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Kidsreads.com Newsletter - September 2018
Celebrating Banned Books Week and Hispanic Heritage Month
This week is Banned Books Week, a time when we celebrate our right and freedom to read and share ideas through books. The books we champion during Banned Books Week have all been removed or restricted from libraries and in schools, often very unfairly. Banned Books Week reminds us of the harms of censorship and allows us to highlight books from HARRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE all the way to DRAMA by Raina Telgemeier, one of 2017's most banned books. If you are a librarian or educator who would like to share information about Banned Books Week with your kid readers, here are materials.
Last Thursday, I attended a celebration for PRESTO AND ZESTO IN LIMBOLAND, a never-before-published picture book collaboration between Maurice Sendak (author of a little book called WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE) and Arthur Yorinks. At the event, the Maurice Sendak Foundation announced that WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE is getting its first full-length stage adaptation, and we were treated to a brief excerpt. Following the excerpt, a cast that included numerous actors and actresses read PRESTO AND ZESTO IN LIMBOLAND to us using full sound effects, music and singing. It was a completely unique and unforgettable experience, and I am so excited to hear more news about the upcoming stage adaptation.
This morning found me at the Children's Book Council Annual Meeting, where we were treated to a talk from teen gymnastics sensation (and Olympic gold medal-winner) Laurie Hernandez. Laurie competed during the 2016 Summer Olympics and immediately won over millions of viewers with her bubbly personality --- and took home the gold. Soon after she appeared on "Dancing with the Stars" and became the show's youngest winner ever. You can see a photo of Laurie above.
Throughout all of this, Laurie has fostered a true love of books and reading, and released her first book, I GOT THIS, last year, and her first picture book, SHE'S GOT THIS, is hitting shelves on October 9th. During her presentation, Laurie talked about how much it meant to her when a young Hispanic reader approached her during a meet and greet. The girl's parent explained to Laurie that their daughter had never before thought she could become a gymnast --- but then she saw Laurie, a girl who looked like her, and knew that she could be whatever she wanted to be. Laurie called this the defining moment of her career.
Speaking of representation, we are also celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month through October 15th, and there are some great new releases to help you participate:
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For chapter book readers comes the Sarai series, from activist Sarai Gonzales, who became an overnight sensation after appearing in Bomba Estero’s “Soy Yo,” a music video about embracing yourself and loving your flaws.
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For middle grade readers, I recommend both THE STORM RUNNER by J.C. Cervantes, the second book from Rick Riordan's new diverse mythology-themed imprint, and DACTYL HILL SQUAD by Daniel Jose Older. THE STORM RUNNER is based on Maya mythology and features lots of amazing references to the culture, while DACTYL HILL SQUAD takes place in 1863 New York City and features a wonderfully diverse cast led by a young Cuban girl.
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For tween readers, be on the lookout for CHARLIE HERNANDEZ & THE LEAGUE OF SHADOWS, which releases on October 23rd. This is one of my most highly anticipated fall releases and is perfect for readers who love Rick Riordan's books and want a more inclusive look at Hispanic and Latinx myths and legends.
The slightly cooler weather this month has been wonderful for reading, and I have read two amazing middle grade books I would really like to call to your attention. First I read SWEEP: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier, a magical, heart-wrenching story about a young girl named Nan and her monster, Charlie. Nan is a chimney sweep --- the best in town, in fact --- but the life of a sweep is not easy, and Nan finds a lot of hope in a small bit of char she carries around with her. One day the char comes to life in the form of a golem, and Nan learns all about family, love and what it means to care for someone else. This book absolutely destroyed me in the best way, and it covers everything from socioeconomic differences, love, anti-Antisemitism and poverty in a way that will educate young readers without being overbearing. (Don't worry, there are also tons of cute, funny moments, too!)
There is so much to love and unpack in Jonathan Auxier's SWEEP that we knew we had to learn more about his inspiration behind the book, his research into Victorian London and, of course, golems. Read our interview with Auxier here and add SWEEP to your TBR ASAP.
My second middle grade read of the month was FAKE BLOOD, a laugh-out-loud funny graphic novel from Whitney Gardner about vampires, crushes and everything in between. In FAKE BLOOD, AJ is a young boy with an epic crush on his classmate Nia. Nia is obsessed with vampires, so AJ begins donning fake blood and fangs to impress her --- there's just one problem: she's not a vampire-lover, she's a vampire slayer. Older readers will delight in Gardner's references to the Twilight phenomenon, while younger readers will immediately find themselves drawn in by Gardner's adorable art and pitch-perfect youthfulness. We'll be talking more about this book next month --- it's perfect for Halloween.
We know that many of our readers love taking their reading off the page, so I am thrilled to share information about some upcoming book festival with special events for children: the Morristown Festival of Books in northern New Jersey on Saturday, October 13th. They will have all-day programming for children at their KidFest, where you can see authors like Sayantani Dasgupta, Matt de la Pena, Dan Gutman and many more. Here's a full lineup. I'll be there moderating two young adult panels, so if you are going, let me know! That same day is the Boston Book Festival, and you can find their kids' lineup here.
Read on for our reviews and this month's series update, where we've added titles to 42 series, including The Blackthorn Key, Hamster Princess, The Last Kids on Earth, Magisterium, Nate and Upside-Down Magic.
Happy reading,
--- Rebecca Munro (rebecca@bookreporter.com)
Special Feature: CRUSH by Svetlana Chmakova
Following the overwhelming success of AWKWARD and BRAVE, Svetlana Chmakova's award-winning Berrybrook Middle School series continues with its next installment --- CRUSH!
Jorge seems to have it all together. He's big enough that nobody really messes with him, but he's also a genuinely sweet guy with a solid, reliable group of friends. The only time he ever really feels off his game is when he crosses paths with a certain girl... But when the group dynamic among the boys starts to shift, will Jorge be able to balance what his friends expect of him versus what he actually wants?
SWEEP: The Story of a Girl and Her Monster by Jonathan Auxier (Fantasy)
For nearly a century, Victorian London relied on “climbing boys” --- orphans owned by chimney sweeps --- to clean flues and protect homes from fire. Eleven-year-old Nan Sparrow is quite possibly the best climber who ever lived --- and a girl. With her wits and will, she’s managed to beat the deadly odds time after time. But when Nan gets stuck in a deadly chimney fire, she fears her time has come. Instead, she wakes to find herself in an abandoned attic, and huddled in the corner is a mysterious creature made from ash and coal. This is the creature that saved her from the fire. SWEEP is the story of a girl and her monster. Reviewed by Liz Sauchelli.
YOU DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING, JILLY P! by Alex Gino (Contemporary Fiction)
Jilly thinks she's figured out how life works. But when her sister, Emma, is born deaf, she realizes how much she still has to learn. The world is going to treat Jilly, who is white and hearing, differently from Emma, just as it will treat them both differently from their Black cousins. A big fantasy reader, Jilly makes a connection online with another fantasy fan, Derek, who is a Deaf, Black ASL user. She goes to Derek for help with Emma but doesn't always know the best way or time to ask for it. As she and Derek meet in person, have some really fun conversations, and become friends, Jilly makes some mistakes...but comes to understand that it's up to her, not Derek to figure out how to do better next time --- especially when she wants to be there for Derek the most. Reviewed by Maya Gittelman.
THE STORM RUNNER (A Storm Runner Novel, Book 1) by J. C. Cervantes (Mythology)
Zane Obispo spends every day exploring the sleeping volcano in his backyard. "The Beast," as he calls it. After a twin-engine plane crashes into The Beast, a mysterious girl named Brooks shows up at Zane's doorstep, insisting that they meet at the volcano, where she will reveal a terrible secret. Brooks tells him that the volcano is actually a centuries-old prison for the Maya god of death, whose destiny is directly tied to Zane's. She opens his eyes to the truth: magic, monsters and gods are real, and Zane is at the center of an ancient prophecy that could mean the destruction of the world. Reviewed by Katherine Szabo.
