Check out these exciting easy and fiction titles published in April. Happy reading!
ELEMENTARY PICTURE BOOKS
Animalicious : A Quirky ABC Book by Anna Dewdney & Reed Duncan (ill. by Claudia Boldt). 9781524792053. Penguin. 2019. Gr PK-1.
Have fun learning the alphabet with these silly imaginary animals.
Beware the Mighty Bitey by Heather Pindar & Susan Batori. 9781848863613. Maverick Arts. 2019. PK-3.
The Mighty Bitey Piranhas hide in the Nippy Pool, waiting to ambush the animals crossing the rope bridge. The rope frays more and more as Mouse, Goat, and Bear tote their musical instruments across the bridge. Will they make it across, or will the piranhas get a feast?
Carl and the Meaning of Life by Deborah Freedman. 9780451474988. Penguin. 2019. Gr PK-2.
Carl the earthworm spends his days happily tunneling through the earth, turning the hard ground soft. After a field mouse asks Carl why he does this, Carl goes in search of answers. He meets animals who know exactly what their purpose is, but he also discovers that while he was away, the ground behind him has dried up, leaving those on the surface with less food. He realizes that no matter how small, just being himself can have lasting effects.
Cooking with Bear : A Story and Recipes from the Forest by Deborah Hodge & Lisa Cinar. 9781773060743. Groundwood Books. 2019. Gr K-2.
After hibernation, Bear prepares a delicious meal, which attracts Fox who agrees to join Bear for lunch. Realizing how delicious the food is, the two venture out into the forest where they meet other animal friends who all share their favorite ingredients. The whole group goes back to Bear’s home and begins cooking. Includes fifteen, kid-friendly recipes.
Dandy by Ame Dyckman (ill. by Charles Santoso). 9780316362955. Little, Brown. 2019. Gr PK-3.
All the lawns in the neighborhood are perfectly manicured, so when a dandelion appears in Daddy’s lawn, he is determined to get rid of it. But his daughter Sweetie is just as determined to save the pretty flower, and the ensuing conflict is hilarious.
Flubby Is Not a Good Pet! (Flubby) by J.E. Morris. 9781524787769. Penguin. 2019. Gr PK-2.
Flubby, a lazy cat, doesn’t do any of the things that the other pets do. But when a storm blows in, Flubby and her owner realize they have a mutual fear of thunder and need each other’s comfort.
Going Down Home with Daddy by Kelly Starling Lyons (ill. by Daniel Minter). 9781561459384. Peachtree. 2019. Gr PK-3.
A multigenerational African American family gathers “down home” at the farm where Alan’s daddy grew up, and everyone is supposed to bring something special to share. Young Alan reflects on his family’s history from his parents all the way back to his ancestors, and he comes up with the perfect tribute that emphasizes a legacy of love.
Growing Season by Maryann Cocca-Leffler. 9781454927044. Sterling. 2019. Gr PK-1.
Best friends Jo and El are the smallest students in their class. Then Jo starts to grow, as does the plant she is taking care of for the summer. But neither El nor her plant grow at all. Since Jo is gone all summer, El plants both their flowers in her garden. At the end of the summer, the two girls are happy to see that both plants have bloomed—and El is again the same size as Jo.
Hair, It’s a Family Affair! by Mylo Freeman. 9781911115687. Cassava Republic Press. 2019. Gr K-2.
Every one in Macy’s family has natural hair, but the styles range from Grandma’s gray afro to Baby’s red puffy hair. Other members have locs, braids, and more afros—and one person even has hair that changes colors every time Macy sees her. This book spreads a positive message about natural hair as well as individual styles.
Home Is a Window by Stephanie Parsley Ledyard (ill. by Chris Sasaki). 9780823441563. Neal Porter Books. 2019. Gr K-2.
A family leaves their beloved house to move into a new home. While moving can be painful, the family realizes that wherever they are, a house does not necessarily represent what makes a loving home.
The Invisible Garden by Valerie Picaro & Marianne Ferrer. 9781459822115. Orca. 2019. Gr PK-2.
Arianne and her family travel from the city to the country to celebrate her grandmother’s birthday. Someone suggests Arianne play in the garden, but she gets so bored that she lies down in a quiet spot. Suddenly she notices things around her and her imagination takes over.
The Little Guys by Vera Brosgol. 9781626724426. Roaring Brook Press. 2019. Gr PK-2.
