A Mighty Girl's 2023 Summer Reading List

Georgina's family is in a terrible position: they were evicted from their apartment after her father left, and now she and her brother Toby live in their car while her mother works two jobs trying to make enough money to find a new place to live. Then Georgina sees a sign offering a reward for a lost dog and comes up with a desperate idea: steal a dog, wait for the owner to offer a reward, and then return it. Georgina doesn't feel good about her plan, and feels even worse when it turns out that the dog's owner doesn't have enough money to offer a reward. It will be a struggle to both fix her mistake and find a solution for her family. Although this story begins with a hard premise, the gentle tone and soft humor keep it from feeling bleak, and the final message emphasizes what is right with the world.

In Poppy's world, witches work for good and are treated with respect and honor so when Poppy, whose parents are not witches, develops powers, they are thrilled. Poppy, on the other hand, is not: all she wants to do is become a great baker. Her parents push her into magic despite her protests, and soon Poppy is exploring some dark paths out of frustration and resentment. Fortunately, friendship and good food win out in the end! Poppy is a sympathetic characters and readers will empathize with a tween who expresses her anger in inappropriate ways (and enjoy the included recipes!) Fans of this story can find more stand-alone stories set in Poppy's magical world in our Poppy Pendle Collection.

It's easy to say that the 19th Amendment "gave" women the right to vote, but the truth is that women had to fight to win that right — for almost eighty years, with literal blood, sweat, and tears. In this exciting volume, author Susan Zimet captures just how complicated the quest for women's suffrage in the United States was, and paints vivid portraits of the women who endured mockery, arrest, and even torture to achieve it, in some cases knowing that the Amendment wouldn't pass in their lifetimes. With portraits, period cartoons, and other archival images, Zimet highlights just how controversial the notion of votes for women was. Tween and teen readers will be shocked to learn the details of this epic women's rights battle — and inspired to use their votes well in future!

Kiranmala's parents have always told her that she's a real Indian princess, and she's always rolled her eyes... until the morning of her twelfth birthday, when her parents disappear and a rakkhosh demon smashes into the kitchen of her New Jersey home! Then, two handsome princes show up at her door, insisting they are here to rescue her. As Kiran gets whisked away to a dimension of magic, wonder, and creatures she thought were Indian fairy tales, she'll have to learn fast to avoid the Serpent King and the Rakkhoshi Queen, find her parents, and save the world. Full of action, mythology, and magic, this book is a thrilling and fast-paced introduction to Kiran's world; she returns in the rest of the four-part Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series.

Ever since 12-year-old Coyote Sunrise's mother and sisters were killed in a car accident, she and her father have been on the road in an old school bus; the only place they'll never go is their old hometown. But then she learns that a park in her old neighborhood is being destroyed — the park where she, her mom, and her sisters buried a memory box. So Coyote decides to trick her father into driving 3,600 miles in four days... without him realizing the destination. Along the way, they'll meet new friends, each of whom help Coyote as she struggles to find a home and a happy ending. Action-packed and charming, this poignant and hilarious story celebrates the power of reclaiming the past.

18-year-old Ginny is brilliant (if a bit dramatic) extrovert, while her 15-year-old sister Plum is a loner who quietly takes over everything forgotten by Ginny and their illustrator mother. But when their mother's royalty payments unexpectedly stop — just as their old Victorian home needs major work — everything gets up-ended. Ginny is frantic about how she'll pay for her dream Ivy League college, while Plum, to her surprise, finds herself growing close to outgoing, popular Tate Kurosawa. And just as it seems like things will pull the sisters apart, the revelation of long-held secrets might bring them closer than they've ever been. This witty and heartfelt story inspired by Sense and Sensibility explores how sisters grow together as they grow independently.

When 13-year-old Ofelia and her pregnant mother move to the north of Spain in 1944 to join her new stepfather Capitan Vidal, Ofelia thinks it will be difficult enough living in the same house as the brutal officer, who is obsessed with hunting out local resistance fighters. Then, a Faun visits her and tells her that she is the daughter of the Underworld's king — and to return home, she will need to complete three difficult tasks. As the real world and Ofelia's journey through the Labyrinth intertwine, Ofelia must confront both the terrors of Franco's regime and the fearful and wonderful magical world. This powerful collaboration between Oscar winning writer-director Guillermo del Toro and bestselling author Cornelia Funke creates new depth to the folklore of this fascinating and dark world.

A year and nineteen surgeries ago, a terrible fire killed Ava Lee's parents — and her cousin and best friend, Sarah — and left her with severe burns. Now, her aunt and uncle think she should go back to school so that she can live a "normal" life — but Ava thinks that's impossible. At her new school, though, Ava meets a fellow burn survivor named Piper, and a Pakistani-American theater buff named Asad, who start coaxing her into creating a life. But Piper is struggling with her own secrets and problems, and as Ava faces discrimination and bullying, she'll have to find the confidence it takes to claim the life she could have. This touching novel celebrates the courage it takes to survive and the power that comes with claiming your confidence.

For decades during the early space race, NASA knew the "right" sort of person to be an astronaut — and they were all men. Talented women were denied the chance to try, even when they proved they were just as qualified. Then Valentina Tereshkova of the USSR became the first woman in space, and suddenly, NASA wanted to catch up. Group 9, NASA's first mixed gender class, still had to fight stereotypes, but they proved that women also deserved to fly. The author / illustrator pair behind Primates: The Fearless Science of Jane Goodall, Dian Fossey, and Biruté Galdikas tells this captivating story in the voice of former astronaut Mary Cleave, creating an inspiring graphic novel that reminds readers that progress is fastest when we include everyone.

Nannerl Mozart is a gifted pianist and composer — but she has two major disadvantages. She is a young woman in 18th century Europe... and she's the sister of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Her desperate wish to be remembered is overheard by a mysterious entity named Hyacinth, who promises her he can make it come true if she helps him win back his crown in the Kingdom of Back. At first, Nannerl and Wolfgang are charmed by Hyacinth's magical land, but as the Kingdom of Back grows darker, she begins to fear that her bargain will cost more than she intended... Inspired by the close relationship between the Mozart siblings, and the imaginary world that they created together, best-selling author Marie Lu's first work of historical fiction is a vibrant, magical story of sibling rivalry and love.

From an early age, Elizabeth Cady Stanton was aware that women did not have equal rights with men — and she was determined to change that. Unlike many women of her time, she went to college and soon began gathering other like-minded women to demand equality. At the first ever women's right conference that she organized in Seneca Falls, New York, Stanton presented the Declaration of Rights and Sentiments, which included a demand for the women's right to vote. In this picture book biography, Tanya Lee Stone focuses on seeing the world through Stanton's eyes, without facts or dates, making her relateable for younger readers; an author's note at the end talks about Stanton's further accomplishments after the convention.

In 12-year-old Aisulu's Mongolian Kazakh community, roles for girls and boys are still sharply divided, but she chafes at the boundaries. When her brother Serik develops a limp that won't go away, her parents take him to a distant hospital, leaving Aisulu with her aunt and uncle — and secretly caring for an orphaned baby eagle, just like the traditional eagle hunters do. Her aunt says that 'there have been women with eagles since ancient days'; Aisulu isn't sure that her father will agree. But when Serik needs expensive treatment, Aisulu hopes that a win at the Eagle Festival will not only pay for his care, but also prove that she deserves to be an eagle hunter. Lyrical and ultimately hopeful, middle grade readers will soar along with Aisulu as she finds her place in her community.

