On Your Mark, Get Set…READ!
For Tween Readers
This recommended reading list provides a broad list of books related to this summer’s theme of sports, health, and wellness. This list includes audio, braille, and large print titles and is recommended for those reading at a grade 4 to 7 reading level up to a grade 6 to 9 reading level.
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through WolfPAC. Identification numbers for braille books begin with BR, large print books begin with LP, and audiobooks begin with DB or DBC. All audiobooks and available braille books listed are linked to the Braille and Audio Reading Download site (BARD) for downloading.
Grades 4 to 7
Arrorró, mi niño: Latino Lullabies and Gentle Games by Lulu Delacre
BR 1701; web-braille not available.
Fifteen traditional Latin American nursery rhymes and songs, some with finger-play activities, are presented in Spanish with English translations. PRINT/BRAILLE. Belpré Honor Book. 2004.
Balls! Round 2 by Michael J. Rosen
DB 68100
Read by John Haag. Reading time: 3 hours, 8 minutes.
Examines the history and construction of balls used in baseball, softball, bowling, bocce, croquet, shot put, billiards, and lacrosse. Features odd facts and information about the sport associated with the ball. 2008.
Baseball Card Adventures series Dan Gutman
Honus and Me by Dan Gutman
DB 49915
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 2 hours, 59 minutes.
Shortly after Joe Stoshack discovers a valuable 1909 Honus Wagner baseball card, Honus mysteriously appears in his room. They discover that by holding the card, Joe can travel back in time to 1909 with Honus. Baseball Card Adventures, book 1. 1997.
Jackie and Me by Dan Gutman
DB 49916
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 3 hours, 33 minutes.
An assignment for Black History Month prompts Joe Stoshack to use his time-travel ability to visit Jackie Robinson. In 1947 New York, Jackie faces opposition as he becomes the first black baseball player allowed in the majors. Baseball Card Adventures, book 2. 1999.
Babe and Me by Dan Gutman
DB 49917
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 3 hours, 47 minutes.
Joe Stoshack takes his father with him when he time-travels back to 1932 to watch a historic moment in Babe Ruth's career. Babe supposedly "called the shot" by pointing to where his home-run hit would land. Baseball Card Adventures, book 3. 2000.
Shoeless Joe and Me by Dan Gutman
DB 57427
Read by Michael Kramer. Reading time: 3 hours, 23 minutes.
Thirteen-year-old Joe Stoshack travels back in time to 1919 where he meets "Shoeless" Joe Jackson of the Chicago Black Sox and tries to prevent the fixing of the World Series. Baseball Card Adventures, book 4. 2002.
Mickey and Me by Dan Gutman
DB 56599
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 3 hours, 41 minutes.
Thirteen-year-old Joe Stoshack plans to travel back in time to the 1951 World Series, using his Mickey Mantle baseball card. Instead, he goes back to 1944 and meets the Milwaukee Chicks, one of the few all-female professional baseball teams in the history of the game. Baseball Card Adventures, book 5. 2003.
Abner and Me by Dan Gutman
DB 61382
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 3 hours, 52 minutes.
Joe uses baseball cards to travel through time. To ask Abner Doubleday whether he invented baseball, Joe and his mother go back to 1863. They find themselves in the middle of the Battle of Gettysburg, helping out in a field hospital. Baseball Card Adventures, book 6. Some violence. 2005.
Satch and Me by Dan Gutman
DB 69453
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 4 hours, 21 minutes.
Using vintage baseball cards to travel through time, Stosh and his coach Flip Valentini return to 1942 with a radar gun to determine whether Satchel Paige was the fastest pitcher ever. They learn that Satch was fast at a lot of things. Baseball Card Adventures, book 7. 2006.
Jim and Me by Dan Gutman
DB 69022
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 4 hours, 35 minutes.
Joe Stoshack's longtime enemy Bobby Fuller asks Joe to use a vintage baseball card to time travel with him. The boys want to meet Jim Thorpe, the twentieth century's greatest athlete and Bob's great-grandfather, but they arrive in 1913--after Thorpe's Olympic medals were taken away. Baseball Card Adventures, book 8. 2008.