SCIENCE COMICS: Solar System: Our Place in Space written by Rosemary Mosco and illustrated by Jon Chad (Science)
In this volume, get up close and personal with Earth's nearest neighbors --- Venus with its acid rainstorms, Saturn and its rings of ice and the heart of it all, the Sun. Humans have always been fascinated by outer space and we’re learning more about our solar system every day. Did you know that our Solar System was born from a cloud of cosmic dust? That Jupiter’s red spot is really a raging storm? Join Sara, Jill and their space-faring pets on a quest to learn more about the wonders of our Solar System --- and beyond! Reviewed by Kathleen M. Purcell.
DACTYL HILL SQUAD by Daniel José Older (Dactyl Hill Squad, Book 1) (Fiction)
It's 1863 and dinosaurs roam the streets of New York as the Civil War rages between raptor-mounted armies down South. Magdalys and her friends from the Colored Orphan Asylum are on a field trip when a number of their fellow orphans are kidnapped by an evil magistrate, Richard Riker. Magdalys and her friends flee to Brooklyn and settle in the Dactyl Hill neighborhood, where black and brown New Yorkers have set up an independent community. Together with the Vigilance Committee, they train to fly on dactylback, discover new friends and amazing dinosaurs and plot to take down Riker. Reviewed by Maya Gittelman.
SAVING WINSLOW by Sharon Creech (Contemporary Fiction)
Louie doesn't have the best luck when it comes to nurturing small creatures. So when his father brings home a sickly newborn mini donkey, he's determined to save him. He names him Winslow. Taking care of him helps Louie feel closer to his brother, Gus, who is far, far away in the army. Everyone worries that Winslow won't survive, especially Louie’s quirky new friend, Nora, who has experienced loss of her own. But as Louie's bond with Winslow grows, surprising and life-altering events prove that this fragile donkey is stronger than anyone could have imagined. Reviewed by Rebecca Hawkins.
AFTER ZERO by Christina Collins (Contemporary Fiction)
Elise carries a notebook full of tallies, each page marking a day spent at her new public school, each stroke of her pencil marking a word spoken. A word that can't be taken back. Five tally marks isn't so bad. Two is pretty good. But zero? Zero is perfect. Zero means no wrong answers called out in class, no secrets accidentally spilled, no conversations to agonize over at night when sleep is far away. But now months have passed, and Elise isn't sure she could speak even if she wanted to --- not to keep her only friend, Mel, from drifting further away --- or to ask if anyone else has seen her English teacher's stuffed raven come to life. Reviewed by Liz Sauchelli.
FAKE BLOOD written and illustrated by Whitney Gardner (Graphic Novel)
It’s the beginning of the new school year and AJ feels like everyone is changing but him. He hasn’t grown or had any exciting summer adventures like his best friends have. He even has the same crush he’s harbored for years. So AJ decides to take matters into his own hands. But how could a girl like Nia Winters ever like plain vanilla AJ when she only has eyes for vampires? When AJ and Nia are paired up for a group project on Transylvania, it may be AJ’s chance to win over Nia’s affection by dressing up like the vamp of her dreams. Reviewed by Brianna Robinson.
THE BELOVED WORLD OF SONIA SOTOMAYOR by Sonia Sotomayor (Memoir)
Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the Supreme Court of the United States, was a young girl when she dared to dream big. Her dream? To become a lawyer and a judge. Sonia did not let the hardships of her background --- which included growing up in the rough housing projects of New York City's South Bronx, dealing with juvenile diabetes, and worrying about money --- stand in her way. Always, she believed in herself. Her determination, along with guidance from mentors and the unwavering love of her extended Puerto Rican family, propelled her ever forward. Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.
WE RISE, WE RESIST, WE RAISE OUR VOICES: Words and Images of Hope edited by Wade Hudson and Cheryl Willis Hudson (Anthology)
What do we tell our children when the world seems bleak, and prejudice and racism run rampant? With 96 lavishly designed pages of original art and prose, 50 diverse creators lend voice to young activists. Featuring poems, letters, personal essays, art and other works from such industry leaders as Jacqueline Woodson, Jason Reynolds, Kwame Alexander, Andrea Pippins, Sharon Draper, Rita Williams-Garcia, Ellen Oh, and artists Ekua Holmes, Rafael Lopez, James Ransome, Javaka Steptoe and more, this anthology empowers the nation's youth to listen, learn and build a better tomorrow. Reviewed by Angela Warsinske.
FIRST GENERATION: 36 Trailblazing Immigrants and Refugees Who Make America Great by Sandra Neil Wallace, Rich Wallace, and Agata Nowicka (Biography)
The men and women in this book represent nations from Somalia to Germany, from Syria to China, from Mexico to Sweden and more. They are people like Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, international singing sensation Celia Cruz, star basketball player Dikembe Mutombo, world-renowned physicist Albert Einstein and influential journalist Jorge Ramos. And they are all immigrants or refugees to the United States of America. Their courage, their achievements and their determination to change the world have helped make our country a stronger place.Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.
UNBELIEVABLY BORING BART written by James Patterson with illustrations by Xavier Bonet and contributions from Duane Swierczynski (Science Fiction)
Invisible creatures are attacking the school, and 12-year-old Bartholomew Bean is the only one who can stop them! Okay, so maybe Bart is only a hero in the video game app he created. But if he reveals his identity as the genius behind the game, he'll become the most popular kid in school! Or he could secretly use the game to get back at his bullies...Press Button A: Reveal or Press Button B: Revenge. Which would you choose? Reviewed by Christine M. Irvin.
New Series Books for September
At Kidsreads.com, we know that a lot of you are all about series. Once you find characters, topics or a fictional world you love, you don't want to leave! That's why we add new books to our series features every month. Read below to see this month's updates, and click here to visit our Series page!
An Ada Lace Adventure, Book 4
ADA LACE AND THE IMPOSSIBLE MISSION by Emily Calandrelli with contributions from Tamson Weston and illustrations by Renée Kurilla
Big Nate, Book 19
BIG NATE GOES BANANAS! by Lincoln Peirce
The Blackthorn Key, Book 4
CALL OF THE WRAITH by Kevin Sands
The Boxcar Children Mysteries, Book 148
THE LEGEND OF THE HOWLING WEREWOLF by Gertrude Chandler Warner
The Extraordinary Journeys of Clockwork Charlie, Book 3
THE LIBRARY MACHINE by Dave Butler
The Fourteenth Goldfish, Book 2
THE THIRD MUSHROOM by Jennifer L. Holm
T.O.A.S.T. Mystery, Book 3
TRAPPED! by James Ponti
Friendship List, Book 2
FRIENDSHIP LIST #2: 12 Before 13 by Lisa Greenwald
Geronimo Stilton, Book 70
THE PHANTOM BANDIT by Geronimo Stilton
Goosebumps SlappyWorld, Book 6
THE GHOST OF SLAPPY by R. L. Stine
The Great Shelby Holmes, Book 3
THE GREAT SHELBY HOLMES AND THE COLDEST CASE by Elizabeth Eulberg
Hamster Princess, Book 6
HAMSTER PRINCESS: Little Red Rodent Hood by Ursula Vernon
Heidi Heckelbeck, Book 24
HEIDI HECKELBECK IS SO TOTALLY GROUNDED! written by Wanda Coven and illustrated by Priscilla Burris
Hilde Cracks the Case, Book 5
TORNADO HITS!: A Branches Book by Hilde Lysiak, Matthew Lysiak and Joanne Lew-Vriethoff
Howard Wallace, P.I., Book 3
SABOTAGE STAGE LEFT (Howard Wallace, P.I. Book 3) by Casey Lyall
I Survived, Book 17
I SURVIVED THE ATTACK OF THE GRIZZLIES, 1967 (I Survived #17) by Lauren Tarshis
Judy Moody, Book 14
JUDY MOODY AND THE RIGHT ROYAL TEA PARTY written by Megan McDonald and illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
The Kicks, Book 9
CHOOSING SIDES by Alex Morgan
King of the Bench, Book 4
KING OF THE BENCH: Comeback Kid written and illustrated by Steve Moore
The Last Kids on Earth, Book 4
THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE COSMIC BEYOND by Max Brallier, Douglas Holgate
The Magic Misfits, Book 2
THE MAGIC MISFITS: The Second Story written by Neil Patrick Harris and illustrated by Lissy Marlin and Kyle Hilton
Magisterium, Book 5
THE GOLDEN TOWER (Magisterium #5) by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare
The Making of America, Book 3
ABRAHAM LINCOLN by Teri Kanefield
Missy Piggle-Wiggle, Book 3
MISSY PIGGLE-WIGGLE AND THE STICKY-FINGERS CURE written by Ann M. Martin and Annie Parnell and illustrated by Ben Hatke
Mo and Dale Mysteries, Book 4 --- Final Book in the Series!
