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Children's Literature
A-Z Mysteries (series)
By Ron Roy
This series is generally considered among the best "easy readers" for young children. There are twenty-six books in total; one for each letter of the alphabet, beginning with The Absent Author and ending with The Zombie Zone.
The books follow the adventures of three child detectives, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose.
Genre: Crime/Detective
Difficulty 3/10
This series is generally considered among the best "easy readers" for young children. There are twenty-six books in total; one for each letter of the alphabet, beginning with The Absent Author and ending with The Zombie Zone.
The books follow the adventures of three child detectives, Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose.
Genre: Crime/Detective
Difficulty 3/10
Because of Winn-Dixie
By Kate DiCamillo
Because of Winn-Dixie is about a young girl, Opal, who is lonely, since she was abandoned by her mother, while her father is emotionally damaged by his broken marriage. So she befriends a stray dog, Winn-Dixie, and he helps her form more new friendships.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Difficulty 5/10
Because of Winn-Dixie is about a young girl, Opal, who is lonely, since she was abandoned by her mother, while her father is emotionally damaged by his broken marriage. So she befriends a stray dog, Winn-Dixie, and he helps her form more new friendships.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Difficulty 5/10
Bill's New Frock
By Anne Fine
Bill Simpson, who wakes up one morning to find he has transformed into a girl. Now forced to go to school in a pink dress, Bill discovers one of the worst days in his life is about to unfold. The book has been used in British schools to challenge gender stereotyping among primary school students. A 2002 study found evidence of children considering ‘the different treatment that boys and girls receive’, after reading the book.
Genre: School/Comedy
Difficulty 4/10
Bill Simpson, who wakes up one morning to find he has transformed into a girl. Now forced to go to school in a pink dress, Bill discovers one of the worst days in his life is about to unfold. The book has been used in British schools to challenge gender stereotyping among primary school students. A 2002 study found evidence of children considering ‘the different treatment that boys and girls receive’, after reading the book.
Genre: School/Comedy
Difficulty 4/10
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
By Roald Dahl
An absolute classic of children's literature. Young Charlie Bucket finds a golden ticket, that grants him access to the weird and wonderful factory owned by the wildly eccentric Willy Wonka. Join Charlie and four other children as they witness the madness of Wonka and his mischievous helpers, the Oompa-Loompas.
Genre: Fantasy
Difficulty 4/10
An absolute classic of children's literature. Young Charlie Bucket finds a golden ticket, that grants him access to the weird and wonderful factory owned by the wildly eccentric Willy Wonka. Join Charlie and four other children as they witness the madness of Wonka and his mischievous helpers, the Oompa-Loompas.
Genre: Fantasy
Difficulty 4/10
Charlotte's Web
By E. B. White
A young pig, Wilbur, hears about his fate, of being killed and used for human consumption. Panicking, Wilbur appeals desperately to all the animals in the barn. But it is in fact a spider, Charlotte, who takes on the task of helping the poor young pig.
Genre: Animals/Comedy
Difficulty 5/10
A young pig, Wilbur, hears about his fate, of being killed and used for human consumption. Panicking, Wilbur appeals desperately to all the animals in the barn. But it is in fact a spider, Charlotte, who takes on the task of helping the poor young pig.
Genre: Animals/Comedy
Difficulty 5/10
Dear Mr. Henshaw
By Beverly Cleary
Struggling to make friends and deal with his anger toward his absent father, Leigh loses himself in a class assignment in which he must write to his favorite author. When Mr. Henshaw responds, the two form an unexpected friendship that will change Leigh's life forever.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Difficulty 5/10
Struggling to make friends and deal with his anger toward his absent father, Leigh loses himself in a class assignment in which he must write to his favorite author. When Mr. Henshaw responds, the two form an unexpected friendship that will change Leigh's life forever.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Difficulty 5/10
Encyclopedia Brown (series)
By Donald J. Sobol
Encyclopedia Brown is Idaville's ten-year-old star detective. With an uncanny knack for trivia, he solves mysteries for the neighborhood kids. His dad also happens to be the chief of police, who regularly turns to Encyclopedia, to get to the bottom of the town's most baffling crimes.
Genre: Crime/Detective
Difficulty 4/10
Encyclopedia Brown is Idaville's ten-year-old star detective. With an uncanny knack for trivia, he solves mysteries for the neighborhood kids. His dad also happens to be the chief of police, who regularly turns to Encyclopedia, to get to the bottom of the town's most baffling crimes.
Genre: Crime/Detective
Difficulty 4/10
George's Marvellous Medicine
By Roald Dahl
8 year old George Kranky lives on a farm with his mom, dad and his grandma. George's grandma bosses him around and bullies him. One day George decides to replace his grandma's normal medicine, with a magical formula that George has concocted. The results are surprising and hilarious.
