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275 pp.
| HarperCollins/B+B
| October, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-283939-8$16.99
(3)
4-6
Magnificent Mya Tibbs series.
Illustrated by
Eda Kaban.
An adorable new baby sister leaves African American Mya feeling overlooked. A school project might just be the perfect opportunity for the now-middle child to distinguish herself. Meanwhile, Mya is also in the middle when her besties, twins Skye and Starr, become close with Mya's estranged friend, Naomi. The quirky, relatable Texas girl's third story probes the evolution of family and friendship with compassion and heart.
330 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| January, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-2541-8$17.99
(3)
YA
Feeling limited by his Tourette's syndrome and his "perfect" older brother, Spencer creates order using humorous charts. As timing, sibling rivalry, and loss propel Spencer and his new friend, Hope, in and out of each other's lives during high school, Spencer struggles for self-acceptance in the chaos. A taut, moving, and multilayered portrayal of friendship and grief.
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Charles Santoso.
Although Bat (A Boy Called Bat) doesn't like change, with older sister Janie at play rehearsal Bat must spend afternoons at new friend Israel's house. Thankfully, he has pet skunk Thor...but then Thor ruins Janie's performance and Bat must make things right. Arnold continues her sensitive depiction of Bat's autism, particularly as he struggles with accountability. Black-and-white illustrations convey the warmth of this loving family.
231 pp.
| Farrar
| May, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-30510-9$16.99
(3)
4-6
Rip and Red series.
Illustrated by
Tim Probert.
Fifth grade is ending, and the stakes are higher than ever as Rip and his autistic best friend, Red, form a stealth boycott against the upcoming standardized test. Friendship, graduation, their beloved teacher Mr. Acevedo, and a chance to meet a visiting pro-basketball team are all at risk as lines are drawn. This satisfying fourth book celebrates creativity, inclusion, teamwork, and the power of friendship.
375 pp.
| Simon Pulse
| September, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4814-8775-7$17.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-4814-8777-1
(3)
YA
Bowman here mines similar material as in her debut Starfish, with its focus on distant mothers and making art in the face of pain. Musician Rumi contends with the sudden death of her sister/songwriting partner, Lea, as well as her mother's abandonment after Rumi is sent away to live with an aunt in Hawaii. Though it's slow to take hold, this story of loss and catharsis is ultimately emotionally satisfying.
266 pp.
| HarperCollins/B+B
| May, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-06-267409-8$17.99
|
EbookISBN 978-0-06-267411-1
(3)
YA
In this sequel to 99 Days, Molly faces belated fallout from her messy love triangle when she and her new boyfriend run into old love Gabe (and his girlfriend) while on a European vacation. Suddenly traveling in a foursome, Molly must reconcile her new life with the reckless girl she's tried to leave behind. Molly's struggle to embrace her true, flawed self is compelling in this otherwise light travelogue.
(4)
YA
Two years after her father's death, Grace moves in with her estranged uncle, whom she had previously spent summers with. Returning to New Harbor means Grace also must come to terms with a hazy memory of rape that occurred there. Friendship and first love mingle awkwardly with sexual assault and Grace's devastating realization regarding her abuser. Still, Grace's journey is ultimately hopeful. Includes resources for survivors.
32 pp.
| Whitman
| November, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8075-7767-7$16.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Danni Gowdy.
A second-person narrative describes how "your" pet giraffe begs to ski. When the giraffe takes off for the "Big Scary Slope," you have no choice but to follow. Clever use of framed vignettes provides step-by-step instruction for snapping on bindings, untangling skis, and even tackling the chairlift. The illustrations' silly cartoony style underscores the implied message: trying new things can be a lot of fun.
(4)
YA
With Steven Levenson, Benj Pasek, and Justin Paul. A novelization of the Broadway musical. When classmate Connor commits suicide, Evan perpetuates the misunderstanding that he was close friends with Connor. Evan's tribute goes viral, making him the poster boy for teen-suicide awareness. Evan's social anxiety is superficially developed and feels like an excuse for his poor choices. Nevertheless, the focus on teen suicide and our increasing disconnection through social media could start vital conversations.
191 pp.
| Holt/Ottaviano
| November, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-62779-524-1$17.99
(3)
4-6
This companion memoir to Marshfield Dreams (2005) continues Fletcher's poignant, very brief episodes from a (mostly) carefree upbringing as the oldest of nine kids. Fans of the author will recognize seeds of later work as Fletcher sensitively captures the pivotal tenuousness between adolescence and adulthood. An epilogue discusses how, a few years after these memories, the sudden death of his brother sifted life into "Before and After."
