The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home.

Ponyboy's world is shaken when in the middle of a rumble his friend kills a rival gang member and he joins his friend in hiding. Ponyboy realizes that death, sadness are universal irregardless of the gang membership and this realization threatens his identity. Themes of violence, love, hate, tension, identity, friendship, solidarity and rivalry.

Whenever I think of The Outsiders, I see Ralph Macchio and hear his recitation of Robert Frost's poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay". Rereading the book did not change this - darn Hollywood!

Hinton, S.E. (1997). The outsiders. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 014038572X
180 pages

The Miserable Mill (A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book 4) by Lemony Snicket

The Baudelaire Orphans, Viola, Sunny and Baby Sunny, find themselves being sent to a new home where they are forced to work in a lumber mill. Count Olaf shows up and no one believes the orphans so they are forced to save themselves.

I have not read any of these books and had no problem becoming engrossed in the story. The hook of these books is the unfortunate, unpleasant tone Lemony Snicket takes in telling the story. I found the story more funny than scary. It would appeal to both boys and girls.

Snicket, L. (2000). The miserable mill. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0439272637
Illustrated by Brett Helquist

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg

Twelve year old Claudia, with her younger brother in tow, runs away from home to the Metropolitan Museum of Art to live. The two adapt to their new situation and find a mystery to solve that will lead them home again.

The author captures the voice of the oldest child and the sleights felt. Who didn't wish to crawl into a bed at a museum and just sleep there?

Konigsburg, E.L. (2002). From the mixed-up files of mrs. basil e. frankweiler. New York, NY: Aladdin Paperbacks.
ISBN: 0689711816
Illustrated by the author

My Brother Sam is Dead by James Lincoln Collier & Christopher Collier

Tim is torn when the Revolutionary War comes to his home and his brother and father are on different sides. Tim isn't sure his brother is on the right side and sides with his father. The consequences of war are felt by the family on both sides.

Heart-breaking story. I do not enjoy reading history and especially not military history. However, this book captured my attention. I can imagine it would be a hit with boys especially reluctant readers.

Collier, J. L. and Collier, C. (2005). My brother sam is dead. New York, NY: Scholastic, Inc.
ISBN: 0439783607

Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume

Peter Hatcher's account of the injustices and problems he has because of his 3 year old brother, Fudgie. Among these problems are temper tantrums, smearing mashed potatoes on walls, Fudgie's broken front teeth and ruined homework. Illustrations are not used.

This is the first of the transitional books that I read. Transitional books use simple words and short sentences. Stories should be compelling and applicable to the age group and each chapter contains a standalone story within it.

This book fit the descriptors above. Any oldest child can relate to the change in rules, injustices, burdens and embarassments that come along with a younger sibling. Even as an adult, I can remember the same feelings Peter expresses. Each chapter tells of an incident that Peter faces with Fudgie. The author's words and sentences ring true of a child at this age. For example, calling your brother Fang when he loses his two front teeth feels exactly right. The stories and environments are familiar to children. Excellent book.

Blume, J. (1972). Tales of a fourth grade nothing. New York, NY: Puffin Books.
ISBN: 9780142408810

Arthur's Pen Pal by Lillian Hoban

Arthur annoyed by his little sister and babysitter glorifies his new pen pal. When he finds out his pen pal is a tough girl not a boy, he begins to realize his sister isn't so bad.

An I Can Read Book written for a level two reader. The book does not contain chapters but the text and illustrations are large enough to not leave a child overwhelmed. The actions Arthur and his sister go through are common to a young reader and what isn't is covered by the illustration. The text lines up on the left side and is not indented helping train the child's eye to start at the left each time.

Hoban, L. (1976). Arthur's pen pal. New York, NY: Harper Collins Publishers.
ISBN: 0060223723
Illustrated by the author