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

Barb and the Battle for Bailiwick by Dan Abdo (Illustrator); Jason Patterson (Illustrator); Dan & Dan & Jason The action of Moana meets the humor of books like Dog Man in this explosive and uproariously funny third book following Barb and her friends as they face off against Witch Head's Shadow Army. Barb is being held prisoner by the evil Witch Head at his lair, Castle Skunkwark. Injured and weakened, Barb is no match for the villain, but they both get a surprise when Raven, her Berzerker mom, appears to rescue Barb. The mother-daughter duo gets away but can't stop Witch Head's nefarious plan: he's summoning a powerful army from the Shadow Realm and sending them to take over Bailiwick for him, once and for all. Can a ragtag crew of berzerkers and five Wise Wizards with rusty powers find a way to beat the infamous Shadow Army? Can Barb figure out how to harness the mystical power of the Ghost Blade to lead the charge? And can Porkchop make sure everybody has enough snacks?

Sweet Valley Twins: Teacher's Pet by Francine Pascal; Claudia Aguirre (Illustrator); Nicole Andelfinger (Adapted by) NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * The Wakefield twins return in this graphic novel adaptation of the New York Times best-selling Sweet Valley Twins series! It's Elizabeth's turn in the spotlight... but does Jessica deserve it more? Jessica knows she's the better dancer - but their teacher only seems to have eyes for her sister Elizabeth! No matter how hard or perfectly she dances she's not getting recognized - which becomes a huge problem when it becomes clear that her sister is going to get the main role of Swanilda instead of her. Even worse, Elizabeth refuses to believe that their teacher is favoring her! With Jessica's attitude rapidly souring and Elizabeth slowly realizing that Jessica might actually be right, will they be able to find a way to get Jessica her leading role? Francine Pascal's beloved Sweet Valley Twins series continues with Claudia Aguirre offering her fresh and modern artwork just right for today's contemporary middle-grade graphic novel.

Spellbinders: the Not-So-Chosen One by Andrew Auseon "Ben may only be pretending to be the 'Chosen One'-but I've definitely chosen this one as my favorite new fantasy series." -Max Brallier, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Last Kids on Earth series How far would you go to play the hero?Onelonely seventh grader gets way more than he bargained for when he is swept into the fantasy quest of his gaming dreams in this magical illustrated series full of laughs, adventure, and twists. Ben doesn't feel chosen by anybody-not by his friends, who haven't kept in touch since he moved after his parents' divorce, or by his mom, who's so busy he barely sees her. He spends all his time living in fantasy worlds and writing extensively planned adventure campaigns in hisrole-playing-game notebook.So when Niara, a character who could be right out of one of his favorite games, shows up and tells him he's destined to save her realm (like, foretold-by-a-prophecy destined), Ben has two possible moves- tell her the truth or play along. He's tired of feeling left behind, so his choice is clear-game on. One interdimensional portal later, Ben is in full hero mode. At first, adventuring in Lux seems like a dream come true, but pretending to be the Chosen One-and lying to his new friends-isn't quite what he imagined it to be.And the more he learns about Lux and his quest, the more he realizes this is way beyond a game-and the rules seem to be changing as he goes. In fact, it might be time for him to write some new ones.

God Is Here by Lisa Tawn Bergren; Greg Stobbs (Illustrator) From the acclaimed author of God Gave Us You and God Gave Us Two, Lisa Tawn Bergren, comes a heartwarming tale about a young child who asks her mother a question about God. "Mama, where is God" God is in the trees and the birds and the smiles of babies. He is with us when we are sick and when we are well. He is with the nurses and the crossing guards and the social workers. God is always with us. God is here. Lisa Tawn Bergren's God Is Here is a charming exchange between parent and child, who find joy and comfort in the warm omnipresence of God. Perfect for fans of Matthew Paul Turner's When God Made You, Rachel Held Evans's What Is God Like, and Joanna Gaines's The World Needs Who You Were Made to Be.

Nightmare Island by Shakirah Bourne From rising star Shakirah Bourne, author of Josephine Against the Sea, comes a mysterious adventure that explores one of the most chilling tales in Caribbean mythology: the faceless douen children. Twelve year-old Serenity Noah has never told anyone about her recurring nightmares -- the haunting images of silver butterflies whose flapping wings drive away all sound, leaving only suffocating silence in their wake. Her parents already favor her "perfect" younger brother, Peace, and she doesn't want to be seen as the "problem" child. Instead, Serenity's found a productive way to channel her fears: creating a horror movie as scary as her nightmares. When Peace suddenly becomes afraid of the dark and refuses to sleep alone, their parents take him away for "treatment" on Duppy Island. Serenity has a very bad feeling about the mysterious island and the facility's creepy leader, Dr. Whisper. And when she sees a silver butterfly from her nightmares in the forbidden forest she realizes that something is seriously, dangerously awry. But nothing could've prepared Serenity for the truth: the island is home to douens -- faceless children with backward feet who are trapped in limbo between the world of the living and the land of the dead. And unless Serenity acts soon, her brother is going to join their ranks...

Rocket Says Speak Up! by Nathan Bryon; Dapo Adeola (Illustrator) Plucky activist Rocket returns in another inspiring picture book, rallying her community to SPEAK UP! to save their town library. When Rocket finds out that her town's library is closing, she knows something must be done. Inspired by the activism of Rosa Parks, Rocket rallies support from her peers, and together they lead a peaceful protest that spreads awareness and raises enough money to save their beloved library. Perfect for fans of Rocket Says Look Up!, Rocket Says Clean Up!, and Ada Twist, Scientist, this book is for any youngster--and parent--interested in community activism. Rocket Says Speak Up! will inspire readers of all ages to take a stand for what they believe in and will teach them that one small person can make a BIG difference. Nathan Bryon and Dapo Adeola's Rocket Says Look Up! was honored as a Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book!

Tiny Tornadoes by Jan Carr; Kris Mukai (Illustrator) A laugh-out-loud new illustrated chapter book series celebrating the roller coaster highs and lows of life in a second grade classroom. It's the second week of school, and Buddy is wondering if the other second grade class might be more fun. They've even chosen a cool class name. How will his class ever compete? Especially when Ms. Maple says they shouldn't be competing at all? In the second installment of this new chapter book series, Buddy and Bea are still sorting out how to coexist--and making plenty of hilarious missteps along the way.

A Season Most Unfair by J. Anderson Coats Perfect for fans of The Beatryce Prophecy and Catherine, Called Birdy, this historical middle grade coming-of-age story set in medieval times follows a strong-minded girl determined to prove she's just as good a candlemaker as any boy. Scholastica, or "Tick," has grown up helping her father make candles in his shop. The experience has its ups and downs--while constantly smelling like tallow makes it hard for Tick to keep friends, stray cats love her. Still, she delights in the work and the fact that she can help Papa. Every summer, they use the long daylight hours to make as many candles as possible to sell at the Stourbridge Fair, the highlight of their year. And this year Tick is finally going to be allowed to make the special Agnus Dei charms that keep travelers safe. Because she's a girl, Tick can never be a true apprentice in the trade, but if she gets to do the job anyway, does it matter what she's called? But one morning she finds a boy sitting at her workbench. Papa has taken on an apprentice and now Tick is forbidden from helping with the candle-making. Tick isn't about to stand for this unfairness. She's going prove to Papa that she deserves to be his apprentice, even if it means sneaking away to the Fair...

Fiona Plays Soccer by Richard Cowdrey Join Fiona the hippo, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as she and her friends find a soccer ball and decide to play a game. But what happens when the ball gets stuck up a tree and lost in a pond Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read book about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality. Fiona Plays Soccer is: An endearing animal book that's a perfect gift from parents and grandparents A sweet story about teamwork and playing together A Level One I Can Read story geared for children just learning to read Created by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey of Fiona the Hippo; A Very Fiona Christmas; Fiona, It's Bedtime; Legend of the Candy Cane; Bad Dog, Marley; and A Very Marley Christmas fame Fiona Plays Soccer is one title in the I Can Read brand that focuses on Fiona the hippo. Other titles include: Meet Fiona Fiona Saves the Day Fantastic Fiona Fiona and the Rainy Day Fiona's Train Ride Fiona Goes to School Fiona Gets the Sniffles

Misfit Mansion by Kay Davault (Illustrator) Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends meets Hilda and the Troll in this spooky and sweet middle grade graphic novel about a monster girl who sneaks out of her foster home and into a human town in search of a forever family but finds more than she bargained for. Despite her monstrous appearance, Iris has never felt like she belongs in a mansion filled with kelpies and gorgons and unicorns. She longs to find a family. Unfortunately, she and her housemates are trapped in a "foster home for horrors" run by former paranormal investigator Mr. Halloway. So, when a human boy named Mathias breaks the house's sealing spell, Iris and her companions are set free upon the town of Dead End Springs. What Iris doesn't know is that Mathias is also a paranormal hunter (the kind who seeks to capture and destroy the horrors), or that there are other dangers ahead. As Iris searches for a home, she makes human friends, explores a brand-new world...and stumbles upon a dark secret that Halloway has kept locked in the basement of the house. Will this long-slumbering mystery destroy the family Iris so desperately seeks?

¡Celebra el día de Los Muertos! (Celebrate the Day of the Dead Spanish Edition) by Diane de Anda; Gloria Félix (Illustrator) El Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is here--and this board book is the perfect format to introduce the youngest readers to the holiday! Cristina is excited to celebrate Dia de los Muertos with her brother, Carlos, and their family. Young readers can follow along as everyone gets ready to remember their loved ones who are no longer with them. Vibrant illustrations will express the festive, yet poignant, spirit of the celebration as everyone decorates their home, dresses up for a costume parade, decorates an altar, cooks tamales and sweet treats, and much more. At the end, there are additional facts about Dia de los Muertos to reinforce the significance of all the traditions depicted in the book.

Fiona Builds a Fairy House by Kristen Dickson; Celia Krampien (Illustrator) Help Fiona build her very own fairy house in this quirky, magical tale about a girl who believes in fairies, and decides to do something about it! When Fiona has the idea to build her very own fairy house, She gets to work right away: Foraging for supplies, Scouting for the perfect location, And recruiting some magical friends. Building a fairy house isn't as easy as you might think! But you'll see it's worth it when your guests arrive... Perfect for fans of Carson Ellis and Emily Winfield Martin's whimsical fantasy, combined with STEM-related aspects reminiscent of The Most Magnificent Thing, Fiona Builds a Fairy House is a ball of fun all readers can enjoy.

Llama Llama's Little Lie by Anna Dewdney; J. T. Morrow (Illustrator); Reed Duncan Llama Llama learns a lesson in telling the truth in this new book in the bestselling Llama Llama series. When Llama Llama accidentally breaks Mama Llama's favorite picture frame, he decides to tell a little lie about how it happened. In the end, Llama Llama learns a powerful lesson about telling the truth, even if it's hard to say. Told with Anna Dewdney's signature sweet rhyme, this newest installment of the Llama Llama series is timeless and can be used as a tool to educate readers in social and emotional learning.

Will on the Inside by Andrew Eliopulos "An honest, sophisticated look at the myriad emotions surrounding chronic illness and growing up "not straight" in a religious Georgia town." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Relatable, real, and utterly engrossing." --School Library Journal (starred review) *** After dedicated soccer player Will is sidelined from the season--and his friend group--due to complications from his newly diagnosed Crohn's disease, he finds himself figuring out who he really is on the inside in this heartfelt and thoughtful middle grade novel that's perfect for readers who love books by Maulik Pancholy and Christine Day.  Will loves playing center midfield on his middle school soccer team. This year, though, Will hasn't felt like himself; his stomach has been bothering him, and he has no energy at all. When his new doctor diagnoses him with Crohn's disease, Will hopes that means he'll start feeling better soon and he can get back to playing with his team before the season ends. But Will's new medicines come with all kinds of side effects, Forced to sit out afternoon practice, Will finds himself hanging out with a kid at school, Griffin. This could be a real problem, seeing as Griffin just asked Will's best friend to the spring dance. As in, guy friend. What would Will's teammates say if they knew the whole story Not to mention Will's friends at church. With all these changes happening faster than he can process them, Will knows that he has a lot to figure out about who he really is on the inside.   Andrew Eliopulos's novel is a memorable, affecting story that will have wide appeal. It was selected as a Junior Library Guild title, and named one of "6 LGBTQ+ Kids' Books We Need More Than Ever" by Kirkus Reviews.

The Probability of Everything by Sarah Everett A heart-wrenching middle grade debut about Kemi, an aspiring scientist who loves statistics and facts, as she navigates grief and loss at a moment when life as she knows it changes forever. Eleven-year-old Kemi Carter loves scientific facts, specifically probability. It's how she understands the world and her place in it. Kemi knows her odds of being born were 1 in 5.5 trillion, and that the odds of her having the best family ever were even lower. Yet somehow, Kemi lucked out. But everything Kemi thought she knew changes when she sees an asteroid hover in the sky, casting a purple haze over her world. Amplus-68 has an 84.7% chance of colliding with earth in four days, and with that collision, Kemi's life as she knows it will end. But over the course of the four days, even facts don't feel true to Kemi anymore. The new town she moved to that was supposed to be "better for her family" isn't very welcoming. And Amplus-68 is taking over her life, but others are still going to school and eating at their favorite diner like nothing has changed. Is Kemi the only one who feels like the world is ending With the days numbered, Kemi decides to put together a time capsule that will capture her family's truth: how creative her mother is, how inquisitive her little sister can be, and how much Kemi's whole world revolves around her father. But no time capsule can change the truth behind all of it, that Kemi must face the most inevitable and hardest part of life: saying goodbye.

Volcano Experts on the Edge by Sue Fliess; Mia Powell (Illustrator) A team of kid volcanologists uses tools, technology, and teamwork to make a discovery. Owen is a volcanologist. He and his team study volcanoes to learn more about their activity and behavior. On a journey to the frozen peaks of Iceland, Owen's team uses innovative technology to determine if a famous volcano might erupt again. Is Owen's team on the edge of discovery?

Hopscotch by Marie Louise Gay When her family must move once more, Ophelia uses her imagination to make magic out of a scary situation. Giant rabbits with sharp teeth circle the old motel where they are staying. Ophelia can also hear crow-witches cackling from the trees. And when it's time to go to her new school, she encounters an ogre who blocks the road with his giant ogre laughs.  But most frightening of all is when Ophelia is left in her new class and realizes that everyone speaks French. Except her.  The kids stare, and Ophelia feels like a fish in a fishbowl. But equipped with the magic of a sheet of white paper and a rainbow of pencils, she will find a way to cast her own spells over the class.  Inspired by events from her own childhood, beloved children's author-illustrator Marie-Louise Gay weaves a wonderful tale of imagination, creativity and resilience as the keys to children's power in an uncertain world.   Key Text Features illustrations   Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.3 With prompting and support, identify characters, settings, and major events in a story. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4 Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses.

The Bawk-Ness Monster by Natalie Riess; Sara Goetter Penny swears that when she was a little girl, a creature called the Bawk-ness Monster--half sea serpent, half chicken--saved her from drowning. Now, years later, she's about to move away to a new city, and before she goes, she needs the help of her best friends, Luc and K, for a vitally important mission: seeing "Bessie" one more time. But in their quest to find Bessie and give Penny the send-off she deserves, the kids stumble into a whole new problem--cryptids are being kidnapped by an evil collector, and only Penny, Luc, and K can save them!

All the Lovely Bad Ones by Mary Downing Hahn In this eerie full-color graphic novel adaptation of one of award-winning author Mary Downing Hahn's most popular ghost stories, mischievous siblings pretend their grandmother's Vermont inn is haunted and awaken the real spirits who dwell there. Travis and his sister, Corey, can't resist a good trick. When they learn that their grandmother's quiet Vermont inn, where they're spending the summer, has a history of ghost sightings, they decide to do a little "haunting" of their own. Before long, their supernatural pranks have tourists flocking to the inn, and business booms. But Travis and Corey soon find out that theirs aren't the only ghosts at Fox Hill Inn. Their thoughtless games have awakened something dangerous, something that should have stayed asleep. Can these siblings lay to rest the restless spirits they've disturbed For more spooky graphic novels from Mary Downing Hahn, check out Took, Wait Till Helen Comes, and The Old Willis Place!

Things in the Basement by Ben Hatke From New York Times bestselling author Ben Hatke comes Things in the Basement, a young readers graphic novel about Milo, a young boy who discovers a portal to a secret world in his basement. It was supposed to just be a normal basement--some storage boxes, dust, you know, the usual basement stuff. But when Milo is sent by his mother to fetch a sock from the basement of the historic home they've moved into, Milo finds a door in the back that he's never seen before. Turns out that the basement of his house is enormous. In fact, there is a whole world down there. As Milo travels ever deeper into the Basement World, he meets the many Things that live in the shadows and gloom...and he learns that to face his fears he must approach even the strangest creatures with kindness.

Cinderella and a Mouse Called Fred by Deborah Hopkinson; Paul O. Zelinsky (Illustrator) This fresh, hilarious retelling of Cinderella--told by the mouse who will become Cinderella's coach horse--has a girl-power ending, a celebration of inclusivity, illustrations by a Caldecott Medalist...and even an explanation of how fairy tale pumpkins got their name! If you thought you knew the fairy tale CINDERELLA, think again! Did you know that the fairy godmother was actually grouchy? Or that the rodent she transformed into the coach's horse was named Fred? Or that Cinderella hid from the prince when he came looking for her with that uncomfortable glass slipper?! A best loved fairytale is given the ending it deserves in this clever picture book that shows a heroine shape her own destiny...and find her fairytale princess.

Purring, Rolling, Stretching by Chihiro Ishizu; Nanako Matsuda (Illustrator) Follow a day in the life of an adorable pet cat in this charming board book, the purr-fect read for young readers learning about animals or a favorite family pet. Purr and play the day away with a new feline friend! This adorable board book is a celebration of all things cat. Each whimsical spread invites the littlest readers to experience a day in the life of a house cat, encouraging opportunities to imitate feline behaviors and reflect on the rhythms of their own days--from stretching to playing to eating, and more! CATNIP FOR KIDS WHO LOVE CATS: If there's one universally beloved animal with timeless appeal, it's the endlessly endearing cat. Every child who has or has dreamed of having a pet cat will be enticed by this cute kitty and its charming, everyday antics. STAND-OUT ART: An appealing color palette and distinctive illustration style set this cat board book apart. The youngest of readers will adore this artful and relatable take on cats. PURR-FECT GIFT FOR ANY OCCASION: From the colorful, engaging art to humorous cat moments throughout, this board book will make an exceptional year-round gift for any kid who loves cats. Perfect for: Parents and caregivers of kids who love cats Parents, grandparents, and caregivers of toddlers who are learning about animals Gift-givers seeking an irresistible board book for young children Fans of Japanese board books and gifts Readers of such favorites as They All Saw a Cat, The Cat in the Hat, and Pete the Cat board books

Being Brave by Cindy Jin; Ashley Dugan (Illustrator) Celebrate the small and important choices we make to grow and be brave every day with this empowering board book. Filled with loving and meaningful life lessons, this inspiring board book shows kids that being brave doesn't have to be grand or heroic. Whether you're feeling sad, nervous, unsure, or left out, taking control of how you feel and being brave starts with listening to your heart.

Where Have You Been, Little Cat? by Richard Jones An adorable, inquisitive tale which encourages readers to explore their emotions and free their imaginations as they are invited into a little cat's world As a little cat rushes in from a day's adventuring, her owner asks her where she's been and what she's seen. Was she happy? Was she brave? Was she kind? The richly imagined answers--in Richard Jones's gorgeous illustrations, beautifully complementing his own simple text--will surprise, delight, and melt hearts.

The Ruby Code by Jessica Khoury From Jessica Khoury comes a high-action sci-fi adventure about a video game AI come to life. Warcross meets Ready Player One in this thriller set in a high-tech near future. Bullied at school and home, Ash finds respite from his unhappy life in virtual reality games. One night, he spends his meager savings to help a stranger, who thanks him with a copy of an old fantasy game called The Glass Realm. While exploring the game, Ash meets a seemingly humble shopkeeper named Ruby. But from the start, Ruby seems different than the other townsfolk--especially when she and Ash stumble across an in-game quest designed not for the player, but for Ruby to solve. When Ruby begins developing powerful abilities that can rewrite the very code of the game, they realize she is far more than a pre-programmed side character. Following the quest left for her in The Glass Realm, the pair discover that Ruby is actually a sentient AI who's been hidden inside the game. Originally built as a weapon, her developer stole her from his employers and hid her away, hoping to keep her safe. That safety vanishes when Ash and Ruby are targeted by the powerful shadow organization who funded Ruby's development, and who would use her to spark a world war to rack up huge profits. Caught in a deadly game that blurs the lines between real and virtual, Ash and Ruby must flee for their lives. If they lose this game--they might just doom the world.

The Skull by Jon Klassen (Illustrator) A #1 New York Times bestseller! Caldecott Medalist and New York Times best-selling author-illustrator Jon Klassen delivers a deliciously macabre treat for folktale fans. Jon Klassen's signature wry humor takes a turn for the ghostly in this thrilling retelling of a traditional Tyrolean folktale. In a big abandoned house, on a barren hill, lives a skull. A brave girl named Otilla has escaped from terrible danger and run away, and when she finds herself lost in the dark forest, the lonely house beckons. Her host, the skull, is afraid of something too, something that comes every night. Can brave Otilla save them both? Steeped in shadows and threaded with subtle wit--with rich, monochromatic artwork and an illuminating author's note--The Skull is as empowering as it is mysterious and foreboding.

Monster vs. Boy by Karen Krossing A moving middle-grade novel about unlikely friendships and facing our fears-or monsters!-perfect for fans of of Wendy Mass's and Rebecca Stead's Bob. "Monstrously magical and delicious!"-William Alexander, National Book Award Winner for Goblin Secrets "A heartfelt tale of meeting your monsters and setting them free." -Linda Urban, acclaimed author of A Crooked Kind of Perfect On the edge of town, a boy named Dawz lives with his sister and their uncle-turned-adoptive-father, Pop. No one in their ramshackle house knows that a monster-who is smaller than a bear cub-lives in Dawz's bedroom closet. She calls herself Mim. When a series of events forces Mim to leave her closet, she sets out on a quest to unlock the magic of books, but will Dawz be willing to help her? The story of a monster who desperately wants to be seen and the reluctant boy who wishes he weren't the only one who could, this exploration of found family, fear and mental health, and intergenerational trauma begs the question- What if the monsters that haunt us aren't monsters at all?

One Upside-Downy Day by Renée Kurilla Sluggish, Weepy, Eyes still looking sleepy; You were in no mood to play when you got out of bed today. Follow a diverse cast of young children as they experience big feelings-anger, shyness, and sadness-in this patient, rhyming picture book. One Upside-Downy Day is a love letter to emotional understanding and the sometimes-gray days of being a toddler.

Grumpy Monkey Don't Be Scared by Suzanne Lang; Max Lang (Illustrator) INSTANT NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * Grumpy Monkey and his jungle friends are trick-or-treating on Halloween amid strange noises and mysterious smells. Along the way, they are reminded that nothing can be scarier than returning home with no treats. Two pages of full-color stickers are included for extra fun! On the spookiest night of the year, Jim Panzee and his jungle friends brave the dark to collect treats. Not only does the jungle look different at night, it sounds different. What's that knock-knock-knock and that HAHA HAHA HAHA? And the smell? PEE-YEW! "Don't be scared," they tell Jim. But then two glowing eyes flash overhead, and looking for treats is almost abandoned.  Halloween in the jungle can be even scarier than trick-or-treating in your own neighborhood.

Lolo's Sari-Sari Store by Sophia N. Lee; Christine Almeda (Illustrator) A little girl holds lessons learned in her grandfather's sari-sari store close while adjusting to a new home in this sweet picture book about the joy of community, connection, and Filipino culture. For one girl, summers used to mean helping Lolo run his sari-sari store, which was always brimming with goods for the neighborhood: shampoo packets for Ate Jane, rice and eggs for Tonton, and a sympathetic ear for anyone who needed it. "Sari-sari means a good variety--just look around and you'll see. What help can you give your community?" Lolo would say, as he filled his shelves with what people would need. Now that she's far from the Philippines, she misses Lolo and the friendly faces that surrounded his sari-sari store. But when she remembers her grandfather's words, her heart keeps Lolo close, and she starts to see opportunities for connection and community in her new home.

Jugo Fresco by Robert Liu-Trujillo (Illustrator); Rita E. Urquijo-Ruiz (Translator) Qué contiene un jugo que mantiene a todos saludables? ¡Art y su papa descubren que necesitan zanahorias... col berza... chile de árbol... y una comunidad! What makes a great juice that keeps everyone healthy? Art and his dad discover it takes carrots... collards... cayenne... and community! Cuando el padre de Art no puede deshacerse de un resfriado, Art sabe exactamente lo que su papi necesita: ¡un delicioso jugo mata-resfriados! Después de buscar en su refrigerador y en la alacena, descubren que les hace falta un ingrediente clave: jengibre. Pero el encontrar jengibre los llevará al centro, al mercado de agricultores, a la cooperativa de alimentos, a la tienda de productos de África Occidental... y a un encuentro inesperado que une a todos y resulta en una sabrosa celebración. Las ilustraciones de acuarela cálidas y vibrantes del autor e ilustrador Rob Liu-Trujillo son una celebración de familias mixtas y muchos individuos que ayudan a hacer que una vecindad se sienta como una comunidad. ¡Jugo Fresco es un libro ilustrado centrado en los niños y en la comunidad y que te dejará con sed de más! También está disponible en inglés como Fresh Juice When Art's father can't get over a cold, Art knows exactly what his daddy needs: some delicious sick-fighting juice! After looking through the fridge and cupboards, they discover they're missing a key ingredient--ginger. But finding some ginger will take them downtown to the farmers' market, to the food co-op, to the West African grocery... to an unexpected encounter that brings everyone together, and results in a tasty celebration. Author-illustrator Rob Liu-Trujillo's warm and vibrant watercolor illustrations are a celebration of mixed families and the many individuals who help make a neighborhood feel like a community. Fresh Juice is a delightful, kid- and community-centered picture book that will leave you thirsty for more! Also available in English as Fresh Juice!

The Worry Balloon by Monica Mancillas; Betty C. Tang (Illustrator) On the first day of school, Isla's mind plays the what if game. Scary thoughts come, the world goes dark, and everything feels stormy. With Mami at her side, Isla takes a deep breath and blows her worries away in a big balloon. But as school gets closer, Isla's worries come back like a tornado. Mami encourages her to imagine something happy, and Isla remembers there's nothing she can't handle. The storm might come again, but for now, her mind is quiet. In this thoughtful and reassuring picture book, Mónica Mancillas's text and Betty C. Tang's illustrations show how one child experiences anxiety and worry, providing different tools to practice mindfulness and strengthen one's mental health.

