Posted on November 11, 2016 at 3:11 PM by Craig Jacobson
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The unknown can be very frightening. Whether it’s moving to a new city, major changes to your daily life, or choosing to enter the unknown head-on, each of the young characters in the following suggestions face unpredictable circumstances with courage and an open mind.
As Brave as You by Jason Reynolds is the story of two brothers, Genie and Ernie, from Brooklyn, New York who visit their grandparents in rural Virginia. Having never met their grandparents or left the city, Genie and Ernie are in for a summer of new experiences. The two brothers look out for each other as they get used to new routines—specifically, country chores—and new friends. Readers will particularly enjoy Reynolds depiction of the relationship between grandparents and their grandchildren.
The graphic novel Ghostsby Raina Telgemeier focuses on the close relationship of two sisters, Catrina and Maya. Their family recently moved to California for Maya’s health; she has cystic fibrosis. In addition to moving to a place where she knows no one, Catrina is expected to help look out for her sister and works through how to deal with the unknown future of her younger sister’s illness. As the sisters adjust to their new circumstances, Catrina and Maya also learn more about their heritage as their community gets ready for a Dia de los Muertos celebration. Visually compelling, the graphic novel Ghosts is a wonderful new story from a popular author this fall.?
Two separate young adult series,Walk on Earth a Stranger by Rae Carson and The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson, feature young women who have supernatural abilities to which they must adapt. Walk on Earth a Stranger features Lee Westfall, a sixteen-year-old from Georgia who has the ability to sense when gold is near. Though most would consider this sense a gift, during the gold rush era it leads to trouble and Lee must flee home to make the treacherous and unknown journey to California. Be sure to catch the second in a planned trilogy Like a River Glorious which continues Lee’s story.?
For Rory Deveaux, a Louisiana native studying abroad, an embarrassing choking incident leads to her suddenly being able to see ghosts. The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson is the first in a four-book series focusing on a secret police force whose job it is to keep the ghost population under control in one of the oldest cities in the world—London, England. Their first case is investigating a killer who is reenacting one of the greatest unsolved crimes in history—Jack the Ripper. A non-stop thriller filled with ghosts and action, you will fall in love with these characters!
Looking for additional recommendations? We are always happy to help you find whatever you may be looking for - just stop by the reference desk!