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General Recommendations

Best Fiction for Older Readers of 2023

By:

ChiPubLib_Kids

Chicago Public Library

Staff-created list

We recommend these as the very best fiction published for kids in 4th through 8th grade in 2023.

By:

ChiPubLib_Kids

Chicago Public Library

1-25 of 26 items

1-25 of 26 items

Alebrijes

Alebrijes

by Higuera, Donna Barba

Book - 2023

In a post-apocalyptic settlement known as the Pox, 13-year-old Leandro does what he has to do to keep himself and his little sister Gabi safe. But when he...Show more In a post-apocalyptic settlement known as the Pox, 13-year-old Leandro does what he has to do to keep himself and his little sister Gabi safe. But when he is exiled for a crime he didn’t commit, Leandro learns there is life beyond the Pox and that the legendary lands his mother once described aren't just bedtime stories - they're real. Can he rescue Gabi from the Pox before it's too late? Show less

In a post-apocalyptic settlement known as the Pox, 13-year-old Leandro does what he has to do to keep himself and his little sister Gabi safe. But when he...Show more In a post-apocalyptic settlement known as the Pox, 13-year-old Leandro does what he has to do to keep himself and his little sister Gabi safe. But when he is exiled for a crime he didn’t commit, Leandro learns there is life beyond the Pox and that the legendary lands his mother once described aren't just bedtime stories - they're real. Can he rescue Gabi from the Pox before it's too late? Show less

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Aniana Del Mar Jumps in

Aniana Del Mar Jumps in

by Méndez, Jasminne

Book - 2023

Swimming is Aniana del Mar's passion, although her swim meets are a secret that she and her Papi keep from her mother. Years ago, Mami lost her brother an...Show more Swimming is Aniana del Mar's passion, although her swim meets are a secret that she and her Papi keep from her mother. Years ago, Mami lost her brother and her home to Hurricane Georges, and now she's terrified of the water. But when Aniana's post-swim aches turn into chronic pain, everything falls apart and Mami bans her from swimming. As Aniana learns to live with her illness, can she convince her mother that she belongs in the water? Show less

Swimming is Aniana del Mar's passion, although her swim meets are a secret that she and her Papi keep from her mother. Years ago, Mami lost her brother an...Show more Swimming is Aniana del Mar's passion, although her swim meets are a secret that she and her Papi keep from her mother. Years ago, Mami lost her brother and her home to Hurricane Georges, and now she's terrified of the water. But when Aniana's post-swim aches turn into chronic pain, everything falls apart and Mami bans her from swimming. As Aniana learns to live with her illness, can she convince her mother that she belongs in the water? Show less

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The Beautiful Something Else

The Beautiful Something Else

by Van Otterloo, Ash

Book - 2023

As Sparrow understands it, it’s their job to keep everything okay for Mom--which means no problems, perfect grades, and no challenging Mom’s idea that Spa...Show more As Sparrow understands it, it’s their job to keep everything okay for Mom--which means no problems, perfect grades, and no challenging Mom’s idea that Sparrow is a girl. But when Sparrow is sent to stay with a distant aunt while Mom is in recovery, they finally have a safe place to explore their identity. Show less

As Sparrow understands it, it’s their job to keep everything okay for Mom--which means no problems, perfect grades, and no challenging Mom’s idea that Spa...Show more As Sparrow understands it, it’s their job to keep everything okay for Mom--which means no problems, perfect grades, and no challenging Mom’s idea that Sparrow is a girl. But when Sparrow is sent to stay with a distant aunt while Mom is in recovery, they finally have a safe place to explore their identity. Show less

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Dear Mothman

Dear Mothman

by Gow, Robin

Book - 2023

Feeling fully loved and understood by a best friend is such a gift, especially when that friend is like you. Noah had a friend like that: Lewis. When Lewi...Show more Feeling fully loved and understood by a best friend is such a gift, especially when that friend is like you. Noah had a friend like that: Lewis. When Lewis dies in a car accident. Noah begins writing a journal to Mothman to deal with his grief... and Mothman just might be listening. Show less

