Youth
Our Staff Recommends
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Mrs. McTats and Her Houseful of Cats
Mrs. McTats and her cat, Abner, are living happily together when some new cats come scratching at Mrs. McTats's door. By twos and threes, and then fours and more, the cats come, welcomed by Mrs. McTats (though Abner's not so sure about it all!). Just when it seems the house is full to bursting, the cats stop coming. Whew! So many cats! But Mrs. McTats can't help feeling that something -- or someone -- is missing. Then there's one more scratch at the door -- and Mrs. McTats finds just what the family needs to be complete.
Alyssa Capucilli's playful rhymes, which surprise with an alphabetic twist, combine with Joan Rankin's hilarious illustrations, which give each cat a distinct personality, to guarantee hours of reading pleasure. -
Wild Honey from the Moon
In an epic adventure like no other, an unflappable mother will stop at nothing to find a cure for her ailing young son — even if it means traveling to the moon itself.
“Where are you going?”
“To the moon. A quick trip.”
“But you can’t fly.”
“Darling, I am your mother,” she said, and gave him one last kiss.
On a cold winter’s eve, deep in the woods, a mother shrew frets about her sick young son. His head is cold and his feet are hot, and there is only one thing that can cure him: wild honey from the moon. Mother Shrew does not stop to wonder how she will make such an impossible journey. Instead, she grabs her trusty red umbrella, gives her darling son a kiss, and sets out into the unknown. Along the way, Mother Shrew encounters one obstacle after another, from a malevolent owl to a herd of restless “night mares” to an island humming with angry bees. But each can prove no match for a mother on a mission. From the mind of the uniquely talented Kenneth Kraegel comes an utterly original ode to the limitlessness of maternal love. -
Strongheart
Strongheart may have been a movie star, but he wasn't always famous. He started out as a police dog who could sniff out criminals and march like a soldier, but he didn't know how to have fun. Larry Trimble was a Hollywood director who wanted to put Strongheart in his movies—not just as a pet but as the lead actor. Larry taught him to play with toys and walk like a regular dog. In his films, Strongheart brought audiences to tears. He was a sensation! But when Strongheart's military training led to trouble, was his career over?
Set in the early days of silent movies, Emily Arnold McCully's extraordinary story about a real-life hero will capture the hearts of dog lovers and movie fans everywhere. -
Maybe
"You are the only you there every has been or ever will be. You are unique. Just the odds of you being here at this exact place and this exact time are so great and so rare that they will never happen again. This is a story for everything you will do and everything you could be. It's for who you are right now, and it's for all the magical, unbounded potential you hold inside." -- from book cover.
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Anne of Green Gables
The cherished favorite featuring everyone's favorite red-headed orphan, now in a deluxe hardcover edition with beautiful cover illustrations by Anna Bond, the artist behind world-renowned stationery brand Rifle Paper Co.
The classic Anne of Green Gables; inspiration for the Netflix original series Anne With an E
Anne, an eleven-year-old orphan, is sent by mistake to live with a lonely, middle-aged brother and sister on a Prince Edward Island farm and proceeds to make an indelible impression on everyone around her. -
The Underground Abductor (Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales #5)
New York Times Bestseller
Araminta Ross was born a slave in Delaware in the early 19th century. Slavery meant that her family could be ripped apart at any time, and that she could be put to work in dangerous places and for abusive people. But north of the Mason-Dixon line, slavery was illegal. If she could run away and make it north without being caught or killed, she'd be free. Facing enormous danger, Araminta made it, and once free, she changed her name to Harriet Tubman. Tubman spent the rest of her life helping slaves run away like she did, every time taking her life in her hands. Nathan Hale tells her incredible true-life story with the humor and sensitivity he's shown in every one of the Hazardous Tales--perfect for reluctant readers and classroom discussions.
Get The Underground Abductor and two other Hazardous Tales in the Nathan Hale's Hazardous Tales 3-Book Boxed Set, available now! -
Strange Birds
From the award-winning author of The First Rule of Punk comes the story of four kids who form an alternative Scout troop that shakes up their sleepy Florida town.
* "Writing with wry restraint that's reminiscent of Kate DiCamillo... a beautiful tale." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
When three very different girls find a mysterious invitation to a lavish mansion, the promise of adventure and mischief is too intriguing to pass up. Ofelia Castillo (a budding journalist), Aster Douglas (a bookish foodie), and Cat Garcia (a rule-abiding birdwatcher) meet the kid behind the invite, Lane DiSanti, and it isn't love at first sight. But they soon bond over a shared mission to get the Floras, their local Scouts, to ditch an outdated tradition. In their quest for justice, independence, and an unforgettable summer, the girls form their own troop and find something they didn't know they needed: sisterhood. -
Iveliz Explains It All
NEWBERY HONOR AWARD WINNER • In this timely and moving novel in verse, a preteen girl navigates seventh grade while facing mental health challenges. A hopeful, poetic story about learning to advocate for the help and understanding you deserve.
"Powerful." —Lisa Fipps, Printz Honor-winning author of Starfish
How do you speak up when it feels like no one is listening?
The end of elementary school?
Worst time of my life.
And the start of middle school?
I just wasn’t quite right.
But this year?
YO VOY A MI.
Seventh grade is going to be Iveliz’s year. She’s going to make a new friend, help her abuela Mimi get settled after moving from Puerto Rico, and she is not going to get into any more trouble at school. . . .
Except is that what happens? Of course not. Because no matter how hard Iveliz tries, sometimes people say things that just make her so mad. And worse, Mimi keeps saying Iveliz’s medicine is unnecessary—even though it helps Iveliz feel less sad. But how do you explain your feelings to others when you’re not even sure what’s going on yourself?
Powerful and compassionate, Andrea Beatriz Arango’s debut navigates mental health, finding your voice, and discovering that those who really love you will stay by your side no matter what. -
She Persisted
Chelsea Clinton introduces tiny feminists, mini activists and little kids who are ready to take on the world to thirteen inspirational women who never took no for an answer, and who always, inevitably and without fail, persisted.
Throughout United States history, there have always been women who have spoken out for what's right, even when they have to fight to be heard. In this book, Chelsea Clinton celebrates thirteen American women who helped shape our country through their tenacity, sometimes through speaking out, sometimes by staying seated, sometimes by captivating an audience. They all certainly persisted.
She Persisted is for everyone who has ever wanted to speak up but has been told to quiet down, for everyone who has ever tried to reach for the stars but was told to sit down, and for everyone who has ever been made to feel unworthy or unimportant or small.
With vivid, compelling art by Alexandra Boiger, this book shows readers that no matter what obstacles may be in their paths, they shouldn't give up on their dreams. Persistence is power.
This book features: Harriet Tubman, Helen Keller, Clara Lemlich, Nellie Bly, Virginia Apgar, Maria Tallchief, Claudette Colvin, Ruby Bridges, Margaret Chase Smith, Sally Ride, Florence Griffith Joyner, Oprah Winfrey, Sonia Sotomayor—and one special cameo.
Praise for She Persisted:
★ “[A] lovely, moving work of children’s literature [and a] polished introduction to a diverse and accomplished group of women.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
“Exemplary . . . This well-curated list will show children that women’s voices have made themselves emphatically heard.” —Booklist
“[She Persisted] will remind little girls that they can achieve their goals if they don’t let obstacles get in the way.” —Family Circle
“We can’t wait to grab a copy for some of the awesome kids in our lives . . . and maybe some of the grown-ups, too.” —Bustle
“A message we all need to hear.” —Scary Mommy
“This will be a great read for kids (especially young girls).” —Romper
“We cannot wait for the launch of Smart Girl Chelsea Clinton’s new book to help remind kids everywhere that the fearlessness that characterizes the thirteen women in the book is what has emboldened us to constantly strive for progress and justice.” —Amy Poehler’s Smart Girls -
Harlem's Little Blackbird
From Caldecott Honor winner Christian Robinson and acclaimed author Renee Watson, comes the inspiring true story of Florence Mills.
