Recent Arrivals in the Children's Room

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor. Twelve-year-old Sunny has never really felt at home anywhere.  She's Nigerian, but she was born in America, and now that her family has returned to Nigeria, many of her classmates treat her like a foreigner. And as if that weren't enough, she's also albino.  However, Sunny soon learns that she isn't just an outcast loner; she's a Leopard Person with special powers. Only now her problems are much bigger--she has to help save the world.

Eighth-Grade Superzero by Olugbemisola Rhuday-Perkovich.  Ever since an incident involving his prank-pulling older sister, and well, vomit, Reggie "Pukey" McKnight has been saddled with the same embarrassing nickname and loser reputation. Still, he is determined that eighth grade is going to be his turn-around year, his comeback. Will he, along with his best friends Ruthie and Joe C., be able to change Clark Middle School for the better?

Mudshark by Gary Paulsen. Move over Encyclopedia Brown!  There's a new kid sleuth in town, Lyle Williams--known to all as Mudshark. His skills at observation and finding answers are respected by everyone, until the psychic parrot in the school library starts stealing his thunder! Can a case involving the principal, some missing erasers and and a gerbil restore Mudshark to school detective supreme?

Angel in My Pocket by Ilene Cooper.  Bette hasn't felt like singing (or doing much of anything else) since her mom died two years ago. Her sister is away at college most of the time, and her dad is busy with his new jazz club. Can an angel charm and a mysterious new neighbor help her change her life?