Children’s / Teenage fiction and true stories

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Book SynopsisAn inspirational picture book about the miracle of twins, in the tradition of Nancy Tillman's On the Night You Were Born.Families of twins will see their own hopes and dreams beautifully expressed in this charming and emotional origin story:You once twinkled in the stars, criss-crossed the cosmos, before and beyond. Until one magic moment . . . destiny dawned. In this luminescent and poetic story, twin babies float and play in the cosmos—at first alone, and then together—dreaming of cuddles and kisses and a place to call home. Soon, they are tenderly called to Earth, where their loving families await them: You once twinkled in the stars. Now you sparkle in our hearts. Families of newborn twins will shed happy tears reading this poignant love letter to their longed-for babies, and little ones will enjoy hearing the magical story of how they came to be and ho

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Book SynopsisBen may only be pretending to be the 'Chosen One'—but I’ve definitely chosen this one as my favorite new fantasy series.”—Max Brallier, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Last Kids on Earth seriesHow far would you go to play the hero? One seventh grader gets way more than he bargained for when he is swept into the fantasy quest of his gaming dreams in this funny illustrated series full of adventure and twists.It’s not so easy being the Chosen One (or in Ben Whitlock’s case, pretending to be the Chosen One). Sure, when you’ve been mistaken for a long-prophesied hero by a teenage girl/mysterious assassin and transported to a fantasy realm you're supposedly destined to save, you don’t have to worry about things like math homework. But when flying narwhals are trying to blast you into oblivion (gulp) and a bunch of old mystics in flip-flops want you to enter something called the Gullet of Eterna

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Book SynopsisThis addictive YA horror about a group of teen ghost hunters who spend the night in a haunted LA hotel is The Blair Witch Project for the TikTok generation.Fast-paced and freaky.—Kendare Blake, #1 NYT bestselling author of All These BodiesEnjoy your stay... When the YouTube-famous Ghost Gang—Chrissy, Chase, Emma, and Kiki—visit a haunted LA hotel notorious for tragedy to secretly film after dark, they expect it to be just like their previous paranormal huntings. Spooky enough to attract subscribers—and ultimately harmless. But when they stumble upon something unexpected in the former room of a gruesome serial killer, they quickly realize that they’re in over their heads. Sometimes, it’s the dead who need our help—and the living we should fear.

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Book SynopsisOne magical inn, two kids with supernatural powers, and an ancient Celtic creature trying to destroy their world by Halloween night...Halloweentown meets Supernatural in this spooky middle-grade series from the acclaimed author of the Storm Crow duology!Thirteen-year-old Annabella Ballinkay has never been normal, even by her psychic family’s standards. Every generation uses their abilities to help run the Ravenfall Inn, a sprawling, magical B&B at the crossroads of the human world and the Otherworld. But it’s hard to contribute when your only power is foreseeing death.So when fourteen-year-old Colin Pierce arrives at Ravenfall searching for his missing older brother and the supernatural creature who killed their parents, Anna jumps at the chance to help. But the mysteries tied to Colin go much deeper than either of them expects. . . .As the two team up to find answers, they unearth Colin’s family’s secret past

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Book SynopsisHow far would you go to keep a promise? Told from alternating points of view, Hidden Truths is a story of changing friendships, the lies we tell, the secrets we keep, and the healing power of forgiveness.Dani and Eric have been best friends since Dani moved next door in second grade. They bond over donuts, comic books, and camping on the Cape.Until one summer when everything changes.Did Eric cause the accident that leaves Dani unable to do the one thing in the world she most cares about? The question plagues him, and he will do anything to get answers about the explosion that injured her. But Dani is hurting too much to want Eric to pursue the truth—she just wants to shut him out and move on. Besides, Eric has a history of dropping things he starts. Eric knows that and is determined that this will be the one time he follows through.But what if his pursuit brings him into direct conflict with another friend? Where does Eric’s loy

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Book SynopsisUni the Unicorn is ready for Halloween -- and kids will find a special treat of sparkly stickers inside, too! Celebrate the magic of believing with Uni the Unicorn!This new line of UNI THE UNICORN paperback storybooks begins with a spooky twist!  Uni is planting a pumpkin patch. But, uh oh! Uni's very first pumpkin gets squished! Uni's friend Goldie thinks she saw something spooky in the pumpkin patch... What could it be? Uni isn't scared -- Uni knows just how to be brave and solve the mystery!  UNI 8x8's are storybooks with a strong magical theme and a hopeful message (plus a sticker sheet, too!).  We see Uni experiencing real world feelings that familes want to read about and kids can identify with. Look for Uni the Unicorn: How to Say Thank You! coming soon.

