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Back in my days as a school age specialist librarian, I created a booklist that was part of a reading program for older kids who wanted a serious reading challenge. It has hundreds of books, hence me breaking it up into many parts. I couldn’t choose just 50, or even 100! There are too many amazing books out there. Lexiles are included if available. A lot of these are great books to share with kids who are at a high reading level, but not mature enough to read young adult materials yet. As always, read these books yourself first if you have any concerns about content.
- Burnett, Frances Hodgson. A Little Princess. (930)
Sara Crewe, an exceptionally intelligent and imaginative student at Miss Minchin’s Select Seminary for Young Ladies, is devastated when her adored, indulgent father dies. Now penniless and banished to a room in the attic, Sara is demeaned, abused, and forced to work as a servant.
- Burnett, Frances Hodgson. The Secret Garden. (970)
- Burnford, Sheila. The Incredible Journey. (1320)
An inquisitive Labrador retriever, friendly bull terrier, and courageous Siamese cat set out through the Canadian wilderness to find their owner in this truly “incredible” adventure.
Instinct tells them that the way home lies to the west and together the three house pets face hunger, the natural elements, and wild forest animals as they make their way home to the family they love.
- Byars, Betsy. Summer of the Swans. (830)
All summer Sara Godfrey has fretted over herself, her impossible body, her terrible new haircut. One moment she’s elated, the next, she’s in tears. And she can’t figure out why. Maybe her wildly changing moods are tied to the sudden and unaccountable appearance of the swans, which hold the rapt attention of Charlie, Sara’s mentally handicapped brother, who she loves far more than herself these days. In fact, it will be the sudden disappearance of Charlie that will compel Sara to abandon her own small, annoying miseries, and lose herself in searching for him.
- Cleary, Beverly. Dear Mr. Henshaw. (910)
After his parents separate, Leigh Botts moves to a new town with his mother. Struggling to make friends and deal with his anger toward his absent father, Leigh loses himself in a class assignment in which he must write to his favorite author. When Mr. Henshaw responds, the two form an unexpected friendship that will change Leigh’s life forever.
- Cleary, Beverly. Henry Huggins. (670)
Just as Henry Huggins is complaining that nothing exciting ever happens, a friendly dog sits down beside him and looks pleadingly at his ice-cream cone. From that moment on, the two are inseparable. But when Ribsy’s original owner appears, trying to reclaim his dog, Henry’s faced with the possibility of losing his new best friend. Has Klickitat Street seen the last of rambunctious Ribsy?
- Cleary, Beverly. The Mouse and the Motorcycle. (860)
When the ever-curious Ralph spots Keith’s red toy motorcycle, he vows to ride it. So when Keith leaves the bike unattended in his room one day, Ralph makes his move. But with all this freedom (and speed!) come a lot of obstacles. Whether dodging a rowdy terrier or keeping his nosy cousins away from his new wheels, Ralph has a lot going on! And with a pal like Keith always looking out for him, there’s nothing this little mouse can’t handle.
- Cleary, Beverly. Ramona Quimby, Age 8. (860)
Ramona likes that she’s old enough to be counted on, but must everything depend on her? Mrs. Quimby has gone back to work so that Mr. Quimby can return to school, and Ramona is expected to be good for Mrs. Kemp while her parents are away, to be brave enough to ride the school bus by herself, and to put up with being teased by Danny the Yard Ape.
- Collier, James. My Brother Sam is Dead. (770)
All his life, Tim Meeker has looked up to his brother Sam. Sam’s smart and brave — and is now a part of the American Revolution. Not everyone in town wants to be a part of the rebellion. Most are supporters of the British — including Tim and Sam’s father. War is raging and Tim knows he’ll have to make a choice — between the Revolutionaries and the Redcoats . . . and between his brother and his father.
- Cooper, Susan. The Boggart. (1030)
When Emily and Jess Volnik’s family inherits a remote, crumbling Scottish castle, they also inherit the Boggart that lives there—an invisible, mischievous spirit who’s been playing tricks on residents of Castle Keep for generations. Then the Boggart is trapped in a rolltop desk and inadvertently shipped to the Volniks’ home in Toronto, where nothing will ever be the same—for the Volniks or the Boggart.
Thought Provoking Reads 