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Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna
by Alda P. Dobbs
Introducing: Brave and resilient Petra, who chooses new paths forward even after tragedy strikes her family during the Mexican Revolution.
About the author: Alda P. Dobbs wrote this book using her own family's stories about their experiences. Don’t miss her notes about these stories and other research at the back of the book.
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| The Insiders by Mark OshiroThe set-up: At his old middle school, it wasn't a big deal for Héctor to be gay. But at his new school, kids treat him like an outsider -- and bullies see him as a target.
What happens: While looking for a hiding place, Héctor finds an impossible room where he meets Juliana and Sal, two kids from faraway places who share Héctor's need for a safe space.
Why you might like it: this relatable friendship story offers just a touch of fantasy. |
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Cuba in my pocket
by Adrianna Cuevas
After the failed Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961, 12-year-old Cumba is sent to Florida alone, where he must navigate a whole new world while wondering if his family will ever be whole again. 25,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook.
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A soft place to land
by Janae Marks
After her father loses his job, Joy and her family move into an apartment building where she finds solace in a mystery letter from another kid in the building who is also struggling. 50,000 first printing. Simultaneous eBook.
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Daughter of the Deep
by Rick Riordan
Author alert: The author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Trials of Apollo, the Magnus Chase books, and so much more is back—this time with a story outside of the world of mythology.
Featuring: a terrible tragedy, deadly enemies, and a 9th-grader whose weekend trip is only the beginning of her undersea adventure.
Why you might like it: If you’re a fan of twists and turns, heart-pounding action, and a thrilling blend of fantasy and science fiction, this book is for you.
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| The Line Tender by Kate AllenStarring: twelve-year-old Lucy, who inherited a fascination with sharks from her late mother, a marine biologist.
What happens: After a second tragic loss leaves Lucy devastated, her summer project -- an illustrated field guide to her coastal hometown -- becomes her lifeline.
Who it’s for: anyone looking for sensitive, honest stories about finding hope during tough times. |
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| Each Tiny Spark by Pablo CartayaWhat it's about: Managing middle school with ADHD is tough enough, and right now Emilia's also dealing with her mom traveling for work and her dad retuning from deployment. After learning about injustices in her hometown, however, Emilia finally finds something she can focus on -- and maybe even change.
Try this next: Celia C. Pérez's Strange Birds for another story about kid activists, or Alyson Gerber's Focused for another girl's ADHD experiences. |
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| When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson with Omar MohamedWhat it is: Omar Mohamed's real-life experiences as an orphaned Somali kid in a Kenyan refugee camp, co-written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson, creator of Roller Girl.
What happens: Surrounded by harsh conditions and caring neighbors, Omar studies hard, looks after his brother Hassan, and hangs on to the hope of resettlement.
Why you might like it: Honest writing and vivid art makes you feel like you're right there with Omar throughout this heartwrenching yet heartwarming story. |
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| Tight by Torrey MaldonadoWhat it's about: All Bryan wants is a drama-free life of reading and drawing comics. But his hotheaded dad -- who's in and out of jail -- thinks he's too soft, and his best friend Mike keeps pressuring him to try risky stuff. How can Bryan know what to do when he's being pulled in different directions?
You might also like: Jason Reynolds' Ghost, Paula Chase's Dough Boys, and other authentic stories about middle school guys with complicated families and friendships. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!
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Montgomery County Memorial Library System 104 I-45 N. Conroe, Texas 77301 936-539-7814www.countylibrary.org |
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