F STA	Animal Rescue Team Series (age 8-11) by Sue Stauffacher humor ... realistic ... animals Publisher comments: The squirrels at Mt. Mercy College are getting too friendly—they're frightening the students, making the nuns jumpy . . . and they're super messy. It's time to call the Animal Rescue Team! Meanwhile, Keisha's got a problem of her own. The Grand River Steppers jump rope team has a chance to win first place in their school district this year, but Keisha's so nervous, she keeps messing up! When she and Daddy go to the Veteran's Facility to check out their squirrel situation, Keisha meets Sergeant Pinkham, who's learning how to use his new prosthetic leg. Could Sarge be just the person to help Keisha stay calm, do well, and have fun at the competition? title: Show Time title: Special Delivery!
F COT	Cheesie Mack Is Not a Genius of Anything (age 8-11) by Steve Cotler letters/journal ... school ... humor Publisher comments: Ronald "Cheesie" Mack is not a genius or anything, but he remembers everything that happened before, during, and after fifth-grade graduation, and he's written it all down in his own unique and hilarious way—with lots of lists, drawings, and splenderful (that's splendid plus wonderful!) made-up words.
F COR	The Last Newspaper Boy in America (age 8-11) by Sue Corbett adventure ... enterprise ... humor Publisher comments: Big Heart + Big Brain = Funny, Feel Good Fiction Wilas sidearm throw can land a paper on your porch from twenty yards out. But he doesn't know if he'll be able to put his unusual talent to use because the big newspaper company has canceled delivery to Wilas small town. Well, that was the paper's first mistake. Underestimating Wil was the second. With physics, his clueless brother, and a neighbor girl on his side, Wil fights to save his route. Along the way he just might unravel a carnival mystery, expose a con artist, rescue his little town, and become a big hero.
F CLE	Troublemaker (age 8-11) by Andrew Clements identity ... humor ... school Publisher comments: There's a folder in Principal Kelling's office that's as thick as a phonebook and it's growing daily. It's filled with the incident reports of every time Clayton Hensley broke the rules. There's the minor stuff like running in the hallways and not being where he was suppose to be when he was supposed to be there. But then there are also reports that show Clay's own brand of troublemaking, like the most recent addition: the art teacher has said that the class should spend the period drawing anything they want and Clay decides to be extra "creative" and draw a spot-on portrait of Principal Kellings, as a donkey. It's a pretty funny joke, but really, Clay is coming to realize that the biggest joke of all may be on him. When his big brother, Mitchell, gets in some serious trouble, Clay decides to change his own mischief making ways, but he can't seem to shake his reputation as a troublemaker.
F PEC	Secrets at Sea (age 8-11) by Richard Peck fantasy ... adventure ... humor Publisher comments: In the beloved tradition of The Borrowers, The Tale of Desperaux, and The Cricket in Times Square, here is an irresistible adventure story of the tiny individuals who secretly live among us humans. Helena is the oldest of four mouse siblings who live in the walls of the Cranston estate. It is 1887 when the nouveau riche Cranstons decide to take a cruise ship to England in search of a husband for their awkward older daughter. The Cranston mice stow away in the luggage . . . and so begins the time of their lives, as they meet intriguing, cosmopolitan mice onboard and take it upon themselves to help the human Cranston daughters find love. They might just find perfect futures for themselves as well!
F PER	When Life Gives You OJ (age 8-11) by Erica S. Perl animals ... humor ... family Publisher comments: For years, 10-year-old Zelly Fried has tried to convince her parents to let her have a dog. After all, practically everyone in Vermont owns a dog, and it sure could go a long way helping Zelly fit in since moving there from Brooklyn. But when her eccentric grandfather Ace hatches a ridiculous plan involving a "practice dog" named OJ, Zelly's not so sure how far she's willing to go to win a dog of her own. Is Ace's plan so crazy it just might work . . . or is it just plain crazy?
F PEN	Clementine and the Family Meeting (age 8-11) by Sara Pennypacker realistic ... humor ... growing up ... family Publisher comments: Clementine's having a nervous breakdown. The FAMILY MEETING! sign is up in her house, and she just knows she's in trouble for something. Has she been too mean to her little brother? Too sloppy? Eating too much junk food? Try as she might to find out what's on the agenda, her parents won't reveal anything before the meeting. As far as Clementine is concerned, the agenda should be something like: "We're getting a gorilla." But no, it's something entirely different. "We're talking about a new baby," says her father. "A brother or sister for you two. What do you think about that?" NO THANKS! is what Clementine thinks. After all, four is the perfect number for a family. There are four sides to a table, not five. Will Clementine learn to make room for one more?
F MCE	Benjamin Franklinstein Lives! (age 8-11) by Matthew McElligott humor ... school ... spooky ... science fiction Publisher comments: Victor Godwin's orderly life is upended when he discovers that Benjamin Franklin never actually died-- he was put into suspended animation and hidden away for more than 200 years in Victor's basement! After an accident reawakens Ben, Victor must not only help him adjust to the modern world but also help him overcome a slight flaw--when Ben runs low on energy, he turns into a rampaging monster desperately hungry for electricity! All this while trying to take first place in the school science fair. With one of history's preeminent scientists helping out, what could go wrong?
F MIL	Fractions = Trouble! (age 8-11) by Claudia Mills humor ... friendship ... school Publisher comments: If Wilson Williams thought multiplication was difficult, he is finding fractions impossible. And when his parents hire a math tutor for him, he is sure hes the only kid in the history of Hill Elementary to have one. Wilson is determined to make sure that no one finds out, not even his best friend, Josh. At least his pet hamster, Pip, is sympathetic. Pip is going to be part of Wilsons science fair project, because any project with hamsters in it is bound to be wonderful. But Josh has the coolest project of all: at what temperature does a pickle explode? Unfortunately, it looks as if Wilsons secret may end up exploding their friendship.
F ROY	Max Quigley: Technically Not a Bully (age 8-11) by James Roy humor ... school ... friendship ... brilliant protagonist Catalog: After playing a prank on one of his "geeky" classmates, sixth-grader Max Quigley's punishment is to be tutored by him.
F SCI	Seen Art? (age 8-11) by Jon Scieszka humor ... the arts Publisher comments: It all started when I told my friend Art I would meet him on the corner of Fifth and Fifty-Third. I didn't see him. So I asked a lady walking up the avenue, "Have you seen Art?" "MoMA?" asked the lady. "Uh . . . no, he's just a friend." "Just down Fifty-Third Street here. In a beautiful new building. You can't miss it." When this address turns out to be the Museum of Modern Art in New York City, confusion and hilarity ensue. As the narrator continues looking for Art inside MoMA, he is introduced to well-known pieces of art such as Van Gogh's The Starry Night, Matisse's The Red Studio, as well as works by Picasso, Klee, Lichtenstein and others. In a dynamic collaboration that features comical text and playful illustrations alongside full-color reproductions of the artwork, Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith give readers the perfect companion for a visit to MoMA, and an introduction to some of the world's best works of modern art.
F SCI	Spaceheadz Series (age 8-11) by Jon Scieszka school ... science fiction ... humor Publisher comments: Michael K. just started fifth grade at a new school. As if that wasn't hard enough, the kids he seems to have made friends with apparently aren't kids at all. They are aliens. Real aliens who have invaded our planet in the form of school children and a hamster. They have a mission to complete: to convince 3,140,001 kids to BE SPHDZ. But with a hamster as their leader, "kids" who talk like walking advertisements, and Michael K as their first convert, will the SPHDZ be able to keep their cover and pull off their assignment? title: Spaceheadz title: SPHDZ Book 2
F FRE	Fourth Grade Weirdo (age 8-11) by Martha Freeman humor ... mystery ... school Publisher comments: Dexter is like a square peg in a round hole: he just can't fit in. All the kids in his class enjoy the zany things their teacher Mr. Ditzwinkle does to make learning fun. All except Dexter, the weirdo who prefers the same routine. But when things start disappearing from school, Dexter is surprised that his teacher is suspected. Dexter thinks Mr. Ditzwinkle is odd, but he knows he's not a crook. Can Dexter the weirdo prove it by catching the real thief?
F GRE	Max and Me and the Wild West (age 8-11) by Gery Greer humor ... fantasy ... adventure Catalog: Steve and his friend Max use their time machine to return to the richest, roughest boom town in the old Wild West where they pursue Gentleman John Hooten, the Rhyming Robber of the Rockies.
F GRE	Max and Me and the Time Machine (age 8-11) by Gery Greer humor ... fantasy ... adventure Publisher comments: When Steve brings home a time machine he bought for $2.50 at a garage sale, Max is suspicious. "There' s no such thing as time travel. Or time machines." Then they both end up in the year 1250 in medieval England -- Steve as Sir Robert Marshall and Max as his horse! -- and Max must admit the machine works. Sir Robert soon finds himself in the midst of a duel to the death with the Hampshire mauler, defending not only his honor, but his life. Can Max rescue him? Will the machine return him in time to spare his life? The 20th century never looked so good.
F CON	Mishmash Series (age 8-11) by Molly Cone humor ... animals Publisher comments: Mishmash is a very friendly dog. When he moves like a cyclone into Pete's heart, his family's new house, and the neighbor's gardens, life will never be the same! But when Mishmash's well-intentioned enthusiasm leads to messy garages and ruined gardens, it's too much for the grownups to tolerate. Pete realizes Mish must go. How he finds a new home for Mish and gives his favorite teacher a wonderful gift all in one accidental gesture makes for a hilarious, lovable story. title: Mishmash title: Mishmash and the Substitute Teacher title: Mishmash and the Big Fat Problem title: Mishmash and the Sauerkraut Mystery title: Mishmash and the Venus Flytrap title: Mishmash and the Robot title: Mishmash and Uncle Looey
F GRE	Secrets of Dripping Fang Series (age 8-11) by Dan Greenburg humor ... adventure ... spooky Publisher comments: Nobody wants to adopt the Shluffmuffin twins. Wally's feet stink something awful, and Cheyenne is allergic to everything. Then why are the Mandible sisters so eager to take them home? And what sort of old maids would choose to live in a place called Dripping Fang Forest, where zombies wander the woods singing "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and ten-foot-long glowing slugs want to suck the feet right off your ankles? Would it seem ungrateful of Wally to point out the Mandible sisters' extra arms? Or to question their all-chocolate, all-the-time menu? Or, um, to venture into the cellar, where the twins have been told to NEVER, EVER, EVER go? Yeah, perhaps that last bit was a mistake. Now there's nothing left for the Shluffmuffins to do but run--run for their lives! title: The Onts title: Treachery and Betrayal at Jolly Days title: The Vampire's Curse title: Fall of the House of Mandible title: The Shluffmuffin Boy Is History title: Attack of the Giant Octopus title: Please Don't Eat the Children title: When Bad Snakes Attack Good Children
F KES	Philippa Fisher Series (age 8-11) by Liz Kessler humor ... identity ... fantasy Publisher comments: Philippa Fisher would like nothing more than to summon a fairy. Still, she is taken aback when Daisy, the new girl at school, announces that she is Philippa's fairy godmother — or godsister, since they're both the same age. Though the fairy is none too pleased with her mission, she is obliged to see it through and grant her human charge the customary three wishes. Now, if only Philippa would wish for something that makes her life better, not worse! With warmth and whimsy, the creator of Emily Windsnap whisks a traditional theme into a contemporary setting to tell a story of friendship, luck, and how we decide what we really want. title: Philippa Fisher's Fairy Godsister title: Philippa Fisher and the Fairy's Promise title: Philippa Fisher and the Dreammaker's Daughter
F KOR	I Want to Go Home! (age 8-11) by Gordon Korman adventure ... humor Summer camp is nothing like Rudy Miller imagines.
F KOR	Radio Fifth Grade (age 8-11) by Gordon Korman authorship ... school ... humor Catalog: Mayhem breaks out in the fifth grade when the Venice Menace bullies his classmates into letting him become a regular guest on "Kidsview," the school's radio program.
F OCO	The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis (age 8-11) by Barbara Oconnor realistic ... adventure ... humor Publisher comments: Nothing ever happens in Fayette, South Carolina. That's what Popeye thinks, anyway. His whole life, everything has just been boring, boring, boring. But things start to look up when the Jewell's Holiday Rambler makes a wrong turn and gets stuck in the mud, trapping Elvis and his five rowdy siblings in Fayette for who knows how long. Popeye has never met anyone like Elvis Jewell. Hes so good at swearing he makes Uncle Dooley look like a harp-strumming angel, and he says "So what?" like he really means it. Then something curious comes floating down the creek, a series of boats with secret messages, and it sends Popeye and Elvis into the big world on the hunt for a small adventure.
F PET	The Sub (age 8-11) by P. J. Petersen humor ... identity ... school Catalog: Two friends switch seats when their class has a substitute teacher and find that it isn't so easy to be someone else.
F ROB	Wendy and the Bullies (age 8-11) by Nancy Robinson friendship ... school ... humor Publisher comments: Wendy and Karen are so afraid of bullies that they have a Bully Log which charts bullies' descriptions and behavior patterns, a Bully Map which shows where the bullies hang out, and a Strategic War Room where they dream up fanciful plans to rid themselves of bullies forever.
F STR	Help! I'm Trapped! Series (age 8-11) by Todd Strasser spooky ... humor Jake Sherman has a normal life...until his body is switched! title: Help I'm Trapped in a Professional Wrestlers Body title: Help I'm Trapped in My Gym Teacher's Body title: Help I'm Trapped in My Lunch Lady's Body title: Help I'm Trapped in My Sister's Body title: Help I'm Trapped in Obedience School title: Help I'm Trapped in My Principal's Body title: Help I'm Trapped in an Aliens Body title: Help I'm Trapped in the First Day of School title: Help I'm Trapped in My Teacher's Body
F WEE	Oggie Cooder (age 8-11) by Sarah Weeks school ... humor Publisher comments: Oggie Cooder has a talent — he can charve better than anyone else in Truman Elementary School. (Charving, for the uninitiated, is the carving of a piece of cheese with one's teeth.) Oggie doesn't think this is anything special — but his whole school will soon be disagreeing with him. Because after he inadvertantly charves during a nationwide hunt for unusual talents, his charving puts him on the path to fame and forture. Suddenly, he's the star of the school . . . but he's not sure that he wants to shine that way. sequel: Oggie Cooder, Party Animal
F HOR	The Trolls (age 8-11) by Polly Horvath family ... fantasy ... humor Publisher comments: Aunt Sally is beyond any of Melissa, Amanda, and Pee Wee's expectations. She has come all the way from Vancouver Island, Canada, to take care of the children while their parents are away, and right from the start Aunt Sally enchants them with tales of her childhood with their father. Odd characters figure largely in the stories, like Maud, a hunter rumored to have killed eighty cougars; Great-uncle Louis, a health nut who insists everyone should gnaw on sticks for extra fiber; and Fat Little Mean Girl, the star of a cautionary tale involving witchcraft and candy. All of Aunt Sally's reminiscences lead up to a crucial story about trolls, sinister creatures who supposedly lurked along the shore at night. The trolls had the power to change Aunt Sally's life forever, and their legacy may change the lives of the three present-day children as well.
F TAS	My Life As a Book (age 8-11) by Janet Tashjian humor ... mystery ... school Publisher comments: Summer's finally here, and Derek Fallon is looking forward to pelting the UPS truck with water balloons, climbing onto the garage roof, and conducting silly investigations. But when his parents decide to send him to Learning Camp, Derek's dreams of fun come to an end. Ever since hes been labeled a "reluctant reader," his mom has pushed him to read "real" books; something other than his beloved Calvin & Hobbes. As Derek forges unexpected friendships and uncovers a family secret involving himself (in diapers! no less), he realizes that adventures and surprises are around the corner, complete with curve balls.
