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Featured Reads

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The Night War

From the two-time Newbery Honor-winning author of The War That Saved My Life and Fighting Words comes a middle grade novel set at the border between freedom and fear in World War II France, at the Chateau de Chenonceau, where a Jewish girl who has lost everything but her life must decide whether to risk even that to bring others to freedom.

“We don’t choose how we feel, but we choose how we act.”

It’s 1942. German Nazis occupy much of France. And twelve-year-old Miriam, who is Jewish, is not safe. With help and quick thinking, Miri is saved from the roundup that takes her entire Jewish neighborhood. She escapes Paris, landing in a small French village, where the spires of the famous Chateau de Chenonceau rise high into the sky, its bridge across the River Cher like a promise, a fairy tale.

But Miri’s life is no fairy tale. Her parents are gone—maybe alive, maybe not. Taken in at the boarding school near the chateau, pretending to be Catholic to escape Nazi capture, Miri volunteers one night to undertake a deadly task, one that spans the castle grounds, its bridge, and the very border to freedom. Here is her chance to escape—hopefully to find her parents. But will she take it? One thing is certain: The person Miri meets that night will save her life. And the person Miri becomes that night could save the lives of many more.

In her return to the era of The War that Saved My Life and The War I Finally Won, Kimberly Brubaker Bradley brings a new and different story, one with a mystical twist, that explores a little-known slice of World War II history, a highly unusual friendship, and the power of choosing courage even when—especially when—there are no good choices to be had.

* Map and detailed author's note included. *

“Compelling [with] a hint of magic [that] becomes as satisfying as the whole of this fine novel.”Booklist
"Historical fiction at its finest. [A] masterpiece . . . Readers will be wholeheartedly rewarded." SLJ (starred review)
"Poignant . . . A gripping, humane tale." —Kirkus (starred review)
“A deeply sympathetic character facing increasingly dangerous and suspenseful circumstances.” —PW
“Engaging [and] imaginative [with] emotional weight and contemporary appeal.” The Horn Book
"A must-read." —YA and Kids Books Central

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Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix

A NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER!

In the Remixed Classics series, authors from marginalized backgrounds reinterpret classic works through their own cultural lens to subvert the overwhelming cishet, white, and male canon. This bittersweet Pride & Prejudice remix follows a trans boy yearning for the freedom to live openly, centering queerness in a well-known story of longing and subverting society’s patriarchal and cisheteronormative expectations.


London, 1812. Oliver Bennet feels trapped. Not just by the endless corsets, petticoats and skirts he's forced to wear on a daily basis, but also by society's expectations. The world—and the vast majority of his family and friends—think Oliver is a girl named Elizabeth. He is therefore expected to mingle at balls wearing a pretty dress, entertain suitors regardless of his interest in them, and ultimately become someone's wife.

But Oliver can't bear the thought of such a fate. He finds solace in the few times he can sneak out of his family's home and explore the city rightfully dressed as a young gentleman. It's during one such excursion when Oliver becomes acquainted with Darcy, a sulky young man who had been rude to "Elizabeth" at a recent social function. But in the comfort of being out of the public eye, Oliver comes to find that Darcy is actually a sweet, intelligent boy with a warm heart. And not to mention incredibly attractive.

As Oliver is able to spend more time as his true self, often with Darcy, part of him dares begin to hope that his dream of love and life as a man could be possible. But suitors are growing bolder—and even threatening—and his mother is growing more desperate to see him settled into an engagement. Oliver will have to choose: Settle for safety, security, and a life of pretending to be something he's not, or risk it all for a slim chance at freedom, love, and a life that can be truly, honestly his own.

The Remixed Classics Series
A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. Lee
So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow
Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi
What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri
Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore
My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron
Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Caleb Roehrig
Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie Dimaline
Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

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Find Him Where You Left Him Dead

AT DAWN HE’LL BE GONE AND YOU’LL BE HERE FOREVER.

Kristen Simmons's masterful breakout horror novel that's "Jumanji but Japanese-inspired" (Kendare Blake) about estranged friends playing a deadly game in a nightmarish folkloric underworld. This edition includes a beautiful foil case stamp.


