Library
Mrs. Benton
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2,550 Items
Last Updated:
Sep 10, 2023
A Bear Named Trouble
Marion Dane Bauer*****Ten-year-old Jonathan practically lives at the Anchorage Zoo, where his father is a keeper. He loves animals, and even imagines himself inside their bodies, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel.

Meanwhile, a young brown bear is wandering through the woods near Anchorage, alone and hungry. One night, while searching for food, the bear crosses paths with Jonathan, who eagerly follows him onto the zoo grounds.

But when the bear accidentally kills Mama Goose, Jonathan’s favorite zoo creature, the boy loses the empathy he had felt earlier. He wishes that the bear—now nicknamed Trouble—would meet the same fate as his beloved goose, and he impulsively takes steps to make sure that happens.

Based on an actual incident, and told in alternating chapters from the bear’s and Jonathan’s points of view, this is both an involving animal story and a thought-provoking investigation into the consequences of one’s actions.
A Bear Named Trouble
Marion Dane Bauer*****Ten-year-old Jonathan practically lives at the Anchorage Zoo, where his father is a keeper. He loves animals, and even imagines himself inside their bodies, seeing what they see, feeling what they feel.

Meanwhile, a young brown bear is wandering through the woods near Anchorage, alone and hungry. One night, while searching for food, the bear crosses paths with Jonathan, who eagerly follows him onto the zoo grounds.

But when the bear accidentally kills Mama Goose, Jonathan’s favorite zoo creature, the boy loses the empathy he had felt earlier. He wishes that the bear—now nicknamed Trouble—would meet the same fate as his beloved goose, and he impulsively takes steps to make sure that happens.

Based on an actual incident, and told in alternating chapters from the bear’s and Jonathan’s points of view, this is both an involving animal story and a thought-provoking investigation into the consequences of one’s actions.
A Dolphin Named Bob
Twig C. George*****When Bob the dolphin was born, he was small and sickly, with an unusual comet-shaped mark on his drooping dorsal fin. No one at the aquarium expected him to survive. But like his mother, Aster, Bob was ornery, and he stubbornly struggled to overcome his health problems. And soon, he loved to leap high into the air and perform tricks.

Then one day, Bob taught himself a new trick-and jumped into more trouble than any other dolphin in the history of the aquarium. With a dolphin like Bob around, you never know what will happen!
Animal Ark 2: Pony on the Porch
Ben M. Baglio*****Mandy Hope is a preteen girl who loves animals. She knows quite a bit about them—her parents are both vets. When Mandy meets stuck-up Susan, she decides that the only good thing about her is her pony, Prince. Then Mandy realizes that Susan's determination to win at show-jumping threatens Prince's life.
Animal Ark 15: Bunnies in the Bathroom
Ben M. Baglio*****John Hardy's heart is softened by two baby bunnies, but when he goes to buy them, they've been sold. Can Mandy and James find the bunnies for John?
Animal Ark 18: Fox in the Frost
Ben M. Baglio*****It's Christmas at Animal Ark, but for a pair of wild foxes it's far from the season of goodwill. Mrs. Ponsoby is convinced they're a danger to her dogs and wants them driven out of the area. And the local farmers are thinking of a more drastic solution. Can Mandy and James save the foxes from being injured.. .or worse?
Backyard Rescue
Hope Ryden*****Lindsay and Greta run a backyard wildlife hospital, caring for such creatures as Troll, a wounded screech owl, but they have to worry what will happen to the animals if the Fish and Game officer closes their illegal hospital down.
Beauty
Bill Wallace*****A Horse Named Beauty

She was an old horse, but she still had a lot of life in her. And she was the best friend Luke needed after the pain of his parents' divorce and the move to Oklahoma to live with his difficult grandfather. Luke could have had a younger horse, one better able to keep up with a boy's adventures. But it was Beauty that Luke loved. He found himself sharing his hopes, dreams, and fears with the old horse. With Beauty, Luke was finally able to enjoy life again.

Until one night, in a wild storm, Beauty escapes from the corral into a terrible trap, and Luke is faced with the most difficult decision he's ever had to make.
Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo*****Recalling the fiction of Harper Lee and Carson McCullers, here is a funny, poignant, and utterly genuine first novel from a major new talent.