THE LAW OF FINDERS KEEPERS by Sheila Turnage
The Nameless City, Book 3
THE NAMELESS CITY: The Divided Earth by Faith Erin Hicks
Nancy Drew Diaries, Book 18
A NANCY DREW CHRISTMAS: Super Special by Carolyn Keene
Nate, Book 3 --- Final Book in Trilogy
NATE EXPECTATIONS by Tim Federle
The Odds Series, Book 3
ODDS & ENDS by Amy Ignatow
Sarai, Books 1 and 2
SARAI AND THE MEANING OF AWESOME written by Sarai Gonzalez and Monica Brown with illustrations by Christine Almeda
SARAI IN THE SPOTLIGHT written by Sarai Gonzalez and Monica Brown with illustrations by Christine Almeda
Stick Cat, Book 4
STICK CAT: Two Cats and a Baby by Tom Watson
The Thrifty Guides, Book 3
THE THRIFTY GUIDE TO ANCIENT GREECE: A Handbook for Time Travelers by Jonathan W. Stokes
Timmy Failure, Book 7 --- Final Book in the Series!
TIMMY FAILURE: It's the End When I Say It's the End by Stephan Pastis
Tom Gates, Book 4
TOM GATES: Genius Ideas (Mostly) by L. Pichon
Trapped in a Video Game, Books 3 and 4
TRAPPED IN A VIDEO GAME (Book 3): Robots Revolt written by Dustin Brady and illustrated by Jesse Brady
TRAPPED IN A VIDEO GAME (Book 4): Return to Doom Island written by Dustin Brady and illustrated by Jesse Brady
Upside-Down Magic, Book 5
WEATHER OR NOT by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle and Emily Jenkins
The Vanderbeekers, Book 2
THE VANDERBEEKERS AND THE HIDDEN GARDEN by Karina Yan Glaser
Warriors Super Edition, Book 11
WARRIORS SUPER EDITION: Crowfeather's Trial by Erin Hunter
Wedgie & Gizmo, Book 3
WEDGIE & GIZMO VS. THE GREAT OUTDOORS written by Suzanne Selfors and illustrated by Barbara Fisinger
A Wells & Wong Mystery, Book 5
MISTLETOE AND MURDER by Robin Stevens
You're Invited to a Creepover, Books 3 and 4
READY FOR A SCARE? by P.J. Night
THE SHOW MUST GO ON! by P.J. Night
Zora and Me, Book 2
ZORA AND ME: The Cursed Ground by T.R. Simon
New Books for Readers Ages 8-12
Fiction
24 HOURS IN NOWHERE by Dusti Bowling (Adventure)
Welcome to Nowhere, Arizona, the least livable town in the United States. For Gus, a bright 13-year-old with dreams of getting out and going to college, life there is made even worse by Bo Taylor, Nowhere’s biggest, baddest bully. When Bo tries to force Gus to eat a dangerously spiny cactus, Rossi Scott, one of the best racers in Nowhere, comes to his rescue --- but in return she has to give Bo her prized dirt bike. Determined to buy it back, Gus agrees to go searching for gold in Dead Frenchman Mine, joined by his old friends Jessie Navarro and Matthew Dufort, and Rossi herself.
ALL THE THINGS THAT COULD GO WRONG by Stewart Foster (Contemporary Fiction)
Alex's OCD is so severe that some days it is difficult for him to even leave his house. His classmate Dan is so angry that he lashes out at the easiest target he can find at school-Alex. When their moms arrange for the two classmates to spend time together over winter break, it seems like a recipe for certain disaster...until it isn't. Once forced together these two sworn enemies discover that there is much more to each of them than they ever knew. Alex is so much more than his condition, and Dan is more than just an angry bully.
BAH! HUMBUG! written by Michael Rosen with illustrations by Tony Ross (Fantasy/Holiday)
This Christmas, join Michael Rosen and Tony Ross with their unforgettable retelling of Charles Dickens's beloved holiday classic. Harry Gruber plays the role of Scrooge in his school's production of "A Christmas Carol," and he is extra nervous about tonight's performance because his father is in the audience --- not away for business, as usual. Will the story's message of Christmas cheer and the redemptive power of love reach his father's distracted Scrooge heart?
THE BENEFITS OF BEING AN OCTOPUS by Ann Braden (Contemporary Fiction)
Seventh-grader Zoey has her hands full as she takes care of her much younger siblings after school every day while her mom works her shift at the pizza parlor. Not that her mom seems to appreciate it. At least there's Lenny, her mom's boyfriend --- they all get to live in his nice, clean trailer. At school, Zoey tries to stay under the radar. Her only friend Fuchsia has her own issues, and since they're in an entirely different world than the rich kids, it's best if no one notices them. Zoey thinks how much easier everything would be if she were an octopus: eight arms to do eight things at once. Incredible camouflage ability and steady, unblinking vision. Powerful protective defenses. Unfortunately, she's not totally invisible, and one of her teachers forces her to join the debate club.
BOBBIE MENDOZA SAVES THE WORLD (AGAIN) by Michael Fry and Bradley Jackson with illustrations by Michael Fry (Fantasy)
Some nasty imaginary creatures have just escaped into the real world, and it’s an emergency! Bobbie and her friends must take on unicorns, farting spiders, a giant nightmare squid and a scary Viking bounty hunter who is determined to land the whole gang in Trans-Dimensional prison. But Bobbie will learn that sometimes the things that scare us most aren't actually so terrifying once you've faced them.
DAYS OF THE DEAD by Kersten Hamilton (Contemporary Fiction)
Glorieta Magdalena Davis Espinosa is happy that Papi married Alice. She’s happy that he can smile again after years of mourning Mamá. But the urn containing Mamá’s ashes disappeared into a drawer the day Alice moved in. If everything about Glorieta’s life is going to change, then she wants one thing to go her way: She wants to hear stories about her mamá when the family gathers on the last night of los Días de los Muertos. And that can only happen if Tia Diosonita will allow Mamá to be buried with the Espinosas in holy ground. If she will allow people to speak Mamá’s name.
ELLA UNLEASHED by Alison Cherry (Contemporary Fiction)
Ella Cohen was skeptical when her mom started dating Krishnan just a few months after her parents’ divorce. But two years later, she really likes having her new stepfather around. When she decides to enter a junior dog show, Krishnan even lets her start handling his dog, Elvis. She’s determined to become an expert handler, even after her first show ends in disaster. Unfortunately, some things are harder to control --- like Ella’s dad, who has changed a lot since the divorce. He used to be laid back and fun, but now he hovers over her constantly, terrified she’s going to shatter into a million pieces if she so much as hints that everything in her life isn’t perfect.