Roberto and Me by Dan Gutman
DB 70768
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 4 hours, 30 minutes.
Stosh travels back in time to 1969 to try and prevent the untimely death of Roberto Clemente, a popular baseball player and humanitarian. Upon returning to the present, Stosh meets his own great-grandson and travels with him into the future--the year 2080. Baseball Card Adventures, book 9. 2010.
Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for Kids by Rachael Ray
DB 64199
Read by Erin Jones. Reading time: 4 hours, 19 minutes.
Recipes for sandwiches, soups, one-dish meals, and desserts suitable for preparation by children aged four to six, seven to eleven, and twelve to sixteen. Sections on beverages, snacks, and big subs are for all ages. Includes kitchen basics and tips for grownup helpers. 2004.
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein
DB 77918
Read by Patrick Downer. Reading time: 5 hours, 56 minutes.
Twelve-year-old Kyle and his friends enter a contest to win a Friday-night lock-in at the new public library created by an eccentric game maker. Little do they know that the winners will have to work together to solve puzzles in order to escape. 2013.
The Egypt Game by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
DB 37531
LP 50039
Read by Lynn Schrichte. Reading time: 4 hours, 10 minutes.
A group of children entranced by the study of Egypt play their own Egypt game with secret meetings, rites, and ceremonies in an abandoned yard behind the antique shop. The game helps an unhappy eleven-year-old solve her personal problems and leads to the identification of the lurking stranger. 1967.
Guys Read: The Sports Pages by Jon Scieszka
BR 19306; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
Ten humorous short stories featuring a raging robot, a homicidal turkey, a teenaged mummy, and a biker who takes over a kid's bedroom. Includes works by authors Eoin Colfer, Kate DiCamillo, Jon Scieszka, David Yoo, David Lubar, Christopher Paul Curtis, Jack Gantos, and others. Guys Read series, book 1. 2010.
Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J. K. Rowling
BR 14710(Spanish); 3 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
BR 17744; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
DB 47260
DB 50988(Spanish)
LP 00610
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 8 hours, 55 minutes.
Read by Maria Pino. Reading time: 9 hours, 20 minutes.
On Harry Potter's eleventh birthday, he learns that he is more than an unwanted orphan. The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry recruits him because he has inherent magical abilities. As he purchases his school supplies--robes, wand, and messenger owl--Harry looks forward to attending his new boarding school. Harry Potter series, book 1. Bestseller. 1998.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J. K. Rowling
BR 12276; 3 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
BR 14711(Spanish); 3 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
BR 50950; web-braille not available.
DB 48437
DB 50989(Spanish)
LP 00745
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 10 hours, 13 minutes.
Read by Maria Pino. Reading time: 10 hours, 25 minutes.
Despite a warning not to return to Hogwarts for his second year of wizardry studies, Harry shows up. But Harry is in danger from the opened Chamber of Secrets as well as from his would-be protector. Harry Potter series, book 2. Bestseller. 1999.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J. K. Rowling
BR 12390; 3 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
BR 14712(Spanish); 4 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4.
DB 48772
DB 50990(Spanish)
LP 00746
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 12 hours, 54 minutes.
Read by Maria Pino. Reading time: 13 hours, 14 minutes.
Harry is relieved to be back at Hogwarts for his third year with his friends Ron and Hermione even though he isn't completely safe. The escaped convict Sirius Black, a staunch supporter of Voldemort, is after Harry. Harry Potter series, book 3. Bestseller. 1999.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J. K. Rowling
BR 12764; 10 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6. Volume 7. Volume 8. Volume 9. Volume 10.
BR 14713(Spanish); 7 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6. Volume 7.
BR 50948; web-braille not available.
DB 50228
DB 52975(Spanish)
LP 00747
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 21 hours, 57 minutes.
Read by Juan Ramirez. Reading time: 28 hours, 28 minutes.
