An outcast girl looking to belong discovers a secret doorway to other realms in a thrilling portal fantasy novel for middle-grade readers. When twelve-year-old Adeline Perle's transient military family finally plants roots in an old, creaky mansion - Cannondale - the girl craves to build the lasting friendships that she, as a constant outsider, never had. At last, on the cusp of bonding with a new group of affable teens on Cannondale's grounds, Adeline discovers an unusual treasure behind a … [Read more...] about The Secret Doors of Cannondale by Stephanie Brick
Ophelia Starcluck Saves the Galaxy by Kristen Gwen
How can you be best friends when you like different things? Ophelia Starcluck can’t lose another friend. When her last bestie, Keira, moved away, she told Ophelia that since she didn’t like jumpers and sunflower seeds, she never wanted to see her again. Then Ophelia met Finn, and she’s 95.7% sure they have everything in common. Nothing could rock their friendship…until weasels, intent on terrorizing the galaxy, invade their spacecraft and knock all the adults out with sleeping gas. Ophelia … [Read more...] about Ophelia Starcluck Saves the Galaxy by Kristen Gwen
THE BIG DREAM by Victoria E. Pannell & Thorir Sigfusson
With summer just around the corner, the last thing on Brandon’s mind is his final essay for sixth-grade English class. In fact, all he wants right now — aside from a refreshing, escapist nap — is to hang out on the rooftop with his friends and his pet crow, Ralph. Or even better: To build a remote-controlled car for the big upcoming race! Not only will the winner be the talk of the town, but the winning car will be featured in an exciting new video game. Can Brandon and his pit crew of friends … [Read more...] about THE BIG DREAM by Victoria E. Pannell & Thorir Sigfusson
Ranger Academy: Shadow of the Tyrant King by PM Johnson
A wonderful adventure for everyone from middle graders to adults! Jack Sawyer is a skinny boy, undersized, and as graceful as a giraffe on roller skates. Unnoticed by everyone at Stoneybrook Middle School, except for a trio of bullies and a few fellow misfits, Jack trudges through the school year like it’s a prison sentence. Jack knows many things, like the names of all the state capitals and how to tell an agate from a plain old rock. But there’s much he doesn’t know. For example, he doesn’t … [Read more...] about Ranger Academy: Shadow of the Tyrant King by PM Johnson
Cat Kid Comic Club: A Graphic Novel (Cat Kid Comic Club #1): From the Creator of Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
A pioneering new graphic novel series by Dav Pilkey, the author and illustrator of the internationally bestselling Dog Man and Captain Underpants series. Naomi, Melvin, Pedro, and Poppy are just a few of the twenty-one rambunctious, funny, and talented baby frogs who share their stories in the Cat Kid Comic Club. Can Li'l Petey, Molly, and Flippy help the students express themselves through comics? The adventures in class and on paper unwind with mishaps and hilarity as the creative baby frogs … [Read more...] about Cat Kid Comic Club: A Graphic Novel (Cat Kid Comic Club #1): From the Creator of Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
This children's classic needs no introduction. "Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy." So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein. This moving parable for all ages offers a touching interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return. Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her … [Read more...] about The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein
Finish the Story! Harriet Tubman’s Secret Raid by Jeffrey Bensam
Danny and Kenna are watching TV at Danny’s grandma’s house when a storm knocks out the power. They’re left with nothing to do but listen to another one of his grandma’s “when-I-was-a-kid” stories. But this doesn’t turn out to be an ordinary story for the two kids -- or for you! Danny and Kenna thought that they had learned all about Harriet Tubman in school. But the two kids quickly learn that there is a lot more to this amazing American heroine’s story as they travel with Harriet Tubman on a … [Read more...] about Finish the Story! Harriet Tubman’s Secret Raid by Jeffrey Bensam
Ayrwynn the Apprentice by Tricia Stuart
A fun story set in a small kingdom in the Middle Ages, Ayrwynn the Apprentice is the tale of a tenacious girl who wants with all her heart to be a scribe. Her loving father, Woodworker Aelfred gets her the perfect apprenticeship with Master Scribe Nicholas. Master Scribe Nicholas is a respected scribe whose clients include the Royal Family. Getting an apprenticeship is an amazing opportunity and there's only one thing that might keep Ayrwynn from fulfilling her dream....her knack for getting … [Read more...] about Ayrwynn the Apprentice by Tricia Stuart
Welcome to the Zoo by Mishana Khot
A warm, funny book about four scrappy siblings and their pint-sized gang of equally plucky friends and pets. Over the years, our old bungalow has been painted in strawberry pink, pistachio green, creamy vanilla, and lemon yellow, and it has always looked like a delicious slice of cake to me. Nestled in the middle of an overgrown garden, with a star-apple tree at one end and a pool with a resident frog at the other, this is my home. Hi! I’m Mahi, and I live here with my three younger siblings … [Read more...] about Welcome to the Zoo by Mishana Khot
Marty: The Completely Unexpected, Absolutely Dangerous, and Rather Fun Adventure. by E.W. Choate Jr.
Small Heroes ~ Big Adventure! Marty knew it was going to be a strange morning. But she had no idea that her life was about to change forever—or possibly end. As her troubles compound, Marty learns the Castle of Light has fallen to a rogue Blue Witch and her monstrous Lutabeast army. With everyone’s fate hanging in the balance, Marty is thrust into an unexpected and dangerous adventure. Her only companion? Roger Ruzo—the unlikeliest of friends. Only one thing’s for sure. If she can’t … [Read more...] about Marty: The Completely Unexpected, Absolutely Dangerous, and Rather Fun Adventure. by E.W. Choate Jr.