Portland Elementary Library: Kentucky Bluegrass Award Nominees 3-5

On his first day at a new school, Stanley accidentally turns invisible after a mishap at the science fair. While enjoying his new power, he discovers that the potion's inventor is using invisibility to cause trouble around town. To do the right thing, Stanley must confront the inventor, even if it means risking his chance to become visible again.

In 1903, the Wright brothers bought a simple muslin cloth meant for underwear and used it to build their first airplane, changing history. Decades later, pieces of that same fabric traveled to the moon with Neil Armstrong in 1969 and to Mars on a rover in 2021. Almost Underwear tells the story of this extraordinary fabric and the historic milestones it connects.

When twelve-year-old Kate is diagnosed with Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva, a rare genetic disorder that turns muscle into bone, her life is changed forever. With no cure in sight, she must find a new way to live, leaning on her family, friends, and a pen pal named Amie who understands her struggles. Inspired by co-author Amie Specht's real-life experiences, this touching story celebrates resilience and finding joy even in the hardest moments.

Stop right there! If you think poems about nature are all pretty flowers and rainbow sunsets, this book is not for you. If you can't handle giant whale farts, turn back right now. If you don't want to know how lobsters pee, do not read one word further. Seriously, if you open this book, you're going to find out the disgusting truth about where honey comes from! All right, you're in charge. Don't say we didn't warn you . . .

Ten-year-old Magnolia Wu spends her summer in her parents' New York City laundromat, wondering why no one notices her or the lost socks she’s pinned up. When she befriends Iris, they embark on a city-wide adventure to solve the mystery of the missing socks, meeting fascinating people along the way. Through their journey, Magnolia discovers the magic of stepping into the unknown and finding her place in the world.

Twelve-year-old Sarah is desperate to save her home from foreclosure after her dad's illness leaves her family struggling. When she hears about a hidden treasure inside an abandoned 1950’s funhouse designed with intricate puzzles, she teams up with her friends to find it. But as they navigate the mysterious eerie escape-room-like maze, the challenges become unexpectedly personal, and Sarah must solve them to secure her family's future.

Cursed to look like a human-sized rat, Ratty Barclay longs to break the family curse and live as a normal boy. Meanwhile, Edweena Gup, aspiring Rat-Catcher Extraordinaire, is determined to rid Fairweather Island of rodents—especially the giant one she’s just spotted. Despite their differences, Ratty and Edweena discover they share a longing for acceptance and must overcome their fears to form an unexpected friendship.

This book explores the awe-inspiring prehistoric giants that roamed the Earth alongside early humans, from woolly mammoths to saber-toothed cats. With vivid illustrations and fascinating facts, each creature's anatomy, behavior, and interactions with humans are brought to life. Packed with scientific details, it offers an immersive journey into the Stone Age world.

Tired of constantly moving, eleven-year-old Simon is determined to make his new apartment at Tangerine Pines his permanent home. But when a priceless necklace is stolen, he fears his family will have to move again unless the thief is caught. Teaming up with his neighbor Amaya, Simon sets out to solve the mystery and finally find a place to call home.

A playful dog named Thunder, who enjoys a cozy life with her human Sage, finds herself torn between her domesticated routines and troublesome impulses to bark and dig. After her inner Wolf appears to explain these behaviors as ancestral instincts, Thunder faces a pivotal decision between embracing her wild heritage or maintaining her role as a loving pet.