Genre: Comedy
Difficulty 3/10
8 year old George Kranky lives on a farm with his mom, dad and his grandma. George's grandma bosses him around and bullies him. One day George decides to replace his grandma's normal medicine, with a magical formula that George has concocted. The results are surprising and hilarious.
Genre: Comedy
Difficulty 3/10
Fantastic Mr. Fox
By Roald Dahl
A story about three cruel and greedy farmers, who set out to get Mr. Fox, the protagonist hero, who regularly steals food from their farms. After shooting off his tail, the farmers - Boggis, Bunce and Bean - spend the rest of the time waiting for the Mr. Fox and his family to reappear. But Mr. Fox has other ideas.
Genre: Animals / Comedy
Difficulty 3/10
A story about three cruel and greedy farmers, who set out to get Mr. Fox, the protagonist hero, who regularly steals food from their farms. After shooting off his tail, the farmers - Boggis, Bunce and Bean - spend the rest of the time waiting for the Mr. Fox and his family to reappear. But Mr. Fox has other ideas.
Genre: Animals / Comedy
Difficulty 3/10
James and the Giant Peach
By Roald Dahl
Young James lives a miserable life with his two cruel and selfish aunts. Luckily one day, a mysterious man offers James some magical beans. Accepting them, James then drops the beans in the garden. The next day he discovers a giant peach, and sets off on an adventure with half a dozen giant creepy-crawlies. Classic Dahl madness!
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Difficulty 4/10
Young James lives a miserable life with his two cruel and selfish aunts. Luckily one day, a mysterious man offers James some magical beans. Accepting them, James then drops the beans in the garden. The next day he discovers a giant peach, and sets off on an adventure with half a dozen giant creepy-crawlies. Classic Dahl madness!
Genre: Fantasy Adventure
Difficulty 4/10
Marvin Redpost: Kidnapped at Birth
By Louis Sachar
Marvin Redpost has never felt like he fits in with his family. So when he hears a news report about a missing prince who looks just like him, he thinks he knows exactly what has happened. Now all he has to do is tell Mr. and Mrs. Redpost who he really is, and convince them to help him get back to his castle in Europe.
Genre: Comedy
Difficulty 4/10
Marvin Redpost has never felt like he fits in with his family. So when he hears a news report about a missing prince who looks just like him, he thinks he knows exactly what has happened. Now all he has to do is tell Mr. and Mrs. Redpost who he really is, and convince them to help him get back to his castle in Europe.
Genre: Comedy
Difficulty 4/10
Matilda
By Roald Dahl
Matilda is a child genius. But her life is made extremely difficult by her ignorant and crass parents, and the cruel headmistress of her new school, Miss Trunchbull. Growing in frustration, Matilda one day discovers that she is has a very unique and magical ability. She then sets about helping her unfortunate teacher, Miss Honey, another victim of the tyrannous headteacher.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Difficulty 4/10
Matilda is a child genius. But her life is made extremely difficult by her ignorant and crass parents, and the cruel headmistress of her new school, Miss Trunchbull. Growing in frustration, Matilda one day discovers that she is has a very unique and magical ability. She then sets about helping her unfortunate teacher, Miss Honey, another victim of the tyrannous headteacher.
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Difficulty 4/10
My Father's Dragon
By Ruth Stiles Gannett
Elmer Elevator runs away with an old alley cat to rescue a flying baby dragon being exploited on a faraway island, by the wild beasts that live there. Elmer must use his wits to outsmart the beasts, and avoid being eaten himself.
Genre: Comedy/Fantasy
Difficulty 3/10
Elmer Elevator runs away with an old alley cat to rescue a flying baby dragon being exploited on a faraway island, by the wild beasts that live there. Elmer must use his wits to outsmart the beasts, and avoid being eaten himself.
Genre: Comedy/Fantasy
Difficulty 3/10
Ramona and Her Father
By Beverly Cleary
Seven-year-old Ramona's world is turned upside-down when her father unexpectedly loses his job. But she is determined to help him, though her 'help' often tends to backfire. A heartwarming tale about the realities of family life.
Genre: Family/Realism
Difficulty 5/10
Seven-year-old Ramona's world is turned upside-down when her father unexpectedly loses his job. But she is determined to help him, though her 'help' often tends to backfire. A heartwarming tale about the realities of family life.
Genre: Family/Realism
Difficulty 5/10
Stuart Little
By E. B. White
A rather bizarre story about a family who have a talking mouse for a child; named Stuart. A rather unpredictable character, Stuart is certainly bold, and is a true lover of adventure. His greatest adventure comes when his best friend, a beautiful little bird named Margalo, disappears from her nest.
Genre: Animal / Adventure
Difficulty 4/10
A rather bizarre story about a family who have a talking mouse for a child; named Stuart. A rather unpredictable character, Stuart is certainly bold, and is a true lover of adventure. His greatest adventure comes when his best friend, a beautiful little bird named Margalo, disappears from her nest.
