Best Kids’ Fiction of 2016 (Grades 3-5)

raymieAre you looking for a gift for your third through fifth grader this holiday season?  Here are nine staff-selected books which will delight, educate and thrill!

Pull up this list in the catalog  or print out this shopping list!

Fiction:
ghostsGhosts, by Raina Telgemeier for ages 8-12
Catrina and her family are moving because her little sister, Maya, is sick.  A new neighbor lets them in on a secret: There are ghosts in Bahía de la Luna. Catrina must figure out how to put aside her fears for her sister’s sake — and her own.

Ms. Bixby’s Last Day, by John D. Anderson for ages 8-12
This is a funny, heartwarming, and heartbreaking contemporary story about three boys, one teacher, and a day none of them will ever forget.

Pax, by Sara Pennypacker for ages 8-12
A beautifully wrought, utterly compelling novel about the powerful relationship between a boy and his fox.  Pax is destined to become a classic, beloved for generations to come.

Raymie Nightingale, by Kate DiCamillo for ages 10+
Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. Raymie must win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition. (A National Book Award Finalist.)

The Inquisitor’s Tale, by Adam Gidwitz for ages 10+
An exciting and hilarious medieval adventure from the bestselling author of A Tale Dark and Grimm. Beautifully illustrated throughout!

wild-robotThe Wild Robot, by Peter Brown for ages 8-12
When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is–but she knows she needs to survive.

What Elephants Know, by Eric Dinerstein  for ages 10+
Abandoned in the jungle of the Nepalese Borderlands, two-year-old Nandu is  delivered by fate to the King’s elephant stable, where he is raised by unlikely parents-the wise head of the stable, and a fierce and affectionate female elephant.

Not as We Know It, by Tom Avery  for ages 8-12
Here is a lyrical, atmospheric, and deeply emotional middle-grade novel with a touch of magical realism about two young brothers who discover a strange creature along the ocean shore, take him home and secretly care for him in their garage.

Bonus non-fiction title (not in our catalog, but makes a great gift!):

Pet Care:
My 1st Dog:  A Guide to Caring for Your New Best Friend
, by Teddy O’Mallery and Angie Dickens.  Is your family considering a new pet? In simple language, learn how you can tell whether you are ready for a dog, how to choose the perfect breed, how to pick a name and much more.

-Contributed by Shirley, Youth Services team

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