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Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
by Kwame Mbalia
What it's about: Grieving the death of his best friend, Eddie, seventh grader Tristan Strong visits his grandparents’ Alabama farm for a change of scenery. On his first night, a bizarre creature steals Eddie’s journal, leading Tristan on a chase through the forest and into the magical world of MidPass and the battle being waged there.
What's inside: burning seas, iron monsters, African gods and African-American legends like Brer Rabbit, John Henry, and Anansi the Weaver.
For fans of: Percy Jackson and author Rick Riordan
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The Fowl Twins
by Eoin Colfer
What it's about: Eleven-year-old twins - Myles, the scientist, and Beckett, the force of nature - befriend a troll who needs their help escaping from two villains who would use his magic for their own gain. As the trio face danger and evade capture they discover the strong bond that exists between twins.
Why you might like it: Fans of the twins' older brother, Artemis Fowl, will love continuing the exciting and hilarious adventures with the Fairy People!
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Guts
by Raina Telgemeier
What it is: A new graphic novel about young Raina!
What happens: Developing a chronic stomachache that she initially dismisses as a bug, young Raina discovers that her symptoms are related to her anxieties about school, food and changing friendships.
For fans of: Raina Telgemeier's other autobiographical novels: Smile and Sisters.
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| Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya PasternackWelcome to: Zmeyreka, a tiny village in 10th-century Kievan Rus where the people still use magic even though it’s illegal.
What happens: In order to save her family’s farm, Anya, the only Jewish girl in the village, joins up with Ivan, the youngest in a family of Fools, to hunt down a legendary dragon and collect the reward.
Who it’s for: Inspired by Russian history and folktales, Anya and the Dragon will grab fans of both fantasy and historical fiction. |
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| Roll With It by Jamie SumnerWhat it’s about: Twelve-year-old baker Ellie just wants to perfect her pie recipes, but when her grandfather’s Alzheimer's gets worse, Ellie and her mom move to be near him -- and Ellie, who has cerebral palsy, has to deal with being "the new kid in the wheelchair" at school.
Why you might like it: From sarcastic, spirited Ellie to her quirky new friends to her overprotective mom, you’ll want to spend time with the characters in this fast-moving read. |
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2019 books you might have missed!
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| This Was Our Pact by Ryan AndrewsWhat it’s about: Every year, during the Autumn Equinox Festival, the whole town gathers to send paper lanterns down the river. This year, a group of boys pledge to follow the lanterns and find out where they go.
What happens: The boys encounter odd sights (a telephone in the middle of a stream?) and meet even odder characters (a stylish talking fisherbear).
Art alert: Eerie blue and red illustrations highlight the dreamy, unreal feeling of this graphic novel. |
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| The Breakaways by Cathy G. JohnsonFeaturing: rookie soccer player Faith and her teammates on the Bloodhounds, the middle school C team.
What's inside: an up-close look at the lives, friendships, and romances of the misfit Bloodhounds.
For fans of: the realistic characters and cartoony artwork in graphic novels by Svetlana Chmakova and Victoria Jamieson. |
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| To Night Owl from Dogfish by Holly Goldberg Sloan & Meg WolitzerWhat it is: a collection of emails from Bett and Avery, two girls who’ve just learned that their single dads have been secretly dating each other.
What happens: The girls are sent off to summer camp, and despite their annoyance at being thrown together, they start to become friends.
Why you might like it: Bett and Avery’s clever, funny messages help to balance out the serious moments in this offbeat read about the importance of family. |
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| The Bridge Home by Padma VenkatramanFeaturing: Viji and Rukku, two sisters who run away from their abusive father; Muthi and Arul, two homeless boys who sell recycled trash on the streets of Chennai, India; Kutti, a lovable stray dog; and the abandoned bridge that provides shelter for them all.
Is it for you?: These characters’ lives aren’t easy, but if you enjoy realistic stories that are deeply felt, The Bridge Home might be your kind of book. |
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| Spy Runner by Eugene YelchinWhat it’s about: It’s 1953 in the U.S., and 12-year-old Jack’s suspicion that his mom’s new tenant might be a Russian spy kicks off an adventure just as dangerous as those of Spy Runner, Jack’s favorite comic book hero.
Why you might like it: Fascinating photos and tons of twists will keep you guessing throughout this historical thriller.
Try this next: Avi’s Catch You Later, Traitor, another suspenseful story set during the height of the anti-Communist “Red Scare.” |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 10-13!
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Anne Arundel County Public Library 5 Harry S. Truman Pkwy. Annapolis, Maryland 21401 410-222-7371https://www.aacpl.net |
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