Durham, Paul. THE LAST GARGOYLE

Durham, Paul.  
THE LAST GARGOYLE
New York ; Random, 2018
IL 5-8
ISBN 1524700568
"What goes bump in the night? If you're lucky, I do."  Meet Penhallow.  Maybe you have even seen him. You know those stone creatures that are in the tops of some buildings? They crouch on the roofs and scowl at you. You may call them gargoyles. But don't call Penhallow a gargoyle. He gets offended easily. He is a grotesque and his job is keeping the residents in the apartment building in Boston safe And they are going to need him more than they know. There are only 3 grotesques left in Boston and they are trying their best to keep their charges safe. But things are getting more and more dangerous as someone or something is trying to kill off the grotesques of Boston.

Williams-Garcia, Rita. CLAYTON BYRD GOES UNDERGROUND

Williams-Garcia, Rita.  
CLAYTON BYRD GOES UNDERGROUND
New York : Amistad, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 4.4
ISBN 0062215914


Cool Papa Byrd is a blues man.  And his grandson Clayton thinks he is the best. Cool Papa lets Clayton come to some of his gigs even though they have to keep it secret from his mother.  Clayton doesn't understand why she hates her own father so much. Especially since it is Cool Papa Byrd. But she wants nothing to do with the blues or that life even mentioned in her house.  When Cool Papa dies in the night, Clayton's life is turned upside down. How can he go on without Cool Papa? Without the blues? He has to come up with a plan.

Colfer, Eoin. ILLEGAL

Colfer, Eoin.
ILLEGAL
New York : Sourcebooks, 2018
IL 5-8
ISBN 1492662143A powerful graphic novel that follows Ebo, a young boy from Ghana as he tries to escape to Europe. Ebo's brother leaves their village without him but Ebo searches for Kwame and Finally finds him in the city. They travel through the desert towards the sea. Join the boys on their harrowing journey to Europe as they face hardships along the way.

Riordan, Rick. THE HAMMER OF THOR

Riordan, Rick.  
THE HAMMER OF THOR
Orlando : Disney Hyperion, 2016
IL 5-8, RL 5.1
ISBN 1423160924

Thor's hammer is missing yet again. He loses that thing so often. But this time it is a bit different. The hammer is in enemy hands. And Magnus is going to try to help get it back.After all, that is the only way to stop Ragnarok.  His friend Samirah is being forced to marry a giant king. And her father Loki may be behind it. And then there is her gender fluid half-brother Alex who may be working with Loki. Come along on another adventure with Magnus Chase and his friends as they make the most of death.

Reynolds, Jason. GHOST

Reynolds, Jason. 
GHOST
New York : Atheneum, 2016


Caleb Cranshaw has been running for three years. Ever since his father tried to kill him and his mother.  Dad is in prison and his mother is working at the hospital cafeteria to pay the bills. Caleb, or Ghost as he prefers to be called, is a pretty good runner. When he watches a track team practice, he decides to show up the cocky kid who thinks no one can beat him. And he smokes him. He wasn't doing it to get on the team but when the coach sees how fast he is, that is just what happens. His mother has said it is fine as long as he doesn't get into trouble at school. Well, that has been happening quite a bit recently. Try as he might, Ghost just can't do it. But as he realizes how much being part of the track team means to him, he is determined to stay. 

Perez, Celia C. THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK

Perez, Celia C. 
THE FIRST RULE OF PUNK
New York : Viking, 2017
IL 5-8, RL 6.2
ISBN 0425290409

Twelve-year-old Maria Luisa, or Malu as she prefers to be called, loves punk. She loves the music. She loves the look. She also loes skateboarding and zines. She shares these interests with her dad but now she and her mom are moving away. Her mother has a new job in Chicago and they move just before the start of 7th grade. Not a great time to be the new kid. And Malu find herself in trouble right from the start. She has violated the dress code by wearing makeup. And the class queen bee has her sights on Malu.  It is not a great start. But Malu does find a few kids with similar interests and they decide to start their own punk band. But Malu learns that it is not always easy to stand up for what you believe in and be yourself.

Pearson, Scott. ZEBRA MUSSELS (INVASIVE SPECIES TAKEOVER)

Pearson, Scott.
ZEBRA MUSSELS (INVASIVE SPECIES TAKEOVER)
Mankato, MN : Black Rabbit Books, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.0
ISBN 1680720198

People in Monroe, Michigan had a problem. Something was clogging the water pipes and cutting off the supply. When they investigated, they found that the pipe were clogged with lots of shells. These were shells of zebra mussels. This was a big problem. Zebra mussels were not usually found in Michigan and they were spreading into lots of pipes and they stuck to everything. This is what is knows as an invasive species. There are no natural predators in the area to keep the zebra mussels from taking over. But how were the mussels getting in to Michigan?  And what can be done?

