Here are the links to the printable versions of CLC’s 2013 “Best Books” lists – recommended by Connecticut librarians, the book experts!
Note – these are PDF files. You will need a free PDF reader, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader, to open them.
Print double-sided and enjoy!
Wonder, by R.J. Palacio. Ten-year-old August, who was born with severe facial deformities, is starting fifth grade at Beecher Prep after years of being homeschooled. Told through multiple perspectives, this is a story about courage in the face of adversity with a strong message of acceptance of differences. A great book for parents and children/teens to read and discuss together.
Unstoppable, by Tim Green. Harrison’s foster dad is abusive. Finally he’s placed with the middle school football coach. He’s a big kid, a natural at football. He overcomes every obstacle – at home, in school, and on the field. Then he’s injured, and the MRI uncovers something terrible. Can he overcome this latest challenge?
Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made, by Stephan Pastis. Clueless, awkward detective Timmy Failure + polar bear sidekick = Total Failure Inc., ready to solve any mystery. Funny and fast-paced but filled with a heartwarming and relatable message: Be confident in who you are. Perfect for Wimpy Kid fans, with hilarious drawings to boot! First in a series.
The Hero’s Guide to Storming the Castle, by Christopher Healy; illus. by Todd Harris. This sequel to The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom is another hilarious and action-packed story of the Princes Charming and their escapades. Everyone I have recommended this book to has loved it!
The False Prince, by Jennifer Nielsen. Sage, a young orphan, is unknowingly facing his destiny – and danger lurks at every turn. This gripping tale of four boys, one treacherous plan, and entire kingdom to fool is a great page-turner for girls and boys alike. Book 1 of a trilogy.
Electrical Wizard: How Nikola Tesla Lit Up the World, by Elizabeth Rusch; illus. by Oliver Dominguez. This narrative biography explores the intense rivalry between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison while examining and explaining the science behind Tesla’s many accomplishments using electricity. This book will inspire young scientists everywhere!
Counting by 7s, by Holly Goldberg Sloan. When Willow’s parents tragically and unexpectedly die, she relies on her one friend’s family and an apathetic school counselor to help her find her way in the world. This is a story about not labeling people, about family being what you make it, and about believing in yourself and others.
The Year of the Baby, by Andrea Cheng; illus. by Patrice Barton. Anna Wang is worried that her newly adopted baby sister Kaylee from China isn’t gaining weight and decides to make Kaylee the subject of a science fair project.
What Floats in a Moat? by Lynne Berry; illus. by Matthew Cordell. Berry has delivered a book that will appeal to those who love nonsense and rhyme as well as those who love science. Kids will delight in the zany actions of Archie the Goat and his sidekick Skinney the Hen!
unBEElievables, by Douglas Florian. Truly un-bee-lievable honeybee poems and paintings! This is the not-to-be-missed poetry book. Clever, smart, and often silly poems printed on vibrant color with stunning illustrations. This is the way to make facts stick, and this book is brilliant with the addition of bee facts. Fun to read aloud.
That’s a Possibility!: A Book About What Might Happen, by Bruce Goldstone. This mathematical concept book is disguised in colorful photos and great fun! As children learn about possibility and probability, you’ll feel like you’ve given them something educational – but they’ll be having too much of a good time to notice!
The Snow Queen, by Hans Christian Andersen; illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. When Kai mysteriously disappears, Gerda sets out on an epic quest to save her best friend from the enchantment of the evil Snow Queen. A classic tale of friendship, love, and bravery, beautifully retold with lavish illustrations by master artist Bagram Ibatoulline.
The Secret Lives of Princesses, by Philippe Lechermeier; illus. by Rebecca Dautremer. Beautiful, rich illustrations adorn this unique take on princesses. A perfect gift for those nontraditional, quirky princesses on your list.
Rainbow Stew, by Cathryn Falwell. This is a wonderful picture book, encouraging children to eat more vegetables. Colorful collage illustrations add to this warm celebration of good food and cozy family life. Includes a recipe for Rainbow Stew.
On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein, by Jennifer Berne; illus. by Vladimir Radunsky. Young readers are invited to travel along with Einstein on a journey full of curiosity, laughter, and scientific discovery. A moving story of the powerful difference imagination can make in any life – with the added benefit of very clear descriptions of difficult scientific topics.
Noah Webster and His Words, by Jeri Chase Ferris; illus. by Vincent X. Kirsch. Noah Webster was born and grew up in what is now West Hartford, Connecticut, where his house still resides. This clever, hilariously illustrated biography follows Webster’s path from boyhood through his many accomplishments, all the while ensuring that he remains a very relatable character.
The Matchbox Diary, by Paul Fleischman; illus. by Bagram Ibatoulline. This is a beautifully illustrated story about an Italian-American immigrant’s childhood memories told through the “diary” of small objects he kept in a collection of matchboxes. A wonderful book for grandparents to share with their grandchildren!
Lulu series, by Hilary McKay. Lulu is allowed to have many animals as pets as long as she is responsible for them. She and her cousin Mellie come across funny scenarios where Lulu wants to take home all the animals she meets. Perfect for any pet lover!
Kelsey Green, Reading Queen, by Claudia Mills; illus. by Rob Shepperson. Kelsey Kline is the best reader in third grade — well, maybe tied for best with know-it-all Simon Ellis. When the principal announces a school-wide reading contest, Kelsey is ready to compete! This book is Book 1 in the Franklin School Friends series.
Journey, by Aaron Becker. This lovely, wordless picture book is the tale of a lonely little girl who uses a red crayon to draw a doorway to a magical world. Luminous watercolor and pen-and-ink drawings showcase the exciting adventures on every page.
The Great Lollipop Caper, by Dan Krall. Picture books must be zany and clever to please the early elementary crowd, and this one fits the bill. Children prefer the sweet taste of Lollipop to the acidic flavor of wrinkly Mr. Caper. So what’s a caper to do? Sneak into the factory and make his own lollipop of course. Perfect for budding foodies!
Gifts of the Heart, by Patricia Polacco. Beloved author-illustrator Patricia Polacco’s holiday story is a wonderful ode to the magic of family, Christmas, and giving the right kind of gifts – gifts filled with love.
Exclamation Mark, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal & Tom Lichtenheld. What is a punctuation mark to do when you stand out no matter what you do? This is Exclamation Mark’s problem – until he meets a question mark who shows him the wonders of being different.
We Know Good Books 