Born to parents who were both former slaves, Florence Mills knew at an early age that she loved to sing, and that her sweet, bird-like voice, resonated with those who heard her. Performing catapulted her all the way to the stages of 1920s Broadway where she inspired everyone from songwriters to playwrights. Yet with all her success, she knew firsthand how prejudice shaped her world and the world of those around her. As a result, Florence chose to support and promote works by her fellow black performers while heralding a call for their civil rights. Featuring a moving text and colorful illustrations, Harlem's Little Blackbird is a timeless story about justice, equality, and the importance of following one's heart and dreams.
A CARTER G. WOODSON ELEMENTARY HONOR BOOK
(awarded by the National Council for the Social Studies, 2013) -
Malala: My Story of Standing Up for Girls' Rights
A chapter book edition of Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai's bestselling story of courageously standing up for girls' education.
Malala's memoir of a remarkable teenage girl who risked her life for the right to go to school is now abridged and adapted for chapter book readers. Raised in a changing Pakistan by an enlightened father from a poor background and a beautiful, illiterate mother, Malala was taught to stand up for what she believes. Her story of bravery and determination in the face of extremism is more timely than ever.
In this edition, Malala tells her story in clear, accessible language perfect for children who are too old for Malala's Magic Pencil and too young for her middle-grade memoir. Featuring line art and simplified back matter, Malala teaches a new audience the value of speaking out against intolerance and hate: an inspiring message of hope in Malala's own words. -
Planting Stories: The Life of Librarian and Storyteller Pura Belpré
*Indie Next List Pick*
*Junior Library Guild Selection*
“An appealing tribute and successful remedy to the lack of titles about the groundbreaking librarian…a must-have for all libraries.” —School Library Journal (starred review)
An inspiring picture book biography of storyteller, puppeteer, and New York City’s first Puerto Rican librarian, who championed bilingual literature.
When she came to America in 1921, Pura Belpré carried the cuentos folklóricos of her Puerto Rican homeland. Finding a new home at the New York Public Library as a bilingual assistant, she turned her popular retellings into libros and spread story seeds across the land. Today, these seeds have grown into a lush landscape as generations of children and storytellers continue to share her tales and celebrate Pura’s legacy.
Brought to colorful life by Paola Escobar’s elegant and exuberant illustrations and Anika Aldamuy Denise’s lyrical text, this gorgeous book is perfect for the pioneers in your life.
Informative backmatter and suggested further reading included.
A Spanish-language edition, Sembrando historias: Pura Belpré: bibliotecaria y narradora de cuentos, is also available.
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Dancing in the Storm
In the tradition of Out of My Mind and Rules, and inspired by the co-author’s own life, this is a heartfelt, candid, and illuminating story of a girl learning to live fully with a rare genetic disorder.
Kate’s life in Baton Rouge, full of friends and family, gymnastics and Girl Scouts, is just plain great. But then, at the age of twelve, she suddenly develops a mysterious shoulder pain that won’t go away . . . and that will change her life forever. It turns out that Kate has one of the rarest genetic disorders in the world, Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva. FOP causes bone to form in places in the body where it shouldn’t, and there’s no cure yet. Kate will need to learn how to live with this difficult new reality, helped by those close to her and by a new pen pal named Amie, who has been living with FOP for years.
Drawing upon much of Amie Specht’s own experiences with FOP, she and esteemed novelist Shannon Hitchcock have created a poignant, eye-opening, and uplifting story of finding courage and joy in the face of adversity. -
Like a Charm
After the death of her grandfather, nuerodivergent tween Ramya uncovers a world of mystery and magic—and she’s the only one who can see it! From the award-winning author of A Kind of Spark.
“Ramya, you have something this city needs. And it’s something that’s going to change everything.”
Ramya Knox is used to feeling cursed. People only notice her long enough to call her a troublemaker. Except Grandpa. He sees Ramya and her neurodiversity as enchanting. But when Grandpa dies, Ramya's world loses its charm...until she discovers he left behind one big secret: that magic is real and Ramya can see it.
Trolls, vampires, kelpies, and more fantastical beings hide in the shadows for Ramya to discover. But the Hidden Folk need protection from the most dangerous creatures of all: the sirens. These beautiful monsters use their voices to get whatever they want, and lately they want power. And anyone who resists, anyone who is different, simply...disappears.
It's up to Ramya to finish her grandpa's work and expose the sirens for the villains they are--before their voices frown out the human and Hidden worlds forever. -
The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams
School Library Journal Best of the Year
An NPR Best Book of 2023
The Silk Road comes to life in this picaresque epic adventure with twists and turns and a wonderful surprise ending from Printz Medalist Daniel Nayeri
This is the tale of an exciting journey along the Silk Road with a young Monk and his newfound guardian, Samir, a larger than life character and the so-called "Seller of Dreams". The man is a scammer; his biggest skill being the ability to talk his way into getting what he wants. While that talking did save Monkey's life, it has left a lot of people furious with Samir-- furious enough to hire assassins. Monkey decides to try and save Samir from the attempts on his life--as a way to pay off his debt! If he can save Samir six times, he'll be a free man...but will they all survive that long?
Fans of Salman Rushdie's Haroun and The Sea of Stories and The Little Prince will fall in love with the bond between Monkey and Samir--in this swashbuckling all-ages page-turner from national bestseller Daniel Nayeri and featuring full-color illustrations from Daniel Miyares.
P R A I S E
Evanston Library Best of the Year
"Adventurous, funny and nimble. Daniel Nayeri understands this relationship between storytelling and magic, and finds every opportunity to celebrate it. "
--TheNew York Times
"Daniel Nayeri and artist Daniel Miyares conjure a richly colored 11th-century realm of merchants and swindlers, camels and donkeys, caravanserai and spice bazaars, and the gaudiest array of mercenaries ever assembled in a book for young readers."
--The Wall Street Journal
★ "Filled with the multicultural hustle and bustle of the Silk Road, enlivened by the unpredictable nature of unreliable storytellers, and adorned with whimsical, colorful illustrations, this is a strange, wondrous, and creative tale. Can family be found along the Silk Road, or will everyone ultimately betray you? An enticing taste of a rich historical world."
--Kirkus (starred)
★ "Readers will find more than expected, including tender philosophies, complex characterizations, heaps of humor, a masterful twist, and most importantly, just a great story, beautifully told."
--Booklist (starred)
★ "Blends playful humor, solid pacing, and fully realized characters into a witty, assassin-studded traveler's yarn that also serves as a memorable, lively portrait of the 11th-century Silk Road."
--Publishers Weekly (starred)
"Nayeri's immersive writing style brings a you-are-there energy to the depiction of the harsh but gorgeous environment of the Silk Road, and an informative author's note further details the geography of the trail, its economic and social value, and the many people who traversed it. The book ends with a simple but profound reminder that love comes in many forms, it is almost always messy and unpredictable, and it is almost always worth every effort toward it."
--BCCB
"Daniel Nayeri has a gift. The child that reads this will not forget it, and how many books that come out for this age range can say the same? Is there anything else out there like it? I will simply say this: If you hand this book to someone, they will definitely have an opinion of it. You may, in fact, end up loving it in the end, or cursing it to the heavens. A tome with a soul tied inextricably to that of its titular character. Better read it."
--Betsy Bird, SLJ's Fuse 8 Blog
New Children's Books
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Drawing Deena
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. -
The School for Invisible Boys
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? -
Maya Plays the Part
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.
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. -
Hummingbird Season
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. -
Grimmworld: The Witch in the Woods
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
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
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! -
Wild Places
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. -
Sick! The Twists and Turns Behind Animal Germs
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. -
Bob Ross and Peapod the Squirrel Play a Game
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
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. -
It's Holi!