The summer Opal and her father, the preacher, move to Naomi, Florida, Opal goes into the Winn-Dixie supermarket—and comes out with a dog. A big, ugly, suffering dog with a sterling sense of humor. A dog she dubs Winn-Dixie. Because of Winn-Dixie, the preacher tells Opal ten things about her absent mother, one for each year Opal has been alive. Winn-Dixie is better at making friends than anyone Opal has ever known, and together they meet the local librarian, Miss Franny Block, who once fought off a bear with a copy of WAR AND PEACE. They meet Gloria Dump, who is nearly blind but sees with her heart, and Otis, an ex-con who sets the animals in his pet shop loose after hours, then lulls them with his guitar.Opal spends all that sweet summer collecting stories about her new friends and thinking about her mother. But because of Winn-Dixie or perhaps because she has grown, Opal learns to let go, just a little, and that friendship—and forgiveness—can sneak up on you like a sudden summer storm.
Because of Winn-Dixie
Kate DiCamillo*****
Better with Butter
Piontek, Victoria
Crenshaw
Applegate, Katherine
Dolphin Diaries 2: Touching the Waves
Ben M. Baglio*****Dolphin Diaries is an exciting new series that explores all aspects of dolphins' relationships with mankind.

Jody McGrath and her family are sailing around the world researching dolphins, and Jody records all their exciting adventures in her Dolphin Diaries.

In the series' second book, The Dolphin Dreamer is at bay in Key West, Florida, visiting a very special dolphin center — with "dolphin teachers." Jody loves watching the dolphins at work, but then one of them gets caught in netting.

Jody frees the dolphin, and it swims away. When Jody and the crew begin to give up hope of ever seeing the dolphin again, it joyfully returns to the the dolphin center.
Dolphin Diaries 3: Riding the Storm
Ben M. Baglio*****Dolphin Diaries is an exciting new series that explores all aspects of dolphins' relationships with mankind.

Jody McGrath and her family have arrived in the Bahamas. The crew of the Dolphin Dreamer is eager to find some Atlantic spotted dolphins and to see if the rumors of a lost treasure ship are true.

When Skipper, a dolphin, gets caught in fishing line, Jody frees him. Her concern is whether or not the baby dolphin will heal. At the end of the story, Jody dives into the ocean and follows the healed Skipper deeper and deeper, until he leads her to the lost treasure ship.
Dolphin Diaries 6: Racing the Wind
Ben M. Baglio*****Dolphin Diaries is an exciting new series that explores all aspects of dolphins' relationships with mankind.

Jody McGrath and her family are sailing around the world researching dolphins, and Jody records all their exciting adventures in her Dolphin Diaries.

In the series' sixth book, Joday has arrived in the South American rain forest, desperate to see some botos—amazing, bubble-gum-pink river dolphins. She has heard that when teh river floods the forest, these magical creatures can e seen seimming between the trees!

But botos are rare and difficult to track down. Will Jody's wish come true?
Dolphin Diaries 7: Following the Rainbow
Ben M. Baglio*****Dolphin Diaries is an exciting new series that explores all aspects of dolphins' relationships with mankind.

Jody McGrath's dolphin dreams are coming true! Her whole family is sailing around the world researching dolphins - and Jody is recording all their exciting adventures in her diary!

While visiting the Canary Islands, Jody is thrilled to see the largest dolphin species in the world! But all is not well in this island paradise. Jody discovers that the dolphins are at risk of being injured by speeding ferries that link the islands.

Helping these dolphins might prove to be Jody's biggest challenge yet!
Dolphin Diaries 8: Dancing the Seas
Ben M. Baglio*****Dolphin Diaries is an exciting new series that explores all aspects of dolphins' relationships with mankind.

Jody McGrath's dolphin dreams are coming true! Her whole family is sailing around the world researching dolphins - and Jody is recording all their exciting adventures in her diary!

In the Marquesas Islands in Polynesia, Jody is delighted to spot a large mixed group of spotted and spinner dolphins - especially one she names Twister. On the islands, she meets two new friends, Lew and Monique, who work for a local dolphin-friendly tuna boat. Jody has the chance to witness them in action as they save dolphins. But when something goes wrong with Monique's breathing equipment at the last minute
Elvis and the Underdogs
Jenny Lee*****From Jenny Lee, writer on the Disney Channel show Shake It Up!, the number-one-rated kids' show in the country, this feel-good middle-grade novel is about a sickly boy whose life is turned upside down when he gets a therapy dog . . . who can talk!

Benji Wendell Barnsworth is a small ten-year-old boy with a big personality. Born premature, Benji is sickly, accident-prone, and at the hospital so often he even has his own punch card. So when Benji wakes up one day from a particularly bad spell, his doctors take the radical step of suggesting he get a therapy dog. But when a massive crate arrives at Benji's house, out walks a two-hundred-pound Newfoundland who can talk! And boy, is he bossy.

