“Because of Winn-Dixie” is the poignant story of Opal, an angry and lonely young girl who hasn’t seen her mom since she was three. After moving to a small town in Florida with her preacher dad, she befriends a stray mutt at the local supermarket, naming him after the shop. Winn Dixie becomes her best friend; through him, life starts to change in many wonderful ways. Loneliness, sadness, friendship, courage, and growing up are some of the most important themes. When Winn-Dixie disappears, an entire town comes together to search for the beloved dog. This story is young adult literature that resonates with all ages.

This coming-of-age memoir by Homer Hickam is the true story of a young man with big dreams. Set in 1957, the year the Soviet Union launched Sputnik, Homer is a high school boy living in a small coal mining town in West Virginia. With an almost certain fate of following his father’s footsteps into the coalmines, Sputnik sparks Homer’s imagination as he sees his future written in the stars rather than the coal dust deep underground. An inspirational story of a boy’s journey, with friends, family, and a community supporting his quest. Overcoming many hardships, Homer’s story is one of hope, perseverance, and determination. This is a story of what is possible when quitting is never an option.

This timeless story has won over readers for generations. When Fern, a young girl living with her family on Zuckerman’s Farm, realizes her beloved pig, Wilbur, is destined for the slaughterhouse, she is determined to save him. With the help of the most unlikely accomplices, a spider named Charlotte and a rat named Templeton, they set out to save Wilbur from a most unhappy fate. Charlotte’s Web is an ageless story of friendship, loyalty, sacrifice, and bravery. Written by E.B. White, one of the most beloved children’s authors of all time, the story resonates with all ages.