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Ban This Book by Alan Gratz

Amy Anne Ollinger is a book-loving fourth grader whose favorite title is E.L. Konigsburg’s The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler.  When a classmate’s mother uses her influence to have it and other popular titles banned from the school library, Amy Anne and two friends decide to start a secret banned books library run out of their lockers.  When the principal discovers its existence, Amy Anne is suspended and the school librarian is fired.  Amy Anne finds herself in the middle of a controversy over who should decide what books the library should contain, an issue that she and an unlikely ally can’t walk away from.  A thought provoking choice for readers 9+ that explores the concepts of censorship and free speech in a real-life situation students can relate to.  

Dragon Captives by Lisa McMann

Twelve year-old identical twins Fifer and Thisbe Stowe possess powerful magic.  Their ability to control it, however, is often not up to the task with drastic results.  When Hux the Ice Dragon arrives in the land of Artime, pleading with the twins’ older brother Alex, the Mage of Artime, to build new wings for him and his brother and sister dragons which are enslaved in the Land of Dragons, Alex refuses.  He believes that such a trip to a land ruled by The Reviner would be too dangerous.  Under cover of darkness, the twins and their friend Seth set out to help the captive dragons and prove themselves masters of their magic.  Have they finally encountered a challenge that they will not survive?  An enchanting new fantasy series for fans of The Wings of Fire age 10+.

Bravelands: Broken Pride by Erin Hunter

When a rival lion, Titan, kills the lion pride’s leader, the young cub of the fallen ruler, Fearless, must flee, leaving his mother and sister behind.  Taken in and raised by a troop of baboons, young Fearless grows close to two member of the group in particular, Thorn and Mud.  When a change in the troop leadership forces the lion out, however, he becomes determined to reunite with his family in spite of Titan’s threat.  Thorn, unable to rise in power due to the caste system of the baboons, joins Fearless as they seek the help of the Great Mother of the Bravelands.  There they meet Sky, a young elephant whose visions of the future portend great danger and destruction for them all.  This new animal adventure series set in the African savanna is a must-read for fans of Erin Hunter’s Warrior series.  Age 9+

Lemons

When ten year old Lemonade Witt must leave San Francisco to live with a grandfather she has never known in tiny Willow Creek, California her world is turned upside down. Willow Creek is the Bigfoot Capital of the world and when she meets neighbor Tobin Sky, president and sole member of the Bigfoot Detective Agency, she has no intention of staying in this tiny town for long. As she gets to know Tobin, a boy whose only friend seems to be Lem’s grandfather, she is drawn into his passion for finding and filming the Bigfoot he is sure lives in the woods of Willow Creek. As Lem learns more about her deceased mom from Tobin’s mother and an elderly but sweet neighbor, can she help Tobin make new friends as well? A humorous and touching story about family and friendship with characters all readers will certainly love.

The Van Gogh Deception

When a twelve year old boy with amnesia is found alone in Washington’s National Gallery of Art, a temporary guardian is assigned to him. The boy and the daughter of the guardian find themselves the targets of a group of covert criminal operatives who believe that the boy called Art (the name found in the backpack he is carrying) can thwart their plan to sell a fake Van Gogh painting to the Gallery for $183 million. The two kids must use all of their smarts and ingenuity to expose the plot of these pursuers and find Art’s missing dad as
well. An adventure filled story with suspense at every turn will keep mystery
lovers on their toes.

Save Me a Seat

This is an amazing story of two fifth grade boys who learn that things are not always what they seem. Ravi is a recent immigrant from India where he was a popular star student. In his New Jersey classroom, however, his accent, clothing and favorite foods simply cause him to be ridiculed for being different. His classmate Joe, who has a learning challenge, is equally miserable since he is the constant victim of the bullying of a popular student. Told in alternating chapters, each boy’s perspective on events of the week the book covers is presented as they seek to find the courage to improve their lives. A perfect choice for any student who has ever felt like an outsider.

A Peculiar Incident on Shady Street

When preteen Tessa has to leave her home in Florida to move with her family to Chicago, she is less than happy to trade warm sunny beaches for rainy, colder days. Determined to make new friends and adjust to her new home, however, Tessa is unnerved when strange things begin to happen in the old Victorian brownstone her family has moved into. Flickering lights, sounds of crying in the night, and icy patches inside the house are just the beginning. When her brother’s doll begins to cry real tears and mysterious drawings appear in Tessa’s sketchbook, she reaches out to her new friends, one a skeptic and another an amateur expert on graveyards, to find out who or what is trying to communicate with her. As their efforts lead to a local mystery over one hundred years old, Tessa must overcome her fears to face the unknown. Perfect for ghost story lovers and fans of authors like Mary Downing Hahn.

Full of Beans

Set in Key West, Florida in 1934, this prequel to Turtle in Paradise, introduces us to the Diaper Gang and their leader, Beans. With opportunities scarce and jobs hard to find, Beans is determined to do any odd jobs he can, even for the town’s known rum runner, to help out his family. When a New Dealer arrives in Key West and announces that he is in charge of revitalizing the town to make it a desired tourist attraction, Beans believes the man is nuts and can’t be believed. With elements of the 1930’s woven throughout the book, the humorous adventures of this group of youngsters and their leader will delight fans of Jennifer Holm and those just discovering her for the first time.

Great Shelby Holmes, Girl Detective

Mystery lovers are in for a treat with this first in a new series. Super smart nine year old Shelby Holmes is already in the sixth grade and in spite of a somewhat prickly personality, her powers of observation and deduction have given her the reputation of being the best detective in her Harlem neighborhood. When eleven year old John Watson and his mom move into an apartment downstairs of Shelby, he is intrigued by this classmate and determined to become her friend and sleuthing sidekick. When a classmate’s prize winning show dog disappears, Shelby and John join forces to find the thief. Is a jealous competitor the culprit or could the dog’s trainer be responsible for the disappearance? A story that emphasizes the importance of accepting others regardless of their quirks will appeal to readers 9+.

The Emperor's Riddle

Eleven year old Mia Chen is not happy to be away from her friends for a month during the summer, but visiting her beloved Aunt Lin in China along with her mother and brother is a chance to reconnect with her family history. A man who has known Aunt Lin since their days together years ago working in the fields and dreaming of an emperor’s treasure comes to visit and asks lots of questions of Aunt Lin about the treasure. When Aunt Lin disappears the next day, Mia believes the man and the treasure are the keys to finding her. Discovering an old map with riddles on it in her aunt’s room, Mia and brother Jake set out on a mission to solve the mysteries and find Aunt Lin. A fast paced mystery adventure which weaves in Chinese history and lore that will appeal to readers 9+.

The Losers Club

Sixth grader Alec loves to read, even when he should be paying attention in class or doing his homework. His grades are suffering and summer school is a distinct possibility. When his after school program requires that students must either be doing homework or involved in a club, Alec decides to start his own club and name it the Losers Club. Certain no one other than co-founder and new student Nina will want to join, he sees this as his chance to have hours of uninterrupted reading time under the guise of club activity. To Alec’s surprise, however, the name of the club doesn’t seem to be a turn-off, even for school bully Kent, and he may not be the loser he thought. An insightful look into middle grade life by bestselling author Andrew Clements!

I Survived the Attack of the Grizzlies 1967

Eleven year old Melody Vega and her family come to Glacier National Park every year. With her mom gone, however, the park is no longer a place where Melody can forget her troubles. When she comes face-to-face with a mighty grizzly bear, her very life is at stake. Set in one of the most tragic seasons in the history of America’s national parks, this story will forever change ideas about how grizzlies and humans can exist together in the
wild.

Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom

With eight pages of color photos from this summer’s blockbuster movie, this youth version of the story is one full adventure and action. They’ve seen the movie – now, let’s read the book!

I Survived the Battle of D-Day 1944

In commemoration of the 75 th anniversary of D-Day, this story shines a spotlight on the story of the Normandy landing. The largest seaborne invasion of history and a key element in the Allied victory in World War II, D-Day is an event every student will want to explore. Historical fiction at its best, this is the latest book in a favorite series.

