Do you like ghost stories? How about ghost stories that aren’t too scary? Well, author Lindsay Currie has a great one for you! (And it even takes place in Chicago!)
Claire’s dad gives ghost tours around the city. (There are really people who do that; I’ve gone!) Claire hates going on his tours – they creep her out. But one night, he really needs her help, so she has to go.
Riding in his bus, visiting cemeteries and haunted buildings, all is going pretty well–that is until one of the ghosts decides to follow Claire home! Now the real “fun” begins!
Today marks the holiday of the Mid-Autumn Festival. This is celebrated by millions in East Asia. This is celebrated around the time of the harvest moon which can change each year.
Check out some of our favorites all about the Mid- Autumn Festival. If you would like more options please contact the youth desk.
Moon Messenger: A Family Reunion During the Mid-Autumn Festival by Jie Wei Thanking the Moon: Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival by Grace Lin The Shadow in the Moon by Christina MatulaCelebrations Around the World by DK
A wonderful thing falls from the sky on a Thursday. The insects debate what exactly this wonder could be. While they are busy deciding, the clever spider takes the wonder for his own. For him, the wonder is more than a mysterious beauty; it is an opportunity for wealth. Fueled by greed he gains power– until finally, it pushes everyone away.
This morality tale is beautifully illustrated in mostly black and white with brilliant pops of color. The whimsical drawings are so expertly crafted that they look 3D. Text does not crowd the page which allows the illustrations to truly shine. Younger children will appreciate the pictures. Older children will be able to discuss the lessons about the adversarial relationship between avarice and friendship.
Harmony Music Camp is a big deal. You have to apply and be accepted for camp, and each week you audition for your seat in the band.
This is Andi’s first year at camp, and it kind of feels like her aunt and uncle are trying to get rid of her for the summer. Her mother died ten months ago and she hasn’t been able to adjust to life with her aunt and uncle or enjoy the things she used to, like playing the trumpet.
Zora has been going for many years and has many friends, but because she and Andi are black, people seem to think they should be best friends. And at first, they are definitely not. Andi wears all black and mostly keeps to herself. Zora is bubbly and colorful and friends with everyone. But behind it all, Zora feels all this anxiety to be the best and make her parents happy. And as Andi and Zora get to know one another, they grow closer. Each helps the other be truer to herself and happier.
If you couldn’t already tell, this book deals with some difficult subjects: death of a parent and anxiety among them, but also self-harm. However, this is also the story of first love and a first kiss.
Because this is a story about a music camp, there is also a lot of talk about music. The author created a playlist on Spotify to listen to everything mentioned, which I really enjoyed because it let me get to know the characters a little better. Here is the link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0OhGaB2Ao5WGTl07C0uCDn?si=dc0313ab6f804301
This story is best for readers of realistic fiction, who can handle some of the sad things and will enjoy the budding romance. I hope you enjoy the world of Andi and Zora as much as I did!
Have you ever wanted to do impossible things? Mac and Mac do too. They want to walk all the way around the world, count all the stars in the sky, and count all the grains of sand. This is an enjoyable hilarious adventure.
