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Tween ReadsSeptember 2015
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"When they tell you, This is who you are, do you say yes or no?" ~ from James Howe's Addie on the Inside
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| The Golden Specific by S.E. GroveFantasy. A year ago, Sophia Tims and her friend Theo survived a perilous trip through the various Ages of their chronologically fractured world. Now, a new clue about her missing parents leads Sophia on another journey, away from her safe home in 1890s Boston and into the Dark Ages, in search of an unmapped, plague-riddled city. "Brilliantly imagined and full of wonder" (Kirkus Reviews), this sequel to The Glass Sentence is a captivating combination of history, science, and fantasy, with just a touch of horror. To explore another magical multiverse, pick up The Map to Everywhere by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis. |
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| School for Sidekicks by Kelly McCulloughScience Fiction. "Combat with Dinnerware" and "Bantering Basics" are just a couple of the available classes at 13-year-old Evan's new school, the Academy for Metahuman Operatives. Enrolled after suddenly gaining superpowers, Evan hopes to work with his idol, Captain Commanding, but instead he's assigned to Foxman, a depressed has-been of a superhero. But disappointment soon gives way to danger as Evan discovers that the relationship between heroes and villains is more complicated than he ever suspected. Similar to Mike Jung's Geeks, Girls, and Secret Identities, School for Sidekicks will satisfy readers looking for diverse characters, snarky humor, and comic book-style action. |
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| Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca SteadFiction. Bridge isn't really sure why she keeps wearing the cat ears -- they just feel right, especially now that seventh grade has begun and so many things feel confusing. There are new tensions among Bridge and her longtime best friends Tab (who's getting more involved in social justice) and Em (who's recently developed both curves and soccer skills). And then there's Sherm, Bridge's newest friend (not boyfriend), who's dealing with issues of his own. If you like character-driven stories about the things that can make or break friendships and families, don't miss this quietly authentic book from Newbery medalist Rebecca Stead. |
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| Trollhunters by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel KrausFantasy/Horror. There actually is a monster under Jim's bed -- a troll, to be specific. One night, it pulls 15-year-old Jim out of his over-protected suburban life and into a nightmarish underworld. There, he learns the truth about his heritage: he's part of a long line of troll-hunters, destined to battle vicious child-eating trolls and prevent them from taking over his town. Though it practically drips with guts and gore, Trollhunters is also funny and fast-moving, making it a perfect choice for those who like fantasy that's gruesome and action-packed, but not too intense. For another taste of creepy, campy horror, pick up Paolo Bacigalupi's Zombie Baseball Beatdown. |
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| The Sound of Your Voice, Only Really Far Away by Frances O'Roark DowellFiction. Although one-time best friends Marylin and Kate have never completely given up on each other, middle school has definitely made their lives more complicated. Cheerleader Marylin seems like she's got it together, but she's afraid that if she follows her heart with sweet (but uncool) class president Benjamin, she'll lose all of her popular friends. Guitar player Kate, on the other hand, isn't afraid to show her feelings for fellow musician Matthew, though she's uneasy about how quickly those feelings are growing. If you prefer realistic stories about everyday drama, you'll appreciate this honest, moving glimpse into the thoughts and relationships of young teen girls. |
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| 33 Minutes by Todd Hasak-LowyFiction. How would you feel if you knew you were about to get your butt kicked by your best friend? Skinny seventh-grade mathlete Sam feels both scared and bewildered. After all, just a few months ago he and Morgan were tight -- they'd been friends all through elementary school, and were a nearly unstoppable video game team. So how did Morgan turn into the popular football player who just promised to pummel Sam at recess? The answers are revealed over the course of one chaotic afternoon at school, which includes a science lab fire, a cafeteria-wide food fight, and a climactic final face-off. |
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| Addie on the Inside by James HoweNovel in Verse. Even among her friends, Addie Carle has a reputation for being a little too opinionated. She never backs down from speaking out, even when it means being bullied. But now that Addie's in seventh grade, she's starting to doubt herself. Would it be easier to be more fashionable and less outspoken, like her sometimes-boyfriend DuShawn, or her mean ex-friend Becca? Or would she rather be accepted for who she is…assuming she can figure that out? If you enjoy this angsty, inspiring book in verse and want to learn more about Addie's friends, check out the other books in the Misfits series, starting with The Misfits. |
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| Unfriended by Rachel VailFiction. It only takes one change to the usual lunchroom seating plan to unleash a firestorm of gossip and betrayal. When queen bee Natasha invites her former BFF Truly to sit with her at the "popular table," Truly promptly ditches her new friend Hazel for the trendier crowd. Stung, Hazel turns to social media to get her revenge, and soon Truly finds herself friendless and harassed, both online and off. Author Rachel Vail uses multiple points-of-view (from both girls and guys) to show you the different sides of this dramatic yet realistic story, as well as to offer a peek into the lives of middle schoolers across the social spectrum. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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West Babylon Public Library 211 Route 109 West Babylon, New York 11704 (631) 669-5445http://wbpl.us |
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