Code Red by Joy McCullough In the spirit of Judy Blume, this empowering and heartfelt middle grade novel celebrates finding yourself, making new friends, and standing up for what's right as a girl becomes involved in menstrual activism. Ever since a career-ending injury, former elite gymnast Eden has been feeling lost. To add insult to actual injury, her mom has been invited to present at her middle school's career day, which would be fine except Mom's company produces period products like pads and tampons. Having the whole school hear about it is total humiliation. And when Eden gets into a fight with a boy who won't stop mocking her for it, she and her classmate Maribel both end up getting suspended. Mom's corporate executive job means she doesn't have time to look after Eden while she's suspended, so Eden is sent to volunteer at the food bank Maribel's mom runs. There, she meets new friends who open her eyes to period poverty, the struggle that low-income people with periods have trying to afford menstrual products. Eden even meets a boy who gets periods. Witnessing how people fight for fair treatment inspires Eden to join the advocacy work. But sewing pads to donate and pushing for free access to period products puts Eden at odds with her mom. Even so, Eden's determined to hold onto the one thing that's ignited her passion and drive since gymnastics. Can she stand her ground and make a real difference?

The Magic Cap by Mirelle Messier; Charlotte Parent (Illustrator) Many moons ago, in a tiny, thatched cottage at the edge of the woods, lived two children named Isaura and Arlo with their hedgehog, Crispin. When their beloved pet becomes ill, Isaura suggests that they seek the magical healing power of gnomes. Convinced this will heal it, the children set off into the woods with humble offerings, hoping to attract the gnomes. The trick does not seem to work, however, and gnomes are nowhere to be seen despite the children's good intentions. Isaura and Arlo will have to remain hopeful and wish for a magical solution!

Out There (a Graphic Novel) by Seaerra Miller A touching, out-of-this-world graphic novel about a daughter, her father, and the aliens that may or may not be speaking to him. Julia didn't always believe in aliens.   It was her father who convinced her otherwise. You see--Julia's dad believes he was abducted by aliens. And ever since then, he's been obsessed with the extraterrestrial beings living out there.   So when a festival commemorating the 75th anniversary of the infamous UFO crash in New Mexico rolls around, Julia turns down a dream vacation to Hawaii with her best friend, Sara, to join her dad for a weekend trip to Roswell, where he expects the aliens to make contact.   But amid the alien-themed goofiness of the festival, Julia finds she isn't sure whether her father really did get abducted. His memories of alien interference are starting to sound increasingly shaky, and with them, her faith in him. Will this weekend bring the two closer together or only drive them apart?    A heartfelt story of family, loyalty, and the lengths we go to support those we love.

Sea of Gold by Gregory Mone Twelve-year-old Fish-nicknamed for his skill as a swimmer-never intended to become a pirate. For starters, he's just a kid from a poor farming family, and second, he absolutely hates to fight. But after his parents send him to work as a courier, one of his deliveries is stolen, and as Fish hurries to get it back, he's captured by a ship of scalawags. And the mysterious package? It's the key to locating the Chain of Chuacar, a legendary treasure. Swabbing the deck of the Scurvy Mistress, Fish will have to earn the trust of the fortune-obsessed captain and learn the ropes from the rest of the crew, including a boy encyclopedia on all things piracy, a tough-as-nails young thief, and a fearless girl with knives up her sleeves. Yet with mutiny on the horizon and a ruthless first mate testing him at every turn, Fish isn't sure he'll survive, let alone find the Chain. Armed only with wit, courage and determination, Fish leads his new friends in the fight of their young lives and a hunt for the hidden gold.

May's Brave Day by Lucy Morris This gorgeous picture book about gathering courage to face the first day of school will be a favorite of children of all ages and is perfect for fans of Corinna Luyken and Julie Morstad. May has butterflies in her tummy on the first day of school. She thinks back to other brave days to see if she can find that feeling again. She even tries to hop and skip away her worries. Nothing helps, and May wishes she could simply fly away. But May's mom reassures her that everyone has worries, and that even the birds and butterflies must first learn how to fly. With a little time, May will feel ready to spread her wings. Author/illustrator Lucy Morris crafts a beautifully gentle picture book about embracing your worries and finding courage in your own authentic way.

Camp Sylvania by Julie Murphy From Julie Murphy, the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Dumplin', comes a hilarious and creepy middle grade summer camp story that takes a bite out of fat camp and diet culture. Perfect for fans of Spooky Stories and Starfish. Magnolia "Maggie" Hagen is determined to be in the spotlight . . . if she can just get over her stage fright. This summer, though, she has big plans to finally attend Camp Rising Star, the famous performing arts camp she's been dying to go to for three whole summers. But on the last day of school, her parents break the news: Maggie isn't going to Camp Rising Star. She's being shipped off to fat camp--and not just any fat camp. She's going to Camp Sylvania, run by world-famous wellness influencer Sylvia Sylvania, who is known for her soon-to-be-patented Scarlet Diet. When Maggie arrives at camp, things are . . . weird. There are the humiliating weigh-ins and grueling workouts, as expected. But the campers are also encouraged to donate blood--at their age! The cafeteria serves only red foods and the oddly specific rules change every day. There are even rumors of a camp ghost. Despite these horrors, Maggie makes friends and starts to actually enjoy herself. There are even tryouts for a camp production of The Music Man! This place might not be so bad . . . until campers start going missing and other suspicious things begin happening--especially after dark. The camp ghost might be the least scary thing about this place. . . .

Batu and the Search for the Golden Cup by Shelley Fairweather-Vega (Translator); Zira Nauryzbai; Lilya Kalaus A warrior's power lies not in his weapons but in his heart. Batu is just an ordinary kid in present-day Almaty, worried about bullies, school, and his mom's new baby...until the day he meets Aspara, the Golden Warrior. Aspara steps straight out of Batu's notebook cover--and out of Kazakhstan's past. Aspara has been waiting hundreds of years to be summoned to the human world and to finally get his chance to search for the Golden Cup, a magical talisman sent down from the heavens. When the Golden Cup was lost, Aspara watched as many of his friends and family were killed or disappeared. Craving adventure and a sense of purpose, Batu sets out with Aspara and his own friends to find the Golden Cup, plunging them into an adventure through a world where myths come alive. But there are others looking for the Cup, and they'll do anything to make sure the kids fail. Will Batu and his friends make it out alive (and make it home in time for dinner)?

Get Ready for School by Janet Nolan; Maria Neradova (Illustrator) Students aren't the only ones who have to prepare for the first day of school. The custodian turns on the lights and sweeps the hallways. Is it time for school? Not yet! The cafeteria workers wash tables and stack lunch trays. Is it time for school? Not yet! Teachers unpack supplies and organize their classrooms. Is it time for school? Almost! The students are on their way, on foot, on bicycles, and in cars and buses. Welcome, everyone!

Vivian Lantz's Second Chances by Kathryn Ormsbee Groundhog Day meets Eighth Grade in this time-loop story set on the first day of school, from the critically acclaimed author of Candidly Cline. Vivian Lantz is cursed. Every year, terrible things happen on her first day of school. This year, Vivian has a plan to conquer eighth grade. But eighth grade Turns out to start with her worst first day yet. Vivian can't wait to put it all behind her. But instead of waking up to a brand-new day, Vivian somehow gets stuck reliving her catastrophic one. Curse: 9,000 - Vivian: 0. Then she sees her misfortune for what it is: the golden opportunity to get her perfect plan back on track. But when her second chance turns into a third, a fourth, and a fifth, Vivian might have to let go of the perfect day of her dreams... and make a few surprising choices along the way. This delightfully awkward saga of first crushes, mean-girl drama, and unexpected magic is sure to please fans of Mark Oshiro, Lisa Jenn Bigelow, and Julie Murphy--and any reader who's ever been nervous about their first day of school.

Peril at Price Manor by Laura Parnum Fans of Ghost Squad will love this lightly scary creature feature standalone novel about a tween aspiring horror movie actress who pairs up with the twin children of her favorite director to defeat zombifying octopus-like creatures! Halle dreams of becoming a scream queen. She practices her loudest scream every day and has learned a lot from studying the horror movies of her favorite director, Maximus Price. Maximus lives just outside town, and when the chance to go to his home arises, Halle grabs it with both hands. She doesn't realize that real life horrors await her at Price Manor. Paisley and Argyle, Maximus's twin children, think that the creepy, squid-like creatures that have attached themselves to the faces of the manor's staff, putting them in a zombie-like stupor, are just another one of their prankster dad's tricks. When Halle arrives and is attacked by one of the creatures, she meets the twins and assures them that this is no joke. The three kids will have to work together using all of their unusual talents to defeat the monsters--and maybe even save the world. Blending quirky humor and poignant heart with delightfully creepy monsters, this debut middle grade novel is a perfect entry point for young readers to the horror genre. "Price Manor is perfectly mysterious. With just the right amount of chills and thrills, I was hooked from page one!"--Lindsay Currie, author of Scritch Scratch and The Girl in White "It's Alien in a spooky mansion. Nonstop action, tentacles, and slime. So much fun."--J.W. Ocker, author of The Smashed Man of Dread End

Maybe a Whale by Kirsten Pendreigh; Crystal Smith (Illustrator) After Grandpa dies, a girl and her mother take the trip he had planned for her, kayaking along the Pacific west coast to look for the whales that he loved. The trip will do them good, Mom says, but the girl isn't sure. How can that be true when Grandpa isn't there? And how will they find a whale in all that water, anyway? There is so much to see as they paddle through white-tipped waves and calm coves: glowing moon jellies, fluttering anemones and slippery seals. All the while, the girl watches for whales. Could one be swimming beneath their kayak or along the shore of their camp? Are the whales even there?  Finally, in the dark of night, they hear them -- pushhhhhhhh, pushhhhhhh -- humpbacks breathing in the bay.  In this lyrical story, luminously illustrated by Crystal Smith, mom and daughter find the space to grieve Grandpa and reconnect with each other in the wild beauty of nature. And they come to realize that -- perhaps like whales -- those we've loved are always with us, even if we don't see them anymore.   Key Text Features illustrations   Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.4 Identify words and phrases in stories or poems that suggest feelings or appeal to the senses. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7 Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

The Fire, the Water, and Maudie Mcginn by Sally J. Pla Neurodivergent Maudie is ready to spend an amazing summer with her dad, but will she find the courage to tell him a terrible secret about life with her mom and new stepdad? This contemporary novel by the award-winning author of The Someday Birds is a must-read for fans of Leslie Connor and Ali Standish. Maudie always looks forward to the summers she spends in California with her dad. But this year, she must keep a troubling secret about her home life--one that her mom warned her never to tell. Maudie wants to confide in her dad about her stepdad's anger, but she's scared. When a wildfire strikes, Maudie and her dad are forced to evacuate to the beach town where he grew up. It's another turbulent wave of change. But now, every morning, from their camper, Maudie can see surfers bobbing in the water. She desperately wants to learn, but could she ever be brave enough? As Maudie navigates unfamiliar waters, she makes friends--and her autism no longer feels like the big deal her mom makes it out to be. But her secret is still threatening to sink her. Will Maudie find the strength to reveal the awful truth--and maybe even find some way to stay with Dad--before summer is over?

¡día de Playa! (Beach Day! Spanish Edition) by Candice Ransom; Erika Meza (Illustrator) Celebra el verano con este divertido libro ilustrado en español. ¡Es perfecto para niñitos que han comienzan a leer solos! ¡Vamos a la playa! La familia de ¡A recoger manzanas! regresa para un fabuloso día en la costa. La hermana y el hermano se divierten recogiendo caracoles marinos, construyendo un castillo de arena y chapoteando en el mar. La rima es fácil de seguir y asegura una experiencia de lectura exitosa, mientras que el arte colorida le da vida a la historia. LEYENDO A PASOS es una línea de Step into Reading que ofrece ediciones en español para diferentes niveles de lectura. Los libros Paso 1 tienen letra grande y palabras fáciles. Son ideales para niños que conocen el abecedario y que quieren comenzar a leer. Su ritmo, rima y pistas visuales contribuyen a la comprensión del texto. Celebrate summer fun with this Spanish-language edition of the Step 1 reader Beach Day! Let's go to the beach! The family from Apple Picking Day! returns for a fabulous day at the shore. The sister and brother have fun collecting seashells, building a sandcastle, and splashing around in the sea. Easy-to-follow rhyme ensures a successful reading experience, while bright, lively art brings the story to life. Step 1 Readers feature big type and easy words for children who know the alphabet and are eager to begin reading. Rhymes and rhythmic text paired with picture clues help children decode the story. LEYENDO A PASOS is a Spanish-language line of Step into Reading.

The Story of Gumluck the Wizard by Adam Rex Meet Gumluck the Wizard, the star of a new chapter book series by the inimitable Adam Rex! This is a story about magic, if you like that kind of thing. It is also a story about a ghost with amnesia, an unpopular fairy, an ungrateful little town, and an extremely wise and helpful raven (who happens to be a pretty talented storyteller). But mostly, it is about a friendly little wizard who lives inside a big hill and really, really, really wants to be a hero. His name is Gumluck, and he is a bumbling noodlehead. In this tall tale about a short wizard, celebrated author Adam Rex proves once and for all that the biggest heroes often come in the smallest nightgowns. Perfect for: Fans of Adam Rex Parents and grandparents seeking funny children's book series Teachers and librarians looking for engaging children's fantasy and magic books Anyone looking for fantasy chapter books Readers who enjoy Chris Colfer's A Tale of Magic, the Unicorn Academy series, and Magic Tree House books

Wishing Season by Anica Mrose Rissi A moving middle grade story by Anica Mrose Rissi that will appeal to readers who loved The Thing about Jellyfish and Hello, Universe, about the enduring bond between twins: Anders, who has recently died, and Lily, who has to balance her grief and confusion with a brother who isn't quite gone--and how to navigate a world that is moving forward without him. Of course Anders wasn't lonely in the afterlife. He still, like always, had Lily. Lily doesn't believe in making wishes. Not anymore. Not since Anders died. Wishes can't fix the terrible thing that happened. Wishing won't change how it feels. But Lily does believe in the impossible. She has a secret so extraordinary, so magical, no one would believe that it's true. No one except Anders, of course. Nothing about this summer is turning out how Lily would have wished. But wishes, like seasons, can change.

Conjure Island by Eden Royce From the award-winning author of Root Magic comes the story of a girl forced to spend the summer with a great-grandmother she's never met--only to discover she runs a school for Southern conjure magic.   If you ask Delphinia Baker, she'd tell you she has all the family she needs. Sure, her mom passed away when she was young, her dad is often away on deployment, but even though Del has never had anyone she can call her people, she has always had her grandmother--and that's enough. Besides, having no roots just makes it that much easier when you have to move again. All of that changes, though, when Gramma falls ill and Del is sent to stay with her great-grandmother. Del has never even heard of Nana Rose, and she has no interest in spending the summer on an unbearably hot island off the South Carolina coast. And when Nana Rose starts talking about the school she runs dedicated to their family's traditions--something called "conjure magic"--Del knows she's in for a weird, awkward summer. That is, until the magic turns out to be real. Soon, Del is surrounded by teachers who call themselves witches, kids with strange abilities, creatures and ghosts who can speak to her. She has a hundred questions, but one more than any other: Why didn't Gramma ever tell her about her family, the island, this magic? As Del sets out to find her place in a world she never knew existed, she also discovers a shadowy presence on the island--and comes to believe that it all might be connected.

A Delicious Story by Barney Saltzberg "You ate the story?" says one mouse to the other in this funny, heartfelt read-aloud with pitch-perfect repartee and Barney Saltzberg's signature take on the joys of creativity. Two mice-one big and one small-have a terrible problem. Little Mouse is looking for a story-they're in a book, after all!-and Big Mouse has to admit the truth. The story is gone. And (gasp!) he ate it. That is not okay with Little Mouse, who is all ready to hear a story and will settle for nothing less. Saltzberg's improvisational dialogue showcases both the patience required of true creativity and the dazzling on-the-spot storytelling that can happen when you get in the flow. In the end, these endearing mice work out their conflict- and make the reader realize that they've been delivering a story all along. Parents and children will want to take this satisfying comedic journey together again and again.

¡Muy Verde! - Too Green! by Sumana Seeboruth; Maribel Castells (Illustrator) Joining the Feelings & First series: a young child helps his Mum and Mama cook a green vegetable soup, but then emphatically refuses to eat it. After carefully watching his parents enjoying the meal, the child finally agrees to taste it and discovers that he likes it after all! Full of humor and sound effects, this adorable and relatable tale offers a positive model for handling food reluctance.

First Night of Howlergarten by Benson Shum (Illustrator) First-day-of-school jitters take on a whole new meaning at howlergarten, where future werewolves prepare for their big transformation! Most kids go to kindergarten, but there is a special place for those who turn into werewolves. Instead of attending school during the day, these supernatural students go to howlergarten at night! There they practice tracking scents, listening to whispers on the wind, and more. But when one student named Sophie doesn't seem to possess the basic skills, she worries she won't become a werewolf at all. What will happen if she remains human when the full moon appears? Will she still be accepted as part of the pack, or will she be cast aside as an ordinary outsider?

What Happens Next?: Science Fair Frenzy by Jess Smart Smiley In the second volume of the What Happens Next? graphic novel series, YOU decide whether Sunbright Middle School's science fair is a success-- or if it all goes up in flames!Megan Hathaway came to Sunbright Middle School's Science and Invention Fair expecting to have fun--she and her friend Charlotte had prepared a presentation on crow calls, and their table gave her a great view of her crush, Dillon. But for some reason, everything is going wrong. There are lemons all over the hallways, Megan's parents insist on embarrassing her, and there are rumors that the monstrous Sunbright Muck Man is on the hunt! Can YOU help Megan get through this day with her dignity and her life?! With over 25 different parallel realities to explore in Science Fair Frenzy, there's gotta be at least one where Megan gets a happy ending...right*?!*We cannot confirm the existence of a happy ending in Science Fair Frenzy.

Puppy Love by Gary Soto A sweetly humorous middle grade novel packed with action, basketball, and a dash of magical realism about friendship and family, first crushes, and belonging, from acclaimed author Gary Soto. Thirteen-year-old Jordan Mendoza has a huge crush on his classmate, Sierra, but he's never going to win her affections if he stays a C student and keeps embarrassing himself on the basketball court. And it doesn't help that his best friend, Antonio, likes to tease him about it all a little too much. But when Jordan dives into the waters of a dangerous irrigation canal to save a drowning puppy, he's suddenly got even more on his mind than kissing Sierra and making the starting team. Can he nurse the abandoned puppy back to health (and will his parents let him keep her) Who threw her into the canal--and is it possible that there are more puppies needing rescue And why are the cops suddenly at Jordan's door, looking for him  There's something for every reader in this story's mix of humor, sports, themes of thrilling independence, subtle strands of magical realism, and timely social commentary, all held together by a sweet and satisfying emotional core.

I Will Read to You by Gideon Sterer; Charles Santoso (Illustrator) A gentle blend of spooky and sweet, I Will Read to You is a unique rhyming bedtime tale about empathy, storytime...and monsters. Once upon a time, there was a boy who loved stories--scary ones about skeletons and witches, giants and ghosts, vampires, dragons, mummies and goblins. But he wondered...do monsters have anyone to read to them? Armed with only a book and a flashlight (and with his bemused mother in tow), he travels through the night, calling together every monster he can think of to make sure they get the bedtime story they need. Delightfully spooky and surprisingly tender, I Will Read to You celebrates monsters, stories, and the way a good book can bring us together. (Don't forget to find the little orange monster hidden on almost every page!)

The Spin by Marcus Stroman In this second book in the semi-autobiographical middle grade series from MLB pitcher Marcus Stroman, young Marcus continues to learn hard lessons on and off the baseball field. Everyone knows Marcus Stroman as a baseball player. He loves the sport, and yes, he probably has a shot at the pros. But "baseball player" doesn't totally define him. Why won't anyone also see him as a basketball player or a musician? While he loves being known for what he does well, he's struggling because people are trying to limit him to just one thing. Literally how high up a mountain does Marcus need to climb to be completely free of what everyone else sees? How can he protect himself from the online zings, the chatter, and the opinions? When you walk out on the field or that court, how much criticism is fair play? With some perspective from a new view, Marcus realizes that no matter what field, court, or classroom he's in, he has to block some shots.

The Little Green Envelope by Gillian Sze; Claudine Crangle (Illustrator) A little green envelope longs to go on a journey. Will it be chosen to deliver Olive's letter to her far-away friend? Olive's friend has moved away, and Olive wishes she could visit her. A little green envelope, lost in the bottom of the desk drawer, knows how Olive feels. It, too, wants so much to travel, and imagines zipping up and down conveyer belts and bouncing along in a mail bag, on its way to deliver an important letter. An old postcard reassures that for every occasion, there is an envelope ... but it seems like it will never be the little green envelope's turn. When Olive's grandpa suggests writing her friend a letter, the little green envelope hopes and hopes that it will be chosen to carry the letter to its destination -- but will it be a perfect fit? A diagram on the endpapers shows how readers can create their own little green envelopes!   Key Text Features illustrations   Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.6 With prompting and support, name the author and illustrator of a story and define the role of each in telling the story. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.

Control Freaks by J. E. Thomas One week. One prize. Seven really weird challenges. The kids at Benjamin Banneker College Prep are a little... competitive. Okay. They're a LOT competitive. The minute Principal Yee announces an epic competition for the golden B-B trophy, seventh-grader Frederick Douglass Zezzmer knows he has to win. But it won't be easy. The competition doesn't just include science, technology, engineering and math. It also has arts and sports. Not Doug's best subjects. Even worse, it's a TEAM competition. Instead of being in a superstar group, Doug gets paired with four middle school misfits no one else wants. Worst of all, Doug's dad has a horrible backup plan. If Doug doesn't win, he has to forget about becoming The World's Greatest Inventor and spend the summer in sports camp, with his scary stepbrother. With only a week to go, Doug launches a quest to turn his team of outcasts into winners... and maybe even friends. P R A I S E ★ "Thomas strews the increasingly suspenseful competition with teachable moments and traces learning curves not only for the students but for teachers and parents, too. Reminiscent of E. L. Konigsburg's The View from Saturday."  --Booklist (starred) "Creative and hilarious...the novel's narration shifts among many perspectives, giving a rich, panoramic view of how stressful yet ultimately rewarding these learning experiences are for the overachievers, the socially awkward, the kids with complicated home lives, and all those who just need to see each other a little differently." --Kirkus "...Witty competition drama... a telling that prioritizes characters' interiority as well as their impact on each other's lives. While Doug's determined voice is the primary focus, the rotating narratives showcase each of the racially diverse characters' individual stressors, delivering a well-rounded accounting that is better for its multiplicity." --Publishers Weekly

Don't Trust the Cat by Kristen Tracy Fifth-grader Poppy McBean likes rules and order. She's a follower, and she's totally okay with that. And if you judge her for that, she's okay with that too! But after falling prey to her friends' bullying one too many times, Poppy makes a wish to be happy--and it comes true in a very unexpected way: She wakes up in the body of her cat, Mitten Man.   Mayhem ensues as Poppy-the-girl attempts to navigate the wilds of the wilderness as a cat . . . and her free-thinking, groundbreaking kitty has had it with his owner's timidity. He's out to put the purr in perfectionist and take over middle school--as Poppy.   Hilarious and unexpected, Don't Trust the Cat is a coming-of-age adventure that will keep readers cringing, cracking up, and reconsidering what it means to be a good person.

Half Moon Summer by Elaine Vickers Two seventh graders discover it takes more than grit and a good pair of shoes to run 13.1 miles. You've got to have a partner who refuses to let you quit. Drew was never much of a runner. Until his dad's unexpected diagnosis. Mia has nothing better to do. Until she realizes entering Half Moon Bay's half-marathon could solve her family's housing problems. And just like that they decide to spend their entire summer training to run 13.1 miles. Drew and Mia have very different reasons for running, but these two twelve year olds have one crucial thing in common (besides sharing a birthday)- Hope. For the future. For their families. And for each other.

Trusty Town Hall by Lindsay Ward Fans of Richard Scarry's Busy, Busy World will enjoy this fun, interactive Community Helpers picture book that introduces children to everyone who works together within the local government. Welcome to Trusty Town Hall! Everyone here helps keep the town of Honey Hill running smoothly. Marco's father is running for mayor. Sadie and her grandma are collecting materials from the recycling center to create an art installation. Chloe's visiting her mom, the fire chief. What will they experience on their visit to town hall This interactive book is perfect for kids to learn about the different jobs in their local government. Includes a detailed glossary, counting prompts, and search-and-find elements. Don't miss these interactive and informative picture books by Lindsay Ward: Helping Hospital: A Community Helpers Book The Capitol: A Meet the Nation's Capitol Book

Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh! by Mo Willems From #1 New York Times bestselling, award-winning author and illustrator Mo Willems comes a new holiday classic. It's the most wonderful time of the year--for driving a sleigh! 'Tis also the season--for driving a sleigh! Oh, and joy to the--driving a sleigh! The Pigeon has made a list and checked it once. Can his holiday dream come true? Or will The Pigeon be left out in the cold? You'll share some HO-HO-HOs and HA-HA-HAs finding out in three-time Caldecott Honoree Mo Willems' ninth Pigeon book, Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Sleigh!

Grandpa and the Kingfisher by Anna Wilson; Sarah Massini (Illustrator) Life-affirming and lyrical, this beautiful picture book celebrates the awesome power of nature and the circle of life. Over the course of a year, a young child and their dog watch kingfishers by the river with Grandpa. As spring turns to summer and autumn to winter, the kingfishers raise a family, while Grandpa teaches his grandchild about the power of nature and the circle of life. Written in memory of her father, whose favorite bird was the kingfisher, Anna Wilson takes readers on a lyrical journey through a year in the life of a kingfisher family. Stunning illustrations by Sarah Massini bring the riverbank to life in all its glory, while the powerful, intergenerational bond between grandparent and grandchild shows that just as spring always follows winter, hope will always return if you know where to look for it. A positive story about life, death, and being a part of the natural world.

Lia Park and the Heavenly Heirlooms by Jenna Yoon Perfect for fans of the Gifted Clans and Aru Shah series, this thrilling second book of the middle grade fantasy Lia Park series sees Lia and Joon on a mission to protect important magical objects--and themselves--from a mysterious enemy. Twelve-year-old Lia Park and her best friend, Joon, are now full-time students at International Magic Academy after defeating corrupt diviner Gaya, and their first assignment is an ambitious one. The evil nine-headed monster and King of Darkness, Jihaedaegukjeok, wants to destroy the three Heavenly Heirlooms that create fire and light to plunge the world into darkness and destroy humanity. The heirlooms can only be destroyed if they are all together, so over time, they have been hidden carefully with magic. Except now, one of them is missing. Lia, Joon, and their classmates have been tasked with recovering the lost heirloom and bringing it to IMA for safekeeping. They expected the task to be difficult, but the number of obstacles the magic trainees run into makes Lia start to wonder if the sabotage could be coming from someone inside the school.

