Month 1: Historical Fiction
“The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank – Experience the poignant and powerful diary of Anne Frank, a Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II.
“Number the Stars” by Lois Lowry – Witness the courage of a young girl named Annemarie as she helps her Jewish friend escape the Nazis during World War II.
“Johnny Tremain” by Esther Forbes – Step into the world of Johnny Tremain, a young silversmith living in Revolutionary War-era Boston, as he becomes involved in the fight for independence.
Month 2: Fantasy and Adventure
“A Wrinkle in Time” by Madeleine L’Engle – Join Meg Murry on a thrilling journey through space and time as she embarks on a quest to save her father and the universe.
“The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” (The Chronicles of Narnia) by C.S. Lewis – Enter the magical land of Narnia, where four siblings embark on a heroic quest to defeat the White Witch and restore peace.
“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling – Enter the enchanting world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as Harry Potter begins his magical journey.
Month 3: Biographies and Memoirs
“Who Was…? Series” by Various Authors – Learn about famous historical figures and their achievements through engaging biographies, such as “Who Was Abraham Lincoln?” or “Who Was Amelia Earhart?”
“The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind: Young Readers Edition” by William Kamkwamba and Bryan Mealer – Discover the incredible true story of William Kamkwamba, who used his ingenuity to bring electricity to his village in Malawi.
“Hidden Figures: Young Readers’ Edition” by Margot Lee Shetterly – Uncover the remarkable contributions of four African American women mathematicians during the Space Race.
Month 4: Mystery and Detective Stories
“The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin – Solve the intricate puzzle and unravel the mystery of the Westing family fortune in this gripping and suspenseful novel.
“Holes” by Louis Sachar – Follow Stanley Yelnats as he is sent to Camp Green Lake, a boys’ detention center, where he uncovers secrets and finds hidden treasure.
“The Mysterious Benedict Society” by Trenton Lee Stewart – Join four exceptional children on a secret mission to save the world from a dangerous mastermind, testing their intelligence and teamwork.
Month 5: Science Fiction and Dystopian
“The Giver” by Lois Lowry – Enter a seemingly perfect society where Jonas discovers the dark secrets behind his community’s utopian facade.
“Ender’s Game” by Orson Scott Card – Follow Ender Wiggin as he trains in a futuristic military academy to become Earth’s greatest weapon against an alien invasion.
“The City of Ember” by Jeanne DuPrau – Explore an underground city where Lina and Doon uncover the truth about their society’s dwindling resources and seek a way to save their people.
Month 6: Poetry and Verse
“Where the Sidewalk Ends” by Shel Silverstein – Delight in the whimsical and imaginative poems of Shel Silverstein, exploring topics ranging from friendship to silly creatures.
“Love That Dog” by Sharon Creech – Follow the story of Jack as he discovers the power of poetry and finds his own voice through writing.
“Brown Girl Dreaming” by Jacqueline Woodson – Immerse yourself in the moving and lyrical verse memoir of Jacqueline Woodson as she reflects on her childhood and experiences as an African American girl growing up in the 1960s and 1970s.
Month 7: Historical and Cultural Tales
“The Watsons Go to Birmingham—1963” by Christopher Paul Curtis – Follow the Watson family’s journey from Flint, Michigan, to Birmingham, Alabama, during a pivotal time in the Civil Rights Movement.
“Bud, Not Buddy” by Christopher Paul Curtis – Join Bud Caldwell as he sets out on a journey to find his father during the Great Depression, encountering adventure and unexpected connections along the way.
“Inside Out and Back Again” by Thanhha Lai – Experience the moving story of Ha, a young girl fleeing Vietnam during the Vietnam War, as she navigates a new life in America.
Month 8: Animal Tales
“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate – Enter the world of Ivan, a gorilla living in captivity, as he finds hope, friendship, and a longing for freedom.
“Watership Down” by Richard Adams – Join a group of rabbits on their perilous journey to find a new home in this epic adventure filled with danger and bravery.
“Black Beauty” by Anna Sewell – Experience the poignant story of a horse named Black Beauty as he encounters different owners and learns the value of compassion and empathy.
Month 9: Adventure and Survival
“Hatchet” by Gary Paulsen – Experience the gripping story of Brian, a young boy stranded in the Canadian wilderness, as he learns to survive with only a hatchet.
“Island of the Blue Dolphins” by Scott O’Dell – Embark on an unforgettable journey with Karana, a young Native American girl, as she survives alone on an island off the coast of California.
“My Side of the Mountain” by Jean Craighead George – Join Sam Gribley as he leaves behind city life to live in the wilderness, relying on his survival skills and connection with nature.