Nonfiction Spotlight: If the World Were 100 People

Most of the time you come to the Bremen Book Nook for fiction recommendations, but I'll be starting a new feature with a spotlight on nonfiction. We have some truly wonderful nonfiction books in our children's collection and I'll be highlighting them through this new feature.  

The first book I'll be featuring was just added to our shelves, you can find it in our catalog here to place it on hold or add it to a reading list. 

If the World Were 100 People by Jackie McCann

The Facts:

Title: If the World were 100 PeopleAuthor: Jackie McCannPublisher: Crown Books for Young Readers

Publication Date: 7/20/2021Lexile: 830L

Target Audience: Preschool-3rd Grade

Summary:

With almost 7.8 billion people sharing the earth, it can be a little hard to picture what the human race looks like all together. But if we could shrink the world down to just 100 people, what could we learn about the human race? What would we look like? Where and how would we all be living? This book answers all these questions and more!

Reliably sourced and deftly illustrated, If the World Were 100 People is the perfect starting point to understanding our world and becoming a global citizen. If we focus on just 100 people, it's easier to see what we have in common and what makes us unique. Then we can begin to appreciate each other and also ask what things we want to change in our world.

The Experts Say:

Kirkus Positive Review

Publisher's Weekly Positive Review

School Library Journal Starred Review

"This is a terrific find for social studies teachers who want to promote inquiry and active citizenship" --School Library Journal, starred review

"Visually engaging...An informative, appealing primer on societal data." --Publishers Weekly

"A book worth reading many times over, discussing, and a call to take action, regardless of someone’s age."--Books to Borrow . . . Books to Buy

Miss Kate Says:

This book would be a wonderful conversation starter for children, youth, and adults. It can be hard to visualize just how many people live in the world. When we look at the numbers it can be easy for our minds to gloss over them and our brains don't really comprehend an accurate representation of what they mean. By looking at the numbers through the lens of 100 people it can be much easier for our brains to comprehend those numbers.

Through colorful illustrations, you can literally see the numbers before your eyes. 100 people divided up on the page by certain criteria they live their life with: their access to food, whether or not they have safe homes, and their ability to read to name a few. This book is sure to make anyone who reads it think about the resources available to them in contrast to others around the world. The illustrations will pull in even the most reluctant of readers and spark curiosity in readers of all ages. 

After breaking down the current numbers, the author asks us to think about what the future may hold and how our global village can work together for future generations.

If you'd like to read more on global numbers, check out Worldometer or Our World in Data.

If you'd like to read more about global citizenship, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) has some helpful information about Global Citizenship Education.

Fast Five Fiction: New Graphic Novels

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. The Graphic Novel genre continues to grow and readers of all ages are picking books up and reading them. This week we just put out a bunch of new titles so if you're looking for something to read over the holiday weekend, check one out today. 

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

Just Pretend by Tori Sharp

Tori has never lived in just one world.

Since her parents' divorce, she's lived in both her mom's house and her dad's new apartment. And in both places, no matter how hard she tries, her family still treats her like a little kid. Then there's school, where friendships old and new are starting to feel more and more out of her hands.

Thankfully, she has books-and writing. And now the stories she makes up in her head just might save her when everything else around her—friendships, school, family—is falling apart.

Bedhead Ted by Scott SanGiacomo

Perfect for fans of Hilo and Lunch Lady, this charming and funny young middle grade graphic novel follows one boy as he discovers that his perceived flaw--wild, red hair--may just be what saves the day.

Ten-year-old Ted just wants to fit in. But his wild, red hair is a target for school bullies. Fortunately, he has his best friend, Stacy, to take his mind off all the mean comments. But Stacy needs Ted's help to uncover the truth of a local urban legend--the elusive giant raccoon known as the Brookside Beast!

However, after Stacy starts making new friends, Ted feels more alone and weirder than ever...until Ted discovers that he has a superpower! His hair can lift, stretch, and catch anything. For the first time in his life, Ted wonders if his unruly hair is a gift rather than a curse.

