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| The Swag Is in the Socks by Kelly J. BaptistThe 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. |
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| Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy by Misty Copeland; illustrated by Salena BarnesWhat it is: mini-biographies of Black ballerinas past and present, describing their game-changing skills, the way they challenged the racism of American dance, and the inspiration they offer to young dancers today.
Art alert: The biographies include watercolor art of each strong, graceful ballerina, making the book as interesting to look at as it is to read.
About the author: Author and ballerina Misty Copeland made history as the first African American female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. |
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| Second Sleep by Diane StanleyWhat 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. |
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| 13th Street: Battle of the Bad-Breath Bats by David Bowles; illustrated by Shane ClesterWhat 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. |
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| Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling: illustrated by Gina PerryWhat 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. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
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Central Mississippi Regional Library System
100 Tamberline Street
Brandon, Mississippi 39042
601-825-0100
http://www.cmrls.lib.ms.us
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