Prepared by
Revised
May 10, 2021
Fiction
Astrid & Apollo and the Starry Campout
2021
Astrid is afraid of the dark and doesn’t want to go on her family camping trip, but her twin brother, Apollo, is excited. When they encounter scary things, Apollo helps her through them. And when they encounter the scariest thing of all, Astrid might be the one to save the campout.
Lexile level
480
Shadow in the Woods and Other Scary Stories
2020
A collection of five spine-chilling stories, ideally suited for sleepovers and campfire gatherings, follows the experiences of students who arrive at a spooky house, a kid who discovers something unexpected about a tickle in her throat and more.
Lexile level
490
All Because You Matter
2020
A lyrical, heart-lifting love letter to Black and Brown children everywhere reminds them how much they matter, that they have always mattered and they always will.
Lexile level
AD810L
The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story
2020
Wanting to follow in the footsteps of her free-diving haenyeo grandmother, a young Korean girl dutifully consumes her grandmother's strength-building abalone porridge and practices her breath control before suiting up and overcoming fears to make remarkable discoveries.
Cannonball
2020
Determined to execute the perfect cannonball dive, a boy tries to follow everyone's advice but finally hears Nan, an expert and former champion, who advises doing it his own way.
Lexile level
AD520L
Shooting Star
2021
Stella has always been different, but it's not because she’s in a wheelchair-- she's a superhero! But when a burglar breaks into Stella's school, she can't change into her disguise… Can Stella still save the day?
Lexile level
650L
J.D. and the Great Barber Battle
2021
Eight-year-old J.D. turns a tragic home haircut into a thriving barber business.
Happy Paws
2020
Using their collective problem-solving talents and creativity to build cool inventions, rock band members Layla and the Bots help transform a run-down amusement park into a theme park for dogs.
Lexile level
500L
Yasmin the Soccer Star
2020
Everyone in Yasmin's gym class is excited to play soccer, except for Yasmin. She's seen the pros play, and it looks scary! When Yasmin is chosen as goalie, will she step up or back out? Courage, Yasmin!
Lexile level
490L
Hound Heroes: Beware the Claw!
2021
The Hound Heroes’ origin story is revealed! When a spaceship crashes in their backyard, they get superpowers, but they aren't the only ones who benefit. Neighborhood alley cat The Claw also gains powers, and she only wants one thing: to destroy the Hound Heroes!
Lexile level
GN350L
Seven Golden Rings: A Tale of Music and Math
2020
In ancient India, a boy named Bhagat travels to the rajah's city, hoping to ensure his family's prosperity by winning a place at court as a singer.
Sadiq and the Explorers
2021
After a hiking trip, Sadiq starts an Exploring Club. When club members are asked to create a scavenger hunt for a community celebration, the kids are excited! Before they can lead others on a nature expedition, though, they'll have to do some exploring of their own.
Lexile level
570L
Beach Day!
2020
A family spends a fun day at the beach, collecting shells, building sandcastles and flying kites.
Lexile level
280L
Camila the Baking Star
2021
Camila and her Papá enter a televised baking competition, but when trying to do everything herself results in a mess, Papá helps to bake strawberry-iced cake pops that could make them stars.
Lexile level
570L
Pizza and Taco: Best Party Ever!
2021
Pizza and Taco are bored and decide to throw a party, but despite their careful planning, nothing seems to go right.
Lexile level
AD300L
Grandmother School
2020
Every morning, a young girl walks her grandmother to the Aajibaichi Shala, the school built for the grandmothers in her village to have a place to learn to read and write.
The Amazing Life of Azaleah Lane
2020
Azaleah loved her class field trip to the National Zoo in Washington D.C., and is looking forward to earning extra credit-- but before she can even begin her task, she has to solve the mystery of her younger sister's missing stuffed animal.
Lexile level
610L
Nonfiction
Saving American Beach
2021
JB BETSCH
MaVynee loved going to the beach, but most in Jacksonville were for Whites only. Knowing something must be done, her grandfather bought a beach that African American families could enjoy without being reminded they were second-class citizens; he called it American Beach.
Fauja Singh Keeps Going
2020
J 796.4252 SIN
Unable to walk as a child, Fauja Singh strengthens his legs with farm work, eventually becoming a runner. At age 100, he set a record as the oldest man to run a marathon.
Lexile level
AD730L
Building Zaha
2020
JB HADID
Zaha knew from a young age that she wanted to be an architect. A woman in a man's world and a person of color in a White field, Zaha was met with resistance at every turn. She didn’t let that stop her from setting goals and achieving them one by one.
Recommended for
Sarah E
I work in youth services and love planning programs-- especially ones where we go outside and get messy! My favorite books open up new worlds, and I've got a special love for fantasy and sci-fi. When I'm not at the library, I'm exploring new places, getting into nature or snuggling on the couch with a cup of tea and my beagle puppy.
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