List

Category
Audience

Continental Drifter

Kathy MacLeod

“A fantastic story about the awkward feelings of being from neither here nor there."
—Dan Santat, National Book Award winner and author of A First Time for Everything


With a Thai mother and an American father, Kathy lives in two different worlds. She spends most of the year in Bangkok, where she’s secretly counting the days till summer vacation. That’s when her family travels for twenty-four hours straight to finally arrive in a tiny seaside town in Maine.

Kathy loves Maine’s idyllic beauty and all the exotic delicacies she can’t get back home, like clam chowder and blueberry pie. But no matter how hard she tries, she struggles to fit in. She doesn’t look like the other kids in this
rural New England town. Kathy just wants to find a place where she truly belongs, but she’s not sure if it’s in America, Thailand . . . or anywhere.

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Select

Christie Matheson

One girl and her soccer team take a stand against the bullies who push them too far in this brave, inspiring novel that celebrates girl power and the true spirit of sports. Perfect for readers who love The Crossover and Fighting Words.

"A tale of terrific girl power and athleticism." —Kirkus Reviews

Twelve-year-old Alex loves playing soccer, and she’s good at it, too. Very good. When her skills land her a free ride to play for Select, an elite soccer club, it feels like a huge opportunity. Joining Select could be the key to a college scholarship and a bright future—one that Alex’s family can’t promise her.

But as the team gets better and better, her new coach pushes the players harder and harder, until soccer starts to feel more like punishment than fun. And then there comes a point where enough is enough, and Alex and her teammates must take a stand to find a better way to make their soccer dreams come true.

Powerful and inspiring, Select explores the important difference between positive and negative coaching and celebrates the true spirit of sports.

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The Wrong Way Home

Kate O'Shaughnessy

Twelve-year-old Fern believes she's living a noble life--but what if everything she's been told is a lie? This is a huge-hearted story about a girl learning to question everything—and to trust in herself.

Fern’s lived at the Ranch, an off-the-grid, sustainable community in upstate New York, since she was six. The work is hard, but Fern admires the Ranch's leader, Dr. Ben. So when Fern’s mother sneaks them away in the middle of the night and says Dr. Ben is dangerous, Fern doesn't believe it. She wants desperately to go back, but her mom just keeps driving.

Suddenly thrust into the treacherous, toxic, outside world, Fern thinks only about how to get home again. She has a plan, but it will take time. As that time goes by, though, Fern realizes there are things she will miss from this place—the library, a friend from school, the ocean—and there are things she learned at the Ranch that are just...not true.

Now Fern will have to decide. How much is she willing to give up to return to the Ranch? Should she trust Dr. Ben’s vision for her life? Or listen to the growing feeling that she can live by her own rules?

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The Violin

Mary Auld

A beautifully illustrated story bringing to life all that is wonderful about the violin. Created in partnership with, and featuring music downloads by, the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO).

Follow violinist, Lilu, as she prepares for her concert performances and uncovers more about the violin. Discover how the instrument is made, how it is played and its role within the orchestra. Get swept up in the magic of the music as Lilu rehearses for a dream summer evening performance.

With panels that offer suggestions for music to listen to and exclusive music to download from the LSO, this is a multi-sensory experience in which to enjoy and learn about the violin. From the creative team behind the award-winning book How to Build an Orchestra.

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Turtles of the Midnight Moon

María José Fitzgerald

When poachers threaten the island they love, two girls team up to save the turtles—and each other. An eco-mystery with an unforgettable friendship story at its heart from a fresh new voice in middle grade.

Twelve-year-old Barana lives in a coastal village in Honduras, where she spends every spare minute visiting the sea turtles that nest on the beach.

Abby is feeling adrift in sixth grade, trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs after her best friend moved away from New Jersey.

When Abby’s papi plans a work trip to Honduras, she is finally given the opportunity to see his homeland—with Barana as her tour guide. But Barana has other plans: someone has been poaching turtle eggs, and she’s determined to catch them! Before long, Abby and Barana are both consumed by the mystery, chasing down suspects, gathering clues, and staking out the beach in the dead of night. . . . Will they find a way to stop the poachers before it’s too late?

A heart-pounding mystery with a hint of magic, María José Fitzgerald’s debut novel explores the power of friendship, community, and compassion to unite all living creatures.

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Trim Saves the Day

Deborah Hopkinson

One small kitten learns about the great big world as he sets sail with his fellow shipmates, animal and human, in this historical fiction intermediate reader.

Trim likes being part of the ship’s crew. The captain says that everyone has a jobs they do alone and other times they help each other out. And if there’s a big problem, then it’s all hands on deck.

But what is Trim’s job? He really wants to help, but everyone is very busy. Penny is helping the sailors mop the deck, so Trim decides to mop too. Swish! Swish! SWISH! Trim gets water everywhere. Jack is helping the captain steer the ship, so Trim thinks he can steer too. Whee! Whee! WHEE! But there’s not enough room on the wheel. Doesn’t anyone have a job for a kitten who really wants to help?

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Mango Memories

Sita Singh

Here is a completely captivating picture book that celebrates family, tradition...and mangoes!

Every summer, the branches of a little girl's favorite tree droops heavy with mangoes. And this year, she is finally old enough to help her family harvest them.

Her brother shares a memory about his first time mango picking: his father holding him steady as he reached high above for the fruit. But when the girl climbs the tree, she becomes too dizzy. Then her grandma shares a mango memory: learning, many years ago, to toss a stone that knocked the fruit from the branches. But when the girl throws her stone, she keeps missing.

How can this little heroine create her own mango memory if she can't even pick a mango?

Narrated by a determined young Indian child, and set in a lush mango grove, here is a picture book that honors generational traditions and beautifully introduces young readers to a culture with which they may not be familiar.

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Ramadan Kareem

M. O. Yuksel

From M. O. Yuksel and Hatem Aly, the acclaimed creators of the award-winning In My Mosque, comes Ramadan Kareem--a delightful, diverse celebration of Ramadan around the world. Don't miss this modern classic that celebrates the emotions and joy of this important holiday.

Come in and experience the sacred traditions of Ramadan, the Islamic month of mercy and blessings, with children and families from across the globe. From waking up early for suhoor and fasting from dawn to dusk to praying and preparing an iftar meal to be shared, Ramadan is a time of increased spirituality, gratitude, charity, and empathy for all.

With warm, lyrical text from M. O. Yuksel and richly detailed artwork from New York Times bestselling illustrator Hatem Aly, this is a must-have book that invites readers to enjoy the wonder of Ramadan. The book also includes easy-to-understand back matter and fun, interactive elements.

 

 

"A celebratory, tender picture book that reflects how the holy month of Ramadan is honored by Muslims around the world... Yuksel pairs these shared values of Ramadan with culturally specific language for loved ones and foods, reflecting the diversity of the Muslim community... Aly's illustrations fill each page with colors and patterns that emanate excitement and care as families share meals, visit the market, gather for prayer, prepare donations, cook, and set the table together... A beautiful follow-up to the award-winning collaboration In My Mosque, this book reflects the diversity of Muslim communities around the world while uplifting the shared principles of the holy month of Ramadan." --School Library Journal (starred review)

 

 

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The Keeper of Stars

Jennifer Harris

A timeless and magical story about the power of love and imagination

 

Every night Milo's mom tucks him in and reads him three bedtime stories, and Milo taps his dad's picture three times. Mom always falls asleep first, so Milo sneaks out the window, catches a ride on a comet, and travels far above the clouds to help the Keeper of Stars.

After a long day, the sky is a bit of a mess. Together, Milo and the Keeper of Stars gather up stray balloons and feathers, rinse and polish the stars (which would be easier if they weren't so ticklish!), and sometimes, the Keeper of Stars lets Milo play games with the baby stars. When everything is tidy, the two hard workers enjoy a cup of cocoa together and admire the millions of bright twinkles in the night sky before Milo heads back to his room and slides into bed, careful not to wake his mom.

Spare text twinkles with warmth, imagination, and humor as a child finds his own way to cope with separation from a parent and whimsical, eye-catching illustrations bring this charming bedtime adventure to life.

 

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Outdoor Farm, Indoor Farm

Lindsay H. Metcalf

Discover how both outdoor and indoor farms sustainably grow the food we eat throughout the year in this vibrant, rhyming picture book.

Outdoor farm,
tractors toil.
Indoor farm,
zero soil.

With energetic, enchanting verse and sunshiny, colorful illustrations, discover how the food you eat is grown both outside—and inside! Join two children as they explore the inner workings of an outdoor farm and an indoor farm. You’ll see how a variety of amazing machinery like tractors and drones along with innovative farming techniques yield the wonderful food we all love to enjoy.

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I Am Gravity

Henry Herz

Told in lyrical, riddling first-person narrative, Gravity boasts of its essential role in life as we know it--from the pulling of the ocean's tides to the vastness of the stars in the sky. Back matter about the science of gravity and major historical discoveries enhances the book for STEM learning.

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Eating My Words

Brian P. Cleary

At lunch, / I ate three cans / of alphabet soup. / An hour later / I had / thesaurus / throat / ever.

Brian Cleary brings his trademark humor and wordplay to middle grade readers in this poetry collection. Featuring limericks, concrete poems, haiku, quatrains, acrostics, and much more, the book is in equal parts entertaining and educational. Spot illustrations accompany the poems, as do brief notes about poetic forms and poetic devices. An exceedingly accessible resource for poetry month--and all year round!

 

 

 

 

 

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Just Like Click

Sandy Grubb

Nick Townley has lived his entire life-- all eleven years-- at Black Butte Ranch, nestled in the foothills of the snow-capped Cascade Mountains. While his parents push him to study, practice sports, and make friends, Nick prefers to retreat into his superhero universe and create exciting Adventures of Click comics. When a string of robberies threatens Dad' s job, forcing them to move across the country, Nick' s world implodes. He loves his home, and what will he do about the $237,000 in cash under his bed that Great Gramp gave him before he died? Desperate to stop the move, Nick steps off his comic book pages and ventures into the night as Click, an undercover superhero. Catching thieves would be a lot easier if he had actual superpowers. When three new kids discover his identity and want to join him, Nick vows to stay undercover... until he realizes even a superhero needs friends. But can he ask them to put their lives in danger to save his home? What would Click do?

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Sunny Parker Is Here to Stay

Margaret Finnegan

A determined girl spends the summer before middle school learning to stand up for her low-income community in this funny, fast-paced read just right for fans of Kelly Yang’s Front Desk.

Sunny Parker loves the Del Mar Garden Apartments, the affordable housing complex where she lives. And she especially loves her neighbors. From her best friend, Haley Michaels, to Mrs. Garcia and her two kids—developmentally disabled son AJ and bitter but big-hearted daughter Izzy—every resident has a story and a special place in Sunny’s heart.

