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| Pie in the Sky by Remy LaiWhat it’s about: After the loss of his father, 12-year-old Jingwen immigrates to Australia with his family. Though his brother Yanghao has no trouble fitting in, Jingwen feels like an alien. The only thing that makes him feel better is baking the cakes he dreamed up with his dad -- an activity he has to hide from his strict mother.
Read it for: an easy-to-read blend of words and crisp cartoon art (think Raina Telgemeier or Gene Luen Yang). |
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| Just Jaime by Terri LibensonWhat it is: the illustrated story of Jaime and Maya, two best friends who might be former best friends before the day is over.
Why you might like it: Because it’s told from both girls’ points of view, you’ll understand why Jaime feels betrayed when Maya starts freezing her out, as well as why Maya feels pressured by pushy, popular Celia.
For fans of: Shannon Hale’s Real Friends or Victoria Jamieson’s All’s Faire in Middle School. |
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Aru Shah and the Song of Death by Roshani ChokshiWrongly accused of stealing the god of love's bow and arrow when she begins training as a Pandava, Aru endeavors to prove her innocence by embarking on a quest in the serpent realm with her soul-sister Mini, the ultra-strong Brynne and the secretive Aiden.
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| Odd Gods by David Slavin and Daniel Weitzman; illustrated by Adam J.B. LaneIntroducing: Oddonis, a new student at Mount Olympus Middle School and the underdog twin brother of perfect, popular Adonis.
What happens: Tired of being pushed around by the stronger and more talented young gods, Oddonis -- with help from his friends Gaseous, Puneous, Mathena, and Germes -- decides to run for class president.
Read it for: lots of gross-out jokes (Oddonis’ dog has three butts!) and an outrageously silly spin of Greek mythology. |
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It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhoodby Trevor NoahA middle-grade adaptation of The Daily Show host's best-selling adult memoir traces his experiences growing up half black, half white in South Africa under and after apartheid, describing how he used his wits and humor to navigate a harsh life under a racist government.
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| The Wild Robot by Peter BrownStarring: Roz, short for ROZZUM unit 7134, a highly advanced robot who washes up on a remote island.
What happens: Roz begins learning everything she can about her new home: how to stay safe, how to communicate with her animal neighbors, and how to care for the abandoned gosling she adopts.
Series alert: Be sure to pick up the sequel, The Wild Robot Escapes, to find out what happens next in this illustrated wilderness survival story. |
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| Pablo and Birdy by Alison McGheeWhat it's about: Ten years ago, the "winds of change" brought baby Pablo and his lavender parrot, Birdy, to the shores of Isla. Now, the winds are returning with the promise of "fortune lost or fortune gained," but Pablo hopes to gain answers: Where did he come from? And why is Birdy suddenly changing?
Is it for you? If you like quiet books with memorable characters and a touch of magic, be sure to pick up Pablo and Birdy. |
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| Oliver and the Seawigs by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyreWhat it’s about: Ten-year-old Oliver’s explorer parents are missing! Determined to find them, Oliver heads for their last known location: a group of wandering, living islands.
Featuring: a shortsighted mermaid, an island named Cliff, some extremely sarcastic seaweed, and waaaay too many sea monkeys.
Why you might like it: oodles of zany cartoon illustrations will keep you laughing throughout this chapter book, the 1st in the Not-So-Impossible Tales series. |
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The island of Dr. Libris by Chris GrabensteinSpending a summer at a lakeside cabin belonging to the mysterious Dr. Libris, Billy is astonished when he hears sounds of adventures in progress whenever he opens one of Dr. Libris' books.
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| Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren WolkWhat it’s about: After being rescued as a baby from the water near Cuttyhunk Island, Massachusetts, Crow grows up with her adoptive father Osh and their friend Miss Maggie. When a fire appears on a nearby abandoned island, Crow's curiosity about her birth family is ignited, and she sets out in search of answers.
Why you might like it: Set in the 1920s, this poetic and bittersweet tale of hidden treasure (and other long-buried secrets) might leave you longing for seafaring adventure. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
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Demarest Free Public Library |
90 Hardenburgh Ave. |
Demarest, New Jersey 07627 |
(201) 768-8714 |
demarestlibrary.org |
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