MUF Contributor Books

May New Releases!

I live in the upper northeast, where the winters are white and the temperatures are ridiculously frigid. That, however, does make for some amazing reading time – all snuggled up in a blanket, hot cocoa in one hand with a book in the other. But don’t let that fool you. There’s plenty of time for exploring new reads during the summer months, too. Here, we trade our warm gear for sun and summer reading via pool, boat, or ocean side; sometimes all three! Check out these book babies being released into the world this month.

Absolute Experts: DOLPHINS by Jen Swanson & Justine Jackson-Ricketts

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Kids who have a laser focus on dolphins will learn everything they’ve ever wanted to know about them in an eye-catching, page-turning book for aspiring experts, featuring exclusive content from a National Geographic explorer currently in the field.

Hey, dolphin fin-atics! Get ready to dive into the world of your favorite fabulous marine mammals in this action-packed book chock-full of awesome facts, photos, and fun! Join National Geographic explorer and dolphin expert Justine Jackson-Ricketts to get the latest, most up-to-date dolphin intel straight from the field, plus fun facts, in-depth info, and awesome trivia about every kind of dolphin under the sun (and beneath the waves). It’s the ultimate book to help YOU become an absolute expert on one of your favorite topics.

SOLO: A Star Wars Story by Pablo Hidalgo

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org This essential visual guide to Solo: A Star Wars Story™ explores the world of young Han Solo in unparalleled detail. An authoritative companion to the latest Star Wars™ movie, Solo: A Star Wars Story The Official Guide features the fascinating planets, vehicles, and aliens that Han Solo encounters on his early adventures. Explore key characters, locations, and props in captivating detail with extensive production photography and see the iconic Millennium Falcon as its never been seen before, in an exclusive cross-section artwork by Richard Chasemore.

POSITIVELY IZZY by Terri Libenson

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Award-winning comics creator and author of the bestselling Invisible Emmie Terri Libenson returns with a companion graphic novel that captures the drama, angst, and humor of middle-school life. Perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier, Jennifer Holm, and Victoria Jamieson.

Middle school is all about labels.

Izzy is the dreamer. There’s nothing Izzy loves more than acting in skits and making up funny stories. The downside? She can never quite focus enough to get her schoolwork done.

Bri is the brain. But she wants people to see there’s more to her than just a report card full of As. At the same time, she wishes her mom would accept her the way she is and stop bugging her to “break out of her shell” and join drama club.

The girls’ lives converge in unexpected ways on the day of a school talent show, which turns out to be even more dramatic than either Bri or Izzy could have imagined.

CINDERSKELLA by Amie Borst & Borst

Middle school is scary. So are skeleton girls. To win at both, you’ve got to put some skin in the game.          Cindy might appear to be your average twelve year old, but since her mother’s death she has a secret. Every night she turns into a boney, white skeleton.

As if that wasn’t bad enough, Cindy’s dad is afraid of her. She has an evil stepmother who makes her do crazy chores, some of them with a toothbrush. And then there’s the werewolf with intentions of making Cindy his midnight snack.

The Spring Fling dance is fast approaching and Ethan, the cutest boy in sixth grade, doesn’t seem to know Cindy exists. She doesn’t think letting Ethan know she’s a cursed skeleton-girl is the best way to introduce herself. Determined to break the curse, Cindy travels to the Underworld where things aren’t quite what they seem, including Mr. Death, the strange and creepy undertaker.

With a jar of pickled pig’s feet, a wacky fortuneteller, and a cranky skeleton mouse, Cindy is afraid this curse has really gotten under her skin.

THE PENDERWICKS AT LAST by Jeanne Birdsall

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgThe finale you’ve all been waiting for: The Penderwicks at Last is the final, flawless installment in the modern classic series from National Book Award winner and New York Times bestselling author Jeanne Birdsall!

Nine years, five older siblings, a few beloved dogs, and an endless array of adventures–these are the things that have shaped Lydia’s journey since readers first met her in The Penderwicks in Spring.

Now it’s summertime, and eleven-year-old Lydia is dancing at the bus stop, waiting for big sister Batty to get home from college.

This is a very important dance and a very important wait because the two youngest sisters are about to arrive home to find out that the Penderwicks will all be returning to Arundel this summer, the place where it all began. And better still is the occasion: a good old-fashioned, homemade-by-Penderwicks wedding.

Bursting with heart and brimming with charm, this is a joyful, hilarious ode to the family we love best. And oh my MOPS–Meeting of Penderwick Siblings–does Jeanne Birdsall’s The Penderwicks at Last crescendo to one perfect Penderwick finale.

AMAL UNBOUND by Aisha Saeed

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgAisha Saeed’s middle-grade debut tells the compelling story of a girl’s fight to regain her life and dreams after being forced into indentured servitude.

