FUN READS FOR THE FAMILY
CHECK YOURSHELVES BEFORE YOU WRECK YOURSHELVES!
Ok, cheesy headline aside, we're confident your bookshelves are seriously lacking without these titles! While some may be familiar, others are hidden gems, but every one of them will find their way into your heart, sparking wonderful family conversations.
Look through the list below to find your family's next favorite!
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BIG ADVENTURES FOR LITTLE MINDS
(MOST ENJOYED BY AGES 6-9)
SYDNEY & TAYLOR EXPLORE THE WHOLE WIDE WORLD
Jacqueline Davies, author of the Lemonade War series, brings your little ones a new series based on the delightful adventures of two unlikely friends, a skunk and a hedgehog.
This book is perfect for young readers who are perfecting their skills, but it's so much fun, you'll probably want to snuggle up to read and enjoy the whimsical illustrations together!
“With a nod to The Wind in the Willows… Davies sends an odd-couple pair of animal burrow mates out to explore the “whole wide world.”—Booklist
SECRET SPY SOCIETY: THE CASE OF THE MISSING CHEETAH
In the first of the series, three young girls with three distinct personalities uncover a secret society of world famous female spies. In this adventurous tale written and illustrated by Veronica Mang, your young readers will set out with the girls to discover who took Chiquita, the cheetah belonging to spy Josephine Baker.
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"This book is a delight. Fun. Funny. And full of adventure. Falling in with a secret society of lady spies would have been my 9-year-old self’s dream come true. Please discover time travel and send it to third grade me!" --Andrea Beaty, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Rosie Revere, Engineer
MINDY KIM & THE YUMMY SEAWEED BUSINESS
This first book in Lyla Lee's chapter book series follows the adventures of a lively, adorable young girl as she tries to convince her parents to get her a puppy and works to make friends at her new school. The series, which provides much-needed Asian-American representation, is a great introduction to Korean culture and the perfect read for anyone who's ever felt different or wanted to fit in.
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THE YEAR OF BILLY MILLER
Kevin Henkes's children's novel follows the life of second-grader Billy Miller as he spends the year learning to navigate school, become a productive, helpful member of his family, and act responsibly.
You and your child will adore seeing all of life's daily moments through Billy's eyes. A perfect read-aloud for younger elementary age children that older siblings will enjoy as well.
“Billy Miller’s second-grade year is quietly spectacular in a wonderfully ordinary way. . . . Henkes offers . . . a sense that experiences don’t have to be extraordinary to be important and dramatic. . . . Sweetly low-key and totally accessible.” -- Kirkus Reviews
-BRIDGE BOOKS-
BOOKS THAT PLEASE BOTH YOUNG AND OLD
(MOST ENJOYED BY AGES 6-10)
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MAYBE MAYBE MARISOL RAINEY
Erin Entrada Kelly, author of Hello Universe, has gifted the world the heart-warming story of Marisol Rainey. Marisol, a young Filipina-American girl living in Louisiana, spends the summer trying to overcome her fear of adventure. It's a wonderful read-aloud for a range of ages starting with upper elementary. Your entire family will enjoy going on this adventure!
Maybe, Maybe Marisol Rainey is an illustrated novel about summer, friendship, and overcoming fears, told with warm humor and undeniable appeal. Fans of Clementine, The Year of Billy Miller, and Ramona the Pest will be thrilled to meet Marisol.- Amazon reviews
THE DRAGON IN THE LIBRARY
A magical tale that will have your entire family captivated! Kit, an adventure enthusiast, soon discovers she doesn't actually hate reading, and best of all, she's a wizard! She, along with her friends, are on a mission to save their library, and possibly the world, from the dragon sleeping inside!
Three friends fight an evil developer who wants to tear down the magical library. . .Playful illustrations complement the witty dialogue, dryly ironic narrative voice, and comical villainy. Joyful and funny. —Kirkus Reviews
THE DOUGHNUT FIX
Young Tristan finds himself adjusting to life in a small new town. When he sets out to start his own small business, supplying the town with doughnuts, he learns it may take more than he's got to do the job. Your entire family will be hooked on this
mouth-watering tale, rooting for this young entrepreneur to succeed!
"Janowitz accurately portrays the chaotic emotions moving can trigger in this sweet, relatable story. Tristan's doughnut endeavor will hold wide appeal as a pleasure read, and may inspire young foodies or entrepreneurs to think beyond the
lemonade stand." - Booklist
CILLA LEE-JENKINS: FUTURE AUTHOR EXTRAORDINAIRE
Readers can't help but fall in love with Cill-Lee Jenkins, a spunky, funny Chinese-American girl who takes on the adventure that is her life. As Cilla-Lee awaits her new sibling, navigates school, and learns to accept her multi-cultural identity, she will charm her way into your heart with her wit and wisdom.
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“I challenge anyone to read this book and not fall in love with Cilla Lee-Jenkins. With the spunk of Ivy and Bean and the heart of Ramona Quimby, she’s a charmer from start to finish of this laugh-out-loud-funny book.” ―I. W. Gregorio, author of None of the Above
SAVING WINSLOW
Young Louie's determination to nurture and care for a sickly newborn mini donkey will melt your heart and have you rooting for him every step of the way. Children and adults will delight at the bond these two share and the journey they take together. This moving story will quickly become a family favorite.
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“This heartwarming story is sure to be a hit with fans of E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web and Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie.” -- School Library Journal
THE STUPENDOUSLY SPECTACULAR SPELLING BEE
When India Wimple's family encorages her to enter the Stupendously Spectacular Spelling Bee, a tv show competition she's been watching forever, she decides to go for it. Follow India on this nerve-wracking journey, and learn some new words along the way! You and your family enjoy reading about this little girl with big dreams!
