Kids Recommendations
Browse our lists of staff picks, popular topics, and school reading lists.
Kids Book Match
Want personalized recommendations from a children’s librarian? Fill out our Kids Book Match form, and we’ll email you a list of new favorites within two weeks.
Celebrating Disability Pride Month
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Disability Pride
"This series explores disability in a comprehensive, honest, and age-appropriate way. This book explores disability pride, self-advocacy, and person-first language. Engaging inquiry-based sidebars encourage students to LOOK, THINK, MAKE A GUESS, ASK QUESTIONS, and CREATE. Books are authored by writers with disabilities and the series has been developed in partnership with Easterseals who is leading the way to full equity, inclusion, and access through life-changing disability and community services. Books include table of contents, glossary, index, author biography, and sidebars"-- Provided by publisher.
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Tenacious: Fifteen adventures alongside disabled athletes
Meet fifteen remarkable athletes who use adaptive equipment in this beautiful and truth-telling picture book.
A downhill skier whose blindness has sharpened her communication skills. An adaptive surfer who shreds waves while sitting down. A young man who excels at wheelchair motocross--but struggles with math. Tenacious tells their stories and more, revealing the daily joys and challenges of life as an athlete with disabilities.
These competitors have won gold medals, set world records, climbed mountain peaks, claimed national championships, and many more extraordinary achievements. Get to know them in Tenacious!
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I Am a Masterpiece!
Tween actress Mia Armstrong celebrates her fun, funny, beautiful childhood living with Down syndrome in this debut picture book.
Mia likes many of the things other people like--going to the beach, the color blue, drawing. But she doesn't like when strangers stare at her because she looks different from them.
Down syndrome allows Mia to see and understand the world in a way that may not make sense to others. She considers it her superpower--and instead of it making her strange, she considers herself a masterpiece. As we all are.
In this sparkling picture book, Mia offers a glimpse into the life of a child with Down syndrome, helping some readers see themselves in a book and helping others understand those friends, classmates, and family members who are neurodivergent. -
Every Body
Join this photographic celebration of differing physical and neurological abilities from a National Geographic photographer.
We have different ways to move around.
Celebrating children of different abilities, this photographic book presents large, clear images of children moving around their community, using scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, and more. The text presents their experiences navigating the world, from the park to the beach, in simple relatable language. Every Body celebrates children with varying abilities, covering neurological differences, physical differences, and health challenges.
The book includes contributions from internationally-known disabilities activist Judith Heumann whose work is profiled in the oscar-nominated Netflix documentary Crip Camp.
Shelley Rotner, a National Geographic photographer and prolific children's author, applies her trained eye for crisp details in this latest book for young readers.
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Fighting for YES! The story of disability rights activist Judith Heumann
Fighting for Yes is a picture book biography celebrating the life and work of disability rights activist and icon Judith Heumann, highlighting one of her landmark achievements--leading the historic 504 Sit-in in 1977.
From a very young age, Judy Heumann heard the word "No." When she wanted to attend public school, the principal said "No." When she wanted her teaching license, the New York Board of Education said "No." Judy and people with disabilities everywhere were tired of hearing "No."
In the 1970s, an important disability rights law, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, was waiting to be signed. Judy and other disability rights activists fought for "YES!" They held a sit-in until Section 504 was signed into law. Section 504 laid the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was established thanks in large part to the ongoing work of Judy and her community.
Along with a personal reflection from Judy herself, award-winning author Maryann Cocca-Leffler and illustrator Vivien Mildenberger's picture book biography captures the impact and influence of one of America's greatest living activists.
"Cocca-Leffler's straightforward text relates Judy's challenges and triumphs . . . Uplifting and stirring." --Kirkus Reviews
"Illustrations combine gouache painting and digital art to bring Heumann and her allies to life . . . an informative portrait of an under-recognized activist." --Booklist
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You're SO Amazing!
In this authentic and humorous picture book, a child with a limb difference is tired of being told how amazing he is for doing normal things.
Joe and his friend Simone are practicing their best playground tricks, but everyone keeps saying how amazing Joe is, even when he tries to let Simone be the star. Will he ever get to be just Joe, whether he's amazing or not?
