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Max & the Midknights
by Lincoln Peirce
What happens: Max, an apprentice troubadour who longs to be a knight, sets out on a quest to save the land of Byjovia from the wicked King Gastley.
Why you might like it: Max's quest leads to new friends, as well as battles, dragons, flying rats, and a surprising prophecy.
Author alert: If you've read any of the Big Nate books, you'll recognize the cartoon art and laugh-out-loud humor of popular author/illustrator Lincoln Peirce.
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Twilight of the elves
by Zack Loran Clark
"In the second book of The Adventurers Guild, Zed and Brock must save the elven city"
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Freya & Zoose
by Emily Butler
Craving adventure despite her upbringing as a proper and dignified rockhopper penguin, Freya hops aboard a hot-air balloon expedition to the North Pole before an accident forces her to partner with a wisecracking mouse stowaway in order to survive.
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Sweep: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster
by Jonathan Auxier
What it's about: As a chimney sweep in Victorian London, orphan Nan Sparrow is used to loneliness and grimy, dangerous work. Then one day she's rescued from an accident by a strange creature -- a golem -- who becomes her loyal companion.
Why you might like it: Blending fantasy, history, and Jewish folktales, Sweep has something for lots of different readers.
Try this next: Katherine Rundell's Rooftoppers, another historical tale offering a kid's rooftop view of a famous city.
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The adventures of a girl called Bicycle
by Christina Uss
Left at the Mostly Silent Monastery as a toddler and home-schooled by a retired nun, twelve-year-old Bicycle rides cross-country to meet a famous cyclist who she hopes will be her first friend
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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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| As Brave As You by Jason ReynoldsWhat 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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Thank you, Omu!
by Oge Mora
When her wonderful stew attracts the attention of hungry neighbors, Omu generously shares portion after portion before discovering that she has nothing left to eat herself, a dilemma that culminates in a heartwarming community surprise. 25,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook.
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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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