Embedded Files
Students at Suffern Middle School are required to continue reading during the summer months. Research has consistently shown that reading as little as 15 minutes a day helps individuals to build vocabulary, comprehension skills, and overall brain health. The list below is compiled from the most popular books at Suffern Middle School. Each book is linked to additional information about the book. The menu on the top right will take you to the Summer Reading assignments for each grade level.
PARENTS, please note:
PARENTS, please note:
Because this list serves our entire building, please use your discretion as to which books best fit your child's development and maturity level.
Because this list serves our entire building, please use your discretion as to which books best fit your child's development and maturity level.
Action and Adventure
Action and Adventure
Stormbreaker (or any in the Alex Rider series) by Anthony Horowitz Lexile: 670
Alex Rider is a fourteen year old secret agent with serious crimes to solve around the world.
Other books in this series include: Point Blank, Skeleton Key, Eagle Strike, Scorpia, Ark Angel, Snakehead, Crocodile Tears and Scorpia Rising.
The Angel Experiment (or any in the Maximum Ride series) by James Patterson Lexile: 700
A group of genetically enhanced kids who can fly and have other unique talents are on the run from part-human, part-wolf predators called Erasers.
Other books in this series include: School's Out Forever, Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports, The Final Warning, Max: A Maximum Ride Novel, Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel, Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel, and Nevermore: The Final Maximum Ride Adventure.
Full Tilt by Neal Schusterman Lexile: 700
Blake and his brother Quinn go to an amusement park where death is the ultimate ride.
Tracker by Gary Paulsen Lexile: 1010
John Borne hunts with his grandfather to help his family survive, but cannot do it alone.
Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Lexile: 1020
Brian Robeson goes to the wilderness for adventure, and ends up with a lesson in survival.
Other books in this series include: The River, Brian's Winter, Brian's Return and Brian's Hunt.
Fantasy and Science Fiction
Fantasy and Science Fiction
The Wayside School Is Falling Down (or others in the Wayside School series) by Louis Sachar Lexile: 440
The Wayside School is thirty stories high, and full of odd people and weird occurrences.
Other books in this series include: Sideways Stories from the Wayside School, Sideways Arithmetic from the Wayside School, Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger and More Sideways Arithmetic from the Wayside School.
Timeline by Michael Crichton Lexile: 620
Donigen doesn't tell his historians that when he sends them to 1357, they may not make it back alive.
The Fire Within (or others in the Last Dragon Chronicles) by Chris D’Lacey Lexile: 630
When college student David Rain begins rooming at the home of Liz and her 11-year-old daughter, Lucy, he becomes aware of a variety of unusual happenings connected to the clay dragons that Liz creates and sells.
Other books in this series include: Icefire, Fire Star, The Fire Eternal, Dark Fire, Fire World, and The Fire Ascending.
Magnus Chase: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan Lexile: 630
Magnus is a troubled teen from Boston who discovers an impossible secret-- he is the son of a Norse god!
Transall Saga by Gary Paulsen Lexile: 630
Thirteen year old Mark goes camping in the desert, but ends up transported to an alien land.
The Red Pyramid (or others in the Kane Chronicles series) by Rick Riordan Lexile: 650
Fourteen year old Carter and his sister, Sadie, are kidnapped and an angry Egyptian god is unleashed.
Other books in this series include: The Throne of Fire, and The Serpent's Shadow.
Midnight Magic by Avi Lexile: 660
Fabrizio continues to practice magic, even though he is forbidden, which causes trouble.
The prequel to this novel is called Murder at Midnight.
Eragon by Christopher Paolini Lexile: 710
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy - until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed.
Other books in this series include: Eldest, Brisingr, and Inheritance
Graceling by Kristen Cashore Lexile: 730
Kasta, a warrior girl and Graceling, has special talents which are used for evil by her uncle, the king.
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle Lexile: 740
Meg Murray's life becomes complicated when she is told by an unearthly stranger about a tesseract, which is a wrinkle in time.
Other books in this series include: A Wind in the Door, A Swiftly Tilting Planet, Many Waters, and An Acceptable Time.
Artemis Fowl (or any in the series) by Eoin Colfer Lexile: 760
Artemis is a twelve year old criminal mastermind who has run-ins with fairies and other magical folk.
