Discover great new books to read this September.
Picture Books
Dazzle Ships: World War I and the Art of Confusion, written by Chris Barton and illustrated by Victo Ngai
During World War I, British and American ships were painted with bold colors and patterns from bow to stern. Why would anyone put such eye-catching designs on ships? Learn the true story behind this improbable and utterly dazzling defense strategy.
★ “[A] conversational, compelling, and visually arresting story . . .”—starred, Publishers Weekly
★ “[A] fascinating selection that will captivate readers, especially war story enthusiasts.”—School Library Journal
View this title on Edelweiss.
Merry Christmas, Mary Christmas!, written by Laurie Friedman and illustrated by Kathryn Durst
The Christmas family LOVES Christmas! Well, everyone except seven-year-old Mary Christmas. But after a talk with Santa Claus, Mary discovers a way to celebrate the holiday with her family while spreading joy throughout the town.
View this title on Edelweiss.
Stinker, written by David Zeltser and illustrated by Julia Patton
Stinker the puppy wants more than anything to be adopted. Unfortunately, little Stinker is always making big smells. But then he befriends a wily cat who knows just what to do . . .
“Please take this book home with you. It does not stink. It is irresistible.”—Judy Schachner, #1 New York Times bestselling author of Skippyjon Jones
Visit this title on Edelweiss.
All Kinds of Friends by Shelley Rotner and Sheila M. Kelly
Through bright photographs and simple text, young readers will discover the many ways to be a friend and how to celebrate all the different kinds of friendships they have.
Middle-Grade Novels
Auma’s Long Run by Eucabeth Odhiambo
As a strange new sickness called AIDS ravages her village in Kenya, thirteen-year-old Auma must decide whether to pursue a track scholarship that will let her attend high school or stay home to help her struggling family.
A BEA Editor’s Buzz Pick
★ “Honestly told, Auma’s tale humanizes and contextualizes the AIDs experience in Kenya without sensationalizing it.”—starred, Kirkus Reviews
★ “A hard-hitting story of a resilient and intelligent girl who bravely confronts a devastating health crisis.”—starred, Publishers Weekly
★ “[A] moving testament to the power of determination to overcome overwhelming odds is a recommended purchase for all libraries.”—starred, School Library Journal
“A powerful book that will spark important conversations.”—Kate Messner, author of The Exact Location of Home and The Seventh Wish
“A heartfelt story of loss and sacrifice, dreams and resilience.”—Vaunda Micheaux Nelson, author of Coretta Scott King Honoree No Crystal Stair
Read a sample chapter of Auma’s Long Run and download a discussion guide.
View this title on Edelweiss.
#28 Mallory Makes a Difference, written by Laurie Friedman and illustrated by Jennifer Kalis
Mallory spearheads the school food drive and thinks of the perfect prize for the class that brings in the most food: a homework-free week! But when things start to go wrong, will Mallory’s plans for a happy Thanksgiving be ruined?
Read a sample chapter of #28 Mallory Makes a Difference.
View this title on Edelweiss.
YA
A Dangerous Magic by Donald Hounam
When a beheaded bishop is discovered, Frank, a brilliant and rebellious young forensic sorcerer, is called in to solve the case. He’ll need to resort to the most dangerous of magic to discover the culprit.
Read a sample chapter of A Dangerous Magic.
View this title on Edelweiss.
Graphic Novels
The Missing Mola Lisa: Case #1, written by Trisha Speed Shaskan and illustrated by Stephen Shaskan
When the world’s most famous painting goes missing, second-grade critters (and Elm Tree Elementary’s best crime solvers) Q and Ray are on the case! But can the super sleuths outwit an art thief?
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Marco Polo: Dangers and Visions by Marco Tabilio
Marco Polo joins his father and his uncle, who are travelers and merchants, on a perilous and transformative journey to the Mongol empire of Kublai Khan.
★ “[C]aptures the excitement and spirit of exploration that have kept Polo’s name and stories relevant, even as the world seems to get smaller.”—starred, ForeWord Magazine
View this title on Edelweiss.