Bob by
Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, two masterminds of classic, middle-grade fiction come together to craft this magical story about the enduring power of friendship. It's been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy's grandmother in Australia. Now that she's back, Livy has the feeling she's forgotten something really, really important about Gran's house. It turns out she's right. Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn't forget Livy, or her promise. He's been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can't remember who--or what--he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it's time to keep that promise. Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever. Praise for Bob: "Authors Mass and Stead team up for this irresistible tale of magic, mystery, and friendship that poses timeless questions about identity and belonging. . .a tribute to the power of storytelling.." --Publishers Weekly, starred review "A perfectly paced plot, supported by secondary characters to whom readers will relate and luminous artwork by Gannon, fill out a story that readers will eagerly embrace. A must-have. . .this novel delights." --School Library Journal, starred review
The List of Things That Will Not Change by
EIGHT STARRED REVIEWS! The reassuring book kids and families need right now. "An absolute original . . . a story that kids will love." --R. J. Palacio, bestselling author of Wonder At a time when everything is changing for Bea and her family, the important things will always stay the same. A soon-to-be classic by the Newbery Award-winning author of When You Reach Me. After her parents' divorce, Bea's life became different in many ways. But she can always look back at the list she keeps in her green notebook to remember the things that will stay the same. The first and most important: Mom and Dad will always love Bea, and each other. When Dad tells Bea that he and his boyfriend, Jesse, are getting married, Bea is thrilled. Bea loves Jesse, and when he and Dad get married, she'll finally (finally!) have what she's always wanted--a sister. Even though she's never met Jesse's daughter, Sonia, Bea is sure that they'll be "just like sisters anywhere." As the wedding day approaches, Bea will learn that making a new family brings questions, surprises, and joy, and readers will discover why the New York Times called Rebecca Stead a "writer of great feeling." "An undeniably beautiful book." --The New York Times "No author writing today observes young lives with more clarity, tenderness, and grace." --Newbery Medalist Katherine Applegate, author of The One and Only Ivan "Stead truly understands the inner life of kids." --Newbery Medalist Erin Entrada Kelly, author of Hello, Universe and You Go First
Goodbye Stranger by
This brilliant, New York Times bestselling novel from the author of the Newbery Medal winner When You Reach Me explores multiple perspectives on the bonds and limits of friendship. Long ago, best friends Bridge, Emily, and Tab made a pact: no fighting. But it's the start of seventh grade, and everything is changing. Emily's new curves are attracting attention, and Tab is suddenly a member of the Human Rights Club. And then there's Bridge. She's started wearing cat ears and is the only one who's still tempted to draw funny cartoons on her homework. It's also the beginning of seventh grade for Sherm Russo. He wonders: what does it mean to fall for a girl--as a friend? By the time Valentine's Day approaches, the girls have begun to question the bonds--and the limits--of friendship. Can they grow up without growing apart? "Sensitively explores togetherness, aloneness, betrayal and love." --The New York Times A Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book for Fiction Named a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Boston Globe, The Guardian, NPR, and more!
Liar and Spy by
The instant New York Times bestseller from the author of the Newbery Medal winner When You Reach Me: a story about spies, games, and friendship. The first day Georges (the S is silent) moves into a new Brooklyn apartment, he sees a sign taped to a door in the basement: SPY CLUB MEETING--TODAY! That's how he meets his twelve-year-old neighÂbor Safer. He and Georges quickly become allies--and fellow spies. Their assignment? Tracking the mysterious Mr. X, who lives in the apartment upstairs. But as Safer's requests become more and more demanding, Georges starts to wonder: how far is too far to go for your only friend? "Will touch the hearts of kids and adults alike." --NPR Winner of the Guardian Prize for Children's Fiction Named a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and more!
