1. "Wonder" by R.J. Palacio - This heartwarming story follows the journey of a young boy with a facial difference as he navigates the challenges of starting a new school.
2. "The BFG" by Roald Dahl - A whimsical tale of a young girl who befriends the Big Friendly Giant and embarks on a magical adventure.
3. "Holes" by Louis Sachar - A classic story about a boy named Stanley who is sent to a bizarre camp for troubled youth and uncovers a mystery.
4. "Matilda" by Roald Dahl - The story of a gifted young girl who uses her extraordinary intelligence and telekinetic powers to overcome her neglectful parents and cruel school headmistress.
5. "The Phantom Tollbooth" by Norton Juster - A imaginative adventure that follows a bored boy who discovers a magical tollbooth that transports him to a fantastical land.
6. "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis - This beloved fantasy series follows the adventures of children who discover the magical world of Narnia.
7. "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling - The captivating story of a young wizard who discovers his magical abilities and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.
8. "Esperanza Rising" by Pam Muñoz Ryan - A moving tale of a girl who must leave her comfortable life in Mexico and adapt to life as a migrant worker in California.
9. "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart - An exciting mystery that follows four gifted children who must work together to save the world from a dangerous plot.
10. "Because of Winn-Dixie" by Kate DiCamillo - A heartwarming story about a young girl who finds friendship and comfort in an unexpected companion - a stray dog.
11. "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White - A beloved classic about the powerful bond between a pig and a spider who work together to save the pig's life.
12. "The Librarian of Basra" by Jeanette Winter - An inspiring true story about a librarian in Iraq who risks her life to save the books in her library during the Iraq War.
13. "Hoot" by Carl Hiaasen - A humorous and thought-provoking story about a boy who tries to protect a colony of burrowing owls from development.
14. "The One and Only Ivan" by Katherine Applegate - A touching tale about a gorilla living in a captive environment who dreams of a better life.
15. "The Crossover" by Kwame Alexander - A novel-in-verse that follows the story of twin brothers who navigate the challenges of family, friendship, and basketball.
16. "El Deafo" by Cece Bell - A graphic novel memoir that shares the author's experiences growing up deaf and finding her own unique superpower.
17. "Refugee" by Alan Gratz - A powerful and timely novel that follows the stories of three young refugees from different time periods and locations.
18. "Fish in a Tree" by Lynda Mullaly Hunt - An uplifting story about a young girl who discovers her own strengths and talents despite struggling with dyslexia.
19. "The Tiger Rising" by Kate DiCamillo - A moving tale about a boy who discovers a caged tiger in the woods and the transformative impact it has on his life.
20. "Restart" by Gordon Korman - A thought-provoking story about a boy who suffers memory loss after a fall and must rediscover his true self.
These books cover a range of genres, from realistic fiction to fantasy, and address themes of resilience, empathy, self-discovery, and the power of community. They are sure to inspire, engage, and encourage your elementary-age kids.