Maya's already anxious about fifth grade, but her worries ramp up when she discovers that for the first time since kindergarten, her best friends will be in a different class! She tries to shrug it off, but she's always struggled to make new friends, and right now it feels like too much is changing too fast. Then she finds something unexpected at the back of Mr. Mac's convenience store closet: a homemade robot named Ralph. Maya decides to see if she can get Ralph running again, and she not only manages to fix him up, but also realizes that she's capable of more than she thinks! This heartwarming story about an introverted girl discovering her talents is a reassuring read for kids who feel like they're not sure how to find their way.

Ally is clever — she knows that, if she's enough of a disruption in class, no one will figure out just how little she can read. But how can she be smart if she can't even read the simplest things? Her newest teacher, Mr. Daniels, seems to see past her brash, troublemaking exterior, and even puts a name to her reading problems: dyslexia. Lynda Mullaly Hunt provides a compassionate look at life with a learning disability, with an ending that's realistic: Ally's happy ending will involve small changes and a lot of hard work! Her book serves as a reminder that struggles with literacy can affect surprising aspects of a person's life — and that great minds don't always think alike.

7-year-old Omakayas is Ojibwa; her name means Little Frog, because her first step was a hop. She knows she was adopted as an infant after being the sole survivor of a smallpox epidemic in her family’s village, and she adores her family on the Island of the Golden-Breasted Woodpecker on Lake Superior... but despite being wise for her years, she still struggles with sibling conflict, including a sometimes disdainful older sister and an often pesky younger brother. The rhythms of everyday life are peaceful, but when they are broken by a smallpox epidemic, Omakayas will prove her courage, even in the face of tragedy. Omakayas' story continues in the sequels The Game of Silence and The Porcupine Year.

When World War II began, 17-year-old Irene Gut was a Polish nursing student, a typical teenager preparing for a future career. Then she was separated from her family, assaulted by Russian soldiers, and forced to serve German officers. But she was determined to help who she could, smuggling food into the ghetto and hiding several Jewish friends at the villa where she worked. And when she was discovered, she even agreed to become mistress to a German major in exchange for protection for Jewish friends. This memoir by a real-life Holocaust rescuer, full of hard choices, is a powerful read for any teen.

Beauty dislikes her nickname: she feels far more awkward than her lovely and mature older sisters. Instead, she takes pride in her intelligence and love of learning. When her father returns from a trip with the news of the terrible promise he made to the Beast, Beauty doesn’t hesitate: “Cannot a Beast be tamed?” she asks. She and the Beast gradually become closer, bonding over their love of literature, and when the moment comes that she realizes her feelings for him are love, it’s not just the Beast who will be transformed. This intriguing reimagination of the classic fairy tale by beloved author Robin McKinley has delighted readers for decades.

Lucy adores unicorns, so when she sees an ad for one in the newspaper, she's quick to send in her 25 cents. She passes the time waiting for his arrival by imagining all the things she'll do with her unicorn, and even picks the perfect name: Sparkle. But when Sparkle arrives... he's not what Lucy imagined. He looks (and smells!) more like a goat than like a unicorn, and his mischievous demeanor isn't anything like the placid, majestic creature she imagined. She even considers sending him away... but realizes that, even if he's not what she dreamed, Sparkle is still the sweetest, most adorable unicorn friend ever. Charming and funny, this story will delight any young reader who's dreamed of her own unicorn.

Coo was abandoned as a baby, and has spent ten years being raised by her adoptive family: a flock of pigeons. She's quite happy among the birds... until Burr, the pigeon she loves the most, gets hurt by a hawk. Coo remembers that one human, a retired postal worker named Tully, has cared for injured birds before, and dares to trust her with Burr's life. In time, she even trusts Tully enough to start to exploring the human world. But when someone starts trying to hurt the pigeons she loves, Coo has to figure out how to save them — and whether she can belong in both the bird and human world. This complex and nuanced story about belonging, family, and home is perfect for fans of Kate DiCamillo and Barbara O'Connor.

For years, 12-year-old Drest has trained as a warrior, but has been protected by her father, the Mad Wolf of the North, and her five loving brothers, the mainstay of his early 13th century Scottish warband. But when her father and brothers are captured by invading knights — and scheduled to be executed in five days — Drest comes up with a daring rescue plan: travel to Faintree Castle and trade an injured knight for their freedom. On the dangerous journey, she meets allies and enemies alike, and starts to hear stories about her father and brothers that contradict her image of them as just and moral warriors. Drest will have to race against time through a world she's never navigated alone if she's going to learn the truth about her family and save the day. This fast-paced and riveting adventure story explores the complexity of morality, friendship, and family loyalty. Drest's adventures continue in the sequel, The Hunt for the Mad Wolf's Daughter.

Catrina's family is moving to Bahia de la Luna, where the coastal air will help Maya's cystic fibrosis symptoms. Cat misses her friends and resents being forced to move, but she loves her sister and is terrified of Maya getting sick. So when their neighbor tells them that Bahia de la Luna is home to ghosts — spirits of ancestors who watch over them — Cat wants nothing to do with them... and is horrified to discover that Maya seems fascinated by the ghosts. As the Day of the Dead approaches, and Cat meets the ghosts face to face, she'll learn more about the Mexican side of her heritage — and learn to set her fears aside, for both Maya's sake and her own. This original graphic novel by best-selling author / illustrator Raina Telgemeier explores family, friendship, and courage.

It may look like the land across the street is just a plain old rocky hill, but Marian knows that the spot she calls Roxaboxen is actually a world full of mysteries. In Roxaboxen, rocks, old crates, and weeds become jeweled homes, fancy streets, and many more wonders. In fact, anything can happen in Roxaboxen — anything you imagine, that is! And as anyone who’s been to Roxaboxen — or a place like it — knows, that’s not something you ever forget.This beautiful homage to the ability of children to build worlds, and keep them for the rest of their lives, is sure to have your kids building their own Roxaboxen in the backyard!

When her aunt uses the orphan girl Creel as bait for a dragon — and therefore a prince — as a way to drag the family out of poverty, Creel befriends the dragons instead! With encouragement from her new friends, and a gift of a mysterious pair of slippers, Creel moves to the city and opens a dress shop, only to find herself drawn into a conflict that could spell the end of both the kingdom and the dragons. With an epic world, exciting action, and vivid description, this book is sure to captivate young readers. Creel (and the dragons’) story also continues in the sequels, Dragon Flight and Dragon Spear.

The rational, mathematical dragons, who can take humanoid form, have long warred against their human counterparts — but for now, there is an unsettled peace. Seraphina, a gifted musician, joins the court just before a member of the royal family is murdered — apparently by a dragon. As she is drawn into the investigation, Seraphina struggles with protecting the secret of her connection to both sides of the conflict: her half-dragon heritage. Fans of Seraphina can follow her story in Shadow Scale, or return to the world of the Southlands with Tess of the Road.

