Books for Kids and Tweens
June 2024
Recent Releases
Plain Jane and the Mermaid
by Vera Brosgol

With marriage as her only path to keeping her home, orphaned Jane is determined to rescue her maybe-fiancé after he's kidnapped by a fearsome mermaid -- even if it means a dangerous, magical journey under the sea. Fans of Vera Brosgol (creator of Be Prepared) won't want to miss this aquatic graphic novel adventure. (Ages 10-13.)
Curveball
by Pablo Cartaya; illustrated by Miguel Díaz Rivas

Elena's the best player on her baseball team, but she doesn't love it like she used to. Can a summer spent live-action roleplaying with her younger brother help her rediscover the excitement in playing, not just winning? Manga-style art heightens the imaginative action in this graphic novel. (Ages 8-12.)
And Then, Boom!
by Lisa Fipps

Just like the superheroes he idolizes, Joe has to deal with lots of sudden, scary changes, like his mom leaving or having to live in a car with his beloved Grandmum. But in this honest, page-turning story-in-poetry, Joe faces the scariest change yet. Read-alikes: No Place Like Home by James Bird and How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd. (Ages 9-13.)
The Secret Library
by Kekla Magoon

While grieving for her much-loved Grandpa, adventure-loving 11-year-old Dally discovers a magical library that can transport her to the lives of her ancestors. From the excitement of sailing with pirates to the bittersweetness of family history, this time-travel story is filled with thought-provoking twists. (Ages 8-12.)
Timid
by Jonathan Todd

Based on the author's own life in the 1980s, this funny and sensitive graphic novel follows shy cartoonist Cecil as he struggles to both fit in and be himself at a new middle school where he's one of the few Black kids. For fans of: Jerry Craft's New Kid series. (Ages 8-12.)
Paige Not Found
by Jen Wilde

Twelve-year-old Paige is shocked to discover that her parents are secretly allowing a company to monitor her brain and collect data about autistic kids like her. Even worse, that private data could soon be for sale -- unless Paige and the other monitored kids can prevent it. This own voices thriller will appeal to both science fiction fans and readers looking for books about kids on the spectrum. (Ages 8-12.)
Making a Splash
Sink or swim / : Sink or Swim
by Lee Durfey-Lavoie

Hoping to repair the relationship with his swim team friends at summer camp after being off the team for a month, 12-year-old Ty finds his anxiety getting the better of him and must gain confidence in himself and fix everything before it's too late. 
Swim Team
by Johnnie Christmas

After math-loving Bree moves from New York to Florida, she's plagued by new-kid stress until her neighbor Ms. Etta helps her dive into Black swim culture. Bold, colorful illustrations highlight Bree's worries and excitement as she begins to compete with the swim team. Read-alikes: Jerry Craft's New Kid or Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl. (Ages 9-13.)
Starfish
by Lisa Fipps

After a lifetime of being treated badly by everyone from classmates to her own mother, 11-year-old Ellie decides to ditch their unspoken "Fat Girl Rules." After all, it's not being fat that makes her unhappy, it's being bullied. Read-alikes: Iveliz Explains It All by Andrea Beatriz Arango and Dear Sweet Pea by Julie Murphy. (Ages 9-13.)
Barely Floating
by Lilliam Rivera

A synchronized swimming team like the L.A. Mermaids might not be the typical sport for a fat, outspoken, speed-swimmer like Nat Santiago, but she's always loved a challenge. Realistic fiction readers will appreciate this story's complicated, relatable heroine. (Ages 9-13.) 
Contact your librarian for more great books!
Hooksett Library
31 Mt. St. Mary's Way
Hooksett, NH 03106
603-485-6092
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