Even though twelve-year-old Alexis was born in Hawaii, she won’t surf or swim with her friends—not since the ocean and its hidden creatures swept her out to sea. Instead, she grabs her best detective hat and decodes her mom’s latest challenge. Alex’s mom works in counterintelligence and leaves codes, ciphers, and puzzles behind for Alex to solve, always with a “treasure” at the end. It’s […]
Eleven-year-old Jessa Newberry desperately wants to fit in with the popular girls but on the first day of middle school she makes a fool of herself in front of the whole class. On top of that, she’s having these strange dreams about Sidney, a friend she hasn’t seen since kindergarten. Together in the dreams they fly around Dreamland, a magical world with ice-cream trees and […]
An important life is measured by one thing: Netopedia When Sophie Murphy discovers that her father’s life wasn’t remarkable enough to warrant a listing, she makes a decision. Her life would be remarkable. But if you’re not an Olympian, a singer, or a football star, becoming important is hard. It’s even more difficult when you also have to heal your family and remind the world […]
Marley Jones is starting the 5th grade: a new school; a new sport; a new home. She wanted to do dance, but instead her parents got divorced, and she ended up in after-school swimming because some quack-job counselor told her dad it was a good way to blow off steam. And Marley hates swimming. Every practice is a gift of chlorine-scented hair, ear water, and […]
After losing her mom, Willa is grieving and having a hard time living with her dad and his new family on an island off the coast of Washington State. Her dad tries to cheer her up by taking her whale watching, something Willa’s mom used to do. While all the passengers are on one side of the boat, Willa encounters a humpback whale on the […]
Be Strong and Wish Big Paige’s favorite family tradition on the farm is the annual bonfire where everyone tosses in a stone and makes a wish. This time, Paige’s specific wish is one she’s not sure can come ture: Don’t let Mom and Grandpa sell the farm. When Paige’s younger brother finds a wounded peacock in the barn, Paige is sure it’s a sign that […]
Sophie is a monster expert. Thanks to her Big Book of Monsters and her vivid imagination, Sophie can identify the monsters in her school and neighborhood. Clearly, the bullies are trolls and goblins. Her nice neighbor must be a good witch, and Sophie’s new best friend is obviously a fairy. But what about Sophie? She’s convinced she is definitely a monster because of the “monster […]
Vanesa Campos can’t wait for winter vacation. Skiing on the slopes, sipping hot cocoa… her week at Pinecloud Lodge promises to be cozy and perfect. And maybe she can make some new friends! Never mind that glamorous Beck writes off Vanesa right away; twins Emma and Eric are ready to join the fun out in the snow. But when the flakes start falling, everything changes. […]
Magic doesn’t work the way you think it will, but it’s what Kate needs as she confronts friendship trouble, her parents’ divorce, and Grammy’s dementia. Kate has trouble believing in magic, especially since the people she loves keep leaving her. But when Grammy tells her the three rules of everyday magic—believe, give, and trust—Kate can’t resist believing, at least a little. Following Grammy’s advice, she […]
My name is Flint, but everyone in middle school calls me Squint because I’m losing my vision. I used to play football, but not anymore. I haven’t had a friend in a long time. Thankfully, real friends can see the real you, even when you can’t clearly see. Flint is furiously trying to finish the illustrations on his first comic book before he loses his […]