| The Library of Unruly Treasures by Jeanne Birdsall; illustrated by Matt PhelanOne summer, lonely 11-year-old Gwen finds unexpected friendship: first, with her kind great-uncle Matthew, and then with the Lahdukan, a hidden clan of tiny, winged people who declare Gwen their new leader. Readers who love sincere, old-fashioned fantasy will relish this tale of magic in the real world. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Dream On by Shannon Hale; illustrated by Marcela CespedesWith a too-big family, too-intense emotions, and a too-cool best friend, life feels like too much for fourth-grader Cassie. When a letter from a magazine contest declares that she’s a winner, Cassie starts fantasizing about how the promised prizes could fix all her problems. For fans of: author Shannon Hale’s Friends series and other honest, heartfelt graphic novels about the ups and downs of everyday life. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Last Resort by Erin Entrada KellyWhen 11-year-old Lila arrives at her deceased Grandpa Clem’s inn, she discovers that it’s packed with ghosts -- including Grandpa Clem himself, who wants Lila to investigate his supposed murder. This paranormal thriller series starter features interactive QR codes, but you don’t have to use them to enjoy the eerie vibes. Next in the series: The Claiming by Jasmine Warga, out in 2026. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| The Teacher of Nomad Land: A World War II Story by Daniel NayeriAs World War II rages across Iran in 1941, 13-year-old Babak and his little sister Sana are orphaned. Hoping to work as a teacher with the nomadic Bakhtiari people, Babak straps a chalkboard to his back and leads Sana on a dangerous trek into the mountains. This historical story is bittersweet and full of fascinating details. Read-alike: Safiyyah's War by Hiba Noor Khan. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Wish I Was a Baller by Amar Shah; illustrated by Rashad DoucetThese days, author Amar Shah is a professional sports journalist. But in 1995, he was a basketball-obsessed 14-year-old who wanted to learn everything about his sports heroes. This fast-paced graphic memoir offers a look at the triumphs and challenges of chasing your dreams. (Ages 10-13.) |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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