Every Hero Has a Story
For Tween Readers
May 2015
This recommended reading list provides a broad list of books related to this summer’s theme of heroes and superheroes. This list includes audio, braille, and large print titles and is recommended for those reading at a 4th through 7th grade reading level up to a 5th through 8th grade reading level.
To order any of these titles, contact the library by email, mail or phone. You may also request these titles online through WolfPAC. Identification numbers for braille books begin with BR, large print books begin with LP, and audiobooks begin with DB, MDB, or MOD. All audiobooks with the prefix DB or DBC and available braille books listed are linked to the Braille and Audio Reading Download site (BARD) for downloading.
Grades 4 to 7
The Abominables by Eva Ibbotson
BR 20323; 2 Volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
DB 77549
Read by Abigail Maupin. Reading time: 4 hours, 25 minutes.
A century ago in the Himalayas, a father yeti captured the young Lady Agatha Farlingham to raise his motherless children. Now tourism threatens the peaceful, civilized yetis. Lady Agatha enlists the help of human siblings Con and Ellen to take the yetis to Agatha's English estate. 2013.
Absolutely Almost by Lisa Graff
DB 79309
Read by William Guy. Reading time: 5 hours, 9 minutes.
Ten-year-old Albie has never been the smartest, best at gym, or talented at anything, as his parents keep reminding him, but new nanny Calista helps him uncover his strengths and take pride in himself. 2014.
Ava and Pip by Carol Weston
DB 78686
Read by Jill Fox. Reading time: 4 hours, 5 minutes.
Outgoing ten-year-old Ava Wren sometimes feels invisible. Her parents are preoccupied with their work and her shy, older sister Pip. When Pip's birthday party plans turn into a disaster, Ava finds inspiration for the library writing contest. But her story has unintended consequences. 2014.
Bringing Down the Mouse by Ben Mezrich
DB 79373
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 7 hours, 56 minutes.
A mathematically gifted sixth-grader is recruited by a group of students to game the system at the biggest theme park in the world--and win the prize. 2014.
Courage Has No Color: The True Story of the Triple Nickles, America's First Black Paratroopers by Tanya Lee Stone
BR 19865; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
Explores the history of the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion, America's first black paratroopers. Recounts the racism the "Triple Nickles" faced and their success in defying old stereotypes and becoming a highly skilled combat company during World War II. 2013.
Dear Mr. Henshaw by Beverly Cleary
BR 15447; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
DB 21309
LP 0040
Read by Miriam Wagner. Reading time: 1 hour, 56 minutes.
Leigh, a sixth grade boy, writes letters to Mr. Henshaw, who has been his favorite author since second grade. Leigh begins writing the letters because of a school assignment, and then he discovers that he likes writing, especially when Mr. Henshaw writes back. And Mr. Henshaw's surprising answers to Leigh's questions change the boy's life. 1983.
Cats to the Rescue: True Tales of Heroic Felines by Marilyn Singer
DB 64129
Read by Ray Childs. Reading time: 2 hours, 57 minutes.
Relates incidents of cats performing amazing feats, from pointing out a gas leak to locating a needed asthma inhaler. Features accounts of cats as war heroes, hunters, world travelers, survivors, and fictional characters. 2006.
The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis
The Complete Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis
DB 50083
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 35 hours, 32 minutes.
Seven stories presented in the chronological order in which C.S. Lewis intended them to be read. The first is The Magician's Nephew, telling how the journeys between the two worlds began and how the wardrobe came to be a doorway leading into Narnia. Contents include The Magician’s Nephew -- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe -- The Horse and His Boy -- Prince Caspian -- The Voyage of the Dawn Treader -- The Silver Chair -- The Last Battle. 1998.
The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis
BR 07215; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
BR 13945; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
LP 0017
When Digory and Polly try to return the wicked witch Jadis to her own world, the magic gets mixed up and they all land in Narnia, where they witness Aslan blessing the animals with human speech. Chronicles of Narnia series, book 1. 1983.
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis
BR 07236; web-braille not available.
BR 11912; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
DB 54964 (Spanish version)
Read by Maria Pino. Reading time: 4 hours, 31 minutes.