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. -
The World Needs More Purple Schools
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! -
A Pizza with Everything on It
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 -
Book of the Dead
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
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
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
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. -
Not Quite a Ghost
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
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. -
Indigo and Ida
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
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! -
Fighting with Love
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. -
Max and the Purple Worry
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
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. -
Stories of the Islands
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! -
Coretta: The Autobiography of Mrs. 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. -
Between Two Brothers
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
"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
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. -
Just Because
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. -
This Is the Planet Where I Live
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. -
A Garden in My Hands
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. -
Hidden Gem
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 -
The Fire of Stars
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
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. -
Everybody Has a Body
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. -
The River That Flows Beside Me
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. -
Plague-Busters!
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. -
The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall Book 1
"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
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. -
The Eyes and the Impossible
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. -
Hope in the Valley
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. -
Wretched Waterpark
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? -
Fungi Grow
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! -
The Snow Man
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! -
I'm Gonna Paint
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. -
15 Secrets to Survival
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 handbook—and each other—to 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. -
Grounded
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
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
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… -
Superbaby
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. -
The Red Fruit
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 -
Bluey: What Games Should We Play?
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! -
The First Cat in Space and the Soup of Doom
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
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? -
The Umbrella Maker's Son
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. -
The Demon Sword Asperides
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. -
Jawbreaker
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. -
Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters
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. -
Ready, Set, Dough!
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? -
Cone Dog
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
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
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
"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
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
#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. . . . -
The Big Book of Nature Art
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
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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Melvina Whitmoore (More Or Less a Horror Story)
"Capalia's stylish digital art contains myriad giggle-and-goosebump-worthy details . . . [a] satisfying roller-coaster ride of a debut." --Publishers Weekly
Perfect for fans of The Little Old Lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything, Melvina Whitmoore (More or Less a Horror Story) is a spooky picture book debut by author/illustrator Faith Capalia that follows a fearful old woman named Melvina.
Melvina Whitmoore is afraid of everything, from spiders to snails, and even her own shadow. Which is why she can't wait to move into her new house--a safe place where nothing will be able to get to her!
But she'll soon discover that surprises hide around every corner and not everything is as it first seems. . . .
From debut creator Faith Capalia comes a spooky and thrilling tale that reminds us that unexpected things can happen when we face our fears.
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The Goblin Twins
Two 601-year-old goblin tricksters from Korea go on an unexpected Halloween adventure in New York City in this tongue-in-cheek story from Frances Cha, critically acclaimed author of If I Had Your Face, and #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator Jaime Kim.
"A sweet, comical Halloween venture for all." -Kirkus Reviews
Doki and Kebi are two Korean magical goblin twin brothers who couldn't be more different!
Kebi loves to scare people (maybe a little too much) and explore!
Doki would rather give people bags of gold when he's not reading a book!
Despite their differences, Doki and Kebi are inseparable. When it's time for the goblin tricksters to move, the brothers decide to make their new home together in a strange, unknown land...New York City! As they prepare for the new customs of Halloween, Doki and Kebi are in for a surprise in this new holiday adventure inspired by the Korean mythology of dokkaebi. -
A Letter for Bob
With humor and heart, and brought to life by Jonathan Nelson's warm, distinctive artwork, Kim Rogers's A Letter for Bob celebrates the treasured cars that carry us through our most meaningful childhood moments.
Ever since the day Mom and Dad brought Bob home from the car dealership, Bob has been a part of Katie's family.
Bob has taken them all over, from powwows to vacations to time spent with faraway family. Bob has been there in sad and scary times and for some of the family's most treasured memories.
But after many miles, it's time for the family to say goodbye to Bob...
This humorous and tender story about a beloved family car--and all the stories and love carried along for the ride--will appeal to every kid whose family has owned a special car!
Kim Rogers is the author of Just Like Grandma, illustrated by Julie Flett, which received starred reviews from Publishers Weekly and Booklist, which called it "a joyous, uplifting celebration of culture and family."
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The Truth About Dragons
An unforgettable lyrical picture book that celebrates biracial identity from the award-winning author of Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist.
Lean in close,
my darling bao bei,
and I will whisper
a most precious secret
about a powerful magic
that lives inside you.
Brought to life with lavish and ornate illustrations, The Truth About Dragons follows a young child on a journey guided by his mother's bedtime storytelling. He quests into two very different forests, as his two grandmothers help him discover two different, but equally enchanting, truths about dragons.
Eastern and Western mythologies coexist and enrich each other in this warm celebration of mixed cultural identity. -
Oh, Panda
Caldecott Honor winner Cindy Derby delivers an endearing picture book about an adorable (and ingenious!) panda bear who must find the grit within to climb--and overcome--a snowy, slippery mountain.
Look! A butterfly! Up, up, and away it flutters, flying high above a large snowy mountain.
But Panda wants to play, and that mountain is clearly in their way. To reach their new friend, Panda will just have to climb it! Unfortunately, it's very slippery...and very steep...and little Panda keeps tumbling to the bottom. Oh, Panda. Just how will they reach the peak?!
With spare text and dazzling watercolor illustrations, Panda’s journey reminds us that with a bit of moxie—and a lot of perseverance—we, too, can reach the top of our mountain. -
Hooked on Books
Pearl just wants to read her book in peace, but the other fish won’t leave her alone!
Pearl can’t wait to dive into her new book, but the other sea creatures keep interrupting and nothing she does will keep them away—not hanging signs, not hiding under the seaweed, nor swimming away to a shipwreck. So Pearl plucks up her book and swishes down, down, down for a distraction-free place to think and to read. But just as she settles back in, here comes a light show from the comb jellies! GAH! What’s a poor fish got to do for some quiet alone time?
Little ones who struggle to focus in busy environments will relate to Pearl, a grumpy anglerfish, as she searches for quiet in this funny and gentle reminder about establishing healthy boundaries and respecting personal space. -
The Turtle of Michigan
The stand-alone companion to National Book Award Finalist and beloved poet Naomi Shihab Nye's The Turtle of Oman. The Turtle of Michigan is a deft and accessible novel that follows a young boy named Aref as he travels from Muscat, Oman, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, and adjusts to a new life and a new school in the United States. A wonderful pick for young middle grade readers and fans of Other Words for Home and Billy Miller Makes a Wish.
Aref is excited for his journey to reunite with his father in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Aref makes a friend on an airplane, wonders what Michigan will be like, and starts school in the United States. While he does miss his grandfather, his Sidi, Aref knows that his home in Oman will always be waiting for him.
Award-winning author Naomi Shihab Nye's highly anticipated sequel to The Turtle of Oman explores immigration, family, and what it means to feel at home. Carrying a suitcase and memories of Oman, Aref experiences the excitement and nervousness that accompany moving to a new home. The Turtle of Michigan is a great choice for reading aloud and a must-have for younger middle grade readers.
Illustrated in black-and-white throughout.
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I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 (I Survived Graphic Novel #8)
A gripping graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's bestselling I Survived the American Revolution, 1776 with text adapted by Georgia Ball and art by Leo Trinidad.
Nathaniel Fox never imagined he'd find himself in the middle of a blood-soaked battlefield, fighting for his life. He's only eleven years old! He's barely paid attention to the troubles between America and England. Instead, he's been worked to the bone by his cruel uncle.
But when his uncle's rage forces him to flee home suddenly, Nate finds himself in New York City, in the middle of the American Revolution. He encounters an old friend and joins his army regiment as a camp helper.
Soon the British invade -- and nothing goes as planned. Can Nate survive the war's biggest battle yet?
Lauren Tarshis's New York Times bestselling I Survived series comes to vivid life in graphic novel editions. Perfect for readers who prefer the graphic novel format, or for existing fans of the I Survived chapter book series, these graphic novels combine historical facts with high-action storytelling that's sure to keep any reader turning the pages. Includes a nonfiction section at the back with facts and photos about the real-life event.
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Big Tune
An exuberant picture book written by Alliah L. Agostini and illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice is about a Black boy with big dancing dreams who learns the meaning of courage and community.
It’s the weekend, first in June; speaker’s blasting out big tune!
