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Last Laugh by K. R. Alexander
What's scarier than a collection of clown dolls in a secret locked room? How about... those clown dolls coming to life. And hunting you down.
The Curse of Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling
Dark secrets and unnatural magic abound when a twelve-year-old girl ventures into a bog full of monsters to break a mysterious curse. Nothing about Kess Pedrock's life is normal. Not her home (she lives in her family's Unnatural History Museum), not her interests (hunting for megafauna fossils and skeletons), and not her best friend (a talking demon's head in a jar named Shrunken Jim). But things get even stranger than usual when Kess meets Lilou Starling, the new girl in town. Lilou comes to Kess for help breaking a mysterious curse--and the only clue she has leads straight into the center of Eelgrass Bog. Everyone knows the bog is full of witches, demons, and possibly worse, but Kess and Lilou are determined not to let that stop them. As they investigate the mystery and uncover long-buried secrets, Kess begins to realize that the curse might hit closer to home than she'd ever expected, and she'll have to summon all her courage to find a way to break it before it's too late.
Batter Splatter (Dollars to Doughnuts Book 2) by Catherine Daly; Geneviève Kote (Illustrator)
After a batter disaster, Julian and Lucy's cooking class needs a kitchen cleanup, including a new paint job. Luckily, they have a plan to make things right-they'll simply throw the bake sale of the century! But their sweet dreams dissolve like sugar when faced with the b-word- Budget. What is a budget and how are they ever supposed to stay within it? In this early chapter book designed to help kids decipher finance facts and fallacies, Lucy and Julian discover the ins and outs of budgeting.
When I Wrap My Hair by Shauntay Grant; Jenin Mohammed (Illustrator)
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.
The Reckoning by Wade Hudson
A powerful contemporary novel about an aspiring 12 year-old filmmaker whose world is turned upside down when his grandfather is slain in a senseless and racist act of violence. From the author of the award-winning memoir, Defiant: Growing Up in the Jim Crow South and co-editor of Recognize! An Anthology Honoring and Amplifying Black Life. "A powerful reminder to never stop speaking the truth." -Kirkus Reviews Lamar can't wait to start his filmmaking career like his idol Spike Lee. And leave behind his small town of Morton, Louisiana. But for now, Lamar has to learn how to be a filmmaker while getting to know his grandfather. When Gramps talks about his activism and Black history, Lamar doesn't think much about it. Times have changed since the old Civil Rights days! Right? He has a white friend named Jeff who wants to be a filmmaker, too, even though Jeff's parents never let him go to Lamar's Black neighborhood. But there's been progress in town. Right? Then Gramps is killed in a traffic altercation with a white man claiming self-defense. But the Black community knows better: Gramps is another victim of racial violence. Protesters demand justice. So does Lamar. But he is also determined to keep his grandfather's legacy alive in the only way he knows how: recording a documentary about the fight against injustice. From the critically acclaimed author and the publisher of Just Us Books, Wade Hudson comes a riveting, timely, and deeply moving story about a young Black filmmaker whose eyes are opened to racial injustice and becomes inspired to follow in his grandfather's activist footsteps.
Slugfest by Gordon Korman
From Gordon Korman, the New York Times bestselling author of Restart, comes a hilarious new story about a group of underdogs who come together when they are forced to attend summer school--for failing PE. Yash is the best athlete at Robinette Middle School--so good, in fact, that he's already playing on the high school's JV sports teams. Imagine his shock when he learns that his JV practices have kept him from earning a state-mandated credit for eighth-grade PE. To graduate, he has to take Physical Education Equivalency--PEE, also known as "Slugfest"--in summer school. Yash gets to know his fellow "slugs": Kaden, an academic superstar who's physically hopeless; twins Sarah and Stewart, who are too busy trying to kill each other to do any real PE; Jesse, a notorious prankster; Arabella, who protests everything; and Cleo, a natural athlete who has sworn off sports. But when one of them tries to blow the lid off a scandal that could make all their time in summer school a waste, Yash is forced to take drastic action. Teaming up with the most hapless crew in school can really surprise a person. And their teacher might be hiding the biggest surprise yet. . . .
