Summer means more time for reading! To create excitement for summer reading, I created a list of newly released books (organized by grade level and genre) and promoted these amazing titles with my K-5 students.
Happy summer reading to all! May your summer be filled with exciting adventures and experiences, both real and fictional. Enjoy your summer, day by day and book by book!
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
PICTURE BOOKS
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Goodnight, Veggies by Diana Murray & Zachariah OHora
As the sun begins to set, the tomatoes are tuckered out, the cucumbers are calm, and the beets are simply beat. But what’s got them all so exhausted? Celebrate the turning of day to night in this perfect bedtime ritual for plants—and humans—everywhere!
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Octicorn Party by Kevin Diller & Justin Lowe
Octicorn dreams of having a pool party. But what if no one comes? That would be the most embarrassing thing ever! So Octi sets out to have a party that will make everyone happy―until he realizes that may just be a disaster waiting to happen. Octicorn Party! is for anyone who’s ever felt just a little bit different...which, as it turns out, is pretty much all of us.
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I Found a Kitty by Troy Cummings
Lucky dog Arfy has a home. When he discovers a homeless kitten, Arfy hopes Scamper can come live with him, but--achoo!--his person is allergic to cats! So, Arfy writes persuasive letters to prospective owners about what a great pet Scamper would make. But somehow these matches aren't made in heaven. If Scamper can't live with any of them, where will he go? He needs a quiet home where he could make people as happy as they'll make him, full of laps, pats and purrs, and yarn balls....Arfy thinks he knows just the place!!
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That’s Life by Ame Dyckman & Cori Doerrfeld
After Life literally knocks on their door, one kid discovers that Life is truly what you make it. It's weird and may not always cooperate, but Life's beauty becomes apparent when it's embraced for all of its quirks. This story is filled with tongue-in-cheek idioms that will appeal to readers of all ages and will impart deeper wisdoms about the many milestones and stages of life.
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Roy Digs Dirt by David Shannon
Although it's a smelly task for those who have to constantly bathe him, Roy's happiness centers on his very favorite thing-dirt-and from sunrise to sunset, he burrows in it, rolls in it, and digs up buried treasures. There's terror in every terrier, and when Roy runs into the house after being sprayed by a skunk, he faces the dreaded bathtub. Written by the same author who gave us the beloved character in No, David!
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Unstoppable by Adam Rex & Laura Park
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Well, what if the answer was: ALL OF THEM! When a bird narrowly escapes the clutches of a hungry cat, a nearby crab admires the bird's ability to fly, while the bird admits a longtime yearning for claws. And, just like that, they team up. Pretty soon, the team includes every animal in the forest who's ever wanted someone else's special trait. But how will these animals stop humans from destroying the forest for a megamall? It's going to take claws, wings, and Congress together to be truly Unstoppable! Laura Park's bright, comic illustrations pair with bestselling author Adam Rex's laugh-out-loud text in this hilarious and insightful picture book about celebrating the ways you're unique, and using all your resourcefulness—and just a smidge of politics—to save the day.
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Llama Unleashes the Alpacalypse by Jonathan Stutzman & Heather Fox
Llama loves cooking. And baking. And, above all, eating.
For breakfast, Llama makes one epic spread…as well as a big mess.
But Llama hates cleaning. So by lunch, Llama has cooked up something really devious―an idea!―and by second lunch, Llama has cloned his most fastidious friend, Alpaca, to clean his house. And Llama doesn’t stop at just one clone. By dinner, the alpaca clones threaten to tidy the world into utter destruction―THE ALPACALYPSE IS HERE! Will Llama be able to fix it all before dessert?
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Eat Your Rocks, Croc! by Jess Keating & Pete Oswald
Dr. Sugar Glider travels around the world to help animals (and, on occasion, plants!) with all sorts of problems. Whether it's a crocodile with a sick stomach, a creeped-out krill, a stressed meerkat, or a male praying mantis trying to date, Dr. Glider is ready to offer advice! From powerhouse duo Jess Keating (Pink Is for Blobfish) and New York Times bestselling illustrator Pete Oswald (The Bad Seed), Eat Your Rocks, Croc! features hilarious stories, charming illustrations, and awesome true facts that will leave young readers enthralled by the real world of the animal kingdom.
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Jules vs the Ocean by Jessie Sima
Jules is going to build the biggest, the fanciest, and the most excellent sandcastle. Her sister will be so impressed. But the ocean has other plans.
Jules keeps building bigger, fancier, and more excellent castles, and waves keep smashing them. And when the ocean takes her bucket, that is the final straw. Jules is going to take a stand!
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Swing by Michael Hall
It’s recess! Four letters (O, V, E, and L) race to the playground to claim the swings. In several pages of recess banter and bullying, one letter is told it’s too round, one is from the wrong end of the alphabet, and one is a vowel and therefore not welcome. What does it take to save the day? Kindness . . . and a heavenly and joyful swing. And what do the letters—friends now because of their shared experience—spell when they finally come back to Earth? LOVE.
