From Here to There: Stories of Immigration and Emigration

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To immigrate is to enter a foreign country to live there. To emigrate is to leave a country to live in another. Think of it this way: immigrating is to coming as emigrating is to going.

Uprooting one’s life and moving to a foreign land is rarely an easy process. Sometimes people move by choice, while other times they leave for their own safety. Once arrived, learning how to live in a new culture can be almost as difficult. Below are several stories of people who immigrated all over the world.

If you’re interested in finding more books about immigration and emigration, search the catalog using keywords such as “juvenile fiction” for fiction books, “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books, and an additional term such as “immigration,” “emigration,” or “refugees.”

Ewald, Wendy
America Border Culture Dreamer. 2018 (Nonfiction).
Eighteen immigrant teenagers define their experiences using the alphabet. In this unique approach to exploring immigration, each story is accompanied by an impactful photograph.
[S.305.23092 Am3511]

Fox, Mem
I’m an Immigrant Too! 2018 (Picture Book).
Set in Australia, this colorful book celebrates the diversity that immigrants bring to a new place and how they make communities wonderful. This joyful story is a fresh look at immigration from a non-American perspective.
[SE. F8322im]

Gratz, Alan
Refugee. 2017 (Middle Grade Novel).
Intense and action-packed, this book is really three stories in one. Josef, a Jewish boy in 1930’s Nazi Germany, Isabel, a young girl living in Cuba in 1994 during great political unrest, and Mahmoud, a boy living in Syria in 2015 where the death count increases daily, all must flee their home countries for the safety of their families. While each story is different, every character experiences the same fear and uncertainty, making this a narrative that transcends decades.
[S. G774r]

Lorenzi, Natalie Dias
A Long Pitch Home. 2016 (Middle Grade Novel).
When Bilal leaves Pakistan to come to America, he finds it difficult to adjust. Speaking English is exhausting, cricket is definitely not the same as baseball, and he wishes more than anything that his father could move to America too. In this endearing tale, Bilal must learn to find his courage.
[S. L8877l]

Newman, Lesléa
Gittel’s Journey: An Ellis Island Story. 2019 (Picture Book).
Based on a real immigrant’s experiences at Ellis Island, this story follows a young girl and her mother as they make their way to America. When her mother does not pass the health inspection, Gittel is forced to enter the country on her own, which becomes an even more frightening prospect when she realizes that she does not have the address of the cousin with whom she is supposed to stay!
[Q. S. N465gi]

Raúf, Onjali Q.
The Boy at the Back of the Class. 2019 (Middle Grade Novel).
Set in England, this book follows the story of new kid Ahmet, a nine-year-old refugee from Syria. Highlighting the power of an ally, Ahmet’s classmates work together to come up with a plan to help reunite him with his family.
[S. R191bo]

Rim, Sujean
Chee-Kee: A Panda in Bearland. 2017 (Picture book).
When Chee-kee moves to Bearland, he is worried that he will never fit in. He doesn’t know how to use a fork, or how to skateboard, and he prefers wearing hats to sunglasses. Soon, however, Chee-Kee finds that he might have more to offer than he realized.
[SE. R46c]

Tan, Shaun
The Arrival. 2007 (Graphic Novel).
This stunning and totally wordless graphic novel tells the story of a man who leaves his home to build a better future for his family. No specific countries are named, and the foreign is presented as totally foreign to both the man and the reader. This story captures the emotional highs and lows of an immigrant’s journey.
[Q. S.741.595 T153a]

Van, Muon
The Little Tree. 2015 (Picture Book).
When a little tree realizes that her forest is becoming smaller and smaller, she sends her seed off with a bird friend in hopes that it may find a new forest and one day grow big and strong. Based on the author’s own mother, this heartwarming tale is both colorful and sweet.
[SE. V334l]

Wallace, Sandra Neil and Wallace, Rich
First Generation: 36 Trailblazing Immigrants and Refugees Who Make America Great. 2018 (Nonfiction).
Giving brief biographies of immigrants and refugees from all over the world, this book explores the lives of many people who have helped shape their respective fields, as well as the United States in general. Included are famous figures such as Albert Einstein, as well as change-makers you may not have heard of before.
[S.305.906912 W1557fi]

Weston, Robert Paul
Sakura’s Cherry Blossoms. 2018 (Picture Book).
Sakura loves spending springtime sitting underneath a tall cherry tree with Obaachan. When Sakura’s family moves from Japan to America, she worries she will never feel at home again. A beautiful tale of love and loss, this story is told entirely in Tanka, a style of poetry similar to haiku.
[SE. W5283s]

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A Time for Reflection: Books about Peace

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With the stress of the holiday season now passed, now is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and once again find peace. “Peace” may refer to a time without war or disagreement, or it may mean a sense of calmness and tranquility. Find listed below several children’s books about all kinds of peace to help you to define what peace means to you.

If you’re interested in finding more books about peace, search the catalog using keywords such as “juvenile fiction” for fiction books, “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books, and an additional term such as “peace,” “peacemakers,” or “mindfulness.”

Cali, Davide and Serge Bloche
The Enemy. 2009 (Picture Book).
A deep yet surprisingly simple look at the mindset of war, this saddening story explores the ugliness of hate, and the hopefulness of peace. The plain line-drawing illustrations mixed with real photographs make a powerful impact.
[Q. SE. C128en]

Klein, Carol Swartout
Painting for Peace in Ferguson. 2015 (Nonfiction).
Entirely kid-friendly, this account of a modern-day peace movement showcases some of the art and artists of Ferguson, Missouri in the wake of a frightening and saddening event. Boarded up buildings became works of art as local community members worked together to paint messages of peace.
[Q. S.917.7866 K6721p]

Kor, Paul
The Hawk and the Dove. 2019 (Picture Book).
Through clever paper cuts, this book follows the story of a feisty hawk who feels tired and sad from all of the war he has wrought, and decides to change into a dove. Suddenly, weapons of war all over the world turn into beautiful things, leaving the dove to wonder if it will last.
[Q. SE. K8423ha]

Lebox, Annette
Peace is an Offering. 2017 (Picture Book).
Explore all of the subtler, quieter moments throughout the day in which one can find peace with others. This tender-hearted book shows that even in times of great sadness, peace can be found.
[SE. L4933p]

Meng, Cece
World Pizza. 2017 (Picture Book).
When Mama sneezes while wishing for world peace, suddenly the entire globe is covered in pizzas. But could it be that Mama still gets her true wish? Fans of Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs will love this silly tale of flying food.
[Q. SE. M524wo]

Mirza, Sandrine
People of Peace: 40 Inspiring Icons. 2018 (Nonfiction).
This cute and colorful book provides quick biographies and interesting infographics about forty peacemakers, including many recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
[S.327.172092 M679pe]

Moore, Sandra
The Peace Tree from Hiroshima: The Little Bonsai with a Big Story. 2015 (Picture Book).
Follow the story of a little tree, nicknamed “Miyajima,” as it continues to grow through generations of a Japanese family. When the bomb is dropped and the tree survives, it suddenly becomes a symbol of something much greater: Peace.
[Q. SE. M7866p]

Ortner, Nick and Alison Taylor
My Magic Breath: Finding Calm through Mindful Breathing. 2018 (Nonfiction).
Find inner peace through the power of your own breath, and feel your worries fade away. This introduction to mindful breathing is simple yet effective, and completely kid-friendly.
[S.158.12083 Or88my]

Parr, Todd
The Peace Book. 2004 (Picture Book).
From taking a nap, to learning another language, to giving shoes to someone in need, this book explores many definitions of peace using the bold and colorful illustrative style that all Todd Parr fans enjoy.
[SE. P246p]

Pinkney, Andrea David
Peace Warriors. 2013 (Nonfiction).
This chapter book provides biographies of six prolific peacemakers from across the globe: Mahatma Gandhi, Dorothy Day, Martin Luther King, Jr., Desmond Tutu, Dalai Lama, and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Complete with pictures and lots of information, this is a great book for those interested in learning about people of peace.
[S.327.172 P6565p]

Verde, Susan
I am Peace. 2017 (Picture Book).
This gentle journey from worry and anxiety to peace and serenity teaches readers that it is okay to slow down and find one’s feet again. A lesson in mindfulness applicable to readers of all ages, this is a great read for anyone who feels stressed from time to time.
[SE. V583iape]

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It’s Time for a Good Book

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December 8th is “Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day.” This is a hilarious day to act confused by modern technology, wear futuristic or period clothes, or just do anything a time traveler might do. Even though it’s an early holiday, that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate all month long (just think of Ebenezer Scrooge shouting at a random boy in the street, “You there, what day is this?”). For some inspiration to help you celebrate, check out these great reads all about time travel.

