Good Books for Kids | YA and Kid Reviews Since 2006

The editors at the American Library Association's Booklist publication have come out with their picks of Top Books for Young Readers for 2010. We have rearranged them according to reading level for those who would like to use these as practice readers. (They can be read aloud too!)

======= Level 1's =======

Ling & Ting: Not Exactly the Same!
By Grace Lin

**Starred Review** School Library Journal

Plot Description: Ling and Ting are twins. They like to stick together. They get haircuts and they make dumplings. They do magic tricks and they read books. They stick together and look alike. But they are not exactly the same.

Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 031602452X
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 887
Reading Level: 1.8
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 1.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 137469

Nini Lost and Found
By Anita Lobel

Plot Description: One beautiful autumn day, Nini, a little tabby cat, sees that the door is open. The garden and nearby woods seem to beckon her to explore. Nini thinks the great outdoors is really, really, really nice . . . until night falls and strange animals begin sniffing and hooting and lurking about. Suddenly there is no place like home.

This warm and reassuring picture book speaks to children whose curiosity has tempted them to “run away” from home. Caldecott Honor Book artist Anita Lobel’s illustrations have never been more beautiful. Endearing portraits of her own beloved Nini cat in a lush autumnal setting will gladden the hearts of cat lovers of all ages.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ISBN-10: 0375858806
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 414
Reading Level: 1.8
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 1.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 139423

======= Level 2's =======

Big Red Lollipop
By Rukhsana Khan
Illus. by Sophie Blackall

**A New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Book for 2010**

Plot Description: Rubina has been invited to her first birthday party, and her mother, Ami, insists that she bring her little sister along. Rubina is mortified, but she can't convince Ami that you just don't bring your younger sister to your friend's party. So both girls go, and not only does Sana demand to win every game, but after the party she steals Rubina's prized party favor, a red lollipop. What's a fed-up big sister to do?

Rukhsana Khan's clever story and Sophie Blackall's irresistible illustrations make for a powerful combination in this fresh and surprising picture book.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
ISBN-10: 0670062871
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 821
Reading Level: 2.2
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.2 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 134832
Lexile: AD410L

City Dog, Country Frog
By Mo Willems
Illus. by Jon J Muth

**Starred Review** School Library Journal

Plot Description: In spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. "You'll do," Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog's rock. In winter, things change for City Dog and Country Frog. Come spring, friendship blooms again, a little different this time.

Mo Willems' spare, poignant text and Jon J. Muth's expressive watercolors team up to present a reflection on the natural course of friendship--and life--that will resonate with readers of all ages.

Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Hyperion
ISBN-10: 1423103009
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 333
Reading Level: 2.3
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.3 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 137464

Rain School
By James Rumford

Plot Description: But when he and the other children arrive at the schoolyard, they find no classroom, no desks. Just a teacher. "We will build our school," she says. "This is our first lesson."

James Rumford, who lived in Chad as a Peace Corps volunteer, fills these pages with the vibrant colors of Africa and the spare words of a poet to show how important learning is in a country where only a few children are able to go to school

Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
ISBN-10: 0547243073
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 451
Reading Level: 2.5
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.5 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 140157

Knuffle Bunny Free: An Unexpected Diversion
By Mo Willems

Plot Description: Trixie and her family are off on a fantastic trip to visit her grandparents—all the way in Holland! But does Knuffle Bunny have different travel plans?

An emotional tour de force, Knuffle Bunny Free concludes one of the most beloved picture-book series in recent memory, with pitchperfect text and art, photos from around the world, and a stunning foldout spread, culminating in a hilarious and moving surprise that no child or parent will be able to resist.

Bestselling, award-winning author Mo Willems has created an epic love story as only he can, filled with the joys and sadness of growing up —and the unconditional love that binds a father, mother, daughter, and a stuffed bunny.

