Fun
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Jackie Wins Them All
This is an unforgettable picture book for Readers 8-12 by author Fabian E. Ferguson. It tells the story of a gifted sixth-grader, Jackie J. Spade, who has a knack for winning everything she’s tried her hand at. Science fairs, spelling bees, swimming, and skating, and just about anything you can imagine!
But Jackie’s about to take on her biggest challenge, the big city track race! Will she win the trophy or will she win something even better?
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Do Pebbles Eat Chili?
Mr. Jay, bestselling author of Ricky, the Rock that Couldn’t Roll, brings back the ‘You Rock’ group for Readers 8-11.
Join Ricky, Marvin, Tess and all of their rock friends, as they meet up with a strange purple cow and some tux-wearing ducks; go to a birthday party for a 14-million-year-old boulder; discover the unhappiest place on Earth; form a very unique kind of rock band; engage in a high-speed chase in outer space; and of course, learn the truth about whether or not pebbles actually eat chili.
If you love Ricky, the Rock that Couldn’t Roll, or just enjoy fun-to-read, lyrically written stories, Do Pebbles Eat Chili? is the perfect book for you.
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Crenshaw
In her first novel since The One and Only Ivan, winner of the Newbery Medal, Katherine Applegate delivers an unforgettable and magical story about family, friendship, and resilience.
Jackson and his family have fallen on hard times. There’s no more money for rent. And not much for food, either. His parents, his little sister, and their dog may have to live in their minivan. Again.Crenshaw is a cat. He’s large, he’s outspoken, and he’s imaginary. He has come back into Jackson’s life to help him. But is an imaginary friend enough to save this family from losing everything?
For Readers 8-12.
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Black Ballerinas: My Journey to Our Legacy
From New York Times bestselling and award-winning author and American Ballet Theatre principal dancer Misty Copeland comes an illustrated nonfiction collection celebrating dancers of color who have influenced her on and off the stage.
As a young girl living in a motel with her mother and her five siblings, Misty Copeland didn’t have a lot of exposure to ballet or prominent dancers. She was sixteen when she saw a black ballerina on a magazine cover for the first time. The experience emboldened Misty and told her that she wasn’t alone—and her dream wasn’t impossible.
In the years since, Misty has only learned more about the trailblazing women who made her own success possible by pushing back against repression and racism with their talent and tenacity. Misty brings these women’s stories to a new generation of readers and gives them the recognition they deserve.
With an introduction from Misty about the legacy these women have had on dance and on her career itself, this book delves into the lives and careers of women of color who fundamentally changed the landscape of American ballet from the early 20th century to today.
For Readers 8+.
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The Wild Robot
Can a robot survive in the wilderness?
When robot Roz opens her eyes for the first time, she discovers that she is all alone on a remote, wild island. She has no idea how she got there or what her purpose is–but she knows she needs to survive. After battling a violent storm and escaping a vicious bear attack, she realizes that her only hope for survival is to adapt to her surroundings and learn from the island’s unwelcoming animal inhabitants.
As Roz slowly befriends the animals, the island starts to feel like home–until, one day, the robot’s mysterious past comes back to haunt her.
From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed novel about what happens when nature and technology collide.
For readers 8-12.
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The Boring Days and Awesome Nights of Roy Winklesteen
Most people waste the night sleeping. As for the rest, they know better.
According to nightlifer Roy Winklesteen, daylifers have no idea what they’re missing.
So, when a 2 a.m. glance out his bedroom window reveals a neighbor is hiding a secret of mythic proportions, Roy’s summer break looks a lot more exciting. Seeking a cure for being the most ignored kid in all of fifth grade, Roy knows an awesome adventure will surely get him noticed in middle school.
He watches and waits for the perfect time to move in for a closer look at the mysterious man who lives one street over. Roy’s spy mission doesn’t go as planned. Still, he manages to gain access into his neighbor’s world–where mind-blowing inventions are more common than furniture and fighting crime involves transforming criminals into bumbling fools smothered in questionable goo.
Every night with the neighbor brings Roy one step closer to the most daring adventure of his life. But even if he survives, he can never tell anyone about it.
From author Sally Dill for Readers 8-12.
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Sir Princess Petra’s Talent: Book 2
Sir Princess Petra has already proven she is a kind and noble knight. This, however, does not please the king and queen—they want her to behave like a princess and forget this silly knight nonsense of hers!
But when the king writes a new rule in the royal rule book that requires her to attend Talent School and acquire a princess talent certificate or suffer the spell of the royal magician, Petra and her funny dragon steed, Snarls, reluctantly, agree to go. But who could have guessed what Sir Princess Petra’s Talent would be?
By author Diane Mae Robinson for Readers 7-11.
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IDIOT GENIUS Willa Snap and the Clockwerk Boy
Nancy Drew meets Steampunk!
Join Willa Snap and her cat, Grayson, on their first big adventure in Grandeur, a city filled with scientists whose ideas are too dangerous to remain Outside.
The mystery begins when a Clockwerk Boy from one of Grandeur’s strange neighborhoods warns Willa she’s in danger—but winds down before he can explain. Grandeur’s as full of secrets as it is inventions: tour the city from the air in a glass-bottomed MiniDirigy, ply its streets from the comfort of a steam-powered rhinoceros cab, or grab a quick bite at the Jolly Rajah Man-o’-War o’ Pancakes—where the french toast is always delicious, and the sea battles are epic. Quick’s the word and sharp’s the action . . . there’s not a moment to lose.
Perfect for fans of The Mysterious Benedict Society, Percy Jackson, Neil Gaiman, and the Artemis Fowl series, this action-packed adventure will take you to places you’ve never imagined, but always wanted to visit.
From author Richard Due for Readers 8-12.
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What’s My Superpower: Discovering Your Unique Talents
He wants to save humanity but hasn’t found his powers. Can one young boy unlock his hidden gifts and help his household of heroes?
Deshaun Prime longs to join in his daring family’s superhero feats. But while Dad is really strong, Mom is lightning-fast, and Sister can fly, he has no idea what his own abilities could be. And though he’s tried to copy their amazing skills… nothing seems to work!
Scared he doesn’t have a special gift; Deshaun takes his parents’ advice to simply do whatever comes naturally. And when he remembers his love for math and construction, his fingers start to fly as he builds a mighty robot!
Will Deshaun’s clever brain be the secret to helping his superpowered relatives save the world?
From authors Delanada Coleman, Terrence Coleman and illustrated by Bowen Jiang for Readers 8-12.
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Target Practice: (Cleopatra in Space #1) A Graphic Novel
A funny, action-packed graphic novel featuring a young Cleopatra who’s transported to the future and learns it’s up to her to save the galaxy.
When Cleo finds a mysterious tablet that zaps her to the far, really far future, she learns of an ancient prophecy that says she is destined to save the galaxy from the tyrannical rule of the evil Xaius Octavian. She enrolls in Yasiro Academy, a high-tech school with classes like algebra, biology, and alien languages (which Cleo could do without), and combat training (which is more Cleo’s style).
With help from her teacher Khensu, Cleo learns what it takes to be a great leader, while trying to figure out how she’s going to get her homework done, make friends, and avoid detention!
From author Mike Maihack for Readers 8-12.