Sunny never thought living at the Del Mar Garden Apartments made her different—until the city proposes turning an old, abandoned school into a new affordable housing complex and the backlash of her affluent neighborhood teaches Sunny the hard way that not everyone appreciates the community she calls home. Her dad, the Del Mar’s manager-slash-handyman, wants Sunny to lay low. But as hurtful rhetoric spreads and the city’s public hearing approaches, Sunny realizes that sometimes there’s too much at stake to stay silent.

With her friends behind her, Sunny Parker is determined to change the narrative—because she and her community are here to stay!

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Sleeping Spells and Dragon Scales

Wendy S. Swore

Can two friends solve the mystery of Liam's "curse" by using their knowledge of fairy tales?



Something is wrong with Liam. He collapses during soccer practice, he can't stay awake in class, and he's starting to see a ghostly white fox that disappears into smoke. His parents and teachers accuse him of being lazy and staying up too late, but he knows it's something worse.



No one believes him except for Alaina, a friend and self-proclaimed expert in fantasy and fairy tales. She's seen this sort of thing before and believes Liam has been cursed with a powerful sleeping spell. Her journal is full of possible ways to break a curse. Liam is skeptical, but with his normal life slipping further away, he agrees to try her potential cures.



As they search for answers in stories, Alaina shares that she also is dealing with something no one else can see: type 1 diabetes. It rears its head like an invisible dragon, and she carries her medical equipment as a knight's lance and dragon-scale shield to battle it.



As Liam's mystery illness worsens, he will need Alaina's friendship--and perhaps a bit of fairy magic--to find a way to understand the truth of what is happening and regain the pieces of himself that are lost.
 

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My First Earth Day

Karen Katz

I think about the forests, the water, all the animals, the fish, and the sun. I think about all the ways I can take care of our earth.

Introduce young readers to Earth Day with Karen Katz's lovely storytelling and colorful collage art.

There's no better way to spend the day than visiting Nana and learning all about Earth Day. Planting trees and vegetables, visiting the forest and lake, recycling, and supporting local businesses, this book helps little ones to see how to care for our wonderful planet.


Godwin Books

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Metal Baby

Stephen W. Martin

For fans of The Boss Baby and Mustache Baby comes a laugh-out-loud picture book about quiet parents who unexpectedly bring home a baby that’s a heavy metal sensation!

The Mumfords are a quiet family. They live on a quiet street and enjoy quiet things. So imagine their surprise when they bring home…a Metal Baby! The Mumfords try their best to quiet his cries. But he just gets louder and louder. Soon he’s rocking all day and all night. And he’s attracting a lot of fans! The Mumfords are exhausted. Their quiet souls are crushed. Is there any way to put Metal Baby to sleep?

Illustrator Brandon James Scott joins the author of Fluffy McWhiskers Cuteness Explosion and I Can’t Draw to create this hilarious, hard-rocking romp of a picture book!

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The HISTORY Channel This Day in History For Kids

Dan Bova

An exciting, visual adventure through history with day-by-day accounts of extraordinary events, notable people, and incredible inventions for kids ages 8-12.

History comes alive in this beautifully illustrated book with bite-size facts (along with a touch of humor) that will engage and entertain young curious minds.

Jam-packed with important events, inspiring accomplishments by remarkable people, and groundbreaking inventions, this super-fun fact-filled book, the first kids book from History Channel, includes the most interesting historical facts--from early civilization up to the 21st century all around the world for every day of the year.

Each day’s entry includes multiple events that occurred on that day in history along with charming original illustrations and photography. Plus, readers are prompted to recall their own remarkable milestones, helping them to consider their place in history. Inside, kids will discover:

 

  • Historic events that happened on their birthday
  • Major moments in sports
  • Groundbreaking events and famous military battles
  • Fearless explorers, inventors and freedom fighters
  • Record-breaking stunts
  • Weird and wacky holidays
  • Incredible dinosaur discoveries, and much more!


A great gift for an up-and-coming history buff and an engaging resource for the classroom, this book offers a fresh twist on history, looking into the past and letting you recall your own.

 

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Two Homes, One Heart

Jessica Young

 

 

From acclaimed creators Jessica Young and Chelsea O'Byrne comes a heartening picture book about evolving families and enduring love.

 

 

Two parents, one me.

Are we still a family

Living in two homes can be a big adjustment, but it can also present opportunities for growth. Jessica Young's poignant story and Chelsea O'Byrne's tender illustrations offer gentle reassurance to kids navigating separation or divorce and remind us that while families change, love is constant.

 

 

 

 

 

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Tiny Wonders

Sally Soweol Han

The world is full of wonders, if we take a small moment to look! A beautiful story about everyday magic.
April's town is dull and gray, and the people there are too busy to laugh or look up at the sky. But when April remembers Grandma's stories about wonder in the world, like the secret language of flowers, April wonders: Can dandelions help?
Planting tiny seeds while the seasons shift towards spring, April watches as the dandelions and other flowers sprout, bringing more than a little wonder back to her community.
Debut author-illustrator Sally Soweol Han's gorgeous and inspirational story encourages young readers to consider how they too can plant a little wonder in the world.

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West Coast Wild Rainforest

Deborah Hodge

Step into the majestic rainforest of the Pacific west coast and discover a unique community of creatures thriving in an interconnected web of life.

Towering over the sea, along the magnificent Pacific west coast, is an ancient and beautiful rainforest with a unique ecosystem that is linked in many ways. In this fourth book in the West Coast Wild series, you will find trees as tall as twenty-storey buildings, tiny seedlings sprouting on nursery logs and brightly colored salmon spawning in streams. The salmon, as a keystone species, connect the ocean to the forest and provide a rich source of food for the bears, wolves, eagles and other creatures that live in this pristine wilderness. The remains of the fish add vital nutrients to the forest, feeding the lush green plants and trees. In turn, the thick vegetation shades the streams and protects the baby salmon that hatch and swim to the sea.

Author Deborah Hodge provides a clear and engaging look at the interdependence of the forest species and the fascinating cycles of nature in this rare ecosystem, while Karen Reczuch's lavish watercolors show the rainforest teeming with life in shades of green that can only come from receiving more than ten feet of rain a year.

 

Key Text Features

illustrations

author's note

further information

further reading

facts

 

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.3

With prompting and support, describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.K.7

With prompting and support, describe the relationship between illustrations and the text in which they appear (e.g., what person, place, thing, or idea in the text an illustration depicts).

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.3

Describe the connection between two individuals, events, ideas, or pieces of information in a text.

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RI.1.4

Ask and answer questions to help determine or clarify the meaning of words and phrases in a text.

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The Mochi Makers

Sharon Fujimoto-Johnson

A girl and her grandmother spend the day making mochi together in this gentle and joyous “storytelling treat” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review) celebrating family, tradition, and the memories that matter most.

Emi and Obaachan are making mochi. It’s a recipe that’s been passed down for generations. Obaachan brought it with her when she first came to America from Japan and now, Emi is about to become her family’s newest mochi maker!

They mix and pound and twist and wrap. The Japanese rice cakes are sticky and chewy, colorful and tasty, and—most importantly—made with love. For Emi and Obaachan, making mochi becomes a way to remember those they’ve lost, make lots of new memories, and have a fun and family-filled day.

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Haru

Joe Latham

Haru, a small bird who dreams of flying, and their best friend Yama, a talkative boar, are used to being in the shadows. But when Yama finds a strange artifact that causes sinister effects, the two are swept into an epic journey to destroy the artifact and save the world.

In The Valley, best friends Haru and Yama both dream of leaving as they're bullied at school, frustrated at home, and struggling to figure out who they are. One day, a powerful artifact connects itself to Yama, and they discover that they'll have to journey to The Beacon in search of answers.



Created by artist Joe Latham, this beautifully illustrated graphic novel series is a coming-of-age tale that spans the changing of seasons. Beginning in spring and ending in spring--the cycle complete. A story of heart, growing up, and the sacrifices we make for those we love, Haru is perfect for middle-grade readers.

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Olivetti

Allie Millington

A heartfelt novel praised by Tom Hanks in the New York Times as including "a conclusion nearly impossible to divine and yet so perfect it includes that most tactile of memories..."

Being a typewriter is not as easy as it looks. Surrounded by books (notorious attention hogs) and recently replaced by a computer, Olivetti has been forgotten by the Brindle family—the family he’s lived with for years. The Brindles are busy humans, apart from 12-year-old Ernest, who would rather be left alone with his collection of Oxford English Dictionaries. The least they could do was remember Olivetti once in a while, since he remembers every word they’ve typed on him. It’s a thankless job, keeping memories alive.

Olivetti gets a rare glimpse of action from Ernest’s mom, Beatrice—his used-to-be most frequent visitor—only for her to drop him off at Heartland Pawn Shop and leave him helplessly behind. When Olivetti learns Beatrice has mysteriously gone missing afterward, he believes he can help find her. He breaks the only rule of the “typewriterly code” and types back to Ernest, divulging Beatrice’s memories stored inside him.

Their search takes them across San Francisco—chasing clues, maybe committing a few misdemeanors. As Olivetti spills out the past, Ernest is forced to face what he and his family have been running from, The Everything That Happened. Only by working together will they find Beatrice, belonging, and the parts of themselves they’ve lost.

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Flap Your Hands

Steve Asbell

This fascinating, groundbreaking picture book by an autistic creator celebrates stims--the repetitive movements that provide focused stimulation to people on the autistic spectrum.

When you're feeling overwhelmed
And the world's too much to bear...
If your feelings bubble over
But they have no place to go...
Maybe it would help to move!
Want to try a stim?

When four neurodivergent kids face some stressful moments, they use body movements called stims to self-regulate their emotions. One boy tickles the space next to his face; a girl flutters her fingers by her ears; another boy kicks his feet like splashy flippers; another girl directs her hands like a conductor! As the children say fun words, flap their hands, and engage in other stims, their actions build in energy and joyousness until their inner calm is restored.

Delightful text and color-drenched illustrations by debut author-illustrator Steve Asbell invites other neurodivergent readers to join in on the action. Flap Your Hands is a wonderful celebration and reminder that stimming is a natural and healthy thing to do!

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Bros

Carole Boston Weatherford

A celebration of childhood from an award-winning author, this upbeat day-in-the-life of a bunch of friends was inspired by the #BlackBoyJoy meme that spurred a movement.

