Recommended by Debbie, an educator and Canton Public Library patron.

Check our other Fave Five lists, too!

Freak the Mighty

by Rodman Philbrick
Freak the Mighty is a story about two boys who don't have any friends and are looked at as "odd" by others. They find a unique friendship with each other.

The City of Ember

by Jeanne DuPrau
An excellent science fiction story for young readers that leaves you wanting to finish the book in one day! My students were always asking me to read one more chapter. I am not a science fiction fan but this author is excellent at writing twists and turns that leave you wanting more!

The People of Sparks

by Jeanne DuPrau
The ending of The City of Ember will leave you wanting more, and this sequel provides many answers to the questions you will have after reading The City of Ember.

Maniac Magee

by Jerry Spinelli
Maniac Magee is a story about a boy who is orphaned and living on his own. He looks for acceptance and friendship and gains and loses both as he tries to find a way to fit in.

Everything on a Waffle

by Polly Horvath
A girl loses her parents when they are lost at sea. This is a story about how she deals with the loss and the hope that they are still alive and will return.