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2024 Staff Picks: Graphic Novels and Nonfiction for Grade 3-5

By Skokie Staff Youth Services

In this list, you'll find funny books, fantasies, realistic stories about kids trying to fit in, true adventure stories, and more.

  • Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall

    2024 by Brunelle, Lynn

    Whales are epic, beautiful creatures, and I found it fascinating to learn about the whole new ecosystems of life that they create after they die. When these majestic animals die it can feel sad, but it's interesting to learn about how they help other generations of life, and the art is beautiful. Suggested by Amanda.

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  • Wires Crossed

    2024 by Fantaskey, Beth

    This book did a good job narrating how confusing it can be to navigate change around interpersonal relations while trying to remain grounded oneself. This book features sports, art, and science, and most important, friendship. Suggested by Hayaat.

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  • Things in the Basement

    2023 by Hatke, Ben

    I enjoyed this spooky tale of what truly lies in your basement. Suggested by Marissa.

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  • Miss Cat

    2024 by Fromental, Jean-Luc

    This is a great choice for graphic novel readers who like their books a little quirky! It's definitely off the beaten path, and I loved every bizarrely funny minute of it. Suggested by Caitlin.

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  • Summer Vamp

    2024 by Karim, Violet Chan

    I was utterly delighted and laughed out loud while reading this graphic novel. A sweet story about finding friends and getting out of your comfort zone. Suggested by Rumannah.

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  • The Night Librarian

    2024 by Lincoln, Christopher

    I enjoyed the way this book embraces the magic of libraries and books, while also stoking flames of curiosity with references to other great books and authors, like Maya Angelou. It also looks at sibling relationships. Suggested by Susanne.

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  • Freedom on the Sea: The True Story of the Civil War Hero Robert Smalls and His Daring Escape to Freedom

    2024 by Moore, Michael Boulware

    I loved reading this true story about Robert Smalls and a group of enslaved people who bravely made their way to freedom commandeering a ship during the Civil War. The story was suspenseful and inspiring, and the art is beautiful. Suggested by Amanda.

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  • Spooky Lakes: 25 Strange and Mysterious Lakes That Dot Our Planet

    2024 by Rutherford, Geo

    I adore Spooky Lake Month and was thrilled to see the content adapted and published for middle grades. The book has incredibly detailed illustrations and does an excellent job balancing the science and spooky factors. Suggested by Eilis.

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  • Your Story Matters: A Surprisingly Practical Guide to Writing

    2024 by Scrimger, Richard

    My good friend Mr. Dave recommended this fun writing book to me. Filled with informative, practical, and witty insights and inspirations, I hope to use some of these creative ideas in our future library writing workshops. Suggested by Mandy.

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  • Pearl

    2024 by Smith, Sherri L.

    This moving graphic novel shows the story of a Japanese-American girl who goes to Japan to care for her grandmother toward the end of World War II. It showed me a perspective I hadn't gotten to see much in a WWII story. Beautiful art mixed with a harrowing story of survival. Suggested by Amanda.

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  • Winx Club

    2024

    The show that raised me and is partially responsible for my personality is now a book! I love this adaptation that is well written and illustrated. Suggested by Hayaat.

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  • Shiny Misfits

    2024 by Zayid, Maysoon

    I love that Bay Ann is not perfect, but you can easily root for her. I love how she doesn't want to be known just for her disability. Suggested by Rummanah.

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