(3)
4-6
Following the death of her mom, Amy moves in with her uncle at a creepy funeral home. Across town, anxious Miles worries about everything--but mostly his aging grandfather and the fate of his family's bowling alley. A surprising friendship ensues, offering each middle schooler an unexpected path toward healing. A unique and lovely examination of the power of friendship to pull us from the depths of grief.
(3)
YA
Introspective narration alternates between that of pregnant sixteen-year-old Ivy, choosing adoptive parents for her baby in 2017, and the parallel story of her own mother, Bridget, sixteen years prior. Readers who carefully follow the nonlinear narrative will find an original and thoughtful lens through which to examine teenage pregnancy and adoption.
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Stephanie Roth Sisson.
Posey's grandpa is going to marry Posey's neighbor and friend, Mrs. Romero. It's cause for celebration...until Posey realizes that this means Mrs. Romero will move away. As usual, Greene realistically explores the kind of small-scale problem that can feel utterly devastating to a first grader. The endearing chapter-book series, with inviting grayscale art and generous leading, showcases Posey's growth while honoring her youthful naiveté.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Steven Henry.
When Elliot wakes to a terrible smell, he searches everywhere for its source. Readers should discern the culprit long before Elliot does: the skeleton costume Elliot's wearing. One bath and a load of laundry later, all is well...until Elliot dons his monster pajamas ("he was never ever going to take them off"). Lively mixed-media illustrations provide visual gags that just might entice reluctant bathers into action.
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Jeffrey Ebbeler.
When kindhearted second-grader Ellie May tries to distinguish herself, her less-than-optimal impulse control frequently causes her to misstep. In these first two entries, her quest for the funniest April Fool's joke misfires, as do her attempts to act presidential. Numerous grayscale illustrations highlight the diverse cast of characters, while subtle life lessons and Ellie May's antics should appeal to Clementine fans. Review covers these titles: Ellie May on April Fools' Day and Ellie May on Presidents' Day.
(3)
1-3
Illustrated by
Jeffrey Ebbeler.
When kindhearted second-grader Ellie May tries to distinguish herself, her less-than-optimal impulse control frequently causes her to misstep. In these first two entries, her quest for the funniest April Fool's joke misfires, as do her attempts to act presidential. Numerous grayscale illustrations highlight the diverse cast of characters, while subtle life lessons and Ellie May's antics should appeal to Clementine fans. Review covers these titles: Ellie May on April Fools' Day and Ellie May on Presidents' Day.
(3)
YA
In this epistolary novel, Brynn writes a series of unsent letters to her idol, political journalist Rachel Maddow. Meanwhile, Brynn finds herself pitted against the Honors posse (which includes her ex-girlfriend) in a heated student council election. Sharp, sensitively drawn Brynn is supported by strong secondary characters in this original debut that touches on friendship, love, family dynamics, and grief, along with everyday high-school dramas.
(3)
4-6
After a family tragedy, Lizzy looks for signs everywhere. While following a stray cat, Lizzy and best friend Joss meet runaway Charlotte, who sports a four-leaf clover tattoo; Lizzy sees this as a sign and decides to help. Lizzy's vulnerability and love for her family shine in this tender tale of friendship, hope, and faith. A subplot involving fundraising for a local animal shelter lends additional warmth.
330 pp.
| Candlewick
| September, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5362-0240-3$14.99
(3)
4-6
In the series finale, Timmy retires from detective work. When Timmy uses a class assignment to chronicle his memoirs on film, he finds himself with a new nemesis: the movie's precocious director, (transfer student) Tom John John. Comical pen-and-ink illustrations highlight Timmy's interactions with familiar characters, most notably his polar bear sidekick and his estranged father. Longtime fans won't be disappointed by the conclusion--it's bittersweet and just right.
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
Hatem Aly.
In the "United State of Earth," everyone is normal (read: exactly the same). When seventh grader Norbert thoughtlessly mocks their leader, he's sent to a sort of prison-camp on planet Zarquat 3 for creative non-conformists. Narrator Norbert's dexterity with words and the sketchlike cartoon illustrations add humor, and his (outlandish) journey toward self-discovery manages to balance pathos with heart and a positive message about being true to oneself.