Other books in this series include: The Arctic Incident, The Eternity Code, The Opal Deception, The Lost Colony, The Time Paradox, The Atlantis Complex, and The Last Guardian.
Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt Lexile: 770
Winnie Foster encounters the mysterious Tuck family, who never seem to age
The Maze Runner by James Dashner Lexile: 770
Thomas finds himself trapped, with no memory of who he is or how he got to Gladea. All he knows is that he now must survive.
Other books in this series include: The Scorch Trials, The Death Cure, and the prequel The Kill Order.
Life As We Knew It (or others in the Last Survivors series) by Susan Beth Pfeffer Lexile: 770
Miranda takes her typical life for granted, until a meteor hits, pushing the moon off its axis and causing worldwide earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions.
Other books in this series include: The Dead and the Gone, The World We Live In and The Shade of the Moon
Eighth Grade Bites (or others in the Chronicles of Vladmir Tod series) by Heather Brewer Lexile: 780
Thirteen year old Vladmir Tod has to keep his vampire urges under control while dealing with the pressures of middle school and trying to solve the mystery of his parents’ death.
Other books in this series include: Ninth Grade Slays, Tenth Grade Bleeds, Eleventh Grade Burns, and Twelfth Grade Kills.
The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden Lexile: 780
Chester Cricket mistakenly leaves Connecticut and lands in New York City.
The Shadow Children Series: Among the Hidden by Margaret Peterson Haddix Lexile: 800
In a future where the Population Police consider having too many children a crime, Luke is an illegal third child living a life of isolation in fear of being discovered.
Other books in this series include: Among the Impostors, Among the Betrayed, Among the Barons, Among the Brave, Among the Enemy, and Among the Free
The Name of This Book is Secret (or others in the Secret series) by Pseudonymous Bosch Lexile: 810
Cass and Max-Ernest two intrepid kids who uncover a mysterious society bent on immortality, which gets them in and out of all manner of trouble.
Other books in this series include: If You're Reading This, It's Too Late, This Book Is Not Good For You, This Isn't What It Looks Like, and You Have to Stop This.
Dodger and Me by Jordan Sonnenblick Lexile: 810
What would you do if your best friend was: 1. Imaginary? 2. An oversize blue chimp in surfer shorts? 3. Proposing a plan to help you improve your life? 4. Did we say imaginary? 5. Driving you crazy?!?!
Other books in this series include: Dodger for President and Dodger for Sale
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Lexile: 820
Somewhere in Britain, "the man Jack" uses his razor-sharp knife to murder a family, but the youngest boy, a toddler, slips away to the cemetery where he is named Bod and is raised by the ghosts who live there.
Briar Rose by Jane Yolen Lexile: 820
Rebecca Berlin realizes when her grandmother Gemma dies, the secret to her life lies in the story of Sleeping Beauty.
Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs Lexile: 890
A strange "accidental death" in the family and a strange message from his dead grandfather lead the 16-year-old Jacob to a mysterious island off the coast of Wales, which, during the war, housed Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Other books in this series include: Hollow City and Library of Souls Graphic novel versions of this series are available. This title is also available in Spanish.
Hawksong (or others in the Kieshar'ra series) by Amelia Atwater-Rhodes Lexile: 930
The Avian and the Serpentine people have been at war for ages. It is up to Danica and Zane to unite them.
Other books in this series include: Snakecharm, Falcondance, Wolfcry, and Wyvernhail.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe (or others in the series) by C.S. Lewis Lexile: 940
While hiding in a closet during a game of hide and seek, Lucy finds a mystical world called Narnia.
Other books in this series include: Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia, The Voyage of the Dawn Treader, The Silver Chair, The Horse and His Boy, The Magician's Nephew, and The Last Battle.
Summerland by Michael Chabon Lexile: 950
Ethan Feld, who can't play baseball, is recruited by ferishers to help save their world from destruction.
The Hobbit (or any in the Lord of the Rings series) by J.R.R. Tolkien Lexile: 1000
Bilbo Baggins, a simple Hobbit, is swept into adventure by the wizard Gandalf the Grey.
Other books in this series include: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.
A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning (or any in the series) by Lemony Snicket Lexile: 1010
The Baudelaire children are left orphaned and at the mercy of the evil Count Olaf.