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Book SynopsisNew York Times bestseller Uni the Unicorn learns the importance of cleaning up! Bonus: Includes a special DIY craft kids can make at home.Celebrate the magic of believing with Uni the unicorn! Uh-oh! Uni and the little girl find a trail of candy wrappers on the forest floor. These don''t belong here! Ride along as they clean up the mess and teach a valuable lesson about litter at the same time.These new Uni the Unicorn paperback storybooks have a strong magical theme and a hopeful message. In Uni''s beautiful world, we see Uni experiencing real-world feelings that kids can identify with and families want to read about.

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Book SynopsisThe Positive Power early reader series introduces self esteem and empathy to budding young readers. I Am Thankful is a fun and encouraging early reader about all the things we have to be thankful for! Now a part of the premier early reading line, Step into Reading!It's Thanksgiving, and there's a lot to be done before turkeytime! A young boy runs in the turkey trot and helps his family bake pies. But when it's time for the annual family football game, it starts raining! Luckily, the jam-packed day proves there's always something to be thankful for. In this installment of the Positive Power series, kids will learn the affirmation I am thankful through a delightful story of food, family, and fun.Through simple text and joyful illustrations, this installment in the Positive Power series inspires kids to help others while giving them the confidence they need to transform from little to BIG readers. Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and shor

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Book SynopsisA picture book about three best friends who do everything together, until they each realize that sometimes having time alone can be nice too.Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear are best friends. They do everything together and go everywhere together except for one place. They never go down the long and winding path together.   But this winter, when Rabbit, Duck, and Big Bear go skating on the frozen pond, Rabbit loses control and barrels straight down the path. What she finds there is one of the most beautiful places she has ever seen, but to her surprise, Big Bear and Duck both admit they sometimes go there when they want to be alone. And while she sits in the quiet calm, Rabbit begins to understand why. In this story rich with social emotional learning, young readers will see the importance of balancing time with friends and time spent on their own.  Nadine Brun-Cosme and Olivier Tallec perfectly pair to create a fun story with lovable

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Book SynopsisFrom the author of Sweety comes a heartwarming story of friendship and bravery, featuring a little mushroom who sets off into the scary world to find his missing pet slug.Oh, no! When mushroom boy Little Cap's pet slug, Gustav, goes missing, Little Cap is beside himself. How can he summon the courage to leave his cozy home to find him? But summon he does. There are many suspicious characters just outside his door and--gasp!--he has to talk to his neighbors, but Little Cap can't be stopped.After much perilous searching--up sheer cliffs and into deep canyons and even stepping in something really, really gross--Little Cap finally finds his very best friend, and he's changed for the better along the way. Here is a story that celebrates friendship, perseverance, and bravery, told with Andrea Zuill's signature heart and humor.

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Book SynopsisReaders will get a kick out of the whimsical and hilarious everyday shenanigans of best friends, Gnome and Rat, in the first book of this new early graphic novel series.Gnome and Rat are best friends who live together in a charming forest. Rat enjoys drinking tea and finishing crossword puzzles. And Gnome... well, Gnome likes to polish his pointy red hat and eat delicious sausages.Join these funny friends on their various adventures, whether it's celebrating Hat Day, perfecting magic tricks, or tracking down a new signature hat for Gnome. Whatever their antic, these two know exactly how to have a good time: with each other.

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Book SynopsisA Berenstain Bears faith-based sticker and activity book that celebrates the love and sweetness shared between family, friends, and neighbors! This full-color activity book includes mazes, puzzles, word searches, and over 50 stickers!The Berenstain Bears Gifts of the Spirit series celebrates the joy of faith, family, and friends—values essential to a wholesome and fulfilling life! Children ages three to seven will love this sweet 32-page faith-based activity book created by Mike Berenstain, son of Stan and Jan Berenstain!Other Gifts of the Spirit Activity BooksCaring & Sharing Activity BookHelpful Hands Activity BookJoyful Celebration Activity Book

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Book SynopsisA stunning picture book about a family''s connection to their land, their home, and each other--from the creators of My First Day.Long ago, Grandfather came to a new land. Fish swam in the water, birds chirped in the sky, monkeys played in the trees. And in this wilderness, with his own two hands, Grandfather built a house.It wasn''t easy. But the land gave him what he needed. And it became his home. Decades later, his grandson will have all he needs: a head full of memories, two capable hands, and the heart to appreciate family, nature, and home. This picture book creates a warm symphony of conservation and the sacred bond between grandparent and child, perfect for baby showers, birthdays, and family celebrations.

