LibGuides: Children's Virtual New Book Shelf: New Fiction September 2023

The Best in the World by Derek Anderson (Illustrator) Croc and Ally are two best friends who don't always see things the same way, but there's one thing they do agree on--their friendship comes first! In this story designed to engage early readers, charming characters combine with simple text, lively illustrations, and laugh-out-loud humor to help boost kids' confidence and create lifelong readers! Croc is grumpy. Ally is happy. Croc sees a problem. Ally finds a solution. In The Best in the World, Ally asks Croc to help him remove his spots. After that, Ally gets ready for anything that could possibly happen that day with several silly protective measures. Finally, Croc helps Ally figure out what he is the best at being. With three short stories, easy-to-read vocabulary, and adorable illustrations, this book is perfect for progressing readers. Exciting, easy-to-read books are the stepping stone a young reader needs to bridge the gap between being a beginner and being fluent.

Spider-Man's Bad Connection by Preeti Chhibber Spider-Man's Bad Connection is the second novel, after the acclaimed Spider-Man's Social Dilemma, in a new series chronicling teenager Peter Parker's first adventures as Spider-Man. Peter Parker is still learning the ropes--er, webs?--as  Spider-Man, and he has a new partner in crime-fighting in his new girlfriend MJ. But having someone who knows his secret makes this high school romance more complicated, not less--especially when a mysterious social media account starts alerting Peter to crimes before they happen. But is it just a smokescreen for a new villain, pulling Spider-Man's strings--er, webs? And when the mysterious Spot gets involved, with powers that can turn ordinary reality into swiss cheese, Peter's realizing that surviving high school might be the simplest of his many problems. Preeti Chhibber's incomparable voice balances wit and charm with teenage earnestness and vulnerability, giving us an up-to-the-minute take on teen Peter Parker and making him an amazingly relatable Spider-Man.

Stacey's Mistake: a Graphic Novel (the Baby-Sitters Club #14) by Ann M. Martin; Ellen T. Crenshaw (Illustrator) A brand-new Baby-sitters Club graphic novel adapted by National Book Award finalist and Eisner-nominated cartoonist Ellen T. Crenshaw! Stacey is so excited! Her friends from The Baby-sitters Club are coming to New York City for a long weekend. It's going to be perfect -- a party and a sleepover on Friday night, a big baby-sitting job on Saturday, and lots of sightseeing throughout. But it turns out that the baby-sitters are way out of place in the big city. Mary Anne sounds like a walking guidebook, Dawn is afraid of everything, Kristy can't keep her mouth shut, Claudia is jealous of Laine -- Stacey's New York best friend -- and Mallory and Jessi feel intimidated by Stacey's classmates. With ten kids to baby-sit and a full schedule of activities, how will Stacey keep the weekend from becoming a complete disaster?

The Royal Ranger: Arazan's Wolves by John Flanagan International bestselling author John Flanagan returns to world of Ranger's Apprentice in the sixth installment of the Royal Ranger series in which Maddie and Will must travel to Celtica to investigate a series of dire wolf attacks and a dangerous sorceress. When Maddie and Will get a message that dire wolves--huge misshapen changelings, much larger than regular wolves--have been marauding and attacking through the hills and valleys of Celtica, the Rangers are sent on a mission to unravel just who or what is behind these dangerous creatures. Will isn't anxious to return to Celtica, especially approaching the Rift. And as they travel, Maddie must grapple with their growing dealings with the spiritual and supernatural. But they are Rangers--and they will do whatever it takes to accomplish their mission. After they receive some offers of help from locals, Will and Maddie learn the name of the sorceress behind these strange and dangerous attacks, Arazan, along with the location of her hideout. On the way to take her down once and for all, the Rangers must face direwolves, wargals, dark magic, and more. And as Arazan's desires lead her to the most evil of powers, Will and Maddie must form a plan of action that can outwit not just the sorceress but the darkest forces from the beyond.

