'm putting this in animal fictions, but it is a graphic novel. This one is great fun.
Groucho the Grouchy Groundhog (Volume 1)
These are fun for younger students grades 1-4 but they are super cute and the kids enjoy them.
Sparkle Pigs #1: Carrot Chaos - Books
Many of my students checked out this book due to the cover and stayed for the amazing story!
Cress Watercress by Gregory Maguire, David Litchfield, Paperback
My reluctant readers love this series. Cute stories, and a little funny.
Good Dog - By Cam Higgins
Every book she writes is loved by my students. I preordered 2 and the students are doing contests to see who gets to read them first.
Pocket Bear by Katherine Applegate, Hardcover
This book focuses on wolves and pack leadership. It touches on living up to expectations and blazing your own path.
A Wolf Called Fire: A Voice of the Wilderness Novel
Adventure
These books have been read alouds in 2 different grades and the students have always asked for the other book. I love that they are written verse.
Away (Alone) by Megan E. Freeman - Book
Any adventure book has a journey. This one is in an Arizona desert to save someone
Books - Across the Desert: Bowling, Dusti
This book would fit in several genres. Fun to read and enjoy by lots of students.
Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Mad Science
This series is great for any action lovers. It is full of suspense and some mystery. Popular with my boys, but the girls read it too and love it.