Could it be the one thing that not only helps solve their town's greatest mystery but also gets his best bud back?

Mayor Good Boy by Dave Scheidt

The votes are in and the new mayor is...A DOG?!

This dog will do more than shake paws. Mayor Good Boy is here to help Greenwood become a town filled with kindness, starting with fetching help for the local zoo. With foes around every corner trying to put a stop to Mayor Good Boy's campaign of fun, are there cheese snacks and belly rubs in his future? Or will the whole town suddenly have a flea problem?

In the hilarious Mayor Good Boy graphic novel series, everyone can make the world a better place, whether you're a human or a dog.

Long Distance by Whitney Gardner

Vega’s summer vacation is not going well.

When her parents decide it’s time to pack up and leave her hometown of Portland, Oregon, behind for boring Seattle, Washington, Vega is more than upset—she’s downright miserable. Forced to leave her one and only best friend, Halley, behind, Vega is convinced she’ll never make another friend again.

To help her settle into her new life in Seattle, her parents send Vega off to summer camp to make new friends. Except Vega is determined to get her old life back. But when her cellphone unexpectedly calls it quits and things at camp start getting stranger and stranger, Vega has no choice but to team up with her bunkmates to figure out what’s going on!

Garfield's Guide to Digital Citizenship

Nermal may be the world's cutest kitten, but he's got a thing or two to learn about being the best little cat he can be online! Follow along as Garfield and the gang teach Nermal about online friends, being kind, thinking before you post, and avoiding download disasters in full-color comic book style.

Activities after each story let you test your internet IQ with fun activities and quizzes.

Happy Friday, and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: New Books

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've had a lot of new books hitting our shelves the last couple of weeks so today I'll be sharing five new middle grade books that are now available to check out.  

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

Premeditated Myrtle by Elizabeth C. Bunce

Twelve-year-old Myrtle Hardcastle has a passion for justice and a Highly Unconventional obsession with criminal science. Armed with her father’s law books and her mum’s microscope, Myrtle studies toxicology, keeps abreast of the latest developments in crime scene analysis, and Observes her neighbors in the quiet village of Swinburne, England.

When her next-door neighbor, a wealthy spinster and eccentric breeder of rare flowers, dies under Mysterious Circumstances, Myrtle seizes her chance. With her unflappable governess, Miss Ada Judson, by her side, Myrtle takes it upon herself to prove Miss Wodehouse was murdered and find the killer, even if nobody else believes her — not even her father, the town prosecutor.

Not All Heroes by Josephine Cameron

Even though her family moved across the country for a “fresh start” after her little brother’s death, eleven-year-old Zinnia Helinski still feels like she’s stuck waiting for her new life to begin. Then she spots her new neighbor, Kris, climbing down the fire escape of their apartment building. He’s wearing a black eye mask! And Spandex leggings. . . . And a blue body suit?


Soon Zinnia finds herself in a secret club for kids who want to be heroes. The Reality Shifters don’t have superpowers, but they do have the power to make positive change in their neighborhoods. And a change is just what Zinnia is looking for!

At first, she feels invincible. Zinnia finally has friends and is on the kind of real-life adventures her little brother, Wally, would have loved. But when her teammates lose sight of their goals, Zinnia must find the balance between bravery and recklessness, and learn to be a hero without her cape.

Strangeworlds Travel Agency by L.D. Lapinski

At the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, each suitcase transports you to a different world. All you have to do is step inside . . .

When 12-year-old Flick Hudson accidentally ends up in the Strangeworlds Travel Agency, she uncovers a fantastic secret: there are hundreds of other worlds just steps away from ours. All you have to do to visit them is jump into the right suitcase. Then Flick gets the invitation of a lifetime: join Strangeworlds' magical travel society and explore other worlds.

