I've got some good buddies at GoodReads
who have a group that make the Newbery books part of their reading
challenge. This is for them, and everyone that likes to explore popular
books of the past.
Note: definitely seek these out through your library and/or Inter-library loan. And if you want to add them to your home/school shelves, be sure to check the great 3rd Party prices. I've seen New books for a few dollars. Used books for pennies.
Note: definitely seek these out through your library and/or Inter-library loan. And if you want to add them to your home/school shelves, be sure to check the great 3rd Party prices. I've seen New books for a few dollars. Used books for pennies.
**all ratings from GoodReads
1929
THE TRUMPETER OF KRAKOWby Eric P. Kelly
3.65 stars — 2,086 GoodRead reviewers
The
setting is 15th century Poland. The hero is a 15 year-old boy (Joseph)
whose admiration for the bravery of a long-dead youth encourages him to
remain loyal to his country, in the face of great danger to himself and
his family.
Written in a highly literate style, the author fondly describes the great city.
Reading Information:Written in a highly literate style, the author fondly describes the great city.
Brave they were as lions, courageous they were as great dogs, but they had hearts of stone and knew not mercy, nor pity, nor tenderness, nor God.
Word Count: 59,275
Page Count: 224
Accelerated Reading level: 7.1 / points: 10.0
AR quiz: 142
Lexile: 1200L
--bargain priced
--as of this post-time eligible for Amazon's buy 3 get 1 Free promotion
--sample pages available
1928
GAY NECK, THE STORY OF A PIGEONby Dhan Gopal Mukerji
3.15 stars — 524 GoodRead reviewers
Gay
Neck is a prized Indian pigeon. When WWI breaks out, he is used as a
messenger pigeon by Ghond the hunter, who is a friend of Gay Neck's boy.
The bird and man go through much and return home with what must be
called Post-Tramatic Syndrome.
To 'cleanse' themselves (and to come to grips with their experiences) the groups travels to the Himalayas where they meditate to overcome their fears.
This story is told from different points of view --including the pigeons. It is said to offer insight into the life of an early 19th Century boy of high caste in India; as well as how pigeons are trained.
To 'cleanse' themselves (and to come to grips with their experiences) the groups travels to the Himalayas where they meditate to overcome their fears.
This story is told from different points of view --including the pigeons. It is said to offer insight into the life of an early 19th Century boy of high caste in India; as well as how pigeons are trained.
Word Count: 38,724
Page Count: 192
Accelerated Reading level: 6.5 / points: 6.0
AR quiz: 30
Lexile: 1040L
--available used for pennies
--sample pages available
1927
SMOKY, THE COWHORSEby Will James
3.87 stars — 1,917 GoodRead reviewers
Many
reviewers seem to find this comparable to Black Beauty, in that one
gets to follow the history of a horse from birth to retirement. This
story begins with Smoky as a free horse battling the elements and
inherent dangers of the western plains. He is captured though and
turned into a cow horse, a role he learns to enjoy. His life doesn't
continue happily though. As he ages he falls into the hands of cruel
men. That is until the end! Where everything comes out alright.
The semi-literate dialog of this book presents a problem for some.
Word Count: 78,567
Page Count: 336
Accelerated Reading level: 6.5 / points: 13.0
AR quiz: 83
Lexile: NC1440L
--as of this post-time eligible for Amazon's buy 3 get 1 Free promotion
--sample pages available
1926
SHEN OF THE SEAby Arthur Bowie Chrisman
3.20 stars — 460 GoodRead reviewers
A selection of stories.
Chapter/Story Titles
Ah Mee's invention
Shen of the sea
How wise were the old men
Chop-sticks
Buy a father
Four generals
The rain King's daughter
Many wives
That lazy Ah Fun
The moon maiden
Ah Tcha the sleeper
I wish it would rain
High as Han Hsin
Contrary Chueh Chun
Pies of the Princess
As Hai Low kept house
Word Count: 38,311
Page Count: 221
Accelerated Reading level: 5.4 / points: 6.0
AR quiz: 79592
Lexile: 780L
--sample pages available
1925
TALES FROM SILVER LANDSby Charles Finger
3.13 stars — 328 GoodRead reviewers
A
collection of 19 folk tales --of the 'just so' variety-- collected and
retold by the author from his travels throughout Central and South
America.
Word Count: 59,793
Accelerated Reading level: 6.2 / points: 10.0
AR quiz: 74674
Lexile: 1320L
1924
THE DARK FRIGATEby Charles Hawes
3.19 stars — 564 GoodRead reviewers
In
17th century England, orphaned Philip Marsham signs on with the "Rose
of Devon," a dark frigate bound for the quiet shores of Newfoundland.
Philip's bold spirit and knowledge of the sea soon win him his
captain's regard. But when the is seized midocean by murderous gang,
Philip is forced to join them or die. How will he ever clear his name
and return to England?
Very archaic language poses a problem even for those who regularly dip their toes in archaic waters.
Word Count: 69,394Page Count: 264
Accelerated Reading level: 6.7 / points: 12.0
AR quiz: 20313
Lexile: 1230L
--sample pages available
1923
THE VOYAGES OF DOCTOR DOLITTLEby Hugh Lofting
3.96 stars — 5,090 GoodRead reviewers
9 year-old boy named Tommy Stubbins, describes how he came to meet
Dr. Dolittle, the man who talks to animals.
Count: 73,092
Page Count: 268
Accelerated Reading level: 5.7 / points: 11.0
AR quiz: 93
Lexile: 860L
--sample pages available
--abridged version available
1922
THE STORY OF MANKINDby Hendrik Willem van Loon
3.15 stars — 548 GoodRead reviewers
This is an illustrated history book. I understand that it was updated for several decades. Please note the reading level.
Word Count: 170,226
Page Count: varies with edition.
Accelerated Reading level: 9.9 / points: 34.0
AR quiz: 76249
Lexile: 1260L
--sample pages available
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