Nuts by Kacy Cook

It was such a small sound, it shouldn’t have bothered her.  But the sound wouldn’t stop.  Finally, her curiosity getting the best of her, Nell and her younger brothers decide to investigate.

The source of small, squeeking sound? Two baby squirrels who have fallen from their nest.

With the help of some online research and a new friend, Nell is determined to care for the squirrels herself . . . even if it means she has to tell a few lies.

Nuts by Kacy Cook is recommended for boys and girls in grades 3-6.

Set in 19th Century England, The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by Mary Downing Hahn is spooky from the first few pages!

Florence is an orphan living in an orphanage when she learns that a long-lost uncle has sent for her.  It is on a dark, stormy night that she first sees her uncle’s creepy looking old house.

Florence is at first excited to be living at Crutchfield Hall, but she quickly learns that not everyone there feels the same way about her.  Living in the house are Florence’s uncle, angry aunt, a cousin, and . . . a ghost.

This is a ghost story for anyone who enjoys being spooked a little bit!

If you have a favorite spooky book, post it below!

Itch

Okay.  I have to admit it.  The combination of the cover art and the title of this book is what grabbed my attention.  I mean, why in the world would a book be called Itch?

This is yet another historical fiction novel -- they seemed to really grab my attention this summer.  Set in 1968, the main character (Itch) and her grandmother move from Florida to Ohio after Itch’s grandfather dies.

Moving to a new school is hard and Itch, with her Florida accident and no parents, feels like an outsider, until she becomes friends with the popular, baton-twirling Gwendolyn.  On the outside, Gwendolyn seems perfect, but Itch begins to realize that Gwendolyn is hiding a deep, dark secret.

Once Itch discovers what the secret is, Itch needs to make a very grown up decision, and as Gramps always told Itch, “Speaking up takes courage.”  

I would highly recommend this realistic, historical fiction book for fifth grade students and up.  Teachers would also really enjoy this coming-of-age novel.  Read Itch by Michelle D. Kwasney.