| Dreamslinger by Graci KimAs a dreamslinger, 14-year-old Korean American Aria is trained to repress her volatile magical abilities. When the Kingdom of Royal Hanguk opens its Annual Royal Slinger Trials, Aria intends to spy on their dangerous activities, but soon finds her loyalties tested. Lighthearted magic blends with serious themes in this fantasy series starter. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| A Day at the Beach by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron KoertgeDuring a single day on a New Jersey beach, you can follow the overlapping activities of 28 different kids (and two dogs). Ranging from funny (losing your swim trunks) to painful (facing racism and grief), this easy-to-browse book offers a fresh point of view in every chapter. For fans of: Jason Reynolds’ Look Both Ways. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| The Trouble With Heroes by Kate MessnerAfter an act of vandalism, angry and grieving 13-year-old Finn accepts an unusual deal to make amends: he’s got to climb 46 Adirondack peaks alongside a crew of volunteers and a smelly, slobbery dog. Told through poems, letters, and other snippets from Finn’s life, this moving and funny story is a snapshot of a change-filled summer. Read-alike: Just Keep Walking by Erin Soderberg Downing (Ages 8-12) |
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| The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloudMakayla, Howard, Lynda, and Art all have different ideas and talents, but they have a common goal: making comics. Together, they form the Cartoonists Club, and you can follow along as they figure out friendships and discover tips and tools for creating graphic novels. With relatable characters and inviting art, this graphic novel is exactly what you’d expect from fan-favorite Raina Telgemeier and comics expert Scott McCloud. (Ages 8-13.) |
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| Kaya Morgan's Crowning Achievement by Jill TewKaya has always adored the excitement and real-world magic of the Renaissance Faire. This summer, she’s determined to achieve her late father’s dream for her: becoming the first Black Queen of the Faire, despite the racism of the people in charge. Read-alikes: Black Star by Kwame Alexander; All's Faire in Middle School by Victoria Jamieson. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Candle Island by Lauren WolkWhen 12-year-old Lucretia and her mom, both painters, arrive among the feuding residents of tiny Candle Island, Maine, they’re recovering from a big loss…and hiding a big secret. Vibrant descriptions and larger-than-life characters round out this offbeat story of family bonds, friendships, and creativity. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| Amil and the After by Veera HiranandaniA year after his family fled to Bombay from their home in Pakistan during the violent 1947 Partition from India, 12-year-old Amil (who is both Muslim and Hindu) uses art to work through his difficult emotions. Though it’s a sequel to The Night Diary, this deep, vivid story stands on its own. (Ages 8-13.) |
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| Drawing Deena by Hena KhanFrom her family’s money troubles to school stress, it seems like everything makes Pakistani American Deena feel so worried she gets sick. Could her art help her communicate when her words can't? This hopeful story will grab readers who like a deep dive into a character’s mind. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Gigi Shin Is Not a Nerd by Lyla LeeAgainst her parents’ practical wishes, Texan seventh-grader Jiyoung "Gigi" Shin wants to be a professional artist. When Gigi and her friends start a tutoring club to raise money for an elite art program, they have to keep it a secret from her parents. For fans of: Ann M. Martin’s Baby-Sitters Club series - Kristy's Great Idea . (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Doodles from the Boogie Down by Stephanie RodriguezThirteen-year-old Bronx artist Steph has set her sights on going to a Manhattan art school, even though she knows her over-protective mom won’t approve. Packed with fun details from the year 2000, this slice-of-life graphic novel is inspired by creator Stephanie Rodriguez’s own experiences. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Timid by Jonathan ToddBased on the author's own life in the 1980s, this funny and sensitive graphic novel follows shy cartoonist Cecil as he struggles to both fit in and be himself at a new middle school where he's one of the few Black kids. For fans of: Jerry Craft's New Kid series. (Ages 8-12.) |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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