Scout: National Hero

Matt is the new kid at school again. His military family has moved nine times in his twelve year old lifetime. His mom is a National Guard commander and is working to set up a K-9 rescue and recovery program here in Nevada. Matt bonds with one of the dogs, Scout, who may be unable to meet the strict guidelines required of the new unit’s members. When a flash flood unexpectedly hits the area, though, and Matt’s mom is away dealing with the dam break upstream responsible, Matt and Scout must try to find his missing sister and save her from the rising waters. With the help of some new friends and the kayaking skills he possesses, can Matt and Scout be true heroes? Perfect for fans of Hero.

Wonderland

Written by Barbara O’Connor, the author of NC Junior Award winner Wish, this is a story about friendship of both the human and canine type. Fourth grader Mavis Jeeter and her flighty mother have moved to Landry, Alabama so her mom can be a housekeeper for the wealthy Tully family. Mavis has never lived in one place long enough to have a real best friend but is hoping that Rose Tully may be just that. Unlike bold and spunky Mavis, however, Rose is quiet and afraid to break any of her domineering mother’s rules. Her main friend is the elderly Mr. Duffy, the gatekeeper of the gated community where she lives. Rose is worried about Mr. Duffy, who has been particularly scatter brained and sad since the death of his dog, Queenie, and is afraid the residents may be on the verge of firing him. When Mavis convinces Rose that they need to find Mr. Duffy a new dog and the girls discover that a stray one is living in the nearby woods, they hatch a plan to catch the dog and get Mr. Duffy to love him. The truth about the dog, whom they call Henry, may mean disaster for their good intentions, however. A sweet story told in alternating chapters by Mavis, Rose and Henry that will warm the hearts of readers young and old.

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

As a result of being struck by lightning when she was eight, twelve year old Lucy Callahan has genius math abilities, but also deals with OCD and an obsession with the number pi and avoiding germs. When her grandmother decides it is time for Lucy to stop being homeschooled and attend seventh grade at the nearby public school, she is determined to keep her math skills a secret while trying to deal with her classmates’ reactions to her strange OCD habits. Can Lucy make friends and find a way to fit in or is she destined to stand apart forever? The perfect choice for fans of Counting by 7’s and Wonder.

Lucky Broken Girl

The 2018 Pure Belpre Award winner, this is the story of 10 year old Cuban immigrant Ruthie and her life in 1966 New York City. Having mastered English well enough to move into a regular class and making friends, Ruthie’s life is turned upside down when she is involved in a serious auto accident. Her recovery means being in a body cast and confined to her apartment for almost a year. This time proves to be a time of developing unexpected relationships with neighbors, friends and her tutor and to learn more about the stories of her Jewish Cuban grandparents. Based on the author’s real life, this is a tale of a middle grade heroine and a cast of diverse characters.

The Great Treehouse War

Eleven year old Winnie’s parents are getting divorced and insist on splitting her time with each right down the middle – 3 days each week with each one. On Wednesdays, Winnie gets to stay in the deluxe treehouse constructed between their two properties --- a day that becomes her refuge from the custody craziness. When her time there is threatened, she declares the treehouse to be sovereign soil and decides not to leave until her parents see things her way, a decision that nine of her friends join in with demands of their own for their parents. An epic and humorous look at the frustrations between the generations for readers 10+

The Matchstick Castle

Shuffled off to stay with his aunt, uncle and annoying cousin Nora while his scientist parents head to the South Pole, Brian is less than happy to discover that his Uncle Gary has developed educational software that he expects Brian and Nora to work on every day for several hours. When he ventures out into the nearby woods, however, Brian is shocked to discover a seven story ramshackle house with turrets, balconies and even a boat on the top floor. The youngest member of the eccentric family that lives in the house, Cosmo van Dash, asks Brian to help him with various problems at the house, including an infestation of Amazonian wasps and a herd of wild boars. As Brian discovers from unopened mail littering the house, though, the van Dashs have a bigger problem to deal with. The local mayor plans to demolish the house and take over the land in just a few days. Can Brian, Nora and Cosmo somehow help this madcap family avoid permanent eviction? A wacky, fun-filled story that will appeal to readers who like humor in their books! Perfect for fans of the 13 Story Treehouse series.

Stef Soto, Taco Queen

Stef Soto just wants to fit in and be a regular seventh grader but that is not easy to do when her classmates, who see her picked up daily by her dad in the dilapidated family taco truck, refer to her as the “taco queen”. Her overprotective parents give her very little freedom and she is jealous of the things her friends get to do that she does not. While she is proud of her father’s strong work ethic, she often wishes he would give up the truck known as Tia Perla and get a regular job. When the city threatens to enact new regulations that could force the family to get out of the food truck business, however, Stef realizes how much she values it. Can she save Tia Perla and help avert a crisis at school at the same time? With Spanish words and phrases woven into the book, this story is one that readers who can relate to having overprotective parents and immigrant lifestyles will enjoy.

Just My Luck

Fourth grader Benny Barrows certainly seems to have had more than his share of bad luck. His best friend moved away, his father suffered a brain injury, and he is afraid to even try to ride his bike again after being involved in an accident. His mom, a veteran of doing what it takes to keep going with an autistic son George, encourages Benny to just take things one day at a time and try to focus on helping others. Can this down-on-his-luck boy muster his inner strength and believe in himself and how much he has to offer? Perfect for fans of Wonder and Fish in a Tree.

Ellie’s Story

Ellie is a special dog with a very important purpose. From
puppyhood, she has been trained to be a search and rescue dog. Able to track
down a lost child in a forest or find an injured victim in a collapsed building, Ellie
has a new challenge to face. Her handlers, widowed Jakob and lonely Maya, need
her help to turn their lives around and truly be saved by the dog they love so
much. An inspiring tale of hope, this title by Bruce Cameron is perfect for dog
lovers of all ages.

Cyclone

Twelve year old Nora desperately wants to ride the Cyclone, a shaky wooden roller coaster at Coney Island but none of her family will ride with her until Nora blackmails her cousin Riley into joining her. When the girls get off of the ride, however, Riley collapses and is whisked to the hospital in a coma with a stroke. Nora is overwhelmed with guilt, believing that she is responsible for what has happened even though doctors say it resulted from Riley’s undiagnosed heart condition. Even when Riley emerges from the coma, she faces a long recovery and has no memory of what happened to her? Can Nora find a way to deal with her guilt and help Riley regain all she has lost? A story of sensitivity for older readers.

Soldier Dog: Air Raid Search and Rescue

Inspired by the brave military dogs that
helped our troops during WWII, this book is the first in a thrilling new adventure
series. When Matt’s older brother enlists in the Army he leaves his German
shepherd Chief, a retired fire dog and best pet ever, to Matt. Matt isn’t happy
however when Chief begins to pay more attention to his foster sister, Rachel.
When Nazi planes begin to bomb their city, Matt and Rachel get caught outside
during the air raid. Can Chief rescue them before it’s too late?

Survivor Diaries Avalanche!

Twelve year old twins Ashley and Ryan are skiing with their parents in the Grand Tetons when the ground begins to shake and the two are buried in feet of snow – an avalanche! Will they have the grit and knowledge to survive this icy disaster? A series perfect for fans of the I Survived tales.

Soldier Dog: Attack on Pearl Harbor

Joe can’t believe his luck when Skipper,
the street dog all the Navy guys love, follows him home. But with a new baby sister in the house, he knows that his family can’t afford to keep the dog. Joe and
his friends hatch the perfect plan – present Skipper to Joe’s dad, who works on
the USS West Virginia, as a mascot dog for the ship. But when Joe’s plan is
interrupted by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, it may be up to Skipper to
make sure they all make it out alive.

Survivor Diaries Overboard!

Eleven year old Travis is on a whale watching expedition with his family off the coast of Washington when disaster strikes and everyone is thrown overboard into rough, icy waters. Separated from their families and struggling to stay afloat, Travis and fellow passenger Marina must survive the frigid waters and reach a nearby barren island in hopes of finding food and shelter. Can the two brave the elements until help arrives? A great high stakes adventure tale for young readers.

Survivor Diaries Lost!

When eleven year-old Carter and twelve year-old Anna find themselves lost in the rainforest of Costa Rica, they must avoid the temptation to panic and must pool their knowledge in order to survive. Challenged not only by the dangers of this wild environment, the two must control their tendencies toward anxiety and over-confidence to stay calm, stay smart and make it out alive! A great choice for elementary grade readers who love fast-paced adventure stories with shorter chapters and accompanying illustrations.