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Book SynopsisWhen poachers threaten the island they love, two girls team up to save the turtles—and each other. An eco-mystery with an unforgettable friendship story at its heart from a fresh new voice in middle grade.Twelve-year-old Barana lives in a coastal village in Honduras, where she spends every spare minute visiting the sea turtles that nest on the beach.Abby is feeling adrift in sixth grade, trying to figure out who she is and where she belongs after her best friend moved away from New Jersey.When Abby’s papi plans a work trip to Honduras, she is finally given the opportunity to see his homeland—with Barana as her tour guide. But Barana has other plans: someone has been poaching turtle eggs, and she’s determined to catch them! Before long, Abby and Barana are both consumed by the mystery, chasing down suspects, gathering clues, and staking out the beach in the dead of night. . . . Will they fi

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Book SynopsisIs it science...or strange and ghostly?Asim''s new town is freaking him out! There are weird noises at night, eerie lights, and now an evil tree that is growing way faster than it should. he''s sure there''s something supernatural going on.His friend Rokshar believes that everything can be explained by science. But even she''s worried when the tree takes control of their teacher! It''s starting to look like an evil spirit straight out of Guyanese folklore is to blame. Can Asim and his friends save their teacher--and the town--from the ghost tree? Find out...if you dare! It''s a new spooky series based on ghost stories from Guyana.Trade Review★ "An excellent series starter and contribution to the supernatural mystery genre, perfect for older chapter book readers easing into early middle grade. ­Highly recommended."--School Library Journal, starred review"A spooky adventure rooted in Guyanese folklore...with just the right amount of chills."--Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisSolve Animal Mysteries from A to Z! Young clue hunters Abbi, Daniel, and Lydia sniff out the mystery behind a group of missing alpacas. Inspired by Ron Roy's beloved A to Z Mysteries series, this spin-off is perfect for budding young chapter-book readers--and future detectives!A is for ALPACAS . . .It's time for the alpaca costume contest, and Abigail Abbi Wallace is excited to see it at the Maine State Fair. But there’s only one alpaca left—the rest are missing! What sent the alpacas packing? Abbi; her dog, Barkley; and her friends Lydia and Daniel are ready to sniff out this mystery!DON'T MISS the original A to Z Mysteries series by Ron Roy, starting with The Absent Author!Trade Review"Good fun." —Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisA 2023 Cybils Award finalistMeet Dirt and Bugsy—best buds who catch all kinds of bugs—in this fun early reader!Dirt and Bugsy are neighbors, best friends, and bug catchers. They love bugs: Bugs that crawl. Bugs that fly. Bugs that slide. Bugs that hide. But when it begins to rain one day, their brains buzz with a plan: They will build a bug barn to keep the bugs dry! Together, they gather supplies and make a structure to shelter the insects from the storm.Trade Review"Bugs, friendship, and fun—what more could burgeoning readers want?" —Kirkus"An excellent choice for nature lovers and newly independent readers due to its short, concise, and repetitive sentences." —School Library Journal

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Book SynopsisIn this charming and delightful picture book, Sami shares the joys of Spanglish with his skeptical abuela and diverse community.Sami loves to speak both English and Spanish. But he doesn''t just speak them one at a time. He speaks in Spanglish! Sometimes, he makes brand-new words—like lonche—and sometimes, he puts the languages together in one sentence, like when he''s hungry for jamberguers con papas fritas. But not everyone likes Spanglish. Abuela thinks that Spanish should be spoken at home and English at school. And to make matters more complicated, Sami''s not allowed to write his homework in Spanglish. At first, Sami feels confused and frustrated. But with the support of his family, friends, and neighbors, Sami soon realizes that his unique identity should be celebrated. Hooray, muy bien, Sami!Trade ReviewA September Target Book Club Pick"A celebration of a bilingual childhood."–Kirkus Reviews"With a warm emphasis on visibility through language, how we sound to one another, and many kinds of diversity within our communities, this playful picture book will resonate with kids in multilingual families." –Booklist