Olson, Tod. LOST IN THE PACIFIC, 1942: NOT A DROP TO DRINK

Olson, Tod.  
LOST IN THE PACIFIC, 1942: NOT A DROP TO DRINK
New York : Scholastic, 2016

Imagine being lost at sea and having no one know where you are.  That is just what happened to a group of military men during World War II. The plane was on the way across the Pacific Ocean to deliver war hero Eddie Rickenbacker to a meeting. But the plane went down and in their haste to evacuate, they have left all the food and water on the plane. Now it is 8 men on 3 tiny rubber boats on a very large ocean with no one knowing where they are. How can they survive? Is anyone even looking for them? As they days go by, their hopes lesson.

Laybourne, Emmy. BERSERKER

Laybourne, Emmy. 
BERSERKER
New York : Feiwel and Friends, 2017
IL YA
ISBN 1250055202
This is part historical fiction and part fantasy. Hanne and her family live in Norway in 1883. Most of the children have inherited the power of the Nytte. These powers are a gift from the Norse gods and are handed down from generation to generation.  Hanne's father is a ship-wright. Older brother Steig is a storm-born.  But Hanne is a Berserker. These are the most dangerous of the Nyttes.  The Berserkers are killers.  If anyone Hanne loves is in danger, she can't help herself. And that is what happens.  Her father is in danger and Hanne's Nytte takes over. The men who threatened them are now dead as is her father. And now the kids are running for their lives. If they are found out, they will be killed.  They take a ship to America and head west searching for an uncle who they believe can help Hanne control her Nytte. But they are being chased by men who have a different idea of what should happen to them.

Kline, Christina Baker. ORPHAN TRAIN GIRL : THE YOUNG READERS' EDITION OF ORPHAN TRAIN

Kline, Christina Baker. 
ORPHAN TRAIN GIRL : THE YOUNG READERS' EDITION OF ORPHAN TRAIN
New York : Harper, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.6
ISBN 0062445944


Molly Ayer was only eight when she was placed in foster care. She has not had an easy life and now she is in trouble and forced to perform community service. She is assigned to an elderly woman who needs some help cleaning out her attic. Molly is not thrilled with this assignment but how bad can it be? As they get to know each other, Molly learns that Vivian was orphaned as a young child and sent from New York on a train to find a new home. These "orphan trains" were devised as a good way to find homes for city orphans and to help people in the midwest who could use help. Vivian tells of her adventures on the train and of the homes that did not work out. Molly begins to bond with Vivian and can't wait to hear the next installment of the story.

Khan, Khizr. THIS IS OUR CONSTITUTION : DISCOVER AMERICA WITH A GOLD STAR

Khan, Khizr. 
THIS IS OUR CONSTITUTION : DISCOVER AMERICA WITH A GOLD STAR FATHER
New York : Knopf, 2017
IL 5-8, RL 6.1
ISBN 1524770914
Few who watched Mr. Khan at the 2016 Democratic National Convention can forget his powerful words. As an immigrant who lost his son while fighting for America, he gave an impassioned speech on the value, principals and ideals that America was founded on. Using the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, he inspires us all to believe in the ideals of the Founding Fathers again.

Anderson, John David. POSTED

Anderson, John David.  
POSTED
New York : Walden Pond Press, 2017
IL 5-8, RL 5.3
ISBN 006233820X

Middle schoolers without their cell phones. You just know they will find a way around this. When the school bans cell phones, the students turn to sticky notes to communicate with each other. It starts with Deedee passing silly notes to his friends. And then it spreads. The notes become mean and disturbing. So the school bans sticky notes. But the harm has already been done. Deedee, Frost, Wolf and Bench have been friends through middle school. When a new girl joins their circle, or should I say square, things begin to change for them. First Bench starts hanging out with other kids. Then Rose takes on the class bully. And then things change forever. 

Beebe, Katy. NILE CROSSING

Beebe, Katy.
NILE CROSSING
Grand Rapids : Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2017
IL 3-6
ISBN 0802854257
The first day of school is not always easy. There are so many new experiences that you will encounter. This is true for Khepri in Ancient Egypt as well. Khepri is the son of  a fisherman who is about to leave home to go to school in the city. He is going to learn to be a scribe. In Ancient Egypt, not everyone could read or write. Young boys were trained as scribes to fill the need. As Khepri and his father travel down the Nile River towards the city, the young boy thinks about what he is leaving behind.

