Looking for a more challenging reading level with content appropriate for early elementary? These are developmentally appropriate reads for younger readers reading at an advanced level. (Updated April 2025)
The Ghosts of Rancho Espanto
Ten-year-old Cuban American Rafa Alvarez and his friends, who are obsessed with the fantasy tabletop role-playing game The Forgotten Age, take the adventure out of doors and into the real world.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The Ghosts of Rancho EspantoThe Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed Meadow
A young rabbit who loves stores, Butternut makes friends among the other animals and birds of Milkweed Meadow, and convinces them to help her rescue a litter of orphaned coyote pups.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View The Remarkable Rescue at Milkweed MeadowMy Presentation Today Is About the Anaconda
Twenty animals experience the dread and excitement of the class presentation as they deliver speeches on the species of their choice from their unique, sometimes shocking, perspectives.
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
View My Presentation Today Is About the AnacondaThe Eyes & the Impossible
Free dog Johannes' job is to observe everything that happens in his urban park and report back to the park's three bison elders. What will happen with the arrival of more humans, a new building and a boatload of goats?
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
View The Eyes & the ImpossibleA Meerkat Diary
Learn all about meerkats by following a meerkat “mob” living in the Kalahari Desert in Botswana.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View A Meerkat DiaryKiller Underwear Invasion!
A fact-filled book that breaks down what fake news is, why people spread it, and how to tell what is real and what isn't.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Killer Underwear Invasion!The First State of Being
It’s 1999 and 12-year-old Michael Rosario happens upon a teen named Ridge who has traveled back in time from 2199 thanks to his mother’s scientific work and a dare from his siblings.
Format: Book
Availability: All copies in use
View The First State of BeingWe Are Big Time
New Muslim student Aliya joins an all-girls, hijab-wearing basketball team where she learns about teamwork and herself. Inspired by a true story.
Format: Graphic Novel
Availability: Available
View We Are Big TimeOld School
Twelve-year-old Dexter has lived at The Pines Retirement Village with his grandmother since he was six years old, where he was homeschooled by the residents. Now he's forced to attend middle school, where he sticks out like a sore thumb.
Format: Book
Availability: Available
View Old SchoolNew in Town
Eager to make a good first impression at her new middle school, 13-year-old Charlie does her best to fit in until she meets a group of diverse Black girls who show her the importance of authenticity.
Format: Graphic Novel
Availability: Available
View New in Town