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What About Worms!? by Ryan T. Higgins & Mo Willems
Tiger is BIG. Tiger is BRAVE. And Tiger is NOT afraid of anything . . . except WORMS! Are Tiger's worm worries worse than worms?
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You Don’t Want a Dragon by Ame Dyckman & Liz Climo
Our protagonist wishes (much to the narrator's continued chagrin) for a pet dragon. Though initially thrilled, the kid quickly discovers that dragons aren't quite as awesome as they originally thought. From the scooting to the digging to the fire-breathing, our Kid is dismayed that they still haven't found their perfect pet. Little do they know, that pet might just be right around the corner.
* Publishes on June 9, 2020
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We Will Rock Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope is a T. rex, and she's very good at it. She also likes to rock out on guitar! With the school talent show coming up, Penelope can't wait to perform for her classmates. But sharing who you are can be show-stoppingly scary, especially when it's not what people expect. Will Penelope get by with a little help from her friends?
* Publishes on July 7, 2020
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CHAPTER BOOKS
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#1 A Frog and Dog Book: Frog Meets Dog by Janee Trasler
Dog wants to play. Can Dog play with Frog, Frog, and Frog? The frogs hop... but Dog just FLOPS. Will the frogs ever play with Dog? Then a hungry bear comes along! Can Dog find a way to help the frogs?
#2 A Frog and Dog Book: Goat in a Boat by Janee Trasler
Frog and Dog are playing in the sun with Goat. But Goat is wearing a raincoat! Dog laughs at Goat's coat. But when it starts to rain, Goat is very glad to have a coat... and a boat. Will Goat let Dog onto the boat?
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#1 Bumble & Bee: Don’t Worry Bee Happy by Ross Burach
Bumble and Bee love to buzz around the pond and make mischief. Their cranky best friend Froggy prefers the peace and quiet of sitting on a lily pad. They may be an unlikely trio, but no matter what these friends dream up -- from picture day problem-solving to a comical cure for the hiccups -- you can count on hilarious, unexpected FUN!
#2 Bumble & Bee: Let’s Play Make Bee-lieve by Ross Burach
Bumble and Bee have some hysterical ideas for an adventurous day on the pond -- such as going on a search for treasure and a wacky new version of hide-and-seek. Unfortunately, their best pal Froggy wants no part. Will Bumble and Bee's contagious energy be enough to tempt Froggy into joining them for a day of fun and games?
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#1 Moby Shinobi & Toby Too: Surf’s Up! by Luke Flowers
Moby Shinobi and his dog Toby are excited for a day at the beach! Moby tries to use his ninja skills to build a huge sand castle, catch some fish, and save a leaking sailboat... but each try ends in a mess! What if Moby isn't right for the job? But with some help from Toby, he discovers that teamwork makes every job easier!
#2 Moby Shinobi & Toby Too: Take a Hike! by Luke Flowers
Moby Shinobi and his dog Toby are excited to go camping in the mountains! Moby tries to use his ninja skills to set up tents, win a canoeing race, and hike with super speed... but each try ends in a mess! But with some help from Toby, Moby discovers that teamwork makes every job easier!
* Publishes on June 2, 2020
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Layla and the Bots are in an awesome rock band! They also use problem-solving and creativity to build cool inventions. When a local amusement park is in danger of shutting down, Layla knows just how to bring in the crowds... build an amusement park for DOGS! But will cool doggie rides like the Rub-a-Dub Mud Slide and the Tummy Rubbing Machine be enough to keep the park open?
#2 Layla and the Bots: Built for Speed by Vicky Fang & Christine Nishiyama
Blossom Valley is hosting a go-kart race! The go-karts are provided for all the kids in town. Layla and the Bots can't wait for race day! But one racer, Tina, needs their help. She needs a new cart that uses hand-controls and other cool features. Layla and the Bots know just what to do... they will build her a brand-new cart that's even faster than her wheelchair! But will Tina's go-kart have enough speed to win the race?
* Publishes on August 4, 2020
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#1 Unicorn Diaries: Bo’s Magical New Friend by Rebecca Elliott
Bo Tinseltail loves going to Sparklegrove School with the other unicorns. Every unicorn has a magical power. Bo is a Wish Unicorn with the power to grant wishes. Bo has lots of friends, but one thing Bo wants more than anything is a best friend. When a new unicorn named Sunny Huckleberry pops into the forest, will Bo's big wish finally come true? And what will Sunny's Unicorn Power be?
#2 Unicorn Diaries: Bo and the Dragon-Pup by Rebecca Elliott
Bo Tinseltail lives in Sparklegrove Forest, where lots of other magical creatures live. Bo and the other unicorns learn about dragons at school, but they have never seen them before. That is, until now! A blanket and a pair of glasses go missing from school, and the clues lead to the dragon caves! Will Bo and the other unicorns meet a scary creature there? Or will they make a brand-new friend?