From sunrise to sunset, a group of young Black boys joyously spend the day together as they live their best lives freely in their community. With confidence and a touch of swag, these friends do everything with one another: build a time machine, tend to the community garden, roleplay in the park, read, take a group selfie, and play basketball. With simple, spare text from celebrated author Carole Boston Weatherford and colorful, playful art from Reggie Brown capturing the pleasures of boyhood and friendship, Bros affirms the truth that Black boys deserve and are worthy of a childhood full of joy and free of risk, just as much as anyone. Timely and buoyant, it's a story sure to be enjoyed by anyone who knows what it is to be surrounded by friends with a day of adventure ahead of you.

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Change Is in the Air

Debbie Levy

A nonfiction picture book about amazing ways that the Earth removes carbon from the air, and amazing ways people can help, offering a fresh and hopeful perspective on climate change.

The Earth has a problem: there's too much carbon in the air.

Luckily, the Earth also has amazing powers to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere-like the power of kelp, mangroves, and dirt. Although these powers alone cannot get us out of the climate crisis we're facing, the Earth has another important power: the power of people! People have the power to change, protect, innovate, and invent.

In this informational picture book, Debbie Levy and Alex Boersma paint an encouraging yet honest picture of the problems at hand and some of the ways that we can address them. Thanks to the power of nature and the ingenuity of people, change is in the air!

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In and Out the Window

Jane Yolen

The largest single anthology of Jane Yolen's poetry, containing more than one hundred poems for all occasions—with fun black-and-white art throughout.

Our Kitchen
Smells of mornings,
blueberry muffins,
hot chocolate, tea.
It smells of bacon
and of eggs.
It smells of family.

For the first time, legendary author Jane Yolen gathers the largest single anthology of her poetry celebrating childhood. At home or at school, playing sports or practicing music, enjoying the holidays or delighting in each season, Jane Yolen’s masterful collection shows just how lively it is to be a kid. With whimsical artwork by Cathrin Peterslund, this collection of more than one hundred poems is a classic that children are sure to return to again and again.

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No Cats in the Library

Lauren Emmons

A stray cat follows her love of books all the way to a new library home in this charming debut picture book that’s “catnip for librarians and young book lovers alike” (School Library Journal, starred review).

Clarisse is a clever cat who loves books. She may not understand the dark, squiggly lines, but she can’t get enough of the pictures. One day, she stumbles upon a magical building where people walk in empty-handed and come out with an armload of books. She has to find a way inside!

There’s just one problem: NO CATS are allowed in the library! That’s not going to stop clever Clarisse, though. Once she sneaks in, she stumbles upon exciting new stories and even helps a little girl practice reading aloud. But when the librarian comes looking, will Clarisse be allowed to stay?

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Don't Wash Winston

Ashley Belote

We’ve all been there... A bit of a spill, an overenthusiastic leap, one mud pie too many, and OH NO! our beloved stuffed animal friend suddenly has to be (gulp) WASHED!

When Winston, Liam’s favorite teddy bear, gets muddy, Dad decides that Winston needs to be washed. But the washing machine is big and loud and scary! Liam decides that the only solution is to hide Winston away from this terrible fate.

Ashley Belote's humorous and heartwarming tale, Don't Wash Winston, allows anxious toy-protectors to gleefully follow along with Liam’s teddy-hiding plans, while also, in the end, leading them to the realization that sometimes it really is necessary for even the most beloved friend to be washed.

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Drawing Deena

Hena Khan

From the award-winning author of Amina’s Voice and Amina’s Song comes a tenderhearted middle grade novel about a young Pakistani American artist determined to manage her anxiety and forge her own creative path.

Deena’s never given a name to the familiar knot in her stomach that appears when her parents argue about money, when it’s time to go to school, or when she struggles to find the right words. She manages to make it through each day with the help of her friends and the art she loves to make.

While her parents’ money troubles cause more and more stress, Deena wonders if she can use her artistic talents to ease their burden. She creates a logo and social media account to promote her mom’s home-based business selling clothes from Pakistan to the local community. With her cousin and friends modeling the outfits and lending their social media know-how, business picks up.

But the success and attention make Deena’s cousin and best friend, Parisa, start to act funny. Suddenly Deena’s latest creative outlet becomes another thing that makes her feel nauseated and unsure of herself. After Deena reaches a breaking point, both she and her mother learn the importance of asking for help and that, with the right support, Deena can create something truly beautiful.

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The School for Invisible Boys

Shaun David Hutchinson

What would you do if no one could see you? In this surreal adventure, a boy who is used to being overlooked literally becomes invisible, only to realize there may be far more dangerous threats in his school than bullies.

Sixth grade takes a turn for the weird when Hector Griggs discovers he has the ability to turn invisible. Sure, ever since Hector’s former best friend Blake started bullying him, he’s been feeling like he just wants to disappear…but he never thought he actually would. And then, Hector meets another invisible boy, Orson Wellington, who has an ominous warning: “I’m stuck here. Stuck like this. It’s been years. The gelim’s hunting me and it’ll get you, too.”

It turns out, there is more than meets the eye at St. Lawrence’s Catholic School for Boys, and if Hector is going to save Orson--and himself—from the terrifying creature preying on students’ loneliness and fear, he’ll need to look deeper. With the help of a mysterious new classmate, Sam, can Hector unravel the mysteries haunting his school, and discover that sometimes it takes disappearing to really be seen?

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Maya Plays the Part

Calyssa Erb

A heartwarming middle-grade debut with autism representation and a musical flair.

Maya lives and breathes musicals. When her chance to finally be a part of the summer musical program at the community theater comes up, Maya is convinced she will get the lead. After all, who knows The Drowsy Chaperone better than she does? However, things don't turn out exactly the way Maya's planned, and the summer turns out to be jam-packed with problems: dealing with her best friend's move, her parents' busy jobs, and--since her autism diagnosis--the ongoing puzzle of how to be Maya in Public. But perhaps most important of all, Maya has to figure out how to play the part that truly feels like her own.

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This Baby. That Baby.

Cari Best

In this bouncy, playful picture book for very young listeners, follow two baby friends who live in facing buildings through their day--playing, singing, and napping--till they meet in the park!

Somewhere in the big, big city
two happy babies look out their morning windows
at the very same time.

Just what will these two babies do today? Well, this baby meows like his cat, and that baby barks like her dog. This mellow baby listens to a story, and that rambunctious baby sings a song.

Soon enough, both babies get hungry...and a bit cranky. How will this Mama and that Papa help them feel better? Perhaps a play date in the park will help!

Critically acclaimed and award-winning creators--author Cari Best and illustrator Rashin Kheiriyeh--team up for this delightful read-aloud that will have listeners clapping and giggling right alongside this baby and that baby.

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Hummingbird Season

Stephanie V.W. Lucianovic

A poignant and necessary story about finding hope during difficult times, set in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Archie's life--and the whole world--is turned upside down by Covid-19. Suddenly there are no more Friday night dinners out, no more going to school, no more hanging out with friends . . . no leaving the house at all.

Even though he's inside with his family all day every day, Archie can't help but feel more alone than ever before. While everyone else seems to be adapting to their new normal just fine, it's like Archie is permanently on mute, unable to find the words to describe how he feels--and sometimes, unable to find someone who will listen. The bright spot of Archie's days at home is watching and learning about the hummingbirds that feed outside his windows. But just when it seems like this could be what brings his family together again, California experiences its worst wildfire in history, and Archie's favorite hummingbird disappears. In a time when hope is hard to hold on to, Archie must find his voice and find hope once again.

Hummingbird Season is an honest and healing novel in verse documenting the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic and the things that bring us together when circumstances keep us apart.

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Grimmworld: The Witch in the Woods

Michaelbrent Collings

Strange and terrifying things are happening in New Marburg: people are disappearing and changing into characters from the Grimm fairy tales.



When twins Willow and Jake Grimm move to the isolated town where their parents work for a top-secret Think Tank, they are amazed to discover a place where people jetpack to work, robots direct traffic, and senior citizens battle with lightning-swords.



But after a freak lightning storm, which transforms the twins' school into a medieval castle--complete with a moat, drawbridge, and a giant who looks strangely like the school's overly aggressive hall monitor--the twins discover the truth: just like their ancestors, the original Brothers Grimm, Willow ad Jake are Grimmwalkers. And just like their ancestors, they have been transported to the place where all fairy tales are born. The most dangerous place in existence: Grimmworld.



But before the twins can figure out how to get home, they learn their best friends have been transformed into the fairy tale characters Hansel and Gretel and have been imprisoned by a candy-obsessed wicked witch.



Now, aided only by their wits, their courage, and their love for each other, the twins must venture deep into the Cursed Forest to save themselves and their friends. And maybe--just maybe--save the universe from falling into the clutches of the witch in the woods.
 

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You Are Here: Connecting Flights

Ellen Oh

A powerful and engaging exploration of contemporary Asian American identity through interwoven stories set in a teeming Chicago airport, written by award-winning and bestselling East and Southeast Asian American authors including Linda Sue Park, Grace Lin, Erin Entrada Kelly, Traci Chee, and Ellen Oh. Flying Lessons meets Black Boy Joy.

***Six Starred Reviews!***

"Reminds us that a more functional, less ailing America requires not just the courage to speak but the courage to listen."--New York Times Book Review

"Not only important, but essential."--School Library Journal, Starred Review

An incident at a TSA security check point sows chaos and rumors, creating a chain of events that impacts twelve young Asian Americans in a crowded and restless airport. As their disrupted journeys crisscross and collide, they encounter fellow travelers--some helpful, some hostile--as they discover the challenges of friendship, the power of courage, the importance of the right word at the right time, and the unexpected significance of a blue Stratocaster electric guitar.

Twelve powerhouse Asian American authors explore themes of identity and belonging in the entwined experiences of young people whose family roots may extend to East and Southeast Asia, but who are themselves distinctly American.

Written by Linda Sue Park, Erin Entrada Kelly, Grace Lin, Traci Chee, Mike Chen, Meredith Ireland, Mike Jung, Minh Lê, Ellen Oh, Randy Ribay, Christina Soontornvat, and Susan Tan, and edited by Ellen Oh.

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Minecraft: Mobspotter's Encyclopedia

Mojang AB

 

It’s time for adventure! Discover all there is to know about every mob in Minecraft in the official Mobspotter’s Encyclopedia: The Ultimate Guide to the Mobs of Minecraft.
You’ll meet seven expert guides, who are full of stories of their fun experiences, and be taken on a tour to explore every corner of the Overworld. You’ll even navigate to the Nether and experience the End dimension, on a thrilling journey to witness all seventy-nine mobs in existence.

Discover how to survive a shoot-out with skeletons, dive for treasure with dolphins or risk a run-in with the Ender Dragon—and then start a whole new adventure of your own!

 

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Wild Places

Hayley Rocco

An inspiring and accessible picture book biography of the beloved naturalist, broadcaster, and documentarian David Attenborough—stunningly illustrated by a Caldecott Honoree.