In this hilarious and heartwarming friendship story in the tradition of bestselling authors Gordon Korman and Carl Hiaasen, Elvis brings out the dog lover in the most surprising people and shows Benji that making new friends may not be as scary as he once thought.
Following Baxter
Kerley, Barbara
The Good Dog
Avi*****When the Wild Calls

McKinley, a malamute, is a good dog — he's reliable and trustworthy. Whether it's watching over the other dogs of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, or taking care of his human pup, Jack, McKinley never even thinks of letting anyone down — until he meets Lupin. Lupin is a she-wolf and she's urging the dogs of Steamboat Springs to leave their domesticated lives and join her wild pack. And though she scares McKinley, he also finds himself drawn to her and the life of freedom that she offers.
For the first time, McKinley's loyalties are torn. Should he stay with his humans and continue to lead the dogs of Steamboat Springs? Or should he join the wolf and live freely, like his ancestors did? When the wild calls, what will McKinley's answer be?
Jim Ugly
Sid Fleischman*****From Publishers Weekly: In this comic, suspense-laden Western adventure, Jake searches for his supposedly dead father, an itinerant actor, with the help of Jim Ugly, his father's wolf-like dog. The hunt takes them from Blowfly, Nev., to San Francisco, with Jim Ugly reluctantly accepting Jake's authority. Their grudging but dogged teamwork helps them fend off a beautiful actress, a money-hungry cousin and a bounty hunter—all seeking out Jake's father and the fortune in diamonds they believe he has. Finding work with a theater company, Jake is reunited with his father on stage. The pursuers give up when Dad returns the diamonds in the craws of hundreds of chickens and the curtain falls on a happy scene, with Jake making peace with Jim and his father marrying the beautiful actress. Fleischman's ( The Whipping Boy ) light, tautly constructed genre piece is like the hair-raising melodramas in which Jake appears: certain to entertain, with all plot lines neatly tied together at the end. Illustrations not seen by PW. Ages 8-up. Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Justin Morgan Had a Horse
Marguerite Henry*****Joel Goss knows that Little Bub is a special colt, even though he's a runt. And when school teacher Justin Morgan asks Joel to break the colt in, Joel is thrilled! Soon word about Little Bub has spread throughout the entire Northeast— this spirited colt can pull heavier loads than a pair of oxen. And run faster than thoroughbreds!

This is the story of the little runt who became the father of a world-famous breed of American horses— the Morgan.
Kitty the Raccoon
Jamie Stamper*****Jamie recounts a funny, tender and true story of life with a handicapped raccoon.
Listen!
Stephanie S. Tolan*****Charley knows a lot about pain. She endures it when she walks on her newly shattered leg, she sees it when her father buries himself in an eighty-hour work week, and she runs from it when she sees photographs her mother took before her death. Then one day, Charley meets a wild, abused dog that knows as much about pain as she does, and, despite herself, she feels an immediate connection and vows to help him. But how will one heartbroken girl help mend the battered spirit of an untamable dog?
Listen!
Stephanie S. Tolan*****Charley knows a lot about pain. She endures it when she walks on her newly shattered leg, she sees it when her father buries himself in an eighty-hour work week, and she runs from it when she sees photographs her mother took before her death. Then one day, Charley meets a wild, abused dog that knows as much about pain as she does, and, despite herself, she feels an immediate connection and vows to help him. But how will one heartbroken girl help mend the battered spirit of an untamable dog?
Listen!
Stephanie S. Tolan*****Charley knows a lot about pain. She endures it when she walks on her newly shattered leg, she sees it when her father buries himself in an eighty-hour work week, and she runs from it when she sees photographs her mother took before her death. Then one day, Charley meets a wild, abused dog that knows as much about pain as she does, and, despite herself, she feels an immediate connection and vows to help him. But how will one heartbroken girl help mend the battered spirit of an untamable dog?
Listen!
Stephanie S. Tolan*****Charley knows a lot about pain. She endures it when she walks on her newly shattered leg, she sees it when her father buries himself in an eighty-hour work week, and she runs from it when she sees photographs her mother took before her death. Then one day, Charley meets a wild, abused dog that knows as much about pain as she does, and, despite herself, she feels an immediate connection and vows to help him. But how will one heartbroken girl help mend the battered spirit of an untamable dog?
Maxi's Secrets (or, What You Can Learn from a Dog)
Lynn Plourde*****When a BIG, lovable, does-it-her-way dog wiggles her way into the heart of a loudmouth pipsqueak of a boy, wonderful things happen that help him become a bigger, better person. Perfect for fans of Because of Winn-Dixie.
 
