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Aru Shah and the End of Time
by Roshani Chokshi
Introducing: seventh-grader Aru, who accidentally frees an ancient demon and discovers that she's the reincarnation of a demigod -- which means it's up to her to stop the demon and save the world.
Try this next: For another funny, fast-paced adventure filled with Indian deities and demons, try Sayantani Dasgupta's The Serpent's Secret.
Series alert: This series opener is the 1st book from Rick Riordan Presents, a new collection of mythological fantasy series chosen by the popular author himself.
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As Brave As You
by Jason Reynolds
What it’s about: While visiting his grandparents in rural Virginia, Brooklyn-born worrywart Genie has to deal with heat, no Internet access, a strict Grandma, and a Grandpop who carries a gun even though he’s losing his eyesight.
Is it for you? If you love characters who feel so real that it’s like you know them, don’t miss this standalone book from author of the popular TRACK series.
Award buzz: honored in 2017 by the Coretta Scott King Award (and several others, too!).
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| Eventown by Corey Ann HayduWhat it’s about: Elodee and her family have just moved to Eventown, where it’s always sunny, the air tastes like blueberries, and everyone is perfectly content...everyone except Elodee.
Why you might like it: The further you read in this suspenseful, bittersweet story, the more curious you’ll become about what lies beneath Eventown’s polished perfection, and what happened to Elodee’s family that made them move there. |
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Absolutely Almost
by Lisa Graff
Starring: ten-year-old Albie, who feels like he's not talented or smart enough to measure up to his family's expectations.
What happens: Kicked out of private school because he can't keep up in math and reading, Albie faces bullies at his new public school, but finds friendship with fellow outsider Betsy and free-spirited babysitter, Calista.
Is it for you? If you liked R.J. Palacio's Wonder or Jerry Spinelli's Loser, you'll enjoy this glimpse into the life of another caring but unpopular kid.
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Merci Suárez Changes Gears
by Meg Medina
Starring: Merci Suárez, who's having a rough year: her friendships are all confusing now that she's in 6th grade, her family duties don't leave her enough time for the soccer team, and her grandpa, Lolo, is acting weird.
Why you might like it: Whether or not you relate to Merci's big family -- who can be as annoying as they are awesome -- it's hard to resist her honest, funny outlook.
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| Lucky Broken Girl by Ruth BeharWhat it’s about: In 1966, things are looking up for Jewish Cuban immigrant Ruthie -- she's the hopscotch queen of Queens, her English is getting better, and her Papi finally lets her have a pair of go-go boots. Then, a car accident leaves her stuck in a full-body cast for a year.
Is it for you? If you like bittersweet, realistic stories about surviving tough situations, you don't want to miss Lucky Broken Girl.
Award buzz: winner of the 2018 Pura Belpré Award. |
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| The War That Saved My Life by Kimberly Brubaker BradleyStarring: strong-willed Ada, who has a limp due to a clubfoot; Jamie, her little brother; and Susan, the prickly woman who takes them both into her home after they flee World War II-era London.
Why you might like it: After surviving years of abuse from her cruel mother, Ada is a tough character, but you’ll be drawn in by her anger, frustration, and eventual joy as she learns to trust in herself and her new home.
Award buzz: winner of the 2016 Schneider Family Book Award. |
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| Cilla Lee-Jenkins: Future Author Extraordinaire by Susan Tan; illustrated by Dana WulfekotteIntroducing: eight-and-a-half-year-old Cilla, who’s destined to be a big-name author someday. That means she’s got to start writing her life story now, before it's turned upside down by "The Blob," the new baby her mom is expecting.
Who it’s for: Anyone who's ever felt both loved and annoyed by their family will want to root for Cilla in this funny 1st book in a series.
Award buzz: honored in 2018 by the Asian/Pacific American Literature Award.
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| Funny Bones: Posada and His Day of the Dead Calaveras by Duncan TonatiuhWho it’s about: You might not know his name, but you may have seen José Guadalupe Posada's bones. Known as Don Lupe, he transformed calaveras -- those smiling skeletons you see during Día de los Muertos -- into an art form that's still used today.
Art alert: the chunky, eye-catching illustrations in this biography contain examples of Don Lupe's own art.
Award buzz: honored in 2016 by the Pura Belpré Award. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
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Richmond Public Library 101 E. Franklin Street Richmond, VA 23219 (804)646-7223
rvalibrary.org
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