Nothing exciting ever happens in the Hill of Dust, a small village in Mexico set in the 1950s. Eleven-year-old Teo has lost his sister and his mother is almost gone. One day, a group of gypsies arrive, bringing an extraordinary girl named Esma, who calls herself the Queen of Lighting. Esma’s grandmother, the Mistress of Destiny, tells them that they are to become lifelong friends. Teo and Esma work together to overcome the impossible and fulfill their fortune of becoming friends for life. The Lightning Queen by Laura Resau is a vibrant story that ignores racial backgrounds and encourages young readers to realize that nothing is impossible. This audiobook would be suitable for young middle-level readers.
Usagi Yojimbo: The Ronin by Stan Sakai
The Civil War has barely ended and the Shogun has gotten a hold on power in 17th century Japan. There is one master less samurai named Miyamoto Usagi, a.k.a. Usagi Yojimbo who wanders the land. Usagi Yojimbo: The Ronin by cartoonist Stan Sakai is the first book in a series of graphic novels of a samurai’s many adventures during a time of political uneasiness.
I Went Walking by Sue Williams and Julie Vivas
A young boy begins an exciting adventure, and discovers many different colorful animals. By the end, he finds he has a parade of animals trailing behind him! I Went Walking by Sue Williams is a charming poem for toddlers that teaches colors, animals, and simple vocabulary. The story also includes lovely watercolor pictures by Julie Vivas.
The Truth and Myths about Sea Monsters by L.A. Peacock
Did you know that some prehistoric whales looked like crocodiles? And the Atlantic Ocean is the saltiest ocean! These are some truths about sea monsters, and you’ll also discover some myths about sea monsters such as giant squids attacking submarines in the nonfiction book The Truth and Myths About Sea Monsters by L.A. Peacock.
