Yolo County Library
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"Once in a while, it's good to be ridiculous and amazing." ~ from Cassie Beasley's Circus Mirandus
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| Circus Mirandus by Cassie BeasleyFantasy. Micah has always loved his Grandpa Ephraim's stories about the Circus Mirandus, a troupe of magical performers who are only visible to those who believe. It's not until Grandpa Ephraim becomes deathly ill that he tells Micah the truth: the circus is real, and its illusionist, the Lightbender, owes Ephraim a miracle. With the reluctant help of his smart, skeptical classmate Jenny Mendoza, Micah sets out to find the Lightbender and claim the miracle that might save his grandfather. Hopeful and moving, this "fantastical circus romp" (Kirkus Reviews) is great pick for fans of Natalie Lloyd's A Snicker of Magic. |
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| Lost in the Sun by Lisa GraffFiction. It seems like everyone is angry at Trent Zimmerman -- and Trent himself is the angriest of all. It began when he hit the hockey puck that accidentally killed his teammate, Jared. Since then, Trent has panic attacks if he tries to play sports. His journal is filled with disturbing drawings. He fights with his family and lashes out against his classmates…which makes it even more confusing when Fallon Little (the weird girl with the scarred face) decides to be his friend. Older readers looking for intense, realistic stories are sure to relish Lost in the Sun's authentically complicated characters. |
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| The Curious World of Calpurnia Tate by Jacqueline KellyHistorical Fiction. Encountering wild animals, surviving a hurricane, and discovering her dream job makes 1900 an exciting year for 13-year-old Calpurnia Tate. Obsessed with natural science, Callie is happiest when she's studying with her Grandaddy or caring for her brother's unusual pets (even the sick armadillo). When a hurricane in nearby Galveston, Texas, blows a new veterinarian into town, Callie is eager to be his assistant, despite the fact that such ambition is "unladylike." Readers won't soon forget Callie's inquiring mind and sharp wit; if you haven't already, check out Callie's first appearance in The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate. |
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| A Handful of Stars by Cynthia LordFiction. While searching the Maine blueberry barrens for Lucky, her beloved blind dog, 12-year-old Lily finds an unexpected friend in Salma, who's picking blueberries with her migrant family. After Salma cleverly collars the runaway pooch, the girls bond quickly, and soon Salma is lending her creativity to a fundraiser for Lucky's eye surgery, and Lily is supporting Salma as she defies local prejudice and enters the Blueberry Queen pageant. If you're a fan of popular author Cynthia Lord (or if you appreciate a scene-stealing dog), you won't want to miss this warm-hearted and thought-provoking story of growing up, facing change, and staying friends. |
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| Cakes in Space by Philip Reeve and Sarah McIntyreScience Fiction. Astra and her family are making a very long-distance move -- all the way to the planet Nova Mundi. As they climb into their spaceship for the journey, Astra hungrily asks the Nom-o-Tron 9000 Food Synthesizer to make her a cake that's "so delicious it's scary." The results are scary indeed: the ship is overrun with predatory living cupcakes that want to eat everything (and everyone) on board! Toss in pirates, aliens, and a robot, and you've got one supremely silly chapter book adventure. For further offbeat, illustrated space stories, try Ben Hatke's Zita the Spacegirl or Emmanuel Guibert's Sardine in Outer Space. |
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No Animals Were Harmed in the Making of These Books
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If you love animal adventures but can't stand tearjerker endings, these upbeat stories are for you.
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| The True Blue Scouts of Sugarman Swamp by Kathi AppeltFantasy. The giant, furry Sugar Man has guarded the Texas bayou for a "gazillion yesterdays." Raccoon brothers Bingo and J'Miah are his scouts, tasked with finding the hidden Sugar Man in case of a true emergency. With a pack of destructive wild hogs approaching and greedy Sunny Boy Beaucoup threatening to turn the swamp into a theme park, Bingo and J'Miah know it's up to them to find the Sugar Man and save their home. Short, breezy chapters keep the story moving quickly, and the narration (which alternates between humans and animals) "exudes folksy, homespun warmth while also feeling fresh and funny" (Booklist). Don't miss this rollicking eco-fantasy from the Newbery Honor-winning author of The Underneath. |
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| Poached by Stuart GibbsMystery. "I would never have been accused of stealing the koala if Vance Jessup hadn't made me drop a human arm in the shark tank." That's Teddy Fitzroy's explanation for the mess he's in. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time, and now he's the prime suspect in the theft of a koala from FunJungle, the zoo amusement park where his parents work. Bursting with slapstick humor and weird animal facts, Teddy's scramble to prove his innocence and rescue the koala will appeal to fans of Carl Hiaasen's eco-adventures, as well as readers who enjoyed Belly Up, the 1st offbeat whodunit in the series. |
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| Elvis and the Underdogs by Jenny LeeFiction. Though Benji is excited about getting a therapy dog, he isn't quite prepared for Parker Elvis Pembroke IV. Elvis, a giant, talking Newfoundland, is supposed to support Benji with various medical issues, including seizures, allergies, and fainting under stress. But the dog's bold and bossy attitude also helps Benji find the confidence to make friends with some fellow misfits at school. The goofy, touching, and drool-covered escapades of Benji and Elvis continue in a sequel, Secrets, Secret Service, and Room Service. If you're curious about real-life dogs like Elvis, pick up Linda Tagliaferro's Therapy Dogs. |
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| Lulu and the Duck in the Park by Hilary McKay; illustrated by Priscilla LamontFiction. Lulu really, really loves animals, but her teacher says that if she brings any more critters to school, the class pet will be banished from Room Three. When Lulu finds a duck egg during a class trip to the park, she know she shouldn't keep it, but can't resist sneaking the egg back to the classroom. It isn't exactly an animal yet, right? If you love animals, too, and you want a sweet, realistic story that is easy to read, like Sara Pennypacker's Clementine, Friend of the Week, then this early chapter book is just right for you. |
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| Nuts to You by Lynne Rae PerkinsAnimal Fantasy. After escaping the talons of a hungry hawk, Jed the squirrel is relieved -- and lost. Yet even as Jed begins his long trek home, his loyal friends Chai and TsTs are out searching the forest for him. During their journeys, these three furry heroes explain squirrel culture ("TsTs" is actually a very trendy squirrel name), encounter fearsome predators, and confront the biggest threat of all: humans with chainsaws. Once Jed, Chai, and TsTs return, can they convince the other squirrels that their home is in danger? Blending environmental concerns with "funny and exuberant" (Kirkus Reviews) squirrel antics, Nuts to You is a must-read for animal lovers. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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Yolo County Library
226 Buckeye St. Woodland, California 95695 530-666-8005
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