Elephant Run by Roland Smith

When Nick is sent to live with his father in Burma to escape World War II's London bombings, he looks forward to learning the family timber plantation business. But the Japanese are trying to gain control of Burma, and Nick's family plantation is in their sites. When the Japanese attack, Nick's father is captured and sent to a prisoner of war camp, and Nick is held prisoner on the plantation. Nick and his friend Mya face adventure after adventure as they struggle to survive and to save Nick's father. This Caudill nominee is full of action, suspense, and fascinating facts about a totally different culture.

Leanin' Dog by K. A. Nuzum

Since her mother died last year, Dessa Dean hasn't gone outside the family's wilderness cabin, afraid of the sad memories that follow her outdoors. When a stray dog comes nosing around one winter day, she wants to befriend it, but that means she'll have to go beyond the comfortable borders of her own home. Just when Dessa Dean and the dog are becoming friends, danger erupts and Dessa Dean must choose between saving a new friend and facing her greatest fears. The author's writing makes you feel like you are a part of Dessa Dean's small wilderness family. If you enjoy books about the power of friendship, read Leanin' Dog.

Blood on the River by Elisa Carbone

Samuel Collier is a street urchin in London. Life is not too promising. Then he has the great fortune to be selected to be the page for Captain John Smith on the ship called Susan Constant, which is headed to the new world. Samuel thinks gold will wash up on shore and life will be easy. They arrive in Jamestown in 1607 and it is nothing like what he imagined. It is not so simple to do things the English way. This is a great story, based on lots of real historical facts. Take the opportunity to learn about an important part of American history.

Brooklyn Bridge by Karen Hesse

This story is set in Brooklyn in 1903. Life is crowded and tough for the many, many recent immigrants. The main character, 14 year old Joseph Michtom, thinks it is good luck and bad luck that his parents are the inventors and producers of the Teddy Bear. They are now making enough money to cause jealousy amongst their neighbors. Joseph is lucky enough to be invited to a professional baseball game and that is great. But, what he really wants is a chance to go to the fantastic new amusement park, Coney Island.