As a boy, David loved exploring the wild places near his home in England, collecting fossils, rocks, and newts. When he grew older, he got a job in television, where he had an idea for a new kind of show: He would travel to wild places all over the world to film animals in their natural habitats. Over the span of seven decades, David's innovative documentaries have been treasured by millions of people.

But as time went on, he noticed the wild places he loved were shrinking. What could David do to help? What could we all do?

This is the story of David Attenborough. It’s also the story of our planet, which has changed rapidly over the course of one person’s lifetime, and a clarion call for us to do our part to bring back the wild places and protect the creatures who call Earth home.

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Sick! The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs

Heather L. Montgomery

When a super sickness lands on the land, when a parasite becomes more than a pest, when an infection ignites an epidemic, what's a body to do? Your body is an animal body, so why not ask the animals?

Follow the scientists, around the world and into their labs, who are studying animals and the germs that attack them. From fungus-ridden frogs with fevers to bacteria-resistant buzzards and everything in-between, animals have A LOT to teach us about infections. But-reader beware!!-the story of germs is filled with twists and turns.

In this fascinating, highly visual nonfiction book packed with colorful, comic-style art, you'll discover not only the cool ways that animal bodies (and our bodies) fight back against pesky pathogens, but also the amazing and surprising ways we can learn to work together with germs.

Sick! The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs is written by Heather L. Montgomery with graphic novel-style art from Lindsey Leigh.

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Bob Ross and Peapod the Squirrel Play a Game

Robb Pearlman

Play a game of seek-and-find with iconic painter Bob Ross and his friend Peapod the Squirrel in this fun picture book!

Bob and Peapod have been busy, busy, busy painting masterpiece after masterpiece. One day, Bob comes to the studio and notices that Peapod (and various painting items) are missing, but Peapod left a note: he's decided to play a game of hide-and-seek! Journey throughout various paintings to find Peapod, paint brushes, color tubes, palettes, and more in this delightful third book in our Bob Ross and Peapod series.

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Dolly Parton's Billy the Kid Makes It Big

Dolly Parton

From the legendary Dolly Parton comes a story about her god-dog and Instagram personality, Billy the Kid, who is hoping to make it big as a country music star in Nashville, Tennessee.

French bulldog Billy the Kid was born with an ear for music. And not just any music. He loves barking to the beat of country music! So Billy sets out to Nashville to sing his heart out.

But when he meets some big bullies at the Battle of the Bow-wows, Billy worries he's barking up the wrong tree. He'll need his favorite songs ("Jowlene" and "I Will Pawlways Love You," of course), a group of scrappy new friends, and his favorite country music star to regain self-confidence and be the star he always knew he could be.

Written by Dolly Parton with Erica S. Perl and illustrated by MacKenzie Haley, this is a delightful picture book about standing up to people (and dogs) who put you down and finding the drive to achieve your dreams.

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It's Holi!

Sanyukta Mathur

Wake up, it’s Holi!

Sameer and his family are preparing to celebrate Holi and the beginning of spring! Scrumptious sweet and savory treats fill platters, and a rainbow of powdered colors is set out. Everyone is ready for the bright and messy festivities ahead.

But young Sameer gets nervous seeing his sisters start throwing colors and water balloons at each other. Noticing Sameer’s fears and wanting him to celebrate in the bright and messy colors of spring, his family comes up with a silly solution...

Excitement, history, and traditions abound in this vibrant celebration of Holi. Complete with a glossary of Hindu words and delicious recipes.

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The World Needs More Purple Schools

Kristen Bell

INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • It's back to school with Kristen Bell and Benjamin Hart! Learn how to paint your school purple with this follow-up to the #1 New York Times bestseller The World Needs More Purple People.

Penny Purple taught us how to be a purple person. A person who finds common ground with others while celebrating what makes them unique! Now Penny and her pals will put their purple skills into action in their very favorite place -- their classroom! How do you make a purple school?  It will take curiosity, sharing, hard work, and lots of laughs!

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A Pizza with Everything on It

Kyle Scheele

One father-son duo make a pizza so delicious, and so over-the-top with toppings, that it destroys the universe--and will surely melt readers' minds and hearts, like warm mozzarella.

It's a tale as old as time: a kid wants to make a pizza with his dad, but not just any pizza . . . he wants a pizza with everything on it. That's right, everything. But as the toppings pile on, this father-son duo accidentally create a pizza so delicious, so extravagant, so over-the-top, that it destroys the universe--and the cosmos go as dark as burnt crust. Will anyone enjoy pizza ever again? At turns heartwarming, hilarious, and completely out of this world, Kyle Scheele and Andy J. Pizza deliver a riotous adventure that will melt readers minds and hearts and leave them calling for a second helping.

* FATHER'S DAY GIFTING: This heartwarming and hilarious portrait of a memorable father-son bonding experience is the perfect way to show appreciation to the tough-to-buy-for dad all year round, and especially on Father's Day!
* FOOD-THEMED HILARITY: A mouthwatering and laugh-out-loud funny story of culinary catastrophe! This book is for fans of food-themed classics like Green Eggs and Ham, If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs.
* ELEMENT OF CHAOS: Starting with something as relatable as pizza toppings, and culminating in the destruction of the universe, the escalating silliness is literally out of this world. For anyone who loves books that celebrate the absurd and chaotic, like Dragons Love Tacos or Llama Destroys the World.
* TIMELESS QUALITY: A classic family-bonding moment--making pizza--leads to memorable father-son adventure, with a heartwarming and satisfying ending ensuring countless rereads.
* PIZZA: Universal and delicious.

Perfect for:
* Anyone who likes pizza
* Anyone looking for Father's Day gifts
* Fathers looking for a lighthearted book to share with their kids
* Fans of the absurd, chaotic, and hilarious
* Foodies and their children
* Anyone looking for wholesome family stories about family bonding
* Fans of Dragons Love Tacos and Llama Destroys the World

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Book of the Dead

Michael Northrop

A New York Times bestselling novel, the first in an epic Egyptian adventure series from the team that brought you The 39 Clues and Spirit Animals!

 

Nothing can save Alex Sennefer's life. That's what all the doctors say, but his mother knows it's not true. She knows that the Lost Spells of the Egyptian Book of the Dead can crack open a door to the afterlife and pull her son back from the brink. But when she uses the spells, five evil ancients--the Death Walkers--are also brought back to life.An ancient evil has been unleashed. Mummies are awakening. New York is overrun with scorpions. And worst of all for Alex, his mom and the Lost Spells have both disappeared. He and his best friend, Ren, will do anything to find his mom and save the world . . . even if that means going head-to-head with a Death Walker who has been plotting his revenge for 3,000 years.Read the New York Times bestselling book, then continue the adventure online! Build an Egyptian tomb of your own, hide treasure and protect it with traps, then challenge your friends to play through!

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When I Wrap My Hair

Shauntay Grant

In the vein of I Am Enough and Hold Them Close, this inspiring and beautiful picture book celebrates how hair wrapping ties together past and present.

When I wrap,

my roots run deep.

As deep as an African marketplace

or a city sidewalk

or the stories between them.

With lyrical text by acclaimed author Shauntay Grant and vibrant illustrations by Jenin Mohammed, When I Wrap My Hair is both an act of joyful recognition and a demonstration of how knowledge is passed through generations.

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Puck Panic

Jake Maddox

Twelve-year-old Calvin is skating his hardest in the hockey tournament. He's ready to bring the Blades a win! But then he takes a hard bodycheck during the first game. The hit leaves him feeling rattled. Nervous. Terrified. Now he's freezing up every time another player comes anywhere near him on the ice. Can Calvin find a way to work through his puck panic and play his best for the team? Find out in this fast-paced, easy-to-read illustrated chapter book by Jake Maddox!

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Homegrown

DeAnn Wiley

A touching and stunningly illustrated ode to the homes—and loved ones—that raise us, perfect for fans of Black Is a Rainbow Color, Saturday, and Last Stop on Market Street.

While her mother puts the finishing touches on her twists, a young girl asks what it means to be "homegrown". Touring precious memories and lively rooms warmed by family, Mama and Granny explain that home isn't just a place, but rather a reflection of people who support and love one another.

With lush, cozy illustrations, Homegrown is a beautiful author-illustrator debut picture book that reminds us to lift up the places—and people—we call home.

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Not Quite a Ghost

Anne Ursu

From the award-winning author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy comes an unforgettable and deeply personal story of the ghosts that surround us--and the ones we carry inside.

The house seemed to sit apart from the others on Katydid Street, silent and alone, like it didn't fit among them. For Violet Hart--whose family is about to move into the house on Katydid Street--very little felt like it fit anymore. Like their old home, suddenly too small since her mother remarried and the new baby arrived. Or Violet's group of friends, which, since they started middle school, isn't enough for Violet's best friend, Paige. Everything seemed to be changing at once. But sometimes, Violet tells herself, change is okay.

That is, until Violet sees her new room. The attic bedroom in their new house is shadowy, creaky, and wrapped in old yellow wallpaper covered with a faded tangle of twisting vines and sickly flowers. And then, after moving in, Violet falls ill--and does not get better. As days turn into weeks without any improvement, her family growing more confused and her friends wondering if she's really sick at all, she finds herself spending more time alone in the room with the yellow wallpaper, the shadows moving in the corners, wrapping themselves around her at night.

And soon, Violet starts to suspect that she might not be alone in the room at all.

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Time to Make Art

Jeff Mack

Does art have to be perfect? Where do you begin? This inspiring picture book about making art doubles as an introduction to the multifaceted and diverse global history of art empowering readers to get creative.

Awed by the endless possibilities, a young girl begins asking meaningful questions about creating art. Her questions are answered by a diverse group of artists throughout time and history: from the earliest cave painters to the most recent digital illustrators. Rethinking the familiar Western European timeline of art history, this book introduces readers to diverse works from every era and continent in a playful and inspiring way.

Making both art history and art making accessible to all, Time to Make Art nourishes creativity, encouraging young readers to see the artist in themselves.

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Indigo and Ida

Heather Murphy Capps

When eighth grader and aspiring journalist Indigo breaks an important story, exposing an unfair school policy, she's suddenly popular for the first time.

The friends who've recently drifted away from her want to hang out again. Then Indigo notices that the school's disciplinary policies seem to be enforced especially harshly with students of color, like her. She wants to keep investigating, but her friends insist she's imagining things.

Meanwhile, Indigo stumbles upon a book by Black journalist and activist Ida B. Wells--with private letters written by Ida tucked inside. As she reads about Ida's lifelong battle against racism, Indigo realizes she must choose between keeping quiet and fighting for justice.

