Kathy's Korner for February: New Books for Grades 3–8

NEW FOR FEBRUARY CHAPTER CHATS

 The Ickabog by JK Rowling  

A warm, fast-paced, funny fairy tale fashioned from a story Rowling created years ago for her own children.  Once upon a time there was a tiny kingdom called Cornucopia, as rich in happinessand gold, and famous for its food.   From the delicate cream cheeses of Kurdsburg to the Hopes-of-Heaven pastries of Chouxville.  But even in this happy kingdom, a monster lurks. Legend tells of a fearsome creature living far to the north in the Marshlands... the Ickabog. Some say it breathes fire, spits poison, and roars through the mist as it carries off wayward sheep and children alike. Some say it's just a myth...  A great family read aloud.

Muck and Magic by Michael Murpogo 

Against an idyllic backdrop of the English countryside, an affecting tale about the power of friendship and creativity.  Twelve-year-old Bonny has always wanted to be a world-champion cyclist.  But when a flat tire draws Bonny to a horse farm, her predictable world starts to change. The owner, Lizzie, gives Bonny a job in the stables and shows her a life-size horse sculpture she is making, inviting Bonny to pose as its rider and help in its creation.

 

 The Lion of Mars by Jennifer Holmes 

By the author of Baby Mouse, Fourteenth Goldfish and Sunnyside Up.  Holmes draws on her own love of space travel.  Bell has spent his whole life - all eleven years of it - on Mars. Right now he is curious about the secrets the adults in the US colony are keeping. Like, why don't have contact with anyone on the other Mars colonies? Why are they so isolated? When a virus breaks out and the grown-ups all fall ill, Bell and the other children are the only ones who can

ity of the Beasts by Isabelle Allende 

 An audio release of a book from nearly 20 year ago brings the magical realism of celebrated author Isabel Allende to young readers.   A search for the Beast, a Yeti-like creature within the heart of the Amazon rainforest, becomes a quest for self-discovery in this young adult coming-of-age story filled with international adventure and a rich mythology.  Fifteen-year-old Alexander Cold has the chance to take the trip of a lifetime. He joins his fearless grandmother, a magazine reporter for International Geographic, on an expedition to the dangerous, remote world of the Amazon. 

Sea in Winter by Christine Day  

A Native American girl struggles to find her joy again.  It’s been a hard year for Maisie Cannon, ever since she hurt her leg and could not keep up with her ballet training and auditions.  Her blended family is loving and supportive, but Maisie knows that they just can’t understand how hopeless she feels. With everything she’s dealing with, Maisie is not excited for their family midwinter road trip along the coast, near the Makah (Pacific Northwest) community where her mother grew up.  But soon, Maisie’s anxieties and dark moods start to hurt as much as the pain in her knee. How can she keep pretending to be strong when on the inside she feels as roiling and cold as the ocean?  A great book to help us find resilience in these cold winter days.  

Serena Says by Tanita S. Davis

A heartwarming and humorous middle grade tale about a young girl who finds her own voice through vlogging and learns to speak out.   JC is a sparkler. Serena is proud to be known as her best friend.  Everything changes when JC returns from the hospital with a new kidney and a new best friend. Out of the spotlight of JC’s friendship, suddenly things aren’t quite so sparkly in Serena’s world.  Lonely, Serena works on perfecting her vlogs, hoping to earn a shot at becoming a classroom reporter. If she can be smart and funny on video, why can’t she manage that in real life? 

Stick with Me by Jennifer Blecher

An ice skater without a rink. An artist without a place to draw. Two  girls who become unlikely friends over the course of an unusual week.  Told from dual perspectives, Stick with Me is a story about fitting in and figuring yourself out.   Izzy's best friend seems to be ditching her for the class mean Queen Bee.  And then her family rents out their house during winter break for some extra cash, and that family’s daughter is sleeping in Izzy’s room and attending the same camp!  Wren is focused on perfecting her ice-skating routine after tanking at sectionals last year. But when her sister qualifies for a life-changing medical treatment Wren is carted off to stay in a rented home near Boston. Will Izzy and Wren’s shared status as targets to be picked on, bring them closer? 

Amari and the Night Brothers by B B Alston 

Amari Peters has never stopped believing her missing brother, Quinton, is alive. Not even when the police told her otherwise.  So when she finds a ticking briefcase in his closet, containing a nomination for a summer tryout at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, she’s certain the secretive organization holds the key to locating Quinton.   If only she can wrap her head around the idea of magicians, fairies, aliens, and other supernatural creatures all being real.

 Ambassador of Nowhere, Texas by Kimberly Willis Holt

A stunning post-9/11 companion to the National Book Award-winner When Zachary Beaver Came to Town.  Decades after the Vietnam War and Toby’s life-changing summer with Zachary Beaver, Toby’s daughter Rylee is at a crossroads—her best friend Twig has started pushing her away just as Joe, a new kid from New York, settles into their small town of Antler. Rylee befriends Joe and learns that Joe’s father was a first responder on 9/11. The two unlikely friends soon embark on a project to find Zachary Beaver and hopefully reconnect him with Rylee's father almost thirty years later. Read Zach Beaver first.  

Just Like That by Gary Schmidt 

Another story that has sprung from an earlier work. In this story we follow a character affected by the events in The Wednesday Wars.  A beloved friend has died in a tragic accident, and Meryl Lee is consumed with grief that she terms the Blank.  She doesn't protest when her parents decide to send her away to St. Elene's Preparatory Academy for Girls in Maine. There, she is challenged by headmistress Dr. MacKnockater to discover what she will become accomplished in.  Meanwhile, Dr. MacKnockater takes in Matt Coffin, a mysterious boy whose dangerous past follows him everywhere he goes. Matt's Dickensian storyline intersects with Meryl Lee's as she makes friends in unlikely places.

 Unplugged by Gordon Korman

Hilarious middle grade novel about a group of kids forced to unplug at a wellness camp, where they instead find intrigue, adventure, and a whole lot of chaos. As the son of the world’s most famous tech billionaire, spoiled Jett Baranov has always gotten what he wanted. So when his father’s private jet drops him in the middle of a place called the Oasis, Jett can’t believe it. He’s forced to hand over his cell phone, eat grainy veggie patties, and participate in wholesome activities with the other kids.  As the weeks go on, Jett starts to get used to the unplugged life and even bonds with the other kids over their discovery of a baby-lizard-turned-pet.  But he can’t help noticing that the adults at the Oasis are acting really strange. Could it be all those suspicious meditation sessions be more than they seem?  A good choice for hard to please readers.

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