# Books written in the 1980s, assigned in US schools

Magic realism and historical fiction broaden the canon; The Joy Luck Club, Number the Stars, Hatchet.

**182** books written between 1980 and 1989 that US schools assign across state ELA standards, AP/IB syllabi, and Common Core exemplar lists.

**Decade window:** 1980–1989
**Lexile range:** 410L–1020L
**Grade span:** K–12
**Canonical URL:** https://readinglist.school/decade/1980s
**License:** [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) — please credit ReadingList.school when citing.

## Themes of the 1980s

- friendship (14)
- mystery and detective stories (14)
- family (11)
- identity (8)
- schools (8)
- brothers (6)
- boys, fiction (5)
- death (5)

## Authors writing in the 1980s

- Joan Lowery Nixon (6)
- Chris Van Allsburg (4)
- Eve Bunting (4)
- Beverly Cleary (3)
- Jane Yolen (3)
- Lois Duncan (3)
- Mary Downing Hahn (3)
- Roald Dahl (3)

## Genres

- Realistic Fiction (49)
- Children's (27)
- Mystery (16)
- Juvenile Fiction (12)
- Humor (10)
- Fantasy (7)
- Picture Book (6)
- Middle Grade Fiction (5)

## The 1980s canon

- [A Dog Called Kitty](https://readinglist.school/book/a-dog-called-kitty) by Wallace, Bill _(Grades 3–5 · pub 1980)_
- [Bagdad Ate It](https://readinglist.school/book/bagdad-ate-it) by Phyllis Green _(Grades K–3 · pub 1980)_
- [Beat the Story-Drum, Pum-Pum](https://readinglist.school/book/beat-the-story-drum-pum-pum) by Ashley Bryan _(Grades K–5 · pub 1980)_
- [Do Bananas Chew Gum?](https://readinglist.school/book/do-bananas-chew-gum) by Jamie Gilson _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1980)_
- [Fables](https://readinglist.school/book/fables) by Arnold Lobel _(Grades K–3 · pub 1980)_
- [Jacob Have I Loved](https://readinglist.school/book/jacob-have-i-loved) by Katherine Paterson _(Grades 3–7 · pub 1980)_
- [Peppermints in the Parlor](https://readinglist.school/book/peppermints-in-the-parlor) by Barbara Brooks Wallace _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1980)_
- [Playing Beatie Bow](https://readinglist.school/book/playing-beatie-bow) by Ruth Park _(Grades 4–9 · pub 1980)_
- [Space Case](https://readinglist.school/book/space-case) by Edward Marshall _(Grades K–3 · pub 1980)_
- [Stone Fox](https://readinglist.school/book/stone-fox) by John Reynolds Gardiner _(550L · Grades 3–5 · pub 1980)_
- [Superfudge](https://readinglist.school/book/superfudge) by Judy Blume _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1980)_
- [The Indian in the Cupboard](https://readinglist.school/book/the-indian-in-the-cupboard) by Lynne Reid Banks _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1980)_
- [The Truth Trap](https://readinglist.school/book/the-truth-trap) by Frances A. Miller _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1980)_
- [The Twits](https://readinglist.school/book/the-twits) by Roald Dahl _(Grades 2–5 · pub 1980)_
- [The Weaver's Gift](https://readinglist.school/book/the-weavers-gift) by Kathryn Lasky _(Grades 4–10 · pub 1980)_
- [Waiting for the Barbarians](https://readinglist.school/book/waiting-for-the-barbarians) by J. M. Coetzee _(Grades 11–12 · pub 1980)_
- [A Light in the Attic](https://readinglist.school/book/a-light-in-the-attic) by Shel Silverstein _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1981)_
- [A Visit to William Blake's Inn](https://readinglist.school/book/a-visit-to-william-blakes-inn) by Nancy Willard _(Grades K–5 · pub 1981)_
- [Good Night, Mr. Tom](https://readinglist.school/book/good-night-mr-tom) by Michelle Magorian _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1981)_
- [Herbie's Troubles](https://readinglist.school/book/herbies-troubles) by Carol Chapman _(Grades K–3 · pub 1981)_
