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The Sound of Danger
by Mac Barnett
Investigating the theft of a priceless historical violin, Mac B., kid spy, organizes a museum patrol that finds him zip-lining into Italy with his trusty corgi sidekick on an undercover mission in the heart of enemy territory.
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Alone in the Woods
by Rebecca Behrens
Rising eighth-graders Jocelyn and Alex, former best friends forced together on a family vacation, must cooperate to survive when they get lost in the Wisconsin Northwoods. Told in two voices.
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| Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. BunceIntroducing: Myrtle, a 12-year-old girl who’s more interested in crime and toxicology than she is in following Victorian rules for Young Ladies of Quality.
What happens: When nobody in her small English village believes that Myrtle’s neighbor was poisoned, Myrtle decides to find the murderer herself, proving both her intelligence and her skill as a sleuth.
Series alert: Packed with wit, twists, and eccentric characters, this book kicks off the Myrtle Hardcastle Mystery series. |
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| Twins by Varian Johnson; illustrated by Shannon WrightStarring: brainy, nervous Maureen and confident go-getter Francine, identical twin sisters who used to be best friends.
What happens: Starting middle school highlights the ways in which the sisters are growing apart, although they still agree about one thing: each wants to beat the other in the race for class president.
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| Saucy by Cynthia KadohataWhat it's about: In search of something to set her apart from her three siblings, 11-year-old Becca adopts a lost, sick piglet and names it Saucy. But adding an ever-growing pig to an already busy, messy family turns out to be way more trouble than Becca expected.
Why you might like it: It's hard not to smile at Saucy's attitude-filled antics, and you'll want to spend even more time with Becca and her diverse, loving, perfectly imperfect family. |
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Ana María Reyes Does Not Live in a Castle
by Hilda Eunice Burgos
With a new sibling (her fourth) on the way and a big piano recital on the horizon, Dominican-American Ana María Reyes tries to win a scholarship to a New York City private school.
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| One-Third Nerd by Gennifer Choldenko; illustrated by Églantine CeulemansWhat it's about: Either the dog or the family has to go! So says the landlord of the apartment where Liam and his family live with Cupcake, their German Shepherd who keeps peeing on the carpet. Can Liam and his younger sisters -- scientist Dakota and hug expert Izzy -- find a way to keep both their dog and their home?
You might also like: Dana Alison Levy's Family Fletcher series, for further slice-of-life stories about a quirky, loving family. |
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The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street
by Karina Yan Glaser
Told that they will have to move out of their Harlem brownstone just after Christmas, the five Vanderbeeker children, ages four to twelve, decide to change their reclusive landlord's mind.
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| Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunnWelcome to: Gingerbread Island, North Carolina, where protective older sister Cat and her brother Chicken are visiting the grandparents they’ve only just met.
What happens: Since their dad died, Cat has taken care of Chicken while their mom works. But with their grandparents around to help, Cat's responsibilities shift, making her reconsider how she fits into her family.
Try this next: Teresa E. Harris’ The Perfect Place, which also follows siblings who spend a life-changing summer with an older relative. |
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Pay Attention, Carter Jones
by Gary D Schmidt
When an English butler arrives to help his troubled family, Carter struggles to navigate middle school while adjusting to the unwelcome presence of a butler who is determined to help him become a gentleman and deal with burdens from the past.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
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Chester Library 250 W Main St. Chester, New Jersey 07930 (908) 879-7612
chesterlib.org
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