Junior Fiction
The barren grounds
Robertson, David, 1977- author
2020
Morgan and Eli, two Indigenous children forced away from their families and communities, are brought together in a foster home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They each feel disconnected, from their culture and each other, and struggle to fit in at school and at their new home -- until they find a secret place, walled off in an unfinished attic bedroom. A portal opens to another reality, Askí, bringing them onto frozen, barren grounds, where they meet Ochek (Fisher). The only hunter supporting his starving community, Misewa, Ochek welcomes the human children, teaching them traditional ways to survive. But as the need for food becomes desperate, they embark on a dangerous mission. Accompanied by Arik, a sassy Squirrel they catch stealing from the trapline, they try to save Misewa before the icy grip of winter freezes everything -- including them.
The chalice of the gods
Riordan, Rick, author
2023
Percy Jackson's hope for a normal senior year is shattered as the gods present him with three quests, beginning with the retrieval of Zeus's goblet, in order to get the necessary three letters of recommendation for college.
The flames of hope
Sutherland, Tui, 1978- author
2024
Luna has always wanted to change the world--to fix it, to free it--even if she's never actually known how. Now that all of dragon--and humankind are in mortal danger, Luna is flying back home to Pantala with a team of dragons on a rescue mission, determined to be brave and useful. But saving a continent isn't as easy as a prophecy makes it sound, and 'facing a great evil' definitely requires more than the fiery silk that Luna is uniquely able to create. As she fights her way to the abyss that hides the dark roots poisoning Pantala, Luna must uncover a long-buried secret and unite her friends, her enemies, and her own powers. If she doesn't, she won't get to change the world. She'll have to say goodbye to it--forever.
Howl's moving castle
Jones, Diana Wynne, author
2000
Eldest of three sisters in a land where it is considered to be a misfortune, Sophie is resigned to her fate as a hat shop apprentice until a witch turns her into an old woman and she finds herself in the castle of the greatly feared wizard Howl.
Izzy at the end of the world
Reynolds, K. A. author.
2023
An autistic girl faced with disaster, Izzy Wilder and her dog Akka set out to discover the truth behind humanity's disappearance, facing life's greatest mysteries as they uncover the true endurance of the human spirit to save the world.
A rover's story
Warga, Jasmine, author
2022
Built to explore Mars, Resilience begins to develop human-like feelings as he learns from the NASA scientists who assembled him, and as he blasts off and explores Mars, Resilience must overcome different obstacles as he explores the red planet.
Slugfest
Korman, Gordon, author
2024
Forced to take Physical Education Equivalency, aka "Slugfest," in summer school so he can maintain his star spot on the JV football team, Yash recruits his fellow PE rejects to train with him and pass this course, an endeavor that turns into a summer he'll never forget.
The wild robot protects
Brown, Peter, 1979-, author, illustrator
2023
Life for Roz and the animals on their island is perfect. But when mysterious, dangerous waters surround the island, the animals are forced inland to fight over dwindling resources. Roz calms and organizes the animals, but the poison tide takes a terrible toll on the island. So the wild robot sets out across the ocean, determined to stop the poison tide. During her journey, Roz encounters amazing geological formations and incredible creatures, and she sees the devastation caused by the toxic waters. Can the wild robot save the ocean and her island and everything she loves?
Winston Chu vs. the wingmeisters
Lee, Stacey (Stacey Heather), author
2024
When San Francisco adults forget who they are and mysterious exotic birds flock to the city, twelve-year-old Winston Chu and friends team up to investigate the strange occurrences and face off against Mr. Pang's older magpie-turned-human brother, Mr. Gu.-- Provided by publisher.