Fiction
Applegate, Katherine. Crenshaw. 2015
Soon-to-be-fifth-grader Jackson goes for facts and science things that are real and true, and having a giant talking cat around doesn’t fit the bill. It has been years since his imaginary feline friend Crenshaw was on the scene, and Jackson can’t figure out why he is back or how to make him go away. J FIC APPLEGATE, eBook, eAudiobook
Bruchac, Joseph. Walking Two Worlds. 2015
Ely Parker (Hasanoanda) was destined to help bridge the gap between his Seneca family and the European settlers who were getting closer every day. This is a great look into history and the changes to the native lifestyle when the settlers came to New York. YA PAPERBACK BRUCHAC
Cabot, Meg. From the Notebooks of a Middle School Princess. 2015
Here’s a spin-off of the Princess Diaries specially written for younger readers, about Princess Mia’s long-lost half-sister, Olivia. One completely average day, everything goes wrong for Olivia … until a limo containing Princess Mia pulls up to invite her to New York to meet her father. J FIC CABOT, eBook, eAudiobook
Calonita, Jen. Charmed. 2016
Welcome back to Fairy Tale Reform school in book 2! If you missed out on book 1, go back and check out Flunked. Gilly wouldn’t call herself wicked, exactly … but when you have five little brothers and sisters and live in a run-down boot, you have to get creative to make ends meet. Gilly’s a pretty good thief (if she does say so herself) – until she gets caught. Gilly’s sentenced to three months at Fairy Tale Reform School, where all of the teachers are former (super-scary) villains like the Big Bad Wolf, the Evil Queen, and Cinderella’s Wicked Stepmother. J FIC CALONITA, J CD FIC CALONITA, eBook
Coville, Bruce. Goblins on the Prowl. 2015
When an accidental spell brings a mysterious stone toad to life, and it hops away with her human friend William between its jaws, Fauna must use her magic and her wits to save him, embarking on a journey through dangerous lands filled with fearsome giants, talking bears, and packs of rogue goblins. J FIC COVILLE, eBook
Cronin, Doreen. Into the Wild. 2016
Chicken Squad is back! There is a new cage in the yard, and they are determined to figure out just who this new addition is. Because whatever it is, it’s definitely up to no good. So equipped with the latest surveillance gear — which apparently includes copious amounts of marshmallows — the chicks venture into the wild to get answers. If you’ve missed the beginning of the series definitely go back and check out Chicken Squad. And the shoe…. don’t forget the shoe. J FIC CRONIN, eBook
Cummings, Troy. Notebook of Doom Series. 2015
Alexander has just moved into Stermont, but the elementary school is being torn down, his new classroom is located in the hospital morgue, a notebook he finds is full of information about monsters – and everywhere he turns, there are spooky balloon men determined to attack him. Start with book 1, Rise of the Balloon Goons, or dive into the series with the latest. J FIC CUMMINGS, J PAPERBACK CUMMINGS, eBook
De la Cruz, Melissa. Isle of the Lost: A Descendants Novel. 2015
Imprisoned on the Isle of the Lost, the teenaged children of Disney’s most evil villains search for a dragon’s eye – the key to true darkness and the villains’ only hope of escape. This lengthy fantasy novel is great for lovers of Disney and dark fairy tales. J FIC DE LA CRUZ, eBook
DiCamillo, Kate. Raymie Nightingale. 2016
Raymie Clarke has come to realize that everything, absolutely everything, depends on her. And she has a plan. If Raymie can win the local beauty pageant, then her father will come home. Raymie and two other competitors are drawn together in an unlikely friendship as they all deal with loneliness, loss, and unanswerable questions. J FIC DICAMILLO, eAudiobook
Griffiths, Andy. The 52-Story Treehouse. 2016
Yes, it’s finally here: the fourth book of the Treehouse Series by author Andy Griffiths and illustrator Terry Denton. What? You’ve never heard of them? Then you’d better start with the first book in the series, The 13-Story Treehouse. It’s a wild storytelling adventure that Publishers Weekly describes as “anarchic absurdity at its best.” J FIC GRIFFITHS, eBook
Gutman, Dan. Genius Files series. 2015
This series about twins Coke and Pepsi is even better with every book as they travel across the country trying to defeat the forces of evil. Start with book 1, Mission Unstoppable or jump right into book 5, License to Thrill. J FIC GUTMAN, J CD FIC GUTMAN, eBook
Holub, Joan. Heroes in Training series. 2016
From Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom (book 1) through Perseus and the Monstrous Medusa (book 12), Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams entertain us with their Heroes in Training books. Adventure and humor combined with simple illustrations make these great early chapter books, especially for those not quite ready for Percy Jackson. J FIC HOLUB, J PAPERBACK HOLUB, eBook