#3 Unicorn Diaries: Bo the Brave by Rebecca Elliott
Bo and the other unicorns of Sparklegrove Forest want to earn their Bravery Patch. Will they have to battle a scary monster in order to earn this patch? Bo is nervous! But in the end, the unicorns discover that there are different ways to be brave... Sometimes bravery means having the courage to stand up for others.
* Publishes on July 21, 2020
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Our Friend Hedgehog: The Story of Us by Lauren Castillo
Hedgehog lives on a teeny-tiny island with only her stuffed dog, Mutty, for company. When a great storm carries Mutty away, she embarks on a quest to find her friend. Following the trail of clues Mutty left behind, brave Hedgehog meets a wiggly Mole, a wordy Owl, a curmudgeonly Beaver, a scatterbrained Hen and Chicks, and a girl who's new to the neighborhood, Annika May. With bravery and teamwork, there's nothing that can stop these seven from finding Mutty, but along the way they discover something even more important: each other.
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Baloney and Friends by Greg Pizzoli
Meet Baloney! He's the star of this book, along with his best buddies: empathetic Peanut the horse, sensible Bizz the bumblebee, and grumpy Krabbit -- he'd rather not be here, but what can you do?
In this graphic novel for newly independent readers, Baloney and friends step into the spotlight and embody all the charm of childhood in three short tales and three mini-comics that invite readers to join the fun! Giggle with Baloney as he performs some questionable magic, give him a boost when a case of the blues gets him down, cheer him on as he braves the swimming pool, and at the end, learn to draw all the characters with clear step-by-step instructions!
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Fox & Rabbit by Beth Ferry
Easygoing Fox and anxious Rabbit seem like total opposites. But, somehow, they make the perfect pair! Whether searching for hidden treasure or planting a garden in their own backyard, Fox and Rabbit find everyday magic at every turn. On this first adventure, the pair will discover some new favorite things like sunsets, dandelions, and cotton candy. And they’ll face new fears like heights, swimming, and (poisonous!) frogs. Thankfully, there’s nothing Fox and Rabbit can’t do together!
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Pizza and Taco: Who’s the Best? by Stephen Shaskan
Best friends are the BEST! But WHO is the BEST? Is it Pizza or Taco? The question is debatable! They both love water slides. They both are friends with Hot Dog and Hamburger. In fact, maybe they should have a debate and get their friends to VOTE for who's the best! Can their friendship survive the race for top spot on the popularity food chain? Cast your VOTE!
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#1 Mindy Kim and the Yummy Seaweed Business by Lyla Lee & Dung Ho
Mindy Kim just wants three things: 1. A puppy! 2. To fit in at her new school
3. For her dad to be happy again. But, getting all three of the things on her list is a lot trickier than she thought it would be. On her first day of school, Mindy’s school snack of dried seaweed isn’t exactly popular at the lunch table. Luckily, her new friend, Sally, makes the snacks seem totally delicious to Mindy’s new classmates, so they decide to start the Yummy Seaweed Business to try and raise money for that puppy!
#2 Mindy Kim and the Lunar New Year Parade by Lyla Lee & Dung Ho
Mindy is excited to celebrate the Lunar New Year! Even though it’s the first one without her mom, Mindy is determined to enjoy the day. She decides to make traditional Korean New Year food, a rice cake soup that’s her favorite. But things aren’t going quite to plan, and the celebration doesn’t feel the same as it did before. With the help of her family and friends, can Mindy find a way to still enjoy her old holiday traditions, and create new ones along the way?
#3 Mindy Kim and the Birthday Puppy by Lyla Lee & Dung Ho
All Mindy Kim has ever wanted is a puppy of her very own. After all, having all the toy dog plushies in the world isn’t quite the same thing as a real one! She wants a dog to take on walks, teach tricks, and cuddle with. She knows she has what it takes to be the perfect pet owner, and she thinks a dog would be a perfect gift for her upcoming birthday. But her dad isn’t so sure she’s ready for the big responsibility. Can Mindy prove to her dad that she can handle a new addition to the Kim household?
* Publishes on June 9, 2020
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Geronimo Stilton: The Sewer Rat Stink by Tom Angleberger
A stinky smell is taking over New Mouse City! No mouse can live like this! Geronimo and his best friend Hercule, the private detective, head underground into the sewer world of Mouse Island to investigate. Can they save the city from the stench?
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Grades 2nd & 3rd
PICTURE BOOKS
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Octicorn Party by Kevin Diller & Justin Lowe
Octicorn dreams of having a pool party. But what if no one comes? That would be the most embarrassing thing ever! So Octi sets out to have a party that will make everyone happy―until he realizes that may just be a disaster waiting to happen. Octicorn Party! is for anyone who’s ever felt just a little bit different...which, as it turns out, is pretty much all of us.
