Fast Five Fiction: Spring Break Reads

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. This week I've got some road trip reads! As Dr. Seuss said, "Reading can take you places you have never been before." So whether you're traveling for spring break or staying at home, these books can take you where you've never been before!

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

The Vanderbeekers on the Road by Karina Yan Glaser

The popular Harlem family is putting the VAN in Vanderbeekers as they hit the highway to give their dad the best birthday surprise EVER! Re-creating a road trip Papa never got the chance to take with his own father, the whole crew is packed and ready for a cross-country adventure.

Things get off to a rocky start when the car breaks down on their way to pick up Papa. But they really veer off course when Laney discovers that Jessie and Orlando are interviewing at a college once they get to California. How can they even think about leaving New York Wouldn't that change their family And how can she and her other siblings stop them

Exploring themes of leaving home, embracing change, and the lessons to be learned from going to new places, The Vanderbeekers on the Road is every bit an engaging and rewarding journey.

The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise by Dan Gemeinhart

Five years. That's how long Coyote and her dad, Rodeo, have lived on the road in an old school bus, crisscrossing the nation. It's also how long ago Coyote lost her mom and two sisters in a car crash.
Coyote hasn’t been home in all that time, but when she learns the park in her old neighborhood is being demolished - the very same park where she, her mom, and her sisters buried a treasured memory box - she devises an elaborate plan to get her dad to drive 3,600 miles back to Washington state in four days...without him realizing it.
Along the way, they'll pick up a strange crew of misfit travelers. Lester has a lady love to meet. Salvador and his mom are looking to start over. Val needs a safe place to be herself. And then there's Gladys....
Over the course of thousands of miles, Coyote will learn that going home can sometimes be the hardest journey of all...but that with friends by her side, she just might be able to turn her “once upon a time” into a “happily ever after”.

Across the Desert by Dusti Bowling

Twelve-year-old Jolene spends every day she can at the library watching her favorite livestream: The Desert Aviator, where twelve-year-old "Addie Earhart" shares her adventures flying an ultralight plane over the desert. While watching this daring girl fly through the sky, Jolene can dream of what it would be like to fly with her, far away from her own troubled home life where her mother struggles with a narcotic addiction. And Addie, who is grieving the loss of her father, finds solace in her online conversations with Jolene, her biggest--and only--fan.

Then, one day, it all goes wrong: Addie's engine abruptly stops, and Jolene watches in helpless horror as the ultralight plummets to the ground and the video goes dark. Jolene knows that Addie won't survive long in the extreme summer desert heat. With no one to turn to for help and armed with only a hand-drawn map and a stolen cell phone, it's up to Jolene to find a way to save the Desert Aviator. Packed with adventure and heart, Across the Desert speaks to the resilience, hope, and strength within each of

 us.

The Map to Everywhere series by Carrie Ryan

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.

Secrets of the Seven series by Sarah L. Thomson

When middle school puzzle master Sam and history wiz Martina win a contest for a summer trip across the US, they discover they've been drafted into something vastly more extraordinary. Joining another kid on the trip, Theo, a descendant of George Washington himself, they must follow clues to find seven keys left behind by the Founding Fathers. Together the keys unlock Benjamin Franklin's greatest invention--a secret weapon intended to defend the country. Each key is hidden in a unique location around the U.S., protected with puzzles, riddles, and traps. This has kept the weapon safe . . . until now! Gideon Arnold, a dangerous descendant of the infamous Benedict Arnold, is on the chase.
In competition with Arnold and his thugs to reach the artifacts first, Sam, Martina, Theo, and readers must use their wits to solve ingenious puzzles, escape death-by-booby-trap, and, by the end of the series, save our nation by uncovering many of its greatest secrets.




Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Disability Awareness Month

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. This week  I'll be sharing some Middle Grade books with disability representation since March is Disability Awareness Month.

On February 26, 1987 President Ronald Reagan officially made March National Disabilities Awareness Month. The proclamation called for people to provide understanding, encouragement and opportunities to help persons with disabilities to lead productive and fulfilling lives. Everyone wants, and deserves, to enjoy life, feel productive and secure and in March, we take extra steps to raise awareness about the supports and rights of the people with disabilities and to celebrate their contributions to our communities and society as a whole!