The Little Guys—small, acorn-capped creatures—are the pinnacle of teamwork as they forage the forest floor for resources. It soon becomes apparent, however, that their collective efforts have made them bullies in the forest, scavenging all of the forest’s resources and leaving nothing for others. Finally, their selfish attitudes get the better of them.
Motor Mouse by Cynthia Ryland & Arthur Howard. 9781481491266. Beach Lane Books. 2019. Gr PK-2.
Motor Mouse goes on three adventures. First, he and his friend attempt to enjoy their Friday tradition of cake eating, but the shop is closed. Then, Motor Mouse decides to take a cab instead of driving. And finally, Motor Mouse heads to the movies with his brother, Vincent, but Vincent hoards all the popcorn.
My Cat Looks Like My Dad by Thao Lam. 9781771473514. Owlkids Books. 2019. Gr PK-2.
An unlikely narrator talks about all the ways her cat and father are alike, from both liking milk and afternoon naps to doing morning stretches. But the narrator concludes that she is more like her mother, who both like to dance. It’s then revealed that the narrator is a pet parrot, showing that family is what you make it.
A New Home by Tania de Regil. 9781536201932. Candlewick Press. 2019. Gr PK-3.
A boy is moving from New York City to Mexico City, and a girl is moving from Mexico City to New York City. On each spread, one line of text accompanies parallel illustrations showing that both children have the same worries and experiences as they prepare to move. This sweet picture book shows that, despite our differences in cultures, we are all very much the same.
Nobody Hugs a Cactus by Carter Goodrich. 9781534400900. Simon & Schuster. 2019. Gr PK-2.
Hank, a grouchy cactus, sits on the window sill looking out at an empty desert. Objects and animals pass by his window, greeting him as they go, which just makes him grumpier. When a cowboy remarks that nobody hugs a cactus, Hank starts to wonder if he’s missing out on something.
Ojiichan’s Gift by Chieri Uegaki & Genevieve Simms. 9781771389631. Kids Can Press. 2019. Gr PK-2.
Mayumi once helped tend a stone garden with her ojiichan (grandfather) in Japan. Ojiichan becomes elderly and ill and must leave his home, leaving his garden untended. To honor her grandfather, Mayumi wants to find a way to keep the memory of the garden alive.
The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood (ill. by Hannah Marks). 9780735228504. Penguin. 2019. Gr PK-2.
In this hilarious metafiction picture book, a narrator starts telling the story of a panda with a BIG problem, while Panda keeps interrupting the story and arguing with the narrator.
Swarm of Bees by Lemony Snicket & Rilla Alexander. 9780316392822. Little, Brown. 2019. Gr PK-3.
A young, angry boy throws a tomato at a beehive, causing the bees to come out and furiously chase the boy. As the boy heads into town, the community is in uproar with the approaching bees, but there is always a reason not to sting someone. Finally, a beekeeper contains the bees while the boy’s mother comforts his frustrations.
Underwear! by Jenn Harney. 9781368027939. Disney-Hyperion. 2019. Gr PK-1.
A rambunctious bear cub would rather play with his underwear than go to bed. His beleaguered father gently tries to keep his cub on task.
ELEMENTARY CHAPTER BOOKS & FICTION
Camp Average by Craig Battle. 9781771473057. Owlkids Books. 2019. Gr 4-7.
At Camp Avalon, affectionately termed Camp Average, the eleven-year-old campers never win at any sporting competition, and they like it that way. This year, however, Winston has joined the camp as the new director and he is intent on changing their losing ways. The boys in Cabin 10 have different plans, and team together in a concerted effort to lose all the games and get their care-free summer back.
Caterpillar Summer by Gillian McDunn. 9781681197432. Bloomsbury Children’s. 2019. Gr 4-7.
Eleven-year-old Cat and her special needs brother, Chicken, spend an unexpected summer vacation with grandparents they’ve never met. As the glue that holds the family after her father died, Cat is used to taking care of Chicken while their mother works double-shifts to support them. At her grandparents’ house, however, she remembers what it’s like to be a child.
The Door at the End of the World by Caroline Carlson. 9780062368300. Harpercollins. 2019. Gr 4-7.
