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| Spindlefish and Stars by Christiane M. AndrewsWhat it's about: After her thieving father disappears, loner Clo follows his last instructions and journeys to an eerie gray island. There, she meets a strange old weaver woman who orders Clo to spin the island's silver fish into thread.
Why you might like it: Dreamy hints of Greek mythology begin to surface as Clo learns more about the island, her family, and her own destiny, making Spindlefish and Stars a good choice for readers who like thoughtful, richly detailed fantasy. |
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| The Boys in the Back Row by Mike JungStarring: best friends Matt and Eric, both proud band geeks and comic book fans.
What happens: Just before Eric's family moves away, the boys decide to sneak out on an epic final adventure to meet their favorite graphic novelist at a comic-con. They might even get away with it -- unless their plan is ruined by Sean, the biggest jerk in class.
Read it for: an authentic (and funny!) look at middle school bullying and the close, caring friendship between two guys. |
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| Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte; illustrated by Ann XuWhat it's about: Although Cici likes her new hometown of Seattle, Washington, she still misses Taiwan and her A-má. Hoping to claim enough prize money to buy A-má a plane ticket, Cici (an expert with Taiwanese food) enters a cooking contest and begins a crash course on how to be an American chef.
Why you might like it: Colorful, manga-style art will keep you turning the pages of this graphic novel as Cici makes new friends, learns new recipes, and tries to balance her two cultures. |
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| How We Got to the Moon: The People, Technology, and Daring Feats of Science... by John RoccoWhat it is: a dramatic chronicle of the 1969 moon landing, packed with stunning illustrations and bite-sized chunks of information.
Why you might like it: Told in present tense and accompanied by vivid, full-color art, How We Got to the Moon makes you feel like you're right there with the astronauts, scientists, and other experts from historic moon missions.
About the author: You might recognize author/illustrator John Rocco's art style from the covers of the Percy Jackson books.
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| Ana on the Edge by A.J. SassWhat it's about: Thrilled to have leveled up in figure skating, 12-year-old Ana-Marie Jin is ready for new challenges. She's getting uncomfortable, however, with "girly" stuff like skirts or princess-themed skating programs. Can she compete in a sport that's divided between boys and girls if she's not sure where she fits in?
Who it's for: figure skating fans, readers in search of books by and about nonbinary people, and anyone who likes hopeful stories about being yourself. |
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Classics-Inspired Stories
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| More to the Story by Hena KhanWhat it is: an update of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women, starring Jameela, Maryam, Bisma, and Aleeza, four sisters from a close-knit Pakistani American family.
What happens: With a job on the school newspaper and an exciting friendship with British newcomer Ali, Jameela's 7th-grade year is looking up... until her dad goes overseas for work and Bisma becomes seriously ill.
Who it's for: readers who like feisty heroines, cozy vibes, and modern, realistic family stories. |
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A tail of Camelot
by Julie Leung
What it is: This "tail", inspired by the stories of King Arthur, follows the efforts of young mouse Calib Christopher to fulfill his dreams of becoming a Knight of the Round Table. When Calib and his friend Cecily discover that a new threat is gathering, it is up to them to unmask the real enemy, unite their forces, and save the castle they all call home.
Why you'll like it: With lovable characters and action-packed adventure, this is a satisfying story of small heroes accomplishing big things.
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| Sisterland by Salla Simukka; translated by Owen F. WitesmanWhat it is: a bewitching and moving fantasy with roots in Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Secret Garden, The Snow Queen, and other classic tales.
What happens: From a world of seemingly endless winter, curious Alice tumbles into Sisterland, a green and vibrant world where she meets Marissa, the friend she's always dreamed of. Eternal summer has a price, however, and the girls must undertake a dangerous quest to protect their home from the magic of Sisterland's Queen Lili. |
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Argos : the story of Odysseus as told by his loyal dog
by Ralph Hardy
What it's about: A reimagining of the epic tale of Odysseus, the ancient Greek hero who encounters witches and other obstacles on his journey home after fighting in the Trojan War, told from the point of view of his steadfast companion who never gives up hope of his master's safe return.
Perfect for: fans of the "Percy Jackson" series who are looking for a more traditional rendition of the classic Greek myths.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!
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