If you’re interested in finding more books about time travel, search the catalog using keywords such as “juvenile fiction” for fiction books, “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books, and an additional term such as “time travel,” “space and time,” or “wormholes.”

Bloom, Suzanne.
A Mighty Fine Time Machine. 2009 (Picture Book).
An aardvark, an armadillo, and an anteater discover a cardboard box and realize that it would make a perfect time machine. But will they actually get it to work? Laugh along with them as they craft thingamabobs and hoozie-doozies to make their time machine perfect.
[Q. SE. B62311m]

Chapman, Jared
T. Rex Time Machine. 2018 (Picture Book).
When two dinosaurs use a time machine to travel to modern day America, they discover a wonderful world of pizza, donuts, and other amazing things. But while they may be ready for the modern world, the modern world just might not be ready for them. Hilarity ensues when these larger-than-life dinos realize they may be in over their heads.
[SE. C3668tr]

Gibbs, Stuart
The Last Musketeer. 2011 (Middle Grade Novel).
Not every family trip goes as planned, and that goes triple for Greg Rich. When his parents disappear, he ends up traveling four hundred years to the past in order to find them. Things get even wilder as he soon finds himself a member of the legendary Three Musketeers!
[S. G35512l]
For more in this trilogy, check out The Last Musketeer: Traitor’s Chase [S. G35512t], and The Last Musketeer: Double Cross [S. G35512d], also located in the S-Collection!

Long, David
Diary of a Time Traveler. 2015 (Nonfiction).
Augustus is really bored in history class until his teacher hands him a magic notebook that takes him back in time! Follow his journey as he meets some of history’s most influential people, from the Paleolithic people who discovered fire to Albert Einstein.
[Q. S.909 L853d]

Nelson, Peter and Rohitash Rao.
Herbert’s Wormhole. 2009 (Middle Grade Novel).
When Alex is forced to hang out with his inventor neighbor Herbert, the two end up traveling to the 22nd century, battling aliens, and trying to save the world! Described as “a novel in cartoons,” this is a book even the most reluctant readers will enjoy.
[S. N3362h]
For more in this series, check out Aerostar and the 3 ½-Point Plan of Vengeance [S. N3362a], and The Rise and Fall of El Solo Libre [S. N3362r], also located in the S-Collection!

Rapkin, Mickey
It’s Not a Bed, It’s a Time Machine. 2019 (Picture Book).
Like many children, our young narrator is afraid of the dark, and is apprehensive about going to bed. But when his stuffed bunny tells him that the bed is really a time machine, a whole world of adventure opens up, and he even gets to meet a real T. Rex! This exciting story teaches little ones that bedtime is nothing to be afraid of.
[Q. SE. R1819it]

Stokes, Jonathan W.
The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Rome: A Handbook for Time Travelers. 2018 (Nonfiction).
Planning a vacation to ancient Rome? This handy guide is all you’ll need to help you find a place to stay, save money, see the best sights, and even stay alive! You’ll want to be sure to pack this one on your next time travel adventure.
[S.937 St676tgar]
For more in this series, check out The Thrifty Guide to Ancient Greece [S.938 St676tgag], and The Thrifty Guide to the American Revolution [S.973.3 St676tgam], also located in the S-Collection!

Taylor, Janet
Into the Dim. 2016 (Young Adult Fiction).
Hope Walton is devastated when her mother is killed in an earthquake, but when she travels to Scotland she learns that her mom was a member of a secret society of time travelers, and is actually still alive, trapped in the twelfth century. When Hope travels back in time to save her, she meets a mysterious boy who could derail her entire mission.
[S. T2156i]

Turetsky, Bianca
The Time-Traveling Fashionista. 2011 (Middle Grade Novel).
12-year-old Louise receives an invitation to a vintage clothing sale. Unexpectedly, when she tries on a beautiful gown, she is transported back in time and takes the place of the original owner of the dress, a silent film starlet in 1912 traveling aboard a luxury ship. Louise loves the glamor and the drama in her new surroundings, until she realizes that the ship she has arrived on is the Titanic! With full-color illustrations from a professional fashion illustrator, this fresh take on time-travel stories is one you won’t want to miss.
[S. T844t]

Welford, Ross
Time Traveling with a Hamster. 2016 (Middle Grade Novel).
When twelve-year-old Al receives a letter from his deceased father, he isn’t expecting directions to a time machine! Al’s father asks him to travel back to 1984 and prevent the go-kart accident that killed him. This fast-paced, witty novel is full of heart.
[S. W4579ti]

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The Write Way to Read

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Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month? With the weather getting chillier, it’s a great time to buckle down and get to work on putting that story in your head to paper. Need some inspiration? Would you rather just read? Either way, be sure to check out the titles below for some awesome stories about people who love to write and some tips for how you yourself can be an even better writer. For more information about National Novel Writing Month, take a look at the website for the nonprofit organization that started it all: https://www.nanowrimo.org/.

If you’re interested in finding more books about writing, search the catalog using keywords such as “juvenile fiction” for fiction books, “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books, and an additional term such as “authorship,” “writing,” or “writers.”

Detweiler, Katelyn
The Undoing of Thistle Tate. 2019 (Young Adult Fiction).
Thistle Tate has it made. At seventeen, she’s already the author of a bestselling series and has millions of fans. There’s only one problem: she didn’t actually write the books. As fans clamor for the final book in her series, Thistle’s guilt starts to unwind her relationships, career, and identity. With an insider’s look into the publishing world, this makes for a fascinating read.
[S. D486un]

Eaddy, Susan
Poppy’s Best Paper. 2015 (Picture Book).
When Poppy grows up, she is going to be a verrryyy famous writer. But despite what she thinks are her best efforts, the teacher never chooses her paper to read to the class! Will Poppy ever learn that it takes more than just saying you’re going to be a great writer in order to actually be one? Find out in this story that all ages will find relatable.
[SE. Ea22pobp]

Fletcher, Ralph
How to Write Your Life Story. 2007 (Nonfiction).
Not sure what to write about? Why not write about yourself! After all, you are the expert on you. This comprehensive book will guide you through telling your own story, proving that you don’t have to be famous to have a life that’s already worth reading about.
[S.808 F637h]

Gutman, Dan
My Weird Writing Tips. 2013 (Nonfiction).
From the bestselling author of the My Weird School series comes this hilarious guide to writing well. Full of genuinely useful tips and tricks as well as inspiring quotes from real authors, this is a book that will definitely encourage you to pick up a pencil and give you a few laughs along the way.
[S.808.042 G985m]