THE EXTRAORDINARY COLORS OF AUDEN DARE by Zillah Bethell (Dystopian Fiction)
Auden Dare is colorblind and lives in a world where water is scarce and families must live on a weekly, allocated supply. When Auden’s uncle, the scientist Dr. Bloom, suddenly dies, he leaves a note to Auden and to his classmate Vivi Rookmini. Together, the notes lead them to Paragon --- a robot. As Auden, Vivi and Paragon try to uncover Paragon’s purpose and put together the clues Dr. Bloom left behind, they find out that Dr. Bloom's death was anything but innocent, that powerful people are searching for Paragon --- and that it's up to Auden and Vivi to stop them.
FRIDAY NIGHT STAGE LIGHTS by Rachele Alpine (Contemporary Fiction)
Brooklyn Gartner eats, sleeps, and breathes ballet. But after her mom gets remarried and moves them to Texas, everything changes. Thanks to her star football player stepbrother, her family is football obsessed. And thanks to a new conditioning program, the middle school football team starts to take classes at her dance studio --- the only place Brooklyn felt like she belonged. She has a chance to escape if she can get into her dream high school, The Texas School of the Arts, where she’ll be able to pursue her passion for dance.
THE HAUNTING OF HOUNDS HOLLOW by Jeffrey Salane (Horror)
Lucas Trainer has just moved to the middle of nowhere --- a town called Hounds Hollow, where ghostly dogs prowl at night. At first, he's terrified by the nightly apparitions. But as he slowly uncovers the mystery behind the town, he learns that a ghost dog's bark is worse than its bite...and in fact the dogs are protecting the town from an even more terrifying threat.
THE HOTEL BETWEEN by Sean Easley (Fantasy)
Twins Cam and Cass have never known their parents. They’ve been told their mother died, and Cass is certain their father abandoned them. Cam isn’t so sure. He wants to prove her wrong; he must. Cam’s wish is soon granted in the form of a glistening, golden sign with elaborate flourishes that reads: The Hotel Between. With doors that open to countries all over the world, magical trollies, charmed corridors that can be altered on a whim, stone elephants that turn to life, sweets made from rocks; everything is possible in The Hotel. Cam has a hunch his father is somehow connected to this magical place, and may even be lost within its hidden halls.
THE HOUSE WITH CHICKEN LEGS by Sophie Anderson (Fairy Tale)
All 12-year-old Marinka wants is a friend. A real friend. Not like her house with chicken legs. Sure, the house can play games like tag and hide-and-seek, but Marinka longs for a human companion. Someone she can talk to and share secrets with. But that's tough when your grandmother is a Yaga, a guardian who guides the dead into the afterlife. It's even harder when you live in a house that wanders all over the world...carrying you with it. Even worse, Marinka is being trained to be a Yaga. That means no school, no parties --- and no playmates that stick around for more than a day.
LIFEBOAT 12 by Susan Hood (Historical Fiction)
With Nazis bombing London every night, it’s time for 13-year-old Ken to escape. He suspects his stepmother is glad to see him go, but his dad says he’s one of the lucky ones --- one of ninety boys and girls to ship out aboard the SS City of Benares to safety in Canada. Life aboard the luxury ship is grand --- nine-course meals, new friends, and a life far from the bombs, rations, and his stepmum’s glare. And after five days at sea, the ship’s officers announce that they’re out of danger. They’re wrong. Late that night, an explosion hurls Ken from his bunk. They’ve been hit. Torpedoed! The Benares is sinking fast.
LORD OF THE MOUNTAIN by Ronald Kidd (Historical Fiction)
Nate’s family has a secret, and it’s wrapped up in a song. The problem is, his preacher father hates music, and when he catches Nate hanging around downtown Bristol with musicians like Jimmie Rodgers and the Carter Family, he comes down hard on him. So Nate sets out in search of himself and the song he thinks will heal his family. Set during the “big bang” of country music in the late 1920s, Nate’s journey of self-discovery parallels that of a region finding its voice for the first time.
MASCOT by Antony John (Contemporary Fiction)
Noah Savino has been stuck in a wheelchair for months. He hates the way people treat him like he’s helpless now. He’s sick of going to physical therapy, where he isn’t making any progress. He’s tired of not having control over his own body. And he misses playing baseball --- but not as much as he misses his dad, who died in the car accident that paralyzed Noah. Noah is scared he’ll never feel like his old self again. He doesn’t want people to think of him as different for the rest of his life.
MERCI SUAREZ CHANGES GEARS by Meg Medina (Contemporary Fiction)
Merci has never been like the other kids at her private school, because she and her older brother are scholarship students. They don’t have a big house or a fancy boat, and they have to do extra community service for their free tuition. So when Edna Santos sets her sights on the new boy who happens to be Merci’s Sunshine Buddy, Merci becomes the target of Edna’s jealousy. At home, Merci’s grandfather and most trusted ally has been acting strangely lately, and no one in her family will tell Merci what's going on, so she’s left to her own worries, while also feeling all on her own at school.
OTHERWOOD by Pete Hautman (Fiction)
“Hatred combined with lies and secrets can break the world.” Grandpa Zach used to say that before he died, but Stuey never really knew what he meant. But then one day, after Stuey and his best friend, Elly Rose, spend countless afternoons in the deadfall in the middle of the woods, something totally unbelievable happens. As Stuey and Elly Rose struggle to come to grips with their lives after that reality-splitting moment, all the things Grandpa Zach used to say start to make a lot more sense. This is about the way friendship, truth and perseverance have the ability to knit a torn-apart world back together.
PROPERTY OF THE REBEL LIBRARIAN by Allison Varnes (Contemporary Fiction)
When June's parents discover what they deem an inappropriate library book, they take strict parenting to a whole new level. Librarian Ms. Bradshaw is suspended, an author appearance is canceled, the library is gutted and all books on the premises must have administrative approval. But June realizes she doesn't have to give up books when she spies a Little Free Library. Soon June starts a banned book library in a locker at school. The risks grow alongside her library's popularity, and a movement begins. If it's powerful enough, maybe it can save Ms. Bradshaw and the freedom to read.
RUNNING ON EMPTY by S. E. Durrant (Contemporary Fiction)
CJ is a runner. It was Grandad who taught him to run and always made sure things were in order around CJ's house, because his parents could not. CJ's parents are different, and because they do not have the tools to cope with certain elements of everyday life, it was Grandad who kept everything shipshape. But now, with Grandad's sudden passing and Aunt Joan about to have a baby, CJ knows it's up to him to make sure Mum and Dad are okay and to keep the household going. For a kid who's also starting middle-school and trying to impress the gruff track coach...is staying afloat even possible?
SMOKE AND MIRRORS by K. D. Halbrook (Fantasy)
Sasha has always loved the Cirque, a place filled with sequined costumes, dazzling spotlights, and magnificent tents. But when she starts fifth grade with the Islanders --- the ordinary folk from the other side of the Island --- for the first time, she’s not so sure she wants to be a Cirque kid. She starts to question her home and her Cirque family. As the bullying by the Island kids gets worse, swirling blue-gray Smoke appears. She has wished for the Smoke to come and make it all disappear: the Cirque, her family, the Island with its mean Island kids. And the Smoke does come.
THE SPLINTERED LIGHT by Ginger Johnson (Fantasy)
Ever since his brother Luc's disappearance, Ishmael has lived a monotonous existence helping his mother on their farm, until one morning a ray of light fragments Ishmael's gray world into a spectrum of color he never knew existed. Ishmael sets out to find answers, hoping his long lost brother might hold the key. He finds Luc in the Hall of Hue, where he is completing the final days of his training as a Color Keeper. But when a catastrophe destroys nearly all of the color and light at the Hall of Hue, Ishmael and Luc are suddenly at severe odds. Torn between his family and his destiny, Ishmael must learn when to let go of the past, when to trust the path ahead, and when to believe in himself.