The Dursleys and join his friends Hermione and Ron for the Quidditch World Cup before beginning his fourth year at Hogwarts. But his enemies have not forgotten him. Harry Potter series, book 4. 2000.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J. K. Rowling
BR 14705; 13 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6. Volume 7. Volume 8. Volume 9. Volume 10. Volume 11. Volume 12. Volume 13.
BR 15643(Spanish); 9 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6. Volume 7. Volume 8. Volume 9.
DB 56062
DB 58958(Spanish)
LP 01348
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 31 hours, 44 minutes.
Read by Maria Pino. Reading time: 32 hours, 35 minutes.
The first part of the summer after his fourth year at Hogwarts finds Harry back with the Dursleys, isolated in the Muggles' world. But that changes after he is attacked by Dementors. Harry Potter series, book 5. 2003.
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling
BR 16000; 8 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6. Volume 7. Volume 8.
BR 16304(Spanish); 6 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6.
DB 60262
DB 61014(Spanish)
LP 01530
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 22 hours, 14 minutes.
Read by Maria Pino. Reading time: 20 hours, 34 minutes.
Harry and his friends return for their sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Evil Voldemort's power increases daily and Harry encounters a prince. Harry Potter series, book 6. 2005.
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J. K. Rowling
BR 17210; 10 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6. Volume 7. Volume 8. Volume 9. Volume 10.
BR 18711(Spanish); 7 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6. Volume 7.
BR 51694; web-braille not available.
DB 64495
DB 68968(Spanish)
LP 01755
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 22 hours, 14 minutes.
Read by Maria Pino. Reading time: 25 hours, 32 minutes.
This is the seventh and concluding volume in the series that follows young wizard Harry Potter and his friends and enemies through his years at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Harry Potter series, book 7. 2007.
Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
BR 20223; 6 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6.
DB 72412
LP 02118
Read by Jill Fox. Reading time: 14 hours, 54 minutes.
Jason, Piper, and Leo, three friends from a school for juvenile delinquents, find themselves at Camp Half-Blood, where they learn that they are demigods. The trio begins a quest to free Hera, who has been imprisoned by Mother Earth. Heroes of Olympus series, book 1. 2010.
The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
BR 20245; 5 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5.
DB 74000
LP 02142
Read by Jill Fox. Reading time: 14 hours, 5 minutes.
Demigod Percy Jackson, still suffering from amnesia, and his new friends from Camp Jupiter, Hazel and Frank, go on a quest to free Thanatos. But their bigger task is to unite the Greek and Roman camps to fulfill the Prophecy of Seven. Heroes of Olympus series, book 2. 2011.
The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
BR 20253; 6 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6.
DB 75463
LP 02288
Read by Jill Fox. Reading time: 15 hours, 39 minutes.
While Camp Jupiter prepares for war, Annabeth and her friends travel in the Argo II to Rome, though they worry their armored ship will appear threatening. Annabeth also has more personal concerns, including the impending prophecy and a reunion with Percy. Will he have changed? Heroes of Olympus series, book 3. 2012.
The House of Hades by Rick Riordan
BR 20369; 6 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6.
DB 77833
LP 02432
Read by Jill Fox. Reading time: 16 hours, 9 minutes.
As Percy and Annabeth fall endlessly toward Tartarus, Hazel and the crew of Argo II race to rescue them. They must find the House of Hades to open the Doors of Death--and then seal off the goddess Gaea's forces in the Underworld. Heroes of Olympus series, book 4. 2013.
Ingri and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths by Ingri D’Aulaire and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire
BR 14795; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
DB 56456
Read by Annie Wauters. Reading time: 3 hours, 51 minutes.
Humorous, earthy retellings of the adventures of the gods, goddesses, and legendary figures of ancient Greece. 1962.
Keeping Score by Linda Sue Park
DB 67449
Read by Miriam Wagner. Reading time: 5 hours, 21 minutes.
Brooklyn, New York; 1950s. Nine-year-old Maggie, a Dodgers fan, listens to baseball games at the fire station, where Jim, a Giants fan, teaches her to keep a score sheet. But when Jim is drafted into the Korean War, he doesn't answer her letters. 2008.