Life is quiet and ordinary in Amal’s Pakistani village, but she had no complaints, and besides, she’s busy pursuing her dream of becoming a teacher one day. Her dreams are temporarily dashed when–as the eldest daughter–she must stay home from school to take care of her siblings. Amal is upset, but she doesn’t lose hope and finds ways to continue learning. Then the unimaginable happens–after an accidental run-in with the son of her village’s corrupt landlord, Amal must work as his family’s servant to pay off her own family’s debt.

Life at the opulent Khan estate is full of heartbreak and struggle for Amal–especially when she inadvertently makes an enemy of a girl named Nabila. Most troubling, though, is Amal’s growing awareness of the Khans’ nefarious dealings. When it becomes clear just how far they will go to protect their interests, Amal realizes she will have to find a way to work with others if they are ever to exact change in a cruel status quo, and if Amal is ever to achieve her dreams.

THE HALL MONITORS ARE FIRED! A Branches Book (Eerie Elementary #8) by Jack Chabert

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

In this eighth book, Sam and his friends keep getting into trouble. First, Sam is late to school, then Lucy slams a door, and Antonio trips his teacher. But none of this is their fault… It is all Orson Eerie’s doing! The mad scientist is planning to strike once again — at the annual Kickball Showdown! And he wants the hall monitors out of his way FOR GOOD. Will the principal fire them?! They need to come up with a plan FAST — before the big game! This will be the friends’ biggest, baddest, dustiest battle yet!

FROM THE KANE CHRONICLES BROOKLYN HOUSE MAGICIAN’S MANUAL (An Official Rick Riordan Companion Book): Your Guide to Egyptian Gods & Creatures, Glyphs & Spells, and More by Rick Riordan

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Greetings, initiate! Carter Kane, here. Congratulations on reaching Brooklyn House in one piece. This accomplishment signals that you’re descended from Ancient Egyptian royalty, and you have magic powers. But what good is power without knowing how to use it? That’s where this training manual comes in. Packed with quizzes, stories, and insights about Ancient Egyptian deities, creatures (the friendly and the deadly), the mysterious Duat, and more, this primer will prime those with the blood of the pharaohs to take their first steps down the path of the gods. You’ll hear from me, other magicians (including my sister, Sadie), and even a few of the gods themselves. But beware of tricks and surprises: anything can happen in the world of Egyptian magic.

THE ALCATRAZ ESCAPE (Book Scavenger Series) by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgSleuthing duo Emily and James tackle their most challenging mystery yet set on the haunting Alcatraz Island in Book 3 of the New York Times bestselling Book Scavenger series!

Legendary literary game-maker Garrison Griswold is back in action―this time with “Unlock the Rock.” For his latest game, Griswold has partnered with the famous–and famously reclusive–mystery writer Errol Roy to plan an epic escape room challenge on Alcatraz Island.

Emily and James are eager to participate, but the wave of fame they are riding from their recent book-hunting adventures makes them a target. Threatening notes, missing items, and an accident that might not have been an accident have the duo worried that someone is trying to get them out of the game at any cost.

When Emily’s brother is caught red-handed and blamed for all the wrong doings, Emily is certain Matthew is being framed. With Matthew’s record on the line, Emily and James can’t afford to leave this mystery uncracked.

MINECRAFT: Guide to Enchantments & Potions by Mojang Ab, The Official Minecraft Team

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgThe official Minecraft: Guide to Enchantments & Potions will teach you how to enchant your equipment with useful effects and brew all manner of potions to protect yourself from harm.

The world of Minecraft is perilous: Danger lurks around every corner, and you’ll need powerful tools and equipment if you want to survive.

With insider info and tips from the experts at Mojang, this is the definitive guide to Minecraft sorcery.

THE NERDIEST, WIMPIEST, DORKIEST, I FUNNY EVER by James Patterson & Chris Grabenstein

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Everybody’s favorite kid comic, Jamie Grimm, is out to conquer the world–with laughter, of course!

Comedian Jamie Grimm can’t help feeling like he’s reached the top–he has his own smash hit TV show and he’s won a national funny-kid competition. But now he’s taking his fame and fortune to international levels by competing in the upcoming world kid comic contest! Will Jamie prove that he’s the funniest kid on earth–or does he stand (or sit!) to lose his crown?

ENDLING: THE LAST by Katherine Applegate

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgFirst Katherine Applegate thrilled readers with the action-packed Animorphs series. Then she stole our hearts with the award-winning The One and Only Ivan. Now she takes us on an unforgettable journey in this first book of an epic middle grade series!

Byx is the youngest member of her dairne pack. Believed to possess remarkable abilities, her mythical doglike species has been hunted to near extinction in the war-torn kingdom of Nedarra.