F VER	Dragonbreath Series (age 8-11) by Ursula Vernon humor ... fantasy ... school Publisher comments: It's not easy for Danny Dragonbreath to be the sole mythical creature in a school for reptiles and amphibians - especially because he can't breathe fire like other dragons (as the school bully loves to remind him). But having a unique family comes in handy sometimes, like when his sea-serpent cousin takes Danny and his best iguana friend on a mindboggling underwater tour, complete with vomiting sea cucumbers and giant squid. It sure beats reading the encyclopedia to research his ocean report. title: Dragonbreath title: Attack of the Ninja Frogs title: Curse of the Were-Wiener title: Lair of the Bat Monster title: No Such Thing as Ghosts title: Revenge of the Horned Bunnies
F EDW	The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles (age 8-11) by Julie Andrews Edwards adventure ... humor ... magic ... fantasy Publisher comments: The Whangdoodle was once the wisest, the kindest, and the most extraordinary creature in the world. Then he disappeared and created a wonderful land for himself and all the other remarkable animals — the ten-legged Sidewinders, the little furry Flukes, the friendly Whiffle Bird, and the treacherous, "oily" Prock. It was an almost perfect place where the last of the really great Whangdoodles could rule his kingdom with "peace, love and a sense of fun" — apart from and forgotten by people. But not completely forgotten. Professor Savant believed in the Whangdoodle. And when he told the three Potter children of his search for the spectacular creature, Lindy, Tom, and Ben were eager to reach Whangdoodleland. With the Professor's help, they discovered the secret way. But waiting for them was the scheming Prock, who would use almost any means to keep them away from his beloved king. Only by skill and determination were the four travelers able to discover the last of the really great Whangdoodles and grant him his heart's desire.
F PEI	Big Nate Series (age 8-11) by Lincoln Peirce humor ... school Publisher comments: Aspiring cartoonist Nate Wright is the star of Big Nate, the daily and Sunday comic strip distributed by Newspaper Enterprise Association since 1991. Nate is eleven years old, four-and-a-half feet tall, and the all-time record holder for detentions in school history. He's a self-described genius and sixth grade Renaissance Man. Equipped with only a #2 pencil and the unshakable belief that he is #1, Nate fights a daily battle against overzealous teachers, undercooked cafeteria food and all-around conventionality. He's the original rebel without a clue, alternately abrasive and endearing to classmates and teachers alike. Nate blazes an unforgettable trail through the sixth grade at P.S. 38, earning straight A's in laughs along the way. title: Big Nate Strikes Again title: Big Nate and Friends title: Big Nate on a Roll title: Big Nate in a Class by Himself
F HIC	The Alvin Fernald Series (age 8-11) by Clifford B. Hicks math/science/technology ... adventure ... humor ... brilliant protagonist Alvin Fernald: politician, environmentalist, television personality, inventor. Alvin Fernald: 12 year old kid. Watch his ``Magnificent Brain'' get him, his sister, and his best friend into trouble, action, and fun. title: Alvin's Secret Code title: Alvin's Swap Shop title: Alvin Fernald, Superweasel title: Alvin Fernald, Mayor for a Day title: The Wacky World of Alvin Fernald title: Alvin Fernald, TV Anchorman title: The Marvelous Inventions of Alvin Fernald
F CRE	Pleasing the Ghost (age 8-11) by Sharon Creech illness/loss ... humor ... spooky ... family Ever since his father died, Dennis has been seeing ghosts. Lots of ghosts. They blow in on the breeze, visit for a while, and fly off again. But one night the ghost of his Uncle Arvie floats in the window. And Arvie wants to do more than chat. Together, they find a lost love letter, finish a special painting, and dig up buried treasure...all for Arvie's widow, Julia. Dennis loves having his uncle around again, but there's still one ghost he's longing to see. Perhaps on the next ghost wind . . .
F MAN	Be a Perfect Person In Just Three Days! (age 8-11) by Stephen Manes enterprise ... humor One day at the library, a book falls off the top shelf and hits Milo on the head. It's called Be a Perfect in Just Three Days! The book's author, Dr. K. Pinkerton Silverfish, doesn't look too perfect himself, In the picture on the back cover he's wearing a clown nose, and mustard is dripping down his chin. Milo figures the boor is worth a try anyway. Perfect is obviously the perfect thing to be! But who's ever heard of wearing a stalk of broccoli around your neck for twenty-four hours? And that's only the first day.... sequel: Make Four Million Dollars By Next Thursday!
F VAN	The Great Googlestein Museum Mystery (age 8-11) by Jean Van Leeuwen humor ... adventure ... the arts Three adventurous mice escape from their home at Macy's department store and spend an exciting week in the Guggenheim Museum, creating a sensation in the art world.
F VAN	The Great Christmas Kidnapping Caper (age 8-11) by Jean Van Leeuwen traditions ... adventure ... humor In comfortable residence at Macy's during the Christmas season, Merciless Marvin the Magnificent and his gang are convinced that the store's Santa Claus has been kidnapped and determine to save him.
F VAN	The Great Cheese Conspiracy (age 8-11) by Jean Van Leeuwen adventure ... humor Fed up with the slim-pickings in their movie-theater home, Merciless Marvin the Magnificent and his mouse gang decide to hit the big time and pull a heist at a cheese store.
F WIL	The Danny Dunn Series (age 8-11) by Jay Williams humor ... adventure ... math/science/technology Danny Dunn: inventor, technological wizard, headstrong kid... Join Danny and his friends on adventure after adventure. title: Danny Dunn, Invisible Boy title: Danny Dunn, Scientific Detective title: Danny Dunn, Time Traveler title: Danny Dunn and the Anti-Gravity Paint title: Danny Dunn and the Automatic House title: Danny Dunn and the Heat Ray title: Danny Dunn and the Homework Machine title: Danny Dunn and the Smallifying Machine title: Danny Dunn and the Swamp Monster title: Danny Dunn and the Universal Glue title: Danny Dunn and the Voice From Space title: Danny Dunn and the Weather Machine title: Danny Dunn on the Ocean Floor
F SIN	Tarantulas on the Brain (age 8-11) by Marilyn Singer humor ... animals Lizzie's scheme for getting a pet tarantula leads her into adventure, and misadventure.
F BAN	The Adventures of King Midas (age 8-11) by Lynne Reid Banks adventure ... humor ... folklore ... magic King Midas' obsession with gold takes some unexpected turns in this fun retelling of the classic Greek myth.
F COR	The Trick Series (age 8-11) by Scott Corbett humor ... fantasy ... magic A mysterious potion from Kerby's chemistry set yields surprising results for Kerby and his friends. title: The Baseball Trick title: The Black Mask Trick title: The Hairy Horror Trick title: The Hangman's Ghost Trick title: the Hateful Plateful Trick title: The Hockey Trick title: The Home Run Trick title: The Lemonade Trick title: The Limerick Trick title: The Mailbox Trick title: The Turnabout Trick title: The Home Run Trick title: The Disappearing Dog Trick
F ARN	Golden and Grey: an Unremarkable Boy and a Rather Remarkable Ghost (age 8-11) by Louise Arnold humor ... identity ... friendship ... school When a downhearted ghost becomes the "invisible friend" of an eleven-year-old boy who is an outcast in his new school, the two help each other find their place in their respective worlds. sequel: Golden and Grey, the Nightmares that Ghosts Have
F ANG	First the Good News (age 8-11) by Judie Angell friendship ... authorship ... humor Ninth-grade journalist Annabelle Goobitz and her four best friends pretend to be groupies in order to land an interview with television comedian Hap Rhysbeck, but the young comedian makes an announcement that takes them by surprise.
F ANG	A Word From Our Sponsor: or, My Friend Alfred (age 8-11) by Judie Angell humor ... family ... enterprise When a 12-year-old boy tries to protect consumers from a dangerous drinking mug, he discovers he must challenge his father's advertising agency.
F AMA	The Riot Brothers Series (age 8-11) by Mary Amato short stories ... adventure ... humor ... school Orville and Wilbur Riot have no shortage of daily adventures. Sometimes they are undercover detectives. Other times they challenge each other to see who can get the most underwear on his head in exactly thirty seconds. Having trouble keeping up with Wilbur and Orville? Follow the Riot Brother Rule Number 4: Run, do not walk, whenever possible. title: Snarf Attack, Underfoodle, and the Secret of Life: The Riot Brothers Tell All title: Drooling and Dangerous: the Riot Brothers Return! title: Stinky and Successful: The Riot Brothers Never Strop title: Take the Mummy and Run: The Riot Brothers Are on a Roll
F AIK	Arabel's Raven (age 8-11) by Joan Aiken animals ... humor Young Arabel's life is changed forever when her father, a taxi driver, brings home an injured bird he finds in the street. This wacky raven eats everything in sight, answers the telephone by squawking ``Nevermore!'' and causes chaos wherever he goes--but Arabel loves her new feathered friend, whom she names Mortimer.
F BAR	The Never Land Series (age 8-11) by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson princesses ... war ... adventure ... magic ... humor Little Scallop should be happy. She's a princess of the Mollusk tribe, rulers of beautiful Mollusk Island. And she has two fun friends, Aqua and Surf, who just happen to be mermaids. But Little Scallop is bored. Her warrior brothers are allowed to do exciting things, and Little Scallop longs to have a real adventure, too. So late one night, she sneaks off into forbidden waters with Aqua and Surf. That's when the trouble starts. The question is: can she and her friends get out of it? title: Escape From the Carnivale: a Never Land Book title: Cave of the Dark Wind: a Never Land Book title: The Bridge to Never Land
F 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
F BAR	Brixton Brothers Series (age 8-11) by Mac Barnett humor ... mystery Publisher comments: Steve Brixton always wanted to be a detective... until he found out he already was one. It all starts here: The thrilling story of Steve Bixton's first case. Our hero has a national treasure to recover, a criminal mastermind to unmask, and a social studies report due Monday — all while on the run from cops, thugs, and secret-agent librarians. Since when can librarians rappel from helicopters? Does Steve have any brothers or sisters? If not, then why is this series called The Brixton Brothers? You will solve all these mysteries and many more by the time you finish The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity. title: The Case of the Case of Mistaken Identity title: The Ghostwriter Secret title: It Happened on a Train
F WOO	Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place (age 8-11) by Maryrose Wood humor ... mystery Publisher comments: Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels. Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies. But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische? title: The Mysterious Howling title: The Hidden Gallery
F PAR	The Wedding Planner's Daughter Series (age 8-11) by Coleen Murtagh Paratore family ... humor ... friendship Publisher comments: Twelve-year-old Willa Havisham is a classics reader, a cherry-cordial eater, and quite possibly the world's worst wisher. But when she and her glamorous single mother, Stella, move to Bramble, Cape Cod, Willa's wishes begin to come true: She makes her first-ever best friend, Tina. She bonds with her hip, candy-making Nana. And best of all, steely Stella is falling for Willa's English teacher, Sam — he's perfect dad material! But before Willa can marry off her mother, or dance with her adorable crush, Joseph, a pit gets stuck in the wishing well.... Can Willa undo the damage before Stella misses her chance to say "I do"? title: The Wedding Planner's Daughter title: The Cupid Chronicles title: Willa by Heart
F BEC	The Magical Ms. Plum (age 8-11) by Bonny Becker school ... magic ... fantasy ... humor Publisher comments: Ms. Plum is the magical teacher every schoolkid wishes for. Everybody wants to be in Ms. Plum's class. It's not just that she teaches the usual things in unusual ways. There's something more, something about Ms. Plum herself, and her mysterious supply closet. Whenever she asks her students to get her an eraser or a pencil or some paper clips, they come back with something . . . unusual. Who'd have thought a pinky-sized alligator, a big-mouth parrot, or a tiny wolf could teach kids a thing or two about life? Each year, Ms. Plum is certain she's had her best class ever. And it looks like this year . . . she's right.
F AVI	Don't You Know There's a War On? (age 8-11) by Avi growing up ... school ... historical ... war ... humor Publisher comments: World War II is on everyone's mind and in every headline, and Howie Crispers has a hunch that his school principal is a spy. With a little snooping around, Howie finds out something even more alarming. Principal Lomister may not be a spy, but he is plotting to get rid of Howie's favorite teacher. Howie's dad is fighting Nazis overseas, and his mom is working hard to support the war effort, so Miss Gossim is the only person Howie can depend on. With the help of his friends, and a plan worthy of radio show superhero Captain Midnight, Howie intends to save Miss Gossim!
F KLI	The Dragon Keepers Series (age 8-11) by Kate Klimo humor ... adventure ... fantasy Publisher comments: Ten-year-old cousins Jesse and Daisy have always wanted something magical to happen to them. So it's a wish come true when Jesse's newly found thunder egg hatches and a helpless, tiny, but very loud, baby dragon pops out. Soon the two kids are at the dragon's beck and call, trying to figure out what to feed her. An Internet search leads them to the library, which leads them back to the Internet, where they find a very strange Web site called foundadragon.org. Here the cousins discover that the dragon's hatching has designated them "Dragon Keepers." Not only do they have to feed the dragon, whom they named Emmy, but they also have to keep her safe from the villainous Saint George, who has kept himself alive over centuries by drinking dragons' blood! title: The Dragon in the Sock Drawer title: The Dragon in the Driveway title: The Dragon in the Library title: The Dragon in the Volcano
F BEN	Dear Dumb Diary Series (age 8-11) by Jim Benton letters/journal ... school ... humor Publisher comments: Read the hilarious, candid (& sometimes mean) diaries of Jamie Kelly, who promises that everything in her diary is true...or at least as true as it needs to be. In the first book, Jamie contends with Angeline, the school's prettiest, most popular girl (who Jamie thinks is a goon!) and the impending visit of her troll-like little cousin. Will Jamie survive? Will she go mad? Will she send her mom's nasty casserole to starving children in Wheretheheckistan? You'll just have to read the first installment of Dear Dumb Diary to find out! title: Let's Pretend This Never Happened: By Jamie Kelly title: My Pants Are Haunted: By Jamie Kelly title: Am I the Princess or the Frog?: Jim Benton's Tales From Mackerel Middle School title: Never Do Anything, Ever: By Jamie Kelly title: Can Adults Become Human? title: The Problem With Here is That it's Where I'm From: By Jamie Kelly title: Never Underestimate Your Dumbness: By Jamie Kelly title: It's Not My Fault I Know Everything: By Jamie Kelly
F CAB	Allie Finkle's Rules for Girls Series (age 8-11) by Meg Cabot realistic ... family ... humor ... friendship Publisher comments: When nine-year-old Allie Finkle's parents announce that they are moving her and her brothers from their suburban split-level into an ancient Victorian in town, Allie's sure her life is over. She's not at all happy about having to give up her pretty pink wall-to-wall carpeting for creaky floorboards and creepy secret passageways-not to mention leaving her modern, state-of-the-art suburban school for a rundown, old-fashioned school just two blocks from her new house. With a room she's half-scared to go into, the burden of being "the new girl," and her old friends all a half-hour car ride away, how will Allie ever learn to fit in? title: Moving Day title: New Girl title: Best Friends and Drama Queens title: Stage Fright
F CLE	Lost and Found (age 8-11) by Andrew Clements humor ... identity ... school Publisher comments: Although it's a drag to be constantly mistaken for each other, in truth, during those first days at a new school, there's nothing better than having a twin brother there with you. But on day one of sixth grade, Ray stays home sick, and Jay is on his own. No big deal. It's a pretty nice school, good kids, too. But Jay quickly discovers a major mistake: No one seems to know a thing about his brother. Ray's not on the attendance lists, doesn't have a locker, doesn't even have a student folder. Jay almost tells the school (almost) but then decides that this lost information could be very...useful. And fun. As Ray and Jay exploit a clerical oversight, they each find new views on friendship, honesty, what it means to be a twin, and what it means to be yourself. Entertaining, thought-provoking, and true-to-life, this clever novel is classic Andrew Clements times two: twins!
F COV	Monster of the Year (age 8-11) by Bruce Coville humor ... spooky Catalog: Michael and his friend Steve decide to launch a "Monster of the Year" contest, setting the stage for one of the creepiest beauty pageants ever.
