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Little Monarchs
by Jonathan CaseThis graphic novel adventure tells the story of 10-year-old Elvie and her crucial mission to save humanity from extinction after a sun shift has changed life on earth as we know it.It&’s been fifty years since a sun shift wiped out nearly all mammal life across the earth.Towns and cities are abandoned relics, autonomous machines maintain roadways, and the world is slowly being reclaimed by nature. Isolated pockets of survivors keep to themselves in underground sites, hiding from the lethal sunlight by day and coming above ground at night. 10-year-old Elvie and her caretaker, Flora, a biologist, are the only two humans who can survive during daylight because Flora made an incredible discovery – a way to make an antidote to sun sickness using the scales from monarch butterfly wings. Unfortunately, it can only be made in small quantities and has a short shelf life.Free to travel during the day, Elvie and Flora follow monarchs as they migrate across the former Western United States, constantly making new medicine for themselves while trying to find a way to make a vaccine they can share with everyone. Will they discover a way to go from a treatment to a cure and preserve what remains of humanity, or will their efforts be thwarted by disaster and the very people they are trying to save?Little Monarchs is a new kind of graphic novel adventure—one that invites readers to take an intimate look at the natural world and the secrets hidden within. Elvie and Flora&’s adventures take place in real locations marked panel-by-panel with coordinates and a compass heading. Curious readers can follow their travel routes and see the same landscapes—whether it be a secluded butterfly grove on the California coast or a hot-springs in the high desert. Through both comic narrative and journal entries, readers learn the basics of star navigation, how to tie useful knots, and other survival skills applicable in the natural world.Creator Jonathan Case acquired the fact-based portion of Little Monarchs through intensive research and several expeditions to study monarchs across the western United States. Scientific support also came from the Xerces Society, the world leaders in monarch preservation. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionAn NPR Book We Love
Worser
by Jennifer ZieglerA bullied 12-year-old boy must find a new normal after his mother has a stroke and his life is turned upside down. William Wyatt Orser, a socially awkward middle schooler, is a wordsmith who, much to his annoyance, acquired the ironically ungrammatical nickname of &“Worser" so long ago that few people at school know to call him anything else. Worser grew up with his mom, a professor of rhetoric and an introvert just like him, in a comfortable routine that involved reading aloud in the evenings, criticizing the grammar of others, ignoring the shabby mess of their house, and suffering the bare minimum of social interactions with others. But recently all that has changed. His mom had a stroke that left her nonverbal, and his Aunt Iris has moved in with her cats, art projects, loud music, and even louder clothes. Home for Worser is no longer a refuge from the unsympathetic world at school that it has been all his life. Feeling lost, lonely, and overwhelmed, Worser searches for a new sanctuary and ends up finding the Literary Club--a group of kids from school who share his love of words and meet in a used bookstore– something he never dreamed existed outside of his home. Even more surprising to Worser is that the key to making friends is sharing the thing he holds dearest: his Masterwork, the epic word notebook that he has been adding entries to for years. But relationships can be precarious, and it is up to Worser to turn the page in his own story to make something that endures so that he is no longer seen as Worser and earns a new nickname, Worder.
We Are the Song
by Catherine BakewellA lush and beautiful fantasy set in a world where music is magic and the fate of many thrones lies with one girl…Twelve-year-old Elissa has been raised in seclusion as a devotee of the Mother Goddess. She is a special child, a blessed child, a child who can sing miracles into being. Her voice can heal wounds, halt landslides, cure hunger—and even end wars. But there are those who would use her gift for darker things. And when Elissa finds herself the farthest from home she&’s ever been—along with her vain and jealous music tutor, Lucio—she will have to develop the judgment to decide who wants to use her song to heal… and who wants to use her song to hurt.
