The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis

The Small Adventure of Popeye and Elvis
by Barbara O'Connor

Popeye, a boy living in a small South Carolina town, lives a very boring life with his grandmother. Things finally get exciting when a large, loud family gets stranded when their motor home gets stuck in the mud by Popeye's house. Popeye becomes friends with Elvis, one of the children in the family, and soon the two friends find themselves on a small adventure as they rush to find the maker of mysterious Yoo-Hoo boats that keep floating down the creek. Will they be able to solve their mystery before the motor home is pulled from the mud?

This is great book filled with humor, friendship, funny characters, and a little bit of mystery and adventure.

Author's Website: http://www.barboconnor.com/

How Oliver Olson Changed the World

How Oliver Olson Changed the World
by Claudia Mills
illustrated by Heather Maione

Imagine not having to do your own homework. Third grader Oliver Olson doesn't do his. His parents like to do it for him. In fact, his parents do everything for him. All Oliver wants is to be a normal third grader, but his overprotective parents won't let him do a lot of things that his classmates get to do. They won't even let him go to his class's solar system themed sleepover at school!

Oliver finally gets his chance to break away from his parents when he pairs up with classmate Crystal to work on a solar system project. Will he finally be able to show his parents that he can do things without their help?

Author's Website: http://www.claudiamillsauthor.com/

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June

Faith, Hope, and Ivy June
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

A student exchange program brings together two girls who come from very different homes. Ivy June has spent her life in a rural Kentucky mountain town, growing up without indoor plumbing. Catherine lives a comfortable life in a Kentucky city, with luxuries that Ivy June has never experienced. Through a student exchange program, each girl is given the opportunity to live with each other and experience each others' lives.

This is a wonderful, emotional story that shows how two very different girls can overcome their different lives to form a strong, caring friendship.

The Truth About Horses, Friends, & My Life as a Coward

The Truth About Horses, Friends, & My Life as a Coward
by Sarah P. Gibson
illustrated by Glin Dibley

Having three horses may be a dream come true to some girls, but not to Sophie Groves. Her family's collection of horses, which includes a biting pony, has only made Sophie afraid of riding. Most new friendships end quickly as Sophie shares scary tales about her crazy group of horses. Will she overcome her fears?

This humorous story, set on a small island in Maine, is a great book that shows the struggles of a young girl as she tries to make new friends as well as overcome her fear of horses. Sophie's adventures with her three horses will make many readers laugh.