“Twists, turns, and genuine palpable emotion.” —David Levithan • “Haunting and unforgettable.” —Melissa de la Cruz • “A nightmare I didn’t want to end.” —Terry J. Benton-Walker • “Absorbing.” —C. L. Herman • “Bone-chilling.” —Lauren Shippen • “Heart-pounding.” —Margaret Rogerson • “Twisted.” —Lish McBride • “Won't let me sleep!” —Chelsea Mueller • "Full of surprises." —C. J. Redwine • “Intense.” —Kendare Blake

Four years ago, five kids started a game. Not all of them survived.

Now, at the end of their senior year of high school, the survivors—Owen, Madeline, Emerson, and Dax—have reunited for one strange and terrible reason: they’ve been summoned by the ghost of Ian, the friend they left for dead.

Together they return to the place where their friendship ended with one goal: find Ian and bring him home. So they restart the deadly game they never finished—an innocent card-matching challenge called Meido. A game without instructions.

As soon as they begin, they're dragged out of their reality and into an eerie hellscape of Japanese underworlds, more horrifying than even the darkest folktales that Owen's grandmother told him. There, they meet Shinigami, an old wise woman who explains the rules:

They have one night to complete seven challenges or they'll all be stuck in this world forever.

Once inseparable, the survivors now can’t stand each other, but the challenges demand they work together, think quickly, and make sacrifices—blood, clothes, secrets, memories, and worse.

And once again, not everyone will make it out alive.

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Paper Dragons

 

 

A 12-year-old girl wins an invitation to train as an apprentice to immortals in the first book of the new must-read magical series destined to take the world by storm—perfect for fans of Amari and the Night Brothers, Skandar and Eragon. Let the competition begin!

“A new classic fantasy adventure.” Eoin Colfer, author of the internationally best-selling Artemis Fowl series

An outsider in her village above the cloud sea, 12-year-old orphan Yeung Zhi Ging’s only hope of escape is to win the single invitation to train as a Silhouette: an apprentice to the immortals. After her ill-fated attempt to impress the Silhouette scout leads to a dragon attack on the jade mountain, Zhi Ging is sure that her chances, and her life, are over. But the scout spots her potential and offers her protection and a second chance. She’s in.

In her lessons in Hok Woh, the underwater realm of the immortals, Zhi Ging must face the challenging trials set by her teachers to prove that she’s worthy of being a Silhouette—despite her rivals' attempts to sabotage her. But as Zhi Ging’s power grows, so do the rumours of the return of the Fui Gwai, an evil spirit that turns people into grey-eyed thralls.

When the impossible happens and the Fui Gwai attack the Silhouettes, can Zhi Ging use her newly uncovered talents to save her friends and the world beyond? Or will the grey-eyed spirit consume them all?

“A soaring, luminous new world." —Jessica Townsend, New York Times bestselling author of The Nevermoor series 

 

 

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The Book That Can Read Your Mind

Prepare to be amazed by this magic trick in a book!

 

 

 

 

This is not an ordinary book--it's a magical one! Lady Rabbit goes beyond pulling a rabbit out of a hat or making herself disappear. For her next act, she will READ YOUR MIND! That's right: You pick a member from the magician's adorable audience--don't tell which one you've chosen--and this book will guess who it is!



Inspired by 17th‑century magic books, this interactive game in a book will enchant readers of all ages, compelling them to pick among many intriguing, illustrated characters and play over and over (and over) again. Now, without further ado . . . let the magic show begin!

 

 

 


A MAGIC TRICK--AND GAME!--IN A BOOK: This book is pure fun--perfect for fans of Press Here, Bunny Slopes, and Tap the Magic Tree. Turn the pages and prepare to be amazed! Kids will interact with this book and experience many different and delightful outcomes.



CELEBRATES THE MAGIC OF BOOKS: This picture book is brimming with energy and interactivity. An ideal alternative to screens, it is a celebration of the book as "an experience." Kids won't want to put it down!



PERFECT FOR INDEPENDENT READING AND SHARING: Kids who are reading independently will find joy in interacting with this book, trying to outsmart it, and delighting in what it does. Parents will find joy in reading it repeatedly with their children and sharing in the book's literal magic. And, speaking of "sharing," kids will also enjoy sharing this book with their friends!