Timminy knows that moving to a new town just in time to start middle school when you are perfect bully bait is less than ideal. But he gets a great consolation prize in Maxi—a gentle giant of a dog who the family quickly discovers is deaf. Timminy is determined to do all he can to help Maxi—after all, his parents didn't return him because he was a runt. But when the going gets rough for Timminy, who spends a little too much time getting shoved into lockers at school, Maxi ends up being the one to help him—along with their neighbor, Abby, who doesn’t let her blindness define her and bristles at Timminy’s “poor-me” attitude. It turns out there’s more to everyone than what’s on the surface, whether it comes to Abby, Maxi, or even Timminy himself.
Misty of Chincoteague
Marguerite Henry*****Paul and Maureen live with their grandparents on the Chesapeake island of Chincoteague. On the nearby island of Assateague lives a band of wild ponies, whose ancestors came to the New World on Spanish galleons centuries before. Every year on "Pony Penning Day," the men round up as many ponies as they can and bring them across the water to Chincoteague for sale. This year, Paul and Maureen want to buy one. They have their eyes on the Phantom, an elusive mare no one has ever been able to capture. Paul, finally old enough to accompany the men on the roundup, is determined to catch her.
When he finds the Phantom, he gets a surprise. Phantom has a colt, that Paul names "Misty" the minute he sees her. Getting Phantom and Misty back to Chincoteague is no easy task, but Paul manages to do it. As he expected, Misty captures Maureen's heart too, and Paul and Maureen scrape together the money to buy both ponies. They soon find that following a dream is never as easy as it's supposed to be; they nearly lose the ponies more than once. Ultimately they learn that you can't always keep what you love. Phantom will always be a creature of the wild wind; but Misty has come into their lives to stay.
Beloved by generations of children, this classic horse story by the author of the Newbery Medal-winning King of the Wind was itself named a Newbery Honor Book. Marguerite Henry is equally at home describing a child's yearning for a pony and the life of a pony in the wild, and her evocative depictions of animals never rely on false anthropomorphism. Readers will share the joy of the animals' freedom and will have appropriately mixed feelings seeing them go into captivity. And anyone with a passion for horses will identify with the two children and their love for Misty and Phantom.
Misty of Chincoteague
Marguerite Henry*****Paul and Maureen live with their grandparents on the Chesapeake island of Chincoteague. On the nearby island of Assateague lives a band of wild ponies, whose ancestors came to the New World on Spanish galleons centuries before. Every year on "Pony Penning Day," the men round up as many ponies as they can and bring them across the water to Chincoteague for sale. This year, Paul and Maureen want to buy one. They have their eyes on the Phantom, an elusive mare no one has ever been able to capture. Paul, finally old enough to accompany the men on the roundup, is determined to catch her.
When he finds the Phantom, he gets a surprise. Phantom has a colt, that Paul names "Misty" the minute he sees her. Getting Phantom and Misty back to Chincoteague is no easy task, but Paul manages to do it. As he expected, Misty captures Maureen's heart too, and Paul and Maureen scrape together the money to buy both ponies. They soon find that following a dream is never as easy as it's supposed to be; they nearly lose the ponies more than once. Ultimately they learn that you can't always keep what you love. Phantom will always be a creature of the wild wind; but Misty has come into their lives to stay.
Beloved by generations of children, this classic horse story by the author of the Newbery Medal-winning King of the Wind was itself named a Newbery Honor Book. Marguerite Henry is equally at home describing a child's yearning for a pony and the life of a pony in the wild, and her evocative depictions of animals never rely on false anthropomorphism. Readers will share the joy of the animals' freedom and will have appropriately mixed feelings seeing them go into captivity. And anyone with a passion for horses will identify with the two children and their love for Misty and Phantom.
Mr. Popper's Penguins
Richard Atwater, Florence Atwater*****A classic of American humor, the adventures of a house painter and his brood of high-stepping penguins have delighted children for generations. "Here is a book to read aloud in groups of all ages. There is not an extra or misplaced word in the whole story."—The Horn Book. Newbery Honor Book.
No Dogs Allowed!
Bill Wallace*****After losing Dandy, her family's beloved horse, Kristine decides that she will never get close to another pet again. It's just too heartbreaking. So when her father surprises her with a new puppy for her birthday, Kristine is furious! With a new sister on the way, who need a wriggling, messy, noisy yellow ball of fur to look after? But how can an animal-loving girl resist the sweet brown eyes of a puppy that just wants to be loved?
Odder
Applegate, Katherine
Old Yeller
Fred Gipson*****Set in the rough wilderness of early frontier Texas, Old Yeller is the timeless tale of a boy left in charge of his family's farm, and the big yellow dog who helps him with his many responsibilities.
Old Yeller
Fred Gipson*****Set in the rough wilderness of early frontier Texas, Old Yeller is the timeless tale of a boy left in charge of his family's farm, and the big yellow dog who helps him with his many responsibilities.
One-Eyed Cat
Paula Fox*****A Single Shot

Ned fired the forbidden rifle just once, at a flickering shadow in the autumn moonlight. But someone — a face, fleetingly seen staring at him from an attic window — was watching.