Wu Chien Shiung's name meant "Courageous Hero," and her parents supported her in achieving her dreams: at a time when most girls in China didn't attend school, they encouraged her love of science. When she faced prejudice, they urged her to "Just put your head down and/ keep walking forward." Wu would end up traveling to the US, where her work on parity and beta decay helped drive physics forward — but because of prejudice against both her race and her sex, she was overlooked for both promotions and the Nobel Prize. This bittersweet but inspiring biography from the People Who Shaped Our World series introduces young readers to a little-known trailblazing women in physics.

Ava and her mother have a very special Saturday routine that's just for them, including storytime at the library, hairdos at the salon, a picnic at the park... and this week, a very special puppet show! But today, everything goes wrong. At each step, Ava's mother reminds her of what they do to calm down when something goes wrong: "They paused, closed their eyes, and — whew! — let out a deep breath." But when it's Mom's mistake that ruins the last part of their day, Mom feels like she's going to fall apart — until Ava is able to remind her that the important thing about Saturday is that they are together. The author / illustrator behind Thank You, Omu! returns with a sweet story, full of radiant artwork, that reminds kids that the love between parent and child is more powerful than any disappointment.

Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin is one of the most important scientists that you've never heard of. As a female scientist in the early 20th century, she faced obstacles at every turn: derided, refused a degree at one college, and constantly overlooked. As she worked on her PhD in astronomy at Radcliffe, she successfully determined the chemical composition of the stars. Today, it's called "the most brilliant PhD thesis ever written in astronomy"; at the time, she was told her conclusions were utterly wrong... by the man who later proved she was correct. In this extensively researched biography, Donovan Moore pays tribute to a tenacious scientist whose many firsts helped break new ground — and whose spirit of discovery changed our understanding of the universe.

Carmen Best spent 28 years as a police officer, defying obstacles based on both her race and her gender to become the first Black woman to lead the Seattle Police Department. But as protests rose against police violence, and the city council cut her budget, she stepped down, arguing she couldn't change the status quo from within without the support of the city's government and people. In this memoir, she explores the lessons she learned during her bath to becoming chief, how you can persevere when the culture of an organization needs to be challenged, and how one dedicated person can prompt change from within. This insightful and personal insider story is a thought-provoking look at both policing and how to serve one's community.

"I am Amelia Earhart. Would you like to come fly?" Brad Meltzer adapts his best-selling picture book biography I Am Amelia Earhart into a board book that's perfect to introduce toddlers and preschoolers to the groundbreaking aviator! Simple rhyming text and short sidebars are perfectly crafted for younger readers, while colorful child-friendly art invites kids to follow Amelia through her adventures in the sky. It's a delightful addition to the Ordinary People Change the World biography series. For another board book adaptation from this series, check out I Am Caring: A Little Book about Jane Goodall.

When Michaela DePrince was orphaned and abandoned during the war in Sierra Leone, the people at the orphanage called her a "devil child" because of the spots on her skin from vitiligo. But the orphanage was also where she saw an image of a ballerina that would change her life. After she was adopted by an American family, she asked to learn to dance, and it wasn't long before it was obvious she had phenomenal talent. DePrince would go on to become the youngest principal dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem and a soloist for the Dutch National Ballet. In this moving and personal memoir, DePrince tells her own story of perseverance and hope. Younger readers can learn DePrince's story in the Step Into Reading level 4 biography, Ballerina Dreams: From Orphan to Dancer, which is suitable for ages 6 to 9.

Sybil Ludington and her family are Patriots living in 1777 New York, fighting against the British. The obvious enemies are not the only ones that surround them: any neighbor, acquaintance, or passing stranger could be loyal to the British crown. But when British troops attack Danbury, Sybil has to take that chance to get word to her father's militia unit. Through an entire night, facing dangers from the weather to highway robbers to British soldiers, she would ride far longer than Paul Revere — and become a hero of the Revolutionary War. This gripping middle grade historical fiction novel, filled with illustrations by Clint Hansen, introduces kids to a brave girl whose midnight ride, like Paul Revere's, made her a hero of the American Revolution!

Molly Ayer is a is a Penobscot Indian girl who has been shipped from foster family to foster family; she's tired of adults acting like she's an inconvenience, and she doesn't care who knows it. But when Molly has to help an elderly woman clean out her attic for community service, she's surprised to discover that Vivian actually listens to her. As they work side by side, Vivian tells Molly her own story: the life of an Irish immigrant orphan riding an "orphan train" to the Midwest with hundreds of other children. This young readers' edition of Christina Baker Kline's #1 New York Times bestselling novel Orphan Train celebrates friendship and forgiveness.

People in the 18th century thought learning math could hurt a woman's health, so when Sophie Germain was a child, her parents even took away her candles at night so she couldn't see to study. However, she was determined to follow her dreams, and spent six years working to prove a math problem that male scholars had declared unsolvable. When she developed an equation that could predict patterns of vibrations — which laid the groundwork for much of modern architecture — she became the first woman to win a grand prize from France's Academy of Sciences. This exuberant picture book biography captures the triumphant life of a pioneering and under-recognized mathematician.

A little girl and her family are moving, and as she says goodbye to her old neighborhood and gets into the car's backseat, she worries. But when "days are full of things you'd rather not do," there's only one thing to do: you have to be brave! Because when you find that spark of courage you can draw on when you need it — whether it's leaping into a pool for the first time, or moving to a new home — you'll discover that you can handle the scary and uncertain times. This empowering book from best-selling author Pat Zietlow Miller will encourage kids to find their own brave glow.

Seventh-grader Mia is recovering from a broken arm after falling off a balance beam — and hiding a secret that might be enough to make her want to give up her dream of competitive gymnastics. Her former entomologist grandmother had a mild stroke a few months ago, so her family is spending the summer in Vermont helping her with her cricket farm. But everything seems to be going wrong, and Gram is sure someone is sabotaging her. Mia makes a few new friends who help her investigate the farm's problems — and admit the truth about a gymnastics coach's unwanted and inappropriate touches and texts. Best-selling author Kate Messner weaves #MeToo themes into an empowering story about friendship, courage, and finding your voice.

Alanna has always dreamed of heroic deeds as a knight, something denied to girls in Tortall, while her brother Thom yearns to learn magical arts. So when they’re sent off to learn their trades, the pair decide to trade places: Thom goes to the convent, while Alanna sets off to become a page — and eventually, she hopes, a knight. “Alan” finds it easier than expected to conceal who she really is, and quickly impresses those around her with her determination. But she’s haunted by visions of an evil city, and she wonders whether she can keep her gender a secret and whether she will falter or finally achieve her destiny. The Song of the Lioness quartet continues with In the Hand of the Goddess, The Woman Who Rides Like A Man, and Lioness Rampant; there is also a beautiful Song of the Lioness Quartet box set.

Even in the desperate times of World War II, a would-be pilot could face both sex and racial discrimination. Ida Mae Jones’ father was a pilot, and she dreams of following in his footsteps, but young black women in 1940s Louisiana do not learn to fly. When the US Army announces the formation of the Women Airforce Service Pilots — WASP — program, Ida Mae has a chance to follow her dream — if she uses her light skin to pretend to be white. Ida Mae’s choice about whether to deny her identity and her family is superimposed on the exciting, suspenseful story of the WASP experience, giving the reader a fascinating glimpse into life as a black woman who yearns for the sky.

