| The Lost Three by Annie Barrows; illustrated by Chloe BristolDue to mishaps by the Ghost Guild, spirit siblings Genie, Fenella, and Tillotson are unprepared for the afterlife, and are easily trapped by evil fake psychic Serena Aster. Serena has also trapped Aggie, a living orphan, and together the four kids plot their escape. For fans of: the clever humor and offbeat historical setting in Kate McKinnon's Millicent Quibb series. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Game of Pets: The Boy Who Knew Too Much by Aaron BlabeyAfter buying a talking axolotl named Bob, allergy-riddled 11-year-old Griff is saddled with an unexpected quest: to stop an intergalactic game show that uses pets to destroy the Earth. Packed with puns, chaotic action, and zany illustrations, The Boy Who Knew Too Much launches a new series from the creator of The Bad Guys. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Unusuals by Gail Carson LevineEleven-year-olds Chera, Lummie, and Joan really are unusual for a group of friends in 1277 England: they're two girls and a boy, and two Jews and a Christian. But their bond is strong, and after tragedy and injustice strikes their loved ones, they need each other more than ever. Deep emotions and a wealth of historical details make The Unusuals a memorable read. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| Building 903 by Lois LowryIn America in the year 2099, books and music are banned and government control is absolute. So when 14-year-old Tessa discovers that her twin brother's disappearance is connected to a hidden book, she has to confront an unexplored world of imagination to get him back. If you love thought-provoking stories, don't miss this latest by the author of the beloved Giver quartet. (Ages 9-12.)
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| Absent by Rex OgleWhen Calvin, Manny, and Liam meet in detention, the three middle-schoolers soon realize that while they each have their own reasons, they're all in trouble for missing school. Told by all three characters in distinct styles -- poetry, comics, and journal entries -- this authentic story tells it like it is. Read-alike: Beth Vrabel's The Reckless Club. (Ages 10-13.)
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Horror and Paranormal Stories
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| The House Next Door by Ellen OhRory knows from personal experience that the house next door is haunted by ghosts and monsters who target kids. So when a new family moves in, Rory makes friends with siblings Jack and Mira, and together they confront the supernatural dangers in the house's basement. If you like ghost stories that are spooky but not too scary, The House Next Door is for you. (Ages 8-13.) |
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| The Creepening of Dogwood House by Eden RoyceStill grieving his mom's sudden death, 12-year-old Roddie is adopted by the aunt he barely knows and brought to Dogwood House, the family's creepy old mansion in South Carolina. As the house reveals its unsettling secrets, Roddie learns to draw strength from his family's hoodoo heritage. Read-alike: Bumps in the Night by Amalie Howard. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Otherwoods by Justine Pucella WinansMost of the time, reluctant "chosen one" River Rydell ignores the ghosts and monsters only they can see. But when their new friend Avery is dragged into the terrifying Otherwoods, River -- along with their cat and a helpful teenage spirit -- sets out on a rescue mission. This supernatural adventure boasts a winning blend of horror, humor, and heart. Read-alikes: Clementine H. Hopeful Is Not a Hero by Noah Corey; Ghost Book by Remy Lai. (Ages 8-12.) |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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