But, unknown to Flick, the world at the very centre of it all, a city called Five Lights, is in danger. Buildings and even streets are mysteriously disappearing. Once Flick realizes what's happening she must race against time, travelling through unchartered worlds, seeking a way to fix Five Lights before it collapses into nothingness -- and takes our world with it.

Darkdeep series by Ally Condie & Brendan Reichs

When a bullying incident sends twelve-year-old Nico Holland over the edge of a cliff into the icy waters of Still Cove, where no one ever goes, friends Tyler and Ella – and even 'cool kid' Opal – rush to his rescue... only to discover an island hidden in the swirling mists below.

Shrouded by dense trees and murky tides, the island appears uninhabited, although the kids can't quite shake the feeling that something about it is off. Their suspicions grow when they stumble upon an abandoned houseboat with an array of curiosities inside: odd-looking weapons, unnerving portraits, maps to places they've never heard of, and a glass jar containing something completely unidentifiable.

As the group delves deeper into the unknown, their discoveries – and their lives – begin to intertwine in weird and creepy ways. Something ancient has awakened... and it knows their wishes and dreams – and their darkest, most terrible secrets. Do they have what it takes to face the shadowy things that lurk within their own hearts?

Elfie Unperfect by Kristin Mahoney

Perfectionist Elfie Oster learns the value of "unperfection," in this funny look at middle school life from the author of Annie's Life in Lists

Elfie Oster was sure that Hampshire Academy was going to be the perfect school for her. She was sure about it right up to the minute she got expelled. On her first day.

It was all a terrible misunderstanding, but until she can find a way to fix things, Elfie has to go back to Cottonwood Elementary for fifth grade. Where she's never really fit in. Or had friends. It is not a perfect situation. And then it gets worse. Her babysitter gets really sick. Her aunt and uncle aren't speaking. She's forced to do a group project involving an egg. . . .

But sometimes when everything goes spectacularly wrong, you figure out what truly matters--and what doesn't. So really, this terrible, horrible, surprisingly hilarious year may just be the best thing that's ever happened to Elfie.

Happy Friday, and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: National Lemonade Day

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 Friday we're celebrating National Lemonade Day by offering free lemonade and lemonade cake trifles at the library all day. While you're enjoying a refreshing cup of lemonade or enjoying your trifle, check out one of these Lemonade books!

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

The Lemonade War series by Jacqueline Davies

"For a full hour, he poured lemonade. The world is a thirsty place, he thought as he nearly emptied his fourth pitcher of the day.  And I am the Lemonade King."

Fourth-grader Evan Treski is people-smart. He’s good at talking with people, even grownups. His younger sister, Jessie, on the other hand, is math-smart, but not especially good with people. So when the siblings’ lemonade stand war begins, there really is no telling who will win—or even if their fight will ever end. Brimming with savvy marketing tips for making money at any business, definitions of business terms, charts, diagrams, and even math problems, this fresh, funny, emotionally charged novel subtly explores how arguments can escalate beyond anyone’s intent.

Lemonade Code by Jarod Pratt

This is a fully illustrated graphic novel about a middle school super genius who starts a lemonade stand to fund his ultimate top-secret project, only to find unexpected competition right across the street when the new kid starts a rival stand.

Robbie Reynolds isn't just a genius. He's a super SUPER genius! But he doesn't have the cash to fund his ultimate (and top secret) project. That's why he's opening a lemonade stand. Not just any lemonade stand: this one is state of the art, and his automatista can make you any flavor of lemonade your heart desires! Bacon, salsa, potato salad, dirty diaper—anything you want.

Unfortunately, Robbie isn't the only one in the Lemonade Hustle. Daphne Du-Ri, his new across-the-street neighbor, has her own setup going, and something about her lemonade is resonating with people in ways Robbie's can't. Before the week is over, Robbie and Daphne are in a full-on Lemonade War.

