Fast Five Fiction: Beach Week

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. Our summer reading theme this year is Oceans of Possibilities and we've got an ocean of great books for readers of all ages. This week is beach week and we've got some great beachy reads to recommend. 

The Islanders series by Mary Alice Monroe

Jake's life has been turned upside down. His dad was wounded in Afghanistan, and his mom is going to help care for him. That means Jake's going to have to spend the summer on Dewees Island with his grandmother. Dewees is a nature sanctuary--no cars or paved roads, no stores or restaurants. To make matters worse, Jake's grandmother doesn't believe in cable or the internet. Which means Jake has no cell phone, no video games ... no friends. 

But then he meets two other kids - one is also visiting the small island, and the other lives there. Forced together by circumstance and loneliness, they become inseperable. but when they find what they think is an abandoned boat, their adventure lands them in hot water! Their punishment? Turtle duty. Daily beach patrols at dawn checking for loggerhead sea turtle tracks initially sound pretty boring, but then a nest is destroyed. The three friends are determined to protect "their" nest. Can they save the loggerhead eggs from predators? And can Jake's growing love for the island and its inhabitants (be they two-legged, four-legged, feathered, of finned) help his father get well?

Stranded series by Jeff Probst

A family vacation becomes a game of survival!
It was supposed to be a vacation--and a chance to get to know each other better. But when a massive storm sets in without warning, four kids are shipwrecked alone on a rocky jungle island in the middle of the South Pacific. No adults. No instructions. Nobody to rely on but themselves. Can they make it home alive?

A week ago, the biggest challenge Vanessa, Buzz, Carter, and Jane had was learning to live as a new blended family. Now the four siblings must find a way to work as a team if they're going to make it off the island. They're all in this adventure together--but first they've got to learn to survive one another.

Aquicorn Cove by Kate O'Neill

When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a big storm, Lana remembers how much she's missed the ocean--and the strong, reassuring presence of her aunt. As Lana explores the familiar beach, she discovers something incredible: a colony of Aquicorns, small magical seahorse-like creatures that live in the coral reef. Lana rescues an injured Aquicorn and cares for it with the help of her aunt, who may know more about these strange creatures than she's willing to admit. But when a second storm threatens to reach the town, choices made many years ago about how to coexist with the sea start to rise to the surface. Lana realizes she will need to find the strength to stand on her own, even when it means standing up to the people who she has always relied on to protect her.

Saltwater Secrets Cindy Callaghan

Stella and Josie live for their summers at the boardwalk—each one a carbon copy of the last. Josie lives in Australia most of the year; her half-sister, Stella, lives in New Jersey. But every year, they come together for a beach vacation with their dad, and to make more memories. The real excitement for them is their secret special place under the boardwalk, where they hide their sister scrapbook, adding memories from each summer.

But this summer feels different. Josie isn’t the same—she’s turned into one of the popular girls that Stella can’t stand. Despite the rocky start to their vacation, they still go to their secret, special place under the boardwalk, adding memories to their sister scrapbook once again.

That is, until their place is discovered by the owners of the newest store—the Smoothie Factory, which replaced Josie’s favorite sweet spot. Not only have the owners of the Smoothie Factory discovered the cove, they are exploiting the natural habitat, and endangering marine life and everyone at the beach! It’s up to Josie and Stella to figure out how to stop their beloved boardwalk from disappearing for good.

Orphan Island by Laurel Snyder

On the island, everything is perfect. The sun rises in a sky filled with dancing shapes; the wind, water, and trees shelter and protect those who live there; when the nine children go to sleep in their cabins, it is with full stomachs and joy in their hearts.

And only one thing ever changes: on that day, each year, when a boat appears from the mist upon the ocean carrying one young child to join them--and taking the eldest one away, never to be seen again.

Today's Changing is no different. The boat arrives, taking away Jinny's best friend, Deen, replacing him with a new little girl named Ess, and leaving Jinny as the new Elder. Jinny knows her responsibility now--to teach Ess everything she needs to know about the island, to keep things as they've always been.

But will she be ready for the inevitable day when the boat will come back--and take her away forever from the only home she's known?

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Pirates

Ahoy matey's, it's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. Our summer reading theme this year is Oceans of Possibilities and we've got an ocean of great books for readers of all ages. This week is pirate week in the children's department, check out one of these great books or you may have to walk the plank!

Tell No Tales: Pirates of the Southern Seas by Sam Maggs

Anne Bonny had it all—her own ship, a pirate crew, and a fearsome reputation—but a new enemy has her on the run and it’ll take all of Anne’s courage to stay afloat. The night before a major heist, Anne has an unsettling dream, and come morning, the robbery is thwarted by Woodes Roger, a zealot who has sworn to eliminate piracy. With no plan to escape, Anne must persuade her crew to seek the meaning of her dream—or perish. Full of sass, solidarity, and swordplay, Tell No Tales is a graphic novel about belonging, belief, and how far we’re willing to go to protect the ones we love.