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Unstoppable by Adam Rex & Laura Park
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Well, what if the answer was: ALL OF THEM! When a bird narrowly escapes the clutches of a hungry cat, a nearby crab admires the bird's ability to fly, while the bird admits a longtime yearning for claws. And, just like that, they team up. Pretty soon, the team includes every animal in the forest who's ever wanted someone else's special trait. But how will these animals stop humans from destroying the forest for a megamall? It's going to take claws, wings, and Congress together to be truly Unstoppable! Laura Park's bright, comic illustrations pair with bestselling author Adam Rex's laugh-out-loud text in this hilarious and insightful picture book about celebrating the ways you're unique, and using all your resourcefulness—and just a smidge of politics—to save the day.
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Llama Unleashes the Alpacalypse by Jonathan Stutzman & Heather Fox
Llama loves cooking. And baking. And, above all, eating.
For breakfast, Llama makes one epic spread…as well as a big mess.
But Llama hates cleaning. So by lunch, Llama has cooked up something really devious―an idea!―and by second lunch, Llama has cloned his most fastidious friend, Alpaca, to clean his house. And Llama doesn’t stop at just one clone. By dinner, the alpaca clones threaten to tidy the world into utter destruction―THE ALPACALYPSE IS HERE! Will Llama be able to fix it all before dessert?
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Eat Your Rocks, Croc! by Jess Keating & Pete Oswald
Dr. Sugar Glider travels around the world to help animals (and, on occasion, plants!) with all sorts of problems. Whether it's a crocodile with a sick stomach, a creeped-out krill, a stressed meerkat, or a male praying mantis trying to date, Dr. Glider is ready to offer advice! From powerhouse duo Jess Keating (Pink Is for Blobfish) and illustrator Pete Oswald (The Bad Seed), Eat Your Rocks, Croc! features hilarious stories, charming illustrations, and awesome true facts that will leave young readers enthralled by the real world of the animal kingdom.
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Jules vs the Ocean by Jessie Sima
Jules is going to build the biggest, the fanciest, and the most excellent sandcastle. Her sister will be so impressed. But the ocean has other plans.
Jules keeps building bigger, fancier, and more excellent castles, and waves keep smashing them. And when the ocean takes her bucket, that is the final straw. Jules is going to take a stand!
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What About Worms!? by Ryan T. Higgins & Mo Willems
Tiger is BIG. Tiger is BRAVE. And Tiger is NOT afraid of anything . . . except WORMS! Are Tiger's worm worries worse than worms?
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Lift by Minh Le & Dan Santat
Iris loves to push the elevator buttons in her apartment building, but when it's time to share the fun with a new member of the family, she's pretty put out. That is, until the sudden appearance of a mysterious new button opens up entire realms of possibility, places where she can escape and explore on her own. But when she's forced to choose between going at it alone or letting her little brother tag along, Iris finds that sharing a discovery with the people you love can be the most wonderful experience of all.
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You Don’t Want a Dragon by Ame Dyckman & Liz Climo
Our protagonist wishes (much to the narrator's continued chagrin) for a pet dragon. Though initially thrilled, the kid quickly discovers that dragons aren't quite as awesome as they originally thought. From the scooting to the digging to the fire-breathing, our Kid is dismayed that they still haven't found their perfect pet. Little do they know, that pet might just be right around the corner.
* Publishes on June 9, 2020
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We Will Rock Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins
Penelope is a T. rex, and she's very good at it. She also likes to rock out on guitar! With the school talent show coming up, Penelope can't wait to perform for her classmates. But sharing who you are can be show-stoppingly scary, especially when it's not what people expect. Will Penelope get by with a little help from her friends?
* Publishes on July 7, 2020
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ANIMAL FICTION
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The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family.
Bob, Ivan, and Ruby have touched the hearts of millions of readers, and their story isn’t over yet. Catch up with these beloved friends before the star-studded film adaptation of The One and Only Ivan hits theaters in August 2020!
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Real Pigeons #1: Fight Crime by Andrew McDonald & Ben Wood
What do REAL PIGEONS do? They fight crime, of course! Wait, what? You didn't know your town is protected by a secret squad of crime-fighting feathered friends? Well, you are about to get schooled. REAL PIGEONS solve mysteries! REAL PIGEONS fight bad guys! And REAL PIGEONS won't stop until your neighborhood is safe and the questions are all answered: Like, why have all the breadcrumbs disappeared? And which food truck smells the best?
Real Pigeons #2: Eat Danger by Andrew McDonald & Ben Wood
What do Real Pigeons do? They EAT DANGER, of course! This squad of crime-fighting feathered friends is nonstop action and nonstop laughs. Watch them as they infiltrate a secret warehouse full of bottled birds and take down a truly criminal ostrich. The DANGER is REAL. And so are the REAL PIGEONS.
