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Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. DobbsWhat it's about: After her mother dies and her father is dragged away by soldiers in 1931 during the Mexican Revolution, 12-year-old Petra Luna will do anything to keep her family safe and lead them to a better life across the U.S. border. Why you might like it: This coming-of-age story features a courageous main character.
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What happens: Zita is wrongfully imprisoned on a penitentiary planet from where she must escape to halt an evil warden plans for interstellar domination. Read it for: the cartoony illustrations and attention-grabbing writing style.
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Super Dweeb and the Pencil of Destiny by Jess BradleyWhat it's about: Andy, a talented artist who's bullied at school, makes a new friend Mona. Together they must stop the world from total destruction when Andy's pencil with magical powers is stolen. For fans of: the "Captain Underpants" or "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series.
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What happens: Chaya endures a series of near misses before her reputation as both a hero and thief challenge the realities and perspectives of her followers. Critics are saying: "A rich and joyful adventure story for those who enjoy daring escapades in a fairy-tale setting." - Shelley Sommer, School Library Journal
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All You Knead Is Love by Tanya GuerreroWhat it's about: Reluctantly spending the summer with her estranged grandmother in Barcelona, 12-year-old Alba discovers a supportive network of new friends and a passion for baking that she hopes may heal her troubled family. Why you might like it: The book features a unique cast of characters as well as an emotionally intense and moving tone.
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Monster Friends by Kaeti VandornFeaturing: Reggie and Emily, monster neighbors. What happens: When Emily refuses to let him sit alone being unhappy in his house, Reggie must find a way to let new friends in during a summer where many adventures await. Read it for: themes of emotions and making new friends in a graphic novel format.
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| The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier; illustrated by Olga DemidovaWelcome to: the Fabled Stables, where human kid Auggie takes care of magical and "just plain weird" creatures.
What happens: An empty stall for a shapeshifting wisp appears in the Stables, letting Auggie know that that there's a young wisp nearby in danger -- and in need of a daring rescue.
Who it's for: This funny fantasy series-starter is packed with charming art, making it a great pick for fans of Adam Gidwidtz's Unicorn Rescue Society series. |
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| Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling: illustrated by Gina PerryWhat it's about: When food disappears from school, outgoing eight-year-old Aven Green is on the case. She's got the all the confidence and smarts of a great detective -- in fact, since she was born without arms, she's pretty sure her arm cells went to her brain instead.
Try this next: for another bold kid who does her own thing, try Dawn Quigley's Jo Jo Makoons series; for more chapter book mysteries, try Dori Hillestad Butler's King & Kayla series. |
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| Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us by Lauren CastilloWhat it's about: Hedgehog is happy on her tiny island with Mutty, her stuffed dog. But after a storm sweeps Mutty away, Hedgehog sets out to find him, and meets several helpful new friends along the way.
Why you might like it: The cute animals and cozy vibes in this series-starter will have you looking forward to the next book.
You might also like: Jacqueline Davies' Sydney & Taylor series, which also stars a hedgehog and friends.
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
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