Cracker! The Best Dog in Viet Nam By Cynthia Kadohata

Cracker was a very lively and suspenseful book about Cracker, an extremely loyal and stubborn dog who turns out to be a scout dog in the Vietnam War. The book starts out having Cracker with Willie, a boy who has just moved in to an apartment in Chicago that doesn’t allow pets. So, Willie has to give Cracker up to the terrors of the Vietnam War. While in Vietnam, Cracker meets Rick, her handler, who is an affectionate person that sneaks hot dogs (called wieners in the book) to Cracker. Cracker and Rick have many good times and many bad times so, if you want to know more about the adventures of Cracker and Rick, read this book!!!

by Doug, fifth-grade reader

Note: This book is available through the Indianola Public Library as an online audiobook. It is recommended for readers age 10 and above.

AR Level 4.9

AR Points 9

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan

The Son of Neptune is about these three kids named Hazel, Frank and Percy Jackson. Hazel is supposed to be dead. Frank is a klutz. Percy can't remember anything . . . except for a girl named Annabeth. This book is sure to leave you reading. It's full of suspense. I would recommend this book to everyone, especially to kids who love Harry Potter and The Hunger Games.

Tyler, a fifth grade reader
Note: This is the sequel to The Lost Hero, the first book in the "Heroes of Olympus" series. Five books are planned for this series, a spin-off of the "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series. If you loved the Percy Jackson books, you'll love this new series, too.

AR Level 4.7
AR Points 17

Dead End in Norvelt by Jack Gantos

Dead End in Norvelt is about a boy named Jack with nose problems. The problem with his nose is that whenever he gets too excited or scared about something his nose starts gushing blood. One day he is messing with his dad’s World War II souvenirs and using his dad’s Japanese binoculars to watch a war movie. His mom gets mad at him because he isn’t allowed to watch war movies because it will make his nose bleed. Another crazy act gets him grounded for the summer by his mom who thinks he’s been shot. A couple of days later, his mom makes him start helping his neighbor, Miss Volker, to write obituaries for all of the people who have been dying in Norvelt. He learns a lot about the lives of the people who have lived in his town.

This is a really funny story about a boy growing up and the many unexpected things that happen to him during the summer. This book is the 2012 Newbery Medal winner and you should read it!

Liam, fourth-grader reader

AR Level 5.7

AR Points 12