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Camp QUILTBAG
by Nicole Melleby A. J. SassFrom the acclaimed authors of Hurricane Season and Ana on the Edge, an unforgettable story about the importance of and joy in finding a community, for fans of Alex Gino and Ashley Herring-Blake. Twelve-year-old Abigail (she/her/hers) is so excited to spend her summer at Camp QUILTBAG, an inclusive retreat for queer and trans kids. She can&’t wait to find a community where she can be herself—and, she hopes, admit her crush on that one hot older actress to kids who will understand. Thirteen-year-old Kai (e/em/eir) is not as excited. E just wants to hang out with eir best friend and eir parkour team. And e definitely does not want to think about the incident that left eir arm in a sling—the incident that also made Kai&’s parents determined to send em somewhere e can feel like emself. After a bit of a rocky start at camp, Abigail and Kai make a pact: If Kai helps Abigail make new friends, Abigail will help Kai's cabin with the all-camp competition. But as they navigate a summer full of crushes, queer identity exploration, and more, they learn what's really important. Camp QUILTBAG is a heartfelt story full of the joy that comes from being and loving yourself.
A Child's Introduction to Hip-Hop: The Beats, Rhymes, and Roots of a Musical Revolution (A Child's Introduction Series)
by Jordannah ElizabethThis definitive guide to hip-hop teaches kids about the history and world-wide cultural impact of the genre, covering everyone from early heroes like The Sugar Hill Gang, Kurtis Blow, and Run D.M.C., to modern day titans like Kanye West, Cardi B, and Kendrick Lamar. In the 1970s, a musical and cultural movement was sparked in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City. Led by three DJs who performed at local block parties, DJ Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa, and Grandmaster Flash become known as the &“Holy Trinity&” of hip-hop and they helped establish the four main pillars of the genre: deejaying, mc'ing, break dancing, and graffiti art. From these early days, acclaimed journalist and music critic Jordannah Elizabeth takes kids on a journey through the history of hip-hop, helping young readers understand how and why it was invented, and how it evolved into a powerful platform that gave (and still gives) a voice to the often-ignored Black community in America. From Tupac Shakur and Ms. Lauryn Hill to Drake and Tyler the Creator, kids will celebrate some of hip-hop&’s biggest names while learning about the roots of their musical sounds, and the community that propelled them into stardom. Packed with modern, charming illustrations, including a pull-out poster for kids to color, A Child&’s Introduction to Hip-Hop features age-appropriate descriptions of a musical genre that is changing the world and dominating the airwaves. This is the perfect book for young students who want to know more about the world of hip-hop and rap, as well as for parents who want to introduce their children to some of their favorite artists.
A Child's Introduction to Pride: The Inspirational History and Culture of the LGBTQIA+ Community (A Child's Introduction Series)
by Sarah PragerThe perfect primer for kids ages 8-12, this book celebrates love, hope, equality, and progress by taking an inspirational and essential look at the rich history and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community in the United States and around the world. The history of the LGBTQIA+ community has often been overlooked, but it's one that is filled with heroes, struggles, triumph, and joy. A Child&’s Introduction to Pride is full of remarkable stories of groundbreaking events and inspirational people, featuring profiles of dozens of queer icons from various time periods and walks of life. Young readers will meet members of the community who have made big contributions to politics—like Harvey Milk and Marsha P. Johnson—as well as important people from the worlds of sports, music, literature, dance, science, and more. Kids will also be introduced to key terms like "gender" and "identity" while learning about the importance of coming out and what it means to be a good ally. In addition to learning about the history of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement, A Child's Introduction to Pride offers a kid-friendly guide to understanding pronouns and intersectionality, as well as explorations of "gayborhoods," Featuring charming illustrations and a lively design that honors the vibrancy and inclusive nature of the wide-ranging LGBTQIA+ community, A Child's Introduction to Pride is a celebration of a movement that readers of all ages will love.
