Tag Archives: Family

Poppy

by Avi

Unconditional Recommendation: A little mouse discovers the truth and her courage when she defies the menacing great horned owl and journeys out of bounds to find a new home for her family.

Age: Middle Grade
Series: The Poppy Books, Book Three
Pages: 163
Published: 1995
Genre: Fantasy, Animal

Awards: Boston Globe–Horn Book Best Fiction Award (1996), New Mexico’s Children Choice Award (1999), National Christian School Association, Crown Classic (1998), Maryland’s Children’s Choice Award (1998), ALA Notable (1996)

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Pollyanna

by Eleanor H. Porter

Unconditional Recommendation: Eleven-year-old orphan Pollyanna, full of happiness and love, goes to live with her cold, strict Aunt Polly and turns the household and the town upside down in the best way.

Age: Middle Grade
Series: Stand Alone
Pages:  224-333, depending on edition
Published: 1913

Genre: Classic

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The Oddling Prince

by Nancy Springer

Conditional Recommendation: A tale of a ring of power, a good king corrupted,  a strong bond of two brothers and lives changed by redemptive love set in a world of fantasy and honor.

Age: Young Adult
Series: Stand Alone
Pages: 288
Published: 2018

Genre: Fantasy

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Pride and Prejudice

by Jane Austen

Unconditional Recommendation: Despite differing social classes, misunderstandings, ridiculous family members, prejudice and pride, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy fall in love.

Age: Young Adult
Series: Stand Alone
Pages: 344
Published: 1813

Genre: Romance, Classic

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The Lost Heir (Wings of Fire #2)

by Tui T. Sutherland

Conditional Recommendation: Told from the perspective of Tsunami the SeaWing, the five dragonets of the prophecy travel to the kingdom of the sea in search of Tsunami’s parents and discover mystery and intrigue.

Age: Middle Grade
Series: Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy, Book Two
Pages: 296
Published: 2013

Genre: Fantasy

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The Dragonet Prophecy (Wings of Fire #1)

by Tui T. Sutherland

Conditional Recommendation: Told from the perspective of Clay the MudWing, the dragonets of destiny come out of hiding and enter the world only to discover it more dangerous and violent than they were expecting.

Age: Middle Grade
Series: Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy, Book One
Pages: 336
Published: 2012

Genre: Fantasy

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Mattie’s Unspoken Vow (A Newly Weds #5)

by Margo Hansen

Unconditional Recommendation: A shotgun wedding to a stranger, a tangle of relationships, and strange circumstances happening all over Sand Creek make for an engaging and sentimental finale to the series.

Age: Young Adult
Series: A Newly Weds series, Book Five
Pages: 322
Published: 2013

Genre: Historical Christian Romance

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Where the Red Fern Grows

by Wilson Rawls

Conditional Recommendation: An engaging tale of friendship and adventure shared by a boy and his two hound dogs.

Age: Middle Grade
Series: Stand Alone
Pages: 249
Published: 1961
Genre: Adventure, Animal, Autobiographical Fiction

Awards: Massachusetts Children’s Book Award (1987), North Dakota Children’s Choice Award (1981).

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Tuesdays at the Castle (Castle Glower #1)

by Jessica Day George

Conditional Recommendation: 11-year-old Princess Celie and her siblings strive together within their magical castle to protect themselves and their kingdom.

Age: Middle Grade
Series: Castle Glower, Book One
Pages: 225
Published: 2011
Genre: Fantasy

Awards: Utah Book Award for Children’s (2011), Pennsylvania Young Readers’ Choice Award for Grades 3-6 (2013), California Young Readers Medal for Intermediate (2015), Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award (2015)

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