A Walk in the Woods by Nikki Grimes; Jerry Pinkney (Illustrator); Brian Pinkney (Illustrator) In this moving account of loss, a boy takes a walk in the woods and makes a discovery that changes his understanding of his father. A week after the funeral I stare in the morning mirror Angry that my father's eyes Stare back at me. Confused and distraught after the death of his father, a boy opens an envelope he left behind and is surprised to find a map of the woods beyond their house, with one spot marked in bright red. But why? The woods had been something they shared together, why would his father want him to go alone?  Slowly, his mind settles as he sets off through the spaces he once explored with his dad, passing familiar beech and black oak trees, flitting Carolina wrens, and a garter snake they named Sal. When he reaches the spot marked on the map, he finds pages upon pages of drawings of woodland creatures, made by his father when he was his age. What he sees shows him a side of his dad he never knew, and something even deeper for them to share together. His dad knew what he really needed was a walk in the woods. New York Times bestselling author Nikki Grimes and the Caldecott Award winning illustrator Jerry Pinkney spent the early days of the pandemic emailing back and forth and talking about collaborating on a book, with Jerry sharing all of the pictures he took of the woods around his house. From this, they conjured a story of a boy's struggle with grief, and all the things he sees and feels on a walk through the forest. Jerry sadly passed away in the fall of 2021, but not before he delivered tight pencil sketches of the forests he loved. When his son Brian took on the task of completing the illustrations, he found himself connecting with his father in a whole new way, his experience mirroring that of the boy in the book. The result is a simultaneously touching and deeply authentic story about the ways shared pastimes keep us close to those we've lost. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Riverstar's home by Erin Hunter A thrilling stand-alone adventure in Erin Hunter's #1 nationally bestselling Warriors series!  In this Super Edition, discover the origins of the first leader of RiverClan--a mysterious cat whose desire for peace would help shape the dawn of the warrior Clans. When a storm-tossed river sweeps Ripple away from the park he's always known, he commits himself to the life of a peaceful loner. Still, as his new island home starts to become a sanctuary for other rogues, he can't help but feel responsible for their safety, and for the community--and Clan--they are beginning to build. But when an old friend from the park resurfaces with terrible news just as the forest cats' fights begin to escalate into bloodshed, the cat now known as Riverstar will have to decide which home he is truly committed to protecting: his new Clan or his old family.  Join the legion of fans who have discovered the epic adventures, fierce warrior cats, and the wild fantasy world of the mega-bestselling Warriors series. This stand-alone entry is perfect for new readers and dedicated fans alike.

Extra Normal by Kate Alice Marshall It's hard to fight the supernatural when you're naturally "un-super." This chilling middle grade is perfect for fans of Stranger Things and Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark...even if they don't have any special powers. Charlie Greer is nothing special--at least not compared to her adopted siblings. Her younger sister is a ghost. Her brother Mateo is a werewolf. Gideon is the product of seriously sketchy experiments that gave him telekinetic powers. Even her parents work for the Division of Extranormal Investigations tracking down all things supernatural, alien, and otherwise unusual. Charlie's mom says her superpower is maturity--which doesn't really count. But what Charlie lacks in powers she makes up for by keeping the household running. Now, with her parents off on their first vacation in years, it's up to her to take care of her siblings and make sure nothing disrupts the trip. But then the new neighbors arrive. The Weavers are a nice, normal couple. Too nice and too normal. And for some reason, they don't seem to want Charlie to see inside their house. She's certain they're hiding something. Charlie has to uncover what's going on with the Weavers and stop their plans--without letting Mom and Dad find out anything is wrong.

The Fears You Fear by Rachel Rooney; Zehra Hicks (Illustrator) A rhyming picture book that explores what happens when children encounter a fear. We all have fears that frighten us. Some are fears you see, and some are ones you don't. It's a feeling we all feel. Fear comes in all shapes and sizes and can meet you anywhere, from the circus ring to the swimming pool to the first day of school. The thing you fear may be something others love, like a dog or a bicycle. But you don't have to let a fear give you the shivers or goosebumps! Fear not, there are so many ways to send those fears away! The Fears You Fear includes fears of animals, the circus, the pool, saying goodbye, attending parties, the dentist or doctor's office, thunderstorms, trying new things, and stage fright.

Cave of Stars (Thea Stilton #36) by Thea Stilton Join Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters on an adventure packed with mystery and friendship!The Thea Sisters are going to New Zealand! Their new friend Charlotte wants to show them the sights, and introduce them to Didi, a skeleton of a bird that went extinct many years ago. But when they get to the mouseum, Didi has gone missing! Can they find the stolen skeleton before it is too late?

