The Hamden Public Library invites readers from grades 4-6 to get acquainted with the 2014 Nutmeg Book Award Nominees. Here you will find brief descriptions of each book and links to more information about the authors. Best of all you can leave your comments about each book you read and join our 'straw pole' for your favorite.

Saturday, May 11, 2013

The Candymakers by Wendy Mass


An obnoxious rich kid, a spy, a child who witnessed a tragic event, and the son of a candy factory owner come together to compete in a national candy competition for best new candy. Mysteries abound. Candy lovers will find this book a sweet read.

Closed for the Season by Mary Downing Hahn

Arthur and Logan tackle the derelict amusement park, The Magic Forest, hoping to solve a murder. The victim was the previous owner of Logan's new home! The park is supposedly closed for the season, so who is in there with them, and are they in danger?

The Fingertips of Duncan Dorfman by Meg Wolitzer

To cheat or not to cheat? Duncan Dorfman has a unique power of reading letters without looking and when Duncan competes at a national Scrabble tournament, he must choose what is right. Duncan and his new friends April and Nate team up and change the competition in unforeseen ways.

The Great Wall of Lucy Wu by Wendy Wan-Long Shang

11 year-old Chinese-American and basketball player Lucy Wu plans for a great sixth grade year, finally getting her own room and her own life. Things don't turn out as planned when her great-aunt Yi-Po arrives from China to share her space. Will delicious dumplings be enough to fix a tough situation?

Inside Out and Back Again

Vietnam, 1975. Even though Ha's father has been missing for almost a year, Ha and her family decide to leave Vietnam and start their lives over in the United States. Told in verse, Ha's story describes her new life with humor and hope.

Mike Stellar: Nerves of Steel by K. A. Holt

Mike Stellar does NOT want to be on and expedition to colonize Mars with his parents, his nightmare of a teacher, and a cast of suspicious characters. Mike needs nerves of steel and the help of a girl named Larc to clear his parents' name and save the mission. 

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper

Melody is probably the smartest students in her school, but no one knows it because cerebral palsy has her trapped inside her body. Can technology open her world to everyone else? Melody narrates her story of immense struggle and even greater accomplishments.

Saving Armpit by Natalie Hyde


Will the beleaguered Terriers baseball team ever win a game? How can they win without a real coach? Baseball fans will love the fast-paced action as the Terriers use teamwork and imagination to help their town's baseball team survive.

Wild Girl by Patricia Reilly Giff

Lidie leaves Mexico to join her father and brother in New York where they train racehorces. She never thought her new life would be so difficult and unfamiliar. Can a special horse help her feel at home?

Wildfire Run by Dee Garretson

The President's son Luke and his friends Theo and Callie enjoy their vacation at Camp David, the safest place in the U.S. When a raging wildfire threatens to turn Camp David into a death trap, they race to override security systems and save the Secret Service agents who are supposed to keep them safe.