Chinese Menu: The History, Myths, and Legends Behind Your Favorite Foods
by Grace LinThe perfect gift book for Lunar New Year for anyone who loves good food—and an even better story!Newbery and Caldecott honoree and New York Times bestselling author Grace Lin delivers a groundbreaking, lushly illustrated, and beautifully written full-color book that explores the whimsical myths and stories behind your favorite American Chinese food. A New York Times bestseller! An ALA Notable BookA BookPage Best Book of the Year!A New York Public Library Best Book of 2023! From fried dumplings to fortune cookies, here are the tales behind your favorite foods. Do you know the stories behind delectable dishes—like the fun connection between scallion pancakes and pizza? Or how dumplings cured a village&’s frostbitten ears? Or how wonton soup tells about the creation of the world? Separated into courses like a Chinese menu, these tales—based in real history and folklore—are filled with squabbling dragons, magical fruits, and hungry monks. This book will bring you to far-off times and marvelous places, all while making your mouth water. And, along the way, you might just discover a deeper understanding of the resilience and triumph behind this food, and what makes it undeniably American. Award-winning and bestselling author Grace Lin provides a visual and storytelling feast as she gives insight on the history, legends, and myths behind your favorite American Chinese dishes. Chinese Menu makes the perfect gift book for anyone who loves good food—and an even better story.
Clouds over California
by Karyn ParsonsFrom the author of the highly acclaimed How High the Moon comes a moving and heartfelt novel about how a girl's family and friendships are turned upside down—just as the world is changing in 1970s Los Angeles. Stevie&’s life is fluctuating rapidly. She's starting over in a brand new middle school. Quiet and observant, it's hard for her to make friends. Plus, her mind is too occupied. The tension in her home is building as her parents' arguments are becoming more frequent. To top it all off, Stevie's older cousin Naomi is coming to live with the family in an attempt to keep her from a "bad" crowd—The Black Panthers. Stevie agrees to keep Naomi's secrets. She's the cool big cousin, after all, and Stevie can't help but notice the happy, positive effect the Black Panthers are having on Naomi's confidence and identity—just like how Mom is making decisions for herself, even when Dad disapproves. Stevie feels herself beginning to change as well. But one thing remains the same: she loves both of her parents, and she loves them together. Can her family stay in one piece despite the world shifting around them?
Cookie Monsters
by Erika J. KendrickA fun, fast-paced novel about friendship, family, fighting for what&’s right, and standing out from the crowd while standing up for yourself. Twelve-year-old Brooklyn Ace is ready to take the Valentine World Scouts by storm and build her own cookie empire. She nearly won the top cookie selling spot last year and is determined to make her mom—who recently passed away—proud by coming in first this time around. With her fabulous best friends by her side, Brooklyn knows she&’ll become Santa Monica&’s District Cookie Queen. The crown is practically in the bag. Then Piper Parker arrives. Piper has a rich dad, a fancy hotel, and a drive to steal the cookie crown right off Brooklyn&’s head. Before long, most of the seventh grade is under Piper&’s spell. But Brooklyn is in it to win the biggest cookie war the school has ever seen. With the help of her cookie squad, her rockstar grandmother, her super cool therapist, and a lot of self-love and inner growth, maybe—just maybe—Brooklyn can end up a winner after all.
The Death and Life of Benny Brooks: Sort of a Memoir
by Ethan LongA BCCB Blue Ribbon Best Book of the Year ★ "Captivating…. Long's heartening memoir portrays a boy facing challenging situations with hard-won hope and increasing maturity." —Booklist, starred review ★ "A tender, vulnerable portrayal of one kid&’s attempt to shore up his strengths to piece together the shards of a deeply shattered heart.... Readers will appreciate Long&’s honest exploration of a troubled family that is bound both by love and tragedy." —The Bulletin, starred reviewAn award-winning children&’s book creator grapples with the darker undercurrents of his childhood in this poignant and honest illustrated memoir, for readers of Free Lunch and The List of Things That Will Not Change. Benny's life is slowly unraveling. His parents are newly divorced, his mom chooses to move away, and Benny and his brother and sister are left with their chain-smoking dad, who has just been diagnosed with lung cancer. Benny is lonely, anxious, and very angry. He can't sleep at night and spends his days trying to survive fifth grade. Writing from a personal place, award-winning creator Ethan Long sheds light on the challenges of growing up amidst family turmoil in this thought-provoking, bighearted story that brims with hope.