Lucy is a deputy to the Gatekeeper who monitors the multidimensional gateway to the seven worlds. When the Gatekeeper goes missing and the door to the other worlds is broken, Lucy realizes the disaster might be her fault. Along with two friends, Lucy travels with a hive of magical bees to the other worlds to find her boss. The motley crew learn that nefarious forces are plotting to destroy the worlds, and Lucy must find a way to stop them.
Good Dog, McTavish by Meg Rosoff. 9781536200584. Candlewick Press. 2019. Gr 2-5.
There are lots of stories of families adopting dogs, but this humorous early chapter book tells the story of a dog who adopts a needy family and works at training them to behave.
The Infinite Lives of Maisie Day by Christopher Edge. 9780525646402. Delacorte. 2019. Gr 4-6.
Masie wakes up on the morning of her birthday hoping to get the parts she needs to build a nuclear reactor. What she finds instead is an empty house, and outside, an infinite, all-consuming blackness. Trapped between realities, Masie uses all the laws of nature she knows along with her desire to see her family again to escape the blackness and reunite.
The Last Last-Day-of-Summer by Lamar Giles. 9781328460837. Versify. 2019. Gr 4-6.
Two cousins, Otto and Sheed Alston, are not ready for the summer to end, especially since the two sleuths are being outdone by the Epic Ellison twins, who have already received their third key to the city. Their wish comes true when a wily stranger emerges in town with a special camera that can stop time. The boys must then follow the clues and stop this oversized man and his pet platypus.
Lenny’s Book of Everything by Karen Foxlee. 9781524770129. Knopf Books. 2019. Gr 4-7.
In 1970s Ohio, Lenny Spink helps her younger brother, Davey, cope with the bullying and discrimination that comes from his gigantism. But as Davey’s disease progresses, the siblings find it harder to lose themselves in imagination. Through it all, Lenny tries to find a way to connect with her absent father and constantly anxious mother, and avoid the smug Mr. King, who is courting Lenny’s mother.
The Library of Ever (Book 1) by Zeno Alexander. 9781250169174. Imprint. 2019. Gr 4-6.
When her wealthy, globe-trotting parents leave Lenora in the care of an inattentive nanny, the two head to a library where Lenora discovers a magical portal. The portal leads to the ultimate library containing all the wisdom of the universe and every book ever written. As the new Fourth Assistant Apprentice Librarian, Lenora goes on magical adventures to answer questions posed by curious patrons.
The Lost Boy’s Gift by Kimberly Willis Holt. 9781627793261. Henry Holt. 2019. Gr 3-5.
Daniel moves across the country with her mother after his parents’ divorce. Daniel is furious at his mother for leaving and his father for never visiting, and is especially unhappy on While-a-Way Lane where they’ve settled. But then Daniel meets his eclectic neighbors, including Tilda Butters, who speaks to animals and helps show Daniel that everyone has special gifts, and that he can find a home on While-a-Way Lane if learns to let go of his anger.
Mr. Penguin and the Lost Treasure by Alex T. Smith. 9781682631201. Peachtree. 2019. Gr 3-6.
Miss Bouddica Bones calls on aspiring adventurer Mr. Penguin to help solve a case, so he dons his jaunty adventurer hat, summons his sidekick, Colin the spider, and sets out to find an object missing from the Museum of Extraordinary Things. But he runs into trouble when he encounters the thieving O’Hoolihan brothers, and Mr. Penguin begins to think he may have bitten off a little more than he can chew.
Silver Meadows Summer by Emma Otheguy. 9781524773236. Knopf Books. 2019. Gr 3-6.
Carolina and her family suddenly move from Puerto Rico to upstate New York, looking for a better life. But Carolina is shy and doesn’t fit in and just wants to go back to her “real” home. At a farm day camp called Silver Meadows, Carolina meets Jennifer, a fellow artist, and their friendship helps her find a place for herself.
MIDDLE SCHOOL FICTION
Birdie by Eileen Spinelli. 9780802855138. Eerdman’s. 2019. Gr 4-8.
Birdie loves birds, and they help her deal with the death of her firefighter father. She also leans on her mother, grandmother, and friends. But when her mother and grandmother start seeing other men, and her friends start dating, she feels more bereft than ever.
Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid : Rowley Jefferson’s Journal by Jeff Kinney. 9781419740275. Amulet Books. 2019. Gr 4-7.
Rowley Jefferson, the best friend of Greg Kinney—famous from Diary of a Wimpy Kid—now has his own diary about his life and all the fun, awesome, and friendly stuff he gets up to with his parents, during school, and with his best friend, Greg, whether Greg likes it or not.