Tessa Miyata Is No Hero by Julie Abe A thrilling and charming middle grade fantasy steeped in Japanese lore and mythology, perfect for fans of the Zachary Ying series. Tessa Miyata has never fit in. When she and her two sisters are told they will be staying at their grandparents in Japan, Tessa is thrilled. A summer in Japan could be her chance to go on an adventure worthy of impressing her classmates back home.   Her hopes are quickly dashed when, all too soon, she realizes that life in Japan is just like being in California: her sisters are old enough to go into Tokyo, while she can't even go to the corner store by herself. Plus, her grandparents want her to stay home with the neighbor kid, thirteen-year-old Jin Uehara, who's made it clear he's too cool to spend time with a weirdo like her.   When Tessa is finally allowed to go to Tokyo, it's only to join her grandpa's retiree aerobic class with none other than Jin. Their disastrous forced hang out comes crashing to a halt when Tessa and Jin break the Miyata family's precious heirloom--accidentally releasing the malicious samurai god Taira Masakado and discovering a hidden part of the city where gods and mythological creatures walk among humans--including their new companion, a mythical nine-tailed fox who may be more trouble than he is help.   Despite doing everything to avoid spending another minute together, Tessa and Jin must now work together to stop Taira Masakado before he traps them--and the rest of Tokyo--under his command, forever.   Perfect for fans of Rick Riordan and Graci Kim, this brand new fantasy adventure will grip readers from the very first page and never let go.

Eerie Tales from the School of Screams by Graham Annable From the director of the Oscar-nominated movie Boxtrolls comes a middle grade horror anthology that will leave you holding onto your blankets for dear life! Perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Goosebumps!School is tough.School is scary.School isEERIE.No one knows this better than Davis and Emily. But they're not scared of school because of tough tests or merciless vice-principals. No, they're scared because their teacher wants her students to present the class with the spookiest, most chilling stories they can think of.From the twisted mind of Graham Annable comes five horrifying stories that will scare your skeleton right out of your skin. Are you ready to stare down "The Face in the Forest"? Do you think you can handle the truth behind "The Village that Vanished?"Lock the doors, turn on all the lights, and arm yourself with candy-- you'll need all the help you can get to face these nightmares.

The Secret Sisters by Avi Newbery medalist Avi tells the story of a young girl determined to define her own place amidst old rules and new ways in the Roaring Twenties. Attending high school in Steamboat Springs is Ida Bidson's dream--it's her next step toward becoming a teacher and her best shot at escaping a life of milking cows. It's 1925, and from using telephones to attending movies, Ida is thrilled by her new experiences in Steamboat. She and her school friends even form a club, the Secret Sisters, to celebrate everything modern. But when they accidentally antagonize the strict, traditionalist principal, Ida's high school career may be over before it even begins. It's up to the Secret Sisters find a way to save Ida's dream! Readers will cheer for Ida as she continues the adventure begun in the one-room schoolhouse of Avi's popular The Secret School!

Good Night, Little Man by Daniel Bernstrom; Heidi Woodward Sheffield (Illustrator) From Daniel Bernstrom, the acclaimed author of One Day in the Eucalyptus, Eucalyptus Tree, comes a new bedtime favorite featuring a persistent Little Man who refuses to sleep without his sheep-sheep. It's time for bed! But Little Man can't get to sleep without his beloved stuffed animal. Suddenly everyone's very awake, and a house-wide search breaks out waaay past bedtime. Nana searches up high, Grandpa searches down low, and still no one can find the sheep! Will Little Man reunite with Sheep-Sheep before bed Find out in this rhythmic, heartwarming bedtime romp.

Two Tribes by Emily Bowen Cohen In her poignant debut graphic novel inspired by her own life, Emily Bowen Cohen embraces the complexity, meaning, and deep love that comes from being part of two vibrant tribes. Mia is still getting used to living with her mom and stepfather, and to the new role their Jewish identity plays in their home. Feeling out of place at home and at her Jewish day school, Mia finds herself thinking more and more about her Muscogee father, who lives with his new family in Oklahoma. Her mother doesn't want to talk about him, but Mia can't help but feel like she's missing a part of herself without him in her life. Soon, Mia makes a plan to use the gifts from her bat mitzvah to take a bus to Oklahoma--without telling her mom--to visit her dad and find the connection to her Muscogee side she knows is just as important as her Jewish side. This graphic novel by Muscogee-Jewish writer and artist Emily Bowen Cohen is perfect for fans of American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang. It is published by Heartdrum, an imprint that centers stories about contemporary Indigenous young people.

God Is Kind by Jamie Calloway-Hanauer; Patrick Brooks (Illustrator) Discover all the wonderful ways God spreads kindness and you can too in this heartwarming board book for babies and toddlers! Celebrate the blessings and kindness all around us! Filled with heartwarming rhymes and gorgeous animal illustrations, this inspirational book proves just how much we're loved and how we can show others we care as well. Ideal for soon-to-be and new parents, grandparents, and anyone celebrating their little ones, this sweet social emotional story teaches kids about friendship and acts of kindness big and small and makes a delightful read aloud all year round! Dear little one, I have good news for you- God's kindness is in all that we see and do!

Baller Ina by Liz Casal Swish! Sure to be a slam-dunk at storytime, this rhyming picture book introduces readers to Ina, a graceful ballerina...who also loves to get competitive on the basketball court! Doesn't matter what you call her. Ballerina, basketballer. On the court or at the barre, Ina is a superstar! Ina loves to dance ballet- tendu, passe, and grand jete. But there's more she can do in her pink tutu! Cheer from the sidelines as Ina--with her signature ballet moves--helps lead her basketball team to victory in this picture book that celebrates the marvelously multifaceted nature of kids.

Do I Belong Here?/ ¿Es Este Mi Lugar? by René Colato Laínez; Fabricio Vanden Broeck (Illustrator) An immigrant boy stands "in the middle of a whirlwind of children," and wonders where he is supposed to go. Finally, a woman speaks to him in a language he doesn't understand and takes him to his classroom. A boy named Carlos helps orient him, but later when he reads aloud, everyone laughs at him. And when he gets an "F" on an assignment, he is sure "I do not belong here." But gradually the boy begins to learn English. He works hard. He always pays attention, finishes his homework and-most importantly-never gives up. He begins to recognize words. "I understand now. Open is abrir, books are libros and page is página." And when the kids invite him to play soccer, he thinks, "Maybe I belong here." As the boy's grades improve and he make friends, he realizes, "I belong here." And when he sees a girl looking lost, sure she doesn't belong, he can say with certainty: "Not yet. But you will." Award-winning children's book author René Colato Laínez teams up again with illustrator Fabricio Vanden Broeck to explore the experiences of newcomers in schools and affirm that yes! They do belong. With beautiful acrylic-on-wood illustrations depicting children at school, this bilingual kids' book by a Salvadoran immigrant tells an important story that will resonate with all kids who want nothing more than to belong.

Fiona Goes to School by Zondervan; Richard Cowdrey (Illustrator); Donald Wu (Illustrator) Join Fiona the hippo, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as she and her friends start a zoo school to learn more about their fellow animals.  Fiona and a few of her animal friends attend zoo school for the very first time and find out just how fun it is to learn new things in the classroom. Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality.  Fiona Goes to Schoolis:  An endearing animal book that's a perfect gift from parents and grandparents   A sweet story about the importance of learning and being good listeners  ALevel One I Can Read story geared for children learning to read  Perfect for back-to-school reading, summer reading, birthday gifts, and holidaygift-giving  Createdby New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey of Fiona the Hippo; AVery Fiona Christmas; Fiona, It's Bedtime; Legend of the Candy Cane; BadDog, Marley; and A Very Marley Christmas fame   Fiona Goes to Schoolis one title in an I Can Read series that focuses on Fiona the hippo. Other titles include:Meet Fiona, Fiona Saves the Day, Fantastic Fiona, Fiona and the Rainy Day,andFiona's Train Ride.

Mis Días con Papá / Spending Time with Dad by Elías David; Claudia Delgadillo (Illustrator) This sweet bilingual picture book follows a boy and his stay-at-home dad, who takes care of him while his mom goes to work at the port, "where huge cargo ships come and go every day." She oversees the containers that go around the world! The boy recounts his days spending time with his father, from "when the sun starts filling the room with light," to eating breakfast, brushing his teeth and talking to his grandparents who live in a different country. His favorite time of the day is when he gets to play with his dinosaurs and his friend Tato, a stuffed cat who joins him on all his adventures. When Mom comes home, the whole family goes to the park. After dinner, he goes to bed and thinks about the ships from his mom's work, his dinosaurs and his grandparents. Soon he falls asleep, hugging his special kitty. In this bilingual picture book brightly illustrated by Claudia Delgadillo, young children will relate to the family and its daily routines while immigrants will see themselves as they adjust to life far away from relatives. And children will see that the roles of men and women are fluid; dads can be loving fathers in charge of their kids' well-being and moms can go to the office every day-or vice versa.

Pete the Cat and the Space Chase by James Dean From New York Times bestselling author-illustrator team James and Kimberly Dean comes the next I Can Read Comics book in the Pete the Cat series! When Agent Meow (also known as Pete the Cat) discovers an empty alien spaceship and accidentally launches into space, what else will he find Early readers will love blasting off with Agent Meow in this otherworldly adventure! Pete the Cat and the Sprinkle Stealer is a Level One I Can Read Comic, which means it will introduce children into the world of graphic novel storytelling and encourage visual literacy in emerging readers.

The Baddies by Julia Donaldson; Axel Scheffler (Illustrator) From the creators of Room on the Broom and The Gruffalo, a perfect read-aloud tale of spooky, silly fun! Oh no! The Baddies are coming! They're the meanest and nastiest ghost, witch, and troll in all the land, and they just love being bad. When a little girl moves into a nearby cottage, the Baddies can't wait to scare her out of her wits. But little girls are much braver than they thought, and baddies don't always win... Get ready for a rollicking tale of spooky, silly fun in this riotous picture book from the creators of Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale, and The Gruffalo.

Heart Berry Bling by Jenny Kay Dupuis; Eva Campbell (Illustrator) On a visit to her granny, Maggie is excited to begin her first-ever beading project: a pair of strawberry earrings. However, beading is much harder than she expected! As they work side by side, Granny shares how beading helped her persevere and stay connected to her Anishinaabe culture when she lost her Indian status, forcing her out of her home community--all because she married someone without status, something the men of her community could do freely. As she learns about patience and perseverance from her granny's teachings, Maggie discovers that beading is a journey, and like every journey, it's easier with a loved one at her side. In this beautifully illustrated book, children learn about the tradition of Anishinaabe beadwork, strawberry teachings, and gender discrimination in the Indian Act.

Player vs. Player #2: Attack of the Bots by M. K. England; Chris Danger (Illustrator) In book 2 of this action-packed illustrated series, the best kid gamers return to the world of eSports and battle for glory at their first pro tournament. Perfect for young fans of Ready Player One and Mr. Lemoncello's Library. Welcome to Affinity, the hottest battle royale video game around! Since winning the first-ever Affinity tournament, The Weird Ones are supposed to be on top of the world. Josh, Hannah, Larkin, and Wheatley have formed their own professional team and launched a popular streaming channel, and they're set to take eSports by storm. But the kids have an awful secret- Wheatley is missing. And considering the threats he received before he disappeared, the other team members are worried. Plus, they keep getting matched with random players in-game who seem . . . disturbingly Wheatley-like? It's creepy. Sinister, even. And it's getting worse. With their first pro match looming, the kids are running out of time. They need help, and fast-because without Wheatley, their pro dreams may be dashed before the game even begins.

The Boo Crew Needs YOU! by Vicky Fang; Saoirse Lou (Illustrator) Trouble's come to Monster Town, and emergencies abound! There's no time to wait around... get the Boo Crew! Get ready for a spooky interactive story experience with Lula, Bones, and Fang-a ghost, skeleton, and vampire team who need YOUR help fixing all the messes and frights of a Halloween night gone wrong! Whether it's tapping the page to mend a broken pumpkin or turning the book to set a toppling haunted house back upright, the action prompts let kids join in on the fun and save the day.

Minecraft Legends: Return of the Piglins by Matt Forbeck The mythic past of Minecraft Legends returns to threaten the Overworld in this official novel! Farnum dreams of running a famous zoo. But though the mobs he keeps are adorable, none of them draws anything close to a crowd. Farnum needs something strange and new--but he's the furthest thing from an adventurer. It takes a lot of convincing from his friends, but Farnum finally takes a chance and goes with them to explore a lush new biome . . . which is how he ends up falling down a waterfall and washing up in front of a mysterious purple portal.   Kritten has advised many powerful piglins. Few have been as fearsome or demanding as the Great Bungus. If Kritten wants their head to stay on their shoulders, the pint-sized piglin advisor is going to need to find their clan more land. And fast. At their most desperate point, they discover a cavern filled with ancient piglin carvings, depicting a legend that may have all the answers they're looking for. Once upon a time, three fabled piglin hordes left the Nether behind and made war on the Overworld. And Kritten thinks they might just have a way to do the same now. All they need is the help of someone in the Overworld foolish enough to trust them . . . someone like Farnum.   Together, zookeeper and piglin are about to carve out a legend of their own. And the Overworld may never be the same!

El Español Es la Lengua de Mi Familia by Michael Genhart; John Parra (Illustrator) An intergenerational story of family ties, cultural pride, and spelling bee victory following a young boy who bonds with his beloved abuela over a love of Spanish. As a boy prepares for his school's Spanish spelling bee, he asks his grandmother for help with some of the words he doesn't know how to spell yet. When she studies with him, she tells him how different things were back when she was a girl, when she was only allowed to speak English in school. This only inspires him to study even harder and make his family proud. Based on stories author Michael Genhart heard from his mother as a child, Spanish is the Language of My Family is about the joy of sharing cultural heritage with our families, inspired by the generations of Latino people were punished for speaking Spanish and the many ways new generations are rejuvenating the language. Michael Genhart's text is as touching as it is poignant, and it's paired with the striking artwork of multiple Pura Belpre Award-Winning Illustrator John Parra. Extensive material at the back of the book includes essays from the author about the history of Spanish suppression in U.S. schools and information about the Spanish alphabet. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

How to Hatch a Reader by Kari Ann Gonzalez; Rachel Suzanne (Illustrator) Learning to read can be tricky, but a good teacher can make all the difference! When your feathered friends start begging for books, you want to be ready with all the right tools. First, find a cozy place to rest their chicken cheeks and help them peck the right story. Make sure to avoid the scary ones (and any books with fowl language). Help your chickens practice letter sounds, point out common words, and encourage every chicken scratch. Don't forget to celebrate with a dance party! Before long, words will be flying off the pages . . . unless that fox gets in the way. With warm colors, adorable characters, humor and hints of forthcoming mischief, How to Hatch a Reader is the perfect addition to any home, library or classroom, helping kids build confidence in their own skills while encouraging a love for books and reading with others.

Party Hearty Kitty-Corn by Shannon Hale; LeUyen Pham (Illustrator) Kitty has a grand idea. "Let's throw a kitty-corn party!"

Grandmothers Galore! by Ellen Yeomans; Judith Henderson; Rashin Kheiriyeh (Illustrator) When a mysterious yellow envelope arrives at Hollyhock House, it causes quite the hubbub. It's addressed simply to "the greatest grandmother in the world." The trouble is, there are a lot of grandmothers, great-grandmothers, and even a great-great-grandmother living at Hollyhock House. So who is the best grandmother? Whether your grandma is a Bubby, a Bibi, an Abuela, a Nai Nai, or a Grammy, Grandmothers Galore! has something for everyone to enjoy: a zany tale full of mischief, mystery, and plenty of grandmotherly love.

The Demon Sword Asperides by Sarah Jean Horwitz A scheming demon sword and a wannabe knight band together on a (possibly wicked) quest in this fantasy, perfect for fans of Diana Wynne Jones and Terry Pratchett. For the past two hundred years, the demon sword Asperides has led a quiet life. While his physical form has been tasked with guarding the body of an evil sorcerer, the rest of his consciousness has taken a well-earned vacation. That constant need to trick humans into wielding him (at the price of their very souls, of course) was rather draining. Nack Furnival, on the other hand, is far from satisfied with his existence. Nack has trained since birth to be a brave and noble knight--but, unfortunately, he isn't especially good at it. Determined to prove his worth, Nack needs a quest. And to complete that quest, he'll need the one thing no knight can do without: a sword. When an attempt to resurrect the evil sorcerer throws Asperides into Nack's path, the demon sword can't help but trick the boy into making a contract to become his new owner. And with the newly undead (and very, very angry) sorcerer on their trail, Asperides and Nack find themselves swept up in a bigger adventure than either of them bargained for: saving the world.

Doris by Sarah Jacoby (Illustrator) Doris dances to her own tune in this whimsical and emotionally resonant tale about finding the courage to be yourself. Doris has always reveled in the warmth of a spotlight. Her whole life, she's danced the nights away, With friends from the only home she's ever known. But one day, Doris twirls... Out Of Step ...Until she stumbles across a whole new kind of spotlight. This gorgeous tale by award winning picture book creator Sarah Jacoby, filled with breathtaking art, is a classic in the making, reminiscent of favorites such as Ferdinand and Peter Rabbit. It will surely melt your heart and might even make you want to dance in the moonlight!

Lake Life with You by Cindy Jin; Andrés Landazábal (Illustrator) With sweet, rhyming text and beautiful art that will transport you to the lake, this heartfelt board book celebrates the best things about enjoying lake life with the ones you love. when the lake is quiet in the morning breeze we watch the sunrise paint the sky when the frogs are croaking and herons take wing, we feed the ducks wading by Whether it's feeding ducks, looking for fish, or enjoying a peaceful nature walk, this cozy story proves that the best thing about lake life is making precious memories with the ones you love that last long after you leave the shore.

102 Days of Lying about Lauren by Maura Jortner After being abandoned by her mother in a most unusual place, a defiant heroine sticks to her plan for staying hidden-even though getting caught could mean saving her life. Twelve-year-old Mouse calls an amusement park home. Nobody notices her, and that's the way she likes it. Mouse sweeps the streets and wears a uniform she "borrowed" and sleeps on the top floor of the Haunted House of Horrors. She knows which security guards to avoid, eats the bagel left out each morning for the Ghost of Summer (a popular theme park legend), and even has the taco guy convinced that her lunch is paid for. She has her special hiding methods down to a science. But one morning, a girl named Cat comes looking for Lauren Suszek. Cat notices her, and Mouse doesn't like it. Mouse cannot let this nosy pest find out who she really is! If Mouse gets discovered living in the park, Mama might come back for her, and Mouse doesn't want that. Or-even worse?-Mama might not come back at all. Mouse knows she can lose this girl without blowing her cover. She just has to follow her rules. A carefully constructed life in the park is all she needs. Right? Anchored by memorable characters and an extraordinary setting, Maura Jortner's brilliant debut novel is bursting with grit, humor, and heart. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

The Last Fallen Realm by Graci Kim Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents the thrilling conclusion to Graci Kim's best-selling Gifted Clans trilogy. Riley Oh wasn't born into her family. Instead, as she recently discovered, she tumbled down to the earth many years ago as the last fallen star. Riley Oh also wasn't born to be a witch. Like, at all-even her status as a divine celestial being comes with zilch in the magical powers department. And Riley Oh definitely wasn't born to be a leader. But now the entire magical community thinks she and her soul-twin, Dahl, are meant to lead the world into the Age of the Final Eclipse (or whatever it is that the Haetae keeps saying they're "destined" to do). Greeeat. But ever since Riley killed the Cave Bear Goddess, she's been a bit pre-occupied with one thing- waiting for the goddess's sisters to get their revenge. And it looks like her wait is finally over-because as witches from around the world prepare for war, it seems as though the goddesses are preparing for something much worse. Something that will lure Riley and her friends deep into the realm of the gods. Into a world of humongous, talking moon bunnies; life-or-death mini-golf competitions; and...magical gummy candies? And in order to save the world, Riley must do the one thing she was born to do- believe in herself. Endorsed by Rick Riordan, author of Percy Jackson and the Olympians, soon to be a series on Disney+. Complete your middle grade collection with these best-selling fan favorites- Rick Riordan Presents Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani ChokshiRick Riordan Presents Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame MbaliaRick Riordan Presents City of the Plague God by Sarwat ChaddaThe Trials of Apollo series by Rick Riordan

How to Welcome an Alien by Rebecca Klempner; Shirley Waisman (Illustrator) When a friendly alien family's spaceship lands in the Abraham's back yard, Dina welcomes them with traditional Jewish hospitality. While this story hints at the biblical origins of the tradition of welcoming a stranger, its the silly antics of these out-of-this-world visitors that will have readers laughing out loud. A note at the back pulls it all together and reminds us that a stranger can be anyone from an immigrant to a person that feels alone because they are different and all deserve our hospitality.

Snail and Worm, of Course by Tina Kügler (Illustrator) Snail and Worm are back and sweeter than ever as they contemplate their friendship and place in the cosmos in three new stories by Geisel Honor winner Tina Kügler. These endearing invertebrates may not have backbones, but they always have each other's backs! With signature cheer and heartfelt humor, these tales celebrate friends who accept each other exactly as they are. As Publishers Weekly commented on the first book in this series: "Snail and Worm's direct, simplified dialogue is perfect for beginning readers, and their unabashed dopiness--equally evident in their conversations and in Kügler's mixed-media cartoons--delivers a steady stream of laughs." Like such popular pairs as Stick and Stone, Narwhal and Jelly, Frog and Toad, and George and Martha, Snail and Worm friendship stories are perfect for early readers.

It's Fall! by Renée Kurilla An homage to the joys of the season--from jumping into piles of leaves, to trick-or-treating, to baking tasty meals--written in sweet and simple verse. Colors bursting, shadows tall. There's lots to celebrate--it's fall! Break out your fuzzy socks and cozy scarves! Bring on the doughnuts, cider, and pies! It's time for corn mazes, trick-or-treating, and all the Thanksgiving food you can eat.... It's fall! With playful rhymes and lively illustrations, this celebratory book shows the many ways we welcome and enjoy a special season.

Out of the Fires by Carrie Lara; Colleen Larmour (Illustrator) After a fire destroys his home and neighborhood, a young boy must learn what it means to be resilient and to recover. Let me tell you about that one day everything was there, and then there was nothing. This inspiring journal will help victims of a natural disaster as they follow a boy who is healing after a devastating fire in his neighborhood. A journal filled with drawings, news clippings, and coping strategies, this book is chock full of information on cultivating resilience after a natural disaster. Things may never be "normal" again, but he discovers that he is resilient and strong--even when hard things happen. Includes end matter on the topic of building resilience.

The Umbrella Maker's Son by Katrina Leno From a critically acclaimed author comes a fantastical middle grade novel about a boy determined to prove there's more than just the weather behind his rainy town.    Oscar Buckle lives in a city where it's always raining. And when it isn't raining, it's about to rain, so the townspeople have learned to embrace it. Oscar's father is an umbrella maker--appropriate for a place where you can't leave home without one!--but while Buckle Umbrellas are strong, reliable, and high quality, they're expensive. Because of this, people are buying from the competitor instead, which is threatening Oscar's family's business.   To make ends meet, Oscar is forced to quit school and work in his father's shop as an apprentice. But when extraordinary events start to occur in their rainy town, Oscar becomes suspicious of their competitor. Desperate to save his town, Oscar must enlist the help of his best friend, Saige, to discover if there's more than nature involved in their city's weather.

Trick! or Treat? It's Halloween! by Jo Lodge A great new addition to a highly successful novelty series--the perfect Halloween gift.    Jo Lodge is a master of highly original, simple yet effective novelty books. Building on the success of Roar! Roar! I'm a Dinosaur!, which launched with a print run of more than 80,000 copies, this Halloween-themed title explores all the magic of Halloween--from cats and pumpkins to skeletons and ghosts! Simple pull-tabs and a fun fact on every page.

Totally Psychic by Brigid Martin This debut middle grade series stars a Cuban-American tween medium navigating friends, family and ghosts!   Paloma Ferrer is psychic. In fact, everyone in her family line has "the gift." Now that Paloma has come into her powers, she dreams of becoming a famous medium to celebrities, just like her beloved grandma.   When Paloma's parents move them from Miami to Los Angeles, she hatches a plan to get her career as a medium up and running: Host seances at her new school and stream on social media Build her profile and make a name for herself Avoid detection from her tattletale of a little sister But when a reading gone awry leaves Paloma in a sticky situation with a new friend, she'll need more than a crystal ball to find her way out of this mess.

Stink: Superhero Superfan by Megan McDonald; Peter H. Reynolds (Illustrator) Thanks to a trove of vintage comic books and a few forensic tips, Stink becomes a super sleuth in this episode honoring classic superheroes and mystery-solving. Cheek! Chack! Chirp! At a Moody family yard sale, Stink uncovers a box of old comics about a superhero he's never heard of: Super Gecko. What could be more fantastic than a part-man, part-lizard with superpowers? Hello, fun! Even better, Super Gecko just happens to be making a super comeback. And just as Stink becomes Super Gecko's number one fan, the impossible happens: Stink starts receiving mysterious notes signed by Super Gecko himself. But Super Gecko isn't real, is he? Using his newly acquired superpowers of science and deduction--all the cool stuff he's learning at Saturday Science Club--Stink puts himself to the test. Can he figure out who is writing the letters?

The Unpetables by Dennis Messner These two best friends have had ENOUGH of being petted! It's a non-stop zany middle-grade adventure as they bust out of the petting zoo and hit the road to find their destiny. Pigmund and Lizardo are free! They recently "declared independence" from their petting zoo.... and now this pot-bellied pig and iguana are out to SEE THE WORLD. They are- THE UNPETABLES - and they're available for temporary work as "freelance pets." But no matter what gigs the Unpetables may get, they have one very big rule- NO MORE PETTING! Will Pigmund and Lizardo find the independence they're looking for? Or will Maintenance Man Kenny finally catch up with them and take them back to Uncle Milo's All-Natural Petting Zoo? Hitch a ride on the nearest chicken and pick up this laugh-a-minute graphic novel, full of rambunctious action and irresistible creativity.

Ways to Play by Lyn Miller-Lachmann; Gabriel Alborozo (Illustrator) Riley has plenty of ways to play; like lining up dolls and stuffies by size and shape. Tearing up newspapers and making piles into mountains, using sharp crayons to draw big swirly patterns. But bossy cousin Emma thinks those ways are wrong, wrong, and wrong. And she makes no bones about letting Riley know exactly what her opinion is.  Fortunately, Charlie the dog is on hand to help with a breakthrough demonstration that there are MANY ways to play; and all of them are right.   Based on experiences that Lyn Miller Lachman had growing up as an Autistic child and illustrated with the humor, tenderness and understanding that perhaps only an artist like Gabriel Alborozo, himself an Autistic creator, could bring, here is an empowering validation of the value of individual expression. And a whole lot of fun.