The Demon Sword Asperides
by Sarah Jean HorwitzA scheming demon sword and a wannabe knight band together on a (possibly wicked) quest in this fantasy, perfect for fans of Diana Wynne Jones and Terry Pratchett. For the past two hundred years, the demon sword Asperides has led a quiet life. While his physical form has been tasked with guarding the body of an evil sorcerer, the rest of his consciousness has taken a well-earned vacation. That constant need to trick humans into wielding him (at the price of their very souls, of course) was rather draining. Nack Furnival, on the other hand, is far from satisfied with his existence. Nack has trained since birth to be a brave and noble knight—but, unfortunately, he isn&’t especially good at it. Determined to prove his worth, Nack needs a quest. And to complete that quest, he&’ll need the one thing no knight can do without: a sword. When an attempt to resurrect the evil sorcerer throws Asperides into Nack&’s path, the demon sword can&’t help but trick the boy into making a contract to become his new owner. And with the newly undead (and very, very angry) sorcerer on their trail, Asperides and Nack find themselves swept up in a bigger adventure than either of them bargained for: saving the world.
Dust
by Dusti BowlingIn this unmissable story of friendship, courage, and healing, a girl struggling to breathe befriends a boy shrouded in dust, from bestselling and award-winning author Dusti Bowling. After Avalyn nearly died from an asthma attack, her parents moved her to the clear, dry air of Clear Canyon City, Arizona. And for the last ten years, she&’s been able to breathe. That is, until Adam showed up. Quiet and disheveled, Adam is an instant target for the bullies who have plagued Avalyn and her friends. As Avalyn gets to know him, she begins to suspect that the sudden, strange increase in dust storms around town is somehow connected to his emotions. She thinks his problems may be even worse at home, especially when massive black walls of dust start rolling in after the school day. Will she find a way to stand up for her new friend? Her life may just depend on it. A page-turning blend of mystery and action, Dusti Bowling delivers a powerful tour de force, perfect for readers of Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, and Erin Entrada Kelly.
The Final Year: (pdf)
by Matt Goodfellow Joe Todd-StantonSee that tall, skinny kid with the ball in his hand sayin see ya later to his mate? That’s me: Nathan Wilder Nate. 10 years old and a week away from the end of Year 5. Life can be tough in your last year of primary school. Tests to take, preparing for the change to high school. Nate is ready for it all, knowing his best friend PS is at his side - they’ve been inseparable since Nursery. But when they are put in two different classes and PS finds a new friend in Turner, the school bully, Nate's world turns upside-down. As he struggles to make sense of this and forge new friendships, he’s dealt another blow when his youngest brother, Dylan is rushed into hospital. His new teacher, Mr Joshua, sees a spark inside of Nate that’s lit by his love of reading and writing and shows him how to use this to process what’s going on. But with so much working against him, and anger rising inside him, will this be enough? A powerful and lyrical story about finding your place in the world and the people that matter within it.
Funny Folk Tales for Children
by Allison GalbraithIf you love a good laugh, then this book is for you. These enjoyable, traditional stories make people roll around laughing. They have some deep wisdom, tantalizing plots, and incredibly good pictures, but best of all, every story is a hoot, and will make you laugh your socks off – if you are wearing any. If you agree that laughter is the best medicine then get stuck into Funny Folk Tales for Children and enjoy a rollicking read.