Olivia Opens a Lemonade Stand by Kama Einhorn

Olivia’s lemonade stand is losing customers to the competition . . . Francine! Olivia decides it’s time to rethink the lemonade stand concept and turns hers into a full-scale backyard restaurant. Olivia and Francine decide there are enough thirsty customers out there for everyone—they just have to work together!

Curious George: Lemonade Stand by Erica Zappy

George decides to set up his own lemonade stand to earn money for a new soccer ball. But with a line around the block and dwindling supplies, will George figure out how to satisfy all his customers and earn enough money for a new soccer ball?

The Berenstain Bears' Lemonade Stand by Mike Berenstain

When Mama shares some fresh lemonade with the cubs, Brother and Sister Bear have a great idea—why not make a lemonade stand and share with the whole neighborhood? Sure enough, everyone stops by for a refreshing glass of lemonade, and the day turns into a wonderful event.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Back to School

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. As students in our community headed back to school this week it seemed an opportune time to share some books and series with a school setting that may not have been on your radar.  

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

Ms. Rapscott's Girls by Elise Primavera

Fans of Mary Poppins will love this whimsical tale of a boarding school for children of very busy parents, where an extraordinary headmistress teaches them life lessons about courage, adventure, friendship . . . and the importance of birthday cake.

Nestled inside a lighthouse, Great Rapscott School for the Daughters of Busy Parents takes its motto from Amelia Earhart: Adventure is worthwhile in itself. Headmistress Ms. Rapscott couldn't agree more, but her students, who are shipped to the school in boxes, could use a little convincing. Still, despite their initial reluctance, the students are soon soaring through the sky and getting lost on purpose. In addition to learning what birthday cakes are and how best to approach a bumbershoot tree, the students also manage to learn a little something about strength and bravery.

Explorer Academy series by Trudi Trueit

Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado as he joins an elite school for explorers.

Cruz leaves his tranquil home in Hawaii to join 23 talented kids from around the globe to train at the Explorer Academy with the world's leading scientists to become the next generation of great explorers. But for Cruz, there's more at stake. No sooner has he arrived at the Academy than he discovers that his family has a mysterious past with the organization that could jeopardize his future. In the midst of codebreaking and cool classes, new friends and augmented-reality expeditions, Cruz must tackle the biggest question of all: Who is out to get him ... and why?

Ungifted series by Gordon Korman

The word gifted has never been applied to a kid like Donovan Curtis. It's usually more like Don't try this at home. So when the troublemaker pulls a major prank at his middle school, he thinks he's finally gone too far. But thanks to a mix-up by one of the administrators, instead of getting in trouble, Donovan is sent to the Academy of Scholastic Distinction (ASD), a special program for gifted and talented students.

It wasn't exactly what Donovan had intended, but there couldn't be a more perfect hideout for someone like him. That is, if he can manage to fool people whose IQs are above genius level. And that becomes harder and harder as the students and teachers of ASD grow to realize that Donovan may not be good at math or science (or just about anything). But after an ongoing experiment with a live human (sister), an unforgettably dramatic middle-school dance, and the most astonishing come-from-behind robot victory ever, Donovan shows that his gifts might be exactly what the ASD students never knew they needed.

Janitors series by Tyler Whitesides

No one takes Spencer Zumbro seriously when he tried to warn his classmates about the mysterious things prowling the halls and classrooms of Welcher Elementary School. But when he sees Marv, the janitor, going after one of the creatures with a vacuum, he knows he's not the only one who can see them.

With the help of his new friends, Daisy, Spencer has to find out what the janitors know. The children's search uncovers the magic taking place behind the scenes of their seemingly ordinary school, where a battle is being waged for the minds of the students. Who can be trusted--and can Spencer and Daisy protect their school and possibly the world?

Magisterium series by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

This series takes place in a world where mages can draw on the elements (earth, fire, water, and air) as sources of magic. Young potential mages travel to a school called The Magisterium to study magic, hone their powers, and prepare to fight the evil source of magic in their world…chaos magic.

