After escaping a Soviet prison camp, Lina is pursued by a powerful witch and her shadow wolves in a riveting debut that imbues frozen wilderness with fairy-tale magic. All that twelve-year-old Lina knows of the world is the Stalinist labor camp where she was born, a place of hunger, cruelty, and deprivation. After a daring … Continue reading NEVERTELL, by Katharine Orton, Walker Books US/Candlewick Press
coming of age
THE HIPPO AT THE END OF THE HALL, by Helen Cooper, Candlewick Press
The invitation was delivered by bees. It wasn’t addressed to anyone at all, but Ben knew it was for him. It would lead him to an old, shambolic museum, full of strange and bewitching creatures. A peculiar world of hidden mysteries and curious family secrets . . . and some really dangerous magic. Filled with … Continue reading THE HIPPO AT THE END OF THE HALL, by Helen Cooper, Candlewick Press
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CREATURE CAMPERS: THE SECRET OF SHADOW LAKE, EPIC! ORIGINALS, by Joe McGee, Illustrated by Bea Tormo, Andrews McMeel Publishing
Being the new kid at camp is never easy, especially for a bigfoot, a hyperactive jackalope, a fairy who can barely fly, and the only human boy! A series about the unlikely friendships forged at Camp Moonlight—“where being different isn’t unusual…it’s FUNusual!” Norm is worried about fitting in at camp. Literally. He’s not just tall … Continue reading CREATURE CAMPERS: THE SECRET OF SHADOW LAKE, EPIC! ORIGINALS, by Joe McGee, Illustrated by Bea Tormo, Andrews McMeel Publishing
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GET OUT OF BED YOU SCURVY DOG! by Jeanette Maska, Independent
A wacky twelve-year old, Thomas Delaney is struggling to survive middle school. Bedridden with a high fever, he begins to read Treasure Island and is drawn into a wild seafaring adventure. Reality collides with Imagination and chaos ensues. Out August 2019 148 Pages Apprx. MY THOUGHTS: I received this book in exchange for my honest … Continue reading GET OUT OF BED YOU SCURVY DOG! by Jeanette Maska, Independent
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The Raymie Nightingale Three-Book Collection, by Kate DiCamillo, Candlewick Press
Kate DiCamillo's sequence of novels about the Three Rancheros is now complete -- and with this beautiful hardcover boxed set, readers can savor all three. First came Raymie Nightingale, the "triumphant and necessary book"* that would become a National Book Award Finalist. Then followed the tender Louisiana's Way Home, featuring "one of DiCamillo's most singular … Continue reading The Raymie Nightingale Three-Book Collection, by Kate DiCamillo, Candlewick Press
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WHAT MAKES US, by Rafi Mittlefehldt, Candlewick Press
A viral video reveals a teen’s dark family history, leaving him to reckon with his heritage, legacy, and identity in this fiery, conversation-starting novel. Eran Sharon knows nothing of his father except that he left when Eran was a baby. Now a senior in high school and living with his protective but tight-lipped mother, Eran … Continue reading WHAT MAKES US, by Rafi Mittlefehldt, Candlewick Press
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EPIC ORIGINALS, DIARY OF A 5TH GRADE OUTLAW, by Gina Loveless, Andrea Bell, Andrews McMeel Publishing
Robin Loxley, the 5th grade outlaw of Nottingham Elementary, tells all! From Epic! Originals comes a comic-inspired illustrated novel series that treats growing up as an adventure. Fifth grade has just started, and the school bully, Nadia, already rules recess with an unfair Playground Tax. Robin refuses to be pushed around, but all she can … Continue reading EPIC ORIGINALS, DIARY OF A 5TH GRADE OUTLAW, by Gina Loveless, Andrea Bell, Andrews McMeel Publishing
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BEST BABYSITTERS EVER: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE BOSSY, by Caroline Cala, HMH Kids
Being a boss isn’t all it’s cracked up to be in the second book of the Best Babysitters Ever series. Perfect for fans of Rachel Vail and Sarah Mlynowski. Just when Malia, Dot, and Bree (aka the Best Babysitters Ever) corner the Playa Del Mar babysitting market, their lives get even busier. Malia’s evil older … Continue reading BEST BABYSITTERS EVER: THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE BOSSY, by Caroline Cala, HMH Kids
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THE LITTLE GREY GIRL, by Celine Kiernan, Candlewick Press
In the second book of the Wild Magic trilogy, courageous young Mup and her family are trying to heal and restore the kingdom when they uncover an ancient and powerful anger. The old queen and her raggedy witches have fled Witches Borough, and Mup’s family has moved into the cold, newly empty castle. But the … Continue reading THE LITTLE GREY GIRL, by Celine Kiernan, Candlewick Press
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ON SNOWDEN MOUNTAIN, by Jeri Watts, Candlewick Press
Twelve-year-old Ellen learns the quiet strength of family when her mother's deep depression prompts her to ask an estranged aunt for help. Ellen's mother has struggled with depression before, but not like this. With her father away fighting in World War II and her mother unable to care for them, Ellen's only option is to … Continue reading ON SNOWDEN MOUNTAIN, by Jeri Watts, Candlewick Press
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