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“This heartwarming story is sure to be a hit with fans of E.B. White’s Charlotte’s Web and Kate DiCamillo’s Because of Winn-Dixie.” -- School Library Journal
THE MIDNIGHT WAR OF MATEO MARTINEZ
In this whimsical tale of a boy and his fight against a thieving skunk, readers will be delighted as this bittersweet story unfolds, and Mateo learns
about growing up.
It's magical, heartwarming and fun!
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A fun, action-filled tale whose protagonist has a distinct and sincere young voice.."―School Library Journal
TALES FOR TWEENS
(MOST ENJOYED BY AGES 9-12)
THE CARE AND FEEDING OF A PET BLACK HOLE
When a black hole follows 11 year-old Stella Rodriguez home from NASA, he sets out to become her pet, which is quite the challenge to say the least. Through what at first-glance appears to be a hilarious set of circumstances, Stella comes to learn important life lessons while caring and feeding for her pet black hole.
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"As much a journey of grief and healing as a literal adventure, Cuevas's story is both touching and funny." —Booklist
CONFESSIONS OF AN IMAGINARY FRIEND:
A MEMOIR BY JACQUES PAPIER
Jacques believes he is hated by everyone but his sister, until he discovers he's imaginary. Written as a memoir, this uniquely told, poignant story of self-discovery is filled with lessons readers will ponder long after they read this book.
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““A charming story so easy to visualize that it feels like a future Pixar movie.”—The Wall Street Journal
YOU GO FIRST
Charlotte and Ben live very different lives in very different places. But as their week unfolds over a game of online scrabble, they begin to see they have more in common than they first imagined.
Through this middle grade novel written by Erin Entrada Kelly, we see that struggles are easier to face when we don't face them alone.
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“A delicate look at friendship, bullying and coming of age. ...You Go First is a brilliant follow-up to Entrada Kelly’s Newbery winner Hello, Universe, and challenges readers to rethink the rules of friendship.” -- Shelf Awareness
THE HARLEM CHARADE
A group of three young strangers set on a mission together to solve a mystery years in the making and save their neighborhood from being turned into a Harlem theme park, the brain child of an opportunist politician. Kids who love mystery and adventure will love joining these three on their search for truth as they work to save their community.
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“"Tarpley creates a strong sense of Harlem's rich past and present, conveys the importance of art, and raises thoughtful questions about service and justice." -- Publishers Weekly
SUNNYSIDE PLAZA
When someone unexpectedly dies at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities, the residents begin taking the investigation into their own hands. Will anyone listen? A perfect book for anyone who loves mystery, this book speaks to the importance of kindness and empathy for others.
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*"A tender insight into being different and wonderful."―Kirkus
THE MISCALCULATIONS OF LIGHTNING GIRL
Lucy's life was forever changed when she was struck by lightning. It left her with genius math skills and serious social anxiety. At age 12, she's ready for college, but not before completing one year of middle school. How will Lucy handle the challenge of completing her first year of public school after being homeschooled? Will she make friends? We might not be able to relate to a lightning strike, but we've all faced the challenge of overcoming our fears.
“McAnulty’s well-drawn cast of characters grapple with the difficulties of middle school, friendships, and life. 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
-BRIDGE BOOKS-
STORIES FOR BOTH TWEENS & TEENS
(MOST ENJOYED BY AGES 10 & UP)
THE SEASON OF STYX MALONE
When Caleb and Bobby Gene meet their older new neighbor, 16-year-old Styx, the three set off on an exciting adventure to trade up one item after another, seeing how far they can go. But as the trades escalate, secrets are revealed and trouble looms. Families will be thrilled with this exciting read.
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"Interweaving themes of risk taking and trust, betrayal and forgiveness, Magoon (How It Went Down) crafts a novel that is genuinely funny, heartbreaking, and uplifting—extraordinary, in fact."—Publishers Weekly
RESTART
13 year old Chase loses his memory after an accident, and in finding out who he is, he begins a journey of self-discovery. Chase's journey lead him to second chances and a fresh start. This book by Gordon Korman is a great read for a wide range of ages.
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"A fresh approach to the familiar topic of bullying, kept credible by believable characters and events, with typical Korman humor and just the right touch of mystery." -- School Library Journal
SPEECHLESS
Speechless is a powerful book that tells the story of Harriet, an eleven year old girl who has Cerebral Palsy. Harriet's life is tough enough at her new school before her mother ends up in the hospital. Readers will root for Harriet as they discover if she's able to face all that has come her way.
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A beautiful story about a little girl fighting to be braver than she feels. If everyone read this book, the whole world would be that little bit kinder. Rachel Wilkinson, English teacher and secondary school librarian
THE WENDALS
Austin and his friends set off on a journey to save their friend Steve's home from foreclosure. This journey includes a run in with bank robbers, wild animals and other shenanigans. You'll whole family will love taking this trip back to the 90's to read about the misadventures of The Wendals.
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"Great read for the whole family! Fun coming of age story with a bit of action and a lot of heart. Reminded me of The Goonies!" (Amazon Reviewer)
WILDER BOYS
When tragedy strikes, brothers Jake and Taylor Wilder set off to find their father who abandoned them long ago. Their no strangers to being on their own, but their journey from Pittsburg to the wilds of Wyoming proves to be more difficult than they imagined. Will they find their father before they're caught by trouble?
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