Skeletown: Sí. ¡No! by Rhode Montijo Say "¡SI!" to a fresh, funny, Spanish-forward picture book series set in Skeletown--a cheerful, vibrant world filled with Día de los Muertos-inspired characters! Spend the day with Skully and Skelly as they learn what to say "yes" and "no" to! With the clever use of just two words--sí and no--throughout the whole book, a sequence of hilarious gags leads to mischief, chaos, and ultimately friendships soaring to new heights! At first, cautious Skelly reins in Skully's antics, but after they arrive at a friend's birthday party and the games start heating up, Skelly finally comes out of her sugar-skull shell and reveals that there's a hankering for adventure in her after all! With dynamic, neon art that pops off the pages, a completely unique approach to storytelling, and a wildly appealing (but not scary!) cast of calavera characters from the fantastical world of Skeletown, here's a rambunctious romp that will inspire giggles with Spanish and English readers alike! Di "¡SÍ!" a una serie de libros ilustrados, originales y divertidos, con solo dos palabras en español basados en el mundo de Skeletown, un mundo alegre y lleno de color con personajes inspirados en el Día de los Muertos. ¡Pasa el día con Skully y Skelly mientras aprenden a decir "sí" y "no"! Con el uso inteligente de solo dos palabras, sí y no, esta historia es accesible tanto para hispanos como anglos.  Vive junto con Skully y Skelly una secuencia de bromas divertidísimas. Al principio, la cautelosa Skelly controla las travesuras de Skully, pero después de que llegan a la fiesta de cumpleaños de una amiga, los juegos empiezan a levantar el espíritu aventurero. Desearás acompañarlos en cada momento de esta maravillosa historia. Además, te encantarán los colores neón que sobresalen en cada una de las ilustraciones. Tendrás acceso a un mundo fantástico con personajes de calavera, (¡que no dan miedo!). Skeletown es un mundo fantástico que atrapará tu atención, te sacará risas y hará volar tu imaginación.

Talia's Codebook for Mathletes by Marissa Moss (Illustrator) Can math-loving Talia crack the code of being cool in middle school? Marissa Moss, creator of the internationally best-selling Amelia's Notebook series, makes a welcome, STEM-oriented return to the comics diary form. Talia loves math puzzles and code-breaking, but the new social rules of middle school have her stumped. Her best friend, Dash, is now embarrassed to be best friends with a girl, so he only wants to hang out with Talia outside of school. And although Talia is excited to make the math team, the strict team captain doubts her abilities . . . just because she's a girl. But Talia has a great idea: she'll start her own all-girls math team! As the first competition approaches, Talia is determined to bring her fledgling team to victory, get her best friend back, and break the social code of preteen life. In the spirit of her best-selling Amelia's Notebook series, Marissa Moss brings Talia's adventures to life through charming text, illustrations, doodles, graphs, and puzzles. This delightful new series is for all math-lovers, doodlers, and anyone who has ever had to navigate the unfamiliar conventions of a new school.

The Kingdom over the Sea by Zohra Nabi Aru Shah meets One Thousand and One Nights in this lavish middle grade adventure following a girl who must travel to a mystical land of sorceresses, alchemists, jinn, and flying carpets to discover her heritage and fulfill her destiny. My own Yara, if you are reading this, then something terrible has happened, and you are on your own. To return to the city of Zehaira, you must read out the words on the back of this letter... Good luck, my brave girl. When twelve-year-old Yara's mother passes away, she leaves behind a letter and a strange set of instructions. Yara must travel from the home she has always known to a place that is not on any map--Zehaira, a world of sorcerers, alchemists, and simmering magic. But Zehaira is not the land it used to be. The practice of magic has been outlawed, the Sultan's alchemists are plotting a sinister scheme--and the answers Yara is searching for seem to be out of reach. Yara must summon all her courage to discover the truth about her mother's past and her own identity...and to find her place in this magical new world.

The Umbrella House by Colleen Nelson In this intimate and inspiring novel about the power of art and the value of community, award-winning author and former New Yorker Colleen Nelson brings life and liveliness to an eccentric cast of New York City neighbors. Middle-schooler and New Yorker Ruby Markowski wants to tell the truth fearlessly and powerfully, just like her idols at Veracity News. She and her best friend Scout already make YouTube videos together about East Village life, so when Veracity News announces a Young Voices video competition, Ruby knows it's the perfect opportunity to make a name for herself, if only she can find a story worth telling. When a real-estate mogul threatens to buy her historic East Village apartment building, Umbrella House, Ruby sets out to create a video about the people who live in her building, depicting their love for art, community, and family.  With time--and her options for saving Umbrella House--running out, Ruby finds herself caught up in the mystery of the Midnight Muralist, a famous East Village artist whose murals once made buildings famous and valuable. Could finding this enigmatic artist be the key to saving her historic East Village apartment building?

Three Jumps to Sorry by Amy Novit; Ana Zurita (Illustrator) Hannah was delightful―except when she wasn't. The day before Yom Kippur, Hannah kicks a soccer ball in the living room and breaks her mother's glass apple. Her wise mother, deciding to teach her a lesson in a fun way, writes the numbers 1, 2 and 3 on pieces of paper and puts them on the floor. She shows Hannah how to hop her way through the three steps of an apology: admitting you did something wrong, feeling bad about what you did, and then trying never to do it again. A lesson for Yom Kippur and every day.

Snowflakes on Our Tongues by Mike Ornstein; Pauline Gregory (Illustrator) Farmer Pumpernickel has a blissful, peaceful farm with his contented cows, satisfied sheep, pampered piglets, cheerful chickens, and happy horse. All is as it should be. But when winter arrives with its cold weather, something wacky happens when the good farmer isn't looking. As snow starts to fall, the farm animals share their delight in the tasty flakes coming down from the sky. The animals prance, dance, and kick up their hooves and feet in a barnyard revelry. Boisterous rhymes combine with humor-filled artwork to bring this snowy celebration to life. And, as it turns out, the farmer has fun as well. After all, who doesn't like snowflakes on their tongue? Back matter includes animal facts as well as information on the science of snowflakes.

Treasure Hunters: the Ultimate Quest by James Patterson; Chris Grabenstein; Juliana Neufeld (Illustrator) Dodge missiles, map undersea caves, outrun secret agents, and uncover the ultimate treasure? That's a day in the life of the Kidds!   The Kidd family is on an exciting new mission: use the augmented reality gear their parents created to uncover long-lost treasure. But then their ship, The Lost, explodes in a ball of fire! Now Bick, Beck, Tommy, and Storm are stranded on a raft in the Mediterranean Sea, and their parents have been kidnapped by maniacal treasure hunters. It's up to the Kidd siblings to follow clues around the globe to uncover an ancient treasure and save their parents . . . before they lose everything!

Hope in the Valley by Mitali Perkins Hope in the Valley, from National Book Award Nominee Mitali Perkins, is a middle-grade novel exploring grief, friendship, family, and growing up in a community facing a housing crisis. Twelve-year-old Indian-American Pandita Paul doesn't like change. She's not ready to start middle school and leave the comforts of childhood behind. Most of all, Pandita doesn't want to feel like she's leaving her mother, who died a few years ago, behind. After a falling out with her best friend, Pandita is planning to spend most of her summer break reading and writing in her favorite secret space: the abandoned but majestic mansion across the street. But then the unthinkable happens. The town announces that the old home will be bulldozed in favor of new--maybe affordable--housing. With her family on opposing sides of the issue, Pandita must find her voice--and the strength to move on--in order to give her community hope.

More Tales to Keep You up at Night by Dan Poblocki; Marie Bergeron (Illustrator) From the co-author of the #1 New York Times bestselling series The Magic Misfits comes a spectacularly creepy follow-up to Tales to Keep You Up at Night that will keep you up way past bedtime. Perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark! Gilbert is visiting his injured brother, Ant, in the hospital, when he sees a shadowed figure leave behind a satchel filled with old cassette tapes. Despite a strange, garbled voicemail telling him "Don't listen to the tapes," Gilbert can't resist playing them and listening to the chilling stories they reveal- tales of cursed seashells, of doors torn through the fabric of the universe, of cemeteries that won't let you leave, of a classroom skeleton that hungers for new skin. And wandering through all the stories, a strange man named November, who might not be a man at all... As Gilbert keeps listening to the tapes, he slowly realizes that the stories may hold the key to helping Ant. But in order to save his brother, he may be opening a door to something much, much worse... With hair-raising, spine-chilling prose, Dan Poblocki delivers a collection of interconnected stories that are sure to keep you up late in the night.

Molly, Olive, and Dexter Play Hide-And-Seek by Catherine Rayner (Illustrator) Kate Greenaway Medal winner Catherine Rayner introduces readers to a trio of animal friends in a warmly humorous story offering reassurance that true friends don't stray far. Meet Molly the hare, Olive the owl, and Dexter the fox, three friends who live near the oak tree at the edge of the meadow. Hide-and-seek is Molly's favorite game, but things aren't going her way. For starters, Olive and Dexter don't seem to know the rules. And when Molly shows her friends how to play properly, they hide a little too well. Set in a delicately rendered pastoral world of soft color and shimmering line, here is a picture book that tackles outsize toddler emotions with sensitivity and whimsy. Make way for the singular Molly, Olive, and Dexter--ready or not, here they come!

Low Power by Michael Rex (Illustrator) In this action-packed sequel by #1 New York Times bestselling creator Michael Rex, Fred shows us how all arguments, big and small, can be solved with kindness-even when it's not always welcomed! Fred has made quite a name for himself as a peacemaker since his last adventure! Now everyone who loves to argue is coming to him for help resolving their disagreements, but there's just one problem . . . Fred is low on power. Thanks to the clouds of pollution in the sky, Fred's solar battery can't recharge. With the help of his best friend, Wormy, he sets off for SunTop-a city with a sky-high place where the sun can be seen. But once there, he's told that he can't recharge unless he stops a clan of garbage-like creatures from attacking every night. It's a race against time for Fred to solve the mystery of the Trash before he runs out of power forever!

The Great Texas Dragon Race by Kacy Ritter Wings of Fire meets The Hunger Games in this debut contemporary middle grade fantasy stand-alone about thirteen-year-old Cassidy Drake, who enters the dangerous Great Texas Dragon Race to save her family's dragon sanctuary. Thirteen-year-old Cassidy Drake wants nothing more than to race with her best dragon, Ranga, in the annual Great Texas Dragon Race. Her mother was a racing legacy, and growing up on her family's dragon sanctuary ranch, Cassidy lives and breathes dragons. She knows she could win against the exploitative FireCorp team that cares more about corporate greed than caring for the dragons.  Cassidy is so determined to race that she sneaks out of her house against her father's wishes and enters the competition. Soon Cassidy takes to the skies with Ranga across her glorious Lone Star State. But with five grueling tasks ahead of her, dangerous dragon challenges waiting at each one, and more enemies than allies on the course, Cassidy will need to know more than just dragons to survive.

How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd My Side of the Mountain meets How to Steal a Dog in this high-stakes and heartfelt middle-grade story of a young boy and his dog surviving on their own in the woods.Being alone is something Raymond is used to.Twelve-year-old Raymond Hurley has never had a place to call home. His free-wheeling parents move their family from town to town, and he's living in a trailer in a brand-new state when one day, they just up and abandon him. All alone with nothing but a duffle bag full of clothes and his reliable pup, Rosie, he is forced to live in the woods behind his middle school.With a fishing pole in hand and survival guide checked out from the library, Raymond scrapes by and doesn't tell anyone his secret. This isn't the first time he's had to rely on himself. However, when winter days get colder and finding food becomes nearly impossible, Raymond makes new friends, including a curious coyote, in unexpected places. Soon, he learns that his fate will depend not just on his wilderness skills, but on the people and animals he chooses to trust.In How to Stay Invisible, Maggie C. Rudd takes readers on a journey of survival that speaks to friendship, adventure, and the everyday wonders of nature. In middle school, blending in is easy but sometimes the braver thing is being seen.

Horse and Zebra Bake a Cake by Whitney Sanderson; Angelika Scudamore (Illustrator) Horse and Zebra are best friends, but they couldn't be more different! While Horse is steady and sensible, Zebra is zany and creative. But what they have in common is that they will always look out for each other, and they're always ready to help another animal in need. Horse and Zebra are ready to start their new business, making daily oatcake deliveries with their Cake Wagon. At first they have lots of buyers, but soon the other animals grow tired of Horse's traditional family recipe. Zebra tries her hoof at baking instead, but her cakes are a little too creative. Can Horse and Zebra figure out how to compromise to make their buyers happy?

Big Bad Wolf's Yom Kippur by David Sherrin; Martín Morón (Illustrator) "This sweet, humorous tale conveys the meaning of this important Jewish holiday in a way that's understandable for children. Its premise proves it's easy to err on the side of good; each of us has kindness within, and it's satisfying to let it show."  --Kirkus Reviews In this fractured fairy tale mash-up that explains the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, Bid Bad Wolf struggles to understand whether he has the capacity for change, and in the process discovers friendship among those he once thought of only as tasty snacks. When Racoon invites the Big Bad Wolf to Yom Kippur services, Wolf agrees to go. While he is there, he hears how everyone can use Yom Kippur as a day to become better and brighter. Wolf's not so sure...a big bad wolf can't become good! Can he? Will helping the girl in a red hood, her granny, and the three little pigs show him the way? It is a regular morning, and Big Bad Wolf is just getting ready for another day full of bad, when something very different happens. Raccoon knocks on his door to apologize for rummaging through his garbage and invites him to synagogue services. What first appears to Wolf as an opportunity for a giant lunch buffet becomes, instead, an opportunity for Wolf to experience a change of heart. Warmly welcomed by the rabbi, who claims anyone can become better and brighter just like the leaves in the forest as they change color in the fall, Wolf, wrapped in a peaceful moment, begins to wonder if he could do the same. He spends the day helping Little Red Riding Hood take care of her sick grandmother (even though he'd rather eat them both) and showing the three little pigs how to make their houses stronger. Despite the new feelings these kindnesses give him, deep down he doesn't believe a wolf can change, because he keeps making mistakes. But as the day ends, his new friends arrive with a feast to break their Yom Kippur fast and they want to share it with their helper, partner and friend, a Big GOOD Wolf. Sharp, sly illustrations envelop this gently fractured fairy tale in humor and warmth, while the story includes many details that help explain Yom Kippur practices to young readers as they discover we can all return to our best selves, beginning with kindness and heartfelt apologies.

Confessions of a Candy Snatcher by Phoebe Sinclair; Theodore Taylor III (Illustrator) A night of Halloween fun gone wrong has Jonas wondering if he's really a wolf in disguise in this fast-paced fiction debut delving into accountability, relationships . . . and zines. For the past few years, twelve-year-old Jonas and his friends have competed to see how many bags of candy they can grab from unsuspecting trick-or-treaters. No one's supposed to get hurt, just lose their treats. So Jonas is taken by surprise when one of his smaller targets fights back against his snatching attempt. He's even more surprised when he starts to receive anonymous notes from someone who knows what happened that night. Jonas already has enough on his plate, between his parents' ill-defined separation and his own guilt--guilt his friend Concepción challenges him to confront in a zine she's creating around the prompt "What's the worst thing you ever did?" It's a complicated question, one that touches on issues of identity, maturity, physical boundaries, and safety. Featuring zines crafted by award-winning illustrator Theodore Taylor III, Phoebe Sinclair's debut novel relates an emotive, reflective story about the wonder--and mess--of growing up.

Stickler Loves the World by Lane Smith From award-winning author/illustrator Lane Smith comes Stickler, a woodland creature who reminds us to appreciate the everyday wonders we often ignore. In a picture book that's both silly and sweet, readers will find Stickler's enthusiasm irresistible and see the world anew. And just think of the wonders we must pass every day without even noticing! Stickler, an original character covered in sticks and with multiple ever-changing eyes, loves its little world. With best friend Crow, it shares the wonders of all the amazing things the world has to offer. Stickler is astonished by the ordinary, such as the sun and the stars, as well as fascinated by those things in nature that are often overlooked, such as swirling seed pods falling from the sky. The two pals wander about the world, stopping to appreciate the many marvels along the way, especially its beloved sticks, each one unique. Stickler Loves the World encourages awareness and mindfulness with a joyous and lighthearted touch. The award-winning illustrator of bestsellers including Penguin Problems and Giraffe Problems brings imagination and humor to a story that features a delightful and original character.

The Mystery of the Radcliffe Riddle by Taryn Souders When Grady and his dad learn that the town oddball, Eudora "Kooky" Klinch left something for them in her will, they can only imagine what it might be. When it turns out it's an old scrap of 300-year-old tapestry, they are bitterly disappointed. But the cloth comes with a note saying, "This is no ordinary piece of needlework. It's a treasure map. Riddles and Clues. To the victor go the riches." Grady's dad dismisses it, but Grady thinks this could be the chance of a lifetime. With the help of his friends Thad, Clemmie, and the town dog Ophelia, Grady is determined to crack the clues and find the treasure. But when someone tries to break into Grady's house one night, and then the local antiques expert who examined the tapestry is found unconscious, Grady realizes that he's not the only one who knows about the treasure map. There's more at risk than he bargained for, and solving this mystery just got a lot more dangerous. You will love Grady and his adventures if you are looking for- Mystery books for kids 9-12 Heartfelt and quirky stories for young readers Kids detective books5th grade mystery books

The Golden Key (Geronimo Stilton and the Kingdom of Fantasy #15) by Geronimo Stilton Fairies, dragons, wizards, and more await Geronimo on every magical Kingdom of Fantasy adventure! Geronimo's fifteenth adventure in the Kingdom of Fantasy! I, Geronimo Stilton, had been called to the Kingdom of Fantasy many times before. I'd visited the magical lands to ride dragons, meet fairies, and defeat evil witches. But not this time! This time, the Kingdom of Fantasy came to New Mouse City. Could I help Queen Imaginaria and put everyone back where they belong?

Monster Support Group: the Werewolf's Tale by Laura Suárez Discover the first installment in a brand new series, where the truths behind your favorite monsters are revealed! "In this hilarious, fast paced romp through the mind of a teenager with a monstrous secret, we learn that it's ok to be exactly who we are.  This book takes a feeling that we all experience at some point in our lives, and turns it into wonderfully entertaining story that kids and parents alike will love." --Andy Harkness, Art Director of Moana and creator of Wolfboy "A cute tale, beautiful images and gorgeous colors. We especially loved all the details snuck into every page." --Adam & Lisa Murphy, creators of Corpse Talk "If you like witches, werewolves, and beautifully-drawn graphic novels with quirky characters, you'll love this book as much as I did. If you don't like those things, you might be kinda boring." --Mike Lowery, author and illustrator of Bug Scouts and the Everything Awesome About series When twelve-year-old Lowell moves to a new village, he struggles to fit in at school - he is a bit different, and the bullies don't seem to like different. Then the changes start. At first, Lowell thinks these are just the ordinary, growing-up kind of changes: he gets hairier, his voice gets growlier and his moods are all over the place. But then one fullmoon night, after a VERY bad day at school, he transforms into a werewolf in front of his twin sister, Lys. Join Lowell as he joins the Monster Support Group in an attempt to return to 'normal'.

Fox Has a Problem by Corey R. Tabor In his next I Can Read adventure, Fox--the hilarious trickster character featured in Geisel Award winners Fox at Night and Fox the Tiger--learns to solve a problem in an unexpected way. Fox has a problem: His kite is stuck in a tree! But every clever plan creates even more problems for him - and for all his friends. Can they work together to fix things before it's too late Carefully crafted using basic language, word repetition, sight words, and whimsical illustrations, Fox Has a Problem is ideal for sharing with your emergent reader. The active, engaging My First I Can Read stories have appealing plots and lovable characters, encouraging children to continue their reading journey. Other Fox books include Fox at Night, Fox versus Winter, Fox the Tiger, Fox Is Late, Fox and the Jumping Contest, and Fox and the Bike Ride.

Even Robots Can Be Thankful! by Jan Thomas (Illustrator) Red Robot and Blue Robot are back in the hilarious and heartwarming picture book companion to Even Robots Aren't Perfect! in which our favorite robot friends learn how to be grateful for little things. Red Robot and Blue Robot are best friends. And sometimes friends get scared. And sometimes friends get hurt feelings. And in those moments, even robots can be thankful to have a best friend! In three silly and sweet stories, our two favorite robot buddies learn that gratitude isn't always easy, but best friends are something to be thankful for.

Clara Poole and the Long Way Round by Taylor Tyng Mr. Lemoncello meets the Amazing Race in this quirky high-octane balloon-racing middle grade around-the-world adventure. When an unintended flight over Michigan in her class science project-a lawn chair held aloft by balloons-brings her instant celebrity, Clara Poole is invited to be the spokesperson for a round-the-world adventure race. But when her overprotective father refuses, Clara forges his signature in a moment of defiance and runs away to Paris to take her place in the skies. If only she'd read the fine print first. Partnered with a veteran aeronaut who wants nothing to do with her, Clara faces down ten treacherous stages in a race around the world-capturing flags in the perilous mountains of Nepal; being a guest of honor at a maybe-wedding in the Saharan desert; flying through rings of fire in Hong Kong-all while learning the ropes alongside a colorful cast of international competitors. But there are more dangers ahead. Someone is trying to sabotage the competition. And surviving this race means Clara must come to terms with the tragedy that set her fleeing to the skies in the first place, and accepting that forgiving herself isn't a process she has to undertake alone. Gorgeous prose and winning characters combine in this quirky, often-hilarious, sometimes heart-breaking, and thoroughly captivating middle grade adventure series starter from an incredible new talent.

When Giants Burn by Beth Vrabel In this emotional and riveting middle grade novel that's The Misfits meets Hatchet, two unlikely friends fly off on an adventure they hope will set them free--only to learn the value of what they left behind. Gerty has a secret: She's building an airplane. She wants to join the Civil Air Patrol, where pilots as young as twelve help with disaster relief--but she knows her parents would be outraged. They're survivalists who raised her to be independent and only enrolled her in middle school to show her why they've decided to opt out of society. Still, Gerty is determined to protect her beloved Pando, a nearby ancient aspen forest. Hayes has some problems of his own, but they aren't the kind that can be hidden under a tarp. His mom is back from prison, but he's not sure he'll ever stop missing the mom she used to be. One thing is certain: He's never going to be like her. He follows the rules. But Gerty is the only person at school Hayes doesn't hate, so after she tells him about her hidden plane, he helps her finish it. When wildfires break out nearby, Gerty wants to fly to Pando and make sure it's safe--and Hayes is tempted by the chance to escape everything on the ground. But the duo will soon realize that they can't escape their roots--and that holding onto those connections might be the real key to survival.

Dawn of the Light Dragon: a Branches Book (Dragon Masters #24) by Tracey West; Matt Loveridge (Illustrator) In the latest action-packed installment of this New York Times bestselling series, Drake must find the brilliant Light Dragon! Pick a book. Grow a Reader! This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow! To stop the Shadow Dragon from covering the whole world in a sky-shadow, the Dragon Masters must seek out a Light Dragon. So Drake and Darma travel to find a Light Dragon named Lysa. Lysa's Dragon Master, Rune, who is Deaf, explains that the Dragon Masters will need a Star Flute in order to summon a Star Dragon and stop the Shadow Dragon. But the flute is hidden within a dangerous labyrinth! Will they be able to make it out of the tricky maze? With engaging black-and-white artwork on every page, kids won't be able to put down this action-packed adventure!

Bear Helps the Forest (Maybe You Help, Too) by Karen Lynn Williams; Andrés Landazábal (Illustrator) Bear waits for fall as she sees the forest shift through spring and summer in this charming picture book about how the forest regrows. Bear loves jumping in leaf piles, but fall playtime ends with winter hibernation. When Bear wakes up she realizes it'll be a while-through spring and summer-till the leaves will fall again. While she waits, she learns about the constant work the forest does to renew her playground-and how she helps. Alongside Bear squishing through springtime mud, chomping on summer dandelions, and stretching in the early fall sun, readers will see how the forest changes with every season.

The Braid Girls by Sherri Winston In this unforgettable summer novel perfect for fans of From the Desk of Zoe Washington, Maggie, her best friend Daija, and her new half-sister Callie team up to create the ultimate hair-braiding business. Maggie's world is turned upside down when she learns that her father, whom she admires, has a second daughter, Callie, whom no one knew existed. But she won't let a new family member get in the way of her summer plans with best friend Daija. They're determined to make tons of money braiding hair for kids around the neighborhood. Daija's always felt like she had a sister in Maggie. So she can't let new half-sister Callie take her place! And she can't let her interfere with their new Braid Girls business, either. She needs the money to pay for extra ballet lessons so she can go en pointe and earn a spot in the fall dance showcase, making her distant father proud at last--if she pulls this off, he'll have to pay attention to her. Callie's still grieving her late mom. Now she's leaving her old home in the Bahamas behind, including her old school and friends to move in with the father she's never met, plus his family. When she hears of Maggie's and Daija's business, she sees a chance to prove her skills and a way to be accepted. With three very different girls on board, the Braid Girls arrive to a summer camp full of kids with locs begging to be braided. Business is booming, until rival Angela shows up with her friends and starts a new braiding business--the Sistahs Who Braid. With competition heating up, the Braid Girls are sure to have an unforgettable summer.

Booook! a Spooky High-Contrast Book by Jannie Ho (Illustrator); duopress labs Good to see you, pumpkin. Boooo, little ghost. Hoot, hoot, eerie owl. Making connections between images on a page and the real world is an important building block for your baby's communication skills-and this charming introduction to a lineup of not-scary Halloween characters, paired with friendly text and bold, basic patterns, provides an important high-contrast experience for young developing eyes. Using simple greetings like "What's happening, scary bat?" and, "Looking spooky, Mr. Zombie" alongside lovely black-and-white art by Jannie Ho, Booook! A Spooky High-Contrast Book is a perfect book for babies just beginning to learn about their world. Why Black & White? Exposing babies to contrasting images has a positive impact on the development of visual-spatial skills and recognizing new objects. When babies are first born, they can't distinguish between colors the same way that older babies can. But studies show that babies can see high-contrast black-and-white shapes and patterns from the very first days of life. Also available- Hello, Baby Animals; Hello, My World; Hello, Ocean Friends; and Hello, Garden Bugs.

Breaking to the Beat! by Linda J. Acevedo; Frank Morrison (Illustrator) A boogie-down picture book about a shy boy named Manolo who overcomes his fears and insecurities to become part of a new innovative dance style called breaking. Step back, step back! Kid Flex 'bout to bust a move. In the 1970s, many said the Bronx was just a pile of rubble, but for a shy kid like Manolo, it was alive with rhythm and music. He grew up with salsa dance parties at home and DJs battling on turntables on the street. Inspired by these new beats and the moves of James Brown, neighborhood boys and girls started dancing with a mix of twists, slides, and shuffles. The rhythm of the Toprock. Drop of the Six-step. Wiggle of the Worm. A new dance style called breaking was on the rise, and Manolo wanted to be a part of it. Debut author Linda J. Acevedo was inspired to write this story from the many b-boys and b-girls whose love of dance propelled them to create an innovative and groundbreaking new form of dance. Coupled with award-winning illustrator Frank Morrison's sinuous and pulsating art, Breaking to the Beat! is an energizing ode to the Boogie Down Bronx and to Hip Hop--a movement that would forever change the course of music, art, and culture.

