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From the Desk of Zoe Washington
by Janae Marks
Starring: twelve-year-old Zoe, whose summer plan (practicing for the Food Network’s Kids Bake Challenge) is derailed after she receives a letter from the father she’s never met, and she decides to prove that he’s innocent of the crime that sent him to prison.
Who it’s for: readers who like realistic stories that are both fun and deep.
Try this next: C.C. Payne’s The Thing About Leftovers, another believable, moving book about a foodie kid dealing with complicated family stuff.
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A Good Kind of Trouble
by Lisa Moore Ramée
What it’s about: Smart, rule-following, Shayla doesn’t like to make waves -- just the thought of trouble makes her itchy. But when her formerly rock-solid friendships crumble and a police shooting prompts her to attend a Black Lives Matter protest, Shay begins to wonder: are some kinds of trouble worth starting? Why fans of New Kid might like it: Blending humor and seriousness, both books look at how racism impacts an African American 7th-grader's experience of making friends and fitting in.
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A Friend for Dragon
by Dav Pilkey
What it is: short, silly adventures starring Dragon, a tenderhearted blue character who makes friends with an apple, goes on an unusual trip to the grocery store, and sweeps his dirt floor until it turns into a basement.
Who it's for: beginning chapter book readers who are wading into graphic novels, as well as kids who love Dav Pilkey's Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, but want something they can read on their own.
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The adventure is now
by Jess Redman
Playing a favorite video game to cope with the stress of his parents’ estrangement and being ditched by his friends, a middle grade student with anxiety spends a life-changing summer with his naturalist uncle on mysterious Lone Island. 50,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook.
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Playing the Cards You're Dealt
by Varian Johnson
What it's about: Anthony "Ant" Joplin is determined to carry on the family tradition of winning the annual spades tournament, but it's tough to focus when both his best friend and his dad are acting weird, and he's got a crush on his trash-talking new spades partner, Shirley.
Read it for: Ant's relatable challenges with family and friends, and with figuring out how to be a (good) guy.
Don't miss: the fun, easygoing explanations of spades for readers who might not have played.
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| The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier; illustrated by Olga DemidovaWelcome to: the Fabled Stables, where human kid Auggie takes care of magical and "just plain weird" creatures.
What happens: An empty stall for a shapeshifting wisp appears in the Stables, letting Auggie know that that there's a young wisp nearby in danger -- and in need of a daring rescue.
Who it's for: This funny fantasy series-starter is packed with charming art, making it a great pick for fans of Adam Gidwidtz's Unicorn Rescue Society series. |
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World champions! : a Max Einstein adventure
by James Patterson
Taking on her biggest challenge yet—preventing climate change from destroying the earth—Max Einstein is pitted against a new evil group that would rather let the whole world crumble than allow her to save the planet. 200,000 first printing.
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The Year I Flew Away
by Marie Arnold
What it's about: Tired of dealing with confusing English and mean kids, 10-year-old Haitian immigrant Gabrielle strikes a deal with a witch who promises to help her fit in as a perfect American -- but at what cost?
Read it for: a vivid setting (New York City in 1985) and an enchanting blend of fantasy and reality.
You might also like: Kelly Yang's Front Desk, another historical fiction book about an immigrant girl adjusting to her new home.
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| Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us by Lauren CastilloWhat it's about: Hedgehog is happy on her tiny island with Mutty, her stuffed dog. But after a storm sweeps Mutty away, Hedgehog sets out to find him, and meets several helpful new friends along the way.
Why you might like it: The cute animals and cozy vibes in this series-starter will have you looking forward to the next book.
You might also like: Jacqueline Davies' Sydney & Taylor series, which also stars a hedgehog and friends.
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| Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee; illustrated by Dung HoIntroducing: seven-and-a-half-year-old Mindy Kim, who just moved to a new state with her dad after her mom died.
What it's about: Mindy wants to fit in at her new school and raise money for a puppy, so when new friend Sally wants to start a seaweed snack business, Mindy agrees, even though it's against the rules.
Series alert: There are already lots of books in the upbeat Mindy Kim series, and more coming in 2022. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
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New Carlisle-Olive Township Public Library 408 S. Bray St. New Carlisle, Indiana 46552 (574) 654-3046ncpl.lib.in.us |
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