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EPS
The Familiars (age 8-11)
by Adam Jay Epstein
animals ... adventure ... fantasy ... magic
Publisher comments: When Aldwyn, a young alley cat on the run, ducks into a mysterious pet shop, he doesn't expect his life to change. But that's exactly what happens when Jack, a young wizard, picks Aldwyn to be his magical familiar. Finally off the tough streets, Aldwyn thinks he's got it made. He just has to convince the other familiars—the know-it-all blue jay Skylar and the friendly tree frog Gilbert—that he's the telekinetic cat he claims to be. But when Jack and two other wizards in training are captured by a terrible evil, it will take all of Aldwyn's street smarts, a few good friends, and a nose for adventure to save the day!
title: The Familiars
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VAN
Smart Dog (age 8-11)
by Vivian Vande Velde
brilliant protagonist ... friendship ... school ... animals
Fifth grader Amy Prochenko is wildly unpopular. Then one day Amy meets Sherlock, a dog on the run from a university lab. Sherlock is not like other dogs: He can talk, he's smarter than most of Amy's classmates--and he needs Amy's help. Suddenly Amy's life is full of danger and excitement, and she finds she is becoming, of all things, popular. Best of all, she discovers in Sherlock the sort of friend she's always longed for--and one she must protect no matter what the cost.
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BAG
National Velvet (age 8-11)
by Enid Bagnold
animals ... enterprise
The timeless story of spirited Velvet Brown and her beloved horse has thrilled generations of readers, and will continue to captivate new fans. Fourteen-year-old Velvet is determined to turn her untamed horse into a champion and personally ride him to victory in the world's greatest steeplechase, the Grand National.
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BAL
The McGrowl Series (age 8-11)
by Bob Balaban
humor ... animals ... science fiction
When Thomas's loveable dog McGrowl is hit by a car, Thomas is heartbroken. But just when he thinks McGrowl will be lost to him forever, the mysterious vet Dr. Minderbender steps in to save the day. After a strange operation, McGrowl is alive, but he has been changed forever. McGrowl now has super speed, super hearing, and superpowerful sight, smell, and strength! Now Thomas and his bionic dog must take on the evil Dr. Minderbender and foil his sneaky plans. Can this one-of-a-kind canine superhero save the day?
title: Beware of Dog
title: Every Dog Has His Day
title: Good Dog!
title: It's a Dog-eat-dog World
title: It's a Dog's Life
title: Puppy Tales
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NEW
Hachiko Waits (age 8-11)
by Leslea Newman
illness/loss ... animals
Publisher comments: Professor Ueno's loyal Akita, Hachiko, waits for him at the train station every afternoon, and even after the professor has a fatal heart attack while at work, Hachiko faithfully continues to await his return until the day the dog dies. Based on a true story.
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KIP
The Beginning of the Armadillos (age 8-11)
by Rudyard Kipling
folklore ... animals
A tortoise and a hedgehog combine their natural assets and transform themselves into armadillos to escape the hungry attention of a young jaguar.
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ROC
The Very Best Hanukkah Gift (age 8-11)
by Joanne Rocklin
family ... animals ... traditions
Hanukkah is here at last, and Daniel Bloom couldn’t be more excited. It’s time for candle lighting and storytelling and presents. Time for chocolate gelt and dreidel games and . . . green latkes? Uh-oh. Maybe this year’s Hanukkah won’t be quite what Daniel expects. And his mom’s zucchini latke experiment isn’t Daniel’s only holiday challenge. There’s that dog who just moved in down the hall. That huge dog with the fierce bark. Ever since being bitten last summer, Daniel has been afraid of dogs. Whenever he hears barking, he feels younger than his little sister, Amy. She loves dogs. Daniel knows that Amy wishes he weren’t afraid. Maybe then, one of her gifts could be a dog. But that would take a miracle, Daniel figures.
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PAT
The Winner's Walk (age 8-11)
by Nancy Ruth Patterson
animals ... enterprise
Case Callahan isn't a star swimmer like his sister, Quinn. He's not a champion horse trainer like his father, or a popular stage actor like his mother. Still, Case is determined to make his mark. But one effort after another (talent show, science fair, junior horse show) is a terrible failure. It isn't until Case comes upon a lost dog that he finds his path to success. The dog, whom Case names Noah, is certainly one of a kind; what other golden retriever can answer the telephone and put dishes in the dishwasher? Together Case and Noah seem destined to become a trophy-winning team. Noah, however, is so smart because he was trained to be a service dog, and when Case learns about his dog's past, he realizes there is more than one way to be a winner.