SQUIRM by Carl Hiaasen (Mystery)
This summer, Billy will fly across the country, hike a mountain, float a river, dodge a grizzly bear, shoot down a spy drone, save a neighbor's cat, save an endangered panther and then try to save his own father. Carl Hiaasen tells a wickedly funny, slightly twisted tale about families, figuring out what's really important, and knowing when (and when not) to let things go.
THE THORN QUEEN: A Novel by Elise Holland (Fantasy)
Welcome to Glendoch! Hidden to most, this glacial world once crackled with alchemy. Now it waits for war --- divided and bound by strict rules. So when twelve-year-old Meylyne falls from a tree onto Glendoch’s sickly prince, she must flee or face imprisonment in the Shadow-Cellars. The only way she may return home is with a cure for the prince’s peculiar disease. Convinced she will perish, Meylyne and her companions embark on their journey --- and before they know it, they are knee-deep in a plot to sink Glendoch into shadow, like other worlds before it.
THE THREE RULES OF EVERYDAY MAGIC by Amanda Rawson Hill (Fiction)
Kate has trouble believing in magic, especially since the people she loves keep leaving her. But when Grammy tells her the three rules of everyday magic --- believe, give and trust --- Kate can't resist believing, at least a little. Following Grammy's advice, she tries to bring her father, her best friend and even Grammy herself back to her. Nothing turns out as Kate expects, yet the magic of giving --- of trusting that if you love and give, good things will happen, even if you don't see them happen --- will change Kate and her family forever.
VERY RICH by Polly Horvath (Adventure/Holiday)
10-year-old Rupert Brown lives with his family in a small house in the poorest section of Steelville, Ohio, and have little money or food. So when Rupert inadvertently finds himself spending Christmas at the house of the richest boy in town, he is blown away to discover all the food he can eat and wonderful prizes that he wins in the games they play, prizes he hope to take home to his family. But Rupert loses it all in one last game. Each member of the Rivers family feels guilty about what happened, and tries to make it up to Rupert in their own unique way, taking him on one unlikely adventure after another.
VOYAGE OF THE DOGS by Greg van Eekhout (Science Fiction)
This edge-of-your-seat action-packed story is Homeward Bound --- set in space! Lopside is a Barkonaut --- a specially trained dog who assists human astronauts on missions in space. He and the crew aboard the spaceship Laika are en route to set up an outpost on a distant planet. When the mission takes a disastrous turn, the Barkonauts on board suddenly find themselves completely alone on their severely damaged ship. Survival seems impossible. But these dogs are Barkonauts --- and Barkonauts always complete their mission.
WINNIE'S GREAT WAR written by Lindsay Mattick and Josh Greenhut with illustrations by Sophie Blackall (Historical Fiction)
Here is a heartwarming imagining of the real journey undertaken by the extraordinary bear who inspired Winnie-the-Pooh. From her early days with her mama in the Canadian forest, to her remarkable travels with the Veterinary Corps across the country and overseas, and all the way to the London Zoo where she met Christopher Robin Milne and inspired the creation of the world's most famous bear, Winnie is on a great war adventure.
Nonfiction
ABOVE AND BEYOND: NASA's Journey to Tomorrow by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich (Science)
Since NASA was established, it has landed rovers on distant planets and launched telescopes deep into space. Through stunning images provided by NASA and fascinating profiles and sidebars of lesser known contributors to the NASA program, young space fans will learn how NASA started, how it faced challenges along the way, how much it has achieved and how it will continue to move forward in the future. ABOVE AND BEYOND aims to leave audiences hopeful and inspired about the future of our planet --- and convinced that NASA is essential to our continued survival.
THE ATLAS OBSCURA EXPLORER'S GUIDE FOR THE WORLD'S MOST ADVENTUROUS KID written by Dylan Thuras and Rosemary Mosco with illustrations by Joy Ang (Travel)
Created by the same team behind Atlas Obscura, the #1 New York Times bestseller that has over 600,000 copies in print in its first year, THE ATLAS OBSCURA EXPLORER’S GUIDE FOR THE WORLD’S MOST ADVENTUROUS KID is a thrillingly imaginative expedition to 100 weird-but-true places on earth. And just as compelling is the way the book is structured --- hopscotching from country to country not by location but by type of attraction. Illustrated in gorgeous and appropriately evocative full-color art, this book is a passport to a world of hidden possibilities.
FANTASTIC FAILURES: True Stories of People Who Changed the World by Falling Down First by Luke Reynolds (Biography)
There is a lot of pressure in today’s society to succeed, but failing is a part of learning how to be a successful person. In his teaching career, Luke Reynolds saw the stress and anxiety his students suffered over grades, fitting in, and getting things right the first time. FANTASTIC FAILURES helps students learn that their mistakes and failures do not define their whole lives, but help them grow into their potential. Kids will love learning about some of the well-known people who failed before succeeding and will come to understand that failure is a large component of success.
HERSTORY: 50 Women and Girls Who Shook Up the World written by Katherine Halligan with illustrations by Sarah Walsh (Biography)
In this uplifting and inspiring book, follow the stories of fifty powerhouse women from around the world and across time who each managed to change the world as they knew it forever. Telling the stories of their childhood, the challenges they faced, and the impact of their achievements, each lavishly illustrated spread is a celebration of girl power in its many forms. From astronauts to activists, musicians to mathematicians, these women are sure to motivate young readers of all backgrounds to focus not on the can’ts and shouldn’ts, but on what they can do: anything!
NEVER TOO YOUNG!: 50 Unstoppable Kids Who Made a Difference written by Aileen Weintraub with illustrations by Laura Horton (Biography)
From Picasso, who changed the art world forever, to Malala Yousafzai, the brave teen who was shot for advocating education for girls, the 50 kids profiled in NEVER TOO YOUNG! will inspire and empower young readers. Some, like Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Stevie Wonder, are prominent figures, while others are lesser known though their achievements are just as compelling. They come from a variety of historical periods and backgrounds, and have made an impact in politics, sports, the arts, science, and more.
RESIST: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice written by Veronica Chambers with illustrations by Paul Ryding (Biography)
You may only be one person, but you have the power to change the world. Before they were activists, they were just like you and me. From Frederick Douglass to Malala Yousafzai, Joan of Arc to John Lewis, Susan B. Anthony to Janet Mock --- these remarkable figures show us what it means to take a stand and say no to injustice, even when it would be far easier to stay quiet. RESIST profiles men and women who resisted tyranny, fought the odds and stood up to bullies that threatened to harm their communities.
WHEN YOU GROW UP TO VOTE: How Our Government Works for You written by Eleanor Roosevelt and Michelle Markel with illustrations by Grace Lin (History)
Eleanor Roosevelt published the original edition of WHEN YOU GROW UP TO VOTE in 1932, the same year her husband was elected president. The new edition has updated information and back matter as well as fresh, bold art from award-winning artist Grace Lin. Beginning with government workers like firefighters and garbage collectors, and moving up through local government to the national stage, this book explains that the people in government work the voter.
NEW Series
BEGONE THE RAGGEDY WITCHES (The Wild Magic Trilogy, Book One) by Celine Kiernan (Fantasy)
On the night that Aunty dies, the raggedy witches come for Mup’s family. Pale, cold and relentless, the witches will do anything for the tyrannical queen who has outlawed most magic and enforces her laws with terror and cruelty --- Mup’s grandmother. When witches carry off her dad, Mup and her mam leave the mundane world to rescue him. But everything is odd in the strange, glittering Witches Borough, even Mam. Even Mup. In a world of rhyming crows and talking cats, it’s all Mup can do to keep her wits about her. Even if she can save her dad, Mup’s not sure if anything will ever be the same again.
