The Magician's Elephant by Kate DiCamillo

Peter saw the fortune-teller's tent, and he fingered the coin that did not really belong to him. However, he had to know the answer to the question: does my sister still live? "She lives," answered the fortune-teller, and followed up this statement with a puzzle: "Follow the elephant." Knowing there were no elephants in the city of Baltese, Peter walks away disappointedly. But hope stirs in his heart when he hears of a fascinating occurrence. An elephant comes crashing through the roof of the opera house, crushing the legs of Madam Lavaughn and surprising the magician who had wanted something spectacular to happen.
Kate DiCamillo's writing style is magical, and I think adults will love this book. It would make a nice family read-aloud. However, I'm not sure all children will enjoy this book, since there are many characters with foreign names to keep track of, and we never fully connect with a character. However, I recommend this book and would love to hear others' opinions.

The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, by Jacqueline Kelly

It is the summer of 1899 and 106 degrees in the sleepy little town of Fentress, Texas. It is also a time of growing up for eleven year old Calpurnia Tate, also know as Callie Vee. When her older brother Harry notices her interest in animals, he gives her a notebook to write down her scientific observations. She begins to spend time each day observing the natural world around her, which leads to questions. When she wonders why some grasshoppers are large and yellow, while others are small and green, this leads her to ask her mysterious scientist grandfather. This begins a wonderful friendship between the two and sparks a secret desire within Callie to become a naturalist.I think all my students would enjoy reading of Callie's adventures at school and home.
Caution: There are some positive comments about Charles Darwin, and each chapter begins with a quote from The Origin of Species (which I'm sure most of the kids will skip anyway.) However, this book does not teach evolution.

The Little White Horse, by Elizabeth Goudge

Even though this book was written in 1942, I had never read it until I discovered it at a used book sale this summer. The language Elizabeth Goudge uses drew me in to a fantasy world described in perfect detail.
Thirteen year old Maria Merriwether travels with her governess in Victorian England to Moonacre Manor, the home of her great-uncle Ben. She is delighted with her new home and her perfect tower bedroom with a small door just her size.  But mysteries and secrets abound: Who lays out her wonderful clothes each morning? What kind of dog is Wrolf, and is he ferocious or tame? Who are the Men of the Black Wood and why do they do such evil things? Maria meets many unusual characters and animals in the book, and they all help her fulfill her destiny as the next Moon Princess.
This book will probably not appeal to all children; there is a lot of description and the writing is slightly old-fashioned, but some children and adults may certainly want to try it out. I did read on the internet that a movie has been made from the book, The Secret of Moonacre.

Leepike Ridge, by N.D. Wilson

Eleven-year-old Tom, whose father has been dead three years, overhears a proposal of marriage to his mom. He sneaks out of the house at night to think things over and sees the styrofoam packing from the new refrigerator by the stream. Hmm...will it float? Not only will it float, but he can use it for a raft, and thus begins his adventures. He is swept away to an underground cave, where he meets ...oh, I won't spoil it for you! Let me just say there are treasures, bodies, villains, and a hero involved. Meanwhile, his mother is facing troubles of her own. She also encounters villains and an unlikely hero. This is a very well-written, entertaining book for both boys and girls.
Caution: Quite a bit of violence.

The Year of the Dog, by Grace Lin

This book begins with the Chinese New Year, which Grace celebrates with her Taiwanese-American family. This year was The Year of the Dog, a year which was supposed to be about discovering your purpose in life. Grace decides that she will make this her goal, and she struggles to find where she really fits in. At school she is called Grace, but her family calls her Pacy at home. She celebrates both Chinese and American holidays. The Year of the Dog brings surprises for Grace: a new friend, a writing contest, a science fair, and a first crush. This book is short and easy to read, but is filled with lots of information about the Taiwanese culture. My fifth- graders will identify with Grace's experiences, and they will love the cute illustrations!

Turn Homeward,Hannalee by Patricia Beatty

This book is on the history summer reading list this year, and I think my students will enjoy this exciting book. Hannalee is 12 years old and works in a mill in Roswell, Georgia. When the Yankees come to her town during the Civil War, they round up all the mill hands and send them north to work in the factories there. Hannalee's brother Jem is also sent north, but her pregnant mother is left behind in Roswell. Before Hannalee leaves, she promises her mother that she and Jem will return. In order to accomplish this, she has to escape from the north, disguise herself as a boy, and rescue Jem. They have some exciting adventures as they struggle to survive.
Caution: There is a lot of violence; Hannalee and Jem come upon a battlefield just after a battle, and they also witness a murder.