Hannah Sharpe, Cartoon Detective
by Janet Tashjian"Included are illustrations explaining how Hannah thinks and reacts, minicomics, and an author&’s note explaining that her son, the illustrator of this novel, is on the autism spectrum.... This is an inclusive, fun addition to the middle-school mystery field." ―Booklist "Hannah is a lovable, relatable protagonist…. Her story provides some clever lessons on life&’s grey areas, which are universally frustrating (even if they manifest differently for all of us)." —School Library Journal"Hannah Sharpe is courageous, smart, talented, and funny. " —Ethan Long, award-winning creator of The Death and Life of Benny Brooks From the creators of the bestselling My Life series comes a fresh and funny story about Hannah Sharpe—an observant young sleuth on the autism spectrum who likes to solve mysteries by drawing cartoons of her cowboy alter ego, Dusty Pickle—in this colorfully illustrated adventure featuring full-color art on every page. Young cartoonist Hannah Sharpe has many strengths: she&’s curious, creative, has an amazing memory, and most important—she notices things. When Doug Williams moves into her family&’s Airbnb, Hannah can&’t shake the feeling that he&’s got something to hide. But his girlfriend, Remy Furtado, couldn&’t be nicer or more helpful. As Hannah investigates, often with her sketchbook in hand, she makes a series of unsettling discoveries involving stolen packages, changed keypad codes, and hidden stacks of cash. Can Hannah crack the case and unfold the mystery on her own? Including full-color illustrations with panel art featuring Hannah and her cartoon alter ego, Dusty Pickle, here is a thoughtful and propulsive new book starring a neurodiverse protagonist.
The House on Sunrise Lagoon: Marina in the Middle (The House on Sunrise Lagoon #2)
by Nicole MellebyReturn to Sunrise Lagoon in this warmhearted sequel, which finds anxious middle child Marina making waves on her journey to trusting herself. If you want to get to know Marina Ali-O'Connor, you need to know three things: One, despite her name, Marina is secretly afraid of the water. Two, she wanted to be one of the Oldest Siblings, but is stuck smack dab in the middle. Three, she's pretty certain she's the Extra Ali-O'Connor kid—the forgotten one. When Boom, a budding filmmaker exactly Marina's age, moves in across the lagoon, she decides that Marina's quest to become someone's favorite Ali-O'Connor would make a perfect documentary. But when each plan goes a little bit wrong, Marina begins to wonder if she'll ever feel like she belongs, or if she'll always be lost in the middle.
The House on Sunrise Lagoon: Marina in the Middle (The House on Sunrise Lagoon #2)
by Nicole MellebyReturn to Sunrise Lagoon in this warmhearted sequel, which finds anxious middle child Marina making waves on her journey to trusting herself. If you want to get to know Marina Ali-O'Connor, you need to know three things: One, despite her name, Marina is secretly afraid of the water. Two, she wanted to be one of the Oldest Siblings, but is stuck smack dab in the middle. Three, she's pretty certain she's the Extra Ali-O'Connor kid—the forgotten one. When Boom, a budding filmmaker exactly Marina's age, moves in across the lagoon, she decides that Marina's quest to become someone's favorite Ali-O'Connor would make a perfect documentary. But when each plan goes a little bit wrong, Marina begins to wonder if she'll ever feel like she belongs, or if she'll always be lost in the middle.
The House on Sunrise Lagoon: Sam Makes a Splash (The House on Sunrise Lagoon #1)
by Nicole MellebyFrom an acclaimed author comes a cheerful, uplifting story of family and belonging, the first in a series perfect for fans of the Vanderbeekers and the Penderwicks. If you want to get to know eleven-year-old Samantha Ali-O&’Connor, you need to know three things: One, she isn&’t the only one of her siblings who is adopted, but she is the only one whose name isn't inspired by the ocean. Two, she and Harbor always compete with each other to be the best Oldest Sibling—and just about everything else. And three, she is determined to prove she's a real Ali-O'Connor by taking over the family business, repairing and chartering boats. Except there's a Capital-P Problem: Her mothers have been Serious Whispering about selling the business before summer's end! Sam needs to come up with a plan, quick, before Harbor finds out. And before Sam loses her chance to inherit the business and be an Ali-O'Connor forever.