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Gamer Girls: Gnat Vs. Spyder

Andrea Towers

Thirteen-year-old Natalie lives a double life. By day, she's an average eighth grader at Golden Trails Middle. At night, she's Gnat112, a streamer for her favorite video game, Alienlord. But when the new girl moves in next door, will Natalie's double life be revealed?

Natalie has a secret. She's a gamer.

By day, Natalie is an average eighth grade student. At night, she's Gnat112! Living a double life is hard . . . and keeping a secret from your friends is even harder.

In this illustrated middle grade book (the first of an all-new series, Gamer Girls), Natalie and her three BFFs learn to navigate the gamer world together, one girl at a time. This series is a great read for gamers and gamer enthusiasts of all kinds. Plus, there's the occasional middle school drama . . . if only Natalie could battle math teachers like video game aliens!

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Fighting with Love

Lesa Cline-Ransome

Four starred reviews!

The “informative, resounding” (Booklist, starred review), and “inspiring” (The Horn Book, starred review) story of a groundbreaking civil rights leader John Lewis comes to life in this compelling and beautifully told nonfiction picture book by the award-winning team Lesa Cline-Ransome and James E. Ransome.

John Lewis left a cotton farm in Alabama to join the fight for civil rights when he was only a teenager. He soon became a leader of a movement that changed the nation. Walking at the side of his mentor, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Lewis was led by his belief in peaceful action and voting rights. Today and always his work and legacy live on.

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Max and the Purple Worry

Kitty Black

When Max has a hard time starting his math, he's joined by someone new: Worry. Worry is no help. Worry doesn't listen. Max begins to think that Worry will never leave! Will Max ever be able to escape Worry?

With humor and sensitivity, Max and the Purple Worry delves into the quest for perfection, the anxiety it creates, and the inherent value in simply offering our best.

The book includes an author's note about how to support children who are struggling with worry and anxiety. A discussion and activity guide for children will be available September 2023 at www.flyawaybooks.com/resources.

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My Block Looks Like

Janelle Harper

A love letter to the hustle, the bustle, the joy, and the grit of city life by debut author and Bronx native, Janelle Harper, and two-time Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award winner, Frank Morrison.

"My block looks like
a collision of cultures
a melting pot of cool
a burst of life
my favorite groove

. . .No matter what happens
I’ve seen it for myself
my block looks like
the coolest place
I’ve ever been."

A lyrical and proud picture book that recognizes the beauty of the bodegas, subways, and playgrounds that characterize everyday life in the Bronx and pays homage to the ways that its residents have shaped pop culture through music, visual art, and dance. Perfect for fans of I Am Every Good Thing and Last Stop on Market Street, My Block Looks Like offers kids a reaffirming message to celebrate and uplift their communities in an energetic text that begs to be read aloud.

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Stories of the Islands

Clar Angkasa

Journey into a land of magic and powerful girls in this feminist graphic novel retelling of three Indonesian folktales, lushly reimagined by a debut author-illustrator.

Once upon a time. . .
A princess was cursed to live as a snail,
Two sisters were trapped by their father’s wrath,
And a mother and daughter faced a hungry giant.

No one is coming to save them.
Will they get their happily ever after?

In this collection of reimagined Indonesian fairy tales, the girls are the ones with power. The power to fight evil, to protect others, and to grow as people. Because why should girls in folktales always need saving? What if they save themselves instead?

Based on graphic novelist Clar Angkasa’s favorite childhood stories and gorgeously illustrated with a dedicated color palette for each tale, this retelling of “Keong Mas,” “Bawang Merah Bawang Putih,” and “Timun Mas” is filled with spectacular landscapes, deep emotions, and a firm belief in the power of girls’ stories.

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
An Evanston Public Library Great Books for Kids pick!

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Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. Coretta Scott King

Coretta Scott King

Celebrate the life of the extraordinary civil and human rights activist Coretta Scott King with this picture book adaptation of her critically acclaimed adult memoir.

This is the autobiography of Coretta Scott King––wife of Martin Luther King, Jr.; founder of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change (the King Center); architect of the MLK, Jr. legacy; and global leader in movements for civil and human rights as well as peace. Learn about how a girl born in the segregated deep south became a global leader at the forefront of the peace movement and an unforgettable champion of social change.

Resilience, bravery, and joy lie at the center of this timeless story about fighting for justice against all odds.

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Between Two Brothers

Crystal Allen

Inspired by real events, Between Two Brothers is a powerful and uplifting story about forgiveness, brotherhood, and the power of a family's unconditional love, from Crystal Allen, the acclaimed author of How Lamar's Bad Prank Won a Bubba-Sized Trophy and the Magnificent Mya Tibbs series. Perfect for readers who loved Fish in a Tree and Out of My Mind.

Isaiah "Ice" Abernathy has always worshiped his older brother, Seth. For years they've been not just brothers but best friends--and as Seth starts his senior year, Ice is eager to spend as much time with his brother as he can, making memories before Seth goes to college.

But when Seth announces he's leaving much earlier than expected, and then he misses an important event--one he'd promised to attend--it causes a major fight.

Filled with regret, Ice plans to apologize to Seth later the next day, but later never comes, as he finds out Seth was in an accident--one that leaves him in the hospital. And the doctors say he may never recover.

Racked by fear and guilt, Ice chooses to step up, defy the experts, and help Seth recover in a way only he can--by trusting in their bond and the undying love between two brothers.

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Forever and Always

Brittany J Thurman

"This is a picture book that gives oxygen to all the unstated fears, perhaps burning them off. This book offers a reality right out of the headlines, but by leaving it child-sized has a huge impact." --School Library Journal (starred review)

"A balm for little ones grappling with harsh realities." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In this lyrical picture book from two breakout picture book creators, a young Black child waits for--and worries about--her father while he's away from home. A sensitive, poignant portrayal of a family's worries, joys, and comforts, to sit alongside books by Jacqueline Woodson and Christian Robinson.

Every night when Daddy gets home from work, Olivia gives him a big hug and knows that the evening will be full of love--and fun. Together, she, Daddy, and Momma will make a feast for dinner, clean up, dance to old-school tunes, and read stories. But every morning when Daddy goes to work, Olivia worries, worries, worries. Be safe, she and Momma tell him. But what if he isn't? Sometimes other people aren't, like the people Olivia sees on the news. Thud, thud, thud, goes Olivia's heart. Thump, thump, thump, all through the long day, until she hears the jangle of Daddy's keys announcing he's home.

Brittany J. Thurman's poetic text deftly explores the day-to-day life of a young Black child and her family--their joys and their fears--with a rhythm and musicality perfect for reading aloud. Shamar Knight-Justice's expressive artwork sings with color, texture, and warmth. Forever and Always respects the deep emotions of young readers while offering comfort and reassurance to any child waiting for a loved one to come home. For readers of Nigel and the Moon, The Year We Learned to Fly, and Saturday.

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My Name

Supriya Kelkar

My Name is an inspiring picture book that encourages kids to celebrate themselves and all the things that make them unique, especially their name.

Your name means you’re different
Your name means you’re you

When an Indian American boy starts school in a new classroom, one child can't pronounce his name properly, which leads to giggles amongst his classmates. Later at home, his parents remind him of how special he is — and how his unique name reflects that.

With lush illustrations by Sandhya Prabhat, award-winning author Supriya Kelkar writes a stunning tribute to the word that identifies each of us the very most — our name, reminding readers of the beauty in celebrating difference, taking pride in uniqueness, and helping others to do the same.

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Just Because

Matthew McConaughey

The debut picture book by Academy Award-winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey

Just because I’m in the race,
doesn’t mean I’m fully ready.
Just because I’m shaking,
doesn’t mean that I’m not steady.

Have you ever felt worried and excited at the same time?

Have you ever had your feelings hurt but forgiven someone anyway?

Have you ever thought there was more than one right answer to a question?

That’s because contradictions are all around us. And they make us who we are.

Filled with his trademark humor and wisdom, Academy Award–winning actor and #1 New York Times bestselling author Matthew McConaughey has crafted a soulful and irreverent collection of life lessons that empowers readers, big and small, to celebrate how we are all full of possibility.

Why? Just because.

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This Is the Planet Where I Live

K.L. Going

This picture book celebrates and honors the interconnectedness of everything here on planet Earth.

The planet where we live is full of people, animals, insects, birds, trees, clouds, rain, oceans—and everything is interconnected. With a cumulative text and rich, highly-detailed collages, this book is a joyous ode to our wondrous planet.

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A Garden in My Hands

Meera Sriram

This touching picture book celebrates the custom of applying henna for special occasions through a mother and daughter who share family memories and stories.

The sweet smell of henna, and stories we carry, fill us with pride of a faraway home.

There's a wedding tomorrow! And one little girl sits patiently while her mother tenderly applies intricate, delicate henna designs on her hands. As she does, she shares family stories--about weddings, monsoons, and ancestors long gone. The little girl must be careful to protect her hands as the henna dries--one smudge could ruin a story! After a whole night of anticipation, when the flakes are washed away, what will they reveal?
Lyrical text pairs with vibrant illustrations for this poignant picture book that blooms with heart, connects us to our roots, and sweetly reminds us of the the garden of love we curate with those closest to us.

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Hidden Gem

Linda Liu

THIS BOOK ROCKS!!
(It also happens to be about a rock...)

Prepare to fall in love with this irresistible debut picture book and its quirky story of a rock's journey to find self-confidence with accessible social emotional themes, perfect for fans of Oddbird and Something's Wrong.

When a small pebble sees others gathering on the steps of the Museum of Rocks, he grows curious. Once inside the esteemed halls, he is shocked by what he discovers. The only rocks on display are glittering gemstones, geodes, and crystals!

These beautiful stones make him wonder: Can he be special, too? Perhaps he’ll find an answer in the World’s Most Beautiful Gem exhibition . . . or maybe, just maybe, he will find the answer inside himself.

"Breathtaking." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

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The Fire of Stars

Kirsten W. Larson

A 2023 Good Housekeeping Kids Book Award Winner

A Science Friday 2023 Best Book Pick

A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2023

A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023

2024 NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book

Four Starred Reviews!

A poetic picture book celebrating the life and scientific discoveries of the groundbreaking astronomer Cecilia Payne!

Astronomer and astrophysicist Cecilia Payne was the first person to discover what burns at the heart of stars. But she didn't start out as the groundbreaking scientist she would eventually become. She started out as a girl full of curiosity, hoping one day to unlock the mysteries of the universe.

With lyrical, evocative text by Kirsten W. Larson and extraordinary illustrations by award-winning illustrator Katherine Roy, this moving biography powerfully parallels the kindling of Cecilia Payne's own curiosity and her scientific career with the process of a star's birth, from mere possibility in an expanse of space to an eventual, breathtaking explosion of light.

