"The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World" by E.L. Konigsburg

The Mysterious Edge of the Heroic World by E.L Konigsburg was Published in September 2007. It is about a boy named Amedeo Kaplan who, more than anything in the world, wants to discover something never noticed before; anything from as small as a fossil to as large as a secret place. He lived in New York and was surrounded by art-his father was an artist and his grandfather a museum curator. He was assiting his grandfather on an exhibit featuring artwork condemned during Hitler's rule in Nazi Germany when he and his mother moved to Florida. One day he assisted a neighbor empty out her old mansion, she was a famous Opera singer in her day and her home was filled with ancient memorbilia. Looking through her home was like a mysterous adventure; he stumbled across a drawing that looked very familiar and soon realized a connection between the past and the present. He began to learn more about the Nazis during World War II, and their brutal treatment of artist, homosexuals, and Jews. Although this story has a strong historic message, it is presented in a very interesting and kid-friendly manner. (Ages 9+)

Bernstein Bears go to school

This book is written and illustrated by Jan and Stan Bernstein. It is great for beginning readers, especially if the child has yet to enter the school system. It has colorful fun illustrations and sends a very positive message. Brother bear expressed his anticipation for the new school year, which was comforting for Sister bear who was anxious to be attending school for the first time. It spoke of the things she had done throughout the summer which she would miss and one of those activities was reading, which gives children the subtle message that reading is a fun activity.
When I started school my older sister brought this book home from the library and read it to me. I enjoyed it then and I am sure any child would still enjoy it today!