By Lindsey of Maricopa County Library District
Kids love to read the antics of “Junie B. Jones,” but I would argue that Junie’s staying power likely stems from her enduring sassiness and questionable decision-making. If you’re tempted to mimic that sass after story time, try these read-alikes that feature strong, silly, memorable characters with a different kind of feistiness!
“Dory Fantasmagory” by Abby Hanlon
Move over Ramona Quimby, there’s a new feisty little sister on the pages! “Dory Fantasmagory” by Abby Hanlon introduces readers to Dory, who swirls the lines of real life and imagination “like a chocolate and vanilla ice cream cone.” We enter a home filled with typical siblings, typical parents, and anything-but-typical imaginary friends, including a space sheep, a laundry monster, and a fairy “godmother” who looks an awful lot like a garden gnome.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
This series will keep you giggling at Dory’s wild adventures–and the best part? There are six books in the series to enjoy!
“Jasmine Toguchi,” Mochi Queen by Debbi Michiko
What 8-year-old doesn’t love to climb trees, eat dessert, and make messes, but also does not like to clean? That is how we meet our heroine in “Jasmine Toguchi, Mochi Queen” by Debbi Michiko. Jasmine is tired of her big sister always getting to do things first, and this year, Jasmine is determined to do something her sister has never done. As her family prepares for the New Year celebration, it’s Jasmine’s turn to show off her muscles!
WHY YOU’LL LOVE IT:
Jasmine is a spunky, brave, and determined character who faces relatable struggles, like wanting to prove herself and feeling left out.
About Lindsey Powers
Lindsey Powers loves to read children’s books! She used to read them to kids, when she was a children’s librarian in both Indiana and Arizona, but now she reads them to herself in her current role as the customer experience administrator at Maricopa County Library District. Her favorite day of the year is when the Caldecott and Newbery Awards are announced!
Kid Book Reviewer – Manu
“THE OVERLOOK BOOK”
BY: Megan Fullmer Perry
GENRE: Fiction
AGES: 5 – 7
SYNOPSIS: This book invites readers to open their minds to new perspectives and explores concepts of friendship, family, support, love, inclusion, peace, and kindness. “The Overlook Book: Change Your Perspective, Change the World” encourages readers to see things from a different perspective in a very literal way.
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK: I love the beautiful message of looking at things from a different perspective. My mom and I paused multiple times while reading this book as it sparked so many discussions! The illustrations are so creative. I will recommend this book to everyone that I know! My family gives this gem a hearty five stars!
“A DOG’S PURPOSE: A NOVEL FOR HUMANS”
BY: W. Bruce Cameron
AGES: 10 +
GENRE: Fiction
SYNOPSIS: “A Dog’s Purpose,” the number one New York Times bestseller and major motion picture is a perfect gift to introduce dog lovers to this wonderful series. It chronicles a dog’s journey through four lives via reincarnation and how he looks for his purpose through each.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: It is a well-written novel in which the story is narrated from a dog’s perspective detailed with heart. It will change your view of your furry friends forever. “A Dog’s Purpose” one of the best books I have ever read is a heartwarming story that can make you laugh and sometimes cry. I give it five stars!
“EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO ACE SCIENCE IN ONE BIG FAT NOTEBOOK”
AGES:10+
GENRE: Non-fiction
SYNOPSIS: There are five books in this series, and each is the only book you need for each main subject taught in middle school: math, science, American history, English language arts, and world history. Inside the reader will find every subject’s key concepts, easily digested and summarized. It’s the revolutionary science study guide just for middle school students.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK: I love the way this book is written. It works great for middle school and high school students. I work on this book with my dad and it’s fun to see complex science subjects broken down into simple things.