- [Jelly Belly](https://readinglist.school/book/jelly-belly) by Robert Kimmel Smith _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1981)_
- [Jumanji](https://readinglist.school/book/jumanji) by Chris Van Allsburg _(Grades K–3 · pub 1981)_
- [Let the Circle Be Unbroken](https://readinglist.school/book/let-the-circle-be-unbroken) by Mildred D. Taylor _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1981)_
- [Nothing's Fair in Fifth Grade](https://readinglist.school/book/nothings-fair-in-fifth-grade) by Barthe DeClements _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1981)_
- [Outside Over There](https://readinglist.school/book/outside-over-there) by Maurice Sendak _(Grades K–5 · pub 1981)_
- [Ramona Quimby, Age 8](https://readinglist.school/book/ramona-quimby-age-8) by Beverly Cleary _(860L · Grades 3–5 · pub 1981)_
- [Stranger with My Face](https://readinglist.school/book/stranger-with-my-face) by Lois Duncan _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1981)_
- [Taking Terri Mueller](https://readinglist.school/book/taking-terri-mueller) by Norma Fox Mazer _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1981)_
- [The Cybil War](https://readinglist.school/book/the-cybil-war) by Betsy Byars _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1981)_
- [The Root Cellar](https://readinglist.school/book/the-root-cellar) by Janet Lunn _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1981)_
- [A Chair for My Mother](https://readinglist.school/book/a-chair-for-my-mother) by Vera B. Williams _(Grades K–5 · pub 1982)_
- [Be a Perfect Person in Just Three Days](https://readinglist.school/book/be-a-perfect-person-in-just-three-days) by Stephen Manes _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1982)_
- [Behind Barbed Wire](https://readinglist.school/book/behind-barbed-wire) by Daniel S. Davis _(Grades 4–10 · pub 1982)_
- [Chimney Sweeps](https://readinglist.school/book/chimney-sweeps) by James Cross Giblin _(Grades 4–10 · pub 1982)_
- [Dicey's Song](https://readinglist.school/book/diceys-song) by Cynthia Voigt _(Grades 3–7 · pub 1982)_
- [Master Harold...and the Boys](https://readinglist.school/book/master-harold-and-the-boys) by Athol Fugard _(Grades 9–10 · pub 1982)_
- [Miss Nelson Is Back](https://readinglist.school/book/miss-nelson-is-back) by Harry Allard _(Grades K–3 · pub 1982)_
- [Pursuit](https://readinglist.school/book/pursuit) by Michael French _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1982)_
- [Skinnybones](https://readinglist.school/book/skinnybones) by Barbara Park _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1982)_
- [Sweet Whispers, Brother Rush](https://readinglist.school/book/sweet-whispers-brother-rush) by Virginia Hamilton _(Grades 4–9 · pub 1982)_
- [The BFG](https://readinglist.school/book/the-bfg) by Roald Dahl _(720L · Grades 3–6 · pub 1982)_
- [The Color Purple](https://readinglist.school/book/the-color-purple) by Alice Walker _(670L · Grades 9–12 · pub 1982)_
- [The Darkangel](https://readinglist.school/book/the-darkangel) by Meredith Ann Pierce _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1982)_
- [The Hot and Cold Summer](https://readinglist.school/book/the-hot-and-cold-summer) by Johanna Hurwitz _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1982)_
- [The Shadow of Beauty](https://readinglist.school/book/shadow) by S. Talmond Brown _(Grades K–3 · pub 1982)_
- [When the Boys Ran the House](https://readinglist.school/book/when-the-boys-ran-the-house) by Joan Davenport Carris _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1982)_