And when a one-eyed cat turns up at an elderly neighbor's woodshed, Ned is caught in a web of guilt, fear, and shame that he cannot escape — until another moonlit night, come spring, brings redemption and surprising revelations.
Pet Finders Club 4: Rescuing Raisin
Ben M. Baglio*****Lost pets are in luck with Andi, Tristan, and Natalie on the case. Orchard Park's premier pet detective team is always hot on the trail! It's just too strange for an elderly Dalmatian to disappear from his owners' backyard without a tracel. The Pet Finders Club is convinced there's an explanation other than Raisin wandering off-especially if he's so used to his routine. But when someone claims to have seen him heading toward the train station, the kids know they must act fast. If he was taken by someone at the depot, he could be anywhere by now! Can the PFC solve the case before Raisin ends up across the country? The combined efforts of Andi and her friends fuel the search for Raisin, and their compassion for all animals inspires the Pet Finders Club to keep every pet in Orchard Park safe.
Pet Finders Club 6: Searching for Sunshine
Ben M. Baglio*****When a friendly copper-colored pony named Sunshine suddenly disappears from the riding center where Andi is taking lessons, she is forced to put her lesson on hold while her pet-finding skills are called into play.
The Pet War
Allan Woodrow*****THE PET WAR is a hilarious story about the timeless battles of dog vs. cat, brother vs. sister, know-it-all vs. know-nothing.

Eleven-year-old Otto wants a dog. His twelve-year-old perfect sister, Lexi, wants a cat. Their mother, who works very long hours as a nurse, wants neither. Pets are expensive so who's going to pay for everything? And what happens to the pet when the siblings are at their dad's for the weekend?
Otto has an idea. What if he got a job and earned enough money to pay for the dog? Then Lexi has to open her big mouth. She proposes that whichever sibling can raise enough money first will decide which pet they get. Oddly enough, their mom and dad agree.
With Otto and Lexi each out to defeat the other, their business plans become more elaborate and involved. As the competition gets fiercer, the stakes get higher, and the battle lines have been drawn, so let the Pet War begin. . . .
Pie
Sarah Weeks*****From the award-winning author of SO B. IT, a story about family, friendship, and...pie!

When Alice's Aunt Polly, the Pie Queen of Ipswitch, passes away, she takes with her the secret to her world-famous pie-crust recipe. Or does she? In her will, Polly leaves the recipe to her extraordinarily fat, remarkably disagreeable cat, Lardo . . . and then leaves Lardo in the care of Alice.

Suddenly, the whole town is wondering how you leave a recipe to a cat. Everyone wants to be the next big pie-contest winner, and it's making them pie-crazy. It's up to Alice and her friend Charlie to put the pieces together and discover the not-so-secret recipe for happiness: Friendship. Family. And the pleasure of donig something for the right reason.

With Pie, acclaimed author Sarah Weeks has baked up a sweet and satisfying delight, as inviting as warm pie on a cold day. You'll enjoy every last bite.
Pony Pals 5: Pony to the Rescue
Jeanne Betancourt*****Planning a camping trip with their ponies, Anna, Pam, and Lulu enjoy making all the preparations and set off for a wonderful time, but their adventure is bigger than they expected when a little girl disappears.
Rascal
Sterling North*****"Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover." - Chicago Tribune

Skunks, woodchucks, a crow named Poe, an 18-foot half-finished canoe in the living room... welcome to the North home! Rascal is only a baby when Sterling brings him home to join the menagerie, but soon raccoon and boy are best friends, doing everything together - until the spring day when Sterling realizes things must change.

A Newbery Honor Book
Rascal
Sterling North*****"Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover." - Chicago Tribune

Skunks, woodchucks, a crow named Poe, an 18-foot half-finished canoe in the living room... welcome to the North home! Rascal is only a baby when Sterling brings him home to join the menagerie, but soon raccoon and boy are best friends, doing everything together - until the spring day when Sterling realizes things must change.

A Newbery Honor Book
Rascal
Sterling North*****"Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover." - Chicago Tribune

Skunks, woodchucks, a crow named Poe, an 18-foot half-finished canoe in the living room... welcome to the North home! Rascal is only a baby when Sterling brings him home to join the menagerie, but soon raccoon and boy are best friends, doing everything together - until the spring day when Sterling realizes things must change.

A Newbery Honor Book
Rascal
Sterling North*****"Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover." - Chicago Tribune

Skunks, woodchucks, a crow named Poe, an 18-foot half-finished canoe in the living room... welcome to the North home! Rascal is only a baby when Sterling brings him home to join the menagerie, but soon raccoon and boy are best friends, doing everything together - until the spring day when Sterling realizes things must change.