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Book SynopsisA girl takes a journey through the good and not-so-good seasons in life.A little girl starts her day feeling gray and alone, with everyone around her oblivious to her mood. On her way home from school, she meets a small dog in need of help, and the interaction turns her world a little brighter. Through their newfound friendship, she learns that deep bonds have the power to transform feelings and bring a vital sense of belonging. This debut picture book from Brazilian author-illustrator Bianca Pozzi creates a poignant and rich portrayal of childhood emotions with delicate text, gentle illustrations, and resounding empathy.Trade Review"Unbelievably gorgeous… a beautiful book about [the] feelings we can’t [always] name."--NPR 'Here and Now' Recommended Book"Rendered with a fresh tenderness that will appeal to all readers who have found comfort in a friend when feeling alone. A lovely read-aloud with bibliotherapeutic potential." --BooklistFirst Time Parent Magazine "Good Reads - Spring 2023" Pick"Heart-warming." --YA and Kids Books Central"This beautifully illustrated picture book depicts childhood emotions and the power of family and friends." --Kids Bookshelf

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Book SynopsisCelebrate Easter with The Little Engine That Could and her friends in this sturdy board book!Easter is here! Clown has written a series of riddles for The Little Engine That Could and her friends to follow to find all the Easter eggs! Can Little Engine and her friends crack the code? 

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Book SynopsisA charming and nature-filled picture book about a young boy who connects with his busy dad over their love of nature. Perfect for fans of Fatima’s Great Outdoors by Ambreen Tariq and Hike by Pete Oswald.Tim has always loved nature. His dad always taught him to explore and adventure through their own backyard. So Tim observed, he collected, and he recorded it all in his nature journal, just like Dad! But when one day Dad is too busy to look at his findings, Tim takes it upon himself to show Dad all his adventures. And after looking through his dad’s old nature journals, Tim gets sleepy and goes on some dreamy adventures of his own. An imaginative and heartwarming story about the bond between Tim and his dad, and the beautiful adventures that lie waiting in the world, The Nature Journal is a sweet story of love and nature for the youngest budding explorers. 

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Book SynopsisA powerful story about the mixture of pride and pain that one Black family finds in the American flag, and an invitation for each of us to choose how we relate to America, its history, and the flag that means so many things to so many people.With engaging, lyrical text, and breathtaking art...the book fits precisely into conversations today about Black identity in America...a bold reminder that [the flag] belongs to everyone. –EbonyWhat does the American flag mean to you? For some, it’s a vision of hope and opportunity. For others, it represents pain and loss. And for many, it’s more complicated than that—a symbol of a nation where the basic ideas of freedom and equality are still up for debate.From slavery and segregation through Rosa Parks and Barack Obama, the history of Black people in America is a mixture of pride and pain. And while the flag might mean different things to different peoTrade ReviewPraise for My Red, White, and Blue:"With engaging, lyrical text, and breathtaking art...the book fits precisely into conversations today about Black identity in America and the different ways people find meaning in it...a bold reminder that [the flag] belongs to everyone." –Ebony“An effective and necessary look at patriotism, history, protest, pride, and using your voice. The beautiful art adds so much to the text.” –Teen Librarian Toolbox “Essential…This overview of Black history in America is an indispensable new classroom conversation-starter.” –We Are Teachers “[Y]our child...will love the thoughtful rhyme that makes this book.” –The Washington Informer “[Emphasizes] the theme that everyone in the country has an important voice and the ability to share it...[A]ccessible...Sure to inspire children and readers of all ages to ask questions and prompt insightful discussion...Highly recommended.” –School Library Journal“An effective, accessible acknowledgment that both the U.S. flag and history are deeply fraught.” –Kirkus Reviews“[One of] the best Black History Month books for kids you should add to your bookshelf.” –Motherly"[A] layered look at reactions to a national symbol." –Publishers Weekly“With creativity and compassion…Alana Tyson’s thoughtful ode to the flag, and the way African American history is woven into every stitch of it, opens the door to deeper conversations about patriotism, protest and freedom.” –The Virginian-Pilot“[G]ripping, beautiful, warm, inviting, solid…A profoundly moving, important, timely book. Ladd’s art is outstanding.” –Wacky Mommy“This book is powerful…[E]asy to understand for little learners…[T]he information and illustrations pack a punch.” –Multicultural Children’s Book Day“[P]owerful…The beautiful illustrations highlight important moments and inspirational figures.” –Babies to Bookworms

