Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman. Harper Children's Audio, 2009.
Audience: 3rd-6th grade
My Rating: 4* of 5
Summary: In a village in ancient Norway lives a boy named Odd, and he's had some very bad luck: His father perished in a Viking expedition; a tree fell on and shattered his leg; the endless freezing winter is making villagers dangerously grumpy. Out in the forest Odd encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle--three creatures with a strange story to tell.
Comments: A brief, pleasant tale from master storyteller Gaiman. Humor is subtle, fantasy elements are seamless, and Thor as a hulking bear is irresistible.
Read-Alikes: Coraline by Gaiman, How to Train your Dragon series by Cowell

The Fast and the Furriest by Behrens

The Fast and the Furriest by Andy Behrens, 2010.
Audience: 3rd-6th grade
My Rating: 4* of 5
Summary: Meet Kevin Pugh, 12-year-old couch potato. Now meet Cromwell, his part beagle, part potato chip dog. Kevin's looking forward to spending his summer doing as little as possible. Unfortunately, Kevin's father, former Chicago Bears star player/super-sports fanatic, Howie Pugh, feels differently. So does Cromwell, who has suddenly and mysteriously developed a fascination with agility competitions.
Comments: Fast, furry, fun! A quick, delightful read with lots of laughs. Perfect for dog lovers from 6-60 who are sick of dead-dog books.
Read-Alikes: Diary of a Wimpy Kid, No More Dead Dogs