SMS Library Site
SMS LIBRARY WEBSITE
This year, we can't go to the Library, but the Library comes to the classrooms. There are over 12,000 titles in the SMS library for all to enjoy!
In-person students in grades K-8 can place holds on books in Destiny Library Management System that they wish to reserve by Midnight two (school in session) days before their library day. For example, if you have library on Monday, the books myst be reserved by Midnight on Thursday if school is in session, or whatever day school is in session 2 days before library day. Reserved books will be pulled from the shelves and brought to the classroom on Library day. Student patron accounts must be clear before additional books may be checked out. Instructions for placing holds on books are available ...............
SMS LIBRARY CLASS SCHEDULE:
Wednesday, Period 8
Monday, Period 2
2A - Tuesday, Period 3
2B - Tuesday, Period 2
3A - Friday, Period 1
4A - Wednesday, Period 5
4B - Wednesday, Period 2
5B - Friday, Period 3
6A - Thursday, Period 2
6B - Thursday, Period 5
8A - Monday, Period 4
8B - Monday, Period 3
Click HERE to access DESTINY LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
to search the SMS Library catalog, place holds, access Webpath Express, enter book reviews and more.
Click HERE for directions on how to reservie SMS library books in Destiny.
If you are looking for a great read, here are some resources for you:
James Patterson's website: ReadKiddoRead. Click HERE to explore this great source for great reading suggestions for all grades, age groups and interests.
Do you want to know the order of the titles in your favorite series? Click HERE to find out.
Attention Teens! Click HERE to explore cool, new books at Teen Reads. Each month, you can read about the latest and greatest books and decide which ones you want to put on your personal reading list. Learn about the latest releases in popular series, and new books by popular authors for teens. Discover what happens next to your favorite characters, and meet exciting new authors debuting their soon-to-be-famous first books. Examine puzzling mysteries, forbidden romances, dystopian fantasies, and frantic escapes.
More for teens:
The Young Adult Library Services Association, a division of the American Library Association, honors the best teen literature each year with its six literary awards, announced each year at the ALA Midwinter Meeting. YALSA has launched a new Teen Book Finder Database, which is a one-stop shop for finding selected lists and award winners. Users can search this free resource by award, list name, year, author, genre and more, as well as print customizable lists. This new resource will replace the individual award and list web pages currently on YALSA's site that are not searchable and that are organized only by year.
NEW ARRIVALS AT THE SMS LIBRARY!!
What Is LEGO?
by Jim O'Connor Year Published: 2020
Find out how these fun, stackable blocks became the most popular toys in the world.
The LEGO toy company was founded in 1934 by a Danish carpenter who loved making wooden pull toys. From its humble beginnings, the company has lived up to its name--which comes from the Danish phrase meaning to always "play well"--encouraging children to use their imagination and build whatever they can dream up.
In this book, author Jim O'Connor describes how a simple concept--small plastic bricks that snap together--morphed into a cultural phenomenon.
Interest Level: Middle Grade
Charles Dickens's a Christmas carol : with select recipes by Giada De Laurentiis, Ina Garten, Martha
by Charles Dickens Year Published: 2018
Puffin Plated A Book-to-Table Reading Experience.
A deluxe, full-color hardback edition of the perennial Christmas classic featuring a selection of recipes for your holiday table from Giada de Laurentiis, Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, and Trisha Yearwood
Have your book and eat it, too, with this clever edition of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol featuring delicious recipes from celebrity chefs. Plan your perfect Christmas feast with a carefully curated menu of holiday dishes, from succulent baked ham to smashed root vegetables. And top it all off with fruitcake cookies and pecan pie. Celebrate the holiday with a good meal and a good book
Book includes full, unabridged text of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol, interspersed with recipes, food photography, and special food artwork.
Interest Level: Young Adult
by Stacy McAnulty Year Published: 2018
A lightning strike gave her a super power...but even a super genius can't solve the problem of middle school. This smart and funny novel is perfect for fans of The Fourteenth Goldfish, Rain Reign, and Counting by Sevens.
Lucy Callahan was struck by lightning. She doesn't remember it, but it changed her life forever. The zap gave her genius-level math skills, and ever since, Lucy has been homeschooled. Now, at 12 years old, she's technically ready for college. She just has to pass 1 more test--middle school!
Lucy's grandma insists: Go to middle school for 1 year. Make 1 friend. Join 1 activity. And read 1 book (that's not a math textbook!). Lucy's not sure what a girl who does calculus homework for fun can possibly learn in 7th grade. She has everything she needs at home, where nobody can make fun of her rigid routines or her superpowered brain. The equation of Lucy's life has already been solved. Unless there's been a miscalculation?
A celebration of friendship, Stacy McAnulty's smart and thoughtful middle-grade debut reminds us all to get out of our comfort zones and embrace what makes us different.
AN NPR BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
A KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
"An engaging story, full of heart and hope. Readers of all ages will root for Lucy, aka Lightning Girl. No miscalculations here!" --Kate Beasley, author of Gertie's Leap to Greatness
Interrest Grade Level: Middle Grade
by Cece Bell Year Published: 2014
A 2015 Newbery Honor Book Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful--and very awkward--hearing aid.
The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear--sometimes things she shouldn't--but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for.
PRAISE FOR EL DEAFO
"A standout autobiography. Someone readers will enjoy getting to know."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Worthy of a superhero."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"This empowering autobiographical story belongs right next to Raina Telgemeier's Smile (2011) and Liz Prince's Tomboy."
--Booklist
Dory Fantasmagory Book Series
by Abby Hanlon Year Published: 2014-2019
Chapter Book - Move over, Junie B. Jones and Ivy & Bean! Here comes a lovably energetic little sister with a BIG personality--and an imagination to match. As the youngest in her family, Dory really wants attention, and more than anything she wants her brother and sister to play with her. But she's too much of a baby for them, so the's left to her own devices-and her wild imagination and indefatigable energy. With plenty of pictures bursting with charm and character, this hilarious series about an irresistible rascal is the new must-read for the chapter-book set.
Interest Level K-3
Look Both Ways : a tale told in ten blocks
by Jason Reynolds Year Published: 2019
Jason Reynolds conjures ten tales (one per block) about what happens after the dismissal bell rings, and brilliantly weaves them into one wickedly funny, piercingly poignant look at the detours we face on the walk home, and in life.
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise
by Dan Gemeinhart Year Published: 2019
Five years.That's how long twelve-year-old Coyote and her dad, River, have lived on the road in an old school bus, criss-crossing the nation.It's also how long ago Coyote lost her mom and two sisters.Coyote hasn't been home in all that time, but when she learns that the park in her old neighborhood is being demolished--the very same park where she, her mom, and her sisters buried a treasured memory box--she devises an elaborate plan to get her dad to drive 3,600 miles back to Washington state . . . without him realizing it.On the way, they'll pick up an eclectic group of folks. Lester has a lady love to meet. Salvador and his mom are looking to start over. Val needs a safe place to be herself. Coyote will learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all, but that with friends, she just might be able to turn her 'once upon a time' into a 'happily ever after.'
Interest Grade Level: 4-8
The One and Only Bob
by Katherine Applegate Year Published: 2020
Return to the unforgettable world of the Newbery Medal-winning and #1 New York Times bestselling novel The One and Only Ivan (soon to be a major motion picture) in this incredible sequel, starring Ivan's friend Bob. With the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby, Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had, and he learns the true meaning of friendship and family.
Click HERE to watch the trailer.
School Library Journal raves in a starred review "In this story of true friendship, hope, and courage, Bob learns to appreciate and cherish those he loves. Driven by favorite characters from The One and Only Ivan, Bob's story is delightfully heartfelt and adventurous."
Interest Level: Grades 4-8
Rain Reign
by Ann M Martin Year Published: 2014
ANew York Times Bestseller!
Rose Howard is obsessed with homonyms. She's thrilled that her own name is a homonym, and she purposely gave her dog Rain a name with two homonyms (Reign, Rein), which, according to Rose's rules of homonyms, is very special. Not everyone understands Rose's obsessions, her rules, and the other things that make her different - not her teachers, not other kids, and not her single father.
When a storm hits their rural town, rivers overflow, the roads are flooded, and Rain goes missing. Rose's father shouldn't have let Rain out. Now Rose has to find her dog, even if it means leaving her routines and safe places to search.
Hearts will break and spirits will soar for this powerful story, brilliantly told from Rose's point of view.
Toys! : Amazing Stories Behind Some Great Inventions
by Don Wulffson Year Published: 2014
Have you ever wondered who invented Lego, Mr. Potato Head, or toy trains? Here are the fascinating stories behind these toy inventions and many others. Learn why the see-saw was popular with the Romans, how the Slinky was used during the Vietnam War, and the reason Raggedy Ann has a red heart on her chest that says "I love you." From dolls and checkers to pinball and the modern video game, there's a wide selection here for boys and girls alike.Now, the paperback is revised and updated with even more. With humor and wit, this intriguing book serves up slices of cultural history that will inspire young readers to start thinking up their own toy inventions.
Max Einstein : The Genius Experiment (Max Einstein, Book 1)
by James Patterson and Chris Grabenstein Year Published: 2019
What Harry Potter did for magic, Max Einstein does for kids' imaginations! Max leads a group of kid geniuses in this #1 New York Times bestseller officially approved by the Albert Einstein archives.
Max Einstein is not your typical genius. She . . .
Hacks the computer system at NYU to attend classes
Builds inventions to help the homeless
And talks to Albert Einstein! (Okay, that's just in her imagination)
But everything changes when Max is recruited by a mysterious organization! Their mission: solve some of the world's toughest problems using science. She's helped by a diverse group of young geniuses from around the globe as they invent new ways to power the farthest reaches of the planet. But that's only if the sinister outfit known only as The Corporation doesn't get to her first . . .
Max Einstein is a heroine for the modern age and will be looked up to by readers for generations to come.
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: 5.1 ; AR Pts.: 7
Max Einstein Rebels With A Cause
"A fast-paced, science-filled caper." --The Wall Street Journal
Max Einstein is the first and only children's adventure series officially approved by the Albert Einstein Archives.
Max Einstein's typical day is not your average 12-year-old's. She...
- TEACHES classes at a New York college
- Dodges KIDNAPPING attempts with her best friends
- Goes on SECRET MISSIONS for her billionaire boss
- Has a MYSTERIOUS CONNECTION to Albert Einstein
Just a day in the life of the Change Makers Institute's top agent!
What does an Irish town and a village in India have in common? A water crisis that only a group of kid geniuses can fix! Max and her CMI friends attempt to use their smarts to find solutions, but it's hard to save the world when you're trying not to be kidnapped! A greedy corporation with an eye on capturing Max seems to know their every move. It's almost like the bad guys have a spy inside the Change Makers...
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: 5.0 ; AR Pts.: 6)
Raymie Nightengale
by Kate DiCamillo Year Published: 2016
Two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo returns to her roots with a moving, masterful story of an unforgettable summer friendship.
Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, then her father, who left town two days ago with a dental hygienist, will see Raymie's picture in the paper and (maybe) come home. To win, not only does Raymie have to do good deeds and learn how to twirl a baton; she also has to contend with the wispy, frequently fainting Louisiana Elefante, who has a show-business background, and the fiery, stubborn Beverly Tapinski, who's determined to sabotage the contest. But as the competition approaches, loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions draw the three girls into an unlikely friendship — and challenge each of them to come to the rescue in unexpected ways.
The Lego Architecture Idea Book
by Alice Finch Year Published: 2018
The LEGO Architecture Idea Book will provide endless inspiration for aspiring builders who want to turn their ordinary models into something extraordinary. In this example-packed guide, Alice Finch (renowned for her massive, detailed models of buildings from Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings) shares her best building secrets for crafting realistic walls, roofs, columns, and decorations using LEGO.