Peter and the Starcatchers series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

A fast-paced, impossible-to-put-down adventure awaits as the young orphan Peter and his mates are dispatched to an island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They set sail aboard the Never Land, a ship carrying a precious and mysterious trunk in its cargo hold-and the journey quickly becomes fraught with excitement and danger.Discover richly developed characters in the sweet but sophisticated Molly, the scary but familiar Black Stache, and the fearless Peter. Treacherous battles with pirates, foreboding thunderstorms at sea, and evocative writing immerse the reader in a story that slowly and finally reveals the secrets and mysteries of the beloved Peter Pan.

The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates series by Caroline Carson

Pirates! Magic! Treasure! A gargoyle?!

Hilary Westfield has always dreamed of being a pirate. She can tread water for thirty-seven minutes. She can tie a knot faster than a fleet of sailors, and she already owns a rather pointy sword.

There's only one problem: The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates refuses to let any girl join their ranks of scourges and scallywags.

But Hilary is not the kind of girl to take no for answer. To escape a life of petticoats and politeness at her stuffy finishing school, Hilary sets out in search of her own seaworthy adventure, where she gets swept up in a madcap quest involving a map without an X, a magical treasure that likely doesn't exist, a talking gargoyle, a crew of misfit scallywags, and the most treacherous--and unexpected--villain on the High Seas.

Written with uproarious wit and an inviting storyteller tone, the first book in Caroline Carlson's quirky seafaring series is a piratical tale like no other.

The Map to Everywhere series by Carrie Ryan and John Parke Davis

To Master Thief Fin, an orphan from the murky pirate world of the Khaznot Quay, the Map is the key to finding his mother. To suburban schoolgirl Marrill, it's her only way home after getting stranded on the Pirate Stream, the magical waterway that connects every world in creation. With the help of a bumbling wizard and his crew, they must scour the many worlds of the Pirate Stream to gather the pieces of the Map to Everywhere--but they aren't the only ones looking. A sinister figure is hot on their tail, and if they can't beat his ghostly ship to find the Map, it could mean the destruction of everything they hold dear!

Heart-pounding escapades and a colorful cast of characters will have readers setting sail through this wholly original and unforgettable tale.

The Chronicles of Egg series by Geoff Rodkey

It's tough to be thirteen, especially when somebody's trying to kill you.

Not that Egg's life was ever easy, growing up on sweaty, pirate-infested Deadweather Island with no company except an incompetent tutor and a pair of unusually violent siblings who hate his guts.

But when Egg's father hustles their family off on a mysterious errand to fabulously wealthy Sunrise Island, then disappears with the siblings in a freak accident, Egg finds himself a long-term guest at the mansion of the glamorous Pembroke family and their beautiful, sharp-tongued daughter Millicent. Finally, life seems perfect.

Until someone tries to throw him off a cliff.

Suddenly, Egg's running for his life in a bewildering world of cutthroat pirates, villainous businessmen, and strange Native legends. The only people who can help him sort out the mystery of why he's been marked for death are Millicent and a one-handed, possibly deranged cabin boy.

Come along for the ride. You'll be glad you did.

Happy Reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Shark Week

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. Our summer reading theme this year is Oceans of Possibilities and we've got an ocean of great books for readers of all ages. This week we're celebrating Shark Week with various activities all week long, take a bite out of one of these recommendations

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Sharks, Inc. series by Randy Wayne White

The world's shark population is in trouble for a sad, simple reason: shark fin soup. And although it's illegal, poachers have been targeting Florida's biannual migration of blacktip sharks. Marine biologist Doc Ford needs assistance protecting the sharks and enlists the help of three kids--Luke, Maribel and Sabina. Luke is brand-new to Florida from the Midwest; sisters Maribel and Sabina recently arrived from Cuba--and all three feel like fish out of water. It's going to take some convincing for them to work as a team and recognize in themselves the courage, wisdom and tenacity that Doc sees in them.Together they form Sharks, Inc. and are given an important assignment: to set out each day on a small fishing boat in hopes of tagging sharks for Doc's research--and to stay faraway from possible poachers in the area. The trio isn't looking for trouble, but when they come face to face with danger, survival requires them to rely on each of their own unique gifts, and especially on one another.

Shark Wars series by E.J. Altbacker

Since the dawn of time, prehistoric shark clans called Shivers have ruled over the earth's oceans, fierce protectors of all who swim. For eons, the Big Blue has prospered under Shiver Law, and the delicate balance of sea life kept sacred. Until now.