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Book SynopsisAn endearing picture book that showcases the lengths readers will go to find the perfect book . . . this lovely book is one to seek out.-- School Library JournalIn this charming and heartfelt story, a book-loving bear and a book-loving girl hatch a plan to find the perfect book for them to read together.Bear loves books. When Bear decides he wants a book of his very own, he and his best friend, Ellen, hatch a plan. But sneaking a bear into school, a library, and a bookstore proves to be harder than they thought. Will Bear ever find a book of his very own?With charming and timeless words from debut author Ellen L. Ramsey and brought to life by MacKenzie Haley, illustrator of Dolly Parton''s Billy the Kid Makes it Big, this is an endearing story of a determined young bear and his journey to find the perfect book.Praise for A Book for Bear:Adults sharing the book should encourage children to write and illustrate anTrade ReviewPraise for A Book for Bear:"Adults sharing the book should encourage children to write and illustrate and, if possible, read their own books. A pleasant story about books and reading to share with kids and bears."--Kirkus reviews"An endearing picture book that showcases the lengths readers will go to find the perfect book . . . Bright colors and fun details make this a picture book that children will want to examine again after a firstreading. Whether showcasing the joys of reading or expanding a collection on friendship, this lovely book is one to seek out."-- School Library Journal

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Book Synopsis*A must-have for all picture book collections. --School Library Journal (starred review)An a-peeling alphabet adventure.-- Kirkus reviewsFrom the creators of Counting to Bananas, comes a new, hilarious bedtime ABC book about a Banana who doesn’t want to go to bed. Perfect for fans of Jory John, Mo Willems, and Ryan T. Higgins!A is for Awake . . . but B is for Bedtime. When the narrator of this alphabet book tries to make it a bedtime book, Banana objects. Bedtime is BORING! And Banana is the star of this book, so it should really be called B Is for Bananas instead. It shouldn''t be about bedtime at all. Journey through all the letters of the alphabet in this laugh-out-loud story from Carrie Tillotson and Estrela Lourenço about a banana who is NOT ready to go to bed.The perfect next read for those who loved the Bad Seed series and Hey Bruce by Ryan T. Higgins!Trade Review* "This is the toddler book of all toddler books, and one to leave preschoolers squealing. Laughter will be the name of the game every time this book is read; it is hilarious! A little banana is supposed to be ready for bed, but getting ready is the last thing on the menu. Written as an alphabet book, the narration is often co-opted by the little banana. There are also reminders of things to do ­prior to sleep like taking a bath, brushing teeth, “going” and washing hands after. Children will be worn out by this. A must-have for all picture book collections." -School Library Journal, starred review"Exuberant Banana has as much fun taking control of the alphabet as they did taking over counting. Lourenço returns with digitally created illustrations full of Banana’s bonkers energy and plenty of color. Speech balloons are used throughout as Banana argues with the narrator. Banana might end up tuckered out, but little listeners will probably be supercharged with giggles. An a-peeling alphabet adventure." --Kirkus reviews*“Excellent…A silly story that makes you giggle…[Banana shows] his wide-awakeness, creativity, and energy!” – Imagination Soup, starred review“[Filled] with hilarious antics by a banana, my son and I were laughing throughout…This book would make a lovely gift for a newborn bundle or in an elementary classroom to reinforce the alphabet, learn about some figurative language or just have some laughs!” – Story Mamas “Hilarious from beginning to end!” – Picture Book Recommendations “This is absolutely the CUTEST book!! I loved seeing all of the silly antics as Banana fights against going to bed (while working through the alphabet). The hilarious story by Carrie Tillotson and bright, fun illustrations by Estrela Lourenço make this a perfect bedtime read for both parents and kids! I laughed out loud more than once and so did my kids!...I highly recommend.” - Pie Lady Books “Wonderfully drawn…A perfect ending to a just-about-perfect bedtime-but-not-really-bedtime tale…Exceptionally good…A wonderful send-up of a bedtime book.” – Infodad.com “Young readers will love this laugh out loud bedtime story where Banana's silly antics take center stage through all the letters of the alphabet. The amazing illustrations bring Banana, and bedtime fun, to life.” – Kidsbookshelf.com “From the illustrations to Banana's antics, this was not only edutainment fun, but the promised bedtime story as well… Readers of all ages will love how the story develops, while having a little bit of ABC fun along the way…You've got the brilliantly colored and funny illustrations to dazzle the eyes. It's charming, and witty, and a great time to be had.” – Insatiable Readers Blog"Full of wordplay and unusual choices to represent each letter of the alphabet ("K is for Keister"), this book stands out for being simultaneously silly and educational.Tester Note: One reviewer compared the story to the work of another famous kid-lit creator. “The book feels very Mo Willems–esque with its conversational style,” she said."--Good Housekeeping

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