December: Fiction

Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a 'web developer' in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.

Harris thinks there's something about the new kid at school, Zeke, and that's because Zeke is actually the new kid on the planet! Will Zeke be able to make friends on this new planet, or will Harris discover his secret? Join Zeke and Harris on their adventures in this four-book collection that is out of this world! This four-book collection is sure to be a hit with any young reader. Filled with humor, adventure, and friendship, The Alien Next Door follows Zeke, an alien who is new to Earth, and his friendship with Harris, a very observant Earthling. Combining the first four books in the series, The New Kid, Aliens for Dinner?!, Alien Scout, and Trick or Cheat?, kids will love being able read book after book without waiting.

A family gradually moves forward after the loss of a child--a story for readers of all ages When someone you love dies, you know what doesn't die? Love. On the hot beach, among colorful umbrellas blooming beneath a bright sun, no one saw a little girl walk into the water. Now, many months later, her bedroom remains empty, her drawers hold her clothes, her pillows and sheets still have her scent, and her mother and father, brothers and sister carry her in their hearts, along with their grief, which takes up so much space. Then one snowy day, the mother and father ask the girl's older brother, "Would you like a room of your own?" He wants to know, "Whose?" They say, "Your sister's." Tenderly, and with refreshing authenticity, beloved Minnesota writer Kao Kalia Yang tells the story of a Hmong American family living with loss and tremendous love. Her direct and poignant words are accompanied by the evocative and expressive drawings of Hmong American artist Xee Reiter. The Shared Room brings a message of comfort and hope to readers young and old.

An uplifting story about role models, football, and tackling fear set in the heart of Friday Night Lights country--from the bestselling author of Heat, Travel Team, and Fantasy League. Clay is a quarterback's dream. When he zips across the field, arms outstretched, waiting for the ball to sail into his hands, there's no denying him the catch. Like most Texans, Clay is never more at home than when playing football. And his coach, a former star player for the Dallas Cowboys, is just like a second father. But as the football season kicks off, Clay begins to notice some odd behavior from his coach--lapses in his memory and strange mood swings. The conclusion is painful, but obvious: Coach Cooper is showing side effects of the many concussions he sustained during his playing days. As Clay's season wears on, it becomes clear that the real victory will be to help his coach walk onto that famous star logo in the middle of Cowboys Field one last time--during a Thanksgiving day ceremony honoring him and his former Super Bowl-winning teammates. In Lone Stars, #1 New York Times bestseller Mike Lupica demonstrates once again that there is no children's sports novelist today who can match his ability to weave a story of vivid sports action and heartfelt emotion. A touching story that proves life is bigger than a game. Praise for Lone Stars "Lupica has crafted another fine sports story for the middle school reader."--VOYA "Young readers, no matter their level of interest in the game, will be drawn in by this touching, timely story."--Booklist "There is plenty of great football action to keep the sports enthusiasts engaged, and the information about concussive injury is easily understood and applied. This is an entertaining read that also imparts an important message."--School Library Connection

The third book in the heavily illustrated Zombie Chasers series by John Kloepfer. This fan-favorite is perfect for reluctant readers as well as fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid and Dork Diaries. A zombie outbreak is spreading fast across America, but seventh-grader Zack Clarke; his best pal Rice; his older sister Zoe; middle school queen bee Madison Miller; and Ozzie, the newest Zombie Chaser, have a plan to end this nightmare once and for all. They've figured out the cure to the zombie virus and now they're off on a wild zombie road trip from the heartlands to the badlands to defeat the evil genius behind the living dead apocalypse. Can they make it there in time or will Sludgment Day be the dawn of the dead Featuring John Kloepfer's signature hilarious and gory descriptions, and Steve Wolfhard's hysterical black and white interior illustrations, Sludgment Day is an uproarious, gore-streaked addition to the ever-popular Zombie Chasers series!

The sequel to thebestselling The Wild Robot, by award-winning author Peter Brown Shipwrecked on a remote, wild island, Robot Roz learned from the unwelcoming animal inhabitants and adapted to her surroundings--but can she survive the challenges of the civilized world and find her way home to Brightbill and the island? From bestselling and award-winning author and illustrator Peter Brown comes a heartwarming and action-packed sequel to his New York Times bestselling The Wild Robot,about what happens when nature and technology collide.