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"There are very few monsters who warrant the fear we have of them." ~ André Gide (1869-1951), French author
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New and Recently Released!
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| Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen FoxleeFantasy. The huge, chilly museum where 11-year-old Ophelia's father works provides a tantalizing backdrop for unexpected bravery in this enchanting tale. Mourning her mother's recent death, practical and inquisitive Ophelia explores the museum's bizarre exhibits, among which she discovers the Marvelous Boy. As a prisoner of the Snow Queen, the Boy's life (not to mention the fate of the world) depends on Ophelia finding his lost sword and defeating the Queen. To succeed, Ophelia will need to overcome not only misery birds, ghostly girls, and magical snow leopards, but also her own grief and skepticism. For another warm, well-crafted retelling of Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," try Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu. |
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| Odd, Weird, and Little by Patrick JenningsFiction. Dorky Woodrow Schwette is an oddball. He likes fly-fishing and duct tape, he stammers when he talks, and -- though hesitant at first -- he befriends Toulouse, the short, big-eyed, and strangely dressed new kid, even though it makes Woodrow a target for even more cruelty from class bullies Garrett and Hubcap. Toulouse is no ordinary kid, and as Woodrow begins to put together the clues about his surprising secret, he finds the courage to stand up for his friend, no matter how weird he is. Funny and relatable, this quirky read is a great pick for fans of Andrew Clements.
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| Almost Super by Marion JensenAdventure. Stand back, evildoers! It's finally Leap Day, the day when 13-year-old Rafter Bailey will receive his superpower and join his family's ongoing battle with their arch-nemeses, the Johnson family. But when it arrives, Bailey's power -- the ability to strike a match on polyester -- is a pathetic letdown. Bailey's disappointment turns to curiosity, however, when he learns that Juanita Johnson's new power is equally unimpressive. Can they put aside their rivalry long enough to figure out what's really going on? If you like the exciting action and superhero in-jokes of John David Anderson's Sidekicked, don't miss this high-flying debut. |
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| The Ghosts of Tupelo Landing by Sheila TurnageMystery. After her teacher offers extra credit to the student who can interview the oldest citizen of Tupelo Landing, North Carolina, budding detective Mo LoBeau and her best friend Dale decide to one-up the competition and interview the ghost that haunts the Tupelo Inn. Colorful characters and sudden twists abound as Mo and Dale's attempt to contact the spirit uncovers evidence of treasure, bootlegging, and a decades-old murder. Mo's sassy Southern humor and "unfailing pluck" (School Library Journal) create a deliciously sweet yet tangy tone in this clever sequel to the Newbery Honor-winning Three Times Lucky.
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| The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond by Brenda WoodsFiction. People who don't know Violet Diamond tend to misunderstand her family background. Her African American father died before she was born, and when people see her with her white mother and sister, they think Violet doesn't belong. So when Violet learns that Roxanne, her dad's mother (who she's never met) will be opening an art show in nearby Seattle, she hatches a scheme to meet her and connect with her father's family. Readers who enjoy slice-of-life stories about authentic characters are sure to appreciate this fresh, hopeful story about a biracial girl redefining her identity and finding her confidence. |
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| Tales of the Cryptids: Mysterious Creatures That May or May Not Exist by Kelly Milner Halls, Rick Spears, and Roxyanne YoungNonfiction. Science and science fiction intersect in this intriguing introduction to cryptozoology, the study of legendary animals. In addition to famous names like Bigfoot and the Chupacabra, the authors describe less-notorious creatures (such as the aquatic Mokèlé-mbèmbé), former cryptids that eventually proved to be real (like the toothy coelacanth), and infamous cryptozoological hoaxes (like the Cardiff Giant). Peppered throughout with eye-catching photos and illustrations, Tales of the Cryptids concludes with a "Reality Index" that rates the likelihood of each creature's existence -- though it's up to you to draw your own conclusions. If you'd like to read more about elusive legendary creatures, check out Jim Arnosky's Monster Hunt. |
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| Monster on the Hill by Rob HarrellGraphic Novel. Rayburn the monster is an embarrassment to the townspeople of Stoker-on-Avon. While other towns have monsters who regularly give their citizens a good, exciting scare, Rayburn has become too mopey to terrorize anyone. So mad scientist Dr. Wilkie (along with feisty stowaway Timmy) is dispatched to take Rayburn on a journey to regain his fearsome ways...but in the monster's absence, the loathsome Murk brings mayhem to Stoker-on-Avon. Fans of Jeff Smith's Bone series will be drawn to the energetic, animation-style illustrations in this witty fantasy adventure that Kirkus Reviews calls "just plain monstrous fun." |
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| Flight of the Phoenix by R.L. LaFevers; illustrated by Kelly MurphyFantasy. Ten-year-old Nathaniel Fludd's parents, who are beastologists, have been off studying supposedly mythical creatures for several years when they are declared lost at sea in 1928. Sent to live with his Aunt Phil, Nate -- who really doesn't care much for adventure -- soon finds himself tagging along to attend the birth of a phoenix, an exceedingly rare event. When Aunt Phil is abducted, it's up to Nate to protect the phoenix and rescue his guardian. Packed with exciting adventure, talking gremlins, family secrets, and even a bit of history, this 1st book in the Nathaniel Fludd, Beastologist series is a fast, entertaining read. |
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| Here There Be Monsters: The Legendary Kraken and the Giant Squid by H.P. NewquistNonfiction. Mapmakers of long ago used the phrase "Here There Be Monsters" to indicate territory that even bold sailors avoided for fear of encountering beasts like the terrifying kraken. Scientists, however, were skeptical that anything like the kraken existed...until giant squid began washing up on beaches worldwide in the 1870s. Giant squid are still somewhat of a mystery, but both the legends and the science regarding them are presented in this well-researched, generously illustrated, and totally gripping volume. |
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| Wonkenstein: The Creature from My Closet by Obert SkyeFiction. After shoving various and sundry "lab supplies" and unread books into his closet for quite some time, middle school slacker Rob is amazed when a creature (who seems to be part Willy Wonka and part Frankenstein) emerges from it. The creature proceeds to wreak havoc and humiliation on Rob's previously average life...until Rob figures out how to conquer Wonkenstein. With lots of laugh-out-loud moments and plenty of cartoon illustrations, this tale of an everyday, underdog kid is sure to remind fans of Greg Heffley's journal, but it has its own unique appeal. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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If you are having trouble unsubscribing to this newsletter, please contact the Round Rock Public Library at
512-218-5400, 221 E. Main Street Round Rock, Texas 78664
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