Mrs. Malecha Reads!

 by Amy Kim Kibushi Genre:  Science Fiction, Graphic Novel Tabby doesn't know why her father mysteriously died, but she knows that it is somehow connected to a mysterious mist in the woods.  Even though her mother has forbade her to go into the woods, she continues to look for answers there.  One day she comes across a boy she has never seen before and follows him through a portal into the world of Rema.  She learns that his name is Phillip and he promises to do what he can to get her back to Earth.  Phillip has many powers, but does he have the right ones to help Tabby?

 by Gale Galligan Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel Cory's dance crew is getting ready for their final year of dance competition before the 8th graders all go their separate ways. The problem is that Tess, the dance captain, has gotten super bossy and won't listen to anyone else's ideas.  Cory isn't doing well in school so when his parents hire him an after school tutor, he isn't allowed to go to practice anymore.  His tutor turns out to be Sunna, a super smart girl from his school, and she not only gets good grades, but she also knows how to yo-yo. At first Cory is mad and doesn't think Sunna has anything to offer him, until he gets to know her and realizes that maybe if the two of them work together, he can do better at school and with his dance crew.

 by Lori M. Lee Genre:  Fantasy Pahua is an 11 year old Hmong girl who has the ability to see spirits that others cannot.  She has always realized that this had made her a little bit different from others, but for her it is normal.  Everything is fine until one day she accidentally frees an angry spirit from a haunted bridge in her neighborhood and as a result, her brother falls sick with a mysterious illness. When she returns to the scene of the crime, she summons a demon and a shaman warrior who saves her.  Pahua doesn't understand her powers, but she knows she is going to have to learn quickly if she has any hope of saving her brother.

 by Christina Soontornvat and Joanna Cacao Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Graphic Novel Christina and her best friend Megan have decided to try out for cheerleading!  They are in middle school now and it seems like a good thing to do.  But the competition is fierce and they are not the only ones wanting to make the squad.  They both make it through the first round, but then learn that for the second round they must perform in front of the entire 7th grade and then the 7th graders vote for the girls they think should make the team.  Christina has practiced as hard as she could...will it be enough to earn her a place on the squad?

 by Kathryn Apel Genre:  Realistic Fiction, Novel in Verse Leroy loves school, but hates riding on the bus and he doesn't want to tell his parents why.  His older sister Ruby knows, and she tries to help, but she isn't always there to protect Leroy.  The problem is the bully.  DJ calls Leroy names and takes his things and makes his bus ride miserable.  Ruby thinks that Leroy should tell their parents what is going on, but Leroy is afraid that will make things worse.  When the truth comes out, Leroy's family and teacher rally around him to support him as he decides to stand up to the bully and get the awful behavior to stop.

 by J. Kasper Kramer Genre:  Historical Fiction, Paranormal Ever since her father died, Essie is afraid of everything.  The only thing that helps her is to keep a list of all the unspeakable fears that worry her.  But her biggest fear right now is the fear of change.  Her mother has remarried a man that Essie hasn't even met and they are moving to a remote island off the coast of New York City where sick people are sent to prevent them from spreading illness in the city.  Essie is afraid of her new stepfather, afraid her mother will get sick, and afraid that their new house is haunted.  Will she be able to overcome her fears and get on with her life or are her fears real?  If they are, she and her mother could be in serious trouble.

 by Justina Ireland Genre:  Historical Fiction, Paranormal Ophie's life changed forever in November 1922 when her father was murdered and her house was burned to the ground.  The night he was killed, Ophie saw him one last time, and he urged her to wake up and take her mother to their safe place in the woods.  Ophie realized later that she saw he father's ghost and suddenly, she is able to see ghosts everywhere.  Ophie and her mother move in with cousins and have to work at the creepy Daffodil Manor which is full of ghosts that Ophie can see.  The house seems to have many secrets which is partly why the ghosts continue to hang around.  Can Ophie uncover some of Daffodil Manor's secrets that might allow more of these spirits to rest in peace?