Four English children find their way through a huge wardrobe in an old house to the mysterious land of Narnia, which is under the spell of the White Witch. Chronicles of Narnia series, book 2. 1997
The Horse and His Boy by C. S. Lewis
BR 07216; web-braille not available.
BR 13946; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
LP 0016
A talking horse and his boy escape from a barbaric army marching to attack the land of Narnia. Their race to warn of the army's advance on the king's castle is fraught with danger. Chronicles of Narnia series, book 3. 1994.
Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia by C. S. Lewis
BR 07238; web-braille not available.
BR 13947; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
BR 17781; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
LP 0013
Four English children--siblings Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy--help Prince Caspian and his army of Talking Beasts to free Narnia from evil. Chronicles of Narnia series, book 4. 1979.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis
BR 07313; web-braille not available.
BR 13948; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
LP 0014
Lucy and Edmund, accompanied by their peevish cousin Eustace, sail to the land of Narnia where Eustace is temporarily transformed into a green dragon because of his selfish behavior and skepticism. Chronicles of Narnia series, book 5. 1994.
The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis
BR 07237; web-braille not available.
BR 13949; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
LP 0015
English children Eustace and Jill undergo hair-raising adventures as they go on a search-and-rescue mission for the missing Prince Rilian, who is held captive in the underground kingdom of the Emerald Witch. Chronicles of Narnia series, book 6. 1994.
The Last Battle by C. S. Lewis
BR 13950; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
LP 0018
When evil comes to Narnia, Jill and Eustace help fight the great last battle, and Aslan leads his people to a glorious new paradise. Chronicles of Narnia series, book 7. 1994.
Elvis and the Underdogs by Jenny Lee
BR 20118; 3 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
Sickly ten-year-old Benji is the favorite target of the school bully, Billy. After Benji has a seizure, he lucks out and gets a therapy dog instead of having to wear a safety helmet. Elvis, a Newfoundland, is big enough to protect Benji--and the pooch can talk. 2013.
Earth-Friendly Crafts for Kids: 50 Awesome Things to Make with Recycled Stuff by Heather Smith and Joe Rhatigan
DB 56455
Read by Erik Synnestvedt. Reading time: 3 hours, 40 minutes.
Provides step-by-step instructions for using recycled materials--jars and jar lids, CDs, plastic bags, film canisters, tire tubes, metal cans, newspapers and magazines, pizza boxes--to create gifts, toys, or jewelry. Offers tips for an earth-friendly lifestyle generally. 2002.
Paiute Princess: The Story of Sarah Winnemucca by Deborah Kogan Ray
BR 19870; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
Biography of Sarah Winnemucca (ca. 1844-1891), originally named Thocmetony, a Paiute Indian from Nevada. Discusses her unease growing up around white people and her later advocacy for her tribe, which included delivering speeches across America and publishing an autobiographical account of the Paiutes. 2012.
Silver Jaguar Society Mystery series by Kate Messner
Capture the Flag by Kate Messner
DB 79678
Read by Gregory Maupin. Reading time: 4 hours, 26 minutes.
When the original Star Spangled Banner is stolen, seventh-graders Anna, José, and Henry, all descendants of the Silver Jaguar Society, pursue suspects on airport carts and through baggage handling tunnels while stranded at a Washington, D.C., airport during a snowstorm. Silver Jaguar Society Mystery series, book 1. 2012.
Hide and Seek by Kate Messner
DB 79839
Read by Gregory Maupin. Reading time: 4 hours, 36 minutes.
Hidden in a Costa Rican cave for five hundred years is the sacred Jaguar Cup. When a fake copy shows up on display in America, it is up to Jose, Anna, and Henry to rescue the real cup from thieves. Sequel to Capture the Flag (DB 79678). Silver Jaguar Society Mystery, book 2. 2013.
Spirit Animals series by Various Authors
Wild Born by Brandon Mull
DB 78815
Read by Nicola Barber. Reading time: 5 hours, 38 minutes.
In the world of Erdas, four children separated by vast distances all undergo the same ritual. Each of them is bonded with a great beast, and now they must confront a dark force. Spirit Animals series, book 1. Commercial audiobook. 2013.
Hunted by Maggie Stiefvater
DB 78825
Read by Nicola Barber. Reading time: 5 hours, 17 minutes.