In 1943, Italy was fracturing. Catastrophic military losses — and two decades of brutal Fascist rule under Mussolini — had battered the country, and a Partisan resistance began to emerge.... one which included many Italian women. Told through the eyes of four Piedmontese women, Ada, Frida, Silvia and Bianca, who lived in secret in the mountains near Turin as they risked their lives for the Partisan, this powerful account explores Italy's civil war and the part that women played in it. Historian Caroline Moorehead, the acclaimed author of A Train in Winter, drew on previously untranslated sources to create this stunning account of this little-known story of women resisters in the midst of the war.

Aven has long since gotten tired of questions about what "happened" to her arms, so she creates crazy stories instead of repeating over and over that she was born without them. When her family moves to Arizona to run a theme park called Stagecoach Pass, she steels herself for even more questions. Then she meets Connor, who also feels isolated by disability (in his case, Tourette's Syndrome.) When the newfound friends discover a mystery at Stagecoach Pass, the real adventure can begin! This quirky story starring a delightfully funny main character is a reminder that others' reactions are often more problematic than the disability itself — and that nothing, not even "lack of armage," has to hold you back. Aven's story continues in the sequel, Momentous Events in the Life of a Cactus.

From the moment that children at her home on the Biltmore Estate start disappearing, Serafina begins to realize that she is different than she thought. She forms a friendship with Braeden Vanderbilt, the young nephew of the Biltmore's owners, and slowly grows into — and claims — her role as the protector of Biltmore and the Blue Ridge Mountains. This New York Times bestselling series is now available in a box set that collects hardcover editions of Serafina and the Black Cloak, Serafina and the Twisted Staff, Serafina and the Splintered Heart, and Serafina and the Seven Stars.

Mrs. Goldman and Sophia make a great team: Mrs. Goldman knits hats for everyone in the neighborhood, and Sophie helps out by making the pom-poms. But then Sophia realizes that winter is here — and Mrs. Goldman doesn't have a hat herself! No matter how hard Sophia tries to knit a hat for her friend, she ends up with lumpy, uneven stitches and a hat full of holes. Fortunately, Sophia finds a creative solution so she can still return Mrs. Goldman's many kindnesses with one of her own. Kids will smile as Sophia dedicates herself to finding a way thank you to her beloved friend.

In this hilarious and high energy ode to self esteem, a little girl knows that, no matter what she does, where she goes, or what other people think, she is special because “I’m ME!” That means that, even when she's not at her best — like when she wakes up with spectacular bedhead — she's still the same person underneath. Kids will laugh at the silliness of beaver breath and stinky toes, while adults will enjoy its celebration of individuality. David Catrow's vibrant and hilarious illustrations provide a confident young girl as a role model, while Karen Beaumont's rhyming text makes for a great read-aloud.

When their small mining village is deemed to be the location of the future princess, Miri and the other teenaged girls are sent to an academy where they will learn how to be “proper” princesses before the prince comes to choose one of them as his wife. At first, Miri only has to face the strict, condescending academy mistress and the bitter competition among the girls, but when bandits determined to kidnap the future princess find the academy, Miri has to rally the girls to work together and use her newly discovered power to communicate silently to save herself and all her classmates. This multilayered story in a rich historical fantasy world will captivate readers! Miri's story continues in Princess Academy: Palace of Stone and Princess Academy: The Forgotten Sisters.

In Irena's Children: The Extraordinary Story of the Woman Who Saved 2,500 Children from the Warsaw Ghetto, Tilar J. Mazzeo told Irena Sendler's incredible story of smuggling children out of the Jewish ghetto to foster families in order to keep them safe; this edition makes that story accessible to younger readers. Tweens and teens will be fascinated to read about the many ways Sendler helped children escape — from hiding them under her overcoat to slipping them through secret passages — and about her incredible determination not to reveal their names and locations, even under torture and risk of losing her life.

When Mary Shelley wrote Frankenstein in response to a dare, it wasn't just a challenge: it was a chance to express to all of the grief and pain she had survived in her young life. Only nineteen years old, Shelley had already been disowned by her family, caused a scandal by living with a married man, and lost her newborn daughter. Her "ghost story" not only won her dare, but the passion behind her words created a classic work of literature that is still devoured by readers two centuries later. In this gorgeous novel in verse, accompanied by hundreds of stunning black-and-white watercolor illustrations, author / illustrator Lita Judge has created a haunting depiction of the pregnant runaway teenager whose Gothic horror novel sparked the imagination of millions.

Self-proclaimed bookworm and school library volunteer Clara Evans is shocked when she discovers that her prestigious private school, which she attends as a scholarship student, is adding some of her favorite books to their "prohibited media" list. Rather than get rid of them, Clara creates an underground library in her locker, ensuring students can still read the banned titles. But when a book she loves turns out to be deeply hurtful to another student, Clara suddenly finds herself asking whether some books really are "dangerous." Fortunately, she realizes that books — like people — can't be tamed. Both funny and thought-provoking, this book celebrates the power of words — and activism.

Earth isn't just the planet we live on: Earth is our friend! In this stunning picture book by Newbery Award-winning author Patricia MacLachlan, Earth is imagined as a giant waking from a winter's sleep. As she travels around the world, she cares for animals large and small (including humans) and tends to habitats and growing things. And just as she nurtures us, we need to tend and care for her too! With lyrical text and vibrant illustrations — complete with flaps and die-cuts that entice readers to explore further — this poetic book encourages us to ensure we are good friends to the Earth, just as she is with us.

Minna dreams of going to school, but the Appalachian winters are too cold to go without a coat — and since her father has recently died, her family is struggling too much to afford one. When the local quilting group, which meets in Minna's house, hears about her predicament, they come up with a clever solution: each of them will provide some scrap fabric, and they'll work together to make her a coat. And when classmates tease Minna for wearing rags, she reminds them that her coat is made of stories: one story from each of their homes, put together to make something beautiful. This lyrical and heartwarming story conveys powerful messages about community and friendship.

Bridge, Emily, and Tabitha are best friends in seventh grade, all wrestling with their own challenges: Bridge is an accident survivor wondering why she's alive; Emily has a developing body attracting both wanted and unwanted attention; and Tabitha is developing her identity as a human rights activist. The three best friends have one rule: No fighting. But is that enough to get them through middle school, especially when an ill-considered selfie ends up getting shared throughout the school? This captivating novel captures all the ups and downs, triumphs and tragedies, that can seem overwhelming as a young teen.

Eden has always been the good girl, but when her brother's best friend rapes her, her world is turned upside down. She knows she should tell someone what happened, but she doesn't know how, so she buries it instead... along with the person she used to be. The new Eden doesn't know how to manage the trauma she's suffered, and the aftereffects damage both her own mental health and her friendship. But as she continues her journey through high school, can Eden find a way to make peace with the new her — and see the possibility of a happy future? Told in four parts — freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year — this heartbreaking story of surviving sexual assault and embracing your own strength will be a thought provoking read for older teens.

