“Examines the impact of the 1959 Cuban Revolution on four children from very different walks of life. In the wake of a new regime in Cuba, Ana, Miguel, Zulema, and Juan learn to find a place for themselves in a world forever changed. In a tumultuous moment of history, we see the lasting effects of a revolution in Havana, the countryside, Miami, and New York. Their separate narratives build, overlap, and entwine to creat one inspiring story–an adventure that spans towns, cities, nations, and worlds. Through these stories, we are reminded that regardless of any tumultuous times, we are all forever connected in our humanity”–Adapted from publisher
Intermediate (ages 9-14)
Material appropriate for intermediate age groups
Aniana Del Mar Jumps In
Aniana del Mar belongs in the water like a dolphin belongs to the sea. But she and Papi keep her swim practices and meets hidden from Mami, who has never recovered from losing someone she loves to the water years ago. That is, until the day Ani’s stiffness and swollen joints mean she can no longer get out of bed, and Ani is forced to reveal just how important swimming is to her. Mami forbids her from returning to the water but Ani and her doctor believe that swimming along with medication will help Ani manage her disease. What follows is the journey of a girl who must grieve who she once was in order to rise like the tide and become the young woman she is meant to be. Aniana Del Mar Jumps In is a poignant story about chronic illness and disability, the secrets between mothers and daughters, the harm we do to the ones we love the most—and all the triumphs, big and small, that keep us afloat.
The Samosa Rebellion
A twelve year old boy’s life changes when his grandmother comes from India to live with the family in Mariposa, an island country known for its butterflies, that is becoming hostile to immigrants.
Nura And The Immortal Palace
Searching for her buried friend after the mines collapse, twelve-year-old Pakistani mica miner Nura finds herself at the Sijj Palace, a luxury hotel for the dangerous and deceitful jinn, where she must discover the truth beneath the glitter or be trapped forever.
Pilar Ramirez And The Curse Of San Zenon (Pilar Ramirez Duology, 2)
In the Dominican Republic, twelve-year-old Pilar helps Ciguapa and Carmen hunt for the escaped demon El Baca and his mysterious new ally, and now, facing the threat of an ancient enemy, Pilar must harness her bruja powers in order to save Zafa and her family.
Turtles Of the Midnight Moon
Twelve-year-olds Barana and Abby come together to solve a sea turtle egg poaching mystery plaguing Barana’s Honduran coastal village, and learn the true meaning of friendship, courage and community along the way.
This book is part of the Worlds of Words Global Reading List for 2023/24.
The Book Of Stolen Dreams
Siblings Rachel, twelve, and Robert, fourteen, are passed a stolen book by their librarian father and must track down the missing final page while protecting the book from falling into the hands of the cruel ruler of Krasnia, President Charles Malstain.
Muzoon: A Syrian Refugee Speaks Out
This eye opening memoir tells the story of a young girl’s life in Syria, her family’s wrenching decision to leave their home, and the upheaval of life in a refugee camp. Though her life had utterly changed, one thing remained the same. She knew that education was the key to a better future for herself, and so that she could help her country. She went from tent to tent in the camp, trying to convince other kids, especially girls, to come to school. And her passion and dedication soon had people calling her the Malala of Syria. Muzoon has grown into an internationally recognized advocate for refugees, for education, and for the rights of girls and women, and is now a UNICEF goodwill ambassador—the first refugee to play that role. Muzoon’s story is absolutely riveting and will inspire young readers to use their own voices and stand up for what they believe in.
Tiger Lily And The Secret Treasure Of Neverland
Tiger Lily and her community, the Indigenous people of Neverland, possess a unique ability: they can choose to grow up. But for now, Tiger Lily is enjoying being thirteen, spending time with her grandmother and exploring alongside her horse and her friends. Then Tiger Lily uncovers a plot by two of Captain Hook’s pirates, who are searching for a mysterious, powerful treasure. Determined to protect Neverland, Tiger Lily sets out on a very grown-up mission: find the treasure first, and keep it out of the pirates’ reckless hands. As her journey takes her from Mermaid Lagoon to the Lost Boys’ hideaway and beyond, Tiger Lily will need to become the brave leader she has always wanted to be. Can she save her home and people she loves before it’s too late?
The Moth Keeper: (A Graphic Novel)
Anya is finally a Moth Keeper, the protector of the lunar moths that allow the Night-Lily flower to bloom once a year. Her village needs the flower to continue thriving and Anya is excited to prove her worth and show her thanks to her friends with her actions, but what happens when being a Moth Keeper isn’t exactly what Anya thought it would be? Night after night, it is lonely in the desert, with only one lantern for light. Still, Anya is eager to prove her worth, to show her thanks to her friends and her village. But is it worth the cost? And yet something isn’t right. When Anya glimpses the one thing that could destroy what she’s meant to protect, her village and the lunar moths are left to deal with the consequences.