Summer 2021 Picks

Batman's Dark Secret

Batman's Dark Secret

By Kelley Puckett | Jon J Muth | ISBN 978-0-545-86755-9
Ages 5-7 | HC | Picture Books/Comics & Graphic Novels | January 2016

One day, a lonely orphan named Bruce Wayne finds himself in a dangerous situation. He defends himself against a monster bat—and he wins. From that time on, he is determined to fight evil. He becomes... Batman!

Emma and Julia Love Ballet

Emma and Julia Love Ballet

By Barbara McClintock | ISBN 978-0-439-89401-2
Ages 4-8 | HC | Picture Book/Performing Arts | March 2016

Emma is little. Julia is big. They both love ballet. Emma takes ballet lessons. So does Julia. Emma is learning to be a ballerina. Julia is a professional ballerina. They are both excited about the big performance in the theatre tonight. And afterward, Emma will go backstage to meet her ballet hero!

Every Day Birds

Every Day Birds

By Amy Ludwig VanDerwater | Dylan Metrano | ISBN 978-0-545-69980-8
Ages 3-5 | HC | Animals/Birds | March 2016

An introduction to twenty different types of birds, with breathtaking paper-cuts by newcomer Dylan Metrano! Every Day Birds helps children identify and learn about 20 common North American birds. Interesting facts about each bird are featured in the back of the book.

Green Lizards vs Red Rectangles

Green Lizards vs Red Rectangles

By Steve Antony | ISBN 978-0-545-84902-9
Ages 3-5 | HC | Social Issues/Friendship | November 2015

The green lizards and the red rectangles are at war. Can there ever be a way to live peacefully together? Who will win, the green lizards or the red rectangles? Young readers will understand the value of living in friendship and peace.

Hector and Hummingbird

Hector and Hummingbird

By Nicholas John Frith | ISBN 978-0-545-85701-7
Ages 4-8 | HC | Social Issues/Friendship | April 2016

Hector the bear has a big problem: His friend Hummingbird just won't be quiet! Whether Hector's trying to enjoy a snack, get a good scratch against a tree, or take a nap, Hummingbird's always buzzing around, asking too many questions. The pair have always been best friends, but will Hector ever find peace and quiet with Hummingbird around?

How to Dress a Dragon

How to Dress a Dragon

By Thelma Lynne Godin | ISBN 978-0-545-67846-9
Ages 3-5 | HC | Animals/Dragons | February 2016

If you have to dress a dragon, you must be prepared to catch him as he flies by. Also, beware of ticklish toes, shirts with buttons, and hats that do not fit neatly between his horns! But they do like capes!

Most Valuable Player

Most Valuable Player  Canadian

By Gilles Tibo | ISBN 978-1-4431-4598-5
Ages 3-8 | PB | Social Issues/Bullying | January 2016

In this excellent addition to the Nicholas series, there are a few lessons to be learned about the importance of sportsmanship, positive encouragement, and inclusivity—and, of course, triumphant hockey action for Nicholas and his friend.

Scribble

Scribble  Canadian

By Ruth Ohi | ISBN 978-1-4431-4665-4
Ages 3-7 | HC | Humorous Stories | April 2016

Award-winning author and illustrator Ruth Ohi's energetic art shows young readers that anything is possible with a splash of colour and the most basic shapes. This wonderful picture book will spark creativity, and encourage young minds to identify and draw the Circle-Square-Triangle-Scribbles in their worlds too!

The Guild of Geniuses

The Guild of Geniuses

By Dan Santat | ISBN 978-0-439-43096-8
Ages 4-8 | HC | Social Issues/Friendship | November 2015

Are you having a bad weather day? You should try Dr. Lancaster's Portable Weather Machine. Want to rise above it all? Check out Dr. Torrance's Anti-Gravity Belt. Yes, The Guild of Geniuses has created many fantastic inventions to satisfy humanity's most pressing needs... So when Fred's best friend Mr. Pip seems a little down, Fred knows just who to call.

Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass

Two Friends: Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass

By Dean Robbins | Sean Qualls | Selina Alko | ISBN 978-0-545-39996-8
Ages 4-8 | HC | People & Places/African American | January 2016

The text by award-winning writer Dean Robbins teaches about the fight for women's and African Americans' rights in an accessible, engaging manner for young children. Two Friends is beautifully illustrated by Selina Alko and Sean Qualls, the husband-and-wife team whose The Case for Loving received three starred reviews! Two Friends includes back matter with photos of Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglass.

The Notebook of Doom #9: Rumble of the Coaster Ghost

The Notebook of Doom #9: Rumble of the Coaster Ghost

By Troy Cummings | ISBN 978-0-545-86497-8
Ages 6-8 | PB | Monsters | February 2016
Also available: ISBN 978-0-545-86498-5 HC

Alexander's class is going on a field trip to an amusement park. Everyone is excited—until they find out they're going to SAFETY Land! Before the students take a ride on the Slow and Steady Teacups, a weird magician tells them there's a haunted roller coaster at the park. And Alexander starts seeing odd scratch marks all over the place. Is there REALLY a ghost at Safety Land?

Beetle Boy

Beetle Boy

By M G Leonard | ISBN 978-0-545-85346-0
Ages 8-12 | HC | Animals/Insects | March 2016

Darkus Cuttle's dad mysteriously goes missing from his job as Director of Science at the Natural History Museum. Vanished without a trace! From a locked room! So Darkus moves in with his eccentric Uncle Max and next door to Humphrey and Pickering, two lunatic cousins with an enormous beetle infestation. Darkus soon discovers that the beetles are anything but ordinary.

Fortune Falls

Fortune Falls

By Jenny Goebel | ISBN 978-0-545-81190-3
Ages 8-12 | HC | Fantasy & Magic | January 2016

Fortune Falls is a town where superstitions are deadly serious. (Just ask the poor moms walking around in scary back braces.) That's why the "Lucky" kids are separated from the "Luckless" for their safety. But eleven-year-old Sadie doesn't want to spend the rest of her life on the fringes, not when her best friend, Cooper, is destined to spend his charmed existence with the other Luckies.

Lucky

Lucky

By Chris Hill | ISBN 978-0-545-83977-8
Ages 7-10 | HC | Animals/Squirrels | March 2016

A classic animal adventure story featuring dueling squirrel clans, peacekeeping dogs, and unlikely heroes. Lucky, a lost little squirrel, finds himself in Albion Park surrounded by native squirrels that are very big, very tough, and VERY different than him. He needs lots of luck to fit in, and even more to pass the Squirrel Trial that will give him a permanent place in the park. But when he discovers a plot that threatens his new home, he'll need more than just good fortune to set things right.

Mission Mumbai

Mission Mumbai  Canadian

By Mahtab Narsimhan | ISBN 978-0-545-74651-9
Ages 9-13 | HC | Humorous Stories | March 2016

When aspiring photographer Dylan Moore is invited to join his best friend, Rohit Lal, on a family trip to India, he jumps at the chance to embark on an exciting journey just like their Lord of the Rings heroes, Frodo and Sam. Keeping their struggles to themselves threatens to tear the boys apart. But when disaster strikes, Dylan and Rohit realize they have to set aside their differences to navigate India safely, confront their family issues, and salvage their friendship.

Princess Pink and the Land of FakeBelieve: Jack and the Snackstalk

Princess Pink and the Land of FakeBelieve: Jack and the Snackstalk

By Noah Z Jones | ISBN 978-0-545-84861-9
Ages 5-7 | PB | Fantasy & Magic | February 2016
Also available: ISBN 978-0-545-84862-6 HC

Princess heads to Moldylocks's house for movie night. Moldy's cousin Jack comes, too. He brings pink jelly beans for a snack. But Princess doesn't like pink, so she throws the jelly beans out the window. Soon, the beans sprout into a huge pillar of snacks!

Saving Wonder

Saving Wonder

By Mary Knight | ISBN 978-0-545-82893-2
Ages 8-12 | HC | Social Issues/Friendship | March 2016

A transporting debut about the power of words, the importance of friendship, and the magic of wonder! Mary Knight brings a rich, lyrical, and utterly transporting tale about friendship, the power of words, and the difficult hurdles we must overcome for the people and places we love.

