Books for Kids and Tweens
January 2025
Recent Releases
Off the Map
by Meika Hashimoto

Former best friends Marlo and Amos are already stressed about being stuck together on a canoe trip down Alaska's Yukon River…and then they get separated from their group. Now, they'll have to work together if they want to survive the hazardous wilderness. For fans of: Dan Gemeinhart's emotional outdoor adventure books. (Ages 10-13.)
Second to None
by Destiny Howell

When Ella Fitzgerald Middle School's typical first-place winners -- team captains, class presidents, spelling bee champs -- all begin losing at the same time, problem-solving mastermind DJ suspects a conspiracy. He calls in his crew to investigate, but the complex mystery could prove risky for them all. This smart, intriguing follow-up to High Score can be read as a sequel or a standalone. (Ages 8-12.)
Swimming with Spies
by Chrystyna Lucyk-Berger

It's 2014 on the Crimean Peninsula of Ukraine, and the invasion of Russian troops makes things extra complicated for Ukrainian Russian Sofiya. Her deepest loyalties, however, are to the animals at her family's dolphinarium, and she's determined to save them from the Russian military. Fast pacing and fascinating details amp up this peek into recent history. (Ages 8-12.) This title may be requested from our LIbShare partner, Marion County Public Library System.
The Ribbon Skirt
by Cameron Mukwa

With a powwow coming up, two-spirit Anishinaabe 10-year-old Anang begins a real-life quest to make their own ribbon skirt, connecting with spirits (including some snarky turtles) along the way. Created by a two-spirit author/illustrator, this colorful graphic novel is perfect for readers who prefer authentic, character-focused stories. (Ages 8-13.)
Retro Reads
Check out these awesome books from the not-so-distant past.
 
The Many Fortunes of Maya
by Nicole D. Collier

Middle schooler Maya “MJ” Jenkins depends on fortune cookies to guide her future. Lately, though, her questions -- about winning soccer MVP, or playing the flute in secret, or whether her parents will split up -- are too big for tiny fortunes. (Ages 8-12.) This title may be requested from our LibShare partner, Clarksburg-Harrison Public Library.
Not An Easy Win
by Chrystal D. Giles

Following a run of tough situations -- Pop going to jail, moving in with Granny, and getting expelled for fighting with bullies -- 12-year-old Lawrence needs something to go right. That's when he finds the chess program at the rec center. Real-feeling characters anchor this multi-layered story. Read-alikes: Kelly J. Baptist's Eb & Flow; Jason Reynolds' Ghost. (Ages 9-13.)
Dear Mothman
by Robin Gow

Sixth-grader Noah is autistic, trans, and sadly used to being misunderstood, especially since his best friend Lewis died. With nobody to talk to, Noah begins writing notes to Mothman, Lewis' favorite cryptid. There are lots of deep emotions in this story-in-verse as Noah moves through heartache and towards hope. (Ages 10-13.) This item may be requested from our LibShare partner, Marion County Public Library System.
Haven
by Megan Wagner Lloyd

Desperate to find help for her sick, beloved human, indoor cat Haven ventures into the vast wilderness. There, she finds a fox ally to guide her...and help her avoid the bobcat that's stalking her. For fans of: Sara Pennypacker's Pax and other stories about brave, big-hearted animals. (Ages 8-12.)
Adventuregame Comics: Leviathan
by Jason Shiga

A legendary sea monster is threatening a medieval coastal village, and you can defeat it -- if you make the right decisions. Choices matter in this clever, choose-your-own-adventure graphic novel featuring clues seeded in both the words and the illustrations. Next in the game-inspired series: The Beyond and Samurai vs. Ninja. (Ages 8-13.)
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Bridgeport Public Library
1200 Johnson Avenue, Bridgeport, West Virginia 26330
304-842-8248

https://www.bplwv.org/