Other books in this series include: The Reptile Room, The Wide Window, The Miserable Mill, The Austere Academy, The Ersatz Elevator, The Vile Village, The Hostile Hospital, The Carnivorous Carnival, The Slippery Slope, The Grim Grotto, The Penultimate Peril and The End.
A Wizard of Earthsea (or others in the series) by Ursula K. LeGuin Lexile: 1150
Sparrowhawk becomes a wizard's apprentice and realizes his fate is more important than he ever thought possible.
Other books in this series include: The Tombs of Atuan , The Farthest Shore, and Tehan.
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline The year is 2044, and like most people, Wade Watts escapes reality through playing a virtual reality game, OASIS. However, playing this particular game and solving its puzzles may have real life rewards for Wade...as well as real life consequences.
The sequel to this novel is Ready Player Two
Historical Fiction
Historical Fiction
Ghost Boys by Jewell Parker Rhodes Lexile: 360 Towers Falling by Jewell Parker Rhodes Lexile: 410
When 12 year old Jerome is accidentally shot by police, Deja is interested when her teacher tells them that they
his soul lingers and observes the pain in his community. will learn about the two tall towers that once stood near
He discovers a community on the other side, the Ghost Boys, their school. However, as she, and her new friends Ben
and learns the story of Emmett Till, which helps him cope and Sabeen, dig deeper, she comes to understand that
with moving from this world to the next. healing a community sometimes takes a lifetime.
Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys Lexile: 490
Lina is just like any other fifteen-year-old Lithuanian girl in 1941. She paints, she draws, she gets crushes on boys. Until one night when Soviet officers barge into her home, tearing her family from the comfortable life they've known.
Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner Lexile: 550
Willy is determined to beat Stone Fox at the dogsled race, and save his grandfather's farm.
Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay Lexile: 610
Julia is a 45 year old woman who researches the past of her new home—a past that includes the tragic story of the Starzynski family’s plight during the Holocaust and their only surviving member, their daughter, Sarah.
Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm Lexile: 610
Eleven year old Turtle is sent away to Key West to be raised by relatives during the Great Depression.
A Year Down Yonder by Richard Peck Lexile: 610
It's 1937, and Mary Alice has been sent for a year-long stay in rural Illinois with her rough and gruff grandmother.
Number the Stars by Lois Lowry Lexile: 670
During World War II, Annemarie Johansen learns about the power of evil, the strength of family, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship, as she attempts to save the life of her Jewish friend, Ellen.
Journey Home by Yoshiko Uchida Lexile: 890
After their release from an internment camp, a Japanese-American girl and her family try to reconstruct their lives.
Anne of Green Gables (or others in the series) by Lucy Maude Montgomery Lexile: 970
When Anne Shirley is adopted by Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, their adventures begin, and their lives change forever.
Other books in this series include: Anne of Avonlea, Anne of the Island, Anne of Windy Poplars, Anne's House of Dreams, Anne of Ingleside, Rainbow Valley and Rilla of Ingleside.
Emily of New Moon (or others in the series) by Lucy Maude Montgomery Lexile: 1060
Emily Starr is an orphan who has to adjust to life with her strict Aunt Elizabeth.
Other books in this series include: Emily Climbs and Emily's Quest.
Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne Lexile: 1070
Phileas Fogg and his manservant set out to win a wager by travelling around the world in 80 days.
Call of the Wild by Jack London Lexile: 1120
Buck is a family pet stolen from his comfortable home and brought to the wilderness of Alaska where he must learn to survive.
Catherine, Called Birdy by Karen Cushman Lexile: 1170
Set during medieval times, Catherine manages to put off her marriage and find time to grow.
Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Lexile: 1300
Jo March and her sisters discover the triumphs and heartaches of life during the 1800's.
Other books in this series include: Good Wives, Little Men, and Jo's Boys.
The Rifle by Gary Paulsen Lexile: 1480
Beginning during the American Revolution and coming down to present day, a treasured rifle is passed down through generations.
Mystery and Suspense
Mystery and Suspense
Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective (or any in the series) by Donald J. Sobol Lexile: 560
Encyclopedia Brown is eleven years old and solves mysteries daily in his home town.
