Kids' Books November 2019 Recent Releases Ruby Redfort Blink and You Die by Lauren Child Thirteen-year-old genius and undercover agent Ruby Redfort finds herself dealing with a terrifying series of threats that suggest that one of the people closest to her has betrayed her. The Burning Queen by Kathryn Lasky Forced to abandon Princess Elizabeth when Mary ascends the English throne, Rose sews elaborate gowns for the new queen’s upcoming wedding before violently escalating attacks on Protestants compel her to escape into the 21st century.  The Crossover : a basketball novel by Kwame Alexander A graphic novel rendering of the Newbery Medal-winning novel follows the experiences of a young basketball star who confronts a difficult choice between athletics and his talent for rap music. Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy Starring: seventh-grader Sweet Pea, who spends her time shuttling between her divorced parents’ identical houses, intercepting letters sent to the local advice columnist, and hanging out with her giant cat.   What happens: Although Sweet Pea has good intentions when she starts responding to the stolen letters, the results make things complicated for both her family and her changing friendships. Who it’s for: older readers who enjoy drama sweetened with humor and heart. The collected works of Gretchen Oyster by Cary Fagan Hartley Staples, near-graduate of middle school, is grappling with the fact that his older brother has run away from home, when he finds a handmade postcard that fascinates him. And soon he spots another. Despite his losing interest in pretty much everything since Jackson ran away, Hartley finds himself searching for cards in his small town at every opportunity, ignoring other responsibilities, namely choosing a topic for his final project. Who is G.O. and why are they scattering cards about the town? Spies Mac B., Kid Spy: Mac Undercover by Mac Barnett; illustrated by Mike Lowery What it is: the story of how regular kid (and future author) Mac Barnett became a secret agent in the 1980s. It's all true, too! Or so he says… What happens: The Queen of England asks Mac to find her stolen Coronation Spoon, leading him to a corgi sidekick, an international search, and some extremely silly spycraft.  Don't miss: a drawing of the Queen wearing unicorn jammies, one of the many laugh-till-you-snort cartoons in this series-starting chapter book. The League of Unexceptional Children by Gitty Daneshvari What it’s about: The U.S. vice president has been kidnapped, national security is at risk, and the country's best hope is two extremely ordinary middle schoolers.   Starring: Shelley and Jonathan, the newest recruits to the League of Unexceptional Children, a spy agency made up of kids so average that no one notices them. Why you might like it: Shelley and Jonathan's offbeat, fast-paced adventure will leave you laughing -- and reaching for Get Smart-ish, the next book in the series.  Mrs. Smith's Spy School for Girls by Beth McMullen What it’s about: After transferring to the elite Smith School, rule-breaker Abigail is shocked to learn that the school doubles as a spy training program, and that her first spy mission will be to locate her mom, and undercover agent who’s gone missing.  Read it for: off-kilter humor, cool spy gear, and plenty of action. You might also like: Stuart Gibbs’ Spy School, another funny page-turner that kicks off a series about spies in training. The Doublecross (and Other Skills I Learned As a Superspy) by Jackson Pearce What it’s about: Hale Jordan might be “as graceful as a potato,” but when his parents, superspies for the Sub Rosa Society, disappear during a mission, he’s ready to rescue them from the evil League. Only it turns out that the League might not be as evil as Hale thought...    What’s inside: easy-to-like characters and clever plot twists, as well as spy gadgets made from pipe cleaners and lasers.  Codename Zero by Chris Rylander The setting: Minot, North Dakota, where seventh-grader Carson fends off boredom through epic pranks. The set-up: Carson definitely isn’t bored after a mysterious man hands him a package that’s set to self-destruct, leading Carson to uncover the secret government agencies and scary conspiracies that lurk in his not-so-humdrum hometown.   Read it for: a high-energy thriller that will make you smile and keep you on the edge of your seat. Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11! Contra Costa County Library 777 Arnold Drive, Suite 210 | Martinez, California 94553 | 800-984-4636 ccclib.org