Readers J

Robin is an apprentice forester unjustly cast out of society. But this creates opportunity for a few stubborn Saxons to gather in secret under Robin's leadership and strike back against the arrogance and brutality of the Norman overlords.

The classic story of Ebenezer Scrooge's transformation from a miserable man who hates to one who shares in Tiny Tim's joyful exclamation, "God bless us every one." A story the author, Charles Dickens, enjoyed reading every Christmas Eve.

Good Dr. Jekyll is transformed into evil Mr. Hyde by means of an addictive drug. He finds himself more and more inextricably drawn into evil. A parable for our times written by author Robert Louis Stevenson.

On a mission to a medieval planet, Elana becomes the key to a daring plan to thwart an invasion. An intelligent, thoughtful work that will stimulate as it entertains. A moving 9th grade reading level book.

A few citizens of an imaginary village dare to question some long-held but false beliefs in the community...and are ostracized as a result. Thought-provoking but easy to read.

One of the 20th century's best-loved authors tells his personal story of "going solo" — striking out on his own in his first job (in East Africa!), flying combat for the RAF in WWII . . .and returning home to Mother.

Mrs. Frisby, a widowed mouse, must move her family or face death. Unfortunately, her son Timothy is ill and can't be moved. She seeks help from the brilliant rats of NIMH. The solution in the "Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH" book is worth the read.

Hollis Woods, an artistic foster child, dreams of having a family. And she nearly gets her wish thanks to the Regans who take her in for a summer.

The "Treasure Island" novel by Robert Louis Stevenson is a high seas adventure has a group of treasure seekers following a treasure map to a distant island. Full of piracy and treachery, this book is as enjoyable to read today as when it was first published in 1883.

Newbery Medal. After Gen's bragging lands him in the king's prison, his chance of escape looks slim. Then the king's scholar summons him for an impossible task—and then to reach home again, alive. A gorgeous mix of mythology, adventure, and survival, for the thoughtful reader.

The only mystery story ever to win the Newbery Medal! Sixteen players are possible heirs to Sam Westing's fortune . . . and all of them are suspects in the case of his curious demise. The one who discovers the villain's identity wins $200 million; will the losers lose all? A pleasurable read.

Newbery Medal. In a nameless Utopian community in a future time, everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out as Receiver, getting special training from the Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pains and pleasures of life...all the realities that can cause passions and upset within the community. And so the Giver teaches Jonas about color, the sun, snow, mountains, love, war, death. . . . and the revelations overwhelm Jonas. Horrified, he plots escape to "Elsewhere," a step he hopes will return these and other, more important memories to all the people. Can he succeed? A fascinating, thoughtful, and disturbing science-fiction novel.

"If your teacher has to die, August isn't a bad time of year for it." Russell Culver is fifteen in 1940, and he's raring to leave his tiny Indiana farm town for the endless sky of the Dakotas. School has been nothing but a chain holding him back from his dreams. Maybe now that his teacher has passed on, they'll shut the school down entirely and leave him free to roam.

Classic story, in the Alice in Wonderland tradition of word-play and logical conundrum, about a bored young man who discovers life is far from dull if you just put your mind to it.

Wolves without and a wicked governess within lead two English girls, Bonnie and Sylvia, to many spine-tingling adventures. Suspenseful. Fun!

Newbery Honor. When Primrose's parents apparently perish at sea, she goes to live with her eccentric Uncle Jack. A delicious story about a small town, living a life of passion, and taking what comes. Delightful.