Feeling fully loved and understood by a best friend is such a gift, especially when that friend is like you. Noah had a friend like that: Lewis. When Lewi...Show more Feeling fully loved and understood by a best friend is such a gift, especially when that friend is like you. Noah had a friend like that: Lewis. When Lewis dies in a car accident. Noah begins writing a journal to Mothman to deal with his grief... and Mothman just might be listening. Show less

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Ellie Engle Saves Herself

Ellie Engle Saves Herself

by Johnson, Leah (Young adult author)

Book - 2023

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be a superhero? When a surprise earthquake leaves 12-year-old comic book nerd Ellie Engle with the ability...Show more Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be a superhero? When a surprise earthquake leaves 12-year-old comic book nerd Ellie Engle with the ability to bring (almost) anything back from the dead, Ellie tries to learn how her new ability works while keeping it a secret. But how long can you keep the fact that you’re a necromancer under wraps? Show less

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be a superhero? When a surprise earthquake leaves 12-year-old comic book nerd Ellie Engle with the ability...Show more Have you ever imagined what it would be like to be a superhero? When a surprise earthquake leaves 12-year-old comic book nerd Ellie Engle with the ability to bring (almost) anything back from the dead, Ellie tries to learn how her new ability works while keeping it a secret. But how long can you keep the fact that you’re a necromancer under wraps? Show less

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The Eyes & the Impossible

The Eyes & the Impossible

by Eggers, Dave

Book - 2023

The Eyes – that’s what the Bison call him – is a wild dog who lives in a fictional park on a fictional island and keeps watch of everything that goes on i...Show more The Eyes – that’s what the Bison call him – is a wild dog who lives in a fictional park on a fictional island and keeps watch of everything that goes on in the human and animal worlds around him. But when the humans start making changes around the park, The Eyes becomes drawn to these new, strange things - like a building full of rectangles - while the humans start to notice and hunt(!) him. The Eyes begins to wonder about the world beyond the park and hatches a plan with his animal friends to see it for themselves! Show less

The Eyes – that’s what the Bison call him – is a wild dog who lives in a fictional park on a fictional island and keeps watch of everything that goes on i...Show more The Eyes – that’s what the Bison call him – is a wild dog who lives in a fictional park on a fictional island and keeps watch of everything that goes on in the human and animal worlds around him. But when the humans start making changes around the park, The Eyes becomes drawn to these new, strange things - like a building full of rectangles - while the humans start to notice and hunt(!) him. The Eyes begins to wonder about the world beyond the park and hatches a plan with his animal friends to see it for themselves! Show less

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Finally Seen

Finally Seen

by Yang, Kelly

Book - 2023

Five years ago, Lina's parents and baby sister moved to America, leaving her in Beijing with her grandmother. Now, she finally gets to join them, but life...Show more Five years ago, Lina's parents and baby sister moved to America, leaving her in Beijing with her grandmother. Now, she finally gets to join them, but life in California isn't what she expected. Her parents owe back rent, her father works long hours, and Lina struggles to learn English, so she decides to stop speaking. But when a class book she loves is challenged, Lina must find her voice. Show less

Five years ago, Lina's parents and baby sister moved to America, leaving her in Beijing with her grandmother. Now, she finally gets to join them, but life...Show more Five years ago, Lina's parents and baby sister moved to America, leaving her in Beijing with her grandmother. Now, she finally gets to join them, but life in California isn't what she expected. Her parents owe back rent, her father works long hours, and Lina struggles to learn English, so she decides to stop speaking. But when a class book she loves is challenged, Lina must find her voice. Show less

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Ghost Book

Ghost Book

by Lai, Remy

Paperback - 2023

July Chen is a girl who sees ghosts. William Xiao is a boy who has been brought back from the dead more than once. Their lives have been intertwined sin...Show more July Chen is a girl who sees ghosts. William Xiao is a boy who has been brought back from the dead more than once. Their lives have been intertwined since birth - but neither of them knows it yet! Now, as William’s thread of life is shredding for a final time, the two team up to seek the truth about their connection and a means to alter fate. But, if the King of the Underworld’s henchmen have their way, both will perish. Show less