Four kids and their bonded beasts--a falcon, a wolf, a panda, and a leopard--team up to fight against villain, the Devourer. Sequel to Wild Born (DB 78815). Spirit Animals series, book 2. Commercial audiobook. 2014.
Blood Ties by Garth Nix and Sean Williams
DB 78857
Read by Nicola Barber. Reading time: 5 hours, 29 minutes.
As the Conquerors try to destroy Erdas, four restless kids and their bonded animals set out for the enemy's territory to wage a battle they yearn to begin. Spirit Animals series, book 3. Commercial audiobook. 2014.
Spy School series by Stuart Gibbs
Spy School by Stuart Gibbs
DB 78630
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 7 hours, 59 minutes.
When twelve-year-old Ben Ripley is suddenly recruited to attend the CIA's highly secretive Espionage Academy, he is excited but wonders why he was chosen. On his first day, Ben is exposed to flying bullets and a hostage situation. Spy School series, book 1. Some strong language. 2012.
Spy Camp by Stuart Gibbs
DB 78745
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 8 hours, 32 minutes.
Twelve-year-old Ben, a student at the CIA's Espionage Academy, prepares for his newest adventure--spy summer camp. However, a new death threat from the evil organization SPYDER dampens his enthusiasm. Spy School series, book 2. Sequel to Spy School (DB 78630). 2013.
Unstoppable by Tim Green
DBC01392
Read by John Wegman. Reading time: 6 hours, 31 minutes.
Upon going to the doctor for a routine knee injury, foster child and aspiring NFL athlete Harrison learns that he has bone cancer. 2012.
Grades 5 to 8
Half Upon a Time by James Riley
MDB11202
Read by Mary Beth Broughton. Reading time: 8 hours, 5 minutes.
In the village of Giant's Hand Jack's grandfather has been pushing him to find a princess and get married, so when a young lady falls out of the sky wearing a shirt that says "Punk Princess," and she tells Jack that her grandmother, who looks suspiciously like the long-missing Snow White, has been kidnapped, Jack decides to help her. Mark Twain Award Nominee, 2012-2013. 2010.
Helen Keller: Rebellious Spirit by Laurie Lawlor
BR 14162; 2 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2.
DB 54590
Read by Catherine Byers. Reading time: 4 hours, 49 minutes.
Biography of the blind and deaf girl whose spirit knew no limitations. Discusses Keller's achievements in the context of the social expectations for women and people with disabilities in the early twentieth century. Describes her disappointments and frustrations as well as her accomplishments. 2001.
Hercules by Geraldine McCaughrean
DB 62780
Read by Ray Childs. Reading time: 4 hours, 58 minutes.
At age thirteen, Hercules chooses hardship and danger rather than an easy life, not realizing the full implications. Tricked into betraying himself, Hercules suffers years of slavery and performs a series of astounding feats of strength. 2003.
I Am Malala: How One Girl Stood Up for Education and Changed the World by Malala Yousafzai and Patricia McCormick
DB 79878
Read by Neela Vaswani. Reading time: 4 hours, 55 minutes.
Memoir of co-recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. Recounts how Malala risked her life for the right to go to school. Raised in a changing Pakistan, Malala stood up against the Taliban and remained an activist for girls' education. Commercial audiobook. 2014.
The Kane Chronicles by Rick Riordan
The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan
BR 20227; 6 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6.
DB 71322
LP 2037
Read by Kevin R. Free and Katherine Kellgren. Reading time: 14 hours, 39 minutes.
After his mother's death, Carter Kane follows his Egyptologist father, Julius, across the globe. When they visit the British Museum to reunite with Carter's sister, a mysterious figure banishes Julius, sending the siblings on a dangerous adventure to save their dad. Kane Chronicles series, book 1. Some violence. Commercial audiobook. 2010.
The Throne of Fire by Rick Riordan
BR 20250; 6 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4. Volume 5. Volume 6.
DB 73386
LP 2139
Read by Kevin R. Free and Katherine Kellgren. Reading time: 12 hours, 51 minutes.
Carter and Sadie, offspring of the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane, embark on a worldwide search for the Book of Ra. But the House of Life and the gods of chaos are determined to stop them. Kane Chronicles series, book 2. Commercial audiobook. 2011.
