By Krista Steele, Lewiston City Library Summer Associate - June 20, 2020
GENERAL FICTION
Song for a Whale - Lynne Kelly
This Schneider Family Book Award winner beautifully tells the story of the struggles of twelve-year-old Iris, who is deaf and struggling with feeling like she is an outsider. Her struggles to fit in and find belonging are mirrored by the story of a real whale who loses his hearing and is unable to communicate with his pod. These stories of struggle, loss, and overcoming beautifully illustrate a story about the importance of connection.
See You in the Cosmos - Jack Cheng
This energetic story details the space-obsessed tween Alex, who’s biggest dream is to send a golden iPod to the stars. Together with his dog and sidekick named Carl Sagan, Alex deals with the struggles of having a mom who is not around very much and an older brother who is not very helpful. Alex’s story is all about joy, optimism, determination, and passion.
Boy at the Back of Class - Onjali Q. Rauf
This warm-hearted depiction of friendship follows the story of a group of students who decides the new kid in their class, who doesn’t seem to be interested in making friends, is going to join their group. Readers learn Ahmet, the new boy, is running away from bigger problems, like a war in his home country. This story about kindness and compassion is sure to make you feel good.
FANTASY
A Wolf Called Wander - Rosanne Parry
This thrilling story follows the perspective of a wolf named Swift and all of the challenges that he faces. In the tale about family, fear, and finding a new home, Swift encounters all kinds of danger as he treks across the Pacific Northwest in search of safety.
The Trials of Morrigan Crow - Jessica Townsend
This story follows the tricky life of Morrigan Crow. Not only is Morrigan rather unlucky, she is cursed. However, expecting the worst, she is transported to a magical city called Nevermoor where she must compete to join a new society and remain safe. This is the first book in the ongoing series and will surely hook you into reading them all!
Snow and Rose - Emily Winfield Martin
This enchanting tale pulls on fairy tales retold. Elements of fantasy stories mix with the realistic struggles of two sisters as their world turns upside down. When their noble father mysteriously disappears, it is left to them to make sense of the magical and charming world they live in.
ACTION
Legends of the Lost Causes - Brad McLellan and Louis Sylvester
The wild west adventure follows a band of misfit orphans that have to defend themselves against the evils of Bad Whiskey Nelson. Between a ticking clock, a cursed stone, and a horde of zombie outlaws, this is a tale that is sure to keep you reading. The ragtag group must fight hard, travel far, and learn a lot if they are going to win. Written in part by LCSC Professor Louis Sylvester!
GRAPHIC NOVEL
Tea Dragon Society - Katie O’Neill
This enchanting story follows the mythical lives of Greta and the Tea Dragons she discovers. Magic, adventure, and friendship await readers in these charming tales and simple stories. The cute but fussy tea dragons require special attention, but hold powerful secrets for those who are willing to care for them.
HISTORICAL
Beyond the Bright Sea - Lauren Wolk
In this sparkling adventure, a girl named Crow adventures into the world to try to find belonging and history. Raised on an isolated island by a man who found her as a baby adrift at sea, she has little awareness of her own story. As mysterious sightings and unanswered questions arise, she is led on an adventure down a path of danger and discovery.
HORROR
The Nest - Kenneth Oppel
This haunting tale about a boy and a summer of worry is sure to interest readers. Steve just wants to save his sick baby brother, but when he comes into contact with mysterious, shadowy figures in his nightmares that say they can help, he is unsure what to do. The lines between real and imaginary are blurred in this exciting and thrilling story.
NONFICTION
Be Mindful & Stress Less: 50 Ways to Deal with your (Crazy) Life - Gina M. Biegel
This helpful book details different mindfulness practices that you can integrate into your busy life. Whether it’s school, family, or friends, sometimes life can overwhelm you! This book offers helpful tips that can offer relief right away and also be made into habits to use throughout your life.
These reads and others like them can be found in the Juvenile section downstairs in the library!
