List
2024 Staff Picks: Fiction for Grade 3-5
From books about zombies to escape rooms to spies to time travelers to spooky stories to friend and school stories , this list has staff favorites for every kind of reader.
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A Place to Shine
2024 by Arnold, MarieGet this itemSunny's quest to fix her nanna will lead her to understand herself and what's important--and that home can be any place you feel loved. Suggested by Maria.
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The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman
2024 by Choldenko, GenniferGet this itemI really fell in love with the main character, Hank. He is dealt a tough hand in life, but does the best he can to thrive even with the absence of his mother and while in the foster care system. Explores the complexities of family relationships while also showing typical middle school drama. Heavy subject but ends on an optimistic note. Suggested by Judy and Meleesa.
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The No-Brainer's Guide to Decomposition
2024 by Cuevas, AdriannaGet this itemZombies rise, and they need the help of Frani and her new friend at her dad's science research facility. I had so much fun reading this silly, heartfelt, only slightly gruesome tale! Suggested by Amanda.
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The Mystery of Locked Rooms
2024 by Currie, LindsayGet this itemThis nail-biting escape room adventure is rife with fun and danger. It reminded me of the Goonies, one of my favorite movies from when I was a kid. Lots of kid-centered danger and thrills! Suggested by Caitlin.
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Ferris
2024 by DiCamillo, KateGet this itemWe love how Kate DiCamillo's stories of everyday families celebrate the quirks and love that make every family unique. Getting to see the world through the eyes of rising fifth grader Ferris during a meaningful summer was enjoyable, especially her perspective on her younger sister's shenanigans! Suggested by Amy K. and Jane.
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The Hotel Balzaar
2024 by DiCamillo, KateGet this itemI loved the story of a girl, a hotel, and a strange visitor! Suggested by Marissa.
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And Then, Boom!
2024 by Fipps, LisaGet this itemTold in verse, this is a heartfelt, yet hope-filled, story about a poverty-stricken 11-year-old boy trying to survive on his own after his only relative, his beloved Grandmum, is taken to the hospital. Suggested by Shelley and Maria.
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Max in the House of Spies
2024 by Gidwitz, AdamGet this itemThis book hooked me from the very start. I love the excellent, well written characters, I love the clever spy drama, but more than anything, I love the sense of humor. Suggested by Caitlin.
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The First State of Being
2024 by Kelly, Erin EntradaGet this itemWhen Ridge, a time-traveling teenager from the future, gets trapped in 1999, he befriends Michael, a lonely 12-year-old boy, changing the course of their lives forever. Suggested by Shelley.
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The Labyrinth of Lost and Found
2024 by Lees, JordanGet this itemEleven-year-old Benjamiah Creek's rational beliefs are challenged when he receives a magical doll that leads him into the perilous world of the Wreathenwold, where he joins forces with Elizabella to uncover a mysterious conspiracy and find her missing brother. Suggested by Maria.
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Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop
2024 by Levy, Joshua S.Get this itemThere's a lot to love about this book, but most of all, it takes a well-trodden trope (time loop) and adds enough unexpected elements to keep the reader guessing. Suggested by Caitlin.
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Gracie Under the Waves
2024 by Park, Linda SueGet this itemGracie loves snorkeling. On a trip to Honduras with her family, she learns a lot about coral reefs, fish identification, and climate change. Though she loves to plan ahead, she also discovers that things don’t always happen as expected. Suggested by Brenna.
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Tree. Table. Book
2024 by Lowry, LoisGet this itemI loved this book about an intergenerational friendship with an 11-year-old girl and her best friend who is 77 years older than she is (you can do the math) and is experiencing changes in her memory. I thought it was unusual and touching. Suggested by Shelley.
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The Secret Library
2024 by Magoon, KeklaGet this itemThis might be my favorite book of the entire year! I loved the time travel, the adventure, and the amazing friends. Suggested by Amanda.
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Telephone of the Tree
2024 by McGhee, AlisonGet this itemThis was a beautiful, gentle, book about loss and grief. Suggested by Meleesa.
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It Happened to Anna
2024 by Mejia, Tehlor KayGet this itemI enjoyed this fast paced spooky novel that tackles a lot of real and important issues. Suggested by Rummanah.
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Magnolia Wu Unfolds It All
2024 by Miller, ChanelGet this itemI really enjoyed this quick read about a couple of 10-year-olds in New York City going on adventures while also dealing with a lot of relatable relationship issues. It showcases the power of community and connections while still being light-hearted. Cute illustrations add a lot of enjoyment to the story. Suggested by Judy.
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The Wrong Way Home
2024 by O'Shaughnessy, KateGet this itemWhen 12-year-old Fern and her mother abruptly leave their isolated, off-the-grid community, Fern wants nothing more than to return, but things get murky as she slowly adjusts to her new life and discovers unsettling truths about her old one. Suggested by Amanda.
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Impossible Creatures
2024 by Rundell, KatherineGet this itemI thoroughly enjoyed this fabulous fantasy opener with great characters, fabulous mythological creatures, and a friendship that you love. You will not want to put this book down! Suggested by Rummanah.
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It Came from the Trees
2024 by Russell, AllyGet this itemThere are actual chills to be found in this tense cryptid chiller! It's really well written, and the scares feel authentic. It will definitely make you think twice about what might be hiding in the woods. Suggested by Caitlin.
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When Wishes Were Horses
2024 by Voigt, CynthiaGet this itemAward-winning children's author Cynthia Voight has won me over again in this relatable chapter book about four kids and their magical chance for their wishes to come true. I love the way their four unconnected narratives come together to make for one beautiful story. Suggested by Mandy.
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Summer at Squee
2024 by Wang, AndreaGet this itemWe loved Andrea Wang's handling of the complexity of adoption, especially transracial adoptions. This novel did an excellent job of relaying how different people experience their culture and identity in different ways, even if they're "from" the same place. The book also shows how they tweens can learn to appreciate one another's differences. Suggested by Eilis and Maria.
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