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BAG
Dolphin Diaries (age 8-11)
by Ben M. Baglio
letters/journal ... animals ... adventure
Jody McGrath's dream adventure--a trip around the world with her family, studying dolphins--is threatened by unforeseen circumstances, including a surprise passenger and a sudden storm.
title: Into the Blue
title: Touching the Waves
title: Riding the Storm
title: Under the Stars
title: Racing the Wind
title: Following the Rainbow
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GEO
There's an Owl in the Shower (age 8-11)
by Jean Craighead George
family ... animals ... nature
Borden's father, Leon, was a logger in the old-growth forests of California. That is, until the spotted-owl lovers interfered. One day, frustrated by his father's unemployment, Borden sets out on a mission of revenge against the spotted owl but returns home with a half-starved owlet instead. The family soon discovers that the owlet, whom Borden names Bardy, loves to take showers and watch late-night TV. Only after the whole family has fallen in love with Bardy do they realize that the conflict between nature and human industry is not so easily resolved.
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WAL
Beauty (age 8-11)
by Bill Wallace
animals ... family
Unhappy about his parents splitting up and moving with his mother to Grandpa's farm, eleven-year-old Luke finds comfort in riding and caring for a horse named Beauty.
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KNI
Lassie Come-Home (age 8-11)
by Eric Knight
adventure ... animals
A collie undertakes a 1000-mile journey in order to once again meet her former master at the school gate.
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KIP
The Elephant's Child (age 8-11)
by Rudyard Kipling
animals ... folklore
Because of his "satiable curtiosity" about what the crocodile has for dinner, the elephant's child and all elephants thereafter have long trunks. One of Kipling's "Just So Stories".
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HEN
San Domingo: the Medicine Hat Stallion (age 8-11)
by Marguerite Henry
historical ... animals
Peter Lundy has two joys in life: the rugged western plains where he has grown up and San Domingo, a Medicine Hat Stallion. The Indians believe such a horse is sacred ... that neither bullet nor arrow can harm its rider. As they explore the prairie together, a bond forms between Peter and San Domingo that can never be broken. But Peter's father, Jethro Lundy, knows only one love: bargaining. He trades San Domingo for a thoroughbred. How can Peter ever forgive his father? His only choice is to leave home forever!
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HEN
Black Gold (age 8-11)
by Marguerite Henry
animals ... sports
No one thinks much of Black Gold because he is so small. But Jaydee sees something special in his eyes. He knows Black Gold would be great if he was his rider! Finally, Jaydee gets his wish. And Black Gold grows strong and fast under his careful hands. Soon it would be time for the most important race in America. Did they really have what it takes to win? Black Gold's inspirational story proves that the power of love and dedication can make any dream come true.
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ELI
Jason and the Baseball Bear (age 8-11)
by Dan Elish
humor ... animals ... sports
Fourth-grader Jason, the only member of his Little League team who can talk with animals, improves his team's chances to win the championship with the help of an elderly polar bear named Whitney.
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FAR
The Warm Place (age 8-11)
by Nancy Farmer
adventure ... fantasy ... animals
When Ruva, a young giraffe, is captured and sent to a zoo in San Francisco, she calls upon two rats, a street-smart chameleon, a runaway boy, and all the magical powers of the animal world to return to the warm place that is home.
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HOB
Sheep (age 8-11)
by Valerie Hobbs
adventure ... animals
After a fire destroys the farm where he was born, a young border collie acquires a series of owners and learns about life as he seeks a home and longs to fulfill his life's purpose of shepherding sheep.
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HUR
A Llama in the Family (age 8-11)
by Johanna Hurwitz
animals ... humor
Because Adam hopes that the "big surprise" awaiting him at home has two wheels and pedals, he is unprepared for the unusual addition to his Vermont family.
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KIN
Harry's Mad (age 8-11)
by Dick King-Smith
adventure ... animals
Harry's legacy from his great-uncle, a talking parrot, proves to be a much more exciting gift than he ever imagined.