Hardcover: 52 pages
Publisher: Balzer + Bray
ISBN-10: 0061929573
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 628
Reading Level: 2.7
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.7 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 139483

Miss Lina’s Ballerinas
By Grace Maccarone
Illus. by Christine

Plot Description: In four rows of two, Miss Lina’s eight ballerinas—Christina, Edwina, Sabrina, Justina, Katrina, Bettina, Marina, and Nina—dance to the park, at the zoo, and even while doing their schoolwork. They are one perfect act, but when Miss Lina introduces Regina, a new girl, the group of nine’s steps become a mess.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
ISBN-10: 031238243X
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 341
Reading Level: 2.9
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 2.9 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 140502

======= Generic 2's =======

Sleepover at Gramma’s House
By Barbara Joosse
Illus. by Jan Jutte

Plot Description: Going to Gramma’s takes plenty of preparation. Granddaughter packs her overnighty trunk and says goodbye to Mom, Dad, little fish and baby in the bed. She can’t wait to see her silly millie gramma! Together at last, the two spend a day full of dancing, painting each other and partying with a razzle and a dazzle before, finally, resting together in a ricky rocky swing. What a day!

Barbara Joosse’s spirited text combined with Jan Jutte’s lively illustrations create this delightful story. Full of engaging, bouncy language that zips right along, this is an original picture book that captures the loving relationship between a young-hearted gramma and her enthusiastic granddaughter.

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Philomel
ISBN-10: 0399252614
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Technical Stuff
Reading Level: generic 2

======= Level 3's =======

Clever Jack Takes the Cake
By Candace Fleming0
Illus. by G. Brian Karas

**Starred Review** School Library Journal

Plot Description: Take a bite out of this deliciously funny original fairy tale by a bestselling picture-book duo!

What would you do if you were invited to the princess’s tenth birthday party but didn’t have money for a gift? Well, clever Jack decides to bake the princess a cake.

Now he just has to get it to the castle in one piece. What could possibly go wrong?

Hardcover: 40 pages
Publisher: Schwartz & Wade
ISBN-10: 0375849793
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Technical Stuff
Word Count: 1,384
Reading Level: 3.8
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 3.8 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 138712

======= Generic 3's =======

Snook Alone
By Marilyn Nelson
Illus. by Timothy Basil Ering

Plot Description: Abba Jacob is a monk who lives on a far, far away island with his loyal rat terrier, Snook. Every day, from the wee hours of dawn till the sun sets over the sea, Snook keeps Abba Jacob company as he prays or works, tending the gardens or fixing the plumbing of the little hermitage he calls home. But when the two are separated by a ferocious storm, Snook must learn to fend for himself in the wild, all alone in a world of fierceness and wonder. Will he ever again hear the loving voice that he waits for? Simply and lyrically told by award-winning poet Marilyn Nelson and beautifully illustrated by Timothy Basil Ering with wit, warmth, and affection for the natural world, this captivating tale of friendship lost and found conveys the power of faith against all odds.

Publisher: Walker & Company
ISBN-10: 1844282791
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Technical Stuff
Reading Level: generic 3

There’s Going to Be a Baby
By John Burningham
Illus. by Helen Oxenbury

Plot Description: From two of the world's best-loved picture-book creators, an absolute gem for new-siblings-to-be. When is the baby coming? What will we call it? What will the baby do? We don't really need the baby, do we? As the arrival of a new sibling draws nearer, the questions that stream through a young child's mind are followed with sensitivity and humour in this enchanting book. Exquisitely illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, these pages brim with love, excitement and reassurance as the child in the story imagines all kinds of colourful futures for the brother or sister he is waiting to meet. Full of warmth and promise, this is an instant and timeless classic. It is the first book-publishing collaboration of this award-winning husband-and-wife team. Oozing with loving interaction between parent and child, and with unspoken - yet palpable - reassurance.

Hardcover: 48 pages
Publisher: Candlewick
ISBN-10: 0763649074
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Technical Stuff
Reading Level: generic 3

======= Level 4's =======

A Pig Parade Is a Terrible Idea
By Michael Ian Black. Illus. by Kevin Hawkes

Explains precisely why, although it may sound like a good idea, gathering hundreds of pigs to march in a parade through one's hometown is inadvisable.