For Grades 2-4 Archive - Staff Picks 4 Kids

Staff Picks 4 Kids

Wishing for Tomorrow: The Sequel to A Little Princess by Hilary McKay

If you enjoyed reading A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett, you will probably like Wishing for Tomorrow: The Sequel to A Little Princess by Hilary McKay also! I always wondered what happened to the girls in Miss Minchin’s School after Sara Crewe left. Now you can find out too! Lavinia, Ermengarde, and Lottie all have numerous adventures. Good for third grade and up.

Book reviewed by Anne W., Youth Services Assistant

By MPPL on April 26, 2010 Categories: For Grades 2-4, Historical Fiction, Picks by Anne W.

How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor

What would you do for money you needed for a home? What would you say was ok, as long as you had a bed to lie in? In the story How to Steal a Dog by Barbara O’Connor, young Georgina feels the only option she has is to steal a dog, return it to its owner who is sure to offer a reward, and use the reward money toward rent for a new apartment. This would mean not having to live in a car anymore. While Georgina knows that stealing isn’t right, she doesn’t see any other way. Plus, having written down all the details in her notebook under “how to steal a dog,” she has everything figured out. Or does she? Recommended for 3-6th grades.

By MPPL on January 10, 2010 Categories: For Grades 2-4, For Grades 4-6, Realistic Stories

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl

Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl. Mr. Fox and his family are being horribly hunted down by three extremely nasty farmers. Just when you think they will all die horribly, they barely escape—only to be trapped again! This book is really a little bit scary! But Mr. Fox is truly Fantastic, and you will love discovering his ingenious plan to save them all as it unfolds before your eyes. You should read this book before you go see the movie—there is plenty in the movie to enjoy that doesn’t happen in the book, but if you see the movie first, it gives away what happens in the book!

By MPPL on December 6, 2009 Categories: For Grades 2-4

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Things by Lenore Look

Alvin Ho: Allergic to Girls, School, and Other Things by Lenore Look. From the moment you meet him, Alvin Ho makes you laugh out loud. He’s afraid of everything. This means he carries around a PDK (personal disaster kit) containing items such as garlic for scaring off vampires and masks for keeping away girls. The problem is since he’s too scared to speak in school, a GIRL volunteered to be his desk buddy. Even worse, she’s made “The Book on Alvin”–all about him!! Now Alvin has decided he’s allergic to both school and girls. What is he going to do? I highly recommend this book. The audio is great but so is the book with all its amusing illustrations. Whatever format you choose, you are certain to love Alvin.

Book reviewed by Mary S., Youth Services Department Head

By MPPL on October 19, 2009 Categories: For Grades 2-4, Funny, Picks by Mary S.

Clementine by Sarah Pennypacker

Move over, Ramona, Junie B. Jones, and Gooney Bird Green! Clementine is here! Clementine, by Sarah Pennypacker, brings us into this 8 year old’s life, where she joins her father in fighting off pigeons, and “fixes” her friend’s hair by first cutting most of it off, and then coloring it using indelible pens (including little “squigglies” on her forehead for bangs). This is the first book of a new series sure to find popularity among young and older readers alike.

Book reviewed by Loreen S., Youth Services Assistant

By MPPL on August 3, 2009 Categories: For Grades 2-4, Funny, Picks by Loreen S.

Mucumber McGee and the Lunch Lady’s Liver by Patrick Loehr

Mucumber McGee arrived late to lunch and the only thing left is the lunch lady’s liver cake!!! This liver cake left Mucumber unpleased because it looked like an, “old bowling shoe and smelled like rotten cheese!” Will Mucumber dare to take a bite? If he does will his taste buds delight?? Picky eaters may think twice about liver as they gobble up this great picture book, Mucumber McGee and the Lunch Lady’s Liver by Patrick Loehr!

By MPPL on July 20, 2009 Categories: For Grades 2-4, Funny, Picture Books

On the Road by Lucy Nolan

This beginning chapter book is full of hilarious adventures—on the beach, in the woods, and at the veterinarian—all from the perspective of a dog who thinks her name is “Down Girl.” In On the Road by Lucy Nolan, Down Girl loves her master (who she calls “Rruff”) and she’s always trying so hard to be a good dog. But why isn’t Rruff happy when he finds the little surprise Down Girl leaves in his beach bag? Hint: it didn’t smell good!

Book reviewed by Erin E., Youth Services Programming Coordinator

By MPPL on July 1, 2009 Categories: For Grades 2-4, Funny, Picks by Erin E.

Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper

Fashion Kitty by Charise Mericle Harper. In a freak accident, Kiki Kitty now has the super power to save you from fashion disaster when she transforms into FASHION KITTY. You can expect the unexpected, and maybe even a new sense of style, when you read this funny pink and purple graphic novel!

By MPPL on May 19, 2009 Categories: For Grades 2-4, Funny

Campfire Mallory by Laurie Friedman

You will enjoy this book if you have ever been to summer camp or would like to go. Mallory isn’t too sure she wants to go, but her parents convince her to give it a try since her big brother Max and her best friend Mary Ann are going, too. When Mallory arrives at Camp Blue Lake, nothing goes as planned. She ends up in a different cabin from her best friend, and her bunkmate Carine won’t leave her alone. Carine seems to get Mallory into all kinds of trouble. Read Campfire Mallory by Laurie Friedman to find out if Mallory can survive her first summer away at camp and if she ever becomes friends with Carine.

(For grades 3-4)

Book reviewed by Barb M., Youth Outreach and Programming Assistant

By MPPL on May 4, 2009 Categories: For Grades 2-4, Picks by Barb M., Realistic Stories

Where is the Cake? by T.T. Khing

I’m hungry! Now where did that silly cake go to? Where Is the Cake? by T.T. Khing is a simple, wordless look-and-find adventure book even preschoolers will enjoy. Hey older kids, there’s so much going on behind the scenes of the cake adventure to discover, you’ll be flipping back to see what you missed! By the way, when you find that cake could you let me know? I’m still hungry…

By MPPL on April 13, 2009 Categories: For Grades 2-4, Non-fiction, Picture Books