Kids' Books
January 2022

The library hours are Monday-Thursday 9am-9pm, Friday 9am-6pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Teen loft hours are Monday 3pm-9pm, Tuesday-Wednesday 2pm-9pm, Thursday-Friday 3pm-9pm, Saturday 9am-5pm, and Sunday 12pm-5pm. Masks are required in the library for patrons ages three and older. Please check our website for the latest updates and to register for children's and teen programs. 
 
Links to e-books or audiobooks are provided in the book descriptions if available in those formats. 
 
 
Recent Releases
The Swag Is in the Socks
by Kelly J. Baptist

On his birthday, seventh-grade loner Xavier Moon receives a wild pair of socks from his larger-than-life great uncle, along with a challenge to "get your sad self together." Trying to be as bold as his new socks, Xavier sets out to join the Scepter League, an exclusive club for boys with leadership abilities. Readers may also enjoy Janae Marks' From the Desk of Zoe Washington, another funny, honest read about a kid facing challenges and finding confidence. E-book available on Axis 360 and OverDrive (Libby app) and audiobook available on OverDrive.
It doesn't take a genius
by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich

Feeling sidelined when his older brother’s job as a summer camp counselor takes up much of the time they once spent together, Emmett struggles through the camp’s various activities while enlisting new friends for an ultimate camp awards night.
Ace Takes Flight
by Cory McCarthy

It's 2048, and 11-year-old Ace is finally living his dreams as a cadet at the Biological Enhancement Systems Technology (B.E.S.T.) Program, where students train to receive "augmentations" to their minds and bodies. Ace longs for wings -- but does he have what it takes to earn them? Ace Takes Flight kicks off the exciting B.E.S.T. World trilogy. E-book available on OverDrive (Libby app). 
Second Sleep
by Diane Stanley

After their mom unexpectedly disappears, Max and Rosie are sent to the family's lakeside cabin with their Grandma Mozelle. There, they find a crew of maybe-magical nighttime friends, and some captivating clues about what's happened to their mom. Readers may enjoy the realistic story of family and friendship with heart, mystery, and a fantasy twist. E-book available on OverDrive (Libby app). 
Stuck
by Jennifer Swender

Austin has moved schools enough times to become an expert on blending in and hiding his difficulties with reading. At his new school, Austin finds a real friend in energetic classmate Bertie, who wants him to join the Safety Squad with her -- which requires a written test. Austin is a determined, observant character who's easy to relate to, whether or not you live with a learning disability.
Chapter Book Roundup
Whether you're new to chapter books or you just can't get enough, you'll find something to love in the books and series below. 
 
The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp
by Jonathan Auxier; illustrated by Olga Demidova

Human child, Auggie, takes care of magical and "just plain weird" creatures at the Fabled Stables. When an empty stall for a shapeshifting wisp appears in the Stables, Auggie knows that there's a young wisp nearby in danger -- and in need of a daring rescue. This funny fantasy series-starter is packed with charming art, making it a great pick for fans of Adam Gidwidtz's Unicorn Rescue Society series. E-book and audiobook available on Hoopla.
13th Street: Battle of the Bad-Breath Bats
by David Bowles; illustrated by Shane Clester

While exploring Gulf City's Little Mexico, cousins Malia, Dante, and Ivan accidentally wind up on 13th Street, a creepy otherworld filled with giant, wicked Snatch Bats. With spine-tingling scares, short chapters, cartoon art, and progress bars to show you how far you've read, this video game-style chapter book (the 1st in a series) will keep you turning pages.
Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine
by Dusti Bowling: illustrated by Gina Perry

When food disappears from school, outgoing eight-year-old Aven Green is on the case. She's got the all the confidence and smarts of a great detective -- in fact, since she was born without arms, she's pretty sure her arm cells went to her brain instead. For another book about a bold kid who does her own thing, try Dawn Quigley's Jo Jo Makoons series; for more chapter book mysteries, try Dori Hillestad Butler's King & Kayla series.
Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us
by Lauren Castillo

Hedgehog is happy on her tiny island with Mutty, her stuffed dog. After a storm sweeps Mutty away, Hedgehog sets out to find him, and meets several helpful new friends along the way. The cute animals and cozy vibes in this series-starter will have you looking forward to the next book.
Readers may also enjoy Jacqueline Davies' Sydney & Taylor series, which also stars a hedgehog and friends.
Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business
by Lyla Lee; illustrated by Dung Ho

Seven-and-a-half-year-old Mindy Kim just moved to a new state with her dad after her mom died. Mindy wants to fit in at her new school and raise money for a puppy, so when her new friend Sally wants to start a seaweed snack business, Mindy agrees, even though it's against the rules. There are already lots of books in the upbeat Mindy Kim series, and more coming in 2022. Audiobook available on Hoopla.
Upcoming Virtual Children's Programs
 
For more information about upcoming events, please visit the Park Ridge Public Library's events calendar. Unless noted otherwise, events require registration. 
 
Due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, the library will continue to offer children's and teen programs on a virtual platform. We appreciate your patience as we continue to adjust programs based on local health metrics. 
 
 
February 4

4:00pm-4:30pm 
Virtual Kids' Kitchen | Pizza Roll-ups | Grades 4 and Up

Join us in our online kitchen as we make a yummy treat! 
February 8

4:15pm-5:00pm
Virtual Graphic Novel Book Discussion : Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd | Grades 4 and Up

Who says graphic novels don't count as reading? We think they are super awesome and want to share them with you in our graphic novel book discussion.
February 13

1:00pm-1:15pm
1:20pm-1:35pm
1:40pm-1:55pm
2:00pm-2:15pm
Read to the Dogs | Grades 1-6

Read to a sweet dog from Rainbow Assisted Animal Therapy. This program is held in-person at the library in the first floor meeting room. 
February 16

4:00pm-4:30pm
Virtual Directed Doodles | Grades 1 and Up

Join us for some free-form art fun as we guide you through the steps of creating your very own drawing.
February 21

2:00pm-2:45pm
Virtual Lego Club | Grades K and Up

Break out your finest interlocking blocks and dust off your imagination because Lego Club is back! We'll give you the challenges, you'll show off your building skills. 
 
 
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
Park Ridge Public Library
20 S. Prospect Ave.
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
847-825-3123

www.parkridgelibrary.org