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For Arturo, summertime in Miami means playing basketball until dark, sipping mango smoothies, and keeping cool under banyan trees. And maybe a few shifts as junior lunchtime dishwasher at Abuela’s restaurant. Maybe. But this summer also includes Carmen, a poetry enthusiast who moves into Arturo’s apartment complex and turns his stomach into a deep fryer. He almost doesn’t notice the smarmy land developer who rolls into town and threatens to change it. Arturo refuses to let his family and community go down without a fight, and as he schemes with Carmen, Arturo discovers the power of poetry and protest through untold family stories and the work of José Martí. Funny and poignant, The Epic Fail of Arturo Zamora is the vibrant story of a family, a striking portrait of a town, and one boy’s quest to save both. Also availabe in Spanish.

No one wants to take on the 4th grade class at Aesop Elementary: that is until Mr. Jupiter appears on the scene. The new teacher captivates his students while helping them learn a few lessons (remember the school’s name!) along the way.

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 novel focuses on Josh Swenson, a teenager who preaches his anti-consumerism beliefs under his online pseudonym of “Larry” and must deal with the sudden popularity of his web presence.

The feline adventures begin when Marco and Polo, always indoor cats, taste freedom (and the Burger King dump). The cat brothers meet others memorable mousers along the way in this first of a series of books about the Cat Pack.

When adventurous Black cousins Otto and Sheed Alston accidentally extend the last day of summer by freezing time, they find the secrets hidden between the unmoving seconds, minutes, and hours are not the endless fun they expected.

Greg doesn’t think he needs a resolution for the New Year; he’d be hard to improve on. But he’s not sure his parents agree. Once again, family and school lives are revealed with ardent honesty through Greg’s voice and comic drawings.

Nadia loves fun facts. Here are a few about her:

- She collects bobbleheads — she has 77 so far.

- She moved from Egypt to America when she was six years old.

- The hippo amulet she wears is ancient… as in it’s literally from ancient Egypt.

- She’s going to win the contest to design a new exhibit at the local museum. Because how cool would that be?!

(Okay, so that last one isn’t a fact just yet, but Nadia has plans to make it one.)

But then a new kid shows up and teases Nadia about her Egyptian heritage. It’s totally unexpected, and totally throws her off her game. And something else happens that Nadia can’t explain: Her amulet starts glowing! She soon discovers that the hippo is holding a hilarious — and helpful — secret. Can she use it to confront the new kid and win the contest?

Includes sections of black-and-white comics as well as lively black-and-white illustrations throughout.

The real-life diaries of four New York teens read like episodes of Gossip Girl or The Hills and show that teen lit is more realistic than many adults want to imagine. The girls write candidly about their vulnerabilities and their mistakes.

This book is part of a series of modern classics about the charming Penderwick family. 

When summer comes around, it’s off to the beach for Rosalind … and off to Maine with Aunt Claire for the rest of the Penderwick girls, as well as their old friend, Jeffrey. That leaves Skye as the oldest available Penderwick—a terrifying notion for all, but for Skye especially. Things look good as they settle into their cozy cottage, with a rocky shore, enthusiastic seagulls, a just-right corner store, and a charming next-door neighbor.  But can Skye hold it together long enough to figure out Rosalind’s directions about not letting Batty explode?  Will Jane’s Love Survey come to a tragic conclusion after she meets the alluring Dominic? Is Batty—contrary to all accepted wisdom—the only Penderwick capable of carrying a tune?  And will Jeffrey be able to keep peace between the girls … these girls who are his second, and most heartfelt, family?

This book is part of a series of modern classics about the charming Penderwick family. In this book The Penderwick sisters busily discover the summertime magic of Arundel estate’s sprawling gardens, treasure-filled attic, tame rabbits, and the cook who makes the best gingerbread in Massachusetts. Best of all is Jeffrey Tifton, son of Arundel’s owner, the perfect companion for their adventures. Icy-hearted Mrs. Tifton is less pleased with the Penderwicks than Jeffrey, and warns the new friends to stay out of trouble. Is that any fun? For sure the summer will be unforgettable. 

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.

Prince Brat is a well-earned nickname; the rude, selfish royal even has a commoner to take his licks which happen daily. The prince decides to run away, taking Jemmy with him where adventures ensue and a friendship evolves. This is reminiscent of Twain’s Prince and the Pauper though clearly for younger readers.

Chris has his hands full — he’s growing apart from his friends, his parents may get divorced, his brother is a bully, and, oh yeah, he’s turning into a vampire.