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

The Chance to Fly by Ali Stroker & Stacy Davidowitz

Thirteen-year-old Nat Beacon loves a lot of things: her dog Warbucks, her best friend Chloe, and competing on her wheelchair racing team, the Zoomers, to name a few. But there's one thing she's absolutely OBSESSED with: MUSICALS! From Hamilton to Les Mis, there's not a cast album she hasn't memorized and belted along to. She's never actually been in a musical though, or even seen an actor who uses a wheelchair for mobility on stage. Would someone like Nat ever get cast?

But when Nat's family moves from California to New Jersey, Nat stumbles upon auditions for a kids' production of Wicked, one of her favorite musicals ever! And she gets into the ensemble! The other cast members are super cool and inclusive (well, most of them), especially Malik, the male lead and cutest boy Nat's ever seen. But when things go awry a week before opening night, will Nat be able to cast her fears and insecurities aside and Defy Gravity in every sense of the song title?

Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling

Aven Green loves to tell people that she lost her arms in an alligator wrestling match, or a wildfire in Tanzania, but the truth is she was born without them. And when her parents take a job running Stagecoach Pass, a rundown western theme park in Arizona, Aven moves with them across the country knowing that she’ll have to answer the question over and over again.

Her new life takes an unexpected turn when she bonds with Connor, a classmate who also feels isolated because of his own disability, and they discover a room at Stagecoach Pass that holds bigger secrets than Aven ever could have imagined. It’s hard to solve a mystery, help a friend, and face your worst fears. But Aven’s about to discover she can do it all . . . even without arms.

El Deafo by Cece Bell

Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece's class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.

Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but anywhere her teacher is in school — in the hallway... in the teacher's lounge... in the bathroom! This is power. Maybe even superpower! Cece is on her way to becoming El Deafo, Listener for All. But the funny thing about being a superhero is that it's just another way of feeling different... and lonely. Can Cece channel her powers into finding the thing she wants most, a true friend?

Out of my Mind by Sharon Draper

Eleven-year-old Melody is not like most people. She can't walk. She can't talk. She can't write. All because she has cerebral palsy. But she also has a photographic memory; she can remember every detail of everything she has ever experienced. She's the smartest kid in her whole school, but NO ONE knows it. Most people--her teachers, her doctors, her classmates--dismiss her as mentally challenged because she can't tell them otherwise. But Melody refuses to be defined by her disability. And she's determined to let everyone know it...somehow.

Focused by Alyson Gerber

Clea can't control her thoughts. She knows she has to do her homework . . . but she gets distracted. She knows she can't just say whatever thought comes into her head . . . but sometimes she can't help herself. She know she needs to focus . . . but how can she do that when the people around her are always chewing gum loudly or making other annoying noises?

It's starting to be a problem—not just in school, but when Clea's playing chess or just hanging out with her best friend. Other kids are starting to notice. When Clea fails one too many tests, her parents take her to be tested, and she finds out that she has ADHD, which means her attention is all over the place instead of where it needs to be.

Clea knows life can't continue the way it's been going. She's just not sure how you can fix a problem that's all in your head. But that's what she's going to have to do, to find a way to focus.



Happy Friday, and happy reading!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Salutations! Oliver here, back at it with my next book recommendation. This one comes from my clawsome furend, Catter—I mean, Carter. He introduced me to the hiss-terical litter-ary duo of Narwhal and Jelly in Peanut Butter and Jelly. In the book, Narwhal discovers a new food—the mysterious butter of peanuts. Whoever heard of such silliness? To be fair though, I have not heard of a lot of these bizarre foods Jelly speaks of: artichokes? Sounds dangerous; sushi? Gesundheit; french fries? Not a fan of French cuisine. But I know what ice cream is! It is a delicious, frozen treat my human says I’m not allowed to eat because I lack toes intolerant. But I think she’s lying so she doesn’t have to share because when I look at my paws, all my toe beans are there! So, toe beans, or no toe beans. That is the question. But as much as I like it, I don’t think I would change my name to “Ice Cream” like Narwhal does with “Peanut Butter.” Although I could always use it as a new nickname to replace my human’s favorite of “OLIVERSTOPTHATRIGHTNOW!” It’s kinda a mouthful.

To read more about Narwhal and Jelly’s love of foodstuff, check for this book and others in our juvenile graphic novel section in our children's department. They are paws-itively great reads for everyone to enjoy. Until next time, furends!

Fast Five Fiction: Highest Circulating Middle Grade Series

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. We're at the midpoint of our Middle Grade Madness competition for kids in grades 5-8 and there's still time to participate if you're not signed up already! You can register by visiting the library or using the Beanstack app. 

