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A delightful bedtime tale, set on the African plains. The sun has set and the moon is rising, and that means it’s bedtime. But not if Lala has a say — because she’s not ready to go to sleep! First she needs to say good night to the cat. And the goat. And the chickens. And, and, and … Lala’s adorable stalling strategy will ring true for all parents whose little ones aren’t ready to say goodbye to the day — and all will appreciate the wonderful culmination to the bedtime ritual.

Nine months before Rosa Parks’ history-making protest on a city bus, Claudette Colvin, a 15-year-old Montgomery, Alabama, high-school student, was arrested and jailed for refusing to give up her seat to a white passenger. Based on extensive interviews with Colvin and many others, this book presents the first in-depth account of an important yet largely unknown civil rights figure, skillfully weaving her dramatic story into the fabric of the historic Montgomery bus boycott and court case that would change the course of American history.

Opening in the summer of 1847, this story follows an Ojibwe family through four seasons; it focuses on young Omakayas, who turns “eight winters old” during the course of the novel. In nearly step-by-step details, the story describes how they build a summer home out of birchbark, gather with extended family to harvest rice in the autumn, treat an attack of smallpox during the winter, and make maple syrup in the spring to stock their own larder and to sell to others.

The story of a girl who uncovers her family’s secrets — and finds her own Native American identity. The author, a member of the Upper Skagit tribe, handles issues surrounding identity, loss of culture, adoption, and family separation with insight. The novel looks at historical truths about how Native Americans have been treated throughout U.S. history.

Set in a futuristic fictionalized Thailand, run by a powerful Governor, Pong has spent his life in prison. He escapes but is pursued by Nok, the Warden’s daughter. Themes seen in Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables are freshly presented in a wholly original setting and vivid period in this riveting and accessible novel.

Middle school is never easy but 7th grade becomes particularly tough for Ross when he’s diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer. In spite of his best friend preparing to move and being bullied for the effect of the grueling cancer treatment, Ross finds power in music and friendship — and discovers something about his nemesis. This uplifting, often humorous novel is based on the author’s experience.

After the death of Hanna’s mother, she and her father head to the Dakota Territory looking to start anew. But can a girl with a Chinese mother and a white father overcome the odds against them? The Newbery Medalist again presents rich historical fiction with an afterword that describes the genesis of this powerful story.

He’s small, a bit rough around the edges but he’s got a big heart and big friends. Meet Bob of dubious heritage; “…some Chihuahua, with a smidgen of Papillon…”  His best friends are a gorilla named Ivan, a small elephant named Ruby, and a girl named Julia. The sequel to the Newbery-winning book, The One and Only Ivan (opens in a new window), this new story can stand alone with its unique verve and charm. Spot illustrations and a glossary of dog terms add humor and emotion.

Can Iggy Peck use his architectural prowess to help Ada Twist’s Aunt Bernice from losing the house she inherited? Iggy, Ada, and the other Questioneers come together to solve the mystery of the missing antiques and acquire a bit of history along the way in this latest story in the Questioneers series.

A hopeful middle grade novel in free verse about a young girl who must leave Syria to move to the United States. “A realistic portrait of the strength it takes to move to a new country, as well as of the complicated dynamics between first- and second-generation immigrants.” (Horn Book)

Alone in the snowy woods with his dog, a boy discovers the wonder of winter trees, one at a time, in a big, quiet space. On every double-page spread, four lines of simple verse and bright linoleum block prints decorated with watercolor and collage capture the stark outlines and the details of what he sees, hears, and touches (“Crunch! Our footsteps make the only sound”). The botanical facts are part of the wonder (“Trees that once had leaves are bare”). (Booklist)

No one is shocked by the six-eyed alien strolling around the Universal backlot. The tourists just think he’s part of the show. It doesn’t take long for Buddy to land a role on a popular TV show, playing (of course) an alien. He becomes an overnight heartthrob and is suddenly faced with legions of adoring fans, rides in glamorous limos, and appearances at red carpet parties. But can Buddy maintain his secret identity while in the spotlight? Winkler and Oliver keep readers laughing while slipping in a lesson — accept everyone as they are, even if they have suction cups for feet.