July Chen is a girl who sees ghosts. William Xiao is a boy who has been brought back from the dead more than once. Their lives have been intertwined sin...Show more July Chen is a girl who sees ghosts. William Xiao is a boy who has been brought back from the dead more than once. Their lives have been intertwined since birth - but neither of them knows it yet! Now, as William’s thread of life is shredding for a final time, the two team up to seek the truth about their connection and a means to alter fate. But, if the King of the Underworld’s henchmen have their way, both will perish. Show less

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Good Different

Good Different

by Kuyatt, Meg Eden

Book - 2023

Anyone who feels like they have to put on a mask to fit into a world not made for them will be able to empathize with Selah, an autistic girl who has a me...Show more Anyone who feels like they have to put on a mask to fit into a world not made for them will be able to empathize with Selah, an autistic girl who has a meltdown and hits another student. Threatened with expulsion, Selah sets out to understand herself better and try to get the adults around her to understand that “different” isn’t a bad thing to be. Show less

Anyone who feels like they have to put on a mask to fit into a world not made for them will be able to empathize with Selah, an autistic girl who has a me...Show more Anyone who feels like they have to put on a mask to fit into a world not made for them will be able to empathize with Selah, an autistic girl who has a meltdown and hits another student. Threatened with expulsion, Selah sets out to understand herself better and try to get the adults around her to understand that “different” isn’t a bad thing to be. Show less

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Greenwild

Greenwild

The World Behind the Door

by Thomson, Pari

Book - 2023

Travelling with her reporter mother from environmental crisis to environmental crisis, Daisy Thistledown’s childhood has been one exciting trip after anot...Show more Travelling with her reporter mother from environmental crisis to environmental crisis, Daisy Thistledown’s childhood has been one exciting trip after another. But her mother’s abrupt disappearance and a bewildering betrayal sends Daisy through a magical door in the heart of Kew Gardens into the adventure of a lifetime. Show less

Travelling with her reporter mother from environmental crisis to environmental crisis, Daisy Thistledown’s childhood has been one exciting trip after anot...Show more Travelling with her reporter mother from environmental crisis to environmental crisis, Daisy Thistledown’s childhood has been one exciting trip after another. But her mother’s abrupt disappearance and a bewildering betrayal sends Daisy through a magical door in the heart of Kew Gardens into the adventure of a lifetime. Show less

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Hands

Hands

by Maldonado, Torrey

Book - 2023

Trevor’s stepdad promised to get revenge the night he was arrested for hitting Trevor’s mom. Now Trevor is having nightmares and training as a fighter in ...Show more Trevor’s stepdad promised to get revenge the night he was arrested for hitting Trevor’s mom. Now Trevor is having nightmares and training as a fighter in the same boxing gym as his deceased father once did to protect his mother and ‘two hearts’, his sisters. Trevor is also a talented artist, he can create beauty with his hands. But the closer he gets to violence in the neighborhood and of his past, the further he gets from being ‘nice’ with his hands. Show less

Trevor’s stepdad promised to get revenge the night he was arrested for hitting Trevor’s mom. Now Trevor is having nightmares and training as a fighter in ...Show more Trevor’s stepdad promised to get revenge the night he was arrested for hitting Trevor’s mom. Now Trevor is having nightmares and training as a fighter in the same boxing gym as his deceased father once did to protect his mother and ‘two hearts’, his sisters. Trevor is also a talented artist, he can create beauty with his hands. But the closer he gets to violence in the neighborhood and of his past, the further he gets from being ‘nice’ with his hands. Show less

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The Lost Year

The Lost Year

by Marsh, Katherine

Book - 2023

Matthew certainly thinks he has it the worst this year – stuck inside under quarantine, living with his mother and 100-year-old Ukrainian great-grandmothe...Show more Matthew certainly thinks he has it the worst this year – stuck inside under quarantine, living with his mother and 100-year-old Ukrainian great-grandmother GG when he should be hanging out with his friends and visiting his father in Paris. But when Matthew spends some time with GG, he begins to unravel a dark secret from her past that gives him new perspective on life. As she begins to unfold her story of how she came to the US, GG shares the grim reality of surviving a great famine and the genocidal rule of the Soviet Union during the 1930s. Show less