The Star That Always Stays
by Anna Rose JohnsonWhen bright and spirited Norvia moves from the country to the city, she has to live by one new rule: Never let anyone know you&’re Ojibwe."INSPIRING."—Kirkus Reviews A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection! A #1 New Release in Native American Children's Fiction! A #1 New Release in Historical Fiction for Children! A #1 New Release in Stepfamily Fiction for Children! Growing up on Beaver Island, Grand-père told Norvia stories—stories about her ancestor Migizi, about Biboonke-o-nini the Wintermaker, about the Crane Clan and the Reindeer Clan. He sang her songs in the old language, and her grandmothers taught her to make story quilts and maple candy. On the island, Norvia was proud of her Ojibwe heritage. Things are different in the city. Here, Norvia&’s mother forces her to pretend she&’s not Native at all—even to Mr. Ward, Ma&’s new husband, and to Vernon, Norvia&’s irritating new stepbrother. In fact, there are a lot of changes in the city: ten-cent movies, gleaming soda shops, speedy automobiles, ninth grade. It&’s dizzying for a girl who grew up on the forested shores of Lake Michigan. Despite the move, the upheaval, and the looming threat of world war, Norvia and her siblings—all five of them—are determined to make 1914 their best year ever. Norvia is certain that her future depends upon it... and upon her discretion. But how can she have the best year ever if she has to hide who she truly is? Sensitive, enthralling, and classic in sensibility (perfect for Anne of Green Gables fans), this tender coming-of-age story about an introspective and brilliant Native American heroine thoughtfully addresses assimilation, racism, and divorce, as well as everygirl problems like first crushes, making friends, and the joys and pains of a blended family. Often funny, often heartbreaking, The Star That Always Stays is a fresh and vivid story directly inspired by Anna Rose Johnson&’s family history. "INTIMATE."—Publishers Weekly "UNPUTDOWNABLE."—Anne Bustard, author of Parents' Choice Book Award Winner Blue Skies
Next Door to Happy
by Allison Weiser StroutTwelve-year-old Violet Crane is an only child in a lonely household who longs to be part of the gregarious family that&’s just moved in next door.With a mother struggling with anxiety, a father who recently moved out, and no siblings to commiserate with, socially awkward Violet Crane feels like she is starting middle school with less going for herself than that of your average kid. When the rambunctious Walker family moves in next door, Violet can&’t help but wish she could become a part of their household—everyone and everything seems so normal compared to her own. After she meets them, Violet falls in love with all five Walker siblings and especially with Mrs. Walker, who is nothing like her own mother. Violet and Reggie, the black sheep of the Walker family, find that they have an easy understanding of each other, and it doesn&’t hurt that they are in the same grade at school. But then Violet overhears a conversation between Reggie and his mother in which she tells him that she doesn&’t feel like Violet is an appropriate friend. Violet is devastated until she faces a truth--no person, family or friendship is perfect—and realizes just how lucky she is.
Nothing Is Little
by Carmella Van VleetThe case of a missing father is hard to crack . . . even for Felix, a tiny kid with a huge heart and an eye for detail.Eleven-year-old Felix likes being the smallest kid in school. At least he knows where he fits in. Plus his nickname, &“Short-lock Holmes,&” is perfect for someone who&’s killing it in forensic science club. To Felix, Growth Hormone Deficiency is no big deal. And then Felix learns that his biological dad was short, too. This one, tiny, itty-bitty piece of information opens up a massive hole in his life. Felix must find his father. He only has a few small clues to work from, but as Sherlock Holmes said, &“To a great mind, nothing is little.&” The further Felix gets in his investigation, though, the more he starts to wonder: What if his dad doesn&’t want to be found? And what if Felix&’s family—his mom, his stepdad, the baby on the way—needs him right where he is? Tender and uplifting, this warm novel from Christopher Award–winner Carmella Van Vleet celebrates little differences in us that can make a big impact. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Fire on Headless Mountain
