Resources for Good Books for Advanced Learners
Books: Good books for gifted readers to read by Bertie Kingore
Avi. (1991). Nothing But the Truth: A Documentary Novel. New York: Orchard Books.4-8 Avi's book emerges as a witty satire of high school politics that invites the reader to question and analyze what they read and hear from the mass media.
Bedard, M. (1992). Emily. New York: Doubleday. 3-6 An insightful vignette of the reclusive life of Emily Dickinson is shared through a young neighbor's visit.
Burnett, F. H. (1981). Sara Crewe. New York: Putnam.2-6 Originally written in 1888, Sara remains courageous and compassionate as she is orphaned and falls from riches to a pauper.
Curtis, C. P. (1999). Bud, Not Buddy. New York: Delacorte. 4-8 This well-crafted novel explores the life and hard times of a resourceful orphan in search of his father during the Depression.
Dahl, R. (1988). Matilda. New York: Viking. 2-6 Matilda, a genius with selfish dolts for parents, uses her untaped mental ability to punish some hurtful adults and save her nice teacher.
Fitzgerald, J. D. (1967). The Great Brain. New York: Dial.
2-6 This is the first title of an extensive series exploring the adventures of a genius main character.
Fitzhugh, L. (1964). Harriet, the Spy. New York: Harper & Row.
1-5 Harriet is intelligent and curious. She writes observations of her neighbors and classmates and then must devise a creative solution to convince her friends to forgive her.
Fox, M. (1985). Wilford Gordon McDonald Partridge. New York: Kane/ Miller.
K-3 Wilford's favorite friend at the retirement home loses her memory, and he wants to figure out how to find it for her.
Freedman, R. (1991). The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane. New York: Scholastic.
4-8 This non-fiction book, using historical photographs and in-depth information, explains the determination and creativity leading to Wilber and Orville Wright's invention of the airplane.
George, J. C. (1959). My Side of the Mountain. New York: Dutton.
3-6 Sam's diary reveals his experiences living alone and off the land in the Catskill Mountains.
Hamilton, V. (1971). The Planet of Junior Brown. New York: Macmillan.
5-8 Junior Brown is a talented pianist whose weight causes people to ostracize him. This inner-city story weaves a complex tale about friendship, loyalty, and learning to live together.
Hoffman, M. (1991). Amazing Grace. New York: Dial.
K-3 When Grace wants to try out for the role of Peter Pan, her family encourages her to be what she wants to be, but her friends are not as supportive.
Konigsburg, E. L. (1967). From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York: Atheneum. 3-7 A sister and a brother run away from home to hide in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and decipher the mystery of a statue.
Konigsburg, E.L. (1996). The View from Saturday. New York: Scholastic.
4-8 Four gifted students and their teacher form a team for the Academic Bowl and enhance their humanity in the process.
Krull, K. (1996). Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman. San Diego: Harcourt Brace. 2-6 This is a simple but informative biography of Wilma Rudolph overcoming polio, struggling to walk, and finally becoming an Olympic runner.
L'Engle, M. (1962). A Wrinkle in Time. New York: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux. (1973). A Wind in the Door. New York: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux. (Sequel) (1978). A Swiftly Tilting Planet. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux. (Sequel)
3-8 The family members in this science-fiction classic trilogy travel the cosmos, face the problem of being different, fight to overcome evil, and discover the power of love.
Levine, G. C. (1997). Ella Enchanted. New York: Harper Collins.
3-8 In this Cinderella-based novel, the spunky, intelligent heroine struggles to overcome the curse that forces her to obey any command given to her.
Lionni, L. (1967). Frederick. New York: Random House.
K-3 Frederick is different and the other mice have to learn to appreciate him and his talents.
Lowry, L. (1993). The Giver. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell.
4-8 This complex novel relates the story of a perfect world with no problems, fears, or pain. The Giver holds the memories of the pain and pleasure of life for the rest of the population.
MacLachlan, P. (1988). The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt. New York: Harper & Row.
4-8 Minna is a talented musician who struggles to learn to appreciate herself and the uniqueness of her family.
Martin, J. B. (1998). Snowflake Bentley. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
2-6 Persistence and family support are taught in this biography of Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley--a self-taught photographer and scientist.
Parks, R. & Haskins, J. (1992). Rosa Parks: My Story. New York: Penguin.
K-5 Rosa Parks tells her story including the famous incident on the Montgomery bus.
Paterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Teribithia. New York: Avon.
4-8 Two nonconformist friends create their own magical realm and encourage each others gifts as they grow in self-discovery.