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

With the flavor of classics like The Saturdays and All-of-a-Kind Family, this story is perfect for readers who love family stories with touches of humor and determination. The Vanderbeekers have always lived on 141st Street and feel like their brownstone is a member of the family. When their gruff landlord unexpectedly decides not to renew their lease, the five siblings have less than two weeks to convince the cranky Mr. Beiderman to change his mind and let them stay in their beloved home. Can they devise a plan to change his mind or is the family destined to be changed forever?

The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City

Eleven year old Josie Schilling, a middle child in a large family, often feels overlooked in her family. She suddenly has a new calling, however, when her older brother Tom arrives for Thanksgiving with a runt pig he rescued from an outlying farm. Naming the pig Hamlet, Josie is determined to convince her dad to let her keep the pig, even when he gives her a New Years Day deadline to find a forever home for Hamlet. As she tries to keep up in school and with her dedication to being the best gymnast ever, Josie soon discovers that keeping an always hungry and mischievous pig taken care of in a busting at the seams brownstone is easier said than done. Under pressure from her father’s deadline and a grumpy neighbor who is pressing city officials to enforce the town’s no farm animals policy, Josie has to find the perfect place for Hamlet, while figuring out her place in her world as well. Perfect for fans of classics like Charlotte’s Web, this is a wonderful story about identity and belonging.

Wonderland

Fourth grader Mavis Jeeter is fearless and bold but she has never lived in one place long enough to have a real best friend.  When her flighty mother decides they’ll move to Landry, Alabama where she will be the housekeeper for the well-to-do Tully family, Mavis hopes this will be where she finds that friend.  The Tully family has a daughter just Mavis’s age, but Rose is shy and afraid of breaking any of her mother’s strict rules. She is a worrier who feels like she doesn’t fit in with the other girls in her neighborhood.  Her closest friend is Mr. Duffy, the gatekeeper for the neighborhood, but since his dog Queenie died, he has been sad and forgetful. Mavis convinces Rose that if they can find a new dog for Mr. Duffy, he’ll be his old self soon.  Their mission, however, may involve some rule-breaking and test the budding friendship of these very different girls. A sweet story of human and canine friendship from a favorite author, Barbara O’Connor!

Restart

Eighth grader Chase Ambrose doesn’t remember his life before he fell off a roof and lost his memory. As he discovers when he returns to school, however, his past life is one he may be glad to forget. As a jock and a world class bully, he made the lives of many of his classmates unbearable. When Chase decides he wants to turn over a new leaf and be a kinder and more sensitive person, it is not a change that many of his former friends or victim are quick to believe is sincere. Is this just another way that Chase plans to draw them into his schemes of humiliation? Can Chase, along with the help of an elderly veteran at a retirement home where he is doing community service, a vestige of actions from his previous life, really “restart” his life? A story about bullying that is not preachy but provides insight into a character that middle grade readers can easily relate to.

Superstar by Mandy Davis

Lester loves two things – science and being homeschooled by his mom.  The two have been especially close since the mission-related death of his astronaut father five years ago.  When Mom announces that she has taken a full-time job and Lester will begin attending public school, he finds that his behavior challenges, the manifestations of autism, make life at school challenging to say the least.  The noise in the cafeteria, last minute schedule changes, and the destruction of a Superman figurine from his father that he relies on for comfort seem overwhelming. Two kind-hearted classmates and the annual science fair, an opportunity to delve into his love of space (a topic he is forbidden to discuss at home) may be the keys to his adjustment, however.  Perfect for fans of Fish in a Tree and Wonder.

Take the Stage: JoJo and Bowbow

When the neighborhood decides to throw a
block party, JoJo is excited about performing her new song as a highlight of the
summer bash. With the support of her friends and dog Bowbow, JoJo knows the
show is bound to be a hit. Then she meets Grace, a new kid on the block, and is
determined to include Grace in the party planning. Kyra, the head of the party
planning committee, however, has other plans and it becomes clear that she’ll do
whatever it takes to keep Grace from helping. Can JoJo show Kyra that kindness
should prevail and when everyone works together everything comes out better?
A story based on the new phenom which affirms inclusion and friendship.

Caterpillar Summer

Fifth-grader Cat and her first-grade brother Chicken have always had a special bond, especially since their father’s death.   She knows her mom is counting on her to help deal with Chicken’s meltdowns, his tendency to run away, his aversion to tags in his clothes and other challenging behaviors.  Her mom, a children’s book author, is working very hard to keep the family afloat while Cat seems to be the glue holding it together. When a stay with friends while their mother is away teaching a three- week writing class is cancelled at the last minute, the children find themselves staying with their mother’s parents, grandparents they have never known, in a cottage at the beach.  As she begins to trust her gentle and kind grandmother to care for Chicken, Cat learns how to be a kid again. As she begins to learn more about her mother’s childhood and slowly warm her grandfather’s heart, she learns the true meaning of family. An outstanding debut novel that can’t wait for paperback to be read!  

Candy Kisses: JoJo and Bowbow

JoJo is planning a Valentine theme sleepover for her dog Bowbow and her friends. She is also excited about the new dance workshop she’ll attend, especially the big performance at the end. When the news breaks that one dancer will get to shine in a solo, the snarky “Queen Bees”- Bree, Bahi, and Belle – begin to stir up trouble. Can JoJo and Bowbow come up with a plan to quash their not-so-nice actions and see that each dancer gets an
amazing Valentine’s Day surprise? Affirming kindness and cooperation, this
second book in a new series is bound to be a hit.

Survival Tails The Titanic

When loyal dog Mutt discovers that his owner and best
friend Alice is set to board the RMS Titanic without him, he sneaks aboard with
help from a rat named King Leon. It isn’t long, however, before the captain’s cat
Clara discovers the stowaway. Mutt agrees to help Clara look after a trio of
abandoned kittens on the ship in exchange for her help in finding Alice among the
hundreds of people onboard. When the unthinkable happens and the ship hits an
iceberg, Mutt and his new friends must race against time to survive. A perfect
choice for fans of the I Survived series.

Abraham Lincoln: Pro Wrestler

 It seems that no one in Abby’s class likes history, especially her stepbrother Doc.  Who wants to study boring old people who lived long ago? Suddenly, because of their complaints, Abraham Lincoln appears, having travelled through a cardboard box portal, to announce that he is quitting history to pursue his dream of becoming a pro wrestler.  Can Abby and Doc, realizing that Lincoln must return to take his place as our 16th president, convince this famous man to take his true place in history?  With illustrations, short chapters, and outlandish antics, this first in the Time Twisters series will inform and entertain even the most reluctant of readers.

Survival Tails Endurance in Antarctica

Sled dog Samson is very excited about being part of Ernest Shackelton’s historic voyage to Antarctica. His fellow sled dog, Bummer, feels very differently and is not fond of days on the dangerous, icy wasteland. When their ship, the Endurance, becomes trapped in sea ice, the challenge for the dogs and sailors becomes survival. Can Samson, Bummer and
the other dogs band together and find a way to rescue the dogs and humans on
Endurance? This book’s nonfiction notes combine with an adventure-filled plot
sure to keep readers engaged.

Life According to Og the Frog

Narrated by Og himself, this companion to the favorite Humphrey series is the story of the second pet in Classroom 26.  Glad to get away from a bully bullfrog in the classroom next door, Og the Frog does miss the swamp but is settling into his new home.  He is especially curious about Humphrey the hamster and wishes he could understand the furry creature’s squeaks and chittering. Yet, just when he seems to be feeling at home, Og realizes that he may be sent back to the swamp!  Delightful new series for Humphrey fans and animal lovers of all ages.

Mr. Lemoncello’s Great Library Race

When game maker Mr. Lemoncello
announces his new Fabulous Fact-Finding Frenzy game, Kyle, Akimi, and the other
contestants face their greatest challenge yet. If Kyle can make it through the first
round, he and the other lucky finalists will race by bicycle, bookmobile, and even
Mr. Lemoncello’s private jet to find fascinating facts about famous Americans.
The first to bring back their facts back to the library will win spectacular prizes.
When a few surprising facts surface about Mr. Lemoncello however, the kids
begin to wonder if the gamemaster may be a fraud who stole all the ideas for his
amazing games. Can Kyle and the others find the truth before the game is over
for all?

