Ages 8-10

Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson against the odds

Stealing Home: Jackie Robinson Against the Odds by Robert Burleigh. Simon & Schuster, 2007. 32 pages. Reading level: Picture books, ages 4-8, ages 8-10Recommended for: ...
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Franklin Endicott and the Third Key by Kate DiCamillo

Franklin Endicott learns to appreciate mystery and story instead of worrying in this delightful chapter book from Kate DiCamillo. Franklin Endicott and the Third Key: ...
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Reading Afghanistan

For a country many of us can't even point to on a map, Afghanistan has held a consequential place in world history. This mountainous district ...
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The Redeemed Reader Bible Pilgrimage: How and Why

My Story and His I was raised in a denomination that took the Bible very seriously: “We speak where the Bible speaks, and are silent ...
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Homer on the Case by Henry Cole

Homer, a literate homing pigeon, uses his unusual skills to solve a mystery, in this gentle story for young middle-graders. Homer on the Case by ...
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Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling

Chapter-book readers will enjoy meeting Aven Green, the no-armed protagonist of the "Life of a Cactus" books. Aven Green, Sleuthing Machine by Dusti Bowling, with ...
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The Vast Wonder of the World by Mélina Mangal

The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just by Mélina Mangal. Millbrook Press, 2018, 40 pages. Reading Level: Picture Book, ages 4-8Recommended for: ...
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Picture-Book Roundup: Art and Artists

Three picture-book biographies introduce children to the work of three very distinct artists: Ben Shahn, Judith Scott, and Winslow Homer. The People’s Painter: How Ben ...
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John Klassen and Proverbs: A Guest Post from Sarah Hartman*

John Klassen's Hat trilogy beautifully illustrates timeless truths from the book of Proverbs. I Want My Hat Back (2011), This is Not My Hat (2012), ...
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The Wisdom of Trees by Lita Judge

The Wisdom of Trees shows how trees function as a community in cooperation, not competition. The Wisdom of Trees: How Trees Work Together to Form ...
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The Way of the Hive by Jay Hosler

The Way of the Hive follows the life of a honeybee in clever graphic-novel style. The Way of the Hive: A Honey Bee’s Story by ...
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*The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde

The Ship of Stolen Words is light, enjoyable fantasy anchored by a worthy theme. *The Ship of Stolen Words by Fran Wilde. Abrams, 2021, 386 ...
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STEM in the World Series by Marne Ventura

STEM is vital to sports! Ventura shows young readers how physics, technology, engineering, and math work in baseball's favorite event. STEM in the World Series ...
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America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Riley

America My Love, America My Heart expresses complex emotions about the author's home country. America My Love, America My Heart by Daria Peoples Riley. Greenwillow, ...
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Critter Jitters by Jory John

The “Critter Jitters” series tackles the anxieties of young children in a humorous, reassuring way. Summer Camp Critter Jitters and First Day Critter Jitters by ...
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Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by Tonya Bolden

Strong Voices shares fifteen great American speeches from men and women throughout America's history. Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing, selected and introduced by ...
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Juneteenth Roundup

Juneteenth, our newest national holiday, commemorates the 19th of June, 1865, when slaves in Texas learned of their emancipation. These four books offer experiential perspectives ...
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Mad for Ads by Erica Fyvie

Mad for Ads opens the eyes of readers to the countless ways they are data-mined and targeted for advertising. Mad for Ads: How Advertising Gets ...
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Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess by Jeanne Birdsall

Tousle-haired siblings Teaflet & Roog narrowly avert a domestic disaster in this chapter book by Penderwicks author Jeanne Birdsall. Teaflet & Roog Make a Mess ...
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God Made Me for Worship by Jared Kennedy

Author Jared Kennedy uses Isaiah 6 as a model for explaining the liturgy, in God Made Me for Worship God Made Me for Worship: Helping ...
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Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice (Awesomely Austen Series)

