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Kids 'Guaranteed to Read' Fiction

By Skokie Staff Youth Services

Engaging, fast-paced fiction for kids in grades 3-6 who haven't found the right book yet.

  • The Middler

    2020 by Applebaum, Kirsty

    11-year-old Maggie is a middle child in a world that only values the oldest child. A fast-moving "dystopia" that is hard to put down. Recommended by Cathy.

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  • I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

    2020 by Ball, Georgia

    The I Survived books are for kids who like fast-paced adventure, and they are based on real events. The books now come in graphic-novel format, making them even more engaging for kids! Recommended by Shelley.

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  • A High Five for Glenn Burke

    2020 by Bildner, Phil

    This home run of a book isn't just about baseball. Recommended by Meleesa.

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  • Rain Forest Relay

    2015 by Earhart, Kristin

    Russell and his friends enter an Amazon Rainforest competition for a prize of $1 million! They must solve animal clues and puzzles if they want to take home the prize. Recommended by Mandy.

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  • The Bad Guys

    2017 by Blabey, Aaron

    It's not quite a graphic novel and it's not quite about bad guys, but it's a hilarious start to a series with 12 more books and a movie in the works. Recommended by Mandy.

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  • Teddy Mars: Almost a World Record Breaker

    2015 by Burnham, Molly B.

    Teddy has five sisters and a brother. Could winning a world record be the way to stand out in the crowd? Recommended by Mandy.

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  • Took: A Ghost Story

    2015 by Hahn, Mary Downing

    You might have to take a break between pages to catch your breath when you read this chilling, eerie, creepy tale. Recommended by Meleesa.

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  • Charlie Thorne and the Last Equation

    2019 by Gibbs, Stuart

    Lots of action, adventure, travel, and intrigue happen when the CIA asks a 12-year-old girl to help them solve Einstein's clues to a world-changing equation. Recommended by Meleesa.

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  • Olga and the Smelly Thing from Nowhere

    2017 by Gravel, Elise

    Kids who like Dork Diaries or Captain Underpants will love this book full of illustrations about a girl who discovers a smelly creature who looks like a "cross between an inflated hamster and a potato drawn by a 3-year-old." Recommended by Laura P.

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  • The Lion of Mars

    2021 by Holm, Jennifer L.

    Living on Mars doesn't mean that you aren't a "regular" kid, but when a virus strikes the grown-ups, 11-year-old Bell has to make a courageous decision. Recommended by Cathy.

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  • Stand up, Yumi Chung!

    2020 by Kim, Jessica

    Yumi may be shy, but she desperately wants to get up in front of an audience and make them laugh. Recommended by Meleesa.

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  • Invisible Emmie

    2017 by Libenson, Terri

    Emmie feels almost invisible until Katie, a cool girl, stands up for her. Lots of great illustrations. Recommended by Mandy.

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  • From the Desk of Zoe Washington

    2020 by Marks, Janae

    Zoe has spunk and heart, and the book includes great recipes. Recommended by Cathy.

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  • Shaking up the House

    2021 by Méndez, Yamile Saied

    Ingrid and Winnie Lopez have lived in the White House for the last eight years, but when they end up spending time there with the new president's two daughters, playing pranks on them becomes their favorite hobby. Recommended by Cathy.

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  • Max & the Midknights

    2019 by Peirce, Lincoln

    Engaging, fast-paced, and funny, this book does a great job surprising you with unexpected characters. Recommended by Caitlin.

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  • Wayside School beneath the Cloud of Doom

    2020 by Sachar, Louis

    This new book in an old series gets you going from the very first sentence. Recommended by Gudrun.

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  • Wedgie & Gizmo

    2017 by Selfors, Suzanne

    Short chapters, great pictures, and a clever plot make this a great choice for kids who are anxious about reading longer books. Recommended by Caitlin.

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  • Lulu and the Brontosaurus

    2010 by Viorst, Judith

    Lulu is a girl who knows what she wants, and if her parents won't help her, she'll get it herself! Recommended by Meleesa.

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