I Want 100 Dogs by Stacy McAnulty; Claire Keane (Illustrator)
In this funny, feel-good first-pet book, one aspiring dog owner and her parents ponder-in wildly imaginative and hilarious detail-all the best and worst outcomes of bringing home more dogs than you can (literally) shake a stick at. A young girl proclaims, I want 100 dogs." In a twist, her parents agree, but they have just one question: Where will 100 dogs sleep? Our protagonist revises her request to 90 dogs. But how does one walk 90 dogs? A silly, subtractive counting tale and an over-the-top ode to the joys (and woes) of canine company, this sweet and surprising story proves that no matter how boundless your enthusiasm, when it comes to finding the perfect pet, sometimes less really is more. Written by bestselling author Stacy McAnulty and illustrated with vintage flair by Claire Keane, this clever and funny picture book will be a new favorite for readers and pet lovers everywhere-whether you have no dogs, one dog, or one dog too many!
Maybe It's a Sign by E. L. Shen
An uplifting middle-grade novel about loss, luck . . . and deep-dish chocolate chip cookies--perfect for fans of King and the Dragonflies and The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. Seventh-grader Freya June Sun has always believed in the Chinese superstitions spoon-fed to her since birth. Ever since her dad's death a year ago, she's become obsessed with them, and believes that her father is sending her messages from beyond. Like how, on her way to an orchestra concert where she's dreading her viola solo, a pair of lucky red birds appear--a sure indication that Dad wants Freya to stick with the instrument and make him proud. Then Freya is partnered with Gus Choi, a goofy and super annoying classmate, for a home economics project. To her surprise, as they experiment with recipes and get to know each other, Freya finds that she may love baking more than music. It could be time for a big change in her life, even though her dad hasn't sent a single sign. But with the help of her family, Gus (who might not be so annoying after all), and two maybe-magical birds, Freya learns that to be her own person, she might just have to make her own luck. In Maybe It's a Sign, E. L. Shen cooks up a deliciously voicey, comforting family story sweetened with a dollop of first romance, a dash of whimsy, and heaps of heart.
Light and Air by Mindy Nichols Wendell
It's 1935, and tuberculosis is ravaging the nation. Everyone is afraid of this deadly respiratory illness. But what happens when you actually have it? When Halle and her mother both come down with TB, they are shunned--and then they are sent to the J.N. Adam Tuberculosis Hospital: far from home, far from family, far from the world. Tucked away in the woods of upstate New York, the hospital is a closed and quiet place. But it is not, Halle learns, a prison. Free of her worried and difficult father for the first time in her life, she slowly discovers joy, family, and the healing power of honey on the children's ward, where the girls on the floor become her confidantes and sisters. But when Mama suffers a lung hemorrhage, their entire future--and recovery--is thrown into question.... Light and Air deals tenderly and insightfully with isolation, quarantine, found family, and illness. Set in the fully realized world of a 1930s hospital, it offers a tender glimpse into a historical epidemic that has become more relatable than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Halle tries to warm her father's coldness and learns to trust the girls and women of the hospital, and as she and her mother battle a disease that once paralyzed the country, a profound message of strength, hope, and healing emerges. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
MARVEL-VERSE: SPIDER-MAN and MADAME WEB by Dennis O'Neil; Marvel Various; John Romita (Illustrator, Cover Design by); Humberto Ramos (Illustrator)
Learn about Madame Web, the powerful clairvoyant whose powers have aided Spider-Man's heroics throughout the Marvel Universe, before and after her film release in February 2024! Spider-Man has many allies in the Marvel-Verse - but none other boasts the precognitive powers of the mysterious Madame Web! Cassandra Webb's incredible future sight helps the webslinger thwart a criminal who schemes to take over Peter Parker's current employer, the Daily Globe! But when the unstoppable Juggernaut sets out to kidnap Madame Web, can our friendly neighbourhood hero stand in his way? Find out in one of the all-time great Spidey sagas! Years later, arachnid hero Julia Carpenter gains the skills of a seer and upholds the legacy of Madame Web! But when she foresees Peter trying to stop New York's destruction 24 hours in the future, Julia has bad news for him - he will have to save the day alone! Collecting: Amazing Spider-Man (1963) 210, 229-230; Amazing Spider-Man (1999) 678-679
Claudie Finds Her Talent (American Girl) by Bria Alston; Random House (Illustrator)
American Girl® Claudie(tm) discovers her true talent in this all-new Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader that takes place in 1922 during the Harlem Renaissance! Meet Claudie Wells. She is 9 years old and is surrounded by artists, writers, dancers, and the culture of the Harlem Renaissance during 1922. Everyone seems to be good at something, but Claudie can't find her special talent. Claudie's story will engage today's readers as they learn what it was like to be a girl during that time in history. This Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader is great for American Girl fans ages 5 to 8, and is based on an American Girl story by Brit Bennett. Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics for children who are ready to read on their own. Introduced in 1986, American Girl's flagship line of historical characters features 18-inch dolls, books, and accessories that give girls a dramatic understanding of the role women and girls played in shaping our country.