Extraordinary Birds by Sandy Stark-McGinnis. 9781547601004. Bloomsbury Children’s. 2019. Gr 4-7.
December suffered a terrible injury from her mother years ago, leaving her with psychological scars. She is convinced that one day she will sprout wings from the scar on her back and fly away. Her new foster mother, Eleanor, however, is a respectful guardian. December also makes friends with a kind girl from school who is bullied by girls who refuse to use her preferred pronouns. Slowly, December begins to think that being human isn’t so bad.
Last of the Name by Rosanne Parry. 9781541541597. Carolrhoda. 2019. Gr 4-8.
In 1863, siblings Danny and Kathleen escape from Ireland to settle in New York City but find life in America filled with the similar prejudice, hunger, and violence they left. To avoid Danny being sent to a workhouse or enlisted in the Union army as a drummer boy, Kathleen dresses him up as a girl to get a job as a domestic servant. When Danny sneaks out to experience New York as a boy and showcase his talent for Irish dancing, he learns that the Irish aren’t just hated for their faith but also the perception that they’re taking jobs from native-born workers.
The Line Tender by Kate Allen. 9780735231603. Penguin. 2019. Gr 5-8.
Years after her marine biologist mother suddenly died, now twelve-year-old Lucy Everhart also loses a friend who might have been more than just a friend, and who also helped her as an amateur scientist. Lucy decides to take up her mother’s research into sharks as a way to connect and grieve after the two losses. She joins a small, eclectic group to follow the great white sharks that her mother loved so much.
Lizzie Flying Solo by Nanci Turner Steveson. 9780062673183. Harpercollins. 2019. Gr 4-8.
Lizzie and her mother are homeless after her father is arrested for embezzling. Now living in a shelter, she is embarrassed both at her father’s actions and her current living situation, and withdraws from everyone. One day, she discovers a riding stable nearby and meets a frightened pony she names Fire. With the help of Fire and a new boy at school, Lizzie begins to open up and accept help from others as she tries to raise enough money to buy the pony.
Orange for the Sunsets by Tina Athaide. 9780062795298. Katherine Tegen Books. 2019. Gr 4-7.
Friends Asha and Yesofu grow up together never caring about the differences between them. But then, in 1972, dictator Idi Amin expels all Asian Indians from Uganda, thrusting Asha and Yesofu into conflict they knew nothing about. As the deadline for Indians to leave the country approaches, tensions grow worse as Africans cheer, soldiers line the streets, and Indians fear for the future. All the while, Asha and Yesofu worry their friendship won’t survive.
Our Castle By the Sea by Lucy Strange. 9781338353853. Chicken House. 2019. Gr 5-7.
In WWII, Pet lives with her English father, German mother, and older sister in a lighthouse cottage on England’s coast. Her mother arrest and internment for national security purposes sparks an ever-unraveling series of secrets involving her sister’s relationship with a local boy, Dunkirk, and charts and logbooks seized by the police. This strife is blended with an ancient legend of four girls turned to stone on the lighthouse’s clifftop.
Riverland by Fran Wilde. 9781419733727. Amulet Books. 2019. Gr 5-8.
To escape their father’s temper, Eleanor and little sister Mike hide under the bed and tell each other monster stories. But when their father breaks a powerful magic heirloom, the house magic opens up a river that takes the two girls on a magical, nightmarish journey into a world where fantasy creatures try to break through to the real world. When their mother takes the girls to their grandmother’s house, the girls learn that someone else has the ability to journey to the magic kingdom and who also has the duty to keep nightmares from becoming reality.
The Strangers (Greystone Secrets, Book 1) by Margaret Peterson Haddix. 9780062838377. Katherine Tegen Books. 2019. Gr 5-8.
Chess, Emma, and Finn Greystone live in Ohio with their mother. One day, the kids learn of a kidnapping in Arizona that has shockingly similarities to themselves, right down to their names and birthdays. The next day, their mother leaves on an emergency “work trip” and after that, the kids receive a cryptic note that makes the Greystones wonder if they are connected to the missing children in Arizona. They attempt to crack the code of the letter and find out the truth about who they are.
Trace by Pat Cummings. 9780062698841. Harpercollins. 2019. Gr 5-8.