Peggy Schuyler is used to being overshadowed by her two older sisters, brilliant Angelica and kind and beautiful Eliza. Even when George Washington's aide-de-camp, Alexander Hamilton, contacts her, it's just to find out how to woo Eliza. But Peggy and Alexander become fast friends, and as her father and Alexander take on important roles in the Revolutionary War, she decides she can't sit on the sidelines. Soon, she's helping her father gather intelligence — and when British Loyalists storm the Schuyler home, it will take all of Peggy's courage and cleverness to win the day. Inspired by the musical Hamilton and backed up by in-depth research, Elliott has crafted a thrilling new historical novel that highlights a daring, brave, and loyal young woman and her world-changing friendship.

Merci is full of confidence and drive, but sixth grade will test even her. As a scholarship student at her Florida private school, she's always felt different from her peers, and this year, her required community service makes Merci the target of the school queen bee's jealousy. Meanwhile, her grandfather Lolo has been acting strangely, from forgetting things to getting angry over nothing, and no one will tell her what's going on. Fortunately, her take-charge personality helps her overcome all the bumps in the road! This Newbery Medal-winning coming-of-age tale stays light, while still tackling tough issues facing many middle-grade kids. Merci's story continues in Merci Suárez Can't Dance and concludes in Merci Suárez Plays It Cool.

Today, girls across the country participate in every kind of sport — but it wasn't that long ago that girls were told that physical activity was "unladylike," inappropriate, or even dangerous. In this inspiring title, young readers will learn about the daring women — both athletes and politicians — who fought for women in sports to be taken seriously. Beginning with the first modern Olympic Games, author Debbie Gonzalez introduces readers to pioneering women like Althea Gibson, Donna de Varona, Gertrude Ederle, and more. Then, she introduces the historic Title IX legislation that mandated equal treatment and changed the rules of the game for female athletes. This sweeping overview of the evolution of women's sports is sure to fascinate young readers who can't imagine not being able to go out and play.

Florence Nightingale is known as the legendary "Lady with the Lamp," who left a life of privilege to take an "undesirable" job caring for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War, but her story is deeper — and more complex — than that. In this compelling biography, author Catherine Reef uses primary sources and archival photographs to explore Nightingale's childhood, her intellectual curiosity, her refusal to bow to social norms, and her pioneering work creating modern nursing standards and using statistics to prove the importance of public health. Intriguing and detailed, this is a powerful portrait of a woman who changed medicine forever.

In this midst of the Space Race of the 1960s, America was on the hunt for people with the Right Stuff... or rather, for men. The top test pilots of NASA's Mercury 7 astronaut class passed grueling tests to prove their suitability for space, but at the same time, a secret group of thirteen women were taking the same tests. Their hope was to prove that women pilots were just as capable of contributing to America's space program. And then, when they took their fight for consideration all the way to Washington, they were ridiculed by politicians, the public, male pilots... and even one of their own. This stunning look at the story of the Mercury 13 captures the determination of these heroic women to fight the institutionalized sexism of their day.

Delphine may only be eleven, but she's used to caring for her sisters, Vonetta and Fern, since her mother left seven years ago for California. But the summer of 1968 is going to be different: their father is sending all three girls to visit Cecile in Oakland. They're expecting family trips to Disneyland to meet Tinkerbell; instead, Cecile sends them to youth programs at a Black Panther center and tells them to stay out as long as they can while she writes poetry. They may not be getting the maternal experience they expected, but over one crazy summer, they'll learn a lot about their family, their country, and themselves. Fans of this book can continue the sisters' story in P.S. Be Eleven and Gone Crazy In Alabama.

Life in a medieval village is brutal for this orphan girl, who only remembers being called Brat — until a twist of fate leads her to Jane the Midwife. Jane is loathe to share her skills with the girl, who renames herself Alyce, but slowly Alyce observes her work and even learns some of the tricks of the trade. And for the first time, Alyce can imagine wanting something more for her life: "A full belly, a contented heart, and a place in this world." This well-researched, Newbery Medal-winning book with its medieval English setting and its determined and clever main characters is a compelling piece of historical fiction, and young readers will be fascinated with the concluding note about midwifery, both past and present.

Brushing and combing is an unpleasant task for many Mighty Girls — but what would happen if you stopped brushing altogether? When this little girl positively refuses to brush her long hair, it quickly starts matting and tangling. Then, one day, a little mouse comes to live in one of the tangles and soon there’s a whole mouse palace on her head! At first she thinks this sounds just fine — the mice make good company for her and her doll — but soon they’re keeping her out of the bathtub and making so much noise she can’t sleep at night. After one final straw, the little girl gently evicts the mice, washes and brushes her hair — and finally gets a good rest.

The Civil War captured the nation in patriotic fervor — and for many women, staying home and gathering supplies was not enough. Some of them defied all convention so that they could take on unconventional roles, often on the front lines. In this exciting book from the Women of Action series, teens will read 16 stories of soldiers, spies, medics, and more. With plenty of sidebars to offer context, this book will create a fuller picture of the role of women in the Civil War.

What if Cinderella had a twin sister? Maybe together they would have gotten clever about dividing up the work! Cinderella's math-loving sister Tinderella divides everything in half, from their stepmother's chore list to tending their mean step-sisters, and even the bed they share — that way, everything is fair. When the Prince calls a ball and their fairy godmother appears, Tinderella can even figure out how to split everything in half... except for the prince! Fortunately, Tinderella realizes that there's a flip side to division.... This clever fractured (and fractioned) fairy tale from the author of The Three Ninja Pigs and Ninja Red Riding Hood is full of hilarious puns and entertaining math concepts.

Lakshmi’s family is poor, so when the crops fail in their rural Nepal home, their situation suddenly becomes dire. Lakshmi’s stepfather tells her that she must work in the city to help support the family, but when she reaches the “Happiness House” in India, she learns the truth: she has been sold into prostitution. As Lakshmi faces the horror before her, she remembers her mother’s words: “Simply to endure is to triumph.” Perhaps, if Lakshmi can endure long enough, escape will become possible. Author Patricia McCormick spoke to many girls and women from India’s sex trade in researching this National Book Award finalist novel in verse, giving an authentic feel to the terror, bewilderment, and hope experienced by her main character.

Nina has grown up at the Watcher's Academy, learning to be a guide for a Slayer — a girl gifted with the ability to fight the forces of evil — but she'd rather follow her talents for healing. Then, Nina gets the surprise of her life: she was born just before magic left the world, so she is the new Slayer... the last one ever. As Nina hones her skills for a role she never wanted, she realizes she's not just learning to be a Slayer: she's deciding what kind of person she is. Best-selling author Kiersten White provides a treat for both new and long-time fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer with this new series set in the Buffyverse, full of intriguing details for volumes to come! Nina's story continues in Chosen.

Dicey’s mother wrestles with mental illness, so Dicey grew up fast to take care of her younger siblings, but when hours pass waiting for her in their car at the mall, Dicey realizes that things are about to get even tougher. If they admit they’ve been abandoned, they’ll be sent to foster care — and what are the chances one home will take all four of them? But Dicey remembers where their rich aunt lives; if they can get there, maybe they can build a new home. She has $11 in her pocket, three younger kids to take care of, and over 100 miles to travel, but if she makes it, it will all be worth it. Readers of this moving National Book Award finalist title about one girl's courage against impossible odds can continue the story in the Newbery Award-winning sequel, Dicey’s Song.