Murder on the Orient Express (or others in the Poirot series) by Agatha Christie Lexile: 640
Hercule Poirot takes a train ride that drives him straight into the mystery of who killed a passenger.
The Face on the Milk Carton by Caroline B. Cooney Lexile: 660
Janie loves her life, until one day she sees an ad for a missing child-which happens to be her!
Other books in this series include: Whatever Happened to Janie, The Voice on the Radio, What Janie Found, and Janie Face to Face.
The Tower Treasure (or any book in the Hardy Boys series) by Franklin Dixon Lexile: 740
Frank and Joe Hardy work as undercover agents for ATAC (American Teens Against Crime).
The Secret of the Old Clock (or any book in the Nancy Drew series) by Franklin Dixon Lexile: 760
In the first of Nancy's adventures, she searches for a will, which then leads to intrigue and suspense.
Wanted by Caroline B. Cooney Lexile: 780
Alice's father has been murdered and she is being framed for the crime!
Weasel by Cynthia DeFelice Lexile: 870
Twelve year old Nathan sets out to find the villain, Weasel, who has victimized his family.
The Golden Compass (or others in the series) by Phillip Pullman Lexile: 930
Lyra's world is full of intrigue, as she foils a plot to kill her powerful uncle, and is swept up in mysteries.
Other books in this series include: The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass.
Realistic Fiction
Realistic Fiction
Sleeping Freshmen Never Lie by David Lubar Lexile: 560
Scott Hudson writes advice to his unborn brother on how to survive Freshman year of high school.
Dogs Don't Tell Jokes by Louis Sachar Lexile: 560
Gary tries to be funny, even though no one laughs at his jokes.
Searching for David's Heart by Cherie Bennett Lexile: 590
After a tragic accident, Darcy searches for the person who has her brother's donated heart.
Stargirl by Jerry Spinnelli Lexile: 590
Stargirl Caraway marches to the beat of her own drummer despite the reaction of those at Mica High.
The sequel to this novel is called Love, Stargirl.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (or any in the series) by Ann Brashares Lexile: 600
Four girls share adventure, friendship, and a pair of jeans.
Other books in this series include: The Second Summer of the Sisterhood, Girls in Pants: The Third Summer of the Sisterhood, Forever in Blue:The Fourth Summer of the Sisterhood, Three Willows: The Sisterhood Grows, and Sisterhood Everlasting: A Novel.
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko Lexile: 600
Moose must take care of his sister, Natalie, who struggles with Autism.
Others in this series include: Al Capone Shines My Shoes and Al Capone Does My Homework
The Report Card by Andrew Clements Lexile: 700
Fifth grader Nora Rowley is a genius in hiding, and hopes to prove that grades and standardized testing are not true reflections of a person's intelligence or abilities.
Middle School: The Worst Years of My Life by James Patterson Lexile: 700
It's Rafe Khatchadorian's first day at Hills Village Middle School, and it's shaping up to be the worst year ever. Luckily, Rafe has a plan to break every rule in his school, and make himself and his school year the stuff of legends!
Others in this series include: Middle School: Get Me Out of Here! , Middle School: My Brother is a Big Fat Liar and Middle School: How I Survived Bullies, Broccoli, and Snake Hill
Slob by Ellen Potter Lexile: 740
Misfit Owen is challenged by personal struggles and tries to invent gadgets to help him gain closure.
13 Little Blue Envelopes by Maureen Johnson Lexile: 770
Seventeen year old Ginny learns about life and love as she follows the odd instructions of Aunt Peg, opening an envelope at each exotic destination to which she is sent.
The sequel to this novel is called The Last Little Blue Envelope.
Curveball: The Year I Lost My Grip by Jordan Sonnenblick Lexile: 800L
Meet Peter Friedman, high school freshman. talented photographer. and former baseball star. When a freakish injury ends his pitching career, Peter has some major things to figure out. Is there life after sports?
Famous by Todd Strasser Lexile: 800
At 14, Jamie Gordon took some photos of a famous model’s embarrassing moment and sold them to a tabloid, which led to her own first taste of fame. Now 16 and a professional paparazzo, she’s in LA to document a week in the life of starlet Willow Twine. A mystery and moral dilemma ensues when Jamie discovers six photos on her camera that could ruin Willow’s career.