Kuipers, Alice
Polly Diamond and the Magic Book. 2018 (Young Readers Chapter Book).
For Polly Diamond, words really do have power. When she receives a magic book, everything that she writes down becomes reality! But what should she write about? Chocolate? A new TV? World peace? When things get out of hand, Polly learns what it means to choose her words carefully.
[S. K9577pdma]

López Ávila, Pilar
Ayobami and the Names of the Animals. 2017 (Picture Book).
Follow the story of little Ayobami, an African girl who dreams of learning to read and write. On her way to school, however, a series of dangerous animals threaten her until she promises to learn to write their names. Will she ever make it to school and achieve her dreams? Imaginative illustrations by Mar Azabal bring to life this beautiful story that teaches us that education is not always easy to obtain, but is a path to hope.
[S-Collection SE. L8811ay:E]

MacLachlan, Patricia
Someone Like Me. 2017 (Picture Book).
This semi-autobiographical picture book follows snippets of a child’s life as she grows up to become an author, showing that everyone has an interesting story to tell, and anyone can be a writer. Beautiful illustrations by Chris Sheban give this story a nostalgic feel.
[SE. M22so]

Ryan, Pam Muñoz
The Dreamer. 2010 (Biography: Chapter Book).
This fictionalized biography of the Nobel Prize-winning Chilean poet Pablo Neruda comes from award-winning author Pam Muñoz Ryan. Follow the story of a deeply shy child as he goes on a journey of self-discovery that will allow him to grow up to change the world.
[S. R957d]

Van Draanen, Wendelin
The Secret Life of Lincoln Jones. 2016 (Middle Grade Novel).
Lincoln Jones has always preferred fiction to the messiness of real life. In his stories, he can make anything happen (or not happen), but when a fellow sixth grader named Kandi Kain starts badgering him about his stories, Lincoln may finally be forced to open up.
[S. V2871sel]

Wilde, Jen
Going Off Script. 2019 (Young Adult Fiction).
This contemporary romantic story follows seventeen-year-old Bex as she lands an internship at her favorite TV show. When she realizes her job involves little more than getting coffee, she decides to submit her own script, which is promptly stolen, reworked, and straight-washed by the head writer! Bex and her almost-girlfriend decide to take on the studio for the representation they deserve.
[S. W6443go]

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Books that Go Bump in the Night

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The air is getting crisp, leaves crunch underfoot, and a sense of spookiness can be felt all around. It’s the time of year again when witches cackle and werewolves howl, and we crawl under the covers with a flashlight and a book, hoping that the scratching at the window is just a tree branch. If you’re ready for a frighteningly good read, sink your claws into one of these great titles.

If you’re interested in finding more books that will give you the shivers, search the catalog using subject terms such as “juvenile fiction” for fiction books, “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books, and an additional term such as “Halloween,” “ghost stories,” or your favorite scary monster.

Becker, Bonny
The Frightful Ride of Michael McMichael. 2018 (Picture Book).
Little Michael McMichael is on a trip to deliver something to his beloved grandmother. But as soon as he steps on the Thirteen bus, something feels very off. The creepy driver only gets creepier, and the bus only gets more abnormal as the other passengers disembark! With eerily silly illustrations by Mark Fearing, the twist ending will leave you gasping!
[S-Collection Q. SE. B388fr]

Becker, Helaine
Monster Science: Could Monsters Survive (and Thrive!) in the Real World? 2016 (Nonfiction).
Think you know all there is to know about monsters? Think again! This fun, engaging book delves into the real-life science behind the creatures we all know and love. Discover the history of sea monsters. Learn if electricity really could make human organs function after death. Complete with jokes, trivia, and a whole lot of science, this is one you won’t want to miss.
[S-Collection S.001.944 B38845m]

Brendler, Carol
Not Very Scary. 2014 (Picture Book).
Melly the monster does not scare easily. In fact, she doesn’t get scared at all! So when she sets out to her cousin’s house for a big surprise, it doesn’t frighten her one bit when more and more creepy creatures start to follow her on her way. Or does it…?
[S-Collection Q. SE. B7504n]

Caswell, Deanna
Boo! Haiku. 2016 (Juvenile Poetry).
Colorful pictures and creative poetic riddles will keep little ones guessing about which spooky character will appear on the next page. Each hint is told in the form of a haiku, a traditional Japanese style of poetry that includes 5 syllables on the first line, 7 on the second, and 5 on the third. This is a real page turner because you never know who you’ll find next!
[S-Collection SE. C2799bo]

Cuyler, Margery
Skeleton Hiccups. 2002 (Picture Book).
Is there anything scarier than hiccups you can’t get rid of? Poor Skeleton is afflicted, and despite his best efforts, they won’t go away! Will they ever leave his rattling bones in peace? Clever illustrations by S. D. Schindler make this a classic you’ll return to year after year.
[S-Collection SE. C99sk]

Fleming, Candace
On the Day I Died: Stories from the Grave. 2012 (Young Adult Fiction).
Set in an actual (and allegedly haunted) cemetery outside of Chicago, this distinctly Illinoisan set of ghost stories follows the tales of several teen spirits recounting how they died, all involving the supernatural. Each ghost belongs to a different era in history from 1860 to the present, and together they paint a marvelous picture of some of the most exciting events in Illinois history.
[S-Collection S. F629o]

Howard, Martin
How to Slay a Werewolf. 2014 (Nonfiction).
Plagued by a lycanthrope? No problem! In this hilarious guide to werewolves, Professor Van Helsing teaches you all the tips and tricks you’ll need to rid yourself of that bothersome beast once and for all. Complete with a history of werewolves, this is your one stop shop for all things lupine.
[S-Collection S.398.2454 H835h]

Monahan, Hillary
Mary: The Summoning. 2014 (Young Adult Fiction).
Four teen girls link hands to summon the spirit of Bloody Mary. But when one of the girls takes it too far, Mary is released from her mirror and seeks revenge. Friendships are challenged and lives are changed as the girls struggle to escape Mary’s grasp. Easily the scariest book on this list, it is not for the faint of heart.
[S-Collection S. M7412m]

Sloat, Teri
Zip! Zoom! On a Broom! 2017 (Picture Book).
One by one, ten witches jump on a broom, and one by one, they drop off again! Illustrated by Rosalinde Bonnet, this rhyming story all about counting up and down makes for a great read-aloud with a witchy theme.
[S-Collection Q. SE. Sl52z]

Tan, Shaun
The Singing Bones: Inspired by Grimms’ Fairy Tales. 2016 (Young Adult Fiction).
Explore Grimms’ fairy tales as you’ve never seen them before. Eerie sculptures by visionary artist Shaun Tan accompany snippets of 75 tales, leaving you with a strong sense of foreboding. Complete with an introduction by Neil Gaiman, fans of fairy tales and folklore won’t want to miss this one.
[S-Collection S.398.210943 T1535si]

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Ahoy, Matey! Pirate Books Dead Ahead!

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Arrr! Avast, me hearties! Before ye knows it, International Talk Like a Pirate Day will arrive with a yo-ho-ho on September 19th! Pirates are fascinating characters we associate with bravery, cunning, adventure, and, of course, treasure, and many books have been written about them and their daring deeds, including the ones in our list below. For those young scallywags wanting to know how they can celebrate, the creators of this holiday have curated some resources such as a pirate song and party kit specifically for Junior Pirates. There are even translation services online such as https://speakpirate.com/ to help you not feel like such a landlubber for the occasion. And if ye be brave enough, now’s yer chance to check out some tales of pirate glory that will have you shivering yer timbers and singing boisterous sea shanties!

