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Best Children's Girls & Women Books

Number the Stars
As the German troops begin their campaign to "relocate" all the Jews of Denmark, Annemarie Johansen’s family takes in Annemarie’s best friend, Ellen Rosen, and conceals her as part of the family. On September 29, 1943, word got out in Denmark that Jews were to be detained and then sent to the death camps.
Reviews
"I never really knew about the Holocaust before I read this book and I certainly wouldn't have picked up a boring nonfiction history book."
"I would give it 10 stars if I could, and also the book smells really lovely."
"Donated to my granddaughters 4th grade classroom."
"It is a glimmer into history and it teaches many lessons about humanity, ethics and doing the right thing."
"This book perfectly captured the holocaust in vivid detail from a less common point of view."
"This book is a fast and easy read!"
"From my daughter: "Recommend to all friends and family story of passion and bravery and war the story wants the heart and opens your mind.""
"I enjoyed this book and believe that the students will as well."
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Esperanza Rising
When their new life is threatened, Esperanza must find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances--Mama's life, and her own, depend on it. Told in a lyrical, fairy tale - like style, Ryan's (riding Freedom) robust novel set in 1930 captures a Mexican girl's fall from riches, her immigration to California and her growing awareness of class and ethnic tensions. Readers will be swept up by vivid descriptions of California dust storms or by the police crackdown on a labor strike ("The picket signs lay on the ground, discarded, and like a mass of marbles that had already been hit, the strikers scattered?"). (Oct.). Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. Grade 6-9-Ryan uses the experiences of her own Mexican grandmother as the basis for this compelling story of immigration and assimilation, not only to a new country but also into a different social class. Set against the multiethnic, labor-organizing era of the Depression, the story of Esperanza remaking herself is satisfyingly complete, including dire illness and a difficult romance.
Reviews
"I bought this book as Kindle+Audible (Whispersync), but ended up mostly listening to the audio, as I found the narration by Trini Alvarado excellent, and adding a lot to the atmosphere, with pronunciation of Spanish names etc with the right accent."
"The author brings to life the story and the human spirit of the characters in such a way that reading the book was almost like watching a movie, or even like being right there in the book, reliving an important part of our nation's history."
"Arrived in a timely manner and was as described in product description."
"Arrived on time and as advertised."
"We would've never chosen this book had it not been required reading for my 10 year old son."
"Glad I got to read this book."
"Good book for preteen ages."
"I love this book."
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Island of the Blue Dolphins
It is a romantic adventure filled with drama and heartache, for not only was mere subsistence on so desolate a spot a near miracle, but Karana had to contend with the ferocious pack of wild dogs that had killed her younger brother, constantly guard against the Aleutian sea otter hunters, and maintain a precarious food supply. Isolated on the island for eighteen years, Karana forages for food, builds weapons to fight predators, clothes herself in a cormorant feathered skirt, and finds strength and peace in her seclusion. Amazon Exclusive: A Letter from Lois Lowry on Writing the Introduction to Island of the Blue Dolphins, 50th Anniversary Edition. Dear Amazon readers, Last summer, when I was asked to write an introduction to a new edition of Island of the Blue Dolphins , my mind went back in time to the 1960s, when my children were young and it was one of their best-loved books. I was in New York to attend a convention of the American Library Association, and Scott O'Dell's publisher, Houghton Mifflin, was honoring him at a reception being held at the St. Regis Hotel. When I got in my hotel elevator, a benign-looking older couple, probably tourists from the Midwest, were already standing inside, and I explained my predicament politely and asked if they could give me a hand. We parted company in the lobby of my hotel and off I went to the St. Regis, where I milled around and chatted with countless people, sipped wine, and waited for the guest of honor, Scott O'Dell, to be introduced. Lois Lowry "A haunting and unusual story based on the fact that in the early 1800s an Indian girl spent eighteen years alone on a rocky island far off the coast of California . School Library Journal, Starred. "O'Dell tells the miraculous story of how Karana forages on land and in the ocean, clothes herself (in a green-cormorant skirt and an otter cape on special occasions), and secures shelter. This beautiful edition of Island of the Blue Dolphins is enriched with 12 full-page watercolor paintings by Ted Lewin, illustrator of more than 100 children's books, including Ali, Child of the Desert. A gripping story of battling wild dogs and sea elephants, this simply told, suspenseful tale of survival is also an uplifting adventure of the spirit."
Reviews
"I remember that I first read it as a child."
"Nice book for young children to develop reading skills."
"Am presently reading this to my grandsons, it has also been on TV."
"One of my favorites as a kid."
"Product as advertise and fast shipping."
"A favorite among my daughter and her friends."
"Good read for night time family reading!"
"I liked this book as a kid and my son enjoyed it too."
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Best Children's Royalty Books