The "Awesomely Austen" series makes Jane Austen accessible to elementary-age readers. Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice by Katherine Woodfine, illustrated by Eglantine Ceulemans. Hodder Children’s ...
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*Tree Street Kids: Jack vs. the Tornado and The Hunt for Fang

Authentic characters and classic themes shine in a God-honoring series about Jack, his sister, friendship, and a great clubhouse. Tree Street Kids series by Amanda ...
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2022 caldecott watercress

Picture Books about Refugees: Watercress, Yang Warriors, and The Suitcase

Two memoirs and one parable show children how to have sympathy for refugees, even within their own family. Watercress by Andrea Yang, illustrated by Jason ...
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A Shot in the Arm! by Don Brown

A Shot in the Arm traces the history of vaccination in graphic-novel format, from the 18th century to the present day. A Shot in the ...
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Unspeakable by Carole Boston Weatherford

Unspeakable exposes a terrible chapter in American history but ends in hope for reconciliation. Unspeakable: The Tulsa Race Massacre by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated by ...
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Teaching Kids Church History

Today, we're happy to welcome a friend of mine and fellow writer, Christina Fox, to RR. Christina is a real life friend of mine, as ...
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Picture-book Roundup: The Floating Field, *Hugo and the Impossible Thing, Yes & No

Three outstanding new picture books demonstrate how life is better when we work together. The Floating Field: How a Group of Thai Boys Built Their ...
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War and Millie McGonigle by Karen Cushman

Millie McGonigle is an appealing 12-year-old who is struggling to deal with tough things in life, like death and war. War and Millie McGonigle by ...
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2021 Summer Reading: Faith & Fortitude Is Here!

2021 Summer Reading Theme We're very excited about the 2021 summer reading theme: Faith & Fortitude: the EPIC Story of God's People. Why? We're big ...
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Thornwood by Leah Cypess

Thornwood recasts the tale of Sleeping Beauty as a castle-bound mystery, with twists and turns at every corner. Thornwood by Leah Cypress. Delacorte Press, 2021, ...
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The House that Wasn’t There by Elana K. Arnold

In The House That Wasn't There, neighbors start off on the wrong foot, but soon discover a mysterious connection. The House That Wasn’t There by ...
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Character picture books: Twenty-One Steps, Bartali’s Bicycle, and Nelson Mandela’s Plan

Three nonfiction picture books offer examples of faithful service, reconciliation, and self-sacrifice. Twenty-One Steps: Guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier by Jeff Gottesfeld, illustrated ...
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*Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins

In a simple, direct way, Kiyoshi’s Walk answers the question, “Where  do poems come from?” *Kiyoshi’s Walk by Mark Karlins, illustrated by Nicole Wong. Lee ...
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hedgehog of oz

The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory Leonardo

The Hedgehog of Oz is a tribute to Oz from the perspective of a very small but determined hedgehog. The Hedgehog of Oz by Cory ...
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cover of Tell God How You Feel

*Tell God How You Feel by Christina Fox

Tell God How You Feel equips parents and teachers to help kids with hard emotions from a biblical framework. *Tell God How You Feel: Helping ...
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Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf

Her scientific ambitions were dashed, but Beatrix Potter turned the natural world into beloved art. Beatrix Potter, Scientist by Lindsay H. Metcalf, illustrated by Junyi ...
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*Go and Do Likewise! by John Hendrix

In Go and Do Likewise, as in Miracle Man, John Hendrix offers a fresh take on the life and teachings of Christ. *Go and Do ...
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cover of one thing you'd save

The One Thing You’d Save by Linda Sue Park

The One Thing You’d Save asks middle-graders in a fictional classroom to consider the value they give material objects. The One Thing You’d Save by ...
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*The Promise by Jason Helopoulos

The Promise takes readers from the beginning of God’s story through the fulfillment of his redemptive purpose, with striking illustrations and compelling prose. *The Promise: ...
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Bible Infographics for Kids