A Newbery Honor Book
Rascal
Sterling North*****"Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover." - Chicago Tribune

Skunks, woodchucks, a crow named Poe, an 18-foot half-finished canoe in the living room... welcome to the North home! Rascal is only a baby when Sterling brings him home to join the menagerie, but soon raccoon and boy are best friends, doing everything together - until the spring day when Sterling realizes things must change.

A Newbery Honor Book
Rascal
Sterling North*****"Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover." - Chicago Tribune

Skunks, woodchucks, a crow named Poe, an 18-foot half-finished canoe in the living room... welcome to the North home! Rascal is only a baby when Sterling brings him home to join the menagerie, but soon raccoon and boy are best friends, doing everything together - until the spring day when Sterling realizes things must change.

A Newbery Honor Book
Rascal
Sterling North*****"Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover." - Chicago Tribune

Skunks, woodchucks, a crow named Poe, an 18-foot half-finished canoe in the living room... welcome to the North home! Rascal is only a baby when Sterling brings him home to join the menagerie, but soon raccoon and boy are best friends, doing everything together - until the spring day when Sterling realizes things must change.

A Newbery Honor Book
Rascal
Sterling North*****"Everyone should knock off work, sit beneath the nearest tree, and enjoy Rascal from cover to cover." - Chicago Tribune

Skunks, woodchucks, a crow named Poe, an 18-foot half-finished canoe in the living room... welcome to the North home! Rascal is only a baby when Sterling brings him home to join the menagerie, but soon raccoon and boy are best friends, doing everything together - until the spring day when Sterling realizes things must change.

A Newbery Honor Book
Shiloh 2: Shiloh Season
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*****The motion picture based on Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Newbery Medal-winning novel Shiloh was given two thumbs-up by Siskel and Ebert and went on to sell more than one million copies in video. Now Marty Preston and his beloved dog Shiloh are back on the screen in Shiloh 2, the stirring sequel to Shiloh, and Marty's problems aren't over.

With hunting season approaching, Judd Travers, Shiloh's abusive former owner, has started drinking again, and Judd Travers, beer, and a gun are a dangerous combination. What if Judd tries to hurt Shiloh? What if he tries to hurt Marty or someone in Marty's family? Marty knows something about Judd no one else does, and if anything terrible happens, the secret bargain Marty struck with Judd could make it Marty's fault. Is it time for Marty to speak up? And can he find the courage to do so?
Shiloh 2: Shiloh Season
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*****The motion picture based on Phyllis Reynolds Naylor's Newbery Medal-winning novel Shiloh was given two thumbs-up by Siskel and Ebert and went on to sell more than one million copies in video. Now Marty Preston and his beloved dog Shiloh are back on the screen in Shiloh 2, the stirring sequel to Shiloh, and Marty's problems aren't over.

With hunting season approaching, Judd Travers, Shiloh's abusive former owner, has started drinking again, and Judd Travers, beer, and a gun are a dangerous combination. What if Judd tries to hurt Shiloh? What if he tries to hurt Marty or someone in Marty's family? Marty knows something about Judd no one else does, and if anything terrible happens, the secret bargain Marty struck with Judd could make it Marty's fault. Is it time for Marty to speak up? And can he find the courage to do so?
Shiloh 3: Saving Shiloh
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*****DOES EVERYONE DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE?

Marty's parents think so — even Judd Travers, whose history of drinking and violence keeps Marty from completely trusting that his beloved dog, Shiloh, will always be safe from Judd.

"Some people just seem to attract trouble," Marty's Ma says, and Judd attracts the sort of trouble that makes it hard to believe he's really changed. First, the police find the body of a man who'd fought with Judd. Then, a vicious attack forces Judd to kill one of his dogs. But just when it seems Judd will never be able to escape the shadow of his past, a dangerous accident gives him the chance to prove himself. Can Judd Travers actually become a hero?
Shiloh 3: Saving Shiloh
Phyllis Reynolds Naylor*****DOES EVERYONE DESERVE A SECOND CHANCE?

Marty's parents think so — even Judd Travers, whose history of drinking and violence keeps Marty from completely trusting that his beloved dog, Shiloh, will always be safe from Judd.

"Some people just seem to attract trouble," Marty's Ma says, and Judd attracts the sort of trouble that makes it hard to believe he's really changed. First, the police find the body of a man who'd fought with Judd. Then, a vicious attack forces Judd to kill one of his dogs. But just when it seems Judd will never be able to escape the shadow of his past, a dangerous accident gives him the chance to prove himself. Can Judd Travers actually become a hero?
Sled Dog School
Terry Lynn Johnson*****Eleven-year-old Matt is struggling in school and he has to set up his own business to save his failing math grade. But what is he even good at? The only thing he truly loves is his team of dogs, and so Matt’s Sled Dog School is born. Teaching dogsledding should be easy, right? 

