Shorter days and chilly evenings have us wishing we could curl up with a good novel and get lost in fictional worlds. In some creative circles this changing season also marks National Novel Writing Month, where seasoned and aspiring writers write every day for the month of November in an attempt to create a novel. We’ve rounded up books that are perfect for the young reader looking to get immersed in a longer story or stories that prepare them for novel-length books one day.
Martee Dares to Dance
By Harry Shum Jr and Shelby Rabara and illustrations by Bianca Austra
Sometimes an awkward moment can define a person’s life to either stand up to it or move away from it. In “Martee Dares to Dance,” Martee finds himself in that exact situation of whether to let a moment of embarrassment become a traumatic moment or to stand up and fight for what he loves to do most and that is to dance. After experiencing humiliation because of his love of dance he must decide if he will miss the upcoming Halloween school dance, or go and let himself have a good time. It is with the help of a friend, a Martian, that he can realize what makes him unique embrace it and never limit himself or his creativity to anyone. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
The Knitting Witch
By Norma Kassirer and illustrated by Mark Richardson
Ivy Lou is a special girl known by those in her community for her infamous tantrums. Her signature behavior however does not make space for friends, so Ivy doesn’t have any. Her situation is dealt with by the help of a witch who along with her trusted knitting needles comes to Ivy’s aid by providing her with some new friends. And like any good guide, the witch doesn’t just help with friends, she naturally has something else in store for Ivy. “The Knitting Witch” brings both chaos and the chance to go on a little adventure so Ivy can get out of her comfort zone and learn a few things that provide a new appreciation for home. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.
The Chambered Nautilus
By Laura Segal Stegman
In the third and final part of the Summer of L.U.C.K. trilogy series, readers find the characters they’ve come to know in a situation unlike any other. In “The Chambered Nautilus” the characters Darby, Justin, and Naz, who are best friends reunite after being separated for a year away from each other. Now reunited at camp and beginning to drift away from one another the trio is brought together by a mystery of the ghost of the Leroy Usher’s carnival, the Chambered Nautilus ride. The specific ride has a magical secret to it and that secret is the game changer. With the ferris wheel disappearing and being expelled from camp the trio must lean on one another, their wits, and solidarity to get through this tough time as they face many other challenges along the way as they try to find Leroy Usher with limited time and little of it to spare. Will it all work out? Find out in a story that is all about friendship and loyalty and the adventure and trials that come along with both. Recommended for ages 7 to 15.
ALEX WISE VS. THE COSMIC SHIFT
By Terry J. Benton-Walker
“Alex Wise vs. The Cosmic Shift” is the second part of a dual series following the adventures of Alex Wise, the middle schooler with a life story that reads like a novel. Alex finds himself trying to deal with his life after saving his sister Mags from Death and discovering his magical powers, thanks to his best friend Loren and demi-god Liam. But there is still the issue of an apocalypse, which means more danger, including a snake in an actual ghost town and invading the Horsemen’s new home on the Vegas Strip while riding a dragon. Yet what truly concerns Alex are his relationships. His sister Mags is acting differently after his experience with Death, and the once vibrant and close relationship he had with Loren now appears to be slipping away from him. How is he to deal with all this, while also being the one so many are turning to for answers? Does he really want to take on the role of superhero or world saver, too? Is he capable of handling all of this? Should he have to deal with all of this? Recommended for ages 8 to 12.
Whippoorwill Willingly
By Margaret Dulaney
Whimsical meets mystery meets nature in “Whippoorwill Willingly,” about a young woman who gets on a train. The rider is accompanied by the many friends she makes along the way, some on four legs and others on two, and then there are some who have wings. It is what happens once she arrives at the most distant points in the Swiss Alps that is the most intriguing as she works through various issues regarding friendships and understanding forgiveness. Recommended for ages 13 to 18.
For more book recommendations, check out our September roundup.
