Mermicorns by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen. Beginning chapter books of magical sea creatures. Simple stories about friendship, feelings, family. Ages 6-9.
Maybe, Maybe Marisol Rainey by Erin Entrada Kelly. Elementary chapter book series about a sensitive, almost timid girl named Marisol Rainey. Great for lovers of girl series such as Clementine, Ivy & Bean and Renee Watson’s Ryan Hart. Ages 6-9; good choice for the very young reader who is reading a grade or two above level.
Can You Whistle, Johanna? by Ulf Stark. illustrated by Anna Hoglund. Originally written in Swedish in 1990s, tells the tender story of a pair of boys and the old man one of them adopts as a grandfather. Family read aloud when you’re in the mood for something short and gentle, although be forewarned the old man does pass away. Appeals to elementary ages.
A Search for Safe Passage by Frances Figart. This educational adventure story of creatures who can communicate with each other, trying to make their way from North to South in the Great Smokey Mountains on trails now bisected by highways and other obstacles. Great pairing with nonfiction book, Crossings: Extraordinary Structures for Extraordinary Animals by Katy Duffield, that tells the story from the human point of view. Ages 8-12
Alice Fleck’s Recipes for Disaster by Rachelle Delaney. The culinary father/daughter team of Alice & James Fleck are recruited to be part of a Victorian festival. Although at first they think they will be participating in their favorite food history show, they are actually signed up to compete in Culinary Combat, a cutthroat competition. Ages 8-11
Abby Tried and True by Donna Gephart. A touching story about finding inner strength during a challenging time: her best friend moves away to Israel and her brother Paul is diagnosed with a treatable, yet no less frightening cancer. For those who like contemporary stories with a little sadness, a little humor and a little romance. Age 10+
The War Below by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch . Gripping tale of escape and survival from Nazi labor camp by boy trying to get back to Ukraine who encounters and joins a Ukrainian Underground Resistance. Ages 9-12
City Spies: Golden Gate by James Ponti. Thrilling series brings together five kids from all over the world and transforms them into real-life spies working for the British M16. Good read alike for those who enjoy the Spy School series. The first book took place mostly in Paris – this installment takes place in San Francisco. Ages 9-12
Ash House by Angharad Walker. Creepy, paranormal horror set in mysterious Ash House. Sol, as he is christened, has been dropped off at Ash House for vague reasons having to do with his mental condition. He finds it occupied solely by other children, waiting for the missing “Director”. Reminiscent of Lord of the Flies and Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children. Age 10+
High School Musical: The Musical: the Series: Road Trip by Melissa De La Cruz. Companion book to the Disney+ series about High School Musical the wannabees who attend a HSM convention out-of-state.
GRAPHIC NOVELS
Dragon Kingdom of Wrenly: The Coldfire Curse by Jordan Quinn/Ornella Greco. Continues the print series as a full color graphic novel. Ages 7-10
Island Book by Evan Dahm. Deceptively simple fantasy adventure involving Sola, a humanish creature on an isolated island of fishermen. She leaves the island searching for a monster, answers and knowledge. Ages 8-11