(Not in AR Program)
From An Idea To Nike
by Loweey Bundy Sichol Year Published: 2019
From an Idea to Nike is a fully-illustrated look into how Nike stepped up its sneaker game to become the most popular athletic brand in the world. Humorous black & white illustrations throughout.
Ever wonder how Nike became the athletics empire it is today?From an Idea to Nike digs into the marketing campaigns and strategy that turned this running-shoe company into the outfitter for many athletes as well as the iconic American brand. With infographics and engaging visuals throughout, this behind-the-scenes look into the historical and business side of Nike will be an invaluable resource for kids interested in what makes this businessrun.
Find out where the nameNike came from and how the famous swoosh became the signature logo.
Learn about the company's first marketing campaign with a star athlete. (Hint: It wasn't Michael Jordan!)
Explore the ways Nike expanded marketing from running to basketball, soccer, golf, and beyond!
From An Idea To Lego
by Lowey Bundy Sichol Year Published: 2019
For fans of the successful Who Was series, From an Idea to Lego is a behind-the-bricks look into the world's famous toy company, with humorous black & white illustrations throughout.
Today, LEGO is one of the biggest toy companies in the world, but a long time ago, a Danish carpenter, Ole Kirk Christiansen, started with just an idea. Find out more about LEGO's origins, those famous bricks, and their other inventive toys and movie ventures in this illustrated nonfiction book!
Find out the origin the name "LEGO." (Hint: it combines two Danish words)
See how LEGO grew from a carpentry shop to a multi-platform toy company.
Discover how LEGO bricks are made and how they came up with their design.
A Place To Belong
by Cynthia Kadohata Year Published: 2019
A Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Book of 2019
A Japanese-American family, reeling from their ill treatment in the Japanese internment camps, gives up their American citizenship to move back to Hiroshima, unaware of the devastation wreaked by the atomic bomb in this piercing look at the aftermath of World War II by Newbery Medalist Cynthia Kadohata.
World War II has ended, but while America has won the war, twelve-year-old Hanako feels lost. To her, the world, and her world, seems irrevocably broken.
America, the only home she's ever known, imprisoned then rejected her and her family--and thousands of other innocent Americans--because of their Japanese heritage, because Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
Japan, the country they've been forced to move to, the country they hope will be the family's saving grace, where they were supposed to start new and better lives, is in shambles because America dropped bombs of their own--one on Hiroshima unlike any other in history. And Hanako's grandparents live in a small village just outside the ravaged city.
The country is starving, the black markets run rampant, and countless orphans beg for food on the streets, but how can Hanako help them when there is not even enough food for her own brother?
Hanako feels she could crack under the pressure, but just because something is broken doesn't mean it can't be fixed. Cracks can make room for gold, her grandfather explains when he tells her about the tradition of kintsukuroi--fixing broken objects with gold lacquer, making them stronger and more beautiful than ever. As she struggles to adjust to find her place in a new world, Hanako will find that the gold can come in many forms, and family may be hers.
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: 4.6 ; AR Pts.: 11)
Squirm
by Carl Hiaasen Year Published: 2018
Snakes, grizzlies, a missing dad, a menacing drone... Carl Hiaasen delivers a wickledly funny, slightly subversive tale in his latest New York Times bestseller.
Some facts about Billy Dickens:
* He once saw a biker swerve across the road in order to run over a snake.
* Later, that motorcycle somehow ended up at the bottom of a canal.
* Billy isn't the type to let things go.
Some facts about Billy's family:
* They've lived in six different Florida towns because Billy's mom insists on getting a house near a bald eagle nest.
* Billy's dad left when he was four and is a total mystery.
* Billy has just found his dad's address--in Montana.
This summer, Billy will fly across the country, hike a mountain, float a river, dodge a grizzly bear, shoot down a spy drone, save a neighbor's cat, save an endangered panther, and then try to save his own father.
The Line Tender
by Kate Allen Year Published: 2019
Funny, poignant, and deeply moving, The Line Tender is a story of nature's enduring mystery and a girl determined to find meaning and connection within it.
Wherever the sharks led, Lucy Everhart's marine-biologist mother was sure to follow. In fact, she was on a boat far off the coast of Massachusetts, collecting shark data when she died suddenly. Lucy was seven. Since then Lucy and her father have kept their heads above water--thanks in large part to a few close friends and neighbors. But June of her twelfth summer brings more than the end of school and a heat wave to sleepy Rockport. On one steamy day, the tide brings a great white--and then another tragedy, cutting short a friendship everyone insists was "meaningful" but no one can tell Lucy what it all meant. To survive the fresh wave of grief, Lucy must grab the line that connects her depressed father, a stubborn fisherman, and a curious old widower to her mother's unfinished research on the Great White's return to Cape Cod. If Lucy can find a way to help this unlikely quartet follow the sharks her mother loved, she'll finally be able to look beyond what she's lost and toward what's left to be discovered.
Mac cracks the code (Mac B., Kid Spy, Book 4)
by Mac Barnett Year Published: 2020
Mac B. and his arch-nemesis are facing off at the Video Game World Championships! But first, Mac B. needs to crack an unbreakable secret code... can he solve it in time to defeat his enemy? Find out in this kid spy adventure from New York Times bestselling author, Mac Barnett!
The Queen of England calls on Mac B. once again! This time, Mac must crack a secret code that has been recovered from a double agent. A series of clues leads Mac to France, and then to Japan, where he comes face-to-face with his arch-nemesis, the KGB man... and the world headquarters of Nintendo! Is the KGB Man secretly behind all of this? And are Mac's video game skills good enough to facedown his enemy at the Video Game World Championships?With Mike Lowery's signature illustrations on every page, historical facts woven throughout, and of course intrigue, history, hilarity and more, catch the latest in this totally smart, wholly original, side-splittingly funny series from the wildly talented author Mac Barnett.
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: ; AR Pts.: ) Not yet in AR Program
by Eileen Spinelli Year Published: 2019
A relatable novel-in-verse about loss... and what happens afterwards
Twelve-year-old Birdie Briggs loves birds. They bring her comfort when she thinks about her dad, a firefighter who was killed in the line of duty. Life without her dad isn't easy, but at least Birdie still has Mom and Maymee, and her friends Nina and Martin.
But then Maymee gets a boyfriend, Nina and Martin start dating, and Birdie's mom starts seeing a police officer. And suddenly not even her beloved birds can lift Birdie's spirits. Her world is changing, and Birdie wishes things would go back to how they were before. But maybe change, painful as it is, can be beautiful too.
With compelling verse and a lighthearted touch, Eileen Spinelli captures the poignancy of adolescence and shows what can happen when you let people in.
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: 3.0; AR Pts.: 2.0)
by Jamie Sumner Year Published: 2019
"A big-hearted story that's as sweet as it is awesome." --R.J. Palacio, author of Wonder
In the tradition of Wonder and Out of My Mind, this big-hearted middle grade debut tells the story of an irrepressible girl with cerebral palsy whose life takes an unexpected turn when she moves to a new town.
Ellie's a girl who tells it like it is. That surprises some people, who see a kid in a wheelchair and think she's going to be all sunshine and cuddles. The thing is, Ellie has big dreams: She might be eating Stouffer's for dinner, but one day she's going to be a professional baker. If she's not writing fan letters to her favorite celebrity chefs, she's practicing recipes on her well-meaning, if overworked, mother.
But when Ellie and her mom move so they can help take care of her ailing grandpa, Ellie has to start all over again in a new town at a new school. Except she's not just the new kid--she's the new kid in the wheelchair who lives in the trailer park on the wrong side of town. It all feels like one challenge too many, until Ellie starts to make her first-ever friends. Now she just has to convince her mom that this town might just be the best thing that ever happened to them!
Narwhal On A Sunny Night
by Mary Pope Osborne Year Published: 2020
When the magic tree house whisks Jack and Annie to Greenland they're not sure what time they've landed in, but they immediately know what there mission is- save a narwhal! Then, they meet a young hunter named Leif Erikson and they ask for his help. But Leif has other ideas...
(Interest Level: LG - Grades K-3; Book Level: ; AR Pts.: ) Not yet in AR Program
White Bird : A Wonder Story
by R. J. Palacio Year Published: 2019
Inspired by her blockbuster phenomenon Wonder, R. J. Palacio makes her graphic novel debut with an unforgettable story of the power of kindness and unrelenting courage in a time of war.
"I was captivated by White Bird. It tells the hardest truths with honesty and calm (so that young readers can hear them). R.J. Palacio brings to life the nature of heroism and the real risks we face today." --Meg Medina, Newbery award-winning author of Mercy Suarez Changes Gears
In R. J. Palacio's bestselling collection of stories Auggie & Me, which expands on characters in Wonder, readers were introduced to Julian's grandmother, Grandmere. Here, Palacio makes her graphic novel debut with Grandmere's heartrending story: how she, a young Jewish girl, was hidden by a family in a Nazi-occupied French village during World War II; how the boy she and her classmates once shunned became her savior and best friend.
Sara's harrowing experience movingly demonstrates the power of kindness to change hearts, build bridges, and even save lives. As Grandmere tells Julian, "It always takes courage to be kind, but in those days, such kindness could cost you everything." With poignant symbolism and gorgeous artwork that brings Sara's story out of the past and cements it firmly in this moment in history, White Bird is sure to captivate anyone who was moved by the book Wonder or the blockbuster movie adaptation and its message.
Praise for Wonder:
Time Magazine's 100 Best Young Adult Books of All Time
"In a wonder of a debut, Palacio has written a crackling page-turner filled with characters you can't help but root for." --Entertainment Weekly
"Rich and memorable." --The New York Times
"A beautiful, funny and sometimes sob-making story of quiet transformation." --The Wall Street Journal
From An Idea To Disney : How Branding Made Disney a Household Name
From an Idea to Disney is a behind-the-movie-screen look into the history, business, and brand of the world's largest entertainment empire. With humorous black & white illustrations throughout, learn about the company behind the world's favorite mouse, Mickey!
"I only hope that we never lose sight of one thing--that it was all started by a mouse." --Walt Disney
Today, the Walt Disney Company is the biggest entertainment company in the world with theme parks, TV shows, movie studios,
merchandise, the most recognizable cartoon character in the world, Mickey Mouse. But a long time ago, brothers Walt and Roy Disney started out with just an idea. Find out more about Disney's history, the business, and the brand in this illustrated nonfiction book!
Find out what Walt first intended to name his famous mouse. (Hint: It wasn't Mickey!)
Discover behind-the-scenes magic of how Walt Disney World is run.
Explore the ways the Disney expanded its brand from a little mouse into media, merchandise, and more!
No Place Like Here
by Christina June Year Published: 2019
Life leads you to unexpected places. Love brings you home.
Ashlyn Zanotti has big plans for the summer. She's just spent a year at boarding school and can't wait to get home. But when Ashlyn's father is arrested for tax evasion and her mother enters a rehab facility for "exhaustion," a.k.a. depression, her life is turned upside down.
The cherry on top? Ashlyn's father sends her to work with a cousin she doesn't even know at a rustic team-building retreat center in the middle of nowhere. A self-proclaimed "indoor girl," not even Ash's habit of leaving breadcrumb quotes--inspirational sayings she scribbles everywhere--can help her cope.
With a dangerously careless camp manager doling out grunt work, an overbearing father trying to control her even from prison, and more than a little boy drama to struggle with, the summer is full of challenges. And Ashlyn must make the toughest decision of her life: keep quiet and follow her dad's marching orders, or find the courage to finally stand up to her father to have any hope of finding her way back home.
From Christina June, author of It Started with Goodbye and Everywhere You Want to Be, comes No Place Like Here, a modern twist on Hansel and Gretel.
New Jersey Originals
by Linda J. Barth Year Published: 2018
New Jersey's institutional research accolades are renowned--medical inventions at Johnson & Johnson, the genius of Edison Labs and fourteen Nobel Prizes to Bell Labs scientists. But beyond those behemoths of innovation lie many more breakthroughs and firsts. In 1869, Rutgers and Princeton played the first college football game. Famed inventor Abram Spanel developed the Apollo space suit at his home, Drumthwacket, now the official residence of governors. The American Can Company and Krueger Brewing Company teamed up to create the first beer can. Author Linda J. Barth reveals these and many more stories of the state's diverse tradition of original ideas and trailblazing personas.
Not in AR Program
Everywhere You Want To Be
From author Christina June comes Everywhere You Want to Be, a modern retelling of the Red Riding Hood story.
Matilda Castillo has always done what she was told, and as a result she watched her dreams of becoming a contemporary dancer slip away. So when Tilly gets a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to spend the summer with a New York dance troupe, nothing can stop her from saying yes--not her mother, not her fears of the big city, and not the commitment she made to Georgetown. Tilly's mother allows her to go on two conditions: one, Tilly will regularly visit her abuela in New Jersey, and two, after the summer, she'll give up dancing and go off to college.
Armed with her red vintage sunglasses and her pros and cons lists, Tilly strikes out, determined to turn a summer job into a career. Along the way she meets new friends ... and new enemies. Tilly isn't the only one desperate to dance, and fellow troupe member Sabrina Wolfrik intends to succeed at any cost. But despite dodging sabotage and blackmail attempts from Sabrina, Tilly can't help but fall in love with the city, especially since Paolo, a handsome musician from her past, is also calling New York home for the summer.
As the weeks wind down and the competition with Sabrina heats up, Tilly's future is on the line. She must decide whether to follow her mother's path to Georgetown or leap into the unknown to pursue her own dreams.
The Next Great Paulie Fink
by Ali Benjamin Year Published: 2019
In this acclaimed novel by the author of the award-winning, bestselling The Thing About Jellyfish, being the new kid at school isn't easy, especially when you have to follow in the footsteps of a legendary classroom prankster.
When Caitlyn Breen begins her disorienting new life at Mitchell School--where the students take care of real live goats and study long-dead philosophers, and where there are only ten other students in the entire seventh grade--it seems like nobody can stop talking about some kid named Paulie Fink.
Depending on whom you ask, Paulie was either a hilarious class clown, a relentless troublemaker, a hapless klutz, or an evil genius. One thing's for sure, though: The kid was totally legendary. Now he's disappeared, and Caitlyn finds herself leading a reality-show-style competition to find the school's next great Paulie Fink. With each challenge, Caitlyn struggles to understand a person she never met...but it's what she discovers about herself that most surprises her.
Told in multiple voices, interviews, and documents, this funny, thought-provoking novel from the bestselling author of The Thing About Jellyfish is a memorable exploration of what makes a hero--and if anyone, or anything, is truly what it seems.
The Perfect Secret (Perfect Score, Book 2)
by Rob Buyea Year Published: 2018
These students are in for a year of secrets, discoveries, and kid power!
GAVIN finally joins the football team--a dream come true!--but Coach Holmes refuses to play him for reasons that also threaten to tear Gavin's family apart. When RANDI attends an elite gymnastics camp, she uncovers a startling family connection. SCOTT starts researching an article for the school newspaper and stumbles right into a hornet's nest of lies. With his loser older brother, Brian, out of the house, TREVOR's life is loads better--until he realizes that only he can save Brian from getting into deep trouble. NATALIE's top goals- (1) find out why Mrs. Woods and Mrs. Magenta no longer speak to each other--a mission shared by all the kids--and (2) teach a certain someone an important life skill without anyone knowing. It's tough keeping secrets. And tougher still to deal with the fallout when secrets spill out.
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: 4.4; AR Pts.: 11.0)
Tristan Strong punches a hole in the sky
by Kwame Mbalia Year Published: 2019
Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend Eddie when they were in a bus accident together. But on his first night at his grandparents' farm, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie's notebook. When Tristan chases after, he finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left black American folk heroes John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted. In order to get back home, Tristan and these new allies will need to entice the god Anansi to come out of hiding. Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves?
Shouting at the Rain
by Lynda Mullaly Hunt Year Published: 2019
From the author of the New York Times bestseller Fish in a Tree comes a compelling story about perspective and learning to love the family you have.
Delsie loves tracking the weather--lately, though, it seems the squalls are in her own life. She's always lived with her kindhearted Grammy, but now she's looking at their life with new eyes and wishing she could have a "regular family." Delsie observes other changes in the air, too--the most painful being a friend who's outgrown her. Luckily, she has neighbors with strong shoulders to support her, and Ronan, a new friend who is caring and courageous but also troubled by the losses he's endured. As Ronan and Delsie traipse around Cape Cod on their adventures, they both learn what it means to be angry versus sad, broken versus whole, and abandoned versus loved. And that, together, they can weather any storm.
Amal Unbound
by Aisha Saeed Year Published: 2018
"Saeed's timely and stirring middle-grade debut is a celebration of resistance and justice."--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
The compelling story of a girl's fight to regain her life and dreams after being forced into indentured servitude.
Life is quiet and ordinary in Amal's Pakistani village, but she had no complaints, and besides, she's busy pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher one day. Her dreams are temporarily dashed when--as the eldest daughter--she must stay home from school to take care of her siblings. Amal is upset, but she doesn't lose hope and finds ways to continue learning. Then the unimaginable happens--after an accidental run-in with the son of her village's corrupt landlord, Amal must work as his family's servant to pay off her own family's debt.
Life at the opulent Khan estate is full of heartbreak and struggle for Amal--especially when she inadvertently makes an enemy of a girl named Nabila. Most troubling, though, is Amal's growing awareness of the Khans' nefarious dealings. When it becomes clear just how far they will go to protect their interests, Amal realizes she will have to find a way to work with others if they are ever to exact change in a cruel status quo, and if Amal is ever to achieve her dreams.
Wrecking Ball (Diary Of A Wimpy Kid, Book 14)
by Jeff Kinney Year Published: 2019
In Wrecking Ball, Book 14 of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series--from #1 international bestselling author Jeff Kinney--an unexpected inheritance gives Greg Heffley's family a chance to make big changes to their house. But they soon find that home improvement isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Once the walls come down, all sorts of problems start to crop up. Rotten wood, toxic mold, unwelcome critters, and something even more sinister all make Greg and his family wonder if the renovations are worth the trouble. When the dust finally settles, will the Heffleys be able to stay . . . or will they need to get out of town?
And don't miss Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson's Journal--the instant #1 bestseller--told from Greg's best friend Rowley's perspective!
From An Idea To Google
From an Idea to Google is a behind-the-computer-screen look into the history, business, and brand of the world's largest search engine. With humorous black & white illustrations throughout, learn about the company that even earned its own catchphrase: Google it!
Today, Google is the number one internet search engine and the most visited website in the world. But a long time ago, two college friends, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, started out with just an idea. Find out more about Google's history, the business, and the brand in this illustrated nonfiction book!
Find out where the name "Google" came from. (Hint: It involves a LOT of zeros!)
Discover how Google became the fastest and most popular internet search engine of all time.
Explore how Google transformed from a tiny startup (in someone's garage!) into one of the most powerful companies in the world.
Get Coding! : Learn HTML, CSS, and Javascript and Build a Website, App, and Game
by Young Rewired State Year Published: 2017
Learn how to write HTML, CSS, and JavaScript and build your own website, app, and game! An essential guide to computer programming for kids-- by kids.
Crack open this book and set off on several fun missions -- while simultaneously learning the basics of writing code. Want to make a website from scratch? Create an app? Build a game? All the tools are here, laid out in a user-friendly format that leads kids on an imaginary quest to keep a valuable diamond safe from dangerous jewel thieves. Presented by Young Rewired State -- an international collective of tech-savvy kids -- in easy-to-follow, bite-size chunks, the real-life coding skills taught in this engaging, comprehensive guide may just set young readers on the path to becoming technology stars of the future.
Not In AR Program.
Get Coding 2! : Build Five Computer Games Using HTML and Javascript
by David Whitney Year Published: 2019
Ready to learn how to code a game? Get an introduction to programming with this fun and accessible guide.
Learn HTML and JavaScript. Design and build five interactive computer games. Create cool graphics. Code simple artificial intelligence. This appealing guide, covering essential coding concepts, offers an ideal introduction to all these activities and more. By following simple step-by-step instructions and completing five exciting missions, aspiring programmers are invited to code well-known games such as tic-tac-toe and table tennis, then customize their projects to test their skills.
I Survived the Great Molasses Flood
by Lauren Tarshis Year Published: 2019
There were warning signs that the molasses tank would break. The steel sides moaned and groaned. Molasses oozed from its seams. But the people of Boston's North End -- mostly poor immigrants -- were powerless to complain to the big molasses company.
On a bright January day in 1919, the tank finally broke and almost three million gallons of molasses rushed the neighborhood. At 15 feet tall, 160 feet wide, and traveling at 35 miles per hour, the gooey wave was more destructive than any flood of water would have been. Lauren Tarshis tells the riveting story of one child who was swept up in the sticky storm and lived to tell the tale.
by Jennifer Donnelly Year Published: 2019
Isabelle should be blissfully happy - she's about to marry a prince. Except that Isabelle isn't the girl who lost the slipper. And the glass shoe on her foot is filling with blood . . .
Isabelle isn't the beauty who captured the prince's heart. She's the ugly stepsister who cut off her toes to fool him. When the prince discovers Isabelle's deception, she's banished. It's no more than Isabelle deserves. She's a plain girl in a world that values beauty. A stubborn girl in a world that wants her to be pliant. Her destiny is a life of misery.
That's what Isabelle believes until she finds herself in the midst of a battle between Fate and Chance. Cruel Fate believes that an "ugly" girl with so much bitterness in her heart can never change her destiny. Roguish Chance believes otherwise. And so, Isabelle is given the opportunity to harness strength she never knew she possessed, and learns that while "pretty" is a noose around your neck, "ugly" is the sword that cuts you free.
(Interest Level: UG - Grades 9-12; Book Level: 4.7; AR Pts.: 15.0)
Tales From A Not-So-Best Friend Forever (Dork Diaries, Book 14)
by Rachel Renee Russell Year Published: 2019
Nikki Maxwell's summer is packed with drama in this fourteenth installment of the #1 New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries series!
Nikki and her bandmates are looking forward to an AWESOME summer on tour as the opening act for the world famous Bad Boyz! Nikki is a little worried when her frenemy, MacKenzie Hollister, weasels her way into a social media intern position with the tour. But she has a total MELTDOWN when she learns that MacKenzie is her new roommate! Will Nikki survive her dream tour as it quickly goes from AWESOME to AWFUL?! The drama continues in Dork Diaries 14: Tales from a Not-So-Best Friend Forever!
Mac B. Kid Spy Series (4 Books)
by Mac Barnett Year Published: 2018 - 2019
A thrilling, hilarious fully-illustrated spy adventure series, from the esteemed New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning author Mac Barnett! Before Mac Barnett was an author, he was a kid. ... James Bond meets Diary of a Wimpy Kid with this groundbreaking fully-illustrated chapter book series Mac B. , Kid Spy.
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: 3.5-3.7; AR Pts.: 1.0-2.0)
Spy School Series (7 Books)
by Stuart Gibbs Year Published: 2012 - 2019
Twelve-year-old Ben Ripley leaves his public middle school to attend the CIA's highly secretive Espionage Academy, which everyone is told is an elite science school.
