Fiction

WMS Favorites

Lisa, McMann:Unwanteds

Alex Stowe is one of the unwateds and he finds out that there is a magical world beyond the gates of Quill and he must learn all the new colorful things that were never and Quill. Alex must learn magic as quickly as he can so that he is prepared for the BATTLE.

Roth, Veronica: Divergent

One choice can transform you. Beatrice Prior's society is divided into five factions—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Beatrice must choose between staying with her Abnegation family and transferring factions. But Tris also has a secret that she must keep hidden, because in this world, what makes you different makes you dangerous. (Amazon)

Nielson, Jennifer A.: The False Prince

With civil war brewing in a discontent kingdom, a nobleman of the court devises a plan to find an impersonator of the king’s long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a boy named Sage. Treachery and decit slowly unfold as Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to a palace, and all the while he must be chosen to play the prince or he will be killed. (Amazon)

Dashner, James: The Maze Runner

If you ain’t scared, you ain’t human. When Thomas wakes up in the lift, the only thing he can remember is his name. He’s surrounded by strange boys whose memories are also gone. Outside the towering stone walls that surround the Glade is a limitless, ever-changing maze. It’s the only way out—and no one’s ever made it through alive. Then a girl arrives. The first girl ever. And the message she delivers is terrifying. Remember. Survive. Run. (Amazon)

Gibbs, Stuart: Spy School

Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he already know where he wants to work: C.I.A. Unfortunately, his personality doesn’t exactly scream “secret agent.” Because of his nerdiness, Ben is not surprised when he is recruited for a magnet school with a focus on science—but he’s shocked to discover that the school is actually a junior C.I.A. academy. Through a series of misadventures, Ben realizes he might be a halfway decent spy…if he can survive all the attempts being made on his life. (Amazon)

Series to Get Hooked On

Colfer, Erin: Artemis Fowl

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a millionaire, a genius-and, above all, a criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't fairies from bedtime stories; these fairies are armed and dangerous and they don’t play by the rules. (Amazon)

Collins, Suzanne: Underland Chronicles

When Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment building, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, a conflict is brewing between the humans and the giant creatures that live below. Gregor must find his place in the frightening prophecies he encounters, the strength to protect his family, and the courage to stand up against an army of giant rats. (Amazon)

Hunter, Erin: Warriors

For generations, four Clans of wild cats have shared the forest according to the laws laid down by their ancestors. But now ThunderClan is in danger. Rival ShadowClan is growing stronger, a traitor may be hiding in their midst, and rising tensions threaten every cat in the forest. In the days ahead, ThunderClan’s fate will rest in the paws of an unexpected hero: an ordinary housecat named Rusty, who might just turn out to be the bravest warrior of them all. (Amazon)

Kinney, Jeff: Diary of a Wimpy Kid

It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary. (Goodreads)

Lasky, Kathryn: Guardians of Ga’Hoole

Soren is born in the Forest of Tyto where Barn Owls have lived in peace for eons. But evil now lurks in the owl world that will shatter the forest’s peace and change Soren's life forever. Soren and friends make their way to the Great Ga'Hoole Tree where they join like-minded owls to boldly face danger and be tested in ways they never imagined. (Amazon)

Lewis, C.S.: The Chronicles of Narnia

Set in the fictional realm of Narnia, a world of magic, mythical beasts, and talking animals, the series narrates the adventures of various children who play roles in the unfolding history of that world. The protagonists are children from the real world, magically transported to Narnia, where they are called upon by the lion Aslan to protect Narnia from evil and restore the throne to its rightful line. (Amazon)

Montgomery, L.J.: Anne of Green Gables

When eleven-year-old orphan Anne Shirley arrives at Green Gables with nothing but a carpetbag and an overactive imagination, she knows that she has found her home. But she must convince the Cuthberts to let her stay, even though she isn’t the boy they wanted. Anne finds her way into their hearts through her charming, ingenious adventures in Avonlea, filled with colorful characters and tender escapades. (Amazon)

Patterson, James: Maximum Ride

Fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time. (Amazon)