One Good Thing About America

Told in the form of letters to her grandmother, this story of Anais, a nine- year-old immigrant from the Congo, tells of the adjustments she, her mother, and younger brother face in their new life in Maine.  Anais misses her father, older brother, and the grandmother who has asked her granddaughter to write to her and include “one good thing about America” in each letter. As she has new experiences like trick-or-treating and Christmas, Anais makes new friends yet she is always worried about the safety of her father and brother.  With a text that reflects the grammatical errors and misspellings of someone learning English, this is an insightful look at the life of a child new to the United States.

The Terrible Two by Mac Bennett and Jory John

Miles Murphy is not happy to move to rural Yawnee Valley where cows seem to be the main item of interest.  Determined to attain the reputation of best prankster at his new school, one he relished at his previous one, he quickly becomes aware that classmate Niles Sparks already holds that title.  Intent on dethroning Niles while avoiding the clutches of Principal Baskin and his bullying son Josh, Miles schemes to pull off the stunt that will depose Niles for good.  Such a feat may be more difficult than the newcomer had anticipated however.  An entertaining illustrated tale that will appeal to even the most reluctant of readers 9+.

Molly’s Story

CJ desperately wants to have the puppy Molly for her own.  However, her rather self-absorbed mother does not like dogs and would never agree to let her daughter keep the dog.  Keeping Molly in the basement with instructions to keep quiet when her mother is home, CJ relishes her time alone with the dog and even skips school to be with her.  When Molly escapes from the basement and is picked up by Animal Control while exploring the neighborhood, CJ’s mom takes the puppy to the animal shelter without telling her daughter.  CJ, learning of her mother’s action, is determined to get Molly back no matter what she has to do to do so. A story for animal lovers that does examine some poor choices by both CJ and her mother, this latest in the Puppy Tales series is one not to be missed.

The Rhino in Right Field

For the twelve years of his life, baseball fanatic Nick has done what his hard-working Greek immigrant parents want him to do.  Now, though, he is ready to pursue his own dreams. When the new owner of the local semi-pro baseball team pumps new energy into it and announces a contest to select a local kid to be a batboy for the day, Nick is determined to win.  The contest is on a Saturday, however, the day Nick has to help in his father’s store. Moreover, the presence of a 2000 pound rhino in a pen at the zoo beside the field where Nick and his friends practice has left him with a fear of fly balls.  The school bully has also vowed that he’ll win the contest, even if he has to play dirty to do it. This fast-paced, funny story of curveballs on the field and off is a lighthearted choice for young sports fans.  

All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook by Leslie Connor

Eleven year-old Perry T. Cook has lived his entire life at the Blue River Correctional Facility in tiny Surprise, Nebraska where his mother is incarcerated.  When a new district attorney, Tom VanLeer, learns that the compassionate warden has allowed this arrangement, he decides to assume guardianship of Perry, believing that the prison is not a good environment for the boy and that the situation is preferential treatment for Jessica Cook.  Perry moves in with VanLeer, his wife, and step-daughter who happens to be a school friend of his.  Missing his mother and the other inmates who are part of the only family he has known, Perry is upset that VanLeer seems to be preventing his mother from having the parole hearing that could get her released from Blue River.  When a school project on family is announced, Perry is determined to present the real stories of the inmates he has grown to love, and uncover the truth about the crime his mother was convicted of.  A heart-warming story of family, friendship, and forgiveness for readers 10+

Saving Winslow

 Ten-year-old Louie doesn’t have a good track record for taking care of animals.  Worms, goldfish, a hamster, a snake and a lizard are just a few of the ones that have died or escaped on his watch.  When his father brings home a weak, orphaned newborn mini-donkey from his uncle’s farm, Louie is determined to do everything in his power to save the pitiful creature he names Winslow.  Providing constant care for Winslow helps Louie feel closer to his older brother Gus who is away serving with the army. Louie’s new friend, a girl named Nora, is constantly pessimistic about the donkey’s chances of survival, however, hesitant to form an attachment to Winslow for fear of losing yet another important part of her life.  This heartwarming story with short chapters and minimal text will become a new favorite for those who love Charlotte’s Web or Because of Winn-Dixie.

Chester and Gus

Chester is a chocolate lab and Gus is a ten year old boy with
non-verbal autism whose family hopes he will be more interactive at school with
Chester around. Although he failed the official dog service test due to his fear of
loud noises, the dog is incredibly perceptive and seems to know what Gus needs
and is always attentive to his boy. Recognizing Gus’s struggles to be understood
by his parents, teacher, and classmates, Chester becomes able to interpret the boy’s misunderstood behaviors. Told from the dog’s perspective, this book is an
inspiring story of the amazing bond of animal and human.

Ghost by Jason Reynolds

When Castle Cranshaw, a seventh-grader who calls himself “Ghost”, happens upon a practice for a local track team and is invited to join the group, he may have found an outlet for his quick temper and violent outbursts.  Challenged by a coach who, like Ghost, grew up in the “bad side” of town, Ghost will have to keep his life on track if he’s going to fulfill the promise Coach believes he has.  Can he outrun his past or will it catch up to him once and for all?  This first title in the Track series celebrates diversity and will appeal to readers 10+ who can see themselves reflected in this unforgettable young man.

Front Desk

Set in the early 1990’s, ten-year-old Mia Tang’s Chinese immigrant parents have been hired to manage a California motel, and envision bright times ahead.  Despite their tireless and exhausting efforts, however, the mean-spirited owner of the place exploits their hard work. Mia, who has taken charge of the front desk, becomes a key part of her family’s compassionate determination to help those in worse straits than themselves.  Determined to become a writer despite her mother’s assertion that Mia will never really be proficient in English, Mia produces creatively forged letters to help the victims of injustice the family is sheltering at the motel at the risk of losing their jobs. Based on the experiences of the author, this story is one of the power of hope and determination in the face of overwhelming obstacles.  

Touchdown Kid

Written by former pro football defensive end, Tim Green, this is
a story about a boy who has always been passionate about football but has not
had the opportunities to showcase his talent. Living with his single mother and
attending public school, Cory is presented with an unbelievable opportunity when
the coach of an elite private school with a top-rated football team recognizes the
boy’s potential and offers him a scholarship to attend the school and play on their
team. His new teammates, however, are less than welcoming and determined to
keep this new kid from showing his talent on the field. Labelled as a scholarship
kid from the wrong side of town, can Cory prove that wealth and privilege don’t
matter on the football field as long as he has the strength and skills to compete?

Moo by Sharon Creech

When twelve year-old Reena, her younger brother, and their parents move from the big city to a small town on the coast of Maine, they expect a slower pace of life, along with lobster rolls and blue skies and seas.  Helping an elderly, and somewhat cranky, neighbor care for her farm and animals is something the children didn’t count on.  As the two learn to care for Mrs. Falala’s cow, Zora, and to see beneath the woman’s crusty exterior, they realize that more than just their address has changed.  A heart-warming story by a master of children’s literature for readers 9+.

Boy Bites Bug

Seventh-grader Will Nolan didn’t plan to eat a stinkbug, but when his friend Darryl calls a new Hispanic student, Eloy, a derogatory name, Will impulsively does so to distract the bully.  Labelling him “Bug Boy”, Will’s classmates begin teasing him with creative meals like “French flies” and “Maggot-aroni”. As tensions with Daryl increase, Will questions his friendship with the boy and gets to know Eloy whose father is the chef at Will’s favorite local restaurant.   Inspired by his new fame, Bug Boy decides to do a class project on entomophagy, the eating of bugs as real food. With Eloy’s help, he even decides to prepare a variety of edible insect items to sell as a wrestling tournament fundraiser. When Will betrays the Hispanic boy’s trust, however, he must decide what type of person he wants to be and what choices he must make when it comes to selecting friends.  A tale of middle school hijinks that will appeal to fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid (and teach a few lessons along the way!)

Rain Reign by Ann Martin

Twelve year-old Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms, prime numbers, and following rules.  Her obsessions make it difficult for her at school and frustrate her single father on a daily basis.  Her solace is her dog Rain, a name she picked because it has two homonyms – a very special trait.  When her father lets Rain out of the house in the midst of a hurricane, the dog doesn’t come back, throwing Rose’s world upside down.  As the days pass, Rose must deal with her anxiety and devise a plan to find Rain.  An amazing story that provides perspective on living with autism and one girl’s courage to face her challenges.  Perfect for fans of Wonder age 10+.