Willow is an eccentric genius of a child, but her accepting adoptive parents have always given her space to be whoever she is — even when she's talking about rare skin conditions or focusing on multiples of seven. In fact, her parents are pretty well the only people she engages with at all. But when they are killed in a car crash, Willow's life is turned upside down. She begins to fear that her only choice will be life in a group home, where her idiosyncrasies and brilliance will be considered disadvantages, not gifts. However, when her sort-of-friend Mai's mother takes Willow in, she begins to see a possibility of connecting to more people in the world. Readers will root for Willow as she finds her own way to journey through grief — and in the process, broadens her world and finds a new sort of family.

When 12-year-old Artemisia Gentileschi's mother died, she could choose a life as a nun in a convent or one grinding pigment for her father's paint. The choice was simple: art called to her, and by the time she was 17 in 1610, she was one of the most talented painters in Rome. What art couldn't do, though, was protect her from the man who raped her and the devastating setbacks of a system built to break her when she tried to seek justice. This powerful novel in verse recounts the story of extraordinary Baroque artist and feminist icon Artemisia Gentileschi who broke new ground for women both in art history and the courtroom as she fought against the stifling oppression of her time.

In Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History, Vashti Harrison introduced school-aged kids to inspiring role models they probably won't meet in their history books. Now, in this detailed board book, she adapts 18 of her profiles for preschool readers! With simple text and her trademark illustrations that throw back to classic mid-century children's literature, she shows kids a variety of heroes and role models in every field — and inspires them to dream of how they themselves might change the world. Harrison is also the author of another board book, Think Big, Little One, which shares the story of women creators from around the world.

Emma has been lonely homeschooling without her brother who is now attending high school, so she's decides to start 5th grade at Lakeview Elementary. The day before she starts, she helps her game warden father rescue a lost bunny trapped in a fence. Emma names the bunny Lapi, after her beloved French Canadian grandfather's stories, and Lapi helps her find common ground with her first friend, a misfit named Jack who speaks out of turn and adores animals. And when Emma wonders if her friendship with Jack could hold her back at school, Lapi will also remind her that staying true to yourself is the most important thing of all. This heartfelt novel encourages young readers to see the value in understanding other peoples' perspectives — especially when they're different.

From the time she was very young, Maria Mitchell loved looking at the stars. With the encouragement of her father — even though she found her schooling difficult — she studied astronomy, and devoted her nights to sweeping the sky with her telescope. And then, one day, she saw something new: a comet! "Miss Mitchell's Comet" won this trailblazing astronomer international fame that led to her becoming America's first female professional astronomer. Lyrical text and luminous illustrations celebrate a star-gazing scientist who helped set the stage for generations of women after her.

Enjoy some empowering stories with this gorgeous treasury! This volume collects ten books about fearless, determined, and confident girls — each of which can be read in five minutes, perfect for bedtime, quick storytime, or any time you want a fun, funny, and inspiring tale starring a Mighty Girl! With its colorful padded cover, this book is perfect for gift giving, too. This volume collects David McPhail's Sisters; Mary Lyn Ray and Tricia Tusa's A Violin for Elva; Marilyn Singer and Alexandra Boiger's Tallulah's Solo; Margarita Engle and Rafael López's Drum Dream Girl; Allison Oliver's Moon; Irena Kobald and Freya Blackwood's My Two Blankets; Billy Aronson and Jennifer Oxley's Melia and Jo; Camille Andros and Brianne Farley's Charlotte the Scientist Is Squished; Linda Sue Park and Ho Baek Lee's Bee-bim Bop!; and David Goodner and Louis Thomas' Ginny Goblin Is Not Allowed to Open This Box.

During the sexual assault case against Brock Turner, she was known only as Emily Doe. Despite having the "perfect" case — eyewitnesses, physical evidence, and more — she wrestled with shame, even as she wrote a victim impact statement that stunned the nation and the world. In her stunning memoir, now proudly owning her name, Chanel Miller reveals the oppression she experienced as a survivor, her anger at a justice system that fails to protect the vulnerable, and the power of finding your voice as a way to aid healing. At times humorous, at other times a punch in the gut, this memoir demands that we sit up and pay attention to survivors.

As a child, Laura Wheeler Waring loved mixing paints to get the perfect shade — especially if it was to capture the skin colors of people in her family. But she couldn't help but notice that museums didn't show paintings of people with brown skin. Defying prejudice, she studied art at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and then in Paris, where work by Matisse and Gaugin encouraged her to paint the people she knew. And when she returned home to America, her portraits of famous African American people would become classic works of art that still inspire visitors to the National Portrait Gallery. This beautiful picture book about a trailblazing artist celebrates self-expression, diversity, and welcoming different points of view.

11-year-old Nellie Murrow was named after pioneering journalist Nellie Bly — but her former newspaper reporter parents are proof of how the news industry is changing. Now she and her mother have moved to small-town Maine, while her father has taken a marketing job in Asia. Nellie can't even explore to make friends: an outbreak of vandalism and attacks at the only park mean she can't even leave the front yard. Determined to get to the bottom of the story, Nellie recruits Min, her next door neighbor, and a few other kids to create Cub Report, the town's first independent newspaper. If it's going to succeed, Nellie will have to learn how they can all work together — and maybe even make friends along the way. This fast-paced middle grade series opener by award-winning author Beth Vrabel encourages kids to develop critical thinking and fact-checking skills through its clever mystery.

After a serious illness at the age of four, CeCe discovers that she’s no longer able to hear. Hearing aids and lip reading provide unexpected challenges, and as she goes out into the wider world she realizes how little people understand about living with hearing loss. All she wants is a friend, but that seems impossible when she struggles to do something as simple as watch a TV show with hearing kids. To succeed in school, she gets a bulky device called a Phonic Ear that allows her to hear her teachers — even when they forget she's listening. Perhaps El Deafo can be a superhero to her peers after all... This delightful graphic novel, a 2015 Newbery Honor book, provides an uplifting and humorous glimpse into life of a hard of hearing child, and even provides tips for how hearing people should interact with those who lip read or use hearing aids.

When Astrid discovers a new passion one summer, she suddenly realizes that her best friend Nicole may not be willing to follow her everywhere: instead of joining Astrid at roller derby camp, Nicole signs up for dance camp! The summer is hard enough without her friend by her side, and gets harder when Astrid discovers that roller derby is hard work. But her first bout might just turn things around — and not just in the roller rink. This fun and heartfelt graphic novel, written by a real-life derby girl, takes a light but honest look at how friendships evolve, and the joy of finding your identity by experimenting with a summer activity.

There's no question that becoming a big sister can bring many changes. The little girl in this toddler book discovers that babies come with their share of inconveniences, from remembering to be quiet at naptime to dealing with dirty diapers, but she's still excited by the baby's arrival — and by how grown-up she feels when she realizes how much she can do. Simple text and colorful illustrations help toddlers and preschoolers celebrate the joys of being the big sister. For a bilingual English / Spanish version of this title, check out I Am a Big Sister! / Soy una hermana mayor!.

