Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea

Mr. Terupt is one of those magical teachers who connects with his class while challenging their minds. His insightful projects and heartfelt instruction lead many of his fifth grade students toward self-discovery. Life in room 202 is safe and happy, until the accident.

Told from the perspective of six different students, Because of Mr. Terupt introduces a typical classroom with everyday struggles. However, Mr. Terupt and his influence make this a compelling story of growth, mistakes, and forgiveness. This is a perfect book for 4-6th grade readers. They will relate to the students of room 202 and their life changing experience with Mr. Terrupt.

Recommended ages--10 and up

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Each year the Protectorate leaves a baby as an offering to the witch in the wood. All kinds of rumors surround the reason for the offering, but none of them are true. The witch, Xan, lovingly takes the discarded babies and delivers them to families in other villages who want children of their own. But one year Xan mistakenly feeds a baby moonlight instead of starlight, filling the baby with magic. To prevent catastrophe, Xan determines to raise the child Luna by herself, but eventually Luna’s magic starts leaking out with disastrous consequences.

Luna’s journey and self-discovery teach powerful lessons about curiosity, communication, and love. Barnhill’s characters are beautifully developed and their intertwined stories are artfully told. The Girl Who Drank The Moon is a magical tale, perfect for everyone who understands the struggle it takes to find ourselves.

Recommended ages--9 and up

The Hired Girl by Laura Amy Schlitz

Joan is an intelligent, motivated girl, trapped in a life of drudgery and manual labor on her family farm. Oppressed by a domineering father who can’t understand her desire for education, Joan soon flees her home to become a hired girl. Joan’s honest and innocent diary entries paint a detailed picture of life as a serving girl in Baltimore in the early 1900s. Through Joan’s experiences, Laura Schlitz also provides thoughtful commentary about religion, feminism, and growing up.

Joan Skaggs (or Janet Lovelace as she names herself in her new life) is a captivating character with a powerful voice. Her experiences illustrate the time of change and shifting cultural attitudes found in the early 1900s without being dull or preachy. Joan’s story is inspiring and perfect reading material for girls traveling the path toward womanhood.

Recommended ages--11 and up