Here are some great suggestions for interesting books for Grades 4 and 5 girls and boys.
Guinea Dog by Patrick Jennings is the story of Rufus, a young boy, and all he wants is a dog. But his dad really doesn’t want Rufus to have a dog. Here are just a few of his reasons: “They whine. They scratch. They gnaw. They bark. They beg. They jump up. They slobber. They piddle everywhere, and that includes indoors. They poop everywhere, including indoors.” And on and on. So Rufus’ mom suggests a guinea pig and she brings one home. Rufus really doesn’t want a guinea pig, and worst of all, it’s a girl. Rufus is mad but quickly finds out that this is no guinea pig. She sleeps at the foot of his bed, runs, fetches and eats his homework. This hilarious book is number one in the series.
Zane and the Hurricane by Rodman Philbrick takes place during Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Zane Dupree goes to stay with his Great Grandmother in the Big Easy right before the hurricane hits. While he is being evacuated, his dog jumps out the window of the bus and Zane jumps out after him. Zane is now on his own during the terrible aftermath of the storm, trying to find his way to safety. Thousands of people have been displaced from their homes. Nobody has food or water and everyone is looking for shelter. “To be honest, there’s a lot I don’t understand about what happened after the storm and why some people were so good and full of love and others so mean and hateful. But this much I do know: That day on the bridge, I was a proud African American. I was a white kid from New Hampshire. I was my mother’s baby. I was my father’s son. I was the one and only Zane Dupree.”
Floors by Patrick Carman takes place in the Whippet Hotel — and there is no other place on Earth quite like it. It’s filled with bizarre inventions and crazy elevators, and each floor has its own wacky design and secrets. The guests are mad or mysterious, and ducks are everywhere. Leo Fillmore is the janitor’s son and lives in the hotel. Four boxes are left for him that lead to hidden floors and strange puzzles. “Young Mr. Fillmore… I am only allowed to tell you four things: There are four boxes, all of which must be found. There are two days, including this one… You may enlist the help of one other. Preferably a child. Always bring a duck if you can… Don’t fail, young Mr. Fillmore, for if you do, the Whippet Hotel and all it stands for will come to and end.” This fantastical book is number one in a series.
Nuts to You by Lynne Rae Perkins is the story of the adventures of four squirrels. It’s about friendship, courage and big ideas. One of the squirrels gets snatched by a hawk and narrowly escapes being dinner. “There was Jed, dangling inside a hawk’s clenched talons, high above the Earth. And yet, when the little voice inside him told Jed to give up, to let go of his life, another little voice said, ‘Nope. I don’t think so.’” Nuts to You is filled with fabulous black-and-white art and would be great to read aloud.
If you are looking for more great titles, don’t hesitate to ask at your local public library. Librarians are always happy to recommend books.
A Good Read is a column by Tri-City librarians that is published on Wednesdays. Dianne Allan works at Terry Fox Library in Port Coquitlam.
