| The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman by Gennifer CholdenkoSuper-responsible 11-year-old Hank loves his 3-year-old sister Boo, and due to their unreliable mother, he's used to taking care of her. But when their mom disappears, Hank faces painful choices, such as: is asking for help worth the risk of being separated from Boo? This authentic story is equal parts heartwrenching and heartwarming. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| Felix Powell, Boy Dog by Erin Entrada KellyTransformed from human to dog by a mysterious thrift store blanket, eight-year-old Felix is thrilled to explore the world alongside his beloved dog, Mary Puppins. Lots of artwork and short sections make this goofy, good-hearted story perfect for new chapter book readers. (Ages 7-10.) |
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| The Night Librarian by Christopher LincolnCuriosity and boredom prompt twins Page and Turner to visit the New York Public Library, where an encounter with the night librarian reveals that magical energy is escaping from the books -- along with some dangerous fictional characters. Cartoony illustrations add to the offbeat energy in this graphic novel adventure. Read-alike: Kekla Magoon's The Secret Library, Polly Shulman's The Grimm Legacy. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Anatomy of Lost Things by Shawn K. StoutThe lives of three kids intersect as each faces their own difficult situation: Leon wants to contact his grandfather's spirit; Nell is grieving for one of her moms and frustrated by the other; and Tildy is afraid that her mom will leave, again. For fans of: the quirky characters and deep feelings in Kate DiCamillo's books. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Majestica by Sarah TolcserWhen the tour train through Majestica, a magical nature preserve, breaks down, maid-in-training Hattie must find a way out of the wilderness, accompanied by stuck-up rich girl Evelyn and magician/secret operative Jacob. This thrilling eco-adventure will make you think while keeping you on the edge of your seat. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Fowl Play by Kristin O'Donnell TubbAfter the loss of her adored Uncle Will, Chloe Alvarez inherits his pet parrot, who hints that Uncle Will might have been murdered. Of course Chloe has to investigate, roping in her eccentric family as she searches for the truth. This tricky mystery also offers funny, feel-good family vibes. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Spare Parts: The True Story of Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot... by Joshua Davis and Reyna GrandeOscar, Luis, Lorenzo, and Cristian are just four immigrant teens from Arizona when they enter the marine robotics competition. They're up against wealthy college teams, but with some low-cost parts and their combined smarts, they build something incredible. This true story will grab STEM geeks and readers who love to root for underdogs. (Ages 10-13.)
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| The Lost Whale by Hannah GoldFor 11-year-old Londoner Rio, a trip to the California coast leads to some emotional connections, like the connection between his mom (in the hospital for depression) and White Beak, the gray whale she loved as a child, as well as the connection between whales and the humans who protect them. Read-alike: Heather Fawcett's A Galaxy of Whales, Lynne Kelly's Song for a Whale. (Ages 9-12.) |
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| The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln; illustrated by Claire PowellShenanigan Swift worries that, like everyone else named from the Family Dictionary, her name is her destiny. But that worry fades when compared to the murders that plague the family reunion/treasure hunt. With high suspense, plentiful puns, and dark yet whimsical humor, this twisty series opener is a must-read mystery. Next in the series: A Gallery of Rogues. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| Speculation by Nisi ShawlIn this haunting, hopeful fantasy, a pair of wish-granting spectacles help 10-year-old Winna Cole delve into the tragic, heroic, and complicated lives of her ancestors. Is she the only one who can break the family curse? (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Sisters of the Lost Marsh by Lucy StrangeWilla and her five sisters have grown up with a cruel father and a local superstition that curses any family with six daughters. Yet when oldest sister Grace goes missing, Willa risks their father's wrath by running away to find her. Read-alike: Diane Zahler's Goblin Market. (Ages 8-13.) |
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| Airi Sano, Prankmaster General: New School Skirmish by Zoe Tokushige; illustrations by Jennifer NaalchigarAfter arriving in Hawai'i following yet another move with her military family, mischievous Airi is sure that a prank war will convince her patient, upbeat 6th-grade teacher that she's "unteachable." First in a series, New School Skirmish boasts Wimpy Kid-style art and humor. Next in the series: Public Enemy Number One. (Ages 8-12.) |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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