F DYE	Ibby's Magic Weekend (age 8-11) by Heather Dyer humor ... mystery ... magic Publisher comments: When straight-arrow Ibby visits her two troublemaking cousins in their chaotic country house, she learns of an old box of magic tricks they found hidden in the attic. Ibby thinks magic is nothing but sleight of hand...until her cousin Francis shrinks to the size of her thumb! The trio gets into all sorts of hijinks, from levitating to turning invisible. Then they uncover the mystery of Uncle Godfrey, a professional magician who disappeared years ago. After some sleuthing, the kids decide Godfrey's Vanishing Act must have gone wrong. Now it's up to Ibby to be the magician-- and find him!
F ENS	Cinderella (As If You Didn't Already Know the Story) (age 8-11) by Barbara Ensor family ... humor ... folklore Publisher comments: I know, I know. You've heard the story a million times before. Mean stepmother. Lots of sweeping. Fancy ball. You remember. Or do you? Did you remember that Cinderella was such a nice girl, so smart and funny? You probably would've liked her. Did you know that "Cinderella" was just a nickname? And that her handsome prince loved Jell-o and was a wonderful dancer? Readers will delight in following Cinderella through all the usual happenings, presented in a most unusual way. And they’ll finally see what becomes of her after she marries the prince. So maybe you should hear the story one last time. Because it's actually way different than you might have thought.
F GRA	The Thing About Georgie: A Novel (age 8-11) by Lisa Graff realistic ... humor ... identity ... school ... friendship Publisher comments: The thing about poodles is that Georgie Bishop hates to walk them. The thing about Jeanie the Meanie is that she would rather write on her shoe than help Georgie with their Abraham Lincoln project. The thing about Georgie's mom is that she's having a baby, a baby who will probably be taller than Georgie very, very soon. The thing about Georgie . . . well, what is the thing about Georgie? In this poignant story peppered with comedy, newcomer Lisa Graff creates an unforgettable character in nine-year-old Georgie Bishop, who struggles to grow up when he isn't getting any taller.
F GUT	Nightmare at the Bookfair (age 8-11) by Dan Gutman humor ... adventure ... action Publisher comments: Trip Dinkleman hates to read. Hates, hates, hates it. All he wants to do is play lacrosse. So when the president of the PTA asks Trip to help her out on his way to tryouts, he is not happy. He is even more not happy when a stack of books tumbles onto his head and knocks him out cold. And he is even more not happy when he wakes up and has absolutely no idea where he is. Now all he wants to do is get home. But after encountering a haunted house, aliens, talking animals, and much, much more, he realizes getting home might be just a little bit harder to do than he thought.
F HAL	Here Comes Zelda Claus, and Other Holiday Disasters (age 8-11) by Lynn Hall short stories ... traditions ... humor Each short story in this book featuring the irrepressible Zelda centers on a different holiday, progressing through the school year.
F LUB	Punished! (age 8-11) by David Lubar humor ... fantasy ... magic Publisher comments: Logan and his friend Benedict run into the wrong guy at the library--literally. When Logan slams into the reference guy in the basement and gives him a little lip, Logan gets punished, really and truly punished. He has three days to complete three tasks before Professor Wordsworth will lift the magical punishment that keeps getting Logan in even more trouble.
F MAS	Princess School Series (age 8-11) by Jane B. Mason princesses ... friendship ... school ... fantasy ... humor Publisher comments: With her feet bare (those glass slippers don't fit) and her second-hand gown splattered with mud (thanks, evil stepsisters), Ella's first day of Princess School is off to a lousy start. If she can only find her fairy godmother before the first class begins, Ella is sure she'll put things right. But her FG is off at a convention and Ella is on her own--she'll have to get through the first weeks of Princess School without any bobbity-boo. Ella is terrified--until she meets silly Snow, spunky Rapunzel, and beautiful, sheltered Rose. She begins to realize that with these friends, Princess School could be a LOT of fun. title: If the Shoe Fits title: Who's the Fairest title: Let Down Your Hair title: Beauty is a Beast title: Princess Charming title: Apple-y Ever After title: Thorn in Her Side title: Wake Up Beauty
F MCC	Shrek 2: The Movie Novel (age 8-11) by Jesse Leon McCann fantasy ... humor Catalog: Shrek, Fiona, and Donkey are off to the kingdom of Far Far Away to meet Fiona's parents and encounter the Fairy Godmother, Prince Charming, and a mysterious Ogre hunter.
F PIN	The Artsy Smartsy Club (age 8-11) by Daniel Pinkwater friendship ... the arts ... humor They were on their own: three kids and one giant chicken. Stuck in Hoboken for the summer, Nick Itch, Loretta Fischetti, and Bruno Ugg are really, really bored. After whiling away their time spitting in the Hudson River and trying to teach Henrietta, Nick's 266-pound chicken, how to juggle marshmallows, they're ready for something...anything...to happen. When a mysterious and brilliant chalk artist starts decorating Hoboken's streets, the three friends are blown away. They set off to explore the art world in a frenzy of adventurous drawing, screeving, and eggplant picnics.
F ROB	My Brother Louis Measures Worms: and Other Louis Stories (age 8-11) by Barbara Robinson short stories ... humor How is it that Louis has been driving his mother's car around town if he's only eight years old? Where did the cat go to have her kittens? Who won the free wedding? Whether it's costume parades, mysterious paint allergies, or bicycle disasters, there's never a dull moment when the Lawson family is around!
F ROS	Jack Jones and the Pirate Curse (age 8-11) by Judith Rossell humor ... action ... adventure Jack Jones is a very ordinary boy until the day his great uncle passes away and he inherits a terrible, horrible pirate curse from, the famed pirate Blackstrap Morgan, his great-great-many-times-great grandfather. Chased by a merciless band of pirates who can temporarily take over the bodies of anyone close to Jack (his teacher, his friends, and even his parents) he must find the courage to confront the curse and outsmart the pirates or spend the rest of his life running. An edge-of-your-seat thriller, this book is full of adventuresome pirates and hilarious escapades!
F TRI	Chicken Little: The Junior Novelization (age 8-11) by Irene Trimble adventure ... humor The sky is falling again, but Chicken Little puts aside his past humiliation, gathers up his trusting friends, and faces the new threat head-on.
F YEP	Cockroach Cooties (age 8-11) by Laurence Yep school ... humor ... action ... realistic Teddy and his little brother Bobby devise strategies using bugs to defeat the school bully.
F WAL	Snot Stew (age 8-11) by Bill Wallace humor ... animals It's not easy being a kitten. Don't get me wrong. I love being scratched behind the ears, chasing Butch the dog, and eating Mother's stew. My brother Toby and I learned about "people things" when we were adopted by Sarah and Ben. The only problem with kid-people is the games they like to play, like "Dress the Cat", and "Snot Stew". It's not stew! But what is it? It's making a bully out of Toby and a wreck out of me!
F PAR	Skinnybones (age 8-11) by Barbara Park friendship ... sports ... humor For the smallest kid on the baseball team, Alex “Skinnybones” Frankovitch has a major-league big mouth! But when he brags his way into a pitching contest, this might be one mess that not even Alex can talk his way out of. sequel: Almost Starring Skinnybones
F ANG	In Summertime it's Tuffy (age 8-11) by Judie Angell humor ... spooky Eleven-year-old Tuffy and her friends make a voodoo doll at summer camp and use it to put a spell on the Head Counselor.
F AVI	The History of Helpless Harry: To Which is Added a Variety of Amusing and Entertaining Adventures (age 8-11) by Avi historical ... adventure ... humor Harry is far from helpless, despite what his parents think. When they leave for a few days, it is up to Harry to protect the family fortune from the evil town constable, a slick con man, his guardian Miss Trowbridge, and her strange visitor. Harry's skewed sense of judgment leads to many near-disasters and hilarious moments in this 19th century farce.
F CHR	Goody Sherman's Pig (age 8-11) by Mary Blount Christian humor ... historical In Massachusetts in 1636, Goody Sherman begins a legal battle over her pig that ends up dividing the legislative department of the colony into two independent branches.
F FLE	Jingo Django (age 8-11) by Sid Fleischman adventure ... humor An orphan boy resolves to follow a treasure map he finds inscribed on a whale's tooth.
F GIF	Have You Seen Hyacinth Macaw (age 8-11) by Patricia Reilly Giff humor ... friendship ... mystery Abby and her friend Potsie work on several mysteries: a mysterious new neighbor, a missing person, a theft, and the unusual actions of Abby's brother.
F GRE	Give Us a Great Big Smile, Rosy Cole (age 8-11) by Sheila Greenwald humor ... the arts ... authorship Uncle Ralph's books about Rosy's two older sisters, a dancer and an equestrian, made them famous. Now it is untalented, 10-year-old Rosy's turn, and when Uncle Ralph gets out his camera determined to make Rosy and her violin his next book, Rosy's troubles begin.
F HEI	Banana Twist (age 8-11) by Florence Parry Heide humor Relates the attempts of Jonah D. Krock to elude his oddball neighbor who thinks Jonah has a banana fixation.
F WOO	The Summer I Shrank My Grandmother (age 8-11) by Elvira Woodruff action ... humor ... fantasy ... magic When aspiring scientist Nelly Brown uses a magic chemistry set to make her grandmother young again but is unable to stop the alteration, the seventy-year-old woman becomes a baby and Nelly fears that she may shrink into nothing.
F HUR	Baseball Fever (age 8-11) by Johanna Hurwitz humor ... family ... sports Ezra Feldman, almost ten, likes baseball more than anything else in the world. But his father cannot understand why his son would rather rot his brains watching men swinging big wooden sticks than read a book or play chess. Can an unwanted car trip, a grumpy old professor, and a surprising chess victory help father and son find a little common ground--and convince Ezra's dad that cheering for the national pastime isn't completely off base?
F HUR	The Hot and Cold Summer (age 8-11) by Johanna Hurwitz humor ... friendship Two inseparable ten-year-old boys discover there is room in their friendship for another person and it really doesn't matter that she is a girl.
F KEH	The Richest Kids in Town (age 8-11) by Peg Kehret humor ... friendship ... enterprise New to town and homesick for his old life, fourth-grader Peter teams up with a classmate to earn money for a trip to his old hometown but all their moneymaking schemes have unexpected results.
F LEV	For Biddle's Sake (age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine humor ... fantasy ... folklore The young maiden, Parsley, will eat nothing but parsley, which in Snettering-on-Snoakes grows only in the fairy Bombina's garden. All is well, until Bombina is released from the fairy queen's dungeon. Her crime? Failing to get along with humans. And turning them into toads! Meanwhile, twin princes Randolph and Rudolph are causing trouble at Biddle Castle and pinning everything on their younger brother, Tansy. Prince Tansy cares about Biddle. Randolph and Rudolph don't. But one of the twins will be king, unless Prince Tansy accepts help from a green Biddlebum Toad!
F LEV	The Fairy's Return (age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine princesses ... humor ... fantasy ... folklore Boy meets princess, and it's love at first sight. Both laugh at the same jokes. Both are named after birds. His name is Robin, hers is Lark. Could there ever have been a more perfect match? But alas! King Harrumphrey won't let Lark marry a baker's son. And Robin is betrothed to someone else. Now toss in Robin's nonsense-talking brothers, Nat and Matt, their versifying father, and Ethelinda, the fairy who wrought havoc in The Fairy's Mistake, and you've got a "nutcrazical" situation!
F LEV	The Princess Test (age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine princesses ... humor ... fantasy ... folklore King Humphrey has decided its time for his son, Prince Nicholas, to marry. But he must make sure the bride is a real princess. So he devises a series of princess tests, designed to weed out the phonies and the fakes. Meanwhile, Nicholas has fallen in love with Lorelei, a mere blacksmith's daughter. She's no princess, but he wants to marry her all the same--but how will she ever pass the terrible tests?
F COT	Millions (age 8-11) by Frank CottrellBoyce enterprise ... adventure ... humor It was a one-in-a-million chance. A bag crammed with cash comes tumbling out of the air and lands right at Damian's feet. Suddenly the Cunningham brothers are rich. Very rich. They can buy anything they want. There's just one problem: they have only seventeen days to spend all the money before it becomes worthless. And the crooks who stole the cash in the first place are closing in, fast. A funny, brilliantly clever and utterly thrilling novel that is, quite simply, unforgettable.
F PEV	Me, My Goat and My Sister's Wedding (age 8-11) by Stella Pevsner family ... humor ... animals Doug and his friends keep their pet goat a secret from their families, but before long, sightings of the high-spirited animal occur at very inappropriate places.
F WAL	The Barrel in the Basement (age 8-11) by Barbara Brooks Wallace fantasy ... folklore ... humor This is a story about furkens, descendants of a branch of genus elf, who have lost their elfin powers of being able to vanish and now hide fearfully in human houses. They are sadly often mistaken for mice, although don't smell like mice. They smell like warm apricot jam!
F EIS	The Lexie Series (age 8-11) by Lisa Eisenberg friendship ... humor Whether she's figuring out what to do for the girl scout talent show or planning a birthday party, Lexie is a fourth grader dealing with all the problems and fascinations of everyday life. title: Lexie on Her Own title: Leave it to Lexie title: Happy Birthday Lexie!
F BUR	Ida Early Comes Over the Mountain (age 8-11) by Robert Burch family ... historical ... humor Tough times in rural Georgia during the Depression take a lively turn when spirited Ida Early arrives to keep house for the Suttons. This tall tale will keep you on the edge of your seat. sequel: Christmas With Ida Early
F BYA	The Computer Nut (age 8-11) by Betsy Byars growing up ... math/science/technology ... science fiction ... humor Ten-year-old Kate begins a communication exchange on a computer with someone purporting to be from outer space, who says he is going to pay a visit to Earth soon.
F WAR	The Emma Series (age 8-11) by Sally Warner humor ... friendship ... school Emma Mcgraw is slowly making friends at her new school. But when Cynthia calls her weird, emma is shocked. They are supposed to be best friends! In response, Emma decides that Cynthia's new name should be bossy pants, and she tells everyone in the class. Now the entire third grade is trading nicknames. And while it starts out being funny, Emma begins to see the downside of name-calling. But just when she decides it's time for apologies, her teacher makes the most dreaded call of all, the one to everyone's parents. title: Best Friend Emma title: Not-So-Weird Emma title: Only Emma title: Super Emma
F UMA	Solomon Snow and the Stolen Jewel (age 8-11) by Kaye Umansky identity ... adventure ... humor Solomon Snow and his stalwart friends return in a mock-Victorian extravaganza! In their second adventure, the intrepid trio becomes ensnared in a plot to steal a priceless ruby. But what do a stubborn donkey, a shady dwarf, and Mr. Skippy the rabbit have to do with it all?
F UMA	Solomon Snow and the Silver Spoon (age 8-11) by Kaye Umansky identity ... adventure ... humor Prepare, dear reader, for the tale of Solomon Snow, his bossy friend Prudence, and the insufferable Infant Prodigy as they set out in search of Solly's rightful inheritance, despite some woeful misadventures along the way.
F TAC	Misadventures of Millicent Madding Series (age 8-11) by Brian Tacang math/science/technology ... friendship ... humor As an inventor, Millicent knows this formula by heart. But a series of failures, like the Ever-Juicy Gum Enhancer Pellet (a bit too juicy) and the Retractable Ponytail Holder (a hairy mess), have left her a few beakers short on faith. Even Millicent's best friends in The Wunderkind Club are ready to give up on her inventions. Bully-Be-Gone, her latest creation, should be the breakthrough Millicent needs. After all, her formula for thwarting the enemies of overachievers everywhere is foolproof. Almostfoolproof. Before long, Millicent has a disaster of monumental proportions on her hands. With only days to concoct an antidote, her friendships, and her future as an inventor, hang in the balance. title: Bully-Be-Gone
F STI	Rotten School Series (age 8-11) by R. L. Stine humor ... school Welcome to the Rotten School. We are proud of our school, founded 100 years ago by I. B. Rotten. If you follow the rules, we know your time here will be happy. RULE NUMBER ONE: Watch out for Bernie Bridges. Bernie is trouble! That is my important message. Enjoy your stay. I know that after a short while, you will all truly deserve the name Rotten Students. title: The Big Blueberry Barf-off! title: The Great Smelling Bee
F STE	Tales from Gizzard's Grill (age 8-11) by Jeanne Steig humor ... poetry ... folklore ... short stories Presents three tall tales from the Old West town of Fiasco, where the lady sheriff keeps the peace and friends, old and new, enjoy the treats at Gizzard's Grill.
