Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Some Great New Chapter Books!

Have a look at some terrific new chapter books for kids!  Chapter books usually are done in a series but not all the time.  The secret, of course, to a successful series is a memorable character or characters.  The protagonist needs to be lovable, admirable, smart or savvy, but must stand out in a way that appeals to kids!

A Hero for WondLa by Tony DiTerlizzi

In this wonderfully illustrated sequel to The Search for WondLa, Eva Nine
believes she's reached the end of her quest in New Attica -- a Utopian city
where everyone lives in Harmony.

 But as Eva soon discovers, not everything is as it first appears, and she just may need to save her world once again.

Jake and Lily by Jerry Spinelli

The story of one summer where everything changes is told alternately through the voices of Jake and Lily, twins who have always shared a special connection. They've even shared the same dream since they were six. But as they turn eleven, Jake begins to choose the neighborhood boys over his sister.

 In trying to understand why they are growing apart, Lily turns to her grandfather. As the summer progresses, both Jake and Lily must decide what's important, and who they really are.

The Boy on Cinnamon Street by Phoebe Stone

7th grader Louise Terrace (or Thumbelina, as she likes to be called) has a secret admirer -- he's been leaving notes under her door and drawing chalk hearts on her steps. As Louise attempts to discover who he is, she
begins to uncover things about herself and her past. Can she face the painful secret that has threatened to tear her apart, and recognize the love of those who have been with her every step of the way?

Five Lives of Our Cat Zook by Joanne Rocklin

When their cat becomes sick, Oona and her little brother Freddy conspire to steal him from the vet's office. In the meantime, Oona comforts Freddy by regaling him with stories of Zook's first five lives (since as everyone knows, all cats have nine).

  Unknowingly, each tale Oona spins parallels her own life, as she and her family try to cope with a devastating loss, as well as change and the possibility of new love.

These are but a few of the great new books out there.  Have a look.  They're so close that you can reach out and snag them with little effort or money. You'll be glad you did!

3 comments:

  1. Hi, Nancy. I've also been reading a ton of great middle-school novels this summer. Check out my blog where I'm giving away at least three new ones!
    http://ascattergood.blogspot.com/2012/08/free-books.html

    See you soon- hope you are having a great end-of-summer. Happy writing-Augusta

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  2. Hi Nancy, Thanks for the tip on these new chapter books. I'll check out Augusta's tips, too.

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    1. Hi, Penelope,

      Thanks for your comment. As always, it's appreciated! Yes, do check out Augusta's blog. She has a wonderful middle grade book from Scholastic called Glory Be. I'd think you'd love it!

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