Genre: Animal / Adventure
Difficulty 4/10
Superfudge
By Judy Blume
Twelve year old Peter Hatcher has a difficult enough time of it, with just one younger sibling, his four year old brother Fudge. Now he has learned that his parents are expecting a baby girl, and it is almost too much for Peter to take.
Genre: Realism / Comedy
Difficulty 4/10
Twelve year old Peter Hatcher has a difficult enough time of it, with just one younger sibling, his four year old brother Fudge. Now he has learned that his parents are expecting a baby girl, and it is almost too much for Peter to take.
Genre: Realism / Comedy
Difficulty 4/10
Tales of a fourth Grade Nothing
By Judy Blume
The prequel to Superfudge. Four year old Fudge causes trouble wherever he goes, and it's usually up to older brother Peter to sort out the mess. One day Peter wins a tiny green turtle called Dribble, and he's determined to keep it away from his brother. But when Fudge does get his hands on Dribble – disaster strikes!
Genre: Realism / Comedy
Difficulty 4/10
The prequel to Superfudge. Four year old Fudge causes trouble wherever he goes, and it's usually up to older brother Peter to sort out the mess. One day Peter wins a tiny green turtle called Dribble, and he's determined to keep it away from his brother. But when Fudge does get his hands on Dribble – disaster strikes!
Genre: Realism / Comedy
Difficulty 4/10
The Cricket in Times Square
By George Selden
A cricket falls asleep in a picnic basket, and ends up stranded in a New York subway station. He is helped by three new friends, a young boy named Mario, a streetwise mouse called Tucker, and Harry the Cat, a thoughtful and knowledgeable feline.
Genre: Animals / Comedy
Difficulty 5/10
A cricket falls asleep in a picnic basket, and ends up stranded in a New York subway station. He is helped by three new friends, a young boy named Mario, a streetwise mouse called Tucker, and Harry the Cat, a thoughtful and knowledgeable feline.
Genre: Animals / Comedy
Difficulty 5/10
The Iron Giant
By Ted Hughes
A mysterious creature stalks the land, eating barbed wire and devouring tractors and plows. The farmers are mystified--and terrified. And then they glimpse him in the night: the Iron Giant, taller than a house, with glowing headlight eyes and an insatiable taste for metal. The hungry giant must be stopped at any cost.
A mysterious creature stalks the land, eating barbed wire and devouring tractors and plows. The farmers are mystified--and terrified. And then they glimpse him in the night: the Iron Giant, taller than a house, with glowing headlight eyes and an insatiable taste for metal. The hungry giant must be stopped at any cost.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
By C. S. Lewis
Four children are sent to a mansion in the countryside. Once there they discover a wardrobe that can transport them to the magical land of Narnia, which has been out under a curse by an evil witch.
Genre: Fantasy
Difficulty 5/10
Four children are sent to a mansion in the countryside. Once there they discover a wardrobe that can transport them to the magical land of Narnia, which has been out under a curse by an evil witch.
Genre: Fantasy
Difficulty 5/10
The Magic Treehouse (series)
By Mary Pope Osborne
Siblings Jack and Annie one day discover a mysterious tree house not far from their home. Inside the tree house is a large number of books, scattered all over the floor. When Annie accidentally makes a wish, the two children are taken on an adventure, back through time.
Genre: Adventure
Difficulty 3/10
Siblings Jack and Annie one day discover a mysterious tree house not far from their home. Inside the tree house is a large number of books, scattered all over the floor. When Annie accidentally makes a wish, the two children are taken on an adventure, back through time.
Genre: Adventure
Difficulty 3/10
The Miraculous journey of Edward Tulane
By Kate DiCamillo
Edward is a China rabbit owned by a young girl, Abilene. Vain and selfish, Edward is nonplussed one day, when he is accidentally thrown overboard while on a ship at sea. Over the years Edward is passed from one owner to the next, each having a life-changing effect on Edward, causing him to change his arrogant ways.
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Difficulty 4/10
Edward is a China rabbit owned by a young girl, Abilene. Vain and selfish, Edward is nonplussed one day, when he is accidentally thrown overboard while on a ship at sea. Over the years Edward is passed from one owner to the next, each having a life-changing effect on Edward, causing him to change his arrogant ways.
Genre: Fantasy / Adventure
Difficulty 4/10
The One and Only Ivan
By Katherine Applegate
Ivan is a gentle and thoughtful gorilla, who lives in a cage in a shopping mall. With good friends around him - a stray dog, an elephant, and a young human girl named Julia - Ivan is content, until one day he becomes determined to help a new arrival escape the life that he has been forced to live.
Genre: Animals / Drama
Difficulty 6/10
Ivan is a gentle and thoughtful gorilla, who lives in a cage in a shopping mall. With good friends around him - a stray dog, an elephant, and a young human girl named Julia - Ivan is content, until one day he becomes determined to help a new arrival escape the life that he has been forced to live.
Genre: Animals / Drama
Difficulty 6/10
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