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Books for Kids and Tweens March 2022
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| The Aquanaut by Dan SantatWhat it's about: Years after her marine biologist father dies at sea, California girl Sophia meets an "aquanaut" bearing a message-in-a-bottle from her departed dad.
Oh, and... the aquanaut is actually a robotic diving suit operated by hermit crab Sodapop, sea turtle Jobim, and octopuses Antonio and Carlos. They're looking not only for Sophia, but for Aqualand, the marine park where they've got urgent business.
Why you might like it: Cartoony, action-packed art drives this funny yet touching graphic novel. (Ages 8-12.) |
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Symbiosis
by Nic Stone
What it's about: The royal palace of Wakanda is one of, if not the most, secure facilities on this planet--or any other. So the anxiety Shuri feels when she's jolted out of sleep by the queen mother with the news that someone broke into the palace is significant. And as quickly as they broke in, they vanished. The search for this interloper, a mysterious "symbiote" with superhuman speed and strength, will lead Shuri to the Jabari Lands, a remote, unforgiving part of the country she has never seen. And what she discovers will be more shocking than she could have imagined.
About the Author: Nic Stone is the New York Times> bestselling author of the novels Dear Martin and Odd One Out. She was born and raised in a suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, and the only thing she loves more than an adventure is a good story about one. After graduating from Spelman College, she worked extensively in teen mentoring and lived in Israel for a few years before returning to the US to write full-time. Growing up with a wide range of cultures, religions, and backgrounds, she strives to bring these diverse voices and stories to her work.
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The Odds
by Matt Stanton
What it's about: In this new graphic novel series about identity, imagination and discovering who you are, Kip finds her quiet existence interrupted by 10 of her favorite characters who have stepped out of their worlds into hers.
Reviewers say: "...straightforward line art, dominated by head-on shots, creates a quick read—reminiscent of gag-focused works such as the Catwad series—that promises a lesson about embracing oneself and becomes a story of strengthening bonds via mutual grief."
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| New from Here by Kelly YangJanuary 2020: As COVID-19 begins to spread, Chinese American Knox Wei-Evans moves from Hong Kong to the U.S. with his mom and siblings while their dad stays behind for work.
The American dream? While missing his dad, adjusting to America, and facing anti-Asian racism, Knox also has to deal with his "blurting-things-out problem," which might be ADHD.
Author alert: Fans of Kelly Yang's Front Desk series won't want to miss this hopeful, realistic new book, inspired by the author's own family. (Ages 8-13.) |
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The witch's apprentice
by Zetta Elliott
What it's about: Since his lessons as a witch’s apprentice haven’t proved useful, Jax must find the magic and strength he needs to hatch a phoenix egg to save New York from a strange sleeping sickness that is spreading across the city.
About the author: Zetta Elliott was born in Canada and moved to the United States in 1994. She is the author of over twenty-five books for young readers, including Dragons in a Bag and the award-winning picture books Bird and Melena's Jubilee. She is also a contributor to the anthology We Rise, We Resist, We Raise Our Voices. Elliott is an advocate for greater diversity and equity in publishing. A longtime resident of Brooklyn, she currently lives in Illinois.
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| The Ambrose Deception by Emily EctonStarring: quiet go-getter Melissa, scheming slacker Wilf, and popular fast-talker Bondi, three middle school strangers.
What happens: Each of the kids receives three secret clues as part of a competition for a high-dollar scholarship. But when the clues reveal something much bigger, they know it's time to team up.
You might also like: classics like Blue Balliet's Chasing Vermeer or Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game, two other brain-teasing puzzle mysteries set in the Chicago area. (Ages 10-13.) |
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Room to dream
by Kelly Yang
What it's about: While visiting family in China, Mia Tang witnesses some of the big changes the country is going through, which makes her think about the changes in her own life that need to be dealt with.
Reviewers say: "Yang sensitively presents issues like racism, consent, and gentrification in an accessible and engaging manner. An author's note, pointing out autobiographical aspects of the book and showcasing a sampling of early stories, add even more richness. While this is enjoyable on its own, the adventures of Mia and her family and friends are best treasured in series order."
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| A Place to Belong by Cynthia KadohataLeaving home: After being forced into internment camps during World War II, 12-year-old Hanako and her family leave their U.S. home and move to Hiroshima, Japan, to live on her grandparents' farm.
Finding home: Though war and nuclear bombing have scarred Hiroshima, Hanako's new home offers a chance to rediscover her heritage and her grandparents' love.
Is it for you? Though Hanako's story is sad, it's also beautiful, and you'll feel like you're experiencing everything right along with her. (Ages 9-13.) |
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| The Time Museum by Matthew LouxWhat it's about: Curious science nerd Delia stumbles into the Earth Time Museum, where portals can take you to any time or place on the planet. Fascinated, she decides to take on five other kids in an internship competition full of time-twisting trials.
Series alert: This book kicks off the offbeat, high-octane series of Time Museum graphic novels.
Try this next: Polly Shulman's Repository series, another quirky, fast-moving time travel adventure. (Ages 10-13.) |
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| The Derby Daredevils: Kenzie Kickstarts a Team by Kit Rosewater; illustrated by Sophie Escabasse What it's about: Roller derby superfans Kenzie "Kenzilla" and Shelley "Bomb Shell" have a week to recruit three other girls so that they can try out for the new junior derby league as a team. Can they get through friendship jealousy, secret crushes, and unexpected changes to dominate on the derby track?
Who it's for: With relatable characters, pulse-pounding sports scenes, and black-and-white illustrations, this series starter is sure bet for fans of Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl. (Ages 8-13.) |
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Contact your librarian for more great books for ages 8-13!
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