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| The Land of the Cranes by Aida SalazarWhat it is: A story in verse about one family's survival after they're separated by Immigration Customs Enforcement.
What happens: Nine-year-old Betita's hopes for refuge in the U.S. are destroyed when her papi is deported to Mexico, and she and her mami are forced into a grim detention camp.
Is it for you? Though Betita's story may be too painful for some readers, others will welcome its heartwrenching poetry and un-sugarcoated point-of-view, which was inspired by the author's own childhood.
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| Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake; illustrated by Jon KlassenIntroducing: Badger, a stuck-in-his-ways rock scientist who wants to be left alone to do Important Rock Work; and Skunk, the unexpected roommate whose love of messy cooking and chicken storytime brings joy and chaos to Badger's quiet life.
Series alert: Packed with offbeat humor, juicy vocabulary, and charming, old-timey illustrations, Skunk and Badger kicks off a series of odd-couple adventures.
For fans of: Kate DiCamillo's sweetly sophisticated animal fantasies. |
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| Three Keys by Kelly YangWelcome to: the Calivista Hotel, California, 1994, where 11-year-old Mia Tang and her Chinese American parents are keeping the hotel running despite money problems and the threat of a new anti-immigrant law.
Why you might like it: Although Mia faces realistically tough situations, she can depend on her family, her friends, and her growing skills as a writer.
Series alert: Fans of Front Desk will be happy to revisit Mia's world, but newcomers can also enjoy this thoughtful, heartfelt sequel. |
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| Blended by Sharon M. DraperWhat it's about: Even though her divorced parents still love her, 11-year-old piano player Isabella feels torn between her wealthy Black dad and her working-class white mom.
Read it for: a true-to-life character dealing with relatable problems at home and at school.
Why fans of New Kid might like it: The main characters in both books face down racism (in big and small ways) while figuring out who they are apart from how other people see them. |
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| Merci Suárez Changes Gears by Meg MedinaStarring: Merci Suárez, who's having a rough year: her friendships are all confusing now that she's in 6th grade, her family responsibilities don't leave time for soccer, and her grandpa, Lolo, is acting strange.
Read it for: Merci's annoying yet awesome family and her confident, funny outlook.
Why fans of New Kid might like it: Both Merci and New Kid's Jordan are made to feel out of place by the privileged kids at their private schools. |
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| Real Friends by Shannon Hale; illustrated by LeUyen PhamWhat it's about: Before she was a famous author, Shannon Hale was an awkward, imaginative girl looking for one good friend.
What happens: At home, Shannon's scary older sister Wendy bullies her, while at school, Shannon's maybe-best-friend Adrienne begins hanging out with mean popular girls.
Why fans of New Kid might like it: Similar to New Kid, Real Friends (and its sequel, Best Friends) offers crisp, colorful artwork and an honest yet hopeful look at belonging and being yourself. |
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| Stargazing by Jen WangWhat it’s about: Although they’re from the same Chinese American community, well-behaved Christine doesn’t have much in common with hot-tempered, artsy Moon. Yet when the girls become neighbors, they soon find themselves sharing secrets and K-pop videos -- until jealousy and upsetting news threaten their newfound friendship.
Art alert: warm colors and expressive illustrations add energy to this graphic novel.
Why fans of New Kid might like it: Both books star authentic characters navigating different cultures and social pressures. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
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