|
|
| The Sea-Ringed World: Sacred Stories of the Americas by María García Esperón; illustrated by Amanda Mijangos; translated by David BowlesWhat it is: a poetic, dramatic, and fascinating book of traditional tales from Native cultures and nations across North and South America.
What's inside: a Maya story about playing ball in the underworld; a Hopi tale starring Spider Grandmother; an Alutiiq warning for careless hunters; a Nahua two-spirit story; plus many more.
Why you might like it: Eye-catching illustrations and extra-short stories make this book just right for stop-and-start readers, as well as those obsessed with myths and legends. |
|
| Houdini and Me by Dan GutmanStarring: 21st-century New York City kid Harry Mancini, an expert on 20th-century illusionist and escape artist Harry Houdini.
What happens: When Harry begins getting magical texts from Houdini's ghost, he's amazed and thrilled… until Houdini suggests an alarming feat: swapping bodies and time periods with Harry.
Author alert: If you love author Dan Gutman's series (such as My Weird School and The Genius Files), don't miss this witty, fast-paced fantasy. |
|
| Allergic by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Michelle Mee NutterWhat it's about: Feeling overlooked in her family and lonely at her new school, Maggie longs for a puppy to keep her company. When a trip to the animal shelter causes a major allergic reaction, however, Maggie realizes that finding the perfect animal friend will be more complicated than she expected.
Why you might like it: If you deal with allergies of your own or you've ever felt confused about your family and friends, you might relate to Maggie's experiences in this colorful, slice-of-life graphic novel. |
|
| Simon B. Rhymin' by Dwayne ReedWhat it's about: In his head, Chicago 5th-grader Simon Barnes is a world-famous rapper. In real life, though, he's the short, shy kid in the background. Can a chance to help out a neighbor be the push Simon needs to share his rhymes out loud?
Read it for: realistic characters (author Dwayne Reed is a 4th grade teacher), an upbeat vibe, and plenty of rap breaks to keep the pages turning. |
|
| Orphan Island by Laurel SnyderThe rules: Each year, a boat delivers a new youngest child to the magical island of orphans. Then the boat takes away the Elder, so that there are always nine kids remaining.
The rulebreaker: When it's Jinny's turn to be the Elder, she refuses to leave, upsetting the island's peaceful balance.
Why you might like it: This unusual, mysterious fantasy will make you ask questions about the way things are done on the island, as well as in the real world. |
|
|
The Ickabog
by J. K. Rowling
Two best friends from the fantastical culinary kingdom of Cornucopia embark on an adventure to uncover the truth about a mystical Marshland monster that is believed to be responsible for the disappearances of livestock and children.
|
|
|
The Magic of the Unicorn
by Deborah Lerme Goodman
"Only a unicorn's horn can purify the water in your medieval village, so you set off to find one. Can you solve the town riddle and find the sorceress? Does a unicorn reside in the forest? A fire-breathing dragon, angry warlock, and powerful wood-witch all stand in your path."
|
|
|
Igraine the Brave
by Cornelia Funke
The daughter of two magicians, twelve-year-old Igraine wants nothing more than to be a knight, and when their castle is attacked by a treacherous neighbor bent on stealing their singing magic books, Igraine has an opportunity to demonstrate her bravery.
|
|
|
Un Lun Dun
by China Miéville
Stumbling into an alternate funhouse version of her home city, twelve-year-old Londoner Deeba finds herself trapped in a world of killer giraffes, animated umbrellas, ghost children, and flying double-decker buses and menaced by a choking black smog, and is forced to take on the role of unlikely savior to prevent utter destruction.
|
|
|
Charlotte's Web
by E. B. White
Wilbur, the pig, is desolate when he discovers that he is destined to be the farmer's Christmas dinner until his spider friend, Charlotte, decides to help him.
|
|
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
|
|
|
|
|
|