This companion to What Happened to You? addresses the assumptions people make about those with disabilities in an accessible, honest, and funny way. Based on James Catchpole's childhood experiences and written with his wife, Lucy, a wheelchair user, You're SO Amazing! encourages young readers to think of disability the way disabled people do: as normal. -
Come Over to My House
Come Over To My House is a delightful picture book that explores the home lives of children and parents who are Deaf or disabled.
Co-written by disability advocate Eliza Hull and bestselling author Sally Rippin, the inclusive rhyming text authentically explores the characters' various disabilities.
A cast of friendly characters invite friends over for a play - there's fun to be had, food to eat and families to meet!
Come over to my house. Come over and play!
I'll show you around, you can stay the whole day.
We'll swing on the swing-set and splash in the pool.
Then I'll race you inside where my bedroom is cool.
Featuring a gorgeous die-cut cover, bright illustrations and a diverse cast, this is a must-read for all families.
- The perfect book to start a conversation about disability and inclusion with parents, care-givers and children.
- Inclusive text normalizes rather than emphasizes the characters' various disabilities. Disabilities are often only shown in the illustrations, not spelt out in the text. This allows the characters' personality to shine brighter than their difference.
- The bouncy rhyming text is a joy to read out loud.
- Sally Rippin's books have sold over 10m copies globally (across Australia, New Zealand and the US).
- The story falls under three Bright Light pillars: bodies, diversity and character. -
The ABCs of Inclusion
In this picture book about disabilities, meet 26 real kiddos with diagnoses like autism, hearing loss, epilepsy, and Down syndrome. It teaches young readers that it's okay to be different--in fact, it's what makes us special!
Sometimes when you meet a new friend, you might notice they are different from you.
Differences can be confusing at first. But when we take the time to learn about our differences, we might find some special ways we are also the same.
Based on real children with real disabilities, this inclusion book for kids teaches children that our differences aren't a scary thing!
Beth Leipholtz is the hearing mother of a deaf child, raising her son, Cooper, bilingually in both hearing and Deaf cultures. On Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, she has built an online community of almost 1 million people to uplift parents on similar journeys and advocate for inclusion and accessibility.
This disability inclusion book for kids introduces children with:
- hearing loss
- anxiety
- autism
- cerebral palsy
- Down syndrome
- epilepsy
- and more!
Elementary school teachers and childcare workers will love using this book to teach children about kids with disabilities with empathy.
We live in a big world--let's make it an accepting and accessible one for our children.
"Every carefully chosen word and engaging illustration highlights the journeys of exceptional children with sensitivity, respect, and advocacy. I am grateful for this work of heart!"
--Lacey Wood, early intervention specialist
"I've never seen a book that addresses kids with different kinds of extra needs quite like this one does. This is a perfect age-appropriate tool to help children learn about friends and peers who may seem different from them, but are really so very much the same."
--Jessica Elam, mother of a special needs child -
I Am Extraordinary
In his sophomore picture book, NBA superstar Stephen Curry encourages kids to embrace the differences that make them extraordinary!
It’s the first day of school for Zoe, a young girl with hearing loss who dreams of playing on her school’s soccer team. But, self-conscious of her hearing aids, Zoe is too nervous to try out. With the help of and perspectives from new friends, what begins as a bumpy, anxiety-filled start for Zoe, soon transitions into an eye-opening experience about what it means to be different—and what it means to be extraordinary. I Am Extraordinary teaches kids how to look inside themselves to find self-acceptance and the confidence to achieve any goal. -
A Kids Book about Disability
"Sometimes people act like having a disability means you're from another planet, even though over a BILLION people in the world have disabilities. So how do you talk about disability? How do you talk to people with disabilities? This book helps kids and grownups approach disability as a normal part of the human experience."--Back cover.
Back to School
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Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year
This hilarious and poignant tween debut--which SLJ heralded as "destined to become a classic" in a starred review--tackles evergreen topics like dealing with bullies, making friends, and the power of good books. A great next read for fans of Merci Suárez Changes Gears and John David Anderson.