by Iain LawrenceSeparated from his siblings in the midst of a dangerous forest fire, 11-year-old Virgil must find a way to survive using only his wits and the lessons his late mother taught him about the wilderness.Virgil is making his older siblings trek to a mountain lake on a trip unlike any they&’ve have taken before. They carry precious cargo: the ashes of their beloved mother, who asked that her remains be scattered at her favorite spot. But when a forest fire is sparked by a bolt of lightning at the exact moment when their van breaks down, the journey quickly turns to disaster. While the oldest, Josh, is gone to find help, Virgil and his sister, Kaitlyn, spot fleeing animals and soon see flames flickering above the tree line. Once the sky begins to darken with the haze of burning timber, Virgil finds himself separated from his sister and left alone in the wilderness. He isn&’t sure he can make it, but with the memory of his late mother, a science teacher, and all her lessons to guide him, he quickly learns that not everything has a perfect explanation and survival starts with letting go. Fire on Headless Mountain showcases not only the overwhelming beauty and terrifying power of nature, but also the gift of memory when facing great emotional and physical trials. Lessons on ecosystems and fire safety are also seamlessly interwoven into this thrilling adventure tale. Praise for DEADMAN&’S CASTLE &“Lawrence, the Canadian writer whose High Seas Trilogy encompassed three chilling historical novels, now offers a menacing, contemporary tale of dread, danger, and revenge. Portraying family dynamics and middle-school antics with equal insight and attention to detail, Igor&’s first-person narrative is absorbing.&”–Booklist &“Featuring effective worldbuilding, this is a great, suspenseful tale of terror for upper middle graders&”.–School Library Journal&“Friendship difficulties provide a contrast and an anchor to the terrifying threat, and the various plot elements are deftly tied together in a fitting twist that will have readers quickly turning the pages. Filled with suspense and intrigue."–Kirkus Reviews
Together For Never
by Marilyn KayeThe Parent Trap meets Mean Girls when two polar opposites are squeezed into a tiny vacation house just because their parents are dating.Charlotte is the queen bee of her 8th grade class—popular, confident, always wearing the trendiest clothes—and judging others for what they wear. Lily is a loner who dreams of becoming a writer—and she wants nothing to do with Charlotte and her snobby crowd.Then Charlotte&’s divorced father starts dating Lily&’s single mother. Neither one of the girls even notices—until the day they learn that they are going on vacation together. Worse than that, they&’ll have to share a small bedroom for two whole weeks. When The Parent Trap meets Mean Girls, can two girls ever make peace, or will they drag their vacations—and their parents&’ romance—into disaster? Every teen girl&’s nightmare becomes an entertaining, surprising and heartfelt story in the hands of seasoned middle grade pro Marilyn Kaye.
Looking for True
by Tricia SpringstubbWhen two unlikely friends bond over shared compassion for a bereft but lovable dog, they learn what it truly means to find a sense of belonging and identity. 11-year-olds Gladys and Jude live in the same small, rust belt town, and go to the same school, but they are definitely not friends. Gladys is a tiny, eccentric, walking dictionary who doesn&’t hesitate to express herself, while Jude likes to keep his thoughts and feelings to himself. But they both agree that a new dog in the neighborhood is being mistreated by its owner. Gladys would like to do something to help while Jude is more resigned to the situation until the dog (who Gladys has named True Blue) disappears. They hatch a plan to find her and once they do, realize they have a problem: Gladys&’s father is allergic and Jude&’s mother hates dogs. There is no way they can bring her home. They hide True Blue in an abandoned house on the edge of town, but as their ties to the dog--and to one another--deepen, so does the impossibility of keeping such a big secret. Yet giving True up will break all three of their hearts. Told in alternating voices set in a small, rust-belt town, True Blue is a story about family, identity, and finding friends in unexpected places.
