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October: A Girl Named Disaster
This Newbery Honor book, by award-winning author Nancy Farmer, tells of eleven-year-old Nhamo lives in a traditional village in Mozambique, where she doesn't quite fit in. When her family tries to force her into marrying a cruel man, she runs away to Zimbabwe, hoping to find the father she's never met. But what should have been a short boat trip across the border turns into a dangerous year-long adventure, and Nhamo must summon her innermost courage to ensure her survival.
September: Wonder August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out. August: The Flower Man by Mark Ludy What happens when the Flower Man steps into a colorless world? Behind every window lies a different story in this unique wordless book. This is the tale of a humble man who loves life, his garden and his neighbors. Children will also delight in searching for Squeakers the mouse, hidden somewhere on every page. (for wordless book lovers) 
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May: Blessed to Have Eighth Graders Like You by . Wherever you go, "growing up" gets a little bit easier. This book will cheer you on and help you out with everyday situations.
April: Calling The Dove: This wonderful biography of the author Juan Felipe Herrera, is a story is told in narrative style through the eyes of young Felipe who was born in California to his Mexican parents. Felipe describes the warmth and love he recieves from both his mother and father. The illustrations are beautiful. The story is written in wonderful prose. Felipe tells us of his daily life in various migrant camps throughout California. I would definately read this aloud to 2nd through 4th graders. A good way to explain to younger children what life is like for a migrant family.
March: In 1944, as World War II is raging across Europe, fifteen-year-old Jack Raab dreams of being a hero. Leaving New York City, his family, and his boyhood behind, Jack uses a false I.D. and lies his way into the U.S. Air Force. From their base in England, he and his crew fly twenty-four treacherous bombing missions over occupied Europe. The war is almost over and Hitler near defeat when they fly their last mission — a mission destined for disaster. Shot down far behind enemy lines, Jack is taken prisoner and sent to a German POW camp, where his experiences are more terrifying than anything he’d ever imagined.
February: The Art of the Swap by Kristine Asselin
The present-day daughter of a museum caretaker and the tween heiress subject of a painting that went missing during a legendary heist in 1905 mysteriously switch places with each other in ways that find the former struggling to prevent the theft while the latter becomes introduced to smartphones, pan
January: To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
A bold exploration of race, oppression, and morality, this book has been a must-read for generations thanks to its warm, witty, and approachable tone.
audio:
http://www.buffaloschools.org/webpages/rbowers/resources.cfm?subpage=109758
December: Stone Fox by John Reynolds
Do Willy and his dog Searchlight stand a chance against the toughest racers around? Can they win the race to save the farm -- and Grandfather -- before it's too late?
BOOK OF THE MONTH
November:The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This short story is a tale about the selfless services an apple tree offers a growing bo
y. The tree allows the boy to sell her apples for money, use her branches to build a home, and use her as a bench a sit on. Author Silverstein shows children (and adults!) the benefits of selfless giving.