Scout: Storm Dog

Scout, a National Guard dog, was born to be a hero.  When Scout and his twelve-year-old owner, Matt, land in Puerto Rico after a devastating hurricane, they want to help.  The two decide to foster an injured dog named Rosita who seems to be desperately searching for something. When the dog runs off and disappears into the rain forest, it is up to Scout, Matt, and their new friend Luisa to find the missing dog and return her to safety.  A great choice for fans of Max and Cracker.

Auggie and Me by R.J. Palacio

A collection of three stories that gives readers of Wonder insight into a trio of people who are part of Auggie Pullman’s world, this book explores more fully the lives of Auggie’s classmates Julian and Charlotte and of Christopher, a childhood best friend who moved away prior to the time of the young hero’s year in fifth grade at Beecher Prep.  The perfect companion book for readers 9+ who want more of the Wonder story.

The Problim Children

While their parents are off on a weeks long exploration,  the seven Problim siblings’ ramshackle bungalow in the Swampy Woods goes kaboom and they must find themselves a new place to live.  Luckily, the oldest girl remembers that when he last visited, their grandfather gave her the deed to his house in the nearby town of Lost Cove, now sitting abandoned since his death seven years ago.  The children move into the house which is rumored to be the site of a hidden treasure, a treasure that the villainous neighbor, Desdemona O’Pinion, is determined to find. As the children work to solve the clues and riddles left by their grandfather to disclose the treasure, Desdemona and the town’s less than honest mayor scheme to evict the children who can’t confirm that they are the true owners of the house without evidence from their wayward parents.  This quirky first in a trilogy tale of seven children, one born on each day of the week, will appeal to fans of Roald Dahl and the Lemony Snicket books.

A Whale in Paris

Twelve-year-old Chantal Dupray and her father are living in Paris during its occupation by the Germans during WWII.  Going to the Seine each evening to catch fish for supper, she is amazed one night to see a small whale that has gotten lost and is now stranded in the river.  As the people of Paris find it increasingly difficult to find food, the whale, which Chantal has named Franklin in honor of the American president the French hope will send troops to rescue them, is in danger of being caught and eaten.  The German soldiers believe Franklin is a sign of good luck for their war efforts and put up a net across the mouth of the river to keep him from escaping until they can catch him as a gift for Adolf Hitler. When Chantal’s dad and aunt are arrested for being part of the Resistance movement and taken to a prison away from Paris, she is determined to find a way to get to them and to get Franklin to safety.  An imaginative tale blending history, hope, and heroism.

Ellie, Engineer

Ellie loves her fluffy, purple skirt, taking ballet with her best friend Kit, and designing and building amazing backyard projects.  When she overhears Kit’s mom say she plans to surprise her daughter with the dog she has always wanted for her upcoming birthday, Ellie is determined to make the most amazing dog house ever for her friend.  To get such a big project done is just a few days, Ellie enlists the help of a fellow engineer, Toby, and three artistic neighborhood girls. Forced to acknowledge that the girls don’t want to work alongside a boy, Ellie has to adjust the construction schedule, while also feeling guilty about not telling the truth to Kit about why she can’t spend time with her.   Can Ellie get everyone to work as a team to create the best-ever birthday gift for Kit? Illustrated with Ellie’s sketches and plans, this entertaining story is perfect for STEM-focused young readers.

Until Tomorrow, Mr. Marsworth

When eleven-year-old Reenie Kelly and her brothers and sent to live with their grandmother while their dad is working long hours to pay off the medical bills of her deceased mother, she takes on a summer paper route with her older brother Dare.  Introducing herself to all the customers on her route, Reenie is stumped by just one – the reclusive Mr. Marsworth who never answers his doorbell. Determined to get to know the elderly gentleman, she begins leaving letters for him and delights in his sporadic replies.  Pouring out her fears that her oldest brother Billy will have to go and fight in Vietnam since the family cannot afford to send him to college, Reenie asks Mr. Marsworth for advice and help in keeping him home, a stance that is very unpopular in their small midwestern town.  Told in the parade of letters between Reenie and Mr. Marsworth and those she writes to a young Vietnam soldier pen pal, this book explores the dilemmas of pacifism and patriotism for older elementary readers.

Where the Watermelons Grow

When 12-year old Della Kelly finds her mother digging black seeds from a watermelon in the middle of the night, becoming obsessed with killing every possible germ in their house, and talking to people who aren’t there, this young North Carolina girl worries that the sickness that put her mother in the hospital for months several years ago has returned.  With her father struggling to save the family farm in the face of scorching hot summer temperatures and a lingering drought, Della tries to take care of her rambunctious toddler sister so her mother can rest. Afraid to let her grandparents, church family, and even her best friend know how bad things have gotten, Della would do anything to cure her mother.   A story that reveals the unpredictability and emotions of mental illness and its effect on all those it touches, this book is one that shows the healing impact of supportive family, friends, community, and professional help. With the prevalence of mental health conditions in all corners of today’s society, this is a book that pulls back the shades on this issue for the mature reader.  

Where the Watermelons Grow is a beautiful and sometimes heartrending exploration of what it's like when someone you love is chronically ill.

Supergifted by Gordon Korman

 In this sequel to Ungifted, Donovan Curtis has returned to Hardcastle Middle School where he is joined by the genius yet geeky former schoolmate, Noah Youkilis, who wants to see what it’s like at a public school.  Going out of his way to pick activities he isn’t good at like woodshop and cheerleading so he can improve at something, Noah decides that being “normal” is harder than being a genius. When standing up for his nerdy friend against the school super jock “Hashtag” ignites an intense feud between the two, Donovan is forbidden by his father from being anywhere near the boy.  But when Donovan keeps a runaway truck from crashing into a house next to Hashtag’s, he realizes he can’t take credit for the heroic feat or risk his father’s wrath. When the local pressure for the hero to reveal himself ramps up, Noah declares that he was the “superkid” who stopped the truck. When Noah’s fame goes statewide, however, Donovan begins to question how smart it was to hide the truth!  A funny and heartwarming story by favorite author Gordon Korman.

My Life as a Ninja

 Derek and his friends decide to join a local martial arts school to learn how to be ninjas.  When someone starts vandalizing their school with graffiti of a mischievous troll-like creature, these ninjas-in-training are convinced they ‘ll be able to crack the case.  But it turns out that being a real ninja is a lot more work than they thought. Add the challenge of putting on the class Revolutionary War play, and Derek may have more than he can handle!  A perfect choice for Wimpy Kid devotees and anyone who thinks reading can’t be fun.

A Pup Called Trouble

Trouble is a curious and energetic coyote pup whose parents fear that his inquisitiveness will get him into trouble.  Sure enough, one night he strays from the den to explore the contents of a local produce truck and finds himself transported to a farmer’s market in New York City.  A wily crow named Mischief guides the young coyote to Central Park where he makes friends with a shy opossum named Rosebud and a wise owl named Professor. When Trouble falls for a prissy but good-natured poodle whose owner brings her to the park, however, he begins to lose some of his wildness and is less cautious about the dangers of the city.  When he gets close to a little girl visiting Central Park, he is spotted and Animal Control vows to catch him. Will Trouble risk the perils of a long journey home or, with the help of his friends, evade capture and make Central Park his home? Based on the real-life instances of coyotes inhabiting Central Park, this is a perfect choice for animal lovers of all ages.

Willa of the Wood

Young Willa is a night spirit, a member of the dwindling Faeran clan that once numbered in the thousands and served as stewards of the forests of the Great Smoky Mountains.  The current padaran, however, insists that the clan abandon the old ways of foraging and caring for the mountain plants, forcing the young night spirits to slip into the homes of the “day folk”, the local human homesteaders, to steal items that he deems valuable.  When Willa is badly wounded one evening while scavenging in a day folk home, the man living there tries to help her, completely contradicting the padaran’s claim that all humans are murderous monsters. Struggling to return to her home in Dead Hollow, Willa is shocked to discover that her own clan is hiding secrets and must decide if she will defy their leader and threaten the magic that has been the foundation of her clan.  A magical new series from the author of the Serafina tales that will delight fantasy lovers ….and even those who don’t think they are!

Breakout!