Hood, Ann. Treasure Chest series. 2015
The Robbins twins are traveling back through time! Each book in this series tells an exciting story about a famous historical figure. Start out with book 1 Clara Barton: Angel of the Battlefield or jump into the story about Leonardo da Vinci. This is a great next series for those who loved Magic Treehouse and need a little more of a challenge. J FIC HOOD, J PAPERBACK HOOD, eBook
Horowitz, Anthony. Diamond Brothers Mysteries. 2009
You’ve heard of PIs. Nick’s detective older brother is more like PU. However, with Nick’s help, they manage to solve the unsolvable and save the day. J FIC HOROWITZ, eBook
Keller, Laurie. The Spinny Icky Showdown. 2015
Arnie the Doughnut is back for his third adventure! When a traveling television game show comes to town, Arnie and Peezo can’t wait to participate in the crazy obstacle course. They’re in for a challenge once they learn what they are up against – do they stand a chance against Nick Pumpernickel (a.k.a. The Pumpernator!)? Let the games begin! J FIC KELLER, eBook
Korman, Gordon. Masterminds. 2016
Serenity, New Mexico, is the perfect small town — a sleepy little place that has no crime … or so everyone thinks. In reality, Serenity hides a dark secret, and its children are linked to some of the world’s most infamous criminal masterminds! If you like Masterminds, you’ll love book two, Criminal Destiny. J FIC KORMAN, J PAPERBACK KORMAN, eBook, eAudiobook
Korman, Gordon. Slacker. 2016
Sometimes you are a normal kid who likes to play video games, and sometimes you almost burn down your house and have to invent a fake club that turns into a real club that wants to save a beaver from certain death. And the beaver’s name is Elvis. Sometimes. J FIC KORMAN, eBook
Lerangis, Peter. Legend of the Rift. 2016
The final book in the Seven Wonders series takes us through a rift in time to the Temple of Artemis. Jack and his friends have to find the last Loculi and rescue Aly before it is too late. If you haven’t started this series yet, go back to the beginning with The Colossus Rises. This series is described as Percy Jackson meets Indiana Jones, and the adventure is awesome! J FIC LERANGIS, eBook
Mlynowski, Sarah. Whatever After series. 2016
Once upon a time, Abby’s life was normal. Then the mirror in her basement ate her… Abby and her brother Jonah find themselves in fairy tales which they inevitably mess up! Can the siblings find a way to make things right? If you are ready for a fresh spin on classic fairy tales, this series is for you. J FIC MLYNOWSKI, eBook, eAudiobook
O’Doherty, David. Danger is STILL Everywhere: A Handbook for Avoiding Danger. 2015
Do you have what it takes to be a POD (Pupil of Dangerology)? The world’s greatest (and only) dangerologist Dr. Noel Zone takes you through the most important aspects of avoiding danger at all costs. Whatever you do, don’t turn to page 9. If you missed book 1: Danger is Everywhere, definitely go back and start there. Or try book 3 (out in fall 2016). J FIC O’DOHERTY
O’Donnell, Liam. Case of the Snack Snatchers. 2015
Check out this first book in the West Meadow Detective Agency series. Third grade detective Myron has moved to a new school and is not very happy about it. However, he quickly realizes that some of his classmates will make excellent additions to his detective squad to solve crimes and save the school from the bullies. J FIC O’DONNELL, eBook
Paris, Harper. Greetings from Somewhere series. 2015
Second graders Ethan and Ella are sad about moving away from their hometown to travel the world with their mom, a journalist, and dad, who will home school them. Everywhere they go, they will find a mystery to solve. J FIC PARIS, J PAPERBACK PARIS, eBook
Pastis, Stephan. Timmy Failure: Sanitized for Your Protection. 2015
Although Timmy Failure is greatness personified, things are not going very well. His business partner (a polar bear), his school mates and his mom are having problems. Check out this latest Timmy Failure book, or go back to the beginning with Timmy Failure: Mistakes were Made. J FIC PASTIS, J playaway, eAudiobook
Quinn, Jordan. Kingdom of Wrenly series. 2015
Prince Lucas and his friend Clara are ready for adventure! In the first book, The Lost Stone, they venture off to rescue a valuable gem. In each successive book, new fantastical creatures and adventures get even more exciting. Book 10, The Pegasus Quest, is the newest title in the series. J FIC QUINN, J PAPERBACK QUINN, eBook
Riordan, Rick. The Sword of Summer ( Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard). 2015