A Few Bicycles More
by Christina UssIn the sequel to the popular Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle, our hero reunites with her long-lost family and attempts a daring vehicular rescue.A Few Bicycles More is the exciting sequel to Christina Uss&’s Adventures of a Girl Called Bicycle. Bicycle has been back from her cross-country adventure with her robot-like bike, named Fortune, for just a month when it starts malfunctioning, insisting that they pedal away from their home in Washington D.C. to Harpers Ferry in West Virginia. Once there, they discover a scrapyard where bicycles are being crushed and recycled—and it appears they are too late to save them. Bicycle and Fortune head to a convenience store so Bicycle can drown her sorrows with a chocolate bar. Much to her astonishment, she meets her long-lost family there. Bicycle learns that they have been looking for her since she disappeared as a toddler and that she is a quintuplet. She is happy to go live with them except for one thing: her family doesn&’t share her passion for cycling. In fact, her sisters have never even ridden a bike. Then Fortune acts up again, leading Bicycle back to the scrapyard where she discovers that there are four bicycles left and they were all made by the same inventor who created her Fortune. Four seems too coincidental to ignore--the perfect number to bring her sisters up to speed. She sets a plan in motion to rescue the bikes, a plan that if it works will help her fit into her family and still stay true to cycling self.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Ode to a Nobody
by Caroline Brooks DuBoisA devastating tornado tears apart more than just houses in this striking novel in verse about a girl rebuilding herself.Before the storm, thirteen-year-old Quinn was happy flying under the radar. She was average. Unremarkable. Always looking for an escape from her house, where her bickering parents fawned over her genius big brother. Inside our broken home / we didn&’t know how broken / the world outside was. But after the storm, Quinn can&’t seem to go back to average. Her friends weren't affected by the tornado in the same way. To them, the storm left behind a playground of abandoned houses and distracted adults. As Quinn struggles to find stability in the tornado&’s aftermath, she must choose: between homes, friendships, and versions of herself. Nothing that was mine / yesterday is mine today. Told in rich, spectacular verse, Caroline Brooks DuBois crafts a powerful story of redemption as Quinn makes her way from Before to After. There&’s nothing average about the world Quinn wakes up to after the storm; maybe there&’s nothing average about her, either. This emotional coming-of-age journey for middle grade readers proves that it&’s never too late to be the person you want to be.
Middle School Bites: Night of the Vam-Wolf-Zom (Middle School Bites)
by Steven BanksTom the Vam-Wolf-Zom is back—and so is the zombie that bit him—in this monstrously funny series about a boy who&’s dying to fit in.Eleven-year-old Tom was bit by a vampire, a werewolf, and a zombie right before the first day of middle school. It was a weird and crazy day. And he didn&’t even get excused from sixth grade! Now Tom is stuck navigating normal middle-school conundrums as the world's only Vam-Wolf-Zom. And ever since he accidentally caused some drama between the vampire and the werewolf who bit him, he's got to avoid trouble with them, too. Luckily the zombie who bit him turns out to be a super nice guy. (Go figure!) Even the nicest monster can't help when it comes to figuring out the rules for sixth grade, though. Looks like Tom is on his own as he deals with band arguments, a suddenly-friendly-but-formerly-mean bully, and even a first kiss. Created by an Emmy-nominated writer for SpongeBob, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, and CatDog, this hilarious series is illustrated with clever, cartoon-style art on every spread. Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and The Last Kids on Earth.
Of Walden Pond: Henry David Thoreau, Frederic Tudor, and the Pond Between
by Lesa Cline-RansomeFrom the award-winning author of Before She Was Harriet comes another work of lyrical beauty, the story of Henry David Thoreau and businessman Frederic Tudor—and a changing world.Thoreau and Tudor could not have been more different from each other. Yet both shared the bounties of Walden Pond and would change the course of history through their writings and innovations. This study in opposites contrasts the austere philosopher with the consummate capitalist (whose innovations would change commercial ice harvesting and home refrigerators) to show how two seemingly conflicting American legacies could be built side by side. Oddball/ tax dodger/ nature lover/ dreamer/ That&’s what they called/ Thoreau.Bankrupt/ disgrace/ good for nothing/ dreamer/ That&’s what they called/ Tudor. Celebrated author Lesa Cline-Ransome takes her magnificent talent for research and detail to plumb the depths of these two history-makers. The graceful text is paired with Ashley Benham-Yazdani&’s period accurate watercolor and pencil artwork. In winter, readers see Tudor&’s men sawing through the ice, the workhorses dragging the ice, and Thoreau observing it all; in spring, summer, and fall, the ice continues its journey across the globe with Thoreau and Tudor writing and reflecting in their respective diaries. An Author&’s Note, which explores how Thoreau&’s writings influenced such figures as Martin Luther King Jr., Robert Frost, and Mohandas Gandhi, is included.
