January Book Bunch
Thursday, January 25th @ 4:30PM
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Join Caroline and Erika for a book discussion and trivia for 4th-8th graders! We will be reading Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor by Xiran Jay Zhao.
Zachary Ying always struggled with his identity as a Chinese American and Hui Muslim boy in a predominantly white town. To his surprise, he gets roped into assisting the spirit of the first Chinese emperor via his VR headset on a journey through China from ancient spirits.
The Trove will provide a free copy of the book for the first eight individuals to register for the discussion. When the books are available, we will email to arrange pickup; please list an email address and phone number when registering. You can also place a hold on the book using our catalog.
Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms, by Jamar J. PerryLibrary Collection
“Percy Jackson fans, rejoice! Imagine a magical book whose pages come to life to show memories of events from the land of one’s ancestors. Cameron grew up reading The Book of Chidani, and now finds himself transported through its pages to the fabled kingdom of Nigeria, home of the Igbo people. It’s full of wondrous creatures, such as humanlike fish, the mondao, who wear gold chains and sunbathe, and deeply loyal gryphons. But it is also home to the mmo, spirits of the dead who are trapped in limbo due to the traumatic nature of their deaths. The ancestral homeland holds powerful lessons about survival as well as plenty of questions about the harm that was inflicted on its people. Cameron is a true Descendant, trained in the art of Dambe, tasked with recovering Queen Ramala’s ring, crown, and scepter, lost to a bargain with the gods to protect the Igbo people from enslavers. But Cameron soon realizes that the fated role of Descendant may come at great cost. Teachers might want to use a character map to help students develop a clear understanding of who’s who in this epic mythological adventure. Perry has a gift for creating dialogue and writing fast-paced, suspenseful scenes that will both enchant readers and leave them wincing in empathy. Cliff-hanger endings abound that will have students begging for more. Devoted readers of this genre will want to dive into this adventure and savor it alone, but it is also perfect for a class read-aloud.” –School Library Journal
Race to the Sun by Rebecca RoanhorseLibrary Collection
“After seventh grader Nizhoni Begay senses a monster lurking in the stands during her basketball game, she tells her younger brother, Mac. When the monster kidnaps her father as part of a multilayered plot to lure her brother—the only one who knows her monster-spotting abilities—into servitude, kill her, and destroy the world, Nizhoni seeks help from her biracial best friend, Davery, whose mother is African American, his father, Diné. Aided by Mr. Yazzie, a stuffed horned-toad toy that can talk, and a cast of characters from Diné culture, the three kids embark on an adventurous trek to free Dad and stop the monsters. But even with powers inherited from monster-slaying ancestors, assistance from Holy People, and weapons fashioned from the Sun, Nizhoni will need to believe in herself while sacrificing what’s most important if she hopes to succeed. Fans of Hugo and Nebula winner Roanhorse (Ohkay Owingeh) will appreciate her fast-paced prose, page-turning chapter endings, and, most of all, strong female protagonist. By reimagining a traditional story in a contemporary context, populating it with faceted Native characters, and centering it on and around the Navajo Nation, Roanhorse shows that Native stories are active and alive.”- Kirkus Reviews
January Graphic Novel Book Club
Monday, January 29th @ 5PM
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Join Caroline and Erika for a book discussion and trivia for 3rd-6th graders! We will be reading Lightfall by Tim Probert.
The Wise Pig Wizard and his adopted granddaughter Bea are keepers of the Eternal Flame on planet Irpa. When Bea encounters Cad, a member of a thought to be extinct race, the two make their way back home in hopes the Pig Wizard can help Cad find his missing people. However, once back home, all that is left is the jar of the Eternal Flame and a mysterious note. In order to save the Pig Wizard and prevent their world from eternal darkness, Bea and Cad partner up on an epic journey through Irpa.
The Trove will provide a free copy of the book for the first eight individuals to register for the discussion. When the books are available, we will email to arrange pickup; please list an email address and phone number when registering. You can also place a hold on the book using our catalog.
Recommended reads if you like Lightfall:
Garlic and the Vampire by Bree Paulsen
Library Collection
“Garlic is late for market day, but her friend Carrot doesn’t mind covering for her. It’s a bustling time, with different vegetables selling unmagicked versions of themselves in an old-fashioned rural village. In this cheerful, boldly inked graphic novel for younger readers, these (totally adorable) anthropomorphic plants with diverse genders live side by side with humans, all under the watchful eye of the kindly but powerful Witch Agnes, who created them as ‘mute little helpers’ but has enjoyed their growth into independent contributors to the community. When the vegetables notice smoke trailing from the chimneys of a nearby castle, Agnes uses her magic to investigate and discovers that a vampire has moved in. Nervous Garlic is tasked with slaying the bloodsucker, given their folkloric revulsion to her kin. Antagonistic Celery goes with her reluctantly, payback for his willingness to sacrifice her for the mission. Vampire lore and information about witchcraft are woven throughout, and Witch Agnes’ wisdom often speaks directly to the audience. It’s a quick but packed read, and readers will cheer Garlic’s growth from anxious to triumphant, though children looking for a spooky vampire tale will soon discover that this depiction is more cheerful than chilling. Delightful.” –Kirkus Reviews
No one returns from the Enchanted Forest by Robin RobinsonLibrary Collection
“A worrywart goblin must face her fears to save not just her sister, but the whole of Teacup Island. Bix’s headstrong little sister, Pella, is one of her main sources of worry. Ever since they lost their parents, Bix has been responsible for Pella—but Pella is not easily controlled. Mere days before the Midsummer Festival, the goblins’ underground city is struck by yet another earthquake, leading the elders to decide they all must leave. It is said that the Earth Queen who lives in the Enchanted Forest is responsible for the earthquakes, so Pella decides to go confront her. When Bix discovers Pella has left, she rushes off to rescue her despite all her fears of the Enchanted Forest that swallows up anyone who dares to enter. With the help of Cici, an enthusiastic tree troll, Bix navigates dangers and discovers the hero within herself. Gorgeous black-lined, pastel-colored art brings to life this charming adventure story of sisterhood and friendship. Bix, Pella, and Cici, who live in a fantasy land that is filled with magic and devoid of humans, are lovable for their distinct personalities and big hearts. The colorful inhabitants of Teacup Island are all pretty cute—even the ones that veer toward creepy. With danger always lurking and illustrations that are full of movement, it’s easy to get quickly swept up into this tale and not want to leave. Enchanting indeed.”-Kirkus Reviews
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