When You Reach Me by
"Like A Wrinkle in Time (Miranda's favorite book), When You Reach Me far surpasses the usual whodunit or sci-fi adventure to become an incandescent exploration of 'life, death, and the beauty of it all.'" --The Washington Post This Newbery Medal winner that has been called "smart and mesmerizing," (The New York Times) and "superb" (The Wall Street Journal) will appeal to readers of all types, especially those who are looking for a thought-provoking mystery with a mind-blowing twist. Shortly after a fall-out with her best friend, sixth grader Miranda starts receiving mysterious notes, and she doesn't know what to do. The notes tell her that she must write a letter--a true story, and that she can't share her mission with anyone. It would be easy to ignore the strange messages, except that whoever is leaving them has an uncanny ability to predict the future. If that is the case, then Miranda has a big problem--because the notes tell her that someone is going to die, and she might be too late to stop it. Winner of the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for Fiction A New York Times Bestseller and Notable Book Five Starred Reviews A Junior Library Guild Selection "Absorbing." --People "Readers ... are likely to find themselves chewing over the details of this superb and intricate tale long afterward." --The Wall Street Journal "Lovely and almost impossibly clever." --The Philadelphia Inquirer "It's easy to imagine readers studying Miranda's story as many times as she's read L'Engle's, and spending hours pondering the provocative questions it raises." --Publishers Weekly, Starred review
First Light by
Peter is thrilled to join his parents on an expedition to Greenland, where his father studies global warming. Peter will get to skip school, drive a dogsled, and–finally–share in his dad’s adventures. But on the ice cap, Peter struggles to understand a series of visions that both frighten and entice him. Thea has never seen the sun. Her extraordinary people, suspected of witchcraft and nearly driven to extinction, have retreated to a secret world they’ve built deep inside the arctic ice. As Thea dreams of a path to Earth’s surface, Peter’s search for answers brings him ever closer to her hidden home. Rebecca Stead’s fascinating debut novel is a dazzling tale of mystery, science and adventure at the top of the world.
Lo and Behold by
Can a virtual reality headset help change the way twelve-year-old Addie looks at things? Introducing an unforgettable graphic novel about connection, friendship, and the wonder all around us from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Mass and debut illustrator Gabi Mendez. When you're named after a 250-year-old tortoise, you grow up believing life is full of possibilities and wonder. But ever since Addie's family got turned upside down, those things have been harder for her to see. The last thing Addie wants to do is make a new friend, but when her dad's summer job takes them across the country, she meets Mateo and finds herself caught up in an exciting project. With the help of a virtual reality headset, she's suddenly scaling castle walls, dodging angry kittens, and seeing the world in whole new ways. Plus, she has an idea that could be bigger than anything she's imagined before, but can she right some wrongs first . . . or is it too late?
Stealing the Sword: a Branches Book (Time Jumpers #1) by
New York Times bestselling author Wendy Mass's action-packed early chapter book series is perfect for newly independent readers!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!Chase and Ava find an old suitcase filled with strange objects. One of the objects looks like a dragon-headed doorknob... Suddenly Chase and Ava find themselves jumping back in time to King Arthur's castle! They meet the king's wizard Merlin and soon discover what the dragon-headed doorknob really is. It turns out they have an important job to do: They must save the king! But a bad guy is after them... How will Chase and Ava get back home? They will need to act fast to find out! Oriol Vidal's engaging illustrations appear on every page. Newly independent readers will eat up this time-travel series from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Mass!
Space Taxi: Aliens on Earth by
Archie Morningstar fights crime across the universe alongside his dad and Pockets the talking cat. In his sixth adventure, the space taxi navigation system goes down, stranding all the alien passengers on Earth! Will the team be able to find hiding spots for these otherworldly creatures before they're discovered, or will this be the end of the operation for good? Get ready for another exciting intergalactic adventure.
