|
|
Happy howlidays! by James PattersonA sequel to Dog Diaries is told from the perspective of an irrepressible pooch who, in the aftermath of a disaster involving a “fangsgiving” turkey, explores the mysteries of the holiday season, from strange visitors named “Carol” that howl at the door to shiny trees that sprout everywhere, while also trying to figure out how to get out of the doghouse in time for “Critter-Mess.” Genre: First person narratives; Humorous stories; Illustrated books; Stories told by animals Character: Anthropomorphic Pace: Fast-paced Tone: Funny Writing Style: Attention-grabbing
|
|
| Allies by Alan GratzThe date: June 6, 1944, also known as D-Day, when one of the most important battles of World War II was fought.
The characters: young Americans Dee and Sid, both fighting on the front lines; French-Algerian Resistance spy Samira; Canadian paratrooper James; African American medic Henry; and many others who help to turn the tide of the war.
For fans of: serious, dramatic war stories like Projekt 1065 and Grenade, also by popular author Alan Gratz. |
|
|
Diary of a wimpy kid : wrecking ball by Jeff KinneyWhen an unexpected inheritance gives his family an opportunity to flip their home, Greg and his parents encounter rotten wood, toxic mold, unwelcome pests and a sinister force that make them question if the renovations are worth all the trouble. Genre: Diary novels; First person narratives; Humorous stories Character: Awkward; Believable; Relatable; Sarcastic Storyline: Character-driven Pace: Fast-paced Tone: Angst-filled; Funny Writing Style: Attention-grabbing; Conversational; Well-crafted dialogue
|
|
|
Charlie Thorne and the last equation by Stuart GibbsA series debut by the best-selling author of the Spy School adventures introduces child genius Charlie Thorne, who uses her elite skills to crack a complex code created by Albert Einstein that could benefit or destroy all life on the planet. Genre: Spy fiction; Thrillers and suspense Storyline: Action-packed Pace: Fast-paced Tone: Suspenseful
|
|
|
Ali Cross by James PattersonJames Patterson is bringing Cross detectives to a new generattion! A series debut starring Alex Cross’ son, Ali, follows his desperate search for a missing friend and clues proving his father’s innocence against a backdrop of neighborhood burglaries. Genre: First person narratives; Multiple perspectives; Mysteries Character: Culturally diverse Storyline: Plot-driven Pace: Fast-paced Tone: Suspenseful
|
|
| Gross as a Snot Otter: Discovering the World's Most Disgusting Animals by Jess Keating; illustrated by David DeGrandWhat it is: a round-up of 17 amazingly icky animals, complete with photos, cartoons, and facts.
Did you know: that marabou storks poop on their legs to cool down? Or that herring communicate by passing gas? Or that Siberian chipmunks rub their fur with snakeskins to ward off predators? It’s all true!
Series alert: This is the 3rd book in the World of Weird Animals series -- for something less yucky, try Pink Is for Blobfish or Cute as an Axolotl. |
|
|
The Almost Epic Squad : Irresistible by Richard ScrimgerIf you could have any superpower, what would you choose? What about becoming mesmerizingly persuasive in the blink of an eye? But what if you’re the only one unaware of your charms?
Archie O’Kaye mostly rubs people the wrong way. And he doesn’t really care. But when he becomes utterly charming right before everyone’s eyes at his thirteenth birthday party, his family and friends (there are only two, well one, really . . .) begin to suspect that something is up.
Series! This is the fourth release in a four-book series that can be read in any order. The other books are written by Lesley Livingston (Super Sketchy), Ted Staunton (What Blows Up), and Kevin Sylvester (Mucus Mayhem).
|
|
| Naked Mole Rat Saves the World by Karen RiversWhat it’s about: Twelve-year-old kit (spelled with a small k, for “keep it together”) and her best friend Clem are both hiding secrets: Clem hasn’t told anyone the real reason she fell during a performance with her acrobat family, and kit isn’t sure how to explain that stress transforms her into a small, wrinkly naked mole rat.
Is it for you? If you enjoy the offbeat combination of fantasy and reality, don’t miss this serious story told with a light touch. |
|
|
Broken strings by Eric WaltersIn 2002, Shirli Berman loses her beloved grandmother and lands a part in her junior high production of "Fiddler on the Roof," but when she is doing research in her attic and finds a violin, her Zayde gets incredibly angry Genre: Canadian fiction; Historical fiction Themes: Music makers; Set the stage Character: Religiously diverse Storyline: Character-driven; Own voices Tone: Moving Writing Style: Attention-grabbing
|
|
|
Return of the Temujai by John FlanaganWhen the ruthless Temujai warriors from the Eastern Steppes organize forces to claim Skandia for their own, Hal and his crew embark on a dangerous mission on the high seas to save their home. By the best-selling author of the Ranger’s Apprentice series. Genre: Australian fiction; Fantasy fiction; High fantasy Storyline: Action-packed; World-building Pace: Fast-paced Writing Style: Attention-grabbing
|
|
| Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows by Asia Citro; illustrated by Marion LindsayIntroducing: smart, curious Zoey and her cat Sassafras, who’ve just discovered that Zoey can see magical animals, just like her scientist mom can.
What happens: While her mom is away, Zoey has to use her own science know-how to help a sick baby dragon.
Why you might like it: Short chapters, cute artwork, and a can-do attitude make this series starter a winning choice. |
|
| Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi; illustrated by Hatem AlyWhat it’s about: Pakistani American second-grader Yasmin uses her imagination in all kinds of ways: she maps her neighborhood, joins in painting and building projects at school, and finds inspiration in her mom’s colorful kameez.
Read it for: energetic art, zippy chapters, and a chance for those who don’t speak Urdu to learn some new words.
Try this next: Jules Jacqueline’s My Family Adventure, another chapter book about an adventurous, easy-to-like girl and her family. |
|
| Megabat by Anna Humphrey; illustrated by Kass ReichWhat it's about: After moving into his new attic bedroom, Daniel Misumi discovers an unexpected roommate: Megabat, a talking fruit bat who just wants to go home to Borneo.
Why you might like it: It's hard not to smile at Megabat's unusual way of speaking (smooshfruit, anyone?) and love of Star Wars (he's even got a bendy-straw lightsaber).
Series alert: This illustrated story of cross-species friendship is the 1st in a series. |
|
| Mia Mayhem Is a Superhero! by Kara West; illustrated by Leeza HernandezStarring: eight-year-old Mia Macarooney, a "total disaster machine" who’s thrilled to learn that she’s not clumsy, she’s a superhero!
What happens: Mia’s parents are super too, and they help her through an awkward start at PITS (Program for In Training Superheroes).
For fans of: the easy-to-read style and page-turning action in Shannon and Dean Hale’s Princess in Black series. |
|
Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-11!
|
|
|
|
|
|