- [You Shouldn't Have to Say Goodbye](https://readinglist.school/book/you-shouldnt-have-to-say-goodbye) by Patricia Hermes _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1982)_
- [A Deadly Game of Magic](https://readinglist.school/book/a-deadly-game-of-magic) by Joan Lowery Nixon _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1983)_
- [A Little Fear](https://readinglist.school/book/a-little-fear) by Patricia Wrightson _(Grades 4–9 · pub 1983)_
- [Daphne's Book](https://readinglist.school/book/daphnes-book) by Mary Downing Hahn _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1983)_
- [Dear Mr. Henshaw](https://readinglist.school/book/dear-mr-henshaw) by Beverly Cleary _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1983)_
- [Everett Anderson's Goodbye](https://readinglist.school/book/everett-andersons-goodbye) by Lucille Clifton _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1983)_
- [Karen Kepplewhite is the World's Best Kisser](https://readinglist.school/book/karen-kepplewhite-is-the-worlds-best-kisser) by Eve Bunting _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1983)_
- [My Horrible Secret](https://readinglist.school/book/my-horrible-secret) by Stephen Roos _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1983)_
- [Peabody](https://readinglist.school/book/peabody) by Rosemary Wells _(Grades K–3 · pub 1983)_
- [Poems](https://readinglist.school/book/poems) by Elizabeth Bishop _(Grades 11–12 · pub 1983)_
- [Round Trip](https://readinglist.school/book/round-trip) by Ann Jonas _(Grades K–3 · pub 1983)_
- [The Curse of the Blue Figurine](https://readinglist.school/book/the-curse-of-the-blue-figurine) by John Bellairs _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1983)_
- [The Dollhouse Murders](https://readinglist.school/book/the-dollhouse-murders) by Betty Ren Wright _(Grades 4–7 · pub 1983)_
- [The Glorious Flight](https://readinglist.school/book/the-glorious-flight) by Alice Provensen _(Grades K–3 · pub 1983)_
- [The Illustrated Dinosaur Dictionary](https://readinglist.school/book/the-illustrated-dinosaur-dictionary) by Helen Roney Sattler _(Grades 4–10 · pub 1983)_
- [The Sign of the Beaver](https://readinglist.school/book/the-sign-of-the-beaver) by Elizabeth George Speare _(Grades 4–7 · pub 1983)_
- [Harry's Mad](https://readinglist.school/book/harrys-mad) by Dick King-Smith _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1984)_
- [In a Dark, Dark Room](https://readinglist.school/book/in-a-dark-dark-room) by Alvin Schwartz _(Grades K–3 · pub 1984)_
- [Interstellar Pig](https://readinglist.school/book/interstellar-pig) by William Sleator _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1984)_
- [Motown and Didi](https://readinglist.school/book/motown-and-didi) by Walter Dean Myers _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1984)_
- [My Friend the Vampire](https://readinglist.school/book/my-friend-the-vampire) by Angela Sommer-Bodenburg _(Grades 3–5 · pub 1984)_
- [Night of the Twisters](https://readinglist.school/book/night-of-the-twisters) by Ivy Ruckman _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1984)_
- [Tancy](https://readinglist.school/book/tancy) by Belinda Hurmence _(Grades 4–9 · pub 1984)_
- [The Computer Nut](https://readinglist.school/book/the-computer-nut) by Betsy Cromer Byars _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1984)_
- [The Fighting Ground](https://readinglist.school/book/the-fighting-ground) by Avi _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1984)_
- [The Hero and the Crown](https://readinglist.school/book/the-hero-and-the-crown) by Robin McKinley _(Grades 3–7 · pub 1984)_