Matthew certainly thinks he has it the worst this year – stuck inside under quarantine, living with his mother and 100-year-old Ukrainian great-grandmothe...Show more Matthew certainly thinks he has it the worst this year – stuck inside under quarantine, living with his mother and 100-year-old Ukrainian great-grandmother GG when he should be hanging out with his friends and visiting his father in Paris. But when Matthew spends some time with GG, he begins to unravel a dark secret from her past that gives him new perspective on life. As she begins to unfold her story of how she came to the US, GG shares the grim reality of surviving a great famine and the genocidal rule of the Soviet Union during the 1930s. Show less

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The Manifestor Prophecy

The Manifestor Prophecy

by Thomas, Angie

Book - 2023

Nic Blake is finally turning 12 years old, and her dad has promised to teach her how to use The Gift. They are Remarkables living in a world of Unremarkab...Show more Nic Blake is finally turning 12 years old, and her dad has promised to teach her how to use The Gift. They are Remarkables living in a world of Unremarkables (regular humans). Nic soon discovers that her dad has hidden a lot from her including her mother, a twin brother and the truth about her childhood. She finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime with her best friend and a brother she’s only just met to prove her father’s innocence before it’s too late. Show less

Nic Blake is finally turning 12 years old, and her dad has promised to teach her how to use The Gift. They are Remarkables living in a world of Unremarkab...Show more Nic Blake is finally turning 12 years old, and her dad has promised to teach her how to use The Gift. They are Remarkables living in a world of Unremarkables (regular humans). Nic soon discovers that her dad has hidden a lot from her including her mother, a twin brother and the truth about her childhood. She finds herself on the adventure of a lifetime with her best friend and a brother she’s only just met to prove her father’s innocence before it’s too late. Show less

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The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams

by Nayeri, Daniel

Book - 2023

“The first time I was stoned to death by an angry mob, I was not even a criminal.” So begins the tale of Omar, an imperiled orphan, and Samir, the traveli...Show more “The first time I was stoned to death by an angry mob, I was not even a criminal.” So begins the tale of Omar, an imperiled orphan, and Samir, the traveling merchant who comes to his rescue. But being saved is hardly a guarantee of safety. Not long after Omar joins Samir’s caravan, it becomes apparent that Samir’s life is in danger. How many times will the two travelers escape with their lives? Show less

“The first time I was stoned to death by an angry mob, I was not even a criminal.” So begins the tale of Omar, an imperiled orphan, and Samir, the traveli...Show more “The first time I was stoned to death by an angry mob, I was not even a criminal.” So begins the tale of Omar, an imperiled orphan, and Samir, the traveling merchant who comes to his rescue. But being saved is hardly a guarantee of safety. Not long after Omar joins Samir’s caravan, it becomes apparent that Samir’s life is in danger. How many times will the two travelers escape with their lives? Show less

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Mascot

Mascot

by Waters, Charles

Book - 2023

This middle-grade novel in verse tells the story of six eighth graders whose English teacher has created an assignment debating whether the high school’s ...Show more This middle-grade novel in verse tells the story of six eighth graders whose English teacher has created an assignment debating whether the high school’s mascot should be changed or remain the same. The mascot is an Indigenous caricature that is both beloved and reviled by the community. Told through different points of view this book wrestles with an important topic and will lead readers to question their own perspective on this issue. Show less

This middle-grade novel in verse tells the story of six eighth graders whose English teacher has created an assignment debating whether the high school’s ...Show more This middle-grade novel in verse tells the story of six eighth graders whose English teacher has created an assignment debating whether the high school’s mascot should be changed or remain the same. The mascot is an Indigenous caricature that is both beloved and reviled by the community. Told through different points of view this book wrestles with an important topic and will lead readers to question their own perspective on this issue. Show less

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Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key

Montgomery and the Case of the Golden Key

by Crowder, Tracy Occomy

Book - 2023

It’s 2008, Obama is running for president, Monty’s turning 10, and he’s planning on having the best summer ever. Then he finds the mysterious golden key. ...Show more It’s 2008, Obama is running for president, Monty’s turning 10, and he’s planning on having the best summer ever. Then he finds the mysterious golden key. In searching for where the key came from, he’ll discover a whole lot he never knew about his own Chicago neighborhood, the history, the people, and their stories. Show less