The Year My Life Went down the Toilet by Jake Maia Arlow A hilariously honest book about surviving middle school while navigating a chronic illness from the Stonewall Honor-winning author of Almost Flying. Twelve-year-old Al Schneider is too scared to talk about the two biggest things in her life- 1. Her stomach hurts all the time and she has no idea why. 2. She's almost definitely 100% sure she likes girls. So she holds it in...until she can't. After nearly having an accident of the lavatorial variety in gym class, Al finds herself getting a colonoscopy and an answer-she has Crohn's disease. But rather than solving all her problems, Al's diagnosis just makes everything worse. It's scary and embarrassing. And worst of all, everyone wants her to talk about it-her overprotective mom, her best friend, and most annoyingly her gastroenterologist, who keeps trying to get her to go to a support group for kids with similar chronic illnesses. But, who wants to talk about what you do in the bathroom? The Year My Life Went Down the Toilet is a wildly funny and honest story about finding community, telling the truth even when it's hard, and the many indignities of middle school life.

Witch and Wombat by Ashley Belote Every witch will want a wombat after reading this humorous picture book perfect for little readers who want a new pet! Wilma, a young witch, cannot wait to get her very first cat! But when the pet store is fresh out of kittens, Wilma brings home. . . a wombat?! What a CAT-astrophe! A wombat is nothing like a cat, but maybe if Wilma puts cat ears on the little critter, no one will notice. . . . (Spoiler alert- they do.) This bright and fun picture book teaches young witches that our differences can be our strengths when we have an open mind!

Together We Swim by Valerie Bolling; Kaylani Juanita (Illustrator) A joyful, encouraging ode to a mother and son's relationship and the unforgettable experience of a child's first swimming lessons.   Jumping into the water can be more than a little scary! But with Mom's steady arms there's no fear of sinking. With a kick, a splash, and his family's cheers of encouragement, one determined boy finds his groove, making waves in this fun-filled day at the pool. Embrace the feeling of accomplishment in this joyous, reassuring story about perseverance and new experiences. With lyrical rhyming text and vibrant illustrations, Together We Swim is destined to become a family read-aloud favorite! VIBRANT & JOYFUL: Rhythmic text paired with dynamically illustrated kicks, flutters, and splashes against a palette of deep blue create a bright portrait that is both encouraging and warm for any child learning to swim.   A HELPFUL GUIDE FOR NEW SWIMMERS: The perfect book for any child facing nervous excitement or trepidation about learning to swim! THE JOY OF A FIRST SWIM LESSON: Who can forget the first time they learned how to swim? This book is a nostalgic nod for parents and one they will be eager to share with their young one learning how to swim.   A GREAT READ ALOUD: This lyrical, upbeat text is a great fit for story time in any household.   PERFECT GIFT FOR MOM: If you're looking for a Mother's Day gift or a birthday gift for mom, look no further! She will love the child/parent relationship portrayed in these pages! Perfect for: Mother's Day gift giving Going-to-the-pool book for little ones approaching the big milestone of learning to swim Parents, grandparents, and caregivers looking for books about swimming for kids Teachers, educators, and librarians Readers who enjoyed Jabari Jumps, Llama Llama Learns to Swim, and Hair Love

Dust by Dusti Bowling When a boy with a terrible secret moves to town there is a sudden increase in dust storms, and asthmatic Avalyn theorizes the storms are linked to his emotions and tries to help as she struggles to breathe

Biscuit and Friends by Alyssa Satin Capucilli; Pat Schories (Illustrator) Follow the beloved and bestselling little yellow puppy, Biscuit, on a trip to the aquarium. This Level One I Can Read allows readers to grow into reading with Biscuit! When Biscuit takes himself to the aquarium, he sees fish of all different colors, sea turtles, large tanks of jellyfish, and even sea lions that bark just like him. Bark! Bark! Woof, woof! Biscuit and Friends: A Day at the Aquarium is a Level One I Can Read with a Guided Reading Level (GRL) of J, which means it's perfect for children learning to sound out words and sentences. Whether shared at home or in a classroom, the short sentences, familiar words, and simple concepts of Level One books support success for children eager to start reading on their own. For over 25 years Biscuit, the beloved little yellow puppy, has warmed the hearts of young readers. The sweet little yellow puppy is a comforting partner for your emerging reader who enjoys the My First level Biscuit stories and wants to keep reading!

The Wave by Tyler Charlton (Illustrator) When a boy is swept up in a wave of sadness, he finds himself tumbling. But when he remembers that this sadness won't last forever, and that the wave will eventually carry him back to shore, he discovers his friends and family waiting to gently pull him out of the water and back home. With hopeful text and gorgeous art, The Wave takes us on a journey through one child's experience with depression that fosters empathy for those on the outside, and solidarity for those still caught in the midst of their own wave. It is an honest look at depression which affects almost 2 million children in the United States. The Wave is a must-read for anyone who finds themselves tumbling, and a beautiful reminder that we can reach out to others to keep our heads - and hearts - above water.

Heidi Heckelbeck Sunshine Magic by Wanda Coven; Priscilla Burris (Illustrator) Heidi's family vacation has sunshine and magic in the air in this thirty-fifth Heidi Heckelbeck adventure! Heidi and her family are taking a trip to the Castle Spell Cove, a special place where Heidi's mom and Aunt Trudy used to visit when they were kids. Once there, Heidi makes friends with an unusual girl named Sunny who has a magical secret of her own that will change Heidi's life forever. With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Heidi Heckelbeck chapter books are perfect for beginning readers.

Grave Mistakes by Kitty Curran Middle school is hard-add a deadly embarrassing family and a huge secret, and it's nearly impossible. An Addams-esque family faces a perilous plot in this energetic, ghostly middle grade mystery. Molly Dade has big problems. She's got an important violin audition coming up, she's been paired with her nemesis for a group project, and she's struggling to hide a life-or-death secret from...well, from everyone. It wasn't long ago that the Dades were just a regular Maine family living in their reportedly haunted house in the local cemetery. But then Molly's mom and twin brother Marty were killed in a freak accident. And Molly, her older brother Timothy, and her father became the town's newest bereaved family. Except Mom and Marty are still very much present. No one knows why, but Mom is now a ghost and Marty is a poltergeist. Oh, and there's also Molly's younger sister Dyandra, who is a zombie. Keeping all this supernatural stuff a secret from everyone is hard work, especially when the dead (undead?) members of the family still want to participate in things like the Parent Teacher Association meetings or come to the (very public, very potentially embarrassing) school concert. When Dad's new cemetery assistant seems to know the Dade family secret, Molly and Marty worry about the future of their family. And when Marty begins to regain his memories of the explosion that killed him and Mom, the twins realize that the situation might be even more grave than they thought. Someone might be after the Dade family-but who? And why?

The International House of Dereliction by Jacqueline Davies In this not-so-scary ghost story from Jacqueline Davies, bestselling author of the Lemonade War series, quirky, tool-wielding Alice Cannoli-Potchnik begins to repair the dilapidated mansion next door--only to discover the old house is home to ghosts, and they need mending, too! Home is where the heart is. But can a house have a heart of its own Ten-year-old Alice is moving for the eleventh time. She's lived in so many houses, each more broken than the last, that home to Alice is nothing more than a place you fix and then a place you leave. After all, who needs a permanent home when you're a whiz at fixing things But when Alice arrives at her new home, she can't take her eyes off the house next door, the stately dark house that hulked in the dimming light. The once-grand mansion, now dilapidated and condemned, beckons Alice; it's the perfect new repair job! As Alice begins to restore the House to its former splendor, she senses strange presences. Is there a heartbeat coming from the House's walls Is someone looking at her Soon she realizes she's not alone. Three ghosts have been watching, and they need Alice's help to solve their unfinished business. Will Alice be able to unravel the mysteries of the House and find her forever home . . . before it's too late

Carina Felina by Carmen Agra Deedy; Henry Cole (Illustrator) Carmen Agra Deedy, New York Times bestselling author and one of Scholastic's most talented and cherished storytellers, retells a hilarious folktale set in Havana, Cuba. Illustrated by the brilliant, award-winning artist, Henry Cole. The trouble started when Pepe the parrot fell in love with . . . a CAT! Hoping to win her paw, he invited her to his house for dinner. But within moments of arriving -- with a gobble and a gulp -- Carina swallowed that love-sick parrot whole! And he was just the appetizer! In this Cuban retelling of a classic folktale, Carmen Agra Deedy and Henry Cole merge their talents to create a wickedly funny and inspiring picture book that proves the smallest of creatures can sometimes possess the most surprising strength!

Sparrow Being Sparrow by Gail Donovan; Elysia Case (Illustrator) An endearingly energetic fourth grader takes on the big job of finding new homes for her neighbor's seven cats in this heartwarming illustrated middle grade novel for fans of Patricia MacLachlan and Sharon Creech. Sparrow Robinson loves to dance and leap around. She loves cats. She has a million questions about the world, and she's not afraid to ask them. But she's just moved to a new town and a new school, and her busy parents have no time for her to get "carried away." Suddenly, she feels totally out of place. Sparrow's favorite thing in all this newness is her neighbor, Mrs. LaRose, who has seven cats and always has cookies and lemonade to share. But after Mrs. LaRose breaks her hip, she decides to move into assisted living--where the cats aren't allowed! Sparrow has to help. Determined to find new homes for the cats, Sparrow forgets about her own troubles--but her quest just might be the key to Sparrow finding a home for herself in this town, too.

B Is for Bellies by Renni Dyball; Mia Saine (Illustrator) A joyous picture book celebration of every body from A to Z! Letter by letter, B Is for Bellies is a joyous picture book celebration of every body from A to Z! This ode to self-love and kindness encourages us to remember that every body is worthy of respect, whether it be letting go on the dancefloor or engaging in peaceful rest. Rennie Dyball's bouncy rhyming text features affirmational ABCs paired with Mia Saine's vibrant illustrations that showcase an inclusive range of body shapes and sizes, different races, abilities, and gender expressions. This fun and fulfilling read aloud for younger readers and their caregivers emphasizes that all bodies are good bodies.

Bath Time Physics by Jill Esbaum; WonderLab Group Splish, splash! Prepare to experience the forces of physics at work. It's time for Baby's bath . . . Ooh! We made a waterfall . . . Invite your tubby-time friends to join in. Even Einstein started somewhere, so who's to say your little genius-to-be won't find inspiration in the bath? Gather up your gear: floating toys, fluffy towels, warm tub, favorite little lab partner (may take multiple attempts). Place tiny tot in the tub (note water displacement), and proceed to explore buoyancy, gravity, and evaporation. Now it's time to make waves and see that third law of motion in action. Go, baby, go! Wait, hold on . . . Stop, baby, stop! In a bright, graphic board book leavened with dry humor, photos of happy tykes and a tongue-in-cheek running dialogue are sprinkled with factual asides that define basic concepts of physics. So don your protective goggles--with a bathtub as a lab bench, your precocious little one can master physics every day!

Call Me Adnan by Reem Faruqi "An emotional tale of a family's grief and healing, full of courage and hope" --Kirkus "Faruqi renders this tender story of loss with a deft hand, employing vivid details surrounding Adnan's Pakistani Muslim identity . . . and nuanced characterizations to present a tear-jerking ode to family." --Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A realistic, moving exploration of family, loss, and healing." --Booklist "Faruqi takes on the difficult subject of family loss with beauty and grace in her gentle lyrical style. She allows Adnan, a young table-tennis enthusiast, to go through grief while holding not just sadness, but love and joy, in an honest and nuanced story that is ultimately filled with hope." --Veera Hiranandani, Newbery Honor author of The Night Diary For fans of Planet Omar and The Ethan I Was Before, award-winning Pakistani author Reem Faruqi of Unsettled delivers a middle grade novel in verse about table tennis player Adnan, who dreams of the championship and a fun-filled family trip to Florida. But when tragedy strikes, he and his family must cope with a terrible loss and come together as one again. This poignant story about a Muslim family learning to heal is hope-filled and moving. Adnan Zakir loves table tennis. He's also colorblind, left-handed, and has a fondness for the aviation alphabet. He's super close with his sister, Aaliyah, who is a great dancer and memorizer of Quran, and he loves his little toddler brother Rizwan, who only wants to grow up and play table tennis like his big brother.  All Adnan dreams of is making it to the Ultimate Table Tennis Championship in Florida, and if he qualifies for the tournament, he knows he will get to spend the Eid holiday with his cousins! But when the family travels there, unthinkable tragedy strikes, and Adnan swears he'll never play table tennis ever again. Slowly, he and his family must learn to make peace and move forward, as a family. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection pick!

Fake by Ele Fountain A thrillingly paced, timely novel about identity and our digital lives from the award-winning author of Refugee 87 Imagine a world where your only friends are virtual, and big tech companies control access to food, healthcare and leisure. This is Jess's world. But when she turns fourteen, Jess can go to school with other children for the first time. Most of them hate the 'real' world, but Jess begins to question whether the digital world is 'perfect' after all. Back home, her sister Chloe's life-saving medication is getting ever more expensive. Determined to help, Jess risks everything by using skills forbidden in the cyber-world, only to stumble on something explosive. Something that will turn her whole world upside down. It's up to Jess to figure out exactly what is real, and what is fake - Chloe's survival depends on it.

Spanish Is the Language of My Family by Michael Genhart; John Parra (Illustrator) An intergenerational story of family ties, cultural pride, and spelling bee victory following a young boy who bonds with his beloved abuela over a love of Spanish. As a boy prepares for his school's Spanish spelling bee, he asks his grandmother for help with some of the words he doesn't know how to spell yet. When she studies with him, she tells him how different things were back when she was a girl, when she was only allowed to speak English in school. This only inspires him to study even harder and make his family proud. Based on stories author Michael Genhart heard from his mother as a child, Spanish is the Language of My Family is about the joy of sharing cultural heritage with our families, inspired by the generations of Latino people were punished for speaking Spanish and the many ways new generations are rejuvenating the language.. Michael Genhart's text is as touching as it is poignant, and it's paired with the striking artwork of multiple Pura Belpre Award-Winning Illustrator John Parra. Extensive material at the back of the book includes essays from the author about the history of Spanish suppression in U.S. schools and information about the Spanish alphabet. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Rewind by Lisa Graff Back to the Future meets When You Reach Me in this powerful novel by National Book Award nominee Lisa Graff, in which a young girl is able to make sense of the present--and change her future--by meeting her father in the past. As far as twelve-year-old McKinley O'Dair is concerned, the best thing about living in Gap Bend, Pennsylvania, is the Time Hop--the giant party the town throws every June to celebrate a single year in history. That one day is enough to make the few things that aren't so fantastic about McKinley's life--like her crabby homeroom teacher or her super-scheduled father--worth suffering through. And when McKinley learns that this year's theme is 1993, she can't wait to enter the Time Hop fashion show with a killer '90s outfit she's designed and sewn all on her own. But when the Time Hop rolls around, nothing goes as planned. In fact, it's the biggest disaster of McKinley's life. Before she knows what's hit her, McKinley somehow finds herself in the real 1993--and it's not all kitschy parachute pants and Jurassic Park. All McKinley wants is to return to the present, but before she can, she's going to have to make a big change--but which change is the right one? This humorous and heartfelt novel about destiny and self-discovery shines a poignant light on the way life could play out--if a person is given a chance to rewind.

Flora's Wish by Fiona Halliday (Illustrator) In this lyrical and visually stunning picture book, a young mouse learns how to grieve and honor her best friend Flora the field mouse was a boldly whiskered lion-tamer! Although it wasn't very hard to be bold and brave with her best friend Lion (a dandelion) by her side. But as the seasons change, Lion's whiskers go from a bright yellow to shimmering silver, until one day, he scatters in the wind completely. Can Flora still be brave without Lion by her side?

The Boy with Wings by Sir Lenny Henry; Keenon Ferrell (Illustrator); Mark Buckingham (Illustrator) It's Tunde's twelfth birthday and he's in for a surprise . . . he sprouts wings! Along with his friends, Tunde must save the world. Readers will adore Lenny Henry's first middle grade book, The Boy with Wings, that's packed with captivating illustrations by Keenon Ferrell. Plus, it includes an exclusive comic book adventure illustrated by Mark Buckingham! An ordinary kid is about to become an EXTRAORDINARY hero! Wings? Check. A super-cool, super-secret past? Check. An impossible mission to save the world from a fur-ocious enemy? Check. When Tunde sprouts wings and learns he's all that stands between Earth and total destruction, suddenly school is the least of his problems. Luckily, his rag-tag group of pals have got his back, and with his new powers, Tunde is ready to fly in the face of danger. So what if he can't even stand up to the school bully? He's the boy with wings - this is his destiny. No pressure then. . . This illustrated book also includes an exclusive comic in the back!

Hopefully the Scarecrow by Michelle Houts; Sara Palacios (Illustrator) "A beautifully crafted friendship tale that's just right for storytime." --Kirkus A tender and emotive picture book about a scarecrow who befriends the young girl who reads to him day after day until one day he's left wondering where she is. The perfect Fall book for kids! A scarecrow stood in the garden. Tall, proud, and smiling. Every day a girl brought her favorite books to the garden and she read to him. He heard tales of courage and of hope. And when she said, "The End," the scarecrow always felt a little bit taller and braver. Year after year, she came and she read to him. Until one spring, two different hands picked him up from the garden shed and placed him in the garden. He waited, but she didn't come to read to him. With poignant words from award-winning author Michelle Houts and lush illustrations by Pura Belpre Honor winner Sara Palacios, Hopefully the Scarecrow is a tender distillation of the enduring power of friendship and a heartwarming look at the ways stories connect us. Perfect for fans of The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry and The Fan Bros.

What I Like about YOU! by Marilynn James; Miki Yamamoto (Illustrator) This fun-loving book explores all the amazing qualities that make a great friend. Use the mirror at the back of the book so friends can see what makes them so special! It's like we're a team. We're always together. We're peas in a pod or birds of a feather.   Celebrate friendship and its moments of silliness and bravery, kindness and happiness, comfort and fun in What I Like About YOU! Whether it's cheering on a friend as they face a fear or being silly dancing and wiggling, this fun-loving, rhyming board book encourages readers to look for wonderful qualities in their friends and themselves. As a follow-up to the best-selling book What I Like About Me!, this charming book also features a mylar mirror embedded in the last page so readers and their friends can see the wonderful friend looking back at them!

The Cousins Are Coming by Kay Jones What happens when the annual family 'get-together' commences? Humor, mischief, a twinge of jealousy, an abundance of mayhem, and a healthy dose of pure joy! Through lyrical rhyme and colorful, humorous illustrations readers will realize that "The cousins are coming!"--followed by a "dash out the door to meet the crew...with hugs and laughter and a kiss or two. "YUCK!" From 'rock-paper-scissors' to unauthorized spying on the parents, the gathering of two families presents relatable interactions between children, some coming-of-age moments, a touch of tenderness, and the building of memories. Kay Jones' first picture book is more than a playbook for friendship, it also captures the gift of family.

The Invisible String Backpack by Patrice Karst; Joanne Lew-Vriethoff (Illustrator) This companion book to The Invisible String--which has sold 1.5 million copies to date--offers a complete socio-emotional toolkit for back-to-school--and your whole life! It's Mila's first day of school, but mixed with excitement is worry. What if she can't find her classroom? What if no one likes her? What if she's too nervous to speak up? With a little advice from her brother, she learns that she has everything she needs right in her Invisible Backpack: an Invisible Microphone to help her find her voice, an Invisible Flashlight for when she's feeling lost, an Invisible Net to catch her if she falls, and much more. Her pack is bottomless! The Invisible String is the very first thing that she puts in her pack--and each time she uses it, it gets bigger and better. Patrice Karst, the bestselling author of the modern classic The Invisible String, gives readers the tools to confront every obstacle by teaching them to always hold onto their inner strength, to put on their Invisible Wings...and fly. Read all the books in The Invisible String series: The Invisible String Backpack: Your very own tool kit for school--and life! The Invisible String Workbook: Creative Activities to Comfort, Calm, and Connect The Invisible Leash: An Invisible String Story About the Loss of a Pet The Invisible Web: An Invisible String Story Celebrating Love and Universal Connection You Are Never Alone: An Invisible String Lullaby

Make a Move, Sunny Park! by Jessica Kim From the author of Stand Up, Yumi Chung! comes a funny and utterly charming novel about friends--how to make them, how to let go of them, and how to be your own BFF. This is the story of Sunny Park, a seventh-grade student at Ranchito Mesa Middle who loves the K-pop band Supreme Beat, hanging out with her cool grandma, dancing when no one is watching, snacking on shrimp chips, and being there for Bailey, her best friend since third grade. When Bailey decides that she and Sunny should audition for the school dance team in a ploy to parent-trap Bailey's divorced mom and dad, Sunny agrees even though the thought of performing in public makes her pits sweat. After all, she'd do anything for Bailey. In a twist of fate, Sunny makes the team and Bailey doesn't, and when Sunny reluctantly joins, it's the start of a painful and drawn-out parting of ways for the two girls. As Sunny takes her first steps out from behind her friend's shadow, she'll have to figure out who she wants to be when she's in the spotlight--and who she wants dancing alongside her.

Bizard the Bear Wizard by Chrissie Krebs An ordinary bear gains extraordinary magical powers in this hilarious early graphic novel reader. Bear was just an average bear, until the day a tornado lodged an out-of-control wizard's wand in his head. Now he looks a bit like a cross between a bear and a unicorn. He is none too pleased, but it seems he might be stuck with the wand for the foreseeable future. Even worse, he now has the ability to grant wishes-something he wants no part of. He'd much rather spend his days dozing away. His friends give him a new name-Bizard the Bear Wizard-and he reluctantly accepts his new magical powers and starts granting wishes to everyone in the forest. But when the evil wolf and his bad guys threaten them all, Bizard knows it's time to embrace his magical destiny. Only he and his newly wanded head can save the day now. Along the way, Bizard's friends, Fox, Owl, and Squirrel, all bring their own brand of kooky support to his antics as he uses . . . and accidently misuses, his powers. From the talented author-illustrator Chrissie Krebs comes the first of two hilarious younger graphic novels about Bizard and his friends. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Little Dumplings by Jekka Kuhlmann; Krissy Kuhlmann; Haley Hazell; Manita Boonyong (Illustrator) A mouth-watering, multicultural board book for little foodies and their loved ones, celebrating dumplings from kitchens all over the world! There are so many different kinds of dumplings to love! In this sweet rhyming board book, the youngest of readers are introduced to traditional dumplings eaten all over the world, from bao to pierogi, samosa, and more! Featuring more than thirty different dumplings, plus an illustrated guide to pronunciation and associated regions, this multicultural board book is just right for sharing diverse culinary traditions and fostering a love of good food with little ones. Everyone is welcome at this dumpling celebration! A MULTICULTURAL CELEBRATION: Dumplings are eaten all over the world! Big or small, baked or boiled, these satisfying treats from different traditions have as many similarities as they do differences, making them a wonderful way for the littlest readers to begin exploring a rich diversity of cultures--including their own!   FOOD BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER: The kitchen is a space of warmth, family, and celebration, no matter where in the world you go. This heartwarming board book encourages caregivers to share their own stories with the little ones in their lives, creating space for parent/child bonding and lasting cultural celebration.   GREAT GIFT FOR LITTLE FOODIES: Experiencing taste for the first time is magical! Babies and toddlers will delight in seeing favorite foods represented on the pages of this beautiful board book. Encouraging little ones' developing appreciation for food, and just the right size for little hands, this joyful celebration of dumplings is sure to make a splash at any baby shower or birthday party.   IRRESISTIBLE, RHYMING READ-ALOUD: Moments of sweetness and celebration abound in this warm, upbeat text! A cheerful rhyme and charming, colorful illustrations make this board book a great choice for read-alouds, sure to become a storytime favorite.  LEARN ABOUT EACH LITTLE DUMPLING: Two accessible, illustrated spreads at the back of the book invite readers to learn the name, pronunciation, and associated regions of every dumpling they meet in this delicious story, making multicultural education easy at even the earliest ages! Perfect for: Fans of Disney Pixar's animated short film Bao Readers who love multicultural children's books and food board books like First Book of Sushi and Yum Yum Dim Sum Anyone who loves to cook, eat, or share good food with friends and family Parents, grandparents, caregivers, or anyone seeking to share the tastes of their culture with the kids in their lives Gift-givers seeking cute, distinctive board books for birthday, new baby, or holiday gifts or to share during celebrations such as Lunar New Year, Passover, and Christmas

Ghost Book by Remy Lai Perfect for fans of Spirited Away, Coco, and Ghosts comes a spooky fantasy graphic novel about the friendship between a girl who can see ghosts and a boy who is stuck between the worlds of the living and the dead. An Indie Bestseller! Twelve years ago, the boy and the girl lived. But one was supposed to die. July Chen sees ghosts. But her dad insists ghosts aren't real. So she pretends they don't exist. Which is incredibly difficult now as it's Hungry Ghost month, when the Gates of the Underworld open and dangerous ghosts run amok in the living world. When July saves a boy ghost from being devoured by a Hungry Ghost, he becomes her first ever friend. Except William is not a ghost. He's a wandering soul wavering between life and death. As the new friends embark on an adventure to return William to his body, they unearth a ghastly truth--for William to live, July must die. Inspired by Chinese mythology, this dark yet resoundingly hopeful tale about friendship, sacrifice, and the unseen world of ghosts is a dazzling heir to beloved Studio Ghibli classics. "Absolutely gorgeous and a completely unique adventure. Remy Lai is a master storyteller!" --Christina Soontornvat, two-time Newbery Honor Winner "Spooky, spellbinding and full of heart!" ―Kayla Miller, bestselling author of Click "A deliciously spooky, funny adventure." ―Jessica Townsend, bestselling author of The Nevermoor series

Ruby and the Pen by David Lawerance; Cherie Dignam (Illustrator) Ruby and the Pen is the story of a 12-year-old, cartoon-drawing girl who buys a pen from a mysterious market stall. She soon learns that the pen has a magical power: whatever she draws, happens! Initially the pen protects Ruby from the meanest girls at her new school, but over time the pen's power becomes dangerous. Soon, Ruby has problems galore and one big question to be answered - should she fix all of her problems with the stroke of a pen?

Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: World of Reading: This Is Moon Girl by Tonya Leslie Introducing Moon Girl! When her Lower East Side, New York, neighborhood needs saving, a 13-year- old Black, super-genius transforms into her Marvel Super Hero alter-ego: Moon Girl! Her best friend Casey is there to manage her social media, and her giant red T-Rex, Devil Dinosaur, is by her side for muscle. Moon Girl is confident, determined, and ready for action in her turbo-powered roller skates.  The World of Reading This is... series is designed to offer reluctant readers books they will want to read by featuring the origin stories of characters they love.    Learn how a tween girl from the Lower East Side  becomes Moon Girl in this 32-page origin story.  Features:  large, easy-to-read print short, simple sentences fun illustrations If you like this book, you might also like: Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur: Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow This Is Ms. Marvel This Is Kate Bishop: Hawkeye This Is Spider-Man This is The Mighty Thor Descendants 3: Stronger Together Zombies 2: Call to the Wild

Fodo Dodo Goes Fishing by Édouard Manceau (Illustrator) A bright and contemporary picture book for young children about the fun of bath time, imaginative play--and fishing for underpants from the bath boat! This morning, Fodo Dodo and Noodle go fishing. They take raincoats, boots, hats, and a fishing rod. From their bathtub boat, they soon catch a beautiful striped fish out of the laundry basket--underguppies! Fodo Dodo and Noodle rush to the kitchen to prepare their feast. But the owner of the underpants is not happy with this game of make-believe. Never mind, Fodo Dodo has another idea to keep the fun alive with an even better use for the rest of the laundry. This cheerful, simple story takes its imaginary premise to a laugh out loud ending as two silly animals make the most of playtime in the bath. With wordplay, rhythm, and repetition, this stylish picture book is built for a fun read-aloud full of silly words and humor. Themes of imagination and play and contemporary graphic illustrations all help transform a dull or troublesome bath time routine into a fun, creative playground for toddlers and preschoolers. Édouard Manceau is the author and illustrator of over 100 books for children. He leads many workshops with children and has won several prizes. Translated from the French edition by Daniel Hahn.

