Books for Kids and Tweens
June 2025
Recent Releases
J vs. K
by Kwame Alexander and Jerry Craft

The 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.)
Return to Sender
by Vera Brosgol

While 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.)
Into the rapids
by Ann Braden

"Addy prefers to rely only on herself, but when a superstorm hits her remote mountain town, she will need to muster the courage to ask for help"
The summer of the fortune tellers
by Lisa Greenwald

"Is the magic really back? When Mille, Nora, and Bea found fortune tellers popping up in unexpected places--with eerily accurate fortunes--they reunited as best friends. Now that they're back to being besties, they're excited to spend the summer togetheroutside the city. Recruited into babysitting eight-year-old triplets and staying with Millie's family, the girls are hoping this will be their own private summer camp, one where they're in charge, away from annoying siblings and toxic frenemies. But nothing perfect can last. When everything from homesickness and boy craziness to real estate developers threaten their summer, Millie, Nora, and Bea start stumbling upon fortune tellers in the strangest places. And once again it feels like these fortune tellers are speaking to them: 'Sometimes in life you just have to jump in.' 'Speak your mind and stand up for what you believe in!' 'You are here for a reason.' If they speak up, can Millie, Nora, and Bea really save the summer--and the community--before it's too late?"--Provided by publisher
Firebred / : Storm Dragons, Book 2)
by Julie Kagawa

Remy, Gem and Storm team up to evade the king's guards, learn hidden truths and face a villain no one saw coming as they discover what it means to be a good friend and what it takes to be a hero
Dreamslinger
by Graci Kim

"Fourteen-year-old Aria Loveridge lives at the Resthaven Home for Dreamslingers, a safe haven for children born with a genetic mutation that transports them to a powerfully magical realm while they sleep, but this magic can be unpredictable--even deadly"
El Niño
by Pam Muñoz Ryan; illustrated by Joe Cepeda

Two years ago, Kai’s sister Cali, a champion swimmer, disappeared in the Pacific Ocean. Now, grieving and struggling to live up to Cali’s legacy, eighth-grader Kai becomes obsessed with the legendary undersea queen Califia. Blending mythology with reality, this illustrated tale will appeal to readers who love outside-the-box storytelling. Read-alike: Secrets We Tell the Sea by Martha Riva Palacio Obón. (Ages 8-13.)
Band Nerd
by Sarah Clawson Willis; illustrated by Emma Cormarie

Seventh 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.)
Contact your librarian for more great books!
New Carlisle-Olive Township Public Library
408 S. Bray St.
New Carlisle, Indiana 46552
(574) 654-3046

ncpl.lib.in.us