The Libri Foundation

Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Because of Winn-Dixie, by Kate DiCamillo. Grades 4-6.

The heart-warming story of 10-year-old India Opal Buloni, who, with her preacher father, has recently moved to Naomi, Florida and how a big, ugly-but-lovable dog she befriends in the produce department of a Winn-Dixie grocery store helps her make friends and come to terms with the fact that her mother abandoned her family.

Benny: An Adventure Story, by Bob Graham. Preschool-Grade K.

After multi-talented Benny the dog becomes more popular than his magician master, he is forced to look far and wide for a new home where his juggling, tap dancing, and harmonica playing will be appreciated.

Dog Friday, by Hilary McKay. Grades 4-6.

After being attacked, 10-year-old Robin wants nothing more to do with dogs, ever. But he couldn't just leave the injured, starving dog he found abandoned on the beach. Forced to turn the dog over to the RSPCA for seven days so his owners have a chance to claim him, Robin finds the days drag by. His life is far from dull, however, as the rowdy new children next door take over his life.

Henry Huggins, by Beverly Cleary, illus. by Louis Darling. Grades 2-4.

When Henry Huggins adopts Ribsy, a scruffy stray dog, the adventures begin. 50th anniversary edition.

"Let's Get a Pup!" Said Kate, by Bob Graham. Preschool-Grade 2.

In this heartwarming story, Kate and her parents first visit the local animal shelter and adopt a cute little puppy. They then return to adopt an older dog, who had also captured their hearts.

Not My Dog, by Colby Rodowsky, illus. by Thomas F. Yezerski. Grades 2-3.

Eight-year-old Ellie wants a puppy more than anything else. When her parents decide to adopt a full-grown dog named Preston, she is so unhappy she continually insists that "he's not my dog." But Preston perseveres and finally wins her over.

Widget, by Lyn Rossiter McFarland, illus. by Jim McFarland. Ages 3-6.

Stray dog Widget, who's cold, wet, hungry and homeless, must convince six female felines to accept him if he is to find a home in their mistress' house. If they won't accept him as a dog, will they accept him if he pretends to be a cat?

Mahatma Gandhi's Birthday (October 2, 1869)

Gandhi, Great Soul, by John B. Severance. Grades 6 up.

This well-written biography of one of the 20th century's most influential thinkers portrays both his private struggles and public triumphs, as well as the impact he had on those who followed him, including Martin Luther King, Jr. and Nelson Mandela.

Anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire (October 8, 1871)

The Great Fire, by Jim Murphy. Grades 5-9.

Thirty-one hours after a small fire broke out in the O'Leary's barn, nearly 100,000 people were homeless and the great city of Chicago was a smoldering ruin. The drama of the Chicago Fire comes to life through photographs and illustrations, as well as through the riveting narrative, which includes personal anecdotes.

Columbus Day Observed (October 8, 2007)

Christopher Columbus: Voyager to the Unknown, by Nancy Smiler Levinson. Grades 5-9.

An excellent biography of the 15th-century Italian explorer, showing both his good and bad sides.

Columbus and the World Around Him, by Milton Meltzer. Grades 6 up.

Outstanding treatment of the dreamer who refused to believe he had found a new world.

Columbus Day, by Vicki Liestman, illus. by Rick Hanson. Grades 2-4.

A balanced story which tells both the importance of Columbus's voyage to the Europeans and its devastating consequences to the native peoples. Suggests that Columbus Day be a day to "remember that when we explore, we must be good to the life we meet along the way."

The Making of America: The History of the United States from 1492 to the Present, by Robert D. Johnston. Grades 5-8.

Divided into eight 20- to 25-page chapters, this outstanding work covers the seminal events in American history from Columbus through the bombing of the World Trade Center.

Morning Girl, by Michael Dorris. Grades 3-6.

Underscoring the universality of families, Morning Girl and her brother, Star Boy, tell the story of their simple, yet complex lives in alternating chapters. In the final chapter, Morning Girl greets a canoe of strangers, men from the Nina who have come to take possession of their Bahamian island in 1492.

The Tainos: The People Who Welcomed Colubus, by Francine Jacobs, illus. by Patric Collins. Grades 5-9.

A clear, readable portrayal of the extinction of an ethnic people.

We Were There, Too!: Young People in U.S. History, by Phillip Hoose. Grades 5-8.

