Books You May Have Missed 2021: Elementary and Middle Grade

Mel wants to be a grown-up and make her own decisions so she is happy to get the chance to travel to a magical world where she can make her own choices, even if some are difficult.

"A picture book about painter Winslow Homer's fascination with waves and the ocean"--

A sequel to Voyage of the Frostheart finds Ash and his ragtag crew of misfits boarding the Frostheart sleigh to the dazzling city of Aurora, where he practices the art of songweaving while searching landmarks for clues about his long-lost parents.

"What do Frank Ocean, Sally Ride, George Takei, and Sharice Davids all have in common? They're all proud LGBTQ Americans! Featuring people from a variety of occupations and backgrounds, this collection of 25 short biographies demonstrates the diversity, accomplishments, and pride within the American LGBTQ community."--Amazon.

"It only takes one day at their new school for Parker and Sven to become mortal enemies. Parker's had a terrible summer and just wants to be invisible, while Sven is desperate to make an impression and be known as anything other than 'that boy with epilepsy.' When Parker discovers her beloved dog Alaska--who she had to give away last year--now belongs to Sven, she's determined to steal her back. Of course, that's easier said than done"--Provided by...

On June 3, 2017, as seen in the Oscar-winning documentary Free Solo, Alex Honnold achieved what most had written off as unattainable: a 3,000-foot vertical climb of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, without a rope or harness. At the time, only a few knew what he was attempting to do, but after topping out at 9:28 am, having spent just under four hours on this historic feat, author Mark Synnott broke the story for National Geographic and the world...

Katie was Jude's favorite person in the world. And not many brothers say that about their sister and mean it. But to Jude, Katie was everything--the person who made him learn how to say "I love you" in every language, who performed dramatic readings of Romeo and Juliet, who obsessed over every item on the diner menu looking for the most authentic diner meal. The one who called him "Jude Banks, Superhero," because to her, Jude was the best. She was...

"With one poem for each child, this collection explores the hopes of the thirty-four children disappeared and killed during Augusto Pinochet's regime in Chile."--

Throughout history, ordinary people have been forced to leave their families and homes because of war, famine, slavery, intolerance, economic and political upheaval, or climate change. These remarkable true stories of escape show how courageous people all around the world have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles in their flight to freedom. --from Amazon.

"An award-winning, stunningly illustrated, sober depiction of war. A recipient of the prestigious Nami Concours prize, this remarkable book of striking, often surreal illustrations and sparse prose reveals the many sides of war: where it comes from, how it creeps up on us, and how it destroys everything in its wake. During a time when wars are fought around the world, this evocative and bold interpretation may serve as a vehicle for difficult yet...