After her pack is hunted down and killed, Byx fears she may be the last of her species. The Endling. So Byx sets out to find safe haven, and to see if the legends of other hidden dairnes are true.

Along the way, she meets new allies—both animals and humans alike—who each have their own motivations for joining her quest. And although they begin as strangers, they become their own kind of family—one that will ultimately uncover a secret that may threaten every creature in their world.

Building upon the success of her critically acclaimed novels such as The One and Only Ivan, Crenshaw, and Wishtree, while also returning to her action-packed fantasy roots of Animorphs, the Endling series is Katherine Applegate at her finest. With its enthralling characters, unique setting, and gripping adventure, this series is the perfect next read for fans of Rick Riordan, Brian Jacques, and Tui T. Sutherland.

Well, there you have just a few of the exciting new reads releasing in the month of May. Have a wonderful month. #ReadOn

April New Releases

While April is supposed to bring showers, let’s all hope it actually brings good weather to some places across the country. But, if you do find yourself inside on a rainy day, check out some of these amazing new books. They are sure to delight!

Let’s start with a big Congrats to two of our very own MUF members, Michelle Houts and Tricia Springstubb, for their new books!

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgCount the Wings by Michelle Houts ( Ohio University Press)

When you look at a bird, do you see feathers and a beak? Or do you see circles and triangles? Artist Charley Harper spent his life reducing subjects to their simplest forms, their basic lines and shapes. This resulted in what he called minimal realism and the style that would become easily recognized as Charley Harper’s. Art fans and nature lovers around the world fell in love with Harper’s paintings, which often featured bright colors and intriguing nature subjects. Count the Wings is the first book for middle-grade readers about Harper’s life and work.

Cody and the Heart of a Champion by Tricia Springstubb (Candlewick Press)

What secret is Spencer keeping? Will Wyatt and old P.U. finally become boyfriend and girlfriend? Why does Pearl listen to that big boss Madison? Cody’s got a lot to figure out in the fourth and last book in this lively, award-winning series about a diverse cast of characters and their adventures.

 

Rebound by Kwame Alexander (HMH BFYR)

From the New York Times bestselling author Kwame Alexander comes Rebound, a dynamic novel in verse and companion to his Newbery Award-winner, The Crossover, illustrated with striking graphic novel panels.

Before Josh and Jordan Bell were streaking up and down the court, their father was learning his own moves. In this prequel to Newbery Medal winner The Crossover, Chuck Bell takes center stage, as readers get a glimpse of his childhood and how he became the jazz music worshiping, basketball star his sons look up to.

 

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Warriors: A Vision of Shadows #5: River of Fire by Erin Hunter (Harper Collins)

Erin Hunter’s #1 bestselling Warriors series continues in A Vision of Shadows #5: River of Fire. This hardcover edition includes a double-sided jacket with a bonus poster!

StarClan’s prophecy has been fulfilled, and the long-lost SkyClan has returned to its rightful place among the other four warrior Clans. Many cats believe the danger is past. But after moons of division and strife, ShadowClan is in danger of falling apart forever….

 

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The Creature of the Pines (The Unicorn Rescue Society) by
by Adam Gidwitz (Dutton BFYR)

A fully illustrated, globe-trotting new middle grade fantasy-adventure series about mythical creatures and their cultures of origin, from the Newbery Honor-winning author of The Inquisitor’s Tale.

Elliot Eisner isn’t exactly excited about starting at a brand-new school in a brand-new town; he’d much rather stay at home and read a book. But things take an unexpected turn when he finds out his weird new teacher, Professor Fauna, has planned a field trip for Elliot’s very first day. Along with a new friend–brave, outspoken Uchenna Devereaux–Elliot gets caught up in a secret group of adventurers, The Unicorn Rescue Society, whose goal is to protect and defend the world’s mythical creatures. Together with Professor Fauna, Elliot and Uchenna must help rescue a Jersey Devil from a duo of conniving, greedy billionaires, the Schmoke Brothers.

 

 

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Wedgie & Gizmo vs. the Toof  by Suzanne Selfors (Katherine Tegen Books)

Wedgie LOVES the new micro-pig next door. And she LOVES him! They both like to go for walks and roll in smelly things. They are going to be in the school pet parade together. They are best friends. But Gizmo knows the truth. The pig is Wedgie’s new sidekick. Super Wedgie and the Toof have teamed up to stop Gizmo from taking over the world.

But they will not win! Gizmo is an evil genius. He is smarter than most comic book villains. And more powerful than even Darth Vader! He ordered a flying machine online and he will use it to set free all the guinea pigs at the pet parade.


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Point Guard (Home Team) by Mike Lupica (S & S BFYR)

Gus and Cassie have always been on the same team off the field, but in this third novel in New York Times bestselling author Mike Lupica’s Home Team series can they stay friends when they’re on the same court?