Cousins, aunties, uncles, friends pack the house, and fun begins.
Shane is shy but loves to dance—and all year long, he’s picked up cans
to earn some money toward his goal: high-tops with a pump-up sole.
But then the speaker blows—it’s done! Will this stop his family’s fun?
Can Shane come through to save the day and bring back Big Tune Saturday?
Set within a vibrant Caribbean American neighborhood and told to a rhythmic beat, Big Tune is a story of Black boy joy that touches on determination, confidence to express who you are, selflessness, and community gratitude. -
Be a Good Ancestor
Rooted in Indigenous teachings, this stunning picture book encourages readers of all ages to consider the ways in which they live in connection to the world around them and to think deeply about their behaviors.
Addressing environmental issues, animal welfare, self-esteem and self-respect, and the importance of community, the authors deliver a poignant and universal message in an accessible way: Be a good ancestor to the world around you. Thought-provoking stanzas offer a call to action for each one of us to consider how we affect future generations. Every decision we make ripples out, and we can affect the world around us by thinking deeply about those decisions.
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One Chicken Nugget
Inspired by the classic folktale "One Grain of Rice," One Chicken Nugget is a monstrously funny new picture book--with a mathematical twist!--from the author-illustrator of Little Penguin Gets the Hiccups.
Everybody knows monsters love chicken nuggets, but Frank loved them more than most.
This is a problem if you happen to sell chicken nuggets, and Celeste sells the finest nuggets around. But Frank scares her other customers away, so she's forced to cook up an eating contest of monstrous proportions to get rid of him. If Frank wins, Celeste will make him free chicken nuggets for life. But if he loses, he must leave and never return.
It starts with Frank eating a single chicken nugget.
Then two. Then double that, then double it again . . .
Just how quickly does this doubling add up?
And how many chicken nuggets can Frank really eat?
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Me Gusta
A stunning bilingual picture book that celebrates Latinx families by highlighting moments of connection and delight and feelings of safety and home, even through challenges and difficult times.
Me gusta your smile, tu sonrisa,
and your hugs, tus abrazos.
Me gusta when we explore this spectacular world, el mundo,
and gaze at all the stars, las estrellas.
But most of all, me gusta that no matter where we are, I feel at home, en casa, when I’m with you.
In the affirmative and encouraging Me Gusta, acclaimed author and illustrator Angela Dominguez combines Spanish and English in a poetic and touching story of family, reminding us that through the adventures and the heartbreak, love conquers all and transcends language. -
Some of These Are Snails
Press Here meets Eric Carle in a concept book that makes familiar ideas exciting and surprising.
From the creative mind behind Circle Under Berry comes this deceptively simple concept book that explores sorting, classification, and patterns as it teases the brain in unusual ways. With an elegant and simple approach, this thought-provoking book shows young readers that even the most familiar things can be seen from infinite perspectives. As with the best classic children''s books, you read it once, read it ten times--and see something new every time.
MULTIPLE WAYS TO READ: The author has provided creative and helpful suggestions for different ways in which to read this book for varying reading levels and age ranges, making it truly versatile.
PACKED LEARNING VALUE: The unusual approach to colors, shapes, and animals intelligently introduces young readers to patterns, classification, and problem solving. The imaginative language, rich with rhythmic phrasing and playfulness, begs to be read aloud.
WIDE APPEAL FOR SCHOOL AND LIBRARY USE: Carter Higgins presents engaging learning with a variety of concepts. With its clear read-aloud qualities, this is ideal for teachers and librarians who organize reading events in their classrooms and communities.
UNIQUE DESIGN: The art style for this book, with playful nods to Eric Carle and Hervé Tullet, stands out from the pack in ways that will resonate with children as well as adults. It sits beautifully on any shelf--
from classroom to home libraries.
TALENTED AUTHOR: Carter Higgins has many successful titles across multiple age groups, including Circle Under Berry, Everything You Need for a Treehouse, This is Not a Valentine, Bikes for Sale, Big and Small and In-Between, and Audrey L and Audrey W.
Circle Under Berry
[star] "[V]isually striking . . . positively begging to be read aloud." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
[star] "[D]rawing readers'' attention while achieving real grace . . ." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
"[S]parkling and ingenious . . . positively tingles." --The Wall Street Journal
"A triumph of design and a beacon of possibility." --The Horn Book Magazine
"[A] striking exploration of shapes, colors, and patterns . . ." --Booklist Reviews
Everything You Need for a Treehouse
"Get ready for your imagination to explode!" --NPR Best Books of the Year
"[A] feast for the imagination." --Book Page
"This book urges adventure and creativity." --School Library Journal
This is Not a Valentine
"An enduring message of friendship." --School Library Journal
"A perfect book for kids who find the whole Valentine''s Day holiday icky and overrated." --Book Riot
"Recognizes that you can don''t need sugary hearts and mushy sentiment to show you care." --Newsday
"Heartwarmingly funny." --Entertainment Weekly
Bikes for Sale
"Celebrates the ways in which serendipity can lead to friendship and sharing." --Booklist
"A sweet, quiet, different take on new-friendship." ---Kirkus Reviews
Big and Small and In-Between
[star] "[V]isually stunning and emotionally rich . . ." --School Library Journal, starred review
"[A] profoundly moving, charmingly crafted picture book." --The New York Times
"[A]n abstract journey with many turns and surprises." --Publishers Weekly
Audrey L and Audrey W
"Funny and engaging." --Kirkus Reviews
"This sweet series-starter holds plenty of promise." --Booklist
"[S]ensitive and gently humorous." --Shelf Awareness
"A great addition to libraries where memorable girls like Ivy + Bean and Judy Moody are popular." --School Library Journal
"[Readers] will find their sweet spot with this easy reader." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children''s Books
Perfect for:- Parents and grandparents seeking engaging, interactive books for kids
- Teachers, librarians, educators, and caregivers of children ranging from toddlers to emerging readers
- Classroom gift book for preschool, kindergarten, art teachers
- Baby shower, birthday, and holiday gift giving
- Fans of Carter Higgins, Eric Carle, and Laura Vaccaro Seeger
- Fans of fun educational books
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Cicada Symphony
"Fliess informs while maintaining a light, adoring tone that reveals cicadas' remarkableness."--Publishers Weekly starred review
Eeee-ooo! Eeee-ooo! Cicadas drone on, clicking and buzzing from dusk till dawn.
There are about three thousand different kinds of cicadas on earth. Some species emerge from the ground every year, while others only come up every thirteen or seventeen years. But no matter how much time passes before they dig their way to the surface, the result is the same: up to trillions of clumsy (but harmless!) insects flying, clicking, and buzzing all around us. Using a combination of rhythmic, rhyming verse and fun facts, this story describes the life cycle of the cicada and helps readers better understand this fascinating insect. -
Science, Matter and the Baseball Park
There is much to see at the ballpark, and it all matters because it's all matter.
In this fast-paced rhyming story, baseball and science fans alike will be delighted to see all the solids, liquids and gases that make game day extra special. As the camera zooms in on instant replay, things slow down long enough to see all those atoms in motion. The scoreboard, a slushie, and even the air - wherever you look, it's matter in there.
With cleverly constructed, action-oriented illustrations that make learning about science simple and fun, this book knocks matter out of the ballpark and is sure to score a homerun with enthusiastic young readers.
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Grandpa's Scroll
A scroll that a grandfather plans to finish painting with his granddaughter shows how love can overcome differences and distances.
Lily lives in Washington, DC. Her grandpa lives in Korea. They've never met but are good pen pals. Just when he is about to visit Lily in the U.S., Grandpa dies. Lily and her mom fly to Korea, where they uncover the rice paper scroll Grandpa had hoped to finish painting with Lily. To honor his wish, Lily writes a poem about her grandfather that sits just below his poem about her, so that in the end, they have finished it together. -
Latkes and Applesauce
A cat and dog create a Hanukkah miracle, just in the nick of time in this updated reissue of the beloved holiday classic.
