Kids' Reads - May 2025
Recent Releases
Dreamslinger
by Graci Kim

As a dreamslinger, 14-year-old Korean American Aria is trained to repress her volatile magical abilities. When the Kingdom of Royal Hanguk opens its Annual Royal Slinger Trials, Aria intends to spy on their dangerous activities, but soon finds her loyalties tested. Lighthearted magic blends with serious themes in this fantasy series starter. (Ages 10-13.)
Lost and found
by Kate DiCamillo

"Orris the rat and Timble the owl are unlikely friends. Each night, Timble visits Orris in the barn and listens to his stories. But Timble is growing up, and one evening when the owl doesn't appear as usual Orris wonders if Timble has forgotten him. Is their friendship over? Or could it be that Timble has a tale of his own to share?"
A Day at the Beach
by Gary D. Schmidt and Ron Koertge

During a single day on a New Jersey beach, you can follow the overlapping activities of 28 different kids (and two dogs). Ranging from funny (losing your swim trunks) to painful (facing racism and grief), this easy-to-browse book offers a fresh point of view in every chapter. For fans of: Jason Reynolds’ Look Both Ways. (Ages 9-13.)
Etta Flies High
by Maddy Mara

"It's almost time for the fairies' favorite spring event--the Midblossom Ball. But something isn't right with the Forever Tree. It's starting to wilt, and none of the fairy wands are working properly. Etta and the other Alpha Wings must travel to the Wandmakers for help. The forest can be dangerous, though, and they need to watch out for Serpentina, the ancient snake spirit. Will the Alpha Wings be able to fix their wands and save everyone's magic?"
The Trouble With Heroes
by Kate Messner

After an act of vandalism, angry and grieving 13-year-old Finn accepts an unusual deal to make amends: he’s got to climb 46 Adirondack peaks alongside a crew of volunteers and a smelly, slobbery dog. Told through poems, letters, and other snippets from Finn’s life, this moving and funny story is a snapshot of a change-filled summer. Read-alike: Each of Us A Universe by Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo and Ndengo Gladys Mwilelo. (Ages 10-13.)
You and Me and the Land of Lost Things
by Andy Griffiths

"An all-new, laugh-out-loud chapter book adventure series is filled with irreverent, kid-friendly humor, wacky action, laughs and a unique storytelling style"
Candle Island
by Lauren Wolk

When 12-year-old Lucretia and her mom, both painters, arrive among the feuding residents of tiny Candle Island, Maine, they’re recovering from a big loss…and hiding a big secret. Vibrant descriptions and larger-than-life characters round out this offbeat story of family bonds, friendships, and creativity. (Ages 10-13.)
Ice Angel
by Lorna Schultz Nicholson

Rhapsody "Rap" Queen Smith lives with her grandparents and plays for the Ice Angels hockey team. Her focus is on improving her power plays and crossovers until she meets Marion, a mysterious older woman who spends her days sitting on a bench outside the arena. When Marion's ring goes missing, Rap and her friends are determined to find it. But who is Marion, and why does she know so much about hockey?

Lorna Schultz Nicholson lives in Edmonton, AB.
Please Pay Attention
by Jamie Sumner

After surviving a school shooting that left her feeling helpless in her wheelchair, Bea finds healing and empowerment through horseback riding therapy and begins to advocate for change
Summer of Rocks
by Jenna Greene

Three sisters spend an adventure-filled summer in the Canadian wilderness, exploring rock quarries, escaping bear attacks, and fighting over space in the back seat of the family pickup truck.

Jenna Greene lives in Alberta.
New Graphic Novels
The Cartoonists Club
by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud

Makayla, Howard, Lynda, and Art all have different ideas and talents, but they have a common goal: making comics. Together, they form the Cartoonists Club, and you can follow along as they figure out friendships and discover tips and tools for creating graphic novels. With relatable characters and inviting art, this graphic novel is exactly what you’d expect from fan-favorite Raina Telgemeier and comics expert Scott McCloud. (Ages 8-13.)
Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen's Prize (8)
by Shauna J. Grant

"Karen loves to spell words. She is very good at it, too. First she wins the spelling bee in her class. Then Karen wins another spelling contest. And another . . . and another! Soon Karen might be the best junior speller in the state of Connecticut. She's even going to be on TV! Karen thinks that is so great. But her friends don't. They think Karen is a show-off!"
Geronimo Stilton Reporter: Attack of the Killer Whale (18)
by Geronimo Stilton

Based on the Geronimo Stilton animated series "Attack of the Killer Whale," Geronimo and the gang set sail in the arctic seas to help his old friend Professor Ranoble with her ice research, but the captain of the ship may be up to something big, especially with frequent orca attacks
Pokemon Sword & Shield (12)
by Hidenori Kusaka

"Casey Shield, a hacker who invented the Dynamax Simulator, and Henry Sword, a boy who repairs gear for Pokâemon, both dream of entering the Galar region's Gym battles. For Casey, it's a chance to reunite with her lost Pokâemon. For Henry, it's an opportunity to search for the fabled Rusted Sword and Rusted Shield. Hop and the rest of the team chase after a Legendary bird Pokâemon while Henry and Casey keep training the Pokâemon Kubfu! Is Kubfu finally trained strong enough to evolve?!"
Warriors: The Prophecies Begin (2)
by Erin Hunter

Fireheart is determined to find out the truth about the mysterious death of the former ThunderClan deputy Redtail. But as he searches for answers, he uncovers secrets that might be better left hidden.
Sonic the Hedgehog : Extreme Competition (18)
by Iasmin Omar Ata

The action-packed saga continues as Sonic and the gang take on the Extreme Gear races and encounter a mysterious contender: the Phantom Rider.

Collects issues #69-71, 'Spring Broken', and 'Sonic’s Winter Jam one-shot'.
Junie B. Jones and the Stupid Smelly Bus : The Graphic Novel (1)
by Colleen A. F. Venable

A young girl describes her feelings about starting kindergarten and what she does when she decides not to ride the bus home
Band Nerd
by Sarah Clawson Willis

"Twelve-year-old Lucy Carver must navigate life as a band nerd in a new school, all while competing for a top flute soloist spot...Middle school is tough--thank goodness there's band...music isn't just a way of life, it's an escape from homework and an off-key homelife with her alcoholic father. When Lucy starts seventh grade at Windley School of the Arts, with its high academic standards and even higher artistic expectations, it becomes much harder to keep life in tune"
Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy : Spidermania (5)
by Doug Savage

"It's a new day in the forest, and the creatures there are beginning to act strange. They're getting glowing purple eyes, sneezing out web, and seem set on biting other animals and spreading it to everyone in the woods! When their nemesis Cyborgupine is bit, Laser Moose and Rabbit Boy set out to solve the mystery and find a way to save the forest once again--before their own brainwashed friends can stop them!"
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles : Turtle Power Pack (2)
by Dave Garcia

"First, from TMNT: Adventures, the Turtles' biggest enemy is back in "Return of the Shredder!" But with a gang of criminals dressed like them committing crimes at the same time, the boys will have a lot on their plates besides pizza! Then, introduce yourselves to the Turtles from Rise of the TMNT as they go on their first mission, mystic style! April is on the tail of a pesky oozesquito while the brothers encounter some mutant silverfish. In the finale from TMNT: Amazing Adventures, Mikey is feeling a little bored, so he decides to make his own comic!"
Contact your librarian for more great books!