F STE	Far-Flung Adventures (age 8-11) by Paul Stewart math/science/technology ... adventure ... fantasy ... humor Fergus Crane has an almost ordinary life, having lessons taught by rather odd teachers on the school ship Betty Jeanne and helping his mother in the bakery. But then a mysterious flying box appears at the window of his waterfront home and Fergus is plunged headlong into an exciting adventure! The box is followed by a winged mechanical horse that whisks him off to meet his long-lost uncle and his penguin helpers, Finn, Bill, and Jackson. Fergus finds out that his teachers are not quite what they seem: they're actually pirates! Can Fergus and his winged horse save his schoolmates on the far-off Fire Island? And who else will he find there? title: Fergus Crane title: Corby Flood title: Hugo Pepper
F SNI	The Owlboy Series (age 8-11) by Tom Sniegoski action ... humor ... adventure Billy Hooten is a weird kid. He gets beat up a lot, and spends the rest of his time doggedly trying to build a robot. One day, Billy Hooten hears a cry for help coming from the cemetery that borders his backyard. Against his better judgment, he runs toward it. And after that, everything changes for Billy Hooten. Because Billy Hooten, you see, is Owlboy. A quick-thinking, goggle-and-feather-wearing superhero who protects the bizarre and monstrous citizens of Monstros City, a city that exists under Billy's hometown of Bradbury, Massachusetts. But is Billy truly worthy of the moniker Owlboy? title: Billy Hooten, Owlboy title: The Girl with the Destructo Touch
F SMI	The Hundred and One Dalmatians (age 8-11) by Dodie Smith mystery ... humor The daring, hilarious pack of hounds is at the center of this classic tale of canine intrigue.
F SIM	Secret of the Three Treasures (age 8-11) by Janni Lee Simner mystery ... action ... humor ... adventure Move over, Indiana Jones. Eleven-year-old Tiernay West is ready to take over in this hilarious middle-grade adventure novel. When Tiernay hears of possible Revolutionary War gold buried in her own town, little does she expect that its pursuit will have her running for her life.
F SEL	To Catch a Mermaid (age 8-11) by Suzanne Selfors humor ... illness/loss ... family ... fantasy ... magic When Boom Broom's mother is swept away by a twister, he doesn't think his life can get any worse. But when he and his sister Mertyle find a baby mermaid who grants unlimited wishes, he thinks his luck has turned--until his sister is hit by the curse of the merfolk.
F SAN	Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians (age 8-11) by Brandon Sanderson adventure ... fantasy ... humor A hero with an incredible talent...for breaking things. A life-or-death mission...to rescue a bag of sand. A fearsome threat from a powerful secret network...the evil Librarians. Alcatraz Smedry doesn't seem destined for anything but disaster. On his 13th birthday he receives a bag of sand, which is quickly stolen by the cult of evil Librarians plotting to take over the world. The sand will give the Librarians the edge they need to achieve world domination. Alcatraz must stop them!...by infiltrating the local library, armed with nothing but eyeglasses and a talent for klutziness. sequel: Alcatraz Versus the Scrivener's Bones
F ROB	The Best Halloween Ever (age 8-11) by Barbara Robinson traditions ... school ... humor The Herdmans plus Halloween have always spelled disaster. Every Halloween, the six Herdman kids steal candy, spray-paint other kids, and take everything that isn't nailed down. And this year promises to be the same, until the Mayor decides to up and cancel Halloween. True, that means there'd be no Herdman trouble to contend with, but that also means no candy, no costumes, and no trick-or-treating! Is it possible that the Herdmans themselves could make what looks like a horrible Halloween into the best one ever?
F REI	The Golden Hamster Saga (age 8-11) by Dietlof Reiche humor ... adventure ... brilliant protagonist Freddy is not happy with his boring treadmill life at the pet store. He continaully embarrasses himself in an attempt to get adopted. Freddy believes he will have a more civilized and exciting life as soon as he has a home. After a series of funny misadventures (including encounters with a fierce tomcat and two guinea pigs who speak in Shakespearean couplets) he teaches himself to read and write. He then pens his witty and heartwarming autobiography that tells of his journey to self discovery. A hamster has never been smarter or funnier in telling the tale of his exceptional life. title: I, Freddy title: Freddy in Peril title: Freddy to the Rescue title: The Haunting of Freddy: Book Four in the Golden Hamster Saga title: Freddy's Final Quest: Book Five in the Golden Hamster Saga
F ORR	Nim's Island (age 8-11) by Wendy Orr humor ... friendship ... adventure ... nature ... survival A girl. An iguana. An island. And e-mail. Meet Nim: a modern-day Robinson Crusoe! She can chop down bananas with a machete, climb tall palm trees, and start a fire with a piece of glass. So she's not afraid when her scientist dad sails off to study plankton for three days, leaving her alone on their island. Besides, it's not as if no one's looking after her; she's got a sea lion to mother her and an iguana for comic relief. She also has an interesting new e-mail pal. But when her father's cell-phone calls stop coming and disaster seems near, Nim has to be stronger and braver than she's ever been before. And she'll need all her friends to help her. sequel: Nim at Sea
F MYE	Surviving Brick Johnson (age 8-11) by Laurie Myers humor ... friendship ... school Alex is running for his life. After making fun of the notorious bully Brick Johnson, he's now convinced that Brick is out to get him. There is only one way to survive Brick Johnson, take karate lessons and become a powerful sensei. But after Brick shows up in karate class and treats Alex with respect, Alex's picture of him begins to change. How can Brick be a bully and a nice guy at the same time?
F MCA	Digory and the Lost King (age 8-11) by Angela McAllister fantasy ... humor ... adventure ... knights/castles/dragons King Widget has vanished, and once again Digory must give up his simple life of writing poetry and playing his lute to set off on a quest to find the beloved King. As usual, Digory’s journey is not without hazard, and Digory must find his courage in order to save the day. With some mud-slinging, a short stay in a dungeon, and (of course) dragons, Digory and the Lost King is a delightful companion to Digory the Dragon Slayer.
F MCA	Digory the Dragon Slayer (age 8-11) by Angela McAllister fantasy ... humor ... adventure ... knights/castles/dragons Nothing much ever happens to Digory during his walks through the forest. He mostly plays his lute and writes beautiful songs to sing. But one day, he finds a dragon’s tooth and his village assumes he’s slayed a dragon! They immediately make him a knight and send him off in search of other dragons to slay. Will Digory be able to face a snarling dragon but live to be an ordinary boy again?
F MAC	Troll Trouble Series (age 8-11) by Alan MacDonald fantasy ... friendship ... humor When a family of Trolls moves into the quiet suburb of Biddlesden, it’s likely that things are going to get ugly (and possibly hairy and smelly) very soon, since trolls like to roar as loudly as possible and stomp their hairy feet. Even worse, the Trolls have moved in next door to the Priddle family. BIG mistake, and sparks will fly! title: Trolls, Go Home! title: Trolls United title: Trolls on Vacation
F LIN	Dumpling Days (age 8-11) by Grace Lin realistic ... growing up ... humor ... identity Publisher comments: This summer, Pacy's family is going to Taiwan for an entire month to visit family and prepare for their grandmother's 60th birthday celebration. Pacy's parents have signed her up for a Chinese painting class, and at first she's excited. This is a new way to explore her art talent! But everything about the trip is harder than she thought it would be--she looks like everyone else but can't speak the language, she has trouble following the art teacher's instructions, and it's difficult to make friends in her class. At least the dumplings are delicious. As the month passes by, Pacy eats chicken feet (by accident!), gets blessed by a fortune teller, searches for her true identity, and grows closer to those who matter most.
F LIN	The Year of the Dog (age 8-11) by Grace Lin realistic ... growing up ... humor ... identity This funny and profound novel tells the story of young Pacy who, as she celebrates the Chinese New Year with her family, discovers this is the year she is supposed to "find herself." sequel: The Year of the Rat
F KUR	Leon and the Champion Chip (age 8-11) by Allen Kurzwell school ... humor ... math/science/technology Leon arrives in fifth grade armed with a backpack full of pens and pencils, binders and notebooks . . . plus a rag doll that's the spitting image of Henry Lumpkin, the bully who has Leon in his sights. If the doll works the way it's supposed to, Leon (and his buddies P.W. and Lily-Matisse) won't have to worry about Lumpkin the Pumpkin! Better still, Leon has a fabulous new teacher, Mr. Sparks, who conducts science experiments using that most miraculous of research materials: the potato chip. And a good thing, too. Mr. Sparks's lab work will come in handy when Leon is forced to take on Alphonse "The Chippopotamus" Cipollini at the annual Chipapalooza! Chip-Off. Sequel to Leon and the Spitting Image
F KUR	Leon and the Spitting Image (age 8-11) by Allen Kurzwell magic ... humor ... school "Leon and the Spitting Image" is about a hotel full of animals. It's about an evil ice maker. It's about glass eyeballs and human catapults. It's about really old panty hose and Possibly Fake Hair. But mostly it's about Leon Zeisel and his epic quest to survive fourth grade. What's stopping him? Two things. First, there's Miss Hagmeyer. She's a supernaturally strict teacher with ears that resemble giant rotting mushrooms. And then there is Leon's archenemy, Lumpkin the Pumpkin, a human tank with a deadly dodgeball throw known to all as the sidewinder. Luckily, Leon has two friends, Lily-Matisse and P.W., who will stand by him no matter what, even if his magical, mysterious plans for rescue and revenge involve . . . SPIT!
F KRU	Katie Kazoo, Switcheroo Series (age 8-11) by Nancy Krulik humor ... magic A magic wind turns Katie into other people, helping her see things from a different perspective, in these hilarious escapades. title: Any Way You Slice It title: Anyone But Me title: Bad Rap title: Be Nice to Mice! title: Camp Rules! title: Doggone it! title: Drat! You Copycat! title: Free the Worms! title: Friends for Never title: Get Lost! title: Girls Don't Have Cooties title: Gotcha! Gotcha Back! title: I Hate Rules! title: I'm Game! title: It's Snow Joke! title: Karate Katie title: A Katie Kazoo Christmas title: Major League Mess-Up title: No Biz Like Show Biz title: No Bones About It title: No Messin' With My Lesson title: Oh, Baby! title: On Thin Ice title: Out To Lunch title: Quiet on the Set! title: A Whirlwind Vacation title: Who's Afraid of Fourth Grade? title: Witch Switch
F KIM	Kaline Klattermaster's Tree House (age 8-11) by Haven Kimmel school ... humor ... family ... illness/loss Kaline Klattermaster LOVES his mom. ADORES his mom. But his mom can be, well, a bit forgetful sometimes. A bit lax. A bit...CRAZY. For instance, she's a bit crazy when she leaves him in the tub for THREE HOURS. Or gives him a chicken leg for breakfast...or forgets that he needs to go to school. AND he's not completely sure his mother understands how time works. She's been even a bit MORE CRAZY since his dad left. So it's a very good thing that the folks in Kaline's tree house are not so crazy. They understand him. They don't mind that he sometimes HAS to play his pretend bugle, and, of course, they are FULL of good advice on how to handle bullies. His mom hints that the tree house is imaginary. Kaline is UNCONVINCED.
F JON	Emmy and the Home for Troubled Girls (age 8-11) by Lynne Jonell adventure ... fantasy ... friendship ... humor Publisher comments: Emmy Addison is an ordinary girl...almost. If you don't count the fact that her parents are rich (very), her best friend is a boy (and a soccer star), and she can talk to rodents (and they talk back), she's very ordinary indeed. But she hasn't been that way for long. It was only a few weeks ago that Emmy and her friends Ratty and Joe got rid of the evil Miss Barmy, the nanny who had nearly ruined Emmy's life, and the lives of five other girls who went missing. Miss Barmy is now a rat. How much harm can she do?
F JON	Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat (age 8-11) by Lynne Jonell adventure ... fantasy ... friendship ... humor Publisher comments: Emmy was a good girl. At least she tried very hard to be good. She did her homework without being told. She ate all her vegetables, even the slimy ones. And she never talked back to her nanny, Miss Barmy, although it was almost impossible to keep quiet, some days. She really was a little too good. Which is why she liked to sit by the Rat. The Rat was not good at all . . . Hilarious, inventive, and irresistably rodent-friendly, this is a fantastic first novel from acclaimed picture book author Lynne Jonell.
F JOH	The Eidolon Chronicles (age 8-11) by Jane Johnson humor ... adventure ... fantasy Ben wants a Mongolian Fighting Fish more than anything. But when he goes to Mr. Dodds's Pet Emporium with his hard-earned savings, he buys a cat instead. He didn't have a choice, really. The cat insisted. Iggy (as the tabby likes to be called) has been kidnapped from his home, a parallel world known as the Secret Country. And as the two soon discover, Iggy is not the only animal to fall victim to the pet-store owner's devious scheme: Mr. Dodds is stealing the Secret Country's magical creatures and selling them to England's rich and curious. Away from their homeland, the imported dragons, wood sprites, unicorns, and saber-toothed tigers are rapidly becoming sick. The welfare of every creature with any connection to the Secret Country is under immediate threat. What's more, it seems Ben's mother is their long-lost queen. With his mother's life hanging in the balance, it's up to Ben to play his part in an ancient prophecy and prove he's worthy of the title Prince of Eidolon. title: The Secret Country title: the Shadow World
F HOW	Tales from the House of Bunnicula (age 8-11) by James Howe authorship ... humor ... mystery Dear possible reader of this book: I want to be a writer, just like my uncle Harold, who wrote a bunch of books about our friend Bunnicula. So I wrote this story. And boy! Did I ever get into trouble! My friend Delilah stopped speaking to me because I put her in my book. Uncle Harold stopped speaking to me because I didn't put him in my book. A writer's life isn't easy! But back to my story: It's about how a talented and lovable (not to mention smart) wirehaired dachshund puppy named Howie saves the world from a disgusting, evil menace named...oops, that would give away the story. But trust me, this menace is disgusting and evil, all right!!! Your friend, Howie title: It Came From Beneath the Bed! title: Invasion of the Mind Swappers from Asteroid 6! title: Screaming Mummies of the Pharoah's Tomb II title: Howie Monroe and the Doghouse of Doom title: Bud Barkin, Private Eye title: The Amazing Odorous Adventures of Stinky Dog title: Nighty-Nightmare
F HOR	Diamond Brothers Mysteries (age 8-11) by Anthony Horowitz humor ... mystery What would Tim Diamond, the world's worst private detective, do without his quick-thinking brother Nick? The bumbling detective and his kid brother are at it again in these hilarious, fast-paced mysteries. Find out if Nick can get to the bottom of these mysteries before Tim messes everything up, or worse, gets them both killed. title: Public Enemy Number Two: a Diamond Brothers Mystery title: South by Southeast: a Diamond Brothers Mystery title: The Falcon's Malteser title: Three of Diamonds: Three Diamond Brothers Mysteries title: The Greek Who Stole Christmas: a Diamond Brothers Mystery
F HOL	Piper Reed: Navy Brat (age 8-11) by Kimberly Willis Holt humor ... family It’s not easy being the middle child, especially when your dad is a Navy Chief. Meet Piper Reed, a spunky nine-year-old who has moved more times than she can count on one hand. From Texas to Guam, wherever Piper goes, adventure follows, inspired by her active imagination, free-wheeling spirit, and a bit of sister magic. Unlike her older sister, Tori, Piper loves being part of a Navy family, and unlike her little sister, Sam, Piper is no prodigy genius. Piper is Piper, fearless and full of life.
F HAM	Cal and the Amazing Anti-Gravity Machine (age 8-11) by Richard Hamilton fantasy ... adventure ... science fiction ... humor In this wacky, adventurous chapter book, Cal and his grouchy talking dog, Frankie, discover the joys (and pitfalls) of anti-gravity when they join forces with Cal’s inventive neighbor, Mr. Frout. This hair-raising adventure is a laugh-out-loud romp that lifts one boy’s curiosity about science to a new level!