All his life, Call has been warned by his father to stay away from magic. To succeed at the Iron Trial and be admitted into the vaunted Magisterium school would bring bad things. But he fails at failing. 

Happy Friday, and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Construction

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. If you've been to the library this week you probably noticed the flurry of activity as the house next door was knocked down to make room for our new addition.  Our official Groundbreaking Ceremony will be Monday, August 9th at 10:00 a.m. Since there will be construction all around us soon today I'll be sharing five fantastic construction books in our collection. 

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

Kitten Construction Company by John Patrick Green

In this Graphic Novel Series for emerging readers:

All Marmalade wants to do is build things.

She is, after all, a trained architect.

She’s also a distractingly adorable kitten.

Fed up with not being taken seriously because she's so cute, Marmalade bands together with a handful of other aspiring builders—all of them kittens. But in a world where humans call the shots, can the Kitten Construction Company prove their worth . . . without giving up the very things that make them kittens?

Construction by Sally Sutton

Hoist the wood. Hoist the wood. Chain and hook and strap. Swing it round, then lower it down. Thonk! Clonk! Clap! Build the frame. Build the frame. Hammer all day long. Make the stairs and floors and walls. Bing! Bang! Bong!

The Construction Alphabet Book by Jerry Pallotta

Smash! Crash! Ka-boom!

A is for Aerial lift.
B is for Backhoe.
C is for Cement Mixer.

Readers explore construction equipment in this noisy alphabet book. Jerry Pallotta's trademark humor punctuates the informative text. Vibrant oil paintings bring to life a busy construction site.

Shape Up, Construction Trucks! by Victoria Allenby

Dump Truck, Dump Truck
Coming through!
I spy a triangle--how about you?

Shape Up, Construction Trucks! uses rhyming verse and bright photographs to celebrate kids' construction enthusiasm in a unique take on conceptual shape books. Each spread highlights geometric shapes hiding in plain sight on excavators, bulldozers, cranes, and more. And after the toddlers have browsed the pages to their heart's content, a final note to parents offers enriching, age-appropriate activities to keep building their child's foundational learning skills.

Mighty, Mighty Construction Site by Sherry Duskey Rinker

All of our favorite trucks are back on the construction site--this time with a focus on team-building, friendship, and working together to make a big task seem small! Down in the big construction site, the crew faces their biggest job yet, and will need the help of new construction friends to get it done. Working as a team, there's nothing they can't do!

Happy Friday, and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Olympics

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. As the opening ceremonies for the 2021 Olympics are tonight I thought I'd share some Olympic themed books to help get you in the spirit. Go Team USA!!

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

The Smurf Olympics by Peyo

Hefty Smurf loves to play sports, but he can't get the other Smurfs to play with him. His solution – create the "Smurf Olympics"! The Smurfs divide themselves into two teams, all competing for the grand prize: a kiss from the Smurfette. But when one Smurf is turned down by both teams, he decides to compete on his own, throwing the entire games into chaos. Can one Smurf take on the entire Smurf Village? And can the two Smurf teams stop cheating long enough for the games to take place?

Sports Illustrated Kids series by Various Authors

Full-color, full-action stories teach students the value of sports and good sportsmanship.

Olympig by Victoria Jamieson

Boomer the Pig has been training hard for the Animal Olympics, so when he loses his first race, he shrugs it off and cheerfully moves on. One event after another, Boomer keeps losing, and the frustration begins to get to him. But even after coming in last in every sport, there's no getting this Olympig down. It's just great practice for the Winter Games!

Cool comic book styling combines with classic picture book heart in this encouraging and hilarious story for every kid who's ever been told "you can't win 'em all."

Hour of the Olympics by Mary Pope Osborne

No girls allowed at the Olympic Games! That's the rule when the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie back to ancient Greece. But when Annie tells jack to go to the games without her, he knows she's up to something. Will Annie find a way to see the games? Or will she get herself--and Jack--into Olympic-size trouble? Find out in Hour of the Olympics.