Alanna: The First Adventure (Song of the Lioness series Book 1)
So one day they decide to switch places: Disguised as a girl, Thom heads for the convent; Alanna, pretending to be a boy, is on her way to the castle of King Roald to begin her training as a page. With Alanna: The First Adventure , veteran fantasy author Tamora Pierce has created a lively, engaging heroine who will charm middle-school readers with her tomboyish bravado and have them eagerly searching for the next book in the Song of the Lioness series. Gr 5-8-Actress Trini Alvarado, known for her roles in such films as Little Women and Paulie: A Parrot's Tale, superbly narrates this unabridged audio version of Alanna: The First Adventure (Atheneum, 1983), the first book in the popular The Song of the Lioness quartet. Tamora Pierce's story of Alanna, a girl of noble birth who disguises herself as a boy in order to become a knight, is a spirited fantasy/adventure that is only made more captivating by Alvarado's lively performance.
Reviews
"This book introduces her first character, Alanna, who wants to become a lady-knight and switches places with her brother, who wants to be a magician, taking his place at court under the guise of "Alan" while her brother apprentices with a sorcerer."
"But I digress, Alanna, The First Adventure which I'll be referring to as ---> ATFA for the rest of the review is the story of a young girl coming into her own."
"I have loved this series for years and I can't wait for my children to be able to read it."
"I actually own several copies of Alanna: The First Adventure, and have loved the book since I was a kid."
"I remember having to buy new editions because I would wear out the old ones, I did love the new cover art each time I had to get one though😀 The lead female character is a strong independent woman who has made an impact on many decisions I have made in life."
"I re-read my copies every few years and purchased this newest edition recently for the daughter of a friend who loves fantasy and adventure books as much as I do."
"Tamora Pierce has a fantastic writing style that is easy to read and captivating. I highly recommended this for anyone who likes this style of book, Pierce will keep you engaged and wanting more."
"There are clear hurdles to being a knight as she wishes, and the book does a fair job of pointing out the difficulties of the central character who by dint of personal effort slowly but surely learns to stand on her own two feet."
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Best Children's Boys & Men Books

The Long Haul (Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Book 9)
Gas station bathrooms, crazed seagulls, a fender bender, and a runaway pig—not exactly Greg Heffley’s idea of a good time. Gr 5–8—When Greg's mom, who's obsessed with family time, insists on a road trip, things are bound to get interesting. Will the Heffley family make it home?
Reviews
"We loved this as a family."
"Whole series is great."
"Great series-Introduced it to my teens years ago and passed them down to my 8 year old."
"fun story."
"It really surprised me it is one of the best Diary of a Wimpy Kid books I have ever read."
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Best Children's Money Books

Go! Stock! Go! A Stock Market Guide for Enterprising Children and Their Curious Parents*: *everything you were afraid your kids would ask
A storybook follows the Johnson family as they learn the fundamentals of stocks and bonds, the mechanics of investing, and important lessons on risk and reward. A refreshing way to teach people the basics of the stock market." - Laurie Itkin, Author, Every Woman Should Know Her Options: Invest Your Way to Financial Empowerment "One is never too young to learn about the value of money. Teaching children how to understand and take control of their finances can be a daunting task. will become the single best purchase you can make towards educating yourself and yourchildren about the pateient dynamics required for success in the stock market. Bennett Zimmerman is a businessman-author who believes that the disciplines of business offer ways to measure 'top-line' improvements in the quality of human, economic, and political rights throughout the world. Zimmerman has worked for BMG Music, the strategy consulting firm of Bain & Company, and studied at Harvard Business School, Dartmouth College and Newcomb School -- a Long Beach, California institution he credits for top education in American politics.
Reviews
"Makes it simple so you come away with the ability to actually try it out -- invest in a few stocks and watch what happens. I bought the book to read with my son because he was interested in investing. He could have read it on his own but I wanted to learn how to invest as well."
"I was so happy when my son started to develop an interest in investing his allowances."
"I just finished the Go Stock Go book and it is WONDERFUL!"
"Awesome book to spark kid's interest!"
"A lively, illuminating introduction to investing in stocks and bonds for the novice."
"Daughter loved it and it has given her some ideas on how to get to a million after college."
"It's a must-have book for the library of every home with children (or adults who are young at heart)..... right next to Dr. Seus' "Oh The Places You'll Go!""
"Excellent book that clearly and easily explains the stock market to a novice or potential in the investor in the stock market."
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Best Children's Books on Bullies