F GIF	Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Stuart Little (age 8-11) by Peggy Gifford school ... authorship ... humor It wasn't as if Moxy Maxwell hadn't tried to do her summer reading. She and Stuart Little had been inseparable all summer, like best friends. If Stuart Little wasn't in her backpack, it was in her lap . . . or holding up the coffee table . . . or getting splashed when Moxy went swimming. But now it's the end of August, the day before fourth grade. And if Moxy doesn't read all of Stuart Little immediately, there are going to be "consequences." It may look like Moxy is doing nothing, but actually she is very busy with a zillion highly crucial things, like cleaning up her room (sort of) and training her dog and taking a much-needed rest in the hammock. Just look at the pictures her twin brother Mark takes to document it all (they're scattered throughout) and you'll see why it's so difficult to make time for a book about a mouse. Of course our heroine does manage to finish her book, falling so in love with it that she finds herself reading under the covers with a flashlight, late into the night. sequel: Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Writing Thank-You Notes sequel: Moxy Maxwell Does Not Love Practicing the Piano (but She Does Love Being in Recitals)
F FLE	The Fabled Fourth Graders of Aesop Elementary School (age 8-11) by Candace Fleming humor ... school An unlikely teacher takes over the disorderly fourth-grade class of Aesop Elementary School with surprising results.
F AND	The Great American Mousical (age 8-11) by Julie Andrews adventure ... humor ... the arts In the heart of the great metropolis of New York City, the bright lights of Broadway shine. And down, down, down, beneath a theater known as the Sovereign, there sits a long-forgotten architect's model ... the Sovereign's miniature replica. In this secret space, a troupe of theater mice busily prepare to stage their own show, "Broadway Airs." Among the cast and crew are Emil, the director; Harold, the character actor; Adelaide, the diva; and young Pippin, the intern. Rehearsals are in their usual state of chaos when suddenly the production is threatened by the imminent demolition of the theater and the devastating disappearance of Adelaide. As the clock ticks toward opening night, everyone is worried ... will the little Sovereign survive? How can they pull off the most important night in mouse theater without their star? Somehow, the show must go on!
F DOW	From the Highly Scientific Notebooks of Phineas L. Macguire (age 8-11) by Frances O'Roark Dowell humor ... friendship ... math/science/technology Here's what you need to know about Phineas L. MacGuire, boy-scientist extraordinaire, aka Mac: 1. He's allergic to purple, telephone calls, and girls, and can prove it. 2. He's probably the world's expert on mold, including which has the highest stink potential. 3. He does not have a best friend. He does, however, have an un-best friend, who he does not ... repeat, not ... want to upgrade to best friend status. But disaster strikes when his teacher pairs Mac and his un-best friend together for the upcoming science fair. Worse, this un-best friend wants the project to be on dinosaurs, which is so third grade. Worse still, it seems as though everyone else in his class finds the un-best friend as unlikeable as Mac does. But, being a boy-scientist, once Mac notices this, he just might have to do some investigating.... title: Phineas L. Macguire -- Erupts! The First Experiment title: Phineas L. Macguire Gets Slimed
F DIS	The Sloppy Copy Slipup (age 8-11) by DyAnne DiSalvo authorship ... humor ... school Brian does not have his sloppy copywriting assignment ready to turn in, and it takes all of his imaginative powers and storytelling techniques to prevent him from getting a zero.
F DAV	Garfield Collections (age 8-11) by Jim Davis humor Comics chronicling the hilarious antics of Garfield the cat, his canine friend Odie, and their owner Joh. title: Garfield Goes to Waist title: Garfield Hits the Big Time title: Garfield Keeps His Chins Up title: Garfield Takes His Licks title: Garfield Worldwide
F CUT	Rats! (age 8-11) by Jane Cutler family ... humor ... short stories Now entering fourth grade, Jason wonders if it isn't time to find a new look in clothing and acquires an unwanted girlfriend whom Mrs. Fraser unwittingly invites to dinner. Edward, a first-grader, must face a pre-Halloween haunted house complete with spaghetti brains, and experiences mother-hood up close when his pet rat Spike, who isn't supposed to, has babies. Each story captures another of the brothers' never-ending adventures.
F CUT	No Dogs Allowed (age 8-11) by Jane Cutler family ... humor ... short stories Five-year-old Edward and his older brother Jason find themselves in such wild predicaments as surviving a motorcycle convention and confronting the three-headed mysteries of their own backyard.
F CAT	The Chocolate Touch (age 8-11) by Patrick Skene Catling folklore ... humor John Midas loves chocolate. He loves it so much that he'll eat it any hour of any day. He doesn't care if he ruins his appetite. He thinks chocolate is better than any other food! But one day, after wandering into a candy store and buying a piece of their best chocolate, John finds out that there might just be such a thing as too much chocolate....
F CAM	The Wonderful Flight to the Mushroom Planet (age 8-11) by Eleanor Cameron voyages/journeys ... humor ... science fiction A mystery man inspires two boys to build a space ship which takes them to the planet of Basidium to help the Mushroom people. sequel: Stowaway to the Mushroom Planet
F BYA	The Cybil War (age 8-11) by Betsy Cromer Byars friendship ... humor Simon learns some hard lessons about good and bad friendships when his good friend Tony's stories involve him in some very troublesome and complicated situations.
F CLE	No Talking (age 8-11) by Andrew Clements friendship ... realistic ... humor ... school The fifth-grade girls and the fifth-grade boys at Laketon Elementary don't get along very well. But the real problem is that these kids are loud and disorderly. That's why the principal uses her red plastic bullhorn. A lot. Then one day Dave Packer, a certified loudmouth, bumps into an idea ... a big one that makes him try to keep quiet for a whole day. But what does Dave hear during lunch? A girl, Lynsey Burgess, jabbering away. So Dave breaks his silence and lobs an insult. And those words spark a contest: Which team can say the fewest words during two whole days? And it's the boys against the girls. How do the teachers react to the silence? What happens when the principal feels she's losing control? And will Dave and Lynsey plunge the whole school into chaos? This funny and surprising book is about language and thought, about words unspoken, words spoken in anger, and especially about the power of words spoken in kindness...with or without a bullhorn.
F BOS	Series: The Name of This Book Is Secret (age 8-11) by Pseudonymous Bosch mystery ... adventure ... action ... humor Publisher comments: Warning: this description has not been authorized by Pseudonymous Bosch. As much as he'd love to sing the praises of his book (he is very vain), he wouldn't want you to hear about his brave 11-year old heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest. Or about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances. And he certainly wouldn't want you to know about the hair-raising adventures that follow and the nefarious villains they face. You see, not only is the name of this book secret, the story inside is, too. For it concerns a secret. A Big Secret. title: The Name of This Book Is Secret title: If You're Reading This, It's Too Late title: This Book Is Not Good For You title: This Isn't What It Looks Like title: You Have To Stop This
F BON	The Extraordinary Adventures of Ordinary Boy (age 8-11) by William Boniface science fiction ... adventure ... action ... humor YIKES! Professor Brain-Drain is on the loose! This supervillain menaces the fine supercitizens of Superopolis, concocting evil-genius schemes and draining everyone's brainpower! (And in this town, there's not a whole lot of that to begin with.) NEVER FEAR! The AMAZING INDESTRUCTO will save the day! He is indestructible! He cannot be harmed by anything! He is the town's greatest superhero! Collect all sixty-four of his trading cards! BUT WAIT! A mystery is afoot in Superopolis. Why is it so hard to get a complete set of the collectible cards? Where is the last card hiding? Who is the real mastermind behind this sinister plot, and what is he planning? Forget the regular superheroes. In a city where everyone is extraordinary, this might just be a job for . . . ORDINARY BOY. title: The Hero Revealed title: The Return of Meteor Boy?
F BAL	Space Dogs (age 8-11) by Justin Ball humor ... science fiction It all begins with Laika, the first dog in space. Launched into orbit by the Soviet Union, Laika's craft is accidentally sucked through a wormhole and onto the Planet Gersbach, inhabited by highly intelligent but very tiny people. When a mysterious disturbance of gravity (D.O.G.) threatens to destroy Gersbach, Commanders Belka and Strelka are just the men to seek and destroy the source of D.O.G. Their vehicle: A highly sophisticated craft that looks exactly like a terrier. Blending in with the locals on earth should be no problem. And with the help of the Buckleys, a lovable Earth family with problems of their own, the mission to save their planet may still prevail.
F BAK	The Tales of the Frog Princess (age 8-11) by E. D. Baker princesses ... humor ... folklore ... magic ... fantasy ... action After reluctantly kissing a frog, an awkward, fourteen-year-old princess suddenly finds herself a frog, too, and sets off with the prince to seek the means--and the self-confidence--to become human again. title: The Frog Princess title: Dragon's Breath title: No Place for Magic title: Once Upon a Curse title: The Salamander Spell: A Prequel to the Tales of the Frog Princess title: Dragon Kiss title: The Dragon Princess title: A Prince Among Frogs
F BAB	Jack Plank Tells Tales (age 8-11) by Natalie Babbitt humor ... enterprise ... authorship Because he is too nice to be a pirate, Jack Plank looks for a new career, but each night he tells tales of why the one job he looked into that day is wrong.
F SOT	Off and Running (age 8-11) by Gary Soto humor ... school When they learn that Rudy Herrera and Alex Garcia, two fifth-grade class clowns, plan to run against them in the school elections, Miata and her friend Ana know that they face a difficult race.
F YOU	15 Minutes (age 8-11) by Steve Young fantasy ... humor ... sports ... magic Seventh-grader Casey Little is always late until he discovers a magic watch that takes him back in time, a trick he uses both on and off the football field. It's not that Casey Little is always late. It's just that everything starts a little too early. But when Casey discovers a weird little time machine, he figures he'll never be late again. Unfortunately, it's not a very good time machine. It can only go back 15 minutes. And it seems to have a mind of its own. Still ... what could possibly go wrong?
F YOL	Hobo Toad and the Motorcycle Gang (age 8-11) by Jane Yolen humor ... friendship During their stop at a roadside diner, Hobo Toad and Mac the truck driver are taken prisoner by a motorcycle gang.
F KIN	Pigs Might Fly: a Novel (age 8-11) by Dick King-Smith enterprise ... humor ... growing up Daggie Dogfoot, the runt of the litter, is in danger. The pigman, who takes all runts from their pens, is coming for him! But Daggie is a pig of remarkable qualities, and he's not about to let the Pigman get him. Instead, he runs away and decides to learn how to fly. But when he tries leaping off a cliff, he discovers another talent, a talent he'll need to save the entire farm.
F MAN	Chocolate-Covered Ants (age 8-11) by Stephen Manes enterprise ... humor Max and his little brother Adam make a bet about eating chocolate-covered ants.
F SMI	The War With Grandpa (age 8-11) by Robert Kimmel Smith family ... humor Peter is thrilled that Grandpa is coming to live with his family. That is, until Grandpa moves right into Peter's room, forcing him upstairs. Peter loves Grandpa but wants his room back and has no choice except to declare war.
F LAW	Captain Kidd's Cat: Being the True and Dolorous Chronicle of WM Kidd, Gent and Merchant of New York, Late Captain of the Adventure Galley of the Vicissitudes, Attending His Unfortunate Cruise in Eastern Waters of His Incarceration in Newgate Prison of His Unjust Trial and Execution (age 8-11) by Robert Lawson humor ... historical ... voyages/journeys ... animals ... adventure McDermot the cat sails aboard the Adventure with the infamous pirate and his crew, presenting an inside view of life on the high seas along with surprising revelations about his notorious master.
F KIN	Martin's Mice (age 8-11) by Dick King-Smith friendship ... humor A farm cat who doesn't want to catch mice keeps a family of them as pets in the barn; but then he is given away to a townswoman and acquires a new perspective.
F HIC	The Peter Potts Book of World Records: a True Account of the Astounding Feats of Peter Potts and Joey Gootz as Witnessed and Sworn to by Me, Peter Potts (age 8-11) by Clifford B. Hicks humor ... enterprise ... family Although he is angry and confused because of the impending arrival of his older sister's baby in a family he thinks is already perfect, twelve-year-old Pete finds a welcome distraction in his best friend's disastrous attempts to set several new world records.
F GRE	Eating Ice Cream With a Werewolf (age 8-11) by Phyllis Green humor ... fantasy ... magic A wacky baby sitter and her book of spells keep a twelve-year-old and his little sister guessing while their parents are away.
F GIL	Do Bananas Chew Gum? (age 8-11) by Jamie Gilson humor ... school Able to read and write at only a second grade level, sixth-grader Sam Mott considers himself dumb until he is prompted to cooperate with those who think something can be done about his problem.
F FUN	Ghosthunters Series (age 8-11) by Cornelia Funke humor ... spooky Nine-year-old Tom Tomsky can't catch a break: He's a klutz, his sister Lola pretty much hates his guts, and--this is a big "and"--he just found a ghost camping out in his cellar. Lucky for Tom his grandma's best friend just happens to be the world's foremost ghosthunter. Under her expert tutelage, Tom learns the tools of the trade--which just happen to include buckets of graveyard dirt--and soon finds he has to face down not just the ASG (Averagely Spooky Ghost) in the basement but the IRG (Incredibly Revolting Ghost) in town. All while keeping the nettlesome Lola off his trail.... title: Ghosthunters and the Incredibly Revolting Ghost title: Ghosthunters and the Gruesome Invincible Lightning Ghost title: Ghosthunters and the Totally Moldy Baroness title: Ghosthunters and the Muddy Monster of Doom!
F EST	The Witch Family (age 8-11) by Eleanor Estes traditions ... humor ... fantasy Old Witch, Little Witch Girl, Weeny Witch, and two real girls in a fantasy that blends the worlds of reality and imagination. A Halloween classic about the power of make-believe.
F 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.
F GRA	The Ugly Princess and the Wise Fool (age 8-11) by Margaret Gray princesses ... growing up ... magic ... humor ... folklore Can a seafaring fairy godmother, a wise fool, and an enchanted hairstyle keep Princess Rose out of trouble? "A very long time ago, when all the countries you've ever heard of were in different places on the map, a princess was born who was not beautiful. She wasn't even remotely pretty, and the whole kingdom was in deep shock about it." Princess Rose doesn't get any prettier as she grows up, but the kingdom does get over its shock. Everyone adores the skinny, buck-toothed princess, and she doesn't mind her appearance-until the handsomest prince in the world comes looking for a bride. Despite warnings from her seafaring fairy godmother and a wise fool named Jasper, reckless Rose wishes for beauty. She gets her wish, and the prince, but finds neither is as nice as she had expected.
F HUR	A Llama in the Library (age 8-11) by Johanna Hurwitz growing up ... humor Fifth-grader Adam Fine thinks that his two llamas will be a hit at the grand reopening of the town's library.
F 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.
F KIN	Charlie Muffin's Miracle Mouse (age 8-11) by Dick King-Smith humor ... enterprise ... animals After many unsuccessful attempts, lonely mouse farmer Charlie Muffin finally breeds a green mouse, finds true love, and wins the Best of Show at the Grand Mouse Championship Show.
F KIN	Mysterious Miss Slade (age 8-11) by Dick King-Smith humor ... animals ... friendship When eight-year-old Patsy and her younger brother befriend their old neighbor and her many animals, the children help the mysterious lady change her life. All the village children think Miss Slade is a witch. Perhaps it's the patch on her eye. Or maybe it's the ancient caravan she lives in, surrounded by six dogs, six cats, several goats, and a lot of chickens. But Jim and Patsy Reader know better. To them, Miss Slade is the eccentric neighbor who lets them ride her donkey, shares her lunch of chips and cookies, and makes them laugh out loud. But Miss Slade is still a mystery to Jim and Patsy. Why does she speak like an aristocrat? And where did she get that gold sovereign? It turns out Miss Slade does have a secret after all...one that brings trouble when discovered. Luckily, she has some friends...human and canine...who can help.