 

Sports Fairies books by Daisy Meadows

The Sports Fairies represent the aspects of sports. They're responsible for making sure sports can be done safely without any problems. Anyone playing a sport won't be able to play at their best without the fairies' magic.

There are seven Sporty fairies and they are: Helena the Horseriding Fairy, Francesca the Football Fairy, Zoe the Skating Fairy, Naomi the Netball Fairy, Samantha the Swimming Fairy, Alice the Tennis Fairy, and Gemma the Gymnastics Fairy. 

We also have a TON of Non-Fiction books you can check out too!

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: Forest Animals

 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 at the library we've been exploring forest animals through our programs and scavenger hunt so today I'm featuring five series featuring forest animals or a forest setting. 

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

Dimwood Forest (Poppy) series by Avi

At the very edge of Dimwood Forest stood an old charred oak where, silhouetted by the moon, a great horned owl sat waiting. The owl's name was Mr. Ocax, and he looked like death himself. With his piercing gaze, he surveyed the lands he called his own, watching for the creatures he considered his subjects. Not one of them ever dared to cross his path … until the terrible night when two little mice went dancing in the moonlight …

The Nocturnals by Tracey Hecht

In this critically acclaimed book series, we meet three unlikely friends—Dawn, a serious fox, Tobin, a sweet pangolin, and Bismark, a pint-sized sugar glider. Discover the friendships, teamwork, and humor as the Nocturnal Brigade solves the unpredictable mysteries of the night. There are books for all ages with both early readers and chapter books in this series.

Heartwood Hotel series by Kallie George

When Mona the Mouse stumbles across the wondrous world of the Heartwood Hotel in the middle of a storm, she desperately hopes they'll let her stay. As it turns out, Mona is precisely the maid they need at the grandest hotel in Fernwood Forest, where animals come from far and wide for safety, luxury, and comfort. But the Heartwood Hotel is not all acorn souffle and soft moss-lined beds. Danger lurks, and as it approaches, Mona finds that this hotel is more than a warm place to spend the night. It might also be a home.

Wildwood series by Colin Meloy

Prue McKeel's life is ordinary. At least until her brother is abducted by a murder of crows and taken to the Impassable Wilderness, a dense, tangled forest on the edge of Portland. No one's ever gone in, or at least returned to tell of it. So begins an adventure that will take Prue and her friend, Curtis, deep into the Impassable Wilderness. There they uncover a secret world in the midst of violent upheaval, a world full of warring creatures, peaceable mystics, and powerful figures with the darkest intentions. And what begins as a rescue mission becomes something much greater, as the two friends find themselves entwined in a struggle for the very freedom of this wilderness. A wilderness the locals call Wildwood.

The Willa series by Robert Beatty

Willa, a young night-spirit, is her clan's best thief. She creeps into the cabins of the day-folk under cover of darkness and takes what they won't miss. It's dangerous work--the day-folk kill whatever they don't understand--but Willa will do anything to win the approval of the padaran, the charismatic leader of the Faeran people.

When Willa's curiosity leaves her hurt and stranded in the day-folk world, she calls upon the old powers of her beloved grandmother, and the unbreakable bonds of her forest allies, to escape. Only then does she begin to discover the shocking truth: that not all of her day-folk enemies are the same, and that the foundations of her own Faeran society are crumbling. What do you do when you realize that the society you were born and raised in is rife with evil? Do you raise your voice? Do you stand up against it?

As forces of unfathomable destruction encroach on her forest home, Willa must decide who she truly is, facing deadly force with the warmest compassion, sinister corruption.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction: New Books

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. July is a huge month for new releases so today I'll be sharing five new middle grade books that are now on the shelves. 

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

Marcus Makes a Movie by Kevin Hart

Marcus is NOT happy to be stuck in after-school film class . . . until he realizes he can turn the story of the cartoon superhero he's been drawing for years into an actual MOVIE! There's just one problem: he has no idea what he's doing. So he'll need help, from his friends, his teachers, Sierra, the strong-willed classmate with creative dreams of her own, even Tyrell, the local bully who'd be a perfect movie villain if he weren't too terrifying to talk to.