Nora Tucker and her best friend, Lizzie, have grown up in Wolf Creek, a small town in upstate New York where the economy revolves almost completely around the maximum security prison where Nora’s father is the superintendent.  The two girls and new friend Elidee, a black girl who has recently moved to Wolf Creek so she and her mother can be closer to her brother who is an inmate at the prison, anticipate a summer filled with ice cream and swimming. When two prisoners escape from the largely minority jail, however, tensions in the town begin to rise.  Nora is confused about Elidee’s reluctance to openly support the corrections staff, police, and volunteers involved in the manhunt, unaware of the isolation the young girl feels as one of only a few blacks in Wolf Creek.  As Nora and Lizzie write brief reports about the event and Elidee responds with poetry inspired by Jacqueline Woodson and Lin-Manuel Miranda that the three will submit for a school time capsule project, the girls begin to question just how welcoming their town really is.  An amazing coming of age story about recognizing what has been in plain sight all along.

Grump: The (Fairly) True Story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves

In this imaginative retelling of a classic fairy tale, we meet Borlen, a young dwarf whose unnatural fear of the deep makes his life mining jewels far underground misery.  Nicknamed “Grump”, he finds a way to escape the tunnels to The Surface where life seems to be a dream come true. He is befriended by Queen Elfrieda Veronika Ingrid Lenore (E.V.I.L.) who treats him as a trusted advisor and feeds him all the rubies he can eat in exchange for magic and information.  After turning her looking glass into a magic mirror, however, Grump begins to realize that the queen may not be as nice as she seems. When he is ordered to help the evil ruler kill her beautiful stepdaughter, Snow White, Grump may be in over his head. Bound by magic to both help the queen and protect the beautiful Snow White, can he find a way to dig out of this jewel of a predicament?  A delightful story that ta

Endling: The Last

Byx has always seen herself as the least of her pack, a species of dog-like creatures called the dairne.  When all of the other dairne in her homeland of Nedarra are murdered by humans under the rule of the evil Murdano, however, Byx truly becomes an Endling, the sole survivor of a species.  She then begins a desperate quest to find Dairneholm, a mythical settlement rumored to still be inhabited by the dairne.  Along the way she is joined by an unlikely band of adventurers, including Khala, a girl with a mysterious past disguised as a boy, and Tobble, a fiercely loyal wobbyk with large ears and a short round body.  Their mission becomes even more dangerous when they discover the true reason for the eradication of the dairne. Can the courageous travelers find the one person who may be able to save them all? A dazzling first tale in a fantasy series perfect for fans of Wings of Fire from the author of The One and Only Ivan.

Minecraft Woodsword Chronicles: Into the Game!

In this first book of the first official chapter book series based on Minecraft, five young real world players of the game find themselves trapped inside the game they love.  But now, it’s not a game and they will have to use everything they know to explore, build, and survive! An illustrated story just perfect for Minecraft lovers ready for chapter books.

Minecraft Woodsword Chronicles: Night of the Bats!

In this second in a series full of action packed adventure, our five players are once again inside the Minecraft game they love.  When zombies attack them in the game, and bats invade their real-life school, Ash, Morgan, and their friends realize it’s going to take all their talents to get to the bottom of these monstrous migrations!

Lifeboat 12

An escape from war-torn Great Britain becomes a struggle for survival in this richly detailed historical fiction account of a little-known event in World War II.  Hoping to save many of its children from the encroaching terror of the Germans, the Children’s Overseas Reception Board (CORB) sets out to transport 20,000 children from England to countries across the ocean where they will be safe.  Chosen as one of the lucky ones from 200,000 applicants, thirteen year-old Kenneth Sparks is one of the children who will travel on the luxury liner, the City of Benares, to Canada where he will live with an aunt. Distracted by the delicious and abundant food, new toys, and soft beds of the boat, the young travelers seem unaware of the ever-present threat of torpedo-equipped German submarines combing the Atlantic.  Three days into the voyage, the ship is torpedoed, sending the crew and passengers into lifeboats and the sea. Kenneth, five other boys from the program and forty adults make it aboard Lifeboat 12, one of the only ones still afloat after an evening of gale force winds. With very little food and water, they have only a razor thin chance of survival. Told in verse and based on extensive research, this is a captivating re-telling of an often-overlooked event in history.

Max Einstein: The Genius Experiment

Max is no ordinary orphan!  She is living over the Central Park stables with some other down-on-their luck folks and is obsessed with Albert Einstein.  But everything changes when Max is recruited by a mysterious organization, the Change Makers Institute, that is looking for talented young geniuses who can lead world-improving projects.  Taking advantage of this opportunity to make friends her own age, Max and a diverse team of young talent head to the Congo on a mission to bring solar power to a village hoping to attract industries to provide opportunities that the current mining business does not.  The powerful Dr. Zimm and his sinister organization, the Corporation, however, are intent on stopping them. With a feisty heroine, adventure-filled plot, nasty villain, and the notion that being smart cool, this book and its diverse group of characters will appeal to STEM fans in particular.

Elephant Secret

Eighth grader Samantha Gray has grown up living on a North American elephant sanctuary with her father and the herd of eleven rescued elephants that have become her family.  With an uncanny ability to understand and communicate with the elephants, Sam hopes that the recent financial support of a new silent partner will ensure that the sanctuary can continue to accept and care for the elephants.  When Daisy Mae, one of the females, dies while giving birth, Sam is determined to take care of her baby, a calf she names “Woolly” due to the unusual hair on his hide. When the sanctuary agrees to take in an elephant with a history of aggression, the man who has provided the much needed funds threatens to take over the sanctuary, remove the new elephant, and no longer allow Sam and her father to live or work there.  Sam realizes that there may be more to his financial support than she thought, and faces losing the elephant family she has always known. A story that older readers will find interesting and informative is perfect for animal lovers and would-be scientists.

The Unteachables

Mr. Zachary Kermit is the most burned-out teacher at Greenwich Middle School.  His once stellar career was shattered by a cheating incident orchestrated by a former student – an incident that embarrassed a principal who is now the district superintendent.  Intent on getting revenge on Mr. Kermit, the superintendent assigns him to teach the Self-Contained Special Eighth Grade class, infamously knows as “the Unteachables”. Notoriously labelled misfits and delinquents, this group of problem students is one that the superintendent is sure will convince Mr. Kermit to quit before he is eligible for early retirement.  Initially content to drink coffee and do crosswords in lieu of teaching the students, Mr. Kermit’s attitude is unexpectedly changed when he and his students find themselves mutually frustrated by the education system. Favorite author Gordon Korman gives us a light-hearted look at what happens when the worst class of kids in the school is paired with a less than enthusiastic teacher.

The Storm Keeper’s Island

From the moment 11 year-old Fionn and his 13 year-old sister, Tara, arrive on the island of Arranmore to spend the summer with their grandfather, he senses something unusual.  After learning that their grandfather is the island’s storm keeper, entrusted to control the magic of the place through the candles that he fashions, the siblings are drawn into a centuries old battle between good and evil that is very close to erupting again.  Tara, in particular, is focused on a quest to find the Sea Cave, a secret place of power on the island that is reputed to grant one wish per generation, a wish Fionn would use to find their father, lost at sea off Arranmore years ago. When Grandfather announces that the time has come for him to step down as storm keeper and for the island to choose a new one to wield its power and keep its magic safe from enemies, Fionn and other descendants of Arranmore’s powerful families vie to assume this role.  But with the awakening of the long-buried evil that threatens the very existence of the island, Fionn, Tara, and their rivals must overcome their jealousy and work together to save the island and themselves. A first title in a magical new fantasy series .

Dog Days in the City

Anytime 12 year-old Josie Shilling’s large family gets too chaotic, volunteering at the local animal clinic is the one place she can escape.  She loves working with the animals. When a box of seven rambunctious puppies is left on the clinic steps with a note asking Josie to find homes for them, however, this may be asking too much.  Taking care of Hamlet, a pig her brother brought home last fall, was harder than she had imagined and now she is responsible for seven adorable pups! Complicated by her own dog’s diagnosis of a brain tumor and friendship problems with her gymnastics buddy, Lucy, Josie may have taken on more than she can manage.  Fans of Josie’s first book, The Unlikely Story of a Pig in the City, and animal lovers of all ages will find this book a great choice.

