SURE BEATS BOILING OIL

If you read Harry Potter or the Hunger Games, and you like stories where society is out to destroy the lives of children, then THE UNWANTEDS by Lisa McMann is a good book to read along the same lines. In the dark, dreary land of Quill, some kids become "wanteds" and some are relegated to "unwanted" status, which means they are sent to die in a giant pit of boiling oil. Only the unwanteds actually end up in a magical world of creativity and free thought, something completely frowned upon in the land of Quill. Kids learn magical fighting techniques, in preparation to fight for their beliefs in a battle that comes when not everyone is prepared to fight. It's not to difficult to read, it is action-packed, and reflects positively on those that are more creative than calculating. For grades 4 and up.

A BAD CASE OF SOMETHING

This is an adorable story about Camila who loves to eat lima beans. But since none of her friends like lima beans, she is worried about not being liked or accepted. One morning she wakes up and sees that she looks nothing like herself. She goes to school and her bazaar appearance goes with her. Every time her fellow students call a name or a color, she changes into that. No matter what, nothing seems to help her, including some very good doctors. One day, one of the doctors tells her that in order to get rid of her bazaar condition, she must eat lima beans...
This story and the illustrations are beautiful and full of surprises. The idea of nonconformity will be appealing to kids who are struggling with similar situations. The story is short enough for a story time and long enough for the older kids as well. A Bad Case Of Stripes is by non other than David Shannon.

For grades k-up.