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COU
Frankenbug (age 8-11)
by Steven Cousins
science fiction ... humor ... animals ... school
Inspired by the movie Frankenstein, bug-lover Adam Cricklestein decides to create a monster bug that will protect him from the school bully, Jeb McAllister.
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BAG
Animal Ark Hauntings Series (age 8-11)
by Ben M. Baglio
adventure ... animals ... spooky
Mandy and James continue their Animal Ark adventures, but with a spooky twist.
title: Stallion in the Storm
title: Cat in the Crypt
title: Dog in the Dungeon
title: Foal in the Fog
title: Hound on the Heath
title: Wolf at the Window
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BAG
Animal Ark Pets Series (age 8-11)
by Ben M. Baglio
adventure ... animals
Mandy and James don't just work with animals at the Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital, they love their pets, too.
title: Puppy Puzzle
title: Rabbit Race
title: Pony Parade
title: Gerbil Genius
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BAG
Animal Ark Series (age 8-11)
by Ben Baglio
animals ... adventure
Meet Mandy, the daughter of two veterinarians who own the Animal Ark Veterinary Hospital. Whenever an animal is in trouble, Mandy and the vets at the clinic are there to help.
title: Kittens in the Kitchen
title: Pony on the Porch
title: Puppies in the Pantry
title: Sheepdog in the Snow
title: Kitten in the Cold
title: Dolphin in the Deep
title: Foals in the Field
title: Dog at the Door
title: Tabby in the Tub
title: Cats at the Campground
title: Hound at the Hospital
title: Terrier in the Tinsel
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WIS
Christopher Mouse: the Tale of a Small Traveler (age 8-11)
by William Wise
adventure ... friendship ... animals
After being sold to an unscrupulous pet store owner, a young mouse lives with several owners and has many adventures, before ending up with an appreciative family.
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WHI
Charlotte's Web (age 8-11)
by E. B. White
friendship ... animals ... enterprise
Wilbur the pig is desolate when he discovers he is destined to be the farmer's Christmas dinner, until his spider friend Charlotte comes up with a plan to save him.
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HEN
Brighty of the Grand Canyon (age 8-11)
by Marguerite Henry
animals
Relates the adventures of a little burro who blazed trails through the Grand Canyon and met many famous people in the process.
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HEN
Mustang: Wild Spirit of the West (age 8-11)
by Marguerite Henry
historical ... animals ... nature
A fictional retelling, from the point of view of Annie Bronn Johnston, of how she fought to protect the American wild horse, the mustang, from extinction because of professional killers who chased the horses for personal gain.
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HEN
Born to Trot (age 8-11)
by Marguerite Henry
enterprise ... animals
As he learns about the famous Hambletonian, sire of the American trotter, young Gib White dreams of some day having his own filly become a champion trotter.
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CLE
Socks (age 8-11)
by Beverly Cleary
humor ... realistic ... friendship ... family ... animals
Socks is one happy cat. He lives with a nice young couple called Brickers who play with him, pet him, feed him treats, and always have a warm lap for him to sit in. Then a new baby joins the family Suddenly, the Brickers are sharing their laps and love with Charles William, and Socks is getting into trouble. He runs from a phantom dog, wrestles with Nana's best wig, and fights Old Taylor the tomcat for his territory. But as Charles William grows, Socks discovers that he has a new friend and a new way to be a part of the family.
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WAL
Upchuck and the Rotten Willy (age 8-11)
by Bill Wallace
adventure ... friendship ... animals
Chuck the cat wants to save his friend Willy from getting caught by the dog catcher, but he is afraid that some new cats in the area will be upset when they find out his best friend is a dog.
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NAY
The Grand Escape (age 8-11)
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
humor ... adventure ... animals
It's a scary world out there. If only Marco hadn't read a newspaper article about a ranch and become determined to see one. If only Polo hadn't found himself longing for the mother he barely remembered as a soft-warm-wiggle-purr-milk-tongue. Then the two tabbies might have been content to remain pampered house cats forever. But when their owners leave a door open, Marco and Polo can't resist the temptation to escape to the outside world.
