Chapter Books: January - July 2022 Starred Reviews from SLJLike this list

37 items

• Gigi and Ojiji

  Iwai, Melissa

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  "Gigi crafts her Japanese American identity in this enchanting early reader.The cuteness, inclusivity, and cross-cultural problem-solving represented will have young readers coming back again and again."

• Little Owl Rescue

  Delahaye, Rachel

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  "A young girl's imagination comes alive as she visualizes saving an owlet from harm and danger. A great addition to any children's library collection, particularly those serving aspiring vets and animal lovers."

• Happily Ever After Rescue Team

  Hay, Sam

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  "In this first installment in a new illustrated chapter book series, readers will laugh aloud at the hilarious antics of Evie and her friends as they try to fend off a team of fairytale agents called H.E.A.R.T."

• Maggie Sparks and the Monster Baby

  Smallman, Steve

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  "Take a familiar story of a sibling who is jealous of a new baby, infuse it with a little magic, pair it with fantastic illustrations, and the result is this winsome story that will engage young readers."

• Riley's Ghost

  Anderson, John David, 1975-

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  "This book centers on the importance of friendship, the transformative power of being seen, and the gentle miracles they create when combined. It also portrays the messiness of personal growth and has a nuanced take on being bullied/bfeing the…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Loyalty

  Avi, 1937-

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  "A fascinating, complex, and rarely seen view of the American Revolutionary War. Avi paints a vivid portrait of the pubs, streets, and coastline of colonial Boston, fraught with danger due to rising tensions among the citizens."

• Ready or Not!

  Bryant, Megan E.

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  "Younger middle grade readers will identify with Abby's journey as she faces the challenges of starting fourth grade in this series debut that can help them navigate the changes, big and small, that life presents"

• Unfadeable

  Broaddus, Maurice

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  Also available as an eBook and audiobook. "Broaddus has created an unforgettable protagonist in this novel that deals with creating community and fighting back against injustice. Sure to be popular with readers who enjoy books by Kelly Yang, Jason…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Drew Leclair Gets a Clue

  Bury, Katryn

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  "The perfect story for a kid who wants a little more than just a mystery about a school cyberbully. Readers who are ready to progress from Nancy Drew (whom the main character is named after) but are not quite ready for One of Us Is Lying by Karen M.…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• The Lock-eater

  Clark, Zack Loran

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  Also available as an eBook and audiobook. "A must-purchase for middle school libraries, this philosophical fantasy is an absolute revelation for an adolescent child yearning for adventure and tales of knowing oneself."

• The Marvellers

  Clayton, Dhonielle

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  Also available as an eBook and audiobook. "An exemplar of diversity with a Black girl protagonist and characters representing a variety of cultures, skin tones, gender identities, sexual orientations, and religious affiliations all of whom attend a…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• Falling Short

  Cisneros, Ernesto

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  "At every turn, Isaac and Marco support each other in this affirming story of basketball, middle school, friendship, family, and choosing kindness and determination over easy cowardice or cruelty."

• The Patron Thief of Bread

  Eagar, Lindsay

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  Also available as an eBook. "Eagar has written a complex and layered novel, with a vivid setting of medieval France and powerful themes of home and community. A first purchase for libraries where Adam Gidwitz's The Inquisitor's Tale is popular."

• When the Sky Falls

  (or A Is for Adonis)

  Earle, Phil

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  Also available as an eBook and audiobook. "As always, Earle delivers a tale that can accompany any book set during World War II yet brings something new with the addition of unique characters and an uncommon approach to the era."

• Louisa June and the Nazis in the Waves

  Elliott, Laura, 1957-

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  "Middle grade fans of World War II historical fiction will find this title engrossing. Recommend to those who enjoyed Kimberly Brubaker Bradley's The War That Saved My Life and Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch's Making Bombs for Hitler."

• The Civil War of Amos Abernathy

  Leali, Michael

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  "A well-written coming-of-age novel that encompasses many valuable topics--discrimination, teen relationships, friendship, the LGBTQIA+ community, and underrepresented history--in one wonderful story."

• The Mapmakers

  Merchant, Tamzin, 1987-

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  "A gripping adventure with rich worldbuilding, perfect for fans of "Harry Potter" and historical fantasy."

• Shinji Takahashi and the Mark of the Coatl

  Kagawa, Julie, 1982-

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  Also available as an audiobook. "The ideal mixture of Indiana Jones and "Percy Jackson" that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. The fast-paced action and short chapters make this a great choice for reluctant readers."

• Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

  Keller, Tae

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  "Mallory Moss ponders questions of popularity as she struggles to find her place in middle school and in the world at large. Written from Mallory's perspective in chapters that alternate between "Then" and "Now," Newbery-winning author Keller's book…Read moreRead more of this annotation

• In the Beautiful Country

  Kuo, Jane

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  "A work of fiction, but inspired by Kuo and her family's immigration to the United States, this is a beautifully written novel in verse about finding one's way in the world."