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Books for Kids and Tweens December 2023 |
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| Duel by Jessixa Bagley; illustrated by Aaron BagleyIt’s sister versus sister in this honest and intense graphic novel. Lucy and Gigi have been fighting way more since losing their dad, a fencing teacher. When Gigi embarrasses Lucy in front of their whole school, Lucy challenges her to a high-stakes duel. Read-alikes: Jewell Parker Rhodes’ Black Brother, Black Brother. (Ages 8-13.) |
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| The Plot to Kill a Queen by Deborah HopkinsonWelcome to London, 1582, where 13-year-old wannabe playwright Emilia Bassano is enlisted by Queen Elizabeth I’s spymaster to uncover a murder scheme at the court of Mary Queen of Scots. Mystery fans and theater kids both will be captivated by this detail-rich adventure. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Like a Charm by Elle McNicollTwelve-year-old Ramya Knox loves berets, has dyspraxia, lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and can see "Hidden Folk" such as vampires, trolls, and kelpies. In this thoughtful modern fantasy, Ramya sets out to complete her late grandfather’s book about the Hidden Folk. (Ages 7-12.) |
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| Mabuhay! by Zachary SterlingFilipino American siblings JJ and Althea are used to hearing their mom’s magic-infused folktales while they help with the family food truck, but they’re still shocked when those tales prove true. Bold, energetic artwork makes this exciting graphic novel fantasy stand out. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| The Winterton Deception: Final Word by Janet Sumner JohnsonTwins Hope and Gordon are competing in a high-dollar spelling competition hosted by the Wintertons, wealthy relatives the twins have never met, when they’re drawn into a twisty scavenger hunt packed with family secrets. This clever mystery series-starter is sure to hook fans of Kate Milford’s Greenglass House books. (Ages 10-14.) |
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| Hidden Truths by Elly SwartzDani and Eric have been best friends for a long time, but that changes after baseball player Dani is sidelined by an injury that Eric might have accidentally caused. Told in both characters’ voices, this hopeful story follows their complicated path to reunion. (Ages 9-12.)
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| Castle of Tangled Magic by Sophie AndersonOlia’s family are the caretakers of ramshackle Castle Mila. So when the castle is threatened, Olia and foxlike guardian Feliks venture into the Land of Forbidden Magic in search of a way to save their home. For fans of: fairy tales and folktales filled with adventure and enchantment. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| The Vanquishers by Kalynn BayronThis smart, funny, paranormal mystery stars sixth-grader Malika "Boog" Wilson, who’s always believed that the Vanquishers destroyed all the vampires decades ago. When Boog's new friend disappears, though, the clues suggest that bloodsucking fiends might not be extinct after all. (Ages 8-12.) |
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| Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada KellyAfter Sanlagita Island is plagued with disaster, Lalani Sarita journeys across the sea on a quest from which no man has ever returned: to bring back good fortune from the legendary Mount Isa. Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly based this enchanting fantasy on Filipino folktales. (Ages 8-12.)
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| You Only Live Once, David Bravo by Mark OshiroAfter an awful week, middle schooler David Bravo jumps at magical dog Fea’s offer to take him back in time to correct his mistakes -- but the results aren’t what he expects. This hopeful and mind-bending story offers plenty of surprises. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| Cece Rios and the Desert of Souls by Kaela RiveraWhen Cece Rios’ sister is kidnapped by a dark criatura, Cece must test her suspicion -- that criaturas are misunderstood spirits -- in a risky magical rescue mission. Read-alikes: J.C. Cervantes' Storm Runner series or Ryan Calejo's Charlie Hernandez books, two other exciting series inspired by Latin American folklore. (Ages 8-14.)
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| Tidesong by Wendy XuFrustrated and trying to prove herself, witch-in-training Sophie casts a spell that mixes her magic with the magic of Lir, a sea dragon who’s lost his memory and transformed into a human. Relatable emotions and dramatic art deepen the story in this fantasy graphic novel. Read-alike: K. O’Neill’s Tea Dragon Society series. (Ages 8-13.) |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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