Just Listen by Sarah Dessen Lexile: 810
Annabel Greene seemingly had everything: cool friends, close family, good grades, and a part-time modeling career in town.
When it all comes crashing down, Annabel spends the summer in shaky, self-imposed exile.
Frindle by Andrew Clements Lexile: 830
Ten year old Nick Allen discovers the true power of words when he attempts to create his own new word.
Are You Experienced by Jordan Sonnenblick Lexile: 840L
Rich is fifteen and plays guitar. When he gets in trouble he steals his dad’s prized possession: an electric guitar signed by Jimi Hendrix. Before he knows it, Rich is transported back in time to Woodstock in 1969.
My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult Lexile: 840
Anna Fitzgerald’s parents gave birth to her in order to help her sister Kate survive, but when Anna turns 13, she sues for the freedom to choose what will be done with her body.
Zen and the Art of Faking It by Jordan Sonnenblick Lexile: 840L
When eighth-grader San Lee moves to a new town and a new school for the umpteenth time, he doesn't try to make new friends or be a loner or play cool. Instead he sits back and devises a plan to be totally different.
Bloomability by Sharon Creech Lexile: 850
Thirteen year old Dinnie Doone is plucked out of her troubled life by her aunt and uncle and whisked away to an international school
in Switzerland.
All American Girl by Meg Cabot Lexile: 880
Samantha is a fifteen year old rebel, who accidentally becomes America's sweetheart when she saves the President.
The sequel to this novel is called Ready or Not.
Shiloh (or others in the series) by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor Lexile: 890
When eleven year old Marty Preston finds a mistreated and abused beagle puppy, he has difficult choices to make about what he should do.
Other books in this series include: Shiloh Season and Saving Shiloh.
Notes From the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick Lexile: 930 L
16-year-old Alex decides to get even. His parents are separated, his father is dating his former third-grade teacher, and being 16 isn't easy. Instead of revenge though, Alex ends up in trouble with the law and is ordered to do community service at a senior center where he is assigned to Solomon Lewis, a "difficult" senior with a lot of gusto.
Drums, Girls and Dangerous Pie by Jordan Sonnenblick Lexile: 940
Steven Alper's life is typical, until his little brother is diagnosed with leukemia and he has to hold his family together.
The sequel to this novel is called After Ever After.
The Diary of a Wimpy Kid (or others in the Wimpy Kid series) by Jeff Kinney Lexile: 950
Greg Heffley’s mother forces him to keep a diary, in which he shares the daily drama of trying to survive middle school.
Other books in this series include: Rodrick Rules, The Last Straw, Dog Days, The Ugly Truth, Cabin Fever, The Third Wheel, Hard Luck, The Long Haul and Old School.
Joey Pigza Swallowed the Key (or others in the Joey Pigza series) by Jack Gantos Lexile: 970
Trouble seems to follow Joey Pigza everywhere he goes.
Other books in this series include: Joey Pigza Loses Control, What Would Joey Pigza Do? and I Am Not Joey Pigza.
Stories of Self Discovery
Stories of Self Discovery
The Music of Dolphins by Karen Hesse Lexile: 560
Mila has been raised by dolphins, and must be taken to a research facility to learn to be human.
Homecoming by Cynthia Voigt Lexile: 630
The story of the Tillerman children takes them on a journey to a new home after their mother abandons them.
Other books in this series include: Dicey's Song, A Solitary Blue, The Runner, Come a Stranger, Sons from Afar, and Seventeen Against the Dealer.
11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass (or others in the Willow Falls series) Lexile: 650
Amanda and Leo are doomed to repeat their 11th birthdays until they solve the problems in their friendship.
Loser by Jerry Spinnelli Lexile: 650
Donald Zinkoff is a generally happy, clumsy boy known to his classmates as the biggest loser around.
Tangerine by Edward Bloor Lexile: 680
Paul Fisher may be partially blind, but he sees all of the secrets and lies kept by his brother and family.
No Turning Back: A Novel of South Africa by Beverly Naidoo Lexile: 730
Sipho has to learn how to survive on the streets of Johannesburg after the death of his grandmother.
The Help by Kathryn Stockett Lexile: 730 In 1962, twenty-two year old Skeeter Phelan returns to her home in the South and sees the women who work for her wealthy friends with new eyes.
