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The Silver Gate
by Kristin Bailey
Fantasy. Siblings Elric and Wynn embark on a perilous but magical journey in search of a safe haven when Wynn, a developmentally delayed child who was supposed to be abandoned at birth, is accused of being a changeling and condemned to a life of harsh servitude.
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The Icarus Show
by Sally Christie
Fiction. A boy who evades bullying by refusing to react and another boy who is branded a weird outcast because of his responses to bullying discover important lessons about safety, friendship and loneliness in the wake of a mysterious note.
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The Adventures of Henry Whiskers
by Gigi Priebe
Fiction. Living in Queen Mary's famous historical dollhouse at Windsor Castle, Henry Whiskers the mouse is challenged to overcome his natural timidity to rescue his missing sister from the scary Rat Alley underworld.
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A Crack in the Sea
by H. M Bouwman
Fiction. Three historical fantasy tales set in an oceanic Second World include the story of a loyal sister's efforts to rescue her kidnapped brother from a desperate Raft King who seeks to use the brother's talents for speaking to fish to open a doorway between worlds.
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| Stef Soto, Taco Queen by Jennifer TorresFiction. Though she wishes they would give her a little more freedom, middle school artist Estefenia Soto knows that her parents love her. There's only one "family member" Stef just can't stand: Tia Perla, her dad's beloved, battered old taco truck. Instead of letting Stef take the bus to school, her dad drops her off in Tia Perla, earning Stef the embarrassing nickname of "Taco Queen." She does her best to handle the school drama, but when the family business is threatened, Stef might have to step up in Tia Perla's defense. Breezy and sprinkled with Spanish, Stef Soto, Taco Queen serves up a fresh, warm-hearted slice of life. |
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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 Misadventures of the Family Fletcher by Dana Alison LevyFiction. It's back-to-school time, and along with their two dads and various pets, the multiracial Fletcher brothers -- sixth-grade athlete Sam, almost-twin fourth-graders Jax and Eli, and bouncy kindergartener Frog -- are excited to start the year. Their stodgy next-door neighbor, however, is NOT happy about their annual traditions, such as the epic Halloween party or the backyard ice rink. Can the Fletchers win him over with their brand of cheerful mayhem? Find out in this lively family story, which is followed by a sequel, The Family Fletcher Takes Rock Island. For similar stories featuring sisters instead of brothers, don't miss Jeanne Birdsall's Penderwicks series. |
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| The Summer of the Gypsy Moths by Sara PennypackerFiction. Twelve-year-old Stella has a happy life on Cape Cod with her great-aunt Louise, although she isn't too fond of Angel, the foster kid Louise has taken in. But then something terrible happens, and Stella and Angel are forced to become a team -- or else they'll both be uprooted and sent away. Intense, deeply emotional, and yet at times surprisingly funny, this story of friendship and survival is one that fans of Kathi Appelt's more fantastical but still mostly realistic book Keeper are bound to enjoy. |
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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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