Bible Infographics for Kids presents Bible facts and concepts in an entertaining, memorable way. Bible Infographics for Kids by Harvest House Publishers, illustrated by Brian ...
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Bible Review: NLV Brave Boys and Courageous Girls

The Bible for Brave Boys and The Bible for Courageous Girls: New Life Version. Barbour, 2020, 944 pages (text size unavailable) Reading Level: Middle Grades, ...
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Bible Review: NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible

NLT Girls Life Application Study Bible. Tyndale House, 2016, 1568 pages (8 point font). Reading Level: Middle grades, ages 8-10 Recommended for: Ages 9-13 Girls ...
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Too Small Tola by Atinuke

Too Small Tola, by the creator of Anna Hibiscus, introduces a winsome little girl growing up in Lagos, Nigeria Too Small Tola by Atinuke, illustrated ...
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Oversize Nonfiction: Math, Anatomy, and Classification

Do you see order, beauty, and relationships in the world around you? Three recent oversized picture books require special shelving, but offer a feast for ...
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*All He Knew by Helen Frost

All He Knew pictures grace in the midst of gloom as a deaf child learns to navigate life in an  institution. *All He Knew by ...
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Nicky & Vera by Peter Sís

Nicky & Vera, by Caldecott illustrator Peter Sís, celebrates the quiet heroism of Nicholas Winton, who saved 669 Czech children from the Holocaust. Nicky & ...
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The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm

In The Lion of Mars, when the adults succumb to illness, the kids of the space colony must find a way to survive. The Lion ...
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Saucy by Cynthia Kadohata

Saucy, a smart, obstreperous, and very large pig tests the patience of the parents and the coherence of a set of quadruplets. Saucy by Cynthia ...
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Multicultural Chapter Books: Yasmin, Kayla, and Mindy Kim

Yasmin, King and Kayla, and Mindy Kim are great multicultural early chapter books for young readers. Meet Yasmin! by Saadia Faruqi and illustrated by Hatem ...
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New Early Readers: Squirrels, Monsters, and Hedgehogs

Donut Feed the Squirrels, Monster and Boy, and Our Friend Hedgehog offer interesting new reading for new/early readers. Please note that the first two are ...
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WORLD Children’s Books of the Year: A Report

The ALA isn’t the only organization that rewards excellence in children’s books! Since 2014, WORLD News Group has recognized outstanding literature for kids in its ...
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Black Heroes of the Wild West by James Otis Smith

Black Heroes of the Wild West introduces young readers to three exciting and legendary figures in this graphic novel style history for middle grades. Black ...
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*Catherine’s War by Julia Billet

An excellent new graphic novel translated into English, Catherine's War tells the story of one Jewish girl’s life in occupied France, often through the lens ...
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*Creative God Colorful Us by Trillia Newbell

Creative God Colorful Us invites students to enjoy God's diverse family by loving God and their neighbor and celebrating God's human creation. *Creative God Colorful ...
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What to Read After Mulan

Perhaps you have watched the stunning new Mulan movie (available for free streaming now on Disney+). The gorgeous cinematography would have been lovely on the ...
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Mulan: Before the Sword by Grace Lin

The "prequel" to the new Disney Mulan movie, this middle grades story weaves together Chinese legend with Mulan's own tale to great effect. Mulan: Before ...
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The Hour Approaches–Our Newbery Predictions!

