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Soon after 13-year old Zane travels from New Hampshire to visit his great-grandmother, Miss Trissy, in New Orleans, disaster strikes. He and Bandy, his dog, confront the storm and the natural and human disastrous aftermath when they are separated from Miss Trissy and make their way back to Zane’s family. This thought-provoking novel is taut and fast-paced.

An August day on the national Mall has been made famous by the powerful “I Have a Dream” speech given by Martin Luther King, Jr. But many others were there, too. Real and imagined voices from that day are presented in varied poems, bringing it into focus and reminding young readers that they “…can make a difference…[they] have a voice.”

The first in the Accelerati Trilogy, 14-year old Nick, his younger brother and his father have moved from Tampa (FL) to a ramshackle Victorian house in Colorado Springs. Peculiar things happen when items from the attic are sold. Could they really be inventions from inventor Nicola Tesla? Intrigue with plenty of humor and likeable characters in a fast-pace will leave readers awaiting the next book.

Sophisticated readers who have enjoyed books by two-time Newbery Medalist Katherine Paterson, can learn about the author’s life and the backstory for her novels. Black and white photographs open each chapter. The book concludes with the death of her beloved husband, John. Though often sophisticated, the stories may inspire rereading and the sharing of family stories.

The rumors of a Russian spy in Hazel’s small Vermont town and the threat of Communist infiltration are palpable to her. With the help of a new kid in town and a bit of spying, Hazel tries to uncover the goings-on. Though set in the 1950s, themes remain relevant in this fast-paced adventure.

Sisters, Marcelle and Coco, find a blind English soldier in the woods near their home in France. With the help of their older brother and his friend, Lt. Shepherd makes it across the Channel, leaving a small silver donkey and stories about the creature with the girls. Set during World War I, this is a timeless, gentle and hopeful story.

Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon and a human woman (and title character in the Olympian series of novels) retells traditional Greek myths. His voice is informal and chatty, adding contemporary insight and drama. The tellings are punctuated by handsome, theatrical illustrations in a satisfyingly large format.

Middle school is tough enough but what happens when your grandfather — a scientist who has uncovered some really interesting jellyfish properties — attends with you as a 13-year old? It’s a totally new experience! Told with verve and humor (and a touch of science), this is a coming-of-age tale for 11-year old Ellie and Melvin, her teenaged granddad.

The pioneering homesteading family, which includes the “Little House” books author, moved a great deal and is reflected in Laura’s books. Wilder fans and those interested in American history will be engaged by instructions for a corn husk doll and recipes for Johnnycakes, gingerbread and butter as well as the family’s story.

Jesse isn’t as good a football player as his older brother but with a bit of encouragement from a friend, he tries out and gets the position of quarterback on the freshman team. And can a girl be the team’s kicker? Appearances don’t always reveal what a person can do — even in football. Recognizable concerns are sure to resonate with readers.

The early years of a girl who grows into a writer has been recreated from family stories combined with memory and presented in verse. Born in February 1963 in Ohio, Woodson’s family soon moves to the South during turbulent years. The history of the writer, her family and a nation combine in rich, metaphorical language.

Leonard Marcus, a nationally acclaimed writer on children’s literature, has created a richly annotated edition of this perennial favorite. Marcus’s expansive annotations include interviews with the author and illustrator, illuminating excerpts from Juster’s notes and drafts, cultural and literary commentary, and Marcus’s own insights on the book.

“A picture book is a dialogue between two worlds: the world of images and the world of words,” says Marcus in this lively inside look at the creative work of 14 children’s book writers and illustrators. Maurice Sendak, Rosemary Wells, Robert McCloskey, Charlotte Zolotow, James Marshall are among those who are interviewed.

Marcus presents in-depth interviews with 13 renowned fantasy writers, including Susan Cooper, Nancy Farmer, Brian Jacques, Tamora Pierce, and Philip Pullman. Marcus unearths some common threads (many were inspired early on by J.R.R. Tolkien, for example) and elicits advice to aspiring writers. From Ursula Le Guin: “Read. Write. Read. Write. Go on reading. Go on writing,”

When a squirrel is snatched up by a hungry hawk (but not eaten), his courageous friends go after him. Together they discover another squirrel society and save their homes from devastation in this clever, quite funny, and often insightful tale that provides a glimpse into what squirrel civilization might be.

Tasty recipes made by a young orphan named Cady with a special Talent are at the center of the mystery that involves old suitcases and an old peanut recipe — with just a touch of magic. The well-paced plot with its memorable characters unfolds through crisp narration. (Tasty recipes included!)

With verve and a twang, the critters and humans of Sugarland Swamp come alive through lively narration. Raccoon brothers help a human boy save the swamp and solve a mystery with help from a host of eccentric characters, including the enigmatic Swamp Man.

The small squirrel rescued from a super vacuum cleaner by 10-year old Flora emerges hairless but with new superpowers. Newly named Ulysses, the squirrel cracks Flora’s protective cynicism as she copes with her parents’ separation. Humor and pathos combine in text and illustration in this humorous, memorable and poignant novel. (2014 Newbery Medal Winner)

Nine-year old Anna is a worrywart. In fact, she is one of two in a Safety Club prepared for any kind of disaster. Disaster preparedness did not include leaving Colorado for Kansas with her minister father, experiencing a tornado and more. Anna’s voice is authentic as are her questions that include religious concerns and God’s will.

His father assures Billy that his second grade year will be a fine year in spite of a bumpy start. Readers will recognize themselves and everyday adventures as they share Billy’s familiar likes and concerns, friendships and family.

Katy’s adventure begins on a rainy day with her friend, Louise, when Katy wonders why her Aunt Martha left things hidden — and locked — in Katy’s room. Modern classics, these gentle fantasies have been made available again to delight contemporary readers.

Amar’e is a good athlete and a good kid. But a group of bullies want to keep Amar’e off their home court. How Amar’e resolves the problem (told in first person) creates a fast-paced basketball story to launch a new series by an NBA All-Star.

Melonhead, now in 5th grade, and his best friend want to earn money. So when Melonhead has a BOB — short for Brainflash of Brilliance — the We-Fix-It Company is born, starting the adventure and fun. The latest Melonhead book stands alone and is sure to engage young readers.

Stonewall Hinkleman’s parents are Civil War buffs who reenact its battles, insisting that Stonewall (named for Stonewall Jackson, of course) accompany them. When Stonewall Hinkleman finds has traveled back in time to a real battle, he must work to save history!