Ahmed Aziz is having an epic year--epically bad.
After his dad gets sick, the family moves from Hawaii to Minnesota for his dad's treatment. Even though his dad grew up there, Ahmed can't imagine a worse place to live. He's one of the only brown kids in his school. And as a proud slacker, Ahmed doesn't want to deal with expectations from his new teachers.
Ahmed surprises himself by actually reading the assigned books for his English class: Holes, Bridge to Terabithia, and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Shockingly, he doesn't hate them. Ahmed also starts learning about his uncle, who died before Ahmed was born.
Getting bits and pieces of his family's history might be the one upside of the move, even as his dad's health hangs in the balance and the school bully refuses to leave him alone. Will Ahmed ever warm to Minnesota?
* A Chicago Public Library Kids Best Book of the Year * A BookPage Best Book of the Year * A Bank Street Best Book of the Year * Finalist for the Minnesota Book Award *
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The Terrible Two
Miles Murphy is not happy to be moving to Yawnee Valley, a sleepy town that’s famous for one thing and one thing only: cows. In his old school, everyone knew him as the town’s best prankster, but Miles quickly discovers that Yawnee Valley already has a prankster, and a great one. If Miles is going to take the title from this mystery kid, he is going to have to raise his game.
It’s prankster against prankster in an epic war of trickery, until the two finally decide to join forces and pull off the biggest prank ever seen: a prank so huge that it would make the members of the International Order of Disorder proud.
In The Terrible Two, bestselling authors and friends Mac Barnett and Jory John have created a series that has its roots in classic middle-grade literature yet feels fresh and new at the same time.
Advance Praise for The Terrible Two
“A double helping of fun and mischief!”
—Jeff kinney, author of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series
“The pranks, the brotherhood, the art, the heart! What’s not to love about the Terrible Two?”
—Sara Pennypacker, author of the Clementine series
“You don’t have to be a cow, like cows, or even know a cow to love the Terrible Two.”
—Dave Eggers
“This book is terrible! Terribly funny, terribly full of pranks, and terribly wonderful.”
—Jon Scieszka, author of The Stinky Cheese Man and the Frank Einstein series
“The Terrible Two are my kind of kids. And what’s more, they’re kids’ kind of kids.”
—Annie Barrows, author of the Ivy & Bean series
“Hilarious.”
—Dav Pilkey, author of the Captain Underpants series -
Alvin Ho
ALVIN HO IS an Asian American second grader who is afraid of everything—elevators, tunnels, girls, and, most of all, school. He's so afraid of school that, while he's there, he never, ever, says a word. But at home he's a very loud superhero named Firecracker Man, a brother to Calvin and Anibelly, and a gentleman-in-training, so he can be just like his dad.
From the author of the ALA Notable Ruby Lu series comes a funny and touching chapter book—perfect for both beginning and reluctant readers— that introduces a truly unforgettable character.
From the Hardcover edition. -
El Deafo
New York Times Bestseller
A 2015 Newbery Honor Book Going to school and making new friends can be tough. But going to school and making new friends while wearing a bulky hearing aid strapped to your chest? That requires superpowers! In this funny, poignant graphic novel memoir, author/illustrator Cece Bell chronicles her hearing loss at a young age and her subsequent experiences with the Phonic Ear, a very powerful--and very awkward--hearing aid.
The Phonic Ear gives Cece the ability to hear--sometimes things she shouldn't--but also isolates her from her classmates. She really just wants to fit in and find a true friend, someone who appreciates her as she is. After some trouble, she is finally able to harness the power of the Phonic Ear and become "El Deafo, Listener for All." And more importantly, declare a place for herself in the world and find the friend she's longed for.
PRAISE FOR EL DEAFO
STARRED REVIEWS
"A standout autobiography. Someone readers will enjoy getting to know."
--Publishers Weekly, starred review
"Worthy of a superhero."
--Kirkus Reviews, starred review
"This empowering autobiographical story belongs right next to Raina Telgemeier's Smile (2011) and Liz Prince's Tomboy."