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: 5.2 - 6.0; AR Pts.: 11.0)
by Alan Grantz Year Published: 2019
Alan Gratz, bestselling author of Refugee, weaves a stunning array of voices and stories into an epic tale of teamwork in the face of tyranny -- and how just one day can change the world.
June 6, 1944: The Nazis are terrorizing Europe on their evil quest to conquer the world. The only way to stop them? The biggest, most top-secret operation ever, with the Allied nations coming together -- by land, sea, and air -- to storm German-occupied France.
Welcome to D-Day.
Dee Carpenter, a young U.S. soldier, is on a boat racing toward the French coast. Dee -- along with his brothers-in-arms -- is terrified. He feels the weight of World War II on his shoulders.
But Dee is not alone. Behind enemy lines in France, a girl named Samira works as a spy, trying to sabotage the German army -- and find her mother. At the same time, a paratrooper named James leaps from a plane to take part in a daring midnight raid. During the beach invasion, Henry, a medic, goes out into the bullets and bombs, searching for soldiers to save.
In a breathtaking race against time, each of them must fight to complete their high-stakes missions. But with betrayals and deadly risks at every turn, can the Allies do what it takes to win?
Princess In Black Series (7 Books)
by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale Year Published: 2014-2019
Chapter Books - For fans of princesses AND superheroes--Shannon and Dean Hale's hilarious and action-packed Princess in Black!
(Interest Level: LG - Grades K-3; Book Level: 3.0 - 3.4; AR Pts.: 0.5)
Bink & Gollie Series (3 Books)
An ode to exuberance and camaraderie, imagination and adventure! Meet Bink and Gollie, precocious little girls, one tiny, one tall, and both utterly irrepressible.
The Big Shrink (Upside-Down Magic, Book 6)
by Sarah Malnowski Year Published: 2019
The Upside-Down Magic kids are back in another topsy-turvy adventure in the next installment of this New York Times bestselling series!
Marigold Ramos can magically make things small - sometimes very, very small. The only problem? She can't figure out how to make them big again.
Maybe a new tutor can help Marigold manage her magic. And maybe her magic will come in handy as she and her friends in the Upside-Down Magic class band together to protest a new rule by their principal, a super unfair rule that bans them from bringing their amazing new toy dragons to school.
But when Marigold starts shrinking her friends and the class bunny, it's a humongous problem! It's time to figure out how Marigold and her friends can make a big statement... without disappearing entirely!
The mysterious Benedict Society and the riddle of ages (Mysterious Benedict Society, Book 4)
by Trenton Lee Stewart Year Published: 2019
The brilliant and beloved gang from the New York Times bestselling series is back!
The Mysterious Benedict Society is a modern classic, drawing comparisons to J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl, named a Time magazine "Best Young Adult Book of All Time," and selling over three million copies. Some time has passed since the inimitable quartet of Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance have had a mission together. But with the arrival of a new Society member -- and a new threat -- they must reunite to face dilemmas more dangerous than ever before, including the villainous Mr. Curtain and a telepathic enemy tracking their every move, not to mention a dramatically preteen Constance.
In its triumphant return, the Society encounters all new challenges, but the series' trademark sly humor, sweet camaraderie, hairsbreadth escapes, and mind-bending puzzles are all as engaging as ever. Fans of the series will be thrilled to see the Society has grown up a little with them, while a new generation of readers will fall in love with these irresistible adventures.
Strike Zone
by Mike Lupica Year Published: 2019
A timely and heartfelt follow-up to #1 New York Times bestseller Heat, about a young baseball prodigy and his immigrant family living in today's America.
Twelve-year-old star Little League pitcher Nick Garcia has a dream. Several in fact. He dreams he'll win this season's MVP and the chance to throw out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium. He dreams he'll meet his hero, Yankee's pitcher Michael Arroyo. He dreams they'll find a cure for Lupus so he sister won't have to suffer. But mostly, he dreams one day his family can stop living in fear of the government. For one kid, it's almost too much to bear. Luckily, Nick has his two best friends Ben and Diego to keep him balanced. But when Nick notices a mysterious man lurking on his street corner, he senses a threat. Suddenly, his worst fears are realized, and just when it seems there's no one they can trust, an unexpected hero emerges and changes everything.
Benjamin Franklin (Magic Tree House Fact Tracker, Book 41)
When Jack and Annie came back from their adventure in Magic Tree House #32-To the Future, Ben Franklin! they had lots of questions. What was Ben Franklin's first job? How did a kite teach him about electricity? What are some of Ben's most famous inventions? Why did he have so many nicknames? Find out the answers to these questions and more as Jack and Annie track the facts about Benjamin Franklin.
Filled with up-to-date information, photographs, illustrations, and fun tidbits from Jack and Annie, the Fact Trackers are the perfect way for kids to find out more about the topics they discover in their favorite Magic Tree House adventures.
(Interest Level: LG - Grades K-3; Book Level: 5.5; AR Pts.: 1.0)
Mr. Lemoncello's All-Star Breakout Game
by Chris Grabenstein Year Published: 2019
Mr. Lemoncello is going live with a brand-new televised BREAKOUT game! Discover what James Patterson calls "the coolest library in the world" in the fourth puzzle-packed adventure in Chris Grabenstein's New York Times bestselling MR. LEMONCELLO series!
Greetings, boys and girls, gamers of all ages--are you ready to play Mr. Lemoncello's BIGGEST, most dazzling game yet? After months of anticipation, Mr. Lemoncello is taking his games out of the library and going LIVE across the nation on the world-famous Kidzapalooza Television Network! Everyone's invited to audition, but only a lucky few will be chosen to compete in front of millions of viewers in a brand-new, completely immersive live-action breakout game--with real kids as the playing pieces! Kyle Keeley is determined to be one of them.
Each of the winning teams must make it through five different rooms in Mr. Lemoncello's fantastic new Fictionasium by solving a puzzle to unlock each room and, in the end, break out of the library! But nothing is ever as it seems with Mr. Lemoncello, and the surprises in store just might stump even the game master himself. Can Kyle break out of his own expectations--and win Mr. Lemoncello's ultimate game show?
The Fire Keeper (Storm Runner, Book 2)
by J. C. Cervantes Year Published: 2019
Zane's new life on a beautiful tropical island should be perfect. But he can't control his newfound fire skills yet; there's a painful rift between him and his dog ever since she became a hellhound; and he doesn't know what to do with his feelings for Brooks. One day he discovers that by writing the book about his misadventures with the Maya gods, he unintentionally put other godborn children at risk. Unless Zane can find the godborns before the gods do, they will be killed. To make matters worse, Zane learns that his father, the Maya god Harukan, is scheduled to be executed!
Aru Shah and the Song of Death
by Roshani Chokshi Year Published: 2019
Best-selling author Rick Riordan presents best-selling author Roshani Chokshi and her sequel to Aru Shah and the End of Time. Aru is only just getting the hang of this whole Pandava thing when the Otherworld goes into full panic mode. The god of love's bow and arrow have gone missing, and the thief isn't playing Cupid. Instead, they're turning people into heartless fighting-machine zombies. If that weren't bad enough, somehow Aru gets framed as the thief. If she doesn't find the arrow by the next full moon, she'll be kicked out of the Otherworld. For good. But, for better or worse, she won't be going it alone. Along with her soul-sister, Mini, Aru will team up with Brynne, an ultra-strong girl who knows more than she lets on, and Aiden, the boy who lives across the street and is also hiding plenty of secrets. Together they'll battle demons, travel through a glittering and dangerous serpent realm, and discover that their enemy isn't at all who they expected.
The Tyrant's Tomb (Trials Of Apollo, Book 4)
by Rick Riordan Year Published: 2019
It's not easy being Apollo, especially when you've been turned into a human and banished from Olympus. On his path to restoring five ancient oracles and reclaiming his godly powers, Apollo (aka Lester Papadopoulos) has faced both triumphs and tragedies. Now his journey takes him to Camp Jupiter in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Roman demigods are preparing for a desperate last stand against the evil Triumvirate of Roman emperors. Hazel, Reyna, Frank, Tyson, Ella, and many other old friends will need Apollo's aid to survive the onslaught. Unfortunately, the answer to their salvation lies in the forgotten tomb of a Roman ruler . . . someone even worse than the emperors Apollo has already faced.
by Raina Telgemeier Year Published: 2019
A true story from Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling, multiple Eisner Award-winning author of Smile, Sisters, Drama, and Ghosts!
Raina wakes up one night with a terrible upset stomach. Her mom has one, too, so it's probably just a bug. Raina eventually returns to school, where she's dealing with the usual highs and lows: friends, not-friends, and classmates who think the school year is just one long gross-out session. It soon becomes clear that Raina's tummy trouble isn't going away... and it coincides with her worries about food, school, and changing friendships. What's going on?
Raina Telgemeier once again brings us a thoughtful, charming, and funny true story about growing up and gathering the courage to face -- and conquer -- her fears.
The Poison Jungle (Wings Of Fire, Book 13)
by Tui T. Sutherland Year Published: 2019
The New York Times bestselling series continues with a thrilling revelation -- brand-new tribes of dragons!
Some secrets are deadly.
It's no secret that Sundew wants to destroy the HiveWings. It's her life's mission to exact revenge on the tribe that tried to wipe out the LeafWings and ripped every tree from the surface of Pantala.
Every tree, that is, except the wild and dangerous Poison Jungle, where the surviving LeafWings have been hiding since the war. Hiding, plotting, and waiting for a dragon like Sundew, who is uniquely qualified to bring down the Hives.
There are dark secrets in the jungle, though-some that Sundew is keeping, and some that she's only just beginning to discover. And now that a new war is upon them, Sundew and her friends must unearth the oldest secret in the jungle-even if what they find has the power to destroy them all.
by Stuart Gibbs Year Published: 2010
Twelve-year-old Teddy investigates when a popular Texas zoo's star attraction--Henry the hippopotamus--is murdered.
Explore the Complete Set (6 Books)
FunJungle Book Set by Gibbs, Stuart
About This Set
When 12-year-old Teddy Fitzroy and his parents move into FunJungle, the nation's largest zoo, Teddy is prepared for some excitement, like maybe the occasional elephant stampede or a chimpanzee water balloon fight. Then Henry the Hippo dies from not-so-natural causes, and Teddy suspects foul play. It's just the first of many mysteries to unfold at FunJungle, as Teddy finds himself investigating a missing koala, trying to save a rhino from poachers, and more. This series features hilarious, madcap mysteries, fun facts for every animal lover, and has an eye towards environmentalism and conservation--suggestions to kids on how to get involved are included in the back of the books.
Titanic : young survivors (10 True Tales)
by Allan Zullo Year Published: 2012
Eleven-year-old Billy Carter kneels down on the slanting deck of the Titanic and hugs his beloved dog -- a tan and black Airedale. Can Billy save himself and his pet? Fifteen-year-old Edith Brown and her mother climb into Lifeboat 14. Edith begs her father to join them. Why won't he? Seventeen-year-old Jack Thayer looks over the side of the sinking Titanic and stares into the frigid sea. There are no lifeboats left. He knows he has to jump, but can he? These and other young people came from many walks of life. Now, on the night of April 14, 1912, they all face a life-or-death crisis abroad the Titanic. When the unthinkable occurs, can they survive?
by Kwame Alexander Year Published: 2014
2015 Newbery Medal Winner 2015 Coretta Scott King Honor Award Winner "With a bolt of lightning on my kicks . . .The court is SIZZLING. My sweat is DRIZZLING. Stop all that quivering. Cuz tonight I'm delivering," announces dread-locked, 12-year old Josh Bell. He and his twin brother Jordan are awesome on the court. But Josh has more than basketball in his blood, he's got mad beats, too, that tell his family's story in verse, in this fast and furious middle grade novel of family and brotherhood from Kwame Alexander (He Said, She Said 2013). Josh and Jordan must come to grips with growing up on and off the court to realize breaking the rules comes at a terrible price, as their story's heart-stopping climax proves a game-changer for the entire family.
by Green, Tim Year Published: 2016
"All Landon Dorch has ever wanted is to be like everyone else. His deafness and the way he talks have been obstacles all his life. But now he finally sees his chance to fit in. Bigger and taller than any other seventh grader in his new school, Landon plans to use his size to his advantage and join the school's football team. But the same speech problems and the cochlear implants that help him hear continue to haunt him. Just when it looks like Landon will be left out of football for good, an unlikely friend comes along. But in the end only Landon can fight his way off the bench and through a crowded field of bullies bent on seeing him forever left out"--Amazon.com.