This Is the Way We Play by Maggie Testa (Adapted by) JJ and his friend Nina have fun on the playground in this Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read storybook for CoComelon fans just starting to read! Join JJ, Nina, and Nina's siblings as they climb, slide, swing, and hop on the playground. Perfect for kids at the beginning of their reading journeys, This Is the Way We Play was written for children who have learned the alphabet and are ready to start reading! And what better way to get kids excited than with a fun story featuring words they can actually read and starring their CoComelon friends? Each Ready-to-Go! Ready-to-Read includes a note to parents explaining what their child can expect, a guide at the beginning for readers to become familiar with the words they will encounter in the story, and reading comprehension questions at the end. Each Ready-to-Go! story contains around 100 words and features sight words, rhyming words, and repetition to help children reinforce their new reading skills. In this book, readers will learn eleven sight words, and four words from two word families. So come on and get reading! CoComelon is the #1 kids show on YouTube (over 150 million subscribers) and the #1 show on Netflix! CoComelon(tm) & © 2023 Moonbug Entertainment. All Rights Reserved.

A Lot to Like! by Derek Anderson (Illustrator) For fans of Elephant & Piggie and Frog & Toad comes an easy-to-read series about another unlikely pair- Croc and Ally. These two best friends don't always see things the same way, but there's one thing they do agree on--their friendship comes first! Croc is grumpy. Ally is happy. Croc sees a problem. Ally finds a solution. In A Lot to Like!, the best friends discuss their favorite color, shape, and number. Then they try to find a new favorite food for Ally, who prefers pancakes above all else. Finally, Ally introduces Croc to his new friend, a sock puppet named Little Croc. With three short stories, easy-to-read vocabulary, and adorable illustrations, this book is perfect for progressing readers.

The Spirit Glass by Roshani Chokshi Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents a standalone quest adventure based on Filipino mythology by Roshani Chokshi, author of the best-selling Aru Shah series. Corazon yearns to finally start training as a babaylan (a mystical healer and spirit guide) under her powerful guardian, Aunt Tina. As soon as her magic awakens, Corazon plans to bring her parents back from the dead and no longer have to rely on a soul key to allow visits with their ghosts for a few hours every Saturday night.   But when a vengeful ghost steals Corazon's precious key, the fragile balance between the human world and the spirit world is thrown out of whack. Aunt Tina reveals that if Corazon wants her magic to awaken, then she must lay the ghost to rest by fashioning a new soul key.  With her rather bloodthirsty gecko companion, Saso, Corazon embarks on a quest through the spirit realms. But they must move quickly, for  if the ghost gets  through the spirit glass, all hope will be lost. Roshani Chokshi pays tribute to her Filipino heritage in this book that has all the magic, sparkle, and heart that made her Aru Shah series a fantasy classic.

The Case of the Missing Tarts by Christee Curran-Bauer The Pigeon Detectives are looking forward to devouring a delectable platter of jam tarts--until the tasty treats are stolen from right under their beaks! With tummies grumbling, the PPD are on the hunt for clues, but can the detectives recover the tarts in time before they are all eaten--or worse--stale? As the list of suspects grows longer, our heroes wonder if they'll ever catch the thief jam-handed. Pigeon Private Detectives: The Case of the Missing Tarts, Christee Curran-Bauer's author-illustrator debut, pokes fun at detective procedurals with kid-friendly humor!

Spy School Goes North by Stuart Gibbs In the eleventh book in the New York Times bestselling Spy School series, Ben Ripley goes on a rescue mission when one of his own is abducted from a remote Alaskan training facility. Ben Ripley and his friends are training in Alaska when Cyrus Hale is kidnapped by his old Russian nemesis. Ben, Erica, and the others mount a rescue mission, but events quickly spiral out of control in a plot involving the secret history of US-Russian relations, a young KGB agent with skills to rival Erica's--and lots and lots of bears.

Lullaby for the King by Nikki Grimes; Michelle Carlos (Illustrator) An awe-inspiring Christmas tale from multi-award-winning poet Nikki Grimes. The caravan traveled through wilderness, uphill and down, for hours that spun into days. Then at last, glittering diamond-bright, Bethlehem appeared through the haze. With glittering poetry and stunning watercolor artwork, Lullaby for the Kingushers readers into the awe and wonder of the Christmas story. Animals from across the ancient Palestinian landscape lumber, gambol, crawl, fly, and parade toward Bethlehem with gifts worthy of the newborn King. Rare ebony wood, a finely tuned harp, mustard and saffron, a zither, apricot cakes, and other treasures are carried to the manger. The animals bow low and join the music of the angels in a welcoming lullaby. New York Timesbestselling author Nikki Grimes and illustrator Michelle Carlos bring together a captivating tale of awe, wonder, and imagination that is sure to become a holiday classic.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures: World of Reading: the Young Jedi by Emeli Juhlin Tied to the very first full-length animated Star Wars series created for preschoolers and their families, set in the exciting new era of the High Republic! In this Level 1 early reader, younglings Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and Nubs are younglings training to be Jedi Knights. Master Yoda sends them to an outpost temple on the planet of Tenoo. But before they reach the new temple, they have to learn how to work together to stop some greedy pirates! The World of Reading early readers are designed to offer reluctant readers books they will want to read by featuring stories about the characters they love from a galaxy far, far away.

