Every Hero Has a Story
For Elementary Readers
May 2015
This recommended reading list provides a broad list of books related to this summer’s theme of heroes and superheroes. This list includes audio, braille, and large print titles and is recommended for those reading at a 2nd through 4th grade reading level up to a 3rd through 6th grade reading level.
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through our catalog. Identification numbers for braille books begin with BR, large print books begin with LP, and audiobooks begin with DB or MOD. All audiobooks with the prefix DB and available braille books listed are linked to the Braille and Audio Reading Download site (BARD) for downloading.
Grades 2 to 4
The Adventures of Captain Underpants Books 1-8 by Dav Pilkey
MOD60017
Read by Rick Rohan, Nancy Leonard, and Maurice Devany. Reading time: 9 hours, 12 minutes.
Two mischievous fourth graders, George and Harold, enjoy writing their own comic books about superhero Captain Underpants, who flies around in his underwear. Then one day they hypnotize their principal into thinking that he is Captain Underpants, and they have some amazing adventures with him. This book contains the first eight books of the Captain Underpants series. 2006.
The Bravest Dog Ever: The True Story of Balto by Natalie Standiford
BR 52134
BR 50137
Recounts the life of Balto, the sled dog who saved Nome, Alaska, in 1925 from a diphtheria epidemic by delivering medicine through a raging snowstorm. 1989.
Captain Awesome to the Rescue! by Stan Kirby
Download Captain Awesome to the Rescue! DB 75084
Read by Mark Delgado. Reading time: 37 minutes.
Second-grader Eugene and his family move to Sunnyview, where he goes to a new school. When the class hamster Turbo is kidnapped, Eugene reveals his superhero alter ego Captain Awesome to rescue Turbo. 2012.
Johnny Appleseed by Steven Kellogg
Download Johnny Appleseed, DB 33072
LP 1362
Read by Jack Fox. Reading time: 10 minutes.
John Chapman, who later became known as Johnny Appleseed, was born in 1774 in Massachusetts. Near his home was an apple orchard, and John loved to watch the apples grow. The animals sensed his love of nature and grew to trust him. As soon as he was old enough, John left home to explore the West. He planted apple trees along the way, and the legends about him grew larger than life. 1988.
Just Joking 3 by Ruth Musgrave and the National Geographic Society
Download Just Joking 3, DB 76334
Read by Gregory Gorton. Reading time: 1 hour, 6 minutes.
Collection of zany knock-knock jokes, tongue twisters, silly question-and-answer jokes, and much more. 2013.
The Librarian of Basra by Jeanette Winter
BR 16016
As war come to Basra, Iraq, the city librarian worries that the books will be destroyed. When the governor refuses to help her, the librarian saves the books her own way. Relates events in the life of Alia Muhammad Baker. PRINT/BRAILLE. 2005.
The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Download The Lorax, DB 31231
Read by John Stratton. Reading time: 14 minutes.
Once, when the grass was still green, and the pond was still wet, and the clouds were still clean, Swomee-Swans, Brown Bar-ba-loots, and Humming-Fish lived happily among the Truffula Trees. The Once-ler settled in this beautiful place and discovered that he could make Thneeds, which sold quite handsomely, from the Truffula Trees. Overcome by greed, he did not heed the warning of the Lorax. 1971.
Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth by Jane O’Connor
Download Nancy Clancy, Super Sleuth, BR 19820
LP 2439
As a fan of Nancy Drew, Nancy Clancy eagerly searches for a missing prized possession. Sleuth Clancy's investigation leads her to the culprit--who happens to be someone close to her. Nancy Clancy series, book 1. 2012.
Stink: Solar System Superhero by Megan McDonald
Download Stink, DB 70802
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 1 hour, 8 minutes.
When Stink discovers that Pluto has been downgraded from its status as a planet, he launches a campaign in his classroom to restore its rank as a full-fledged member of the solar system. Stink series, book 5. 2010.
Stone Soup by Ann McGovern
Download Stone Soup, BR 07465
LP 0864
A young, weary traveler gets a meal fit for a king from a little old lady who claims to have no food, when he teaches her to make stone soup. 1986.
Grades 3 to 6
Animal Heroes: True Rescue Stories by Sandra Markle
Download Animal Heroes, BR 18380
Nine accounts of animals--from trained guide dogs to a cow, a pet cat, dolphins, and a capuchin monkey--that helped humans during accidents and disasters. Discusses Roselle, the guide dog, who led Mike Hingson from the seventy-eighth floor to safety as his World Trade Center tower collapsed. 2009.
Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
Download Ella Enchanted, BR 15992
BR 50727
Download Ella Enchanted, DB 46186
LP 0247
LP 50086
Read by Margaret Strom. Reading time: 6 hours, 23 minutes.
