No More Dead Dogs by Gordon Korman

This is a great, fast read. It is about a boy who will not lie. And when his English teacher asks for an essay on the book they just read, he tells the truth about how much he hates it. Because he refuses to change how he feels about it he gets detention and ends up helping with the play based on the book. It's not only a fun read, but it can lead to an interesting discussion on friends and truth.

Reading Level: grade 3 & up

The Doll People by Ann Martin and Laura Godwin

This is a cute book about a doll, Annabelle, who is from a Victorian Doll House set. She has lived in the same house since she was made 100 years ago and shipped from England to the States. She now belongs to Kate who is the great-granddaughter of the original owner. Annabelle is lonely and wishes for a friend. She also has begun to wonder about what happened to her Auntie Sarah. The adventures begin when Kate's little sister gets her own Funcraft dollhouse for her birthday.

This was a fun, easy read and I love the idea of toys coming to life. Along with adventure, good values are taught. There are a couple of follow-up stories after this first one, including "The Meanest Doll in the World". It probably will appeal more to girls, though my second grade son loved it as well. I think this is a good book for those who like tame adventure type books.

Reading Level: Grade 3 & up

Gender: girls