Jack & Louisa. Act 3 (Jack & Louisa, Book 3)
by Keenan-Bolger, Andrew Year Published: 2017
"Two weeks at Camp Curtain Up is just what Jack and Louisa need to fuel their passion for theater: Broadway sing-alongs, outdoor rehearsals, and tons of new MTNs (musical theater nerds) to meet... maybe even a special someone. It almost feels like fate when the two friends return home to find local auditions for 'The Sound of Music.' But as Louisa fantasizes about frolicking in the Alps, Jack gets tempted by a student-run drama competition that would reunite the two with their camp friends"
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: 6; AR Pts.: 7.0)
To the future, Ben Franklin! (Magic Tree House, Book 32)
Jack and Annie know all about Ben Franklin. He was a Founding Father, a journalist, and a famous inventor! When the magic tree house whisks them back to meet the man himself, they're not sure what their mission is. But Ben Franklin has a mission of his own. Intrigued by Jack and Annie, he's curious to learn more about where they came from. And very curious about their tree house. . . .
Track the facts with Jack and Annie in the nonfiction companion to this book- Benjamin Franklin.
The Pirate Pig
by Cornelia Funke Year Published: 2015
The beloved and bestselling author of Inkheart brings imagination, adventure, and humor to a swashbuckling full-color chapter book!
Who needs a treasure map when you have a pirate pig with a nose for gold? Stout Sam and his deckhand, Pip, find a pig washed up in a barrel on the beach. They want to keep her as a pet, but they soon realize Julie is no ordinary pig. She can sniff out treasure! What happens if Barracuda Bill, the greediest and meanest pirate who ever sailed the seas, hears about Julie's special talent?
Genesis begins again
by Williams, Alicia Year Published: 2019
This deeply sensitive and powerful debut novel tells the story of a thirteen-year-old who must overcome internalized racism and a verbally abusive family to finally learn to love herself.
There are ninety-six things Genesis hates about herself. She knows the exact number because she keeps a list. Like #95: Because her skin is so dark, people call her charcoal and eggplant--even her own family. And #61: Because her family is always being put out of their house, belongings laid out on the sidewalk for the world to see. When your dad is a gambling addict and loses the rent money every month, eviction is a regular occurrence.
What's not so regular is that this time they all don't have a place to crash, so Genesis and her mom have to stay with her grandma. It's not that Genesis doesn't like her grandma, but she and Mom always fight--Grandma haranguing Mom to leave Dad, that she should have gone back to school, that if she'd married a lighter skinned man none of this would be happening, and on and on and on. But things aren't all bad. Genesis actually likes her new school; she's made a couple friends, her choir teacher says she has real talent, and she even encourages Genesis to join the talent show.
But how can Genesis believe anything her teacher says when her dad tells her the exact opposite? How can she stand up in front of all those people with her dark, dark skin knowing even her own family thinks lesser of her because of it? Why, why, why won't the lemon or yogurt or fancy creams lighten her skin like they're supposed to? And when Genesis reaches #100 on the list of things she hates about herself, will she continue on, or can she find the strength to begin again?
Greenglass House (Greenglass House, Book 1)
by Milford, Kate Year Published: 2014
National Book Award Nominee
Winner of the Edgar Award for Best Juvenile Mystery
It's wintertime at Greenglass House. The creaky smuggler's inn is always quiet during this season, and twelve-year-old Milo, the innkeepers' adopted son, plans to spend his holidays relaxing. But on the first icy night of vacation, out of nowhere, the guest bell rings. Then rings again. And again. Soon Milo's home is bursting with odd, secretive guests, each one bearing a strange story that is somehow connected to the rambling old house. As objects go missing and tempers flare, Milo and Meddy, the cook's daughter, must decipher clues and untangle the web of deepening mysteries to discover the truth about Greenglass House--and themselves.
Ghosts of Greenglass House (Greenglass House, Book 2)
Welcome to the irresistible world ofGreenglass House, where thirteen-year-old Milo is spending the winter holidays stuck in a house full of strange guests who are not what they seem. There are fresh clues to uncover as friends old and new join in his search for a mysterious map and a famous smuggler's lost haul.
Sure to thrill both fans and newcomers, this smart, suspenseful tale offers ghosts, friendships, and a cast of unforgettable characters, all wrapped up in a cozy mystery.
United tastes of America
by Langholtz, Gabrielle Year Published: 2019
Cook around the country with this geographical collection of authentic recipes from each of the USA's 50 states, plus three territories, and the nation's capital
Following the success of America: The Cookbook, author (and mother) Gabrielle Langholtz has curated 54 child-friendly recipes - one for each state, plus Washington D.C. and three U.S. territories (Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands). From Pennsylvania Dutch pretzels to Louisiana gumbo, Oklahoma fry bread to Virginia peanut soup, each recipe is made simple by a step-by-step format and a full-color photograph of the finished dish. A full-spread introduction to each state/territory features background about its culinary culture, brought to life with illustrated food facts and maps. Informative and delicious for kids and their families!
(Interest Level Grades 3-8. Not in AR Program)
Masters of mischief (The Misadventures of Max Crumbly, Book 3)
by Russell, Rachel Renee Year Published: 2019
From #1 New York Times bestselling Dork Diaries author Rachel Renee Russell comes the third book in a series about Max Crumbly and his daily ups and downs in middle school.
When we last left our courageous hero, Max Crumbly, and his trusty sidekick Erin, they had just finished foiling the plans of some bumbling thieves. But Max and Erin were trapped in a smelly, dangerous dumpster of doom and about to be discovered by the last people they wanted to find them.
Now in this latest installment of Max's journals, Max and Erin face foes both new and old as their misadventures continue. Can the two friends avoid detection--and detention!--while keeping South Ridge Middle School safe from bullies and criminals?
Secret weapon : seven untold adventures from the life of a teenaged spy
by Horowitz, Anthony Year Published: 2019
"Readers ages 8 to 15 with a taste for tough-guy thrills will gobble this one up."--Wall Street Journal
International bestselling author Anthony Horowitz's short story collection expands the universe of teen spy Alex Rider with more thrilling action, espionage, and pulse-pounding heroics.
Inspired by Horowitz's millions of fans worldwide, Secret Weapon expands the world of Alex Rider with more thrilling action and pulse-pounding heroics. Follow Alex as he infiltrates a terrorist hideout in Afghanistan, fights to prevent an assassination attempt at a ski resort over Christmas, and much more! The #1 New York Times bestselling Alex Rider is back with more exciting, edge-of-your-seats adventures!
Contains a combination of new and previously published material, together for the first time!
Word of mouse
by Patterson, James Year Published: 2016
James Patterson's newest illustrated middle grade story follows the illuminating journey of a very special mouse, and the unexpected friendships that he makes along the way.
What makes Isaiah so unique? First, his fur is as blue as the sky--which until recently was something he'd never seen, but had read all about. That's right--Isaiah can read, and write. He can also talk to humans...if any of them are willing to listen! After a dramatic escape from a mysterious laboratory, Isaiah is separated from his "mischief" (which is the word for a mouse family), and has to use his special skills to survive in the dangerous outdoors, and hopefully find his missing family. But in a world of cruel cats, hungry owls, and terrified people, it's hard for a young, lone mouse to make it alone. When he meets an equally unusual and lonely human girl named Hailey, the two soon learn that true friendship can transcend all barriers.
Nuts to you
by Perkins, Lynne Rae Year Published: 2014
How far would you go for a friend? In Nuts to You, the funny and moving illustrated novel by Newbery Medalist Lynne Rae Perkins, two squirrels go very far indeed to save a friend who has been snatched up by a hawk. Nuts to You "begs to be read aloud . . . another completely original and exceptional package from Perkins," said the Horn Book. Nuts to You features black-and-white art by the author on every page, as well as exclusive material original to this edition.
Jed, TsTs, and Chai are the very best of friends. So when Jed is snatched up by a hawk and carried away to another realm, TsTs and Chai resolve to go after him. Mysteriously, the hawk has dropped him. They saw it. Jed could be alive. New communities are discovered, new friends are made, huge danger is encountered (both man-made and of the fox and bobcat variety) and the mysteries of squirrel culture are revealed. Nuts to You is wholly original, funny, lively, and thought-provoking. Publishers Weekly said, "Readers . . . will relish the squirrels' adventures, as well as Perkins's laugh-aloud illustrations and equally witty footnotes."
Includes an introduction, epilogue, and footnotes throughout, as well as original exclusive material from the author.
Bluecrowne : a Greenglass House story (Greenglass House, Book 3)
Ogre enchanted
by Levine, Gail Carson Year Published: 2018
Set in the world of the Newbery Honor-winning Ella Enchanted, this tale by beloved author Gail Carson Levine stars a clever heroine who is determined to defy expectations--and outwit a fairy's curse.
Evie is happiest when she is healing people, diagnosing symptoms and prescribing medications, with the help of her devoted friend (and test subject) Wormy. So when Wormy unexpectedly proposes to her, she kindly turns him down; she has far too much to do to be marrying anyone. And besides, she simply isn't in love with him.
But a certain meddling fairy named Lucinda has been listening in, and she doesn't approve of Evie's rejection. Suddenly, Evie finds herself transformed from a girl into a hideous, hungry ogre!
Stuck in this new and confusing form, Evie now has only sixty-two days to accept another proposal--or else be stuck as an ogre forever.
Game of stars
by DasGupta, Sayantani Year Published: 2019
A new middle-grade fantasy series packed with action and adventure perfect for fans of Rick Riordan.
When the Demon Queen shows up in her bedroom, smelling of acid and surrounded by evil-looking bees, twelve-year-old Kiranmala is uninterested. After all, it's been four months since she last heard from her friends in the Kingdom Beyond, the alternate dimension where she was born as an Indian princess. But after a call to action over an interdimensional television station and a visit with some all-seeing birds, Kiran decides that she has to once again return to her homeland, where society is fraying, a reality show is taking over, and her friends are in danger.
However, things are a lot less clear than the last time she was in the Kingdom Beyond. Kiran must once again battle witches, solve riddles, and avoid her evil Serpent King father - all while figuring out who are her true friends, and what it really means to be a demon.
The storm runner
by Cervantes, Jennifer Year Published: 2018
Zane Obispo explores the sleeping volcano in his backyard to escape being teased because he walks with a cane. Then a mysterious girl reveals a prophecy, and soon Zane is on a quest that tests him to the very core in this fresh and funny take on Mayan mythology.
Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson's Journal
Get ready for a whole new look into Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid! Introducing the newest Wimpy Kid author--Rowley Jefferson! Rowley's best friend Greg Heffley has been chronicling his middle-school years in thirteen Diary of a Wimpy Kid journals . . . and counting. But it's finally time for readers to hear directly from Rowley in a journal of his own. In Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid, Rowley writes about his experiences and agrees to play the role of biographer for Greg along the way. (After all, one day Greg will be rich and famous, and everyone will want to know his life's story.) But Rowley is a poor choice for the job, and his "biography" of Greg is a hilarious mess. Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid: Rowley Jefferson's Journal offers readers a new way to look at the Wimpy world--one fans won't want to miss!
