|
 Drita, My Homegirl
By Jenny Lombard, c2008
An Illinois Bluestem Book Award nominee for 2015, this story about
friendship is a great pick for children, grades 3 – 6. Drita and her family
are refugees from Kosovo trying to adjust to life in America. Drita is
desperate for friendship, but struggles to speak English so she can engage
with her classmates. Enter Maxie, a big mouth, who finds herself in trouble
at home and at school. When their teacher puts them together to work on a
class project, initially sparks fly. But Drita and Maxie and their families
are about to come together in a remarkable way. This book is a story of
friendship amid differences, with likeable characters and an introduction to
a remarkable part of the world with a turbulent history.
Tut: the Story of My Immortal Life
By P.J. Hoover, c2014
Great for fans of Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series or budding
Egyptologists, this is the story of the immortal boy king Tut, now living in
Washington, D.C. and attending eighth grade---again. Join the adventure as
Tut fights the wicked General Horemheb, the man who betrayed and killed his
father. Tut will have the help of his immortal “brother” Gilgamesh and his
new school friend Henry, who just can’t seem to stay out of trouble. And
then there’s Tia, the new girl at school. Tut is pretty sure she isn’t what
she seems. Filled with humor and fabulous references to Egyptian history and
mythology, this will be a big hit with reluctant readers in grades 4 – 8,
especially boys.
The Lions of Little Rock
By Kristin Levine, c2012
This is the heart-warming and heartbreaking story of two girls determined to
do what they can to remain friends in a world that tells them they can’t be
together. Set in Little Rock, Arkansas in the late 1950s during the
integration of public schools, the story of shy 12 year-old Marlee and her
new outspoken friend Liz is filled with humor, sorrow, and courage. Liz has
been attending Marlee’s school and passing for white. When her secret comes
out, Liz disappears and Marlee feels lost. With pressure from her family and
others surrounding her, what will she choose? Will she choose what’s
safe---or what’s right? Will she finally find her voice? A wonderful choice
for readers, grades 5 – 8, and a perfect discussion book.
[to top of second column] |
The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom
By Christopher Healy, c2012 (grades 3 – 7)
Fans of fractured fairytales will laugh out loud at this book, the
first in a series about the Princes Charming! Follow Prince Liam,
Prince Frederic, Prince Duncan and Prince Gustav as they fight to
save their kingdoms from a nefarious plot, all while trying to
figure out their relationships with Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella,
Snow White and Rapunzel. Each of the four princes have personalities
that will make you smile, but put them all together and magic
happens. This is a great pick for boys and girls, grades 3 – 7, and
is perfect for family read-alouds. Action, humor, heroes,
princesses, monsters, witches---and a 10 year-old bandit king. Who
could ask for anything more?
The Detective’s Assistant
By Katherine Hannigan, c2015
Poor Nell Warne, at only 11 years old, has had her share of trouble.
And now, she’s stuck with her eccentric Aunt Kate, her only living
relative---that is unless her aunt decides to push her off onto the
destitute Home for the Friendless. Nell’s only hope is to make
herself useful to her aunt. She figured doing the household chores
would do it, but instead she lands herself in the middle of the
adventure of a lifetime, as she assists Aunt Kate, first female
detective of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, in saving the life of
the President of the United States!
This humorous family tale is set in Civil War-era America and
introduces real-life detectives of the famed Pinkerton Detective
Agency. Filled with action, mystery and a whole lot of heart, it’s a
great choice for readers in grades 3 – 7 that enjoy historical
fiction and quirky heroines.
To check out these books or get recommendations for other great
reads, please come see us at the Lincoln Public Library, 725 Pekin
Street.
[By
MELISSA OXBORROW,
Lincoln Public Library District]
 |