But people, just like dogs, can be unpredictable. And sometimes the bravest thing a person can do is admit they need help. Like Terry Lynn Johnson’s popular Ice Dogs, Sled Dog School is about overcoming adversity, finding your strengths, and your friends, and following your passions.
Smasher
Dick King-Smith*****Dick King-Smith brings his signature wit and charm to the Stepping Stone line with a lovable new puppy who's sure to capture readers' hearts. Smasher is always getting into trouble, whether it's chasing chickens, chewing up Mrs. Buzzard's slippers, or breaking all her china. Now she wants to get rid of him. Can Farmer Buzzard find a way to save him? Or is Smasher in the doghouse...for good?
Spider Boy
Ralph Fletcher*****Bobby loves spiders and is called "Spider Boy from Illinois" by a bully at his new school. At first Bobby's content with writing in his journal and caring for Thelma, his pet tarantula, but now he's stuck working on a school project with Lucky, another student. Bobby finds that Lucky's not bad for a girl, and things look even better when he sees a chance to get revenge on Chick Hall, the school bully. But Bobby's not ready for Chick's retaliation.
Stella
Mccall Hoyle
Stone Fox
John Reynolds Gardiner*****A Race Against Time Little Willy's grandfather is sick, and it's up to Willy to save their farm from tax collectors. Their only hope is the prize money from the National Dogsled Race. But a lot of other people want to win the race, too, including Stone Fox, who has never lost a race in his life. Do Willy and his dog Searchlight stand a chance against the toughest racers around? Can they win the race to save the farm — and Grandfather — before it's too late?
Strongheart: Wonder Dog of the Silver Screen
Fleming, Candace*****
Tarzan 1: Tarzan of the Apes
Edgar Rice Burroughs*****This Townsend Library classic has been carefully edited to be more accessible to today's students. It includes a background note about the book, an author's biography, and a lively afterword. Acclaimed by educators nationwide, the Townsend Library is helping millions of young adults discover the pleasure and power of reading.
Tarzan 2: The Return of Tarzan
Edgar Rice Burroughs*****This Townsend Library classic has been carefully edited to be more accessible to today's students. It includes a background note about the book, an author's biography, and a lively afterword. Acclaimed by educators nationwide, the Townsend Library is helping millions of young adults discover the pleasure and power of reading.
Tarzan 3: The Beasts of Tarzan
Edgar Rice Burroughs*****This Townsend Library classic has been carefully edited to be more accessible to today's students. It includes a background note about the book, an author's biography, and a lively afterword. Acclaimed by educators nationwide, the Townsend Library is helping millions of young adults discover the pleasure and power of reading.
The Black Stallion 1
Walter Farley*****First published in 1941, Walter Farley's best-selling novel for young readers is the triumphant tale of a boy and a wild horse. From Alec Ramsay and the Black's first meeting on an ill-fated ship to their adventures on a desert island and their eventual rescue, this beloved story will hold the rapt attention of readers new and old.
The Black Stallion 2: The Black Stallion Returns
Walter Farley*****In this, the second book in the series, the heart-stopping adventures of the Black Stallion continue as Alec discovers that two men are after the Black. One claims to be the Black’s rightful owner and one is trying to kill the beautiful steed. An Arab chieftain proves his ownership of the Black and takes him away, but Alec is determined to find his horse again. Following the pair to Arabia, Alec encounters great evil and intrigue, as only a horse as spectacular as the Black could inspire.
The Black Stallion 4: The Island Stallion
Walter Farley*****When Steve Duncan is asked to go on an archeological search on a remote Caribbean island, he never imagines the stallion he will find there. But the giant horse is unapproachable, showing nothing but fear and fury towards people. When the stallion gets caught in quicksand, can Steve get close enough to save the wild horse?
The Black Stallion 19: The Black Stallion and the Girl
Walter Farley*****Hopeful Farm’s success has greatly increased Alec and Henry’s workload, and finally, Alec decides to seek help. When Pam Athena, a very diminutive and very pretty girl applies for the job, Alec can’t imagine that she could be of any use. But then he sees how well she works with the horses. Even the Black, usually untrusting of strangers, is surprisingly calm around her . . . and it isn’t long before Alec himself falls under her spell.
The Bravest Thing
Donna Jo Napoli*****Laurel thought she knew everything about pets - until she Bun Bun.
The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook
Joanne Rocklin*****As ten-year-old Oona and younger brother Fred conspire to break their sick cat, Zook, out of the veterinary clinic, Oona tells the story of Zook’s previous lives.
The Fledgling
Jane Langton*****Georgie's fondest hope, to be able to fly, is fleetingly fulfilled when she is befriended by a Canada goose.
The Midnight Fox
Betsy Byars*****Tom dislikes spending the summer on his aunt's farm until he discovers a black fox in the forest and tracks her to her den.
The Midnight Fox
Betsy Byars*****Tom dislikes spending the summer on his aunt's farm until he discovers a black fox in the forest and tracks her to her den.
The Red Pony
John Steinbeck*****The beautiful, spirited red pony is everything Jody ever dreamed of . . . Raised on a ranch in northern California, Jody is well-schooled in the hard work and demands of a rancher's life. He is used to the way of horses, too; but nothing has prepared him for the special connection he will forge with Gabilan, the hot-tempered pony his father gives him. With Billy Buck, the hired hand, Jody tends and trains his horse, restlessly anticipating the moment he will sit high upon Gabilan's saddle. But when Gabilan falls ill, Jody discovers there are still lessons he must learn about the ways of nature and, particularly, the ways of man.
Waiting for the Magic
Patricia MacLachlan*****In absence of their father, a brother and sister adopt four dogs and a cat in an
attempt to save their family.
Waiting for the Magic
Patricia MacLachlan*****
White Fur Flying
Patricia MacLachlan*****A young boy tries to find his voice with the help of some four-legged friends in this “elegantly spare novel about the healing power of dogs and love” (Publishers Weekly), from the Newbery-winning author of Sarah, Plain and Tall.