Riordan, Rick: Percy Jackson and the Olympians

This series chronicles the life of Percy Jackson, a young troublemaker who discovers that he is a demigod, and that the father he never knew is actually Poseidon, God of the Sea. His journey begins at Camp Half-Blood when he is eleven, where he soon finds himself caught up in a dangerous quest with new friends. As the series progresses, Percy makes good friends, goes on treacherous journeys, saves the world once or twice, and becomes the hero that he was destined to be. (Amazon)

Rowling, J.K.: Harry Potter Series

The Harry Potter series chronicles the adventures of a young wizard, Harry Potter and his friends Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The series revolves around Harry's quest to overcome the Dark wizard Lord Voldemort, who aims to become immortal, conquer the wizarding world, subjugate non-magical people, and destroy all those who stand in his way, especially Harry Potter. (Amazon)

Sage, Angie: Septimus Heap

Septimus Heap disappears the night he is born, pronounced dead by the midwife. That same night, the baby's father, Silas Heap, comes across an abandoned child in the snow—a newborn girl with violet eyes. Who is this mysterious baby girl, and what really happened to the Heaps' beloved son Septimus? (Amazon)

Snicket, Lemony: A Series of Unfortunate Events

This series of 13 children's novels follows the turbulent lives of Violet, Klaus, and Sunny Baudelaire after their parents' death in an house fire. The children are placed in the custody of their distant uncle Count Olaf, who attempts to steal their inheritance. After the Baudelaires are removed from his care, Olaf begins to doggedly hunt the children down, bringing about the demise of a multitude of characters. (Amazon)

Stine, R.J.: Goosebumps

Goosebumps is a series of children's horror fiction novellas created and authored by R.L. Stine. (Goodreads)

Wilder, Laura Ingalls: Little House on the Prairie

The Ingalls family prepares a covered wagon and Laura Ingalls is forced to leave her home in the woods forever. The trip west is not easy, but Laura's spirited curiosity is heightened by the adventures they have along the way. (Scholastic)

National Award Winners - 2016 & 2015

Bradley, Kimberly Brubaker: The War that Saved My Life

When London is threatened by German bombs, many families make the choice to send their children to live with strangers in the countryside, Ada's mom didn't treat her well because of a disability, so Ada sees this as a chance to escape.

Jamieson, Victoria: Roller Girl

Graphic Novel. Astrid learns roller derby and it helps her survive the pitfalls of middle school. Heartwarming story for fans of Raina Telgemeier's Smile.

Ryan, Pam Munoz: Echo

One harmonica, four stories. The power of music to calm, heal and bring people together is explored in this magical historical fiction novel.

Alexander, Kwame: The Crossover

12-year old Josh Bell and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood. He's got mad beats that tell his family's story in verse. Josh and Jordan must learn to grow up up on and off the court and realize that breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as the story's climax proves a game-changer for the entire family. (Amazon)

Bell, CeCe: El Deafo (graphic novel)

Going to school and making new friends can be tough, especially when wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest. Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful hearing aid.. She just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. She eventually harnesses the power of the Phonic Ear to become “El Deafo, Listener for All,” declares a place for herself in the world and finds a friend she’s longed for. (Amazon)

Gaiman, Neil: The Graveyard Book

Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place—he's the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the customs of his guardians' time as well as their ghostly teachings—such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him. Can a boy raised by ghosts face the wonders and terrors of the worlds of both the living and the dead? (Amazon)

Graphic Novels

Pierce, Lincoln: Big Nate

Big Nate follows the adventures and misadventures of Nate Wright, a rebellious sixth-grader, and his classmates and teachers. He is a boy with little interest in studies or conforming to standards, which has led him into several conflicts with his teacher Mrs. Godfrey. Big Nate also focus on Nate's home life and friendships with his best friend Francis and Teddy. (Goodreads)

Telgemeier, Raina: Sisters

Raina can’t wait to be a big sister. But when Amara is born, things aren’t quite how she expected them to be. Amara is cute, but she’s also a cranky baby who prefers to play by herself. Their relationship doesn’t improve much over the years, but when a baby brother enters the picture and later, when something doesn’t seem right between their parents, they realize they must figure out how to get along. They are sisters, after all. (Amazon)