To find more books about pirates and swashbuckling adventures, try searching the catalog using a combination of search terms like “juvenile fiction” for fiction books or “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books along with “pirates” or a specific pirate’s name like “Blackbeard.”

Butterfield, Moira.
Dirty Rotten Pirates: A Truly Revolting Guide to Pirates and Their World. 2014 (Nonfiction Picture Book)
Describing the types of pirates, the history of piracy, daily life, the pirate code, and more, this is a book pirate enthusiasts won’t want to miss. The exploratory format showcases full-page illustrations with sections to pick and choose from that satisfy every curiosity. This guide places pirates into the context of history and doesn’t hold back from the gross or scary!
[S-Collection Q. S.910.45 B9821d]

Carlson, Caroline.
Magic Marks the Spot (The Very Nearly Honorable League of Pirates #1). 2013 (Middle Grades Novel)
When Hilary Westfield is accepted to the Piracy Apprenticeship Program, she is overjoyed to be able to finally pursue what she sees as her true calling. However, when her application is suddenly denied upon the realization that she is a girl, she is enrolled instead at Miss Pimm’s Finishing School for Delicate Ladies, which is exactly as dreadful as it sounds. With her best friend the gargoyle by her side, Hilary answers an unusual advertisement for a pirate crew and is soon on the adventure of a lifetime as she tries to find a magical treasure alongside a crew of misfits before it falls into the wrong hands.
[S-Collection S. C19712m]
Be sure to check out the sequels – The Terror of the Southlands (S. C1972t) and The Buccaneers’ Code (S. C19712b) – also found in the S-Collection!

Fayers, Claire.
The Voyage to Magical North (The Accidental Pirates #1). 2016 (Middle Grades Novel)
Brine Seaborne was found with a piece of the rare starshell that is needed for spell casting with no memory of her past. She’s lucky that the magician Magus took her in as a housekeeper all those years ago, but when he makes a decision that would uproot the only life she has ever known, she and his annoying apprentice Peter must band together. Brine and Peter soon stumble upon the infamous pirate ship the Onion and find themselves sucked into a quest to find the mysterious Magical North. With a believable cast of characters, humor, and adventure, this is sure to be a hit with young readers!
[S-Collection S. F292v]
Check out the sequel, The Journey to Dragon Island, also found in the S-Collection (S. F292j)!

Ferry, Beth.
Pirate’s Perfect Pet. 2016 (Picture Book)
One day, Captain Crave gets a message in a bottle from his mom that includes a checklist she found for the Perfect Pirate Captain. When he discovers that the only thing he’s missing is a pet, he sets out on a search to find one with his faithful crew! He looks on the beach and at a farm, visits the zoo, and finally goes to a pet store, but none of the animals seem quite right. Will he ever find his perfect pet so he can finally be a Perfect Pirate Captain? Told with humor and beautifully textured illustrations, readers of all ages will enjoy this treasure hunt to find the perfect companion.
[S-Collection SE. F4181p]

Isern, Susanna.
Daniela the Pirate / Daniela Pirata. 2018 (Picture Book)
What Daniela wants most in the world is to be a pirate, but Captain Choppylobe of the Black Croc doesn’t believe that a little girl has what it takes. So he presents her with a series of tests to prove her worth, and readers watch as Daniela takes on each challenge with bravery and intelligence. This fun picture book explores the idea of girl power and how you can do whatever you set your mind to. The Spanish language version is also available.
[S-Collection Q. SE. Is22egda2018:E (English version) and Q. SE. Is22egda2018 (Spanish version)]

LaReau, Kara.
The Jolly Regina (The Unintentional Adventures of the Bland Sisters #1). 2017 (Middle Grades Illustrated Chapter Book)
Jaundice and Kale Bland of the town of Dullsville like to avoid excitement of any kind. They darn socks for a living, eat the same meals every day, read the dictionary to each other every night, and create rules to live by to prevent anything unexpected from happening. However, their world is turned upside down when they are kidnapped by a band of female pirates and unwillingly become a part of an exciting adventure on the high seas. The dry sense of humor reminiscent of A Series of Unfortunate Events, dictionary definitions at the beginning of each chapter, and whimsical illustrations will charm readers of all ages.
[S-Collection S. L323unjo]
Be sure to check out the sequels – The Jolly Regina (S. L323unun) and Flight of the Bluebird (S. L323unfl) – also found in the S-Collection!

Lewis, J. Patrick.
Blackbeard, the Pirate King: Several Yarns Detailing the Legends, Myths, and Real-Life Adventures of History’s Most Notorious Seaman: Told in Verse. 2006 (Nonfiction)
Short biographical poems tell the tale of the infamous Blackbeard with powerful language that characterizes him in all his pirate glory. Each two-page spread of the book showcases a poem masterfully paired with an artist’s interpretation of Blackbeard, ranging in date from the 1700s to today. To further add to the story, explanatory tidbits about the history and context of the poems are included. A map of some of his most famous voyages and a timeline of his life at the end round out this book to make it an entertaining and informative account of Blackbeard’s life for young readers.
[S-Collection Q. SB. B628l]

Matthews, John.
Pirates Most Wanted. 2007 (Nonfiction)
This book promises to deliver the tales of 13 of the most bloodthirsty pirates, and it doesn’t disappoint! With collage-esque illustrations that are full of historical objects, pictures, maps, newspaper clippings, and more that are fascinating to explore, readers will learn about some of the most famous pirates in history through both facts and legends. As added bonuses, there is a foldout page depicting a captain’s cabin and a “Little Book of Pirate Records” at the end, and the fun trivia facts sprinkled throughout will definitely hook readers from the beginning.
[S-Collection S.910.45 M424p]

Murray, Diana.
Ned the Knitting Pirate. 2016 (Picture Book, Told in Verse)
A fierce band of pirates aboard the Rusty Heap can’t accept that Ned likes to knit – it’s just not what pirates do. So they go about their pirate-y business, finding treasure and singing sea shanties, trying their best to ignore Ned and his fuzzy knitted hat. But when a scary sea monster shows up to feast on their ship, can Ned’s knitting save the day? Readers will love this unique pirate tale and be singing along to the pirate’s song by the end.
[S-Collection Q. SE. M9612ne]

Peet, Mal & Graham, Elspeth.
The Treasure of Pirate Frank. 2018 (Picture Book)
In a repetitive style reminiscent of the memory game “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing…,” readers follow a young boy and his dog, who has an eye patch of course, as they follow a map to the treasure of Pirate Frank. Colorful full-page illustrations with details that are fun to explore enhance the adventure as the suspense builds with each page turn. You’ll never guess what he finds at X marks the spot!
[S-Collection Q. SE. P3472t]

Dear SSHEL, What Should I Read Next? – Books Told in Letters

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With summer winding down and school hovering just over the horizon, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the free time you have left to read some engaging novels that give you an intimate glimpse into characters’ lives and thoughts. Epistolary books are those told in a series of documents, such as letters, diary entries, news clippings, flyers, etc., and the different perspectives will make the story and characters come to life in a unique way. Mimicking real life and exploring the way that communication changes lives, the following list includes some surefire recommendations for those days you just don’t know what to read. After choosing something from the list below, there’s a high probability you’ll want to write your friends and tell them about the great new books you’ve read!

To find more books written using this unique and engaging format, try searching the catalog using a combination of subject terms like “juvenile fiction” for fiction books or “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books along with “epistolary,” “letters,” or “correspondence.”

