Try These New Chapter Books When Heading Back To School

With school just around the corner the has selected four exciting new chapter books for kids ages 8-12 to add to their reading list.  From fantasy and sports to adventure and realistic fiction, these books will appeal to boys and girls, keeping them interested and wanting more.

The Clockwork Three by Matthew Kirby

Three children, a clockmaker’s apprentice, a hotel maid, and a street musician are joined together, quite by accident, by a series of unusual events. Each realizes that to accomplish their dream, they must work together. An exciting fast-paced historical fantasy featuring an enchanted green violin, an automaton, and unscrupulous enemies.

Lucky: Maris, Mantle, and My Best Summer Ever by Wes Tooke

It’s the summer of 1961 and the New York Yankees are on top. Louis loves baseball more than anything but stinks at playing the game. The Yankees are Louis’s favorite team, he can recite detailed statistics about each player and games they’ve played. One day at a Yankees game Louis’s dream comes true when he catches a ball and is made bat boy. Louis becomes friends with all-time greats like Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris, they depend on him and he learns a lot from them. Kids who like baseball will love this coming of age story.

Liesl and Po by Lauren Oliver

Fairy tale elements weave in and out of this adventure. Young Liesl is locked in an attic bedroom by her cruel stepmother. Her father has died and her only friends are the mice who live in her room. One night a ghost named Po appears. The two become friends and together they plan Liesl’s escape. Finally free, Liesl meets up with a boy named Will, an alchemist’s apprentice who is running away from his master. The three embark on a dangerous journey to right a wrong and put things to rest. A great tale of friendship and adventure.

The Moon over High Street by Natalie Babbitt

Joe’s parents have both died and his grandmother is raising him. When his grandmother breaks her hip she sends Joe to Midville to live with an Aunt. Once there, Joe meets Midville’s manufacturing millionaire Mr. Boulderwall who takes a liking to him and decides he’d like to adopt Joe. With no one to leave his fortune to, Boulderwall sets his sights on Joe in hopes that he’ll take over the family fortune. Joe has other plans for his future and so do his grandma and aunt. Will Joe become a millionaire?  This is a warm-hearted story about self-discovery and family.