Matt Christopher Sports series by Matt Christopher and Glenn Stout
Babe Ruth by Matt Christopher and Glenn Stout
BR 16067; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
Biography of one of the first players to be elected into the National Baseball Hall of Fame, George Herman "Babe" Ruth (1895-1948). Discusses his childhood delinquency, his professional career with the New York Yankees, and his home-run and pitching records. 2005.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. by Matt Christopher and Glenn Stout
BR 16987; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
Biography of NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Sr. (1951-2001), who died in a crash during the Daytona 500. Discusses his career and some of his major races. Describes the racing style and technique that made him a champion. 2007.
Jackie Robinson by Matt Christopher and Glenn Stout
BR 16958; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
Biography of the first African American to play for a major league baseball team, the Brooklyn Dodgers. Recounts how Jackie Robinson (1919-1972) broke the race barrier in 1947 when segregation dominated American sports. Depicts his talent, belief in racial equality, and strength of character. 2006.
Muhammad Ali by Matt Christopher and Glenn Stout
BR 16064; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
Biography of the boxer who won the heavyweight world championship in 1964. Relates his subsequent conversion to the Nation of Islam and name change from Cassius Clay to Muhammad Ali. Discusses his career and reasons for retirement. 2005.
On the Field with…Mia Hamm by Matt Christopher and Glenn Stout
BR 16814; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
DB 57997
Read by Alec Volz. Reading time: 2 hours, 43 minutes
Biography of one of the top female soccer players in the United States. Describes how Mia Hamm helped her team win a gold medal in the 1996 Olympics and a victory in the 1999 World Cup championship. Includes a chronology of Hamm's career highlights. 1998.
Mary Poppins by P. L. Travers
BR 12972; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
DB 50917
Read by Anne Flosnik. Reading time: 4 hours, 5 minutes.
An extraordinary English woman blows in on the East Wind with her parrot-headed umbrella and magic carpetbag to become the Banks family's new nanny. Mary Poppins introduces her elder charges, Jane and Michael, to some delightful people and experiences. Mary Poppins series, book 1. 1934.
Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper
DB 71173
Read by Jill Fox. Reading time: 6 hours, 27 minutes.
Cerebral palsy limits fifth grader Melody's physical movements and ability to speak but not her capacity to think. In an inclusion class, with the help of her university student aide, Melody figures out what she needs to truly communicate and in doing so surprises many people. 2012-2013 Mark Twain Award winner. 2010.
Grades 5 to 8
The Big Field by Mike Lupica
DB 66686
Read by Erik Synnestvedt. Reading time: 5 hours, 33 minutes.
Eighth-grader Keith "Hutch" Hutchinson relinquishes his favorite position, shortstop, to talented newcomer Darryl Williams. During the summer, Hutch simmers with resentment, but he becomes a better team player at second base. Hutch also reconnects with his father, who once wanted to be a baseball professional. 2008.
Fantasy League by Mike Lupica
DB 82784
Read by MacLeod Andrews. Reading time: 6 hours, 45 minutes.
In Los Angeles, twelve-year-old Charlie’s skill at fantasy football gains the attention of both the local media and the owner of a professional football team. Commercial audiobook. 2014.
Football Genius series by Tim Green
Football Genius by Tim Green
DB 68601
LP 01775
Read by Gary Tipton. Reading time: 4 hours, 55 minutes.
Sixth-grader Troy can predict football plays before they occur and wants to use this ability to help his favorite team, the Atlanta Falcons. But first he has to convince the team to take him seriously. Football Genius series, book 1. 2007.
Football Champ by Tim Green
DB 70019
LP 02041
Read by Gary Tipton. Reading time: 5 hours, 4 minutes.
Twelve-year-old Troy's uncanny gift for predicting football plays proves a powerful secret weapon for the Atlanta Falcons. But a seedy reporter with a grudge against star linebacker Seth Halloway suspects something illegal is going on and pursues Troy. Football Genius series, book 2. 2009.