Mexikid by Pedro. Martín (Illustrator) An unforgettable graphic memoir about a Mexican-American boy's family and their adventure-filled road trip to bring their abuelito back from Mexico to live with them that National Book Award Finalist Victoria Jamieson calls "one of those books that kids will pass to their friends as soon as they have finished it." Pedro Martin has grown up hearing stories about his abuelito--his legendary crime-fighting, grandfather who was once a part of the Mexican Revolution! But that doesn't mean Pedro is excited at the news that Abuelito is coming to live with their family. After all, Pedro has 8 brothers and sisters and the house is crowded enough! Still, Pedro piles into the Winnebago with his family for a road trip to Mexico to bring Abuelito home, and what follows is the trip of a lifetime, one filled with laughs and heartache. Along the way, Pedro finally connects with his abuelito and learns what it means to grow up and find his grito.

Ark by Elisabeth Sharp McKetta "None of us is likely to forget the 'virustime,' but feisty, funny, resourceful, creative Arden (along with her quirky family and motley crew of rescue dogs) is a comforting and inspiring reminder that the worst of times can bring out the best in us. Ark will help young readers see how they, too, kindled their own light to find their way through a dark time." --Lauren Wolk, author of Echo Mountain "Infectiously hopeful."--Kirkus Reviews Arden thinks the world has ended when her parents decide to trade their large house (where she has her own purple bedroom with a window seat!) for a small backyard guesthouse, built like a wooden boat. The worst part: it's not big enough for their dog to come along. Things get even worse when her best friend moves away and a pandemic shuts school, leaving Arden's family quarantined in very little space. Arden just wishes life would go back to normal. As neighbors leave town, shut themselves away, and get sick, their pets are left behind, and Arden becomes the safe-keeper of all the abandoned animals. When the pandemic touches home, Arden must use all her creativity and courage to help those she loves--family, friends, and dogs! Ark was inspired by author Elisabeth Sharp McKetta's experience of living in a 275-square-foot tiny house with her husband and two children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Like Arden, Elisabeth's family learned to live large in a small space.

Valiente Como un León by Erika Meza (Illustrator) A child and her lion have a one-of-a-kind friendship in this vibrantly illustrated story of overcoming fears--and being there for each other when it matters. No importa lo rápido que vaya o en dónde acabe, mi valiente león va conmigo: ¡mi león siempre está ahí! Cuando una niña esta con su león, ¡ella se siente capaz de hacer cualquier cosa! Cuando le da penita hablar o le da nervios pedir disculpas, su león le ayuda a encontrar su voz. Su león, que es grande y valiente, la protege; él está en su equipo. Pero un día en el parque, la niña decide subir una resbaladilla nueva, que es altísima, y la niña descubre que a veces hasta los leones tienen miedo. ¿Le tocará a ella ahora ser valiente? Ahora que su león la necesita, ¿podrá ella sacar las fuerza para ser un león para su león? De la talentosa autora e ilustradora Erika Meza, nos llega una historia sobre una amistad única que está llena de amor, valentía y solidaridad. No matter how fast I go, or where I end up, my brave lion sticks with me--my lion's always there! When she and her lion are together, one little girl feels like she can do anything. Whether she's afraid of the dark, or too shy to speak and in need of finding her voice, her big, bold companion always looks out for her. But one day, the inseparable pair decide to climb the new, dizzyingly high rocket slide at the playground together, and the girl discovers that even lions sometimes get afraid. Can she summon the strength to be his lion when he needs her? Joyful, expressive artwork glowing with bright primary colors brings to life the story of a special bond--and a child's discovery of unexpected courage.

Abby in Neverland (Whatever after Special Edition #3) by Sarah Mlynowski Never say never! Follow Abby and Jonah as they embark on a thrilling journey through Neverland--meeting pirates, mermaids, the Lost Boys, Tinkerbell, and Peter Pan himself-- in this third Special Edition of the dazzling New York Times best-selling Whatever After series. Abby and Jonah are at home with Jonah's friends and their fairy friend, Maryrose, when they receive a visit from another fairy--a famous one. It's Tinkerbell! She's come to their window with none other than Peter Pan. It's exciting at first--but when Peter Pan announces that he needs new Lost Boys, he whisks away Jonah and Jonah's friends. It's up to Abby (and Maryrose) to follow them all into Neverland! She soon finds herself inside the beloved book Peter Pan. Even if Abby can convince Peter Pan to give her back Jonah and his friends, there's still the evil Captain Hook and his band of pirates to contend with. And can Abby trust anyone--even Tinkerbell? She'll have to rely on her courage--and a little bit of magic fairy dust--to make it back home from Neverland before all is lost! Full of fun extras like full-page illustrations, this Special Edition is a whirlwind adventure like no other!

Forget-Me-Not Blue by Sharelle Byars Moranville Perfect for fans of Encanto and Turning Red, this intimate and heartfelt middle grade novel follows two siblings fighting to stay together amidst the ripple effects of addiction and generational trauma. Siblings Con and Sofie's mom promised that nothing would ever come between them-but when she disappears without any warning, she becomes the one who's tearing them apart. With no one else to rely on, inseparable siblings Con and Sofie must decide who they can trust, and whether or not it's safe to share their hearts with family members who have the power to hurt them. Sofie has always turned to Con-and to books-during times of upheaval in their unstable lives. But as their mother is arrested and their guardianship becomes uncertain, Sofie will have to find hope in the most important story of all- her own. Moranville's captivating and vulnerable prose explores the ways in which addiction's ripple effects pass through generations and how familial bonds can remain unbreakable through the most difficult circumstances. Expertly grappling with difficult topics at an age-appropriate level, this novel is a sensitive, nuanced exploration of children's enduring resilience and optimism. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Don't Want to Be Your Monster by Deke Moulton Two vampire brothers must set aside their differences to solve a series of murders in this humorous and delightfully spooky novel for young readers. For fans of Too Bright to See. Adam and Victor are brothers who have the usual fights over the remote, which movie to watch and whether or not it's morally acceptable to eat people. Well, not so much eat . . . just drink a little blood. They're vampires, hiding in plain sight with their eclectic yet loving family. Ten-year-old Adam knows he has a better purpose in his life (well, immortal life) than just drinking blood, but fourteen-year-old Victor wants to accept his own self-image of vampirism. Everything changes when bodies start to appear all over town, and it becomes clear that a vampire hunter may be on the lookout for the family. Can Adam and Victor reconcile their differences and work together to stop the killer before it's too late?

Banana Dream by Hasan Namir; Daby Zainab Faidhi (Illustrator) A young boy in Iraq yearns to taste the bananas that have been made unavailable by warfare. Growing up in Iraq after the Gulf War, Mooz didn't always like his name, which means "banana". But when he learns the story behind it, he's proud, even when being teased by his classmates. Now all he yearns for is to taste a banana-a lofty dream in a time when few countries are trading with Iraq, where bananas don't grow. Inspired by author Hasan Namir's own childhood, Banana Dream is at once a celebration of a seemingly ordinary fruit and a snapshot of how war can alter a landscape. Artist Daby Zainab Faidhi's background in architectural illustration is evident as she brings the story's setting vividly to life.

Little Wonders Bugs by Cottage Door Press (Editor); Rose Nestling; Hui Skipp (Illustrator) Your little one is full of wonder! Especially about bugs that are hopping, flying, squirming, and buzzing all around us! Help your baby or toddler discover and understand insects and spiders and what they do. Watch and listen but don't touch! Children who learn about nature grow up to care about nature. So go outside and learn to love butterflies and bees, spiders and worms, ants and crickets, and more. Bugs are wonderful! Durable board book pages: easy for little toddler hands tograsp, great for boys and girls practicing fine motor skills, and willwithstand traditional wear and tear. Multi-activity: flaps,wheels, tabs, and more will encourage engagement and fine motor development forlittle learners. Early learning: introductionto the world of bugs for the youngest of readers. Little ones will beintroduced to bugs like fireflies, ladybugs, ants, bees, and more! Conceptsinclude colors, shapes, patterns, and more. Bold illustrations and interesting facts: this sensory,multi-activity board book will keep your littleones entertained and engaged. Finger play: Touch and turn! Push and pull! Finger play helps toddlers develop little muscles and build finger strength, improving coordination and fine motor skills.

Challah Day! by Charlotte Offsay; Jason Kirschner (Illustrator) It's Challah Day! A family mixes, kneads, and braids bread in this joyful, rhyming story about a Jewish holiday food that's baked with love. From kneading sticky dough to gathering with family around the table, Challah Day celebrates family, food, heritage, and tradition! Join this happy family as they bake delicious braided egg bread for their Friday night Shabbat dinner. Yeast and sugar - water's warm, mix and watch those bubbles form! Crack the eggs - one... two... three... four Extra if some hit the floor. Messy flour and laughter abound. The scent of warm bread fills the house. Grandma and Grandpa bring the candles and hugs. Parents, kids, and baby too, can read this kid-friendly, rhyming recipe together. Inspired by memories author Charlotte Offsay and illustrator Jason Kirschner have of baking Challah with their children, Challah Day celebrates the sweetness of sharing homemade food as a family. In the back of the book, read about the cultural importance of Challah and Jewish traditions. This read aloud can be a joyful introduction to a new culture or a cozy way to celebrate a familiar one. Perfect for any occasion as a holiday gift or the start of a new weekly tradition. A Challah recipe is included.

Shark-Cam by Margie Palatini; Dan Yaccarino (Illustrator) Experience the ocean from a shark's perspective via the video camera on its head in this fun and exciting Pre-Level 1 Ready-to-Read book in the Critter-Cam series! Swim, Shark. Swim. Swim. Swim. Swim. Readers can swim along with a shark and see what it sees as it dances with an octopus, encounters a whale, and meets new fish friends! Dan Yaccarino's bright art and Margie Palatini's simple text create a dynamic world that beginning readers will want to visit over and over again!

La Fiesta Del Baño / a Bath Time Party by Vanesa Pérez-Sauquillo; Sara Sanchez La hora del baño es la protagonista de esta historia sobre los primeros hábitos de los más pequeños. Una nueva entrega para la colección de «GRANDES PASITOS» La hora del baño es el libro que todos los padres están esperando para acompañar a los más pequeños a meterse a la bañera.   La sirena Marena los ha invitado a todos a su fiesta del baño. ¡Especialmente los pequeños lectores están invitados! Uno a uno, divertidos personajes irán entrando y saliendo de la bañera.   Se bañó el elefante, se bañó el león, ¿Se bañó el corazón? ... Con su esponja y con su pato, ¡le gusta el baño hasta al gato!   La hora del baño forma parte de la colección «Grandes pasitos», una serie de libros llenos de humor y ternura pensados para acompañar a tus pequeños en los grandes logros de los primeros años de su vida y guiarles a través de su camino hacia la autonomía. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION In this new installment of the Big Steps Collection, A Bath Time is the protagonist of the lovely story about the little ones' first habits.     A Bath Time Party is the book that all parents have been waiting for to help the little ones get into the bathtub.     Mermaid Marena has invited everyone to her bath time party. Little readers are especially invited! One by one, funny characters will jump in and out of the bathtub. The elephant bathed, the lion bathed ... bathing with the funny sponge; everyone will like that, even the cat!    A Bath Time Party is part of the Big Steps Collection, a sweet and humorous children's books series aimed to be part of your little one's biggest accomplishments during their first years, and to help guide them towards doing things independently.

My Love for You by Lisa Varchol Perron; Sheryl Murray (Illustrator) This lovely and lyrical board book reassures a child that although all things change or come to an end (a sandcastle falls with a wave, a seagull steals a cracker), a parent's love lasts forever. Today, let's soak up summertime before it turns to fall. Gather sand and pack it tight to build a castle wall. A wave! Our fortress topples down, becoming something new. Everything is bound to change... except my love for you. A sandcastle falls with a wave, a seagull swoops down for a precious cracker, a looming thunderstorm means beach time is over, and summer draws to a close. Although most everything changes or comes to an end, a parent's love never does. It endures and reassures no matter what.

The Girl in the Tree by Ellen Potter A girl raised by squirrels in Central Park tries to make human friends in this laugh-out-loud, highly illustrated first book in a new chapter book series perfect for fans of Sophie Mouse and Critter Club! Cordelia is a girl who lives in a tree in Central Park. Found as a baby and raised by an adoring squirrel named Shakespeare, Cordelia acts just like any other young squirrel, leaping across treetops, chasing her squirrel friends, and sleeping in her treehouse. Still, she wonders what it would be like to have a human friend, and when she stumbles into a gymnastics class, it seems like she might have her chance. Living in a tree might have made Cordelia an exceptional gymnast, but people skills are a whole other matter. Even if Cordelia can't fully fit in with the other kids, can she at least make one friend? Cordelia starts her journey to be--not exactly a girl, but more than a squirrel--squirlish!

All Good in the Hood by Dwayne Reed; Gladys Jose (Illustrator) This bounce-to-the-beat picture book by America's favorite rapping teacher from Chicago is a tribute to the sights and sounds of a city neighborhood and the special bond between brothers as they help each other overcome their fears.    Today is June 19th, Juneteenth's what they say and for my family, it's a very special day. But sometimes the hood feels scary when we're walking around. I wish I could stay home where it's safe and sound. Where the dogs aren't BARKING, and the cars aren't HONKING, and the streetlights aren't FLICKERING. But when Big Bro tells me it will all be okay, I know the noises can't hurt me and ruin my day.

Stuntboy, in-Between Time by Jason Reynolds; Raúl the Raúl the Third (Illustrator) From Newbery Medal honoree and #1 New York Times bestselling author Jason Reynolds comes the sequel to the hilarious, hopeful, and action-packed middle grade novel Stuntboy, in the Meantime about the greatest young superhero you've never heard of, jam-packed with illustrations by Raúl the Third! Portico Reeves is the greatest superhero a lot of people have never heard of. He likes it that way--then no one can get in the way of him from keeping other other people safe. Super safe. He's Stuntboy. He's got the moves. And the saves. Except. There's been one major fail. He couldn't save his parents from becoming Xs. Which is a word that sounds like coughing up a hairball. But don't talk to him about the divorce, because of the hairball thing, and also, it gives Portico the frets. What's also giving him frets is his parents living on two separate floors in their apartment building. He's never fully with one parent or the other. He's in-between, all the time. The in-between time. And the elevator is busted, so to get between floors means getting past the bullies who hang in the stairwells. So when Portico and new friend, Herbert, and best best friend, Zola, discover an empty apartment, unlocked, they are psyched. It's a perfect hideout, and hangout, and it's not half anyone's...it's all theirs. So they decide to make it their own...let's say with stunts of the drawing kind. Problem is, that gives some Grown Up People the frets, which leads to double frets for Portico. And he's not sure his arsenal of stunts can combat that.

The Stone Child by David A. Robertson It's a race against time to save Eli, in this third book in the award-winning, Narnia-inspired Indigenous middle-grade fantasy series. After discovering a near-lifeless Eli at the base of the Great Tree, Morgan knows she doesn't have much time to save him. And it will mean asking for help - from friends old and new. Racing against the clock, and with Arik and Emily at her side, Morgan sets off to follow the trail away from the Great Tree to find Eli's soul before it's too late. As they journey deep into the northern woods, a place they've been warned never to enter, they face new challenges and life-threatening attacks from strange and horrifying creatures. But a surprise ally comes to their aid, and Morgan finds the strength to focus on what's most important- saving her brother's life.

Nell and the Netherbeast by Adi Rule The Netherbeast, a slinking creature with an overwhelming stench, impossibly charms young Nell. Befriending this shapeshifter propels Nell into an unforgettable summer. A beast, a haunting, a fire, and a basement that should be avoided at all costs are just part of the adventures Nell didn't ask for. This story is equal parts heart-pounding and heartwarming. Twelve-year-old Nell Stoker loves animals. She's been working toward becoming a junior volunteer at her local animal shelter for what feels like forever. But now it's summertime, and her parents are making her go to her Aunt Jerry's old bed and breakfast in Deer Valley with her older sister Lulu. When Nell crosses paths with the Netherbeast (a creature that is decidedly not a cat), his hijinks leave her wondering if she's made a new best friend or if Netherbeast will destroy the whole B&B (not even by accident). It's up to Nell to help save her aunt's B&B and solve the mystery of what might be in the basement. Between the mysteries of Rose Cottage and the creepy Netherbeast--Nell is in for an unforgettable summer adventure.

Buzzing (a Graphic Novel) by Rye Hickman; Samuel Sattin A moving middle grade graphic novel about friendship, belonging, and learning to love yourself despite the voices in your head. Isaac Itkin can't get away from his thoughts.   As a lonely twelve-year-old kid with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), everything from studying to looking in the mirror becomes a battle between him and a swarm of unhelpful thoughts.   The strict therapy his mother insists on doesn't seem to be working, but when a group of friends invites him to join their after-school role-playing game, the thoughts feel a little less loud, and the world feels a little brighter.   But Isaac's therapist says that exposure to games can have negative effects on kids with OCD, and when his grades slip, his helicopter mother won't let him play anymore. Now Isaac needs to find a way to prove to himself, to his mother, and to the world that the way to quiet the noise in his head may have been inside him all along.

Adventuregame Comics: the Beyond (Book 2) by Jason Shiga Make decisions and pick your path to the perfect afterlife in Adventuregame Comics: The Beyond, the second book in the innovative, interactive middle-grade graphic novel series from the award-winning creator of Meanwhile. Adventuregame Comics is a new series of interactive graphic novels from Jason Shiga in the vein of his hit graphic novel Meanwhile. Readers follow the story from panel to panel, using tubes that connect them, and sometimes the path will split, giving readers the chance to choose how the story unfolds. The Beyond takes place in some sort of afterlife. You don't know much when you begin, save that you're dead and that you've ended up in a room that includes a door, a window, and a table with some books. You need to get out, so you try the door. And then the window. And then you finally turn to the books--and when you open them, you're pulled into the worlds of those pages. Could these fictional worlds hold the key to your escape? Or is there more to this room than first meets the eye?

Shakti by S. J. Sindu; Nabi H. Ali (Illustrator) A fierce, feminist, and fun middle grade fantasy graphic novel about a twelve-year-old Indian American girl named Shakti who must learn the power of her ancestral magic if she wants to save her family and town from a dangerous curse. Written by Stonewall Honor Book recipient and Lambda Literary Fellow SJ Sindu and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali.   Shakti is used to being the new girl at school. She and her two moms have moved more times than she can count. With her unborn baby brother on the way, Shakti hopes her family has found their forever home in Amherst, Massachusetts, and that she can finally make friends. On her first day of seventh grade, she meets Xi and they bond over their shared passion for manga (and pizza with mayo). But the three meanest girls in school--Harini, Emily, and Kelly (aka "HEK")--are determined to make life miserable for Shakti and her new friends. When Shakti and Xi discover HEK casting spells in the woods, they fear what might happen to the other kids at school. Drawing on ancient Indian magic, Shakti seeks the aid of Durga Ma to stop HEK. But instead, Shakti accidentally conjures Kali Ma, the destroyer--Durga Ma's dangerous twin. Kali Ma punishes HEK by transforming them into monsters and curses the entire town. As more and more people begin to fall ill, including Shakti's mom, will Shakti be able to harness her own strength, power, and empathy to save those she loves--and put an end to all the hate?

Julie and the Mango Tree by Sade Smith; Sayada Ramdial (Illustrator) Coupled with Sayada Ramdial's bright and colorful artwork, Julie and the Mango Tree by Sadé Smith will have readers of all ages giggling--and craving a mango of their own! Julie loves all kinds of fruit, but mangoes are her absolute favorite. One sticky summer afternoon, Julie goes to the big mango tree in her yard to ask for a snack. But no matter how nicely she asks or how patient she tries to be, the tree just won't drop a single sweet, juicy mango! Will Julie ever be able to convince the tree to let her have just a taste of her favorite treat?

Burt the Beetle Lives Here! by Ashley Spires (Illustrator) Burt the Beetle wants to find the perfect home to settle down in. But what might that look like for a june beetle? He's impressed as he checks out the amazing homes his insect friends have built for themselves - the chrysalis of a monarch caterpillar, the underground tunnels of the yellow meadow ants, the wax hive of the bees. Only none of these wonderful homes seem to quite suit Burt's size, his building skills - or his sticky legs! Burt is starting to get discouraged. But then a rainstorm sends him scurrying for cover under a leaf. And Burt finally begins to understand what home feels like for him! Bestselling author and illustrator Ashley Spires brings her beloved wit and wisdom to this playful graphic novel that celebrates the true meaning of home - and the amazing world of insect life! With its engaging blend of fact and fiction, offered up with loads of hilarity, it's sure to keep readers laughing and learning. Burt is a sweet, endearing character whose kindness and unrelentingl

Stinetinglers 2 by R. L. Stine From R.L. Stine, the master of horror for young readers, comes ten new stories that are sure to send a shiver down your spine. Two kids embark on a field trip to the zoo...and stumble upon a creature they never expected to meet. A boy makes a machine that puts kids in charge...but at what cost? A child is sure his new house is haunted...but is it just in his head? And each story comes with a personal introduction from Stine himself. Laced with Stine's signature humor and a hefty dose of nightmarish fun, Stinetinglers 2 is perfect for fans of Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark and Stine's own Goosebumps books who want even more scares. These chilling tales prove that Stine's epic legacy in the horror genre is justly earned. Dive in, and beware: you might be sleeping with the lights on tonight!

One More Jar of Jam by Michelle Sumovich; Gracey Zhang (Illustrator) A sparkling and deeply felt story of love, loss, renewal-and jam!-offering a gentle reminder of the cyclical nature of the world around us. If you ever have a mulberry tree, you'll climb branches and shake with all your might. You'll gather berries and smush fruits, while your dad boils jars in a tall, silver pot sweating and happy as the kitchen fills with steam. Because if you've ever had a mulberry tree, you know that the sweetest things are worth waiting for. Sumptuous text and deliciously expressive illustrations come together to form a gentle ode to nature's bounty, to patience, and to one girl's lifelong connection to the tree in her yard.

Sobreviví Los Ataques Del 11 de Septiembre de 2001 (Graphix) (I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001) by Lauren Tarshis; Corey Egbert (Illustrator) A gripping graphic novel adaptation of Lauren Tarshis's bestselling I Survived the Attacks of September 11, 2001, in time for the 20th anniversary of 9/11.Lo único por lo que Lucas siente más adoración que por el fútbol Americano es su tío Benny, el mejor amigo de su padre del departamento de bomberos donde ambos trabajan. Benny le enseñó a Lucas todo lo que hay que saber sobre el fútbol americano, así que cuando los padres del chico consideran que el deporte es demasiado peligroso y que por ello debe renunciar a practicarlo, Lucas tiene que conversar con su principal admirador.A la mañana siguiente, Lucas toma el tren para ir a la ciudad en lugar de tomar el autobús para ir a la escuela. Es un hermoso día soleado en Nueva York, pero apenas Lucas llega a la estación de bomberos de su tío, todo cambia; y nunca nada volverá a ser igual.The only thing Lucas loves more than football is his Uncle Benny, his dad's best friend at the firehouse where they both work. Benny taught Lucas everything about football. So when Lucas's parents decide the sport is too dangerous and he needs to quit, Lucas has to talk to his biggest fan.The next morning, Lucas takes the train to the city instead of the bus to school. It's a bright, beautiful day in New York as he heads to the firehouse. But just as he arrives, everything changes -- and nothing will ever be the same again.

Greenwild by Pari Thomson *An Instant New York Times Bestseller* The Secret Garden meets A Wrinkle in Time in Greenwild: The World Behind the Door, the first book in the most extraordinary new fantasy series. Open the door to a spellbinding world where the wilderness is alive and a deep magic rises from the earth itself . . . Eleven-year-old Daisy Thistledown is on the run. Her mother has been keeping big, glittering secrets, and now she has vanished. Daisy knows it's up to her to find Ma--but someone is hunting her across London. Someone determined to stop her from discovering the truth. So when Daisy flees to safety through a mysterious hidden doorway, she can barely believe her eyes--she has stepped out of the city and into another world. This is the Greenwild. Bursting with magic and full of amazing natural wonders, it seems too astonishing to be true. But not only is this land of green magic real, it holds the key to finding Daisy's mother. And someone wants to destroy it. Daisy must band together with a botanical genius, a boy who can talk with animals, and a spunky cat to uncover the truth about who she really is. Only then can she channel the power that will change her whole world . . . and save the Greenwild itself.

This Is Not My Story by Ryan Uytdewilligen; David Huyck (Illustrator) The brave captain of a tiny spaceship is surrounded by flying saucers. Though the situation appears dire, he knows just what to do... um, wait! The brave captain - ahem, boy - tells the author to stop the action: He's got it all wrong. This is not the boy's story. He belongs in a different story. The author considers this. Then he begins again, with a story about Cattle King Carl, the quickest cattle wrangler in the West... No! Still not the boy's story? Hmm. Is he a dragon-slaying knight? No! A vampire's next victim? No! A boy going on a date? No! Will the author ever come up with the right story? Multi-award-winning author Ryan Uytdewilligen employs a funny and unique take on metafiction and the literary technique of breaking the fourth wall to provide an easy-to-understand exploration of literary genres. The book also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process that highlights the value of perseverance and teamwork. The appealing graphic novel style art by award-winning

Pero ¿por Qué No Te Duermes? / Why Won't You Sleep? by Adam Wallace; Carla Martell (Illustrator); Rocio Rincon Fernandez (Translator) ¿No puedes dormir? A veces es difícil conciliar el sueño, pero no te preocupes, ¡sé cómo conseguir que te canses!   Un álbum ilustrado repleto de humor, ideal para compartir en familia antes de irse a dormir.   Contar ovejitas, baños calentitos, nanas... esta historia lo tiene todo para hacerte reír y desesperarte a partes iguales mientras simpatizas con este dragón que hace todo lo posible para que su dragoncito se vaya a dormir.   -Un cuento ideal para leer en familia antes de ir a dormir. -Con bromas para hacer reír a toda la familia, y con un final inesperado. -Con ilustraciones frescas y divertidas. -Escrito por Adam Wallace, el autor de Superpedete y Navidad a todo gas. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION Can't sleep? It can be hard to nod off sometimes. But dont worry, we know just the thing to make you tired ... What, still awake? Why won't you sleep?! An illustrated album full of humor, perfect to read with the family. -An ideal story to read with the family before bed. -With jokes to make the whole family laugh, and with an unexpected ending, too. -A book full of fun. -Written by Adam Wallace, the author of Only YOU Can Save Christmas!