The Menashes love latkes and applesauce during Hanukkah. But a blizzard begins and erases any hope that they’ll harvest potatoes and apples in time. When a stray cat and dog show up, there’s not a lot of food to offer them, but kindness prevails, and they’re invited in. It turns out that the dog—Latke—and the cat—Applesauce—save the day. -
The Next New Syrian Girl
Furia meets I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter about the unlikely friendship between two very different Syrian girls, the pressures and expectations of the perfect Syrian daughter, and the repercussions of the Syrian Revolution both at home and abroad.
Khadija Shami is a Syrian American high school senior raised on boxing and football. Saddled with a monstrous ego and a fierce mother to test it, she dreams of escaping her sheltered life to travel the world with her best friend.
Leene Tahir is a Syrian refugee, doing her best to adjust to the wildly unfamiliar society of a suburban Detroit high school while battling panic attacks and family pressures.
When their worlds collide the result is catastrophic. To Khadija, Leene embodies the tame, dutiful Syrian ideal she's long rebelled against. And to Leene, Khadija is the strong-willed, closed-off American who makes her doubt her place in the world.
But as Khadija digs up Leene's past, a startling and life-changing discovery forces the two of them closer together. As the girls secretly race to unravel the truth, a friendship slowly and hesitantly begins blooming. Doubts are cast aside as they realize they have more in common than they each expected. What they find takes them on a journey all the way to Jordan, challenging what each knows about the other and herself.
Fans of Samira Ahmed's Love, Hate, and Other Filters and Tahereh Mafi's A Very Large Expanse Of Sea will love Khadija and Leene's sharp-witted voices in this dual POV narrative. The Next New Syrian Girl is a poignant and timely blend of guilt, nostalgia, devotion, and bad-ass hijabees.
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Squire & Knight
A young squire tackles mysteries, monsters and magic, but the inept knight he serves takes the credit. Every time.
Squire is brainy, bookish, and terribly under-appreciated by the brawny, inept knight Sir Kelton, who somehow always gets all the glory. So when the two mismatched heroes find themselves in a cursed village plagued by a demonic dragon, Kelton rides off to slay it and Squire stays behind to catch up on some reading. But Squire starts to notice that something isn’t quite right about this town . . . Can he uncover its strange secrets? -
The Green Girls
Emma, Lily, and Fadila want to save the planet . . . but no one around them seems to care.
Frustrated, they name themselves the Green Girls, take to social media, and launch a series of bold protests. Alongside their classmate and aspiring Green Girl Silas, the crew risks getting in trouble (and stirs some up) to raise awareness about container ship pollution, palm oil overproduction, and more environmental hazards. With a mix of livestreams, spray paint, and bungee cords, they're out to make a difference--and get their followers to do the same.
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My Brain Is Magic
Is your brain magic? Whether your brain buzzes around the room like a bee or tells you to be loud and roar like a lion, celebrate the many things that it can be!
This sensory-seeking celebration shines a light on neurodiversity and sensory processing in a fun and action-packed way for all children to enjoy.
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Nubby
A beloved but overworked toy strikes out on his own to find glory—only to find that the best rewards were at home all along in this sweet and funny picture book that is perfect for fans of Toy Story and Knuffle Bunny.
Nubby the stuffed rabbit is his owner’s favorite toy, but you wouldn’t know it from the way he’s treated. He’s been dropped, dragged, and even used as a nose wipe. He decides to strike out for a fresh start, and his adventure takes him across the realm—or at least around the cul-de-sac—in search of treasure, fame, and glory. But these rewards aren't as sweet as Nubby hoped they'd be. What's missing?
As Nubby travels through the neighborhood, his owner's family begins to search for him. Nubby's journey might not have taken him far, but it does teach him one thing: no amount of glory could replace the love of his owner. -
Doggie
A heartwarming book about expectations, surprises, and a cat named Doggie. For animal lovers ages 4 years and up.
A little boy wants a dog and is surprised when a cat comes to live at his house. Can this cat play fetch? NO! Can this cat do tricks? NO! Can this cat replace a dog? MAYBE.Maybe this cat is just what a little boy needs.
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Some of These Are Snails
Press Here meets Eric Carle in a concept book that makes familiar ideas exciting and surprising.
From the creative mind behind Circle Under Berry comes this deceptively simple concept book that explores sorting, classification, and patterns as it teases the brain in unusual ways. With an elegant and simple approach, this thought-provoking book shows young readers that even the most familiar things can be seen from infinite perspectives. As with the best classic children's books, you read it once, read it ten times--and see something new every time.
MULTIPLE WAYS TO READ: The author has provided creative and helpful suggestions for different ways in which to read this book for varying reading levels and age ranges, making it truly versatile.
PACKED LEARNING VALUE: The unusual approach to colors, shapes, and animals intelligently introduces young readers to patterns, classification, and problem solving. The imaginative language, rich with rhythmic phrasing and playfulness, begs to be read aloud.
WIDE APPEAL FOR SCHOOL AND LIBRARY USE: Carter Higgins presents engaging learning with a variety of concepts. With its clear read-aloud qualities, this is ideal for teachers and librarians who organize reading events in their classrooms and communities.
UNIQUE DESIGN: The art style for this book, with playful nods to Eric Carle and Hervé Tullet, stands out from the pack in ways that will resonate with children as well as adults. It sits beautifully on any shelf--
from classroom to home libraries.TALENTED AUTHOR: Carter Higgins has many successful titles across multiple age groups, including Circle Under Berry, Everything You Need for a Treehouse, This is Not a Valentine, Bikes for Sale, Big and Small and In-Between, and Audrey L and Audrey W.
Circle Under Berry
[star] "[V]isually striking . . . positively begging to be read aloud." --Kirkus Reviews, starred review
[star] "[D]rawing readers' attention while achieving real grace . . ." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
"[S]parkling and ingenious . . . positively tingles." --The Wall Street Journal
"A triumph of design and a beacon of possibility." --The Horn Book Magazine
"[A] striking exploration of shapes, colors, and patterns . . ." --Booklist ReviewsEverything You Need for a Treehouse
"Get ready for your imagination to explode!" --NPR Best Books of the Year
"[A] feast for the imagination." --Book Page
"This book urges adventure and creativity." --School Library JournalThis is Not a Valentine
"An enduring message of friendship." --School Library Journal
"A perfect book for kids who find the whole Valentine's Day holiday icky and overrated." --Book Riot
"Recognizes that you can don't need sugary hearts and mushy sentiment to show you care." --Newsday
"Heartwarmingly funny." --Entertainment WeeklyBikes for Sale
"Celebrates the ways in which serendipity can lead to friendship and sharing." --Booklist
"A sweet, quiet, different take on new-friendship." ---Kirkus ReviewsBig and Small and In-Between
[star] "[V]isually stunning and emotionally rich . . ." --School Library Journal, starred review
"[A] profoundly moving, charmingly crafted picture book." --The New York Times
"[A]n abstract journey with many turns and surprises." --Publishers WeeklyAudrey L and Audrey W
"Funny and engaging." --Kirkus Reviews
"This sweet series-starter holds plenty of promise." --Booklist
"[S]ensitive and gently humorous." --Shelf Awareness
"A great addition to libraries where memorable girls like Ivy + Bean and Judy Moody are popular." --School Library Journal
"[Readers] will find their sweet spot with this easy reader." --The Bulletin of the Center for Children's BooksPerfect for:
- Parents and grandparents seeking engaging, interactive books for kids
- Teachers, librarians, educators, and caregivers of children ranging from toddlers to emerging readers
- Classroom gift book for preschool, kindergarten, art teachers
- Baby shower, birthday, and holiday gift giving
- Fans of Carter Higgins, Eric Carle, and Laura Vaccaro Seeger
- Fans of fun educational books
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Tornado Brain
In this heartfelt and powerfully affecting coming of age story, a neurodivergent 7th grader is determined to find her missing best friend before it's too late.
