Treasury · Merit

NY Public Library

The New York Public Library's staff picks for children — a large library system's answer to what a child should read next.

99 books in the catalog stand on this list. The list itself (opens the list's own website) ↗

A reader aged

4 of these books carry no suggested reading age, so choosing an age leaves them out.

• A Chair For My Mother by Vera B. Williams, 1982 · ages 6–8 · Lexile 530L · AR 3.4 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  Remember
• Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, 1972 · ages 6–7 · Lexile 840L · AR 3.7 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids
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• All-of-a-Kind Family by Sydney Taylor, 1951 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 520L · AR 4.9 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Mensa Kids, The Good & The Beautiful
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• Amelia Bedelia by Peggy Parish, 1963 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 340L · AR 2.5 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Deep Roots Grade, Mensa Kids, The Good & The Beautiful
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• A Sick Day for Amos McGee by Philip Stead, 2010 · ages 4–8 · Lexile 580L · AR 3.0 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, 1962 · ages 9–13 · Lexile 740L · AR 4.7 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Davidson Gifted, Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids, Newbery Award
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• Bark, George by Jules Feiffer, 1999 · ages 4–7 · Lexile 350L · AR 1.3 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate DiCamillo, 2000 · ages 9–12 · Lexile 670L · AR 3.9 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
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• Ben’s Trumpet by Rachel Isadora, 1979 · ages 4–8 · Lexile 530L · AR 2.2 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Halsted - Best Friends
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• Big Red Lollipop by Rukhsana Khan, 2010 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 490L · AR 2.2 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Bread and Jam for Frances by Russell Hoban, 1964 · ages 4–8 · Lexile 490L · AR 3.4 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Deep Roots Grade
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• Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, 1977 · ages 9–13 · Lexile 810L · AR 4.6 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids, Newbery Award
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• Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin, Jr., 1967 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 200L · AR 1.5 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Caps for Sale by Esphyr Slobodkina, 1938 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 480L · AR 3.1 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Deep Roots Grade
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• Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson, 2008 · ages 11–13 · Lexile 780L · AR 5.2 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
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• Charlotte's Web by E.B. White, 1952 · ages 8–12 · Lexile 680L · AR 4.4 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Davidson Gifted, Mensa Kids, The Good & The Beautiful, TJEd Early Recommended
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• Chato’s Kitchen by Gary Soto, 1995 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 740L · AR 3.6 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Chicka Chicka Boom Boom by Bill Martin, Jr., 1989 · Lexile 530L
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• Corduroy by Don Freeman, 1976 · ages 5–6 · Lexile 600L · AR 3.5 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Mensa Kids
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• Curious George by H.A. Rey, 1941 · ages 4–7 · Lexile 600L · AR 2.6 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Deep Roots Grade, Mensa Kids
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• D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar D'Aulaire, 1962 · ages 11–13 · Lexile 1070L · AR 6.6 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Beautiful Feet, Davidson Gifted, Mensa Kids
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• Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! by Mo Willems, 2003 · ages 4–5 · Lexile 280L · AR 0.9 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan, 2000 · ages 11–13 · Lexile 750L · AR 5.3 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on The Good & The Beautiful
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• Freight Train by Donald Crews, 1978
  also on Halsted - Best Friends
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• Frog and Toad by Arnold Lobel, 1976 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 450L · AR 2.6 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Deep Roots Grade, Mensa Kids
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• From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg, 1967 · ages 9–10 · Lexile 700L · AR 4.7 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids, Newbery Award
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• George and Martha by James Marshall, 1972 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 500L · AR 2.7 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Mensa Kids
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• Go, Dog. Go! by P.D. Eastman, 1961 · ages 4–7 · Lexile 240L · AR 1.2 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown, 1947 · ages 4–5 · Lexile 360L · AR 1.8 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Deep Roots Grade, Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids
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• Grandfather's Journey by Allen Say, 1993 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 650L · AR 3.6 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Beautiful Feet, Halsted - Best Friends