WOMEN IN STEM CAN CHANGE HISTORY: With women making up less than 30 percent of the science and engineering workforce, supporting young girls who are interested in STEM fields is more important than ever! This picture book tells the story of Cecilia Payne, a trailblazing female astronomer and role model for young girls to relate to and see themselves in, from even the youngest age.

LOOK TO THE STARS: Any reader or stargazer who feels dazzled by the striking night sky will be enchanted by this true story of discovery and invention, as Cecilia's contributions to science prompt us to wonder: What else is out there?

BEAUTIFUL, INSPIRING GIFT: With compelling visual storytelling and an inspiring role model for aspiring astronomers, scientists, and engineers (and for young girls in particular), this stellar biography makes a great choice for any giving moment, from birthdays to celebrations to the holidays.

Perfect for:

  • Parents, teachers, and librarians looking to instill curiosity and encourage scientific exploration
  • Lovers of astronomy, stargazing, space travel, and outer space
  • Anyone seeking narrative nonfiction and biography books about women in STEM for the classroom or choice reading
  • Gift-givers looking for a unique true story to delight and inspire girls and boys
  • Fans of Hidden Figures, Rad American Women A-Z, and I Am Malala
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Creep, Leap, Crunch! A Food Chain Story

Jody Jensen Shaffer

In this nonfiction picture book, discover how the animal kindgdom's food chain takes shape, from the lowly worm to the mighty king of the jungle.

There was a blue sky with a bright shining sun,
A dazzling, life-giving, fiery sun.
The day had begun.

Follow along as a day in the life of the food chain begins. From the sun that shines upon the grass and trees to the animals that feed each other, each element in nature has its place. But what happens when the food escapes? This cumulative story will delight, with a surprise ending that all science lovers will enjoy.

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Everybody Has a Body

Molli Jackson Ehlert

In this body neutral picture book, debut author Molli Jackson Ehlert and illustrator Lorian Tu show us all of the different ways bodies can look and all of the things they can do - now with three starred reviews!

Everybody has a body. Whether you're short, tall, fat, thin, hairy, bald, whether you use a wheelchair or have a limb difference, we all rely on our bodies to take us through the world.

From hiking a mountain to playing baseball to exploring an aquarium, debut author Molli Jackson Ehlert and illustrator Lorian Tu show us all the different ways that bodies can look and the things they can do, with representation of all different types of bodies,

With a body neutral approach - your body isn't good or bad, it just is - this is an accessible and fun read that's perfect for kids who have questions about the different bodies they encounter every day.

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The River That Flows Beside Me

Charlotte Guillain

This richly illustrated concertina book takes the reader from the top of a mountain spring, through varying landscapes, and follows a river's journey from its source to the sea. With a focus on the important role waterways play in human and environmental survival, The River That Flows Beside Me explores the changing landscapes along a river's journey and the habits and ecosystems that call the river their home.

A follow-up to The Street Beneath My Feet, The Skies Above My Eyes, and The Sea Below My Toes, this visually stunning book finds the river in the rocky peaks, and tracks it as it winds its way through coniferous forest, gushes through v-shaped valleys, and roars down magnificent waterfalls. Further downstream, readers will journey with the river past beaver dams, floodplains, oxbow lakes, paddle-boarders, bridges, and more.

On your journey, meet the animals that call the river home, including:

  • White-tailed deer
  • Grizzly bears
  • Otter
  • Smallmouth bass
  • Dragonflies 

With a primary focus on the river's ecosystems, wildlife, and geological processesThe River That Flows Beside Me also explores the way that humans interact with the river landscape, using it both to survive and also to enjoy. The beauty and variety of river landscapes are bought to life by Jo Empson's rich illustrations. 

This book is part of the Look Closer series, a set of concertina books that help teach us about the mysteries and wonders that are found in the world around us.

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Plague-Busters!

Lindsey Fitzharris

Smallpox! Rabies! Black Death! Throughout history humankind has been plagued by . . . well, by plagues. The symptoms of these diseases were gruesome-but the remedies were even worse.

Get to know the ickiest illnesses that have infected humans and affected civilizations through the ages. Each chapter explores the story of a disease, including the scary symptoms, kooky cures, and brilliant breakthroughs that it spawned. Medical historian and bestselling author Lindsey Fitzharris lays out the facts with her trademark wit, and Adrian Teal adds humor with cartoons and caricatures drawn in pitch black and blood red. Diseases covered in this book include bubonic plague, smallpox, rabies, tuberculosis, cholera, and scurvy.

Thanks to centuries of sickness and a host of history's most determined plague-busters, this riveting book features everything you've ever wanted to know about the world's deadliest diseases.

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The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall Book 1

Ali Standish

"A tantalizing playground for inquisitive minds." --Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A well-paced, exciting story in which stalwart heroes attempt to outwit inscrutable villains...Readers who love period mysteries and adventure stories are sure to enjoy the experience." --ALA Booklist (starred review)

"A bold and thrilling reimagining of Arthur Conan Doyle's early life, filled with students and teachers who the world would later come to know so well, including Dr. Watson, James Moriarty, and, of course, Sherlock Holmes." --The Conan Doyle Estate

An Amazon Best Books of the Month pick for September!

A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection pick!

From the critically acclaimed author of Yonder and The Ethan I Was Before, Ali Standish, comes a thrilling middle grade tale featuring hair-raising adventures, new friendships, secret societies, and the mind behind one of the greatest detectives of all time: Sherlock Holmes.

When young Arthur Conan Doyle is offered a spot at Baskerville Hall, a secret school for extraordinarily gifted children, he is elated at being chosen--and being given a chance to turn his family's fortunes around. There, Arthur makes quick friends with Irene Eagle, a girl who boldly strides into action, and Jimmie Moriarty, a boy whose brilliance rivals Arthur's own. Together, they discover that their new school is a peculiar place, home to leaning towers and unexplained explosions, prowling wolves and extinct birds.

Arthur quickly makes enemies, too-- deadly foes who wants him expelled . . . or worse. When Arthur and his friends are invited into a powerful secret society called the Clover, they must pass three challenging tests to be accepted. But along the way, Arthur uncovers a mystery that will lead to grand adventure . . . and even greater danger.

"A delightful twist on the Sherlock universe. Hand this to any young reader and watch the pages turn." --Scott Reintgen, New York Times bestselling author of the Talespinners series

"At the top of the most intriguing school list, with Hogwarts and the School for Good and Evil." --Kathryn Lasky, Newbery Honor author

"Ali Standish's expansion of the Sherlock Holmes-verse more than fulfills the promise of its delightful premise. With its engaging cast of kid characters, tantalizing boarding school setting, and intriguing mystery at its heart, this is a book to lose yourself in." --Anne Ursu, author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy

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A Work in Progress

Jarrett Lerner

A young boy struggles with body image in this poignant and “perceptive” (Publishers Weekly, starred review) middle grade journey to self-acceptance told through prose, verse, and illustration.

Will is the only round kid in a school full of thin ones. So he hides…in baggy jeans and oversized hoodies, in the back row during class, and anywhere but the cafeteria during lunch. But shame isn’t the only feeling that dominates Will’s life. He’s also got a crush on a girl named Jules who he knows he doesn’t have a chance with, because of his size—but he can’t help wondering what if?

Will’s best shot at attracting Jules’s attention is by slaying the Will Monster inside him by changing his eating habits and getting more exercise. But the results are either frustratingly slow or infuriatingly unsuccessful, and Will’s shame begins to morph into self-loathing.

As he resorts to increasingly drastic measures to transform his appearance, Will meets skateboarder Markus, who helps him see his body and all it contains as an ever-evolving work in progress.

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The Eyes and the Impossible

Dave Eggers

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • SIX STARRED REVIEWS
From the award-winning author of The Every and the illustrator behind the beloved picture book Her Right Foot comes an endearing and beautifully illustrated story of a dog who unwittingly becomes a hero to a park full of animals.


Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient Bison. His friends—a seagull, a raccoon, a squirrel, and a pelican—work with him as the Assistant Eyes, observing the humans and other animals who share the park and making sure the Equilibrium is in balance. 

But changes are afoot. More humans, including Trouble Travelers, arrive in the park. A new building, containing mysterious and hypnotic rectangles, goes up. And then there are the goats—an actual boatload of goats—who appear, along with a shocking revelation that changes Johannes’s view of the world.

A story about friendship, beauty, liberation, and running very, very fast, The Eyes & the Impossible will make readers of all ages see the world around them in a wholly new way.

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Hope in the Valley

Mitali Perkins

Hope in the Valley, from National Book Award Nominee Mitali Perkins, is a middle-grade novel exploring grief, friendship, family, and growing up in a community facing a housing crisis.

Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret space: the abandoned but majestic mansion across the street.

But then the unthinkable happens. The town announces that the old home will be bulldozed in favor of new—maybe affordable—housing. With her family on opposing sides of the issue, Pandita must find her voice—and the strength to move on—in order to give her community hope.

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Wretched Waterpark

Kiersten White

A middle-grade mystery series that's spooky, creepy, and filled with gothic twists! Meet the Sinister-Winterbottom twins, who solve mysteries at increasingly bizarre summer vacation destinations in the hopes of being reunited with their parents—or at the very least finally finding a good churro.

“An absolute delight. If I have to die in a waterpark, I want to die in this one.”Holly Black, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Cruel Prince

"Wickedly weird. . . . Will appeal to anyone who loved A Series of Unfortunate Events." The New York Times


Meet the Sinister-Winterbottoms: brave Theo, her timid twin, Alexander, and their older sister, Wil. They’re stuck for the summer with their Aunt Saffronia, who doesn’t know how often children need to eat and can’t use a smartphone, and whose feet never quite seem to touch the floor when she glides—er—walks.

When Aunt Saffronia suggests a week pass to the Fathoms of Fun Waterpark, they hastily agree. But the park is even stranger than Aunt Saffronia. The waterslides look like gray gargoyle tongues. The employees wear creepy black dresses and deliver ominous messages. An impossible figure is at the top of the slide tower, people are disappearing, and suspicious goo is seeping into the wave pool.

Something mysterious is happening at Fathoms of Fun, and it’s up to the twins to get to the bottom of it. The mystery, that is. NOT the wave pool. Definitely NOT the wave pool. But are Theo and Alexander out of their depth?

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Fungi Grow

Maria Gianferrari

Discover when, how, where, and why fungi grow in this poetic and illuminating nonfiction picture book in the vein of When the Sky Glows and Animal Architects.