It’s 2008, Obama is running for president, Monty’s turning 10, and he’s planning on having the best summer ever. Then he finds the mysterious golden key. ...Show more It’s 2008, Obama is running for president, Monty’s turning 10, and he’s planning on having the best summer ever. Then he finds the mysterious golden key. In searching for where the key came from, he’ll discover a whole lot he never knew about his own Chicago neighborhood, the history, the people, and their stories. Show less

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The Mossheart's Promise

The Mossheart's Promise

by Mix, Rebecca

Book - 2023

In this fantasy with a touch of gothic horror, a race of fairies and other critters are trapped in a molding, dying world. Everyone looks to Ary to fix it...Show more In this fantasy with a touch of gothic horror, a race of fairies and other critters are trapped in a molding, dying world. Everyone looks to Ary to fix it all simply because they think she should be like her heroic grandmother. 12-year-old Ary, understandably, wants the grownups to take responsibility for their own mess. But when her mother becomes ill and no one will help, she sets out for the thing she knows will save her mother, and maybe even their world. Show less

In this fantasy with a touch of gothic horror, a race of fairies and other critters are trapped in a molding, dying world. Everyone looks to Ary to fix it...Show more In this fantasy with a touch of gothic horror, a race of fairies and other critters are trapped in a molding, dying world. Everyone looks to Ary to fix it all simply because they think she should be like her heroic grandmother. 12-year-old Ary, understandably, wants the grownups to take responsibility for their own mess. But when her mother becomes ill and no one will help, she sets out for the thing she knows will save her mother, and maybe even their world. Show less

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Not An Easy Win

Not An Easy Win

by Giles, Chrystal D.

Book - 2023

Since his pop left home and never came back, things have been hard on Lawrence, his mom, and his little sister Nikko, causing them to move from hip urban ...Show more Since his pop left home and never came back, things have been hard on Lawrence, his mom, and his little sister Nikko, causing them to move from hip urban Charlottesville to boring rural Larenville to live with Granny. After Lawrence gets expelled for finishing a fight he didn't even start, he is ordered to spend time at the rec center with Mr. Dennis, where he takes online classes and helps out. It's at the center that Lawrence develops an affinity for chess. Chess helps him focus and look at situations and people more critically, people like first crush Twyla, and Deuce who hassles and fights with Lawrence. The top three kids at the center will be picked to compete in the Charlotte Classic chess tournament. Can Lawrence use his new deductive skills to figure out Deuce and master chess enough to get him back to Charlottesville? Find out in this story that balances heavy subjects like segregation and racism with singing twins, and chess players that will on occasion burst into raps. Show less

Since his pop left home and never came back, things have been hard on Lawrence, his mom, and his little sister Nikko, causing them to move from hip urban ...Show more Since his pop left home and never came back, things have been hard on Lawrence, his mom, and his little sister Nikko, causing them to move from hip urban Charlottesville to boring rural Larenville to live with Granny. After Lawrence gets expelled for finishing a fight he didn't even start, he is ordered to spend time at the rec center with Mr. Dennis, where he takes online classes and helps out. It's at the center that Lawrence develops an affinity for chess. Chess helps him focus and look at situations and people more critically, people like first crush Twyla, and Deuce who hassles and fights with Lawrence. The top three kids at the center will be picked to compete in the Charlotte Classic chess tournament. Can Lawrence use his new deductive skills to figure out Deuce and master chess enough to get him back to Charlottesville? Find out in this story that balances heavy subjects like segregation and racism with singing twins, and chess players that will on occasion burst into raps. Show less

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Parachute Kids

Parachute Kids

by Tang, Betty C.