Cummings, Troy.
Can I Be Your Dog? 2018 (Picture Book)
In this funny and sweet adoption story, readers see all of Arfy’s letters to the people on Butternut Street as he tries to find a new home. Kids will love his dog’s point of view as he showcases his talents and charming personality, and adults will appreciate the way that the style of the letters fits who wrote them. With colorful illustrations depicting the story, the suspense builds as readers wonder who will open their heart to let Arfy come live with them, but never fear – there is a heartwarming happily ever after.
[S-Collection Q. SE. C9122ca]

Daywalt, Drew.
The Day the Crayons Came Home. 2015 (Picture Book)
In this sequel to The Day the Crayons Quit, (see blog posts from February 2015 and May 2016), Duncan receives postcards from his crayons that have gotten lost or stranded in various places and just want to come home. Readers will empathize with the plight of the Maroon Crayon who got lost in the couch and sat on, giggle at the Brown Crayon’s message lamenting that he’s embarrassed about what is he is used to color, and want to join in on Esteban the Magnificent’s (formerly Pea Green Crayon) adventures. Can Duncan make everyone feel at home again?
[S-Collection Q. SE. D337da]

Grady, Cynthia.
Write to Me: Letters from Japanese American Children to the Librarian They left Behind. 2018 (Nonfiction Picture Book)
When her patrons were ordered to relocate to internment camps, librarian Miss Clara Breed gave the children stamped postcards with the instruction that they write to her – about anything. After ascertaining their location, she sent boxes of books, seeds, soap, and more and provided more stamped postcards so they could keep in touch. The illustrations are full of excerpts from the actual letters Miss Breed received, grounding the story and showing these children’s thoughts, hopes, dreams, and how much she and the books she sent helped them. The book includes an author’s note, timeline of Clara’s life, history of Japanese people in America, source notes, a bibliography, and further reading, making this a fantastic nonfiction book for readers interested about this aspect of WWII and connecting to real human stories.
[S-Collection S.940.5317 G7557w]

Gourley, Catherine.
Journeys: Young Readers’ Letters to Authors Who Changed Their Lives. 2017 (Nonfiction Chapter Book)
This book grew out of the Letters About Literature contest held by the Library of Congress Center for the Book, and compiles 52 letters in total from students in grades 4-12. These are written to authors both alive and dead, often about one particular book or character, and includes such names as Dr. Seuss, Laura Ingalls Wilder, George Orwell, Laurie Halse Anderson, Emily Dickinson, Wendelin Van Draanen, J. R. R. Tolkien, and more. The young readers share how books have changed their lives, told them they’re not alone, opened their eyes, brought history to life, helped them grow, let them find their voice, and more, and in turn, we the readers find ourselves believing that there is hope for the future yet.
[S-Collection S.810.8 J8269]

Holt, Kimberly Willis.
Dear Hank Williams. 2015 (Middle Grade Novel)
Tate P. Ellerbee’s assignment is to learn the art of letter-writing, and luckily she already knows who she wants her pen pal to be – Hank Williams, the country music singer. After listening to him on the radio every Saturday with her great-aunt and –uncle, she thinks that they’re kindred spirits, but Tate’s teacher has other plans and has connected them with a class in Japan. However, it’s 1948 in her Louisiana home, and the general sentiment is that even though WWII is over, the Japanese are still enemies. In this environment, readers witness Tate’s growth through her letters as she writes about her life with all the impertinence, hope, innocence, and candor of an 11-year-old just trying to find her way.
[S-Collection S. H742de]

Iwasa, Megumi.
Yours Sincerely, Giraffe. 2017 (Beginning Chapter Book)
Giraffe is bored, so after seeing that Pelican has decided to start a delivery service out of his boredom, he decides to write a letter to the other side of the horizon. Soon he has a new pen pal named Penguin and a friend in Pelican, and they are decidedly not bored anymore. Full of fun illustrations, readers follow along with their letters to each other as Giraffe tries to figure out what Penguin looks like and their decision to meet is rife with confusion and preparation, but the escapade ends happily.
[S-Collection S. Iw12b:E]

Check out the sequel, Dear Professor Whale, also found in the S-Collection! (S. Iw12wa:E)

Jones, Kelly.
Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer. 2015 (Middle Grade Chapter Book)
Sophie is 12 and feels out of place when she and her parents move from LA to a farm they just inherited, so she starts writing letters to her dead Abuelita as a sort of diary in order to help her think through things. However, things get even weirder when she discovers a hen who can move objects with her brain. When Sophie starts finding more chickens with unusual abilities, she knows she needs to learn to take care of them so that she can protect her flock from those who may want to steal them. This compilation of letters, flyers, quizzes, a chicken-care correspondence course, and more is enhanced by illustrations and is an accessible and relatable story of magical realism for young readers.
[S-Collection S. J7191un]

Check out the sequel, Are You Ready to Hatch an Unusual Chicken?, also found in the S-Collection! (S. J7191unar)

McGhee, Alison.
Dear Sister. 2018 (Middle Grade Chapter Book)
Inspired by the notes that the author’s children would write to each other, this book records the letters that Brother writes to his Sister as they grow up together. The text is depicted in handwritten notes complete with illustrations that a sibling would realistically include, allowing readers to immerse themselves in their lives and see the transformation as the years pass. Their story begins when Sister is born, and the first letter states: “Dear Sister, They told me to draw a picture of you for your baby book. Here you go.” Although an inauspicious start, this is a tale of sibling love, and readers of all ages will be able to relate to the trials and tribulations of having an annoying sibling who you love anyway.
[S-Collection S. M173de]

Menon, Sandhya.
From Twinkle, With Love. 2018 (YA Novel)
Twinkle is just a regular teenager who is used to staying in the background, preferably behind a camera as an aspiring filmmaker. So when Sahil Roy, also a film geek, asks her to direct a movie for the Summer Festival, she thinks it’s the perfect opportunity to share what she loves with an audience, and, as an added bonus, she gets to be closer to her crush, Neil Roy, who just so happens to be Sahil’s twin brother. Written in letters to her favorite female filmmakers, feelings run high in this teen romance novel where Twinkle has to decide whether or not she’s brave enough to break from the script of the love story she wrote for herself and instead follow her heart into uncharted territory.
[S-Collection S. M5278f]

Petro-Roy, Jen.
P.S. I Miss You. 2018 (YA Novel)
In letters that 11-year-old Evie writes to her older sister Cilla when she is sent away to stay with a distant great-aunt after becoming pregnant, readers dive deeply into Evie’s thoughts and life. She writes about what her family is experiencing after this major disruption, her first crush – on a girl, and missing her big sister. She really needs Cilla’s advice, but she’s not writing back. This book gives readers an inside look at Evie’s exploration of her identity, religion, and what family means to her.
[S-Collection S. P4484p]

Shooting for the Moon: Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon Landing

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In an address to Congress on May 25, 1961, John F. Kennedy declared: “I believe this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth.” A little over 8 years later, his wish was realized on July 20, 1969 when Apollo 11 made its historic landing. This year marks the 50th anniversary of that event, and there is no shortage of books exploring the topic of the moon, rockets, or astronauts. Whether fiction or nonfiction, the following list of books is sure to help you learn about that historic time period and inspire you to shoot for the moon.

To find more books about the moon and the space race, try searching the catalog using a combination of subject terms like “juvenile fiction” for fiction books or “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books along with “moon,” “astronauts,” “space flight,” or other space related terms or people.