Ali-A. ALI-A ADVENTURES : GAME ON!

Ali-A. 
ALI-A ADVENTURES : GAME ON!
New York : Random House, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.5
ISBN 1524770957
Have you ever watched Ali-A's videos on youtube? If you are into video games, I bet you have. And now you can read his new graphic novel. It's launch time for the much anticipated video game Alien Liberator 2. The crowds are here waiting to see Ali to officially launch the game. But weird things start happening right from the start. The launch is taken over by a group of aliens who are out to enslave everyone. And now it is up to Ali to save the world.

Alexander, William. A PROPERLY UNHAUNTED PLACE

Alexander, William.
A PROPERLY UNHAUNTED PLACE
New York : Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 3.9
ISBN 1481469150

Rosa would rather be anywhere but here. They have lived in some great libraries in their time but now they are stuck in the basement of the Ingot library. She doesn't even know why her mother would even take this job. Her mother is the best ghost appeaser in the country. You see, all libraries are haunted and must hire ghost appeasement librarians to keep things safe. All libraries have apartments where the family lives while the librarian works. But why has her mom taken a job in the only unhaunted town in the world. Or are things not as they seem? What happens when a town tries to banish ghosts rather than appease them?

Roth-Beck, Meike. THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MARTIN LUTHER

Roth-Beck, Meike.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MARTIN LUTHER
Grand Rapids : Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2017
IL 5-8, RL 6.4
ISBN 0802854958


500 years ago, the Catholic Church dominated Europe. The priests were powerful and Rome dictated practice. A young man by the name of Martin Luther began to question the way the church did things. This was during a time when it was very dangerous to speak against the church. People were killed for doing that. But Martin had many questions and spent time thinking about them. He eventually came up with 95 theses or ideas that he felt needed attention. Those statements criticized many of the Church's practices. This made Martin a fugitive but got many people talking. He had just started a revolution that brought about the Protestant Reformation. 

Martin, Emily Winfield. SNOW AND ROSE

Martin, Emily Winfield.
SNOW AND ROSE
New York : Random House, 2017
IL 3-6
ISBN 0553538187




Snow and Rose are sisters who live with their mother in an enchanted forest. Their father has disappeared and they have lost everything from their old life. The girls spend their days in the forest and one day they find a strange little man who needs their help. As they explore more, they find other odd things in the woods. Come on along with them as enjoy this take on one of Grimm's fairy tales.

Korman, Gordon. RESTART

Korman, Gordon.
RESTART
New York : Scholastic, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.5
ISBN 1338053779


Chase Ambrose is lucky to be alive. He doesn't remember falling off the roof but he did a job on his head. And now he doesn't really remember anything about his life before he woke up in the hospital. It is called amnesia and is probably caused by his brain injury. The doctor says he is lucky that he remembers how to do most things -- just not his first 13 years. He doesn't know his parents or even his own face. When school starts, he is allowed to go to school but no football. What? Even though he doesn't remember, he is apparently the best player on the team. But it is the reactions of the other kids that disturbs him the most. Everywhere he goes, kids run away in fear. He is able to make friends with a student on the video club and soon they begin to accept that Chase has changed. But can you really change when you have been the biggest bully in town? 

Kessler, Liz. HAUNT ME

Kessler, Liz.
HAUNT ME
Somerville : Candlewick Press, 2017
IL YA
ISBN 0763691623


Joe doesn't quite understand what is happening. As he looks out his bedroom window, he sees his family leaving. For good. They are moving away and leaving him behind. He tries to shout and run after them but he can't. He is dead. He is a ghost and he is left in this room forever. But now a young girl has moved in. Erin can't see him or hear him but he relates to her. She is also a poet and seems as sad and confused as he is. When he tries to touch her, an amazing thing happens. She sees him. She knows he is there. They become friends and maybe a bit more. But this is crazy. Joe is dead and Erin is alive. Can they help each other go on?

Grehan, Meg. THE SPACE BETWEEN

Grehan, Meg.
THE SPACE BETWEEN
Dublin : Little Island, 2017
IL YA
ISBN 1910411590


New Year's Day. A time for new beginnings. A time for resolutions. For Beth, a time for a new start. A start as a recluse. She is battling mental illness and depression and she is terrified of the world. She believes the best way to get through her life is to close herself off. Each day is the same. She wakes up. She gets dressed. She reads. She goes back to bed. But then one day, there is a face at her window. It is a dog. A beautiful, friendly dog. Beth loves playing with him. But how will she cope when the dog's owner comes to get him? 

