A Magical Middle-Grade Fantasy Novel About Adventure, Friendship, and Finding Your Purpose - For Kids Ages 7-10 in Grades 2-5

Generations of kids have learned what "bullying" means from this book. Like all Judy Blume's work, Blubber does not shrink from the truth--or from the casual brutality of adolescence.

Winner of the 2015 National Book Award for Young People's Literature

Teenage me was obsessed with this book. Ellen Conford is a writer who I don't see a lot of kids reading now, which is a shame. "Seven Days to a Brand New Me" is funny and sweet--its protagonist is likable and relatable, and so are her friends. A must read. -Ms. Jennie

Note to Grown-Ups: This book contains mature themes, including suicide and self-harm.

Note to Grown-Ups: This book contains mature themes, including suicide and self-harm.

NOTE TO GROWN-UPS: Though the character in this book is 9 years old, you should be aware that this award-winning novel contains content suited for mature middle and upper school students, including child abuse and domestic violence.

My favorite book of all time. -Ms. Jennie

NOTE: This book was published in 1991 and in parts contains terminology that is dated and objectionable.

*Oversized Hardback Book*

Parents' Note: This book features references to violence that may be difficult for some children to process. Please contact Ms. Jennie to discuss further.

Wishtree was recommended to me by a student who was adamant I'd love it and should read it as SOON as possible. What can I say? This student was MORE than correct! A fantastic story that combines fantasy, humor, and animal fiction with the real trials and tribulations of making friends and finding belonging. Thanks, EM! -Ms. Jennie

Combines fantasy, history, and realism in epic tales that span decades and eventually overlap. Loved it! - Ms. Jennie

A beautiful and heartbreaking book set in 1960, a time when "different" was even harder for people to understand than it is now. A hopeful but sad book; its sadness has a purpose, though, and Hattie is such a wonderful character with deep kindness and empathy. Recommended for mature 6th graders and above.

Checked out about a dozen times this year by one of our students (you know who you are, C.! :), this Caldecott Winner is illustrated by the great Kadir Nelson. -Ms. Jennie

The ultimate summer book; a story told only in pictures. -Ms. Jennie

From Brian Selznick--author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, Wonderstruck, The Marvels, Big Tree, and Kaleidoscope (all in the Linder Library)--comes a book for the youngest readers. Have you ever seen an adorable and hilarious monkey solving mysteries? Well, now you have. -Ms. Jennie

From the New York Times bestselling author of Esperanza Rising comes a riveting story that blends myth, fantasy, and reality into an entrancing adventure.

"An inventive, absorbing novel." ―New York Times Book Review
"Glistens like sunlight on waves." ―School Library Journal, starred review
"Ryan’s skill as a writer shines." ―The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, starred "Lingers like the echo of thunder―powerful, haunting, and deeply core-shaking." ―Shelf Awareness, starred review

One of my favorite books from childhood. I learned so much about this particular place and time, and I really identified with the main character, Catherine--a girl who had lived more than 150 years before me. Also, it's a good book to hand to your kids when they complain because, trust me, these pioneer kids had it harder. -Ms. Jennie

This book perfectly captures what it's like to be a kid shamed by other kids (and adults) about their weight. One of the students recommended this book to me, and I'm so glad they did. Loved it. --Ms. Jennie

This book broke my heart repeatedly, but in a good way. Heads up that this book contains depictions of abuse of someone with a physical disability, but it also contains depictions of how life can change for the better when love and care enter the picture. -Ms. Jennie

It's a classic for a reason. Pippi is self-sufficient, quirky, and delightful. Kids love her! -Ms. Jennie

Adam Gidwitz does it all: mysterious and spooky stories, historical fiction, adventure fiction, and fantasy fiction. This book is modeled after The Canterbury Tales, and it's done so well. Also, the kids are awesome. -Ms. Jennie

It's Adam Gidwitz! I'll read anything he writes. His work is versatile, smart, funny, and just ... great. Also, I've been to several of his book signings and can confirm he is a terrific person on top of being very talented. Read it! :) -Ms. Jennie

The kids know: I'm always raving about this book ... but it's for good reason! It's funny, smart, salty, and more than worthy of its awards and accolades. For the grown-ups in the room: It's like Tom Robbins wrote a book for kids. This was my favorite at 10 years old ... and it still is! Another member of the "Books That Don't Talk Down to Kids" club. -Ms. Jennie

It's a spooky summer at the lake for 13-year-old Ali. Who is the mysterious girl who has befriended her cousin, Emma, and why does her presence feel so menacing?

Easily one of my favorite books ever. Clever, well-written, and HILARIOUS, this story is on my list of "Books That Don't Talk Down to Kids." Read it! --Ms. Jennie

This book made its way into the library courtesy of Mr. Warriner! Loved it! --Ms. Jennie