--Booklist -
The Great Pet Escape
The class pets at Daisy P. Flugelhorn Elementary School want OUT . . . and GW (short for George Washington), the deceptively cute hamster in the second-grade classroom, is just the guy to lead the way. But when he finally escapes and goes to find his former partners in crime, Barry and Biter, he finds that they actually LIKE being class pets. Impossible!
Just as GW gets Barry and Biter to agree to leave with him, a mouse named Harriet and her many mouse minions get in their way. What follows is class-pet chaos guaranteed to make readers giggle . . . and maybe look at their class pets a little differently in the future. -
I'm New Here
Three students are immigrants from Guatemala, Korea, and Somalia and have trouble speaking, writing, and sharing ideas in English in their new American elementary school. Through self-determination and with encouragement from their peers and teachers, the students learn to feel confident and comfortable in their new school without losing a sense of their home country, language, and identity.
Young readers from all backgrounds will appreciate this touching story about the assimilation of three immigrant students in a supportive school community.
Anne Sibley O'Brien is one of the founders of I'm Your Neighbor, an organization that promotes children's literature featuring "new arrival" cultures. As the rate of immigration to the United States increases, topics related to immigration are increasingly more important in the classroom and home. I'm New Here demonstrates how our global community can work together and build a home for all.
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George
BE WHO YOU ARE.
When people look at Melissa, they think they see a boy named George. But she knows she's not a boy. She knows she's a girl.
Melissa thinks she'll have to keep this a secret forever. Then her teacher announces that their class play is going to be Charlotte's Web. Melissa really, really, REALLY wants to play Charlotte. But the teacher says she can't even try out for the part... because she's a boy.
With the help of her best friend, Kelly, Melissa comes up with a plan. Not just so she can be Charlotte -- but so everyone can know who she is, once and for all.
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Stella Díaz Has Something to Say
In her first middle-grade novel, award-winning picture book author and illustrator Angela Dominguez tells a heartwarming story based on her own experiences growing up Mexican-American.
Stella Díaz loves marine animals, especially her betta fish, Pancho. But Stella Díaz is not a betta fish. Betta fish like to be alone, while Stella loves spending time with her mom and brother and her best friend Jenny. Trouble is, Jenny is in another class this year, and Stella feels very lonely.
When a new boy arrives in Stella's class, she really wants to be his friend, but sometimes Stella accidentally speaks Spanish instead of English and pronounces words wrong, which makes her turn roja. Plus, she has to speak in front of her whole class for a big presentation at school! But she better get over her fears soon, because Stella Díaz has something to say!
Stella Díaz Has Something to Say introduces an infectiously charming new character with relatable writing and adorable black-and-white art throughout. Simple Spanish vocabulary is also integrated within the text, providing a bilingual element.
2019 Sid Fleischman Award winner
A 2019 Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC) Notable Children's Book
A New York Public Library Best Book for Kids 2018
Top 10 Showstopper Favorite
One of Chicago Public Library's "Best of the Best Books 2018" -
Wonder
I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.
August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can't get past Auggie's extraordinary face. WONDER, now a #1 New York Times bestseller and included on the Texas Bluebonnet Award master list, begins from Auggie's point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community's struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance.
"Wonder is the best kids' book of the year," said Emily Bazelon, senior editor at Slate.com and author of Sticks and Stones: Defeating the Culture of Bullying and Rediscovering the Power of Character and Empathy. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can't blend in when you were born to stand out.
Join the conversation: #thewonderofwonder -
Save Me a Seat
Joe and Ravi might be from very different places, but they're both stuck in the same place: SCHOOL.
Joe's lived in the same town all his life, and was doing just fine until his best friends moved away and left him on his own.
Ravi's family just moved to America from India, and he's finding it pretty hard to figure out where he fits in.
Joe and Ravi don't think they have anything in common -- but soon enough they have a common enemy (the biggest bully in their class) and a common mission: to take control of their lives over the course of a single crazy week.
Books For Gamers
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Escape from a Video Game
Young gamers control the action in this interactive new series from the bestselling author of Trapped in a Video Game. With more than 30 endings and an unlockable bonus adventure, The Secret of Phantom Island promises hours of screen-free fun.