A STANDOUT GIFT: With its magical hook, irresistible illustrations, and delightful interactivity, this picture book is the perfect gift.



Perfect for:

 

 

 

 

  • Kids who love magic and magic tricks
  • Parents, grandparents, and teachers seeking a fun and interactive picture book for young children
  • Fans of critically acclaimed author-illustrator Marianna Coppo
  • Gift givers looking for a game in a book
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The Bedtime Book of Magical Creatures

Get to know more than 100 mythical creatures from around the world with this delightful illustrated introduction.

This is the must-have first book on the most fantastical creatures from around the world, filled with beautiful illustrations and storybook text on every page.

The Bedtime Book of Magical Creatures features an amazing variety of magical creatures, from fairies and mermaids to dragons and unicorns. Children aged 3-5 can get to know more about their favourite creature from myths, legends and storybooks.

Inside the pages of this exciting mythical creatures book, you'll find:

- An introduction to different types of magical creatures brought to life by bright and colorful illustrations.
- Engaging text for young children that can be read aloud - perfect for parents, carers, and children to enjoy at bedtime.
- Beautiful illustrations combined with introductory reference text and core terms highlighted on each page.
- Information on more than 100 mythical creatures - an essential addition to every 3-5 year old's library.

This exciting bedtime book helps to develop an early understanding of different fictional creatures for little ones and clearly explains each one. A timeless gift book, this is a must-have for parents, carers, and educators who want to introduce core fairytale and folklore knowledge at a young age in a fun and engaging way.

More in the series

If you enjoyed The Bedtime Book of Magical Creatures, why not try our other bedtime books? The Bedtime Book of Animals provides a charming introduction to the animal kingdom and The Bedtime Book of Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Life introduces children to fascinating prehistoric lifeforms through a gentle bedtime story.

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Invisible Things

New York Times Bestseller

This creatively wacky exploration of the invisible things that make up the human experience encourages readers to look past the visible and connect with the things that are not seen.

If we could put on a pair of magical invisible glasses and see all the feelings, ideas, and other invisible things that populate our world, what would they look like? Could you see an itch? Could you describe hope? From the sound of a dog barking to the rainbow-MAGIC taste of a lollipop, from gratitude to grit, this book will help you meet the many interesting sensations that follow you every day, even if you can't see them.

Explore the way a sad song can sometimes make you happy and discover that laughs--even fake ones--can multiply faster than you'd imagine. As readers give these unknown forces a name, they'll also find a gentle invitation to pause, take a deep breath, and reflect on the invisible things at work in their own lives.

VIRAL HIT: Drawn from Andy J. Pizza's original "Invisible Things" posts on Twitter that went viral, with 57,000 likes and 25,000 retweets, this book debuted on the New York Times bestseller list immediately upon its release. Andy's ongoing Instagram posts continue to receive thousands of likes and shares. It's clear people are ready to see INVISIBLE THINGS!

NAME THE INVISIBLE THING: There are hidden forces that impact our everyday, particularly for kids. Giving those forces a name, and even a face, helps kids to feel empowered.

PROMPT FOR CONVERSATION: Educators, therapists, and caregivers looking to have nuanced or challenging conversations with kids about their own experiences can use this as a jumping off point for conversation: What invisible things can you name in your life?

SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING: One common exercise teachers use is to ask kids to point to their emotion on a chart and then name it, for which this book will be a powerful tool.

REVIEWED BY MENTAL HEALTH EXPERT: This book was vetted by a licensed independent clinical social worker specializing in mental health for kids!

POPULAR AUTHOR: Andy J. Pizza is one of the creative minds behind the bestselling A Pizza with Everything on It and also hosts the popular podcast Creative Pep Talk.

Perfect for:

  • Anyone interested in social-emotional learning (SEL) and entertaining ways to explore emotions with kids
  • Anyone looking for interactive or artful books about mental health
  • Fans of classic children's books like Dr. Seuss's My Many Colored Days, Molly Bang's When Sophie Gets Angry--Really, Really Angry . . ., and Judith Viorst's Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
  • Fans of Pixar's Inside Out
  • Fans of Andy J. Pizza, his original twitter post about "Invisible Things" that went viral, the Creative Pep Talk podcast, or A Pizza with Everything on It