Time of the Turtle King by Mary Pope Osborne; A. G. Ford (Illustrator) The #1 bestselling Magic Tree House series is ready to whisk you away across the world with Jack and Annie--this time as World Turtle Experts! It's just a regular day when ordinary kids Jack and Annie are whisked away in the magic tree house to the Galapagos islands, where they must save a giant tortoise from an erupting volcano! But what do Jack and Annie know about saving turtles?! Plenty, thanks to some magic that makes them experts. A helicopter ride, rushing lava, and a whole lot of determination make this one adventure Jack and Annie will never forget! Did you know that there's a Magic Tree House book for every kid? Magic Tree House- Perfect for readers who are just beginning chapter books Merlin Missions- More challenging adventures for the experienced reader Fact Trackers- Nonfiction companions to your favorite Magic Tree House adventures Graphic Novels- Relive the original adventures brought to life with art by Kelly & Nichole Matthews If you're looking for Merlin Mission #38- Monday with a Mad Genius, it was renumbered as Merlin Mission #10 when the series was rebranded in 2017.

Tales from a not-so-posh Paris adventure by Rachel Renée Russell (Illustrator) Nikki Maxwell deals with the trials and triumphs of middle school in this fifteenth installment of the #1 New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries series! Ooh la la! Nikki Maxwell and her band are on their way to Paris, but they run into some roadblocks on the way... And Nikki's French skills may not be as reliable as she hoped! Can she get them moving again in time to reach their destination?

Scariest. Book. Ever. (Goosebumps House of Shivers #1) by R. L. Stine Goosebumps available soon on Disney+!The only thing to fear . . . is everything. Twins Betty and Billy are visiting their Uncle Wendell at his secluded house in the Wayward Forest. What they think is going to be a boring stay quickly turns into a real nightmare. Wendell is in possession of the scariest book in the world. And someone is after Wendell. To keep the book safe, the siblings will have to plunge directly into the heart of the dangerous forest. There they must escape manbats, cannibal crows, and giant insects, among other horrors--and make it out alive!

Plants vs. Zombies Volume 21: Impfestation by Paul Tobin; Cat Farris (Illustrator); Heather Breckel (Illustrator); Steve Dutro (Contribution by) The unthinkable happens when Chestbeard . . . asks for help! Pirates would rather walk the plank than ask for help, and they do not like walking the plank! With a seemingly endless infestation of zombie imps aboard his ship, Chestbeard sails to Neighborville Harbor and enlists Patrice, Nate, and Crazy Dave in clearing out the impfestation! Paul Tobin (Bandette, Genius Factor) collaborates with artist Cat Farris (Plants vs. Zombies Volume 13- Snow Thanks, The Ghoul Next Door) for a brand-new Plants vs. Zombies original graphic novel!

Malola's Museum Adventures: Career Day by Joelle Avelino When Malola is tasked with sharing with her class what she wants to be when she grows up, she runs to the one place she knows will help her--her favorite room in her favorite museum But when she asks her favorite paintings what she should be when she grows up, she doesn't expect them to come to life and take her on a journey to find the answer! Follow Malola as she travels through a magical exhibit of paintings and learns about the many inspirational women who came before her, paving the way for her to be anything and everything she wants to be.

Kariba by Daniel Clarke (Created by); James Clarke (Created by); Daniel Snaddon (Created by) The daughter of a river god, raised by a human father and bound to a tragic destiny. An African fantasy-adventure graphic novel inspired by the mythology of the Zambezi River and the history of the Kariba Dam, one of the largest dams ever constructed. From the director of Aau's Song, a Star Wars: Visions film from Lucasfilm,  and the director of the 2023 NYICFF award-winning The Smeds and the Smoos Siku has always called the Zambezi River her home. She understands the water - and strangely enough, it seems to understand her, too, bending to her will and coming to her aid in times of need. But things are changing on the river - a great dam is being built, displacing thousands of Shonga people - and things are changing in Siku, too, as her ability to manipulate water grows out of control, and visions of a great serpent pull her further from reality and her loving father, Tongai. When Tongai ventures to the Kariba Dam to find a cure for Siku and never returns, she sets off to find him with the help of Amedeo, the young son of Kariba's chief engineer. Together, they traverse elephant graveyards, rugged jungles, and ancient ruins, outrunning pirates, bootleggers, and shape-shifting prophets ready to use Siku to their own advantage. But Siku soon discovers that her father has been shielding a terrible secret: Siku is actually the daughter of the Great River Spirit, Nyaminyami, and the only way to bring about the necessary rumuko - a ritual which has brought balance to the Zambezi for centuries - is for Siku to give up the only life she's ever known. With the future of the Shonga resting on her shoulders, Siku must journey to the source of the river to understand the ancient power hidden within her.