Paterson, K. (1985). Come Sing, Jimmy Jo. New York: Dutton.
4-8 Painful shyness causes self and family conflicts for a gifted eleven-year-old boy when he reluctantly joins his family's musical group.
Paterson, K. (1980). Jacob Have I Loved. New York: Avon.
6-8 Complex relationships and emotions evolve as a twin feels that her sister has deprived her of parental affection and schooling.
Paulsen, G. (1996 ). Brian's Winter. New York: Scholastic. (1987). Hatchet. New York: Trumpet.
3-8 When the plane crashes, Brain is the sole survivor and must solve unique survival problems.
Raskin, E. (1978). The Westing Game. New York: Avon.
3-8 This mystery challenges the reader to follow sixteen characters and plot line twists to solve a puzzle.
Roberts, M. (1986). Henry Cisneros: Mexican American Mayor. Chicago: Children's Press. 3-8 This is the biography of the national government official and former mayor of San Antonio.
Ross, T. (1994). Eggbert the Slightly Cracked Egg. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons.
K-2 With a generous serving of puns, Eggbert uses his creativity and has many adventures trying to fit in and be accepted.
Sobol, D. J. (1963). Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective. New York: Thomas Nelson.
1-4 The first title of an extensive series of mysteries that the hero must solve.
Steig, W. (1969). Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Prentice-Hall.
K-4 Sylvester is in a predicament when he finds a magic stone and a hungry lion. This is a perfect story for illustrating loving family relationships and modeling sophisticated vocabulary.
Taylor, M. (1976). Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. New York: Dial. (1981). Let the Circle Be Unbroken. New York: Dial.(Sequel)
3-8 Cassie and her brother, children of a black school teacher, face subtle and explicit racial prejudice in the early twentieth century.
Voight, C. (1981). The Homecoming. New York: Atheneum. (1982). Dicey's Song. New York: Atheneum. (Prequel)
3-8 With determination and creative problem solving, a young girl struggles to keep her family together after their mother abandons them.
Wynne-Jones, T. (1995). The Maestro. New York: Orchard Books.
4-8 Burl's life is changed in one day when he runs away from his abusive father and stumbles upon an eccentric genius living in a remote cabin.
Avi. (1991). Nothing But the Truth: A Documentary Novel. New York: Orchard Books.4-8 Avi's book emerges as a witty satire of high school politics that invites the reader to question and analyze what they read and hear from the mass media.
Bedard, M. (1992). Emily. New York: Doubleday. 3-6 An insightful vignette of the reclusive life of Emily Dickinson is shared through a young neighbor's visit.
Burnett, F. H. (1981). Sara Crewe. New York: Putnam.2-6 Originally written in 1888, Sara remains courageous and compassionate as she is orphaned and falls from riches to a pauper.
Curtis, C. P. (1999). Bud, Not Buddy. New York: Delacorte. 4-8 This well-crafted novel explores the life and hard times of a resourceful orphan in search of his father during the Depression.
Dahl, R. (1988). Matilda. New York: Viking. 2-6 Matilda, a genius with selfish dolts for parents, uses her untaped mental ability to punish some hurtful adults and save her nice teacher.
Fitzgerald, J. D. (1967). The Great Brain. New York: Dial.
2-6 This is the first title of an extensive series exploring the adventures of a genius main character.
Fitzhugh, L. (1964). Harriet, the Spy. New York: Harper & Row.
1-5 Harriet is intelligent and curious. She writes observations of her neighbors and classmates and then must devise a creative solution to convince her friends to forgive her.
Fox, M. (1985). Wilford Gordon McDonald Partridge. New York: Kane/ Miller.
K-3 Wilford's favorite friend at the retirement home loses her memory, and he wants to figure out how to find it for her.
Freedman, R. (1991). The Wright Brothers: How They Invented the Airplane. New York: Scholastic.
4-8 This non-fiction book, using historical photographs and in-depth information, explains the determination and creativity leading to Wilber and Orville Wright's invention of the airplane.
George, J. C. (1959). My Side of the Mountain. New York: Dutton.
3-6 Sam's diary reveals his experiences living alone and off the land in the Catskill Mountains.
Hamilton, V. (1971). The Planet of Junior Brown. New York: Macmillan.
5-8 Junior Brown is a talented pianist whose weight causes people to ostracize him. This inner-city story weaves a complex tale about friendship, loyalty, and learning to live together.
Hoffman, M. (1991). Amazing Grace. New York: Dial.
K-3 When Grace wants to try out for the role of Peter Pan, her family encourages her to be what she wants to be, but her friends are not as supportive.