Ella was cursed at birth by a fairy--who thought she was bestowing a gift--to always be obedient. After her mother dies, Ella is at the mercy of two bossy girls and their mother. The enchantment even puts her love for Prince Charmont at risk, and Ella is determined to get rid of it. 1997.
The Janitor’s Boy by Andrew Clements
BR 19727
LP 0707
In fifth grade Jack is embarrassed to attend the school where his father is a janitor. When a greeting prompts teasing from his classmates, Jack plans revenge. The prank backfires, but it gives him a chance to learn more about his dad. 2001.
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate
Download The One and Only Ivan, BR 19679
Download The One and Only Ivan, DB 75687
Read by Joe Peck. Reading time: 3 hours, 37 minutes.
Ivan the gorilla has lived comfortably for years in a down-and-out, circus-themed mall. But when baby elephant Ruby arrives, Ivan decides that he must find her a better life. 2012.
Shredderman series by Wendelin Van Draanen
Secret Identity by Wendelin Van Draanen
Download Secret Identity, DB 59278
Read by Michael Russotto. Reading time: 1 hours, 47 minutes.
Fifth-grader Nolan Byrd aka Byrd-the-Nerd is tired of being picked on by the class bully, Bubba Bixby. A newspaper writing assignment allows Nolan to assume a secret identity--Shredderman--and seize the chance to anonymously expose Bubba's tormenting. Shredderman series, book 1. 2004.
Attack of the Tagger by Wendelin Van Draanen
Download Attack of the Tagger, DB 61105
Read by Michael Russotto. Reading time: 2 hours, 9 minutes.
Someone is spray-painting graffiti all over Cedar Valley Elementary School. Fifth-grader Nolan Byrd, who maintains the Shredderman web site, is determined to expose the tagger without revealing his own secret identity. Shredderman series, book 2. 2004.
Meet the Gecko by Wendelin Van Draanen
Download Meet the Gecko, DB 61239
Read by Michael Russotto. Reading time: 2 hours, 14 minutes.
On Nolan Byrd's eleventh birthday, his father takes him to meet his favorite young television star Chase Morton, the Gecko. Nolan helps his new friend by using his Shredderman web site to expose a sleazy photographer who makes Chase's life miserable. Shredderman series, book 3. 2005.
Enemy Spy by Wendelin Van Draanen
Download Enemy Spy, DB 62285
Read by Michael Russotto. Reading time: 2 hours, 26 minutes.
As the search for Shredderman's identity intensifies, Nolan stumbles across a possible spy-ring operation. Nolan's involvement in the case puts his superhero secret in jeopardy. Shredderman series, book 4. 2005.
Shelter Dogs: Amazing Stories of Adopted Strays by Peg Kehret
Download Shelter Dogs, DB 52181
Read by Renee Dutton-O’Hara. Reading time: 2 hours, 10 minutes
Features eight stray dogs that were adopted from shelters and went on to become service animals, actors, and heroes. "Zorro, the Champion That Nobody Wanted" relates how a large, lively canine became a star on a fly ball team.1999.
The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo
Download The Tale of Despereaux, BR 15300
Download The Tale of Despereaux, DB 57805
LP 1414
Read by Jill Fox. Reading time: 3 hours, 57 minutes.
Despereaux, a small mouse, is condemned to the dungeon for falling in love with human Princess Pea. Despereaux meets the rat, Roscuro, while Mig, an upstairs serving girl, wishes to be a princess, too. All four meet with near disastrous results. Newbery Medal winner. 2003.
Through My Eyes by Ruby Bridges
Download Through My Eyes, DB 52540
Read by Margaret Strom. Reading time: 1 hour, 29 minutes.
Ruby Bridges recounts her experiences as the six-year-old first African American to integrate an all-white school in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1960. She also discusses her reactions to the chants and the jeers and how that year changed her. 1999.
The Tree that Time Built: A Celebration of Nature, Science, and Imagination by Mary Ann Hoberman and Linda Winston
Download The Tree that Time Built, DB 71809
Read by Jill Fox. Reading time: 3 hours, 27 minutes.
Anthology of poems for nature lovers with subjects ranging from dinosaurs to earthworms and fossils to butterflies. Poets include William Blake, Emily Dickinson, Carl Sandburg, and Valerie Worth. Features eighteen poets reading their own work. 2009.
True Green Kids: 100 Things You Can Do to Save the Planet by Kim McKay and Jenny Bronin
Download True Green Kids, DB 69573
Read by Kristin Allison. Reading time: 2 hours, 16 minutes.
Suggests ways to encourage personal involvement in protecting Earth's resources while at home, at school, in the outdoors, shopping, or on vacation. Recommends practicing the four Rs--reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink--from limiting time in showers and eating organic foods to making environmentally themed movies. 2008.