The Last Book in the Universe by Rodman Phillbrick Lexile: 740
Spaz lives in the future and begins a quest to save his little sister from dying of cancer.
On My Honor by Marion Dane Bauer Lexile: 750
Twelve-year-old Joel unwillingly agrees to bike out to the state park with his daredevil friend Tony, who ends up dying, leaving Joel with a guilty conscience.
Whirligig by Paul Fleischman Lexile: 760
When 16 year old Brent accidentally causes the death of a young woman, he is sent on an odd journey to make amends.
Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech Lexile: 770
Through her travels, Salamanca learns to face the truth about her mother.
Crispin: Cross of Lead by Avi Lexile: 780
After the death of his mother, Crispin is challenged to find out who he is and what his place is in the world.
Other books in this series include: Crispin: At the Edge of the World and Crispin: The End of Time.
Rules by Cynthia Lord Lexile: 780
Twelve year old Catherine creates rules for her autistic little brother to follow, but comes to discover that even with rules, no one is ever truly “normal.”
If I Stay by Gayle Forman Lexile: 830
Mia sits on the line between life and death, deciding whether or not to fight for her life while she is in a coma.
The sequel to this novel is called Where She Went.
Dogsong by Gary Paulsen Lexile: 930
As an Eskimo boy journeys to find himself, he must survive the harsh conditions of the frozen tundra.
A Walk to Remember by Nicholas Sparks Lexile: 1010
Landon Carter thought the very last person he would fall for would be shy Jamie, but her love changes his life forever.
Sports Stories
Sports Stories
The Team That Couldn't Lose (or others in the Matt Christopher Sports Series) by Matt ChristopherLexile: 550
Mysterious plays are left weekly for Chip's team, and they suddenly seem to be on a winning streak.
Night Hoops by Carl Deuker Lexile: 630
Nick Abbott wants to be the star of his basketball team, but his problems get in the way.
Bobby Baseball by Robert Kimmel Smith Lexile: 630
Ten year old Bobby Ellis loves baseball, but struggles to live up to his dad's expectations.
The Roar of the Crowd (or others in the Winning Season series) by Rich Wallace Lexile: 680
Manny tries to prove his worth as one of the smallest players on the football team at Hudson City Middle School.
Other books in this series include: Technical Foul, Fast Company, Double Fake, Emergency Quarterback,Southpaw, Dunk Under Pressure,
One Handed Catch by Mary Jane Auch Lexile: 710
Eleven year old Norm struggles to adjust to life without an arm and the new challenges he faces.
Taking Sides by Gary Soto Lexile: 750
Lincoln faces racism and conflicting loyalties when the teams from his old and new school meet.
The sequel to this book is called Pacific Crossing.
The Contender by Robert Lipsyte Lexile: 760
17 year old Alfred joins Donatelli's Gym, and fights his way to a dream of a new life.
Miracle on 49th Street by Mike Lupica Lexile: 790
When 12-year-old Molly Parker returns to America from England following her mother's death from cancer, she harbors a secret: her father is the star point guard of the Boston Celtics, Josh Cameron.
Football Genius by Tim Green Lexile: 800
Troy White has an incredible ability to predict football plays before they happen, but his blessing might just become a curse.
Other books in this series include: Football Hero, Football Champ, The Big Time and Deep Zone.
Hot Hand (or any of the Comeback Kids series) by Mike Lupica Lexile: 930
Billy’s home life and basketball team collide when his parents get separated, and Billy’s dad becomes overly critical of him as his basketball coach.
Other books in this series include: Two-Minute Drill, Shoot-Out, Safe At Home, and Long Shot.
Travel Team by Mike Lupica Lexile: 930
When Danny doesn't make the travel basketball team, he starts his own team to challenge his dad's old coach.
The sequel to this novel is called Summer Ball.
Heat by Mike Lupica Lexile: 940
Mike hides his father's death and fights for his right to be the star baseball player he was meant to be.
Million Dollar Throw by Mike Lupica Lexile: 960
Thirteen year old Nate Brodie tries to fix the problems in his life with one opportunity to win a million dollars.
