2023-2024 VA READS Chapter Book Selections
Battle for the Park: Futureland, Book 1 by H.D. Hunter. ISBN: 978-0593479421 (available in paperback Nov. 7th) When an extraordinary flying theme park arrives above Atlanta, one boy must stop a sinister force from stealing the park's technology and taking over the world
Frizzy. By Claribel A. Ortega. ISBN: 9781250259622 (available in paperback) Marlene’s mother regularly takes her to get her hair straightened but Marlene hates it. She’d like to wear curls with pride. The book chronicles Marlene’s struggles with her hair and her mother. (The 2023 Pura Belpré Children’s Author Award winner)
The Last Beekeeper by Pablo Cartaya. ISBN: 978-0063006553 (available in paperback Sept. 5th) Facing a world dually altered by climate change and those who profit from it, Yolanda Cicerón will have to fight to save the last known beehive from extinction in this science fiction thriller.
The Marvellers by Dhionelle Clayton. ISBN: 978-1250174949 (available in paperback Aug. 29th) Eleven-year-old Ella Durand is the first Conjuror to attend the Arcanum Training Institute, a magic school in the clouds. Things really heat up when a well-known criminal escapes and some people blame Ella.
Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party by Saadia Faruqi. ISBN: 978-1419761171 (available in paperback) Marya’s eighth birthday is coming up in a week, and all she wants is an over-the-top birthdayparty just like the ones Alexa, her rich neighbor, always throws so she claims she’s having a special party too.
The Secret Battle of Evan Pao by Wendy Wang-Long Shang ISBN: 978-1338678857 Evan, who feels he doesn’t belong finds a unique way to make himself part of the annual Civil War celebration at school but when he isn’t welcomed, he must decide how he will react.
Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas. ISBN: 978-0063056763 (available in paperback) Bree is starting school with a dreaded swimming class, Swim 101. Befriended by a neighbor who teaches her to swim, she navigates making and keeping friends.
Thirst by Varsha Bajaj ISBN: 978-0593354391(available in paperback ) MInni fights for her belief that water should be for everyone, but not everyone agrees, in fact, there could be a deeper plot of corruption.
The Tryout by Christina Soontornvat ISBN: 978-1338741261 (available in paperback) The only two kids of color in the whole school are going to try out for the cheerleading squad. In order to make the squad, they will have to audition in front of the whole school.
The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron. ISBN: 978-1547609772 (available in paperback Oct. 10th) The original Vanquishers wiped out the last horde of vampires decades ago. But Boog’s parents still take precautions and they go on high alert when a student goes missing.