Kids' Books
January 2022
Heads up, readers! This is the final issue of Kids' Books. But don't worry -- beginning in February 2022, Kids' Books will become Books for Kids and Tweens, a new newsletter with even more books to choose from. To make it extra easy for you, we'll automatically subscribe you to Books for Kids and Teens (though you can always unsubscribe at any time). If you have any questions, please contact us at the library, and thanks for reading!
 
Recent Releases
The Swag Is in the Socks
by Kelly J. Baptist

The gift: On his birthday, seventh-grade loner Xavier Moon receives a wild pair of socks from his larger-than-life great uncle, along with a challenge to "get your sad self together."

The response: Trying to be as bold as his new socks, Xavier sets out to join the Scepter League, an exclusive club for boys with leadership abilities.

You might also like: Janae Marks' From the Desk of Zoe Washington, another funny, honest read about a kid facing challenges and finding confidence.
Shadows On the Mountain
by Erin Hunter

A latest natural-world adventure by the best-selling author of the Warriors series follows the efforts of a gorilla with a deadly secret, a tragedy-marked leopard and an outcast gazelle, who work to protect the African highlands from an evil force. 
Second Sleep
by Diane Stanley

What it's about: After their mom unexpectedly disappears, Max and Rosie are sent to the family's lakeside cabin with their Grandma Mozelle. There, they find a crew of maybe-magical nighttime friends, and some captivating clues about what's happened to their mom.

Read it for: a realistic story of family and friendship with heart, mystery, and a fantasy twist.
Stuck
by Jennifer Swender

Starring: Austin, who's moved schools enough times to become an expert on blending in and hiding his difficulties with reading. 

What happens: Austin finds a real friend in energetic classmate Bertie, who wants him to join the Safety Squad with her -- which requires a written test.

Why you might like it: Austin is a determined, observant character who's easy to relate to, whether or not you live with a learning disability.
Chapter Book Roundup
Whether you're new to chapter books or you just can't get enough, you'll find something to love in the books and series below. 
 
The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp
by Jonathan Auxier; illustrated by Olga Demidova

Welcome 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.
Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine
by Dusti Bowling: illustrated by Gina Perry

What it's about: When food disappears from school, outgoing eight-year-old Aven Green is on the case. She's got the all the confidence and smarts of a great detective -- in fact, since she was born without arms, she's pretty sure her arm cells went to her brain instead.

Try this next: for another bold kid who does her own thing, try Dawn Quigley's Jo Jo Makoons series; for more chapter book mysteries, try Dori Hillestad Butler's King & Kayla series.
Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us
by Lauren Castillo

What 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.
Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom
by Matthew Swanson

Simultaneously alarmed and inspired by a fortune-cookie fortune that advises him to live every day as if it were his last, literal-minded Ben tackles a bucket list of unfinished tasks that get him in and out of trouble before his parents realize what is going on. Illustrations.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
Michigan City Public Library
100 E. 4th Street
Michigan City, Indiana 46360
219-873-3044
mclib.org/