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Call Across the Sea by Kathy KacerStarring: Henny, who has grown up with her father's boat, the Gerda III, as a home away from home on the waters between Denmark and Sweden. What happens: Henny joins the resistance against Nazi rule in Copenhagen and realizes that Gerda could be a means of escape for her Jewish neighbors. Read it for: a depiction of life during war with a courageous main hero.
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| The Insiders by Mark OshiroThe set-up: At his old middle school, it wasn't a big deal for Héctor to be gay. But at his new school, kids treat him like an outsider -- and bullies see him as a target.
What happens: While looking for a hiding place, Héctor finds an impossible room where he meets Juliana and Sal, two kids from faraway places who share Héctor's need for a safe space.
Why you might like it: this relatable friendship story offers just a touch of fantasy. |
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What it's about: Shaheen and her cousin Tannaz are investigating the disappearance of Shaheen's father when they are sent back in time. Featuring: A mysterious jukebox, old vinyl records, cryptic notes on music history, and time travel.
Critics say: "Exquisite attention to detail—fashion, architecture, dialect—brings each era to life, providing a treasure trove for young history buffs and a launchpad for those interested in music history. Most importantly, though, this is a fun, heartfelt time-travel adventure of two girls in search of connection." --Ronny Khuri, Booklist
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The Super Life of Ben Braver by Marcus EmersonStarring: Ben Braver, an extra ordinary boy in a school where kids with super abilities to learn to control their powers. What happens: Once at the school, Ben tries to uncover what his ability might be, but at the same time, he and his friends are unraveling a mystery about their fellow students. Read it for: Ben's funny sarcasm and the super power school setting.
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Small Spaces by Katherine ArdenWhat it's about: After eleven-year-old Ollie's school bus mysteriously breaks down on a field trip, she has to take a trip through scary woods, and must use all of her wits to survive. Featuring: Ollie, her classmates Brian and Coco, and supernatural creatures. Why you might like it: this thriller, while suspenseful, also explores the growing friendship between Ollie and her classmates.
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| The Line Tender by Kate AllenStarring: twelve-year-old Lucy, who inherited a fascination with sharks from her late mother, a marine biologist.
What happens: After a second tragic loss leaves Lucy devastated, her summer project -- an illustrated field guide to her coastal hometown -- becomes her lifeline.
Who it’s for: anyone looking for sensitive, honest stories about finding hope during tough times. |
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| Each Tiny Spark by Pablo CartayaWhat it's about: Managing middle school with ADHD is tough enough, and right now Emilia's also dealing with her mom traveling for work and her dad retuning from deployment. After learning about injustices in her hometown, however, Emilia finally finds something she can focus on -- and maybe even change.
Try this next: Celia C. Pérez's Strange Birds for another story about kid activists, or Alyson Gerber's Focused for another girl's ADHD experiences. |
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| When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson with Omar MohamedWhat it is: Omar Mohamed's real-life experiences as an orphaned Somali kid in a Kenyan refugee camp, co-written and illustrated by Victoria Jamieson, creator of Roller Girl.
What happens: Surrounded by harsh conditions and caring neighbors, Omar studies hard, looks after his brother Hassan, and hangs on to the hope of resettlement.
Why you might like it: Honest writing and vivid art makes you feel like you're right there with Omar throughout this heartwrenching yet heartwarming story. |
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| Tight by Torrey MaldonadoWhat it's about: All Bryan wants is a drama-free life of reading and drawing comics. But his hotheaded dad -- who's in and out of jail -- thinks he's too soft, and his best friend Mike keeps pressuring him to try risky stuff. How can Bryan know what to do when he's being pulled in different directions?
You might also like: Jason Reynolds' Ghost, Paula Chase's Dough Boys, and other authentic stories about middle school guys with complicated families and friendships. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!
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