Team Trash by Kate Wheeler; Trent Huntington When a science project goes awry, two student activists travel through time to learn how to protect our Earth from plastic pollution in modern times. Studious environmentalist Charlie is stuck with a science fair partner who seems like her complete opposite- Charlie wants to save the planet, and all Oliver wants is to doodle in his notebook. But when a mechanical mishap sends the two traveling back through time, they'll have to work as a team to return to the present day. In order for the time machine to send them back, the unlikely duo must gather data on recycling throughout the ages - from sustainable marketplaces in Edo Japan to garbage-gobbling pigs in 19th-century NYC. Yet the closer the team gets to the present day, the more that plastic presents a problem- they're running out of time. Harnessing their frustration over the daunting ecological future they've inherited, Charlie and Oliver discover the ways in which they can use their sustainability knowledge to return home and build a better earth. In this sweeping educational adventure that transports readers across continents and centuries, Washington Post contributor Katie Wheeler invites readers into the history of recycling and how students can reduce plastic waste. Wheeler's fresh journal-style graphic novel acknowledges the reality of plastic pollution while offering accessible activist solutions, playfully-illustrated sustainability tips, and an optimistic look into how modern scientists are combating waste.Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.

West of the Sea by Stephanie Willing Tae Keller meets Tracey Baptiste in a tale of generational trauma, told with a cryptozoological twist. When her mom disappears from their small Texas town, paleontology-loving Haven is determined to find her. But as she uncovers truths about her mom's identity, Haven also uncovers a monstrous family secret. Her mom can take the shape of a human and, in the right environment, also turn into an amphibious creature known as a kitskara. And now that she's growing up, Haven is discovering she has this ability, too. This newfound identity is her only clue to help her track her mother and bring her back home.   And so she, her older sister Margie, and her new friend Rye set off on a road trip across Texas's Gulf Coast to her late grandparents' abandoned home, where they're sure her mom has disappeared to...along with plenty of family secrets.   Infused with a deep love of fossils and Celtic mythology, West of the Sea is a lyrical, heart-filled coming-of-age story for fans of cryptozoology--and anyone who has struggled to find their place in the world when they feel different.

Babylink: If Mama Sings by Laura Wittner; Maricel Clark (Illustrator) A heart-warming board book from Argentina for babies and toddlers. The mother's voice is that constant music that accompanies growth: everything changes very quickly for the baby, but his mother's voice is always there to feed him, to hug him, to give him confidence. This book is a lullaby that can be sung day and night.

Gallowgate by K. R. Alexander From bestselling horror master K.R. Alexander, a twisted take on a school for magic where the line between curse and survival is always shifting. Sebastian Wight is cursed. As a boy with the forbidden ability to traverse the lands of the dead, he must not only harness his newfound powers to fight the monster that stalks him, but also to navigate a creepy world of hunting ghosts and ghouls with his eccentric classmates. And that's only the start of his concerns. There's also the tangled on a boy who barely looks at him twice... and the deadly family history that brought him to the halls of Gallowgate Academy in the first place. For Sebastian Wight, fighting the dead might be hard... but it's dealing with the living that may bring him down.

Mickey Mouse Funhouse: World of Reading: Pirate Adventure by Disney Books Ahoy! When Captain Salty Bones invites Mickey and the gang to Pirate Beach for a treasure hunt, Funny turns into a pirate ship for Mickey's biggest treasure hunt ever in this Level Pre-1 reader. But when Mickey and the gang arrive on Pirate Beach, they are not alone. The weasels want to treasure hunt, too!  Who will find the coveted treasure chest first?  If you like this book, you may want to consider adding these other books to your Disney collection! Disney Junior Mickey: Box of Mickey Fun World of Reading: Disney Junior Mickey: Friendship Tales World of Reading: Mickey Mouse Mixed-Up Adventures Campy Camper Day World of Reading: Meet Alice World of Reading: Jake and the Never Land Pirates: The Key to Skull Rock

Grumbones by Jenn Bennett Pixar's Coco meets Neil Gaiman in this chilling middle grade novel about a girl whose quest to ensure her deceased grandmother is resting peacefully leads her to the magical and perilous kingdoms of the underworld. Everyone in Whispering Pines knows their town is full of ghosts, but Helena Novak hasn't seen a trace of her late grandmother, Babi. Helena and her best friend, Ben, spend most of their free time in the cemetery, yet no amount of gifts on Babi's grave has lured her spirit out. But someone else has been paying attention. Helena feels she's being followed, and one day, all Babi's grave gifts disappear. When Helena and Ben investigate, they find a secret door in a crypt that leads to the underworld itself. The sprawling subterranean world is a maze of eerie kingdoms, piercing castles, creepy forests, swirling seas, and crowded marketplaces full of unsavory characters. While the living can visit, if they get lost--or taken by the mysterious Nightmare--they won't be able to leave. Despite the danger, Helena is set on finding her grandmother and seeing for herself that Babi is doing well in this strange place. So when eccentric underworld guide Grumbones offers to help Helena and Ben find their way, they think it's their lucky break. Sure, he looks like Santa's skinny evil brother and some of the memento mori spilling out of his pockets look awfully familiar, but better a slightly suspicious helper than none at all...right?

Sweet Suzy. Everyone Is Special by Bosch Joni Bosch; Aiko Graven (Illustrator) "Will quietly build self-esteem and appreciation for a multitude of talents." - Kirkus Reviews Suzy wonders what makes her special. She visits her friends to see what they do, and whether she can do it too.  After quite a trip, she still hasn't found something special about herself. Thankfully, her friends help her see what's unique about her, too.  Join Suzy as she discovers her special talent, and learn fun facts about the animals in the story as you go along!  A relatable story about searching for oneself and recognizing that we all have special talents, even if we might need help figuring it out.

Dr. Seuss's Horton Hears a Boo! by Wade Bradford; Tom Brannon (Illustrator) Join Dr. Seuss's beloved character Horton the elephant and friends on a Halloween adventure as they try to overcome their fears and find the source of a spooky sound--includes two pages of colorful stickers! In the Jungle of Nool, near the Glowbug Lagoon, In the hush of the night, 'neath the October moon, He was counting the stars (there were more than a few), When Horton the elephant heard a strange . . . BOO! Horton the elephant is as kind and lovable as ever in this fun picture book about facing your fears and helping those in need.  At first, Horton, Kangaroo, and the Wickersham Brothers are terrified of the sound. What could it be: A Blurpp in the bog? A triple-eyed bat flying out of the fog? Knowing that there's only one way to find out, Horton bravely leads the group toward the sound, and the animals are relieved to discover that their fears were unfounded. . . . Written and illustrated in the iconic style of Dr. Seuss's Horton Hears a Who!, this perfect Halloween read-aloud includes two pages of stickers, ideal for decorating your own Seussian jack-o'-lantern!

Not Really Buddies by Jan Carr; Kris Mukai (Illustrator) A laugh-out-loud new illustrated chapter book series celebrating the roller coaster highs and lows of life in a second grade classroom. Buddy has a good feeling about second grade. He knows where to go, his best friend is in his class, and he's ready for a great year. And then Bea shows up-new, tardy, and showing off brand new stitches. Buddy was not expecting Bea. Bea's fast talking and upside-down thinking leave Buddy feeling buzzy-and with his hair full of mayonnaise. How will he and Bea ever figure out how to get along in the same classroom community?

The Many Masks of Andy Zhou by Jack Cheng "Another beautiful book by Jack Cheng." --Erin Entrada Kelly, Newbery Award-winning author of Hello, Universe Creative and brave sixth grader Andy Zhou faces big changes at school and at home in this new novel by the award-winning author of See You in the Cosmos, for fans of When You Trap a Tiger and The Stars Beneath Our Feet Andy Zhou is used to being what people need him to be: the good kid for his parents and now grandparents visiting from Shanghai, or the helpful sidekick to his best friend Cindy's rebellious plans and schemes. So when Cindy decides they should try out for Movement at school on the first day of sixth grade, how can Andy say no? But between feeling out of place with the dancers, being hassled by his new science partner Jameel, and sensing tension between his dad and grandfather, Andy feels all kinds of weird. Then, over anime, Hi-Chews, and Andy's lizard-inspired artwork, things shift between him and Jameel, opening up new doors--and also new complications. No matter how much Andy cares about his friends and family, it's hard not to feel pulled between all the ways he's meant to be, all the different faces he wears, and harder still to figure out if any of these masks is the real him. "A joy and a journey." --Tae Keller, Newbery Award-winning author of When You Trap a Tiger "Sincere . . . Perceptive . . . Captures the joys and complex anxieties of middle school." --Kirkus "Beautiful . . . Recommended for fans of Erin Entrada Kelly and Nicole Melleby." --SLJ "Realistic . . . Compelling." --Booklist "Beautifully and naturally depicts Chinese American family life and the first year of middle school" --Common Sense Media "There's an aching poignancy [that] will resonate with kids." --BCCB "Beautifully written, [with] complexity and nuance." --Book Riot "Andy's quiet courage and budding artistry have readers cheering him on." --Paula Yoo, National Book Award longlisted-author of From a Whisper to a Rallying Cry

Fiona Gets the Sniffles by Richard Cowdrey Join Fiona the hippo, the adorable internet sensation from the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden, as she and her friends Cheetah, Chicken, and Fox figure out how to help Mr. Elephant feel better when he has a case of the sniffles. What happens when Fiona starts sniffling too Young readers will enjoy learning more about Fiona and her friends in this Level One I Can Read book about the little hippo that has captured hearts around the world with her inspiring story and plucky personality. Fiona Has the Sniffles is: An endearing animal book that's a perfect gift from parents and grandparents A sweet book about how we all have times when we don't feel well A Level One I Can Read story geared for children just learning to read Created by New York Times bestselling artist Richard Cowdrey of Fiona the Hippo; A Very Fiona Christmas; Fiona, It's Bedtime; Legend of the Candy Cane; Bad Dog, Marley; and A Very Marley Christmas fame   Fiona Gets the Snifflesis one title in the I Can Read brand that focuses on Fiona the hippo. Other titles include: Meet Fiona Fiona Saves the Day Fantastic Fiona Fiona and the Rainy Day Fiona's Train Ride Fiona Goes to School

Because I Already Loved You by Andrée-Anne Cyr; Bérengère Delaporte (Illustrator) I never got the chance to know you and play with you, but I think of you a lot. A child eagerly waits for their younger sibling to be born. They help Daddy decorate the room, pick out toys with Grandma and build a sled with Grandpa. Auntie and Uncle are excited too, and the narrator helps them to pick out an exciting book and prepare a magic trick to show the baby. When Mommy and Daddy come back from the hospital, there is no baby with them -- only a dark cloud of sadness. The child doesn't understand where the new baby is, until their parents explain that the baby died at birth. The narrator's family explains that it's rare, and it's no one's fault. Daddy and Mommy are very sad, but they also say that--little by little--they will find their smiles again. Although the child never got the chance to get to know their sibling, they have saved them a special place in their heart. A quiet, thoughtful look at stillbirth and grief told through the eyes of a child. Includes a list of support organizations for children and families.   Key Text Features Illustrations annotated resources   Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3 Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details. CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7 Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

We Still Belong by Christine Day A thoughtful and heartfelt middle grade novel by American Indian Youth Literature Honor-winning author Christine Day (Upper Skagit), about a girl whose hopeful plans for Indigenous Peoples' Day (and plans to ask her crush to the school dance) go all wrong--until she finds herself surrounded by the love of her Indigenous family and community at an intertribal powwow. Wesley is proud of the poem she wrote for Indigenous Peoples' Day--but the reaction from a teacher makes her wonder if expressing herself is important enough. And due to the specific tribal laws of her family's Nation, Wesley is unable to enroll in the Upper Skagit tribe and is left feeling "not Native enough." Through the course of the novel, with the help of her family and friends, she comes to embrace her own place within the Native community. Christine Day's debut, I Can Make This Promise, was an American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award Honor Book, was named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus, School Library Journal, the Chicago Public Library, and NPR, and was also picked as a Charlotte Huck Honor Book. Her sophomore novel, The Sea in Winter, was an American Indian Library Association Youth Literature Award Honor Book, as well as named a Best Book of the Year by Kirkus and School Library Journal. We Still Belong is an accessible, enjoyable, and important novel from an author who always delivers.

The Brilliant Ms. Bangle by Cara Devins; K-Fai Steele (Illustrator) A brilliant librarian helps students to welcome big changes in this picture book by Cara Devins with illustrations from K-Fai Steele. It's a new school year, and something is different. The students' beloved librarian, Ms. Stack, has retired. The new librarian, Ms. Bangle, is not the same! She has different ways of doing, well, everything! How will the students ever adjust? Change isn't easy, but it can be a positive experience. With a bit of patience, and a lot of heart, it can be positively brilliant.

Sorceline Book 2 by Sylvia Douyé; Paola Antista (Illustrator); Tanya Gold (Translator) Return to the Island of Vorn, where mythical creatures roam free and only the brightest students are invited to study them! Follow along as the kids (and creatures) of Professor Balzar's famous school of cryptozoology unearth the long-hidden secret at the heart of their story. Sorceline has proven herself a star student at Balzar's prestigious academy--but her gifts might have gotten the best of her. As Sorceline fights for her life, her classmates must work to uncover her origin story, revealing details of her past that may offer a key to their present. At the back of the book, enjoy an illustrated bestiary along with behind-the-scenes bonus material!

Night Owl Night by Susan Edwards Richmond; Maribel Lechuga (Illustrator) An inspiring introduction to capture-and-release research, this mother-daughter story about owl conservation will spark curiosity in young nature, bird, and science lovers. Sova's mother is a scientist who studies birds and their migratory patterns. Each night she goes into the woods to conduct research, and finally Sova is old enough to join her. Securing headlamps, Sova and her mother head into the woods to capture, measure, and release saw-whet owls. Through the quiet night, Sova learns about the patience, persistence, and excitement that comes with conservation efforts and scientific research. This heartwarming mother-daughter story is the perfect primer to conservation, science, and amazing owls!

Skeleanor the Decomposer by Emily Ettlinger (Illustrator) An instantly charming and vivid chapter-book graphic novel, starring a music-obsessed skeleton, Skeleanor, and her quest to find her sound (and her confidence) by debut creator Emily Ettlinger. Skeleanor loves music more than life itself. There's just one problem- She has a bit more rattle than rhythm at the moment. No matter what type of instrument she plays-from the fiddle to the xylobone-she always seems to scare the people of Little Casketon away. But with the Little Casketon Summershine festival coming up, and the town band missing a player, maybe Skeleanor (along with the help of her best friend, Batima) could show people her skills and finally take centre stage. Hilarious and heartfelt, Skeleanor the Decomposer by debut author and illustrator Emily Ettlinger is a story about chasing your passions no matter what other people say. Sometimes, all you need is a dream, your friends, and a little music.

Mine! by Candace Fleming; Eric Rohmann (Illustrator) This rhythmic read-aloud about sharing by an award-winning author and a Caldecott medalist features a series of hilariously selfish forest animals. In a tall, tall tree, at the tip-tippy top, hangs a single red apple...       Along skirts Mouse. "An apple!" she squeaks, "How divine! When it tumbles to the ground, it'll all be mine!"      And so it goes, for Hare, Fox, Deer, and Bear, who each can't wait to get their hands on the apple.      Soon the wind huffs and puffs, the branch snips and snaps, and down the apple falls. Only one shiny red apple for five furry creatures? What are they to do?!      Here is a read-aloud picture book, perfect for storytime, that will have kids repeating the refrain "Mine!"... complete with an ending that celebrates sharing and is sure to surprise!

Slime Shop by Karina Garcia; Kevin Panetta; Niki Smith (Illustrator) YouTube Slime Queen Karina Garcia teams up with Kevin Panetta and Niki Smith for a fun, colorful adventure that follows three friends as they run their own slime shop business and the slimes who secretly come alive to help them.  Bailey, Sophia, and Jayden run the BSJ slime shop but what the three slime makers don't know is that when they're not around, the slimes come to life!  When the creators start shipping slimes off to who-knows-where, the slimes left at the shop start to worry that they're next. Even as Polly tries to convince her friends that everything is fine, Boris, a grumpy green slime, starts taking things into his own hands. Then slimes start disappearing and suddenly the shop is full of zombie slimes. With half the shop zombified and the other half scared silly, Polly has no choice but to go on a quest, along with her friends Max and Karma, to discover the truth about the slimes being shipped off and a way to save her friends before it's too late.  Will they be able to turn everyone back into themselves Or will the slime shop get shut down for good

Mr Mornington's Favorite Things by Karen George My friend Mr Mornington has always lived next door to us. His favorite things are gardening and eating cherry cake and playing his saxophone. He's not the best rememberer, though. "George has crafted a simple yet moving and child-friendly tale enhanced by understated watercolor-esque vignettes. Certain to linger with readers."--Kirkus Reviews A little girl lives next door to Mr Mornington, who has played saxophone all over the world. These days, he's a bit tired of all that travelling, so now he plays it just for her. Together, they have a favourite song: one that conjures up memories of all their favorite things. But when Mr Mornington moves into a nursing home, his young friend wonders if he'll be able to remember her - or any of his favorite things at all... perhaps there's something she can do to help? This heartfelt and gently humorous picture book explores the subject of dementia in an original way. Drawing on themes of music therapy and the value of community and intergenerational friendship, it has a warm yet realistic ending that will help readers to process their own feelings of loss. Includes Mr Mornington's famous cherry cake recipe at the back of the book, so you can try one of his favorite things.

The Numbers Store by Harold Green III; DeAnn Wiley (Illustrator) This stunning, early-concept board book series features an intergenerational Black family over the course of a day at the local grocery store, as readers learn colors and numbers.  When Mom realizes there are zero eggs in the house, the entire family heads to the store to pick up more. Readers can join the counting fun as the family shops and adds more items to their basket--from three bananas to five plums--amid the backdrop of a bustling market. Publishing simultaneously with The Rainbow Park, The Numbers Store studies numbers through the experience of an intergenerational Black family's trip to the local grocery store.

I Cannot Draw a Bicycle by Charise Mericle Harper "The book cannot draw a bicycle, but the horse really wants a bicycle. Will horse's wheely dreams come true--or will they end in pieces?"-- Provided by publisher

Tumble by Adriana Hernández Bergstrom (Illustrator) This gorgeous, poetic story follows the unexpected journey of a lone tumbleweed making its way across the desert. Wind blows. Tumble goes. Fence stops. Tumble hops. Cactus waves. Tumble stays, and stays, and stays. Using simple, succinct text and richly colored art, Adriana Hernández Bergstrom follows one tumbleweed on its journey across a desert unexpectedly teeming with life. Tumble is an incredible read-aloud perfect for storytime or newly independent readers. Extensive backmatter identifies every plant and animal featured in the book and provides more information on the misunderstood tumbleweed and its ecosystem.

La Bruja Que No Quería una Escoba (de Las de Barrer) / the Witch Who Did Not Wan T a Broom, (Not the Sweeping Kind) by Susanna Isern; David Sierra (Illustrator) «El gran mago Linus elegirá a la mejor bruja para que se convierta en su discípula y ayudante. Se ruega a las interesadas que se presenten en los jardines lunares a medianoche». La famosa bruja Petra de los Tornados participa, junto con un montón de otras brujas, en un concurso de talentos que tiene lugar en la Mansión Luna. La ganadora será la elegida por el mago Linus para vivir bajo su tutela y ser su aprendiz. ¡Qué gran oportunidad! El mago Linus es un ser excepcional. Pero cuando Petra resulta elegida descubrirá que no todo es como parece y que las escobas no siempre esta tan llenas de posibilidades. Un bonito homenaje a todas las mujeres que crecieron y trabajaron a la sombra, y que lucharon por obtener un merecido reconocimiento de su trabajo. Esta aventura de Petra es divertida, pero tiene, como siempre, un contenido serio y trascendente. ENGLISH DESCRIPTION "Linus, the great wizard, will choose the best witch to become his apprentice and assistant. Those interested are asked to gather at the lunar gardens at midnight."   The famous witch Petra of Tornados joins the competition, along with a bunch of other witches, in a talent contest that takes place in the Luna Mansion. The winner will be chosen by the great magician Linus to live under his wing and be his apprentice. What a great opportunity! The great magician Linus is exceptional! But when Petra is chosen, she will discover that not everything is as it seems and that brooms are not always so full of possibilities.   A nice tribute to all the women who grew up and worked in the shadows, and who fought to get their work the recognition it deserved. This Petra adventure is fun, but it also has a thoughtful and meaningful message.

Voy a Intentar by Marilyn Janovitz Perseverance (and a little help from a friend) pay off for an aspiring young gymnast in this inspiring early reader, now available in Spanish! Ella is in awe of Jan, the star of her gymnastics class. Jan can spin and leap on the balance beam. Can Ella? Her first attempt is a failure, and Ella is ready to give up. But Jan is a star at friendship too, and with her encouragement, Ella tries again--and succeeds! The adorable, leotard-clad young gymnasts fill the pages with action, and the story offers valuable, age-appropriate lessons in kindness, sportsmanship, and how important it is to try, try again. Now translated into Spanish! Me gusta leer! provides emerging Spanish language readers with translations of popular I Like to Read books. The award-winning I Like to Read series focuses on books for kindergarten through first grade. Acclaimed author-illustrators--including winners of Caldecott, Theodor Seuss Geisel, and Coretta Scott King honors--create original, high quality illustrations that support comprehension of simple text and are fun for kids to read with parents, teachers, or on their own!

Bog Gone! #1 by P. Knuckle Jones (Illustrator) Meet detective-in-training Finder and her friends as they try to figure out why everyone in Belly Acre Bog has disappeared in this hilarious graphic novel mystery! Perfect for fans of The InvestiGators! Finder the tree frog absolutely loves solving mysteries. So when all the animals in Belly Acre Bog mysteriously disappear overnight, Finder and her friends Chopper and Keeper are toad-ally on the case. But when Seymour Warts, the world's greatest detective and Finder's hero, arrives on the scene and begins his own investigation, the young creature finders soon realize that this mystery could be even bigger than their little bog!

The Great Banned-Books Bake Sale by Aya Khalil; Anait Semirdzhyan (Illustrator) Kanzi, the immigrant girl of Aya Khalil and Anait Semirdzhyan's bestselling picture book The Arabic Quilt, has come to feel welcome in her American school -- that is, until an entire shelf of books about immigrant kids and kids of color suddenly disappears from the school library. Upon learning that books with kids who look like her have been banned by her school district, Kanzi is overcome by confusion and fear. But her classmates support her, and together -- with their teacher's help -- they hatch a plan to hold a bake sale and use the proceeds to buy diverse books for libraries. The event is a big success; the entire school participates, and the local TV station covers it in the evening news. Prodded by her classmates to read the poem she has written, Kanzi starts softly but finds her voice. "You have banned important books, but you can't ban my words," she reads. "Books are for everyone." The crowd chants, "No banned books! No banned books!" and the next week, the ban is reversed. The backmatter includes a recipe for baklawa, the Egyptian pastry that Kanzi prepares for the bake sale.

Newton and Curie Take Flight! by Daniel Kirk When curious squirrel Curie notices a baby bird learning to fly for the first time, she can't wait to try too! But everyone tells her that squirrels can't fly. Determined, Curie decides to conduct her own experiment with the help of her big brother Newton. Can they find a way to soar in the sky? Gently exploring the science of flight with simple, kid-friendly explanations of topics including gravity, air currents, air pressure, and lift, this light introduction to the principles of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) from bestselling author-illustrator Daniel Kirk depicts an inquisitive and resourceful sibling team who solve real-life problems together-and have a lot of fun along the way.

I Am Ready for School! by Stephen Krensky; Sara Gillingham (Illustrator) I fit just right in every chair. With toys and books for me to share. Reassuring rhyming text introduces preschoolers to their first day of school where a welcoming teacher, a cheery classroom, and new friends await! The Empowerment series addresses the small victories of growing up and starting to embrace the world on their own terms with encouraging text and retro-fresh illustrations. Celebrate the milestones of toddlerhood with the whole series.

Land of Broken Promises by Jane Kuo Taiwanese immigrant Anna and her family make a shocking discovery that puts their American dreams at risk in this searing companion to In the Beautiful Country, which Gene Luen Yang called "vivid and hopeful." After a rocky first year, Anna's family have settled into life in California--their small restaurant is even turning a profit. Then her parents make a shattering discovery: their visas have expired. Anna's world is quickly overwhelmed by unfamiliar words like "undocumented" and "inequality." She longs to share with a friend the towering secret that looms over every aspect of her life, but her parents strictly forbid her from telling anyone. As Anna grapples with the complexities of being undocumented, the strain that it places on her family, and the loneliness of keeping it all to herself, she has to wonder--if America is the promised land, why does everything she's hoped for feel like a lie? Perfect for fans of Kelly Yang, Reem Faruqi, and Jasmine Warga, this middle grade novel in verse, inspired by the author's own experiences, focuses on themes of legal documentation, identity, and language's ability to divide and unite.

Night of the Ninjas Graphic Novel by Mary Pope Osborne; Jenny Laird (Adapted by); Kelly Matthews (Illustrator); Nichole Matthews (Illustrator) The #1 bestselling chapter book series is now available as graphic novels! Magic. Mystery. Time-travel. Get whisked away to ancient Japan and the time of ninjas with Jack and Annie! There's a whisper in the shadows, a silent warrior. It's a ninja! The magic tree house has whisked Jack and Annie to ancient Japan. They need to learn the secrets of the ninja in order to help their friend Morgan! But how do you find a warrior that hides in the shadows? You don't find a ninja . . . the ninja finds YOU! For the first time in graphic novel--live the adventure again with new full-color vibrant art that brings the magic to life!

Hellaween by Moss Lawton Perfect for fans of Wednesday, Hooky, Monster High, and anyone in need of a wickedly good laugh, this graphic novel follows an aspiring witch and her two best friends as they try to have a fun-filled Halloween . . . while also dealing with a pair of neighborhood do-gooders hell-bent on vanquishing evil. Learning to become a witch is hella difficult! Luckily, Gwen can always count on her two best friends in the whole world for help. Except Sloane and Miles aren't exactly from this world. They're from the Hallowlands, a monstrous realm, which they can only leave as the year creeps toward Halloween. This year, Gwen is determined to flex her magical skills. Armed with her first-ever grimoire, she's hoping her friends will finally see that she has what it takes to leave boring suburbia behind and join them in the Hallowlands. Except Gwen hadn't counted on Hiro, a local kid obsessed with hunting the supernatural. When he and his reluctant sidekick start making trouble for them, the monster squad will have to fight to avoid having their secrets exposed-or worse. But when Gwen's quest to prove herself leads to a string of unintended consequences, the five of them may just have to band together to take on something even more nightmarish than being a teen.

