Adventure This collection consists of five short (approximately 50 page) action-packed books from Cliffhanger Press that will instantly appeal to reluctant and struggling readers.

Hiro, a young writer, is an unlikely hero who rescues his athletic friend Jake.

The Great UFO Frame-up – Horton

Not available (CDE)

The Black Pearl – O’Dell

Set in Baja California, this Newbery Honor adventure by the author of The Island of the Blue Dolphins, is recorded at a 10-15% slower pace so all students can savor and understand every word. Sixteen-year-old Ramon finds the huge black pearl, the Great Pearl of Heaven. Ramon’s father thinks the pearl is a blessing from the sea but others think Ramon has brought a curse upon his family because the pearl belongs to the Manta Diablo, the most terrifying and monstrous devilfish of all. Many think the manta will come to reclaim the pearl and Ramon will have to face him. Stirring and powerful, the story has the aura of a modern legend told in spare, almost poetic, prose.
Fiction, Grades 3-8 (CDE)

The Boxcar Children – Warner

This is the first of the nineteen beloved Boxcar Children series. Here we meet for the first time the four orphans: Henry, Jessie, Violet and Benny, who are looking for a safe place to live. Large print, short chapters and lots of excitement make these books popular.
Not available (CDE)

Call It Courage – Sperry

The much loved, always exciting and fresh, story of Mafatu, a Polynesian youth whose fear of the sea forces him to undertake a daring canoe trip, alone except for his little dog and his pet albatross. The story will work its magic whether it is presented as read-aloud, shared reading or independent reading.
Realistic Fiction, Grades 6-8 (CDE)

Escape from Fire Mountain – Paulsen

Gary Paulsen, award-winning author, weaves a tale of ruthless poachers, fearsome forest fires and trapped children that will enthrall listeners and readers. Book is part of Paulsen’s World of Adventure Series.
Not available (CDE)

Leaving Vietnam, True Story of Tuan Ngo – Kilborne

This is the true story of the escape of Tuan and his father from Vietnam in 1975. They endure dangers and difficulties, spend days at sea, then spend months in refugee camps before finally making their way to the United States. The many illustrations add depth to the story. This is a Ready to Read book, excellent for new readers who can follow along and then read for themselves.
Not available (CDE)

Not the Piano, Mrs. Medley! – Levine

A trip to the beach becomes a surprising adventure in this gentle, humorous book. Mrs. Medley, her grandson Max and dog Word set out for the beach with way too much "stuff." The more they pile in their cart the harder readers and listeners will laugh. The illustrations catch the essence of the message, that less is more, adding immeasurably to the fun! Primary children will want to hear and read this story many times. Teachers will find much to discuss in both text and pictures.
Fiction, Grades K-2 (CDE)

Sam and the Lucky Money – Chinn

This touching adventure of the heart tells how Sam decides to spend the money he has received for Chinese New Year. The exquisite illustrations add depth to this thought-provoking story about unselfishness and the importance of family.
Realistic Fiction, Grades K-5 (CDE)

Treasure Island – Stevenson (adapted)

The skillful condensing of this exciting classic tells the story in 122 easy to read pages. Designed for the struggling reader, the book, Teacher’s Guide and CD-ROM will give students a good introduction to a complex 400-page novel. Later on, these same students will read the original with some helpful prior knowledge.

Not available (CDE)