The House That Whispers
by Lin ThompsonFrom the author of The Best Liars in Riverview comes a subtle exploration of gender identity, family, and the personal ghosts that haunt us all, perfect for fans of Kyle Lukoff and Ashley Herring Blake. Eleven-year-old Simon and his siblings, Talia and Rose, are staying the week at Nanaleen's century-old house. This time, though, it&’s not their usual summer vacation trip. In fact, everything&’s different. It&’s fall, not summer. Mom and Dad are staying behind to have a &“talk.&” And Nanaleen&’s house smells weird, plus she keeps forgetting things. And these aren&’t the only things getting under Simon&’s skin: He&’s the only one who knows that his name is Simon, and that he and him pronouns are starting to feel right. But he&’s not ready to add to the changes that are already in motion in his family. To make matters worse, Simon keeps hearing a scratching in the walls, and shadows are beginning to build in the corners. He can&’t shake the feeling that something is deeply wrong…and he&’s determined to get to the bottom of it—which means launching a ghost hunt, with or without his sisters&’ help. When Simon discovers the hidden story of his great-aunt Brie, he realizes that Brie&’s life might hold answers to some of his worries. Is Brie&’s ghost haunting the old O&’Hagan house? And will Simon&’s search for ghosts turn up more secrets than he ever expected?
How to Speak Flower: A Kid's Guide to Buds, Blooms, and Blossoms
by Molly WilliamsA beautifully illustrated guide to the history and symbolism of flowers for every plant lover. Sunflowers are symbols of friendship. Gardenias represent secrets and mystery. Irises say, I trust you. Flowers bring color and beauty to the everyday world around us, but flowers aren&’t just pretty: Throughout history, they have been used to express ideas about ourselves and the people we care about. From asters to zinnias, from baby&’s breath to forget-me-nots, learn the magical, meaningful language of flowers with this magnificent guide to floriography. The secrets of every bloom and blossom are revealed … and with personalized quizzes and handy charts, you&’ll discover your own flower power!
The Hurricane Girls
by Kimberly Willis Holt★ "The girls&’ slowly deepening understanding of themselves gives this book its heart. Like their rebuilt city, this friendship cannot reconstitute as an exact replica of what they had before…. [an] appealing and sensitive novel." —The Horn Book, starred reviewA coming-of-age middle grade novel about three best friends born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina who must confront storms of their own 12 years later, from a National Book Award winning author. Born in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Greer, Joya Mia, and Kiki are seventh graders and the best of friends. After an accident leaves Greer's little sister paralyzed, Greer is forever changed by the experience and blames herself. Kiki and Joya Mia will do anything to help Greer let go of this emotional burden, and a plan is hatched to compete in a triathlon. Each girl will participate: Kiki will swim, Joya Mia will cycle, and Greer, if they can persuade her, will run—something she once loved to do. Set on the Westbank of New Orleans, this contemporary coming-of-age novel is a journey of growth, healing, and difficult transitions as the girls navigate their many life challenges: family trauma, body insecurity, and the conflict between ambition and responsibility. It's a powerful and enlightening exploration of how to surmount personal tragedy through friendship and forgiveness."A tender and triumphant story about friendship and family, in a proud and resilient city."―Deborah Wiles, author of the National Book Award finalists Each Little Bird That Sings and Revolution
Indigenous Ingenuity: A Celebration of Traditional North American Knowledge
by Deidre Havrelock Edward KayCelebrate Indigenous thinkers and inventions with this beautifully designed, award-winning interactive nonfiction book—perfect for fans of Braiding Sweetgrass." Essential for kids and adults. We need this book." —Candace Fleming, award-winning author of The Rise and Fall of Charles Lindbergh and The Family Romanov Corn. Chocolate. Fishing hooks. Boats that float. Insulated double-walled construction. Recorded history and folklore. Life-saving disinfectant. Forest fire management. Our lives would be unrecognizable without these, and countless other, scientific discoveries and technological inventions from Indigenous North Americans. Spanning topics from transportation to civil engineering, hunting