Her mother disappeared when Matilda “Tilly” Pages was just a baby. Since then she has lived with her grandparents in their London bookstore, Pages & Co. At the start of the midterm break, Tilly discovers a special talent: she is a bookwanderer which allows her to meet characters from her favorite books like Anne (of Green Gables) and Alice (in Wonderland). In this riveting, well-told tale, other characters from classics come alive. The conclusion is satisfying while pointing to forthcoming stories.

Could the Mac B growing up in the 1980s really have been a spy before he became an author? Who gets called to England to help the Queen? Not likely, but it sure makes a good adventure. Amusing line drawings use limited color to add to the humor in the start of a new series. Fun and adventure with Mac B continue in Mac B. Kid Spy: The Impossible Crime (opens in a new window).

Twelve-year-old Lucy lives with her father in Rockport, Massachusetts. Her mother, a marine biologist, died several years earlier. Lucy and her best friend and neighbor with a passion for science are making a field guide about marine animals: Fred writes; Lucy draws. Loss, grief, and healing are deftly handled in this memorable, striking novel in which community, art, science, and love intersect.

Lalani and her mother live on Sanlagita, an island under constant threat from the mountain Isa. Lalani’s quest begins when her mother falls gravely ill. Steeped in Filipino lore, this is a riveting fantasy, enhanced by evocative illustrations in a handsome format. Lalani confronts and overcomes all odds for a satisfying conclusion.

In spite of his canine mother’s assurances, a puppy is mistreated by people and winds up at a shelter. A boy named Patrick and his mother spend the summer — and beyond — at his grandfather’s home. How the dog who lost his bark and a boy with no friends and parents who are separating help each other heal is tenderly told and gently illustrated in this short, moving novel.

Many years ago, Eleanor Foraker, better known as Ellie, “helped change the world with a needle and thread.” She and her team worked for a company that made clothing for women and babies. They entered a spacesuit design competition and won. Ellie and team’s A7L spacesuit was worn by Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin to walk on the moon. Actual events inspired this unique look at space exploration.

Poor porcupine! No one will give the prickly (but needy) critter a hug. Not Lou the rabbit, not Ken the deer, not even big bear, Joe. They are all afraid of the green kiss-seeking snake. But porcupine isn’t! Animated, comical illustrations combine with conversation bubbles to tell a very funny, understated, and satisfying story. 

Hally, the Tosis family dog, suffers from a very big problem: she has terrible breath. This, of course, is a major issue for the family and the Tosis’ entire community, until Hally saves the day! She thwarts serial burglars with her daunting exhalation. The silly and (sort of) gross humor first published in 1994 is available again.

Astrid tells her father that she wants to be an astronaut, and is not deterred when her father asks her if she can eat food from a package and go round and round the earth in a spaceship. When her mother gets home, Astrid, embraced by both parents, proclaims,“I want to be an astronaut just like you [her mother].” Uncluttered illustrations simply but effectively depict Astrid’s loving family.

Though Eleanor Roosevelt was born into privilege, she developed a keen sense of justice and fairness. In a highly readable narration, Eleanor’s life is presented, enhanced by photographs and primary sources. Also included are a timeline and bibliography.

The women in Senator Gillibrand’s family inspired this examination of those active in the women’s suffrage movement from the late 19^th to early 20^th century. Some like Susan B. Anthony and Harriet Tubman are well known. Others such as Inez Mulholland and Lucy Burns are lesser known. Together, these portraits present an accessible look at early activists. Stylized illustrations enhance the presentation.

Charlotte and Ben — friends connected only by an online Scrabble game — will intersect in unexpected ways as they struggle to navigate the turmoil of middle school. A sensitive look at friendship, bullying and coming of age.