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Muddle School by Dave WhamondWhat it's about: Dave doesn't have high hopes for his first day at a new school in a new town called Muddle. But he has no idea just how bad things are going to be. Getting bullied, having his secret crush revealed to the entire class, and then that snot bubble... No, Dave is totally not killing it at Muddle School. But then Dave begins working on a time machine for the science fair and he gets a brilliant idea. What if he goes back in time to redo that first day of school and avoids doing all the dumb and embarrassing stuff he did? Could that turn everything around for him? Could Dave actually become... cool?
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| Living With Viola by Rosena FungStarring: artistic Livy, who just wants to find friends and make her parents proud by doing well at her new school, and Viola, a shadow version of Livy who's a constant reminder of her fear, embarrassment, and self-doubt.
Art alert: Warm, bright colors make up Livy's world in this graphic novel, with Viola's blue tones and intrusive speech bubbles showing the impact of anxiety and depression.
Read it for: a moving and ultimately hopeful slice of life. |
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Pony by R. J. PalacioWhat it is: The bestselling author of Wonder returns with an enthralling adventure about a boy on a quest to rescue his father, with only a ghost as his companion and a mysterious pony as his guide. Rave reviews: R. J. Palacio spins a harrowing yet distinctly beautiful coming-of-age story about the power of love and the ties that bind us across distance and time. With the poignant depth of War Horse and the singular voice of True Grit, this is one of those rare books poised to become an instant classic for readers of all ages.
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| The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan StroudWelcome to: flood-covered future Britain, where water monsters, cannibalistic mutants, and controlling rulers make life dangerous, especially for renegades like bank robber Scarlett McCain.
What happens: After Scarlett pulls Albert Browne from the wreckage of an accident, the new allies find themselves on the run from relentless, bowler-hatted pursuers.
Author alert: If you loved author Jonathan Stroud's Lockwood & Co. series, you don't want to miss the breathless action and quick-fire banter in this new series opener. |
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For fans of: the Aru Shah and Serpent's Secret series, this action-packed fantasy-adventure sees a girl's drawings of Indian mythology spring to vivid life--including the evil god who seeks to enter the real world and destroy it.
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| The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne UrsuWhat it's about: Accused of ruining her brother's audition with Illyria's all-male Sorcerer's Guild, 12-year-old Marya is sent to the Dragomir Academy, a boarding school to keep unruly girls in line.
Who it's for: fantasy fans will enjoy the eerie, fascinating world of Illyria, while mystery fans will be drawn into curious Marya's discoveries about girls' magical potential -- and the Academy's hidden purpose. |
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| Dust & Grim by Chuck WendigWhat it's about: Newly orphaned, 13-year-old cosplayer Molly Grim goes to live with her long-separated older brother Dustin, who runs their family's highly unusual business: a funeral home for monsters.
Featuring: talking wolves, a magic devourer, an unpredictable fox spirit, a chill vampire, and many other creatures (both friendly and frightening).
Why you might like it: humor, horror, and the growing bond between rival siblings drive this offbeat story. |
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| The Line Tender by Kate AllenStarring: twelve-year-old Lucy, who inherited a fascination with sharks from her late mother, a marine biologist.
What happens: After a second tragic loss leaves Lucy devastated, her summer project -- an illustrated field guide to her coastal hometown -- becomes her lifeline.
Who it’s for: anyone looking for sensitive, honest stories about finding hope during tough times. |
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| Each Tiny Spark by Pablo CartayaWhat it's about: Managing middle school with ADHD is tough enough, and right now Emilia's also dealing with her mom traveling for work and her dad retuning from deployment. After learning about injustices in her hometown, however, Emilia finally finds something she can focus on -- and maybe even change.
Try this next: Alyson Gerber's Focused for another girl's ADHD experiences. |
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| When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson with Omar MohamedWhat it is: Omar Mohamed's real-life experiences as an orphaned Somali kid in a Kenyan refugee camp, co-written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson, creator of Roller Girl.
What happens: Surrounded by harsh conditions and caring neighbors, Omar studies hard, looks after his brother Hassan, and hangs on to the hope of resettlement.
Why you might like it: Honest writing and vivid art makes you feel like you're right there with Omar throughout this heartwrenching yet heartwarming story. |
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Clutch by Heather CamlotWhat it's about: It's 1946. A poor Jewish neighbourhood in Montreal where a few dollars equal a fortune, and no matter where you go, you'll find the best home cooking anywhere on earth. It's also a million miles away from the posh mansions on the other side of town. But a 12-year-old boy can hope.Just across town something incredible is happening. Jackie Robinson is playing for the Montreal Royals. And he's going to change the world. If Jackie can do it, then so too can a poor Jewish kid from The Plateau.
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