Making this movie won't be easy. But as Marcus discovers, nothing great ever is--and if you want your dream to come true, you've got to put in the hustle to make it happen.

The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim

The newest series from the Rick Riordan Presents imprint, The Last Fallen Star is the first book in the Gifted Clans series. 

Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister get initiated into the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches their family has belonged to for generations. Her sister, Hattie, will earn her Gi bracelet and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. Although Riley is desperate to follow in her sister's footsteps when she herself turns thirteen, she's a saram--a person without magic. Riley was adopted, and despite having memorized every healing spell she's ever heard, she often feels like the odd one out in her family and the gifted community.

Then Hattie gets an idea: what if the two of them could cast a spell that would allow Riley to share Hattie's magic? Their sleuthing reveals a promising incantation in the family's old spell book, and the sisters decide to perform it at Hattie's initiation ceremony. If it works, no one will ever treat Riley as an outsider again. It's a perfect plan!

Until it isn't. When the sisters attempt to violate the laws of the Godrealm, Hattie's life ends up hanging in the balance, and to save her Riley has to fulfill an impossible task: find the last fallen star. But what even is the star, and how can she find it?

As Riley embarks on her search, she finds herself meeting fantastic creatures and collaborating with her worst enemies. And when she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she has been taught to believe, Riley must decide what it means to be a witch, what it means to be family, and what it really means to belong.

Taking Up Space by Alyson Gerber

Sarah loves basketball more than anything. Crushing it on the court makes her feel like she matters. And it’s the only thing that helps her ignore how much it hurts when her mom forgets to feed her.
But lately Sarah can’t even play basketball right. She’s slower now and missing shots she should be able to make. Her body doesn’t feel like it’s her own anymore. She’s worried that changing herself back to how she used to be is the only way she can take control over what’s happening.

When Sarah’s crush asks her to be partners in a cooking competition, she feels pulled in a million directions. She’ll have to dig deep to stand up for what she needs at home, be honest with her best friends, and accept that she doesn’t need to change to feel good about herself.

Curse of the Phoenix by Aimee Carter

Twins Zac and Lu grew up on their mother’s stories of the Wildewoods, an imaginary land where mythical beasts roam free. These creatures fill the pages of Zac’s sketchbooks and inspire Lu’s love of animals, and on most days, they’re the only thing the twins have in common.

When their mother dies, a heartbroken Lu and Zac are shipped off to England to spend the summer with relatives they’ve never met. But it doesn’t take the twins long to uncover the incredible secret tucked away in the forest behind their ancestral home: their mother’s wonderful tales about unicorns and dragons and centaurs weren’t make-believe after all. Their family serves as keepers of the Wildewoods, the last place on earth where these mythical creatures can live safe from human harm.

But there are also many dangers in these lands—as well as a terrible curse. When Zac and Lu fall victim to it, their only hope is finding the very last living phoenix left in the world. But will breaking the curse mean the end of the Wildewoods?

Shadows on the Mountain by Erin Hunter

A brand-new epic adventure begins with the first book in the second action-packed story arc in Erin Hunter's Bravelands series.

A gorilla with a deadly secret. A leopard struck by tragedy. A gazelle cast out of her herd.

For generations, the Silverback troop has lived in peaceful seclusion high above the Great Herd, adhering to one rule: “blood pools on the plains.” But when a new and terrifying evil descends on their home, every animal must venture into the unknown to prevent darkness from overtaking all they hold dear.

Happy Friday and happy reading!

Fast Five Fiction

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.  It's officially July and hard to believe tomorrow is the halfway mark for 2021 Summer Reading. Many people are headed on vacations, going to camp or enjoying the summer by a lake or pool. Whether you're physically traveling or looking to travel vicariously through a book these books are perfect to relax and enjoy the summer. 