- [The House on Mango Street](https://readinglist.school/book/the-house-on-mango-street) by Sandra Cisneros _(870L · Grades 7–10 · pub 1984)_
- [The Man in the Woods](https://readinglist.school/book/the-man-in-the-woods) by Rosemary Wells _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1984)_
- [The Moves Make the Man](https://readinglist.school/book/the-moves-make-the-man) by Bruce Brooks _(Grades 4–9 · pub 1984)_
- [The Third Eye](https://readinglist.school/book/the-third-eye) by Lois Duncan _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1984)_
- [Auks, Rocks, and the Odd Dinosaur](https://readinglist.school/book/auks-rocks-and-the-odd-dinosaur) by Peggy Thomson _(Grades 4–10 · pub 1985)_
- [Baby-Sitting Is a Dangerous Job](https://readinglist.school/book/baby-sitting-is-a-dangerous-job) by Willo Davis Roberts _(Grades 3–8 · pub 1985)_
- [Christina's Ghost](https://readinglist.school/book/christinas-ghost) by Betty Ren Wright _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1985)_
- [Cracker Jackson](https://readinglist.school/book/cracker-jackson) by Betsy Cromer Byars _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1985)_
- [Don’t Touch My Room](https://readinglist.school/book/dont-touch-my-room) by Patricia Lakin _(Grades K–3 · pub 1985)_
- [Ender's Game](https://readinglist.school/book/enders-game) by Orson Scott Card _(780L · Grades 6–10 · pub 1985)_
- [Fences](https://readinglist.school/book/fences) by August Wilson _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1985)_
- [Ghost in My Soup](https://readinglist.school/book/ghost-in-my-soup) by Judi Miller _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1985)_
- [If You Give a Mouse a Cookie](https://readinglist.school/book/if-you-give-a-mouse-a-cookie) by Laura Numeroff _(410L · Grades K–3 · pub 1985)_
- [Mama Don't Allow 25th Anniversary Edition](https://readinglist.school/book/mama-dont-allow) by Thacher Hurd _(Grades K–5 · pub 1985)_
- [Miss Nelson Has a Field Day](https://readinglist.school/book/miss-nelson-has-a-field-day) by Harry Allard _(Grades K–3 · pub 1985)_
- [Sarah, Plain and Tall](https://readinglist.school/book/sarah-plain-and-tall) by Patricia MacLachlan _(660L · Grades 3–5 · pub 1985)_
- [Sixth Grade Can Really Kill You](https://readinglist.school/book/sixth-grade-can-really-kill-you) by Barthe DeClements _(Grades 3–8 · pub 1985)_
- [The Face at the Edge of the World](https://readinglist.school/book/the-face-at-the-edge-of-the-world) by Eve Bunting _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1985)_
- [The Handmaid's Tale](https://readinglist.school/book/the-handmaids-tale) by Margaret Atwood _(750L · Grades 11–12 · pub 1985)_
- [The Paper Crane](https://readinglist.school/book/the-paper-crane) by Molly Bang _(Grades K–1 · pub 1985)_
- [The Patchwork Quilt](https://readinglist.school/book/the-patchwork-quilt) by Valerie Flournoy _(Grades K–5 · pub 1985)_
- [The People Could Fly](https://readinglist.school/book/the-people-could-fly) by Virginia Hamilton _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1985)_
- [The Polar Express](https://readinglist.school/book/the-polar-express) by Chris Van Allsburg _(Grades K–3 · pub 1985)_
- [The Stalker](https://readinglist.school/book/the-stalker) by Joan Lowery Nixon _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1985)_
- [When](https://readinglist.school/book/when) by Laurie McBain _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1985)_
- [Who Needs a Bratty Brother?](https://readinglist.school/book/who-needs-a-bratty-brother) by Linda Gondosch _(Grades 3–5 · pub 1985)_
- [Alphabatics](https://readinglist.school/book/alphabetics) by Suse MacDonald _(Grades K–5 · pub 1986)_