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• Green Eggs and Ham by Theodore Seuss Geisel, 1960 · ages 5–8 · Lexile 210L · AR 1.5 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Harold and the Purple Crayon by Crockett Johnson, 1955 · ages 4–6 · Lexile 490L · AR 3.0 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Harriet the Spy by Louise Fitzhugh, 1964 · ages 9–12 · Lexile 760L · AR 4.5 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Davidson Gifted, Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids
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• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling, 1998 · ages 9–11 · Lexile 880L · AR 5.5 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Davidson Gifted
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• Hatchet by Gary Paulsen, 1989 · ages 8–17 · Lexile 1020L · AR 5.7 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Mensa Kids
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• Holes by Louis Sachar, 1998 · ages 11–13 · Lexile 660L · AR 4.6 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Newbery Award
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• Joseph Had a Little Overcoat by Simms Taback, 1999 · ages 4–5 · Lexile 330L · AR 1.7 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Jumanji by Chris Van Allsburg, 1981 · ages 5–9 · Lexile 620L · AR 3.9 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Just a Minute: A Trickster Tale and Counting Book by Yuyi Morales, 2003 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 540L · AR 3.2 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Lilly’s Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes, 1996 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 600L · AR 3.1 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Locomotion by Jacqueline Woodson, 2003 · ages 9–13 · AR 4.7 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
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• Lon Po Po: A Red-Riding Hood Story From China by Ed Young, 1989 · ages 4–8 · Lexile 670L · AR 3.5 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Madeline by Ludwig Bemelmans, 1939 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 680L · AR 3.1 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Mensa Kids
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• Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey, 1941 · ages 4–7 · Lexile 710L · AR 4.1 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Deep Roots Grade, Mensa Kids
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• Matilda by Roald Dahl, 1988 · ages 8–12 · Lexile 840L · AR 5.0 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Davidson Gifted, Mensa Kids
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• Meet Danitra Brown by Nikki Grimes, 1994 · ages 8–10 · AR 3.4 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Millions of Cats by Wanda Gág, 1928 · ages 4–8 · Lexile 580L · AR 3.5 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids
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• Miss Nelson is Missing! by Harry Allard, 1977 · ages 5–8 · Lexile 340L · AR 2.7 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Mother Goose by Tomie dePaola, 1985 · ages 5–7 · AR 1.0
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• Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater, 1938 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 910L · AR 5.6 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Deep Roots Grade, Mensa Kids
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• Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH by Robert C. O'Brien, 1971 · ages 9–11 · Lexile 790L · AR 5.1 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids, Newbery Award, The Good & The Beautiful
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• Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters: An African Tale by John Steptoe, 1987 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 790L · AR 4.3 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• My Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett, 1948 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 970L · AR 5.6 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Davidson Gifted
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• My Name is Yoon by Helen Recorvits, 2003 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 480L · AR 2.3 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Olivia by Ian Falconer, 2000 · ages 4–7 · Lexile 470L · AR 2.0 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• One Crazy Summer by Rita Williams-Garcia, 2010 · ages 9–12 · Lexile 750L · AR 4.6 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
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• Pierre: A CAUTIONARY TALE by Maurice Sendak, 1962 · ages 4–8 · Lexile 410L · AR 2.2 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco, 1994 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 600L · AR 3.8
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• Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, 1950 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 870L · AR 5.2 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids
  Remember
• Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary, 1968 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 850L · AR 5.1 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
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• Rickshaw Girl by Mitali Perkins, 2007 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 730L · AR 4.3 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on The Good & The Beautiful
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• Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor, 1976 · ages 11–14 · Lexile 920L · AR 5.7 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Beautiful Feet, Mensa Kids, Newbery Award
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• Rumpelstiltskin by Paul O. Zelinsky, 1986 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 620L · AR 4.0
  also on TJEd Early Recommended
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• Starry River of the Sky by Grace Lin, 2012 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 810L · AR 5.4 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on The Good & The Beautiful
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• Strega Nona by Tomie dePaola, 1975 · ages 4–8 · Lexile 730L · AR 3.9
  also on Beautiful Feet, Mensa Kids