Rick Riordan has returned with another exciting series, this time centered on Norse mythology. Magnus Chase, a homeless boy living in Boston, finds out he is the son of a Norse god. Readers with a good eye for detail may notice a familiar character pop up! J FIC RIORDAN, J CD FIC RIORDAN, J playaway Riordan, eBook, eAudiobook
Shurtliff, Liesl. Red. 2016
Red is not afraid of big bad wolves, but she is afraid of magic. When Red finds out that only magic can save her granny, she has to make some hard decisions. If you haven’t tried any of Shurtliff’s fairy tales you need to start now. Try Red, of go back to the beginning and try Rump. J FIC SHURTLIFF, J CD FIC SHURTLIFF, eBook
Skye, Obert. Lost and Found: Witherwood Reform School. 2016
In book 1, Tobias and Charlotte were abandoned at the reform school and have been looking for a way out ever since. They say they lock the doors to keep the creatures out, but we know it’s to keep the children in! In Lost and Found, we return to the school to see if Tobias’ new plan will change their future. If you like creepy places, disgusting creatures and forgetful parents, the Witherwood series is perfect for you. Fans of the Series of Unfortunate Events will especially enjoy this depressing new series. J FIC SKYE, eBook
Spires, Ashley. Fluffy Strikes Back. 2016
Fluffy Vandermere is a sergeant for P.U.R.S.T., whose mission is to protect the world from alien invaders. Like Binky, Fluffy is a space cat, and understands in ways that humans do not, just how evil the alien invaders are. J GN SPIRES, eBook
Vernon, Ursula. Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible. 2016
Never a conventional princess, Harriet becomes an adventurer after learning she is cursed to fall into a deep sleep on her 12th birthday, but after two years of slaying ogres, cliff-diving, and more with her riding quail, Mumfrey, things go awry at home, and she must seek a prince to set things right. This is book 1 in a new series by the author of Dragonbreath, so start reading and get excited. J FIC VERNON, eBook
Watson, Tom. A Tail of Two Kitties. 2016
Like Stick Dog? Get ready for Stick Cat! In this illustrated (poorly!) adventure, you will meet a new hilarious hero. Stick Cat must face pigeons, naps and a very suspicious neighbor. Fans of Wimpy Kid and Timmy Failure will love Stick Dog and Stick Cat. J FIC WATSON, eBook, eAudiobook
Willems, Mo. The Story of Diva and Flea. 2015
This beautifully illustrated chapter book from Mo Willems and Tony DiTerlizzi is about a small dog named Diva and a curious cat named Flea who live in Paris. Short chapters and illustrations make this a perfect novel for younger readers. J FIC WILLEMS
You Choose Fairy Tales. 2016
Check out this nifty choose-your-own-adventure series. Relive classic fairy tales in which you decide what happens next: Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood or even Goldilocks. J PAPERBACK YOU CHOOSE
Non-Fiction
Brown, Daniel James. The Boys in the Boat. 2013
This is the story of nine young men and their struggle to win the gold medal for rowing at the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin. The Berlin Olympics were a fascinating point in history, and the perseverance of the Olympians is a truly inspiring story. J 797.123 BROWN, eBook
Castellano, Peter. Monsters! series. 2016
Each book in the Monsters! Nonfiction series is weirder than the last. Whether you are interested in werewolves, sea monsters, vampires, or witches, you will find something both informative and creepy. Call numbers to be assigned for this new series include: J 001.944, J 133.43, J 398.245, J 398.45
Chevannes, Sabrina. Chess for Children Activity Book. 2015
Chess is fun! It’s even more fun with puzzles, games and activities. Learn the chess patterns and special tricks that can help you win chess games. Fun characters and pictures bring chess to life, right before your eyes. J 794.12 CHEVANNES
Dove, Adam. Woodland Adventure Handbook. 2015
Go on a woodland adventure! Build a fairy village, unearth a pirate treasure, or set off a rainbow volcano! Includes 10 fun forest adventures with step-by-step instructions. J 796.5 DOVE
Fishman, Jon M. American Pharoah. 2016
This is another in the Amazing Athletes series focusing the first Triple Crown winner in 37 years, American Pharoah. This horse also came to Saratoga to race in the summer of 2015 in the Travers Stakes. Books like this prove that athletes come in all shapes and sizes. J 798.45 FISHMAN
Freedman, Russell. Because They Marched. 2014
An insightful look into the Civil Rights Movement, this book tells the story of the struggle in the two years before President Johnson signed the law for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. J 323.1196 FREEDMAN, eBook
Ganeri, Anita. How to Live Like series. 2016