After his parents died, Trace Carter lives with his free-spirited-artist aunt in New York. The African American boy spends most of his time at the New York Public Library (the site of the Colored Orphan Asylum fire of 1863) as he tries to overcome his grief and start a new life. One day, he sees a young black boy in old-fashioned clothing and realizes the boy is a ghost, possibly from the asylum fire. This ghost helps him learn about his own heritage while helping absolve himself of guilt related to the accident.
Where the Heart Is by Jo Knowles. 9781536200034. Candlewick Press. 2019. Gr 5-9.
Rachel works with the animals at her family’s small hobby farm, and she looks forward to spending the summer swimming in the lake with her best friend, Micah, who wants to be more than friends. But Rachel isn’t sure she feels the same, at least not for a boy. Her parents fight more and more over money, and the family soon loses the house, which makes Rachel have to really consider what makes a home a home.
HIGH SCHOOL FICTION
Alien : Echo by Mira Grant. 9781250306296. Imprint. 2019. Gr 9-12.
This spin-off from the “Alien” movies takes place on an unfamiliar planet, but includes familiar monsters, lots of running and screaming, and quite a bit of blood and gore—and some romance, too. Readers who enjoy horror stories will definitely be drawn to this.
Birthday by Meredith Russo. 9781250129833. Flatiron Books. 2019. Gr 9-12.
Best friends Morgan and Eric share the same birthday. But Morgan has a secret that he is afraid to tell anyone, even Eric. Though Eric will have to know someday, because Morgan knows that, inside, he is really a girl.
Descendant of the Crane by Joan He. 9780807515518. Albert Whitman. 2019. Gr 9-12.
After her father, the king, was murdered, Hesina is determined to find the killer and get justice for her father. When she finds that the court is covering up the facts of his murder, she secretly enlists the help of a soothsayer. But the use of magic is considered treason and is punishable by death.
Dreaming Darkly by Caitlin Kittredge. 9780062665621. Katherine Tegen Books. 2019. Gr 9-12.
After her mother commits suicide, Ivy Bloodgood is sent to live with her uncle Simon on the island of Darkhaven. She gets along well with him, but the housekeeper is another matter. The Bbloodgoods have a feud going with the Ramseys, the only other family on the island, so her growing closeness with Doyle Ramsey is forbidden. When Ivy starts having bloody nightmares that seem to affect the real world, Ivy fears that she has inherited the mental illness that afflicts the Bloodgood family.
Every Moment After by Joseph Moldover. 9781328547279. HMH. 2019. Gr 10-12.
Eleven years ago, a school shooting left 18 first-graders dead the small town of East Ridge, New Jersey. Two of the survivors, Matt and Cole, have just graduated from high school and are both still dealing with guilt. As these two young friends deal with their changing relationships, they need to learn to move on and begin a new life.
Forward Me Back to You by Mitali Perkins. 9780374304928. Farrar Straus Giroux. 2019. Gr 9-12.
After Kat fights off an attempt rapist, her mother sends her to Boston to stay with the elderly relative of family friends. Kat, a jujitsu champion, is angry at her attacker and at having to leave her home. In Boston, she attends a Christian youth group, where she meets Robin, a young man born in India and adopted by white parents. The group travels to the town where Robin—now going by Ravi—was born to work with survivors of child trafficking, and they find themselves pondering issues of justice, healing, and moving on.
How (Not) to Ask a Boy to Prom by S.J. Goslee. 9781626724013. Roaring Brook Press. 2019. Gr 9-12.
Sixteen-year-old Nolan Grant wants to ride out his time in high school and stay under the radar. His older sister, Daphne, has other plans for him, and before Nolan understands what happened, he has a fake boyfriend who once bullied him, an unexpected prom date, and a pocket full of glitter.
How to Make Friends with the Dark by Kathleen Glasgow. 9781101934753. Delacorte. 2019. Gr 9-12.
On an ordinary day, Tiger’s loving mother unexpectedly dies, leaving Tiger utterly alone and now a ward of the state of Arizona. In the two weeks that follow, Tiger must fight through her grief and deal with funeral planning, death certificates, and foster homes. She learns that the only way to survive her acute grief is to take it one day at a time and to make friends with the darkness that threatens to swallow her up.
In the Key of Nira Ghani by Natasha Deen. 9780762465477. Running Press Kids. 2019. Gr 7-12.