F KRA	Tales of the Wicked Witch (age 8-11) by Hanna Kraan friendship ... humor ... short stories Fourteen episodes in the lives of forest animals and their resident witch whose cauldron, much to her dismay, contains more fun than nastiness. sequel: The Wicked Witch Is at it Again!
F MAH	Tingleberries, Tuckertubs and Telephones: a Tale of Love and Ice-cream (age 8-11) by Margaret Mahy fantasy ... humor When his bossy grandma is called away to pursue the evil pirate Grudge-Gallows, Saracen is left to fend for himself. He soon encounters a rare tingleberry plant that changes his life.
F MAC	Mary Margaret and the Perfect Pet Plan (age 8-11) by Christine Kole MacLean family ... humor ... animals Mary Margaret is desperate for a pet. But her father is allergic to almost everything, and her mother is too busy with the new baby coming to focus on finding a hypoallergenic pet for her precocious, nearly-nine-year-old daughter. So Mary Margaret takes matters into her own hands and comes up with some very interesting ideas about how to get a pet.
F PEA	The Little Gentleman (age 8-11) by Philippa Pearce humor ... friendship ... magic A young girl's dull life is transformed when she meets and befriends an extraordinary talking mole that likes to be read to and tell of his own past exploits throughout the centuries.
F GUT	The Get Rich Quick Club (age 8-11) by Dan Gutman humor ... friendship ... enterprise We, the members of the Get Rich Quick Club, in order to form a more perfect summer, vow that we will figure out a way to make a million dollars by September. We agree that neither rain nor snow nor gloom of night will prevent us from achieving our stated goal, till death do us part. Gina Tumolo and her Get Rich Quick Club are determined to make their summer pay off. They're going to make a pact and hatch a scheme, and their small-town life will never be the same again.
F POR	Fat Fanny, Beanpole Bertha, and the Boys (age 8-11) by Barbara Ann Porte humor ... enterprise ... mystery When Bertha's father vanishes in the Bermuda Triangle, and Fanny's theater agent parents are secretly divorced, the girls decide to teach Fanny's triplet brothers to tap-dance to raise money.
F FLE	The Whipping Boy (age 8-11) by Sid Fleischman folklore ... humor ... adventure ... growing up A Prince and a Pauper. Jemmy, once a poor boy living on the streets, now lives in a castle. As the whipping boy, he bears the punishment when Prince Brat misbehaves, for it is forbidden to spank, thrash, or whack the heir to the throne. The two boys have nothing in common and even less reason to like one another. But when they find themselves taken hostage after running away, they are left with no choice but to trust each other.
F LEV	The Fairy's Mistake (age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine fantasy ... humor ... folklore In this humorous retelling of a Perrault tale, the fairy Ethelinda rewards one twin sister for good behavior and punishes the other for bad, only to discover that her punishment is more pleasing than her reward.
F LEV	Princess Sonora and the Long Sleep (age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine princesses ... fantasy ... humor ... folklore A spiteful fairy. A beautiful princess. An outstretched finger. A spindle. A hundred-year snooze. A charming prince. A kiss. All the familiar ingredients. But wait! Where did that extra prince come from? And those fairy gifts that were never there before? And what does a flock of balding sheep have to do with anything? Gail Carson Levine has waved her magic wand over the old standby of "Sleeping Beauty" and presto! It reappears, transformed, sparkling and hilarious.
F LEV	Cinderellis and the Glass Hill (age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine princesses ... fantasy ... humor ... folklore In this humorous retelling of a Perrault tale, a lonely young farm lad uses his unusual inventive ability to pass a nearly impossible test and win the hand of the neighboring princess.
F LEV	Fairest (age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine folklore ... humor The fairy Lucinda has once again given a dreadful gift. This time it's a mysterious magical mirror. The gift is disastrous when it falls into the hands of Aza, who never looks in a mirror if she can help it. In the Kingdom of Ayortha, Aza is most definitely not the fairest of them all. Many spurn her. Many scoff at her. She keeps out of sight. But in a land of singers, Aza has her own gift, one she's come by without fairy intervention: a voice that can do almost anything, a voice that captivates all who hear it. In Ontio Castle, merry Prince Ijori is drawn to it, and vain Queen Ivi wants to use it for her own ends. Queen Ivi would do anything to remain the fairest in the land.
F LEV	Fairy Dust and the Quest for the Egg (age 8-11) by Gail Carson Levine fantasy ... humor ... voyages/journeys Fairy Haven is abuzz with news about its latest arrival, Prilla. It's bad enough that she has no idea what her special talent is, but some of her behavior is remarkably, well, human. Prilla is heartbroken that she does not seem to fit in. She desperately needs help from Mother Dove, the most important creature in Neverland, who created and cares for the magical egg that prevents all who live in Neverland from growing old and dying. But tragedy strikes as the island is hit by a hurricane, and the Never egg is destroyed. Mother Dove must pick three fairies to set out on a dangerous quest to repair the egg. She chooses Rani, the best water-talent fairy; Vidia, the most selfish, but fastest fast-flying-talent fairy; and, to everyone's surprise ... Prilla. The three embark on a journey filled with danger, sacrifice, and adventure. The fate of Neverland ... and their world as they know it ... rests on their shoulders. sequel: Fairy Haven and the Quest for the Wand
F IBB	Not Just a Witch (age 8-11) by Eva Ibbotson fantasy ... humor ... magic Heckie, a graduate of one of the best witch schools, settles in the town of Wellbridge, determined to find evildoers and turn them into animals. But Heckie's do-gooding lands her in big trouble.
F IBB	The Great Ghost Rescue (age 8-11) by Eva Ibbotson humor ... adventure ... spooky Humphrey is a small ghost with a big problem. His family has lost their home, and they're off to find a new haunting ground. But soon Humphrey and his parents discover that ghosts all over the country are being turned out as dank castles are converted to cheerful tourist hotels. Humphrey knows something must be done to help the homeless ghosts. And with the help of a sympathetic schoolboy named Rick, maybe he can do something to aid all the ghosts of England after all. . . .
F MAC	No More Nice (age 8-11) by Amy MacDonald humor ... identity Eleven-year-old Simon has been raised to be extremely well-behaved, but when he goes to visit his unconventional great-aunt he discovers that not everyone has the same ideas about good manners.
F WIN	Hank Zipzer Series (age 8-11) by Henry Winkler school ... friendship ... humor Life (and school) isn't easy for Hank, but he always finds a way out of the hilarious situations he finds himself in. title: Niagara Falls, Or Does It? title: I Got a D in Salami title: Day of the Iguana title: The Zippity Zinger title: The Night I Flunked My Field Trip title: Holy Enchilada! title: Help! Somebody Get Me Out of Fourth Grade! title: Summer School! What Genius Thought That Up? title: My Secret Life of a Ping-Pong Wizard title: My Dog's a Scaredy-Cat: a Halloween Tail title: The Curtain Went Up, My Pants Fell Down title: Barfing in the Backseat title: Who Ordered This Baby? Definitely Not Me! title: The Life of Me: Enter at Your Own Risk
F STE	Fergus Crane (age 8-11) by Paul Stewart voyages/journeys ... science fiction ... school ... humor ... adventure Fergus Crane has an almost ordinary life, having lessons taught by rather odd teachers on the school ship Betty Jeanne and helping his mother in the bakery. But then a mysterious flying box appears at the window of his waterfront home and Fergus is plunged headlong into an exciting adventure! The box is followed by a winged mechanical horse that whisks him off to meet his long-lost uncle and his penguin helpers, Finn, Bill, and Jackson. Fergus finds out that his teachers are not quite what they seem ... they're actually pirates! Can Fergus and his winged horse save his schoolmates on the far-off Fire Island? And who else will he find there?
F CUY	Invisible in the Third Grade (age 8-11) by Margery Cuyler traditions ... humor ... magic Alex has fun fooling his family and his fellow third graders when he finds a brand of bubble gum that turns him invisible, but his pranks get out of hand on Halloween night.
F COW	How to Be a Pirate (age 8-11) by Cressida Cowell adventure ... humor Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third is now a pirate in training. The Hairy Hooligan tribe is off on another spine-tingling adventure, to find the long-lost treasure of his ancestor Grimbeard the Ghastly. Braving death, indentured servitude, and the ire of his shipmates, Hiccup proves himself the true heir of Grimbeard.
F COW	How to Train Your Dragon Series (age 8-11) by Cressida Cowell growing up ... humor ... knights/castles/dragons Meet Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, heir of the Viking chiefdom, but a boy with one very big problem: a hero he is not. How to Train Your Dragon is the riotous story of Hiccup's quest to hunt down the fiercest dragon, bring it into submission, and (hopefully) pass his initiation. Instead, he ends up with the smallest, most ornery dragon ... it's even toothless! Thus begins the hijinx of the world's most lovable, unlikely hero and a most reluctant "beast." title: How to Train Your Dragon title: How to Speak Dragonese title: How to Twist a Dragon's Tale title: A Hero's Guide to Deadly Dragons title: How to Cheat a Dragon's Curse: the Heroic Misadventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III title: How to Break a Dragon's Heart: the Heroic Misadventures of Hiccup the Viking
F COV	Thor's Wedding Day (age 8-11) by Bruce Coville folklore ... humor What could possibly make Thor--the massive and mighty god of thunder and protector of all his people--put on a bridal gown? It all begins when the source of Thor's power, his beloved hammer, is stolen. Unfortunately for Thor, the plan to get it back requires that he dress in fancy finery and be packed off to marry the king of the giants. Luckily, Thialfi the goat boy--along with his snarky charges, Grinder and Gat-Tooth--have come along. Working behind the scenes, Thialfi just may be able to save the day . . . which is only fair, since it's his fault the hammer was stolen in the first place.
F COV	I Was a Sixth Grade Alien (age 8-11) by Bruce Coville science fiction ... school ... humor The aliens have finally made contact! But when the first ambassador from another planet arrives, he insists that his son, Pleskit Meenom, be treated like any other citizen on Earth. Which is why Pleskit has become the first purple kid in Ms. Weintraub's sixth grade class. For Tim Tompkins, who has been waiting his entire life to meet an alien, this is like a dream come true. But when Pleskit invites Tim back to the embassy and they stumble across a plan to sabotage the alien mission, Tim's dream becomes a life-threatening nightmare.
F COV	How I Survived My Summer Vacation (age 8-11) by Bruce Coville humor ... spooky Spending the summer at Camp Haunted Hills should be full of adventure, right? Well, the campers get more than they bargained for when very spooky things start happening. Is the place really haunted, or is all the funny business created by the filmmaker who owns the camp? sequel: Some of My Best Friends are Monsters
F TRA	Mary Poppins Series (age 8-11) by P. L. Travers growing up ... magic ... humor ... fantasy An extraordinary English nanny blows in on the East Wind with her parrot-headed umbrella and magic carpetbag and introduces her charges, Jane and Michael, to some delightful people and experiences. title: Mary Poppins title: Mary Poppins Comes Back title: Mary Poppins in Cherry Tree Lane title: Mary Poppins in the Park title: Mary Poppins Opens the Door
F FIT	The Great Brain Series (age 8-11) by John D. Fitzgerald adventure ... humor ... brilliant protagonist ... enterprise The best con man in the Midwest is only ten years old. Tom, a.k.a., the Great Brain, is a silver-tongued genius with a knack for turning a profit. When the Jenkins boys get lost in Skeleton Cave, the Great Brain saves the day. Whether it's saving the kids at school, or helping out Peg-leg Andy, or Basil, the new kid at school, the Great Brain always manages to come out on top ... and line his pockets in the process. title: The Great Brain title: More Adventures of the Great Brain title: Me and My Little Brain title: The Great Brain Does it Again title: The Return of the Great Brain title: The Great Brain at the Academy title: The Great Brain Reforms
F COO	The Beloved Dearly (age 8-11) by Doug Cooney humor ... friendship ... enterprise Ernie is an ambitious young entrepreneur who runs pet funerals. Business is good--there are a lot of dead bunnies and expired ant-farm colonies--but it goes through the roof once he hires Swimming Pool, a tomboy who's a great crier. However, Ernie gets greedy and refuses to give Swimming Pool the raise she deserves. So Swimming Pool goes out on her own. This is a hilarous and touching book about commerce and friendship.
F CLI	Scared Silly (age 8-11) by Eth Clifford humor ... mystery Catalog: Sensible eleven-year-old Mary Rose, constantly at odds with her imaginative seven-year-old sister Jo-Beth, finds that they need to work together when an unplanned visit to a strange shoe museum and house of magic illusions involves them in the disappearance of a Chinese emperor's shoes.
F CLI	Help I'm a Prisoner in the Library (age 8-11) by Eth Clifford humor ... mystery ... adventure Catalog: Two girls spend an adventurous night trapped inside the public library during a terrible blizzard.
F CLI	Harvey's Marvelous Monkey Mystery (age 8-11) by Eth Clifford humor ... animals ... mystery Catalog: Harvey finds himself embroiled in a mystery when a monkey appears at his bedroom window in the middle of the night.
F CLE	Lady Ellen Grae (age 8-11) by Vera Cleaver friendship ... humor Catalog: Ellen Grae feels sure her father won't send her to stay with her aunt in Seattle if she proves she can be a "lady" and take care of herself.
F CLE	Ellen Grae (age 8-11) by Vera Cleaver friendship ... humor Kidalog: Ellen Grae is a master storyteller. The trouble is, no one believes her.
F CLE	Lunch Money (age 8-11) by Andrew Clements humor ... friendship ... authorship ... school ... enterprise Catalog: Twelve-year-old Greg, who has always been good at moneymaking projects, is surprised to find himself teaming up with his lifelong rival, Maura, to create a series of comic books to sell at school.
F CLA	Barney and the UFO (age 8-11) by Margaret Goff Clark humor ... family ... science fiction Catalog: Barney is afraid to tell his foster parents that he has seen a UFO behind the house even when a hasty promise to a space boy leads him into trouble.
F BUT	The Trouble With Jenny's Ear (age 8-11) by Oliver Butterworth math/science/technology ... friendship ... humor ... enterprise Catalog: Two boys experiment with electronics, and meet with extraordinary results. Jenny can hear people's thoughts!
F 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.
F CUR	The Flint Future Detectives Series (age 8-11) by Christopher Curtis brilliant protagonist ... mystery ... enterprise ... humor In the first book, Mr. Chickee's Funny Money, Mr. Chickee, the genial blind man in the neighborhood, gives 9-year-old Steven a mysterious bill with 15 zeros on it and the image of a familiar but startling face. Could it be a quadrillion dollar bill? Could it be real? Well, Agent Fondoo of the U.S. Treasury Department and his team of Secret Government Agents are determined to get that money back! But Steven and his best friends, Russell and Zoopy the giant dog, are more than a match for the Feds. After all, Steven is the president of the Flint Future Detectives Club, and the inventor of fantastic spying and detecting equipment such as the Snoopeeze 9000! title: Mr. Chickee's Funny Money title: Mr. Chickee's Messy Mission
F DEL	Kitty From the Start (age 8-11) by Judy Delton humor ... friendship ... school Kitty moves to a new neighborhood and eventually makes a successful transition into her new third grade. sequel: Kitty in the Summer sequel: Kitty in High School
F BRO	The Freddy The Pig Series (age 8-11) by Walter R. Brooks adventure ... humor Adventure and misadventure are in the air when Freddy the Pig joins the action. title: Freddy and Mr. Camphor title: Freddy and the Baseball Team From Mars title: Freddy and the Dragon title: Freddy and the Ignormus title: Freddy and the Perilous Adventure title: Freddy and the Space Ship title: Freddy Goes Camping title: Freddy Goes to Florida title: Freddy Goes to the North Pole title: Freddy Plays Football title: Freddy the Cowboy title: Freddy the Detective title: Freddy the Pilot title: Freddy the Politician title: Freddy Rides Again title: Freddy and Simon the Dictator title: Freddy the Detective; Freddy Goes to Florida
F DEC	Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade (age 8-11) by Barthe DeClements friendship ... school ... humor It isn't easy to be the new kid, as the fifth graders soon discover.
