Spirit Hunters

Spirit Hunters
by Ellen Oh

Harper Raine is not happy about moving, especially when she suspects that the creepy old house they moved into is haunted.   Shortly after moving in, her younger brother starts acting strange, throwing violent tantrums and talking to an imaginary friend.   Harper begins to learn more about the history of the home, and the more she learns the more she is convinced that there are evil spirits present. 

What an exciting, suspenseful book! This creepy ghost story is a great choice for readers who enjoying scary tales.

Author's website: http://www.ellenoh.com/index2.html

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Forget Me Not

Forget Me Not
by Ellie Terry

Calliope and her mother are moving again.  It's hard for most people to constantly adjust to a new home and school, but for Calli it's extra difficult.  Calli has Tourette syndrome, causing her to uncontrollably make faces, movements, and sounds.  Even though she tries to hide it, eventually the other kids at school notice.   She has hope for a friend when she meets her new neighbor, but even he is reluctant because he's worried about what the others at school will think.   Will Calli ever find the acceptance, friendship, and permanent home that she has been hoping for? 

Another book that I would not put down until I finished!  I love how this story is told using two different narrators, alternating between Calli, whose chapters are told in verse, and her neighbor Jinsong.   This is a very powerful, emotional story that I highly recommend to my readers.

Author's website: http://ellieterry.com/

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Hello Hello

Hello Hello
by Brendan Wenzel

Every animal of the world is unique, but it is possible to take a group of very different animals and find something they all share.   Author/illustrator Brendan Wenzel does exactly that in this amazing picture book.  Engaging illustrations of a variety of animals, including many endangered species, are shown throughout this story, grouped by traits they have in common.  This is a great book to help readers find similarities among different creatures and may also inspire some to learn more about the unusual animals shown in this book. 

Author's website: https://brendanwenzel.info/

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Restart

Restart
by Gordon Korman

Imagine having no memory of your past.  That is what has happened to Chase Ambrose after he falls off his roof.  Amnesia has erased his memories, leaving him with no idea about who he was before the fall.   However, as he begins to learn more about his past, he realizes that the Chase he was before the fall may not be someone he wants to become again. 

What a powerful story!  I've always been a fan of Gordon Korman and this book was one of those that I picked up and would not put down until I was finished. As with many of the author's other books, Restart alternates between narrators, allowing the readers to connect with multiple characters who have been impacted by both the old and new Chase.  This is an outstanding book about second chances that I think many readers will enjoy.

Author's website: http://gordonkorman.com/

Book trailer: