A Blossom Promise by Betsy Byars

A Blossom Promise is the 4th book in the Blossom Family series.  The Blossom family includes Pap, Vicki Blossom (the mother), Maggie, Vern, Junior, Mud and Dump (the dogs).  In this story, Maggie and Vicki are away on the rodeo circuit while Michael and Vern are at home with Pap.  In their absence, multiple disasters strike.  First, Mud gets bitten by a snake.  Then Vern and his best friend Michael make a raft and raft down Snake Creek, which is flooded because of all the rain. The current is harsh, and the boys get into serious danger. Pap attempts to rescue Vern and Michael from the raging creek but collapses in the process, leaving Junior to handle the family crisis.  Meanwhile, Maggie faces a crisis of her own when she discovers that her mother's new boyfriend is a bullrider on the rodeo circuit.  In the end, the Blossom family reunites to face life's situations together.

By Camille N. and Mrs. Norton

Ms. Coco Is Loco! by Dan Gutman

Ms. Coco Is Loco! is the 16th book in the My Weird School series.  The main character of the series is A.J., a skateboard and video-loving elementary school kid.  Despite the fact that he hates school, A.J. is placed in the Gifted and Talented program where his teacher, Ms. Coco, discovers his natural talent for writing poetry.  When the school principal challenges the students to write 1,000 poems during National Poetry Month, A.J. cashes in on his talent by writing poems for kids in his class.  If you want to read some really funny poems and find out if A.J. gets caught, read Ms. Coco is Loco!
Note: My Weird School books do not have to be read in order.  This was the first book in the series that I have read, and I had no problem following along!
By Mrs. Norton

War Dogs by Joanne Mattern

President Obama stands facing the members of SEAL team 6, the Navy special forces who killed Osama bin Laden.  If you were to see this scene it might be a little strange--battle-hardened heroes, the President, and a dog.  Obama and the SEAL team members treat that dog, Cairo, like a soldier. Cairo was with SEAL Team 6 when they stormed bin Laden's Pakistani compound.  In this book, you'll read about courageous canines that were heroes, saving their men's lives and even dying for their country.  From a seeing eye dog that guides a man down 70 floors in a burning World Trade Center to German Shepherds saving lives in Vietnam,  this book will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about America's unsung heroes...the war dogs.

By Payne N.

Chasing Lincoln's Killer by James L. Swanson

John Wilkes Boothe.  Most people remember the world-famous actor for one thing.  The assassination of Abraham Lincoln in the Ford's Theatre.  Most people don't know the details of the manhunt that followed after Boothe escaped.  James Swanson takes us to the heart of the chase...Boothe himself.  As Boothe and his accomplice fled to Virginia, the calvary fanned out throughout the area.  Many mysteries surrounded the chase, but the only question on most American's minds was:would Lincoln's murderer ever be brought to justice?  Get ready for a gripping story of a horrible deed, an escape, and a triumphant capture in this mystery thriller, Chasing Lincoln's Killer.

by Payne N.

The Lucky Lottery by Ron Roy

The Lucky Lottery is the L installment in Ron Roy's A to Z Mysteries series.  Dink, Josh, and Ruth Rose, the kid detective team featured in the series, solve the mystery of Lucky O'Leary's stolen lottery ticket.  What makes the plot even more interesting is that the ticket is a winning ticket, and whoever cashes it in is a millionaire seven times over!  The kid detectives are in a race against time to identify the thief before he (or she) makes off with the money.

If you enjoy mysteries like Encyclopedia Brown, you will probably like the A to Z Mysteries series.  Start with any letter of the alphabet you can get your hands on and read all 26!
By Mrs. Norton

Piper Reed Navy Brat by Kimberly Willis Holt

Piper Reed is a 4th grade girl whose father is in the U.S. Navy.  In this first book in the Piper Reed series, Captain, Piper's father,  has received orders to move his family from San Diego, California to Pensacola, Florida in the middle of the school year.  The Reed family (Captain, Mom, Tori, Piper, and Sam) makes the cross country trip to their new home and learns once again that home is more than a location on a map; home is where your family is.  If you are a part of a military family, you will understand Piper's feelings about moving.  You will also enjoy the happy ending as Piper and her family help each other adjust to their new home.  Recommended especially for 3rd or 4th graders.
By Mrs. Norton

The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo

Kate DiCamillo is the author of many wonderful books enjoyed by both children and adults.  Examples you may recognize include The Tale of Despereaux and Because of Winn Dixie.  The Mysterious Journey of Edward Tulane is the story of how Edward Tulane, a self-centered china rabbit, learns the importance of being loved and loving others.  DiCamillo describes the ups and downs of Edward's life from his own unique point of view.  If you have ever imagined that your own stuffed animals and dolls are real, you will probably enjoy this book.  It has a satisfying, feel-good ending.
By Mrs. Norton