Gratz, Alan. REFUGEE

Gratz, Alan.
REFUGEE
New York : Scholastic, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 6.1
ISBN 0545880831

Refugee.   Someone who flees to a foreign country to escape danger or persecution. 1938 --  Josef and his family live during a time in Germany when it is not safe to be Jewish. The Nazis are in power and Josef's father is arrested and brought to a concentration camp. He is free now but not the same. They now have 2 weeks to leave Germany or all of them will be sent to a concentration camp. They book passage on a ship that will bring them to Cuba where they can be free.  1994 -- Isabelle and her family are living in Cuba but now there are riots and unrest in the country.  Her father is caught rioting and beaten. Now he knows he must leave the country if he is to live. The family boards a small boat for the 90 mile voyage to Florida where they can be free.  2015 -- Mahmoud lives in Aleppo in Syria.  When his home is bombed and there is no hope of living in peace, his family is forced to leave. They will drive as far as they can and then take a boat to Greece.  They are heading to Germany where they can be free. Follow the three as they make the harrowing journey in hopes of finding a place where they can be free.

Fleming, Candace. BEN FRANKLIN'S IN MY BATHROOM

Fleming, Candace.
BEN FRANKLIN'S IN MY BATHROOM
New York : Schwartz & Wade, 2017
IL 3-6
ISBN 1101934069

Nolan is just your typical kid living an ordinary life until something weird happens. A package is left for Nolan and when he opens it, poof! Ben Franklin shows up!  The real Ben Franklin from the 1700s. Ben is as surprised as Nolan but he won't let this opportunity pass him by.  Ben wants to see everything and Nolan's sister is happy to             oblige.  Tag along as Ben visits the library and other places in town. Will Ben ever get home though?

Elvgren, Jennifer Riesmeyer. THE WHISPERING TOWN

Elvgren, Jennifer Riesmeyer.
THE WHISPERING TOWN
New York : Kar-Ben Publishing, 2014IL 3-6, RL 3.2
ISBN 1467711942

During World War II, a small town in Denmark did what it could to help save Jews from the Nazis. Anett and her family hid Jews in their basement for a few days until they could escape from the harbor. All the townspeople helped with food and other items needed by the families. When the family has to leave or be discovered, it is too cloudy for them to find their way to the harbor. How can the town come together to help.

Clinton, Chelsea. SHE PERSISTED : 13 AMERICAN WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD

Clinton, Chelsea.
SHE PERSISTED : 13 AMERICAN WOMEN WHO CHANGED THE WORLD
New York : Philomel Books, 2017
IL K-3, RL 6.9
ISBN 1524741728

Sometimes being a girl isn't easy. There are too many people who tell you that you can't do things and that you aren't good enough. This is the story of 13 courageous American women who didn't believe that. They persisted even though they were often told they would not succeed. If anyone ever tells you your dreams are too big or that your voice shouldn't be heard, remember these women who persisted and achieved great things.

Clarke E. J. OAKWING : A FAIRY'S TALE

Clarke E. J.
OAKWING : A FAIRY'S TALE
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.0
ISBN 1481481916

Rowan loves going into the city with her mother. But one day, her mother went in without her and never came home. It has been seven years and Rowan still can't believe that her mother left them. Her father is just sleepwalking through life and it is up to Rowan to keep the family going. On the anniversary of her mother's disappearance, Rowan takes the trip into the city and sits under the tree her mother loved. As the tears begin, something very odd happens. The world looks so much bigger and Rowan feels very strange. She has turned into a fairy. It is said that those who sit under the tree and feel unloved are taken in by the fairies. But Rowan doesn't want to be a fairy. She just wants her mother back. Did her mother turn into a fairy also? Is there a way back?

Charbonneau, Joelle. DIVIDING EDEN

Charbonneau, Joelle. 
DIVIDING EDEN

New York : HarperTeen, 2017
IL YA
ISBN 006245384X

Twins Carys and Andreus find themselves in a position they never imagined. Their father and older brother have been killed and now there is a need for a new ruler of Eden. Everyone expected it to be their mother but this is not to be. Since no one who attend their birth is still alive, there is no way to know which twin is the eldest and the rightful heir of the crown. This puts everyone in an awkward position.  The elders decide that there must be a series of challenges between Carys and Andreus that will determine who will wear the crown. How will that work? And will the kingdom discover that one of the twins is cursed? When the crown is on the line, will the twins stick together?