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• Swimmy by Leo Lionni, 1963 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 580L · AR 2.9 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig, 1969 · ages 5–8 · Lexile 780L · AR 4.0 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids
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• Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume, 1972 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 470L · AR 3.3 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
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• Tar Beach by Faith Ringgold, 1991 · ages 7–8 · Lexile 790L · AR 3.4 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• Ten, Nine, Eight by Molly Bang, 1983 · ages 4–6 · AR 1.3 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• The Arrival by Shaun Tan, 2007
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• The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich, 1999 · ages 9–11 · Lexile 970L · AR 6.1 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Halsted - Best Friends
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• The Book of Three by Lloyd Alexander, 1964 · ages 9–12 · Lexile 770L · AR 5.3 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Davidson Gifted, Mensa Kids
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• The Borrowers by Mary Norton, 1953 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 780L · AR 5.3 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Deep Roots Grade, Mensa Kids
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• The Bossy Gallito/El Gallo De Bodas by Lucía M. González, 1994 · ages 6–8 · Lexile 1020L · AR 3.4 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• The Cat in the Hat by Theodore Seuss Geisel, 1957 · ages 5–9 · Lexile 430L · AR 2.1 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Mensa Kids
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• The Giver by Lois Lowry, 1993 · ages 13–17 · Lexile 760L · AR 5.7 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Davidson Gifted, Mensa Kids, Newbery Award
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• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman, 2008 · ages 12–15 · Lexile 820L · AR 5.1 · AR Interest: MG+ (6–8)
  also on Newbery Award
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• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, 1937 · ages 12–17 · Lexile 1000L · AR 6.6 · AR Interest: UG (9–12)
  also on Mensa Kids, TJEd Youth Recommended
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• The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick, 2007 · ages 9–12 · Lexile 820L · AR 5.1 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  Remember
• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis, 1950 · ages 8–13 · Lexile 940L · AR 5.7
  also on Davidson Gifted, Deep Roots Grade, Mensa Kids, The Good & The Beautiful, Time Magazine 1923-2005, TJEd Youth Recommended
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• The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton, 1942 · ages 4–7 · Lexile 610L · AR 4.2 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Deep Roots Grade
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• The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, 1943 · ages 10–13 · Lexile 710L · AR 5.0 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Beautiful Feet, Mensa Kids
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• The People Could Fly by Virginia Hamilton, 1985 · ages 8–10 · Lexile 480L · AR 2.9
  also on Halsted - Best Friends
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• The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster, 1961 · ages 10–13 · Lexile 1000L · AR 6.7 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Davidson Gifted, Halsted - Best Friends, TJEd Youth Recommended
  Remember
• The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats, 1962 · ages 5–7 · Lexile 500L · AR 2.5 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Deep Roots Grade, Mensa Kids
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• The Stories Julian Tells by Ann Cameron, 1981 · ages 8–9 · Lexile 520L · AR 3.4
  Remember
• The Story of Ferdinand by Munro Leaf, 1936 · ages 4–7 · Lexile 670L · AR 3.7 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Beautiful Feet, Davidson Gifted, Deep Roots Grade, Mensa Kids
  Remember
• The Tales of Uncle Remus: The Adventures of Brer Rabbit by Julius Lester, 1987 · ages 5–8 · Lexile 760L
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• The True Story of the Three Little Pigs by Jon Scieszka, 1989 · ages 7–9 · Lexile 510L · AR 3.0 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
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• The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, 1969 · age 4 · Lexile 460L · AR 2.9 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Deep Roots Grade
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• The Watsons Go to Birmingham by Christopher Paul Curtis, 1995 · ages 11–12 · Lexile 920L · AR 5.0 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Davidson Gifted
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• The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin, 1978 · ages 11–13 · Lexile 750L · AR 5.3 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Davidson Gifted, Newbery Award
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• Tuesday by David Wiesner, 1991
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• When You Reach Me by Rebecca Stead, 2009 · ages 10–12 · Lexile 750L · AR 4.5 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Newbery Award
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• Where Is the Green Sheep? by Mem Fox, 2004 · ages 4–5 · Lexile 140L
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• Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak, 1963 · ages 4–8 · Lexile 740L · AR 3.4 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  also on Mensa Kids
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• Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People’s Ears by Verna Aardema, 1975 · ages 4–9 · Lexile 770L · AR 4.0 · AR Interest: LG (K–3)
  Remember
• Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne, 1926 · ages 5–9 · Lexile 790L · AR 4.6 · AR Interest: MG (4–8)
  also on Deep Roots Grade, Halsted - Best Friends, Mensa Kids, TJEd Early Recommended
  Remember