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| Lions & Liars by Kate Beasley; illustrated by Dan SantatWhat it's about: If 5th graders are wild animals, Frederick Frederickson is no lion -- he's more like a flea on a meerkat's butt. So when he accidentally winds up among the "lions" at a disciplinary camp for boys, Frederick has to fake it if he wants to make friends...not to mention survive the hurricane that's heading their way. Why you might like it: it's easy to relate to Frederick's hilariously awkward attempts to fit in. |
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Out of Left Field by Ellen KlagesA story about the fight for equal rights in America's favorite arena: the baseball field!Every boy in the neighborhood knows Katy Gordon is their best pitcher, even though she's a girl. But when she tries out for Little League, it's a whole different story. Girls are not eligible, period. It is a boy's game and always has been. It's not fair, and Katy's going to fight back. Inspired by what she's learning about civil rights in school, she sets out to prove that she's not the only girl who plays baseball. With the help of friendly librarians and some tenacious research skills, Katy discovers the forgotten history of female ball players. Why does no one know about them? Where are they now? And how can one ten-year-old change people's minds about what girls can do?
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Big Foot and Little Foot
by Ellen Potter; illustrated by Felicita Sala
What it's about: One day during hide-and-go-sneak class, young sasquatch Hugo accidentally reveals his existence to a human boy named Boone, and a curious, cross-cultural friendship begins.
Series alert: If you like the good-natured humor and cartoon art in this easy-to-read chapter book, you're in luck -- it's the 1st in a series about Hugo and Boone's adventures.
You might also like: Kevin Sherry's Yeti Files series, which also explores the hidden world of cryptids.
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| Front Desk by Kelly YangWhat it's about: In 1993, after immigrating from China to America, Mia Tang and her parents take over management of run-down motel in California. Though their boss is terrible, Mia's job at the front desk allows her to practice her writing, make friends with the motel regulars, and find creative ways to fight the injustice she sees around her.
About the author: This authentic and hopeful read is the 1st book by Kelly Yang, who was inspired by her own experiences as a kid. |
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Ellie, engineer by Jackson PearceAn aspiring young engineer builds helpful inventions and wonders what to give her best friend for her birthday before deciding to build her an amazing doghouse, a project that requires the help of rival neighbors.
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| Nick and Tesla's High-Voltage Danger Lab by Bob Pflugfelder and Steve HockensmithIntroducing: twins Nick and Tesla, who are determined to uncover the secrets inside a spooky, heavily guarded mansion. What happens: To get past the mansion's defenses, the twins create clever gadgets (like a "robocat" fueled by mints and soda) -- and each one comes with illustrated instructions so that you can build it yourself. Try this next: For further DIY-infused fiction, check out the next five books in the Nick and Tesla series, or try Mark Tatulli's Desmond Pucket series. |
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| Frank Einstein & the Antimatter Motor by Jon Scieszka; illustrated by Brian BiggsWhat it's about: When kid genius Frank Einstein's antimatter-powered bike is stolen, along with his eccentric robots Klink and Klank, there can only be one culprit: rival inventor T. Edison. Who it's for: The story may be offbeat, but the inventions are based in real science, making this a satisfying read for fiction and nonfiction fans alike. Series alert: This funny, fact-filled chapter book is the 1st in the Frank Einstein series. |
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Billy Sure kid entrepreneur and the invisible inventor by Luke SharpeWhen a new inventor arrives, claiming that he has developed the invisibility technology that Billy has been trying to perfect for years, Billy struggles to complete his innovation so that his rival will not steal his glory.
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| The Creature Department by Robert Paul WestonWelcome to: the Creature Department of technology company DENKi-3000, where the leading tech inventors include a tiny vampire-fairy, an enormous bombastadon, and a three-headed dragon-octopus.
What happens: DENKi-3000's rival, Quazicom, is also run by Creatures: nasty, snot-shooting Ghorks who are poised for a hostile takeover unless the Creature Department can stop them. Try this next: Adam Rex's Cold Cereal Saga, for a similar blend of zany art, frenzied action, and over-the-top humor. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
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Avon Lake Public Library 32649 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 440-933-8128alpl.org |
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