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Diary of a wimpy kid : big shot by Jeff KinneyWhat happens: After a disastrous field day competition at school, Greg decides that when it comes to his athletic career, he's officially retired. But after his mom urges him to give sports one more chance, he reluctantly agrees to sign up for basketball. When everything is on the line and the ball is in Greg's hands, will he rise to the occasion? Or will he blow his big shot? Why you might like it: This laugh out loud 16th installment of the best-selling Diary of a Wimpy Kid series will relate to any kid who has had a hard time participating in sports. |
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| The Insiders by Mark OshiroThe set-up: At his old middle school, it wasn't a big deal for Héctor to be gay. But at his new school, kids treat him like an outsider -- and bullies see him as a target.What happens: While looking for a hiding place, Héctor finds an impossible room where he meets Juliana and Sal, two kids from faraway places who share Héctor's need for a safe space.
Why you might like it: This relatable friendship story offers just a touch of fantasy. |
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¡¡Manu!!by Kelly FernándezWelcome to: La Academia de Santa Dominga, a magical girls' school where orphan Manu (not Manuela) is the most powerful witchling in class -- and the most unruly.
What happens: After her best friend Josefina gets mad and wishes Manu's magic away, Manu has to decide just how much danger she'll risk to get it back.
Why you might like it: Manu's friendships are realistically messy; and fun, cartoony artwork brings the Caribbean-inspired world of this graphic novel to life. |
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Playing the cards you're dealtby Varian JohnsonWhat happens: Hoping to measure up to his father’s expectations at the card table, 10-year-old Anthony Joplin keeps his strategy a secret until he discovers his father has been hiding one that could tear their family apart. Reviewers say: "Via an omniscient, 'mostly hands-off' narrator who dynamically breaks down the 'great African American institution called spades,' Johnson deftly and realistically portrays family, friend, and classroom dynamics alongside lively descriptions of the beloved game." -Publishers Weekly |
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Creatures of the flood by Erin HunterWhat happens: Three panda cubs who were separated at birth must find each other to fulfill a prophecy that had been made long before they were born to save their Kingdom from a mysterious tiger. 100,000 first printing. New Series Alert: This first book of a thrilling new animal adventure series from Erin Hunter is sure to enthrall readers of her other bestselling series, Warriors, Seekers, Survivors, and more! |
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| The Line Tender by Kate AllenStarring: twelve-year-old Lucy, who inherited a fascination with sharks from her late mother, a marine biologist.
What happens: After a second tragic loss leaves Lucy devastated, her summer project -- an illustrated field guide to her coastal hometown -- becomes her lifeline.
Who it’s for: anyone looking for sensitive, honest stories about finding hope during tough times. |
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| Each Tiny Spark by Pablo CartayaWhat it's about: Managing middle school with ADHD is tough enough, and right now Emilia's also dealing with her mom traveling for work and her dad retuning from deployment. After learning about injustices in her hometown, however, Emilia finally finds something she can focus on -- and maybe even change.
Try this next: Celia C. Pérez's Strange Birds for another story about kid activists, or Alyson Gerber's Focused for another girl's ADHD experiences. |
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| When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson with Omar MohamedWhat it is: Omar Mohamed's real-life experiences as an orphaned Somali kid in a Kenyan refugee camp, co-written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson, creator of Roller Girl.
What happens: Surrounded by harsh conditions and caring neighbors, Omar studies hard, looks after his brother Hassan, and hangs on to the hope of resettlement.
Why you might like it: Honest writing and vivid art makes you feel like you're right there with Omar throughout this heartwrenching yet heartwarming story. |
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| Tight by Torrey MaldonadoWhat it's about: All Bryan wants is a drama-free life of reading and drawing comics. But his hotheaded dad -- who's in and out of jail -- thinks he's too soft, and his best friend Mike keeps pressuring him to try risky stuff. How can Bryan know what to do when he's being pulled in different directions?
You might also like: Jason Reynolds' Ghost, Paula Chase's Dough Boys, and other authentic stories about middle school guys with complicated families and friendships. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!
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Carrollton Public Library 1700 Keller Springs Road, Carrollton Texas 75006 4220 North Josey Lane, Carrollton Texas 75010 |
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