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Two roads
by Joseph Bruchac
What it's about: In 1932, twelve-year-old Cal must stop being a hobo with his father and go to a Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school, where he begins learning about his history and heritage as a Creek Indian.
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I can make this promise
by Christine Day
What it's about: In a story based on the author’s real-life experiences, a girl uncovers a secret that connects her to her Native American heritage, throwing everything she believes about her family into question. A first novel.
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In the Footsteps of Crazy Horse
by Joseph Marshall III
What it's about: Jimmy McClean is three-quarters Lakota and one-quarter white, but his light hair and blue eyes make him a target for the bullies at his school on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. Seeing Jimmy's frustration at having to constantly defend his heritage, Grandpa Nyles decides to take him on a "vision journey" to explore the life of another light-haired Lakota: the famous leader Crazy Horse.
Why you might like it: As they travel across the Great Plains, stopping along the way for Grandpa Nyles to tell intriguing stories about Crazy Horse's victories and struggles, Jimmy gradually discovers a sense of pride -- not just in himself, but in the pain and power of his people's history.
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How I Became a Ghost: A Choctaw Trail of Tears Story
by Tim Tingle
Why you might like it: Ghostly Choctaw narrator Isaac begins his tale with a warning: "I am not a ghost when this book begins, so you have to pay very close attention."
What it's about: In 1830, as his tribe is forced to abandon their Mississippi homeland and travel west, ten-year-old Isaac is horrified to see his visions of violence and illness coming true. Even as he glimpses his own death coming, Isaac finds support, from not only his flesh-and-blood family, but also from a little ghost girl, a shape-shifting panther boy, and his talking dog, Jumper. If you're hooked by Isaac's gripping, heartbreaking story, you're in luck: it's the 1st in a trilogy.
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Blue birds
by Caroline Starr Rose
What it's about: A novel in verse by the author of May B. follows the experiences of 12-year-old Alis, who in 1587 happily travels with her family to the New World and forges a close friendship with a girl from a hostile Roanoke tribe.
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Twists on Traditional Tales
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| Lalani of the Distant Sea by Erin Entrada KellyStarring: 12-year-old Lalani Sarita, the last hope of Sanlagita Island.
What happens: After Sanlagita is plagued with disaster and illness, Lalani sets out across the sea on a quest from which no man has ever returned: to bring back good fortune from the legendary Mount Isa.
Did you know? Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly based this enchanting, hopeful fantasy on folktales from her Filipino heritage. |
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| Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame MbaliaWhat it's about: A visit to his grandparents turns into an epic adventure after seventh-grader Tristan accidentally punches a rift into another world filled with figures from African myths and African American legends.
Who you'll meet: powerful John Henry; tricksters Anansi and Brer Rabbit; and the exasperating, hilarious Gum Baby.
Series alert: Eager for more of Tristan's encounters with vivid fantasy worlds and iconic characters? The sequel, Tristan Strong Destroys the World, is out this month. |
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| The Real Boy by Anne UrsuWhat it's about: As helper to Caleb, the last magician in Asteri, orphan Oscar spends his time with herbs and cats, away from the stress and unpredictability of other people. But when Caleb disappears and the children of Asteri get mysteriously sick, Oscar has to step up -- and step way out of his comfort zone.
Who it's for: Inspired by the story of Pinocchio, this magic-infused tale of finding friendship and overcoming fear is a good bet for fairy tale fans. |
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| The Dragon Warrior by Katie ZhaoWelcome to: San Francisco’s Chinatown, which has been “demon-free since ‘83” thanks to the warriors of the Jade Society.
What happens: Although Feryn Liu and her brother have been unfairly cast out by the Jade Society, they take up a quest to prove that Feryn is destined to become the legendary warrior known as the Heaven Breaker.
For fans of: Rick Riordan, and other authors whose adventure stories feature modern kids alongside old gods and mythological creatures. |
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The wishing spell
by Chris Colfer
What happens: Using a mysterious book to travel to a land of wonder and magic, twins Alex and Connor meet a host of classic fairy tale characters and nefarious monsters before discovering that returning back home will be more difficult than anticipated. A first novel.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!
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Central Mississippi Regional Library System
100 Tamberline Street
Brandon, Mississippi 39042
601-825-0100
http://www.cmrls.lib.ms.us
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