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Hello, readers!Do you have a question about books for children? Interested in a personalized suggestion? Please feel welcome to email me at amassey@dconc.gov, or visit your librarian at any Durham County Library location. See you at the library! Allie Massey, Children's Librarian Southwest Regional Library
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The Book of the Month Club is back at Southwest Regional Library! Readers in elementary and middle school are eligible to sign up for a six-month subscription (January to June). We’ll ask you about what you like to read, then we’ll put a book on hold just for you once a month. For more information or to sign up, email amassey@dconc.gov. Participation is limited to 10, registration opens December 1st.
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| The League of Unexceptional Children by Gitty DaneshvariSpy Adventure. The U.S. vice president has been kidnapped, national security is at risk, and the country's best hope lies in two extremely ordinary middle schoolers. Shelley and Jonathan aren't smart or talented or interesting, but that's exactly what makes them perfect for the League of Unexceptional Children, a secret spy agency made up of kids so average that they can operate "in the world's blind spot." Shelley and Jonathan's offbeat, fast-paced search for the missing vice president will leave you laughing – and eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. Want further goofy spy fiction while you wait? Try Jackson Pearce's The Doublecross. |
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| The Doldrums by Nicholas GannonAdventure. Ever since his grandparents disappeared while exploring Antarctica, 11-year-old Archer's life has been dull. Since his overprotective mother hardly lets him out of the house, Archer lives mainly in his imagination. That changes, however, after he meets Oliver, the nervous boy next door, and Adélaïde, a bold girl with a wooden leg. Together, the friends carefully plan an adventure of their own: to find Archer's grandparents. Fans of Roald Dahl or Lemony Snicket will appreciate the absurd tone, as well as the full-color illustrations, in this "amusing, heartwarming, and zany" tale (Kirkus Reviews). |
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| The Nest by Kenneth OppelFantasy/Horror. Steven's baby brother is sick, and while his whole family is worried, Steven is having dreams about an eerie winged creature who promises to help. At first he thinks the creature might be an angel, but as her behavior becomes more alarming -- and the unusual wasp nest on Steven's house grows larger -- Steven realizes that something more sinister than illness is threatening his family. While it begins as a realistic story, The Nest steadily grows creepier and more intense, building to a breathless, terrifying climax. For a less disturbing look at a similar situation, pick up David Almond's Skellig. |
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| Dream On, Amber by Emma ShevahFiction. Her parents named her Ambra Alessandra Leola Kimiko Miyamoto, but she goes by Amber. After all, starting middle school is hard enough without having to explain her Italian-Japanese name. Nervous about the changes ahead, Amber longs to talk to her father, but he's been gone since she was little. Instead, she confides in an imaginary "Dream Dad," telling him about her first crush, her blossoming art skills, and her annoying little sister. Told in Amber's authentic, witty voice and featuring doodle-style art, this upbeat read is perfect for readers who crave the humor of Jeff Kinney's Wimpy Kid series or the honesty of Lauren Myracle's Winnie books.
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| The Story of Diva and Flea by Mo Willems; illustrated by Tony DiTerlizziFiction. Pampered pooch Diva considers it her job to patrol the courtyard of the fancy apartment building where she lives. She never considers exploring further until she meets alley cat Flea, who is a devoted flâneur -- someone who roams the streets, seeing the sights. And there so many sights -- after all, this is Paris! A satisfying tale of new friendship, Diva and Flea is filled with small moments of bravery, as well as lively, stylish illustrations. Chapter book readers who have happy memories of author Mo Willems' Elephant and Piggie series will relish this charming new animal duo.
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"And." It's just a little conjunction, but it has the power to link all manner of things, as you can see in the book titles below.
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| The Griffin and the Dinosaur: How Adrienne Mayor Discovered a Fascinating Link... by Marc Aronson with Adrienne Mayor; illustrated by Chris MullerNonfiction. Where do myths and legends come from? Historian Adrienne Mayor believes that at least some of them can be explained by science. With "the suspense of a detective story" (Publishers Weekly), The Griffin and the Dinosaur describes how Mayor traveled to many countries, tracking down clues and gathering evidence to prove that legends about the griffin -- a part lion, part eagle creature from Greek mythology -- may have their roots in dinosaur fossils. Supported by illustrations, ancient artifacts, and fascinating photos, The Griffin and the Dinosaur is a great choice for archaeology fans as well as readers who are intrigued by mythical monsters. |
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| Deadweather and Sunrise by Geoff RodkeyAdventure. Thirteen-year-old Egbert (a.k.a. "Egg") works on his father's ugly-fruit plantation with an assortment of ex-pirates until the day when his dad and siblings disappear in a freak ballooning accident. Taken in by wealthy merchant Roger Pembroke, Egg enjoys living in luxury for a change...until he figures out that someone engineered that balloon accident -- someone who also wants Egg dead. Filled with near-nonstop perils, silly details, swashbuckling pirates, a bit of romance, and plenty of laughs, this 1st book in the Chronicles of Egg series is one fun, wild ride. |
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| Splendors and Glooms by Laura Amy SchlitzHistorical Fantasy. Indulged by her wealthy father after the accidental poisoning deaths of all her siblings, lonely young Clara gets to have the amazingly talented -- perhaps supernaturally talented? -- puppeteer Grisini perform at her 12th birthday party. And then Clara gets kidnapped. Told from several different characters' points of view, this spooky, intricate story set in Victorian London will mesmerize fans of well-described settings and tales of sinister magic. For another richly detailed (and scarier!) puppet story, check out Joanne Owen's Puppet Master. |
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| Jake and Lily by Jerry SpinelliFiction. It's the summer before middle school for 11-year-old twins Jake and Lily, and their lives are starting to change in some big ways. The two of them have always been close -- to the point of being kind of spooky sometimes, like when they have the same dream and sleepwalk to the same place, or when they feel each other's pain. But now that they're older, Jake has started spending less time with Lily and more time with boys his age, and Lily feels hurt and lonesome. Will the twins lose their special connection? Told in alternating chapters by both Lily and Jake, this is an honest and emotional read with characters you'll grow to love. |
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| Lulu and the Brontosaurus by Judith Viorst; illustrated by Lane SmithFiction. Lulu is a major brat whose parents always give her every single thing she wants -- until one year, she asks for a pet brontosaurus for her birthday. When her parents say no (a word that Lulu isn't used to hearing), Lulu throws a screaming fit, but that doesn't change their answer. So, Lulu decides to go into the forest and get a brontosaurus herself! In this silly, sarcastic story, Lulu is in for a big surprise...and readers get to pick their favorite of three different endings. |
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Looking for more great books? |
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For personalized reading recommendations from Durham County librarians, you may want to try My Next 5! Simply complete an online form to tell us a little about what genres, books, and authors you like (or dislike). A DCL librarian will review your submission and reply within three days with a list of the next five books you should read.
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NextReads is a service of Durham County Library and NoveList, a comprehensive database of fiction and nonfiction titles for all ages, including recommendations, articles, and lists for your fiction and nonfiction needs. Durham County Library cardholders can access NoveList from any computer
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Links to previous issues of this newsletter:
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If you are having trouble unsubscribing to this newsletter, please contact the Durham County Library at
919-560-0100, 300 N. Roxboro Street, Durham, NC 27702
librarywebmaster@durhamcountync.gov
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