Kenny and the Dragon by Tony DiTerlizzi

Kenny is an earnest, studious young rabbit whose interest in reading and learning about the natural world isn’t always understood by his peers or his parents.  The arrival of a dragon on his family’s land provides a unexpected opportunity for Kenny to find friendship.  Unlike the legends Kenny has read, Grahame the dragon is not fierce and destructive, but interested in crème brûlée, poetry, and music.  Kenny introduces Grahame to his parents and they soon fall into a routine of delightful conversation and pleasant meals.  This peaceful friendship is interrupted when townsfolk get a glimpse of the dragon and assume that he is as vicious as the tales tell.  How will Kenny stop a mob intent on seeing a traditional knight vs. dragon battle?

Tony DiTerlizzi's web site is well worth a visit.

Teacher notes: Could be useful for talking about stereotypes or first impressions.  Or finding creative solutions to conflict.

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon by Grace Lin

Minli is a cheerful and warm-hearted girl, despite the life of poverty that she and her parents lead in their small village in China.  However, her mother’s dissatisfaction with their difficult life and her father’s stories inspire Minli to search for the Old Man in the Moon.  She hopes he will tell her how she can improve her family’s fortune.  On her journey, Minli meets a dragon who cannot fly, a poor boy whose only companion is an ox, a king, and a family who knows the secret to happiness.  Many of these characters share Chinese folktales that the author has rewritten for this book and skillfully woven in with the events of Minli’s journey.

Visit Grace Lin's web site for more information about the book, including a book trailer.

The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg by Rodman Philbrick

Image from http://www.rodmanphilbrick.com

Orphan Homer P. Figg is a dandy of a liar. He uses this skill as best he can in a search for his older brother Harold who was sent off to fight in the Civil War.  Along the way, Homer is threatened by slave catchers, discovers a stop on the Underground Railroad, becomes the Amazing Pig Boy in a traveling medicine show, and more.  Will he find his brother before Harold is killed on the battlefield?  Read this book of humor, danger, and history to find out!

Teacher notes: Fun, quick read! Homer has a clear voice full of wonderful expressions.  His adventure engages the reader from beginning to end.  Along the way, readers get a sense of life during the Civil War and the Underground Railroad.  Scholastic has some useful related resources: a video book talk, teacher activity guide about the Underground Railroad, and an interactive students activity about the Underground Railroad.