- [C.L.O.U.D.S.](https://readinglist.school/book/clouds) by Pat Cummings _(Grades K–5 · pub 1986)_
- [Conrad's War](https://readinglist.school/book/conrads-war) by Andrew Davies _(Grades 4–9 · pub 1986)_
- [Half a Moon and One Whole Star](https://readinglist.school/book/half-a-moon-and-one-whole-star) by Crescent Dragonwagon _(Grades K–3 · pub 1986)_
- [Hey, Al](https://readinglist.school/book/hey-al) by Arthur Yorinks _(Grades K–3 · pub 1986)_
- [Izzy, Willy-Nilly](https://readinglist.school/book/izzy-willy-nilly) by Cynthia Voigt _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1986)_
- [Justin and the Best Biscuits in the World](https://readinglist.school/book/justin-and-the-best-biscuits-in-the-world) by Mildred Walter _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1986)_
- [Maus: A Survivor's Tale](https://readinglist.school/book/maus) by Art Spiegelman _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1986)_
- [Night Kites](https://readinglist.school/book/night-kites) by M. E. Kerr _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1986)_
- [Poverty in America](https://readinglist.school/book/poverty-in-america) by Milton Meltzer _(Grades 4–10 · pub 1986)_
- [Streams to the River, River to the Sea](https://readinglist.school/book/streams-to-the-river-river-to-the-sea) by Scott O'Dell _(Grades 6–9 · pub 1986)_
- [The Magic School Bus: At the Waterworks](https://readinglist.school/book/the-magic-school-bus-at-the-waterworks) by Joanna Cole _(Grades K–3 · pub 1986)_
- [The Other Side of Dark](https://readinglist.school/book/the-other-side-of-dark) by Joan Lowery Nixon _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1986)_
- [The Stranger](https://readinglist.school/book/the-stranger) by Chris Van Allsburg _(Grades 3–5 · pub 1986)_
- [The Whipping Boy](https://readinglist.school/book/the-whipping-boy) by Sid Fleischman _(Grades 3–7 · pub 1986)_
- [Wait Till Helen Comes](https://readinglist.school/book/wait-till-helen-comes) by Mary Downing Hahn _(Grades 4–7 · pub 1986)_
- [What Happened to Patrick's Dinosaurs?](https://readinglist.school/book/what-happened-to-patricks-dinosaurs) by Carol Carrick _(Grades K–3 · pub 1986)_
- [A Family Apart](https://readinglist.school/book/a-family-apart) by Joan Lowery Nixon _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1987)_
- [Beloved](https://readinglist.school/book/beloved) by Toni Morrison _(870L · Grades 11–12 · pub 1987)_
- [Charley Skedaddle](https://readinglist.school/book/charley-skedaddle) by Patricia Beatty _(Grades 5–8 · pub 1987)_
- [Class Clown](https://readinglist.school/book/class-clown) by Johanna Hurwitz _(Grades 3–5 · pub 1987)_
- [Eyes of the Dragon](https://readinglist.school/book/eyes-of-the-dragon) by Margaret Leaf _(Grades K–3 · pub 1987)_
- [Fudge](https://readinglist.school/book/fudge) by Charlotte Towner Graeber _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1987)_
- [Hail, Hail, Camp Timberwood](https://readinglist.school/book/hail-hail-camp-timberwood) by Ellen Conford _(Grades 4–7 · pub 1987)_
- [Hatchet](https://readinglist.school/book/hatchet) by Gary Paulsen _(1020L · Grades 5–8 · pub 1987)_
- [Heckedy Peg](https://readinglist.school/book/heckedy-peg) by Audrey Wood _(Grades K–3 · pub 1987)_
- [Lincoln: A Photobiography](https://readinglist.school/book/lincoln-a-photobiography) by Russell Freedman _(Grades 3–7 · pub 1987)_
- [Mufaro's Beautiful Daughters](https://readinglist.school/book/mufaros-beautiful-daughters) by John Steptoe _(Grades K–3 · pub 1987)_
- [Owl Moon](https://readinglist.school/book/owl-moon) by Jane Yolen _(Grades K–3 · pub 1987)_
- [Piggins](https://readinglist.school/book/piggins) by Jane Yolen _(Grades K–3 · pub 1987)_