Paperback - 2023

Imagine vacationing in another country and discovering your parents are leaving you and your teen siblings there. None of you even speak the language! The...Show more Imagine vacationing in another country and discovering your parents are leaving you and your teen siblings there. None of you even speak the language! They enroll you in school, expect neighbors to watch out for you, and leave. Such is the definition of parachute kids, left to fend for themselves. As “illegals” they must hide from attention despite scammers, strange food, and bullies at school. Regardless of the hard parts there is plenty to entertain in this colorful graphic novel. Show less

Imagine vacationing in another country and discovering your parents are leaving you and your teen siblings there. None of you even speak the language! The...Show more Imagine vacationing in another country and discovering your parents are leaving you and your teen siblings there. None of you even speak the language! They enroll you in school, expect neighbors to watch out for you, and leave. Such is the definition of parachute kids, left to fend for themselves. As “illegals” they must hide from attention despite scammers, strange food, and bullies at school. Regardless of the hard parts there is plenty to entertain in this colorful graphic novel. Show less

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Salsa Magic

Salsa Magic

by Marrero, Letisha

Book - 2023

Mystical dreams of a woman in white and mesmerizing blue waters fill 13-year-old Maya Calderon's nights while her close-knit clan, a new crush and soccer ...Show more Mystical dreams of a woman in white and mesmerizing blue waters fill 13-year-old Maya Calderon's nights while her close-knit clan, a new crush and soccer occupy every waking moment. The Calderon family is full of nearly-magical stories, but none that can explain Maya’s dreams until Titi Yaya, a real bruja, arrives from Puerto Rico. But when Abuelita decrees that Titi Yaya is off limits to Maya and her cousins, Maya goes off the deep end to learn the truth. Show less

Mystical dreams of a woman in white and mesmerizing blue waters fill 13-year-old Maya Calderon's nights while her close-knit clan, a new crush and soccer ...Show more Mystical dreams of a woman in white and mesmerizing blue waters fill 13-year-old Maya Calderon's nights while her close-knit clan, a new crush and soccer occupy every waking moment. The Calderon family is full of nearly-magical stories, but none that can explain Maya’s dreams until Titi Yaya, a real bruja, arrives from Puerto Rico. But when Abuelita decrees that Titi Yaya is off limits to Maya and her cousins, Maya goes off the deep end to learn the truth. Show less

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Simon Sort of Says

Simon Sort of Says

by Bow, Erin

Book - 2023

Can you imagine life without cell phones, internet, or television? In the fictional town of Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, all radio signals are banned so as...Show more Can you imagine life without cell phones, internet, or television? In the fictional town of Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, all radio signals are banned so as not to disrupt the scientific search for extraterrestrial life. Two years after going viral following a disastrous church service (alpacas were involved - don't ask), the O'Keeffe family decides to move to Grin and Bear It for the anonymity. At least that's what Simon O'Keeffe, the narrator, first tells us. But when Simon befriends Agate, a space signal and alien enthusiast, and Kevin, a Minecraft gamer who knows how to mask his internet, his new friends uncover the real non-alpaca reason behind Simon's move: Simon is the sole survivor of a school shooting and trying to start fresh. Can Simon and his new friends figure out how to honor the past and keep moving forward with life? Find out in this heartwarming adventure story filled with quirky quips, silly animals, and a sense of humor that balances the heartache. Show less

Can you imagine life without cell phones, internet, or television? In the fictional town of Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, all radio signals are banned so as...Show more Can you imagine life without cell phones, internet, or television? In the fictional town of Grin and Bear It, Nebraska, all radio signals are banned so as not to disrupt the scientific search for extraterrestrial life. Two years after going viral following a disastrous church service (alpacas were involved - don't ask), the O'Keeffe family decides to move to Grin and Bear It for the anonymity. At least that's what Simon O'Keeffe, the narrator, first tells us. But when Simon befriends Agate, a space signal and alien enthusiast, and Kevin, a Minecraft gamer who knows how to mask his internet, his new friends uncover the real non-alpaca reason behind Simon's move: Simon is the sole survivor of a school shooting and trying to start fresh. Can Simon and his new friends figure out how to honor the past and keep moving forward with life? Find out in this heartwarming adventure story filled with quirky quips, silly animals, and a sense of humor that balances the heartache. Show less

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The Swifts

The Swifts

A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Lincoln, Beth

Book - 2023

Ciphers and clues, a strange old family where first names are prophetic, an ancient inheritance known as the hoard needs to be located: there are mysterie...Show more Ciphers and clues, a strange old family where first names are prophetic, an ancient inheritance known as the hoard needs to be located: there are mysteries to solve. This is detective business, and 13-year-old Shenanigan is on the case. Oh, the language, the fun, the wit…this is just right for adventurers, logophiles, and lovers of a good who-done-it. Are you defined by the name that you are born with or by the actions that you take? Show less