Burgan, Michael. JACK THE RIPPER

Burgan, Michael. 

JACK THE RIPPER
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.7
ISBN 148147944X

This is one of those events in history that just doesn't go away.  Way back in 1888, a series of murders occurred in London that have never been solved.  They spanned the time of just a few months but the horrendous nature of the crimes fascinated the people during the time.  And the fact that the murderer has never been identified continues to fascinate people today. You have probably heard of Jack the Ripper. But who was he? What is known about him? How do we know that he committed all the murders? Come along and learn about one of history's worst people.

Buckley, James. ADOLF HITLER

Buckley, James.  

ADOLF HITLER

New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.5
ISBN 1481479415

It seems appropriate that a book on Adolf Hitler is the first book in a new series History's Worst.  This biography follows Hitler from birth through his childhood and his rise to power.  An aspiring art student, Hitler was rejected from art school several times before he moved to Germany.  There he joined the military and fought in World War I.  After the war, he turned his interest to politics and used his charismatic nature to become one of the most powerful men in Germany.  When he finally become the leader of Germany, he began his plan to control Europe and do away with people he felt were inferior to the Germans. He paid no attention to laws or treaties with other countries.  He took what he wanted and eliminated those who opposed him.  Read about one of history's worst.
          

Wronski, Gareth. HOLLY FARB AND THE PRINCESS OF THE GALAXY

Wronski, Gareth.
HOLLY FARB AND THE PRINCESS OF THE GALAXY
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 6.2
ISBN 1481471775


Holly Farb is certainly no one special.  She has few friends and even her mother doesn't seem to care that much about her.  She is feeling a bit low about losing the school election and worried about the big test she has to take to get into the school her mother wants her to go to.  Little can she know just how much her life is about to change.  She is kidnapped by aliens! Alien pirates who have mistaken her from the Princess of the Galaxy!  Come on, she couldn't even win a school election. How could anyone think she could rule the galaxy? In a series of funny adventures, Holly, her teacher and the real princess try to escape the pirates and get back to Earth.

Rue, Ginger. ALECA ZAMM IS AHEAD OF HER TIME

Rue, Ginger.  
ALECA ZAMM IS AHEAD OF HER TIME
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6
ISBN 1481470639



Aleca's birthday party is going to be a blast.  The kids are going roller skating at the rink. But she has to ask all the kids in her class.  Even the mean girls. And she is also dealing with her new ability. She can stop time just by saying her name. Aunt Zephyr is helping her understand her wonder but now there is someone else out there when she freezes time. Who is this other Wonder? Is is a friendly Wonder? Or something much worse?

Nolen, Jerdine. CALICO GIRL

Nolen, Jerdine.
CALICO GIRL
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 4.2
ISBN 1481459813

Callie is a 12 year old girl living as a slave in Virginia. The country is about to go to war as the southern states have voted to secede from the union. Some of the slaves on the plantation have been sold off to help pay for the war and now Callie is         wondering if the promise of her freedom is ever going to happen.  This is the story of Callie's journey to freedom.  Callie finds her way to Fort Monroe where slaves  find refuge as contraband of war and cannot be sent back to their "owners".  Here, Callie's life changes and she now has decisions to make about her future.

Miles, Chris. SPURT

Miles, Chris.
SPURT
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2017
IL 5-8, RL 4.8
ISBN 1481479725


Meet Jack. A former reality television star and current 8th grader. Some people might feel he has it made with the tv bit but Jack is just trying to live a normal life. But that is not so easy when you think you are the only 8th grader who hasn't gone through puberty yet.  Jack is obsessed with this and he tries to fake it so the other kids won't make fun of him.  There are many cringe-worthy events along the way and Jack must also deal with a reunion show of the tv show he was on.  

McMullen, Beth. MRS. SMITH'S SPY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS

McMullen, Beth.
MRS. SMITH'S SPY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
New York : Aladdin, 2017

IL 3-6, RL 5.8
ISBN 1481490206



Abigail is not sure why her mother sent her to this elite boarding school.  She has never even heard of it. She is able to make a few friends but the work is hard and things are going on that she doesn't understand.  When she sneaks into the head mistress's office after hours, she learns that this school is not at all what she thought.  It is actually a school for training spies!  Children as spies. Now Abigail is caught up in the intrigue when she discovers a secret about her own mother.  Full of adventure and secrets, Abigail's middle school year is not like anything you may ever experience.