The (Super Secret) Octagon Valley Society by Melissa de la Cruz This new series from #1 New York Times best-selling author Melissa de la Cruz is The Mysterious Benedict Society for reluctant readers, chockful of humor, adventure and mischief, and set at an exclusive, secluded, high-tech institute everyone wants to get into. You only get in if you're EXTRAordinary.... After passing an intense exam, Edwin Edgefield becomes one of the lucky few to attend an exclusive weekend at the mysterious high-tech institute of the uber-famous-ultrabazillionaire-genius-recluse Onasander Octagon. Edwin hopes he'll meet other kids like him-kids who will accept him even though he's got a photographic memory, genius-level math skills, and some very specific personality quirks. But when he meets the other misfits (um, students), he starts to wonder if they're all in the right place. There's amateur rapper Li'l Kimmy, violin prodigy Julie, video game-obsessed Anton, teacher's pet Ting-Ting, mean girl Maureen, and surfer dude Dilip. And we're not even going to talk about Harold. Are you sitting down? Because this is when things get really weird. Octagon's weekend events include an escape-room challenge, a zero-gravity chamber, a river full of piranhas, and . . . some ninjas? Surviving Octagon Valley may require these outcasts to embrace their inner weird and become greater together than they ever could separately. Those who rise to the wacky occasion will be treated to the biggest, most spectacular surprise of their lives-a chance to be truly EXTRAordinary!

Remembering by Xelena González; Adriana M. Garcia (Illustrator) A family remembers their beloved pet dog through the traditions of Día de Muertos in this poignant and brightly illustrated picture book from Pura Belpré Honor-winning team Xelena González and Adriana M. Garcia. A child and their family observe the customs of Día de los Angelitos, one of the ritual celebrations of Día de Muertos, to celebrate the life of their beloved dog who passed away. They build a thoughtful ofrenda to help lead the pet's soul home and help the little one process their grief in this moving reminder that loved ones are never really gone if we take the time to remember them.

Jayson Goes for It! by Brayden Harrington; David Ritz A JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD GOLD STANDARD SELECTION! From fourteen-year-old author Brayden Harrington, the young boy who electrified the nation when he spoke at the Democratic National Convention in 2020, comes a fictional middle grade contemporary story about a boy named Jayson who stutters and the challenges he faces and the obstacles he must overcome as he campaigns for student-body president.  Eighth grader Jayson Linden has had a stutter his whole life. Though his fellow classmates can sometimes be mean, Jayson tries not to let it get to him; he enjoys playing basketball and spending time with his friends. Then Jayson's best friend, Gloria, is kicked off the debate team because of her stutter and Jayson starts to notice other injustices happening at their school. In order to make their middle school a more inclusive place and to stand up for his friends, Jayson decides to run against Mack, the most popular boy at school and captain of the basketball team, for student-body president. But as the campaign heats up, will Jayson be able to face his fears of public speaking and win the election This poignant middle grade debut reminds us all that nothing can hold us back when we're standing up for what's right.

Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures: World of Reading: Yoda's Mission by Emeli Juhlin Tied to the very first full-length animated Star Wars series created for preschoolers and their families, set in the exciting new era of the High Republic! In this Level 1 early reader, younglings Kai Brightstar, Lys Solay, and Nubs are sent on a special mission for Master Yoda! When the pirate Taborr steals Kai's lightsaber, Kai has to decide between losing his lightsaber forever or finishing the mission before it's too late. The World of Reading early readers are designed to offer reluctant readers books they will want to read by featuring stories about the characters they love from a galaxy far, far away.