 

You Go First by Erin Entrada Kelly (Greenwillow Books) Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

Twelve-year-old Charlotte Lockard and eleven-year-old Ben Boxer are separated by more than a thousand miles. On the surface, their lives seem vastly different—Charlotte lives near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, while Ben is in the small town of Lanester, Louisiana. Charlotte wants to be a geologist and keeps a rock collection in her room. Ben is obsessed with Harry Potter, presidential history, and recycling. But the two have more in common than they think. They’re both highly gifted. They’re both experiencing family turmoil. And they both sit alone at lunch.

 

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The Backward Season (Wishing Day) by Lauren Myracle (Katherine Tegen Boooks)

Now that her sisters Natasha and Darya have had their turn, Ava Blok finally gets her Wishing Day. But after seeing the unintended consequences of the wishes her sisters made, she’s not sure what to wish for. The only thing she’s certain of is that it’s her job to set things right.

 

 

Hopeful that she can put her broken family back together, and eager to prove her pessimistic older sisters wrong, Ava realizes that fixing the future means changing the past. Will the journey her wishes take her on end up costing her everything?

 

STEM Tuesday Field Work — Books List

Field work is a hallmark of so many science disciplines. This month we tried to cover a broad range of field work ideas–from geology to  weather to archaeology to marine science.

Please comment below if you have other ideas to add to the list.  We would love for STEM Tuesday to become a collaborative resource.

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org *Life in Surtsey: Iceland’s Upstart Island  by Loree Griffin Burns
In this Scientists in the Field title, Loree Griffin Burns follows entomologist Erling Olafsson on a five-day trip to this brand-new island to discover how life takes hold in a new land.

Eye of the StSupport Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgorm: NASA, Drones, and the Race to Crack the Hurricane Code by Amy Cherrix
This Scientists in the Field title  looks at the science of meteorology. Like all Scientists in the Field titles these two bring STEM subjects, and the people studying them, to life for young readers. Check out the SITF site for a complete listing of all the books in this series.

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators that Saved An Ecosystem  by Patricia Newman
Discover the fascinating story of how sea otters keep a California seagrass-filled inlet healthy.  Marine biologist Brent Hughes’ field work and detective skills uncovered an amazing new relationship between sea otters and their ecosystem. [Sibert Honor Book]

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Untamed: The Wild Life of Jane Goodall by Anita Silvey
Read about one of our most beloved and famous field researchers, Jane Goodall, in this thoughtfully researched biography. A perfect read for budding field scientists.

 

Hidden FiguSupport Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.orgres: The Untold True Story of Four African-American Women Who Helped Launch Our Nation Into Space by Margot Lee Sheerly
This book is geared for younger readers. It integrates every STEM theme in a highly engaging narrative text.

 

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Hopping Ahead of Climate Change: Snowshoe Hares, Science, and Survival by Sneed Collard III
The is a story of Arctic science that integrates wildlife ecology and climate science. A wonderful addition to a classroom library.

 

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Children of the Past: Archaeology and the Lives of Kids by Lois Huey
An archaeologist herself, Lois Huey, shares stories with her young reader of archaeological field discoveries about children who lived long ago.

 

Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org Secrets of a Civil War Submarine: Solving the Mysteries of the H. L. Huntley by Sally M. Walker
A terrific story of archaeology, engineering, and marine science, Secrets of a Civil War Submarine is well-researched and engaging.

 

STEM Tuesday book lists prepared by:

Nancy Castaldo has written books about our planet for over 20 years including her 2016 title, THE STORY OF SEEDS: From Mendel’s Garden to Your Plate, and How There’s More of Less To Eat Around The World, which earned the 2017 Green Earth Book Award and other honors. Nancy’s research has taken her all over the world from the Galapagos to Russia. She enjoys sharing her adventures, research, and writing tips with readers. Nancy also serves as the Regional Advisor of the Eastern NY SCBWI region. Her 2018 title is BACK FROM THE BRINK: Saving Animals from Extinction. www.nancycastaldo.com

Patricia Newman writes middle-grade nonfiction that inspires kids to seek connections between science, literacy, and the environment. The recipient of the Green Earth Book Award and a finalist for the AAAS/Subaru Science Books and Films Award, her books have received starred reviews, been honored as Junior Library Guild Selections, and included on Bank Street College’s Best Books lists. During author visits, she demonstrates how her writing skills give a voice to our beleaguered environment. Visit her at www.patriciamnewman.com.

Check back every Tuesday of every month:

  • Week 1:  STEM Tuesday Themed Book Lists
  • Week 2:  STEM Tuesday in the Classroom
  • Week 3:  STEM Tuesday Crafts and Resources
  • Week 4:  STEM Tuesday Author Interviews and Giveaways