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Becoming Muhammad Ali : A Novel
by James Patterson
Why you'll love it: this book is written by two powerhouse authors-James Patterson and Kwame Alexander, and combines their two styles of prose and verse.
What it's about: The inspiring story of Cassius Clay. Before he was a household name, he was a kid with struggles like any other. This book vividly depict his life up to age seventeen, including his childhood friends, struggles in school, the racism he faced, and his discovery of boxing. Readers will learn about Cassius' family and neighbors in Louisville, Kentucky, and how, after a thief stole his bike, Cassius began training as an amateur boxer at age twelve. Before long, he won his first Golden Gloves bout and began his transformation into the unrivaled Muhammad Ali.
Why it's cool: This attention grabbing fictional biography was fully authorized by and written in cooperation with the Muhammad Ali estate.
Audiobook available on Libby with your library card-click here for access.
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Wings of Fire : The Dark Secret : The Graphic Novel
by Barry Deutsch
Here's what happens: Investigating long-kept NightWing secrets when he is abducted by his own tribe, a stranded Starflight uncovers devastating truths about NightWing alliances and the wrongful imprisonment of several innocent RainWings.
1,2,3....This is the 4th graphic novel in the series, read the other 3 here for free with your library card on Libby.
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The Maps of Memory : Return to Butterfly Hill
by Marjorie Agosín
Here's the deal: A sequel to the award-winning I Lived on Butterfly Hill finds 13-year-old Celeste Marconi returning to a transformed Chile, where she resolves to rebuild and track down those who went missing during the Pinochet takeover.
To know what happened before: The 1st book is available to read on Hoopla with your library card. Click here for access.
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A Place at the Table
by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan
Featuring: Pakistani American Sara, who's frustrated about starting 6th grade at a public school, rather than the Islamic academy she loved; and white, Jewish Elizabeth, who's struggling to hold both her family and her best friendship together.
What happens: After they're partnered at a South Asian cooking class, the two girls form a shaky friendship as they practice for a cooking contest and deal with the prejudice of their classmates.
Read it for: relatable characters and a realistic look at everyday challenges.
Also an audiobook-click here to check it out!
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Premeditated Myrtle
by Elizabeth C. Bunce
Who:Introducing Myrtle Hardcastle, your favorite new amateur detective: a wickedly smart twelve-year-old with a keen interest in criminology and a nose for murder.
What: Studying law and science using her parents’ books and materials, Myrtle diligently analyzes the scene of an eccentric neighbor’s suspicious death to prove that the woman was murdered and bring her killer to justice.
Ebook also available on Hoopla with your library card-click here for access.
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| Scar Island by Dan GemeinhartThe setting: Slabhenge Reformatory for Troubled Boys, an eerie, ramshackle island prison.
What happens: Twelve-year-old Jonathan has only just arrived at Slabhenge when a lightning strike kills all of the cruel adults, leaving the juvenile offenders to a wild, unsupervised lifestyle...until a storm threatens the island and a ruthless new leader rises.
Read it for: a suspenseful, high-stakes survival story.
Audiobook available on Libby with your library card-click here for access. |
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The Door in the Alley
by Adrienne Kress
If you love secret societies: this book is for you. An ordinary young boy encounters adventure, missing persons, hired thugs, a hidden box, a lost map, famous explorers and a girl who needs his help.
If you like listening to stories: perfect, this is the audio version of the book!
Try it if you liked: Timothy and the Dragon's Gate, by the same author. Click here to check it out.
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| The Skeleton Tree by Iain LawrenceWhat it's about: After a sailing trip ends in shipwreck, 12-year-old Chris finds himself stranded on a remote Alaskan coast with Frank, an older boy he barely knows and doesn't trust.
Why you might like it: Chris and Frank are both layered characters, and the strained bond between them provides just as much tension and drama as their struggle for survival amid the frigid weather and hungry animals of the Alaskan wilderness. |
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The Whiz Mob and the Grenadine Kid
by Colin Meloy; illustrated by Carson Ellis
What it's about: While living in 1961 France, lonely American Charlie is thrilled to be accepted into a crew of pickpockets -- and shocked to discover that the stakes of his new hobby are higher than he could have imagined.
Why you might like it: Growing suspense, colorful slang, and funny asides from the narrator will keep you hooked throughout this highly unusual heist adventure.
The audiobook is also available-click here for access.
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| The Explorer by Katherine RundellThe disaster: Following a tragic plane crash, Fred, Con, Lila, and Max are stranded in Brazil's Amazon rainforest.
The survivors: Combining their skills and following an ancient map, the kids journey downriver and gain firsthand experience of nature's challenges (dodging piranhas, eating grubs) and wonders (pink dolphins, baby sloths). |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!
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