Entering Grade 5

Biography

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Desert Diary: Japanese American Kids Behind Barbed Wire by Michael O. Tunnell
A true story about eight-year-old Mae Yanagi and her school mates at Topaz Camp in Utah, an internment camp for Japanese Americans in World War II. She and her third-grade classmates began keeping an illustrated diary, full of details about schoolwork, sports, pets, holidays, and health--as experienced from behind barbed wire. (nonfiction)
Etched in Clay: The Life of Dave, Enslaved Potter and Poet by Andrea Cheng
The story of a man, who lived enslaved in South Carolina in the early 1800’s, who became a skilled potter and defied the law to record his life in clay. (nonfiction)
El Deafo by Cece Bel
In this graphic novel, Cece Bel retells her story of growing up with hearing loss, trying to make friends, and deciding that her awkward giant hearing aid gave her super powers. (memoir in graphic novel format)
Fred Korematsu Speaks Up (Fighting for Justice series) by Laura Atkins and Stan Yogi  
The story of a Japanese-American who refused to be forced into an internment camp in 1941 at the start of WWII. He continued his protest even in prison. (nonfiction)
Never Caught, the Story of Ona Judge: George and Martha Washington's Courageous Slave Who Dared to Run Away (Young Reader's Edition) by Erica Armstrong Dunbar and Kathleen van Cleve
Ona Judge, who grew up enslaved, became a favorite of the Washingtons, as the famous First Family became more powerful. When she was told that she would be given to Martha Washington's granddaughter as a wedding present, Ona made the decision to run away to New Hampshire, becoming a fugitive.
Out of Wonder: Poems Celebrating Poets by Kwame Alexander and others
This book celebrates 20 famed poets through poetry and beautiful illustrations. Mini-biographies of the poets are included.
Some Writer!: The Story of E. B. White  by Melissa Sweet
The author uses photos, family letters, collage techniques and White’s writing (including several drafts of the opening of Charlotte’s Web), to tell the story of this author of children’s books, and how his farm in Maine influenced his stories. (nonfiction)
Spotted Tail by David Heska Wanbli Welden
Meet Chief Spotted Tail, the great leader of the Sicangu Lakota people. Born almost two hundred years ago, he helped lead the Lakota nation during times of both war and peace with the U.S. government. He tried to use his negotiation skills to block the taking of the sacred Black Hills by the U.S. Government for gold mining, an issue that is still relevant today. (nonfiction)
We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices by various authors
An anthology of poems, essays and stories to add hope to a world that is sometimes fearful.. The diverse authors share advice and encouragement from their experiences.