Marvel-Verse: Miles Morales: Spider-man by Brian Michael Bendis; Sara Pichelli (Illustrator, Cover Design by)
Learn more about Miles Morales, the breakout star from the smash hit Spider-Verse animated films! The Marvel-Verse is full of possibilities for Miles Morales! Get to know Miles - the Spider-Man of two worlds - with these ultimately marvelous adventures! In the wake of Peter Parker's death in the Ultimate Universe, brave young Miles steps forward with his own incredible, arachnid-like abilities to live up to the Spider-Man legacy! But how exactly does he get his ultra-cool costume? Then, Miles' life is turned upside down when reality is rewritten, and he and his loved ones are transplanted to the Marvel Universe! But when the Avengers fall, can one teen hero stand in the way of the demonic Blackheart? Collecting: Ultimate Comics Spider-Man (2011) 1-2, 5; Spider-Man (2016) 1-2
Market Day by Miranda Harmon
It's Market Day! Everyone wants Mama Cat's magical desserts, but her kittens think she deserves a treat of her own. Will they find the perfect gift among the stalls? Find out in this early graphic reader! It's time to go to the market! Mama Cat is selling her most delicious desserts, from bright rainbow cookies to shimmering sunshine muffins. Can cute kitten siblings Nutmeg, Cinnamon, and Ginger find the perfect present to treat their Mama? Maybe a colorful shell, a shimmering sweater, or an enchanted packet of seeds? Time to explore a colorful, crowded, and dazzling fantasy market! This imaginative and inviting graphic reader returns readers to the delicious world of rising comics star Miranda Harmon's Spring Cakes, which Kirkus Reviews called a story where "young kitty and comics lovers will be right at home!" With deep detail and a sweet-hearted sensibility, MARKET DAY helps introduce children to the concepts of purchasing, money-handling, and gift-giving. Comics-lovers can now share the fun with their kids, students, siblings, and younger friends who are learning to read! I Like to Read® Comics are perfect for kids who are challenged by or unengaged in reading, kids who love art, and the growing number of young comics fans. Filled with eye-catching art, humor, and terrific stories, these comics provide unique reading experiences for growing minds. I Like to Read® Comics, like their award-winning I Like to Read® counterpart, are created by celebrated artists and support reading comprehension to transform children into lifelong readers. We hope that all new readers will say, "I like to read comics!"
Emma and the Love Spell by Meredith Ireland
Witchlings meets The Parent Trap in this contemporary fantasy about a girl who tries to use her fickle witchy powers to keep her best friend (and secret crush!) from moving away. Twelve-year-old, Korean American adoptee Emma Davidson has a problem. Two problems. Okay, three: 1. She has a crush on her best friend, Avangeline, that she hasn't been able to share 2. Avangeline now has to move out of their town because her parents are getting a divorce 3. Oh, and Emma is a secret witch who can't really control her powers It's a complicated summer between sixth and seventh grade. Emma's parents made her promise that she'd keep her powers a secret and never, ever use them. But if Avangeline's parents fell back in love, it would fix everything. And how hard could one little love spell be? This fast-paced, heartfelt story is a powerful exploration of learning to embrace who you are, even when your true self is different from everyone around you.
