Books for Kids (Ages 9-12)
5,000 Awesome Facts (About Everything)
By National Geographic Kids
(Juvenile Non-fiction; ages 8-12 years)
If you love trivia and random facts, then this is the book for you. List after list of interesting tidbits of information are presented. From facts about things that grow to wacky hotels to deadly animals and everything in between, you can follow the ticker at the bottom of the page to see how many facts you’ve learned.
Teammates
By Peter Golenbock; illus. by Paul Bacon
(Juvenile Biography)
This is the moving story of how Jackie Robinson became the first black player on a major league baseball team and how on a fateful day in Cincinnati, PeeWee Reese took a stand and declared Jackie his teammate.
May B: A Novel-In-Verse
By Caroline Starr Rose
(Juvenile Fiction; ages 8 – 12)
Nary a word is out of place in this survival novel told in verse. May has been sent by her father to help out at another homestead until Christmas. But when the husband and wife go missing, May is left to fend for herself as winter sets in on the vast and empty prairie.
National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry; 200 Poems with Photographs that Squeak, Soar, and Roar!
J. Patrick Lewis, ed.
(Juvenile Non-fiction; Poetry)
Over 200 animals are featured in this poetry book. From the big ones to the little ones to the quiet ones and the noisy ones, some are winged ones and some are water ones, and there are even some really strange ones! Children will love to see their favorite animals photographed in this book alongside wonderfully written poems about them. Featured poets include J. Patrick Lewis, Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost, Rudyard Kipling, Jack Prelutsky, Robert Louis Stevenson, and many more! A section in the back describes how to write the different types of animal poems in the book.
The Fairy Ring or Elsie and Frances Fool the World
By Mary Losure
(Juvenile Non-fiction; ages 9-12 years)
This charming book is based on the true story of cousins Elsie and Frances who are living in England during World War I. Frances sees fairies on a regular basis in the countryside where she lives. Elsie is older and does not see fairies, but she would like to photograph one to stop the teasing Frances receives. So, Elsie concocts a scheme. And the scheme has some dramatic consequences for the girls and their families. While written for children, adults will also enjoy reading this little book.
Liar & Spy
By Rebecca Stead
(Juvenile Fiction; ages 9-12 years)
Newbery Medal-winner Rebecca Stead has a knack for capturing the sights, sounds, and even the smells of middle school, as well as the thoughts and feelings of middle-school kids. Seventh-grader Georges deals with bullies at school and troubles at home and gets drawn into a spying operation with Safer, a quirky new friend in his apartment building. Stead also has a talent for writing surprising plot twists, and this funny, poignant story will keep readers guessing until the end.
Icefall
By Matthew Kirby
(Juvenile Mystery; ages 9-12 years)
Hiding in a remote fortress while their father, the king, wages war, Solveig and her royal siblings must survive the harsh winter as a hidden traitor tries to destroy their family. This historical mystery set in the time and land of the Vikings will have readers looking for a warm blanket to cuddle under as they try to figure out who can be trusted. A 2012 Edgar Award Winner for Best Juvenile Mystery.
Presidential Pets
By Julia Moberg; illus. Jeff Albrecht Studios
(Juvenile Nonfiction; ages 9-12 years)
Presidents and their pets are introduced sequentially from George Washington to Barack Obama with a rhyming verse. Each page features pet information, presidential stats, accomplishments, and other trivia. The illustrations are comical and colorful. Animal-loving kids will love this trek through history.
Kids’ Guide to Projects for Your Pet
By Gail Green
(Juvenile Non-fiction; ages 8-12 years)
Ten pet projects both fun and practical are featured in this book of crafts using easy-to-find materials.
Snow Play: How to Make Forts & Slides and Winter Campfires
By Brigitta Ralston
(Juvenile Non-Fiction; ages 9-12 years)
Kids love to play in the snow and this book will have them scanning the sky, anxious for those flakes to start falling. From a snowball challenge to a winter birthday cake, each project includes a time frame, tools, and type of snow needed, and other helpful tips.
Sparrow Road
By Sheila O’Connor
(Juvenile Fiction; ages 9-12 years)
Twelve-year-old Raine has no idea why her mother has whisked her away to Sparrow Road, a summer home for eccentric artists. As she makes friends with the artists, Raine discovers the house has a mysterious past as an orphanage. As she works to solve that mystery, she is also confronted with truths about her own family.
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