The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase by
The highly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Candymakers by beloved author Wendy Mass It has been a few months since the nationwide New Candy Contest, and Logan, Miles, Philip, and Daisy have returned to their regular lives. But when the winning candy bar comes down the conveyor belt at the Life is Sweet candy factory, Logan realizes something's very wrong.... When the Candymaker announces that they will be going on tour to introduce the new candy bar, the four friends see this as an opportunity to make things right. But with a fifty-year-old secret revealed and stakes higher for each of them than they ever imagined, they will have to trust one another--and themselves--in order to face what lies ahead. In this action-packed sequel to the bestselling novel The Candymakers, prepare to embark on a journey full of hidden treasures, secret worlds, and candy. LOTS and LOTS of candy.
Pi in the Sky by
Joss is the seventh son of the Supreme Overlord of the Universe. His older brothers help his dad rule the cosmos, but all Joss gets to do is deliver pies. That's right: pies. Of course, these pies actually hold the secrets of the universe between their buttery crusts, but they're still pies. Joss is happy to let his older brothers shine. He has plenty to keep his hands full: attempting to improve his bowling score; listening to his best friend, Kal, try (and fail) to play the drums; and exploring his ever-changing home, The Realms. But when Earth suddenly disappears, Joss is tasked with the seemingly impossible job of bringing it back. With the help of Annika, an outspoken girl from Earth, he embarks on the adventure of a lifetime...and learns that the universe is an even stranger place than he'd imagined. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Candymakers comes a world-hopping tale that leads the reader deep into the heart of the mysteries of time and space. Plus, there's pie.
The Candymakers by
Four children have been chosen to compete in a national competition to find the tastiest confection in the country. Who will invent a candy more delicious than the Oozing Crunchorama or the Neon Lightning Chew? Logan, the Candymaker's son, who can detect the color of chocolate by touch alone? Miles, the boy who is allergic to merry-go-rounds and the color pink? Daisy, the cheerful girl who can lift a fifty-pound lump of taffy like it's a feather? Or Philip, the suit-and-tie wearing boy who's always scribbling in a secret notebook? This sweet, charming, and cleverly crafted story, told from each contestant's perspective, is filled with mystery, friendship, and juicy revelations.
11 Birthdays: a Wish Novel by
This hilarious novel from award-winning author Wendy Mass is now available in paperback!It's Amanda's 11th birthday and she is super excited---after all, 11 is so different from 10. But from the start, everything goes wrong. The worst part of it all is that she and her best friend, Leo, with whom she's shared every birthday, are on the outs and this will be the first birthday they haven't shared together. When Amanda turns in for the night, glad to have her birthday behind her, she wakes up happy for a new day. Or is it? Her birthday seems to be repeating iself. What is going on?! And how can she fix it? Only time, friendship, and a little luck will tell. . .
Every Soul a Star by
And as streams of light fan out behind the darkened sun like the wings of a butterfly, I realize that I never saw real beauty until now. At Moon Shadow, an isolated campground, thousands have gathered to catch a glimpse of a rare and extraordinary total eclipse of the sun. It's also were three lives are about to be changed forever: Ally likes the simple things in life--labyrinths, star-gazing, and comet-hunting. Her home, the Moon Shadow campground, is a part of who she is, and she refuses to imagine it any other way. Popular and gorgeous (everybody says so), Bree is a future homecoming queen for sure. Bree wears her beauty like a suit of armor. But what is she trying to hide? Overweight and awkward, jack is used to spending a lot of time alone. But when opportunity knocks, he finds himself in situations he never would have imagined and making friends in the most unexpected situations. Told from three distinct voices and perspectives, Wendy Mass weaves an intricate and compelling story about strangers coming together, unlikely friendships, and finding one's place in the universe.
Heaven Looks a Lot Like the Mall by
Written in accessible free verse, this poetic novel follows a disillusioned teenager who, after being hit in the head by a ball in gym class, finds herself floating up to what she thinks is heaven. Rebelling at having to relive painful memories, she slowly begins to reconcile with her past and gain a better perspective of her life.
Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life by
In one month Jeremy Fink will turn thirteen. But does he have what it takes to be a teenager? He collects mutant candy, he won't go more than four blocks from home if possible, and he definitely doesn't like surprises. On the other hand, his best friend, Lizzy, isn't afraid of anything, even if that means trouble now and then.Jeremy's summer takes an unexpected turn when a mysterious box arrives. According to the writing on the box, it holds the meaning of life! Jeremy is supposed to open it on his birthday, but the keys are missing, and only the keys can open the box without destroying what's inside. Jeremy and Lizzy set off to find the keys, but when one of their efforts goes very wrong, Jeremy starts to think he'll never be able to open the box. But what he doesn't know is that there just might be other ways to find out the meaning of life.Lively characters, surprising twists, and thought-provoking ideas make Wendy Mass's latest novel an unforgettable read.
Rapunzel by
Rapunzel and Prince Benjamin are both trapped, one in a tower by an evil witch, the other by his royal duties, but when their paths cross, aided by friends and a little luck, conditions change for them both
Leap Day by
This fascinating, surprising new novel is full of everyday imaginations and truths in the life and future of every teenage girl, as it tells the story of soon-to-be-16 Josie Taylor, who was born on Leap Day. Accelerated Reader: Reading Level 4.9, 10 Points.
A Mango-Shaped Space by
An award-winning book from the author of Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life and The Candymakers for fans for of Wonder and Counting by Sevens Mia Winchell has synesthesia, the mingling of perceptions whereby a person can see sounds, smell colors, or taste shapes. Forced to reveal her condition, she must look to herself to develop an understanding and appreciation of her gift in this coming-of-age novel.
Join us at the RI State House on May 4th for a kickoff celebration featuring authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass and activities from local libraries and community organizations.
KRARI Kickoff
May 4, 2024
2:00pm - 4:00pm
RI State House, 82 Smith Street, Providence, RI
Free entry and free parking
Each family will receive a free copy of The Lost Library to have signed by the authors.
Please share the flyers and graphics below with students, patrons, families, and your networks.
Sets of the 2024 KRARI selection The Lost Library are available to schools and public libraries planning to lead a KRARI book discussion this spring and summer. Please use the appropriate form below to request a book set. Requests must be made using the appropriate form by March 11, 2024. Book sets will be delivered early April.
Questions about book distribution may be addressed to:
Danielle Margarida
Youth Services Coordinator, RI Office of Library and Information Services
danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov
For requests after the March 11 deadline contact Kate Lentz at kate@ribook.org. Requests made after the March 11 deadline will be fulfilled based on current availability of books.
Public libraries are invited to participate in the May 4 Kids Reading Across RI kickoff event at the State House. It's a great opportunity to promote your library and summer reading program to families from all over the state. In the past libraries have had tables with activities related to the summer reading theme or the KRARI book. Your activity may be a simple hand’s on activity such as a coloring page or craft. Libraries may also use this as an opportunity to show off any new items they’d like to promote (circulating kits, STEM tools, etc.). The event typically draws up to 200 people. Interested libraries can contact submit this form or contact Danielle Margarida.
About the event:
Kick off the 2024 Kids Reading Across RI program and meet award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Each family will receive a free copy of The Lost Library that they can have signed by the authors. Enjoy hands-on activities with RI public libraries and organizations.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
Doors open 2:00 - 4:00 PM
RI State House
Free parking in the State of RI lots
Participating libraries and organizations:
Making the Most of Your Book Discussion
Additional program ideas:
Apple Extravaganza
Take a page from AL’s cookbook and make some apple treats. Share apple history and highlight a variety of apple recipes.
Book Swap Event
Help kids discover new books and authors by organizing a book swap event where participants bring in gently used books to exchange with others. Invite participants to briefly book talk the book they’ve bought before beginning the exchange. If kids are unable to bring books to swap consider soliciting donations from the community.