Percy Jackson and the Olympians: the Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan The original heroes from The Lightning Thief are reunited for their biggest challenge yet: getting Percy to college when the gods are standing in his way. After saving the world multiple times, Percy Jackson is hoping to have a normal senior year. Unfortunately, the gods aren't quite done with him. Percy will have to fulfill three quests in order to get the necessary three letters of recommendation from Mount Olympus for college.  The first quest is to help Zeus's cup-bearer retrieve his goblet before it falls into the wrong hands. Can Percy, Grover, and Annabeth find it in time?  Readers new to Percy Jackson (this book can be enjoyed as a standalone) and fans who have been awaiting this reunion for more than a decade will delight equally in this latest hilarious take on Greek mythology.

Everywhere with You by Carlie Sorosiak; Devon Holzwarth (Illustrator) The heartwarming friendship between a girl and the dog next door tenderly evokes the power of stories to bring--and keep--us together. Two houses stand side by side: one is home to a dog, the other to a young girl. Though a fence divides them, girl and dog build a sweet and sturdy friendship rooted in make-believe . . . and are lonely no more. Paired with moving illustrations and based on a true story, this endearing tale from the author of I, Cosmo testifies to the transformative power of creativity and inter-species friendship.

Slime Doesn't Pay! by R. L. Stine Lots of little brothers can be pests and troublemakers--but Amy's brother Arnie is a MONSTER ... In this R. L. Stine family-friendly scare fest, Amy and her friend, Lissa, don't know what to do about Arnie's bullying, bad-boy behavior, and mean jokes and pranks. The little monster is ruining their lives! The girls decide it's payback time. Total humiliation for Arnie. They find a recipe for blue slime on a YouTube channel and mix a big bucket to pour over Arnie at his birthday party. To their horror, the girls instantly discover that SLIME DOESN'T PAY! Before their eyes, Arnie's whole body starts to change. The slime turns him into a real monster. Now Amy and Lissa have two frightening dilemmas: Can they save their town from the raging Arnie Monster? And is there any way to turn the monster back into Arnie?

Kin by Carole Boston Weatherford; Jeffery Boston Weatherford (Illustrator) A powerful portrait of a Black family tree shaped by enslavement and freedom, rendered in searing poems by acclaimed author Carole Boston Weatherford and stunning art by her son Jeffery Boston Weatherford. I call their names: Abram Alice Amey Arianna Antiqua I call their names: Isaac Jake James Jenny Jim Every last one, property of the Lloyds, the state's preeminent enslavers. Every last one, with a mind of their own and a story that ain't yet been told. Till now. Carole and Jeffery Boston Weatherford's ancestors are among the founders of Maryland. Their family history there extends more than three hundred years, but as with the genealogical searches of many African Americans with roots in slavery, their family tree can only be traced back five generations before going dark. And so from scraps of history, Carole and Jeffery have conjured the voices of their kin, creating an often painful but ultimately empowering story of who their people were in a breathtaking book that is at once deeply personal yet all too universal. Carole's poems capture voices ranging from her ancestors to Frederick Douglass to Harriet Tubman to the plantation house and land itself that connects them all, and Jeffery's evocative illustrations help carry the story from the first mention of a forebear listed as property in a 1781 ledger to he and his mother's homegoing trip to Africa in 2016. Shaped by loss, erasure, and ultimate reclamation, this is the story of not only Carole and Jeffery's family, but of countless other Black families in America.

The Cursed Moon by Angela Cervantes Celebrated author Angela Cervantes' brand new novel combines a chilling ghost story with her award-winning, heartfelt storytelling style. One two, the Caretaker's coming for you. Three-four, you'll breathe no more. Five-six, you'll float like sticks. Seven, eight, you'll meet your fate. Rafael Fuentes isn't easily scared. He loves writing ghost stories, reading scary books, and entertaining his friends with terrifying tales he creates on the spot. Rafa has come up against enough real-life scary situations that fictional hauntings seem like no big deal. Rafa's incarcerated mom is being released from jail soon, and will be coming to live with him, his sister, and their grandparents. For the first time in a while, Rafa feels a pit of fear growing in his stomach. To take his mind off his mom's return, Rafa spends an evening crafting the scariest ghost story he's ever told. As an eerie blood moon hangs in the sky, Rafa tells a group of friends about The Caretaker. The Caretaker is an evil ghost who lures unsuspecting kids into the neighborhood pond. . . and they don't ever come out. Rafa is really proud of his latest creation, until strange things start to happen around him. With a sinking feeling, Rafa realizes the Caretaker is real. Rafa has brought the ghost to life--and only he can stop him.

