| Thirteen Witches: The Memory Thief by Jodi Lynn AndersonStarring Twelve-year-old Rosie, who's just gained the ability to see magic, and her absent-minded, unloving mother. Realizing that her mother's memory has been cursed by one of 13 evil witches, Rosie (along with her best friend Germ and some ghostly assistance) decides to fight for her mom -- and herself.
Who it's for: With swift pacing, imaginative magic, and a captivating storytelling style, The Memory Thief is a good bet for fans of Kelly Barnhill's The Girl Who Drank the Moon. |
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| Amina's Song by Hena KhanAt the start of 7th grade, talented songwriter Amina is wondering where she belongs. While visiting Pakistan, she sometimes felt "not Pakistani enough," but now that she's back in Wisconsin, her friends don't understand her love for Pakistan. How is she supposed to be herself when she's always stuck in-between?
Series alert: This hopeful and heartfelt story is a sequel to Amina's Voice, but you can enjoy it on its own. |
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| Flood City by Daniel José OlderFlood City is humanity's last stronghold on a drowned Earth. With war brewing between Flood City's Star Guard and the spaceship-dwelling Chemical Barons, an unexpected alliance between City musician Max and renegade Baron Ato might be the only thing preventing the city's destruction. This science fiction standalone boasts a pulse-pounding plot and a future setting packed with memorable characters, mutant hybrid animals, and divided loyalties. |
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The One Thing You'd Save
by Linda Sue Park
When a teacher asks her class what one thing they would save in an emergency, some students know the answer right away. Others come to their decisions more slowly. And some change their minds when they hear their classmates’ responses. A lively dialog ignites as the students discover unexpected facets of one another—and themselves.
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| Spin With Me by Ami PolonskyFeaturing Essie, a cisgender girl who's annoyed when her dad's temporary job forces her to attend a new school for one semester, and Ollie, a nonbinary classmate who's searching for confidence beyond their role as an LGBTQIA advocate. Knowing they have only a limited time together, Ollie and Essie navigate their crushes on each other and deal with their differing views on labels and identity.
How it's told: by both Ollie and Essie, with the point of view shifting halfway through the book. |
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| Amber and Clay by Laura Amy SchlitzA poetic historical fantasy set in ancient Greece, starring two central characters -- enslaved artist Rhaskos and wealthy, rebellious Melisto -- whose fates don't intersect until one of them dies.Told through several diverse voices (both human and godly), as well as through richly detailed illustrations of archaeological artifacts.
Who it's for: mythology-obsessed readers, as well as those who love an up-close glimpse of life in a different time. |
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April is National Autism Awareness Month |
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The Space We're In
by Katya Balen
Frank loves soccer, codes, riding his bike, and playing with his friends. His brother Max is five. Max only eats foods that are beige or white, hates baths, and if he has to wear a t-shirt that isn't gray with yellow stripes he melts down down down. Frank has trouble navigating Max's behavior and their relationship. But when tragedy strikes, Frank finds a way to try and repair their fractured family and in doing so learns to love Max for who he is.
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Real
by Carol Cujec
Born unable to speak because of her autism, a 13-year-old math whiz whose funny, determined and kind nature are not recognized by others is forced to face her greatest fears when she is enrolled in public school. Based on a true story.
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We Could be Heroes
by Margaret Mary Finnegan
Fourth-graders Maisie and Hank, who has autism, become friends as they devise schemes to save a neighbor's dog, Booler, from being tied to a tree because of his epilepsy. Finnegan explores a range of topics like physical and mental differences, bullying, trust, and compassion for animals in this character-focused novel perfect for reading aloud.
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The Many Mysteries of the Finkel Family
by Sarah Kapit
Two sisters on the autism spectrum find their partnership in a junior detective agency challenged by a mystery involving boundary issues, a new friend’s texts and their father’s burned Shabbat brisket.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!
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