- [The Dark and Deadly Pool](https://readinglist.school/book/the-dark-and-deadly-pool) by Joan Lowery Nixon _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1987)_
- [The Devil and Mother Crump](https://readinglist.school/book/the-devil-and-mother-crump) by Valerie Scho Carey _(Grades K–5 · pub 1987)_
- [The Friendship](https://readinglist.school/book/the-friendship) by Mildred D. Taylor _(Grades 4–9 · pub 1987)_
- [The Magic of the Glits](https://readinglist.school/book/the-magic-of-the-glits) by Carole S. Adler _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1987)_
- [The Stories Julian Tells](https://readinglist.school/book/the-stories-julian-tells) by Ann Cameron _(Grades 2–3 · pub 1987)_
- [The Wolf's Chicken Stew](https://readinglist.school/book/the-wolfs-chicken-stew) by Keiko Kasza _(Grades K–3 · pub 1987)_
- [There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom](https://readinglist.school/book/theres-a-boy-in-the-girls-bathroom) by Louis Sachar _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1987)_
- [A Sudden Silence](https://readinglist.school/book/a-sudden-silence) by Eve Bunting _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1988)_
- [After the Dancing Days](https://readinglist.school/book/after-the-dancing-days) by Margaret Rostkowski _(Grades 4–9 · pub 1988)_
- [Aliens for Breakfast](https://readinglist.school/book/aliens-for-breakfast) by Jonathan Etra _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1988)_
- [All About Sam](https://readinglist.school/book/all-about-sam) by Lois Lowry _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1988)_
- [December Stillness](https://readinglist.school/book/december-stillness) by Mary Downing Hahn _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1988)_
- [Exploring the Titanic](https://readinglist.school/book/exploring-the-titanic) by Robert D. Ballard _(Grades 3–5 · pub 1988)_
- [Fallen Angels](https://readinglist.school/book/fallen-angels) by Walter Dean Myers _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1988)_
- [Ferret in the Bedroom, Lizards in the Fridge](https://readinglist.school/book/ferret-in-the-bedroom-lizards-in-the-fridge) by Bill Wallace _(Grades 3–5 · pub 1988)_
- [Is Anybody There?](https://readinglist.school/book/is-anybody-there) by Eve Bunting _(Grades 3–5 · pub 1988)_
- [Joyful Noise](https://readinglist.school/book/joyful-noise) by Paul Fleischman _(Grades 3–7 · pub 1988)_
- [Matilda](https://readinglist.school/book/matilda) by Roald Dahl _(840L · Grades 3–6 · pub 1988)_
- [Mirandy and Brother Wind](https://readinglist.school/book/mirandy-and-brother-wind) by Pat McKissack _(Grades K–3 · pub 1988)_
- [Our Country's Good](https://readinglist.school/book/our-countrys-good) by Timberlake Wertenbaker _(Grades 11–12 · pub 1988)_
- [Say Goodnight, Gracie](https://readinglist.school/book/say-goodnight-gracie) by Julie Reece Deaver _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1988)_
- [Shy Charles](https://readinglist.school/book/shy-charles) by Rosemary Wells _(Grades K–5 · pub 1988)_
- [Something Upstairs](https://readinglist.school/book/something-upstairs) by Avi _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1988)_
- [Song and Dance Man](https://readinglist.school/book/song-and-dance-man) by Karen Ackerman _(Grades K–3 · pub 1988)_
- [Tacky the Penguin](https://readinglist.school/book/tacky-the-penguin) by Lester, Helen. _(Grades K–3 · pub 1988)_
- [Ten Kids, No Pets](https://readinglist.school/book/ten-kids-no-pets) by Ann M. Martin _(Grades 4–6 · pub 1988)_
- [The Devil's Arithmetic](https://readinglist.school/book/the-devils-arithmetic) by Jane Yolen _(730L · Grades 5–8 · pub 1988)_