Beginning with 12-year-old Diego Bermúdez who sailed with Christopher Columbus, more than sixty young people who helped shape American history are profiled. A treasure trove of historical documents, photos, reproductions, engravings, drawings, maps, and eyewitness quotations.

Eleanor Roosevelt's Birthday (October 11, 1884)

Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride, by Pam Muñoz Ryan, illus. by Brian Selznick. Grades 1-4.

In this skillful blend of fact and fiction, the author has expanded on a true historical event to present an exciting adventure shared by two independent women. At a White House dinner in 1933, Amelia Earhart convinces her friend, Eleanor Roosevelt, to sneak away and join her for a night flight to Baltimore. The author's note makes it quite clear which parts of the story have been fictionalized.

Eleanor Roosevelt: A Life of Discovery, by Russell Freedman. Grades 5 up.

Through the extensive use of her own memoirs, Roosevelt's dramatic rise from ugly duckling to First Lady to beloved humanitarian in her own right will capture readers of all ages.

Lives of Extraordinary Women: Rulers, Rebels (and What the Neighbors Thought), by Kathleen Krull, illus. by Kathryn Hewitt. Grades 3-7.

Profiles the public and private lives of 20 influential women across the ages, including Eleanor Roosevelt.

Gertrude Ederle's Birthday (October 23, 1906)

America's Champion Swimmer: Gertrude Ederle, by David A. Adler, illus. by Terry Widener. Grades K-4.

In 1926, Gertrude Ederle took the world by storm when she successfully swam the 21 miles across the English Channel and broke the men's record by two hours.

Major Snowfall Traps the Donner Party in the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Late October 1846 - April 20, 1847)

The Perilous Journey of the Donner Party, by Marian Calabro. Grades 5-8.

A detailed, but never sensationalized, account of the ill-fated Donner party's journey, from its optimistic beginning to its tragic end.

Dedication of the Statue of Liberty (October 28, 1886)

Liberty, by Lynn Curlee. Grades 3-8.

The history, construction, and restoration of one of the most enduring symbols of the United States and freedom-the Statue of Liberty.

Halloween (October 31st)

Big Pumpkin, by Erica Silverman, illus. by S. D. Schindler. Preschool-Grade 2.

A cumulative Halloween tale based on the Russian folktale "the Turnip." A witch plants a pumpkin seed in anticipation of pumpkin pie but needs the help of many to pick her prize.

It's Pumpkin Time, by Zoe Hall, illus. by Shari Halpern. Ages 3-6.

A simple tale of a young girl and her brother who anticipate Halloween all summer long as they prepare the garden, plant the seeds, water, weed, and wait for the pumpkins to grow bigger and bigger and change colors, from green to yellow to orange. Then it's jack-o'-lantern time!

Old Devil Wind, by Bill Jr. Martin, illus. by Barry Root. Picture Book.

On a dark and stormy night the ghost begins to wail. Other inhabitants of the old house join his noise-making in this cumulative rhyme. A good interactive storyhour book for Halloween and other spooky occasions.

Oliver and Amanda's Halloween, by Jean Van Leeuwen, illus. by Ann Schweninger. Ages 5-8.

Amanda the Pig wants a non-scary costume for Halloween when she and brother Oliver go trick-or-treating.

Pinky and Rex and the Perfect Pumpkin, by James Howe, illus. by Melissa Sweet. Grades K-3.

Pinky, his younger sister Amanda, their cousin Abby, and Pinky's best friend Rex go pumpkin-picking with Grandma and Grandpa. When Abby ignores Rex and monopolizes Pinky, Rex is both jealous and hurt, which causes her to behave badly. Understanding grandparents help the two girls resolve their conflict.

Pumpkin Soup, by Helen Cooper. Preschool-Grade 2.

Housemates Squirrel, Cat, and Duck lead a happy life together until Duck wants to be Head Cook and stir the soup. Includes a recipe for pumpkin soup.

Very Scary, by Tony Johnston, illus. by Douglas Forian. Grades K-2.

A Halloween treat about an orange pumpkin moon, costumed children, and a scary jack-o'-lantern that shouts "Boo!"

About the Booklist

The librarian of each library participating in the BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program selects the books her library will receive from a booklist provided by the Foundation. The 700-plus fiction and nonfiction titles on the list reflect the very best of children's literature published within the last three years, as well as a selection of classic favorites. Although the complete booklist is for the sole use of libraries participating in the BOOKS FOR CHILDREN program, the website features an ever-changing selection of books from current and past booklists.

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