Guest

Guest
by Mary Downing Hahn

Mollie's baby brother has been taken the Kinde Folk!   In his place have they left a changeling, one of their own babies.   The changeling, whom Mollie and her mother call Guest, is a sickly, scrawny, mean creature.   Determined to get her sweet baby brother back, Mollie journeys with Guest to the dangerous world of the Kinde Folk, hoping that they will be willing to trade her brother for the baby they swapped him with.  Will Mollie be able to convince them to return her brother? 

Guest is a creepy,  twisted tale by Mary Downing Hahn!   Full of suspense and magic, this is a fantastic choice for readers looking for an eerie story to read!

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Nightbooks

Nightbooks
by J.A. White

Alex loves to write scary stories, but he never imagined he would be trapped inside one!   On a late night trip to the basement of his building, he is magically lured to the apartment of Natacha, who soon reveals herself to be a witch.   In order to survive, Alex must read one of his creepy stories to Natacha each night, but soon finds himself running out of ideas.   With the help of Yasmin, another captive of Natacha, will he be able to find a way to escape? 

Nightbooks is a wonderful, yet eerie, selection from this year's MSBA list!  The dark, magical tale will be a fantastic choice for readers looking for a creepy story! 

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

The House in Poplar Wood

The House in Poplar Wood
by K.E. Ormsbee

Twins Lee and Felix are only allowed to leave their house together once a year, on Halloween.  They live on opposite sides of the same house, with Felix unable to leave Poplar Wood.    Their mother, who works for Memory, is unable to see Felix and their father, who serves Death, can never see Lee.  This is how it has always been for Felix and Lee, because of the Agreement their parents made years earlier.   Felix and Lee tried to break the Agreement once before, with disastrous results.   Now they have been offered another opportunity to break the Agreement that has controlled their lives, but it involves working with Gretchen Whipple, whose family is the sworn enemy of the twins.  Will Lee and Felix accept the dangerous risk of destroying the Agreement so that they can bring their family together? 

This story is a great choice for readers looking for a creepy book!   It is a good blend of action, mystery, and suspense.   A wonderful selection from the 2019 - 2020 MSBA list!

Author's website: http://www.keormsbee.com/

The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart

The Dragon With a Chocolate Heart
by Stephanie Burgis

Determined to prove she is old enough to fly on her own, young dragon Aventurine defies her parents' wishes and leaves her cave one night to try and capture a human.   Unfortunately, things don't go as planned when she is tricked into drinking enchanted hot chocolate that turns her into a human.  Now trapped into a human body, Aventurine seeks a place where she can find more of her new passion, chocolate!

This enchanting tale is a great choice for fans of dragons as well as fans of chocolate! 

Author's website: https://www.stephanieburgis.com/

Princess Pulverizer

Princess Pulverizer: Grilled Cheese and Dragons
by Nancy Krulik
illustrated by Ben Balistreri

Princess Serena does not want to be like the other girls at the Royal School of Ladylike Manners.  To her, learning how to curtsy and dance is a waste of time.  Instead, she'd rather be Princess Pulverizer and attend the Knight School.  Unfortunately, only boys can become knights, unless she can convince her father she is worthy of the privilege   To do that, she must complete eight good deeds on a Quest of Kindness.  While it sounds like an easy task, Princess Pulverizer's attempts at good deeds gets off to a rough start when she finds herself trapped in an ogre's castle!

With its humorous characters and entertaining illustrations, this book is the first in what looks to be a very fun series!  Fans of Shannon Hale's Princess in Black series will likely enjoy this book as will many other readers looking for a funny, magical story!

Author's website: https://www.realnancykrulik.com/

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Once Was a Time

Once Was a Time
by Leila Sales

Charlotte’s father is about to make a great scientific discovery that could change World War II! Unfortunately, a dangerous group of people have found out about it and want it for their own use. When Charlotte and her best friend Kitty are kidnapped, Charlotte makes a choice to save herself and finds herself transported through time from 1940 England to 2013 Wisconsin. Will she be able to adjust to her new life in an unfamiliar place and time? And will she ever find out what happened to her family and friends?

Once Was a Time is an amazing blend of historical fiction, science fiction, and realistic fiction. While World War II and time travel are essential parts of this magical tale, what I loved most about this book was Charlotte's adjustment to life in 2013, dealing with school, family, and friendship situations, while she persisted in trying to find out happened to the family and friends she left behind in 1940. This is a great choice for readers looking for a story about friends and family with a unique twist!