Santiago!: Santiago Ramón y Cajal!Artist, Scientist, Troublemaker
by Jay HoslerA graphic novel retelling of the inspiring true story of polymath Santiago Ramón y Cajal, visionary pioneer of modern neuroscience, and his early dreams of becoming an artist.Based on a true story, Santiago Ramón y Cajal is every child who has struggled to navigate the expectations of adults. As a young boy, all Santiago wanted to do was be an artist. But his father wanted him to become a doctor, insisting that pursuing art was not a true profession. Although Santiago was forbidden by his parents to make art, Santiago secretly kept at it—making homemade paints and brushes and honing his craftsmanship. He also loved figuring out how things worked and made slingshots for his friends and even a fully functioning (and very dangerous) cannon. Sadly, the one thing he couldn&’t figure out was his father. After years of locking horns, Santiago&’s father seemed to win, and Santiago was sent to medical school. As a medical student he discovered the wonders of how animal bodies work, and his studies eventually led him to the microscopic mysteries of the brain. Using the artistic skills he honed as a child, Santiago painted brain cells to unlock their secrets. His pursuit of art had trained him to be observant, persistent, resourceful, and creative in his research. In 1906, he won the Nobel Prize for medicine and is considered the father of modern neuroscience—proving anything is possible, even for a mischief maker. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Touch and Go (Star Striker)
by Mary AmatoAlbert and the Zeenods are back in this second book in the thrilling Star Striker series about unlikely friendships and interstellar soccer.Albert and his Zeenod teammates might not be the best soccer players in the universe but there's nothing Albert would rather do--and no one he'd rather play with. Plus at least they made it to the second round of the big interplanetary tournament. When their coach is wrongly arrested by an intergalatic police force, Albert and the Zeenods must work to clear their coach's name and stay in the tournament. But Albert can't keep his head in the game, putting the whole team's win in jeopardy. Can Albert come through for his friends and find justice for their coach? Action-packed, yet filled with humor and heart, Star Striker is the second book in a series that combines a sports friendship story with an exploration of social justice and the importance of compassion for others.
Squirrel on Stage (Twitch the Squirrel)
by Vivian Vande VeldeTwitch the lovably chaotic squirrel and Sweetie the Library Rat accidentally make their stage debuts in this hilarious chapter book, a new followup to 8 Class Pets.When Twitch discovers the kids at school are putting on a Cinderella play, he can&’t believe his luck. He loves good stories! But how to watch the play undetected? He convinces friend Sweetie the library rat to join his adventure to the auditorium, but of course it doesn&’t go as planned! Twitch and Sweetie will go behind the curtain and even above stage before the day is over in this fourth book in the celebrated series.With energetic illustrations accompanying the short, hilarious chapters, told from Twitch and Sweetie&’s alternating points of view, Squirrel on Stage is a perfect pick for young readers just starting to seek out longer texts—or a great read-aloud. For aspiring thespians, Squirrel on Stage also includes tips kids can use to put on their own play.
The Universe in You: A Microscopic Journey
by Jason ChinJason Chin, winner of the Caldecott Medal for Watercress, dives into the microscopic building blocks of life in this companion to the award-winning Your Place in the Universe.In Your Place in the Universe, Jason Chin zoomed outward, from our planet, solar system, and galaxy to the outer reaches of the observable universe. Now, Chin reverses course, zooming in past our skin to our cells, molecules, and atoms, all the way down to particles so small we can&’t yet even measure them. Like its companion, The Universe in You is a mind-boggling adventure that makes complex science accessible and enjoyable to readers of any age.Impeccably researched, wholly engrossing, and with extensive backmatter for additional learning, The Universe in You is another knockout from the award-winning creator of Redwoods, Grand Canyon, and other distinguished works of nonfiction for young readers. A School Library Journal Best Book of the YearA Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Welcome to Feral (Frights from Feral #1)
by Mark FearingHow many kids will go missing before this town admits it&’s haunted? Find out in this freakily fun new graphic novel series!Feral has everything a small town should have: Main Street, City Hall, a population just over sixteen thousand . . . But Feral also has secrets. Mysteries. Unexplained disappearances. In five spooky stories, an intrepid young resident invites readers to look a little closer at this scenic rural town. Are you game to investigate what&’s going on in Feral? If you pay attention, you might notice something where it shouldn&’t be. Be careful, though. Whatever you do, do not go into the Messner Mansion. Don&’t say we didn&’t warn you! With vibrant art, clever humor, and heaps of unsolved mysteries, animator Mark Fearing conjures a fearsome saga out of small-town terrors. The first entry in this inventive new series is sure to scare young readers silly. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Noodleheads Take It Easy (Noodleheads #7)