NONFICTION

Brinkley, Douglas.
American Moonshot: John F. Kennedy and the Great Space Race (Young Readers’ Edition). 2019 (Nonfiction Chapter Book)
Here the backstory of the American moonshot is reimagined for young readers, telling the story of how this possibility inspired hope for the entire country. Short chapters with black and white photos sprinkled throughout set the stage for readers to explore the America of the 1960s and why the journey to the moon was so impactful and important. This book is perfect for those who want an accessible yet in-depth look at the space race era, and an inset of color photographs, source notes, and a bibliography add to its value. A powerful tribute to this period of history, readers will gain an appreciation for both the hard work and the dreaming that occurred in order to get men to the moon.
[S-Collection S.629.40973 B7717am]

Irvine, Alex and Ben Bishop.
The Far Side of the Moon: The Story of Apollo 11’s Third Man. 2017 (Nonfiction Comic Book)
This comic book style biography of Michael Collins tells the story of how he ended up being a part of the Apollo 11 mission, the training involved, how the rocket worked, and more. The author writes, “[Neil] Armstrong and [Buzz] Aldrin might have walked on the moon, but Michael Collins made sure someone was there to bring them home.” Many people forget about him in the shadow of his more famous teammates, but he played a very important role in the success of the moon landing. Short and accessible, this book also includes a timeline of space exploration and suggested resources to explore.
[S-Collection S.629.454 Ir81f]

Kluger, Jeffrey and Ruby Shamir.
To the Moon! The True Story of the American Heroes on the Apollo 8 Spaceship. 2018 (Nonfiction Chapter Book)
Written in a narrative format from the astronauts’ points of view, this novel immediately immerses readers in the excitement of the 1960s when America was striving to get a spaceship to the moon. It brings to life the story of the 1968 Apollo 8 mission, the first crewed American spaceship to reach and orbit the moon, and shares this important piece of history with young readers. A glossary, black and white photographs, and an index for easy perusal allow readers to take full advantage of this book and go along for the ride on the monumental journey that gave all Americans new perspective on the universe.
[S-Collection S.629.454 K712to]

Pang, Hannah.
The Moon. 2019 (Nonfiction)
Two page sections of information make this illustrated nonfiction book easy to peruse and enticing to examine. There are various topics, ranging from scientific facts, to myths, to the space race and more, providing something for every reader. It includes a glossary of terms as well as a glossary of people, and it is perfect for moon lovers as well as those drawn to fun facts. Readers of all ages will enjoy this quick and easy way to learn unique things about our closest neighbor.
[S-Collection S.523.3 P1931mo]

Robbins, Dean.
Margaret and the Moon: How Margaret Hamilton Saved the First Lunar Landing. 2017 (Picture Book Biography)
Cartoon-like illustrations, sometimes in almost comic book-like panels, tell the story of Margaret Hamilton. Her first love was math, and after discovering computers, she taught herself to write code. Many years and a lot of hard work later, she became the director of software programming for NASA’s Project Apollo, and readers excitedly learn how her code helped the Eagle Lunar Module land safely on the moon. Her story will inspire girls to do whatever they want and all readers to question what they see and know in order to find solutions. An author’s note, bibliography, additional reading suggestions, and real pictures of Margaret add to the power of this picture book.
[S-Collection Q. SB. H2191r]

Salas, Laura Purdie.
If You Were the Moon. 2017 (Nonfiction Picture Book)
What would you do if you were the moon? This beautifully illustrated picture book explains to readers what the moon does in an accessible dual narrative: a simple, poetic sentence on one page followed by a clear, informative explanation on the other. For example, the moon spins like “a twilight ballerina,” and the next page explains how it spins on its axis and orbits the Earth. Both soothing and enlightening, this is the perfect introduction to the moon for young readers. A glossary and further reading are included at the end for extended learning opportunities.
[S-Collection Q. S.523.3 Sa315if]

Slade, Suzanne.
Countdown: 2979 Days to the Moon. 2018 (Nonfiction Prose Picture Book)
America’s journey to get to the moon is related here in accessible prose, with concise, powerful language telling the tale. Realistic, beautifully created illustrations as well as historical photographs add a layer of storytelling, and the blend of narrative and facts works wonderfully. With quotes from the time period to provide an even greater authentic feel and split into chapters so that readers can explore just a part of the journey if they wish, this informational book is a triumph in sharing the story of the missions to get to the moon.
[S-Collection Q. S.629.454 Sl124co]

Be sure to check out Daring Dozen: The Twelve Who Walked on the Moon, also by Suzanne Slade, which you can find in the Center for Children’s Books (S.629.454 Sl124da).

FICTION

Baratz-Logsted, Lauren.
I Love You, Michael Collins. 2017 (Middle Grade Historical Fiction Novel)
It’s 1969, and when Mamie’s class is assigned the project of writing a letter to an astronaut, she is the only one who chooses to write to Michael Collins, the one who has to stay with the ship. Told in letter format, Mamie shares her thoughts and feelings with Michael, continuing to write to him throughout the summer. As her family falls apart, Mamie and her best friend and neighbor Buster research the Apollo 11 mission while she contemplates what friendship, loyalty, and growing up means. This coming of age novel explores important themes and is sure to resonate with readers.
[S-Collection S. B2319i]

Gibbs, Stuart.
Space Case (Moon Base Alpha). 2014 (Middle Grade Novel)
Twelve-year-old Dash is one of the first humans to live on the moon at Moon Base Alpha thanks to his lunar geologist mom and mining specialist dad, but he’s quick to assure readers that living in space is not all it’s cracked up to be – just take the toilets for example. Dash is bored because of all the restrictions he has on the base, but he gets more than he bargains for when the top scientist Dr. Holtz turns up dead. Because of a conversation overheard in the bathroom, he knows that Dr. Holtz was about to reveal an important breakthrough in his research that could change everything, but no one but Dash thinks there was foul play. It’s up to him to solve the mystery, and this adventurous novel sprinkled with excerpts from The Official Residents’ Guide to Moon Base Alpha is sure to keep readers laughing and thinking as they follow Dash in his adventures.
[S-Collection S. G35512spa]

Be sure to check out the sequels, Spaced Out (S. G35512s) and Waste of Space (S. G35512w), also found in the S-Collection!

Kuhlmann, Torben.
Armstrong: The Adventurous Journey of a Mouse to the Moon. 2016 (Fiction Picture Book)
With beautifully illustrated, detailed, full-page, artistic images, Kuhlmann makes the story of a mouse who dreams of going to the moon come to life. Readers immerse themselves in this tale of a mouse’s escapades trying to create a rocket and learning to fly, rooting for him from the beginning. A whimsical narration, this version of the moon landing claims that we humans learned how to make a rocket from the clever mouse’s designs, but the end includes an informational short history of space travel. Readers of all ages will enjoy this inspiring take on shooting for the moon.
[S-Collection Q. S. K9553a]

BONUS: PODCASTS
School Library Journal

Universe of Stories: Middle-School

School Library Journal has compiled a list of playlists for summer listening, and the middle school list in particular includes some great episodes featuring the moon in honor of the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. It includes:
• Brains On: Waves, Wind, Tides and Moon
• Why Do We Sometimes See the Moon During the Day?
• 25th May 1961: Kennedy Announces Plan for Manned Moon Landing
• Is the Moon Made of Cheese?
• 20th July 1969: Apollo Lands on the Moon
• And more!

Sweet Treats, Sweet Reads

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Summertime and the living is easy – the hustle and bustle of the school year is over, and the hot weather and slower pace mean more time for dessert! There’s nothing quite like licking a refreshing ice cream cone while walking down the sidewalk on a sunny day, except for maybe curling up with a good book and a cookie while sitting on the porch. Either way, books and food go hand in hand, and there are various kinds, ranging from cookbooks to stories about cooking contests, friendships forged in the kitchen, and more. Whichever you choose, the following list is guaranteed to make you smile and immediately head to the kitchen to whip up your own delicious summer dessert.

To find more books about sweet treats, try searching the catalog using a combination of subject terms like “juvenile fiction” for fiction books or “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books along with “baking,” “cooking,” “bakeries,” “cooks,” or other food related terms.