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

The Door By The Staircase

The Door By The Staircase
by Katherine Marsh

Mary is thrilled when she is rescued from her miserable orphanage by the unusual, yet generous, Madame Z.  In her happy, comfortable home with Madame Z, Mary gets everything she needs and she quickly makes a new friend named Jacob in a nearby village.   However,  Mary soon becomes curious about a mysterious. locked door by the staircase.   After investigating the unusual door, Mary soon learns a terrifying secret about Madame Z.

The Door By The Staircase is a great choice for readers who like suspenseful, magical stories.  I quickly found myself being pulled into this book, anxious to see what would happen next.   I love how author Katherine Marsh incorporated a character from Russian folklore, Baba Yaga, into this story.   After reading this book, I immediately searched for information on Baba Yaga to learn more about this folklore character.

Author's website: http://www.katherinemarsh.com/

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Some Kind of Happiness

Some Kind of Happiness
by Claire Legrand

Forced to spend her summer with grandparents she has never met while her parents deal with their marital issues, eleven-year-old Finley finds an escape in her beloved notebook. In her notebook she writes lists as well as stories about Everwood, an imaginary place that she has created.  When she sees a large forest behind her grandparents’ home, she  realizes that this is the magical place that she has been writing about. Imagination combines with reality as she and her cousins turn the forest into a real-life Everwood. As she continues to struggle with frequent bouts of sadness and anxiety, Finely realizes her newly discovered Everwood is also home to a past tragic event and a long-hidden family secret.

Combining reality and fantasy, this is a wonderful story that I think many readers will enjoy.  This was one of those books I could not put down until I finished!

Author's website: http://www.claire-legrand.com/

Confessions of an Imaginary Friend

Confessions of an Imaginary Friend: A Memoir by Jacques Papier
by Michelle Cuevas

Jacques Papier often feels invisible.   Teachers never call on him at school, no one ever picks him to be on a team.  It's as though no one realizes he's there.  The only person who really seems to notice him is his twin sister, Fleur.  One day he finally realizes why no one ever sees him:  he's Fleur's imaginary friend.   As he struggles to deal with not being real, he meets other imaginary friends.   One offers him the opportunity to become free from his imaginary world, but Jacques soon learns that it comes with a price.

One of two books on this year's MSBA list about imaginary friends, Confessions of an Imaginary Friend starts off as an almost funny story yet, further in, becomes very deep and emotional as Jacques struggles to understand his role as an imaginary friend and questions what is real.   Despite being "imaginary", Jacques has very real thoughts and feelings that many readers will relate to.   A great book that goes well with The Imaginary, a similar book on this year's MSBA list.


Author's website: http://www.michellecuevas.com/

Upside Down Magic

Upside-Down Magic
by Sarah Miynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins

Nory desperately wants to get accepted into Sage Academy.  Not only is it the best private magic school, her father is the headmaster and her brother and sister go there.  Unfortunately, Nory has a hard time controlling her magic, which ultimately costs her the chance to attend Sage Academy.    After failing her admission test,  Nory is sent to live her unusual aunt and attend a public school, where she finds herself in an "Upside-Down Magic" class with other kids who have a hard time getting their magic to work the way it should.   Will Nory, and her family, ever learn to accept her unusual magic?

Readers looking for a magical, humorous book will love this story!   A great choice for fans of Harry Potter and other fantasy books about kids learning to use their magical powers.

Book Website:  http://upsidedownmagic.scholastic.com/#_

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The Imaginary

The Imaginary
by A.F. Harrold
illustrated by Emily Gravett

Rudger just appeared one day in Amanda's closet.   She eventually realizes he is imaginary, but that doesn't stop her from spending all of her time with him.  Rudger enjoys his time with Amanda as well, but their friendship is threatened when the evil Mr. Bunting appears.   Mr. Bunting is an imaginary friend hunter and, in a desperate attempt to escape him, Amanda and Rudger are separated.  Lost and scared, Rudger is rescued by an odd cat who brings him to the "Agency", a library full of other imaginary creatures who are looking for new "friends".  However, Rudger does not want a new friend, he just wants to find Amanda.  Will he be able to find his friend without getting caught by the evil Mr. Bunting?

