| The Jamie Drake Equation by Christopher EdgeWhat it's about: While his astronaut dad is on the International Space Station searching for extraterrestrial life, British sixth-grader Jamie accidentally makes contact with an alien being and discovers that his dad could be in danger.
Read it for: a brave, believable main character, plus a thrilling blend of real-world science and out-of-this-world science fiction. |
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| Mr. Wolf's Class by Aron Nels SteinkeWhat it's about: new teacher Mr. Wolf's first day with the fourth-graders of Hazelwood Elementary.
Featuring: Margot, a rabbit who's new at school; Aziza, a duck who gets annoyed during math; Sampson, a frog who's really really got to go; and Penny, a pig who falls asleep in an unusual spot
Is it for you? If you like realistic stories starring animal characters, don't miss this funny, easy-to-read graphic novel, the 1st in the Mr. Wolf's Class series. |
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| A Whole New Ballgame by Phil Bildner; illustrated by Tim ProbertStarring: Best friends Rip and Red, labeled by their classmates as "the black kid who plays basketball" and "the kid on the autism spectrum."
What happens: Rip and Red have trouble adjusting to Mr. Acevdeo, their offbeat new teacher and basketball coach, but as the year goes on, they start to think that change might be okay after all.
Series alert: This is the 1st in the high-energy, cartoon-illustrated Rip and Red series, followed by Rookie of the Year. |
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| The Losers Club by Andrew ClementsIntroducing: the Losers Club, created and named by sixth-grader Alex so that he can sit alone and read during his after-school program. Alex doesn't mind sharing his reading time with club co-founder Nina (who, okay, he kind of likes), but he's frustrated when other people join -- people like his former best friend who's now a total jerk.
Who it's for: Equal parts amusing and hopeful, The Losers Club will satisfy fans of author Andrew Clements' popular school stories. |
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| Raymie Nightingale by Kate DiCamilloWhat it's about: Longing to become 1975's Little Miss Central Florida Tire so that her absent father will notice her, ten-year-old Raymie enters a baton-twirling class, only to find that her classmates, fierce Beverly and dreamy Louisiana, both have their own motives to win.
Is it for you? This deep, quiet story is perfect for readers who love eccentric characters and big ideas.
Look for: the sequel, Louisiana's Way Home, in October 2018. |
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| Fish in a Tree by Lynda Mullaly HuntStarring: Ally, who's gone to seven schools in seven years without anyone guessing her secret. Her talents for math, art, and troublemaking help her hide the fact that whenever she tries to read, the letters look scrambled. Could a new teacher and a new way of learning prove that Ally is smarter than she thinks?
Is it for you? If you love Lisa Graff's Absolutely Almost and you want another honest, feel-good school story, you should definitely try this award-winning book. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
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