Things never seem to go as easily for thirteen-year-old Frankie as they do for her sister, Tess. Unlike Tess, Frankie is neurodivergent. In her case, that means she can't stand to be touched, loud noises bother her, she's easily distracted, she hates changes in her routine, and she has to go see a therapist while other kids get to hang out at the beach. It also means Frankie has trouble making friends. She did have one--Colette--but they're not friends anymore. It's complicated.
Then, just weeks before the end of seventh grade, Colette unexpectedly shows up at Frankie's door. The next morning, Colette vanishes. Now, after losing Colette yet again, Frankie's convinced that her former best friend left clues behind that only she can decipher, so she persuades her reluctant sister to help her unravel the mystery of Colette's disappearance before it's too late.
A powerful story of friendship, sisters, and forgiveness, Tornado Brain is an achingly honest portrait of a young girl trying to find space to be herself. -
Dear Vampire
Vampires are not real, right? Wrong! In Dear Vampire, Frankie discovers that although vampires are often overlooked, they are always nearby! From kissing bugs to candiru, enter the world of vampires-real vampires. This nonfiction children's picture book is woven with intricate, multilayered illustrations and humorous letters, rich in facts.Frankie's school is celebrating an animal day parade. His classmates say that vampires aren't real, but he knows they are. Frankie writes letters seeking information to numerous blood-suckers. He asks for help in deciding which scary, creepy vampire to be. The hand-written letters of response are packed with fun-filled facts, which Frankie meticulously displays on his corkboard. Each of the personalized corresponding letters is woven into illustrations of their natural habitat. Which will he/she choose?
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The Hen Who Sailed Around the World
Meet Monique! In this true story, online phenomenon Guirec Soudée shares his adventures both unbelievable and heartwarming, sailing around the world with his brave, affectionate red hen, Monique.
Monique is a highly accomplished chicken: she surfs, she skateboards, and she just crossed the world on a tiny boat with her human companion, Guirec, who helped steer. On their three-year journey, together they were unstoppable. When they became stranded in the ice off Greenland for four months, Monique, unruffled as always, kept Guirec alive with her eggs-- and they both made it home.
Guirec and Monique are irresistible as unlikely comrades and friends taking on the world, and Guirec documented their journey with his remarkable, comical photographs. A deeply touching portrait of the real-life bond between animals and the humans who love them as well as a thrilling survival story, The Hen Who Sailed Around the World is an adventure for the ages. -
A Day With No Words
An instant #1 New York Times bestselling picture book and national bestseller!! A Day With No Words invites readers into the life of an Autism Family who communicates just as the child does, without spoken language.
The American Library Association Booklist starred review boasts, “The story is written from the boy's first-person perspective, however—a clever choice in that it gives readers a direct look into his mind and reinforces the book's crucial statement that nonverbal people have as many words and as much intelligence as anyone else. Cosgrove's art, throughout, does an amazing job of transporting readers into his perspective, employing various color tones, metaphoric imagery, and ‘camera’ angles to reflect the deep expressiveness contained in every page [...] through this book, neurotypicals' eyes will be opened, and everyone in Autistic Families will feel seen—and heard.”
A Day With No Words is a colorful and engaging picture book for young readers shares what life can look like for families who use nonverbal communication, utilizing tools to embrace their unique method of "speaking."
The story highlights the bond between mother and child and follows them on a day where they use a tablet to communicate with others.
Written by an autistic mother of two autistic sons and the creator behind the popular @Fidgets.and.Fries social media platform and illustrated by Kate Cosgrove (IG @k8cosgrove), A Day With No Words successfully normalizes communication methods outside of verbal speech and provides representation of neurodiversity and autism in a way that affirms and celebrates.
The experts are raving!
"How lucky are we to finally get Tiffany's poignant words and message into children's hands through this impactful story. Children and families can now be touched by her brilliance and learn about the often-overlooked autistics who communicate differently. The importance of A Day With No Words cannot be overstated in its potential to expose readers, young and old alike, to the beauties and barriers of living the autistic experience." — Ali Cunningham Abbott, PhD, LMHC, author of Counseling Adults with Autism: A Comprehensive Toolkit
“Through A Day with No Words, Tiffany Hammond provides us a rare window to the non-speaking world of autism. She has done so with love, compassion, and, I believe, deep understanding. And Kate Cosgrove's illustrations make it a beautiful world indeed. Bravo and thank you to both Hammond and Cosgrove for this window!” — Samantha S. Supernaw, LCSW-S, Licensed Therapist & Clinical Supervisor
“In my past 20 years as a developmental pediatrician, I have never read anything quite like A Day With No Words, a book that so eloquently, lyrically, and vividly captures the essence and beauty of an autistic mind. This book is a gift to all who read it.” — Wendy J. Ross, MD, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, Developmental Pediatrician, Associate Professor Jefferson University, Director Jefferson Health Center for Autism and Neurodiversity
About the Author: Tiffany Hammond (she/her) is the voice behind the Fidgets and Fries platform. She is an Autistic mother, advocate, and storyteller who uses her personal experiences with Autism and parenting two Autistic boys to guide others on their journey.
Tiffany has a Masters in Developmental Psychology and spends her time teaching, coaching, and mentoring others in Disability Justice issues.
Her activism is rooted in challenging the current perception of Autism as a lifelong burden, cultivating a community that explores the concept of Intersectionality and inspiring thought leaders through storytelling, education, and critical discourse. -
Origami Fun
Taking care of a pet can be a lot of work. A dog, for example, needs to be fed, walked, played with, and more. But the pets made of paper in this origami title are very little work. Young pet lovers will give this craft book their full attention!
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Who Sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott?
From refusing to give up her bus seat to a white passenger to sparking civil rights protests across America, explore how Rosa Parks's powerful act earned her the title "Mother of the Civil Rights Movement."
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Of Light and Shadow
Of Light and Shadow is a novel about magic, mayhem, love, and betrayal—the story of a bandit and a prince who change each other in unexpected ways.
When they don’t give us our birthright, we steal it.
Roshan Chaya is out for justice. Abandoned by her parents at birth and adopted by the kingdom of Jwala's most notorious bandit before his brutal murder, she is now leader of the Shadow Clan, a gang of farmers-turned-bandits impoverished by the provincial governor’s atrocities and corruption. Roshan’s goal: to avenge her adoptive father and earn back rights and dignity for her people.
Prince Navin has always felt like an outcast. Second in line for the throne, he has never been close to his grandmother, Queen Bhairavi of Jwala. When a night out drinking with friends leads to his capture by the infamous Shadow Clan, Navin schemes to befriend Roshan and use her as a means to escape. His ploy, however, brings Navin closer to the corruption and poverty at the heart of Roshan’s province, raising questions about its governor and Navin’s own family.
To further complicate things, the closer Roshan and Navin get, the harder it becomes to fight their growing attraction. But how can they trust each other when the world as they know it starts to fall apart?
Set in a magical world inspired by the badlands of 17th century India, this standalone epic fantasy novel by Tanaz Bhathena is packed with political tensions, dangerous schemes, and swoon-worthy romance that asks the age old question: can love conquer all? -
Wolfish
The Inquisitor's Tale meets The Book of Boy in this adventurous fantasy inspired by the myth of Romulus and Remus.
Twelve-year-old Rae is content as the adopted daughter of shepherds, helping with the flock and reveling in the beauty of her family's hillside farm. But after a frightening encounter with a wolf--to whom she feels a sudden, peculiar connection--Rae realizes there is much more to her past, and her future, than she could have imagined.
Meanwhile, a young girl named Alba goes about her days as an oracle's apprentice, a duty that confines her to a distant, watery cave. But when she bestows a troubling prophecy on the rising boy-king, her words unintentionally begin a reign of terror, and send Alba on a desperate mission alongside Rae and the wolf.