Football Hero by Tim Green
DB 72444
LP 01915
Read by Bill Quinn. Reading time: 6 hours, 19 minutes.
When twelve-year-old Ty's brother Thane is recruited from college to play for the New York Jets, their Uncle Gus uses Ty to get insider information for Gus's gambling ring. Now Ty and Thane are in trouble with the Mafia. Football Genius series, book 3. 2008.
The Big Time by Tim Green
DB 71948
Read by Gary Tipton. Reading time: 5 hours.
Twelve-year-old Troy always dreamed of meeting his father, but when the man appears at the victory celebration for Troy's football team, it turns into a nightmare. His mother's anger, his father's shady business dealings, and Troy's own feelings complicate matters. Football Genius series, book 4. 2010.
How Angel Peterson Got His Name: And Other Outrageous Tales about Extreme Sports by Gary Paulsen
DB 56528
Read by Michael Kramer. Reading time: 2 hours, 2 minutes.
Author of Hatchet (DB 30535) and other survival adventures recalls his own escapades at age twelve. Describes how he attempted to shoot a twelve-foot waterfall in a barrel, how a friend on skis was pulled by a car at high speed, and other daredevil feats. 2003.
Here Lies the Librarian by Richard Peck
DB 62441
LP 01625
Read by Kristin Allison. Reading time: 3 hours.
Indiana, 1914. Fourteen-year-old tomboy Eleanor "Peewee" McGrath would rather repair a car in her brother's garage than read a book. But when Irene Ridpath arrives in her big car with three other librarians, Eleanor's ideas about her future change. 2006.
Jaguar by Roland Smith
DB 49375
Read by Christopher Walker. Reading time: 5 hours, 23 minutes.
Young Jake Lansa ventures into the tropical jungles of Brazil, where his father, a wildlife biologist, is creating a jaguar preserve. During their arduous journey up the Amazon River, Jake encounters natural dangers and greedy human predators. Jakob Lansa series, book 2. 1997.
Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
BR 20227; 6 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6.
DB 71322
LP 02037
Read by Kevin R. Free and Katherine Kellgren. Reading time: 14 hours, 39 minutes.
After his mother's death, Carter Kane follows his Egyptologist father, Julius, across the globe. When they visit the British Museum to reunite with Carter's sister, a mysterious figure banishes Julius, sending the siblings on a dangerous adventure to save their dad. Kane Chronicles series, book 1. Some violence. Commercial audiobook. 2010.
The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
BR 20250; 6 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6.
DB 73386
LP 02139
Read by Kevin R. Free and Katherine Kellgren. Reading time: 12 hours, 51 minutes.
Carter and Sadie, offspring of the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane, embark on a worldwide search for the Book of Ra. But the House of Life and the gods of chaos are determined to stop them. Kane Chronicles series, book 2. Commercial audiobook. 2011.
The Serpent’s Shadow by Rick Riordan
BR 20280; 4 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4.
DB 74714
LP 02285
Read by Kevin R. Free and Katherine Kellgren. Reading time: 11 hours, 24 minutes.
Magicians Sadie and Carter Kane are trying to stop the chaos snake Apophis from destroying the world. But their friends the magicians and the gods are divided, and the Kanes must face the forces of chaos alone. Kane Chronicles series, book 3. Commercial audiobook. 2012.
The Land of the Silver Apples by Nancy Farmer
DB 65685
LP 01733
Read by Erik Synnestvedt. Reading time: 12 hours, 56 minutes.
Jack sets out to rescue his sister Lucy, kidnapped by the Lady of the Lake, and travels to the Land of the Silver Apples--home to elves and other magical creatures. Sea of Trolls series, book 2. 2007.
Lay Ups and Long Shots by Joseph Bruchac
DB 69085
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 1 hour, 36 minutes.
Nine authors contribute stories on subjects ranging from basketball to running, Ping-Pong, dirt biking, surfing, placekicking, soccer, and a game of H-O-R-S-E. In "Red Shorts, White Water," a boy sets out to impress a girl, but it's his shorts, not his kayak, that does the trick. 2008.