Rising sea temperatures and overfishing have caused food to become scarce, and the battle for new hunting grounds has brought with it corruption and warfare.

Now, with the ocean on the brink of chaos, a young reef shark named Gray - exiled from the safety of his peaceful reef home - must venture deep into Open Water to unlock the secrets of his destiny and bring peace back to the ocean. But first, he'll have to discover the truth about who - and what - he really is.

Sourrounded by Sharks by Michael Northrop

A thrilling survival story from Michael Northrop, the acclaimed author of TRAPPED.He couldn't sleep. That's how it all started. When Davey wakes, just as the sun is rising, he can't wait to slip out of the crammed hotel room he's sharing with his family. Leave it to his parents and kid brother to waste an entire day of vacation sleeping in! Davey heads straight for the beach, book and glasses in hand, not bothering to leave a note. As the sparkling ocean entices him, he decides to test the water, never mind that "No Swimming" sign. But as the waves pull him farther from shore, Davey finds himself surrounded by water -- and something else, too. Something circling below the surface, watching, waiting. It's just a matter of time.

I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis

Based on true events! It's the summer of 1916 and the Jersey shore is being terrorized by a Great White shark. Can 10-year-old Chet and his friends survive a swim in the local creek?

Chet Roscow is finally feeling at home in Elm Hills, New Jersey. He has a job with his uncle Jerry at the local diner, three great friends, and the perfect summertime destination: cool, refreshing Matawan Creek.But Chet's summer is interrupted by shocking news. A great white shark has been attacking swimmers along the Jersey shore, not far from Elm Hills. Everyone in town is talking about it. So when Chet sees something in the creek, he's sure it's his imagination. . . until he comes face-to-face with a bloodthirsty shark!

Shark and Bot by Brian Yanish

A shark and a robot are unlikely friends. But in this hilarious young graphic novel series, what makes you different makes for an EPIC friendship.

Can a shark and a robot really be friends? What makes us different also makes for EPIC friendship in this hilarious new graphic series, perfect for reluctant readers, and fans of Narwhal and Jelly and Bad Guys.

Shark loves water. Bot short circuits if he goes near water! Shark recites poetry. Bot recites facts. Can these two really be friends? They're both a little awkward... They both love comics... And just wait til you see their dance moves when they confront a playground bully. Readers won't just laugh along, they'll identify with real-life issues of making friends, accepting differences, and dealing with bullies in the best way possible.

Happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Coral Reef

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. Our summer reading theme this year is Oceans of Possibilities and we've got an ocean of great books for readers of all ages. 

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Aquicorn Cove by Katie O'Neill

When Lana and her father return to their seaside hometown to help clear the debris of a big storm, Lana remembers how much she's missed the ocean--and the strong, reassuring presence of her aunt. As Lana explores the familiar beach, she discovers something incredible: a colony of Aquicorns, small magical seahorse-like creatures that live in the coral reef. Lana rescues an injured Aquicorn and cares for it with the help of her aunt, who may know more about these strange creatures than she's willing to admit. But when a second storm threatens to reach the town, choices made many years ago about how to coexist with the sea start to rise to the surface. Lana realizes she will need to find the strength to stand on her own, even when it means standing up to the people who she has always relied on to protect her.

The Not-So-Tiny Tales of Simon Seahorse by Cora Reef

Meet Simon, a tiny seahorse with a not-so-tiny personality! Simon has lived near Coral Grove, a small village near the ocean, his whole life, but from the stories he tells, you'd think he's traveled the seas! It's not that Simon lies. He prefers the term "embellishes," and his way of seeing the world makes the everyday extraordinary. So when his lucky pearl goes missing after he brings it to school one day, Simon's journey to find it is sure to be an epic tale!

Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef by Marianne Berkes

Learning becomes fun with this book about the animals of the ocean! In Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef, amazing artwork will inspire kids to appreciate the beauty and biology of coral reefs and world around us!

Brilliant artwork is the star of this oceanic counting book, based on the classic children's song "Over in the Meadow". Kids will sing, clap, and count their way among pufferfish that "puff," gruntfish that "grunt" and seahorses that "flutter," and begin to appreciate the animals in the ocean. And the clay art will inspire many a project.

Discovering the Secret World: Coral Reef by Radka Piro

Have you ever wanted to dive into the ocean and swim with the fish among a beautiful coral reef? Now you can! A charming and vibrant picture book to take children into the sea and show them what life in a coral reef is like, this one-of-a-kind board book features dozens of adorable illustrations, educational captions, vocabulary words, cut-out accents, and hidden chambers to be revealed. From how fish sleep to how pearls are made, learn all about an incredible coral reef and the sea animals that inhabit it, from starfish and sea horses to eels, clownfish, water snakes, and so much more. Young readers are sure to be amazed as they learn about the ocean and the remarkable life that lives in it

Coral the Reef Fairy by Daisy Meadows

The fairies are going green!