Last summer, 13-year-old Leah's brother Sam drowned, and since then, she's felt like a ghost herself, imitating a normal life and lacking support from her parents. Now that it's summer again, all of Leah's friends are away and she has nothing to distract her from her grief. Then she meets 14-year-old Jasper, a gregarious and mysterious redhead who almost seems like she stepped out of a fairy tale, with her overgrown cottage and her chores like doing laundry in the creek. The friendship gives Leah solace, but Jasper is hiding her own painful past — and as both girls' truths come out, they have to figure out if they can save one another. This poignant novel tackles difficult issues with gentleness and grace, and recognizes the strength to be found in friendship.

When Grace, who was adopted at birth, places her own child for adoption after an unplanned pregnancy, she feels compelled to find out more about her biological family. She discovers two siblings: Joaquin, a nearly 18-year-old who has struggled through over a dozen failed foster care placements, and Maya, who was adopted as an infant by a wealthy family. The siblings bond surprisingly quickly over their similarities, but each is hiding secrets about their past. However, Grace has learned one important thing: there are many ways to be family. This funny and heartwrenching 2017 National Book Award winning title explores important questions about identity and family.

Ani is the Crown Princess of Kildenree, but she feels most comfortable speaking to animals; she has the gift of speaking in their own languages. As she grows, she never becomes confident speaking with people — which leaves her helpless when a quick-talking lady in waiting leads a mutiny on Ani's journey to get married in a foreign land. Alone and seemingly helpless, Ani becomes a goose girl for the king...and finds a way to turn her special talents to reclaiming her position and stopping war between the kingdoms. This book opens author Shannon Hale's Books of Bayern series; the story continues with the sequels, Enna Burning and Forest Born.

When Carolyn Forché met Leonel Gomez Vides, who wanted her to learn more about his homeland of El Salvador, she was fascinated by the charming and brilliant man. He introduced her to farm workers trapped in poverty, the priests trying to help them, and the military officers trying to stamp out any sign of dissent. It didn't take long before Forché got swept up in Vides' perilous work. As they ran from safe house to safe house, she tried to make sense of the horrors around her, and wondered how someone can stay moral in a country on the edge of disaster. Lyrical and devastating, this is a powerful book by one of today's greatest poets about empathy, social conscience, and what you will risk for others.

When Emma Rowena Gatewood became the first woman to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail solo, she inspired a nation — and likely saved this national treasure. But her story doesn't begin with her first steps on the AT. Author Ben Montgomery drew on Gatewood's diaries, trail journals, and correspondence, as well as interviews with family and friends, to tell a remarkable story of a woman who survived unthinkable abuse and persevered to tackle a feat that many younger hikers can't complete. At times both funny and heartbreaking, and always inspiring, this is a powerful biography of a woman who lived by the creed "I said I'll do it, and I've done it."

Last summer, Quinnen was a star pitcher, with her whole family there to cheer her on — including her big sister Haley. But this summer, everything is different: Haley has died, Quinnen's family is still reeling, and baseball seems like the least important thing in the world. But when Quinnen's family is picked to host one of the players for the Bandits, the local minor-league baseball team, it might just be the glimmer of hope the whole family needs — and the push that gets Quinnen back up on the pitcher's mound. Told in chapters that alternate between the previous summer and the current one, this poignant and heartfelt novel explores grief, resiliency, and the difficulty of forgiving yourself.

Melinda called the cops on an end-of-summer party right before the start of her freshman year at high school, and now everyone hates her. And since no one will listen, she doesn't talk — at all. But in her art class, she finds the courage to start expressing what really happened at that party: she was raped by Andy, a senior at her high school. When Melinda's willingness to speak threatens Andy, though, he targets her again... and this time, she's ready to fight back. This important novel highlights the power of raising your voice. This novel has also been adapted into a graphic novel. For author Laurie Halse Anderson's powerful memoir about her own sexual assault and the importance of finding your voice, check out SHOUT for ages 14 and up.

Clara Lemlich comes to the US looking for a better life and discovers that immigrants — particularly female immigrants — are denied the education and fair pay they need to achieve that life. But Clara refuses to accept her designated place: “Inside I am anything/ but fresh off the boat./ I have been ready for this/ possibility/ all my life,” she declares. She organizes a women’s union, and soon her voice is joined by thousands of others during the Uprising of the 20,000, the largest walkout of female workers in US history. This compelling, gorgeously told novel in verse about a key figure from labor history celebrates those who are audacious enough to say, "No more."

12-year-old Mina's home of Alorria enjoys beautiful weather, thanks to the storm beasts and their bonded human guardians, who ensure the climate stays warm and pleasant. Mina is eager to have a storm beast of her own, but everyone is shocked when she hatches a lightning beast: lightning guardians are normally "brash and loud and brave." Mina may be quiet, but she is brave, which she proves when she and Pixit, her lightning beast, discover that her country's weather comes at a terrible price. A unique fantasy setting and appealing dragon-like storm beasts will leave readers wishing they could leap into Mina's world. For another compelling middle grade fantasy from this author, check out The Stone Girl's Story for ages 9 to 13.

Christine Hong is a dutiful Chinese-American daughter who accepts her parents' strict expectations without complaint... until Moon moves in next door. Moon doesn't attend Chinese language lessons; she's vegetarian; and she carries herself with a confidence that Christine both scorns and envies. Despite their differences the two become close friends, close enough that Moon tells Christine about her visions of celestial animals. But when those visions turn out to be from an earthy — and dangerous — cause, Christine needs to figure out how to be a good daughter and a good friend. Author/illustrator Jen Wang draws on her own childhood for this poignant and funny friendship story that will speak to anyone who's felt out of place.

Esperanza grew up in privilege in Mexico, but when her father is killed by bandits shortly before her thirteenth birthday, she and her mother flee to America. In Depression-era California, no one cares about the elegant life Esperanza remembers: she’s just a farm worker, good for nothing but hard labor. But as Esperanza struggles with poverty, racism, and grief, a spirit of labor organization is blossoming around her. Hope is coming both for Esperanza and for the workers around her struggling to get by. This Pura Belpre Award-winning novel stars a courageous girl determined to find a way to rise above her difficult circumstances.

This little girl is ready to say bye-bye to diapers! Instead, she gets to wear big girl panties: one pair for every day of the week. Her panties could have rainbows or ducks or frills, and it's exciting to keep them dry. She can prance and dance in her panties, too! But remember, panties are only for big girls, like mommies, grandmas, aunties... and now you! This cheerful and upbeat potty training board book celebrates the joys and excitement of this major move towards independence.

Hope Jahren is an acclaimed geobiologist, but her first book is much more than a textbook on plants and dirt: it's also a story of work, love, and the way a partnership can transform both. It begins with a childhood in Minnesota with an uncompromising mother and a father who encouraged "play" in his classroom's labs. Then, as an adult, she meets Bill, a brilliant but wounded person who becomes her lab partner and her best friend. Their adventures would take them to the North Pole, Hawaii, and across the North American continent on a quest for knowledge about the remarkable details and processes that lurk within the simplest of things. Full of a love of science and discovery, Jahren's book also captures the passion and tenacity it takes to make a career and a life out of what you love.