Cooper Hawke and the Secret of Phantom Island is the greatest video game nobody has ever played. The treasure-hunting adventure was supposed to set a new standard for gaming. Then, just one month before its release date, it fell off the face of the earth.
Now, for the first time, you get a chance to play the mysterious game - from the inside. As you outsmart enemies, solve puzzles, and explore the island's hidden areas, you'll discover that there's more to this game than the world realized.
Escape from a Video Game is an innovative pick-your-plot story that promises two adventures for the price of one The main adventure builds critical thinking skills by rewarding young readers for solving puzzles and making sound choices with non-stop action and huge plot twists. Once readers beat the video game within the book, they'll get a chance to hunt for every possible ending. Finding all the book's endings reveals a code that readers can use to unlock a secret story online.
Fans of the best-selling Trapped in a Video Game series, as well as new readers, will quickly come to appreciate the page-turning action and to uncover more secrets about the mysterious video game company Bionosoft. -
BenBee and the Teacher Griefer
From the author of Rhyme Schemer, House Arrest, and Knockout!
The Kids Under the Stairs: BenBee and the Teacher Griefer is a funny, clever novel-in-verse series about Ben Bellows—who failed the Language Arts section of the Florida State test—and three classmates who get stuck in a summer school class.
But these kids aren't dumb—they're divergent thinkers, as Ms. J tells them: they simply approach things in a different way than traditional school demands.
• Each chapter is told through the perspective of one of the four students, who each write in a different style (art, verse, stream of consciousness).
• Celebrates different types of intelligence
• A heartwarming, laugh-out-loud novel-in-verse
Soon, the kids win over Ms. J with their passion for Sandbox, a Minecraft-type game. The kids make a deal with Ms. J: every minute they spend reading aloud equals one minute they get to play Sandbox in class. But when the administration finds about this unorthodox method of teaching, Ben B. and his buds have to band together to save their teacher's job—and their own academic future.
The first in a series of complementary storylines, this is an honest, heartfelt book about friendship, videogames, and learning to love yourself.
• Features a distinct and engaging cast of characters
• Encourages even the most reluctant reader to embrace their own "divergent" self
• Perfect for parents of kids age 10 and up who love Minecraft, educators and librarians, middle grade readers, new readers of poetry, and fans of videogames
• You'll love this book if you love books like Ghost by Jason Reynolds, Patina by Jason Reynolds, and Short by Holly Goldberg Sloan. -
Player vs. Player #1: Ultimate Gaming Showdown
In this action-packed illustrated series, four kid gamers meet at a virtual tournament and battle for the ultimate grand prize. Perfect for young fans of Ready Player One and Mr. Lemoncello's Library.
Sixty-four teams.
One mysterious grand prize.
Four gamers determined to win it all.
Welcome to Affinity, the hottest battle royale video game in the world! Gamers can be anything they want to be in Affinity’s high-tech, magical universe—and test their skills in fierce PvP combat. So when Hurricane Games announces an epic tournament with killer prizes, four kids form a team that feels unstoppable . . . but also maybe doomed from the start?
Josh is the tank . . . when his parents let him game.
Hannah is the melee fighter . . . but she can only play at the public library.
Larkin is the healer . . . as long as her family’s not around.
Wheatley is the ranger . . . with a secret that might wreck the whole team.
As solo gamers, they’re good. Really good. But the tournament is a whole new level of competition, and it'll take all four of them to bring it home. Can they step up their game in time for the final match? -
Josh Baxter Levels Up
Video game lover Josh Baxter knows that seventh grade at a new school may be his hardest challenge yet, but he's not afraid to level up and win!
Josh Baxter is sick and tired of hitting the reset button. It's not easy being the new kid for the third time in two years. One mistake and now the middle school football star is out to get him. And Josh's sister keeps offering him lame advice about how to make friends, as if he needs her help finding allies!Josh knows that his best bet is to keep his head down and stay under the radar. If no one notices him, nothing can touch him, right? But when Josh's mom sees his terrible grades and takes away his video games, it's clear his strategy has failed. Josh needs a new plan, or he'll never make it to the next level, let alone the next grade.He's been playing not to lose. It's time to play to win.