Next Monday, Jan. 25, during its annual Midwinter Conference (which is virtual like everything else this year) the American Library Association will announce the winners ...
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2021 Newbery Roundup #2: When You Trap a Tiger, Efren Divided, Magnificent Monsters of Cedar Street

Three more possible Newbery contenders we never got around to reviewing. When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller. Random House, 2020, 302 pages Lily, ...
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All Thirteen by Christina Soontornvat

All Thirteen gives the rescue of the Thai boys’ soccer team the drama and excitement it deserves. All Thirteen: The Incredible Cave Rescue of the ...
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The Next President by Kate Messner

The Next President takes a unique approach to the list of presidents by looking at their backgrounds--and speculating on the future. The Next President: The ...
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2021 Newbery Roundup #1: Rick, Clean Getaway, A Game of Fox and Squirrels

We’re keeping an eye on children's books that have been talked up as possible contenders for the 2021 ALA Youth Media Awards (to be announced ...
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2021 Newbery Buzz #3: Skunk and Badger

We’re continuing our annual “Newbery Buzz” series today with round #3 for 2021. (We have already discussed Chirp and King and the Dragonflies earlier this ...
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Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson and Kwame Alexander

In verse and prose, Becoming Muhammad Ali traces the early life of Cassius Clay, "The greatest" heavyweight boxer ever. Becoming Muhammad Ali by James Patterson ...
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Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry

Wishes andWellingtons is a light-hearted Victorian fantasy about being careful what you wish for. Wishes and Wellingtons by Julie Berry. Sourcebooks, 2020, 363 pages. Reading ...
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Courageous World Changers by Shirley Rae Redmond

Courageous World Changers briefly covers the lives of 50 women throughout the world and history who lived for Christ. Courageous World Changers: 50 True Stories ...
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*A Long Road on a Short Day by Gary Schmidt

The unspoken bond of family comes through in this gentle winter's tale by Gary Schmidt and his late wife Elizabeth Stickney. *A Long Road on ...
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Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier

With Willa the Wisp, Jonathan Auxier introduces a magical chapter book series . The Fabled Stables: Willa the Wisp by Jonathan Auxier, illustrated by Olga ...
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Bee Fearless by Mikaila Ullmer

In Bee Fearless, Mikaila Ulmer tells how she grew a multimillion-dollar business out of a lemonade stand--but not by herself. Bee Fearless: Dream Like a ...
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Picture Books about the Middle Ages for Middle School

Picture books aren't just for little kids! Picture books are every bit as enjoyable—and beneficial—for middle school kids. Use one (or all) of the books ...
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The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows

Iggy learns not all bad deeds are created equal in this humorous tour of relative morality. The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows, illustrated by ...
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Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai

The hero of Fly on the Wall hatches a daring scheme to remake his self-image. Fly on the Wall by Remy Lai. Henry Holt, 2020, ...
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3 Picture Book Biographies: Beatrix Potter, Edmund Hillary and Tensing Norgay, and … a Horse

Picture book biographies are one of my favorite categories of picture books. Today, I have three new ones for you: a childlike look at Beatrix ...
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The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glaser

The Vanderbeekers are back, with all the humor and good-heartedness that makes their family so loveable. The Vanderbeekers Lost and Found by Karina Yan Glasser. ...
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Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce

Premeditated Myrtle introduces a precocious 12-year-old Victorian detective with a trusty governess sidekick. Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth Bunce. Algonquin Young Readers, 2020, 355 pages. Reading ...
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Machines in Motion by Tom Jackson and illustrated by Chris Mould

Machines in Motion is a fascinating picture book absolutely packed with interesting illustrations and trivia all about transportation. Machines in Motion: The Amazing History of ...
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A Better Than Anything Christmas by Barbara Reaoch

Dig in to the Christmas story a bit more intentionally this year with A Better Than Anything Christmas, a family Advent devotional with interactive questions ...
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How We Got to the Moon by John Rocco

How We Got to the Moon details the almost overwhelming amount of expertise and problem-solving required to accomplish one human footprint. How We Got to ...
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On the Horizon by Lois Lowry

On the Horizon recalls two pivotal events of World War II through the eyes of witnesses, victims, and two children who would meet much later. ...
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*Through the Wardrobe by Lina Maslo.

