Need some book suggestions? Below find a selection of new releases that rocked the first half of 2018. For more titles and information about library events, visit libraryweb.org. Rock on!
AGES 4 TO 8
A Chip Off the Old Block
A Chip Off the Old Block
Written by Jody Jensen Shaffer
Illustrated by Daniel Miyares
Rocky is a small rock with big dreams. He wants to be something important like his giant relatives: Aunt Etna, Uncle Gibraltar, and more. Adventure ensues as Rocky travels across the United States, pieces chipping off along the way, until he arrives at Mount Rushmore and learns that no matter how big or small one is, everyone is important. Rocky is illustrated adorably, and the rock puns throughout the story add to the clever tale. Information about the mentioned monuments and three primary types of rocks is available in the back. Perfect for the budding geologist in your home. (Nancy Paulsen Books, 2018, hardcover, $17.99)
AGES 8 TO 12
Aru Shah and the End of Time
Aru Shah and the End of Time
By Roshani Chokshi
Twelve-year-old Aru Shah lies a lot in order to fit in at her fancy school. Who can blame her when she lives above the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture with a bunch of old artifacts and a mother who is always away on business? When three of her classmates threaten to expose her as a liar, she unwittingly releases a demon from the cursed Lamp of Bharata and is tasked with stopping the Sleeper before he destroys the world. With loads of narrative humor, pop culture jokes that offset the historical references, and fun quips from Aru and her soul sister Mini, this story is highly entertaining. The Indian mythology is comprehensive, the author’s knowledge is broad, and a sequel is in the works. At times there is a lot of mythological information to keep track of, but the glossary offers helpful refreshers. Rick Riordan’s new publishing imprint promises books that explore worldwide mythologies, so stay tuned for more in this vein. His fans will definitely flock to Aru Shah’s tale. (Rick Riordan Presents, 2018, hardcover, $16.99)
AGES 12 TO 18
Speak: The Graphic Novel
Speak
Written by Laurie Halse Anderson
Illustrated by Emily Carroll
The summer before ninth grade, Miranda went to a party with her best friend and something terrible happened. Hurt and afraid, she called 911, but instead of getting help, she became an outcast for breaking up the party. Now, lonely and alone at both school and home, Miranda tries to come to terms with what happened and its fallout, using art as an attempted escape. This graphic novel adaptation of the 1999 novel has updated references and is just as relevant in its message then as now. The story acknowledges the bravery it takes to speak up, the consequences that can come from doing so, and the pain that can come from remaining silent. The art is emotive, clear, and enhances the story. A worthy remake of an award-winning novel. P.S. Laurie Halse Anderson will be visiting Rochester October 15-19 for the Ninth Annual Greater Rochester Teen Read! Stay tuned to your local library for details. (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2018, hardcover, $19.99)
PICTURE BOOKS
AGES 3 TO 5
Neither By Arlie Anderson
(Little, Brown, 2018, hardcover, $16.99)
A Busy Creature’s Day Eating By Mo Willems
(Hyperion, 2018, hardcover, $17.99)
AGES 5 TO 8
Harriet Gets Carried Away By Jessie Sima
(Simon & Schuster, 2018, hardcover, $17.99)
Mary Had a Little Lab Written by Sue Fliess & Illustrated by Petros Bouloubasis
(Albert Whitman, 2018, hardcover, $16.99)
EASY READERS
AGES 4 TO 6
Pizza Pig Written by Diana Murray & Illustrated by Maria Karipidou
(Random House, 2018, paperback, $4.99)
MIDDLE GRADE
AGES 8 TO 12
Breakout By Kate Messner
(Bloomsbury, 2018, hardcover, $17.99)
The Night Diary By Veera Hiranandani
(Dial, 2018, hardcover, $16.99)
A Pup Called Trouble By Bobbie Pyron
(Katherine Tegen Books, 2018, hardcover, $16.99)
Wings of Fire: The Graphic Novel Written by Tui T. Sutherland & Illustrated by Mike Holmes
(Graphix, 2018, paperback, $12.99)
YOUNG ADULT
AGES 12 TO 18
The Apocalypse of Elena Mendoza By Shaun David Hutchinson
(Simon Pulse, 2018, hardcover, $17.99)
Love, Hate & Other Filters By Samira Ahmed
(Soho Teen, 2018, hardcover, $18.99)
The Poet X By Elizabeth Acevedo
(HarperTeen, 2018, hardcover, $17.99)