Tween Reads
December 2021
Hello, readers! We just want to let you know that this is the final issue of Tween Reads. But don't worry -- beginning in February 2022, Tween Reads will become Books for Kids and Tweens, a new, improved newsletter offering even more books to choose from. To make it extra easy for you, we'll automatically subscribe you to Books for Kids and Teens (though you can always unsubscribe at any time). If you have any questions, please contact us at the library, and thanks for reading!
 
Recent Releases
Living With Viola
by Rosena Fung

Starring: Artistic Livy, who just wants to find friends and make her parents proud by doing well at her new school, and Viola, a shadow version of Livy who's a constant reminder of her fear, embarrassment, and self-doubt. 

Art alert: Warm, bright colors make up Livy's world in this graphic novel, with Viola's blue tones and intrusive speech bubbles showing the impact of anxiety and depression. 
The Insiders
by Mark Oshiro

The set-up: At his old middle school, it wasn't a big deal for Héctor to be gay. But at his new school, kids treat him like an outsider -- and bullies see him as a target.

What happens: While looking for a hiding place, Héctor finds an impossible room where he meets Juliana and Sal, two kids from faraway places who share Héctor's need for a safe space.

 
The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne
by Jonathan Stroud

Welcome to: Flood-covered future Britain, where water monsters, cannibalistic mutants, and controlling rulers make life dangerous, especially for renegades like bank robber Scarlett McCain.

What happens: After Scarlett pulls Albert Browne from the wreckage of an accident, the new allies find themselves on the run from relentless, bowler-hatted pursuers.

 
Also available in eBook on Libby
Also available in eBook on CloudLibrary
 
The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy
by Anne Ursu

What it's about: Accused of ruining her brother's audition with Illyria's all-male Sorcerer's Guild, 12-year-old Marya is sent to the Dragomir Academy, a boarding school to keep unruly girls in line.

Who it's for: Fantasy fans will enjoy the eerie, fascinating world of Illyria, while mystery fans will be drawn into curious Marya's discoveries about girls' magical potential -- and the Academy's hidden purpose.
 
Also available in eBook on Libby
Also available in eAudiobook on CloudLibrary
Dust & Grim
by Chuck Wendig

What it's about: Newly orphaned, 13-year-old cosplayer Molly Grim goes to live with her long-separated older brother Dustin, who runs their family's highly unusual business: a funeral home for monsters.

Featuring: Talking wolves, a magic devourer, an unpredictable fox spirit, a chill vampire, and many other creatures (both friendly and frightening).

Also available in eBook on CloudLibrary
Retro Reads
The Line Tender
by Kate Allen

Starring: Twelve-year-old Lucy, who inherited a fascination with sharks from her late mother, a marine biologist. 

What happens: After a second tragic loss leaves Lucy devastated, her summer project -- an illustrated field guide to her coastal hometown -- becomes her lifeline.

Who it’s for: Anyone looking for sensitive, honest stories about finding hope during tough times.
Each Tiny Spark
by Pablo Cartaya

What it's about: Managing middle school with ADHD is tough enough, and right now Emilia's also dealing with her mom traveling for work and her dad retuning from deployment. After learning about injustices in her hometown, however, Emilia finally finds something she can focus on -- and maybe even change.
 
When Stars Are Scattered
by Victoria Jamieson with Omar Mohamed

What it is: Omar Mohamed's real-life experiences as an orphaned Somali kid in a Kenyan refugee camp, co-written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson, creator of Roller Girl.

What happens: Surrounded by harsh conditions and caring neighbors, Omar studies hard, looks after his brother Hassan, and hangs on to the hope of resettlement.

Also available in eBook on Libby
Tight
by Torrey Maldonado

What it's about: All Bryan wants is a drama-free life of reading and drawing comics. But his hotheaded dad -- who's in and out of jail -- thinks he's too soft, and his best friend Mike keeps pressuring him to try risky stuff. How can Bryan know what to do when he's being pulled in different directions?
 
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!