CATS VS. ROBOTS #1: This is War written by Margaret Stohl and Lewis Peterson with illustrations by Kay Peterson (Science Fiction)
The Robot Federation and the Feline Empire have been at war for eons. And now that fight is coming to Earth. The mission for both cats and robots: retrieve the Singularity Chip. Meanwhile, twin siblings Max and Min Wengrod are as different as can be. Min always gets good grades, while Max prefers to play games and spend time online with friends. When Max rescues two kittens, Min is horrified that these furballs could ruin her chances at the Battle of the Bots competition. But with hidden forces at play in their house, will the twins be able to put aside their differences before they get caught in the crossfire?
MAC UNDERCOVER (Mac B., Kid Spy #1) written by Mac Barnett with illustrations by Mike Lower (Adventure)
The precious Crown Jewels have been stolen, and there's only one person who can help the Queen of England: her newest secret agent, Mac B. Mac travels around the globe in search of the stolen treasure...but will he find it in time? From secret identities to Karate hijinks, this fast-paced, witty and historically inspired chapter book will keep readers guessing until the very last page. With full-color illustrations and fascinating historical facts masterfully sprinkled throughout, this series offers adventure, intrigue, absurdity, history and humor.
A DASTARDLY PLOT (Perilous Journey of Danger and Mayhem #1): by Christopher Healy (Historical Fiction)
It's 1883: the Age of Invention! A time when great men work to turn the country into a land of limitless opportunity. It all happens at the Inventor’s Guild, a place where an idea, hard work and a bit of luck can find you among these gods of industry. Unless you’re a woman. Molly is the daughter of brilliant but unknown inventor Cassandra Pepper. In an attempt to find a way to exhibit Cass’s work, they break into the Inventor's Guild, where they discover a plot to destroy New York, supposedly the plan of a famous inventor. It’s up to Molly, Cassandra and a shop hand named Emmett Lee to uncover the truth.
THUNDERCLUCK! (Thundercluck! #1) written by Paul Tillery IV with illustrations by Paul Tillery IV and Meg Wittwer (Fantasy)
When danger calls...BAGAW! calls back! An evil chef faces off against the god Thor, and a hen's egg is caught in the crossfire. It hatches into a powerful chick called Thundercluck, a superhero chicken ready to ruffle some feathers, beloved by the gods but a target for evildoers everywhere. When the Under-Cook threatens to make everyone into rotisserie, there's only one chicken who can scramble his scheme.
THE MONA LISA KEY (Time Castaways #1) by Liesl Shurtliff (Adventure)
Mateo, Ruby and Corey Hudson’s parents don’t have too many rules. It’s the usual stuff: Be good. Do your homework. And never ride the subway without an adult, EVER. But when the siblings wake up late for school, they have no choice but to break a rule. The Hudson siblings board the subway and end up on a frigate ship in Paris…in the year 1911. The Hudson family has a lot of secrets. The past, present and future are intertwined --- and a time-traveling ship called the Vermillion is at the center. Racing to untangle the truth, the kids find themselves in the middle of one of the greatest art heists of all time.
UNDERCOVER PRINCESS (Rosewood Chronicles, Book 1) by Connie Glynn (Fiction)
Lottie Pumpkin is an ordinary girl who has spent her life longing for the extraordinary. Ellie Wolf is the crown princess of Maradova, who wants nothing more than a chance at an ordinary life. When fate puts Lottie and Ellie in the same dorm room at the prestigious Rosewood Hall, there’s only one solution: for the girls to swap identities, and live the lives they’ve always dreamed of. But at Rosewood, a secret never stays secret for long. Someone in the school is on to them --- and if the truth is revealed, the results may be more treacherous than they ever expected.
THE WITCHING HOURS, Book 1: The Vampire Knife by Jack Henseleit (Fantasy)
Anna and Max love scary stories --- but when they find a mysterious knife on a dark and stormy knife, truth becomes stranger than fiction. Dragged into a world of monsters and magic, Max vanishes, and it's up to Anna to find him. Will the siblings find a way to survive? This deliciously creepy book is a modern Brothers Grimm tale, striking the perfect tone of eeriness --- but is not so terrifying that readers can't sleep at night!
New Books for Readers Ages 10-14
Fiction
THE ASSASSINATION OF BRANGWAIN SPURGE written by M. T. Anderson and Eugene Yelchin with illustrations by Eugene Yelchin (Fantasy)
Uptight elfin historian Brangwain Spurge is on a mission: survive being catapulted across the mountains into goblin territory, deliver a priceless peace offering to their mysterious dark lord and spy on the goblin kingdom --- from which no elf has returned alive. Brangwain’s host, the goblin archivist Werfel, is delighted to show Brangwain around. They should be the best of friends, but a series of extraordinary double crosses, blunders and cultural misunderstandings throws these two scholars into the middle of an international crisis that may spell death for them --- and war for their nations.
DRIVE by Joyce Moyer Hostetter (Historical Fiction)
With home life destabilized by her father's postwar trauma, Ellie Honeycutt seeks escape at the NASCAR speedway and in her dreams of travel and college, while her twin sister, Ida, clings to family and finds solace in her sketchbook. Their close relationship is threatened when they both fall for the same charming classmate at their new high school. But a devastating car accident renews the sisters' deep bond and forces them to reverse their roles. Set against the backdrop of the nuclear arms race and the 1952 presidential election, this coming-of-age story is told in the twins' alternating voices.
THE ELEVENTH TRADE by Alyssa Hollingsworth (Contemporary Fiction)
They say you can't get something for nothing, but nothing is all Sami has. When his grandfather’s most-prized possession --- a traditional Afghan instrument called a rebab --- is stolen, Sami resolves to get it back. He finds it at a music store, but it costs $700, and Sami doesn’t have even one penny. What he does have is a keychain that has caught the eye of his classmate. If he trades the keychain for something more valuable, could he keep trading until he has $700? Sami is about to find out.
GAME CHANGER by Tommy Greenwald (Sports Fiction)
Thirteen-year-old Teddy Youngblood is in a coma fighting for his life after an unspecified football injury at training camp. His family and friends flock to his bedside to support his recovery --- and to discuss the events leading up to the tragic accident. Was this an inevitable result of playing a violent sport, or was something more sinister happening on the field that day? Told in a multimedia format combining dialogue, texts, newspaper articles, transcripts, an online forum and Teddy’s inner thoughts, GAME CHANGER explores the joyous thrills and terrifying risks of America’s most popular sport.
THE GIRL IN THE LOCKED ROOM: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn (Horror)
A family moves into an old, abandoned house. Jules's parents love the house, but Jules is frightened and feels a sense of foreboding. When she sees a pale face in an upstairs window, though, she can't stop wondering about the eerie presence on the top floor --- in a room with a locked door. Could it be someone who lived in the house a century earlier? Her fear replaced by fascination, Jules is determined to make contact with the mysterious figure and help unlock the door. Past and present intersect as she and her ghostly friend discover the fate of the family who lived in the house all those many years ago.
IN THE LAND OF HAPPY TEARS: Yiddish Tales for Modern Times collected and edited by David Stromberg (Anthology)
These 18 stories for a changing world by writers from Eastern European countries focus on excellent storytelling, strong characters and creative ideas. The stories express solid principles and open-minded attitudes, and a sense of both familiarity and adventure in the face of difficult times. Authors include some of the most respected Yiddish writers of their time, who were known in their homelands and then in America. The ethos binding the stories focuses on messages that continue to ring true today while reinvigorating the idea of values largely usurped from contemporary society.
