| PICTURE BOOKS |
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Recommended by Rae Ann
A family’s immigration story is told through a child’s wishes in this picture book about kindness and bravery.
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Recommended by Chelsea
Illustrations take center stage here as the reader joins a dog and cat throughout their day. Warm and serene, this would make the perfect bedtime book at the end of a busy day! |
| INDEPENDENT READERS |
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Recommended by Rae Ann
Ollie and his sister don’t see things the same way. His parents and teacher are sure Ollie needs glasses. But does he?
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Recommended by Rae Ann
Norma and Belly are squirrels who would really like a donut from the food truck. When the cranky donut seller says no, they resort to extreme measures to get what they want. This graphic novel for young readers is a fun madcap adventure.
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Recommended by Kay
Following an amnesiac shapeshifter as they flee an enemy they don’t even remember, Trouble in the Stars is a unique sci-fi adventure about family and empathy. Trouble’s shapeshifting powers make them a fascinating and entertaining narrator, as each of their forms has its own quirks and senses. Funny, charming and heartfelt from beginning to end.
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Recommended by Chelsea
Seventh grade is off to a rough start for Junie, especially when racist graffiti is found in the school gymnasium. Junie’s friends want to do something, but Junie just wants to fit in. Then Junie learns of her grandparent’s experiences during the Korean War, and Junie decides to make her voice heard after all.
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Recommended by Brad
Riley, an adopted Korean American girl, wants to follow in her sister’s footsteps of joining a powerful witch clan. When the two devise a plan to get Riley powers, everything goes wrong and Riley must find a powerful artifact to save her sister. With sweet familial relationships, nail-biting action scenes and a deep look into Korean mythology, this adventure is not one to miss!
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Recommended by Madeline
Defying odds, chasing dreams, and overcoming seemingly impossible circumstances — this beauty of a book is for every dreamchaser. It’s a story of what it looks like when a young girl is determined enough, and never gives up despite the circumstances.
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Recommended by Gavin, age 10
A good and very funny book! If you like the Dog Man books then you will definitely like this one. It will keep you in stitches!
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| YOUNG ADULT |
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Recommended by Rae Ann
Stacey Lee’s latest book inspired by the Chinese survivors of the Titanic is a fresh take on a familiar tale. Valora Luck dreams of a new life in America and a place in the circus. She convinces her twin brother to join her in her quest, but tragedy strikes just when her dreams are within reach.
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Recommended by Rae Ann
Two girls in a Chicago orphanage narrate this tale of WWII-era Chicago. This National Book Award finalist is a gripping story of a girl searching for a better future for herself and the ghost who watches over her.
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Recommended by Kay
Victories Greater than Death is a colorful, character-driven space adventure that puts a fresh spin on classic sci-fi tropes. Tina, cloned from a famous alien war hero and secretly raised on Earth, is called on to rejoin the fight that ended her last life. With the help of a diverse crew of teenage prodigies, she must brave a bigger, stranger universe than she could have imagined and find her place within it.
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Recommended by Chelsea
When Sky’s promposal plan is e-blasted to all seniors and their parents with homophobic and racist slurs, Sky never wants to set foot in his high school again. When his classmates come up with the ultimate revenge plan, Sky learns that maybe he has more supporters than he anticipated. This sweet, charismatic story was the perfect read I didn’t know I needed.
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Recommended by Brad
Two sworn enemies fueled by their own vengeance must unite to take down a corrupt ruler in this incredible debut novel, filled with magic, shocking reveals, and fantastic world-building. I truly could not put this book down. I’m counting down the days to when I can get my hands on the sequel!
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Recommended by Chelsea
Kate and Anderson, best friends with a history of mutual crushes, do everything together, but when their summer crush turns up at their school, will their friendship survive? A heartfelt exploration of the relationships teens have: romantic, platonic and family.
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The Spark Book Club selection for May is The Adventure Is Now by Jess Redman. Milton P. Greene hates school and loves playing the video game Isle of Wild. When he’s sent to Lone Island for the summer to stay with his scientist uncle, he and his new friends find a field guide that sends them on a wild adventure that may save the island.
Early Sparks for the novel:
“Redman renders compassionate characters in Milton and crew, placing an emphasis on honesty and emotional directness that makes for an affirming adventure.” —Publishers Weekly
“Magic blooms as thick as Truth-Will-Out Vine on every page of this story. I adore Milton P. Greene, his wild adventure, his magical island, and his brave, daring heart.” —Natalie Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of A Snicker of Magic and The Problim Children series
Spark Book Club is the first editions club for middle grade readers. Every month members will receive a first edition middle grade novel — plus a letter written by the author especially for club members. Makes a great gift for the independent reader! Sign ups are available for 3, 6, or 12 months.
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The May ParnassusNext selection is Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O’Neal. When a diagnosis of Lyme disease forces Priya to come back home from Stanford’s pre-med program, she takes solace in her online chronic illness support group and her online BFF Brigid. When Brigid stops answering all texts and emails, Priya steals the family minivan to track down Brigid. Priya just wasn’t expecting to find a giant animal locked in Brigid’s basement.
Perfect for fans of contemporary friendship tales, Kristen O’Neal’s young adult debut sheds light on daily life with a chronic illness.
Check out our Instagram Live with Kristen!
Early praise for the novel:
“A heartwarming, quirky take on chronic illness in all its hairy detail.”—Kirkus Reviews
“A fresh and original twist on the werewolf legend.”—Booklist
ParnassusNext is the book subscription box for YA lovers. Every member of ParnassusNext receives a first edition hardcover of each month’s selected book, signed by the author. There is no membership fee to join — and no line to stand in for the autograph. Not only will you have one of the best YA books of the month when it comes out, you’ll have it straight from the author’s hands, with an original, authentic signature! Set up a subscription for yourself or buy a gift membership for your favorite YA reader for 3, 6, or 12 months.
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