Riordan, R., (2006), The lightning thief. New York: Hyperion/Miramax. Grades 5-9. Fiction.

Students interested in Greek mythology will enjoy this book's mythological characters. The setting, based at a summer camp, does not hold the usual camp activities. Follow Percy on his journey to find the lightning bolt stolen from Zeus and his true self.

Van Allsburg, C. (1981). Jumanji. New York: Houghton Mifflin. Ages 5-8. Fiction.

Two children find themselves pulled into the the board game they are playing. To end the game and the chaos, they must roll a 12. A delightful story, beautifully illustrated in black and white by Van Allsburg. This books can also be used as a lead into the concept of probability.

Caldecott Winner
Audio version read by Robin Williams available
DVD/Sony

Rowling, J.K. (1998). Harry Potter and the sorcerer's stone. New York: Scholastic Press. (Illus. by Mary GrandPre). Ages 8-12. Modern Fantasy.

Harry Potter requires students to follow along with the story and learn a new vocabulary! In this good versus evil novel, follow Harry as he enters school at Hogwarts, an institution which teaches witchcraft. He soon discovers more about his deceased parents and the powers that he has inherited. Not for everyone, some controversy surrounds the content of this book.

DVD available/Warner Home Video (2001) PG rating

British National Book Award for Children.

Lewis, C.S., (1994). The lion, the witch, and the wardrobe. New York: HarperCollins. (Illustrated by Pauline Bayens). Ages 9-12 . Modern Fantasy.

Who wouldn't want to jump into another world by climbing into a wardrobe?
Narnia, the world inside the wardrobe, introduces young readers to schoolchildren sent to the country to escape the war, the White Witch, talking beavers, and a lion named Aslan. The second in the series, The Chronicles of Narnia, this book captures the imagination of your students as good and evil collide.

Shannon, D. (2004). A bad case of stripes. New York: Scholastic. (Illus. by David Shannon). Grades k-2. Picture book, Modern fantasy

Sometimes trying to fit in will make you stand out! Camilla's many transformations eventually transforms her into her true self. A book that will
definitely spawn grand discussions. Even the older students love this tale.

Digital link for BookPals is at the right.
Read by Sean Austin