Geronimo Stilton books

Geronimo Stilton was born in New Mouse City, Mouse Island. He is the editor and publisher of The Rodent's Gazette, New Mouse City's most widely read daily newspaper. He is the author of more than 40 adventure novels, and the recipient of the Ratitzer Prize. In his spare time, Mr. Stilton collects antique cheese and plays golf. He also enjoys telling stories to his nephew Benjamin. (Amazon)

Waterson, Bill: Calvin and Hobbes

It follows the humorous antics of Calvin, a precocious, mischievous, and adventurous six-year-old boy, and Hobbes, his sardonic stuffed tiger. (Goodreads)

Books that have stood the test of time

White, E.B.: Charlotte’s Web

Some Pig. Humble. Radiant. These are the words in Charlotte's Web, high up in Zuckerman's barn. Charlotte's spiderweb tells of her feelings for a little pig named Wilbur, who simply wants a friend. They also express the love of a girl named Fern, who saved Wilbur's life when he was born the runt of his litter. (Amazon)

Paulsen, Gary: Hatchet

Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way to visit his father when the single-engine plane in which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a tattered Windbreaker and the hatchet his mother gave him as a present—and the secret that has been tearing him apart since his parent’s divorce. But now Brian has no time for anger, self pity, or despair—it will take all his know-how and determination, and more courage than he knew he possessed, to survive. (Amazon)

Spyri, Johanna: Heidi

What happens when a little orphan girl is forced to live with her frightening grandfather? Johanna Spyri’s beloved story offers an endearing and intelligent heroine, Heidi, a cast of unique and memorable characters, and a fascinating portrait of a small Alpine village. (Amazon)

Konigsburg, E.L.: From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

Claudia Kincaid decides to run away to a place that is comfortable, beautiful, and elegant. She chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. Once settled into the museum, Claudia and her brother, Jamie, find themselves caught up in the mystery of an angel statue that the museum purchased at an auction for a suspiciously low price. The quest leads Claudia to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the remarkable woman who sold the statue, and to some equally remarkable discoveries about herself. (Amazon)

Crane, Stephen: The Red Badge of Courage

Henry Fleming, a young soldier caught up in an unnamed Civil War battle, is motivated not by the unselfish heroism of conventional war stories, but by fear, cowardice, and finally, egotism. However, in his struggle to find reality amid the nightmarish chaos of war, the young soldier also discovers courage, humility, and perhaps, wisdom. (Amazon)

Baum, L. Frank: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The story chronicles the adventures of a young girl named Dorothy Gale in the Land of Oz, after being swept away from her Kansas farm in a cyclone. Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, Scarecrow, the Cowardly Lion, and a host of other curious creatures come to life as they set out on an quest down the Yellow Brick Road in search of the elusive Wizard. (Amazon)

L’Engle, Madeline: A Wrinkle in Time

This story chronicles the adventures in space and time of Meg, Charles, and their friend, Calvin O'Keefe. They are in search of Meg's father, a scientist who disappeared while engaged in secret work for the government. When the children learn that Mr. Murry has been captured by the Dark Thing, they travel through time, where they must face the leader IT in the ultimate battle between good and evil—a journey that threatens their lives and our universe. (Amazon)

Amazing Authors

Avi (Sophia’s War: Story of a Revolution, Fighting Ground, Nothing but the Truth)

Joan Bauer (Almost Home, Hope was Here, Close to Famous)

Sharon Creech (Walk two Moons, Love that Dog, Absolutely Normal Chaos)

Beverly Cleary (Dear Mr. Henshaw, Ramona the Pest, Henry Huggins, Ralph S. Mouse)

Andrew Clements(Frindle, The Janitor’s Boy, No Talking, The Map Trap, Lunch Money)

Helen Frost (Diamond Willow, Hidden, Salt: A story of friendship in a time of war)

Margaret Peterson Haddix (Among the Hidden,Found, Double Identity)

Kirby Larson (Hattie Big Sky, Hattie Ever After, Duke, Dash)

Cynthia Lord (Rules, Touch Blue, Half a Chance, Handful of Stars)

Mike Lupica (Game Changers, The Batboy, Fantasy League, Heat, Million Dollar Arm)

Louis Sachar (Holes, There’s a Boy in the Girl’s Bathroom, Dogs Don’t Tell Jokes, Sideways Stories from Wayside School)