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Thanks A Lot, Universe
by Chad Lucas
Read the back: Brian has always been anxious, whether at home or in class or on the basketball court. His dad tries to get him to stand up for himself, and his mom helps as much as she can, but after he and his brother are placed into foster care, Brian starts having panic attacks. And he doesn't know if things will ever be 'normal' again...
Ezra's always been popular. He's friends with most of the kids on his basketball team--even Brian, who usually keeps to himself. But now, some of his friends have been acting differently, and Brian seems to be pulling away. Ezra wants to help, but he worries if he's too nice to Brian, his friends will realize that he has a crush on him...
But when Brian and his brother run away, Ezra has no choice but to take the leap and reach out. Both boys have to decide if they're willing to risk sharing parts of themselves they'd rather hide. but if they can be brave, the might just find the best in themselves--and each other.
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Abby, Tried and True
by Donna Gephart
What it's about: When Abby Braverman's best friend, Cat, moves to Israel, she's sure it's the worst thing that could happen. But then her older brother, Paul, is diagnosed with cancer, and life upends again. Now it's up to Abby to find a way to navigate seventh grade without her best friend, help keep her brother's spirits up during difficult treatments, and figure out her surprising new feelings for the boy next door.
Author alert: By the award-winning author of Lily and Dunkin.
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| The Outlaws Scarlett and Browne by Jonathan StroudWelcome to: flood-covered future Britain, where water monsters, cannibalistic mutants, and controlling rulers make life dangerous, especially for renegades like bank robber Scarlett McCain.
What happens: After Scarlett pulls Albert Browne from the wreckage of an accident, the new allies find themselves on the run from relentless, bowler-hatted pursuers.
Author alert: If you loved author Jonathan Stroud's Lockwood & Co. series, you don't want to miss the breathless action and quick-fire banter in this new series opener. |
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Willa of Dark Hollow
by Robert Beatty
What it's about: Willa and her clan are the last of the Faeran, an ancient race of forest people who have lived in the Great Smoky Mountains for as long as the trees have grown there. But as crews of newly arrived humans start cutting down great swaths of the forest she loves, she is helpless to stop them... How can she fight the destroyers of the forest and their powerful machines? When Willa discovers a mysterious dark hollow filled with strange and beautiful creatures, she comes to realize that it contains a terrifying force that seems to be hunting humans... Willa must find a way to save the people and animals she loves and take a stand against a consuming darkness that threatens to destroy her world.
Series alert: If this book has caught your interest, be sure to also check out Beatty's first book, Willa of the Wood.
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| Dust & Grim by Chuck WendigWhat it's about: Newly orphaned, 13-year-old cosplayer Molly Grim goes to live with her long-separated older brother Dustin, who runs their family's highly unusual business: a funeral home for monsters.
Featuring: talking wolves, a magic devourer, an unpredictable fox spirit, a chill vampire, and many other creatures (both friendly and frightening).
Why you might like it: humor, horror, and the growing bond between rival siblings drive this offbeat story. |
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| The Line Tender by Kate AllenStarring: twelve-year-old Lucy, who inherited a fascination with sharks from her late mother, a marine biologist.
What happens: After a second tragic loss leaves Lucy devastated, her summer project -- an illustrated field guide to her coastal hometown -- becomes her lifeline.
Who it’s for: anyone looking for sensitive, honest stories about finding hope during tough times. |
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Maybe He Just Likes You
by Barbara Dee
Read the back: For seventh-grader Mila, it starts with some boys giving her an unwanted hug on the school blacktop. A few days later, at recess, one of the boys (and fellow trumpet player) Callum tells Mila it's his birthday, and asks her for a "birthday hug." He’s just being friendly, is't he? And how can she say no? But Callum's hug lasts a few seconds too long, and feels....weird. According to her friend, Zara, Mila is being immature and overreacting. Doesn't she know what flirting looks like?
But the boys don't leave Mila alone. On the bus. In the halls. During band practice--the one place Mila could always escape.
It doesn't feel like flirting--so what is it? Thanks to a chance meeting, Mila begins to find solace in a new place: karate class. Slowly, with the help of a fellow classmate, Mila learns how to stand her ground and how to respect others--and herself.
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| When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson with Omar MohamedWhat it is: Omar Mohamed's real-life experiences as an orphaned Somali kid in a Kenyan refugee camp, co-written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson, creator of Roller Girl.
What happens: Surrounded by harsh conditions and caring neighbors, Omar studies hard, looks after his brother Hassan, and hangs on to the hope of resettlement.
Why you might like it: Honest writing and vivid art makes you feel like you're right there with Omar throughout this heartwrenching yet heartwarming story. |
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| Tight by Torrey MaldonadoWhat it's about: All Bryan wants is a drama-free life of reading and drawing comics. But his hotheaded dad -- who's in and out of jail -- thinks he's too soft, and his best friend Mike keeps pressuring him to try risky stuff. How can Bryan know what to do when he's being pulled in different directions?
You might also like: Jason Reynolds' Ghost, Paula Chase's Dough Boys, and other authentic stories about middle school guys with complicated families and friendships. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!
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