Littman, Sarah. FAIREST OF THEM ALL

Littman, Sarah.
FAIREST OF THEM ALL
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 6.0

ISBN 1481451308



Do you like fashion? Do you have your own style? Maybe you are that person who just knows how to dress and maybe even make your own fashion. Well, Aria is that person. She wants to make her own clothes and dreams of becoming a fashion designer. When a new club starts at school, she just knows she has to join.  The Couture Club is just the opportunity Aria needs to show her stuff. But there is one problem. One big problem. Aria is the daughter of Brier Rose and Prince Charming. They are now living in New York and have a fairly modern life after Rose's long sleep but Aria is not allowed near sharp objects. Especially needles. Just in case. Talk about a helicopter mother! How is Aria supposed to design fashion without touching a needle? Come on. That sleeping spell can't be handed down could it?

Mancusi, Mari. PRINCESSES, INC.

Mancusi, Mari.
PRINCESSES, INC.
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 5-8, RL 5.3

ISBN 1481479016



Eighth graders Hailey and her BFFs are all obsessed with Collin Prince, a youtube star.  They watch all his videos and Hailey and Sarah even write fan fiction about him. When they find out that he will be at Comic-pa-looza this summer, they know they just have to get there. When the parents say no, the girls come up with a way to make the money themselves.  They will babysit.  But most of the jobs are taken by older girls.  They need a hook. Something that will make them stand out. Something like Princesses and Pirates.  They will dress as princesses and make it more of a party than a babysitting gig. And boy is it popular. They are in demand and parents are now calling them instead of their regular sitters. This is such a great way to make the money they need to get to Houston and meet Collin Prince.  Or is it?

Johnson, Rebecca L. CHERNOBYL'S WILD KINGDOM

Johnson, Rebecca L.  CHERNOBYL'S WILD KINGDOM

New York : Twenty First Century Books, 2015



It was just an ordinary Friday night in the small town Pripyat, Ukraine.  On April 26, 1986, a routine test on the nuclear power plant went horribly wrong.  In less than a minute, the plant exploded releasing radiation. The explosion released four hundred times more radioactivity than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima during World War II. But the locals did not know what happened. Radioactivity is invisible and may take awhile to kill.  The officials realized that they could not keep this a secret so by Sunday, the town was evacuated. The power plant was encased in concrete but an 18 mile radius around the plant was deemed uninhabitable and blocked off. This area was considered the Dead Zone. No life could live in it for years if ever. But thirty years after the disaster, scientists found something extraordinary. Life found a way. They found plants and animals flourishing in the dead zone.  How could that be? And what types of life is found there?

Green, Tim. BASEBALL GENIUS

Green, Tim.
BASEBALL GENIUS
New York : Jeter Children's/Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 4.8
ISBN 1481468642

Jalen was only doing this so he could afford to pay for the travel team this summer. No way could his dad afford to pay for the team.  They were living what his teacher had called "hand to mouth". But Jalen needed money to play on the summer travel team. Baseball was his life and he just had to be on the team. So he snuck onto James Yager's property to steal baseballs.  James Yager was giving these baseballs away anyway so it should be no big deal.  Just 10 signed baseballs and Jalen would have the money he needed.  He  hadn't counted on being caught -- by James Yager himself.  He gets away but that is not the end to this story.  When he meets James Yager again, the two strike up a deal to help both of them. What does Jalen have that could possibly save Yager's baseball career?

Foster, Stewart. BUBBLE

Foster, Stewart.
BUBBLE
New York : Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2017

IL 3-6, RL 3.2
ISBN 1481487426

Joe has been in the hospital so long that he doesn't even remember what it is like to be outside. Joe has an autoimmune disease which means he is allergic to just about everything. He lives in a special room in the hospital in London that keeps him alive. The air is pure and everyone who comes in must wash with antiseptic soap and wear special clothes. It is hard for an 11 year old boy to be cooped up all the time. His sister and nurses are very good to him but it is  still hard.  When a new nurse is  assigned to his case, Joe believes the nurse is crazy. Amir talks about aliens and crop circles and landing fields.  But as Joe gets to know Amir, he begins to find him exciting. And maybe a bit dangerous. When Amir suggests that Joe do something against all the rules, what will Joe do?