by Tedd Arnold Mitch Weiss Martha HamiltonTaking it easy is easy peasy, until Mac and Mac give it a try! This colorful graphic novel will have 1st and 2nd grade independent readers laughing out loud at Noodleheads&’ funny adventures.Mac and Mac want to take it easy and eat their favorite pie, but making pie isn&’t as easy as eating it! Or is it? Along the way they their friends and mom give them tricks to make it as easy as…well pie! But the boys&’ shenanigans make things harder than they need to be. Will Mac and Mac get to have their pie and eat it too? This seventh book in the Noodleheads graphic novel series is perfect for comic fans and reluctant readers. Short chapters--full of wordplay, jokes, and slapstick humor--follow Mac and Mac through their funny adventures. It is co-written and illustrated by Tedd Arnold, known for his popular Fly Guy series. Based on traditional world folktales and stories of fools, the Noodleheads encourage critical thinking. They invite readers to use their noodles to spot holes in the brothers' grand plans. Source notes by co-authors Martha Hamilton and Mitch Weiss, professional storytellers known as Beauty and the Beast, provide information about the traditional stories that inspired Mac and Mac's mishaps and give suggestions for further reading. This easy-to-read series, including the Geisel Honor book Noodleheads See the Future, is an accessible introduction to stories of fools, and a great next read for fans of the Fly Guy books. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The Carrefour Curse
by Dianne K. SalerniThe Addams Family meets The Westing Game in this exhilarating mystery about a modern magical dynasty trapped in the ruins of their once-grand, now-crumbling ancestral home.Twelve-year-old Garnet regrets that she doesn&’t know her family. Her mother has done her best to keep it that way, living far from the rest of the magical Carrefour clan and their dark, dangerous mansion known as Crossroad House.But when Garnet finally gets summoned to the estate, it isn&’t quite what she hoped for. Her relatives are strange and quarrelsome, each room in Crossroad House is more dilapidated than the last, and she can&’t keep straight which dusty hallways and cobwebbed corners are forbidden. Then Garnet learns the family secret: their dying patriarch fights to retain his life by stealing power from others. Every accident that isn&’t an accident, every unexpected illness and unexplained disappearance grants Jasper Carrefour a little more time. While the Carrefours squabbles over who will inherit his role when (if) he dies, Garnet encounters evidence of an even deeper curse. Was she brought to Crossroad House as part of the curse . . . or is she meant to break it?Written with loads of creepy atmosphere and an edge-of-your-seat magical mystery, this thrilling story reads like The Haunting of Hill House for preteens. Perfect for late-night reading under the covers.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
The Forest in the Sea: Seaweed Solutions to Planetary Problems (Books for a Better Earth)
by Anita SanchezMeet an unlikely climate change hero: the wet, slimy stuff known as seaweed.Imagine forests where you can float weightlessly among schools of fish. Huge green pastures where sea turtles graze. Forests that capture carbon from seawater and breathe out oxygen. The answers to many of our planet&’s problems may lie underwater, in these forests of seaweed.Celebrated nonfiction author Anita Sanchez takes readers on a tour of seaweed forests, from the Sargasso Sea to seaweed patches off Prince Edward Island, to explore how seaweed supports marine ecosystems and plays a big role in climate change solutions. From reducing methane emissions to advances in biofuels, medicines, and more, seaweed science is at the forefront of innovation.Written with beauty and wonder, The Forest in the Sea encourages readers to think outside the box when it comes to climate change. Back matter includes recipes, activities, ways to identify and help protect seaweed, and more.Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Breaking the Mold: Changing the Face of Climate Science (Books for a Better Earth)
by Dana Alison LevySixteen scientists. Protecting our planet. Making science more equitable.Scientists who collect microbes from surfers' skin, who use radar sensors to gather data miles away, who combat inequality by pushing for cleaner air policies. Each with their own story, all working to make life better for future generations.Celebrated author Dana Alison Levy profiles 16 people, all studying different elements of the earth&’s landscape, animals, and climate, who defy stereotypes of who can be a scientist. From analytical chemists to volcanologists, from global experts to recent graduates, these scientists share what they were like as young people, how they got where they are now, and what they—and the rest of us—can do to help the planet.Based on extensive interviews and featuring infographics and personal photos, Breaking the Mold offers a snapshot of the people and organizations fighting to make science more equitable. Back matter includes advice for readers interested in science careers, DIY projects, paths to community involvement, and more.Books for a Better Earth are designed to inspire children to become active, knowledgeable participants in caring for the planet they live on.