F VAN	How I Survived Being a Girl (age 8-11) by Wendelin Van Draanen humor ... growing up ... family Twelve-year-old Carolyn, who has always wished she were a boy, begins to see things in a new light when her sister is born.
F SOT	The Pool Party (age 8-11) by Gary Soto humor ... identity ... family While helping his father and grandfather work as gardeners in Fresno, California, ten-year-old Rudy sees some differences between his Mexican-American family and the wealthy families that live nearby.
F SER	Stinker's Return (age 8-11) by Pamela F. Service humor ... adventure ... science fiction Catalog: Alien agent Tsynq Yr, still inhabiting the body of a skunk, returns to Earth and enlists Jonathan and Karen's help in finding a souvenir from Washington, D.C., for a threatening space despot.
F SER	Stinker From Space (age 8-11) by Pamela F. Service humor ... adventure ... science fiction Catalog: An agent of the Sylon Confederacy, fleeing from enemy ships, crash lands on Earth, transfers his mind to the body of a skunk, and enlists the aid of two children in getting back to his home planet.
F RYL	Gooseberry Park (age 8-11) by Cynthia Rylant friendship ... humor When a storm separates Stumpy the squirrel from her newborn babies, her animal friends come to the rescue.
F ROB	The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (age 8-11) by Barbara Robinson traditions ... humor The Herdmans are the worst kids in the history of the world. They lie, steal, smoke cigars, swear, and hit little kids. So no one is prepared when this outlaw family invades church one Sunday and decides to take over the annual Christmas pageant.
F PUL	The Scarecrow and His Servant (age 8-11) by Philip Pullman adventure ... humor A scarecrow and his boy servant, Jack, set off on a dangerous adventure as they try to outwit the crooked Buffaloni family and stake their claim to valuable Spring Valley.
F NAP	The Prince of the Pond: Otherwise Known as De Fawg Pin (age 8-11) by Donna Jo Napoli fantasy ... humor Having been turned into a frog by a hag, a frog-prince makes the best of his new life as he mates, raises a family, and instills a new kind of thinking into his frog family.
F NAP	Jimmy, the Pickpocket of the Palace (age 8-11) by Donna Jo Napoli fantasy ... humor Jimmy, the froglet son of an enchanted frog-prince, tries to save his pond from the evil hag and in the process finds himself transformed into a human boy.
F JOH	The Spoon in the Bathroom Wall (age 8-11) by Tony Johnston humor ... family ... fantasy ... magic ... school Living in the Bloggins School boiler room isn't glamorous, but that's life for Martha Snapdragon, daughter of the beleaguered janitor. Life only gets weirder when Martha realizes bizarre events are afoot at the school. There's the dastardly dealings of evil principal Dr. Klunk and school bully Rufus. There's the dozen dancing eggs and the misbehaving dragons, property of the mysterious science teacher. And then there's the strangest thing of all: a giant golden spoon that simply appears one day, stuck in the wall of the school bathroom. Although everyone tries, only Martha is able to extract the spoon from the wall--an act that leads her to a destiny far beyond her meager life in the boiler room.
F HOW	The Celery Stalks at Midnight (age 8-11) by James Howe spooky ... mystery ... humor Chester the cat is more than ever convinced that Bunnicula is a vampire when there is a harvest of white vegetables on the morning after the night that Bunnicula was probably wandering through the neighborhood.
F HOW	Howliday Inn (age 8-11) by James Howe humor ... mystery ... spooky Harold and Chester are sent to the Chateau Bow-Wow when the Monroe family goes on vacation. When a French poodle involved in a messy love triangle disappears, Chester and Harold enter the crime-detection business. sequel: Return to Howliday Inn
F GIL	Hobie Hanson, You're Weird (age 8-11) by Jamie Gilson humor ... friendship ... school With his best friend away at computer camp, Hobie reluctantly shares adventures with a girl classmate the summer after fourth grade. sequel: Hobie Hanson: Greatest Hero of the Mall sequel: Soccer Circus
F AHL	The Giant Baby (age 8-11) by Allan Ahlberg humor ... fantasy ... family A story about a famous doctor, a criminal trial, a kidnapping, a gang of desparate men, a little girl who wanted a brother, and an enormous baby.
F SPI	Fourth Grade Rats (age 8-11) by Jerry Spinelli school ... humor ... realistic ... friendship Suds faces the transition to fourth grade with a bit of uncertainty, but soon finds that he has what it takes in this funny and touching school story.
F LAW	Ben and Me (age 8-11) by Robert Lawson humor ... historical The true story of Ben Franklin, as told by his closest friend and advisor, Amos the mouse. According to Amos, it was really he who was responsible for Ben Franklin's inventions and discoveries.
F JON	Stopping For a Spell (age 8-11) by Diana Wynne Jones fantasy ... humor ... magic ... short stories How do you get rid of an unwelcome guest? When magic is underfoot, the possibilities are hilariously endless.
F GUT	Virtually Perfect (age 8-11) by Dan Gutman humor ... science fiction Yip Turner spends more time playing computer games than with other kids. For him, virtual reality usually beats reality! So when his dad, a movie special-effects designer, brings home new software for creating virtual actors, Yip is psyched. He and his sister create "Victor," a boy who is smart, handsome, and charming--perfect in every way. But when Victor leaves cyberspace and invades their world, Yip realizes that there are bugs in the virtual-actor software. Now his family--and possibly the whole country!--may be in danger.
F GLE	Blabber Mouth (age 8-11) by Morris Gleitzman family ... humor An Australian schoolgirl who is unable to speak is embarrassed by her father's outlandish dress and behavior. sequel: Sticky Beak
F FLE	Mr. Mysterious and Company (age 8-11) by Sid Fleischman humor ... family ... voyages/journeys ... magic The adventures of a family of magicians traveling across the western deserts and plains in the 1880s.
F COD	Vive La Paris (age 8-11) by Esme Raji Codell growing up ... humor ... school Paris has come for piano lessons, not chopped-liver sandwiches or French lessons or free advice. But when old Mrs. Rosen gives her a little bit more than she can handle, it might be just what Paris needs to understand the bully in her brother's life, and the bullies of the world. This companion novel to the award-winning Sahara Special is an affecting look at what it means to be your brother's keeper, and how we hold onto hope when the world seems dark. (Rose-colored glasses optional.)
F COD	Sahara Special (age 8-11) by Esme Raji Codell growing up ... humor ... authorship ... school Struggling with school and her feelings since her father left, Sahara gets a fresh start with a new and unique teacher who supports her writing talents and the individuality of each of her classmates.
F 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.
F CLE	Otis Spofford (age 8-11) by Beverly Cleary humor ... school ... realistic ... friendship There was nothing Otis Spofford liked better than stirring up a little excitement, particularly at school. A less resourceful teacher than Mrs. Gitler would have found him pretty hard to take. But even Mrs. Gitler did not entirely relish the bullfight at the fiesta arranged for the P.T.A. meeting. Otis was disappointed at not being the toreador, but as the front half of the bull he managed to steal the whole show, to the annoyance of his classmates and his teacher. It was then that Mrs. Gitler suggested that Otis might someday get his comeuppance.
F BAN	Harry the Poisonous Centipede (age 8-11) by Lynne Reid Banks animals ... humor ... adventure Harry is a young centipede longing for adventure and excitement and burning with curiosity about the forbidden "Up-Pipe" and the "no-top" world it leads to. In spite of his mother's dire warnings, Harry and his friend George venture into the dangerous world above, where the dangerous "Hoo-mins" live. Harry's big adventure turns out to be even more terrifying than he thought, in this inventive and entertaining tale.
F ATW	Mr. Popper's Penguins (age 8-11) by Richard and Florence Atwater enterprise ... humor Mr. Popper starts out with one penguin in his house, but before he knows it there are twelve.
F GLE	Toad Heaven (age 8-11) by Morris Gleitzman humor ... nature ... adventure Limpy is on a quest to find toad heaven. A place where cane toads won't be blown up with bike pumps or bashed over the head with folding chairs. Limpy's determined to find this place if it takes him the rest of his life, but his plans are waylaid when he's kidnapped by some sinister-looking humans and tossed into a bucket. Will Limpy be able to save cane toads? Will he be able to find toad heaven? First he has to get out of the bucket . . . in this hysterically funny sequel to Toad Rage. sequel: Toad Away
F GLE	Toad Rage (age 8-11) by Morris Gleitzman humor ... nature ... adventure Limpy's family reckons humans don't hate cane toads, but Limpy knows otherwise. He's spotted the signs: the cross looks, the unkind comments, the way they squash cane toads with their cars. Limpy is desperate to save his species from ending up as pancakes. Somehow he must make humans see how fabulous cane toads really are. Risking everything, he sets off on a wart-tinglingly dangerous and daring journey to . . . the Olympics?
F AND	M. T. Anderson's Thrilling Tales (age 8-11) by M. T. Anderson mystery ... adventure ... humor ... science fiction ... authorship What sort of madman would unleash an army of stilt-walking, laser-beaming, thoroughly angry whales upon the world? Who cares! All that matters is that his dastardly plan be foiled. Lucky for Lily Gefelty, her two best friends are the intrepid stars of their own middle-grade series novels: Jasper Dash (better know as the Boy Technonaut) and Katie Mulligan (beloved by millions as the heroine of the Horror Hollow series). It's going to take all their smarts to stop this insane, inane plot from succeeding. Start with the first thrilling tale, Whales on Stilts. title: Whales on Stilts title: The Clue of the Linoleum Lederhosen title: Jasper Dash and the Flame-Pits of Delaware
F FEI	A Room With a Zoo (age 8-11) by Jules Feiffer humor ... realistic ... animals Nine-year-old Julie loves animals, and she's assembling a zoo in her bedroom. She collects a sick cat, a hamster, a big, ugly fish, six smaller fish that start to disappear, a turtle, a strong-minded kitten, an unresponsive hermit crab, and a borrowed classroom rabbit who appears to be dying. Julie's passion takes over her life and her family's life. The more she gets, the more she desires; but what she wants most of all, she can't have.
F CHI	Utterly Me, Clarice Bean (age 8-11) by Lauren Child mystery ... school ... humor It's not easy to concentrate at school when mysterious things are happening all around you. In fact, Clarice Bean is starting to feel just like her favorite heroine: Ruby Redforr, schoolgirl detective. Clarice and her utterly best friend, Betty Moody, are planning to ace their book project about Ruby and win the class prize, until Betty disappears into thin air, and horrible teacher Mrs. Wilberton teams Clarice up with the naughtiest boy in school. Will her new partner ruin everything? Will Betty ever come back? And what on earth happened to the silver trophy everyone's hoping to win? sequel: Clarice Bean Spells Trouble sequel: Clarice Bean, Don't Look Now
F LOW	Sam Krupnik Series (age 8-11) by Lois Lowry growing up ... realistic ... humor ... family Sam Krupnik enters school with some very strong ideas about what he wants to be and how. Fans of this series will enjoy the same author's books about Anastasia, his big sister, as well. title: All About Sam title: Attaboy, Sam! title: See You Around, Sam! title: Zooman Sam
F GAU	My Life Among the Aliens (age 8-11) by Gail Gauthier science fiction ... humor ... family Two brothers begin to wonder if it is their mother's unusual cooking that is attracting the aliens that keep showing up at their house.
F YEP	The Imp That Ate My Homework (age 8-11) by Laurence Yep adventure ... fantasy ... humor ... family Jim teams up with his grandfather, who is known as the meanest man in Chinatown, to defeat a powerful demon.
F YEP	Later, Gator (age 8-11) by Laurence Yep humor ... family Teddy finds that his imagination has gotten him into trouble once more, when he buys his younger brother Bobby an alligator for his birthday.
F WON	Minn and Jake (age 8-11) by Janet S. Wong humor ... friendship ... poetry Do you ever feel like you've somehow lost your true best friend? Minn feels this way. So does Jake. But Minn and Jake have no intention of being friends. Minn's a string bean. Jake's a shrimp. Minn's a girl. Jake's a boy. And in fifth grade, who wants a best friend of the opposite sex? But Minn and Jake are forced together by circumstances, which only strengthen their resistance, until Minn takes Jake lizard hunting. What a surprising way to choose a friend.
F STA	Donuthead (age 8-11) by Sue Stauffacher identity ... friendship ... humor Franklin Delano Donuthead, a fifth-grader obsessed with hygiene and safety, finds an unlikely friend and protector in Sarah Kervick, the tough new student who lives in a dirty trailer, bonds with his mother, and is as ``irregular'' as he is.
F REG	Monster of the Month Club (age 8-11) by Dian Curtis Regan fantasy ... humor Thirteen-year-old Rilla's life becomes chaotic when someone anonymously enrolls her in the Monster of the Month Club and little living monsters start to arrive in the mail. sequel: Monsters in the Attic
F PEN	Dumbstruck (age 8-11) by Sara Pennypacker adventure ... family ... humor When ten-year-old Ivy's parents disappear on the darkest night of the year, she tries to find them with the help of an orphan and her eccentric Aunt Zilpa.
F PEC	The Teacher's Funeral: a Comedy in Three Parts (age 8-11) by Richard Peck family ... humor ... school In 1904 Indiana, 15-year-old Russell Culver is raring to leave his small town. But he has a particularly eventful season of school ahead of him, led by a teacher he never expected--his sister, Tansy.
F PAU	Molly McGinty Has a Really Good Day (age 8-11) by Gary Paulsen survival ... humor ... family ... school Molly learns her wacky grandma was coming to spend the day at school with her. Now she's lost her notebook with everything that matters in it, including her homework; has a black eye; has torn her skirt. And it's only 9 a.m. Can things get any worse?
F 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.
F MOS	The Amelia Series (age 8-11) by Marissa Moss realistic ... humor ... letters/journal ... growing up Like spending recess with your best friend, Marissa Moss keeps us up to date with everything that's going on in Amelia's life. title: The All-New Amelia title: Amelia Hits the Road title: Amelia Lends a Hand title: Amelia Takes Command title: Amelia Works it Out title: Amelia Writes Again title: Amelia's Family Ties title: Amelia's Notebook title: Amelia's Boredom Survival Guide: First Aid for Rainy Days, Boring Errands, Waiting Rooms, Whatever! title: Amelia's Bully Survival Guide title: Madame Amelia Tells All title: Oh Boy, Amelia!
F MAC	Can of Worms (age 8-11) by Kathy Mackel humor ... science fiction ... friendship ... school ``Fellow citizens of the galaxy: I do not belong on this planet. I am being held against my will, trapped by ignorance and cruelty. You must save me. Take me away from this. I am desperately in need of your assistance. Please help me. Mike Pillsbury.'' When a frustrated plea to the universe attracts a motley crew of aliens determined to rescue him, Mike Pillsbury decides he isn't quite ready to relinquish life on Earth. Will his visitors, who all have something at stake, let him stay?
F LEV	Keep Ms. Sugarman in the Fourth Grade (age 8-11) by Elizabeth Levy humor ... school Jackie, who has always had trouble in school, begins to develop more self-confidence under the guidance of her fourth-grade teacher but is crushed when Ms. Sugarman is promoted to principal in the middle of the school year. What will she do now?
F KLI	Trial by (Jury) Journal (age 8-11) by Kate Klise humor ... mystery ... letters/journal Get ready for a trial unlike any Tyle County has ever seen. Sixth-grader Perry Keet is missing, and Bob White, his co-worker at Tyle Park Zoo, will stand trial for the alleged murder. But Keet's disappearance is only the beginning of this legal thriller.
F KEN	Circle of Doom (age 8-11) by Tim Kennemore family ... humor ... magic One day, Lizzie Sharp decides to concoct a potion to cast a spell on her family's only neighbors, the unbearable, ancient Potwards. The very next day, Mrs. Potward breaks her hip and the couple disappear forever. It could be just a coincidence, but Lizzie is convinced of her own magical powers, and the temptation to involve both her younger brothers in her ambitious spellmaking plans is irresistible. As one potion leads to another, all three Sharp children become ridiculously entangled in a web of secrets, conspiracies, and misunderstandings.