Half upon a time
by James Riley Year Published: 2010
In this hilarious fractured fairy tale series from New York Times bestselling author James Riley, Jack and "punk princess" May must navigate twists and turns unlike anything you've seen before!
Jack lives in a fantasy world. Really. He's the son of the infamous Jack who stole the magic beans from the giant, and he's working hard to restore his family's reputation. He finds the perfect opportunity when a "princess" lands in front of him, apparently from the land of Punk, as her Punk Princess sweatshirt implies. May is from our world, and she's utterly confused to find herself in the midst of the fairy tale characters she has read about. But Jack and May have more in common than they realize--and together, they embark on a hilarious and wild adventre in this highly accessible, modern middle grade fantasy novel.
Who Was Napoleon?
by Jim Gigliotti Year Published: 2018
Learn more about Napoleon Bonaparte, the decorated French military leader who conquered much of Europe in the early nineteenth century.
Born in the Mediterranean island of Corsica, Napoleon Bonaparte felt like an outsider once his family moved to France. But he found his life's calling after graduating from military school. Napoleon went on to become a brilliant military strategist and the emperor of France. In addition to greatly expanding the French empire, Napoleon also created many laws, which are still encoded in legal systems around the world.
Greek Mythology Books for Kids: A Collection of Greek Stories and Greek Gods for Children
by Anthony Clark Year Published: 2015
Greek Mythology Books for Kids encourages the love and learning of Greek Mythology. Be captivated by 3 stories: Arachne and Athena, Pandora's Box, & Phaeton and Helios. Then, learn a little about 20 important figures that have influenced stories, art, and intrigued the imagination of the world!
Upside Down Magic
by Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins. Year Published: 2015
It's never easy when your magic goes wonky.
For Nory, this means that instead of being able to turn into a dragon or a kitten, she turns into both of them at the same time-a dritten.
For Elliott, the simple act of conjuring fire from his fingertips turns into a fully frozen failure.
For Andres, wonky magic means he's always floating in the air, bouncing off the walls, or sitting on the ceiling.
For Bax, a bad moment of magic will turn him into a . . . actually, he'd rather not talk about that.
Nory, Elliott, Andres, and Bax are just four of the students in Dunwiddle Magic School's Upside-Down Magic class. In their classroom, lessons are unconventional, students are unpredictable, and magic has a tendency to turn wonky at the worst possible moments. Because it's always amazing, the trouble a little wonky.
Explore the Complete Series (6 Books)
From New York Times bestselling authors Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins comes the hilarious and heartfelt story of a group of magical misfits - Nory Horace is nine-years-old. She's resourceful, she's brave, she likes peanut butter cookies. Also, she's able to transform into many different animals. Unfortunately, Nory's shape-shifting talent is a bit wonky. And when she flunks out of her own father's magic academy, Nory's forced to enter public school, where she meets a group of kids whose magic is, well, different.
The Complete Cookbook For Young Chefs
by America's Test Kitchen Year Published: 2018
The #1 New York TimesBest Seller!
Want to bake the most-awesome-ever cupcakes? Or surprise your family with breakfast tacos on Sunday morning? Looking for a quick snack after school? Or maybe something special for a sleepover? It's all here. Learn to cook like a pro--it's easier than you think.
For the first time ever, America's Test Kitchen is bringing their scientific know-how, rigorous testing, and hands-on learning to KIDS in the kitchen!
Using kid-tested and approved recipes, America's Test Kitchen has created THE cookbook every kid chef needs on their shelf. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your friends, or your family, The Complete Cookbook for Young Chefshas delicious recipes that will wow!
Recipes were thoroughly tested by more than 750 kids to get them just right forcooks of all skill levels--including recipes for breakfast, snacks and beverages, dinners, desserts, and more.
Step-by-step photos of tips and techniques will help young chefs feel like pros in their own kitchen
Testimonials (and even some product reviews!) from kid test cooks who worked alongside America's Test Kitchen will encourage young chefs that they truly are learning the best recipes from the best cooks.
By empowering young chefs to make their own choices in the kitchen, America's Test Kitchen is building a new generation of confident cooks, engaged eaters, and curious experimenters.
Louisiana's Way Home
From two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo comes a story of discovering who you are -- and deciding who you want to be.
When Louisiana Elefante's granny wakes her up in the middle of the night to tell her that the day of reckoning has arrived and they have to leave home immediately, Louisiana isn't overly worried. After all, Granny has many middle-of-the-night ideas. But this time, things are different. This time, Granny intends for them never to return. Separated from her best friends, Raymie and Beverly, Louisiana struggles to oppose the winds of fate (and Granny) and find a way home. But as Louisiana's life becomes entwined with the lives of the people of a small Georgia town -- including a surly motel owner, a walrus-like minister, and a mysterious boy with a crow on his shoulder -- she starts to worry that she is destined only for good-byes. (Which could be due to the curse on Louisiana's and Granny's heads. But that is a story for another time.)
Called "one of DiCamillo's most singular and arresting creations" by The New York Times Book Review, the heartbreakingly irresistible Louisiana Elefante was introduced to readers in Raymie Nightingale -- and now, with humor and tenderness, Kate DiCamillo returns to tell her story.
The Truth As Told By Mason Buttle
by Leslie Connor Year Published: 2018
From the critically acclaimed author of Waiting for Normal and All Rise for the Honorable Perry T. Cook, Leslie Connor, comes a deeply poignant and beautifully crafted story about self-reliance, redemption, and hope.
Mason Buttle is the biggest, sweatiest kid in his grade, and everyone knows he can barely read or write. Mason's learning disabilities are compounded by grief. Fifteen months ago, Mason's best friend, Benny Kilmartin, turned up dead in the Buttle family's orchard. An investigation drags on, and Mason, honest as the day is long, can't understand why Lieutenant Baird won't believe the story Mason has told about that day.
Both Mason and his new friend, tiny Calvin Chumsky, are relentlessly bullied by the other boys in their neighborhood, so they create an underground club space for themselves. When Calvin goes missing, Mason finds himself in trouble again. He's desperate to figure out what happened to Calvin, and eventually, Benny.
But will anyone believe him?
A Child's Introduction To Greek Mythology
by Heather Alexander Year Published: 2011
The newest book in Black Dog's best-selling, award-winning series explores the fascinating world of Greek mythology from the myth of Narcissus to Odysseus versus the Cyclopes. Includes a Gods and Goddesses Family Tree Poster and Stickers! Packed with action, adventure, tragedy, and triumph, A Child'sIntroduction to Greek Mythology acquaints kids ages 9-12 with all the fantastic and memorable classic Greek myths. The book is organized into two main parts. The first section introduces the gods and goddesses, from Apollo to Hades, as well as nymphs, satyrs, centaurs, and the mortal descendents of Zeus, such as Hercules and Midas. Part two is dedicated to the myths themselves: Pandora's Box, Prometheus' Discovery of Fire, the Trojan Horse and many more. Sidebars feature word definitions and fun facts, as well as games and projects. As with all of the other books in the Child's Introduction series, Meredith Hamilton's witty and charming illustrations add yet another dimension to the excellent and absorbing text.
(Not Yet In AR Program)
Merci Suarez Changes Gears
by Meg Medina Year Published: 2018
Winner of the 2019 Newbery Medal
Thoughtful, strong-willed sixth-grader Merci Suarez navigates difficult changes with friends, family, and everyone in between in a resonant new novel from Meg Medina.
Merci Suarez knew that sixth grade would be different, but she had no idea just how different. For starters, Merci has never been like the other kids at her private school in Florida, because she and her older brother, Roli, are scholarship students. They don't have a big house or a fancy boat, and they have to do extra community service to make up for their free tuition. So when bossy Edna Santos sets her sights on the new boy who happens to be Merci's school-assigned Sunshine Buddy, Merci becomes the target of Edna's jealousy. Things aren't going well at home, either: Merci's grandfather and most trusted ally, Lolo, has been acting strangely lately -- forgetting important things, falling from his bike, and getting angry over nothing. No one in her family will tell Merci what's going on, so she's left to her own worries, while also feeling all on her own at school. In a coming-of-age tale full of humor and wisdom, award-winning author Meg Medina gets to the heart of the confusion and constant change that defines middle school -- and the steadfast connection that defines family.
The Dragon With A Chocolate Heart
by Stephanie Burgess Year Published: 2017
Aventurine is a brave young dragon ready to explore the world outside of her family's mountain cave . . . if only they'd let her leave it. Her family thinks she's too young to fly on her own, but she's determined to prove them wrong by capturing the most dangerous prey of all: a human.
But when that human tricks her into drinking enchanted hot chocolate, she's transformed into a puny human without any sharp teeth, fire breath, or claws. Still, she's the fiercest creature in these mountains--and now she's found her true passion: chocolate. All she has to do is get to the human city to find herself an apprenticeship (whatever that is) in a chocolate house (which sounds delicious), and she'll be conquering new territory in no time . . . won't she?
A classic fantasy with terrific girl power, perfect for fans of Shannon Hale and Jessica Day George.
No Time To Lose : The Fifth Journey Through Time
by Geronimo Stilton Year Published: 2018
New Mouse City is in danger! There is only one way to bring harmony back to the island. Geronimo and friends must travel back in time to retrieve King Solomon's Ring. Along the way Geronimo visits Napoleon, the Vikings, and the ancient Cretans!
Keeper Of The Lost Cities
by Shannon Messenger Year Published: 2012
A New York Times bestselling series
A USA TODAY bestselling series
A California Young Reader Medal-winning series
In this riveting debut, a telepathic girl must figure out why she is the key to her brand-new world--before the wrong person finds the answer first.
Twelve-year-old Sophie has never quite fit into her life. She's skipped multiple grades and doesn't really connect with the older kids at school, but she's not comfortable with her family, either. And Sophie has a secret--she's a Telepath, someone who can read minds. But the day Sophie meets Fitz, a mysterious (and adorable) boy, she learns she's not alone. He's a Telepath too, and it turns out the reason she has never felt at home is that, well...she isn't. Fitz opens Sophie's eyes to a shocking truth, and almost instantly she is forced to leave behind her family for a new life in a place that is vastly different from what she has ever known.
But Sophie still has secrets, and they're buried deep in her memory for good reason: The answers are dangerous and in high-demand. What is her true identity, and why was she hidden among humans? The truth could mean life or death--and time is running out.
by James Patterson Year Published: 2019
In the next book in James Patterson's bestselling Middle School series, Rafe Khatchadorian's hilarious little sister, Georgia, is back for another rollicking adventure! This time, she's vying to be crowned winner of the Battle of the Bands--if she doesn't die of embarrassment first!
It's not easy being Rafe Khatchadorian's sister. He's got quite a reputation around school, and Georgia's got it hard enough as is! With a super secret crush on her classmate Sam Marks, a Rube Goldberg machine challenge to dominate, and constant confrontations with vicious Missy Trillin and her evil Princess Patrol to look forward to, Georgia can't help but throw all her energy into the one thing that makes her happy: her kick-butt, all-girl rock band, We Stink!
When Georgia's favorite rock band, Lulu and the Handbags, advertise a major music competition where the winner gets to jam with Lulu herself, Georgia will pull all the stops to make sure We Stink wins--even if it means asking her annoying older brother, Rafe, for help! Will his crazy ideas work, or land her in serious trouble?
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: ; AR Pts.: ) (Not Yet In AR Program)
by Jerry Craft Year Published: 2019
Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Gene Luen Yang, New Kid is a timely, honest graphic novel about starting over at a new school where diversity is low and the struggle to fit in is real, from award-winning author-illustrator Jerry Craft.
