|
|
|
Birdie
by Eileen Spinelli
Still grieving for her father, twelve-year-old Birdie struggles to adjust to many changes, including when her grandmother, her mother, and her best friends all begin dating
|
|
|
The Moon Within
by Aida Salazar
What it’s about: Celi Rivera might be confused about her crush on Iván, and about her best friend Mar being genderfluid, but she’s sure she doesn’t want a traditional Mexica moon ceremony after her first period, no matter what her mom says.
Is it for you? The mature, poetic talk about puberty in The Moon Within might not be for everyone, but if you’ve ever felt like you’re between cultures, between genders, or between kid and teen, you might relate to Celi’s story.
|
|
|
A circle of elephants
by Eric Dinerstein
Thirteen-year-old Nanda Singh, the youngest elephant driver in Nepal, enjoys a very special relationship with his tusker, Hira Prashad, through which he grows in understanding and compassion with all animals, including humans
|
|
| Up for Air by Laurie MorrisonWhat it’s about: Although 13-year-old Annabelle has trouble keeping up in school, she’s the fastest girl on the swim team. Naturally, she jumps at the chance to swim with the high school team for the summer. But is fitting in with her new teammates worth letting go of her old friends?
Why you might like it: Annabelle is a realistically confused character, and you might see something of yourself in both her triumphs and her mistakes. |
|
|
Bone's gift
by Angie Smibert
"Bone is at the age when people in her mother's family often show signs of a gift, and lately strange things have been happening. When she touches certain objects, images wash over her. Pain is hidden in a rock at the bottom of New River. Whole stories are buried in the world around Bone. Is this her Gift? If so, Bone doesn't want it. And her Daddy is no help; he refuses to tolerate any discussion of the Gifts. The Bone finds an anonymous note: THE GIFT KILLED YOUR MOTHER. Could it be true? And if it is,could Bone's Gift kill her too? Bone is scared of the answers, but she also needs them. And bit by bit, question by question, object by object, Bone begins to unravel the mysteries in her family, and ultimately, the story of herself."--Jacket flap
|
|
For Fans of Raina Telgemeier
|
|
| Be Prepared by Vera BrosgolExpectations: Frustrated misfit Vera hopes that she'll finally fit in among the other Russian kids at a Russian American summer camp.
Reality: From mean girls to a terrifying outhouse, camp is nothing like Vera expected.
Why Raina fans might like it: Just like Raina often writes about her own life, this relatable graphic novel is based on the summer camp woes of author Vera Brosgol. |
|
| All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria JamiesonStarring: homeschooled 11-year-old Imogene "Impy" Vega, who’s just been promoted to squire at the Renaissance Faire where her parents work.
What happens: Impy’s ready for a quest, and going to public school seems like just the thing. But will it transform her into a brave knight or a spiky dragon?
Why Raina fans might like it: This tale of friends and "faire-mily" is just as amusing and authentic as Drama, Smile, or Sisters. |
|
| All Summer Long by Hope LarsonWhat it’s about: With her best friend Austin ignoring her texts while he’s away at soccer camp, Bina has a lot of free time for playing her guitar and hanging out with Charlie, Austin’s surprisingly cool older sister.
Why Raina fans might like it: All Summer Long's expressive cartoon art and truthful take on friendship are a good fit for fans of Raina's realistic books.
Series alert: Keep an eye out for sequels -- there are two on the way! |
|
|
Sheets
by Brenna Thummler
Featuring: Wendell, a sheet-wearing ghost who can't leave the human world behind; and Marjorie, who's grieving for her mom while also going to school, running the family laundromat, and taking care of her dad and brother.
What happens: Marjorie catches Wendell in the laundromat (hey, it's full of sheets!), and both lonely characters find the friendship they need.
Art alert: Soft pastels and spectral blue-grays add to the wistful, haunting atmosphere in this graphic novel.
|
|
|
The Breakaways
by Cathy G Johnson
An introverted fifth-grader with a vivid imagination is recruited by a popular older student onto a ragtag soccer team where, despite limited athletic performance, teammates form strong bonds that challenge their notions of loyalty, identity, friendship and unity. Simultaneous.
|
|
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!
|
|
|
San Mateo Public Library 55 West 3rd Avenue San Mateo, California 94402 (650) 522-7802www.smplibrary.org |
|
|
|