Maisy's Big Book of Kindness by Lucy Cousins (Illustrator) Discover how kindness makes Maisy's world go around--and pick up a few ideas for spreading some joy. Join Maisy and her pals as they explore everyday acts of kindness--from sharing toys to making cards or gifts, nurturing animals to caring for the environment, looking out for one another to taking care of themselves! Bold, bright, and buoyant, Maisy's oversize celebration of kindness will catch the eyes and hearts of everyone from loyal followers to new friends, while making an inspiring addition to the shelves of little ones and their parents, caregivers, and teachers.

Last Exit to Feral by Mark Fearing Can two girls get to the bottom of their small town's secrets, or will they become another ghost story? Find out in the second entry of this freakily fun graphic novel series! Feral is littered with secrets, mysteries, and unexplained disappearances. The town has always been weird... and most residents just accept that. But intrepid young investigators Freya and Monica are sure that Feral is getting weirder. Kids are disappearing more and more, signs of the supernatural are surfacing in new places, and the lights went on in the abandoned Messner Mansion. Even though they know they shouldn't, the girls can't resist the temptation to find out what's inside. The adventures from Welcome to Feral continue as they descend into the deep, dark passages hidden below the haunted town. If they aren't careful, they might become the town's next unsolved mystery! With vibrant art, clever humor, and plenty of thrills, animator Mark Fearing conjures a fearsome saga out of small-town terrors.

The 156-Story Treehouse by Andy Griffiths; Terry Denton (Illustrator) New York Times-bestselling team Andy Griffiths and Terry Denton invite readers to come hang out with them in their 156-Story Treehouse--the twelfth book in the illustrated chapter book series filled with Andy and Terry's signature slapstick humor! Andy and Terry live in a 156-story treehouse. (It used to be a 143-story treehouse, but they added 13 more levels.) It has a wishing well, a super-stinky stuff level, a bouldering alley (it's just like bowling, except you use boulders instead of balls), an enigma engine, a TV quiz show level hosted by Quizzy the quizzical robot, and the amazing mind-reading sandwich-making machine that knows exactly what sort of sandwich you want and makes it for you. It's the night before Christmas but Andy and Terry aren't ready yet! They haven't written their letters to Santa, they haven't sung any carols or hung their stockings, and now Mr. Big Nose wants their next book done by tomorrow. When Santa Claus's sleigh crash-lands in the treehouse, the reindeer become tangled in the branches and Santa falls into the cloning machine. With dozens of Santas running around and no way to tell which one's the real one, who's going to deliver all the presents? It's up to Andy, Terry, and Jill to work together to save Christmas--and maybe even finish their book on time! Praise for Andy Griffiths and the Treehouse series: "Anarchic absurdity at its best. . . . Denton's manic cartooning captures every twist and turn in hilarious detail." --Publishers Weekly, starred review, on The 13-Story Treehouse "Will appeal to fans of Jeff Kinney and Dav Pilkey. . . . The wonderfully random slapstick humor is tailor-made for reluctant readers. . . . A treat for all." --Booklist on The 13-Story Treehouse Read the whole series! The 13-Story Treehouse The 26-Story Treehouse The 39-Story Treehouse The 52-Story Treehouse The 65-Story Treehouse The 78-Story Treehouse The 91-Story Treehouse The 104-Story Treehouse The 117-Story Treehouse The 130-Story Treehouse The 143-Story Treehouse The 156-Story Treehouse

The Hurricane Girls by Kimberly Willis Holt A coming-of-age middle grade novel about three best friends born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina who must confront storms of their own 12 years later, from a National Book Award winning author. Born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Greer, Joya Mia, and Kiki are seventh graders and the best of friends. After an accident leaves Greer's little sister paralyzed, Greer is forever changed by the experience and blames herself. Kiki and Joya Mia will do anything to help Greer let go of this emotional burden, and a plan is hatched to compete in a triathlon. Each girl will participate: Kiki will swim, Joya Mia will cycle, and Greer, if they can persuade her, will run--something she once loved to do.  Set on the Westbank of New Orleans, this contemporary coming-of-age novel is a journey of growth, healing, and difficult transitions as the girls navigate their many life challenges: family trauma, body insecurity, and the conflict between ambitions and responsibilities. It's a powerful and enlightening exploration of how to surmount personal tragedy through friendship and forgiveness.

