| Merci Suárez Plays it Cool
by Meg Medina
What it's about: Facing school drama and family dynamics while entering into an eighth grade year filled with changes, Merci Suárez must decide where her loyalty stands, as she discovers who she can count on and what can change in an instant.
A trilogy of note: Medina's Merci Suarez trilogy offers readers a way to dive into a new series about the turbulent social waters navigated in middle school. Don't miss this final chapter! (Ages 9-12)
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by Samira Ahmed What it's about: When her little brother Hamza opens the forbidden Box of the Moon, 12-year-old Amira must journey to a mystical land to prevent the moon, the barrier between realms, from unleashing a nightmare on Earth.
Critics say: "A blend of Indian culture, Islamic folklore, history, and pointed social commentary are all wrapped up in a fantasy world that is as compelling as it is informative.Even readers who don’t believe in magic will find themselves wishing on a star." -Kirkus Review (Ages 8-12)
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| by Kate Reed Petty 
The tension: When Ruth discovers a strange black slime in the man-made lake of her suburban neighborhood, she decides to investigate. Fortified by the encouragement of those around her, Ruth seeks the truth at all costs, even if it means taking on the rich local country club owner, who she believes is responsible for the pollution.
Why read it: This graphic novel presents readers with an exploration of the power of truth and the necessity of bravery in the face of adversity--all in a scrumptious and compelling visual package. (Ages 8-12)
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| The Legend of Auntie Po
by Shing Yin Khor
The plot: Aware of the racial tumult in the years after the passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act, Mei tries to remain blissfully focused on her job, her close friendship with the camp foreman's daughter, and telling stories about Paul Bunyan—reinvented as Po PanYin (Auntie Po), an elderly Chinese matriarch.
The critical praise: "A sweet book that places a Chinese girl squarely at the center of the frame... the art is lovely, it's enjoyable for young kids who can relate to Mei as a protagonist or enjoyable to adults who only remember what it was like to be thirteen.” --NPR Pop Culture Happy Hour (ages 10-14)
Read the Ebook! (Graphic novels look great on tablets!)
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| The Memory Thief
by Jodi Lynn Anderson
Series alert: This series debut from the best-selling author of the May Bird Trilogy follows the experiences of an unloved 12-year-old girl who is assisted by an invisible ally to uncover the story of 13 witches who are behind all the evil in the world.
Librarian critics say: “This expertly crafted story thrums with magic, love, and tense action.” —Booklist
Watch for: The second book in the series, coming in early 2023! (Ages 9-13)
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| by Katherine Applegate
The story: Odder spends her days off the coast of central California, practicing her underwater acrobatics and spinning the quirky stories for which she's known. She's a fearless daredevil, curious to a fault. But when Odder comes face-to-face with a hungry great white shark, her life takes a dramatic turn, one that will challenge everything she believes about herself--and about the humans who hope to save her.
Why read it: It's a book by a living legend, about the cutest animal in the ocean. Need we say more? (Ages 8-12) |
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| by Sarah Guillory
The challenge: When her coastal Louisiana town of Boutin is hit by the worst flood in a century, 13-year-old Jillian Robichaux, determined not to lose the only home shes ever known, searches for a way to keep Boutin and its indomitable spirit alive.
The praise: "A poignant and emotional exploration of a people and place worth preserving." -- School Library Journal (Ages 8-12) |
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