The Truth about Dragons by Julie Leung; Hanna Cha (Illustrator) An unforgettable lyrical picture book that celebrates biracial identity from the award-winning author of Paper Son: The Inspiring Story of Tyrus Wong, Immigrant and Artist. Lean in close, my darling bao bei, and I will whisper a most precious secret about a powerful magic that lives inside you. Brought to life with lavish and ornate illustrations, The Truth About Dragons follows a young child on a journey guided by his mother's bedtime storytelling. He quests into two very different forests, as his two grandmothers help him discover two different, but equally enchanting, truths about dragons. Eastern and Western mythologies coexist and enrich each other in this warm celebration of mixed cultural identity.

How to Speak in Spanglish by Mónica Mancillas; Olivia de Castro (Illustrator) In this charming and delightful picture book, Sami shares the joys of Spanglish with his skeptical abuela and diverse community. Sami loves to speak both English and Spanish. But he doesn't just speak them one at a time. He speaks in Spanglish! Sometimes, he makes brand-new words-like "lonche"-and sometimes, he puts the languages together in one sentence, like when he's hungry for jamberguers con papas fritas. But not everyone likes Spanglish. Abuela thinks that Spanish should be spoken at home and English at school. And to make matters more complicated, Sami's not allowed to write his homework in Spanglish. At first, Sami feels confused and frustrated. But with the support of his family, friends, and neighbors, Sami soon realizes that his unique identity should be celebrated. Hooray, muy bien, Sami!

Lei and the Fire Goddess by Malia Maunakea "Lei and the Fire Goddess blends preteen angst and beloved Hawaiian moʻolelo in a way that hasn't been done before." -Auliʻi Cravalho, actress and voice of Disney's Princess Moana Curses aren't real. At least, that's what twelve-year-old, part-Hawaiian Anna Leilani Kamaʻehu thinks when she listens to her grandmother's folktales about sacred flowers and family guardians. Anna's friends back home in Colorado don't believe in legends, either. They're more interested in science and sports-real, tangible things that stand in total contrast to Anna's family's embarrassing stories. So when Anna goes back to Hawaiʻi to visit her Tūtū, she has no interest in becoming the heir to her family's history; she's set on having a touristy, fun vacation. But when Anna accidentally insults Pele the fire goddess by destroying her lehua blossom, a giant hawk swoops in and kidnaps her best friend, and she quickly learns just how real these moʻolelo are. In order to save her friends and family, Anna must now battle mythical creatures, team up with demigods and talking bats, and evade the traps Pele hurls her way. For if Anna hopes to undo the curse, she will have to dig deep into her Hawaiian roots and learn to embrace all of who she is.

Terror in Shadow Canyon (Monsterious, Book 3) by Matt McMann This series of terrifying tales that combine monsters + mysteries is perfect for fans of Goosebumps. "Spine-chilling and creepy!" --Max Brallier, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Last Kids on Earth, on Escape From Grimstone Manor (Monsterious, Book 1) Twelve-year-old Tegan and his friends are excited to set out on a weeklong backpacking trip through the wilderness in Shadow Canyon, known for its vast forests and jaw-droppingly deep canyon. But after the group sets off on a little-used trail to visit a remote waterfall, they soon discover that the path markers they've been following have mysteriously disappeared, leaving them hopelessly lost. As Tegan and his friends try to find their way back to civilization, they begin to notice strange things in the woods: small, oblong stones dotting the landscape in unexpected formations, tree roots that seem to be moving on their own, and creepy glowing eyes peering out of the shadows at night. Before long, they discover that something sinister stalks the forest--a creature with a hunger for human flesh. Can they make it out of Shadow Canyon alive?

The Hunt for the Hollower by Callie C. Miller In this riff on Arthurian legend, a wizardess who is still mastering her powers goes on an epic quest to save her brother from an evil wizard in this middle grade magical adventure perfect for fans of Adam Gidwitz and Amanda Foody! The great wizard Merlyn prophesized that his seventh descendant would do wonderful, miraculous things--baffling everyone when his great-great-many-times-great grandchild turns out to be twins. Soon enough, however, it becomes clear which sibling is the Septimum Genus: Percy is a natural with magic. Merlynda (to put it simply) is not. But Merlynda doesn't mind. Percy has always been by her side to cheer her up (and clean up) after her magical bungles--until the twins attempt a forbidden spell to help her control her magic, and Percy vanishes through a portal and straight into the clutches of the magic-stealing, mythical Hollower. Aided by her best friend (who longs to be a knight), a wandering musician (who is fleeing from his past), and her brand-new, fierce familiar (who yearns for a taste of funnel cake), Merlynda sets off on a quest to rescue her brother. But to defeat this ancient evil, she must discover and embrace her true powers--or else lose her brother for good.

Kantiga Finds the Perfect Name by Mabel Mnensa; Chantelle and Burgen Thorne (Illustrator) This endearing picture book from South Africa follows the story of a little girl who, with help from her grandmother, explores her identity and learns to appreciate her name. "There was once a beautiful little girl with a heart as big as her name, Kantiga. But Kantiga did not like her name." Hearing this, her gogo tells her a family tale of the magical clay pot that seems to be useless because it is cracked and broken. We learn how this flaw makes it more than perfect. Follow this beautiful tale, full of color and folklore, as Kantiga tries to find the perfect name and on the journey learns a bit more about who she is and where she is from.

The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry by Chad Morris; Shelly Brown Eleven-year-old Juniper Berry lives in a cabin with her family deep in the wild woods. Living off the grid is usually exciting, like the time she chased off three growling raccoons with a tree branch and some acorns, or when she thought she glimpsed the legendary Bigfoot. But her happy life in the wild ends abruptly when her younger brother gets sick, and the family moves to the city to be closer to the hospital. Juniper and her older sister are sent to live with cousins they hardly know and attend a public school for the first time, which is harder to navigate than the wild woods ever were. Juniper feels like a wolf cub separated from her pack. When Juniper notices that her cousin, Alayna, is being bullied by so-called friends, she's ready to fight back like the wild geese do when protecting their goslings, but her cousin tells her to stay out of it; she doesn't want Juniper making things worse.  As the hospital bills for her brother start piling up, Juniper knows they'll need to be paid before the family can go back to the woods, so she decides to make enough money to help out. With Alayna's support, Juniper starts posting videos filled with her wisdom from the woods, hoping to get a following. But what if it doesn't work? What if the bills never get paid? Not going home to the wild is Juniper's worst nightmare. But while she's stuck in the city, she might as well make the most of it, like sticking up for her cousin, for starters. The Wild Journey of Juniper Berry is a story about perseverance when faced with difficult and unfamiliar challenges, belonging and finding your identity, compassion for others, and learning that our differences can sometimes be our strengths.

A Family Like Ours by Frank Murphy; Alice Lee; Kayla Harren (Illustrator) Everyone's family is unique--and good! From sprawling extended families and close-knit units to adopted and chosen families, A Family Like Ours celebrates all those important connections we build over the years. Regardless of what yours looks like, family is a place for support, safety, growth, and inspiration. What is special, surprising, or sensational about your family?

Fix and Stitch by Barbara Nass; Liza Woodruff (Illustrator) Squirrel is busy running his tailoring shop, Fix and Stitch: Tailor for all Needs. He can thread a needle and mend a tear in the wink of an eye. But now that the leaves have fallen and the birds have flown south, it's time for Squirrel to close the shop. He must prepare his winter home before the snow comes. But just as Squirrel goes to collect materials for his winter home, neighbors arrive, needing his special talents and attention. And Squirrel just can't say no to someone asking for help, whether it's fixing a rip in a favorite coat to problem-solving a stinky situation. He is always there for his friends. But what happens if Squirrel doesn't take time to care of himself and what he needs to do? Who will be there to help him? This story offers a gentle reminder that while taking care of others is important, one still needs to make time for oneself.

The Flying Horse (Once upon a Horse #1) by Sarah Maslin Nir; Laylie Frazier (Illustrator) Trendsetter is a horse destined to fly--in more ways than one. Sarah is a horse-loving seventh grader who has a secret and a fear of losing the one thing she loves most in the world. Separated by an ocean, a horse and a girl's parallel struggles to be their best include lots of luck and grit, some stubbornness, and a few failures. It is only when they find each other that the two kindred spirits find themselves. Together they learn that what's important in life isn't greatness--it's being great at being you. Inspired by a real horse and a real girl, The Flying Horse will make horse-lovers' hearts soar.

Reggie: Kid Penguin (a Graphic Novel) by Jen de Oliveira Fans of Babymouse and Owly will love this early graphic novel series about the everyday adventures and high jinks of Reginald "Reggie" Guinn, a little kid penguin with a big personality!   Reggie is just like any other kid: always looking for fun and adventure! But Reggie's curious, playful side sometimes gets him into trouble. Like when he tries to give himself a haircut before picture day...and ends up gluing his feathers back on his head! Or when he sneaks a mouthful of cookie dough from the kitchen...then feels the sun baking cookies in his tummy! Or when his babysitter puts him on a kid leash while they walk to the park...and he rebels by acting like a dog! Reggie: Kid Penguin is a collection of six silly stories that explore kid-friendly themes, all through the eyes of a lovable, spunky penguin.

Ember and the Island of Lost Creatures by Jason Pamment (Illustrator) From Treasure in the Lake's Jason Pamment comes a story of friendship and self-discovery, in a gorgeously illustrated world perfect for fans of Hilda and Over the Garden Wall. Fitting in can be hard, especially when you're as small as Ember, a tiny boy living alone in a city of giants. But Ember's luck changes when he meets Lua, a kindly sea turtle, who escorts him across the ocean to a school for little creatures on a wondrous island. Here, Ember learns that first days can be hard, too--especially when they involve bizarre, fantastical cave-dwellers, ferocious storms, and classmates that, from the very start, aren't at all interested in making friends. As he struggles to adapt to this new world, Ember finds himself at the heart of an otherworldly mystery, facing a strange monster from the deep that threatens everything he holds dear. On the surface, Ember's classmates may seem of little help, but any good student of nature knows appearances can be deceiving--and friendship can come from the most unexpected of places.

Big Nate: Move It or Lose It! by Lincoln Peirce A new comics collection featuring Big Nate, the star of the bestselling book series and the Emmy-nominated animated TV series on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon. With all your favorite characters providing laughs on every page, this all-new collection of Big Nate comics means business! What's middle school without a crisis? Sixth-grader Nate Wright would love to find out, but the emergencies are piling up fast. A gang of eighth-graders steals Nate's favorite lunch spot. Alan Chen chooses a new name (hint: it begins with N) in a brazen attack on Nate's uniqueness. And when a post-hypnotic suggestion works a little TOO well, the lovable Chad becomes P.S. 38's unlikeliest bully. Is Nate any match for Bad Chad? Can he fly under the radar of no-nonsense hall monitor Kim Cressly? Will he survive the worst movie date ever with drama queen Dee Dee? Find out in Move It or Lose It! With all your favorite characters providing laughs on every page, this all-new collection of Big Nate comics means business!

The Biggest Mistake by Camilla Pintonato A perfect storytime pick about success, failure, and the danger of assumptions.   "It's time to catch your own gazelle," Papa Lion tells his little lion one morning. The cub thinks the task will be easy--which is his first mistake. He leaps on a gazelle, but it gets away from him. So the little lion laces up his sneakers, thinking he just has to outrun the gazelle--and makes his second mistake. Once again, his prey escapes! So the little lion tries to lure the gazelle into a trap. He tries to snag its horns in a net. He even tries asking nicely. But every idea fails. Maybe the little lion needs the gazelle to make a mistake of her own... This tongue-in-cheek tale offers a new delight on each page, then ends with the biggest surprise of all.  With madcap action and colorful artwork, The Biggest Mistake is sure to spark giggles from readers of all ages.

Dancing Hands by Joanna Que; Charina Marquez; Fran Alvarez (Illustrator) Read the world to change the world! This artful picture book about friendship and sign language, originally published in the Philippines in concert with nonprofit Room to Read, is beautifully revised for this global edition.  Our new neighbors' hands are dancing. Their hands move as if to music. What are they saying to each other?   Sam's new neighbors' hands make graceful movements she doesn't recognize, and she wonders what they are saying. Soon she meets her new neighbor, Mai, who teaches Sam some Filipino Sign Language. Along the way, they both discover the joys of making a new friend, a best friend.   This sweet and perceptive picture book by authors Joanna Que and Charina Marquez tells the story of two girls as they learn to communicate with each other. With playful illustrations that celebrate the beautiful movements of sign language, back matter discussing sign languages around the world, and endpapers teaching all the signs used in the book, Dancing Hands conveys the shy and fumbling experience of making friends and overcoming language barriers. SIGN LANGUAGE IN A STORY: One of the only children's books about sign language that is not centered on instruction, this beautifully illustrated friendship story is the perfect way to introduce kids to topics around deafness, hearing or speech impairment, and global sign languages.  PROMOTES EMPATHY: As readers follow Mai and Sam's blossoming friendship, they will be encouraged to be open to new experiences. This thoughtful book emphasizes the importance of trying to understand each person we encounter and the beautiful connections we can form when we overcome perceived barriers.  EDUCATIONAL EXTRAS: The book includes additional content that speaks to the history of Filipino and American sign languages, as well as sign languages around the world. CHARITABLE SUPPORT WITH EVERY PURCHASE: Buying this book benefits children in Room to Read's global Literacy Program. Room to Read has supported publishing training and opportunities for children's book creators from around the world since 2003. The Read the World, Change the World partnership with Chronicle Books brings these international voices to English language readers. Learn more at www.roomtoread.org.   Perfect for: A book for Deaf children and families who speak sign language Gift or self-purchase for anyone interested in picture books that center Deaf characters Storytime or classroom resource for teachers and librarians looking for books about disability, new friendships, sign language, or the Philippines AAPI audiences and Tagalog speakers Fans of Room to Read, non-profit book initiatives, and global children's literature

Hardware Helper! by Dana Regan; Berta Maluenda (Illustrator) Mike the helpful hedgehog helps an injured friend in this third book in the Mike Delivers Level 1 Ready-to-Read series! Mike is making deliveries one day when he notices a long line outside of his friend Dan's hardware store. It turns out Dan has broken his leg and needs some help at the store. As usual, it's Mike the trusty hedgehog to the rescue!

Cat's Cradle: the Mole King's Lair by Jo Rioux Suri the monster tamer is back for the second volume of this thrilling middle grade fantasy graphic novel trilogy!Suri has what it takes to be a monster tamer--she just knows it! She's even tamed her first monster...if you count Byron. He's less like a monster, more like a giant dog. He needs a master that's just his size, so Suri, Caglio, and Byron set off for the land of the giants: the Monster's Cradle.An epic journey like this requires money and provisions, which they don't have. But the treasure at the heart of the mole king's lair might be the solution to their problem!

Un árbol para Emmy by Mary Ann Rodman; Tatjana Mai-Wyss (Illustrator) "Stubborn and strong and a little bit wild." Emmy wants a birthday gift that is just like her Emmy loves trees, especially the mimosa tree that grows in her grandmother's pasture. So when Emmy decides she wants a mimosa tree of her own for her birthday, she is dismayed to find that many garden stores don't sell them. Emmy is crushed-until she discovers that the answer to her problem is growing right before her eyes! Mary Ann Rodman's joyful story will appeal to all who cherish a special dream, and help readers appreciate the natural world around them. Illustrator Tatjana Mai-Wyss's whimsical watercolor and collage illustrations capture Emmy's exuberant personality and the story's hopeful ending.

We Share This School by Dan Saks; Brooke Smart (Illustrator) A rhyming, heartfelt celebration of school communities and the vital role they play in young children's lives. This formative board book is an appreciation of school communities and the many ways in which they help develop empathy, compassion, and collective responsibility. Through a handful of specific yet universal school scenarios, young readers will understand what it means to be a part of a school community and celebrate how to share with and care for one another.

Picture Day by Sarah Sax Everyone knows the most stressful day of middle school is picture day! And that's exactly where thisyearbook-worthy graphic novel series opener begins- with reinventing yourself, drama, popularity, and the friends who see you through. Seventh-grader Viv never looks forward to picture day. It's just another day where she wears a boring braid and no one notices her. (Her two best friends, Milo and Al, don't count, of course.) But enough is enough. This year, she's taking matters into her own hands. Literally. Viv grabs a pair of scissors, her phone for live-streaming, and, well, bye-bye braid. Suddenly Viv is an over-night influencer at Brinkley Middle School. Everyone wants her help planning their next big moment-from haircuts, to dance proposals, activist rallies and mathlete championships. She hardly even has time for her friends anymore. It's exactly how she dreamed of reinventing herself...right? In the tradition of modern classics like Vera Brosgol's Be Prepared, Svetlana Chmakova's Awkward,and Kayla Miller's Click, Picture Day brings answers to perennial questions of what it means to be true to yourself-and a true friend.

Adventuregame Comics: Leviathan (Book 1) by Jason Shiga Make choices to defeat a mysterious sea monster in the first of a new series of innovative, interactive graphic novels from the award-winning creator of MeanwhileAdventuregame Comics is a new series of interactive graphic novels in the vein of Jason Shiga's hit graphic novel Meanwhile. Readers follow the story from panel to panel using tubes that connect them, and sometimes the path will split, giving readers the chance to choose how the story unfolds. Leviathan is set in a medieval coastal village, where residents live in fear of a giant sea creature. Your goal as a reader is simple: defeat the Leviathan! As you wander through the open world, the town's backstory is revealed. You can attempt to visit the library to try and learn why the Leviathan destroyed it years ago. You can stop by the castle to discover the town was once riddled with crime and theft--and how that's stopped since the Leviathan will wreak havoc on the town for the smallest misdeeds. If you're lucky, you may find your way to the old wizard who may possess the one thing that could keep the Leviathan at bay. But not everything is as it appears in this village. Can you discover the secrets and stop the Leviathan before it's too late?

Starboard by Nicola Skinner Nicola Skinner's inventive, funny, surprising prose once again tells an honest story of big emotions, making Starboard the perfect follow-up to the critically acclaimed Storm. Kirsten Bramble is too famous to have friends. That's what she tells herself, anyway--but with the end of her hit reality TV show barreling toward her, Kirsten's not sure she's ready to say goodbye to her lonely life of fame. Luckily--or unluckily--Kirsten can't help being plunged headfirst into a new adventure when she's dragged on a class trip to visit the SS Great Britain. Because somehow, the ancient ship can speak to her--and she wants Kirsten to be her new captain. The ship pulls out of the harbor with no sails and no working engine, and try as Kirsten might, she can't convince the ship to turn back until they find a way to help her finish her final quest. Kirsten doesn't feel like a captain--but along the way, she may just realize that the ending of an adventure, while scary, can be just as special as the beginning.

One Smart Cookie by Mika Song Silly snack-hunting squirrels Norma and Belly are back! Don't miss their latest hilarious cookie caper in the fourth comic in this award-winning and Eisner-nominated series. If you had a fortune cookie fortune that read: "Feed this cookie to a squirrel" would you do it?  Norma thinks you would! And she quickly she gets to work devising a plan with friends Belly and Little B to sneak through the MR.FORTUNE cookie factory to get their own fortunes squirreled away inside of the treats. Follow along on another spectacular caper that goes (definitely not) exactly as planned. With high tech climbing gear (suction cups), computer hacking (lucky password guessing), and squirrels in spy suits, they might just pull this one off and get that sweet, sweet (cookie) reward.

The Lost Library by Rebecca Stead; Wendy Mass The New York Times bestselling authors of Bob, Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass, introduce readers to a little free library guarded by a cat and a boy who takes on the mystery it keeps. A #1 Indie Bestseller! When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change. Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself. Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It's about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).

Gnome and Rat by Lauren Stohler Readers will get a kick out of the whimsical and hilarious everyday shenanigans of best friends, Gnome and Rat, in the first book of this new early graphic novel series. Gnome and Rat are best friends who live together in a charming forest. Rat enjoys drinking tea and finishing crossword puzzles. And Gnome... well, Gnome likes to polish his pointy red hat and eat delicious sausages. Join these funny friends on their various adventures, whether it's celebrating Hat Day, perfecting magic tricks, or tracking down a new signature hat for Gnome. Whatever their antic, these two know exactly how to have a good time- with each other.

Theo Tan and the Iron Fan by Jesse Q. Sutanto A Chinese American boy and his snarky fox spirit face down demon kings as they race against time to be reunited with his brother's spirit in Theo Tan and the Iron Fan, Jesse Q. Sutanto's magical, action-packed sequel to Theo Tan and the Fox Spirit. Theo Tan and his fox spirit, Kai, are willing to go to hell and back for their family. Literally. After exposing the corruption at Reapling Corporation and trapping the demon king Niu Mo Wang, they learn that Jamie (Theo's beloved brother and Kai's first human master) was not allowed to move on after death, and is now trapped in a waiting room in Diyu. If they can reach his soul before it faces judgement on the solstice, they might be able to convince King Qingguang to send his soul back to earth! Still, a trip to Diyu is no easy matter, and Theo and Kai can't do it alone. Fortunately, they have good friends who are happy to help. But even with Namita's knowledge and Danny's powerful dragon familiar, the odds are stacked against them. Can Theo and Kai's new bond hold up against lying demons with grudges, impatient Kings of Hell, and the wrath of the demon king's powerful wife, Princess Iron Fan?

Billie Blaster and the Robot Army from Outer Space by Laini Taylor; Jim Di Bartolo (Illustrator) Billie Blaster and the Robot Army from Outer Space is an out-of-this-world new middle-grade graphic novel about a genius scientist and her evil nemesis, created by New York Times bestselling author Laini Taylor and cartoonist Jim Di Bartolo. Don't you hate it when your archenemy launches your latest invention into space, accidentally creating a robot army that falls into the clutches of an evil alien emperor? Well, that's how Billie Blaster's day is going! The genius child of two famous scientists, Billie is an inventor extraordinaire and the star of the annual science fair, much to the disgust of her nemesis, Tiny Hector Glum. But now their rivalry has gone too far, and the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance. Can Billie prevent an intergalactic war that's kind of totally her fault? With her pet goat, Lucy, a giant robot head, and a toilet weasel from a distant planet, she might just stand a chance. Join them on their perilous adventure, in a spaceship without a bathroom.

Perfect Villains (Bad Princesses #1) by Jennifer Torres Princesses don't break the rules, but they may rewrite them...Every girl dreams of going to the Fine and Ancient Institute for the Royal to learn how to be a princess. But Dalia and Dominga could not be any less enchanted. They are different...the same kind of different. Neither of them wants to be the fairest of them all. They want to join a secret society of villains at the Bewitched Academy of the Dreadful. So, they've devised the perfect plot to ruin the first day of class. It will be the rottenest scheme of all. Something so perfectly awful, so fantastically horrible, so wonderfully wicked that they'll surely get their invitations to the BAD.

Girls on Wheels by Srividhya Venkat; Kate Wadsworth (Illustrator) Inspired by the skateboarding revolution in India, Girls on Wheels follows three friends who support one another through the ups and downs of learning to skateboard. Anila is on her way to her favorite place- the skate park. She longs to glide on her board and feel the thrill of catching air. But when she arrives, the ramp looks like a concrete sea monster! Fear creeps in, making her once-broken arm ache. But Sana's smile and Damini's laugh wrap Anila in courage. Her friends remind her that in skateboarding, sometimes you fall-but sometimes you fly! Srividhya Venkat's lyrical text and Kate Wadsworth's vibrant illustrations capture the energy and movement that make this picture book soar.

Code Name Bananas by David Walliams The UK's #1 bestselling children's author, David Walliams, is back with a thrilling historical adventure with life-or-death stakes--chock-full of Walliams's unmistakable humor and perfect for fans of Stuart Gibbs and Gordon Korman. 1940. BRITAIN IS AT WAR WITH NAZI GERMANY. Eleven-year-old Eric practically lives at the London Zoo. And there's one animal in particular he loves to spend time with: Gertrude the gorilla. But with German bombs raining over London, Eric realizes Gertrude is in terrible danger, and together with his Uncle Sid, a keeper at the zoo, the three go on the run. But while hiding out at the seaside, they uncover a top-secret Nazi plot...

Janitors School of Garbage by Tyler Whitesides; Brandon Dorman (Illustrator) In the follow up to the best-selling Janitors series, a former student is now a teacher and founder of the School of Garbage who is training a new generation of young garbologists to trash talk and fight evil.   Garbage comes to life as animated creatures called junklets wreak havoc in elementary schools and specially trained kids from the magical School of Garbage are sent to stop the rise of the trash monsters. With the school's magical janitorial supplies--brooms that can fly, toilet plungers that can reverse gravity, and mops that can capture anything in their strings--the ordinary becomes extraordinary. Landon Murphy discovers the undercover janitorial world when his soon-to-be stepsister, Jade Shu, guides him through a magical portal at the bottom of a dumpster that leads to a fantastical landfill and the home of the School of Garbage, where she has secretly been a student for the last few years. Problems at home with his family make it hard for Landon to feel like he belongs anywhere, but he is quickly welcomed a student at the intriguing school for wizard-like janitors. His class on the science of garbology is like being a crime scene investigator, and every student gets to bond with one of three Servites--small, magical animals who exhale enchanted dust to help kids focus or be creative or have energy. Landon and Jade--along with allies from the original series--are tasked to take out the trash and figure out who--or what--is behind the mysterious garbage attacks and stop them before the entire world is literally trashed.

Parker's Place by Russ Willms Parker the T. Rex tries to fit in on a friendly farm, even though there are no jobs that seem suitable for a dinosaur . . . it will take a lot of work--and a lot of laughs--before Parker can find his place in this sweet barnyard tale. A funny read-aloud that's perfect for fans of We Don't Eat Our Classmates and Tiny T. Rex. In order to fit in at the farm, Parker has to pull his weight--but he can't lay eggs or give milk. Maybe the farmer's chores will be better suited to Parker's strengths . . . if only he weren't so big and clumsy! But might some farm animals know exactly where Parker's place is This silly and sweet barnyard tale with a well-meaning dinosaur will have readers laughing and also considering what it means to belong. Perfect for animal lovers. A laugh-out-loud read-aloud. Delivers a sweet message about belonging. Bright, inviting, and funny artwork showcases Russ Willms's masterful comic timing.

Marvel-Verse: Spider-woman by Carmine Infantino (Illustrator); Joe Sinnott (Cover Design by); Marv Wolfman; Marvel Various (Illustrator) A collection of stories featuring Jessica Drew aka Spider-Woman! To know her is to fear her... and to love her! Spider-Woman is one of the most captivating heroes in all the Marvel-Verse... and definitely one of the best dressed! This collection begins as Jessica Drew finalizes her iconic costume, pits her venom blasts against a criminal pair's deadly lasers and beguiles S.H.I.E.L.D. agent Jerry Hunt! Then, Spider-Woman meets Spider-Man... and accuses him of imitating her! But has Peter Parker arrived in Los Angeles just as Jessica has turned to a life of crime? Then, monster madness unites Jess with the Hulk! And finally, prepare for a Spider-Woman's eye view of a cosmic event! As the Avengers head into space to confront the unstoppable Builder fleet, Jessica will show exactly why she is one of Earth's Mightiest Heroes!