The Imaginary is a heartwarming story of friendship and imagination, with a few scary, suspenseful parts in it as well!  Emily Gravett's beautiful illustrations are a wonderful addition to this amazing story.  Readers who enjoy fantasy with some scary twists should give this book a try!  

Author's website: www.afharroldkids.com

Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible

Hamster Princess: Harriet the Invincible
by Ursula Vernon

What does a hamster princess do if she's facing an evil curse on her twelfth birthday?  Anything dangerous she can until that day!   Princess Harriet, cursed by an evil Fairy God Mouse, knows there is no avoiding the curse put on her by the fairy Ratshade.  Knowing that she is invincible until her twelfth birthday, Harriet takes on as many dangerous quests as possible.  However, when the fateful day does arrive, things don't go as planned and, in an unexpected twist, Harriet must find a way to save the kingdom!  Will she succeed in her quest?

The first in a new series, Harriet the Invincible will be a hit with fans of Babymouse and other similar rodent tales.    Harriet is a spirited, fearless character that many will love following the adventures of!
Fans of Ursula Vernon's other series, Dragonbreath, will also want to try this exciting new series!

Author's website: http://www.ursulavernon.com/

The Iron Trial

The Iron Trial 
by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare

Callum Hunt did not want to get into the Magesterium.   When he performed terribly in his entrance exams, he and his father were certain that they had succeeded in keeping Callum away from the magic school.  Unfortunately, to the surprise of everyone, Callum was chosen to attend the Magesterium and, despite his father's protests, is forced to attend the prestigious magic school.

Warned about magic his entire life by his father, who had also attended the Magesterium, Callum became determined to do whatever he could to fail while attending the school.   However, as he progressed in his studies, he realized he wanted to be there.   Unfortunately, dangerous situations could prevent him from making it through his Iron Year.  Will he survive his first year at the Magesterium?

I recently finished this book with one of my book groups at George E. Jack and we all loved it!  We agreed that this book about a magic school has many similarities to the Harry Potter series and highly recommend it to fans of Harry Potter!   It is full of magic, action, and battles between good and evil.   Our book group is looking forward to reading the next book in this exciting series!

Book website: http://irontrial.scholastic.com/

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The Luck Uglies

The Luck Uglies
by Paul Durham
illustrated by Petur Antonsson

The village of Drowning is a dreary, strange place full of secrets that eleven-year-old Rye O'Chanter is determined to uncover.   Unfortunately, Drowning is also full of strict rules created by Earl Longchance to keep curious minds like Rye's from learning about the dark history of the village.  Despite these rules, Rye remains stubborn in her decision to learn more about the secrets of Drowning, especially after a scary encounter with a Bog Noblin, a dangerous creature that was supposed to be extinct.   Only one thing can chase away the Bog Noblins: the Luck Uglies, a secret society banished from Drowning years earlier.    In the midst of all the danger and excitement, Rye meets a strange man with a surprising connection to her and finds herself entangled in the secretive world of the Luck Uglies.

The first in a series, The Luck Uglies is an exciting, suspenseful fantasy full. adventure!   This is a fast paced story full of engaging characters, adventure and unexpected twists.  I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

Author's website:  http://www.pauldurhambooks.com

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Operation Bunny

Operation Bunny
by Sally Gardner
illustrated by David Roberts

When the egocentric Daisy and Ronald Dashwood decide they want a child, they adopt the recently abandoned Emily Vole.   Years later, when Daisy has identical triplet girls, the Dashwoods have no use for five-year-old Emily.   Because they cannot send Emily back to the orphanage, the Dashwoods instead turn Emily into their nanny and housekeeper, responsible for watching the triplets and taking care of their home.   Emily's only escape from her daily duties is the one book that Daisy and Ronald reluctantly buy her, until she meets her eccentric neighbor Miss String and her talking cat, Fidget, who teach her more than the Dashwoods ever could.   As Emily spends more time with Miss String and Fidget, she begins to suspect that there may be something magical happening.   Unfortunately, the happiness she finds with her new friends is tragically cut short when an odd accident occurs.   Suddenly, Emily finds herself the target of an evil witch and, along with Fidget, must solve a magical crime!

As I read this magical story, I couldn't help think of the Roald Dahl book Matilda!  Emily Vole, as the ignored, unwanted child forced to be a servant to her family, is very similar to the title character in Matilda.  This is a fun fantasy, full of mystery and magic as well as many humorous moments!   Fans of Matilda and similar stories will enjoy this.  I'm looking forward to reading more of Emily's adventures in the next book in this series.

