Staff Suggestions — Kids 10+ Years
This book stands on its own as a well-written adventure of a girl starting over in the 1880’s Dakota Territory, but it is also a perfect companion read for The Little House on the Prairie Books. Award-winning Korean American author, Linda Sue Park, has revisited the setting of the books she loved as a child with a greater understanding of the problems that were a part of westward expansion. Entirely age-appropriate and a great entry point into discussions of our complicated history.
— Laura
Such silky smooth writing makes this tale of magical realism irresistible and bewitching right from the first page. In fact, I dare you to try putting it down once you’ve picked it up. Erin Bowman has a compelling voice that helps carry the reader through the heavier, more challenging moments, but I do suggest for ages 10+. For fans of Ally Carter’s Winterborne Home!
— Susan
What an incredibly imaginative, and sometimes dark, story about a bunch of doodles that come to life! Have a pen and paper handy—I wanted to explore where I would have my doodles live, and I really wanted to create the perfect dark nemesis. Acknowledging the sometimes surprisingly strong and dark feelings teens can have is a great first step toward understanding those feelings and how to deal with them. So much to love about this book!
— Jamie
Hilarious, heartwarming, and charming, I just wanted Natalie to find out what makes her special, and she does! Her old best friend, alarmingly mean, also sees her in a new way at the end, with plenty of laughs in between. A great read about friendships for middle schoolers!
— Jamie
Doing something to make your parents happy is a pretty common thing, so how exactly can you break that cycle without: 1.) losing your best friend, 2.) losing your new best friend, and 3.) figuring out what makes you happy. I could really relate to Bri, and it was also interesting to get a behind-the-scenes look at a Bat Mitzvah.
— Jamie
An astounding account of a Somali refugee's life as a child in a Kenyan refugee camp. Ultimately hopeful, it is eye-opening, honest, and heartfelt. Omar's brother, Hassan, has disabilities, which adds yet another layer to this sweeping tale of humanity. I cannot recommend this memoir enough.
— Jamie
I love this stunning new work by living legend Lois Lowry. She presents a brief and focused look at two pivotal cities during WWII, and brings the concept of war into a personal focus. This is a perfect companion to any of the novels that take place during this tumultuous time in our history, and the evocative black and white illustrations are by one of my favorite illustrators, Kenard Pak.
— Jamie
Based on a true story, Anna and her mother and sister are thrust into an escape from post-war Czechoslovakia when the communists rise to power. As they travel secretly through Germany and France, Anna must balance bravery with faith that strangers can surprise you with kindness and help when you need it most. For readers who enjoyed The War That Saved My Life and Number the Stars.
— Laura
This gorgeously illustrated book highlights female artists from all different time periods, backgrounds, and artistic movements and mediums. Wonderfully informative, you'll be fascinated by both individual biographies of creative ladies and infographics about the art world. This book should sit in the library of art lovers of any age. And for more stories of inspiring lives, check out Women in Science and Women in Sports, too!
— Kelly
Wow this story is intense! Filled with science facts, fantasy, and a perfectly pitched not-friendship, I loved this graphic novel!
— Jamie
A thoroughly researched history of the suffragettes of America and England. David Roberts puts his passion for this subject into every paragraph and illustration. Each chapter delves into an important aspect of the women’s right to vote, from protests, to political figures, to the design of the flags. A great book for middle graders to explore what lengths women had to go to to ensure their voice was heard.
— Lindsay A.
An iconic graphic novel from a beloved DC character, Nijkamp delivers an unforgettable origin story. It does a phenomenal job examining the realities disabled individuals experience while also presenting a classic mystery sure to delight fans of DC comics and realistic fiction. With plenty of comic easter eggs laced throughout, The Oracle Code is simply a triumph.
— Lindsay A.
Get ready! Once you start this mystery adventure you won’t want to go to school or go to practice or do your homework. You won’t want to do anything except hide away and read this thrilling, quick-paced book until you’re done. That’s pretty much I how felt. With likeable, well developed characters and plenty humor, this is one of the BEST adventure stories I’ve ever read.
— Susan
I really did love this book! What sets apart this tale of a missing heir, an orphaned girl, and a mysterious key is the heart and soul of the characters. April is my new favorite self-reliant girl who joins four other savvy orphans to solve the mystery and save their new-found home. The suspenseful, fast-paced plot is paired with hilarious asides to the reader, perfectly balancing the storytelling. I look forward to more tales of the orphans at Winterborne House.
— Jamie
So inspiring! This emotionally charged book clearly shows the frustration of racism, and how we can either let it define us or we can take it on. Fencers will love this book about their sport, but any athlete will see themselves in Donte’s struggles and recognize the larger truth: reach for your dream; you can do anything through training and hard work
— Jamie
Landing in 1980's Harlem feels like landing on an alien planet for an all-things-space-loving girl from Alabama. Sometimes, if you feel so far out of touch with everyday life, only outerspace will do. But with the support of family and a few could-be-friends, Ebony Grace just may figure out a way to be true to herself and to fit in when she needs to. I highly recommend this imaginative, engaging novel!
— Laura
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