Pokémon Adventures: Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Vol. 1 by Hidenori Kusaka; Satoshi Yamamoto (Illustrator)
Awesome Pokémon adventures inspired by the best-selling Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire video games! Sapphire and Emerald need Ruby's help to stop a crisis of planetary proportions--a meteor hurtling toward their home! While training with Sapphire and their friend Steven in Sea Mauville, Emerald is attacked by a mystery Pokémon! Meanwhile, Ruby journeys to the Sky Pillar to earn the trust of Zinnia, the Lorekeeper of the reclusive Draconid tribe. Can three Hoenn Pokédex holders stop a crisis of epic magnitude?
Flubby Does Not Like Valentine's Day by J. E. Morris (Illustrator)
Flubby, the cute but aloof cat, is not a fan of Valentine's Day! Kami wants to give Flubby a gift for Valentine's Day. But cats can't read cards, and flowers make Flubby sneeze! Can Kami find the perfect present for her pal? The charming illustrations, simple text, and comic-like panels by J. E. Morris, author-illustrator of the Maud the Koala books, make this a unique format with a narrative style perfect for storytime and progressing readers.
Beaky Barnes and the Devious Duck by David Ezra Stein (Illustrator)
Caldecott Honor winner David Ezra Stein returns to the world of Beaky Barnes with this follow-up graphic novel featuring David's signature humor and unmistakable art style. Watch out for the devious duck! A new bird has arrived in Simpleton and is here to ruffle some feathers with a plan to trick the townspeople out of their money. For what, you might ask? Buying freshly baked bread! (A duck's favorite snack, of course.) Meanwhile, the chef wants to hire a baker, the inspector is looking to get strong, and the inventor is trying out some new (explosive) ideas for a kitchen invention contest. But what about our favorite chicken? Well, her egg is now an adorable baby chick, and Beaky Barnes is catching on to the duck's tricks.
Shark Teeth by Sherri Winston
From National Book Award longlisted author Sherri Winston comes an important middle grade novel about a girl's tumultuous journey to keep her family together, even when she's falling apart. Sharkita "Kita" Hayes is always waiting. Waiting for her mama to mess up. Waiting for social services to be called again. Waiting for her and her siblings to be separated. Waiting for her worst fear to come true. But Mama promises things are different now. She's got a good job, she's stopped drinking, stopped going out every night-it's almost enough to make Kita believe her this time. But even as Kita's life is going good, she can't shake the feeling that everything could go up in flames at any moment. When her assistant principal and trusted dance coach starts asking questions about her home life, Kita is more determined than ever to keep up appearances and make sure her family stays together-even if it means falling apart herself. As the threat of her family being separated again circles like a shark in the water, the pressure starts to get to Kita. But could it be that Kita's worst fear is actually the best thing that could happen to her family . . . and to her?
Small-Girl Toni and the Quest for Gold by Giselle Anatol; Raissa Figueroa (Illustrator)
A tall tale inspired by the life and works of Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison. Young Toni knows that her stories are going to change the world. She's good at spinning a yarn, and in fact, she thinks she might be able to spin her stories into gold if she tries hard enough. Maybe her stories can even lead her to buried treasure? And so Toni sets out on a quest for gold with her siblings, telling tales and looking for a little magic at every turn. But when her quest doesn't go quite as planned, Toni realizes that it's all about how you tell a story in order to find the perfect ending. Literary scholar Giselle Anatol and Coretta Scott King honoree Raissa Figueroa have crafted a wholly original tale inspired by the life and works of Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison. Small-Girl Toni and the Quest for Gold honors one of America's most important writers and is a testament to the power of storytelling.