Amazing True Tales
Amazing True Tales
Facing the Lion: Growing Up Maasai on the African Savanna by Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton with Herman Viola Lexile: 720
Joseph Lemasolai Lekuton gives the reader a firsthand look at growing up in Kenya as a young Maasai cattle herder, who faces a lion, participates in boarding school escapades, enjoys soccer success, and journeys to America for college.
The Wicked History- Henry VIII: Royal Beheader by Sean Stewart Price Lexile: 770
King Henry was many things-- an heir to the Tudor dynasty, a father, a husband, and a ruthless murderer of many of his wives. This true tale of his wicked past is fascinating and disturbing.
Other books in this series include: Napoleon: Emperor and Conqueror, King George III: America’s Enemy, Julius Caesar: Dictator for Life, Catherine the Great: Empress of Russia, and Vlad the Impaler: The Real Count Dracula
I Am a Seal Team Six Warrior by Howard Wasdin and Stephen Templin Lexile: 930
When the Navy sends their elite, they send the SEALs. When the SEALs send their elite, they send SEAL Team Six—a secret unit made up of the finest soldiers in the country, if not the world. This is Howard Wasdin’s tale of being a part of this elite group.
Lincoln’s Grave Robbers by Steve Sheinkin Lexile: 930
What do counterfeiters, body snatching, and Abraham Lincoln have in common? Read this compelling true crime story to discover the dangerous underground criminal networks which were a part of our nation’s past.
Soul Surfer by Bethany Hamilton Lexile: 960
The inspirational true story of a girl who survives a shark attack and succeeds against the odds.
Knots in My Yo-Yo String by Jerry Spinelli Lexile: 980 Newbery medal award winner Jerry Spinelli’s early autobiography has all of the warmth, humor, and drama of his best-selling fiction. From first memories through high school, including first kiss, first punch, first trip to the principal's office, and first humiliating sports experience, this book is an account of Spinelli’s interesting and unusual life
Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson Lexile: 980
Based on rare archival material, obscure trial manuscripts, and interviews with relatives of the conspirators and the man-hunters, this book is a fast-paced thriller about the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth: a wild twelve-day chase through the streets of Washington, D.C., across the swamps of Maryland, and into the forests of Virginia.
The sequel to this book is called Bloody Times: The Funeral of Abraham Lincoln and the Manhunt for Jefferson Davis.
Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand Lexile: 1010
This is the true story of Louis Zamperini. In boyhood, he'd been a cunning and incorrigible delinquent. As a teenager, he had channeled his defiance into running, discovering a prodigious talent that had carried him to the Berlin Olympics. But when war had come, the athlete had become an airman, embarking on a journey that led to his doomed flight, a tiny raft, and a drift into the unknown.
Fist, Stick, Knife, Gun by Geoffrey Canada Lexile: 1020
This true and unsettling story, Geoffrey Canada shares the stories of his childhood in the South Bronx, growing up under the violent codes of fist, stick, knife and gun.
Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog by John Grogan Lexile: 1050
John and Jenny were just beginning their life together, but when they brought home Marley, a wiggly yellow furball of a puppy, they discovered life would never be the same.
If Stones Could Speak: Unlocking the Secrets of Stonehenge by Mike Parker-Pearson and Marc Aronson Lexile: 1070
What are the secrets of the ancient stone circle? Were the carefully placed stones a burial site, an ancient calendar, a place of Druid worship...or even a site of sacrifice? World-renowned archaeologist Mike Parker-Pearson has spent the last seven years on a quest to answer these and many other questions.
Trapped: How the World Rescued 33 Minersfrom 2,000 Feet Below the Chilean Desert by Marc Aronson Lexile Level: 1070
In early August 2010, the unthinkable happened when a mine collapsed in Copiano, Chile, trapping 33 miners 2,000 feet below the surface. For sixty-nine days they lived on meager resources with increasingly poor air quality, while the world watched and waited.
Commodore Perry in the Land of the Shogun by Rhoda Blumberg Lexile: 1070
The true story of how Japan moved from a policy of total isolationism to discovering a new way of life in the 1850’s with their introduction to the West by Commodore Perry.
The President Has Been Shot by James L. Swanson Lexile: 1080
This chilling, edge of your seat story recounts the events leading up to and after one of our nation’s most profound tragedies, the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Guinea Pig Scientists: Bold Self-Experimenters in Science and Medicine by Mel Boring, Leslie Dendy and C.B. Mordan (illustrator) Lexile: 1100
For hundreds of years, scientists have experimented on themselves, curious about how the human body works and what it can stand. The ten biographies in this intriguing collection portray men and women who swallowed inedible substances, exposed themselves to diseases, and traded their own safety for the advancement of science.
