WHEN THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN
by
K. Ibura
November 2, 2021
With one little announcement from their fourth-grade teacher, Shayla, Liam, Ben, and Ai's world turned upside down. Now, with school on hold due to a strange virus that they don't quite understand, the only semblance of safety they feel is knowing that they have one another in their apartment complex. But as each of them head home and experience their own version of confinement, it becomes very real. And as their individual struggles grow, they need each other now more than ever. Very soon, they discover that they're not the only ones who need a little help. Banded together, the friends find ways to help others struggling in their building. And one by one, they do their part in making their neighbors feel just a little bit safer. As the world becomes more complex, as protests take the streets, Shayla, Liam, Ben, and Ai do everything they can to better understand the world around them and the people around them in order to discover the power and comfort that understanding and generosity can bring.
THE NIGHTSILVER PROMISE
by
Annaliese Avery
November 2, 2021
London, the Empire of Albion. The Great Dragons of old are long-gone. Now the world is governed by the science of Celestial Physicists, and everyone's life is foretold by the track on their wrist. When thirteen-year-old Paisley discovers from her track that she is destined to die, the race is on to protect her dragon-touched brother and find her missing mother. But an ancient power stalks the sewers of London, and the Dark Dragon is rising, intent on restoring the Great Dragons and destroying Paisley's family and her world forever. In a world where science rules and dragons fear to tread, Paisley must trust her instincts and forge new friends, as she attempts to outrun fate itself.
FREEWATER
by
Amina Luqman Dawson
Fall
A brother and sister discover the secret community of Freewater after fleeing from a plantation, as well as a freeborn girl who has only known life in Freewater. They unite to protect their community from the encroaching dangers of the outside world and save the ones they love.
THE BOOKSHOP OF DUST AND DREAMS
by
Mindy Thompson
Fall
A debut middle grade novel set during WWII about Poppy, whose family runs a time-hopping, magical bookshop. When tragedy strikes, Poppy is caught between following her family's rule that prohibits magic for your own gain and trying to save her brother's life.
SHELTER
by
Christie Matheson
Fall
The middle grade debut, which considers homelessness, family, and evergreen fifth-grade struggles through one child’s lens, chronicles one poignant day in the life of 10-year-old Maya, and follows her journey in discovering that having a house isn't the only way to have a home.