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Books for Kids and Tweens December 2025 |
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| The Last Ember: The Aerimander Chronicles Book 1 by Lily Berlin DoddAfter wealthy 12-year-old chemist Eva is unknowingly given the egg of an aerimander, a supposedly extinct, dragon-like creature, she joins forces with orphaned would-be thief Dusty to keep the egg out of evil hands. Witty humor and thoughtful takes on science and magic will draw fantasy fans to this series opener. (Ages 10-13.)
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| Chris Makes a Friend by Alex GinoSent to stay with their grandparents while their mom recovers from surgery, bookish 12-year-old Chris and her athletic younger sister Becca are both having a tough time. But then Chris meets Mia, and their friendship helps her understand more about herself and her complicated family. Read-alike: Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Fooled by Susan Haas with Lexi HaasAlong with the other disabled kids at her unsupportive middle school, wheelchair-using fantasy fan Lil Evers is used to being sidelined. But after some wizard school roleplaying accidentally convinces people that she and her friends can do magic, Lil is suddenly getting a lot of attention -- both good and bad. Likeable, authentic characters anchor this own voices story. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Winging It by Megan Wagner Lloyd; illustrated by Michelle Mee NutterTwelve-year-old Luna doesn't want to move across the country with her dad, especially not to move in with the strict grandma she hardly knows. But after discovering old nature journals from the mom she never knew, Luna finds unexpected connections to her new home. Cartoony art and honest emotions make this graphic novel a strong choice for realistic fiction fans. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Time Lions and the Chrono-Loop by Krystal Sutherland and Martin SeneviratneBritish Sri Lankan twins Patrick and Pearl are so brilliant that they've created their own time travel device. But are they smart enough to make the right choices when they're approached by both a secret society of timeline protectors and a tech CEO who wants to "fix history"? This fast-paced and twisty adventure is the 1st in a duology. (Ages 10-13.)
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| Night Chef by Mika SongNight Chef is a raccoon cook who lives inside the walls of a fancy human restaurant. When she meets baby crow Ichi, Night Chef ventures out of her safe home in search of the hatchling's family. Illustrated with watercolor art and set in a cozy animal-centric world, this graphic novel will appeal to both foodies and fantasy fans. Read-alike: Rutabaga the Adventure Chef by Eric Colossal. (Ages 6-10.)
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| Henry's Picture-Perfect Day by Jenn Bailey; illustrated by Mika SongIt's Picture Day for Classroom 10, and friendly, autistic Henry doesn't like the uncomfortable clothes or practiced smiles. Luckily, an unexpected incident with a loose tooth helps him and his classmates remember their reasons for real smiles. This honest, warmhearted book is 3rd in the series that begins with Henry, Like Always. (Ages 6-9.)
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| Growing Home by Beth Ferry; illustrated by The Fan BrothersIn this quirky illustrated chapter book, you'll meet the non-human residents of the Tupper household: grumpy goldfish Toasty, pretty plant Ivy, wise spider Arthur, and sweet violet Ollie. They're an unlikely bunch, but with the help of a magical antique, they might be able to protect their home from looming threats. Read-alike: Lauren Castillo's Our Friend Hedgehog. (Ages 6-9.)
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| Catty Corner Lands on Her Feet by Julie MurphyShy second-grader Catty, who's half-cat and half-girl, is about to try human school for the first time. Can she find her way, or will her failure to fit in "go down in hissssstory"? For more pun-filled stories about Catty, check out the next book in the series, Catty Corner Pounces Into Action. (Ages 6-9.)
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| Jasper Rabbit's Creepy Tales: Troubling Tonsils! by Aaron Reynolds; illustrated by Peter BrownBlending humor and horror, this series starter stars Charlie Marmot, who's supposed to have his tonsils removed -- except his tonsils seem to have a mind of their own, as well as a thirst for revenge! Told in the eerie style of an old-school black-and-white TV show, this illustrated chapter book will keep you guessing until the end. (Ages 6-9.)
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Amina Banana and the Formula for Winning
by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Meet Amina Banana! This clever third grader is back in book two of this new chapter book series, determined to win her school's spelling bee. Perfect for readers of The Questioneers and Junie B. Jones! Amina Banana's third grade class is abuzz with excitement for the upcoming spelling bee. But spelling in English is tough for Amina. Still, she's going to prove to her classmates that even if English is an additional language for her, she can take home the gold medal.
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A Field Guide to Broken Promises
by Leah Stecher
When Evie Steinberg's family moves right before seventh grade, she promises her dad that she'll make sure everything goes perfectly . Maybe if she keeps her promise, he'll finally forgive her for accidentally ruining the biggest moment of his cryptozoology career last spring. Perfect means taking care of her little sister, fitting in at her new school, and never complaining or causing problems. Perfect definitely doesn't mean being bullied by a girl who's turning the whole school against her and failing math class. Evie needs to fix her life before anyone finds out she's struggling. When she uses her cryptozoologist skills to figure out the real reason her bully decided to target her, Evie realizes that she holds the key to fixing everything. She just needs proof. But how far is Evie willing to go to reveal the truth? This tender and imaginative middle grade novel combines a fast-paced plot and reluctant reader appeal with explorations of perfectionism, people-pleasing, and bullying
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Contact your librarian for more great books! |
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Gail Borden Public Library District
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Main Library - 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin, IL 60120 - 847-742-2411
Rakow Branch - 2751 W. Bowes Rd., Elgin, IL 60124 - 847-531-7271
South Elgin Branch - 127 S. McLean Blvd., South Elgin, IL 60177 - 847-931-2090
http://www.gailborden.info/
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If a title in this list is not available in the format you prefer, please request it online.
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