LOVE TO EVERYONE by Hilary McKay (Historical Fiction)
Clarry Penrose finds the good in everyone. Even in her father, who isn’t fond of children, and especially girls. He doesn’t worry about her education, because he knows she won’t need it. Her grandparents, who care for her in the summers, assume that she’ll play nicely and do what she’s told. It’s the early twentieth century, after all, and the only thing girls are expected to do is behave. But Clarry longs for a life of her own. She wants to dive off cliffs and go swimming with her brother Peter and cousin Rupert. And more than anything, she wants to get an education.
NO FIXED ADDRESS by Susin Nielsen (Contemporary Fiction)
Felix Knutsson has a knack for trivia. His favorite game show is Who What Where When. Felix's mom, Astrid, is loving but can't seem to hold on to a job. So when they get evicted from their apartment, they have to move into a van. Astrid swears him to secrecy; he can't even tell Dylan and Winnie, his best friends at his new school. If he does, he'll be taken away from her and put in foster care. Then, Felix gets a chance to audition for a junior edition of Who What Where When. Winning the cash prize could make everything okay again. But things don't turn out the way he expects...
SMALL SPACES by Katherine Arden (Horror)
When she happens upon a crazed woman threatening to throw a book into the water, Ollie steals it, and discovers a story about a girl named Beth and a deal made with "the smiling man" who grants your most tightly held wish for the ultimate price. On a school trip to Smoke Hollow, she stumbles upon the graves of these very people. On the way home, the school bus breaks down, sending their teacher back to the farm for help. The bus driver has some advice for the kids: "Best get moving. At nightfall they'll come for the rest of you." Only Ollie and two of her classmates heed the bus driver's warning.
SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES by Ellen Wittlinger (Fiction)
Twelve-year-old Izzy is already miserable about her father's new marriage and the new baby on the way. Then 10-year-old cousin Oliver and his father, Uncle Henderson, move in with Izzy and her mom because Oliver's mother committed suicide. To make matters worse, Ben, the rebellious 16-year-old son of Izzy's mother's boyfriend, winds up staying with them, too. But when Uncle Henderson --- who has been struggling with depression after his wife's suicide --- disappears, Ben, Izzy and Oliver set aside their differences and hatch a plan to find him, finding a surrogate family in each other on the way.
TIGHT by Torrey Maldonado (Contemporary Fiction)
Tight: Lately, Bryan's been feeling it in all kinds of ways...Bryan knows what's tight for him --- reading comics, drawing superheroes and hanging out with no drama. But drama is every day where he's from. And now Bryan's friend Mike pressures him with ideas of fun that are crazy risky. At first, it's a rush following Mike and getting into all kinds of trouble. But Bryan never really feels right acting so wrong. So which way will he go, especially when his dad tells him it's better to be hard and feared than liked? But if there's one thing Bryan's gotten from his comic heroes, it's that he has power to stand up for what he feels...
Nonfiction
ART IN ACTION: Make a Statement, Change Your World by Matthew "Levee" Chavez (Art)
In the days leading up to and following the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election, artist Matthew "Levee" Chavez arrived at the Union Square subway station and passed out blank sticky notes, urging New Yorkers to express themselves. As the notes were posted to the wall, a colorful and moving collage emerged that reflected the city's rich and diverse personal responses to a divisive moment in history. In this DIY guide, Chavez shows young readers how to create their very own art projects with a purpose.
THE BIG, BOLD, ADVENTUROUS LIFE OF LAVINIA WARREN by Elizabeth Raum (Biography)
Lavinia Warren never let her height --- or the lack of it --- prevent her from leading a full and adventurous life. Although she never grew more than three feet tall, she became a beloved teacher, a world traveler, an entertainer and the friend of many powerful figures. Lavinia faced several tragedies but always found the strength to go on. Lavinia’s extraordinary story also provides a social history of one of the most devastating periods in American history.
CYRUS FIELD'S BIG DREAM: The Daring Effort to Lay the First Transatlantic Telegraph Cable by Mary Morton Cowan (History)
Cyrus Field had a big dream to connect North America and the United Kingdom with a telegraph line, which would enable instant communication. In the mid-1800s, no one knew if it was possible. That didn't dissuade Cyrus, who set out to learn about undersea cables and built a network of influential people to raise money and create interest in his project. Cyrus experienced numerous setbacks, but Cyrus did not give up and forged ahead, ultimately realizing his dream in the summer of 1866. Mary Morton Cowan brilliantly captures Cyrus's life and his steadfast determination to achieve his dream.
PATH TO THE STARS: My Journey from Girl Scout to Rocket Scientist by Sylvia Acevedo (Memoir)
A meningitis outbreak in their underprivileged neighborhood left Sylvia Acevedo’s family forever altered. As she struggled in the aftermath of loss, young Sylvia’s life transformed when she joined the Brownies. The Girl Scouts taught her how to take control of her world and nourished her love of numbers and science. With new confidence, Sylvia navigated shifting cultural expectations at school and at home, forging her own trail to become one of the first Latinx to graduate with a master's in engineering from Stanford University and going on to become a rocket scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
SKI SOLDIER: A World War II Biography by Louise Borden (Biography)
Ever since he first strapped on his mother's wooden skis when he was seven, Pete Seibert always loved to ski. At 18, Pete enlisted in the U.S. Army and joined the 10th Mountain Division, soldiers who fought on skis in World War II. In the mountains of Italy, Pete encountered the mental and physical horrors of war. When he was severely wounded and sent home to recover, Pete worried that he might never ski again. But with perseverance and the help of other 10th Mountain ski soldiers, he took to the slopes again and fulfilled his boyhood dream --- founding the famous ski resort in Vail, Colorado.
SOMEONE LIKE ME: How One Undocumented Girl Fought for Her American Dream by Julissa Arce (Memoir)
From a young age, Julissa Arce secretly lived in Texas as an undocumented immigrant, went on to become a scholarship winner and an honors college graduate, and climbed the ladder to become a vice president at Goldman Sachs. This moving, at times heartbreaking, but always inspiring story will show young readers that anything is possible. Julissa's story provides a deep look into the little-understood world of a new generation of undocumented immigrants in the United States today --- kids who live next door, sit next to you in class or may even be one of your best friends.
NEW Series
THE BACKSTAGERS AND THE GHOST LIGHT (Backstagers #1) written by Andy Mientus and illustrated by Rian Syngh (Fiction)
Jory didn’t know what to expect when he transferred to St. Genesius Prep, an all-boys school known for their incredible theater department. He ends up on the stage crew --- or “backstagers” as they like to call themselves --- and discovers the magic that happens behind the scenes of each production. When some of the cast members decide to play with a Spirit board, the ghost light goes out. Ghost lights are supposed to protect the theater from ghosts sneaking in the shadows. When they decide to put on the musical Phantasm, strange things start happening right away: a fallen light, a missing prop, a star with something to hide. Could there be evil spirits in the theater?
Graphic Novels for Ages 8-12
BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: New School Nightmare by Carolyn Nowak (Supernatural)
Buffy Summers is just like any other student...except for the part where she's also a secret vampire slayer. In every generation, one girl is granted great strength to stand against the forces of darkness. Of course, power doesn't matter when it comes to eating lunch alone, getting picked on by the popular kids or having too much homework. Luckily, Buffy finds her way with a can-do attitude, a weird Watcher and new besties --- who might just have powers of their own. But will any of it be enough to turn the tide when an army of villainous vampires invade town? Can Buffy save herself, let alone the world?
THE CREEPY CASE FILES OF MARGO MALOO: The Monster Mall by Drew Weing (The Creepy Case Files of Margo Maloo, Book 2) (Horror)
Charles meets a lot of monsters in his line of work. While assisting Margo Maloo, he’s had close encounters with trolls, ghosts, imps and ogres. And lately, they’re all saying the same thing: living in Echo City is getting harder. As the human population of the city is grows, monsters are being forced to abandon their homes. Teenagers are creeping into their territory, smartphones in hand, eager to photograph paranormal activity. Some monsters are tired of hiding and ready to fight. How can Margo and Charles keep Echo City’s monster community a secret, when it’s teetering in the brink of war?