The Last Plastic Straw: A Plastic Problem and Finding Ways to Fix It (Books for a Better Earth)
by Dee RomitoLearn how and why a useful, 5000-year-old invention has become a threat to our planet—and what you can do about it—in this history of the simple straw. <P><P> From reeds used by ancient Sumerians to bendy straws in World War II hospitals, people have changed the straw to fit their needs for 5000 years. Today however, this useful tool is contributing to the plastic problem polluting our oceans. Once again, the simple straw needs a reinvention. <P><P> With bright illustrations and well-researched text, children can read about the inventors behind the straw’s technological advancements, including primary sources like patents, as well as how disposable plastic harms the environment. See the newest solutions, from plastic straw alternatives to activism by real kids like Milo Cress who started the Be Straw Free campaign when he was 11 years old. <P><P> Learn about what kids can do to reduce plastic waste. The backmatter includes more information on the movement to stop plastic waste, action items kids can do, a bibliography, and additional resources on plastic pollution. <P><P><i>Advisory: Bookshare has learned that this book offers only partial accessibility. We have kept it in the collection because it is useful for some of our members. Benetech is actively working on projects to improve accessibility issues such as these.</i>
Lolo Weaver Swims Upstream
by Polly Farquhar"Not since Ramona Quimby has a character marched right out of a book with so much bravado, humor, and heart."--Barbara O'Connor, New York Times bestselling author of WishA headstrong girl&’s quest to steal back her family&’s dog goes awry in this humorous and compassionate novel.Lolo is stuck in summer school with a teacher who is out to get her while her family is still reeling from her grandfather&’s death. Even his dog is mourning, howling outside all night and every night. Finally, lovable old Hank is sent to a farm across the lake that takes foster dogs.And it&’s all Lolo&’s fault. Lolo knows she has to get Hank back. In a tippy canoe, Lolo crosses the almost-dried-out lake to steal her dog back. But she runs into Noah, a student in her summer school class and Hank's new owner—and he loves Hank as much as she does.As Lolo&’s plan unravels and her uneasy alliance with Noah grows into a friendship, the question of what&’s best for Hank becomes muddier. Can Lolo manage to do the right thing—for once? Itch author Polly Farquhar returns to Ohio with a tale of a big-hearted girl searching for answers to tough questions in all the wrong places. Fans of Gary Schmidt will love Farquhar&’s blend of honesty, humor, and heart.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
In the Tunnel
by Julie LeeTrapped in an enemy tunnel, a young refugee experiences the Korean War firsthand in this searing story of survival, loss, and hope, a companion to the Freeman Award-winning novel Brother&’s Keeper.Myung-gi knows war is coming: War between North and South Korea. Life in communist North Korea has become more and more unbearable—there is no freedom of speech, movement, association, or thought—and his parents have been carefully planning the family&’s escape.But when his father is abducted by the secret police, all those plans fall apart. How can Myung-gi leave North Korea without his dad? Especially when he believes that the abduction was his fault?Set during a cataclysmic war which shaped the world we know today, this is the story of one boy&’s coming-of-age during a time when inhumanity, lawlessness, and terror reigned supreme. Myung-gi, his mother, and his twelve-year-old sister Yoomee do everything they can to protect one another. But gentle, quiet, bookish Myung-gi has plans to find his father at any cost—even if it means joining the army and being sent to the front lines, where his deepest fears await him.A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard SelectionA Book Riot Best New Book of 2023"An absolute must-read."—Booklist, starred review"Vivid, powerful."—School Library Journal"Moving."—Publishers Weekly"Searing. . . . Beautifully written."—Book Riot