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Dog Diaries #3: Mission Impawsible by James Patterson & Steven Butler
It's me, Junior, back again with another tail-wagging tale of mischief-making! I'll tell you all about the fur-raising time I had when my pet humans went on a trip without me, and the horrible place they left me. Here are some of the adventures I had: 1) How I survived on a diet of icky vegetables, with no yummy, drool-inducing meat in sight! 2) My super-secret plan to steal delicious hamburgers! 3) How my pooch pals and I cooked up a grand scheme to break free and get back home. It's a dangerous mission, but as I always say, you can't keep a good dog down!
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GRAPHIC NOVELS
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Investigators by John Patrick Green
With their Very Exciting Spy Technology and their tried-and-true, toilet-based travel techniques, the InvestiGators are undercover and on the case! And on their first mission together, they have not one but two mysteries to solve! Can Mango and Brash uncover the clues, crack their cases, and corral the crooks―or will the criminals wriggle out of their grasp?
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Baby-sitters Little Sister #2: Karen’s Roller Skates by Ann M. Martin & Katy Farina
It's going to be a great weekend! Karen has new roller skates and is a very good skater. She's looking forward to trying some new tricks. But, oh no! Karen falls down and has to go to the hospital. Her wrist is broken! Karen is determined to get everyone she knows -- plus someone famous -- to sign her cast. It isn't going to be easy, but she won't give up until the job is done.
* Publishes on July 7, 2020
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Act by Kayla Miller
Olive "clicks" with everyone in the fifth grade—until one day she doesn't. When a school variety show leaves Olive stranded without an act to join, she begins to panic, wondering why all her friends have already formed their own groups . . . without her. With the performance drawing closer by the minute, will Olive be able to find her own place in the show before the curtain comes up?
* Publishes on July 21, 2020
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SPOOKY STORIES
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Binder of Doom #4: Hydrant-Hydra by Troy Cummings
Sound the alarm -- things are heating up in Stermont! The Super Secret Monster Patrol arms themselves with water balloons to take on their hottest monster yet. But when puddles appear in the streets and the town starts to flood, Alexander and his friends realize there's a different monster splashing about!
* Publishes on July 7, 2020
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13th Street #1: Battle of the Bad Breath Bats by David Bowles & Shane Clester
Cousins Malia, Ivan, and Dante are visiting their aunt Lucy for the summer. But on their way to Gulf City’s water park, they get lost on 13th Street. Only it’s not a street at all. It’s a strange world filled with dangerous beasts! Will the cousins find their way back to Aunt Lucy’s?
* Publishes on July 7, 2020
13th Street #2: The Fire-Breathing Ferret Fiasco by David Bowles & Shane Clester
Cousins Dante, Malia, and Ivan are happy to be back in their home town. But then their school bus takes a wrong turn and they end up on 13th Street! There are new monsters to fight, but at least they have their friend Susana and their bus driver to help them. Will the gang ever make it to their first day of class?
* Publishes on July 7, 2020
13th Street #3: Clash of the Cackling Cougars by David Bowles & Shane Clester
Ivan, Malia, and Dante are excited about their ski trip. There’s no chance they’ll stumble onto 13th Street in the mountains, right? WRONG! After being sucked through a portal, the cousins come face-to-face with joke-telling cougars that are more dangerous than they seem. How will the kids get out of trouble this time?
* Publishes on July 7, 2020
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SCIENCE FICTION
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Once Upon a Space-Time! by Jeffery Brown
Jide and Petra are just two normal kids until they are selected to leave Earth and join their new alien classmates on an intergalactic research mission to Mars. Too bad Petra has no idea how she ended up in the program, seeing as the closest she wants to get to space is being a sci-fi writer. Jide, on the other hand, is the brains of the mission, but his helicopter parents make it clear he hasn't left their gravitational pull behind quite yet.
What is meant to be an intra-species bonding experience soon turns to hijinx as the kids discover The Potato orbiting around their new space classroom and accidentally launch a mission of their own without any adult commanders around to supervise--or help!
* Publishes on June 2, 2020
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Elements of Genius #3: Nikki Tesla and the Traitors of the Lost Spark by Jess Keating
Genius Academy is under attack! When a routine operation goes horribly wrong, Nikki Tesla and the team take the blame for an international incident of epic proportions, and the school is shut down indefinitely. A little creative "research" tells them someone is planning biological warfare on a grand scale. But to get to the truth and clear their name, Nikki will have to find a miraculous antidote that can stop a criminal mastermind from blowing up the whole world.
* Publishes on July 7, 2020
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REALISTIC FICTION
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Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure #2 by Jeff Kinney
From the imagination of Rowley Jefferson comes an adventure of epic proportions. Join Roland and his best friend, Garg the Barbarian, as they leave the safety of their village and embark on a quest to save Roland’s mom from the White Warlock. Will our heroes survive? Find out in Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure!