Seventh grader Jordan Banks loves nothing more than drawing cartoons about his life. But instead of sending him to the art school of his dreams, his parents enroll him in a prestigious private school known for its academics, where Jordan is one of the few kids of color in his entire grade.
As he makes the daily trip from his Washington Heights apartment to the upscale Riverdale Academy Day School, Jordan soon finds himself torn between two worlds--and not really fitting into either one. Can Jordan learn to navigate his new school culture while keeping his neighborhood friends and staying true to himself?
Suspect Red
by L. M. Elliott Year Published: 2017
In 1950s Washington, D.C., teenaged Richard, a bookworm whose father works for the FBI, experiences effects of McCarthyism, beginning with book banning and ending with a threat to his half-Czech friend.
(Interest Level: MG+ - Grades 6 and Up; Book Level: 5.1; AR Pts.: 8.0)
Who Is Michael Jordan
by Kirsten Anderson Year Published: 2019
Grab your Js and hit the court with this Who Was? biography about NBA superstar Michael Jordan.
Meet the man who changed the game forever. Michael Jordan has always been competitive--even as a young boy, he fought for attention. His need to be the best made him a star player on his college basketball team and helped him become an NBA legend, both for his skills and his endorsements. His Nike contract for Air Jordan basketball shoes set an unmatched precedent for professional athletes. Author Kirsten Anderson takes readers through each exciting moment, detailing the iconic reverse lay-ups and jump shots of Michael Jordan's storied career.
Dog Man: Brawl Of The Wild
by Dave Pilkey Year Published: 2019
Howl with laughter with Dog Man, the #1 New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestseller!
Dog Man and the Supa Buddies are a paw-erful force against evil, but has Petey, the World's Most Evil Cat, finally outsmarted them? Petey has created another confounding contraption and is determined to destroy Dog Man once and for all. Can Dog Man's nose for justice and Li'l Petey's heart of gold finally convince the conniving kitty to do good?
Secret in the stone
by Kamilla Benko Year Published: 2019
"Hand to readers who love Narnia." --School Library Journal on The Unicorn Quest
* "Those who love Madeleine L'Engle's A Wrinkle in Time or . . . Neil Gaiman's Coraline, can't miss this debut." --Booklist, starred review, on The Unicorn Quest
The second book in an enchanting fantasy series The Unicorn Quest, about a real-world girl and her sister in a land full of magic and strange creatures.
Claire Martinson and her sister Sophie have decided to stay in Arden--the magical land they discovered by climbing up a chimney in their great-aunt's manor. If what they've learned is true, the sisters are the last descendants of the royal family, and only a true heir of Arden--with magic in her blood--can awaken the unicorns.
Since Sophie has does not have magic, the land's last hope rests on Claire. The sisters journey to Stonehaven, a famed Gemmer school high in the mountains of Arden, so Claire can train in the magic of stone. As Claire struggles through classes, Sophie uncovers dangerous secrets about the people they thought they could trust. With Arden on the brink of crumbling, can Claire prove she is the prophesied heir and unlock the magic of the unicorns before it's too late?
by Svetlana Chmakova Year Published: 2018
Following the overwhelming success of AWKWARD and BRAVE, Svetlana Chmakova's award winning Berrybrook Middle School series continues with its next installment - CRUSH!
Jorge seems to have it all together. He's big enough that nobody really messes with him, but he's also a genuinely sweet guy with a solid, reliable group of friends. The only time he ever really feels off his game is when he crosses paths with a certain girl... But when the group dynamic among the boys starts to shift, will Jorge be able to balance what his friends expect of him versus what he actually wants?
The Principal Strikes Back (Star Wars: Jedi Academy, Book 6)
by Jarrett J. Krosoczka Year Published: 2018
As told through a mix of comics, doodles, and journal entries, it's Victor Starspeeder's third year at Jedi Academy! It's also his first year EVER without his sister, Christina. Plus, things at Jedi Academy are... weird. After last year's security breach, Principal Marr has been demoted and replaced with Commander ZC-04, a big, scary droid. There's a curfew, new regulations, and everyone is on edge. But when Victor and his friends dig a little deeper into the changes at the school, they find that there's a lot more to this story than the droids want to admit! It's an all-new, out-of-this-world Jedi Academy adventure as The Principal Strikes Back!
Sophie Quire and the Last Storyguard
by Jonathan Auxier Year Published: 2016
Read this captivating adventure by Jonathan Auxier, New York Times bestselling author of The Night Gardener.
It's been two years since Peter Nimble and Sir Tode rescued the kingdom of HazelPort. In that time, they have traveled far and wide in search of adventure. Now they have been summoned by Professor Cake for a new mission: To find a twelve-year-old bookmender named Sophie Quire.
Sophie knows little beyond the four walls of her father's bookshop, where she repairs old books and dreams of escaping the confines of her dull life. But when a strange boy and his talking cat/horse companion show up with a rare and mysterious book, she finds herself pulled into an adventure beyond anything she has ever read.
Real Friends
by Shannon Hale Year Published: 2017
Following little Shannon's life from kindergarten through fifth grade, Real Friends captures the emotional roller coaster ride of friendship, from navigating the tricky waters of cliques and bullies to her never-ending struggle to stay in "The Group." Shannon's honest and heartfelt story reminds us of how hard it was to learn what real friends are--and why finding them is worth the journey.
Utomia : the legend beyond
by Caitlin Scholl; Neil Mullins Year Published: 2018
Utomia: The Legend Beyond is the story of Laoch, a talented young lizard uninspired by the slow pace of his small farming community. Laoch spends his time building a secret fort with his brother and two best friends and daydreaming about life in the fabled city of Utomia.
But everything changes when Laoch leads his friends through a series of scientific experiments and something goes drastically awry. A plume of magical purple smoke begins to rise from their village and the greatest powers of the world_including the Utomian Army_take note, quickly mobilizing toward the boys_ small town.
In the first book of this incredible series, Laoch and company venture through a planet of strange beings, secret societies, and time warps enacted by the giant Water Clock that protects the magical city. The boys_ individual journeys bring them closer to the understanding of bravery, love, and the true meaning of friendship as they struggle to save not only their families, but one another.
by Rachel Ignotofsky Year Published: 2016
It's a scientific fact: Women rock!
A charmingly illustrated and educational book, Women in Science highlights the contributions of fifty notable women to the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) from the ancient to the modern world. Full of striking, singular art, this fascinating collection also contains infographics about relevant topics such as lab equipment, rates of women currently working in STEM fields, and an illustrated scientific glossary. The trailblazing women profiled include well-known figures like primatologist Jane Goodall, as well as lesser-known pioneers such as Katherine Johnson, the African-American physicist and mathematician who calculated the trajectory of the 1969 Apollo 11 mission to the moon.
Women in Science celebrates the achievements of the intrepid women who have paved the way for the next generation of female engineers, biologists, mathematicians, doctors, astronauts, physicists, and more!
Who Is Malala Yousafzai
by Dinah Brown Year Published: 2015
Includes bibliographical references (pages 104-105). Malala Yousafzai was a girl who loved to learn but was told that girls would no longer be allowed to go to school. She wrote a blog that called attention to what was happening in her beautiful corner of Pakistan and realized that words can bring about change. She has continued to speak out for the right of all children to have an education. In 2014 she won the Nobel Peace Prize.
The Thrifty Guide To The American Revolution: A Handbook For Time Travelers
by Jonathan W. Stokes Year Published: 2018
From the publishing house that brought you the Who Was? books comes the next big series to make history approachable, engaging, and funny!
The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution provides useful information for the practical time traveler, like:
* Where can I find a decent hotel room in colonial New England? Are major credit cards accepted?
* How do I join the Boston Tea Party without winding up in a British prison?
* How can I score a lunch with Alexander Hamilton?
This guide answers these fiery, burning questions with the marshmallows of information. There is handy advice on how to join Paul Revere's spy ring at the Green Dragon Tavern, how to enlist in General Washington's rebel army, and how to summon the strength to storm a British gun battery when you haven't eaten for three days.
If you had a time travel machine and could take a vacation anywhere in history, this is the only guidebook you would need!
Women Who dared: 52 Stories Of Fearless Daredevils, Adventurers & Rebels
by Linda Skeers Year Published: 2017
Women have been doing amazing, daring, and dangerous things for years, but they're rarely mentioned in our history books as adventurers, daredevils, or rebels. This new compilation of brief biographies features women throughout history who have risked their lives for adventure--many of whom you may not know, but all of whom you'll WANT to know, such as:
Annie Edson Taylor, the first person who dared to go over Niagara Falls in abarrel
Valentina Tereshkova, the first woman who dared to fly in space
Helen Gibson, the first woman who dared to be a professional stunt person
This is the perfect read for anyone who wants to know what it means to explore, discover, play, climb, and fight like a girl!
Harry Potter A History Of Magic
by New-York Historical Society Museum & Library Year Published: 2018
The official companion book to the special exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic, featuring an extraordinary treasure trove of magical artifacts, original drafts and drawings by J.K. Rowling, and additional material exclusive to the US run of this unforgettable exhibition!
As we celebrate the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone in the US, readers everywhere are invited to explore the extraordinary subjects of the Hogwarts curriculum - Potions & Alchemy, Divination, Care of Magical Creatures, and more - and examine incredible historical artifacts, items from J.K. Rowling's personal archive, and stunning original artwork from Harry Potter series artists Mary GrandPre, Jim Kay, and Brian Selznick.
Published in conjunction with the special exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic (coming to the New-York Historical Society after a record-breaking sold-out run at the British Library), this complete catalogue of the over 150 artifacts on display gives readers an up-close look at magical treasures from all over the world. Exclusive to the New York run are amazing artifacts from American institutions -- including an original Audubon illustration, a narwhal's tusk (or is it a unicorn's horn?), an ancient Iranian astrolabe, and more -- as well as never-before-seen original artwork by Mary GrandPre and early correspondence between J.K. Rowling and her American editor, Arthur Levine.
This special publication is an essential volume for Harry Potter fans, history buffs, and bibliophiles, and a fascinating exploration of the history of the magic at the heart of the Harry Potter stories.
Who Was Seabisquit
by James Buckley Year Published: 2015
In the middle of the worst depression in U.S. history, one young racehorse lifted a nation's spirits. Seabiscuit was born in 1933 on a farm in Kentucky. Though bred for racing, he was weak and undersized. He slept too long and ate too much. Against the odds, he began to win local races. He was given a new coach who trained him to race in larger circuits. Soon enough, this scrappy horse began beating the best racehorses in the country. He became a media darling and won national competitions. In 1938 he was voted U.S. Horse of the Year. Seabiscuit's undying spirit and come-from-behind story made him a celebrity and hero for millions.
The Peculiar Incident On Shady Street
by Lindsay Currie Year Published: 2017
A girl unravels a centuries-old mystery after moving into a haunted house in this deliciously suspenseful mystery.
Tessa Woodward isn't exactly thrilled to move to rainy, cold Chicago from her home in sunny Florida. But homesickness turns to icy fear when unexplainable things start happening in her new house. Things like flickering lights, mysterious drawings appearing out of nowhere, and a crackling noise she can feel in her bones.
When her little brother's doll starts crying real tears, Tessa realizes that someone--or something--is trying to communicate with her. And it involves a secret that's been shrouded in mystery for more than one hundred years.
With the help of three new friends, Tessa begins unraveling the mystery of what happened in the house on Shady Street--and more importantly, what it has to do with her!
The Forgotten Book
by Mechthild Glaser Year Published: 2018
Emma is used to things going her way. Her father is headmaster of her prestigious boarding school, her friends take her advice as gospel, and she's convinced that a relationship with her long-time crush is on the horizon. As it turns out, Emma hasn't seen anything yet. When she finds an old book in an abandoned library, things really start going Emma's way: anything she writes in the book comes true. But the power of the book is not without consequences, and Emma soon realizes that she isn't the only one who knows about it. Someone is determined to take it from her--and they'll stop at nothing to succeed. A new boy in school--the arrogant, aloof, and irritatingly handsome Darcy de Winter--becomes Emma's unlikely ally as secrets are revealed and danger creeps ever closer.