Above ground, below ground, all around, fungi grow. They root and fruit and twist and twine everywhere on earth. Some are edible, some are medicinal, some are even poisonous. Step into this book and discover the amazing array of mushrooms and see how they multiply. Learn how fungi heal and help humans. Explore the incredible underground fungal network that helps forests thrive. And so much more!

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The Snow Man

Jonah Winter

Meet the man living alone in the mountains whose hobby of measuring snowfall led to a global understanding of climate change in this nonfiction picture book from celebrated mother-son team Jonah and Jeanette Winter.

When billy barr came to the mountains as a young man, his only companions were a skunk and a pine marten. He needed something to fill the hours. So he began measuring the snow that fell. Day after day, and year after year, he measured.

As he grew older, he noticed something: the snow was disappearing. It arrived later, melted sooner, and there wasn’t as much of it. He shared his records with a local scientist, who shared them with other scientists, until his measurements were used by scientists all over the world studying climate change. Thanks to his curiosity, groundbreaking data was gathered that still helps us today!

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I'm Gonna Paint

Anne Broyles

The life of visionary folk artist and labor organizer Ralph Fasanella stunningly illustrated for picture book readers.

When dared to jump, Ralph always took the dare. So begins this loving tribute to a singular artist and his tireless efforts to honor and celebrate immigrant and working-class communities through his paintings.

Born in 1914 New York City to Italian immigrants, Ralph’s youth was one of dress factories, ice deliveries, union meetings, and Momma’s stories of the Bread & Roses Strike around the dinner table. By teaching himself how to paint, Ralph discovered a new way to reach working people: he would depict their lives, their work, and American history with electric color at a grand scale.

Focusing on themes of social justice, immigrant rights, labor rights, and the dignity of working people, I’m Gonna Paint inspires to give a new generation the confidence to continue the fight for better working conditions.

Anne Broyles taps into Ralph's indomitable spirit to show his evolution as an artist, while Victoria Tentler-Krylov’s energetic art leaps off the page with wonder and homages to Ralph’s style. Meticulously researched with quotes from Ralph to underline his philosophy and approach to artmaking, the robust back matter includes reproductions of his paintings, historical photos, a timeline, a bibliography, a source notes, and much more.

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15 Secrets to Survival

Natalie D. Richards

 

New York Times bestselling author Natalie D. Richards's middle grade debut about a group of four classmates forced to navigate the wilderness for an extra credit project with nothing but the pages of a survival handbookand each otherto save them. 
When classmates Baxter, Abigail, Turner and Emerson break a school rule, they’re forced to travel to the middle of nowhere for an extra credit project. They think things can’t get much worse. After all, how will learning to survive in the wilderness help them stay out of trouble in school?


   What starts off as a weekend of team building takes a scary turn when their instructor goes missing and they are given nothing but pages of a survival guide to complete a series of challenges.

     They soon learn the woods around them have unexpected surprises. Will they discover a way to work together to find their teacher and overcome the dangers of winter in the mountains?



     A recommended choice for classroom discussions on earth science and educators looking for survival books for kids.

 

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Grounded

Aisha Saeed

Four kids meet at an airport for one unforgettable night in this middle-grade novel by four bestselling and award-winning authors--Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, and S. K. Ali.

When a thunderstorm grounds all flights following a huge Muslim convention, four unlikely kids are thrown together. Feek is stuck babysitting his younger sister, but he'd rather be writing a poem that's good enough for his dad, a famous poet and rapper. Hanna is intent on finding a lost cat in the airport--and also on avoiding a conversation with her dad about him possibly remarrying. Sami is struggling with his anxiety and worried that he'll miss the karate tournament that he's trained so hard for. And Nora has to deal with the pressure of being the daughter of a prominent congresswoman, when all she really wants to do is make fun NokNok videos. These kids don't seem to have much in common--yet.

Told in alternating points of view, Grounded tells the story of one unexpected night that will change these kids forever.

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The Dream Spies

Nicole Lesperance

For fans of A Snicker of Magic and The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl comes a suspenseful dark fantasy duology, perfect for middle school readers that love stories of magic and sisterhood with a dash of danger.

Maren's life has finally gone back to normal. Her sister, Hallie, is doing much better, she's still allowed to work in her family's dream shop, and there's been no sign of Obscura, the evil nightmare thief.

But when Lishta, Maren's grandmother, finds an ad for a sleepaway camp designed for dreamers, alarm bells start to ring. Lishta's never heard of the camp directors, and she's worried and wants to investigate. Maren and Hallie pose as campers with Lishta taking a job as the lunch lady.

Almost right away something seems off. Campers all wake up humming the same song, a whole bunk of girls does their hair the exact same way, and everyone seems to have had the same dream. And things go from bad to worse when Maren discovers most of the camp population has been sleepwalking.

As the girls investigate the camp, Maren and Hallie discover a nefarious plot that could affect the entire world. Maren will have to figure out who's really behind the camp and stop them from turning more dreamers in sleepwalking zombies, before it's too late.

Pick up the Nightmare Thief duology if you are looking for:

  • Suspenseful stories of magical realism for kids with a side of danger
  • Gifts for 11 year old girls, 13 year old girls, and any young reader 11-14 that loves fantasy
  • Books that explore bullying, family ties, and feature strong female characters
  • Books for 4th graders, and any classroom with grades 3-8
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A Season Most Unfair

J. Anderson Coats

Perfect for fans of The Beatryce Prophecy and Catherine, Called Birdy, this “spirited” (Booklist) historical middle grade coming-of-age story set in medieval times follows a strong-minded girl determined to prove she’s just as good a candlemaker as any boy.

Scholastica, or “Tick,” has grown up helping her father make candles in his shop. The experience has its ups and downs—while constantly smelling like tallow makes it hard for Tick to keep friends, stray cats love her. Still, she delights in the work and the fact that she can help Papa. Every summer, they use the long daylight hours to make as many candles as possible to sell at the Stourbridge Fair, the highlight of their year. And this year Tick is finally going to be allowed to make the special Agnus Dei charms that keep travelers safe.

Because she’s a girl, Tick can never be a true apprentice in the trade, but if she gets to do the job anyway, does it matter what she’s called? But one morning she finds a boy sitting at her workbench. Papa has taken on an apprentice and now Tick is forbidden from helping with the candle-making.

Tick isn’t about to stand for this unfairness. She’s going prove to Papa that she deserves to be his apprentice, even if it means sneaking away to the Fair…

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Superbaby

Stephanie Parsley Ledyard

It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s Superbaby! A delightful read-aloud picture book about the adventures babies enjoy between naptimes.

Superbaby is UP! UP!
And awake . . .



With the help of some parental guidance, Superbaby performs feats that dazzle and amaze, zooming through the skies, building toy-block cities (and knocking them down), and leaping over “mountains”. When Superbaby is tired, she soars into her energy pod to rest up for another big day.

Superbaby shares the delightful story of a baby at play. Author Stephanie Parsley Ledyard’s encouraging, onomatopoetic text from the perspective of a loving parent is accompanied by buoyant Illustrations by Lincoln Agnew, making for a wonderful read aloud to be shared with exceptional babies everywhere.

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The Red Fruit

Lee Gee Eun

Baby Bear is off exploring on his own.

Tok!

Now what's this that just hit his head? Mmmm...it's a delicious red fruit. He must get more.

Up, up, up, to the top of the forest.

Hello Caterpillar! Hello Squirrel! Hello Bees!

Now what is that?

Why, it's the biggest red fruit of all! Baby Bear must have it. He leeeaaaps...

From award-winning Korean illustrator Lee Gee Eun comes a gorgeously illustrated story - delightful at every beat - about first discoveries and always landing in a safe place.

P R A I S E

★ "Economically drawn and narrated, this translated work from Korea spotlights a bear cub's naivete and determination... Beautifully transcends its seeming simplicity."
--Kirkus (starred)

"Perfect for pre- and emerging readers... Playful."
--Horn Book

"Children follow a baby bear on an adventure to find more of the delicious red fruit that has fallen to the ground... young readers will relish joining in the journey. The tale lends itself to an easy storytelling session."
--School Library Journal

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Bluey: What Games Should We Play?

Tallulah May

A sturdy lift-the-flap board book filled with fun surprises! Based on the award-winning animated series Bluey, as seen on Disney+

Keepy Uppy, Magic Asparagus, Featherwand, and more! Every day is filled with fun surprises with Bluey and her family! This lift-the-flap board book is perfect for fans of Bluey!

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The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom

Mac Barnett

Award-winning creators Mac Barnett and Shawn Harris are back with the second volume in the bestselling The First Cat in Space graphic novel series! Secret tales of woe, hilarious new characters, and dangerous plans of sabotage will keep readers delighted and laughing until the thrilling climax. Perfect for fans of Dog Man and InvestiGators.

The Moon Queen has been poisoned--by SOUP.

With few she can trust in her own royal court, she and First Cat will have to journey alone to find the antidote. If only LOZ 4000 were still with them . . . But our once-heroic toenail clipping robot is on the run, looking for new purpose in this vast universe.

Unbeknownst to our trio, secret forces are working against them. In a world of villainous cowboys, high-speed chases, and falling pianos, can our iconic trio find their way back to one another and save the Moon Queen before it's too late? And who would want to poison her? Is Captain Babybeard, the adorable baby pirate, in this one?

Praise for The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza

"Ridicuously fun." -Dav Pilkey, creator of Dog Man

"Epic." -Kirkus

"Infectious." -- Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Laugh-out-loud." -- School Library Journal (starred review)

* Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List Selection * As Seen on the TODAY Show * School Library Journal Best Book of the Year * Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year * New York Public Library Best Book of the Year * An Indie Next List Selection *

 

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The Magma Cup

Eric Gapstur

Awkward by Svetlana Chmakova meets the HiLo series in this second book in the action-packed Sort of Super middle grade graphic novel series that follows superhero Wyatt and his sidekicks on an undercover mission to summer camp!

Wyatt and his sister Adeline are determined to investigate an extinct volcano hundreds of miles from home that Adeline believes to be related to their mother’s mysterious disappearance. At first it seems like an impossible mission until they realize there’s a summer camp conveniently situated near the base of the volcano. So it’s off to summer camp for Wyatt, Adeline, and their buddies Beto and Nara. But when they get there, they find it impossible to sneak away from the heavily chaperoned grounds.

Opportunity presents itself by way of the Magma Cup, the camp’s tournament-style series of mental and physical competitions where the finalists compete in an overnight—and less chaperoned—scavenger hunt on the volcano itself!

Unable to use their abilities, can the super-team win their bracket and ditch their counselors to explore the secrets of the volcano and the connection it has to Wyatt and Adelina’s missing mother…or will the whole thing blow up in their face?

