Our Middle Grade book spotlight this week is focused on books that feature some shocking and epic plot twists! I do not know about you, but I love a book that you think you know where it is going but then, out of nowhere, the author turns everything on its head and everything is different--and it makes total sense when you think back to what happened leading up to the reveal. All of our titles this week have at least one of these moments, making for some exciting reads to start the new year off with a bang. These books and more can be found by searching the catalog using the search tag #youthplottwist as well as on Libby and Hoopla. Check back next week for a new Middle Grade book spotlight and if you have any book suggestions, please let us know!!
The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby--In an alternate New York City, three kids race to solve a puzzle that will save their homes from a land developer by finding clues hidden in the buildings of the city.
Ice Wolves by Amie Kaufman--Twelve-year-old orphaned twins Anders and Rayna are separated when their shape-shifting powers manifest. Anders turns into an ice wolf, and Rayna a scorch dragon--an ancient enemy of the wolves. They are each kidnapped by their respective clans and trained to battle the other. Anders just wants to find a way to reunite with his sister, but also wonders if there is something else behind the ancient feud.
The Thickety: A Path Begins by J.A. White--When Kara Westfall was six years old, her mother was convicted of the most heinous of crimes--witchcraft. Ever since then, Kara and her little brother Taff have lived on their own, shunned by the village. But when Kara follows a strange bird into the mysterious forest known as Thickety and finds a powerful book that may have belonged to her mother, she begins to realize that her mother's powers were more wondrous than she ever dreamed.
The Night Gardener by Jonathan Auxier--At the worst point of the Irish Potato Famine, orphans Molly and Kip travel to England hoping to find employment. Using her wit and skill with words, Molly secures servant positions for them in the Windsor manor, where things are not quite right. The locals whisper of the gnarled tree behind the house, and of the oddness of the Windsor family. At night Molly and Kip hear footsteps, and in the morning tracks of dirt run through the house to each of the Windsors' bedrooms. Who is the Night Gardener and what does he want? Molly and Kip discover the secret of the darkly magical tree and how the Night Gardener waters it, and know they must find a way to break the curse on the Windsors.
The Boundless by Kenneth Oppel--When Will's father saves the Canadian Pacific Railway's president from an avalanche and is made a railway executive, Will's quiet life changes forever. Invited to ride on the maiden voyage of The Boundless, a massive train of nearly 1,000 cars, Will meets Maren, a beautiful young circus performer in the employ of enigmatic Mr. Dorian, whose circus has cars of its own riding along with The Boundless. Also in the mammoth train is a vault-like mausoleum car, carrying precious treasures. Will ends up in possession of this car's key—and thus comes into the sights of bandits seeking to rob the train. Will, Maren and other new friends must work together if they want to save The Boundless.
The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau--In the year 241, twelve-year-old Lina trades jobs on Assignment Day to be a Messenger to run to new places in her decaying but beloved city, perhaps even to glimpse Unknown Regions.