Black Diamond: The Story of the Negro Baseball League by Patricia C. McKissack and Frederick McKissack Jr.
Lexile: 1100
Before Jackie Robinson entered the major league, the Negro Leagues offered black baseball players the opportunity to compete professionally. This chronicles the stories and struggles of talented players whose achievements went unnoticed for many years.
Hidden Figures (Young Reader's Edition) Lexile: 1120
The untold true story of four African-American women who helped launch our nation into space.
Sugar Changed the World: A Story of Magic, Spice, Slavery, Freedom, and Science by Marc Aronson and Marina Tamar Budhos
Lexile: 1130
This book follows the trail of heartbreak left by humankind’s sweet-tooth, from the Age of Honey, through slavery in the United States.
I’ll Pass for Your Comrade: Women Soldiers in the Civil War by Anita Silvey Lexile: 1130
Sarah Emma Edmonds, Rosetta Wakeman, or Mary Galloway were among the hundreds of women who assumed male identities, put on uniforms, enlisted in the Union or Confederate Army, and went into battle alongside their male comrades. In this compelling book, Anita Silvey explores the fascinating secret world of women soldiers: who they were, why they went to war, how they managed their masquerade.
The Skull in the Rock: How a Scientist, a Boy, and Google Earth Opened a New Window on Human Origins by Lee R. Berger Lexile: 1140
In 2008, Professor Lee Berger—with the help of his curious 9-year-old son—discovered two remarkably well preserved, two-million-year-old fossils of an adult female and young male. Even more fascinating is the fact that this previously unknown species of ape-like creatures is the direct ancestor of all modern humans. This book takes you through their amazing discovery, and what scientists can learn about the origins of all humankind.
Navy Seal Dogs: My Tale of Training Canines for Combat by Mike Ritland Lexile: 1140
This book explores the incomparable relationship between a trainer and the dogs he works with. It is an inside look at the SEAL teams' elite K9 warriors-- who they are, how they are trained, and the extreme missions they undertake in order to save lives.
How Angel Peterson Got His Name by Gary Paulsen Lexile: 1180
The true story of author Gary Paulsen’s adventures and the extreme sport of growing up as a thirteen year in a quiet town.
The Cat Who Came for Christmas by Cleveland Amory Lexile: 1230
Cleveland Amory, self-confessed curmudgeon and dog owner, tells the true enchanting story of his encounter with a stray cat in a debris-filled alley one Christmas Eve -- and their subsequent life together (available in October, 2013).
Others in the series include: The Cat and the Curmudgeon and The Best Cat Ever.
Guts by Gary Paulsen Lexile: 1230
In this autobiography, Gary Paulsen shares the true adventures behind the Brian Robeson stories. As it turns out, truth is much more frightening than fiction!
Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser Lexile: 1240
Eric Schlosser charts the fast food industry's enormous impact on our health, landscape, economy, politics and culture, as he transforms the way we think about what we eat.
T. Rex and the Crater of Doom by Walter Alvarez Lexile: 1380
At first widely doubted, the idea is now widely accepted: Sixty-five million years ago, a comet or asteroid about the size of Mt. Everest slammed into the Yucatán, not far from present-day Cancún, Mexico, wiping out at least half of the species on earth. Alvarez was part of the team that discovered the first evidence of this impact, which caused an unimaginably immense explosion.
My Dog Skip by Willie Morris Lexile: 1380
In 1943 in a sleepy town on the banks of the Yazoo River, a boy fell in love with a puppy with a lively gait and an intelligent way of listening. The two grew up together having the most wonderful adventures. This is their story.
Abraham Lincoln and the Second American Revolution by James M. McPherson Lexile: 1430
McPherson examines the causes and results of the Civil War, including a complete redefinition of what it means to embrace liberty in America.
The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon
The Energy Bus, an international best-seller by Jon Gordon, takes readers on an enlightening and inspiring ride that reveals 10 secrets for approaching life and work with the kind of positive, forward thinking that leads to true accomplishment.
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