The House of the Lost on the Cape by Sachiko Kashiwaba; Avery Fischer Udagawa (Translator); Yukiko Saito (Illustrator) From the author and translator of the Batchelder Award-winning novel Temple Alley Summer comes the moving story of three generations of women adapting to their new home, and its mythical inhabitants, in the tragic aftermath of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake disaster. In the wake of a devastating earthquake and tsunami, Yui, fleeing her violent husband, and Hiyori, a young orphan, are taken in by a strange but kind old lady named Kiwa in the small town of Kitsunezaki. The newly formed family finds refuge in a mayoiga, a lost house, perched atop a beautiful cape overlooking the sea. While helping to rebuild Kitsunezaki, the three adapt to their new lives and supernatural new home, slowly healing from their troubled pasts. Kiwa regales Yui and Hiyori with local legends--from the shapeshifting fox-woman who used to roam the mountains, to the demon Agamé and a sea snake who once terrorized the townspeople, preying upon their grief and fears until they trapped the snake and the demon's claws in an underwater cave. But when mysterious and sinister events start happening around town, the three fear the worst. Did the earthquake release Agamé and the sea snake into the world again? Kiwa, Yui, and Hiyori join forces with a merry band of kappa river spirits, a bold zashiki warashi house spirit, and flying Jizō guardian statues to save their new family and home and banish Agamé and the snake once and for all. Now a hit anime film, The House of the Lost on the Cape is a heartwarming tale about the strength of family and friendship in the face of natural and mythical forces.

Barely Floating by Lilliam Rivera A dazzling story full of heart about how one twelve-year-old channels her rage into synchronized swimming dreams from The Education of Margot Sanchez author Lilliam Rivera. Natalia De La Cruz Rivera y Santiago, also known as Nat, was swimming neighborhood kids out of their money at the local Inglewood pool when her life changed. The LA Mermaids performed, emerging out of the water with matching sequined swimsuits, and it was then that synchronized swimming stole her heart. The problem? Her activist mom and professor dad think it's a sport with too much emphasis on looks--on being thin and white. Nat grew up the youngest in a house full of boys, so she knows how to fight for what she wants, often using her anger to fuel her. People often underestimate her swimming skills when they see her stomach rolls, but she knows better than to worry about what people think. Still, she feels more like a submarine than a mermaid, but she wonders if she might be both. Barely Floating explores what it means to sparkle in your skin, build community with those who lift you up, and keep floating when waters get rough.

The Gem Gang by Geronimo Stilton Checkmate, cheese-lovers, er, we mean chess-lovers. For once, all is quiet in New Mouse City, so Geronimo Stilton, Editor-in-Chief of The Rodents Gazette can report on an incredible chess match-up. On one side, Gary Goudov, world-renowned chess champion, and on the other side, a super chess-playing computer! But after Geronimo leaves, the infamouse Gem Gang commits a string of robberies that only the Stiltons can untangle. Can Geronimo, Benjamin, and Thea protect the good mice of New Mouse City from the greed of the Gem Gang? Find out in this cheddar-ific volume of GERONIMO REPORTER.

There's a Monster in the Kitchen! by Patricia Strauch; Kit Maude (Translator); Natalia Aguerre (Illustrator) No one expects to wake up hungry for toast only to find a monster in the kitchen. But one Saturday morning that's exactly what happens to Matias. Is it his imagination, or is the monster real? A hairy, gray monster with a yellow crest, pink tail, and orange paws. How scary! Enough to make even the bravest lose their appetite. So what does Matias do? What anyone would: he calls his mom. She sees it too, but differently from how Matias did. There's a Monster in the Kitchen explores our perceptions and how they change like a clock or a compass to show us that we each see things from our own unique point of view. The sweet, funny ending opens an unexpected window into yet another perspective: that of the monster caught cooking in the kitchen. About the Publisher Tapioca Stories, a New York-based publishing house with Latin American soul, introduces young English readers to the finest Latin American children's books, originally written in Spanish and Portuguese.

Pokémon Adventures: X-y, Vol. 6 by Hidenori Kusaka; Satoshi Yamamoto (Illustrator) Awesome Pokémon adventures inspired by the best-selling Pokémon X and Y video games! X was a Pokémon Trainer child prodigy. He hated being in the spotlight, so he took to hiding in his room and avoiding everyone--including his best friend Y. But now a surprise attack has brought X out of hiding! The arrival of Mega Evolution Pokémon, each with more than one Mega Evolution, causes a massive battle to break out at the Pokémon Village! As the X*Y arc comes to a clashing finale, the fate of the Kalos region hangs on the outcome. Can X and Y defeat Lysandre and save Kalos?!