Books in a series are incredibly popular here at the library so today I'm sharing the five middle grade series with the highest checkouts. Combined, these series offer thousands of choices for your reading enjoyment. 

 

Boxcar Children series by Gertrude Chandler Warner

Geronimo Stilton series by Geronimo Stilton

Diary of a Wimpy Kid series by Jeff Kinney

Big Nate series by Lincoln Peirce

I Survived series by Lauren Tarshis

Happy Friday and happy reading!

What Should Oliver Read Next?

Guten-cat, everyone! It’s me Ollie, aka Oliver, back for more radiclaw reads. Today’s book recommendation comes from my furry good pal, Brock. He suggested I give the book Snack Attack a bite. I mean try. Purr-haps you shouldn’t read this book on an empty stomach. This funny book follows three delicious, scrumptious…delectable…enticing…mouth-watering…I’m sorry, what was I saying? Oh right, snacks! This book is about snacks and while it made me purr out loud, it definitely made my belly want some snacks while reading. Sorry snacks, I may have learned the wrong lesson from your book. I guess I never paws-ed to think about the difficult life snacks lead. It also taught me to be more claw-tious of my snacks. I did not know that they could sprout limbs and run away! This is pawfully alarming to me but I must explain why my snacks from my treat ball are always gone. And not because I eat them all in one sitting like my human accuses me of.

I hope you give today’s book a read and don’t furget that you can always find the books I review in our pawsome children’s department. See you next time for another fang-tastic book recommendation! And if you want  a chance to meet this book's author, don't furget he'll be visiting Bremen for the Marshall County Reading Council's Young Author's Conference on March 14!

Fast Five Fiction: Super Mario Edition

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. Registration for our Super Tea open up on Monday, March 11 so today I'm sharing 5 books to go along with our Super Mario Bros theme. 

We are still in need of kids to be actors in our Reader's Theater production. If your child is interested please email Kate at kblakely@bremen.lib.in.us or call the library at 574-546-2849!

Super Mario Manga Mania by Yukio Sawada

Experience the zany world of Super Mario through manga!

Features stories based on the hit Super Mario games!

From crazy to classic, Mario and his friends star in adventures that find them traveling through the many worlds of one of the biggest video game series ever!

The Super Mario Bros. Movie Official Storybook by Michael Moccio

From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. Featuring Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, boys and girls ages 3 to 7 will love this full-color deluxe hardcover picture book illustrated with scenes from the film!

Meet Mario! by Malcolm Shealy

Nintendo and Super Mario fans ages 5-8 will love to meet Mario, Luigi, and all their friends and foes in this Step 3 Step into Reading level reader. Featuring over 30 stickers! Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. For children who are ready to read on their own.

Mario first appeared in 1981 with the arcade classic Donkey KongTM, and has since gone on to star in many adventures, allowing him to evolve into the beloved icon he is today. He is a video game sensation, appearing across all genres--from action-platformers to sports, kart racing and beyond.

Mario's Big Adventure Mary Man-Kong

Power up with this full-color leveled reader based on Nintendo and Illumination present The Super Mario Bros. Movie—in theaters April 7, 2023!

From Nintendo and Illumination comes a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. Featuring Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach, boys and girls ages 5 to 8 will love this Step 3 Step into Reading leveled reader inspired by the film.

Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. For children who are ready to read on their own.

Off to the Races! by Steve Foxe

Here we go! Keep the pedal to the metal with Mario, Luigi and all their friends in this Mario Kart(TM) Step into Reading level reader!

Nintendo and Mario Kart(TM) fans ages 5-8 will love to meet Mario, Luigi, and all their friends and foes in this Step 3 Step into Reading level reader as they compete and race to win! Step 3 readers feature engaging characters in easy-to-follow plots about popular topics. For children who are ready to read on their own.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Middle Grade Madness

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. Today kicks of Middle Grade Madness here at the library so today I'll be sharing five of our most popular middle grade standalones and authors.  

Middle Grade madness is a month-long competition between students in grades 5-8. Individual students who read 5 books will be entered into a raffle for a grand prize. The grade that reads the most books will earn a coupon for 2 FREE tacos from La Parilla Caliente Mexican Restaurant. Students must register to participate. You can register by visiting the library or using the Beanstack app. 