Finding Perfect

Molly Nathans has always been a neat freak, but when her mother must move to Toronto for a year-long work assignment and her brother faces a health challenge, the mounting stress intensifies the 12 year-old’s efforts to bring order to her life.  Her constant hand washing, obsessively aligning the glass figurines in her room, and repetitive counting don’t seem to be helping her overcome her anxieties, however. Convinced that she can get her mother to come home if she wins an upcoming poetry contest, Molly adds yet another challenge to her life.  Will her caring but preoccupied father notice what is happening with his daughter? Will her friends recognize her cries for help? With a conclusion that affirms Molly’s decision to acknowledge her OCD and reach out for help, this title for older readers is one that reflects an authentic look at one girl’s efforts to deal with the stresses of her young life. 

The Truth as Told by Mason Buttle

Mason Buttle is the biggest, sweatiest kid in his grade, and everyone knows he can barely read or write.  These learning challenges are further compounded by his grief. Fifteen months ago, Mason’s friend, Benny, fell off a ladder in the Buttle family orchard and died.  Police officer, Lieutenant Baird, has been badgering Mason with questions ever since, certain that the boy knows more about the incident that he has divulged. Both Mason and his new friend, the very small Calvin Chumsky are teased and tormented by other boys in their neighborhood so they create a hidden underground haven for themselves.  Even though he has the support of a loving grandmother and uncle as well as a social worker he feels safe with, Mason’s world is upended again when Calvin goes missing. Mason finds himself in trouble again, desperate to find out what has happened to Calvin. An award-winning title of friendship and compassion perfect for readers who love an underdog hero.  

The Unsung Hero of Birdsong, USA

Gabriel Haberlin, a just-turned 12 year-old white boy living in the small South Carolina town of Birdsong in 1946, is riding his brand new bicycle when he is almost hit by a car.  In fact, if Mr. Meriwether Hunter, an African-American WWII veteran, hadn’t been there to push Gabe out of the way, the accident could have been tragic. Gabe convinces his father to give Meriwether, a talented mechanic looking for work, a job at the family auto shop.  As he works alongside the black veteran, the 12 year-old becomes vividly aware of the antagonism and bigotry of another mechanic who is white and rumored to have close friends in the Ku Klux Klan. Even though he served in the Army’s all-black 761st Tank Battalion during World War II, Meriwether doesn’t want to talk about his service, preferring to work quietly and avoid notice.  As their friendship deepens, and Mr. Hunter and his daughter, Abigail, begin to trust Gabe, the boy begins to see the impact of discrimination on their lives.  Illuminating the disparity between how white and black WWII veterans were treated, this look at racism is historical fiction at its best.

Meriwether Hunter's story really shows how the war may have ended for the world, but another fight, the fight for justice and equality, continued for African American veterans.

Polar Bear Explorers’ Club

Stella Starflake Pearl has always wanted to be an explorer like her adoptive father, Felix, a member of the Polar Bear Explorers’ Club.  Unfortunately, girls are forbidden to be club members or go on the group’s expeditions. When Stella is unexpectedly granted permission to join Felix and the other explorers on a daring journey to the coldest part of the Icelands, she is thrilled.  Shortly after the trip begins, however, she and three other novice explorers are separated from the adults. They must work together to find their way to the Icelands and then back to the returning ship for the trip home. Encountering strange creatures like the “frosties”, small fairies that can cause killer frostbite, and other spine-chilling dangers along the way, Stella and the other young adventurers must survive the frozen wilderness if they are to live to tell their tale.  This first in a series filled with adventure, magic and just enough peril to excite readers who love to explore new worlds without ever leaving home.

The Story Collector

Viviani Fedeler and her family live in the New York Public Library.  As the daughter of the library’s superintendent, she, her brothers, and best friend Eva have the stacks as their playground.  Convinced by weird noises and visions that the library is haunted by a careless construction worker who died there years ago, she sets out to prove the ghost is real.  When an expensive stamp collection goes missing from a library display, Vivi and the others are sure they can solve this mystery as well. Her tales of library intrigue, however, attract the attention of a new schoolmate who challenges Vivi to prove she’s telling the truth.  A prank orchestrated by the library kids to stop Merit’s teasing quickly gets out of hand though, revealing there may be more to uncover about their home than they ever imagined! This first in a series inspired by the real life of Viviani Joffre Fedeler who was born and raised in the New York Public Library is perfect for every book lover who has ever dreamed of getting locked in the library overnight!

Operation Frog Effect

Told through the voices of eight students in Ms. Graham’s fifth-grade class, this book tells the story of how these very different kids deal with issues like bullying, immigration, women’s rights, and homelessness.  Encouraged by their teacher to immerse themselves in the topics they study, these friends, ex-friends, and never will be friends, use notes, letters, journal entries, and graphic novel style comics to reveal their responses to being challenged to “think outside the box.”  When several of the students take their project too far, however, it is obvious that they did not foresee the consequences of their actions. Everyone makes mistakes, but what happens when your mistake hurts someone else? Can they set things right, learning, as one of the students says, “Once our rocks are thrown, pebbles or not, we cannot stop the ripples.  They have a life of their own.” Perfect for fans of Because of Mr. Terupt, this is a wonderful choice for a classroom read-aloud and study. 

The Season of Styx Malone:

Ten year-old Caleb Franklin, living with his family in a small Indiana town, is tired of just feeling ordinary.  The prospect of a more exciting summer appears to improve, however, when Caleb and his 11 year-old brother, Bobby Gene, meet a new neighbor, the older and very cool Styx Malone.  When the younger boys get to keep a sack of fireworks they offered to give up their baby sister for, Styx convinces them that they can use the fireworks to make a series of trades that will eventually get them the shiny moped at the local hardware store.  But as the trades get bigger, the boys find themselves in over their heads, resorting to sneaking out and evading the truth when their parents question their activities. They may not be the only ones keeping secrets though. It seems that Styx has kept some things from his new friends, things that reveal more about Styx than he wanted others to know.  This Coretta Scott King Honor title is a rambunctious yet heart-warming look at friendship and acceptance.

Song for a Whale:

Twelve year-old Iris has a passion for electronics and repairing antique radios.  She’s a strong student but gets frustrated with the challenges of being the only deaf kid in her classes.  To make things even more difficult, Iris’s parents don’t seem to understand her need to be involved in the local hearing-impaired community and she is dealing with the sudden loss of the grandfather she was very close to.  One day, Iris’s science class watches a video about a whale with an extremely unique voice, communicating at a much higher frequency than most every other whale. Feeling a kinship with Blue 55 and his inability to communicate with other whales, Iris becomes determined to use her electronics savvy to compose a song in his frequency and play it for him.  This mission however, will require her to travel from her home in Houston to Appleton, Alaska to do so in person. Can she find a way to let this whale know that he’s not alone? This heart-warming look at loneliness and the power of communication will appeal to fans of titles like Fish In a Tree and Out of My Mind.  

The Friendship War

Grace and Ellie have been best friends since second grade.  Ellie’s always right in the center of everything and Grace is happy to be her sidekick.  When Grace, who loves to collect almost anything, brings some of the buttons discovered in an old mill building her grandfather has purchased to school, however, it’s suddenly Grace who’s getting all of the attention.  The button craze gets the kids in her class, then her grade, and then the entire school over the top excited and collecting and trading them is now an obsession. Can Grace get her own compulsion and this new fad under control before it gets her in real trouble and destroys her friendship with Ellie?  A story about fads and the friendships that outlast them by the late author Andrew Clements that kids will enjoy.

Charlie Hernandez and the League of Shadows

Charlie Hernandez has always been proud of his Latin American heritage.  Loving the art and culture of his people, he possesses an expansive knowledge of the monsters and ghouls that are part of the Latino myths his abuela shared with him during his childhood.  When their South Florida house burns down and his parents disappear, Charlie begins living with Mrs. Wilson, an older woman who collects creepy looking dolls. As if the mystery of the fire isn’t enough, Charlie begins to grow horns and feathers, believing that the creatures of the legends he thought were only folklore may be real.  When the very cool and cute Violet Rey discovers Charlie’s new features, she becomes convinced that the two of them can unravel the mystery of a map they find in an old locket that belonged to his mother. Finding themselves in the midst of a battle between La Liga, a secret society of mythical creatures sworn to protect the Land of the Living and La Mano Peluda, a group of evil spirits determined to rule mankind, Charlie and Violet must face the demons of his heritage.  Does Charlie have the knowledge and courage it will take to find out why these changes are happening and, perhaps, find his parents in the process? With words in Spanish throughout the text, this first in a new series is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and an intriguing look at Latino mythology. 