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The Umbrella Maker's Son

Katrina Leno

From a critically acclaimed author comes a fantastical middle grade novel about a boy determined to prove there's more than just the weather behind his rainy town.



Oscar Buckle lives in a city where it's always raining. And when it isn't raining, it's about to rain, so the townspeople have learned to embrace it. Oscar's father is an umbrella maker--appropriate for a place where you can't leave home without one!--but while Buckle Umbrellas are strong, reliable, and high quality, they're expensive. Because of this, people are buying from the competitor instead, which is threatening Oscar's family's business.



To make ends meet, Oscar is forced to quit school and work in his father's shop as an apprentice. But when extraordinary events start to occur in their rainy town, Oscar becomes suspicious of their competitor. Desperate to save his town, Oscar must enlist the help of his best friend, Saige, to discover if there's more than nature involved in their city's weather.

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The Demon Sword Asperides

Sarah Jean Horwitz

A scheming demon sword and a wannabe knight band together on a (possibly wicked) quest in this fantasy, perfect for fans of Diana Wynne Jones and Terry Pratchett.



For the past two hundred years, the demon sword Asperides has led a quiet life. While his physical form has been tasked with guarding the body of an evil sorcerer, the rest of his consciousness has taken a well-earned vacation. That constant need to trick humans into wielding him (at the price of their very souls, of course) was rather draining.



Nack Furnival, on the other hand, is far from satisfied with his existence. Nack has trained since birth to be a brave and noble knight--but, unfortunately, he isn't especially good at it. Determined to prove his worth, Nack needs a quest. And to complete that quest, he'll need the one thing no knight can do without: a sword.



When an attempt to resurrect the evil sorcerer throws Asperides into Nack's path, the demon sword can't help but trick the boy into making a contract to become his new owner. And with the newly undead (and very, very angry) sorcerer on their trail, Asperides and Nack find themselves swept up in a bigger adventure than either of them bargained for: saving the world.

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Jawbreaker

Christina Wyman

Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier's Smile, a refreshingly honest middle-grade debut novel about toxic sibling rivalry, socioeconomic disparity, and dental drama.

Max Plink’s life is complicated. Her parents aren’t getting along. The school bullies are relentless—and her own sister is the cruelest of them. Worst of all, her mouth is a mess. With a mismatched puzzle of a jaw, Max has a Class II malocclusion, otherwise known as a severe overbite. She already has braces, which means she lives on Advil and soft foods after each orthodontist appointment. But now Max has to wear painful (and totally awkward) orthodontic headgear nicknamed “the jawbreaker.” Could things get any worse?

Yes. The journalism competition Max wants to enter has a video component. But being on camera means showing her face not just to her junior high classmates, but possibly the whole city. Going viral is the last thing Max needs, but winning this competition is what she wants most. Turns out, following her dreams is complicated, too.

Inspired by Christina Wyman’s own experience with a Class II malocclusion, Jawbreaker is a humorous, heartfelt, and refreshingly relatable story.

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Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters

Wendelin Van Draanen

Mr. Whiskers is a paw-some new dog detective from an Edgar Award winning author. He's on the trail of a kidnapped dad, pirate treasure, and a place to call home...

Mr. Whiskers is a street-wise stray dog with a nose for trouble and a fondness for two girls he calls the Shenanigan Sisters. So when Misty and Zelda’s professor father is kidnapped, Mr. Whiskers follows that car, picking up vital clues.

Then the two intrepid girls and one great dog follow the trail through the streets of San Francisco, discovering hidden passageways, buried secrets, and even pirate treasure.

But will they be able to rescue Dad? You bet your best biscuit, they will!

Wendelin Van Draanen's new mystery is the ulti-mutt kid-pleasing caper.

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Ready, Set, Dough!

Kelly J. Baptist

From Kelly J. Baptist, the award-winning author of Isaiah Dunn Is My Hero, comes a story about Zoe Sparks, an over-enthusiastic cookie-dough seller who wishes to win a laptop from her school fundraiser. Of course, there's unexpected competition, bad music, strained friendships, and over-the-top ideas that go horribly wrong.

Spunky sixth-grader Zoe Sparks has discovered a unique way to get the laptop of her dreams—to win it! If Zoe can sell more tubs of cookie dough than anyone in her school, the laptop is hers. It’s the first step to becoming a prize-winning journalist! But her win-at-all-costs attitude is starting to drive a wedge between Zoe, her best friend Felix, and her family. Zoe may be a top cookie-dough seller in her class, but is winning the prize really worth it?

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Cone Dog

Sarah Howden

A pesky cone becomes a doggie dream come true in this canine companion to Cone Cat

One day, Emma the dog leaves the vet with a giant plastic lampshade on her head. It cuts off her corners, dulls her digging, and makes Garson the greyhound gawk. One thing is clear--the cone is not good, and the only thing left to do is sulk.

When Emma's human tries to cheer her up with a game of fetch, Emma discovers that the cone miraculously catches every ball she fumbles! Emma realizes the cone has other surprising advantages too, from serving as a helmet during her hallway hurtles to helping her dig at triple-speed. Best of all, the cone plays a pivotal role in Emma's master plan to scare off the sneaky neighborhood squirrel, Keith.

Eventually, the cone comes off and Emma is free, but the important lesson she learned from her cone days remains: cone or no cone, it's Emma's inventive spirit that make her the Best. Dog. Ever. This fresh and funny follow-up to Cone Cat is a charming ode to ingenuity and making the best out of a ruff situation.

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Jayden's Secret Ingredient

Mélina Mangal

Jayden discovers the secret ingredient to trying something new.

Jayden loves the outdoors and the garden he created with his friend Mr. Curtis. But he's not so sure about sampling some of the garden's produce. When Mr. Curtis invites neighbors to share the harvest of scarlet runner beans, Jayden faces a dilemma. Will he find the courage to try something new?

Jayden returns for all new adventures in Jayden's Secret Ingredient. This story, which can be read as a standalone or as a sequel to the award-winning Jayden's Impossible Garden, emphasizes the importance of friendship, community, and the courage and openness to try new things. Along with Mr. Curtis and Jayden, readers learn the value of outdoor play and contact with nature, from planting a seed to sharing and eating what it produces. This story is a natural starting point for the exploration of nature, ecology, and gardening, as well as for a cooking club.

At the back of the book, a section for adults has additional activities and other information to expand on the story and its ideas.

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Morris and the Magic of Stories

DIDIER. LVY

Morris the cat knows that no one can resist a good story, not even a mouse. Tired of chasing mice all day long, he comes up with a clever plan to make the mice come to him. All he needs is the perfect story to lure them in. But Morris can't seem to find the right one. He either puts the mice to sleep, collapses in a fit of giggles, or ruins his appetite. Ultimately, in the search for the perfect story, Morris's attitude toward mice changes. He learns that reading has power. Just like magic.

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Thank a Farmer

Maria Gianferrari

"Bread, milk, wool, fruits, and vegetables: things that fill our day to day lives. But where, and who, do they come from? Across wheat fields and city rooftop gardens, mushroom beds and maple forests, Thank a Farmer traces the food and clothing that a family uses back to the people who harvested and created them. With Maria Gianferrari's informed and poetic text and monumental artwork from Monica Mikai, Thank a Farmer gently emphasizes the importance of agriculture in our day-to-day lives and reminds readers to give thanks to farmworkers around the world."--]cProvided by publisher.

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The Widely Unknown Myth of Apple and Dorothy

Corey Ann Haydu

Critically acclaimed author Corey Ann Haydu crafts a spellbinding tale following the modern-day descendants of ancient Greek gods--and how two young girls struggling against the weight of the family history end up becoming their own epic myth with large consequences.

If you could choose to be a god forever, would you do it? Every winter solstice, today's Earthly descendants of Greek gods, nymphs, and muses must visit Mount Olympus to preserve their near-godly status. Until Dorothy's mother refuses to go, sealing her fate and dying a human death shortly after. In retaliation, the gods release an ultimatum: return to the heavens as gods or live as humans on Earth. Everyone must now make a choice.

Dorothy is already at the bottom of the godly chain as the descendant of the infamous Pandora. Without her mother, the rest of Dorothy's world becomes quieter, stiller--and her grief threatens to consume her.

Apple, on the other hand, is the beloved descendant of Zeus and Hera. She is the most popular girl in school, and knows she must maintain a perfect facade, or risk ruining the family name.

The two girls couldn't be more different, but their mothers were best friends, and now they finally grow closer, too. Yet as the solstice nears, Apple's fear of losing Dorothy causes her to make a choice for herself and Dorothy that changes everything--and the consequences are great. Will the Apple and Dorothy be able to fix their friendship? Will they even choose the same path? Olympus or Earth?

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Wrecker

Carl Hiaasen

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Wrecker needs to deal with smugglers, grave robbers, and pooping iguanas—just as soon as he finishes Zoom school. Welcome to another wild adventure in Carl Hiaasen's Florida!

Valdez Jones VIII calls himself Wrecker because his great-great-great-great-great-grandfather salvaged shipwrecks for a living.

So is it destiny, irony, or just bad luck when Wrecker comes across a speedboat that has run hard aground on a sand flat? The men in the boat don't want Wrecker to call for help—in fact, they'll pay him to forget he ever saw them.

Wrecker would be happy to forget, but he keeps seeing these men all over Key West—at the marina, in the cemetery, even right outside his own door. And now they want more than his silence—they want a lookout.

He'll have to dive deep into their shady dealings to figure out a way to escape this tangled net. . . .

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The Big Book of Nature Art

Yuval Zommer

From best-selling author Yuval Zommer, The Big Book of Nature Art is packed with easy art activities inspired by nature. Drawing on Zommer's years of experience running art workshops for children, The Big Book of Nature Art includes his tips for stress-free ways to get creative with kids and fun facts about the natural world.

Each of the activities can be achieved in four simple steps using natural materials combined with recycled or found materials from around the home. With a total of twenty-two art activities, each requiring no more than a five-minute setup and cleanup, the crafts are easy to completeand fun for everyone involved. The book also encourages children to see the creative potential in the natural and everyday treasures all around us--from twigs, seed pods, petals, and leaves to pencil shavings, take-out cups, toilet-paper rolls, and more.

Little nature artists will enjoy making paper-plate birds, leaf bugs, coffee-cup owls, tree-bark bats, and schools of seashell fish, as well as scenes for their creatures to dwell in, from watery worlds to underground tunnels.

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The Secret Life of the Kraken

Benjamin Harper

Think you know all about the kraken? Think again! This tentacled cryptid has a secret life that may surprise you. Where do krakens call home? Do the big underwater beasts really use barf as bait? Uncover these exciting facts and more through entertaining photos and easy-to-read text that supports struggling readers and engages monster fans alike.

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