Intermediate (ages 9-14)

Material appropriate for intermediate age groups

Once Upon A Poem

This stunning, fully-illustrated collection offers a dazzling array of narrative poems—-each of which tells an unforgettable tale. Readers will find poems to suit every taste—from stirring, heroic verses to magical fables, and from cautionary tales to humorous tongue-twisters. “Old masters” such as William Wadsworth Longfellow and Lewis Carroll are paired with great twentieth century poets such as W.H. Auden & Roald Dahl. Contemporary poets such as Tony Mitton & Kevin Crossley-Holland (who introduces each poem) are featured as well. A one-of-a-kind anthology for every child’s bookshelf.

Classic Poetry: An Illustrated Collection (Candlewick Illustrated Classic)

classic“Few anthologies for this age group include such a fine selection of works, introduce the poets so vividly, or provide such a rich collection of haunting illustrations.” — Booklist Poetry provides the best introduction to the marvels of the English language. This volume, collected by award-winning author Michael Rosen, presents a glorious selection of classic poetry, chronologically arranged from the seventeenth century to modern day—poems by such celebrated poets as William Shakespeare, Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Emily Dickinson, Carl Sandburg, and Langston Hughes— complete with biographical sketches of the poets, information on individual poems, and notes on poetic forms. Paul Howard’s full-color illustrations illuminate some of the most brilliant poems of the English-speaking world with stunning breadth and beauty. A book to be treasured, Classic Poetry belongs on every shelf—every child should know these poems and keep this book with them as they grow.

Vermonia #1: Quest for the Silver Tiger

On a distant Blue Star, Mel, Jim, Naomi, and Doug — friends obsessed with their garage band — don’t seem that different from any of the other twelve-year-old skateboarders at Union Middle School. But everything changes when Mel is kidnapped and imprisoned in a world called the Turtle Realm. As her friends rush to save her, guided by the magical squelp Satorin, they find a world terrorized by a conquering army, a land whose villagers’ only hope is an ancient prophecy foretelling the arrival of four heroes.

Noman: Book Three Of The Noble Warriors

The safe haven of the Noble Warriors has been demolished and the Nomana have disbanded. When a young boy preaching peace and joy mesmerizes all who come in contact with him, a large following grows quickly–one that soon includes Morning Star and the Wildman. Yet Seeker, who is obsessed with his increasingly perilous journey to kill the last savanter, finds his mission placing him at odds with this new leader. As loyalties and friendships and faith are tested, all three heroes must question: Who can be trusted? And what can be believed? Part adventure-fantasy, part love story, and part reflection on the themes of power and faith, Noman is a thrilling and thought-provoking novel–a beautiful wrap-up to a critically acclaimed series.

Classic Fairy Tales

Welcome two new Candlewick Illustrated Classics! These collectible editions bring treasured stories to life with lavish full-color interior illustrations and elegant French flaps.Berlie Doherty’s inspired retellings of some of the best-loved stories of all time come alive in Jane Ray’s rich and vividly detailed illustrations. Here is a truly gorgeous collection offering a diversity of fairy-tale worlds to engage all readers.

Watching Jimmy

A novel of danger, warmth, and dark humor–about a brain-damaged young boy and the friend who knows a terrible secret. Watching Jimmy is an impossible-to-put-down novel full of danger, warmth and dark humor. With shocking candor, young Carolyn relates the truth about what really happened to her best friend, Jimmy, when his Uncle Ted chose the perfect time to teach him a lesson he’d never forget. The truth is, Jimmy didn’t fall from a swing like Uncle Ted claims–Carolyn knows, because she saw everything. According to her, “Uncle Ted just didn’t count on me, Carolyn, [being] perched in a tree where the park and the parking lot meet.” With the dreadful secret locked away, Carolyn walks an emotional tightrope. No matter what else is happening in this post-war era, she must keep an eye on poor, brain-damaged Jimmy: making sure he behaves, keeping him clean and keeping him safe–especially from Uncle Ted. But when Uncle Ted threatens his beleaguered family with even more abuse and the loss of their home, Carolyn must find the courage to match wits with him and to speak out, using the truth as her only weapon. But perhaps her biggest challenge will lie in finding a way to get Jimmy the expensive operation he needs to relieve the pressure on his brain, because: “As I told you, our Jimmy is not a mental defective like people say. Our Jimmy is in there. He’s in there. This I know.” Set in 1958, Watching Jimmy is a brilliant portrait of a time past, a family of strong women, and a resourceful young girl who exudes character, resilience, and, most of all, love.

Heroes of the Valley

Halli Sveinsson has grown up in the House of Svein, listening to the legends of the heroes as all his forefathers did. His is a peaceful society where the violence of the past has been outlawed and disputes are settled by the Council. But young Halli has never quite seemed to fit in with the others. For starters, he was not at all handsome or tall, like his attractive blond siblings. He’s stumpy and swarthy, with a quick mind and aptitude for getting in trouble. Bored with the everyday chores and sheep herding, he can’t help himself from playing practical jokes on everyone, from Eyjolf the old servant, to his brother and sister. But when he plays a trick on Ragnor of the House of Hakonsson, he goes too far, setting in motion a chain of events that will forever alter his destiny. Because of it, Halli will have to leave home and go on a hero’s quest. Along the way, he will encounter highway robbers, terrifying monsters, and a girl who may finally be his match. In the end, he will discover the truth about the legends, his family, and himself. Jonathan Stroud’s new novel is a hero’s saga and coming-of-age–as well as a surprising look at what bravery really means.

Heartsinger

Smee was born with a great gift: the ability to sing other people’s stories and heal their pain. But Smee also carries his own pain — his failure to reach his deaf mother and heal her grief at his father’s death. As he travels the country, he eases many people’s sorrows, but he cannot connect with anyone himself. Mitou also has a gift: spreading joy through a few notes from her accordion. When she hears about Smee–who was born on the same day she was–she knows that surely they belong together, each of them helping others through their music. They finally meet on the way to the king’s castle to sing for the beautiful Princess Esperanza. But will Mitou’s hopes be fulfilled–or is the pain of the past too great?

The Onlyhouse (Northern Lights Young Novels)

Red Cedar Award nominee, 1997 Life in her new neighborhood isn’t going to be easy for Croatian immigrant Lucy Vakovik. Her mother has saved enough to buy them an onlyhouse: a single detached home. But to Lucy’s friends, her mother says, “My sometime English is broking.” What’s a kid to do? Lucy’s got a fight ahead of her and important choices to make. But she knows she’s not a stereotype like some people think – she’s Lucy and that’s a good place to start.