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Great Books for Kids 7-9

Great Books for Kids 7-9

From ''Captain Underpants'' to ''Charlotte's Web,'' humor and emotion just right for the older elementary set

By Stephan Lee

Updated July 24, 2012 at 05:00 PM EDT

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Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis

This Newberry Award-winner tracks the unforgettable journey of a 10-year-old African American orphan searching for his father.

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Captain Underpants, by Dav Pilkey

The toilet humor in this rip-roaring series has set some adults on edge — it's a frequently challenged book according to the American Library Association — but no surprise, the kids can't get enough.

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Coraline, by Neil Gaiman

Beautiful and more than a little creepy, this is the tale of a little girl who ventures into an alternate universe, where things appear better than real life but carry unexpected consequences. Check out the gorgeous stop-motion movie inspired by the book.

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Charlotte's Web, by E.B. White

Some pig, and some book. E.B. Whites barnyard tearjerker made all of us feel for that little abattoir-destined pig and his literate arachnoid friend. Don't try to pretend you didn't cry.

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Doodle All Year, by Taro Gomi

This fat volume is like no coloring book you've ever seen, brimming with all kinds of stimulating instructions: ''This boy needs a lollipop. Can you draw it?'' ''Decorate the kimonos of these Japanese children. ''

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Finn Family Moomintroll, by Tove Jansse (1999)

For over a half-century, the Moomin trolls (who look like cuddly hippos) have charmed and amused readers, with their fantastical family adventures. This first in a series of books makes a great introduction. Its whimsical tone — and equally whimsical illustrations — belie gentle undercurrents of satire and folksy philosophical insight.

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Frog and Toad Are Friends, by Arnold Lobel

In this genuine classic, an amphibious Odd Couple — a cheerful frog, a somber toad — experience gentle adventures that bolster their true friendship.

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A Light in the Attic, by Shel Silverstein

The poet laureate of the children's set melds complex illustration and clever verse in this kooky yet stunning collection.

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The Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster

Since its publication more than 50 years ago, Juster's beloved classic has given generations of children a profound appreciation of words. You loved the humor and adventure as a kid, but read this novel again as an adult, and you'll marvel at its wit, complexity, and its understanding of how children perceive the passage of time.

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Ramona The Pest, by Beverly Cleary

It's such a joy to follow Ramona Quimby to kindergarten. Joyful, naughty, but never bad, Ramona is an indomitable hero for the ages.

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Great Books for Kids 7-9

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Bud, Not Buddy, by Christopher Paul Curtis

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