F HOW	Bunnicula (age 8-11) by Deborah and James Howe humor ... mystery This book is written by Harold. His fulltime occupation is dog. He lives with Mr. and Mrs. Monroe and their sons Toby and Pete. Also sharing the home are a cat named Chester and a rabbit named Bunnicula. It is because of Bunnicula that Harold turned to writing. Someone had to tell the full story of what happened in the Monroe household after the rabbit arrived. Was Bunnicula really a vampire? Only Bunnicula knows for sure.
F HIL	The Year of Miss Agnes (age 8-11) by Kirkpatrick Hill humor ... school Ten-year-old Frederika (Fred for short) doesn't have much faith that the new teacher in town will last very long. After all, they never do. Most teachers who come to their one-room schoolhouse in remote, Alaska leave at the first smell of fish, claiming that life there is just too hard. But Miss Agnes is different. For the first time, Fred and her classmates begin to enjoy their lessons and learn to read and write, but will Miss Agnes be like all the rest and leave as quickly as she came?
F HAR	The Secret Elephant of Harlan Kooter (age 8-11) by Dean Harvey friendship ... humor Harlan, a young resident of Pine View, Florida, tries to hide an escaped circus elephant, with unpredictable results.
F FLE	Jim Ugly (age 8-11) by Sid Fleischman adventure ... mystery ... animals ... humor Twelve-year-old Jake is thrown into an uneasy alliance with proud, one-man dog, Jim Ugly, when the dog's owner, Jake's father, suddenly disappears. Confident that Jim Ugly can pick up Jake's father's trail, boy and dog set out on the adventure of their lives.
F VAN	Shredderman Series (age 8-11) by Wendelin Van Draanen math/science/technology ... school ... humor ... mystery Bubba has been the bane of Nolan's existence for five long years. So when Mr. Green asks the class to become reporters, Nolan decides he'll write an expose... on Bubba. He doesn't want to sign his name to it (that'd be suicidal), so Nolan creates a secret identity for himself... on the Internet. He launches Shredderman.com as a place where truth and justice prevail... and bullies get what's coming to them. This hilariously triumphant story is for any kid who's ever dreamed of unleashing their own inner superhero! title: Secret Identity title: Attack of the Tagger title: Meet the Gecko title: Enemy Spy
F COV	Magic Shop Series (age 8-11) by Bruce Coville fantasy ... friendship ... magic ... humor Problems of the real world are nothing compared to the problems stirred up in Mr. Elives' Magic Shop, where young customers leave with more than they bargained for. title: Juliet Dove, Queen of Love title: Jennifer Murdley's Toad title: The Skull of Truth title: Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher title: The Monster's Ring
F BLU	Freckle Juice (age 8-11) by Judy Blume growing up ... humor If Andrew had an amazing number of freckles like Nicky, his mother would never know if his neck was dirty. One day after school, Andrew works up enough courage to ask Nicky where he got his freckles. When know-it-all Sharon overhears, she offers Andrew her secret freckle juice recipe, for fifty cents. It's a lot of money, but Andrew is desperate. At home he carefully mixes the strange combination of ingredients. Then the unexpected happens...
F SEI	Mean Margaret (age 8-11) by Tor Seidler humor ... family A pair of newlywed woodchucks, a squirrel, a testy snake, a skunk, a couple of bats, and a family named Hubble have their lives turned topsy-turvy by a tyrannical toddler named Margaret.
F SMI	Chocolate Fever (age 8-11) by Robert Kimmel Smith humor Henry Green eats so much chocolate he comes down with chocolate fever. How will he get out of this sticky situation?
F SCI	The Time Warp Trio Series (age 8-11) by Jon Scieszka knights/castles/dragons ... fantasy ... humor In the first installment, Knights of the Kitchen Table, Joe, Fred, and Sam are sent back in time by a magic book, they find themselves face-to-face with giants, dragons, wizards, and the Knights of the Round Table. Each book finds our trio in another wacky time travel adventure. title: Knights of the Kitchen Table title: The Not-So-Jolly Roger title: The Good, the Bad, and the Goofy title: Your Mother Was a Neanderthal title: 2095 title: Tut, Tut! title: Summer Reading is Killing Me! title: It's All Greek to Me title: See You Later, Gladiator title: Sam Samurai title: Da Wild, Da Crazy, Da Vinci title: Hey Kid, Want to Buy a Bridge? title: Marco? polo! title: Me Oh Maya title: Oh Say, I Can't See title: Viking It and Liking It
F SAC	Sideways Arithmetic from Wayside School (age 8-11) by Louis Sachar humor ... short stories ... school ... math/science/technology Sideways math teasers are Buried in this hilarious collection of stories from Wayside School. sequel: More Sideways Arithmetic from Wayside School
F SAC	Sideways Stories From Wayside School (age 8-11) by Louis Sachar humor ... school Humorous episodes from the classroom on the thirtieth floor of Wayside School, which was accidentally built sideways. sequel: Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger sequel: Wayside School is Falling Down
F ROC	How to Eat Fried Worms (age 8-11) by Thomas Rockwell realistic ... friendship ... school ... humor Billy makes a bet, then has to make good on it...fifteen worms in fifteen days. As hilarious as it is disgusting, Billy stands up for what's right in his own way.
F ROB	The Best School Year Ever (age 8-11) by Barbara Robinson humor ... school The Worst Kids in the History of the World! When anything goes wrong at Woodrow Wilson Elementary School, from the hexing of Bus Six to the mysterious disappearance of the kindergarten gerbil, it's sure to have a Herdman behind it. The Herdmans are more than famous-they're outlaws. They smoke cigars, lie, and set fire to things, and that's only when they bother to come to school! Then a school project forces the students to think of compliments for all their classmates-including the Herdmans. Is it possible that behind their outrageous pranks there may be something good about this crazy clan after all?
F MER	The Toothpaste Millionaire (age 8-11) by Jean Merrill humor ... math/science/technology ... enterprise ... brilliant protagonist Sixth-grader Rufus Mayflower doesn't set out to become a millionaire. He just wants to save on toothpaste. Betting he can make a gallon of his own for the same price as one tube from the store, Rufus develops a step-by-step plan with help from his friends, classmates, and math teacher. By the time he reaches the eighth grade, Rufus makes more than a gallon - he makes a million!
F MCC	Homer Price (age 8-11) by Robert McCloskey math/science/technology ... humor ... enterprise ... brilliant protagonist Six episodes in the life of Homer Price including one in which he and his pet skunk capture four bandits and another about a donut machine on the rampage, pushing out donuts just as regular as a clock can tick. sequel: Centerburg Tales
F MAC	Arthur, For the Very First Time (age 8-11) by Patricia MacLachlan family ... humor Arthur Rasby is ten years old and having the worst summer of his life. But when he goes to stay with his eccentric Great Aunt Elda and Great Uncle Wrisby on their farm, his world is turned upside down. Arthur's aunt and uncle do things his parents would never do, like singing to their pet pig, and speaking French to a pet chicken. Arthur soon realizes there's a whole world just waiting to be discovered.
F LEV	My Life As a Fifth-Grade Comedian (age 8-11) by Elizabeth Levy enterprise ... school ... humor Bobby's constant clowning has the principal threatening to send him to the School for Intervention, just one step away from reform school. Luckily, Bobby's teacher gives him one last chance: to organize a schoolwide laugh-off and get teachers and students to compete. Bobby knows he's got to make the contest a success. Will he be able to prove to everybody that he's finally got his act together?
F KLI	Regarding the Fountain (age 8-11) by Kate Klise mystery ... letters/journal ... humor ... school The Dry Creek Middle School drinking fountain has sprung a leak, so principal Walter Russ dashes off a request to Flowing Waters Fountains, Etc. We need a new drinking fountain. Please send a catalog. Designer Flo Waters responds: ``I'd be delighted...but please understand that all of my fountains are custom-made.'' Soon the fountain project takes on a life of its own, one chronicled in letters, postcards, memos, transcripts, and official documents. sequel: Regarding the Sink: Where, Oh Where, Did Waters Go? sequel: Regarding the Trees: a Splintered Saga Rooted in Secrets sequel: Regarding the Bathrooms: a Privy to the Past sequel: Regarding the Bees: a Lesson, in Letters, on Honey, Dating, and Other Sticky Subjects
F KLI	Letters From Camp (age 8-11) by Kate Klise mystery ... humor ... family ... letters/journal Sent to Camp Happy Harmony to learn how to get along with each other, pairs of brothers and sisters chronicle in letters home how they come to suspect the intentions of the singing family running the camp.
F KIN	Babe: The Gallant Pig (age 8-11) by Dick King-Smith brilliant protagonist ... enterprise ... humor A piglet destined for eventual butchering arrives at the farmyard, is adopted by an old sheep dog, and discovers a special secret to success.
F KIN	Ace: The Very Important Pig (age 8-11) by Dick King-Smith enterprise ... humor Ace is an intelligent, lovable, unlikely pig hero.
F HAL	The Chet Gecko Mystery Series (age 8-11) by Bruce Hale humor ... mystery In these hilarious mysteries, Chet Gecko can't think of anything but eating and sleeping. Nevertheless, he's called upon to foil sinister plots, catch wiley thieves, and take on vicious monsters. title: The Big Nap: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: The Chameleon Wore Chartreuse: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: Farewell, My Lunchbag: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: Give My Regrets to Broadway: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: The Hamster of the Baskervilles: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: Key Lardo: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: The Malted Falcon: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: Murder, My Tweet: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: The Mystery of Mr. Nice: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: The Possum Always Rings Twice: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: This Gum for Hire: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: Trouble Is My Beeswax: From the Tattered Casebook of Chet Gecko title: Hiss Me Deadly
F GAR	Top Secret (age 8-11) by John Reynolds Gardiner science fiction ... humor ... school Despite the disapproval of his parents and his formidable science teacher, nine-year-old Allen determines to do his science project on human photosynthesis.
F EST	The Moffats (age 8-11) by Eleanor Estes humor ... family Meet the Moffats. There is Sylvie, the oldest, the cleverest, and-most days at least-the responsible one; Joey, who though only twelve is the man of the house...sometimes; Janey, who has a terrific upside-down way of looking at the world; and Rufus, who may be the littlest but always gets in the biggest trouble. sequel: The Middle Moffat sequel: Rufus M sequel: The Moffat Museum
F ERI	Hank the Cowdog Series (age 8-11) by John Erickson humor ... mystery In the first installment, Hank the Cowdog, head of ranch security, is framed for the murder of a chicken and becomes an outlaw with the coyotes. title: The Case of the Double Bumblebee Sting title: The Case of the Fiddle-Playing Fox title: The Case of the Halloween Ghost title: The Case of the Haystack Kitties title: The Case of the Hooking Bull title: The Case of the Kidnapped Collie title: The Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse title: The Case of the Swirling Killer Tornado title: The Case of the Vampire Cat title: The Case of the Vanishing Fishhook title: The Curse of the Incredible Priceless Corncob title: Every Dog Has His Day title: Faded Love title: The Fling title: The Further Adventures of Hank the Cowdog title: The Garbage Monster From Outer Space title: Hank the Cowdog and Monkey Business title: Hank the Cowdog: The Wounded Buzzard on Christmas Eve title: Hank the Cowdog and the Case of the Fiddle-Playing Fox title: Hank the Cowdog and the Case of the One-Eyed Killer Stud Horse title: It's a Dog's Life title: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie title: Lost in the Dark Unchanted Forest title: Hank the Cowdog: Lost in the Dark Unchanted Forest title: Moonlight Madness title: The Mopwater Files title: Murder in the Middle Pasture title: The Original Adventures of Hank the Cowdog title: the Phantom in the Mirror title: Slim's Goodbye title: The Wounded Buzzard on Christmas Eve title: The Case of the Black-hooded Hangmans title: The Case of the Burrowing Robot title: The Case of the Car-Barkaholic Dog title: The Case of the Deadly Ha-ha Game title: The Case of the Measled Cowboy title: The Case of the Missing Bird Dog title: The Case of the Night-Stalking Bone Monster title: The Case of the Raging Rottweiler title: The Case of the Saddle House Robbery title: The Case of the Vampire Vacuum Sweeper title: The Case of the Missing Cat title: The Case of the Shipwrecked Tree title: The Case of the Twisted Kitty title: The Case of the Midnight Rustler title: Lost in the Blinded Blizzard title: The Case of the Booby-Trapped Pickup title: Hank the Cowdog: Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
F DOY	Rover Saves Christmas (age 8-11) by Roddy Doyle traditions ... humor Catalog: When Rudolph comes down with the flu, it's up to Rover the dog and the Mack children to help Santa complete his Christmas deliveries.
F DOY	The Giggler Treatment (age 8-11) by Roddy Doyle fantasy ... humor Catalog: A talking dog, the Mack children and the small elf-like Gigglers themselves must try to stop the prank that the Gigglers have mistakenly set in motion to punish Mr. Mack for being mean to his children.
F DAH	The Witches (age 8-11) by Roald Dahl fantasy ... humor Publisher comments: Would you know a real witch if you saw one? They don't ride on broomsticks. They don't wear black capes or pointy hats. In fact, they don't look like witches at all. But one thing is certain: A real witch is the most dangerous of all living creatures. So you'd better learn to know one when you see one!
F DAH	Matilda (age 8-11) by Roald Dahl identity ... brilliant protagonist ... school ... humor Publisher comments: Matilda is a genius. Unfortunately, her family treats her like a dolt. Her crooked car-salesman father and loud, bingo-obsessed mother think Matilda's only talent is as a scapegoat for everything that goes wrong in their miserable lives. But it's not long before the sweet and sensitive child decides to fight back. Faced with practical jokes of sheer brilliance, her parents don't stand a chance.
F DAH	Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (age 8-11) by Roald Dahl enterprise ... humor Publisher comments: Candy for life and a tour of Willie Wonka's top-secret chocolate factory was the prize for buying a candy bar containing a Golden Ticket. Here is the exciting, hilarious, and delicious story of the five prizewinners. sequel: Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
F DAH	The BFG (age 8-11) by Roald Dahl humor ... fantasy ... friendship Publisher comments: When orphan Sophie is snatched from her bed by a Giant, she fears that he is going to eat her. But as he explains in his unique way of talking, "I is the only nice and jumbly Giant in Giant Country! I is THE BIG FRIENDLY GIANT! I is the BFG." The BFG tells Sophie how he mixes up dreams to blow through a trumpet into the ears of children.
F COV	My Teacher is an Alien (age 8-11) by Bruce Coville humor ... fantasy ... school ... science fiction Publisher comments: Susan Simmons can tell that her new substitute teacher is really weird. But she doesn't know how weird until she catches him peeling off his face ... and she realizes that "Mr. Smith" is really an alien! sequel: My Teacher Flunked the Planet sequel: My Teacher Fried My Brains sequel: My Teacher Glows in the Dark
F COV	Bruce Coville's Alien Adventures (age 8-11) by Bruce Coville humor ... fantasy ... science fiction They're out of this world! title: The Search for Snout title: Aliens Stole My Body title: Aliens Ate My Homework title: Aliens Stole My Dad title: I Left My Sneakers in Dimension X
F CLE	Beezus and Ramona (age 8-11) by Beverly Cleary humor ... realistic ... family Publisher comments: It is not that Ramona deliberately sets out to make trouble for other people. She simply has more imagination than is healthy for any one person. In this first book of the Ramona series, our heroine establishes herself as one of the strongest and funniest characters in print. sequel: Ramona the Pest sequel: Ramona the Brave sequel: Ramona and Her Father sequel: Ramona and Her Mother sequel: Ramona Forever sequel: Ramona Quimby, Age 8 sequel: Ramona's World
F BAU	A Cat of a Different Color (age 8-11) by Steven Bauer humor Catalog: An orphan girl and a strange cat save the villagers of Felicity-by-the-Lake from the proclamations of a greedy, selfish and mean mayor.
F ALE	Gypsy Rizka (age 8-11) by Lloyd Alexander family ... humor Catalog: Living alone in her wagon on the outskirts of a small town while waiting for her father's return, Rizka, a Gypsy and a trickster, exposes the ridiculous foibles of some of the townspeople.

Sat Aug 25 11:55:25 2012 Other themes and genres