Zoe’s family rescues dogs in need. There is always the sweet smell of dog and a warm body looking to cuddle or play. There is always a new dog to be saved, and loved. Fur flies everywhere. It covers everything. Zoe’s house is never silent.

The house across the street is always silent these days. A new family has moved in and Phillip, the boy, has stopped speaking. He doesn’t even want to try.

Saving dogs and saving boys may be different jobs, but Zoe learns that some parts are the same. Both take attention and care. They take understanding and time. And maybe just a bit of white fur flying.

From Newbery Medalist Patricia MacLachlan, White Fur Flying is an endearing tale of companionship and hope that is “beautifully told, quietly moving, and completely satisfying” (Kirkus Reviews).
Wish
Barbara O'Connor*****A touching story about a girl and her dog, perfect for young animal lovers

Eleven-year-old Charlie Reese has been making the same secret wish every day since fourth grade. She even has a list of all the ways there are to make the wish, such as cutting off the pointed end of a slice of pie and wishing on it as she takes the last bite.

But when she is sent to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina to live with family she barely knows, it seems unlikely that her wish will ever come true. That is, until she meets Wishbone, a skinny stray dog who captures her heart, and Howard, a neighbor boy who proves surprising in lots of ways. Suddenly Charlie is in serious danger of discovering that what she thought she wanted may not be what she needs at all.

From award-winning author Barbara O'Connor comes a middle-grade novel about a girl who, with the help of a true-blue friend, a big-hearted aunt and uncle, and the dog of her dreams, unexpectedly learns the true meaning of family in the least likely of places.

This title has Common Core connections.

Praise for Wish:

“At school, at home, and in the community, the characters and settings are well drawn, but it’s the narrator’s convincing, compelling voice that will draw readers into the novel and keep them there until her wish finally comes true.” ―Booklist

“The many ways [Charlie] wishes form something of a catalog of folk and family traditions and are delightful all by themselves....Speaking in an honest voice revealing her hurt, resentment, and vulnerability, Charlies explains how her wish comes true. A warm, real, and heartfelt tale.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“O’Connor again finds the sweet spot for young readers who are beyond early chapter books but not quite ready for the cynicism and/or complexity of much tween-into-teen lit. Bertha, Gus, and the Odoms are certainly awash in goodness, but their big-heartedness never devolves into sentimentality.” ―The Bulletin

“Like a generous portions of grits, Wish makes the world a little better.” ―Bookpage

“This heartwarming story is not to be missed.” ―Kidsreads
The Worm Whisperer
Betty Hicks*****You've heard of Horse Whisperers and Dog Whisperers, but Ellis thinks he might be a Worm Whisperer!
Ellis Coffey loves animals. He spends so much time outdoors that sometimes he thinks he can talk with them. When he discovers a caterpillar that seems to follow his directions, he knows he has a chance to win the annual Woolly Worm race. The prize money is $1,000—exactly the amount of the deductible for his dad's back surgery. If Ellis is right and he can train his woolly worm to be the fastest in the county, he's sure can solve all his family's problems. But when you're trying to talk to insects, nothing is as simple as it seems.
From Betty Hicks, author of the Gym Shorts series for new readers, comes a story of friendship, family, and hidden talents that might be more useful than they first seemed.