When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller

Would you make a deal with a magical tiger? This uplifting story brings Korean folklore to life as a girl goes on a quest to unlock the power of stories and save her grandmother.

Some stories refuse to stay bottled up...

When Lily and her family move in with her sick grandmother, a magical tiger straight out of her halmoni's Korean folktales arrives, prompting Lily to unravel a secret family history. Long, long ago, Halmoni stole something from the tigers. Now they want it back. And when one of the tigers approaches Lily with a deal--return what her grandmother stole in exchange for Halmoni's health--Lily is tempted to agree. But deals with tigers are never what they seem! With the help of her sister and her new friend Ricky, Lily must find her voice...and the courage to face a tiger.

Tae Keller, the award-winning author of The Science of Breakable Things, shares a sparkling tale about the power of stories and the magic of family. Think Walk Two Moons meets Where the Mountain Meets the Moon!

Books by Alan Gratz

Alan Gratz is the bestselling author of nineteen novels and graphic novels for young readers. His 2017 novel Refugee has spent more than four years on the New York Times bestseller list, and is the winner of 14 state awards. Its other accolades include the Sydney Taylor Book Award, the National Jewish Book Award, the Cybils Middle Grade Fiction Award, a Charlotte Huck Award Honor, and a Malka Penn Award for Human Rights Honor. Refugee was also a Global Read Aloud Book for 2018.

Alan’s 2022 novel Two Degrees and his 2021 novel Ground Zero were both instant #1 New York Times bestsellers, and were also ABA Indie, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestsellers. His 2019 novel Allies debuted at #2 on the New York Times bestseller list and received four starred reviews, and 2018’s Grenade debuted at #3. His other books include Prisoner B-3087, which was a YALSA Best Fiction for Young Readers pick and winner of eight state awards; Projekt 1065, a Kirkus Best Middle Grade Book of 2016 and winner of five state awards; Code of Honor, a YALSA Quick Pick for Young Readers; and Ban This Book, which was featured by Whoopi Goldberg on The View.

Books by Mike Lupica

Mike Lupica is one of the most prominent sports writers in America. His longevity at the top of his field is based on his experience and insider's knowledge, coupled with a provocative presentation that takes an uncompromising look at the tumultuous world of professional sports. Today he is a syndicated columnist for the New York Daily News as well as an author. Lupica is also what he describes as a "serial Little League coach," a youth basketball coach, and a soccer coach for his four children, three sons and a daughter.

 

It's my Party and I Don't Want to Go by Amanda Panitch

A funny and honest portrayal of living with social anxiety, this timely novel explores the universal themes of growing up and finding your voice, set in a fast-paced comedy.

Ellie Katz is sabotaging her own party.Sure, it seems extreme, but it's the only option for her bat mitzvah. Crowds and attention always made her nervous, and lately they've been making it harder and harder for Ellie to breathe. The celebration would mean (1) a large crowd, (2) lots of staring, and (3) distant family listening to her sing in another language. No thank you!To avoid certain catastrophe, she hatches a plan with her best friend Zoe to ruin the big day. Cue the email hacking, DJ takedown, and an all-out food fight! Everything is falling apart according to plan, until a fight with Zoe leaves Ellie alone on her path of destruction, facing some unintended consequences and disappointments. Can she find a way to right her wrongs, face her fears, and light her candles?

I, Cosmo by Carlie Sorosiak

A golden retriever narrates a hilarious, heart-tugging tale of a dog and his humans as he tries to keep his family together while everything around them falls apart.

Ever since Cosmo became a big brother to Max ten years ago, he's known what his job was: to protect his boy and make him happy. Through many good years marked by tennis balls and pilfered turkey, torn-up toilet paper and fragrant goose poop, Cosmo has doggedly kept his vow. Until recently, his biggest problems were the evil tutu-wearing sheepdog he met on Halloween and the arthritis in his own joints. But now, with Dad-scented blankets appearing on the couch and arguing voices getting louder, Cosmo senses a tougher challenge ahead. When Max gets a crazy idea to teach them both a dance routine for a contest, how can Cosmo refuse, stiff hips or no? Max wants to remind his folks of all the great times they've had together dancing -- and make them forget about the "d" word that's making them all cry. Told in the open, optimistic, unintentionally humorous voice of a golden retriever, I, Cosmo will grab readers from the first page -- and remind them that love and loyalty transcend whatever life throws your way.

Happy Friday and happy reading!