technologies, astronomy, brain surgery, architecture, and agriculture, Indigenous Ingenuity is a wide-ranging STEM offering that answers the call for Indigenous nonfiction by reappropriating hidden history. The book includes fun, simple activities and experiments that kids can do to better understand and enjoy the principles used by Indigenous inventors. Readers of all ages are invited to celebrate traditional North American Indigenous innovation, and to embrace the mindset of reciprocity, environmental responsibility, and the interconnectedness of all life. An NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book An American Association of Geography Recommended Book A National Education Society Read Across America Selection A Canadian Children&’s Book Centre Best Books for Kids & TeensA School Library Journal Best Book of the Year A Shelf Awareness Gift Guide SelectionA Junior Library Guild Selection
The Inkwell Chronicles: Race to Krakatoa, Book 2 (The Inkwell Chronicles #2)
by J. D. PeabodyMystery and danger abound in book two of The Inkwell Chronicles, a fast-paced middle-grade fantasy series about magic ink, a secret society, and a boy who learns to make his mark. In book two of The Inkwell Chronicles, Everett and his little sister Bea find themselves drawn even more deeply into the secret world of the Inklings, those who seek to protect the world's rapidly diminishing supply of magic Ink. When a miraculous new type of ink called Inkanto begins to appear around the world, initial celebration soon gives way to suspicions about its mysterious origins. As the race to find and control the world's supply of Ink intensifies, signs begin to appear that not is all that it seems. Will the siblings and their fellow Inklings be able to uncover the truth in time? Fans of The Silver Arrow, The Bookwanderers, and Inkheart will love this classic battle of good and evil that pits creativity against the forces that would seek to blot it out for good.
The Jules Verne Prophecy (Jules Verne Prophecy #1)
by Larry Schwarz Iva-Marie PalmerWhen a mysterious book by the legendary writer Jules Verne falls into the hands of three unlikely friends, it sets off a treasure hunt like no other—get ready for a modern-day reimagining of The Goonies! Owen Godfrey is spending his summer in Paris studying science fiction writer Jules Verne, the brilliant mind behind Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and Around the World in Eighty Days. When Owen and his new friends find what appears to be a dusty copy of Verne&’s collected works in an old bookshop, they&’re intrigued by the hidden codes written inside. As one clue leads to another, the trio gets swept up in an epic treasure hunt spanning the city—from the depths of the catacombs to the top of the Eiffel Tower, and by way of skateboard, boat, car, and even a hot air balloon! But they quickly realize they&’re not the only ones searching for the hidden riches, and that there are others who will stop at nothing to get to them first. This fast-paced larger-than-life adventure is filled with action, high stakes, and three friends who are dead set on cracking the Jules Verne mystery."A fabulous adventure that reads like a dream vacation." —Sarah Ferguson "A wild acton-filled tale that lets readers use their brains to solve a fantastical mystery!" —David Mendel "[An] epic adventure with laugh-out-loud humor and genuine middle-grade heart." Micol Ostow
The Junior Birder's Handbook: A Kid's Guide to Birdwatching (The Junior Handbook Series)
by Danielle BellenyA beautifully illustrated kid's guide to birds and their habitats, perfect for budding birders whether you live in a city, suburb, or rural area. In the woods, in cities, in your backyard—birds are everywhere. But do you know the difference between a robin and a wren? A raven and a crow? In this fully illustrated book, you will learn how to identify birds in an array of habitats and seasons (thanks to migration, there are always new birds to find). You'll also learn the different behaviors/habits of birds—from why blue jays divebomb other birds&’ nests to what attracts hummingbirds to certain flowers. As the popularity of birding and birdwatching reach new heights, more and more children have the opportunity to connect with nature, whether indoors or outside and with no equipment other than one&’s eyes (and this handbook, of course). What&’s not to love? Featuring Michelle Carlos's vibrant illustrations, this gorgeous (and gifty) book includes interactive elements like quizzes and crafts, as well as accessible charts/guides that will lead to endless fun!