Learn about the lives of ancient hunters, Vikings, gladiators and more in this great history series. Kids who like the You Wouldn’t Want to series will love this one too! Medieval Knight J 909; Viking Warrior J 948; Roman Gladiator J 796.8; Viking Hunter J 930.1
Johnson, Rebecca L. When lunch fights back: Wickedly Clever Animal Defenses. 2015
Smelly poop on demand, oodles of slippery slime in seconds, projectile putrid vomit; these are but a few of the amazing defenses that certain animals possess when their lives are on the line. Check out this book to learn about these animals and their unique forms of self-preservation. J 591.47 JOHNSON, eBook
Langston-George, Rebecca. For the Right to Learn: Malala Yousafzai’s Story. 2016
She grew up in a world where women were supposed to be quiet. But Malala Yousafzai refused to be silent. She defied the Taliban’s rules, spoke out for education for every girl, and was almost killed for her beliefs. This powerful true story of how one brave girl changed the world proves that one person really can make a difference. J BIO YOUSAFZAI
Lock, Deborah. Myths and Legends (DK Adventures). 2015
Be whisked away on a magical journey around the world, retelling myths and legends from long ago. Meet the mischievous tricksters, the brave heroes, and the all-powerful creator gods from ancient cultures and find out how they overcome the giants, the shapeshifters and the lure of sea-maidens. J 201.3 LOCK
Montalvan, Luis Carlos. Tuesday Takes Me There. 2015
In this follow up to the beloved Tuesday Tucks Me In, Tuesday the service dog shows readers how he helps his disabled veteran travel across the country in double decker buses, planes, trains, and automobiles. Along the way, they see many famous sites and show young readers (and their teachers and parents, too) how trained service dogs help people with disabilities. J 362 MONTALVAN
Montgomery, Sy. The Octopus Scientists: Exploring the Mind of a Mollusk. 2015
In this latest Scientists in the Field book, the authors look at the work of renowned octopus scientist Jennifer Mather and a team of researchers on an island in Polynesia, where they work to learn more about octopuses and their intriguing behavior. Octopuses not your thing? Check out the other Scientists in the Field titles covering topics such as manatees, dolphins, sea turtles, frogs, honey bees, snow leopards, polar bears, wild horses, tree kangaroos, even volcanoes and the Mars rovers! These books are ideal for the student who wants an in-depth look at an important scientific subject. J 594.56 MONTGOMERY
Night Sky Stories series. 2015
Each book in this series tells the story of a constellation. Learn about the epic love story between Orion and Diana in the Story of Orion (J 292.13 Tro). In Follow the Drinking Gourd (J 973.7115 Mei) you can read about the song the slaves sang to freedom following the stars. Other books in the series tell the stories of constellations like Cassiopeia and Orion. This is a great series for readers of myths and legends.
Patent, Dorothy Hinshaw. Super Sniffers: Dog Detectives on the Job. 2014
Did you know that it is not just a dog’s nose that is sensitive to smells, that it is also the way their brain is wired? A dog’s brain has 40 times more areas devoted to smell than a human brain. With this book you will learn why dogs are great sniffers and what they can achieve with their impressive sense of smell; from bomb detection to alerting about certain medical conditions and all sorts of things in between. J 636.7 PATENT
Raczka, Bob. Wet Cement: A Mix of Concrete Poems. 2016
In this marvelous collection of short concrete poems, words are grouped in the shape of the central idea. The “O” in Pop-up is climbing and climbing, one “P” in Dipper is above the rest of the word, illustrating the constellation. Even the table of contents is constructed to resemble a table. The result is a fun and clever collection. J 811.6 RACZKA
Smith, Matthew Clark. Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and his World of Insects. 2015
A moth with a sixth sense. A wasp that hunts beetles nearly twice its size. The lives of fascinating creatures such as these were unknown until one man introduced them to the world. Meet Jean-Henri Fabre, one of the most important naturalists of all time. As a boy in the French countryside, Henri spent hours watching insects. He dreamed of observing them in a new way: in their own habitats. What he discovered in pursuing that dream was shocking; these small, seemingly insignificant creatures led secret lives—lives of great drama! J BIO FABRE
Titanic Stories series. 2016
Each book in this series tells about the lives of different people who were actually on the Titanic. From the children and crew to the wealthy and poor, learn about the lives of the people who were lost and those who survived the sinking of the Titanic. J 910.9163 STORIES