* Publishes on August 2, 2020
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Hope #2: Project Animal Rescue by Alyssa Milano
In the second book in Alyssa Milano's funny and relatable middle-grade series, Hope decides to do whatever it takes to stop the local animal shelter from closing down. It's where she found her two furry best friends -- it has to stay open so the other animals there can find their fur-ever homes, too! But can Hope get the support she needs in time to keep the shelter doors open? Hope's relatability, kindness, empathy, and can-do attitude will inspire a generation of do-gooders. This new series is a response to the very palpable feeling that not only can young people save the world -- they will!
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The Best of Iggy by Annie Barrows & Sam Ricks
Meet 9-year-old Iggy Frangi. He's not a bad kid, he's really not. Okay, so he's done a few (a few is anything up to 100) bad things. And okay, he's not very sorry about most of them. People make a big deal about nothing. What's a little pancake here and there? Is that something to get mad about? Iggy doesn't think so. No one got hurt, so there's no problem. No one got hurt except for that one time, that one time when the Best Idea Ever turned into the Worst Idea of All Time.
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NON-FICTION
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What If You Could Sniff Like a Shark? by Sandra Markle & Howard McWilliam
What if you woke up one morning, and you suddenly had the superpower of an ocean animal? If you could shapeshift like a giant Pacific octopus, you could squeeze through even the smallest gaps. If you could snap your claws like a coconut crab, you could slice through sheets of metal. And if you could sniff like a great white shark, you'd be able to smell treats from miles away!
* Publishes on June 2, 2020
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Ocean Speaks: How Marie Tharp Revealed the Ocean’s Biggest Secret by Jess Keating & Katie Hickey
In the mid-twentieth century, women were not welcome in the sciences, but Marie was tenacious. She got a job in a laboratory at Cambridge University, New York. But then she faced a barrier: women were not allowed on the research ships. So instead, Marie stayed back and dove deep into the data her colleagues recorded. She mapped point after point and slowly revealed a deep rift valley in the ocean floor. Marie discovered the single largest geographic feature on the planet, and she mapped it all from her small, cramped office.
* Publishes on June 30, 2020
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Grades 4th & 5th
ANIMAL FICTION
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The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
Bob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family.
Bob, Ivan, and Ruby have touched the hearts of millions of readers, and their story isn’t over yet. Catch up with these beloved friends before the star-studded film adaptation of The One and Only Ivan hits theaters in August 2020!
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Dog Diaries #3: Mission Impawsible by James Patterson & Steven Butler
It's me, Junior, back again with another tail-wagging tale of mischief-making! I'll tell you all about the fur-raising time I had when my pet humans went on a trip without me, and the horrible place they left me. Here are some of the adventures I had: 1) How I survived on a diet of icky vegetables, with no yummy, drool-inducing meat in sight! 2) My super-secret plan to steal delicious hamburgers! 3) How my pooch pals and I cooked up a grand scheme to break free and get back home. It's a dangerous mission, but as I always say, you can't keep a good dog down!
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SCIENCE FICTION
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Once Upon a Time in Space by Jeffery Brown
Jide and Petra are just two normal kids until they are selected to leave Earth and join their new alien classmates on an intergalactic research mission to Mars. Too bad Petra has no idea how she ended up in the program, seeing as the closest she wants to get to space is being a sci-fi writer. Jide, on the other hand, is the brains of the mission, but his helicopter parents make it clear he hasn't left their gravitational pull behind quite yet.
What is meant to be an intra-species bonding experience soon turns to hijinx as the kids discover The Potato orbiting around their new space classroom and accidentally launch a mission of their own without any adult commanders around to supervise--or help!
* Publishes on June 2, 2020
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Elements of Genius #3: Nikki Tesla and the Traitors of the Lost Spark by Jess Keating
Genius Academy is under attack! When a routine operation goes horribly wrong, Nikki Tesla and the team take the blame for an international incident of epic proportions, and the school is shut down indefinitely. A little creative "research" tells them someone is planning biological warfare on a grand scale. But to get to the truth and clear their name, Nikki will have to find a miraculous antidote that can stop a criminal mastermind from blowing up the whole world.
* Publishes on July 7, 2020
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FANTASY
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Race to the Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse
Lately, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay has been able to detect monsters, like that man in the fancy suit who was in the bleachers at her basketball game. Turns out he's Mr. Charles, her dad's new boss at the oil and gas company, and he's alarmingly interested in Nizhoni and her brother, Mac, their Navajo heritage, and the legend of the Hero Twins. Nizhoni knows he's a threat, but her father won't believe her.