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Power Up
This inventive graphic novel that unfolds online and IRL takes readers from the halls of middle school, to epic robot video game battles, and back again.
Miles and Rhys know each other only as Gryphon and Backslash, and in the video game Mecha Melee they're an unstoppable team. They're the best friends they've got, online or in the real world, and they don't even realize they go to the same middle school.
But real-life wrongdoing blasts their duo into a crater the size of Arcticon. With life online and off a complete mess and BattleCon--and the Every Game Ever tournament--just weeks away, can the boys play their way back to each other?
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The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time -Legendary Edition-
Link must defeat evil at every turn in his perilous quest to help Princess Zelda!
The Legend of Zelda: Legendary Edition contains two volumes of the beloved The Legend of Zelda manga series, presented in a deluxe format featuring new covers and color art pieces by Akira Himekawa.
The battle for Hyrule and the Sacred Realm has begun! A young boy named Link must defeat evil on his long, perilous quest to find the spiritual stones that hold the key to the Triforce, and deliver them to Zelda, princess of the land of Hyrule.
Young Link embarks on a perilous quest to find three spiritual stones that hold the key to the Triforce, the wielder of which will rule the world! Link's plan is to deliver the stones to the Princess of the mystical land of Hyrule, Zelda. But obstacles abound and his long journey has only just begun! -
How to Be a Pro Gamer
Ever thought you could be a contender in the fast-growing world of eSports, but weren't sure how to make it happen? This guide will take you step by step through everything you need to do to become a gaming pro
Got caught playing Fortnite in English class? Fed up with your dad telling you you'll never make a living playing video games? Then this is the book for you How to Be a Pro Gamer shows you step by step how to get into the pro-gaming world. It tells you what you need to play, how you need to play it, and even how to get signed to a pro team. Featuring interviews and advice from the biggest and best eSports players from around the world, reviews of the top 10 eSports games, and a guide to game streaming with Twitch, this is the essential guide to getting the YOLO career you've always dreamed of. -
Clone Trouble
Criminal mastermind Cynthia Cyber has hatched her most devious plot yet. She's created an evil clone of The Gamer called Gamertron to defeat the superhero! Gamertron has the same powers and skills as The Gamer, and a group of digital ninjas is ready to do his bidding! Can The Gamer stop the villains, or will this be the superhero's final fight?
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The Secret Lives of Video Games
Take a break from the console and discover the amazing origins behind all your favorite video games!
Did you know that Mario was originally named Jumpman? Or that his iconic hat and moustache were created because hair and mouths were too hard to animate? Or that Fortnite was originally pitched as a zombie apocalypse survival game? Or that the creator of Pokémon was inspired by his childhood bug collection? In The Secret Lives of Video Games, you'll read all this and more!
Age-appropriate games include:
- Minecraft
- Roblox
- Fortnite
- Rocket League
- The Legend of Zelda
- Pokémon
- Super Mario Bros.
- Animal Crossing
- Sonic the Hedgehog
- Splatoon
- Among Us
- Overwatch
- FIFA
- Tetris
- Lego
- and more!
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Sadiq and the Gamers
Sadiq and his friends are starting a video game club at school and planning a tournament for the whole school to participate in, but their teacher reminds them that they also have to have a service pledge, and they are not really sure how video games fit in with the goal of helping others--until a visit to an assisted living home where his mother volunteers gives him an idea.
Wondering What to Read Next?
Novelist K-8 - Find new titles and authors to read. Looking for a book similar to Percy Jackson? Want to read stories about animals? Prefer your books action-packed and plot driven? Let Novelist give you some new suggestions!
Lists
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- All About Eclipses
- Best of Sarah Weeks
- Novels in Verse
- Classics & Retellings
- Our Favorite Audiobooks
If You Like...
- Baby-Sitters Club
- Diary of a Wimpy Kid
- Dog Man
- Harry Potter
- I Survived
- Percy Jackson
- The One and Only Ivan (Applegate)
- Spy School
- Wings of Fire
- Wonder (Palacio)
Illinois Readers' Choice Awards
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