Ciphers and clues, a strange old family where first names are prophetic, an ancient inheritance known as the hoard needs to be located: there are mysterie...Show more Ciphers and clues, a strange old family where first names are prophetic, an ancient inheritance known as the hoard needs to be located: there are mysteries to solve. This is detective business, and 13-year-old Shenanigan is on the case. Oh, the language, the fun, the wit…this is just right for adventurers, logophiles, and lovers of a good who-done-it. Are you defined by the name that you are born with or by the actions that you take? Show less

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We Still Belong

We Still Belong

by Day, Christine

Book - 2023

A touching and heartfelt story, this book takes place entirely on Indigenous People’s Day. Twelve-year-old Wesley Wilder is excited for her poem honoring ...Show more A touching and heartfelt story, this book takes place entirely on Indigenous People’s Day. Twelve-year-old Wesley Wilder is excited for her poem honoring the holiday to be published in the school newspaper, but her day quickly goes in an unexpected direction. Wesley instead navigates crushes, disappointment, new friends and her own identity. Show less

A touching and heartfelt story, this book takes place entirely on Indigenous People’s Day. Twelve-year-old Wesley Wilder is excited for her poem honoring ...Show more A touching and heartfelt story, this book takes place entirely on Indigenous People’s Day. Twelve-year-old Wesley Wilder is excited for her poem honoring the holiday to be published in the school newspaper, but her day quickly goes in an unexpected direction. Wesley instead navigates crushes, disappointment, new friends and her own identity. Show less

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What Happened to Rachel Riley?

What Happened to Rachel Riley?

by Swinarski, Claire

Book -

New kid Anna Hunt can't help wondering how once popular Rachel Riley became the school outcast. Determined to solve this mystery, Anna starts an investiga...Show more New kid Anna Hunt can't help wondering how once popular Rachel Riley became the school outcast. Determined to solve this mystery, Anna starts an investigatory podcast, uncovering a secret game the boys at school have been playing. But what is the "game" and why won't anyone talk about it? Show less

New kid Anna Hunt can't help wondering how once popular Rachel Riley became the school outcast. Determined to solve this mystery, Anna starts an investiga...Show more New kid Anna Hunt can't help wondering how once popular Rachel Riley became the school outcast. Determined to solve this mystery, Anna starts an investigatory podcast, uncovering a secret game the boys at school have been playing. But what is the "game" and why won't anyone talk about it? Show less

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A Work in Progress

A Work in Progress

by Lerner, Jarrett

Book - 2023

"You’re FAT!” Nick spat these words at Will in the fourth grade, and they remained there “tattooed” on his brain for “3 years and two or three months...Show more "You’re FAT!” Nick spat these words at Will in the fourth grade, and they remained there “tattooed” on his brain for “3 years and two or three months.” Will hides himself from others: He buys baggy clothes to hide his physique, he waits in class for everyone to leave first, and he doesn’t hang out with his friends. Even worse, the words create a monster in his head that telling him “He’s a monster, humongous, and always hungry, creeping around and scaring the crap out of everyone… a monster, always wanting more, more, more, more.” The voice forces Will to dangerously restrict his eating to lose weight. Will’s struggles with self-worth and body acceptance are told in poetic free verse that is self-deprecating, tense, and fast paced. Show less

"You’re FAT!” Nick spat these words at Will in the fourth grade, and they remained there “tattooed” on his brain for “3 years and two or three months...Show more "You’re FAT!” Nick spat these words at Will in the fourth grade, and they remained there “tattooed” on his brain for “3 years and two or three months.” Will hides himself from others: He buys baggy clothes to hide his physique, he waits in class for everyone to leave first, and he doesn’t hang out with his friends. Even worse, the words create a monster in his head that telling him “He’s a monster, humongous, and always hungry, creeping around and scaring the crap out of everyone… a monster, always wanting more, more, more, more.” The voice forces Will to dangerously restrict his eating to lose weight. Will’s struggles with self-worth and body acceptance are told in poetic free verse that is self-deprecating, tense, and fast paced. Show less

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