When Dad disappears the next day, leaving behind a message that says "Run!", the siblings and Nizhoni's best friend, Davery, are thrust into a rescue mission that can only be accomplished with the help of Diné Holy People, all disguised as quirky characters. Their aid will come at a price: the kids must pass a series of trials in which it seems like nature itself is out to kill them. If Nizhoni, Mac, and Davery can reach the House of the Sun, they will be outfitted with what they need to defeat the ancient monsters Mr. Charles has unleashed. But it will take more than weapons for Nizhoni to become the hero she was destined to be . . .
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A Wish in the Dark by Christina Soontornvat
All light in Chattana is created by one man — the Governor, who appeared after the Great Fire to bring peace and order to the city. For Pong, who was born in Namwon Prison, the magical lights represent freedom, and he dreams of the day he will be able to walk among them. But when Pong escapes from prison, he realizes that the world outside is no fairer than the one behind bars. The wealthy dine and dance under bright orb light, while the poor toil away in darkness. Worst of all, Pong’s prison tattoo marks him as a fugitive who can never be truly free.
Nok, the prison warden’s perfect daughter, is bent on tracking Pong down and restoring her family’s good name. But as Nok hunts Pong through the alleys and canals of Chattana, she uncovers secrets that make her question the truths she has always held dear. Set in a Thai-inspired fantasy world, Christina Soontornvat’s twist on Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables is a dazzling, fast-paced adventure that explores the difference between law and justice — and asks whether one child can shine a light in the dark.
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HISTORICAL FICTION
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We Dream of Space by Erin Entrada Kelly
Cash, Fitch, and Bird Thomas are three siblings in seventh grade together in Park, Delaware. In 1986, as the country waits expectantly for the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger, they each struggle with their own personal anxieties.
Cash, who loves basketball but has a newly broken wrist, is in danger of failing seventh grade for the second time. Fitch spends every afternoon playing Major Havoc at the arcade on Main and wrestles with an explosive temper that he doesn’t understand. And Bird, his twelve-year-old twin, dreams of being NASA’s first female shuttle commander, but feels like she’s disappearing.
The Thomas children exist in their own orbits, circling a tense and unpredictable household, with little in common except an enthusiastic science teacher named Ms. Salonga. As the launch of the Challenger approaches, Ms. Salonga gives her students a project—they are separated into spacecraft crews and must create and complete a mission. When the fated day finally arrives, it changes all of their lives and brings them together in unexpected ways.
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I Survived Graphic Novel #2: I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis
Chet Roscow is finally feeling at home in his uncle's little New Jersey town. He has three new friends, and they love cooling off in the creek on hot summer days.
But then comes shocking news: A massive shark has been attacking swimmers in the ocean along the Jersey Shore, not far from where Chet is staying. Fear is in the air.
So when Chet spots a gray fin in the creek, he's sure it's his imagination running wild. It's impossible he's about to come face-to-face with a killer shark right?
* Publishes on June 2, 2020
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REALISTIC FICTION
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One Last Shot by John David Anderson
For as long as he can remember, Malcolm has never felt like he was good enough. Not for his parents, who have always seemed at odds with each other, with Malcolm caught in between. And especially not for his dad, whose competitive drive and love for sports Malcolm has never shared.
That is, until Malcolm discovers miniature golf, the one sport he actually enjoys. Maybe it’s the way in which every hole is a puzzle to be solved. Or the whimsy of the windmills and waterfalls that decorate the course. Or maybe it’s the slushies at the snack bar. But whatever the reason, something about mini golf just clicks for Malcolm. And best of all, it’s a sport his dad can’t possibly obsess over.
Or so Malcolm thinks.
Soon he is signed up for lessons and entered in tournaments. And yet, even as he becomes a better golfer and finds unexpected friends at the local course, be wonders if he might not always be a disappointment. But as the final match of the year draws closer, the tension between Malcolm’s parents reaches a breaking point, and it’s up to him to put the puzzle of his family back together again.
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My Life as a Potato by Arianne Costner
Ben Hardy believes he's cursed by potatoes. And now he's moved to Idaho, where the school's mascot is Steve the Spud! Yeah, this cannot be good.
After accidentally causing the mascot to sprain an ankle, Ben is sentenced to Spud duty for the final basketball games of the year. But if the other kids know he's the Spud, his plans for popularity are likely to be a big dud! Ben doesn't want to let the team down, so he lies to his friends to keep it a secret. No one will know it's him under the potato suit . . . right?
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HUMOR
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Stand up, Yumi Chung! By Jessica Kim
On the outside, Yumi Chung suffers from #shygirlproblems, a perm-gone-wrong, and kids calling her "Yu-MEAT" because she smells like her family's Korean barbecue restaurant. On the inside, Yumi is ready for her Netflix stand-up special. Her notebook is filled with mortifying memories that she's reworked into comedy gold. All she needs is a stage and courage.