The Selkie's Daughter by Linda Crotta Brennan
A cozy, richly imagined fantasy where a young selkie girl must save her family from a vengeful king. Brigit knows all the old fisherman songs and legends by heart: sea goddess, warriors, and people who are not quite human. But Brigit also knows the truth. It's evident in the webbing between her fingers-webbing that must be cut. She's the daughter of a selkie. A truth she must keep secret from everyone. But there is another secret growing in the village. A terrible one that will invite the wrath of the Great Selkie, bringing storm, sickness, and death. To protect those she loves, Brigit must find a way to Sule Skerrie, the land of selkies, to confront the Great Selkie and bring the truth--all of it--into the light. Like sitting by a warm fireplace, The Selkie's Daughter is an imaginative fantasy, steeped in Celtic mythology and set in Nova Scotia. Debut Linda Crotta Brennan has crafted a magical portrait of a brave girl coming into her own. Perfect for fans of mermaids and Studio Ghibli-esque stories. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
You Can Be a Ballerina/You Can Be a Gymnast (Barbie) by Random House (Illustrator)
Double the fun with two Barbie: You Can Be Step into Reading leveled readers in one--featuring two popular sports careers: gymnast and ballerina! This deluxe Step into Reading book features two leveled careers readers in one! Children ages 4 to 6 can read about two popular sports careers! First, Barbie learns to be a gymnast in the Step 2 You Can Be A Gymnast. Then flip the book over and Barbie trains to become a ballerina in the Step 2 You Can Be A Ballerina.
My Block Looks Like by Janelle Harper; Frank Morrison (Illustrator)
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.
What Disappears in Vegas ... by Carolyn Keene
A missing bride leads Nancy on a chase through Las Vegas in the twenty-fifth Nancy Drew Diaries, a fresh approach to a classic series. Bess and George's cousin Veronica is getting married to extreme sports enthusiast Xavier Redd, and as a close friend of the family, Nancy has been invited to the wedding. Given the groom's big personality and love for the extreme, the wedding will take place in Vegas, and the couple plan to take advantage of local sporting opportunities in the week leading up to the big event. Not everyone in the family approves of Veronica's fiancé, though, especially because of the risk-taking behavior Xavier has introduced her to. And when one of the couple's sporting stunts almost ends in a serious accident, it's not clear whether it's an unfortunate coincidence or whether someone really wants to stop the wedding from happening. Still, the day of the wedding arrives. But when it comes time to exchange vows, the bride is nowhere to be seen. Is this just a case of cold feet? Or has one of the wedding guests created a cold-hearted plot? One thing's for sure--Nancy won't rest until she finds out.
You Can Be a Horse Rider/You Can Be a Farmer (Barbie) by Bria Lymon; Random House (Illustrator)
Double the fun with two Barbie: You Can Be Step into Reading leveled readers in one--featuring two popular careers: horse rider and farmer! This Step 2 Step into Reading book features two Barbie leveled readers in one! Children ages 4 to 6 can join Malibu and Brooklyn as they learn about two popular careers! First, Malibu and Brooklyn care for horses and learn to ride in You Can Be A Horse Rider. Then flip the book over and Malibu and Brooklyn learn about all the cuddly animals in You Can Be A Farmer. Step 2 readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. Since 1959, Barbie has shown girls that they can live their dreams. From an astronaut to a chef to a president, she knows that girls can do anything!
Middle School: Million Dollar Mess by James Patterson; Martin Chatterton
In this laugh-out-loud funny installment of a #1 New York Times bestselling series, Rafe inherits a million dollars--and a million problems--as he finds himself struggling to fit in at one of the snobbiest schools in the country. When Rafe discovers that he's inherited a fortune, it's not all good news. Sure, he gets an all-expenses-paid trip to glamorous Beverly Hills.... but he also has to go to school while he's in California. Blergh. And not just any school-St. Benedict's, the snobbiest of snobby establishments. You can bet your bottom dollar that Rafe doesn't exactly fit in. Toss in a ramshackle house Rafe's family has to live in before they can inherit the money and a group of bullies who make Miller the Killer look downright friendly, and this trip might be more trash than treasure. Rafe finds himself in the middle of a very big mess. Can he tidy his life up, or will he be sent packing?
Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu
From the award-winning author of The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy comes an unforgettable and deeply personal story of the ghosts that surround us--and the ones we carry inside. The house seemed to sit apart from the others on Katydid Street, silent and alone, like it didn't fit among them. For Violet Hart--whose family is about to move into the house on Katydid Street--very little felt like it fit anymore. Like their old home, suddenly too small since her mother remarried and the new baby arrived. Or Violet's group of friends, which, since they started middle school, isn't enough for Violet's best friend, Paige. Everything seemed to be changing at once. But sometimes, Violet tells herself, change is okay. That is, until Violet sees her new room. The attic bedroom in their new house is shadowy, creaky, and wrapped in old yellow wallpaper covered with a faded tangle of twisting vines and sickly flowers. And then, after moving in, Violet falls ill--and does not get better. As days turn into weeks without any improvement, her family growing more confused and her friends wondering if she's really sick at all, she finds herself spending more time alone in the room with the yellow wallpaper, the shadows moving in the corners, wrapping themselves around her at night. And soon, Violet starts to suspect that she might not be alone in the room at all.
Here Comes Redbird! (DC Batman: Batwheels) by Random House (Illustrator)
The adventure hits the streets when the Batmobile comes to life in this Step into Reading leveled reader inspired by the new hit pre-school animated series Batwheels! Perfect for children ages 4 to 6! Just like Batman and Robin, Bam the Batmobile and Redwing learn that they have to must work together to put the brakes on Joker and his trouble-causing van, Prank. Based on Batwheels, the hit preschool animated series on Cartoon Network and HBOmax, this full-color Step into Reading leveled reader is a great way for young fans of Batman ages 2-5, the Batmobile and all manner of things that go, to enjoy the show again and again while they learn to read. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories. For children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help.
Monster Club: Monsters Take Manhattan by Darren Aronofsky; Ari Handel; Lance Rubin
It's an all-new thrilling adventure about growing up and facing your fears in Monsters Take Manhattan, the second novel in the Monster Club series from the creative minds of Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel, and Lance Rubin. Ever since Eric "Doodles" King and his friends saved Coney Island from Crumple Monster and its minions, Eric's life has been changing faster than he ever expected. His parents' divorce has gone through, his mom has moved to a deluxe apartment in Manhattan, and now she's making him start all over at a fancy new private school. Suddenly, Eric's trapped between two worlds - his old Coney Island friends and the rich, cool kids at his new school who treat him like a celebrity. At least, Eric thinks, his days of epic monster battles are behind him. But what he doesn't realize is that the magic mermaid ink that brought his drawings to life hasn't been destroyed like he thought. Quite the opposite, King Neptune has found a way to take the last remaining drops to create a new class of creatures perfectly designed to put New York City right back where it belongs - underwater. Now it's up to Eric to rally Monster Club again and find a way to bring back Brickman, Bellybeast, Skelegurl, DecaSpyder, and RoboKillz so they can stop Neptune before it's too late. Monster Club: Monsters Take Manhattan is the second epic, heart-pounding adventure from award-winning screenwriter, director, and author Darren Aronofsky, Ari Handel, and Lance Rubin.
The Doomsday Archives by Zack Loran Clark; Nick Eliopulos
What if your favorite scary story was real? With eerie illustrations and chilling creepypasta interstitials, The Doomsday Archives: The Wandering Hour by Zack Loran Clark and Nick Eliopulos is the first in a deliciously creepy series, perfect for readers of Jonathan Stroud, Christian McKay Heidicker, and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark. New Rotterdam is no place for a kid―and that's what Emrys Houtman likes about it. Emrys obsessively documents his town's urban legends and cryptid sightings in a Wiki, along with his neighbors and fellow horror fans Hazel and Serena. It's all in good fun until one day, the trio stumbles upon the Doomsday Archives, a collection of relics with dazzling powers and dangerous consequences. When a mysterious blood-red hourglass begins appearing around town and children begin to go missing, the trio must band together to stop the horrors plaguing New Rotterdam, or risk losing their home . . . and possibly their lives. Because after all this time hunting monsters, the kids have realized the monsters are now hunting them back.
