Mrs. Malecha Reads!

 by Diana Lopez Genre: Fantasy Felice has often wondered about her mother, but her uncle will never tell her anything about how she died and why they came to live in Corpus Christi when they were originally from the magical town of Tres Leches.  When Uncle Clem's friend Reynaldo comes to town, Felice sees her opportunity to learn the truth.  She sneaks out of her house and goes with Reynaldo.  As they travel to Tres Leches, Felice learns the truth about what the town believes her mother has done.  Felice realizes that she will have one chance to confront her mother and change the town's opinion of her.  Will she be brave enough to face her fears to make this happen?

 by Christina Soontornvat Genre:  Fantasy Sai has many secrets.  She is the assistant to the famous mapmaker, Paiyoon, and if her secrets were revealed, she would lose her position.  She desperately is looking for a way out of the Fens and in order to have a chance, she must pretend that she is a well-bred young lady.  When the Queen requests Paiyoon's assistance on a voyage to discover new lands, Sai begs him to take her with him.  Paiyon finally agrees and Sai is thrilled to be setting off on an adventure that she is sure will change her life for the better.  Sai has no idea what will happen once she sets sail.

 by Robert Black Genre:  Fantasy Serafina has been warned by her pa to never go into the forests that surround the Biltmore Estate.  She and her pa live secretly in the basement and Serafina has never really understood why.  Her pa is the engineer of the house while she has the title of C.R.C., chief rat catcher.  All is good until one evening when Serafina sees the man with a black cloak steal a little girl who has been visiting the estate.  Suddenly, children begin to disappear, one per night, and nobody except Serafina knows why.  If she told what she saw, would anyone believe her?  Serafina is going to have to take on the Man in the Black Cloak alone and in the process will learn some secrets about herself that her pa has kept from her.  Serafina's life is about to change forever.

 by Stuart Gibbs Genre:  Fantasy Once upon a time there was a peasant named Tim.  Tim wanted to be more than a peasant so when Prince Ruprecht announced open tryouts for knights, Tim jumped at the chance. He could not wait to set off on adventures that would allow him to be brave and daring.  Their first quest is to rescue Princess Grace who had been snatched by an evil stinx.  Tim knows he is ready to accept the challenge and do whatever it takes to bring the princess home safely.

 by Erin Entrada Kelly Genre:  Realistic Fiction Nothing ever changes in Fawn Creek.  There have been 12 students in the 7th grade forever, so the day that Orchid moves to town is a big day for everyone!  Dorothy and Greyson work up the courage to talk to Orchid at lunch and they learn that she has lived all over the world, most recently in Paris.  They can't believe that someone like Orchid has moved to Fawn Creek and are so excited to hear about all of her trips and adventures. All of the kids in Fawn Creek start to look and think about themselves differently as a result of getting to know Orchid.  Unfortunately, change can make people feel uncomfortable and things in Fawn Creek are about to get real uncomfortable.

 by Christian Diaz Gonzalez Genre:  Historical Fiction The summer of 1980 brought big changes to the country of Cuba.  Hector and his brother had adjusted to life without their father, who had to flee to the United States to save his life.  Cuba is now opening the port of Mariel for anyone who wishes to leave.  Hector has never thought about what life outside of Cuba would be like.  He misses his father, but is also comfortable with the life and future he has in Cuba.  However, his mother has other ideas and it is her dream with Hector's father in Miami.  As soon as friends and family learn of their plans, they are denounced as traitors and the violence escalates.  Hector's best friend is caught in the wrong place at the wrong time which leads to a life changing tragedy.  Will Hector be able to find a way forward?