Nira, daughter of Guyanese immigrant parents, has a passion for music, but her parents insist that she become a doctor. Nira plans to get a job to help her buy a trumpet, and she decides to audition for her school’s jazz band despite her parents’ opposition. She does have the support of her grandmother and her best friend Emily. While dealing with her parents, Nira finds herself struggling with other relationships—with her beautiful cousin Farah, mean girl McKenzie, and new crush Noah.
The Meaning of Birds by Jaye Robin Brown. 9780062824448. Harperteen. 2019. Gr 9-12.
Jess struggles with personal pain and anger until she meets Vivi, with whom she falls in love and who encourages Jess to pursue art. When Vivi unexpectedly dies, Jess throws out all her plans to follow through on art school because art and Vivi were interconnected. But as she reaches her lowest point, Jess meets a surprising friend who teaches her how to channel her sadness and rage.
Sanctuary Somewhere by Brenna Dimmig. 9781538382844. West 44 Books. 2019. Gr 9-12.
Osmel’s dreams of becoming a meteorologist are shattered when he discovers that he is undocumented. His fears grow when his father is arrested by ICE. Fearful of how others will react, he tells only his school counselor, and tries to deal with his anxiety alone.
Since We Last Spoke by Brenda Rufener. 9780062571083. Harperteen. 2019. Gr 9-12.
Next-door neighbors Aggi and Max are in love, but a fatal car accident involving their older siblings tears the two families apart. The resulting restraining orders separate Aggi and Max. A year later the long bout of silence ends when they meet at a lake-house party. Then the unthinkable happens, and the two must confront their families to reconcile and heal the fracture.
Summer of ’69 by Todd Strasser. 9780763695262. Candlewick Press. 2019. Gr 10-12.
Lucas intends to spend his summer hanging with friends, smoking weed, and heading out for a three-day music festival. But his plans are upset when he receives a rejection letter from the only college that he thought he would get into, thus removing any chance of avoiding the draft. His parents are talking divorce and his girlfriend might be breaking up with him, but at least he still has his trip to Woodstock. This novel should provide many teens with a clear look at issues faced by their parents and older relatives.
This Book Is Not Yet Rated by Peter Bognanni. 9780735228078. Penguin. 2019. Gr 9-12.
Ethan manages a Minneapolis art house theater, along with an eclectic crew of staff. When he learns that the cinema is being bought by a luxury condo developer, Ethan sets out to save the iconic building. When Raina Allen, Ethan’s first love and rising Hollywood actress, returns home, Ethan knows he has some star power to contribute to his fight to save the theater. As old feelings are rekindled, Ethan begins to believe that if one miracle can occur, perhaps he can actually save his beloved theater.
We Rule the Night by Claire Eliza Bartlett. 9780316417273. Little, Brown. 2019. Gr 9-12.
As the daughter of a convicted traitor, Revna manufactures war machines for the Union of the North, but with her illegal magical powers, she worries about imprisonment as a traitor. Meanwhile, another magic user and the daughter of a Union general, Linné disguised herself as a boy to join the army. The Union sequesters them to become pilots and use their magic to help the war effort. The two girls hate each other, but are thrust together and develop a reluctant friendship.
White Rose by Kip Wilson. 9781328594433. Versify. 2019. Gr 9-12.
Sophie Scholl, a non-Jewish German teenager during World War II, cannot sit back and watch Hitler’s persecution of Jews and the German people. With a handful of others, she becomes a part of a non-violent resistance group, the White Rose, whose actions, such as publishing anti-government propaganda, are punishable by death. As the war becomes more intense, a Gestapo investigator begins to investigate the White Rose, leading to Sophie’s arrest and execution.
Wicked Saints (Something Dark and Holy, Book 1) by Emily A. Duncan. 9781250195661. Wednesday Books. 2019. Gr 8-12.
A girl who can speak to gods, a prince who must learn whom to trust, and a boy with a monstrous secret seek to assassinate the king and stop a centuries-long war.
You Must Not Miss by Katrina Leno. 9780316449779. Little, Brown. 2019. Gr 9-12.
Magpie Lewis suffers a series of tragedies that leave her feeling bitter and forgotten. To cope, she develops a fantasy world she calls Near. Her intensive writing opens a magical portal that makes Near real, with an idealized version of her own family. Newly imbued with magical powers, she decides to take revenge on those who have wronged her.