Inspired by Roman mythology, this mysterious and uniquely magical adventure explores the intricate roles of nature and fate in our lives, the power of language to shape our world, and the boundless importance of love and kindness. -
Nowhere Better Than Here
In a town slowly being destroyed by rising tides, one girl must fight to find a way to keep her community’s spirit from drowning.
For thirteen-year-old Jillian Robichaux, three things are sacred: bayou sunsets, her grandmother Nonnie’s stories, and the coastal Louisiana town of Boutin that she calls home.
When the worst flood in a century hits, Jillian and the rest of her community band together as they always do—but this time the damage may simply be too great. After the local school is padlocked and the bridges into town condemned, Jillian has no choice but to face the reality that she may be losing the only home she’s ever had.
But even when all hope seems lost, Jillian is determined to find a way to keep Boutin and its indomitable spirit alive. With the help of friends new and old, a loveable golden retriever, and Nonnie’s storytelling wisdom, Jillian does just that in this timely and heartfelt story of family, survival, and hope.
In her stunning debut middle grade novel, Sarah Guillory has written a lush story about an indomitable girl fighting against the effects of climate change. -
Little Land
Inspire a love of nature in young readers with this gorgeous, simple guide--and learn how, through millennia of transformations, life and land have always found a way to begin anew, for nature-loving fans of Kate Messner's Over and Under series.
Do you know a little bit of land? It could be smaller than you expect. But its importance is bigger than you know. From the prehistoric past to the dramatic environmental change of right here and now, the land has countless stories to tell. You, too, are a part of the land. Listen, and you will understand what it needs to stay in balance.
A breathtaking exploration of the connections between life and land central to the past, present, and future of our planet, Little Land invites young readers to think about ways in which they engage with the environment in their own lives. -
A Girl Can Build Anything
A brilliant, inclusive ode to self-expression, girl power, and the many things readers can create.
Have you ever dreamed of building something? Maybe something little—like a birdhouse? Or something big—like a skyscraper? If you can envision it, you can build it! A Girl Can Build Anything is a playful celebration of all the different ways girls can make things—from tinkering to tool wielding, from ideas on paper to big, lived-out dreams that require brick and mortar. This fun and empowering ode to self expression will inspire readers to jump up and immediately start to build. Because they can. They can do anything! -
Night in the City
An ingenious account of the jobs people do all through the night, when kids are fast asleep.
In Night in the City, author and illustrator Julie Downing cleverly uses multiple panels to follow eight people throughout the course of their busy evening, from waking up just as most people are contemplating bedtime, through the following morning.
The jobs depicted are nurse, baker, taxi driver, fire fighter, on location film tech, janitor, museum security guard, and emergency dispatcher.
Together, their stories bring the beating heart of a city to life, making for a book sure to have kids pouring over meticulously designed pages, following the exploits of our lead characters over the course of a single ordinary evening.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection -
My Baba's Garden
The bond between a child and his grandmother grows as they tend her garden together.
A young boy spends his mornings with his beloved Baba, his grandmother. She doesn't speak much English, but they connect through gestures, gardening, eating, and walking to school together. Marked by memories of wartime scarcity, Baba cherishes food, and the boy learns to do the same. Eventually, Baba needs to move in with the boy and his parents, and he has the chance to care for her as she’s always cared for him.
Inspired by memories from poet Jordan Scott’s childhood, with beautiful, dreamlike illustrations by award-winning illustrator Sydney Smith, My Baba’s Garden is a deeply personal story that evokes universal emotions. Like Scott and Smith’s previous collaboration I Talk Like a River, winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award, My Baba’s Garden lends wistful appreciation to cherished time with family.
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection -
My Powerful Hair
From the award-winning and bestselling author of We Are Water Protectors comes an empowering picture book about family history, self-expression, and reclaiming your identity
Our ancestors say our hair is our memories,
our source of strength and power,
a celebration of our lives.
Mom never had long hair--she was told it was too wild. Grandma couldn't have long hair--hers was taken from her. But one young girl can't wait to grow her hair long: for herself, for her family, for her connection to her culture and the Earth, and to honor the strength and resilience of those who came before her.
From Carole Lindstrom, author of the New York Times bestseller and Caldecott Medal winner We Are Water Protectors, and debut illustrator Steph Littlebird comes an empowering and healing celebration of hair and its significance across Indigenous cultures. -
Noodle and the No Bones Day
An instant #1 New York Times bestseller!
From the creator of the viral “Bones or No Bones” TikTok videos comes a sweet and entertaining picture book following Noodle the pug and his human as they navigate Noodle’s first No Bones Day—a day for being kind to yourself!
Noodle is a sweet, silly old pug who enjoys doing all his favorite activities with his favorite human, Jonathan. But one day when Jonathan goes to take Noodle on his morning walk, he finds Noodle still comfortable in bed. When Jonathan lifts Noodle up, Noodle just flops over. It’s almost like Noodle woke up without any bones!
Noodle isn’t sick or sad—but he also isn’t interested in going for walks or sitting outside (he will accept snacks, though). Today, all he needs are extra snuggles and belly rubs. Jonathan soon learns that not every day can be a Bones Day, and sometimes a No Bones Day is exactly what you need to get through the week. -
Counting Creatures
A gorgeous lift-the-flap counting book that pairs parent animals with their babies, from the bestselling author of Room on the Broom.
From a bat and its pup, to a frog and its twelve tadpoles, young readers will delight in counting each creature's babies and learning unusual scientific names for young animals. With rhyming text, lift-the-flaps and peekaboo holes, and a surprise search-and-find element, this is a read-aloud delight and preschool must-have.
* "Engaging, rewarding, and utterly delightful."—Kirkus, starred review
Indie Next List pick
CCBC Choices selection -
Being Friends with Dragons
A 2023 Children's Book Council Children's Favorites Award Winner
Dragons can be great friends . . . most of the time.
Dragons always know the best games to play, the perfect way to toast a marshmallow, and how to get that cookie out of a cookie jar undetected. While dragons can be good friends, they sometimes forget how. They can yell, stomp their feet, shoot flames out of their mouths, and not be a very good listener. It can be hard to be friends with a dragon, but with some deep breaths and calming words, you and your dragon can learn how to be best friends forever.
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Mysteries of Trash and Treasure: The Secret Letters
In this page-turning middle grade series by New York Times bestseller Margaret Peterson Haddix, Colin and Nevaeh, whose parents own rival junk-removal businesses, uncover mysteries hidden in attics and basements and discover how trash can become treasure. In The Secret Letters, Colin and Nevaeh find vintage letters that lead to interlocking mysteries from the 1970s and '80s, and they learn about "women's lib," the ERA, and other social issues from that time in history--and the way echoes from that era affect Colin and Nevaeh themselves.
When Colin finds a shoebox full of letters hidden in a stranger's attic, he knows he's supposed to throw them away. That's his summer job, getting rid of junk. But Colin wants to rescue the letters--and find out what really happened to best friends Rosemary and Toby way back in the 1970s.
Meanwhile, across town, Nevaeh also finds a mysterious letter. But this one reads like a confession to a crime. And Nevaeh knows her father, the "Junk King," expects her to join the rest of the family in blaming a single suspect: his business rival, Colin's mom.
But that's not what Nevaeh wants, either.
Even as one set of letters bring Colin and Nevaeh together, the one Nevaeh found threatens to tear them apart. Is their new friendship as doomed as Rosemary and Toby's?
Each book in the Mysteries of Trash and Treasure series will examine a different time period in history and make readers think about how we value the stuff we hold on to--and what it is that makes it valuable.
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The Midnight Children
In the dead of night, a truck arrives in Slaughterville, a small town curiously named after its windowless slaughterhouse. Seven mysterious kids with suitcases step out of the vehicle and into an abandoned home on a dead-end street, looking over their shoulders to make sure they aren't noticed.
But Ravani Foster covertly witnesses their arrival from his bedroom window. Timid and lonely, Ravani is eager to learn everything he can about his new neighbors: What secrets are they hiding? And most mysterious of all...where are the adults?
