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| Thirteen Witches: The Memory Thief by Jodi Lynn AndersonStarring: twelve-year-old Rosie, who's just gained the ability to see magic, and her absent-minded, unloving mother.
What happens: Realizing that her mother's memory has been cursed by one of 13 evil witches, Rosie (along with her best friend Germ and some ghostly assistance) decides to fight for her mom -- and herself.
Who it's for: With swift pacing, imaginative magic, and a captivating storytelling style, The Memory Thief is a good bet for fans of Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon. |
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| Amina's Song by Hena KhanWhat it's about: At the start of 7th grade, talented songwriter Amina is wondering where she belongs. While visiting Pakistan, she sometimes felt "not Pakistani enough," but now that she's back in Wisconsin, her friends don't understand her love for Pakistan. How is she supposed to be herself when she's always stuck in-between?
Series alert: This hopeful and heartfelt story is a sequel to Amina's Voice, but you can enjoy it on its own.
You might also like: Sherri Winston's The Sweetest Sound. |
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| Flood City by Daniel José OlderWelcome to: Flood City, humanity's last stronghold on a drowned Earth.
What happens: With war brewing between Flood City's Star Guard and the spaceship-dwelling Chemical Barons, an unexpected alliance between City musician Max and renegade Baron Ato might be the only thing preventing the city's destruction.
Why you might like it: This science fiction standalone boasts a pulse-pounding plot and a future setting packed with memorable characters, mutant hybrid animals, and divided loyalties. |
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The Stolen Prince of Cloudburst
by Jaclyn Moriarty
Starring: Esther, an ordinary middle child (unlike her shining star siblings) who's content to go to school, hang out with friends, and let others take care of things.
Why you might like it: The story features an epic, high-stakes climax, a smattering of little mysteries, and the most repugnant teacher since Dolores Umbridge!
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All You Knead is Love
by Tanya Guerrero
What happens: 12-year-old Alba doesn't want to live with her estranged grandmother in Barcelona. But in her new home, the two form a close relationship. Alba also gains a supportive father figure, new friends, and even discovers a passion and talent for baking. By getting to know the city her mother used to call home, Alba starts to understand her mother better--and may just be able to make their family whole again.
For fans of: Erin Entrada Kelly's Hello Universe or Meg Medina's Merci Suarez Changes Gears.
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| Scar Island by Dan GemeinhartThe setting: Slabhenge Reformatory for Troubled Boys, an eerie, ramshackle island prison.
What happens: Twelve-year-old Jonathan has only just arrived at Slabhenge when a lightning strike kills all of the cruel adults, leaving the juvenile offenders to a wild, unsupervised lifestyle...until a storm threatens the island and a ruthless new leader rises.
Read it for: a suspenseful, high-stakes survival story.
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| The Explorers: The Door in the Alley by Adrienne KressIntroducing: Sebastian, a cautious science geek who takes a wrong turn and winds up trespassing in the mysterious Explorers Society.
What happens: A puzzle box from the Society leads Sebastian to an orphan named Evie, a pig wearing a teeny hat, and a group of explorers known as the Filipendulous Five
Series alert: If you like the quirky humor and clever, Lemony Snicket-style narration in this series opener, don't miss the next book, The Reckless Rescue. |
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| The Skeleton Tree by Iain LawrenceWhat it's about: After a sailing trip ends in a shipwreck, 12-year-old Chris finds himself stranded on a remote Alaskan coast with Frank, an older boy he barely knows and doesn't trust.
Why you might like it: Chris and Frank are both layered characters, and the strained bond between them provides just as much tension and drama as their struggle for survival amid the frigid weather and hungry animals of the Alaskan wilderness. |
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| The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid by Colin Meloy; illustrated by Carson EllisWhat it's about: While living in 1961 France, lonely American Charlie is thrilled to be accepted into a crew of pickpockets -- and shocked to discover that the stakes of his new hobby are higher than he could have imagined.
Why you might like it: Growing suspense, colorful slang, and funny asides from the narrator will keep you hooked throughout this highly unusual heist adventure. |
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| The Explorer by Katherine RundellThe disaster: Following a tragic plane crash, Fred, Con, Lila, and Max are stranded in Brazil's Amazon rainforest.
The survivors: Combining their skills and following an ancient map, the kids journey downriver and gain firsthand experience of nature's challenges (dodging piranhas, eating grubs) and wonders (pink dolphins, baby sloths). Try this next: Ben Mikaelson's Jungle of Bones, another survival adventure with a vivid jungle setting. |
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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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