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
School of Phantoms
by Kory Merritt

What it's about: This follow-up to No Place for Monsters finds Levi and Kat trapped in the school overnight by freak weather and discovering that a cold-hearted new evil has emerged that they must stop before it eats the entire school.
The Bridge to Sharktooth Island: A Challenge Island STEAM Adventure
by Sharon Estroff

The story: When Daniel, Joy, and Kimani suddenly find themselves stranded on a mysterious island, they must work together to find clues hidden around that somehow hold the key to finding their way back home. Includes STEAM related activities.
Word Travelers and the Taj Mahal Mystery
by Raj Haldar

The story: Eddie and MJ are suddenly transported to India where they must use their word knowledge to solve a mystery and help their new friend Dev save his school.
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.
13th Street: Battle of the Bad-Breath Bats
by David Bowles; illustrated by Shane Clester

What it's about: While exploring Gulf City's Little Mexico, cousins Malia, Dante, and Ivan accidentally wind up on 13th Street, a creepy otherworld filled with giant, wicked Snatch Bats. Can the cousins make it out safely?

Why you might like it: With spine-tingling scares, short chapters, cartoon art, and progress bars to show you how far you've read, this video game-style chapter book (the 1st in a series) will keep you turning pages.
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.
Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business
by Lyla Lee; illustrated by Dung Ho

Introducing: 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.
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
Seymour Library
176-178 Genesee St.
Auburn, New York 13021
(315) 252-2571

https://seymourlibrary.org