THE ISLE OF THE LOST: The Graphic Novel (The Descendants) by Melissa de la Cruz, Robert Venditti and Kat Fajardo (Fantasy)
Twenty years ago, all the evil villains were banished from the kingdom of Auradon to the Isle of the Lost. Stripped of their magical powers, the villains now live in total isolation, forgotten by the world. Mal learns from her mother, Maleficent, that the key to true darkness, the Dragon's Eye, is located inside her scepter in the forbidden fortress. The eye is cursed, and whoever retrieves it will be knocked into a deep sleep. But Mal has a plan to capture it. She'll just need a little help from her "friends." In their quest for the Dragon's Eye, these four kids begin to realize that being good ain't so bad.
KITTEN CONSTRUCTION COMPANY: Meet the House Kittens by John Patrick Green (Kitten Construction Company, Book 1) (Animals)
All Marmalade wants to do is build things. She is, after all, a trained architect. She’s also a distractingly adorable kitten. Fed up with not being taken seriously because she's so cute, Marmalade bands together with a handful of other aspiring builders --- all of them kittens. But in a world where humans call the shots, can the Kitten Construction Company prove their worth...without giving up the very things that make them kittens?
THE NAMELESS CITY: The Divided Earth by Faith Erin Hicks (The Nameless City, Book 3) (Fantasy)
The Nameless City --- held by the rogue Dao prince Erzi --- is under siege by a coalition of Dao and Yisun forces who are determined to end the war for the Nameless City once and for all. And the people of the city --- the "Named" --- are caught in between. Meanwhile, Rat and Kai must infiltrate Erzi's palace and steal back the ancient and deadly formula for napatha, the ancient weapon of mass destruction Erzi has unearthed --- before he can use it to destroy everything Rat and Kai hold dear!
SCIENCE COMICS: Solar System: Our Place in Space written by Rosemary Mosco and illustrated by Jon Chad (Science)
In this volume, get up close and personal with Earth's nearest neighbors --- Venus with its acid rainstorms, Saturn and its rings of ice and the heart of it all, the Sun. Humans have always been fascinated by outer space and we’re learning more about our solar system every day. Did you know that our Solar System was born from a cloud of cosmic dust? That Jupiter’s red spot is really a raging storm? Join Sara, Jill and their space-faring pets on a quest to learn more about the wonders of our Solar System --- and beyond!
Graphic Novels for Ages 10+
ANNIE SULLIVAN AND THE TRIALS OF HELEN KELLER by Joseph Lambert (Biography)
Annie Sullivan, a visually impaired woman, was hired to be a tutor for Helen Keller when the pupil was six years old. Annie broke down the barriers between Helen and the wider world, becoming a fiercely devoted friend and lifelong companion in the process. In ANNIE SULLIVAN AND THE TRIALS OF HELEN KELLER, author and illustrator Joseph Lambert examines the powerful bond between teacher and pupil, forged through the intense frustrations and revelations of Helen's early education. The result is an inspiring, emotional and wholly original take on the story of these two great Americans.
CASTLE IN THE STARS: The Moon-King by Alex Alice (Castle in the Stars, Book 2) (Science Fiction)
In anticipation of their maiden voyage, Seraphin and the Knights of Aether had prepared for everything --- except treason. The villainous chamberlain wants to overthrow King Ludwig and claim the electro-aetheric technology for Prussia. The only escape for the king and his companions lies in the frosty skies above Bavaria. The aethership’s first flight is a success, but their respite is short-lived. As long as the chamberlain is free to spread his lies, these travelers will find no safe harbor. To save the king’s throne, they must push the ship even farther --- out of the sky...and into the stars!
THE FAITHFUL SPY: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and the Plot to Kill Hitler by John Hendrix (History)
Interweaving handwritten text and art in his signature style, John Hendrix tells the fascinating story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and his fight against the oppression of the German people during World War II. Bonhoeffer was a German Lutheran pastor and theologian who was shocked to watch the German church embrace Hitler’s agenda of hatred. He spoke out against the Nazi party and led a breakaway church that rebelled against the Third Reich. Bonhoeffer eventually became convinced that Hitler and the Nazi Party needed to be stopped --- and he was willing to sacrifice everything to do so.
FAKE BLOOD written and illustrated by Whitney Gardner (Humor)
It’s the beginning of the new school year and AJ feels like everyone is changing but him. He hasn’t grown or had any exciting summer adventures like his best friends have. He even has the same crush he’s harbored for years. So AJ decides to take matters into his own hands. But how could a girl like Nia Winters ever like plain vanilla AJ when she only has eyes for vampires? When AJ and Nia are paired up for a group project on Transylvania, it may be AJ’s chance to win over Nia’s affection by dressing up like the vamp of her dreams.
THOREAU AT WALDEN by John Porcellino (Biography)
"I am convinced, both by faith and experience, that to maintain one's self on this earth is not a hardship, but a pastime, if we will live simply and wisely." So said Henry David Thoreau in 1845 when he began his famous experiment of living by Walden Pond. In this graphic masterpiece, John Porcellino uses only the words of Thoreau himself to tell the story of those two years off the beaten track. The pared-down text focuses on Thoreau's most profound ideas, and Porcellino's fresh, simple pictures bring the philosopher's sojourn at Walden to cinematic life.
Contests on Our Other Book Report Network Websites for Our Adult Readers
Bookreporter.com:
Bookreporter.com's Fall Preview Contests and Feature: The Fall Preview feature goes live on Friday, September 7th and runs until Friday, October 19th. Dedicated Newsletters/Daily Contests begin on Tuesday, September 11th. Sign up here to receive the Fall Preview newsletter and never miss a contest alert.
Word of Mouth: Tell us about the books you’ve finished reading with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars. During the contest period from September 21st to October 5th at noon ET, three lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win a copy of A SPARK OF LIGHT by Jodi Picoult and TRANSCRIPTION by Kate Atkinson.
Sounding Off on Audio: Tell us about the audiobooks you’ve finished listening to with your comments and a rating of 1 to 5 stars for both the performance and the content. During the contest period from September 4th to October 1st at noon ET, two lucky readers each will be randomly chosen to win the audio versions of Gary Shteyngart's LAKE SUCCESS, read by Arthur Morey and Soneela Nankani, and Christina Dalcher's VOX, read by Julia Whelan.
ReadingGroupGuides.com:
Win 12 Copies of IN HIS FATHER'S FOOTSTEPS by Danielle Steel for Your Group: Danielle Steel's latest novel, IN HIS FATHER'S FOOTSTEPS, tells the story of two World War II concentration camp survivors, the life they build together, and the son who faces struggles of his own as a first-generation American determined to be his own person and achieve success. We are celebrating its recent release with a special contest that will giving three groups the chance to win 12 copies of the book. The deadline for your entries is Wednesday, October 10th at noon ET.
Win 12 Copies of IN THE MIDST OF WINTER by Isabel Allende for Your Group: Each month, we ask book groups to share the titles they are reading that month and rate them. From all entries, three winners will be selected, and each will win 12 copies of that month’s prize book for their group. Note: To be eligible to win, let us know the title of the book that YOUR book group is CURRENTLY reading, NOT the title we are giving away. This month's prize book is the paperback edition of IN THE MIDST OF WINTER by Isabel Allende, a sweeping novel about three very different people who are brought together in a mesmerizing story that journeys from present-day Brooklyn to Guatemala in the recent past to 1970s Chile and Brazil. The deadline for entries is Wednesday, October 10th at noon ET.
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