Cali, Davide.
Good Morning, Neighbor. 2018 (Picture Book)
One morning, a mouse wanted an omelet, and went to ask his neighbor Blackbird to borrow an egg. However, Blackbird didn’t have one either, instead producing flour and suggesting that they go ask his neighbor, Dormouse, for an egg so they can make a cake. And so the delicious dream is born, and readers follow along as the ever-growing parade of animals ask their neighbors for the needed ingredients. With soft illustrations created in earth tones and repetitive narration, this soothing book about sharing helps readers see the power of what can happen when you contribute to the greater good of the group.
[S-Collection Q. SE. C12823go]

Good Housekeeping.
Kids Bake! 100+ Sweet and Savory Recipes. 2018 (Nonfiction)
This very accessible cookbook provides recipes for young bakers who are ready to whip up some delicious treats. The introduction goes over basic baking rules, like the types of equipment, common ingredients, measurements, nutrition information, vocabulary, and safety in order to make sure that kids are ready to go in the kitchen. The mouth-watering treats shown in beautiful photos include Swirl Brownies, Raspberry-Lemon Pound Cake, Fluffy Apple-Cheddar Biscuits, and more. Your taste buds better be ready for a rollercoaster of flavor with these recipes!
[S-Collection S.641.815 K541]

Hopkinson, Deborah.
Independence Cake: A Revolutionary Confection Inspired by Amelia Simmons, Whose True History is Unfortunately Unknown. 2017 (Picture Book Based on a Real Person)
The details of Amelia Simmons’ life are “lost, simmered away in the pot of time,” but we do know that she was the author of America’s first cookbook. This picture book imagines the details of her life, where perhaps she was orphaned and sent to help Mrs. Bean around the house with her six sons, who gratefully lets Amelia experiment with the cooking to her heart’s content. The bright pastel colors and fun turns of phrase related to the colonies and cooking bring Amelia’s dreams to life, and the cherry on top is when she is chosen to bake a cake for President Washington’s inauguration. The recipe for Independence Cake and an author’s note only add to this delectable delight of a book.
[S-Collection Q. SE. H777i]

Janowitz, Jessie.
The Doughnut Fix. 2018 (YA Novel)
Tristan loves to cook, with the added bonus that he is better at it than his “Gifted and Talented” younger sister Jeanine. Life is pretty good, especially with chocolate chip cookies, but when his parents decide that they’re moving to the middle of nowhere, all seems hopeless. Things start looking up when Tristan sees a sign that says, “Yes, we do have chocolate cream doughnuts!”, but even that betrays him when he discovers that the owner hasn’t made them in years. Tristan feels like the only thing he can do to make things better is get the recipe, make the doughnuts himself, and have his own doughnut stand. Can he run a successful business all on his own?
[S-Collection S. J2643do]
If you like this one, look for the sequel, The Doughnut King!

Leone, Dee.
Dough Knights and Dragons. 2017 (Picture Book)
In this rhyming picture book that is perfect for a read aloud, a knight discovers a hidden kitchen in the forest with unique ingredients, so naturally he can’t resist making a stew. When the dragon owner returns, he asks for a share of the dinner, beginning a forbidden friendship founded on their love of cooking and creating new recipes. However, tradition states that when they come of age, a knight must kill a dragon and a dragon must eat a knight. When the unlikely pair discover a unique loophole to their terrible predicament, they work to bring the two feuding species together through food, for they know that the best friendships are forged in the cooking fire.
[S-Collection Q. SE. L5537d]

Nelson, Suzanne.
Cake Pop Crush (Wish #1). 2016 (Middle Grades Novel)
Alicia Ramirez loves baking, and her specialty is cake pops. Unfortunately, her traditional father disapproves of the trendy treat and refuses to serve them at the family bakery, Say It With Flour. However, when new kid Dane McGuire shows up and his rich CEO father opens a new branch of a fancy chain coffee shop across the street, Alicia hopes that her father will see how she can help keep the family business alive. The coffee shop is threatening their business, especially with Dane’s homemade treats. A bake-off challenge begins as Alicia and Dane fight not only for the title of cake-pop master, but for their family businesses as well. Readers will love the heaps of drama and cooking excitement, the realistic and heartwarming family relationships, and the dash of romance.
[S-Collection S. N3314c]

Neuschwander, Cindy.
Sir Cumference and the Off-the-Charts Dessert: A Math Adventure. 2013 (Teaching Picture Book)
Part of the Sir Cumference Math Adventure series, this delightful picture book is full of math puns and wordplay, helping kids learn without realizing it. Sir Cumference and Lady Di of Ameter need to select a dessert for the Harvest Faire, and so begins a baking contest between Pia of the French city of Chartres and Bart Graf of Germany. The townsfolk vote on their favorites, and Pia and Bart experiment with different methods of collecting their data to see who wins. This fun, fictional origin story of pie charts and bar graphs will entertain readers while exposing them to math concepts.
[S-Collection S.516 N398siro]

Remington, Laurel.
Secrets and Scones. 2018 (Middle Grades Novel)
Scarlett hates being star of her mom’s popular parenting blog, so she secludes herself, ending friendships and stopping activities so that there is nothing for her mom to write about, but it gets boring really fast. When an unfortunate accident leaves an elderly neighbor recovering in the hospital, the screech of a hungry cat lures Scarlett to the empty house and the most amazing kitchen she has ever seen. Unable to resist, she is soon baking a batch of scones from a handmade cookbook she found and forming a secret cooking club with a new friend. This exciting read follows Scarlett as she tries to keep her baking and friendship a secret from her nosy mom while also exploring her own identity.
[S-Collection S. R284se]

Simon, Coco.
Sunday Sundaes (Sprinkle Sundays #1). 2018 (Middle Grades Chapter Book)
Allie, Sierra, and Tamiko are best friends, but when Allie’s parents get divorced and she moves a town away, she’s scared of losing their friendship. So when her mom fulfills her dream of opening an ice cream shop, Allie thinks it would be a fantastic idea for her, Sierra, and Tamiko to work there together on Sundays to be able to spend some time together, and the Sunday Sundaes are born. However, it’s still hard dealing with new classmates and teachers, and readers will resonate with Allie’s realistic middle school feelings about change, friendship, and loneliness. This fun story is full of book references from bookworm Allie, delicious ice cream flavors to make your mouth water, and fantastic friendships both old and new.
[S-Collection S. Si531sssu]
Be sure to check out other books in the series, also found in the S-Collection! Cracks in the Cone #2, The Purr-fect Scoop #3, Ice Cream Sandwiched #4, and Sprinkles Before Sweethearts #5.

Strohm, Stephanie Kate.
Love à la Mode. 2018 (YA Novel)
Rosie Radeke is from East Liberty, Ohio, and while she loves to bake, never dreamed that she would be good enough to attend celebrity chef Denis Laurent’s cooking school. Henry Yi, on the other hand, grew up in the kitchen of his dad’s restaurant in Chicago and dreams of being a professional chef one day. They embark on the adventure of a lifetime, full of challenging cooking and academics, new friendships, and the amazing sights of Paris, desperate to prove themselves while navigating their newfound feelings. Readers will discover that if you take two teenage chefs and add an amazing opportunity at an elite cooking school in Paris where delicious food, pastries, and possibilities are everywhere, then you have the perfect recipe for romance.
[S-Collection S. St873lo]

Road Trips: Destination Discovery

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The sun is shining, school’s almost out, and summer adventures are calling, making this the perfect time to start planning a road trip! Road trips have the potential to be life changing – there’s something about being on the road with family or friends that is just so exciting and liberating. Taken out of your comfort zone, you are perfectly poised to take advantage of opportunities that you would never normally consider. Because of their life altering possibilities, road trip books are a perfect way to showcase character development. The list below will equip you to start your own reading road trip, where you can meet some interesting characters, see the sights, watch their growth along the way, and they might even inspire you to plan your own adventure.