(Interest Level: MG+ - Grades 6 and Up; Book Level: 5.9; AR Pts.: 14.0)
by Yoon Ha Lee Year Published: 2019
Rick Riordan Presents Yoon Ha Lee's space opera about thirteen-year-old Min, who comes from a long line of fox spirits. But you'd never know it by looking at her. To keep the family safe, Min's mother insists that none of them use any fox-magic, such as Charm or shape-shifting. They must appear human at all times. Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She's counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds.
ART2-D2's Guide To Folding And Doodling
by Tom Angleberger Year Published: 2013
Stick figures to the dark side only lead! To doodle like a Jedi you must learn! With this companion to the blockbuster bestselling Origami Yoda series, beloved author Tom Angleberger--with the help of the kids from McQuarrie Middle School--presents young Padawans with dozens of activities from the Star Wars universe. Padawans can learn how to fold R2-D2 and C-3PO, draw Jabba, and even build a fully functioning ChapStick rocket! Other Force-mastering activities include: "Kellen's Guide to Cool Letters," "Mike's Complete Rules and Tips for Pencil Pod-Racing," "Rhondella's Tips for Photographing Origami," and much more!
With Tom Angleberger's goofy sense of humor and accessible art style, Art2-D2's Guide to Folding and Doodling is sure to satisfy and inspire the millions of Origami Yoda and Star Wars fans. May the doodles be with you!
Includes 16-page color insert with 10 pages of colored pull-out origami paper; instructions to make Yoda, Darth, C-3PO, Admiral Ackbar, and R2-D2; a section on photographing your origami creations, and two Star Wars backdrops to photograph them against.
This is the blockbuster bestselling Origami Yoda series, written by Tom Angleberger, author of Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side,showcasing his proven knack for authentically capturing the intrigues, fads, and dramas of middle school in "a satisfying tale of friendship and just resistance to authority".
Every Soul A Star
by Wendy Mass Year Published: 2010
New York Times bestselling author of The Candymakers, Wendy Mass weaves an intricate and compelling story about strangers coming together and establishing unlikely friendships.
Three middle schoolers are brought together at Moon Shadow, an isolated campground where thousands have gathered to catch a glimpse of a rare and extraordinary total eclipse of the sun.
Ally's parents own Moon Shadow, where she's lived pretty much her entire life. When her parents tell her they're moving away to the city, she's suddenly frightened and desperately wants to stay at the only home she's ever known.
Bree is popular and gorgeous, but with scientist parents and a brainiac little sister, she is the black sheep of the family. When her parents break it to her that they're moving to Moon Shadow, Bree realizes that popularity doesn't mean a thing when there's no one there to see it.
Overweight and awkward, Jack is confused when his science teacher asks him to go on a trip to view the eclipse at Moon Shadow, especially since he failed science class. Although this is a chance for Jack to bypass summer school, it also gives him the courage to come out of his shell and find true friends for the first time.
With breathtaking descriptions of nature and its ultimate phenomenon, the eclipse, Every Soul a Star is a powerful and humorous story about dealing with change and discovering one's place in the universe.
by Chanda Hahn Year Published: 2012
Mirror, Mirror, on the wall,Who is the Fairest of them all?In the sequel to UnEnchanted, Mina Grime discovers that all is not fair when it comes to the Fae and their tales, especially when they don't all play by the rules. Barely surviving the Story's first fairy tale quest, Mina still has hundreds to go before she can end the curse on her family. But a new player arises to challenge Mina while new rules revamp the game she has just barely begun to understand.All the while, people are mysteriously disappearing, including Jared, whom Mina must finally determine to be friend or foe. And with the loss of her greatest weapon, Mina must try to outwit a lethal hunter. Can Mina survive the most difficult quest yet while protecting those she loves from falling victim to one of the deadliest tales of all? Or will she become a pawn when she strikes a bargain with the Queen of Fae?
It Started With Goodbye
"You won't be able to put this book down." Miranda Kenneally, bestselling author
Sixteen-year-old Tatum Elsea is bracing for the worst summer of her life. After being falsely accused of a crime, she's stuck under stepmother-imposed house arrest, and her BFF's gone ghost. With a criminal fine to pay off and no way to get a job, Tatum starts a covert freelance design business online, and is soon trading emails with a cute cello-playing client. If Tatum is reading his messages right, her virtual Prince Charming is funny, smart, and talented--and he seems to think the same about her. Too bad he's spending his summer across the ocean ...
But sometimes, going after what you want means breaking a few rules. Equipped with a new perspective, and assisted by her feisty step-abuela, Tatum is ready to start fresh and maybe even get her happy ending along the way.
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: ; AR Pts.: (Not yet in AR Program)
The Hive Queen
The #1 New York Times bestselling series continues with a thrilling revelation -- three brand-new tribes of dragons!
Growing up in the hives, Cricket has always had a million questions. Why are trees forbidden, even in art? Why do her parents seem to hate her? And the biggest, most dangerous and secret question of all: why is Cricket immune to Queen Wasp's powers? Whenever the queen takes control of all the HiveWings, speaking through their mouths and seeing through their eyes, Cricket has to hide, terrified of being discovered.
Now she's hiding again, wanted for stealing the Book of Clearsight along with her new SilkWing friends, Blue and Swordtail, and the fierce LeafWing, Sundew. The fugitives need answers, and fast, in order to prevent a LeafWing attack. But Cricket has more questions than ever. How can she stay hidden and discover the queen's deadliest secret? And if she does succeed -- can a powerless dragonet really do anything to topple a regime and stop a war?
Courage For Beginners
by Karen Harrington Year Published: 2014
Twelve-year-old Mysti Murphy wishes she were a character in a book. If her life were fictional, she'd magically know how to deal with the fact that her best friend, Anibal Gomez, has abandoned her in favor of being a "hipster." She'd be able to take care of everyone when her dad has to spend time in the hospital. And she'd certainly be able to change her family's secret.
Seventh grade is not turning out the way Mysti had planned. With the help of a hot-hair balloon, her new friend Rama Khan--and maybe even the heroes of the Texas Revolution--can she find the courage to change?
The Color Of Lies
by CJ Lyons Year Published: 2018
A gripping young adult suspense novel drenched in color, mystery, and lies; set in the sense-blending world of Synesthesia. New York Times and USA Today bestselling author CJ Lyons grabs you and won't let go, keeping you guessing until the very last page of The Color of Lies.
When you can see emotions in color, motives become black and white. Even murder.
High school senior Ella Cleary has always been able to read people. And for good reason: she has a rare medical condition called synesthesia that scrambles the senses, allowing Ella to see colors that reveal people's true emotions. Everyone but Alec's.
Alec is a mystery to Ella, a handsome, enigmatic young journalist who makes her feel normal for the first time in her life ... until he reveals the real reason he sought her out. He wants to learn the truth behind her parents' deaths. And Ella's world turns upside down when Alec tells her their deaths were not an accident.
After learning her entire life is based on a lie, Ella doesn't know who she can trust or even who she truly is. With family secrets slowly revealed and the evidence mixing fact and fiction, the only way for Ella to learn the truth about her past is to find a killer.
(Interest Level: MG+ - Grades 6 and up; Book Level: .0; AR Pts.: .0)
The Thickety: A Path Begins
by J. A. White Year Published: 2014
The Thickety: A Path Begins is a spellbinding tale about a girl, the Thickety, and the power of magic. Fans of Neil Gaiman will love this thrilling new world.
When Kara Westfall was five years old, her mother was convicted of the worst of all crimes: witchcraft. Years later, Kara and her little brother, Taff, are still shunned by the people of their village, who believe that nothing is more evil than magic...except, perhaps, the mysterious forest that covers nearly the entire island. It has many names, this place. Sometimes it is called the Dark Wood, or Sordyr's Realm. But mostly it's called the Thickety.
The villagers live in fear of the Thickety and the terrible creatures that live there. But when an unusual bird lures Kara into the forbidden forest, she discovers a strange book with unspeakable powers. A book that might have belonged to her mother.
And that is just the beginning of the story.
The Thickety: The Whispering Trees
Perfect for fans of Neil Gaiman, book two in the acclaimed Thickety series is the story of a good witch, a bad witch, and a forest demon, trapped together in a world that is both enchanting and dangerous.
After Kara Westfall's village turns on her for practicing witchcraft, she and her brother, Taff, flee to the one place they know they won't be followed: the Thickety. Only this time Kara is magicless without her grimoire and Sordyr, the forest demon, is intent on keeping them there. Kara and Taff will meet other inhabitants of the Thickety in their search for a safe way out, including the infamous witch, Mary Kettle. But can they trust anyone--plant, creature, witch, book, or magic--to help them escape, to undo Grace's final terrible spell, and to stop Sordyr's horrible reach from spreading across the rest of the world?
The Thickety: Well Of Witches
J. A. White's The Thickety: Well of Witches is an epic quest into an enchanted kingdom with new kinds of magic, an old enemy, and only one way out. Fans of Neil Gaiman will love this third novel in the spectacular and twisty fantasy series that has readers and reviewers raving.
Kara and Taff know that only Grace Stone has the power to reverse her Last Spell on their father, and that in order to save him, they have to rescue their foe from the Well of Witches first. Forgiving Grace should be the hardest part of their journey . . . but soon the children are confronted by creatures called the Faceless, mysteries as old as magic, and an ancient secret that threatens their very lives. Back in the World, a war against magic is brewing that endangers everyone they care about. Can Kara and Taff find Grace and make it back to their father in time?
Unstoppable : true stories of amazing bionic animals
by Nancy Furstinger Year Published: 2017
Chris P. Bacon was born with malformed legs, but with the help of a
wheelchair made of construction toys, he's become a hero to people with similar challenges.
Nancy Furstinger profiles Chris P. Bacon and many other animals
inUnstoppable--all of whom are making their way around with the help of
prosthetics, braces, orthotics and wheelchairs! Readers will meet the
caretakers, prosthetists, vets, and loving families that help to make recovery possible. Furstinger offers a glimpse into the cutting-edge technologies, such as 3D printing and brain-controlled prosthetics, that are helping to improve the lives of animals and humans alike.
(Interest Level: MG - Grades 4-8; Book Level: 7.7; AR Pts.: 2.0
Knights of the Lunch Table - The Dodgeball Chronicles
by Frank Cammuso Year Published:
Artie King's hopes for easing into life at Camelot Middle School are dashed when he opens mysterious locker filled with useful, wonderful items and is pulled into a do-or-die dodgeball game that pits Artie and his friends against the school's toughest kids.
by Alan Gratz Year Published:
Award-winning, critically acclaimed author Alan Gratz returns with another gripping World War II story, this time about a spy in the Hitler Youth.
It's the height of World War II. Michael O'Shaunessey, son of the Irish ambassador to Nazi Germany, lives with his family in Berlin. But Michael, like his parents, is a spy. He joins the Hitler Youth, taking part in their horrific games and book-burning, despising everything they stand for but using his insider knowledge to bring important information back to his parents and the British Secret Service. When Michael is tasked to find out more about Projekt 1065, a secret Nazi mission, things get even more complicated. He must prove his loyalty to the Hitler Youth at all costs -even if it means risking the lives of his family... and himself.
Acclaimed author Alan Gratz delivers a heart-pounding, action-packed tale of political intrigue, betrayal, and survival.
(Interest Level: MG+ - Upper Middle Grades (6 and up); Book Level: 5.3; AR Pts.: 10.0