Wonder
Soon to be a major film starring Julia Roberts, Owen Wilson and Jacob Tremblay. WONDER is a funny, frank, astonishingly moving debut to read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page. Homeschooled all his life, August heads to public school for fifth grade and he is not the only one changed by the experience--something we learn about first-hand through the narratives of those who orbit his world. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” From The Little Prince and R.J. Palacio’s remarkable novel, Wonder .-- Seira Wilson August, nicknamed Auggie, is a 10-year-old with a facial deformity that causes others to avoid and even shun him.
Reviews
"I'm a 54 year old grandfather who served in the Marine Corps (just for a little context). Palacio...I can't believe how she so accurately and consistently pegs human nature."
"The most emotional moment for me came toward the end of the book when Auggie's father tells him that he loves the way Auggie looks, because that it exactly how my husband and I feel about our son."
"Author R.J. Palacio writes the book in multiple voices -- Auggie's, some of his friends', his sister's -- and the different points of view are mostly very well-realized and show the inner feelings of the different characters."
"I would recommend all young children to read this book and I would certainly recommend adults to read it because it will certainly change that "judgement of others" into "an acceptance of others.""
"The author did a really good job of putting the reader inside the heads of the characters in the book, helping us to really get to know them and to see different perspectives of the same situation."
"I'm a Special Needs teacher and I love how this book teaches "typical kids" to accept someone who looks different in their school; it makes the child who's different feel special as well."
"On a recommendation from my daughter (35), I read it after I saw the movie."
"Friends said to read the book before seeing the movie."
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Best Children's Books on Manners

What If Everybody Did That? (What If Everybody? Series)
Using humorous illustrations rendered in mixed media, these questions are answered in a child-friendly way and show the consequences of thoughtless behavior. The narrator commits a series of seemingly minor offenses, such as feeding popcorn to the bears in the zoo, throwing an empty soda can out the car window, sneaking a lick of frosting from a wedding cake, and interrupting the librarian during storytime. Madden's experience as a greeting-card illustrator is evident in the variety of expressions shown on the faces of the multicultural cast in the colorful mixed-media drawings.
Reviews
"The school I work at is a "Leader In Me" school, and this book fits in perfectly for teaching students about the habits and taking care of themselves and others!"
"I gave this book to my two small grandsons and it motivated them to clean up the park they enjoy going too."
"I used this book as a lesson about rules and laws to teach a social studies unit."
"Made an impact on my daughter."
"Great book."
"Great for teaching kids about how small things make a different."
"Not only is this book fun, it has a very important social message."
"This book teaches children to be responsible and respectful of people and our world."
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Best Children's Issues in School Books

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
Reviews
"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
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Best Children's Books on Friendship

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Then, on Harry's eleventh birthday, a great beetle-eyed giant of a man called Rubeus Hagrid bursts in with some astonishing news: Harry Potter is a wizard, and he has a place at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. He is left only with a lightning-bolt scar on his forehead, curiously refined sensibilities, and a host of mysterious powers to remind him that he's quite, yes, altogether different from his aunt, uncle, and spoiled, piglike cousin Dudley. Of course, Uncle Vernon yells most unpleasantly, "I AM NOT PAYING FOR SOME CRACKPOT OLD FOOL TO TEACH HIM MAGIC TRICKS!" So far it has won the National Book Award, the Smarties Prize, the Children's Book Award, and is short-listed for the Carnegie Medal, the U.K. version of the Newbery Medal. After 11 years of disregard and neglect at the hands of his aunt, uncle and their swinish son Dudley, Harry suddenly receives a visit from a giant named Hagrid, who informs Harry that his mother and father were a witch and a wizard, and that he is to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry himself.
Reviews
"SPECIAL NOTE: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases (with the exception of changing all "Philosopher's Stone" mentions to "Sorcerer's Stone"). Good or bad is naturally for each reader to decide--just know, if you plan to read the books while listening to Jim Dale's audiobooks, you'll notice a few superficial differences. The quality of this new illustrated edition is phenomenal. All chapter intros are illustrated."
"IMPORTANT: For U.S. customers purchasing the illustrated edition of Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, you will notice the text has NOT been converted to the "Americanized" version of the original U.S. releases. This difference isn't as prominent or noticeable as it was with Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's/Philosopher's Stone, but still something to keep in mind. Also, to answer a question that has come up quite a bit, this is the FULL BOOK and not an abridged or shortened version. Underneath the book jacket, the novel is bound in a sturdy orange hardback with green lettering on the spine."
"I was ravenous to get my hands on my copy as soon as it was delivered this morning, but was quickly disappointed. But when I took a close look at my dust jacket, I was extremely upset to find that the gold foil lettering for "Harry Potter" had been rubbed away and destroyed completely in some places leaving ugly, black matte in its place-- pock marking the otherwise handsome gold lettering. Needless to say I'm in awe how Bloomsbury has managed to put together such an incredible project, with JK Rowling's remarkable literature and Jim Kay's otherworldly illustrations-- and allowed it to be put together in a low quality binding! Not all alone in a box... Update (October 9th): I have finally received my new book and it was in much, much better condition. The cover and spine were tight, intact and falling apart from the binding like my original copy."
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Best Children's Books on Peer Pressure

