KDL Recommends

The author creates some special holidays to celebrate the natural phenomena that can be experienced in the deserts of the American Southwest.
Lexile Level: 700

Fine lines etched into vivid illustrations add a sense of motion to the story of Mama, a dancer who shares her joy of movement with her daughter as they dance throughout the seasons.
Lexile Level: 410
Guided Reading Level: O

A most unusual new student who loves to be the center of attention entertains her teacher and fellow second graders by telling absolutely true stories about herself, including how she got her name.

Hoping that the enemy pie which his father makes will help him get rid of his enemy Jeremy Ross, a little boy finds that instead it helps make a new friend.
Lexile Level: 330

A child searches through the hooks, lures, bobbers, and other paraphernalia in his tacklebox for the one thing he needs to ensure a good day’s fishing. Includes a detailed glossary.

A girl reflects on Christmas at her grandparent’s home in the country, with its fresh-cut tree, handmade ornaments, gifts from Santa, and special church services.
Lexile Level: 630

Whimsical illustrations and lilting text combine to portray the family life and simple pleasures of a girl growing up in the Appalachian Mountains.
Lexile Level: 980

A young boy who enjoys playing junior detective is called upon to help a friend find a missing painting.
Lexile Level: 130
Guided Reading Level: K

A schoolboy tells his class about his summer vacation, during which he joined a group of cowboys and stopped a cattle stampede.

Alexander finds himself living through a day in which absolutely nothing has gone right for him.
Lexile Level: 970

A young girl uses various arguments to convince her parents to let her have her ears pierced.
Lexile Level: 470

After seeing her teacher write the word, “beautiful” on the blackboard, a black girl succeeds in finding beautiful things in her tough inner-city neighborhood, with a little help from her friends, in an uplifting, multi-cultural story.
Lexile Level: 410