To find more books about crazy and enlightening road trips, try searching the catalog using a combination of subject terms like “juvenile fiction” for fiction books or “juvenile literature” for nonfiction books along with “road trips,” “automobile travel,” or “travel and transportation.”

Adkins, Jan.
Bertha Takes a Drive: How the Benz Automobile Changed the World. 2017 (Nonfiction Picture Book)
In 1888, Bertha Benz sneaks out of her house with her two sons, avoiding the police, in order to illegally drive about 100 miles in her husband Karl’s invention, the Benz Motorwagen, to Grandma’s house. She wanted to prove that the car could make the trip and was safe, and the detailed, old-fashioned illustrations transport readers back in time. With every roadblock or problem, readers watch as Bertha figures out a way to solve it with common sense and ingenuity, only improving upon the design of the machine, declaring that “it was simply time to take a drive.” Including a timeline of automobile evolution and a diagram of the Benz Motorwagen III as well as an author’s note about Bertha’s story, readers will zoom right through this book.
[S-Collection Q. S.796.70943 Ad53b]

Brody, Jessica.
The Geography of Lost Things. 2018 (YA Novel)
When Ali’s father dies and leaves her his 1968 Firebird convertible, she wants nothing to do with it and the way it reminds her of how he was never there for her. She finds a buyer 300 miles north who is willing to pay enough for the car to save her home, and Ali desperately needs to get there, but there’s one problem – she can’t drive a stick shift. Her ex-boyfriend Nico can, however, and readers will go along for the ride as he persuades Ali that they should instead “trade up” the items they collect along their journey in order to raise enough money. What ensues is a crazy adventure where Ali and Nico talk to strangers about the things they value and why, helping Ali gain some perspective on how she feels about her father.
[S-Collection S. B7856ge]

Flores-Scott, Patrick.
American Road Trip. 2018 (YA Novel)
Teodoro “T” Avila is gearing up for his senior year when his older brother Manny, whom he has always looked up to, returns from a tour in Iraq battling PTSD. To make matters worse, the family is struggling with money, T is putting no effort into his education or future, and things seem to be falling apart. However, when he meets a girl who believes he can do more, he starts thinking that maybe he can turn things around. Then T’s sister Xochitl has an ambitious plan to bring their family back together by tricking her brothers into a road trip, hoping to get T back on track while saving Manny from his past. Delicately dealing with all kinds of problems ranging from mental health, socioeconomic status, education, and more, this road trip is about more than the physical trek, and readers will resonate with T’s internal journey as he works to figure out who he is, what his dreams are, and how important it is to have people to support you.
[S-Collection S. F66318am]

Gemeinhart, Dan.
The Remarkable Journey of Coyote Sunrise. 2019 (Middle Grade Novel)
It’s been five years since Coyote’s mom and two sisters died in a car crash, and she and her dad Rodeo have been roaming around the country in an old school bus ever since. She’s had to learn to be tough, but something inside her finally breaks when she learns that a park in her old neighborhood is going to be demolished, the place where she, her mom, and her sisters had buried a memory box years ago. Springing into action, Coyote hatches a plan to get her dad to drive the 3,600 miles back home in only four days without him realizing it. Picking up misfit travelers along the way, readers go along for the ride on a truly remarkable journey where Coyote comes to redefine her ideas of home and family.
[S-Collection S. G2843re]

Hatanaka, Kellen.
Drive: A Look at Roadside Opposites. 2015 (Picture Book)
Colorful illustrations and sparse text showcase a fun look at opposites through the lens of a road trip. All the possibilities are displayed in the pages, such as changes in the weather, differing landscapes, recognizable landmarks, and experiences of being on the road. Momentum builds throughout the book, illuminating the unique dichotomy of the excitement and monotony of a road trip, engaging young readers as they explore both opposites and the road trip journey.
[S-Collection S.428.1 H28d]

Norman, Kim.
This Old Van. 2015 (Picture Book)
A play on the “This Old Man” song, this book will have you singing out loud as you read and tapping your foot to the cheerful cadence. The heartwarming story of grandparents taking a road trip to see their grandson is visible through the colorful and happy illustrations while the song plays out in the text. Showcasing some things you might pass on a road trip, such as construction, nature, other types of vehicles, restaurants, people, etc., readers will love to explore the detailed illustrations while they eagerly await finding out the journey’s destination.
[S-Collection Q. SE. N781t]

Parish, Herman.
Amelia Bedelia Road Trip! (Amelia Bedelia Chapter Books #3). 2013 (Young Readers Chapter Book)
Amelia Bedelia takes everything literally, and this new series tells of her adventures as a child with the classic and hilarious misunderstandings we have grown to know and love. The illustrated chapter books bring her thoughts to life, sharing the timeless comedy with another generation. In this installment, Amelia’s dad tells her they are going to go off to roam for vacation and she gets excited about going to Rome. And then when she is told to pack light, she packs her desk lamp. Little does she know the actual adventures and enlightenment in store for her on their road trip!
[S-Collection S. P2192ar]

Pla, Sally J.
The Someday Birds. 2017 (Middle Grades Novel)
Twelve-year-old Charlie likes things to be predictable and organized. He has his routines, his birds, and his chicken nuggets, and everything is going fine until his father is injured in Afghanistan while working as a war journalist. When he’s moved across the country for better medical treatment, Charlie, his sister, twin brothers, and a mysterious new family friend go on an eventful road trip to meet him there. In order to feel some sense of control and order, Charlie decides to try to find all the birds he and his dad had been hoping to see together, believing that if he can check off all the boxes on the “Someday Birds” list, then maybe his dad will be okay. This coming of age story about a young boy on the autism spectrum trying to hold everything together will warm the hearts of readers as they root for this family to unite on their journey.
[S-Collection S. P6901so]

Teague, Mark.
LaRue Across America: Postcards from the Vacation. 2011 (Picture Book)
When Mrs. Hibbins faints and has to be rushed to the hospital, Mrs. LaRue agrees to watch her two cats and decides to go on a road trip with them and her dog Ike, who do not get along. Told in postcards from Ike to Mrs. Hibbins, the group travels around the country to landmarks such as the Empire State Building, the Great Lakes, and the Grand Canyon while Ike complains about having to miss the cruise he and Mrs. LaRue had planned because of the cats. With fun, full page illustrations and Ike’s laughable lamentations, hilarity ensues in this tale of road trip fiascos.
[S-Collection Q. SE. T221la]

Welch, Jenna Evans.
Love and Luck. 2018 (YA Novel)
While visiting Ireland for her aunt’s destination wedding, Addie tries to forget about the horrible thing she did so that she can finally stop feeling miserable, heartbroken, and lost. However, her brother Ian – who she was once really close to – won’t let her forget, and they have a terrible fight. All seems lost until Addie discovers an unusual guidebook, “Ireland for the Brokenhearted,” in the hotel library, and she latches onto it as a potential solution. Suddenly she, Ian, and his Irish friend Rowan are crammed together in a tiny car on a crazy road trip around Ireland, trying not to get lost while experiencing the breathtakingly beautiful scenery straight out of a fairy tale. Addie finds herself hoping that the guidebook will work its magic and heal her broken heart as well as her damaged relationship with her brother, and readers will wish her luck on her journey.
[S-Collection S. W444l]