The Magnificent Mya Tibbs: Mya in the Middle

Things have changed in the Tibbs house, and Mya isn’t happy about it.  She’s stuck in the middle between an exceptionally cute baby sister and an incredibly smart older brother, siblings who seem to be getting all of her parents’ attention.  When Mya, as part of a class project, decides to start her own school newspaper, she is sure this will get Mom and Dad to notice that she is fabulous as well. When the first edition of the paper is a big hit, Mya is sure her problem is solved.  When her parents don’t find the time to look at it, however, Mya proceeds to expand the paper’s reach into the community, a decision that may destroy key friendships and land her in big trouble at school and home. Can this budding fourth grade entrepreneur take responsibility for her actions and get things back on track?  A perfect choice for readers who love a spunky heroine figuring out how to fit in when life gets complicated.

Spies in Disguise: The Junior Novel

Super spy Lance Sterling and nerdy scientist Walter Beckett are almost exact opposites.  Lance is smooth, suave and ultimately cool while Walter is definitely none of those. But what Walter lacks in social skills, he makes up for in smarts and ingenuity, making the gadgets Lance uses on his epic missions.  When events go awry, however, and Lance is transformed into a pigeon, this unlikely duo suddenly have to rely on each other in a whole new way. A retelling of the hilarious movie, this junior novel features text and pictures that will entertain spy fans who enjoy some humor with their adventure!

Finding Langston

It’s 1946 and after Langston’s mother dies, his father feels that Alabama has nothing left for him and moves himself and his son to Chicago where he believes they can avoid the severe discrimination of the South.  A sensitive boy who was very close to his mother and has spent very little time with his father, Langston especially misses his grandmother and her cooking. He is teased and bullied at school but finds solace at the public library he stumbles upon by chance.  Unlike those in Alabama, the library in Chicago welcomes African-Americans. A friendly librarian helps him find great books, including books of poetry by Langston Hughes whom she assumes he was named for. As the school bullying intensifies and tragedy hits his family, Langston finds that this poetry and the kindness of a neighbor may be key to helping him find his place in this new home.  This Coretta Scott King Honor title is historical fiction at its best.

Sled Dog School

Eleven year old Matt is struggling in school but determined to
give his all to a class assignment to set up a real business, operate it and share its
success with his teacher and class. Matt is devoted to his team of sled dogs and decides to launch a school that will teach folks how to train a team of dogs. He
discovers, however, that the kids who sign up for the classes have a lot to learn
and a little to teach Matt about blazing new trails and building friendships along
the way. Great choice for readers who love dogs and outdoor adventure.

The Terrible Twos Go Wild

School’s out and Miles and Niles are running wild in
the woods outside town. Their exploring of caves, climbing trees and, of course,
pulling pranks may be over when bully Josh Barkin and his boot camp cadets
discover Miles and Niles and vow to destroy them. Can the boys outwit Josh and
his hooligans and live to prank another day? A book full of humor that will please
even the most reluctant of readers.

The Wild Robot

When a sophisticated robot named Roz washes ashore on a remote, wild island, this sole survivor from a cargo of 500 doesn’t know how she got there or what her purpose is but does know she needs to survive.  Though without emotion, Roz can use the senses of sight, hearing, and smell to figure out how to stay dry and intact in this wild environment, not a small feat in a place with fierce weather and animals that are less than welcoming.  When an accident leaves her as the sole protector of a young gosling she names Brightbill, Roz learns that the friendship and assistance of the island’ inhabitants are key to her adaptation to the island and the survival of the young goose.  An award-winning and heartwarming tale of what happens when nature and technology collide, this story is one destined to become a classic and a favorite of readers of all ages.

Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan

Eleven year-old Julia Marks has always been very short for her age, a fact she would rather not discuss.  She, at her mother’s insistence, joins her brother to audition for a community theater production of The Wizard of Oz and is cast as a Munchkin. Julia has never seen herself as a performer, but as she gets to know several of the play’s cast and crew, her confidence begins to grow. Olive, one of three adults with dwarfism also playing a Munchkin, and seventy-six year-old Mrs. Chang, a skilled costumer and fantastic Winged Monkey, befriend her and help her see that people are often much more than they appear at first glance. Perhaps being short doesn’t define Julia after all! A story for readers 9+ that will delight and inspire.

The Wild Robot Escapes

In this sequel to The Wild Robot, Roz has been brought back from the island, refurbished, and sent to Hilltop Farm to help on this family dairy farm.  Typical of Roz, she befriends all of the animals on the farm and the farmer’s children with her sweet and outgoing personality.  However, she desperately misses her life on the island, especially her goose son, Brightbill.  Even with the help of several sympathizers who aid in her escape, Roz is captured by the robot police and returned to a factory where she is to be reprogrammed to rid her of her personality which is seen as a malfunction.  Can Roz manage to avoid the reprogramming and find a way to return to her island home or is she destined to serve humans for the rest of her days?  The short chapters and enticing narrative of this story deal with the themes of friendship, the benefits and risks of technology, and the search for one’s identity.  A sequel that young readers love as much as the first!

Finding Orion

Rion Kwirk comes from a rather odd family.  His mother named him and his sisters after her favorite constellations and his father is a scientist who invents new jellybean flavors for a living.  But no one is more unusual than Rion’s grandfather, Papa Kwirk.  He’s the kind of guy who shows up on his motorcycle on holidays bringing items like crossbows, slingshots, poker chips and stuffed squirrels as gifts.  He’s mysterious, cool, and totally unpredictable unlike his son, Rion’s dad, who is somewhat nerdy and rather boring.  When the news of Papa Kwirk’s death is delivered by a clown with a singing telegram, the family heads off to Illinois for the funeral Aunt Gertie has arranged.  Shocked to discover that the casket doesn’t contain Papa Kwirk’s body but a clue that the family must decipher in order to find the grandfather’s ashes.  Over the next 24 hours, the family eats 36 scoops of ice cream, climbs a 40- foot tree, and fights off thieves at a local museum to solve the mystery and to better understand Papa Kwirk’s odd behaviors, a source of long-standing tension between father and son.  Can this hunt for the remains of his grandfather finally help Rion understand why Papa and Rion’s dad never seemed to get along and the family secrets behind their relationship?  This story for tween readers has bits of humor woven into a theme of the complications and challenges faced by even the best of families.   Great jumping off point for family and classroom discussions of empathy and acceptance.

The Boy at the Back of the Class

When a new 9 year-old boy named Ahmet joins Alexa’s class at a London school, she and the other students have questions.  Why does Ahmet never smile, talk to anyone, or go to lunch or recess with the other kids?  While waiting for pick-up after school one day, however, Alexa and her friends overhear two adults talking about the boy.  He is a refugee from Syria and does not yet speak English.  The children reach out to Ahmet with small gifts and smiles, speaking to him through the translator the school hires to help him.  They discover that he and his family were forced to flee the bombings in Syria but were separated in their escape.  His sister drowned in the sea and he does not know how to find his parents and bring them to London.  Standing up to a school bully and discovering her own family’s refugee experience, Alexa is determined to help her new friend.  When she and Ahmet’s other new friends learn that their country’s borders are about to be closed to refugees, they embark on a bold and dangerous plan to reunite him with his family.  Perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate’s Wishtree, this is a story of compassion and diversity that shouldn’t be overlooked. 

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

When Sal Vidon, a 13 year-old Type 1 diabetic, amateur magician, and new student at Miami’s Culeco Academy of the Arts, meets Gabi Real, the clever and sassy student body president, for the first time, it isn’t under the best of circumstances.  Sal is in the principal’s office for the third time in the first week of school and Gabi is there to support her friend, Yasmany, in whose locker Sal supposedly left a raw chicken! When Gabi discovers that Sal’s magic is powerful enough to poke holes in parallel universes and manipulate time and space, she is determined to join forces with him to right the wrongs of the universe.  Can Sal, who sometimes goes into another dimension to connect with his deceased mother, find a way to use his powers to help Gabi’s very sick little brother or will this amazing duo put the entire universe at risk?  This 2020 Pure Belpre Author Award winner is peppered with Spanish dialogue and slang, as well as generous helpings of Cuban cuisine.  This upbeat fiction featuring Spanish language and characters will entice fans of A Wrinkle in Time and Rick Riordan’s fantasy tales.