Raymie has a plan: she'll win the Little Miss Central Florida Tire competition, her father will see her picture in the paper, and he'll forget all about the woman he ran away with and come home. Winning the competition requires new skills, including dealing with her fellow competitors — like Louisiana Elefante, who has a show business background but faints constantly, and Beverly Tapinski, who's determined to sabotage the whole thing. But as the competition approaches, the three girls develop an unexpected bond based on loneliness, grief, and a series of adventures in which each girl gets a chance to come to the rescue. Through Raymie's eyes, middle readers will see how friendship can help you find peace in a difficult time.

Katje's Dutch town has been ravaged by World War II, and her family is struggling to get by with almost nothing. Then, one day, a box arrives from America: a little girl named Rosie has sent necessities like soap and socks, and even chocolate for a treat! Katje is so thrilled that she sends a letter of thanks, and soon both girls are sending exchanges full of surprises. What started as an act of generosity becomes an ongoing relationship that changes the lives of both girls — and the people in both their towns — for the better. Candace Fleming based this story on her mother's childhood, and the story of how simple acts of generosity can last a lifetime is sure to get kids thinking about what their own acts of kindness can do.

Words disappear when people don't use them — so when Mimi realizes some of her favorite nature words, like apricot, willow, and dandelion, are disappearing, she appoints her granddaughter Brook as the Keeper of the Wild Words! Together, the pair go on an adventure through the woods, searching for the sight, sound, smell, and taste of the missing words so that Brook can keep these treasures safe. Readers will love the vibrant illustrations that implore them to get out and find real-life examples of these wild words, while an author's note explains that the story was inspired by nature words cut from The Oxford Junior Dictionary. This heartfelt story celebrates nature, literacy, and the love between a grandmother and granddaughter.

Princess Alyrra is used to the restrictions of royal life, and her betrothal to Prince Kestrin, in the distant kingdom of Menaiya, promises more of the same — until her handmaiden uses magic to take Alyrra's place. Alyrra forges a new identity for herself as Thorn, a goose girl, and thinks she might be able to settle into the life of a commoner. But her encounters with Kestrin reveal a well-intentioned person at risk from the plot, and she begins to realize the hardships facing the people of Menaiya, especially its women and children... hardships she might be able to stop if she fights to regain her identity. This bold fairytale reimagining, originally self-published in 2012, has been expanded and revised for this gorgeous hardcover edition, which also includes a thrilling new in-world short story, The Bone Knife.

It’s Denmark in 1943, and word is leaking out that the Nazis intend to detain the Danish Jews before shipping them to concentration camps. 10-year-old Annemarie doesn’t know why anyone would want to hurt her neighbors, including her best friend, Ellen Rosen, who Annemarie’s family conceals as one of their own. With the efforts of the Danish Resistance — and the entire community — Annemarie looks on as the Jewish population of Denmark, nearly seven thousand people, is seen to safety on Sweden’s shores. This beautiful story of the heroism of ordinary people is sure to be thought-provoking. Younger readers can learn about this inspiring moment of resistance and defiance in The Whispering Town for ages 6 to 9.

13-year-old Salamanca Tree Hiddle's mother has disappeared, and Sal (with the help of her eccentric grandparents) is going to find her. As Gram and Gramps Hiddle join her on her Ohio to Idaho adventure, she tells them the outrageous story of Phoebe Winterbottom, whose mother also disappeared. But as that story starts to unfold, it also reveals the truth of Sal's story — the story of a girl who's desperate to believe that her mother is coming home, and finally has to confront the reality of her mother's death. Sal draws on her Native American ancestry for strength over this tale, and ends up realizing that Gram and Gramps' gift to her is the chance to walk in her mothers' moccasins, just like in the parable, so she can find a way to continue her own life. This Newbery Award-winning novel with a story-within-a-story is both funny and bittersweet.

It's fifteen years after the events of The Handmaid's Tale, and the Republic of Gilead is starting to crack. The vicious, politically savvy Aunt Lydia continues to grasp what power she can through secrets. Agnes Jemima, who was raised to be a Commander's wife, questions whether everything she's been told is true. And Daisy, who is about to go undercover as a convert to the religion, is hoping to help bring Gilead down from the inside. Gilead will fall, but how, and who will survive? This powerful, poetic sequel to the modern classic dystopian novel explores truth, rebellion, and what you will give up for freedom — your own, or someone else's.

11-year-old Yumi would be a terrific stand-up comedian... if she had a stage to perform on, and the courage to do it. Instead, she stands out at school, where kids tease her for smelling like her parents' Korean restaurant, and she's a disappointment compared to her over-achieving, med-school-student sister. Her parents enroll her in hagwon — Korean summer school — in hopes that she'll win a scholarship to private school. Instead, she stumbles across a comedy camp... and accidentally takes the place of a girl who was registered for it. But keeping the deception going is a lot of work, and Yumi realizes she may have to admit what happened... even if it means disappointing literally everyone. This laugh-out-loud story about a girl struggling to find her place in both her culture and her family will delight middle grade readers.

Ages:	9 - 12
Price:	$6.99 C$12.05 £13.67 A$25.98

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Sandra Day O'Connor may have graduated near the the top of her Stanford law school class, but in 1952, no law firm would even interview her. Determined to shatter every glass ceiling she encountered, O'Connor became the first female majority leader in a state senate. As a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals, she proved her willingness to uphold and humanize the law. Once she was appointed the first female justice on the United States Supreme Court, she became a key decision maker in many of America's most important legal cases. This personal and poignant look at a woman who was used to being first at almost everything she did will inspire anyone who wants to ignore the naysayers and take the lead.

Minli lives in the valley of the Fruitless Mountain, where she and her parents struggle to survive. At night, her father tells her miraculous tales about the Jade Dragon and the Old Man in the Moon, who holds everyone's destiny, but her mother is too busy worrying to enjoy the stories. So one day, Minli decides that she will find the Old Man in the Moon and change her family's fortune. Along the way, she befriends a talking fish, a flightless dragon, and more amazing creatures... but when she reaches the Old Man, she will have to decide whether asking for riches for herself and her family is the best use of a chance to change fate. Inspired by Chinese folktales and full of vibrant illustrations, this unique story teaches an important lesson about greed and happiness. Fans of this book can check out the companion, When The Sea Turned To Silver.

When the Chernobyl nuclear power plant explodes in 1986, fifth-grade school rivals Valentina and Oksana are thrown together when they're sent away to safety with Valentine's grandmother, Rita. As the girls wrestle with the grief over the deaths of their fathers, both plant workers, they slowly learn to trust — but they also discover that Rita is secretly practicing Judaism, a difficult fact to swallow for Oksana, who has been taught that all Jews are liars. Still, perhaps their friendship can win out over everything. Told in three perspectives — Oksana and Valentina in 1986, and Rita as the 12-year-old Rivka in 1941 — this poignant novel explores how friendship can defy hatred and prejudice.

Beginning in World War II, daring women pilots starting to be allowed to fly in the military — but there was a condition: they weren't allowed to fly in combat. Never mind that they were still flying dangerous missions, or as the decades went by, that they were top of their class at pilot schools; less-qualified men were assigned combat aircraft instead. To win their right to fly for their country, the women pilots of the American military had to fight a law of Congress, decades of discrimination, and even other military women. This meticulously researched book tells the stories of the women who campaigned until the prohibition against female combat pilots was dropped in 1993. Although they never had the chance to fly in combat themselves, they paved the way for future women in the US military to soar.