Books for Kids and Tweens
May 2022
Recent Releases
Unfadeable
by Maurice Broaddus

Welcome to: the Land, the Indianapolis neighborhood where 13-year-old Bella Fades (aka graffiti artist Unfadeable) makes her art and hides the fact that she's living on her own.

What happens: After she discovers a scheme to change the Land for the worse, Bella risks making connections in order to fight for her neighborhood.

Why you might like it: Savvy problem-solver Bella is a character you can get behind, and the story's combination of real-world issues and gripping mystery will keep you turning pages. (Ages 9-13.)
Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone
by Tae Keller

Then: During the summer, Mallory Moss hung out with Jennifer Chan, the new girl in town and a firm believer in aliens. But when 7th grade started, Mallory chose the mean, popular girls over staying friends with Jennifer.

Now: Jennifer's gone missing, and a guilt-riddled Mallory can't stop looking for clues about what happened to her. 

You might also like: Jen Wang's Stargazing or Aaron Starmer's The Riverman, two further books that blend middle school angst with the otherworldly. (Ages 8-12.)
Bug Scouts: Out in the Wild
by Mike Lowery

Introducing: earthworm Abby, spider Josh, firefly Luna, and "some kind of bug" Doug, four adventurous Bug Scouts hoping to earn their foraging badges by finding edible plants (or any kind of snacks, if you're Josh). 

Why you might like it: This graphic novel, the 1st in a series, features funny animal characters, useful nature facts, and short, easy-to-read chapters.

For fans of: Drew Brockington's CatStronauts comics or Laura Knetzger's Bug Boys. (Ages 7-10.)
Different Kinds of Fruit
by Kyle Lukoff

What it's about: A new student at 6th-grader Annabelle's tiny school is a big deal, especially a new kid as cool as nonbinary Bailey. Being friends with Bailey (and yeah, having a crush on them) opens up Annabelle's world  -- but her parents' reactions are the real surprise.

For fans of: Alex Gino, A.J. Sass, Kacen Callendar, and other authors of honest, heartfelt stories about the friendships and families of LGBTQIA kids. (Ages 10-13.)
Winnie Zeng Unleashes a Legend
by Katie Zhao

What it's about: To please her parents and beat her nemesis, 11-year-old Winnie Zeng has to be the best at everything. But how is she supposed to deal with that pressure and practice her newly unlocked shaman skills to defeat three dangerous spirits?

Series alert: This is the 1st book in an exciting series packed with details from Chinese mythology.

Try this next: Graci Kim's The Last Fallen Star or Anna Meriano's Love Sugar Magic series. (Ages 8-12.)
Oceans of Possibilities
Dive in to one of these watery reads.
 
Josephine Against the Sea
by Shakirah Bourne

Starring: fiery 11-year-old cricket player Josephine, who uses creative methods to scare off her single dad's girlfriends before they get serious. 

What happens: When her dad's latest girlfriend, Mariss, won't be scared away, Josephine suspects that eerie magic is in play.

Try this next: Tracey Baptiste's The Jumbies, another vivid fantasy about a girl protecting her father from a fearsome creature straight out of Caribbean folklore. (Ages 9-13.)
Kondo & Kezumi Reach Bell Bottom
by David Goodner; illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi

What it's about: Explorer besties Kondo and Kezumi are sailing to Spaghetti Island, only Kezumi keeps getting distracted and Kondo keeps getting annoyed. Can they make it to their destination without wrecking their boat -- or their friendship?

Read it for: imaginative settings, a fast pace, and lots of illustrations.

Series alert: This is the 2nd book in the Kondo & Kezumi series, which begins with Kondo & Kezumi Visit Giant Island. (Ages 7-10.)
Consider the octopus
by Nora Raleigh Baskin

What it is: Told in alternating voices, twelve-year-old's JB Barnes and Sidney Miller meet aboard a scientific research ship after JB is tasked to invite a renowned scientist named Sidney Miller and mistakenly invites a girl with the same name who will do anything to get out of going to summer camp.

Reviewer's say: "A sure winner for readers interested in the environment and adventure, or even just in adventure."
The Flooded Earth
by Mardi McConnochie 

In a world... where floodwaters cover much of the planet Earth, twins Annalie and Will search for their fugitive father while trying to avoid pirates, cannibals, and the corrupt Admiralty.
 
Is it for you? If you're looking for a gripping seafaring story that will make you think and keep you turning pages, The Flooded Earth might float your boat.
 
Look for: the sequel, The Castle in the Sea. (Ages 10-12.)
Malamander
by Thomas Taylor; illustrated by Tom Booth 

Welcome to: the resort town of Eerie-on-Sea, where determined Violet Parma enlists orphaned Herbie Lemon in the search for her long-missing parents, causing both kids to tangle with local monster-hunters on the trail of the legendary Malamander.

Read it for: clever clues, close calls, and a colorful cast of characters, not to mention a misty, mysterious setting. 

Series alert: If you're hooked by this seaside escapade, you're in luck -- it's the 1st in a series. (Ages 9-12.)
Contact your librarian for more great books!