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| Cinders & Sparrows by Stefan BachmannWhat it's about: After discovering that she's inherited not only an enchanted castle, but also a powerful magic legacy, orphaned servant girl Zita Brydgeborn moves to Blackbird Castle to train in witchcraft with thorny Mrs. Cantanker.
Read it for: an eerie setting and a suspenseful story packed with secrets, spirits, and spells.
For fans of: spooky fantasies like Victoria Schwab's City of Ghosts.
Available from Allegany County |
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| Last Mirror on the Left by Lamar Giles; illustrated by Dapo AdeolaWhat it's about: The Legendary Alston Boys have a new case! Missus Nedraw, a Warden of the Multiverse Justice System, tasks them with finding a fugitive. Yet as the detective cousins investigate, they start to wonder if they’re really serving justice after all.
Featuring: a useful yo-yo, a spider gang called ArachnoBRObia, and the boys' frenemies, the Epic Ellison Girls.
Series alert: To understand the offbeat humor and sci-fi adventures in this fast-paced sequel, you'll want to start with The Last Last-Day-of-Summer.
Available from Garrett County |
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| Mellybean and the Giant Monster by Mike WhiteIntroducing: scruffy, hyperactive Mellybean the dog, who falls into an alternate world where she befriends a mopey monster and takes on a competitive king who's known for being a very sore loser.
Why you might like it: Super-cute, Pokémon-style cartoon art makes this graphic novel fantasy adorable as well as exciting.
Series alert: this is just the 1st of many adventures for Mellybean.
Available from Allegany County |
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| Serena Says by Tanita S. DavisWhat it's about: Smart, sensitive, awkward Serena is totally fine with being the sidekick to her bubbly, outgoing best friend, JC. But when JC finds a new best friend during her recovery from a kidney transplant, Serena turns to vlogging to help her sort out her feelings.
Why you might like it: If you've ever been confused by changing friendships or uncertain about how to act, you'll relate to Serena and root for her as she figures things out.
Coming soon! |
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What Kids Did : Stories of Kindness and Invention in the Time of COVID-19
by Erin Silver
Meet: 12 kids from around the world who have done things to help others during the current pandemic.
What it is: From making 3-D printed medical equipment to food bank fundraising, to a neighborhood joke stand, to creating a semi-automatic hand-washing machine, these kids made a difference in their communities. The book includes photos and sidebars about other things kids have done during COVID-19.
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Dog Days
by Karen English
Meet: Gavin, the new kid at Carver Elementary.
What it's about: Gavin had lots of friends at his old school, but the kids here don't know that he's pretty good at skateboarding, or how awesome he is at soccer. However, an annoying big sister, a bully, and his great aunt's Pomeranian are not helping.
Series alert: This is the first book in The Carver Chronicles, which take place in the same classroom as the author's Nikki and Deja series.
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| A Friend for Dragon by Dav PilkeyWhat it is: short, silly adventures starring Dragon, a tenderhearted blue character who makes friends with an apple, goes on an unusual trip to the grocery store, and sweeps his dirt floor until it turns into a basement.
Who it's for: beginning chapter book readers who are wading into graphic novels, as well as kids who love Dav Pilkey's Dog Man and Captain Underpants series, but want something they can read on their own.
Available from Allegany and Garrett Counties |
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| The Infamous Ratsos by Kara LaRea; illustrated by Matt MyersStarring: rat brothers Louie and Ralphie Ratso, who aim to be just as tough as their dad, Big Lou, even though every mean prank they play accidentally turns into a good deed.
Series alert: If you like the black-and-white art, goofy humor (the Ratsos have an "unwelcome mat"), and lovable characters in this easy-to-read book, be sure to pick up the rest of the Ratso Brothers series, starting with book 2, The Infamous Ratsos Are Not Afraid. |
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| Juana & Lucas: Big Problemas by Juana MedinaWhat it's about: Juana Rosas loves her life in Bogotá: she has a wonderful familia, an awesome school (though English is hard), and a perfect perro, Lucas. But big changes are coming: Juana's mami is getting remarried and moving them to a new casa.
Read it for: bright cartoon art and an easy-to-understand blend of Spanish and English.
Series alert: You can jump into this sequel with cero problemas, or you can start from the beginning with Juana & Lucas. |
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| Rosie Revere and the Raucous Riveters by Andrea Beaty; illustrated by David RobertsWhat it's about: Young engineer Rosie is ready to invent when a friend of her great-great-aunt needs a device to help her paint with two broken wrists. Rosie's first attempts are flops, however, so she turns to her friends, Ada Twist the scientist and Iggy Peck the architect.
Who it's for: fans of the picture books about Rosie and the Questioneers (remember those?), as well as eager engineers and anyone who needs a reminder to stop, think, and try again. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11! |
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