A Kid's Guide to Tabletop RPGs: Exploring Dice, Game Systems, Roleplaying, and More (A Kid's Fan Guide)
by Gabriel HicksAn accessible, inclusive guide aimed at helping young fans get in touch with their inner game master by offering advice and creative ways to get involved, celebrate, and interact with the tabletop RPG community! Calling all adventurers! Whether you're a level five wizard in Dungeons & Dragons or just starting out on your tabletop roleplaying journey, A Kid's Guide to Tabletop RPGs is the perfect way to explore the ins-and-outs of playing, creating, and sharing tabletop games. Written by game developer and game master Gabe Hicks, A Kid's Guide to Tabletop RPGs includes chapters on: The Basics of Tabletop RPGs The Roles of the Narrator/Game Master and Players Recommendations of Games to Play How to Write Your Own TTRPG Packed full of quizzes, sidebars full of history and recommendations, as well as interviews and advice from on how to get started, this is the ultimate guide and companion for young gamers and game designers. It's time to roll for initiative and get ready to explore the world of tabletop roleplaying games!
A Kid's Guide to the Chinese Zodiac: Animal Horoscopes, Legendary Myths, and Practical Uses for Ancient Wisdom
by Aaron HwangA Kid's Guide to the Chinese Zodiac is a charming, fun-filled introduction to eastern astrology, perfect for discovering what your sign—Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, or Pig—says about you. Are you loyal like the Dog? Or stubborn like the Ox? What does the time you were born say about who you are? Can knowing more about your Zodiac empower you in your day to day? A Kid's Guide to the Chinese Zodiac offers the history and lore behind this ancient classification system, along with practical advice for young readers on how to navigate relationships and apply oneself at school and at home, all based on the qualities associated with the twelve Zodiac animals. Someone born in the year of the Pig might prioritize stability and comfort. Naturally agreeable, they may need to work at recognizing when they're uncomfortable and speak up so they don't get stuck in the mud. Someone who is a Rat, on the other hand, might be ambitious and clever, but may need to take a step back from their own ideas every now and then in order to find balance. Beautifully illustrated, with sidebars on Chinese culture and myth throughout, this book is an informative and mystical guide for any kid who is curious about the universe and how they fit into it.
The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor
by Aubrey HartmanA charming middle-grade novel about old magic, new adventures, a winged lion learning to roar, and a young girl fighting to be heard—perfect for fans of classics like The NeverEnding Story. Poppy Woodlock believes in magic, but so far, she hasn&’t found any. It&’s been two weeks since her parents moved their family to Oregon to undertake their biggest project yet: revitalizing the once-grand Lark-Hayes Manor. Her older brother instantly found his place, but after being thrown into middle school midyear, Poppy is feeling…invisible. So she retreats to where she&’s always felt most at home: books and magic. And if the fantastic and supernatural exist, certainly they can be found in this mysterious old estate. A late-night prowl leads Poppy to a desperate water nymph, with whom she strikes a dangerous bargain. In exchange for the thing she loves most—her favorite book— Poppy now has the secret of a lifetime: her very own flying lion. Sampson is exactly what she needs to prove magic does exist and, more importantly, that she is not to be so easily dismissed. But the cost of ancient magic is astronomic. With every night Sampson grows, another book disappears, and Poppy soon faces the harrowing reality that without their favorite stories, the lives of everyone around her begin to unravel. Fixing the chaos will require Poppy to be clever and bold, and even at her smartest and loudest, she&’s not sure it will be enough. But she has to try.