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In this Issue...
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Browse through some of the best new releases for elementary and junior high-aged kids! Visit any SCLS branch to see the latest and greatest titles for all ages--look for the New Materials shelves. |
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The Runaway Tortoise
by Holly Webb
Dyslexia friendly When Albert makes a daring escape, Ava discovers that tortoises might not be as boring as she once thought in this gentle, heartwarming animal story from worldwide bestselling author Holly Webb. Ava thinks her 45-year-old tortoise, Albert, is the dullest pet ever--he doesn't play, cuddle, or even enjoy a pat on the shell. But when Auntie Grace's noisy dog gives Albert a fright, Ava realizes how much she truly cares for him. Then, one afternoon, Ava comes home to find a big hole under the fence--and Albert gone With determination and love, Ava sets out to find her runaway tortoise and learns just how special he really is.
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Felix Powell, Boy Squirrel
by Erin Entrada Kelly
Felix Powell is back After his brief stint as a dog, Felix thinks his troubles with magical animal transformation are over. . . until a mysterious bit of magic turns him into a squirrel. A funny, short, young middle grade novel about friendship, family, and animals written and illustrated with black-and-white drawings by two-time Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly.Felix Powell loves to climb trees. He loves to run and jump and hide. But he's never shoved acorns into his cheeks. He's never gnawed at twigs to build a nest. And he's certainly never worried about being eaten by hawks. Until now.When his magic blanket turns Felix from an eight-year-old aspiring zoologist into a skittering squirrel, Felix discovers that there's more to squirrelhood than meets the eye. Will Felix triumph, avoiding predators and helping his new squirrel friend? Will he learn to jump and leap and climb? And will he turn back into a boy in time for dinner with his grandmother?Felix Powell, Boy Squirrel is a standalone companion to two-time Newbery Medal winner Erin Entrada Kelly's Felix Powell, Boy Dog, which is set in the world of her popular Marisol books. With short, high-interest chapters and illustrations and comics by the author on almost every page, Felix Powell, Boy Squirrel celebrates curiosity, ingenuity, imagination, and friendship. For animal lovers and readers of Beverly Cleary, Judy Blume, Meg Medina, and Megan McDonald.
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Charlotte the Rose Dragon (Dragon Girls #20)
by Maddy Mara
We are Dragon Girls -- hear us roar!The Flower Dragons are called to return to the Magic Forest, which could only mean one thing... the Magic Forest is in trouble. Charlotte and her friends, Selena and Layla, will have to use their special powers to defeat the Fury Queen.Read all the books in the Flower Dragon arc!#19: Selena the Sunflower Dragon#20: Charlotte the Rose Dragon#21: Layla the Water Lily Dragon
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Unlikely Friends: A Branches Book (Diary of a Dinoghost #1)
by Monica Arnaldo
This hilarious, friendship-themed series follows a ghost-dinosaur named Cobble who's been roaming the world alone for millions of years. Cobble starts a diary because he has begun losing track of the passing days. He has a set routine everyday: He commutes on the bus, visits the haunted lighthouse, and observes a seven-year-old boy named Kevin who's obsessed with ketchup. But Cobble's world gets turned upside-down when he meets Bonny, a goldfish ghost (who's forever trapped in the fishbowl where she died by ketchup ). Bonny is determined to travel to the ocean, but Cobble is worried about breaking his routine, which could have horrible consequences... There are ghost rules that need to be followed Will Cobble agree to help Bonny reach the ocean?
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Grand Slam!: A Branches Book (Sports Zone! #3)
by Andrew Maraniss
Jasper is excited to finally get the chance to play on a travel baseball team with all of his friends! But it turns out taking his game to the next level comes with its own set of challenges. As the big tournament approaches, Jasper and his teammates learn some tricky baseball rules and prepare to face off against other travel teams. Then best friends Jasper, Mo, and Ruby head to Chicago, where they'll get to attend a real MLB game and even stay at a hotel during the tournament. Can the Raintree Blue Sox take the trophy and have fun doing it?
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Paint the Town Pink: A Star Chapter Book
by Jarrett Lerner
Abby Astro, Blix Blaster, Captain Kooky Pants, and Wanda Weather are superheroes, but they are also human. Three of them stayed up late watching their favorite TV show. When they wake up the next day, the city is in danger. Their former roommate, Nina Neon, is turning everything a nauseating shade of Projectile Pink. Can the super roomies rally--and stay awake long enough--to stop her?
