| J vs. K by Kwame Alexander and Jerry CraftThe friendly trash talk between two Newbery Award-winning authors gets a funny, fictional twist in this story about cartoonist J and poet K, two rival fifth-graders each determined to win their school’s storytelling contest. This graphic novel hybrid offers plenty of jokes alongside useful advice for young artists and authors. Read-alike: The Cartoonists Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Return to Sender by Vera BrosgolWhile grieving his father and failing to fit in with his ultra-rich new classmates, ten-year-old foodie Oliver makes a life-changing discovery: a mysterious mail slot that grants wishes! Filled with dark humor and vivid illustrations, this tale of magic -- and consequences -- will stick with you after the final page. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Don't Cause Trouble by Arree ChungMing Lee was hoping for a fresh start in middle school, but he is as desperately uncool as always – not to mention stuck in ESL even though he only speaks English. How’s he supposed to stick up for himself when his parents’ biggest rule is to keep out of trouble? This colorful graphic novel offers a relatable story inspired by the author’s real life. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Maeve Mulvaney has had Enough by Kelly ManganStarting 8th grade in “Nowhereville,” Florida, outspoken newcomer Maeve is bullied for everything from her weight to her love of comic books. She’s not going to take it quietly, though -- not when she’s got art skills and allies. If you like sarcastic characters and authentically messy feelings, don’t miss this realistic read. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| Spirit Service by Sarena and Sasha NanuaAfter getting zapped by an unusual old rotary phone, middle school friends Raveena, Aiko, Blair, and Lillian suddenly gain the ability to talk to spirits -- and there are a lot of spirits in their eccentric hometown. Combining the upbeat friendships of The Baby-Sitters Club with creepy paranormal events, this series starter will grab lots of different readers. (Ages 8-12.) |
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The Gate, the Girl, and the Dragon
by Grace Lin
Jin is a Stone Lion--one of the guardians of the Old City Gate who is charged to watch over humans and protect the Sacred Sphere. But to Jin, those boring duties feel like a waste of time. What isn't a waste of time? Perfecting his zuqiu kick, scoring a Golden Goal, and becoming the most legendary player of all the spirit world. But when Jin's perfect kick accidentally knocks the Sacred Sphere out through the gate, he has no choice but to run after it, tumbling out of the realm he calls home and into the human world as the gate closes behind him. Stuck outside the gate, Jin must find help from unlikely allies, including a girl who can hear a mysterious voice and a worm who claims he is a dragon. Together, they must find the sphere and return it to the world beyond the gate...or risk losing everything. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Band Nerd by Sarah Clawson Willis; illustrated by Emma CormarieSeventh grade at Windley School of the Arts isn’t easy for Lucy, and her dad’s out-of-control drinking makes things difficult at home, too. Still, Lucy’s decided that she will win first-chair flute, no matter what. Clean-lined artwork keeps the focus on emotions in this moving graphic novel. (Ages 9-13.) |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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