Penny From Heaven by Jennifer Holm
BR 17369; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
DB 64582
LP 01724
Read by Lindsay Ellison. Reading time: 5 hours, 45 minutes.
New Jersey, 1953. During the summer, eleven-year-old Penny carries her uncle Dominic's lucky bean, almost loses her arm, reconciles with her mother's beau, and discovers the cause of her father's death. Best of all, she reunites her feuding family. Newbery Honor Book. 2006.
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
BR 20213; 4 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4.
BR 52048; web-braille not available.
DB 63443
LP 01539
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 10 hours, 53 minutes.
Upstate New York, 2005. Sixth-grader Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon and a mortal mother, attends a summer camp for demigods. After Percy angers Zeus, his friends Grover, a satyr, and Annabeth, daughter of Athena, join him to resolve the problem. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, book 1. 2005.
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
BR 20243; 3 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
DB 64659
LP 01870
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 8 hours, 23 minutes.
Upstate New York, 2006. Seventh-grader Percy, son of Poseidon and a mortal, learns that Camp Half-Blood is in danger. He and his friends undertake a perilous journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their beloved camp. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, book 2. 2006.
The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan
BR 20285; 3 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
DB 65245
LP 01736
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 9 hours, 24 minutes.
When the youthful goddess Artemis disappears while hunting a rare, ancient monster, modern-day demigod Percy and his friends attempt to rescue her before she is needed at the Olympian Council meeting on the war with the Titans. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, book 3. 2007.
The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
DB 67158
LP 01861
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 11 hours, 27 minutes.
When demonic cheerleaders invade his high school and the war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near, Percy Jackson hurries to Camp Half Blood to initiate a quest through the Labyrinth with his demigod friends. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, book 4. 2008.
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
DB 69015
LP 01935
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 11 hours, 27 minutes.
The long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy Jackson's sixteenth birthday unfolds as he leads an army of young demigods to stop Kronos's advance on New York City. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, book 5. 2009.
A Single Shard by Linda Sue Park
BR 14214; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
DB 53670
LP 01113
Read by Gary Tipton. Reading time: 3 hours, 42 minutes.
Tree-ear, an orphan in twelfth-century Korea, spends most of his time foraging for food for himself and Crane-man, an older companion. Tree-ear takes advantage of a mishap in master potter Min's yard to become his apprentice, learning a craft and gaining unforeseen rewards. Newbery Medal. 2001.
Spilling Ink: A Young Writer’s Handbook by Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer
DB 71666
Read by Mary Kane. Reading time: 4 hours, 45 minutes.
Two authors playfully mix practical advice and personal anecdotes to demystify the craft of writing a story or novel. Topics covered include finding inspiration, naming characters, developing a narrative voice, crafting dialogue, dealing with writer's block, and establishing good work habits. 2010.
Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly by Gail Levine
BR 17206; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
Newbery Honor author of fiction provides advice, tips, and exercises to encourage aspiring writers. Covers story writing--from coming up with an idea and developing characters and plot to finding a publisher. Recommends practicing a lot and saving everything you write. 2006.
Grades 6 to 9
The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
DB 65599
LP 01745
Read by Martha Harmon Pardee. Reading time: 9 hours, 22 minutes.
While working at mundane summer jobs in San Francisco, fifteen-year-old twins Sophie and Josh are caught up in the deadly, centuries-old struggle between rival alchemists Nicholas Flamel and John Dee. At issue is possession of an ancient book of secret formulas for alchemy and everlasting life. Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series, book 1. 2007.
The Boxer by Kathleen Karr
DB 51930
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 4 hours, 29 minutes.
New York City, 1880s. Fifteen-year-old Johnny Woods learns how to box professionally in prison while serving time for an illegal match. After his release, Johnny continues to box in order to support his mother and five younger siblings. 2000.
Center Field by Robert Lipsyte
DB 73065
Read by Bill Quinn. Reading time: 5 hours, 51 minutes.