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| Reading the Bones: Homo Naledi and the Mysteries of Human Evolution by Marc Aronson and John S. MeadIn a difficult-to-reach cave in South Africa, a group of researchers known as "the Underground Astronauts" unearth the fossils of what seems to be a new human ancestor: Homo naledi. And you're right there with them in this fascinating book that makes complicated topics feel easy to understand. For another blend of real-world science and adventure, try The Skull in the Rock, also co-written by Marc Aronson. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| Wolf's Belly by John August; illustrated by Simón EstradaLonging to prove herself to her family full of adventurers, red-caped Lu sets out to slay a fearsome wolf...only to wind up in its belly. There, she finds a village of other survivors, and searches for a way to set them all free. Packed with dramatic artwork and characters from familiar fairy tales, this graphic novel will grab fans of thoughtful, funny fantasy. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Raven, Rising by Christine Hartman DerrTwelve-year-old Cherokee kid Raven is a skillful baker -- some of her treats even have a hint of magic. But she hasn't baked at all since her parents died. Stuck in a new town and a new school she hates, Raven grapples with guilt, grief, and trying to find friends when it feels like she'll never fit in. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Offside by Christina Diaz Gonzalez; illustrated by Mari CostaAfter their middle school finally makes the soccer team tryouts co-ed, sabotage from the guys means that Nicky and Fabiola are the only two girls who make the cut. With such a bad start, not to mention some language differences, can the new team figure out how to work together? This graphic novel combines on-the-field action with authentic emotions. Read-alikes: Tryouts by Sarah Sax; The Breakaways by Cathy G. Johnson. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Ghost in the Night by Tiffany D. JacksonAfter her grandmother's death, grieving, ghost-obsessed 12-year-old Harmony joins her blues musician dad on tour. At a stop in Savannah, Georgia, Harmony encounters what might be a real haunting, leading her to investigate a local unsolved murder -- and maybe find a missing person. For fans of: smart paranormal mysteries inspired by Black history, like those by India Hill Brown. (Ages 10-13.)
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| Spindlewood by Freddie KölschAfter a misunderstanding sends her to the Spindlewood School of Seeing, eighth-grader Lilah Black finds new friends and gets caught up in a years-old mystery, all while hiding that she's the only Unseeing student at school full of Seers. If you like supernatural school stories, you don't want to miss this snarky, spooky read. (Ages 8-12.)
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| Shook by Julian Randall; illustrated by Nathan WalkerAmbitious, basketball-obsessed 12-year-old Malik "Shake" Page accidentally lives up to his nickname when a broken ankle leaves him shaken and sidelined. Shake's crisis of confidence -- and its impact on his friends and family -- is described through powerful poems, lists, groupchats, and illustrations that will keep you turning the pages. For fans of: Kwame Alexander's The Crossover. (Ages 9-13.) |
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🎨 Graphic Novel Spotlight
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Mayhem at Misfit Mansion
by Kay Davault
A monster girl and her mythical housemates work together with their human friends to save the town from an unexpected new threat in this delightful spooky and sweet graphic novel companion to Misfit Mansion. Iris and her housemates can't wait to host a haunted house party for the people of Dead End Springs Iris is desperate to connect with Larkspur, the reclusive new addition to their home of misfit monsters. She hopes that by bringing a part of the harvest festival to the house, Larkspur might finally open up--to her and to the humans he so fiercely mistrusts. But Iris quickly learns that relationships can be complicated. Not only is Larkspur cold towards just about everyone, but their new human friend Mathias is struggling to get along with the other townspeople. Even Iris's closest friendships feel as if they're growing weak, and she worries she could lose Agnes and Kel forever if nothing is done. When a rare horror called a pied piper parrot arrives at the house in search of her missing friend, Iris takes it upon herself to help, dragging a grumpy Larkspur with her. Faced with horrors beyond her imagination, can Iris keep her family safe? Or will she lose everything and everyone dear to her?
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The New Student: A Graphic Novel (Mr. Wolf's Class #6)
by Aron Nels Steinke
Someone new is about to join Mr. Wolf's class!Mr. Wolf's class is welcoming Zora to her first day at Hazelwood Elementary. As the new kid, she wants to make a good first impression, but when her introduction goes a little too well, not everyone is happy for her. Randy is used to being the one who can make everyone laugh, and she's not sure how to feel about sharing that spotlight with somebody else. When the competition becomes heated and feelings get hurt, Zora and Randy will have to figure out how to get along in the same class!
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Who Circled the Globe in Seventy-Two Days? Nellie Bly: A Who HQ Graphic Novel
by Melanie Gillman
Follow trailblazing journalist Nellie Bly on a record-breaking trip around the world in this exciting graphic novel about one of America's first female investigative reporters. Presenting Who HQ Graphic Novels: an exciting addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Who Was? series Discover how Nellie Bly made headlines in 1889 with one of her most iconic and sensational stunts--a world record-setting race around the globe. A story of daring, adventure, and pushing boundaries, this graphic novel highlights how Nellie Bly challenged traditional gender norms and helped pave the way for women in journalism. Atmospheric full-color illustrations bring this sharp narrative to life, immersing readers in Nellie's globe-trotting exploits.
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| Oasis by GuojingWhile their mom works to earn them a brighter future in Oasis City, siblings JieJie and DiDi must survive in a barren desert, braving the sandstorms alone -- until they discover an abandoned robot and activate its "Mother Mode." Moody, softly swirling artwork brings this absorbing graphic novel to life. Read-alike: The Second Life of Snap by Erin Entrada Kelly. (Ages 8-12.) |
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🔎 True Tales & Cool Facts
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