Ms. Waterbury's Recommendations

"The Night Diary" by Veera Hiranandani (grades 5+)

I loved this story!  It sparks important conversations about what it means to be a family in uncertain times.  Middle school students and their parents will both enjoy this book.

"The Wild Robot" by Peter Brown 

(grades 3-7)

A wonderful story about friendship, community and accepting differences. Also, try the sequel "The Wild Robot Escapes" and "My Teacher is a Monster; No I Am Not!" by Peter Brown!

"Life on Mars" by Jon Agee 

(grades K-2)

Readers will love finding the Martian that has been wandering through the illustrations the whole time!  A fun story by a long-time children's book author that will generate a lot of conversations!

"Wishtree" by Katherine Applegate (grades 3-6)

Red is a special tree where people write their secret wishes. Red must work with the animals who live in her branches to save herself from being cut down while also helping a little girl find a friend.

"Gaston" by Kelly DiPucchio 

(grades K-2)

One of my favorite books!  A great story about how family comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes!  Check out author Kelly DiPucchio reading Gaston aloud on her instagram @kellydipucchio. 

"Small Spaces" by Katherine Arden (grades 5-7)

If you like scary stories, this one will keep you up at night!  Complete with haunted scarecrows, a corn maze and a trio of sixth graders who have to save their classmates from an evil spirit!

"A Wolf Called Wander" 

by Rosanne Parry (grades 2-5)

This story follows the life of a wolf, from a young pup in his den to starting his own family.  It is based on the life of a real wolf that biologists followed using a radio collar for many years in Oregon.

"Nowhere Boy" by Katherine Marsh (grades 4-8)

Thirteen-year-old Max is spending a year with his family in Brussels, Belgium.  So far, he hates it, until he finds Ahmed, a boy fleeing war-torn Syria, hiding in his basement.

"The Wall in the Middle of the Book" 

by Jon Agee (grades K-2)

There's a wall in the middle of this book and a young knight is sure it is there to protect him, until he finally meets who is on the other side.

"Thunder Underground" 

by Jane Yolen (grades K-5)

This book is a collection of poems all about things underground.  From a well-known children's book author, it is a perfect way to celebrate National Poetry Month in April!