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

The Adventure is Now by Jess Redman

Sometimes it's hard to be Milton P. Greene. He says all the wrong things, his family is falling apart, and everyone at school avoids him because of the very embarrassing Bird Brain Incident. But when Milton plays his video game Isle of Wild, he becomes someone else--Sea Hawk, the brave and brilliant naturalist explorer who conquers danger at every turn.
Then Milton's parents ship him off to the remote Lone Island for the summer, where his uncle Evan is an environmentalist researcher. The island is chock-full of spectacular species, and Milton realizes this is his chance to become the brave and brilliant naturalist he's always wanted to be--and even meet some fellow explorers!

But as it turns out, the future of the Lone Island is in some pretty serious peril, and the only thing that can save it is a field guide full of cryptic clues. If Milton and his unexpected new friends are going to protect the island, they'll have to trust each other, discover new truths, and embark on a wild and wondrous adventure all their own.

 Hello from Renn Lake by Michele Weber Hurwitz

Annalise Oliver, abandoned as a baby in a small Wisconsin town, has always had a special, almost mystical connection to Renn Lake. Annalise's happiest times are working alongside her adoptive parents at the cabins along the lake their family has owned and run for generations. But the summer Annalise turns 12, a small patch of algae quickly becomes a harmful bloom and Renn Lake is closed. Even worse, Annalise's connection with Renn is gone. Frustrated with the authorities' inaction, she teams up with her friends and vows to find a way to save her beloved lake. Hello From Renn Lake is a heartfelt story about community, activism, and fighting for the things you love. 

Of Salt and Shore by Annet Schaap

Every evening Lampie, the lighthouse keeper's daughter, must light a lantern to warn ships away from the rocks, but one stormy night disaster strikes. The lantern is not lit, a ship is wrecked, and someone must pay.

To work off her debt, Lampie is banished to the Admiral's lonely house, where a monster is rumored to live. The terrors inside the house aren't quite what she thought they would be--they are even stranger. After Lampie saves the life of the neglected, deformed son of the admiral, a boy she calls Fish, they form a close bond. Soon they are pulled into a fairytale adventure swimming with mermaids, pirates, and misfits. Lampie will discover the courage to fight for friendship, knowledge, and the freedom to be different.

Welcome to Wonderland: Home Sweet Hotel by Chris Grabenstein

Eleven-year-old P.T. Wilkie may be the greatest storyteller alive. But he knows one thing for a fact: the Wonderland Motel is the best place a kid could ever live! All-you-can-eat poolside ice cream! A snack machine in the living room! A frog slide! A giant rampaging alligator! (Okay, that last one may or may not be made up.) There’s only one thing the Wonderland doesn’t have, though—customers. And if the Wonderland doesn’t get them soon, P.T. and his friend Gloria may have to say goodbye to their beloved motel forever.

They need to think BIG. They need to think BOLD. They need an OUTRAGEOUS plan. Luckily for them, Gloria is a business GENIUS, and OUTRAGEOUS is practically P.T.’s middle name. With Gloria’s smarts and P.T.’s world-famous stories and schemes, there’s got to be a way to save the Wonderland!

The Best Worst Summer by Elizabeth Eulberg

This is going to be the worst summer ever for Peyton. Her family just moved, and she had to leave her best friend behind. She's lonely. She's bored. Until . . . she comes across a box buried in her backyard, with a message: I'm so sorry. Please forgive me. Things are about to get interesting.

Back in 1989, it's going to be the best summer ever for Melissa and Jessica. They have two whole months to goof around and explore, and they're even going to bury a time capsule! But when one girl's family secret starts to unravel, it's clear things may not go exactly as planned.

In alternating chapters, from Peyton in present day to Melissa three decades earlier (a time with no cell phones, no social media, and camera film that took days to develop, but also a whole lot of freedom), a story of a mystery that two sets of characters will never forget.

Happy Friday and happy reading!