Cronin, Doreen. CYCLONE

Cronin, Doreen.
CYCLONE
New York : Atheneum Books 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.8
ISBN 1481435256

Can she take it back? Nora just really, really wanted to ride the the Cyclone roller coaster at Coney Island. And this was her last chance. Her parents wouldn't ride with her so her cousin Riley was her only chance. But Riley really, really didn't want to ride the Cyclone. She was so scared. But Nora blackmailed her into it. It will be all over in a couple of minutes. It will be fine. But it wasn't. And Riley will never be the same. What do you do when you have blackmailed your favorite cousin to do something and it goes so wrong? 

Rue, Ginger. ALECA ZAMM IS A WONDER

Rue, Ginger. 
ALECA ZAMM IS A WONDER
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6
ISBN 1481470604

Aleca is excited about turning 10 but she still has to get through the school day.  Her teacher hates her and she is being bullied by some mean girls.  When one of them lies and tells the teacher that Aleca was talking when the teacher went out of the room, Aleca has had it. The teacher complains to the principal who is going to do something. When he asks Aleca her name, she replies "Aleca Zamm" and time stood still. For real. Everybody just stopped in their tracks. Animals too. This is very strange. Aleca decides to have some fun with this and pulls a few pranks while everyone is frozen. But then she gets serious. How in the world is she able to stop everyone just by saying her name? Maybe her great aunt can figure this out.


Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/x7XiJttTrjd6q

Roberts, Willo Davis. PAWNS

Roberts, Willo Davis.
PAWNS
New York : Simon Pulse, 2017
IL YA
ISBN 1481486209

Fourteen year old Teddi is trying to come to grips with her parents deaths just four months ago.  She doesn't know what she would be doing or who she would be living with if Mamie hadn't opened her home. Mamie was their next door neighbor and really helped Teddi through those horrible months when her mother was dying. Now Mamie has a new person showing up on her doorstep. Dora shows up with suitcases in hand and very pregnant.  She tells Mamie that she was married to Mamie's son Ricky who has been killed in a airplane accident. Mamie doesn't know what to think since she really hasn't heard much from Ricky after he moved to California.  So Dora is welcomed as the new baby when he is born.  But something is just not right.  And Teddi is going to find out what.
 Podast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/WULNw4ydt0Paq

Roberts, Willo Davis. MEGAN'S ISLAND

Roberts, Willo Davis.
MEGAN'S ISLAND
New York : Aladdin, 2016
IL 3-6, RL 5.0
ISBN 1481449087

Megan is looking forward to summer vacation.  She is going to spend time at her Grandfather's cabin on the lake. And her mother is letting her bring  her best friend Annie. But it all changes when her mother makes them pack up in the middle of the night and drive all night. They end up at the cabin but she isn't allowed to tell Annie where they are. This is the way it always is when they move. Pack up and leave everyone behind. No contact with anyone they know. This time, Megan's mother leaves them at the cabin and goes away saying she will be back.  It just feels different this time. Will Megan be able to figure out what is going on? And does she want to?

Podcast:  https://spark.adobe.com/video/KYtK0Jc6NtnMO

Priebe, Gigi. ADVENTURES OF HENRY WHISKERS

Priebe, Gigi.
ADVENTURES OF HENRY WHISKERS
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.8
ISBN 1481465759
For 25 generations, Henry Whiskers' family have lived in the doll house. The house is gorgeous and was built for the Queen of England and now resides in Windsor Castle. The doll house is not played with so it is rather easy to live there. They must not been seen though since that could be disastrous. When the doll house is closed and items are stored, Henry's sister Isabel is trapped in one of the items taken out of the doll house, it is up to him to rescue her. Can he do it without being seen? And what of the rats who also live nearby?


Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/GS0zw0XRGrO8z

Clarke, Cat. PANTS PROJECT

Clarke, Cat.  
PANTS PROJECT
New York : Sourcebooks Jabberwocky, 2017
IL 5-8, RL 4.7

ISBN 1492638099

Liv is a bit worried about going into middle school.  Liv's best friend will be there too so it won't be horrible.  Except for the school uniforms.  There is a strict dress code.  Both boys and girls wear shirts, ties and sweaters.  So far, so good.  But all the girls have to wear skirts.  This doesn't sit well with Liv.  Liv hates skirts and doesn't want to wear one.  Liv is actually transgender and dreads being stuck in a skirt every day. Liv tries everything to get out of wearing the uncomfortable skirt every day.  Add to that the class mean girl has targeted Liv for her abuse.  Things are just not looking great for Liv in the first month in the school.
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/nRmHrDhzxiRVG

Charbonneau, Joelle. NEED

Charbonneau, Joelle.
NEED
New York : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2015
IL YA

