Opportunity Knocks by Sara Farizan. Lila, who has found a new passion in band, has her hopes dashed when the program is defunded. While trying to procure more money, she has a chance encounter with a stranger who accidentally leaves her with a mysterious key. Turns out, the key opens a door to opportunity in the form of a wish-granting genie. But be careful what you wish for … Gr 3-7.
The Grip by Marcus Stroman. Life lessons learned by a young version of Cubs pitcher, Golden Glove and All Star. Gr 3-5.
Virtually Me by Chad Morris/Shelly Brown. Going from in-person school to virtual was pretty much a trial for all concerned. Author Morris looks back and takes it a step further: the group of students in this story have been asked to attend a new virtual school with avatars and virtual reality. Anyone who has ever dreamed of changing their image will sympathize with these middle schoolers who think they can change for the better by hiding their “true selves”. Gr 3-6.
White Fox by Chen Jiatong. An animal fantasy wherein a white fox dreams of becoming human. Alone after his parents are killed, he embarks on a quest guided by a magical object. Beautiful storytelling for those who enjoy the Warrior series, or Pax. Gr 3-7.
Trashed by Martha Freeman. A mystery for readers who like to poke around vintage shops and imagine intrigue to spice up life. After Arthur finds a chipped teacup on a shelf at his family's store, he embarks on an adventure involving stolen jewels, a treacherous friendship, prairie dogs, the Grateful Dead, and even the ghost of a pet mouse. Many literary allusions for mystery fans, young and old (pet mouse is named Watson). Fun parent child read together. Gr 3-7.
Simon Sort of Says by Erin Bow. Simon’s family moves to Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, a town completely without anything needing radio signals (think internet and cell phones!) He’s completely ok with that, because now he can rewrite his past- and hopefully bury the trauma he has survived. A sensitive look at dealing with survivor grief, combined with a lot of science! Gr 4+
The Windeby Puzzle by Lois Lowry. Another dimension of Lowry’s storytelling talent is the fictionalized recreation of the life of a real bog person, found in Germany in 1952. The young girl, named Estrild by Lowry, lived during the Iron Age (1st century CE). Her reason for being put to death is uncertain, although intriguing details emerge. Lowry intersperses easy-to-understand archeology lessons with a dynamic narrative of a young girl defying societal norms. Full page black and white art unifies the book, and there are photographs of the Windeby Girl and related objects, along with a bibliography. A fascinating read for someone looking for something different. Gr 4+
The Ice Cream Machine by Adam Rubin. A set of short stories, wildly different, but none too serious, all involving an ice cream machine. Each story is illustrated by a different artist. Gr 4+
Secret of the Storm by Beth McMullen. Things aren’t going so great for Cassie until she spots an abandoned kitten and adopts him. However, her cute kitty starts growing into a dragon! There are weird forces at work. Fun animal fantasy for cat and dragon lovers! Gr 4-7.
Hands by Torrey Maldonado. Tackles the difficult question of how to deal with violence. To Trev, it seems the only way to protect his mother and sisters from domestic violence is to become violent himself. He takes up boxing, using hands that are good at drawing into weapons. But he is so unsure. Maldonado has created a realistic scenario with lots of street lingo, as Trev eventually finds there are many adults and friends willing to help him. Gr 5+
Unraveller by Frances Hardinge. A high fantasy set in a world of curses, promises, betrayals, hate and trust. Kellen can lift or unravel curses bestowed upon the undeserving (or not always). He and his companion Nettle, a girl he freed from a curse, are taken to the Wilds to investigate and perhaps foil a plot to use cursers as a tool for evil machinations. If you are a fan of dark fantasies, immerse yourself in Hardinger’s world. Gr 7 +
Graphic Novel
Super Pancake by Megan Lloyd/Abhi Alwar. For reluctant readers, a comic in the vein of Captain Underpants starring Peggy Pancake and her misadventures in Breakfast Town. Gr 2-5.