Author's website:  http://www.sallygardner.net/books/operation-bunny/

The Princess in Black

The Princess in Black 
by Shannon Hale & Dean Hale
illustrated by LeUyen Pham

Princess Magnolia has a secret life!   To most, she is Princess Magnolia, a proper princess who wears pretty dresses and drinks tea with other royalty.   However, when the monster alarm sounds, she becomes the Princess in Black, fighting the monsters that threaten her lands.   As she fights to protect others from the monsters, she also must protect her secret identity from others, including the nosy Duchess Wigtower!

What a fun story! With its engaging illustrations and short chapters, this book will be a wonderful choice for younger readers looking for a magical chapter book, especially for those who enjoy princess stories!   I'm sure this new series will be a popular one in the library!

Book website: http://www.princessinblack.com/ 

The Lost Stone

The Lost Stone (The Kingdom of Wrenly book 1)
by Jordan Quinn
illustrated by Robert McPhillips

Lucas, the prince of Wrenly, is tired of his boring life inside the castle.   Desperate for adventure, he finally convinces his father to allow him to be friends with Clara, the daughter of the Queen's seamstress.   When the Queen's emerald goes missing, Lucas and Clara embark on a journey through the lands of Wrenly to find the lost stone.  

This book, the first in the Kingdom of Wrenly series, is a fun adventure story and  a good choice for younger readers ready for their first chapter book.   It is a great combination of fantasy, mystery, and adventure!  I look forward to reading more of Lucas and Clara's adventures.  

Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom

Zeus and the Thunderbolt of Doom (Heroes in Training)
by Joan Holub and Suzanne Williams
illustrated by Craig Phillips

 Hidden since birth, young Zeus is unaware of who is parents are.    After first being kidnapped by a group of giants, and then snatched by a flock of Harpies, the ten-year-old find himself brought to Greece where  he eventually faces Cronus, the King of the Titans.   Along the way, Zeus begins to realize that he may have some unique powers and, as he faces Cronus, he must use his powers to rescue others before he meets the same fate they did!

This series, which follows the lives of the Greek Gods and Goddesses as children, is a great choice for readers who enjoy mythology.    The books are relatively short (around a hundred pages), fast paced, and full of a lot of adventure, as well as many amusing moments!

A Tangle of Knots

A Tangle of Knots
by Lisa Graff

Cady, a young orphan, lives in a world where many people have unique "Talents".   Cady's is the ability to create the perfect cake for anyone.   When the head of her orphanage, Miss Mallory (who has the Talent of being able to make the perfect match for any orphan) places her with a kind man named Toby, Cady finds herself living above the Lost Luggage Emporium, an unusual store owned by an unusual man simply called The Owner.  Also living in the building is Marigold, a girl desperate to find her own Talent, and her family (each with their own unusual Talent).   While this cast of characters goes about their lives, The Owner continues with his own, sinister mission to reclaim what was lost to him many years ago.  

This is a fun, sweet tale that,  as the story progresses,  reveals numerous twists and connections  that bring the characters together in many unexpected ways.   Full of likeable characters, many humorous moments, and appealing cake recipes, this story is a great read and highly recommended to those who like a heartwarming story with a bit of magic.

Author's website: http://www.lisagraff.com/index.html

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library
by Chris Grabenstein

Twelve sixth-graders are faced with an unusual challenge: find a way to escape from the brand new public library designed by game-maker Luigi Lemoncello.   After a dozen years without a public library, their town is celebrating the impending opening of the new, unique library.

Kyle is one of the twelve sixth-graders who win an essay contest to be part of a group of students who get to spend a night in the library before it is open to the public.   Not only does this innovative new library contain books, it also is home to an IMAX theater, a game room, and other amazing things!  

Just when everything couldn't get any more exciting, the twelve are offered another contest:  be the first to escape from Mr. Lemoncello's library!   In order to find a way out, Kyle and the others must use book-related clues to find an alternate exit to the library.   Will Kyle accept the challenge and be the first to escape from Mr. Lemoncello's library?

As a librarian, I loved this book!   There were many connections to well-known books as well as other library-related trivia, such as the Dewey Decimal system.    As I read this book, I was easily able to envision this extraordinary, innovative library that the kids were exploring.   It is a fun book that has many similarities to stories such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.  

Author's website:  http://chrisgrabenstein.com/kids/