4.16
Part of "Roscoe Riley Rules" series
"Never Swim in Apposauce" is a heartwarming and humorous middle-grade novel by Newbery Medal-winning author Katherine Applegate. The story follows the misadventures of 12-year-old Cassie, who moves to a new town and finds herself in a series of unexpected situations. Cassie's family has just relocated to California, and she's having a hard time adjusting to her new life. She's struggling to make friends, her parents are always working, and her little brother is driving her crazy. But when she discovers a mysterious pool in the woods behind her house, she thinks she's found the perfect escape. Unfortunately, the pool turns out to be full of applesauce, and Cassie soon finds herself in over her head. She befriends a group of quirky kids who help her navigate the challenges of growing up, from first crushes to family drama. Along the way, she learns the importance of friendship, perseverance, and the power of a good bowl of applesauce. Applegate's writing is engaging and relatable, capturing the joys and struggles of middle school with humor and heart. The characters are well-developed and likable, and the story is full of unexpected twists and turns. Readers will root for Cassie as she learns to embrace her new home and find her place in the world. "Never Swim in Applesauce" is a delightful and uplifting read that will appeal to fans of "The Giver" and "Bridge to Terabithia." It's a perfect choice for kids who love quirky characters, unexpected adventures, and a good bowl of applesauce...
Katherine Applegate
The One and Only Ivan
If you enjoyed 'Never Swim in Applesauce', you might like 'The One and Only Ivan' by the same author. This Newbery Medal-winning book is a moving and humorous tale about Ivan, a gorilla who lives in a shopping mall. When he meets Ruby, a baby elephant taken from the wild, he decides to help her escape and return to her home.
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Because of Winn-Dixie
If you're looking for a heartwarming story about friendship and animals, 'Because of Winn-Dixie' is a great choice. The book follows a young girl named India Opal Buloni who adopts a stray dog and learns about the power of friendship and community in her small town.
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The Cricket in Times Square
In 'The Cricket in Times Square', a cricket named Chester from Connecticut ends up in New York City and befriends a streetwise mouse and a cat. Together, they form an unlikely trio and learn about friendship, home, and the power of music.
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The Wind in the Willows
If you enjoyed the animal characters in 'Never Swim in Applesauce', you might like 'The Wind in the Willows'. This classic children's book follows the adventures of Mole, Rat, Badger, and Toad as they navigate the English countryside and learn about friendship, loyalty, and the importance of home.
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Charlotte's Web
In 'Charlotte's Web', a young pig named Wilbur forms an unlikely friendship with a spider named Charlotte. When Wilbur's life is threatened, Charlotte uses her web-spinning skills to save him and teach him about the power of friendship and loyalty.
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The Tale of Despereaux
If you're looking for a fairy tale with a twist, 'The Tale of Despereaux' is a great choice. The book follows the adventures of a small mouse named Despereaux who falls in love with a human princess and must navigate a dangerous world of rats, soup, and royal intrigue.
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane
In 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane', a china rabbit named Edward goes on a journey of self-discovery and learns about the power of love and compassion. Along the way, he meets a cast of colorful characters who teach him about the ups and downs of life.
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The Rescuers
If you enjoyed the animal characters in 'Never Swim in Applesauce', you might like 'The Rescuers' by Margery Sharp. The book follows the adventures of a group of mice who work for the Prisoners' Aid Society and rescue animals in distress. When they take on their most challenging case yet, they must navigate a dangerous world of smugglers and spies.
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The Mouse and the Motorcycle
In 'The Mouse and the Motorcycle', a young mouse named Ralph discovers a toy motorcycle and befriends a human boy named Keith. Together, they go on a series of adventures and learn about the power of friendship and imagination.
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The Rats of NIMH
If you're looking for a thrilling adventure with animal characters, 'The Rats of NIMH' is a great choice. The book follows a group of laboratory rats who escape from a research facility and form a society in the countryside. When their new home is threatened, they must use their intelligence and cunning to save themselves and their friends.
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Stuart Little
In 'Stuart Little', a small mouse named Stuart is born into a human family and goes on a series of adventures in New York City. Along the way, he learns about the challenges of being different and the power of perseverance and determination.
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