Escape Room
Design an escape room challenge that immerses participants in the world of The Lost Library, where they must solve mysteries and unravel secrets hidden within the library. Incorporate puzzles and clues related to the book's plot, encouraging participants to use their problem-solving skills and teamwork to escape. Escape room resources:
Highlight Library History
Invite kids to investigate your library’s history together. Help them share their findings in a presentation, display, newsletter, video, or recording.
How to Write a Mystery
Evan uses the book How to Write a Mystery Novel to help solve his town’s mysteries. Inspire budding sleuths and authors by facilitating a mystery writing workshop.
Kidbrarian
Invite kids to be your AL for the day. Show them what it is like to be a librarian by providing hands-on experience with creating a book display, planning a program, providing readers advisory, and maybe helping them check out a book or two to patrons. Give a tour of the library's inner workings, introduce them to staff and patrons, and make sure they have an ID showing their AL status.
Lost Library Scavenger Hunt
Organize a library scavenger hunt where participants must search for clues leading to various books related to adventure and mystery. Include trivia questions or challenges based on the The Lost Library to make it more interactive.
Committee members include public youth services librarians, school librarians, retired librarians, and retired educators. The committee is responsible for:
Librarians and educators who have experience working with kids in grades 4-6 are invited to join the committee any time of year.The committee meets in person approximately five times between September and May. Meeting attendance is not required, but committee members that cannot attend meetings are asked to participate in discussions via email.
Committee members are also expected to:
Interested? Contact Danielle Margarida at danielle.margarida@olis.ri.gov.
The Kids Reading Across RI committee is pleased to announce this year's Honorary Chair is Meg Hamlin-Black, State Librarian of Rhode Island.
“The one book, one community model is not only impactful in encouraging reading and bolstering literacy, but also in building bridges through shared experiences,” said Megan Hamlin-Black, Rhode Island State Librarian. “The RI Center for the Book's Kids Read Across Rhode Island initiative beautifully facilitates, through literature and associated programming, a shared experience among young Rhode Island readers from all walks of life – reminding us that we are more alike than different.” - Megan Hamlin-Black, State Librarian of Rhode Island and 2024 Honorary Kids Reading Across Rhode Island Chair
The Lost Library
When a mysterious little free library (guarded by a large orange cat) appears overnight in the small town of Martinville, eleven-year-old Evan plucks two weathered books from its shelves, never suspecting that his life is about to change.
Evan and his best friend Rafe quickly discover a link between one of the old books and a long-ago event that none of the grown-ups want to talk about. The two boys start asking questions whose answers will transform not only their own futures, but the town itself.
Told in turn by a ghost librarian named Al, an aging (but beautiful) cat named Mortimer, and Evan himself, The Lost Library is a timeless story from award-winning authors Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. It’s about owning your truth, choosing the life you want, and the power of a good book (and, of course, the librarian who gave it to you).
"We are both thrilled and honored that kids across Rhode Island are reading The Lost Library together. This story was written to celebrate the mystery and magic of books, and we can’t wait to share the day with all of you in May. Till then, happy reading!" - Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass
Rebecca Stead
Rebecca Stead is the New York Times bestselling author of When You Reach Me, Liar & Spy, First Light, Goodbye Stranger, Bob, and, most recently, The List of Things That Will Not Change. Her books have been awarded the Newbery Medal, the Boston Globe/Horn Book Award for Fiction and the Guardian Children’s Fiction Prize. Rebecca lives in New York City, where she is always on the lookout for her next story idea.
Wendy Mass
Wendy Mass is the New York Times bestselling author of The Candymakers series, Bob, and many other novels for young readers, including the Schneider Family Book Award-winner A Mango-Shaped Space, Jeremy Fink and the Meaning of Life (which was made into a feature film), Every Soul a Star, Pi in the Sky, the Twice Upon a Time series, and the Willow Falls series that began with 11 Birthdays. She and her family live in New Jersey.