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HAR
Star in the Storm (age 8-11)
by Joan Hiatt Harlow
adventure ... animals
All non-sheepherding dogs have been outlawed from the rocky coastal village where Maggie lives. Unwilling to give up her beloved Newfoundland, Sirius, Maggie defies the law and hides Sirius away. But when a steamer crashes into the rocks during a violent storm and starts to sink with a hundred passengers on board, Maggie faces a difficult choice. She knows Sirius can help rescue the people trapped on the ship, but bringing him out of hiding would put his own life in jeopardy. Is Maggie's brave dog a big enough hero to save the desperate passengers, and himself?
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CRE
Love That Dog (age 8-11)
by Sharon Creech
illness/loss ... animals ... authorship ... school ... poetry
Jack hate poetry. Only girls write it and every time he tries to, his brain feels empty. But his teacher, Ms. Stretchberry, won't stop giving her class poetry assignments, and Jack can't avoid them. But then something amazing happens. The more he writes, the more he learns he does have something to say.
sequel: Hate That Cat
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HEN
Sea Star, Orphan of Chincoteague (age 8-11)
by Marguerite Henry
animals
Movie men have come to Chincoteague to film the annual Pony Penning, and Paul and Maureen are thrilled ... until they learn that the producers want to buy their beloved Misty. Reluctantly, they agree to sell in order to send their uncle to college. But how will they ever fill the lonely place that Misty leaves behind? Finding an orphaned colt helps Paul and Maureen deal with their loss, and they soon discover that little Sea Star needs them just as much as they need him.
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HEN
Stormy: Misty's Foal (age 8-11)
by Marguerite Henry
enterprise ... adventure ... animals
A raging storm slashes across Assateague and Chincoteague islands. Water is everywhere! The wild ponies and the people must battle for their lives. In the midst of the storm, Misty-the famous mare of Chincoteague-is about to give birth. Paul and Maureen are frantic with worry as the storm rages on... will Misty and her colt survive? This is the thrilling story of the hurricane that destroyed the wild herds of Assateague, and how strength and love helped rebuild them.
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HEN
Misty of Chincoteague (age 8-11)
by Marguerite Henry
enterprise ... adventure ... animals
Nobody could capture the Phantom, the wildest mare on the island. Paul and Maureen had their hearts set on owning her. They worked hard to earn the money she would cost. On Pony Penning Day, Paul not only brings in the Phantom, but her newborn colt as well. Can Paul and Maureen possibly earn enough to buy them both?
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HEN
King of the Wind (age 8-11)
by Marguerite Henry
adventure ... animals
This is the classic story of Sham and his friend, the stable boy Agba. Their adventures take them from the sands of the Sahara to the royal courts of France and, finally, to the green pastures and stately homes of England. For Sham was the renowned Godolphin Arabian, whose blood flows through the veins of almost every superior Thoroughbred. Sham's speed, like his story, has become legendary.
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GAR
Follow My Leader (age 8-11)
by James Garfield
realistic ... animals ... school
After being accidentally blinded by a firecracker, Jimmy learns to live a normal life with the help of Leader, his seeing eye dog.
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DIC
Because of Winn-Dixie (age 8-11)
by Kate Dicamillo
growing up ... family ... friendship ... animals
Publisher comments: Opal spends all one sweet summer collecting stories about her new friends and thinking about her mother. But because of her dog, Winn-Dixie, or perhaps because she has grown, Opal learns to let go, just a little, and that friendship and forgiveness can sneak up on you like a sudden summer storm.
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CLE
Henry Huggins (age 8-11)
by Beverly Cleary
adventure ... animals ... realistic
Publisher comments: Henry Huggins feels that nothing very interesting ever happens to him. But from the moment a stray dog in the drugstore begs for a taste of his ice-cream cone and downs it in one gulp, everything is different. Henry names the dog Ribsy and decides to keep him. Before Henry even reaches home with Ribsy he spends all of his money, gets kicked off three buses, and enjoys a hair-raising ride in a police car. And that's only the beginning of Henry's exciting new life! See also the rest of the Henry Huggins series.
sequel: Henry and Beezus
sequel: Henry and Ribsy
sequel: Ribsy
sequel: Henry and the Paper Route
sequel: Henry and the Clubhouse

Addison Elementary School, Sat Aug 25 11:55:24 2012
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