This C.S. Lewis biography, accessible to 5-year-olds, includes fascinating details for Narnia fans of all ages *Through the Wardrobe: How C. S. Lewis Created Narnia ...
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Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt

Little Bird, a young crow, embarks on a quest that will expand her world and reward her curious mind. Little Bird by Cynthia Voigt, Illustrated ...
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Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson

Jacqueline Woodson's poignant verse novel explores the cost of professional athletics to some families. Before the Ever After by Jacqueline Woodson. Penguin Random House (Nancy ...
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The Runaways by Ulf Stark

A boy and his crotchety grandfather hatch an elaborate escape plan to enjoy one last day together. The Runaways by Ulf Stark, illustrated by Kitty ...
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*Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and illustrated by Jon Klassen

Skunk and Badger are a delightful new odd couple in chapter book format, perfect for newly independent readers. *Skunk and Badger by Amy Timberlake and ...
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PB Roundup: Your Place in the Universe, If You Came to Earth, and I Talk Like a River

Three critically-acclaimed picture books tackle big subjects like the size of the universe, the scope of humanity, and the power of words. Your Place in ...
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Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer

In Raising Lumie, a grieving girl gets a new family and a dog-owning dream fulfilled. Raising Lumie by Joan Bauer. Viking, 2020, 267 pages Reading ...
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The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa Wiley

Ranch girl Pearl discovers the brand-new technology of moving pictures in this fun read for early middle-graders. The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa ...
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The Magic in Changing Your Stars by Leah Henderson

An aspiring dancer has a chance to "change the stars" for his grandfather when he is transported back to 1930s Harlem. The Magic in Changing ...
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Comics: Easy as ABC! by Ivan Brunetti

Comics: Easy as ABC! is an accessible introduction to drawing for young artists, but the content includes one big misstep. Comics: Easy as ABC! An ...
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Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang

This latest iteration of the Superman legend by Gene Luen Yang includes familiar faces, social commentary, and historical context--also one big misstep. Superman Smashes the ...
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Running Wild: Awesome Animals in Motion by Galadriel Watson

Running Wild gives readers ages 6-10 new appreciation for the immense variety and careful design evidenced in animal motion. Running Wild: Awesome Animals in Motion ...
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Orphan Eleven by Gennifer Choldenko

Orphan Eleven combines historical events and a timeless theme to craft an engrossing story of orphans running away to join the circus! Orphan Eleven by ...
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5 Newbery Award Winners Better in Audio

What happens when Newbery award winners (and honors) are read aloud by skillful narrators? The books truly come alive. Audiobooks also bring diverse settings and ...
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Box by Carole Boston Weatherford

Box is the remarkable true story of one man's bold plan to free himself from slavery. Box: Henry Brown Mails Himself to Freedom by Carole ...
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Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian Goerz

Shirley & Jamila are an odd couple who learn a lot about friendship while solving neighborhood crimes. Shirley & Jamila Save Their Summer by Gillian ...
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How to Be a Person by Catherine Newman

How to Be a Person humorously introduces middle-graders to life skills both practical and thoughtful. How to Be a Person: 65 Hugely Useful Super-Important Skills ...
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Road Trip USA

The sensible way to plan a vacation would be to decide months in advance where you want to go and how you want to get ...
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Daring Darleen, Queen of the Screen by Anne Nesbet

Daring Darleen, heroine of Saturday serials, stumbles into a real-life adventure in this clever saga from the early days of photoplays. Daring Darleen, Queen of ...
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My Name Is Tani by Tanitoluwa Adewumi

My Name is Tani is the hopeful true story of a young boy who finds a place and a passion in America. My Name Is ...
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*When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohammed

The new graphic novel When Stars Are Scattered brings the refugee experience into sharp yet sympathetic focus. *When Stars Are Scattered by Victoria Jamieson and ...
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The Asterix Series, American-style

The now-classic Asterix comic series receives an American gloss in a new edition. Astrix Omnibus #1, 2, and 3 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. ...
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