The Big Dark

The Big Dark

By Rodman Philbrick | ISBN 978-0-545-78975-2
Ages 8-12 | HC | Action & Adventure | March 2016

After a solar event knocks out our planet's electricity, a boy must risk his life to save what matters most. Heroic, eloquent, and unforgettable, The Big Dark raises timely questions about responsibility, tolerance, and love.

The Key to Extraordinary

The Key to Extraordinary

By Natalie Lloyd | ISBN 978-0-545-55274-5
Ages 8-12 | HC | Family/Alternative Family | March 2016

Emma has spent her whole life waiting to discover her destiny, and maybe see her mom again, even if just for a moment. But the dream never comes. Just when she's about to give up, she learns that the Morning Glory IS sending her messages, hints about a secret in Emma's family that could change everything.

Amulet #7: Firelight

Amulet #7: Firelight

By Kazu Kibuishi | ISBN 978-0-545-43316-7
Ages 8-12 | PB | Fantasy & Magic | March 2016
Also available: ISBN 978-0-545-83966-2 HC

The unforgettable seventh installment of Kazu Kibuishi's #1 New York Times bestselling series! Emily, Trellis, and Vigo visit Algos Island, where they can access and enter lost memories.

Baby-sitters Club #4: Claudia and Mean Janine (Full Color Edition)

Baby-sitters Club #4: Claudia and Mean Janine (Full Color Edition)

By Ann M Martin | Raina Telegemeier | ISBN 978-0-545-88622-2
Ages 8-12 | PB | Comics & Graphic Novels | February 2016
Also available: ISBN 978-0-545-88623-9 HC

This graphic novel adapted by Raina Telgemeier, the #1 New York Times bestselling and Eisner Award-winning creator of Smile, is now available in full color!

Bunny vs Monkey

Bunny vs Monkey

By Jamie Smart | ISBN 978-0-545-86184-7
Ages 7-10 | PB | Comics & Graphic Novels | February 2016

A team of scientists has sent a monkey into space! And good thing, too, because he's a mean, selfish, noisy, bullying little fur-bag. But... all does not go well with the flight, and Monkey's spaceship barely clears the first hilltop before crash-landing in a peaceful forest. Monkey decides this is a new world and claims it for his own. And his first decree is that all other animals should be banished! What follows is a series of hilarious, off-the-wall interactions between Monkey and the other forest animals.

It's All Your Fault

It's All Your Fault

By Paul Rudnick | ISBN 978-0-545-46428-4
Ages 12 and up | HC | Social Issues/Adolescence | February 2016

Heller Harrigan is a Hollywood wild child, a teen actor about to break into superstardom—if she can hold it together for the last weekend before her big movie debuts. Caitlin Singleberry is Heller's prim and proper cousin and former best friend—charged with chaperoning Heller for these vital last two days. What happens when these two opposites collide will have you laughing, cheering, and hanging on tight.

Kill the Boy Band

Kill the Boy Band

By Goldy Moldavsky | ISBN 978-0-545-86747-4
Ages 14 and up | HC | Social Issues/Adolescence | March 2016

We didn't mean to hold hostage a member of The Ruperts, I swear. At least, I didn't. We are fans. Okay, superfans who spend all of our free time tweeting about the boys and updating our fan tumblrs. But so what, that's what you do when you love a group so much it hurts. How did it get this far? Who knows. I mean midterms are coming up. I really do not have time to go to hell.

Longbow Girl

Longbow Girl

By Linda Davies | ISBN 978-0-545-85345-3
Ages 12 and up | HC | Action & Adventures | March 2016

Set in the wilds of the Welsh mountains, the brave and beautiful longbow girl, Merry Owen, discovers a river that takes her back in time to the autocratic kingdom of King Henry VIII. While there she finds she must compete in an archery tournament to save her ancestors' land from being seized by their aristocratic neighbors, the de Courcys.

My Name is Not Friday

My Name is Not Friday

By Jon Walter | ISBN 978-0-545-85522-8
Ages 12 and up | HC | Historical | January 2016

Well-mannered Samuel and his mischievous younger brother Joshua are free boys living in an orphanage during the end of the Civil War. Samuel takes the blame for Joshua's latest prank, and the consequence is worse than he could ever imagine. He's taken from the orphanage to the South, given a new name — Friday — and sold into slavery.

Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Spectrum

Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Spectrum

By Holly Robinson Peete | RJ Peete | Ryan Elizabeth Peete | ISBN 978-0-545-09468-9
Ages 12 and up | HC | Social Issues | March 2016

In this powerful book, teenagers Ryan Elizabeth Peete and her twin brother, Rodney, who has autism, share their up-close-and-personal experiences on what it means to be a teen living with autism. Same But Different, explores the funny, painful, and unexpected aspects of teen autism, while daring to address issues nobody talks about. Same But Different underscores tolerance, love, and the understanding that everybody's unique drumbeat is worth dancing to.

The Memory of Light

The Memory of Light

By Francisco X Stork | ISBN 978-0-545-47432-0
Ages 12 and up | HC | Social Issues/Depression & Mental Illness | February 2016

Inspired in part by the author's own experience with depression, The Memory of Light is the rare young adult novel that focuses not on the events leading up to a suicide attempt, but the recovery from one — about living when life doesn't seem worth it, and how we go on anyway

The Possibility of Now

The Possibility of Now

By Kim Culbertson | ISBN 978-0-545-73146-1
Ages 12 and up | HC | Social Issues/Friendship | February 2016

Mara James has always been a perfectionist with a plan. But despite years of overachieving at her elite school, Mara didn't plan on having a total meltdown during her calculus exam. And she didn't plan on a video of it going viral. And she definitely didn't plan on never wanting to show her face again.

The Raven Cycle Book 4: The Raven King

The Raven Cycle Book 4: The Raven King

By Maggie Stiefvater | ISBN 978-0-545-42498-1
Ages 14 and up | HC | Fantasy & Magic | May 2016

All her life, Blue has been warned that she will cause her true love's death. She doesn't believe in true love and never thought this would be a problem, but as her life becomes caught up in the strange and sinister world of the Raven Boys, she's not so sure anymore. In a starred review for Blue Lily, Lily Blue, Kirkus Reviews declared: "Expect this truly one-of-a-kind series to come to a thundering close."

Unbecoming

Unbecoming

By Jenny Downham | ISBN 978-0-545-90717-0
Ages 14 and up | HC | Social Issues/Depression & Mental Illness | March 2016

A truly powerful multi-generational novel from international bestseller Jenny Downham that celebrates life in a way no other book has done before. Spanning three generations of women in one family, Jenny sensitively addresses dementia, single motherhood and teenage angst.

Le bon petit livre

Le bon petit livre  Canadian

By Kyo Maclear | Marion Arbona | ISBN 978-1-4431-4964-8
Ages 5-9 | HC | Books & Literature | April 2016

Une histoire des plus loufoques, mais surtout des plus astucieuses, que les enfants voudront lire encore et encore...

A quirky, enchanting tale of literary love and loss—and love found again—that will win the heart of even the most reluctant reader.

Le puits de l'espoir

Le puits de l'espoir  Canadian

By Eric Walters | Eugenie Fernandes | ISBN 978-1-4431-5175-7
Ages 6-8 | PB | Orphans & Foster Homes | January 2016

Une histoire émouvante qui démontre comment la compréhension et la compassion peuvent être source d'une véritable générosité là où on s'y attend parfois le moins.

A lovely picture book of kindness and heart. This story shows that, through compassion and understanding, true generosity can spring from unexpected places.

Raising a Rockstar Reader: 75 Quick Tips for Helping Your Child Develop a Lifelong Love for Reading

Raising a Rockstar Reader: 75 Quick Tips for Helping Your Child Develop a Lifelong Love for Reading

By Allison McDonald and Amy Mascott | ISBN 978-0-545-80617-6
Ages Adult | PB | Teaching Resource | January 2016

Written for today's time-crunched parents, this book is filled with easy-to-implement tips for creating a literate environment and fun, quick activities for building children's oral language and early reading and writing skills. Just five minutes a day every day is all it takes to foster a child's love of reading and learning.

Art © 2021 by Victo Ngai from Wishes by Mượn Thị Văn. All rights reserved.