ISBN 0544416694


Do you know the difference between a "want" and a "need"? A "want" is a desire to possess or do something. A wish. A "need" is something required because it is essential. Something very important that you cannot live without. When the students of a small school in Wisconsin are invited to join a new social media site, the question is "What do you need?" Some students ask for new phones or new exercise equipment or good grades. The site, NEED, grants the requests with a demand that the students invite others at the school to join the network. Easy enough. When Kaylee joins, she asks for a new kidney for her brother who will die without one. NEED tells her it will be granted. She isn't required to invite any students. But once all the students are members, NEED requests the students perform certain tasks in order to be granted their need . They seem like pranks. Putting a box on a door step or delivering notes to people. But are these harmless pranks what they seem to be? Just who is behind  NEED? And why is it limited to students of Nottawa High School?
Podcast:  https://spark.adobe.com/video/TlbdkNwxS4UnF

Allbright, Lauren. EXIT STRATEGY

Allbright, Lauren.
EXIT STRATEGY
New York : Aladdin, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 5.2
ISBN 1481479121

It is another last day at school for Ross.  And it needs to be epic. Ross and his mom move a lot because of her job. She is in a touring orchestra and only spends a short time in each stop. So Ross is used to be the new kid. And he has had too many last days where he gathers his belongings and heads to the front of the class to say goodbye to kids he doesn't really know. A few moves ago, he accidentally knocked over two desks full of papers and they went flying.  It was epic.  Everyone will remember that one. So now when he leaves, he plans an epic exit strategy. The kids love it but not the teachers. So, now a new school. This feels different though. It is not for a new job. This time they are moving in to help his grandfather who has had an accident. Now there is no idea when it will be over. And Ross faces the fact that he might just have to try to fit in.

Pocast:  https://spark.adobe.com/video/Na2zEIksaTeXm

Woollett, Laura A. BIG TOP BURNING : THE TRUE STORY OF AN ARSONIST, A MISSING GIRL, AND THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH

Woollett, Laura A. 
BIG TOP BURNING : THE TRUE STORY OF AN ARSONIST, A MISSING GIRL, AND THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH
Chicago : Chicago Review Press, 2015
IL 5-8, RL 6.5

ISBN 1613731140


It was a beautiful day in Hartford, Connecticut.  In 1944, the country was involved in World War II.  There was not much extra money for entertainment.  But when the circus was coming to town, people saved their pennies and looked forward to the greatest show on  Earth.  The tent was crowded with excited families enjoying the show.  But then the unthinkable happened.  A fire broke out.  People scrambled to get out.  They pushed and shoved and tried desperately to get their children to safety.  What happened that day?  And who would make it out?   
Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/fdGgbSWkcyHN8

Winter, Jonah. THE SECRET PROJECT

Winter, Jonah.  

THE SECRET PROJECT
New York : Beach Lane Books, 2017
IL 3-6, RL 6.5
ISBN 1481469134

Way back in the 1940s, a very secret project was going on in the desert of New Mexico.  No one could know about it.  Not the people who lived in the area.  Not anyone not working on it. Even those people who were hired to work in the compound had no idea what the scientists were working on. Only the scientists knew what was going on.  And what they created changed the world forever.

Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/0E9lpiYfwnBsZ

Weatherford, Carole Boston. THE LEGENDARY MISS LENA HORNE

Weatherford, Carole Boston.  
THE LEGENDARY MISS LENA HORNE
New York : Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2017

IL 3-6, RL 6.1
ISBN 1481468243


"You have to be taught to be second class; you're not born that way." Actress, singer and civil rights activist Lena Horne believed these words. When she entered show business in the 1930s, she was determined  to carry herself with dignity.  When she started acting in movies, she was determined not to portray just maids or nannies as most black actresses did.  Come along and learn more about this remarkable woman.  You may not know who she is now, but you will be glad you learned about her life.

Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/CTOonikbs4c56

Walters, Eric. WILL TO SURVIV3

Walters, Eric.  
WILL TO SURVIV3   
New York : Farrar, Straus Giroux, 2016

IL YA
ISBN 0374301816


It has been a few months since the world went dark.  All devices that were controlled by computers have failed.  The residents of Eden Mills have been doing better than most.  They have banded together and fortified their neighborhood.  Life isn't perfect, but they are doing OK.  Now it is time to look outward for more allies.  Some neighborhoods have things to trade and Herb, Adam and the rest of the community is out to find out what. It is not always safe to approach new people. But maybe the biggest threat they will face comes from within.

Podcast: https://spark.adobe.com/video/vElNxihSzlTHF