Vampires Ruin Everything (Scared Silly #3) by Elizabeth Eulberg
Goosebumps meets The Baily School Kids in this young middle-grade series about four unlikely friends who must band together to save their town from an evil curse! WARNING: This book contains a very scary and silly story about a long dormant witch's curse that's been unleashed on the unsuspecting town of Cauldron's Cove. It's revenge, over three-hundred years in the making. (Hey, better late than never!) Regan, Sofia, Bennett, and Darius know better by now than to think the witch's curse is done with them. A mysterious family checks into Regan's family Boo and Breakfast...and they seem to take a particular interest in Regan! They're never seen during the day, they're allergic to garlic, and they speak like they're from another time. They couldn't be...could they? But why would a family of vampires want to recruit Regan?
Amil and the After by Veera Hiranandani
A hopeful and heartwarming story about finding joy after tragedy, Amil and the After is a companion to the beloved and award-winning Newbery Honor novel The Night Diary, by acclaimed author Veera Hiranandani At the turn of the new year in 1948, Amil and his family are trying to make a home in India, now independent of British rule. Both Muslim and Hindu, twelve-year-old Amil is not sure what home means anymore. The memory of the long and difficult journey from their hometown in what is now Pakistan lives with him. And despite having an apartment in Bombay to live in and a school to attend, life in India feels uncertain. Nisha, his twin sister, suggests that Amil begin to tell his story through drawings meant for their mother, who died when they were just babies. Through Amil, readers witness the unwavering spirit of a young boy trying to make sense of a chaotic world, and find hope for himself and a newly reborn nation.
Coyote's Wild Home by Barbara Kingsolver; Lily Kingsolver; Paul Mirocha (Illustrator)
New York Times best-selling authorBarbara Kingsolver and environmental educator Lily Kingsolver collaborate ontheir first children's book, Coyote'sWild Home. The book takes us into the woods,meadows, and streams of an Appalachian forest where a girl and a coyote pupeach find their first woodland adventures. On their separate journeys into thewilderness with a beloved family member, the quietly intertwined paths of childand coyote will surprise and enchant young readers. On young Diana'scamping trip with her grandfather, he shows her how to read the signs of allthe other animals who make their homes in the forest. When the distant howlof coyotes frightens her, Grandpa explains that they're not interested inhunting humans, just talking to each other. As he and Diana explore the woodstogether, Grandpa helps her understand the important work predators do inkeeping the wilderness healthy. Meanwhile, Coyote Pup follows his aunt through the woods,imitating her every move, hoping to catch his dinner. When they watch Grandpaand Diana from a distance, he feels afraid, but Auntie steers him clear ofhumans, directing his attention instead toward mice and voles. With lessons inpatience, listening, and following his nose, it's a day of big tasks for asmall pup. In Coyote's Wild Home,authors Lily Kingsolver and Barbara Kingsolver, both trained biologists, havecreated an homage to their beloved Appalachian home. With its richly detailedillustrations and gentle biology lessons, this story of two young explorersinvites readers to imagine wilderness as a place to be protected, loved, andshared.
The Unbeatable Lily Hong by Diana Ma
A smart, funny, and heartfelt middle grade novel about Lily Hong's attempts to save her parents' Chinese school and the town's community center using all the resources she has--devoted friends, ingenuity, a passion for filmmaking, mediocre dance moves (at best), and perhaps even her archnemesis. If there's one thing Lily Hong can't stand, it's being second best. That's why she and Max Zhang have been bitter rivals ever since he swooped into town as the new kid with the cool clothes and his fancy downtown Chinese school and showed her up in the fifth-grade reading challenge. She had wanted to be the one to win the pizza party for their class. Okay, so that was two years ago . . . her best friends Kelli and Lauren didn't totally get it, but they were on her side. And that's why they agreed to help Lily with her submission for the Clarktown's Got Talent video competition. Filmmaking is Lily's passion--which means winning is more important to her than ever. Unfortunately, finding time to work on her video submission is proving harder than ever. In addition to doing regular homework and attending the Chinese school her parents own and run out of the Clarktown Community Center, Lily's been getting weird vibes from her parents lately and she can tell something is up. Then her mom announces that the Clarktown Community Center is having its first showcase, and the students of Hong Chinese Academy will be performing as a group--traditional Chinese dance! Lily is more confused than anything else--the community center is practically falling apart and they think this is a good time to put on a show? Could it be that the community center is in trouble and the only way to save it is to make the showcase a huge success? Lily has no choice. She'll have to juggle the video competition and the art of Chinese dance simultaneously. But when Max Zhang unexpectedly shows up in her class at Chinese school with his perfect Mandarin and his surprisingly good dance skills, Lily might just have to embrace her longtime rival as a key part of her plan to save the community center.
