List
2021 Staff Picks: Grades 4-5
Staff favorites from 2021 for kids in grades 4-5.
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Amari and the Night Brothers
2021 by Alston, B. B.Get this itemThere’s lots of cool magical stuff happening at the Bureau of Supernatural Affairs, and 13 year old Amari receives a special invitation from her missing brother to join. Amari’s new best friend (and partner in investigation) is a were-dragon named Elsie, the last of her kind. I loved everything about this book! Recommended by Sharon.
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Rez Dogs
2021 by Bruchac, JosephGet this itemI love this timely novel-in-verse about a girl whose visit to her grandparents on their reservation turns into a long stay when the pandemic shuts things down. She is determined to take care of her grandparents with the help of a dog that adopts her family. Recommended by Shelley.
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The Beatryce Prophecy
2021 by DiCamillo, KateGet this itemThis book is somehow poignant, thrilling, and creepy while still managing to be laugh-out-loud funny. My fifth grader and I read it together, which, like the book, was both beautiful and heartbreaking because we loved it so much that we couldn’t put it down, leading to some very delayed bedtimes. (Totally worth it!) Recommended by Caitlin S.
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The Sea-Ringed World: Sacred Stories of the Americas
2021 by García Esperón, MaríaGet this itemThis is the first story collection of Indigenous peoples I've seen and it’s way overdue. I loved the beautifully written stories, and the illustrations that are soft, rich, and deep-blue like the sea. Each story is preceded by a poem and the back matter includes a culture guide, map, and glossary, which I’m sure all librarians will be excited to hear! Recommended by Grace.
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The Elephant's Girl
2020 by Rimington, CelestaGet this itemI really liked this story; especially because they lived at the zoo, interacted with the animals, looked out for one another, and touched on awareness about animals in captivity. I wanted to give Lexington and Nyah a great big hug! Recommended by Meleesa.
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The Lion of Mars
2021 by Holm, Jennifer L.Get this itemI love this story of 11-year-old Bell, who has spent his whole life on Mars in an isolated colony. When a pandemic hits and their colony needs help, the kids venture out to try and get it. Bell isn’t the bravest, but he must learn to be to save his family. It’s great to read a story where kids learn that everything is not as it seems and grownups aren’t always perfect. Recommended by Cathy.
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The Mystery of the Tenth
2021 by Acevedo, ChantelGet this itemI just adore this blending of Cuban American culture and Greek Mythology. It is the second installment in the middle-grade duology, Muse Squad. The first title is The Cassandra Curse, published in 2020. Callie Martinez-Silva is one of the nine muses of classical myth, and she has the gift to inspire others in ways that can help humankind in troubled times. Great girl power for sure. Recommended by Sharon.
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The Silver Arrow
2020 by Grossman, LevGet this itemThis would make a great family readaloud! It's like a mashup between Harry Potter and The Polar Express. Recommended by Sue.
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Pawcasso
2021 by Lai, RemyGet this itemI loved this sweet graphic novel involving a dog who shops around town on his own and a young lonely girl who temporarily "adopts" him so she can join an art class. Recommended by Christine.
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If the World Were 100 People: A Visual Guide to Our Global Village
2021 by McCann, JacquelineGet this itemI love the infographics that make this book work so well! It's so hard to visualize 8 billion people, but in this 100 person village, you can really picture a fact like 71 people have clean water to drink, while 29 people don't. A great book to read and discuss as a family! Recommended by Shelley.
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Treasure in the Lake
2021 by Pamment, JasonGet this itemThis beautifully drawn, time-twisty mystery had me on the edge of my seat. I love exploring in dry creek beds and abandoned structures, so I was hooked from the very beginning! Recommended by Caitlin S.
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Garlic & the Vampire
2021 by Paulsen, BreeGet this itemIf you told me that one of the most heartwarming books I’d read this year was about a piece of garlic (magicked into consciousness) who suffers from anxiety facing up against a local vampire, I would say...? But as far out as it sounds, the impactful message about facing your fears is surprisingly relatable. This talented creator can even make a great story out of talking vegetables wearing clothes and spouting the sweetest exclamations (cheese and chives)! Recommended by Grace.
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No One Returns From the Enchanted Forest
2021 by Robinson, RobinGet this itemWe are big Hilda fans in our house and this is a great readalike about a couple of goblin sisters who go on an adventure to save their home. Recommended by Becca.
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Mayor Good Boy
2021 by Scheidt, DaveGet this itemWe delighted in this story of a small town who elects a dog to be its mayor, and all he wants is for people to be kind. It's cute with just a hint of gross--like all the best graphic novels for middle grade kids. Recommended by Becca.
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Sisters of the Neversea
2021 by Smith, Cynthia LeitichGet this itemThis is a fresh retelling of Peter Pan featuring a blended Native and white family in present day Tulsa, Oklahoma. I love how Smith reimagines Neverland to heal the negative representation of Native people written in the original story. Recommended by Katie.
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Fast Pitch
2021 by Stone, NicGet this itemThis book is a fast read and combines many things I love--baseball, history, family, and righting a wrong. Shenice is a star player leading her team (the first all Black fast pitch team in the south) to a championship. When she discovers that her grandfather was framed for a crime because he was Black, she loses track of her goal. Can she get back on track? Read it and find out. Recommended by Cathy.
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Lotería
2021 by Valenti, KarlaGet this itemI do not have enough words to describe how great this book is. This is magical realism and deep philosophical thought wrapped up in a high stakes, otherworldly adventure story, with great characters, pictures, and writing--for kids! It also made me really want to learn to play Lotería. Anyone up for a game? Recommended by Caitlin S.
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