High school junior Mike Semak lives for baseball, but he is distracted by an ankle injury, two girls, a talented new player who wants Mike's center-field position, problems at home, and a sneaking suspicion that something sinister is happening at school. 2010.
The Dark Days of Hamburger Halpin by Josh Berk
DB 71045
Read by Chuck Young. Reading time: 5 hours, 54 minutes.
Will Halpin is both fat and deaf--the perfect target for bullies as he mainstreams in a Pennsylvania high school. But when a popular football player is found dead at the bottom of a coal mine during a field trip, Will figures out who pushed him. 2010.
Homestretch by Paul Volponi
BR 19262; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
Five months after his mother dies in a car accident, Gaston (Gas) Giambanco runs away from his drunken, abusive father. Working at a racetrack stable for a corrupt boss who exploits illegal Mexican workers, Gas comes to terms with his feelings and sense of honor. Some strong language. 2009.
Last Shot by John Feinstein
DB 60035
LP 01538
Read by Pat Bottino. Reading time: 6 hours, 47 minutes.
Eighth-graders Steven Thomas and Susan Carol Anderson have won a sports writing contest with a prize trip to New Orleans for the Final Four college basketball tournament. Their reporting becomes sleuthing when they discover that a talented player is being blackmailed into throwing the final game. 2005.
Over the Wall by John H. Ritter
DB 51232
Read by John Polk. Reading time: 7 hours, 49 minutes.
Thirteen-year-old Tyler escapes his gloomy family to spend the summer with relatives in New York City, where he practices for an all-star baseball team. But Tyler's uncontrollable temper holds him back until the coach, a Vietnam vet, starts the boy thinking about violence, war, and tragedy--including his family's. 2000.
The Omnivore’s Dilemma: The Secrets Behind What You Eat, Young Readers Edition by Michael Pollan
DB 70342
Read by Gary Tipton. Reading time: 9 hours, 25 minutes.
Believing that information will help eaters make healthy choices, the author describes learning how food arrives on our tables. Recounts hunting for boars; gathering mushrooms; and traveling to industrial farms, cattle feedlots, and slaughter factories. Some violence. 2009.
Peak by Roland Smith
BR 17994; 2 Volumes. Volume 1. Volume 2.
DB 64746
Read by Walter Dixon. Reading time: 6 hours, 17 minutes.
A New York City SWAT team arrests fourteen-year-old Peak Marcello for scaling a skyscraper. A judge places Peak on probation and allows him to accompany his father, a famous mountain climber, to Tibet, where Peak hopes to be the youngest person to climb Mount Everest. 2007.
Players by Joyce Sweeney
DB 51979
Read by Gregory Gorton. Reading time: 5 hours, 17 minutes.
Naive Corey, captain of his high school basketball team, readily accepts newcomer Noah as a member of the squad. But as bad and illegal events start happening, Corey recognizes that Noah is evil and manipulates everyone. 2000.
Tangerine by Edward Bloor
DB 46159
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 9 hours, 25 minutes.
Paul Fisher's parents are avid fans of his older brother Erik's promising football career. In contrast, Paul wears extremely thick glasses because, according to Erik, Paul stared at an eclipse. When they move to Tangerine, Florida, Paul's new friendships help him uncover what he's really known all along about Erik. 1997.
True Legend by Mike Lupica
DB 75549
Read by Alec Volz. Reading time: 6 hours, 49 minutes.
Fifteen-year-old Drew "True" Robinson loves being the best point-guard in high school basketball. But late one night when he goes to practice alone, a ghost of a player is already there--and is amazing! The former star teaches Drew a few things about the consequences of fame. 2012.
When My Name was Keoko by Linda Sue Park
BR 16977; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
DB 55957
Read by Mary Kane. Reading time: 5 hours, 54 minutes.
Thirteen-year-old Tae-yul and his younger sister, Sun-hee, take turns recounting what happened to their family in Korea while under Japanese occupation during World War II. As the Japanese tried to suppress Korean culture, even people's names were changed--Sun-hee was called Keoko. 2002.