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| The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer BellFantasy. In the secret underground city of Ludinor, even the most boring things can be more than they seem: belts make people fly, bicycle bells talk, and toilet brushes are weapons. After being suddenly whisked away to Ludinor's marketplace for these "uncommon" objects, 11-year-old Ivy and her brother Seb are targeted not only by the police, but also by a sinister group known as Dirge that believes the siblings' family history holds the key to a powerful uncommon treasure. If you enjoyed the vivid magical world, creepy villains, and charming wordplay in the Harry Potter series, you won't want to miss this 1st book in the Uncommoners trilogy. |
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| The Harlem Charade by Natasha TarpleyMystery. While helping at her grandparents' Harlem bodega, seventh-grader Jin notices lots of things that other people don't see -- such as her classmate Alex, who secretly uses her family's wealth to help her neighbors. After Jin joins Alex's quiet charity project, the two girls meet Elvin, who's new to Harlem and recently homeless. Elvin's grandfather is in a coma following a mysterious attack, and the three new friends join forces to find the attacker, uncovering fascinating details about the art and history of Harlem along the way. For further urban mysteries starring smart young sleuths, pick up Elizabeth Eulberg's The Great Shelby Holmes or Blue Balliett's Pieces and Players. |
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| Mr. and Mrs. Bunny -- Detectives Extraordinaire! by Polly Horvath; illustrated by Sophie BlackallHumorous Mystery. Discovering that her parents have been kidnapped by disreputable foxes, sensible fifth-grader Madeline joins forces with Mr. and Mrs. Bunny (a pair of fedora-wearing, amateur detective rabbits) in order to find and rescue them. That's about all we can say about this wacky, witty story without ruining it -- but if you like fantastical tales with a slightly old-fashioned feel and both humans and talking animals as characters, hippity-hop right to the library and check out Mr. and Mrs. Bunny -- Detectives Extraordinaire! and its sequel, Lord and Lady Bunny -- Almost Royalty! |
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| Bo at Ballard Creek by Kirkpatrick Hill; illustrated by LeUyen PhamHistorical Fiction. Fans of historical fiction will love this cozy, engaging story set in 1920s Alaska. Abandoned by her mother years ago, five-year-old tomboy Bo lives happily with her adopted papas in Ballard Creek, a close, caring community made up of gold miners and Alaska Natives. Though Bo's life is full of hard work (endless chores, sluicing dirt for gold), it's also got plenty of thrills (being chased by a bear, seeing a plane for the first time). Readers will be fascinated by the diverse characters, authentic details, and expressive illustrations in this endearingly simple tale. If you like Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House books, you should definitely check out Bo at Ballard Creek. |
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| The Fantastic Family Whipple by Matthew WardFiction. Eleven-year-old Arthur Whipple doesn't think it's fair that he's a disappointment to his family. After all, being ordinary isn't a problem unless your family is extraordinary. Arthur's 12 siblings have broken nearly 50,000 world records, from Most Crème Brulée Eaten in One Minute to Highest Hamster-Piloted Model Rocket Launch -- how is completely average Arthur supposed to keep up? A new friend and a curious mystery might just help him find a way. Those who enjoy the quirky characters and over-the-top humor in The Fantastic Family Whipple should be sure to check out the sequel, War of the World Records. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Avon Lake Public Library 32649 Electric Blvd. Avon Lake, Ohio 44012 440-933-8128alpl.org |
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