Pizza and Taco: Wrestling Mania! by Stephen Shaskan
Get ready to rumble with Pizza and Taco in this hilarious graphic novel chapter book! These foodie besties need to find a sport they'll both be awesome at! Baseball? No. Soccer? Nah. Football? Maybe. Wrestling? YAAAS! These two are ready to throw down! Or at least they think they are! Pizza's and Taco's moms want them to join a sports team! But nothing seems to be cutting the mustard. That is, until they spot the wrestling sign up sheet at school! Once they choose their wrestling names and create signature moves--they're ready to become wrestling pros! Or will the exercise involved send them to the showers? This hilarious young graphic novel--with chapters--will tickle the funny bones of kids ages 5-8 and bolster their reading confidence. It's the perfect stepping stone for those who are transitioning to longer chapter books and graphic novels. Readers will also love the first six books in the series: Who's the Best? Best Party Ever! Super-Awesome Comic! Too Cool for School Rock Out! Dare to be Scared!
Lulu Sinagtala and the City of Noble Warriors by Gail D. Villanueva
In this fast-paced, thrilling middle grade fantasy rooted in Tagalog mythology, a young Filipino girl discovers realms beyond our own full of monsters and gods, a terrible evil who wants her magic, and even a talking duck! The first book in a duology from Gail D. Villanueva (My Fate According to the Butterfly) that's perfect for fans of Tristan Strong and Aru Shah. Lulu Sinagtala can't wait for a fun Christmas break. She's excited to hang out with her sister, Kitty, and best friend, Bart; to reenact her favorite legends from Tagalog folklore (like the amazing tale of Bernardo Carpio); and, of course, to eat as much yummy street-side inihaw as possible! But when a vicious wakwak attacks her neighborhood and kidnaps Mom, Lulu discovers the creatures and deities of Tagalog myth are real and that two additional Realms exist beyond our own. To make it worse, Lulu has superhuman strength and the ability to wield magic, meaning she's the only one powerful enough to stop the evil spirit who's determined to rule the three Realms at all costs. No pressure, right? Lulu, Kitty, and Bart set off on a quest to rescue Mom, where they outsmart cunning enemies, battle vengeful beings, and form unlikely alliances. Soon they find themselves swept into a centuries-long fight, unraveling secrets about Lulu and her past that threaten to upend everything and throw the whole universe into chaos. Can Lulu muster the strength (superhuman or not) to find out who she really is and who she can trust to save Mom and the three Realms before it's too late?
The Misfits #1: a Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee; Dan. Santat (Illustrator)
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * When a notorious thief is out for priceless treasure (gems! cats! general decorum!)--who're you gonna call? An elite team of crime-fighting underdogs, that's who! The Misfits are on the case in this hilarious illustrated series from Newbery Honoree Lisa Yee and Caldecott Medalist Dan Santat! "For any kid who's felt like a misfit, this crackling adventure packs a wallop!" --Lincoln Peirce, creator of Big Nate and Max & the Midknights Olive Cobin Zang has . . . issues. And they mostly aren't her fault. (No, really!) Though she often slips under the radar, problems have a knack for finding her. So, imagine her doubts when she's suddenly dropped off at the strangest boarding school ever: a former castle turned prison that's now a "reforming arts school"! But nothing could've prepared Olive for RASCH (not "rash"). There, she's lumped with a team of other kids who never quite fit in, and discovers that the academy isn't what it seems--and neither is she. In fact, RASCH is a cover for an elite group of misfits who fight crime . . . and Olive has arrived just in time. Turns out that RASCH is in danger of closing, unless Olive's class can stop the heist of the century. And as Olive falls in love with this wacky school, she realizes it's up to her new team to save the only home that's ever welcomed them.