Yet amid this shadowy group of children, Ravani finds an unexpected friend in the warm and gutsy Virginia. But with this friendship comes secrets revealed—and danger. When Ravani learns of a threat to his new friends, he must fight to keep them safe, or lose the only person who has ever understood him.
Full of wonder, friendship, and mystery, The Midnight Children explores the meaning of "home," what makes a family, and what it takes to find the courage to believe in yourself.
* "A story of fierce friendship, bravery, loyalty, and finding—or making—a place to belong." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"Equal parts Kate DiCamillo and Shirley Jackson, this book is unlike anything else I've ever read—you will love it." —Jonathan Auxier, New York Times-bestselling author of Night Gardener and Sweep: the Story of a Girl and her MonsterThe #1 New York Times and Indie bestseller!
From Dan Gemeinhart, the acclaimed author of The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise, comes an extraordinary story about a family of runaways who take up residence in a small town, and the outcast boy who finds his voice and his people—perfect for fans of Katherine Applegate and Kate DiCamillo.
"Dan Gemeinhart’s best yet and that’s saying something." —Padma Venkatraman, Walter Award-winning author of The Bridge Home -
What We Saw
A chilling murder mystery lies at the heart of this page-turning thriller about a missing teacher, small town secrets, and turbulent tween friendships from master of middle grade horror Mary Downing Hahn.
When best friends Abbi and Skylar witness a clandestine meeting between a mysterious woman and someone in a dark van, they're thrilled. Finally, a mystery to spice up the summer!
Who could these people be Why are they meeting Are they spies Criminals The two girls are determined to find out. But then a local woman goes missing and is found dead in the woods. And Abbi and Skylar realize that their detective work could hold the keys to solving her murder. Suddenly, sleuthing isn't so fun anymore.
As tensions rise and their friendship frays, the girls find themselves in increasing danger, and must choose between keeping a secret or exposing a life-altering truth.
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Moonwalking
For fans of Jason Reynolds and Jacqueline Woodson, this middle-grade novel-in-verse follows two boys in 1980s Brooklyn as they become friends for a season.
Punk rock-loving JJ Pankowski can't seem to fit in at his new school in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, as one of the only white kids. Pie Velez, a math and history geek by day and graffiti artist by night is eager to follow in his idol, Jean-Michel Basquiat's, footsteps. The boys stumble into an unlikely friendship, swapping notes on their love of music and art, which sees them through a difficult semester at school and at home. But a run-in with the cops threatens to unravel it all.
From authors Zetta Elliott and Lyn Miller-Lachmann, Moonwalking is a stunning exploration of class, cross-racial friendships, and two boys' search for belonging in a city as tumultuous and beautiful as their hearts."This novel in verse, alternately narrated by two boys in 1980s Greenpoint, Brooklyn, one channeled by Elliott and one by Miller-Lachmann, eloquently tackles race, culture and life on the spectrum." — The New York Times
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Windswept
From Newbery Honor-winner Margi Preus, a gripping middle-grade fantasy about a girl who must save the children of her world from being "windswept"
In Tag's world, children are disappearing. "Youngers" who venture Outside are windswept--vanishing in the swirling snow--Tag's sisters among them. Many have tried to find the lost children; all have failed. And since the Other Times, the Powers That Be seem intent on keeping it that way.
Little remains from those times: snippets of songs, heaps of plastic trash, and a few banned texts--including a book of fairytales.
An unlikely crew of Youngers join forces--Boots, who can climb anything, Ant, who will eat anything, Ren, who will say anything, and Tag, who doesn't appear to have any talent whatsoever. With their dubious skills, the fairytales, a possibly magic ribbon, and an unwillingness to accept "that's impossible," they set off to rescue their windswept siblings in this spellbinding fantasy from Newbery Honor winner Margi Preus.
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Scritch Scratch
For fans of Small Spaces and the Goosebumps series by R.L Stine comes a chilling ghost story based on real Chicago history about a malevolent spirit, an unlucky girl, and a haunting mystery that will tie the two together.
Claire has absolutely no interest in the paranormal. She's a scientist, which is why she can't think of anything worse than having to help out her dad on one of his ghost-themed Chicago bus tours. She thinks she's made it through when she sees a boy with a sad face and dark eyes at the back of the bus. There's something off about his presence, especially because when she checks at the end of the tour...he's gone.
Claire tries to brush it off, she must be imagining things, letting her dad's ghost stories get the best of her. But then the scratching starts. Voices whisper to her in the dark. The number 396 appears everywhere she turns. And the boy with the dark eyes starts following her.
Claire is being haunted. The boy from the bus wants something...and Claire needs to find out what before it's too late.
Pick up Scritch Scratch if you are looking for:
- A book for middle school students, 5th grade to 9th grade
- A story with a strong female protagonist that explores bravery, friendship, and family
- Mystery books for kids 9-12
- Chilling ghost stories and ghost books for kids (perfect for Halloween!)
- Historical mysteries and Chicago history books for kids
"This is a teeth-chattering, eyes bulging, shuddering-and-shaking, chills-at-the-back-of-your-neck ghost story. I loved it!"--R.L. Stine, author of the Goosebumps series
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The Door of No Return
Dreams are today's answers for tomorrow's questions.
11-year-old Kofi Offin dreams of water. Its mysterious, immersive quality. The rich, earthy scent of the current. The clearness, its urgent whisper that beckons with promises and secrets...
Kofi has heard the call on the banks of Upper Kwanta, in the village where he lives. He loves these things above all else: his family, the fireside tales of his father's father, a girl named Ama, and, of course, swimming. Some say he moves like a minnow, not just an ordinary boy so he's hoping to finally prove himself in front of Ama and his friends in a swimming contest against his older, stronger cousin.
But before this can take place, a festival comes to the villages of Upper and Lower Kwanta and Kofi's brother is chosen to represent Upper Kwanta in the wrestling contest. Encircled by cheering spectators and sounding drums, the two wrestlers from different villages kneel, ready to fight.
You are only fine, until you are not.
The match is over before it has barely begun, when the unthinkable-a sudden death-occurs...
The river does not care how grown you are.
As his world turns upside down, Kofi soon ends up in a fight for his life. What happens next will send him on a harrowing journey across land and sea, and away from everything he loves.
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Running Wild
Twelve-year-old Willa and her twin brothers have survived with their father in the Alaskan wilderness for five years. But Willa knows this can't go on--they must escape.
Since their mother died five years ago, Willa, her younger brothers, and her father have lived in the wilderness, in a log cabin they built. They survive on food they grow and animals they hunt. Every year they have struggled a little bit more to survive.
Now, with winter approaching and her father becoming more reckless, Willa wonders if they will live to see spring. She also knows her father will never agree to leave.
When her father goes on a hunting expedition by himself, Willa convinces her brothers that they must make the four-day journey down the Yukon River to Fort Yukon to get help. But first, they'll need to survive the treacherous trip . . . all while knowing their father is on their trail.
Perfect for middle grade readers looking for adventure stories with strong female protagonists, Lucy Jane Bledsoe's Running Wild is a page-turner that hooks you from the beginning and doesn't let go.
A Bank Street Best Book of the Year -
Attack of the Black Rectangles
Award-winning author Amy Sarig King takes on censorship and intolerance in a novel she was born to write.
When Mac first opens his classroom copy of Jane Yolen's The Devil's Arithmetic and finds some words blacked out, he thinks it must be a mistake. But then when he and his friends discover what the missing words are, he's outraged.
Someone in his school is trying to prevent kids from reading the full story.
But who?
Even though his unreliable dad tells him to not get so emotional about a book (or anything else), Mac has been raised by his mom and grandad to call out things that are wrong. He and his friends head to the principal's office to protest the censorship... but her response doesn't take them seriously.
So many adults want Mac to keep his words to himself.
Mac's about to see the power of letting them out.
In Attack of the Black Rectangles, acclaimed author Amy Sarig King shows all the ways truth can be hard... but still worth fighting for.
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