The fairy king and queen have just put together a new team of seven fairies for a very special mission. They are the Earth Fairies! Together, they're going to work their magic to clean up the environment. But they can't do it alone. Luckily, Rachel and Kirsty are ready to help!

Coral the Reef Fairy's magic keeps the reef environment healthy. But Jack Frost's goblins have her wand and underwater environments everywhere are in trouble. Can Rachel and Kirsty find the wand and put an end to Jack Frost's plans?

Find the missing magic wand in each book and help save the environment!

Happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Mermaids

It's Friday and time for Fast Five Fiction! Each week I share five fiction books: new books, notable books, books around a common theme. Our summer reading theme this year is Oceans of Possibilities and we've got an ocean of great books for readers of all ages. This week is Mermaid week in the children's department and we have so many books that fit this week's theme!

Click the title to be directed to the book in our catalog. Book descriptions are from Goodreads.

Emily Windsnap series by Liz Kessler

For as long as she can remember, twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has lived on a boat. And, oddly enough, for just as long, her mother has seemed anxious to keep her away from the water. But when Mom finally agrees to let her take swimming lessons, Emily makes a startling discovery - about her own identity, the mysterious father she's never met, and the thrilling possibilities and perils shimmering deep below the water's surface. With a sure sense of suspense and richly imaginative details, first-time author Liz Kessler lures us into a glorious undersea world where mermaids study shipwrecks at school and Neptune rules with an iron trident - an enchanting fantasy about family secrets, loyal friendship, and the convention-defying power of love.

 

Mermaid Tales by Debbie Dadey

In this start to a new series starring Shelly the mermaid, a classroom conflict is no fun--even when school is 20,000 leagues under the sea.

It's MerGirl Shelly Siren's first day at a new school, and she is nervous from the tip of her head to the end of her sparkling mermaid tail. How will she ever fit in at the prestigious Trident Academy? Everyone there is so smart and so pretty and so rich. At least she and her best friend, Echo, are in the same class, but so is Pearl, a spoiled know-it-all who only wants to make trouble for Shelly; Rocky, a MerBoy who loves to tease everyo≠ and Kiki, a shy MerGirl who's new to Trident City.

At first Shelly and Echo have lots of fun: eating lunch together, trying to make grumpy Mr. Fangtooth smile, and joining after-school clubs. But when Shelly and Echo have an argument about their very first school assignment, Pearl gets involved and makes matters worse. Will Shelly and Echo fix their friendship?

Can I Give You a Squish? by Emily Nielson

Kai is a little mer-boy who's big on hugs--or "squishes," as he and his mama call them. But not everyone's a fan of Kai's spirited embrace, which he discovers soon after squishing a puffer fish, who swells up in fright! Kai feels awful; but with the help of his friends, he figures out another way to show his affection, and then everyone demonstrates their preferred ways of being greeted. Because, as Kai realizes, "Every fish likes their own kind of squish."

Maybe a Mermaid by Josephine Cameron

A summer romp full of mystery, new friends, and maybe a mermaid!

Eleven-year-old Anthoni Gillis is not the kind of kid who believes in fairies, unicorns, or even the word "maybe." She's more of a comic-books girl. So when her mom brings her to Thunder Lake for a summer at the Showboat Resort, she doesn't believe the local rumors about the Boulay Mermaid.

Anthoni has bigger fish to fry. She's always wanted a True Blue Friend. But it's been hard to find one, since for the past five years she's been bouncing from town to town, helping her mother sell Beauty & the Bee cosmetic products to keep them both afloat. This summer will be different, though. Anthoni has a plan--a foolproof checklist for making lifelong friends! There won't be any maybe s this time.

But as she grows entangled in local gossip, and her mother stretches the truth, Anthoni must decide if she'll "stick to the plan," like always, or dive into a summer full of extraordinary possibilities.

Purrmaids series by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen

Coral, Shelly, and Angel are best friends. They love exploring their home in Kittentail Cove. On the first day of sea school, their teacher asks everyone to bring in something special to share with the class. Shelly and Angel can't wait to visit Tortoiseshell Reef to find an extra-special treasure. But the reef is all the way on the edge of the cove and Coral is scared to swim that far away from home. Can this scaredy-cat learn to be brave?

These adorable purrmaids will have young readers paws-itively hooked from page one!

Happy Reading!