Instead of spending the summer studying her favorite YouTube comedians, Yumi is enrolled in test-prep tutoring to qualify for a private school scholarship, which will help in a time of hardship at the restaurant. One day after class, Yumi stumbles on an opportunity that will change her life: a comedy camp for kids taught by one of her favorite YouTube stars. The only problem is that the instructor and all the students think she's a girl named Kay Nakamura--and Yumi doesn't correct them.
As this case of mistaken identity unravels, Yumi must decide to stand up and reveal the truth or risk losing her dreams and disappointing everyone she cares about.
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Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure #2 by Jeff Kinney
From the imagination of Rowley Jefferson comes an adventure of epic proportions. Join Roland and his best friend, Garg the Barbarian, as they leave the safety of their village and embark on a quest to save Roland’s mom from the White Warlock. Will our heroes survive? Find out in Rowley Jefferson’s Awesome Friendly Adventure!
* Publishes on August 2, 2020
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Middle School Bites by Steven Banks & Mark Fearing
Thanks to a series of unfortunate bites, eleven-year-old Tom is a triple threat: he's a Vam-Wolf-Zom. And just in time for the first day of middle school. So much for his Invisible Tom Plan. He never thought to make a What If I Turn Into A Vampire Werewolf Zombie Plan. Maybe it's time for a Run Away and Live Somewhere Else Plan?
With the help of his irrepressible best friend, Zeke, Tom tries to accept his future. Zeke thinks being a Vam-Wolf-Zom sounds EXCELLENT! (Zeke thinks everything sounds EXCELLENT!) At least he'll be able to stand up to the sixth-grade bully. The question is will the rest of Hamilton Middle School accept the Vam-Wolf-Zom, too?
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SCARY STORIES
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Ghost Squad by Claribel Ortega
Shortly before Halloween, Lucely and her best friend, Syd, cast a spell that accidentally awakens malicious spirits, wreaking havoc throughout St. Augustine. Together, they must join forces with Syd's witch grandmother, Babette, and her tubby tabby, Chunk, to fight the haunting head-on and reverse the curse to save the town and Lucely's firefly spirits before it's too late.
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MYSTERY
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Tyrannosaurus Wrecks by Stuart Gibbs
Teddy was all set for a campout at his friend Sage’s family ranch—but then Sage gets terrible news: The skull of a rare dinosaur that was being excavated on his property has mysteriously vanished overnight in the middle of a rainstorm, even though it weighed 500 pounds. Not a single footprint has been left behind. Since the dinosaur was top secret, the police don’t believe anyone outside the dig could have stolen it.
A T-rex skull can sell for millions of dollars, and everyone is a suspect—including J.J. McCracken, the owner of FunJungle.
Meanwhile, Teddy’s old foes, the Barksdale twins, have gotten into trouble with an illegally purchased anaconda, and Teddy’s girlfriend Summer wants to find out who’s behind the local trade in black market reptiles. The two cases will drag Teddy into more danger and chaos than ever before, in this mystery that’s stranger than fiction.
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GRAPHIC NOVELS
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Investigators by John Patrick Green
With their Very Exciting Spy Technology and their tried-and-true, toilet-based travel techniques, the InvestiGators are undercover and on the case! And on their first mission together, they have not one but two mysteries to solve! Can Mango and Brash uncover the clues, crack their cases, and corral the crooks―or will the criminals wriggle out of their grasp?
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Green Lantern Legacy by Minh Le & Andie Tong
Thirteen-year-old Tai Pham lives in the apartment above his grandmother's store, where his bedroom is crammed with sketchpads and comic books. But not even his most imaginative drawings could compare to the colorful adventure he's about to embark on.
When Tai inherits his grandmother's jade ring, he soon finds out it's more than it appears. Suddenly he's being inducted into a group of space cops known as the Green Lanterns, his neighborhood is being overrun by some racist bullies, and every time he puts pen to paper, he's forced to confront that he might not be creative enough or strong enough to uphold his ba's legacy.
Now Tai must decide what kind of hero he wants to be: will he learn to soar above his insecurities or will the past keep him grounded?
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Baby-sitters Little Sister #2: Karen’s Roller Skates by Ann M. Martin & Katy Farina
It's going to be a great weekend! Karen has new roller skates and is a very good skater. She's looking forward to trying some new tricks. But, oh no! Karen falls down and has to go to the hospital. Her wrist is broken! Karen is determined to get everyone she knows -- plus someone famous -- to sign her cast. It isn't going to be easy, but she won't give up until the job is done.
* Publishes on July 7, 2020
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Act by Kayla Miller
Olive "clicks" with everyone in the fifth grade—until one day she doesn't. When a school variety show leaves Olive stranded without an act to join, she begins to panic, wondering why all her friends have already formed their own groups . . . without her. With the performance drawing closer by the minute, will Olive be able to find her own place in the show before the curtain comes up?
* Publishes on July 21, 2020
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