The Serpent’s Shadow by Rick Riordan
BR 20280; 4 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4.
DB 74714
LP 2285
Read by Kevin R. Free and Katherine Kellgren. Reading time: 11 hours, 24 minutes.
Magicians Sadie and Carter Kane are trying to stop the chaos snake Apophis from destroying the world. But their friends the magicians and the gods are divided, and the Kanes must face the forces of chaos alone. Kane Chronicles series, book 3. Commercial audiobook. 2012.
The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan
The Complete Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series by Rick Riordan
MOD6011
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 52 hours, 11 minutes.
This contains all 5 books of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
BR 20213; 4 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3. Volume 4.
BR 52048; web-braille not available.
DB 63443
LP 1539
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 10 hours, 53 minutes.
Upstate New York, 2005. Sixth-grader Percy Jackson, the son of Poseidon and a mortal mother, attends a summer camp for demigods. After Percy angers Zeus, his friends Grover, a satyr, and Annabeth, daughter of Athena, join him to resolve the problem. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, book 1. 2005.
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
BR 20243; 3 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
DB 64659
LP 1870
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 8 hours, 23 minutes.
Upstate New York, 2006. Seventh-grader Percy, son of Poseidon and a mortal, learns that Camp Half-Blood is in danger. He and his friends undertake a perilous journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their beloved camp. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, book 2. 2006.
The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan
BR 20285; 3 volumes of braille. Volume 1. Volume 2. Volume 3.
DB 65245
LP 1736
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 9 hours, 24 minutes.
When the youthful goddess Artemis disappears while hunting a rare, ancient monster, modern-day demigod Percy and his friends attempt to rescue her before she is needed at the Olympian Council meeting on the war with the Titans. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, book 3. 2007.
The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
DB 67158
LP 1861
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 11 hours, 27 minutes.
When demonic cheerleaders invade his high school and the war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near, Percy Jackson hurries to Camp Half Blood to initiate a quest through the Labyrinth with his demigod friends. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, book 4. 2008.
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
DB 69015
LP 1935
Read by Erik Sandvold. Reading time: 11 hours, 27 minutes.
The long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy Jackson's sixteenth birthday unfolds as he leads an army of young demigods to stop Kronos's advance on New York City. Percy Jackson & the Olympians series, book 5. 2009.
Soccerland by Beth Choat
MDB11220
Read by Laramie Thompson. Reading time: 6 hours.
Flora Dupre has a chance to fulfill a life-long dream and keep the promise she made to her mother before losing her to cancer when Flora receives an invitation to try out for the Under-15 US Girls' National Soccer Team at the International Sports Academy, but a family tragedy forces Flora to reexamine her priorities and determine what soccer means to her. Truman Award Nominee, 2012-2013. 2010.
Spilling Ink: A Young Writer’s Handbook by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter
DB 71666
Read by Mary Kane. Reading time: 4 hours, 45 minutes.
Two authors playfully mix practical advice and personal anecdotes to demystify the craft of writing a story or novel. Topics covered include finding inspiration, naming characters, developing a narrative voice, crafting dialogue, dealing with writer's block, and establishing good work habits. 2010.
Theseus by Geraldine McCaughrean
DB 63328
Read by Peter Lavezzoli. Reading time: 2 hours, 46 minutes.
At seventeen, Theseus discovers that his father is a mighty king and sets out to meet him. On the way to Athens, Theseus's pride grows as he vanquishes monsters. But then he angers the sea god Poseidon and faces his biggest challenge, the Minotaur. 2003.
Wheels of Change: How Women Rode the Bicycle to Freedom by Sue Macy
DB 73553
Read by Nicola Daval. Reading time: 2 hours, 51 minutes.
Follows the development of women's bicycles in the 1880s and 1890s and explores the impact of the two-wheeler on everyday life during the beginning of women's liberation. Discusses celebrity cyclists, reaction to the new transportation mode, and fashion changes to accommodate riding. 2011.
Writing Magic: Creating Stories That Fly by Gail Carson Levine
BR 17206; 1 volume of braille. Volume 1.
Newbery Honor author of fiction provides advice, tips, and exercises to encourage aspiring writers. Covers story writing--from coming up with an idea and developing characters and plot to find a publisher. Recommends practicing a lot and saving everything you write. 2006.