- [The Dog Who Had Kittens](https://readinglist.school/book/the-dog-who-had-kittens) by Polly M. Robertus _(Grades K–3 · pub 1988)_
- [The Honorable Prison](https://readinglist.school/book/the-honorable-prison) by Lyll Becerra de Jenkins _(Grades 6–10 · pub 1988)_
- [The Lady With the Alligator Purse](https://readinglist.school/book/the-lady-with-the-alligator-purse) by Nadine Bernard Westcott _(Grades K–3 · pub 1988)_
- [Two bad Ants](https://readinglist.school/book/two-bad-ants) by Chris Van Allsburg _(Grades K–3 · pub 1988)_
- [We Are in a Book](https://readinglist.school/book/we-are-in-a-book) by Mo Willems _(Grades K–3 · pub 1988)_
- [A Long Hard Journey](https://readinglist.school/book/a-long-hard-journey) by Pat McKissack _(Grades 4–8 · pub 1989)_
- [Anthony Burns](https://readinglist.school/book/anthony-burns-the-defeat-and-triumph-of-a-fugitive-slave) by Virginia Hamilton _(Grades 4–10 · pub 1989)_
- [Chicka Chicka Boom Boom](https://readinglist.school/book/chicka-chicka-boom-boom) by Bill Martin Jr. _(Grades K–3 · pub 1989)_
- [Don't Look Behind You](https://readinglist.school/book/dont-look-behind-you) by Lois Duncan _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1989)_
- [Eva](https://readinglist.school/book/eva) by Peter Dickinson _(Grades 9–12 · pub 1989)_
- [Freak the Mighty](https://readinglist.school/book/freak-the-mighty) by W. R. Philbrick _(Grades 6–9 · pub 1989)_
- [Lon Po Po](https://readinglist.school/book/lon-po-po) by Ed Young _(Grades K–3 · pub 1989)_
- [Lon Po Po](https://readinglist.school/book/lon-po-po-a-red-riding-hood-story-from-china) by Ed Young _(Grades K–5 · pub 1989)_
- [My Teacher Is an Alien](https://readinglist.school/book/my-teacher-is-an-alien) by Bruce Coville _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1989)_
- [Nightmare Mountain](https://readinglist.school/book/nightmare-mountain) by Peg Kehret _(Grades 3–6 · pub 1989)_
- [Number the Stars](https://readinglist.school/book/number-the-stars) by Lois Lowry _(670L · Grades 4–7 · pub 1989)_
- [Panama Canal](https://readinglist.school/book/panama-canal-gateway-to-the-world) by Judith St. George _(Grades 4–10 · pub 1989)_
- [Shades of Gray](https://readinglist.school/book/shades-of-gray) by Carolyn Reeder _(Grades 4–7 · pub 1989)_
- [Strider](https://readinglist.school/book/strider) by Beverly Cleary _(Grades 6–8 · pub 1989)_
- [The Araboolies of Liberty Street](https://readinglist.school/book/the-araboolies-of-liberty-street) by Sam Swope _(Grades K–3 · pub 1989)_
- [The Butterfly Jar](https://readinglist.school/book/the-butterfly-jar) by Jeffrey Moss _(Grades 3–5 · pub 1989)_
- [The Great White Man-Eating Shark](https://readinglist.school/book/the-great-white-man-eating-shark) by Margaret Mahy _(Grades K–3 · pub 1989)_
- [The Joy Luck Club](https://readinglist.school/book/the-joy-luck-club) by Amy Tan _(930L · Grades 9–12 · pub 1989)_
- [The Talking Eggs](https://readinglist.school/book/the-talking-eggs) by Robert D. San Souci _(Grades K–3 · pub 1989)_
- [Thirteen Ways to Sink a Sub](https://readinglist.school/book/thirteen-ways-to-sink-a-sub) by Jamie Gilson _(Grades 4–7 · pub 1989)_
- [Wayside School Is Falling Down](https://readinglist.school/book/wayside-school-is-falling-down) by Louis Sachar _(Grades 3–5 · pub 1989)_
- [Whispers from the Dead](https://readinglist.school/book/whispers-from-the-dead) by Joan Lowery Nixon _(Grades 6–9 · pub 1989)_

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_Generated from primary-source citations indexed on ReadingList.school. JSON API: https://readinglist.school/api/decade/1980s · HTML view: https://readinglist.school/decade/1980s._