2019 September and October Loan Stars Top 10 Junior Picks
Loan Stars' monthly lists of the top upcoming books are recommended by library staff across Canada and organized by BookNet Canada with support from the Canadian Urban Libraries Council (CULC/CBUC). More information is available at loanstars.ca.
- Skinnamarink by Sharon, Lois, & Bram, Illus. by Qin Leng. — Based on the classic folk song made famous by a beloved trio of children’s entertainers, this picture book is best sung aloud! “Skinnamarink” is a timeless anthem of love and inclusion.
- Guts by Raina Telgemeier — Raina Telgemeier once again brings us a thoughtful, charming, and funny true story about growing up and gathering the courage to face – and conquer – her fears. (Middle grade)
- The Stone Rainbow by Liane Shaw. — Jack Pedersen is finding life complicated ever since he came out to his mom. Even though she’s been doing her best to understand, it’s obvious to Jack that his mom still wants to cry every time she says the word gay.(Young adult)
- Tunnel of Bones by Victoria Schwab Series: City of Ghosts #2 . — Trouble is haunting Cassidy Blake...even more than usual. When Cass accidentally awakens a frighteningly strong spirit, she must rely on her still-growing skills as a ghosthunter -- and turn to friends both old and new to help her unravel a mystery. (Middle grade)
- The Tyrant's Tomb by Rick Riordan/Series: The Trials of Apollo #4 — It's not easy being Apollo, especially when you've been turned into a human and banished from Olympus. Now his journey takes him to Camp Jupiter in the San Francisco Bay Area, where the Roman demigods are preparing for a desperate last stand against the evil Triumvirate of Roman emperors. (Middle grade)
- Birdsong by Julie Flett. — When a young girl moves to a small town, she feels lonely and out of place. But soon she meets an elderly woman next door, who shares her love of arts and crafts. Can the girl navigate the changing seasons and failing health of her new friend? (Picture book)
- The Black Mage by Daniel Barnes. — Harry Potter meets Final Fantasy in this subversive original graphic novel where race, history and magic collide. (Young adult)
- The Blue Road by Wayde Compton. — In this stunning graphic novel, Lacuna is a girl without a family, a past, or a proper home. She lives alone in a swamp made of ink, but with the help of Polaris, a will-o'-the-wisp, she embarks for the fabled Northern Kingdom, where she might find people like her. (Young adult)
- The Kindness Book by Todd Parr. — Today's parents and teachers are looking for ways to instill empathy and kindness in children at a young age -- this book is the perfect introduction to a timely and timeless topic. (Picture book)
- Five Minutes by Audrey Vernick & Liz Garton Scanlon, Illus. by Olivier Tallec. — A one-of-a-kind, laugh-out-loud picture book, perfect for any kid who has ever begged or bemoaned, “Five more minutes?!”
