“The One and Only Ivan” by Katherine Applegate - This heartwarming story follows the life of Ivan, a gorilla living in a shopping mall, as he forms a special bond with a young girl named Julia. It explores themes of friendship, empathy, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

“Wonder” by R.J. Palacio - This bestselling novel tells the story of Auggie Pullman, a fifth-grader with a facial deformity who enters a mainstream school for the first time. It teaches valuable lessons about kindness, acceptance, and the power of empathy.

“The BFG” by Roald Dahl - In this classic tale, a young girl named Sophie befriends a Big Friendly Giant (BFG) and together they embark on an adventure to stop the other, not-so-friendly giants from eating children. It is a whimsical and imaginative story that promotes bravery and friendship.

“The Lemonade War” by Jacqueline Davies - This book follows the story of siblings Evan and Jessie as they compete against each other to see who can make the most money selling lemonade during summer vacation. It explores themes of entrepreneurship, sibling rivalry, and the importance of teamwork.

“The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown - In this captivating story, a robot named Roz finds herself stranded on a remote island and must learn to adapt to her new surroundings. It raises questions about what it means to be alive and the importance of community and friendship.

“The Secret Garden” by Frances Hodgson Burnett - This classic novel tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl who discovers a hidden garden on her uncle’s estate and, in the process, transforms the lives of those around her. It explores themes of friendship, healing, and the power of nature.

“The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” by Kate DiCamillo - This enchanting tale follows the journey of a porcelain rabbit named Edward Tulane as he learns about love, loss, and the true meaning of belonging. It is a story that teaches valuable lessons about empathy, compassion, and the importance of opening oneself up to others.

“The Mouse and the Motorcycle” by Beverly Cleary - In this beloved children’s book, a young mouse named Ralph befriends a boy named Keith and discovers a toy motorcycle that he can ride. It is a fun and adventurous story that teaches important lessons about friendship, trust, and the power of imagination.

“The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis - This fantasy novel follows the adventures of four siblings who stumble upon a magical wardrobe that leads them to the land of Narnia. It is a timeless story that explores themes of bravery, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil.

“Holes” by Louis Sachar - This award-winning novel tells the story of Stanley Yelnats, a boy who is sent to a juvenile detention center where he is forced to dig holes as punishment. It is a thought-provoking story that explores themes of friendship, justice, and the power of redemption.