Diary of a Minecraft Zombie Book 3: When Nature Calls (An Unofficial Minecraft Book)
Join 12 year old Zombie and all of his school friends, as they prepare to go on a Spring break "scarecation."
Reviews
"My 9-year old grandson loves this book!"
"Great little series that my 7 year old loves to read more than once."
"My 7 year old grandson read these out loud to me from cover to cover with enthusiasm!"
"It's difficult to find anything that a 7 year old boy wants to sit still long enough to read."
"Bought this book set for my 13-year old minecraft zombie, and I was highly disappointed in the reading level of the books."
"We love to read these at bedtime."
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Best Children's Books on Emotions & Feelings

The Pout-Pout Fish (A Pout-Pout Fish Adventure)
Fish swims about. With his fish face stuck. In a permanent pout. The bright and bold cartoon illustrations by Dan Hanna accompany Diesen's amusing rhythmic text. —School Library Journal.
Reviews
"First, that how we see ourselves can become a self-fulfilling prophesy... if we compare ourselves unfavorably to others in our circle (i.e. so-and-so can do such-and-such much better than I, such-and-such comes so easily for others but not for me, I'm not as loveable as so-and-so), and keep re-playing that tape in our heads (perhaps reinforced by how we feel others view us), then what we "see" in that mirror is who we'll end up being. The other is that we are capable of influencing others in positive ways by demonstrating simple acts of kindness and compassion, much moreso than using words to point out faults or telling people how they "should" be, "should" feel, "should" act."
"Receiving and giving kisses without asking was a big deal for me, afterall we don't want our daughter to think this sort of behavior is acceptable."
"It teaches a good lesson about setting you mind in a positive state rather than being glum."
"My 7-month-old daughter smiles when we get to the blub, bluub, bluuuuub part."
"Started reading this to my grandson when he was about 8 months old,,,, he loves it!"
"My daughters favorite book."
"Bought for my kid as a Christmas present."
"Such a cute rhyming story!"
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Best Children's Self-Esteem & Self-Respect

Wonder
Over 6 million people have read the #1 New York Times bestseller WONDER and have fallen in love with Auggie Pullman, an ordinary boy with an extraordinary face. "Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy . Homeschooled all his life, August heads to public school for fifth grade and he is not the only one changed by the experience--something we learn about first-hand through the narratives of those who orbit his world. What is essential is invisible to the eye.” From The Little Prince and R.J. Palacio’s remarkable novel, Wonder .-- Seira Wilson August, nicknamed Auggie, is a 10-year-old with a facial deformity that causes others to avoid and even shun him.
Reviews
"I'm a 54 year old grandfather who served in the Marine Corps (just for a little context). Palacio...I can't believe how she so accurately and consistently pegs human nature."
"The most emotional moment for me came toward the end of the book when Auggie's father tells him that he loves the way Auggie looks, because that it exactly how my husband and I feel about our son."
"Author R.J. Palacio writes the book in multiple voices -- Auggie's, some of his friends', his sister's -- and the different points of view are mostly very well-realized and show the inner feelings of the different characters."
"I would recommend all young children to read this book and I would certainly recommend adults to read it because it will certainly change that "judgement of others" into "an acceptance of others.""
"Friends said to read the book before seeing the movie."
"I have told everyone I know that this is a must read."
"The story was heartwarming and showed positive ways to deal with disabilities."
"I could think of a lot more substance for a book to show this story."
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