Konigsburg, E. L. (1967). From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. New York: Atheneum. 3-7 A sister and a brother run away from home to hide in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City and decipher the mystery of a statue.
Konigsburg, E.L. (1996). The View from Saturday. New York: Scholastic.
4-8 Four gifted students and their teacher form a team for the Academic Bowl and enhance their humanity in the process.
Krull, K. (1996). Wilma Unlimited: How Wilma Rudolph Became the World's Fastest Woman. San Diego: Harcourt Brace. 2-6 This is a simple but informative biography of Wilma Rudolph overcoming polio, struggling to walk, and finally becoming an Olympic runner.
L'Engle, M. (1962). A Wrinkle in Time. New York: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux. (1973). A Wind in the Door. New York: Farrar, Straus, & Giroux. (Sequel) (1978). A Swiftly Tilting Planet. New York: Farrar, Straus & Giroux. (Sequel)
3-8 The family members in this science-fiction classic trilogy travel the cosmos, face the problem of being different, fight to overcome evil, and discover the power of love.
Levine, G. C. (1997). Ella Enchanted. New York: Harper Collins.
3-8 In this Cinderella-based novel, the spunky, intelligent heroine struggles to overcome the curse that forces her to obey any command given to her.
Lionni, L. (1967). Frederick. New York: Random House.
K-3 Frederick is different and the other mice have to learn to appreciate him and his talents.
Lowry, L. (1993). The Giver. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell.
4-8 This complex novel relates the story of a perfect world with no problems, fears, or pain. The Giver holds the memories of the pain and pleasure of life for the rest of the population.
MacLachlan, P. (1988). The Facts and Fictions of Minna Pratt. New York: Harper & Row.
4-8 Minna is a talented musician who struggles to learn to appreciate herself and the uniqueness of her family.
Martin, J. B. (1998). Snowflake Bentley. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.
2-6 Persistence and family support are taught in this biography of Wilson "Snowflake" Bentley--a self-taught photographer and scientist.
Parks, R. & Haskins, J. (1992). Rosa Parks: My Story. New York: Penguin.
K-5 Rosa Parks tells her story including the famous incident on the Montgomery bus.
Paterson, K. (1977). Bridge to Teribithia. New York: Avon.
4-8 Two nonconformist friends create their own magical realm and encourage each others gifts as they grow in self-discovery.
Paterson, K. (1985). Come Sing, Jimmy Jo. New York: Dutton.
4-8 Painful shyness causes self and family conflicts for a gifted eleven-year-old boy when he reluctantly joins his family's musical group.
Paterson, K. (1980). Jacob Have I Loved. New York: Avon.
6-8 Complex relationships and emotions evolve as a twin feels that her sister has deprived her of parental affection and schooling.
Paulsen, G. (1996 ). Brian's Winter. New York: Scholastic. (1987). Hatchet. New York: Trumpet.
3-8 When the plane crashes, Brain is the sole survivor and must solve unique survival problems.
Raskin, E. (1978). The Westing Game. New York: Avon.
3-8 This mystery challenges the reader to follow sixteen characters and plot line twists to solve a puzzle.
Roberts, M. (1986). Henry Cisneros: Mexican American Mayor. Chicago: Children's Press. 3-8 This is the biography of the national government official and former mayor of San Antonio.
Ross, T. (1994). Eggbert the Slightly Cracked Egg. New York: G. P. Putnam's Sons.
K-2 With a generous serving of puns, Eggbert uses his creativity and has many adventures trying to fit in and be accepted.
Sobol, D. J. (1963). Encyclopedia Brown: Boy Detective. New York: Thomas Nelson.
1-4 The first title of an extensive series of mysteries that the hero must solve.
Steig, W. (1969). Sylvester and the Magic Pebble. New York: Prentice-Hall.
K-4 Sylvester is in a predicament when he finds a magic stone and a hungry lion. This is a perfect story for illustrating loving family relationships and modeling sophisticated vocabulary.
Taylor, M. (1976). Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry. New York: Dial. (1981). Let the Circle Be Unbroken. New York: Dial.(Sequel)
3-8 Cassie and her brother, children of a black school teacher, face subtle and explicit racial prejudice in the early twentieth century.
Voight, C. (1981). The Homecoming. New York: Atheneum. (1982). Dicey's Song. New York: Atheneum. (Prequel)
3-8 With determination and creative problem solving, a young girl struggles to keep her family together after their mother abandons them.
Wynne-Jones, T. (1995). The Maestro. New York: Orchard Books.
4-8 Burl's life is changed in one day when he runs away from his abusive father and stumbles upon an eccentric genius living in a remote cabin.