DiCamillo, Kate.  The Tale of Despereaux. J FIC DiCamillo // Y FIC DiCamillo
The adventures of Desperaux Tilling, a small mouse of unusual talents, the princess that he loves, the servant girl who longs to be a princess, and a devious rat determined to bring them all to ruin.

Giff, Patricia Reilly. Lily's Crossing   Y FIC Giff  // Y PB G
The story of a girl during World War II whose friendship with Albert, a young Hungarian refugee, makes her see the war and her own world from a different perspective.  This story has a sad ending.

Nixon, Joan Lowry.  In the Face of Danger  Y PB N
Due to severe poverty, Megan and her siblings are separated and sent out west during the 1860's.

Park, Linda Sue.  A Single Shard.  Y FIC Park
Tree-ear, a thirteen-year-old orphan in medieval Korea, lives under a bridge in a potters' village, and longs to learn how to throw the delicate celadon ceramics himself.

Stolz, Mary.  Quentin Corn  J FIC Stolz // J PB S
Bored with his life as a pig, Quentin decides to live as a man.

Van Draanen, Wedelin. Secret Identity  J FIC Van Draanen
Fifth-grader Nolan Byrd is tired of being called names by the class bully, so he calls upon his secret identity-Shredderman! Look for Shredderman 2.

NONFICTION
Freedman, Russell. Confucius: The Golden Rule  JB Confucius F
An illustrated introduction to the life and teachings of Chinese philosopher Confucius.

Goodall, Jane. My Life With The Chimpanzees  J PB G
The naturalist's life story, illustrated with photographs, including her experiences with an amazing group of wild chimps.

Goodman, Susan E.  Skyscraper: from the ground up  J 720.483 G
Present an exciting account of the creation of a New York City skyscraper from architect's inspiration to finished building.

Janeczko, Paul B. Top Secret: A Handbook of Codes,  Ciphers, and Secret Writing  J 652.8 J
Children with a taste for cloak-and-dagger drama will be fully equipped to swap secrets using everything from hole-punched index cards to homemade invisible ink.

Schanzer, Rosalyn.  George vs. George: The American Revolution as seen from both sides  DO NOT OWN
Explores how the characters and lives of King George III of England and George Washington affected the progress and outcome of the American Revolution.