Middle Grade

Ikenga

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Ikenga (Hardcover)

By Nnedi Okorafor
$16.99
ISBN: 9780593113523
Availability: Available at Wholesaler
Published: Viking Books for Young Readers - August 18th, 2020

Ikenga reads like a blend between a folk tale and a Marvel origin story (no wonder why, since brilliant author Okorafor is also creator of more than a few Wakandan comics). When Nnamdi discovers a way to tap into incredible powers, justice is at the forefront of his mind – but he learns that the line between hero and bad guy is thinner than he could’ve imagined.

Leila

The Demon King

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The Demon King (A Seven Realms Novel #1) (Paperback)

By Cinda Williams Chima
$11.99
ISBN: 9781423121367
Availability: Available at Wholesaler
Published: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers - August 31st, 2010

I was late getting my staff pick write-up in because I was busy reading the sequel to this. The Seven Realms series is the perfect sort of classic fantasy: there are wizards, lost royalty, disguises, and a whole cast of memorable characters getting in all sorts of trouble. I can't believe I slept on this series for so long but I'm making up for lost time now!

Caleb

Julieta and the Diamond Enigma

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Julieta and the Diamond Enigma (Hardcover)

By Luisana Duarte Armendáriz
$18.95
ISBN: 9781643790466
Availability: On Order at the Wholesaler
Published: Tu Books - June 30th, 2020

A missing diamond! Mystery across two continents (and several languages)! A tour around all of the neatest attractions of Paris, with plenty of shenanigans and sleuthing along the way. This story has tons of fun, plenty of fascinating tidbits, and my new favorite girl detective. Julieta immediately feels like a classic children's lit star!

Caleb

Just South of Home

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Just South of Home (Paperback)

By Karen Strong
$8.99
It's Complicated--Contact Us for More Information
ISBN: 9781534419391
Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - July 7th, 2020

 

Author Strong doesn't shy away from racial violence in this MG story, and she slams it out of the park. It's a chilling ghost story wrapped in an endearing tale of family and friendship. For kids who may not like reading non-fiction, this could be a good bridge towards discussions of White violence against Black bodies. Also all of the characters are just so adorable!

Stacey

Sal and Gabi Break the Universe

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Sal and Gabi Break the Universe (A Sal and Gabi Novel, Book 1) (Paperback)

By Carlos Hernandez
$7.99
ISBN: 9781368023627
Availability: In Stock-Click Title to See Store Inventory
Published: Rick Riordan Presents - May 5th, 2020

It's rare that I find a book that so perfectly balances the drama of middle school and family problems with the drama of being able to break through the fabric of reality. Add to that the brilliant humor, a fascinating mix of characters, and the mouth-watering descriptions of Cuban food, and you've got this gem of a book. You won't soon forget it.

Shana

Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices

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Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices (Hardcover)

By S. K. Ali (Editor), Aisha Saeed (Editor), Sara Alfageeh (Illustrator)
$18.99
ISBN: 9781419740831
Availability: Available at Wholesaler
Published: Amulet Books - May 5th, 2020

An absolute delight! So charming, bright, and uplifting. Even when there’s some drama, there’s always hope. Love for family, friends, and celebration just make for a wonderful read. The illustrator Sara Alfageeh (@thefoofinator) is also local!

Stacey

Scary Stories for Young Foxes

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Scary Stories for Young Foxes (Hardcover)

By Christian McKay Heidicker, Junyi Wu (Illustrator)
$16.99
ISBN: 9781250181428
Availability: Available at Wholesaler
Published: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) - July 30th, 2019

 

Follow a pair of clever fox kits through the spooky underbelly of the forest in this beautifully-woven tale, reminiscent of Watership Down by way of the Brothers Grimm. The dangers the foxes face will make you want to keep the light on and the door shut tight--but, as the wise old storyteller counsels, if you can make it to the end of the tale, you'll find a happy ending waiting there.

Kate

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