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"This mission is what’s been passed down to me -- to write stories that have been historically absent...to create mirrors for the people who so rarely see themselves inside contemporary fiction, and windows for those who think we are no more than the stereotypes they’re so afraid of." ~ Jacqueline Woodson, American author
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New and Recently Released!
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| The Jupiter Pirates: Curse of the Iris by Jason FryScience Fiction. Fourteen-year-old Tycho Hashoone and his family are Jovian space privateers, though some might just call them "vaguely reformed pirates." They're hoping to capture spacecraft from Earth when they get a lead on something bigger: the legendary treasure of the pirate ship Iris. Despite the bad omens warning them away, the Hashoones pursue the Iris, determined to succeed even when political unrest, the secret police, and their old nemesis Thoadbone Mox get in the way. Just like The Hunt for the Hydra (the 1st book in the Jupiter Pirates series), this exciting 2nd volume is full of outlandish characters and swashbuckling steampunk action. |
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| Renegade by Antony JohnApocalyptic Adventure. In a plague-riddled alternate version of the U.S., the once-common ability to control the elements is growing rare. Sixteen-year-old Thomas and his friends, however, still have their powers – and they'll definitely need them if they want to escape from enemies old and new, rescue a family member in peril, stop the plague, and reclaim their home on Roanoke Island. While this rousing conclusion to the Elemental trilogy will be best enjoyed by those who've read the first two books (Elemental and Firebrand), it will also hook older science fiction fans looking for a "fierce, unique" (Booklist) apocalyptic adventure. |
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| Writer to Writer: From Think to Ink by Gail Carson LevineNonfiction. "Have fun, and save what you write" is the most commonly repeated suggestion in this down-to-earth writing guide from bestselling fantasy author Gail Carson Levine. Inspired by the questions she receives at her advice blog, Levine explores solutions to potential writing problems such as plot creation, "mid-story crisis," wrestling with grammar, and finding time to write. If you're an active young author who's eager to improve, you'll find plenty of useful advice in this friendly, encouraging volume; if you're a beginning writer, you may prefer Levine's earlier book, Writing Magic. For further answers to frequently asked writing questions, check out Spilling Ink by Ellen Potter and Anne Mazer.
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| The Name of the Blade by Zoë MarriottFantasy. When London teen Mio Yamato picks up her family's heirloom katana, she's not thinking about epic consequences -- she's only looking for a cool costume accessory. But the consequences arrive soon enough: the katana's power unleashes a bloodthirsty, nine-tailed Nekomata demon as well as Shinobu, a strangely alluring warrior who might be able to help Mio master the ancient sword. The Name of the Blade's combination of edge-of-your-seat action, timeless romance, and Japanese mythology is a good fit for manga fans, as well as readers who love Rick Riordan's mythological adventure series. |
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Focus on: African American Authors
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| Playground by 50 CentFiction. Thirteen-year-old Burton -- better known as "Butterball" -- has been miserable since his parents split and he had to move to Long Island with his mom. He's overweight, has almost no friends, and has just landed in detention for bashing in a former friend's face with a sock full of batteries. Now he's stuck talking to a clueless white lady about his problems...but some of the popular kids are finally giving him a little respect. Anyone who likes stories that ring true and don't shy away from the rough parts of life should give this first novel from rapper 50 Cent a try. |
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| We Could Be Brothers by Derrick BarnesFiction. Though they don't have much in common, eighth-graders Robeson Battlefield and Pacino Clapton both wind up in detention after run-ins with their school's resident menace, Tariq Molten. Over their three-day stint in detention, Pacino and Robeson become friends despite their differences and face up to the fact that they're going to have to deal with Tariq, who's becoming more and more dangerous. Fast-paced and full of drama, this novel "will grab readers with its anger, humor, and tenderness" (Booklist). For more high-drama, African American realistic fiction, check out Brenda Woods' Emako Blue. |
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| Pinned by Sharon G. FlakeFiction. Ninth graders Autumn and Adonis almost couldn't be more different -- Autumn is great at wrestling, cooking, and being a friend, but she's not so great at academics; Adonis, who manages the wrestling team, has a physical disability (and isn't all that great at getting along with people) but is the smartest kid in school. This uplifting and affecting novel is narrated from both Autumn's and Adonis' points of view and has many memorable characters; it's sure to thrill anyone who likes reading about secrets, romance, or spirited competition. |
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| Camo Girl by Kekla MagoonFiction. Ella and Zachary (just "Z" for short) have been friends for what seems like forever. While they're a bit different from everyone else and they get picked on routinely, they get by because they've got each other. But when an outgoing and popular new student, Bailey, transfers to their middle school and begins to pay a lot of attention to Ella, Z gets edged out. This emotionally intense novel will pull you in with its true-to-life characters, challenges, and relationships; for a similarly character-focused read, try Sharon Flake's The Skin I'm In. |
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| Akata Witch by Nnedi OkoraforUrban Fantasy. Born to Nigerian parents in New York City and now living in Nigeria, 12-year-old Sunny Nwazue doesn't fit in either world. The kids at school pick on her for being an outsider and, because Sunny is an albino, they call her things like "pale-faced akata witch" ("akata" is "a very, very rude word" in Igbo). But when she turns 13, Sunny is drawn into the hidden magical realm of the Leopard People -- and learns that she may have a destined role in saving the world. With its fascinating world-building and uncomplicated yet vivid writing, Akata Witch will please fantasy fans looking for something original. |
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Contact your librarian for more great books!
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If you are having trouble unsubscribing to this newsletter, please contact the Plymouth Public Library at
574-936-2324, 201 N. Center St, Plymouth, IN 46563
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