7 Fictional Distractions from the End-of-Summer Blues

The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles Series #1), by Rick Riordan and Matt Griffin
Prepare for a deep-dive into Egyptian mythology with the first book in Rick Riordan’s adventure trilogy narrated by siblings Carter and Sadie Kane—the pair are powerful magicians, having descended from pharaohs Narmer and Ramses the Great. After their father, a brilliant Egyptologist, inadvertently unleashes a terrible Egyptian god, the children are forced to run for their lives. The siblings soon discover that other gods are awakening, and they must be stopped.

Guardians of the Taiga (Wild Rescuers Series #1), by StacyPlays
YouTube personality and creator of the popular Dogcraft series, StacyPlays, brings her fans an exciting Minecraft-inspired illustrated adventure novel. The bestselling first book in the series introduces readers to 12-year-old Stacy, an amnesiac girl who has been raised by wolves and spends time with her trusted pack in the wilderness rescuing animals. But there are new threats looming that threaten her family and her home in this awesome read for animal lovers and Minecraft enthusiasts alike.

The Last (Endling Series #1), by Katherine Applegate
The bestselling author of Wishtree and the Newberry-winning The One and Only Ivan has an intriguing new tale with a non-human narrator, a dog-like creature called a dairne. Her name is Byx, and she’s the youngest of her pack of mythical animals that have been hunted to near extinction. Soon Byx’s family meets the same unfortunate fate as many others in their species, and Byx is afraid she may be the last dairne in existence—the Endling. This incredible tale explores how good and bad can exist within everyone and from endangerment can come empowerment.

The Burning Maze (The Trials of Apollo Series #3), by Rick Riordan
To punish his son, Zeus cast down Apollo to earth, forcing him to live as an awkward human teenager named Lester Papadopoulos. In order to reclaim his godly existence, Lester has to restore five Oracles that have gone dark. He’s already completed his first two trials, and now in the third installment in Rick Riordan’s enthralling series, Lester and Demeter’s daughter Meg must journey through a labyrinth to find the third emperor and an oracle that speaks only in puzzles. Riordan fans will love the wise-cracking narration and compelling continuation of Apollo’s story. Bonus: This Barnes & Noble–exclusive edition Includes a removable puzzle collection.

Not So Normal Norbert, by James Patterson, Joey Green, and Hatem Aly
Prolific author James Patterson is back with another creative and hilarious middle-grade novel that young readers won’t be able to put down. In this futuristic world, normal means following all the rules, one of which is that individuality and imagination are absolutely not allowed. And seventh-grader Norbert has been normal his entire life—until one day when he decides to do a funny impersonation of the United State of Earth’s dictator. Norbert is then banished to another planet for young Earthlings who are deemed “different and dangerous.” Can he prove that he’s a conformist after all and find his way home? Young readers will find out in this fun illustrated novel.

Ghost Boys, by Jewell Parker Rhodes
Jewell Parker Rhodes’s bestselling book is a somber and heartbreaking yet important and timely read. In a poor Chicago neighborhood, a black 12-year-old boy named Jerome is shot and killed by a police officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real one. Now Jerome wanders the earth with other “ghost boys,” whose lives were cut short by bigotry, prejudice, and hatred. The ghosts feel they cannot rest until they’ve put a stop to discriminatory violence. And perhaps Jerome can start with Sarah, the daughter of the officer who killed him and the only person who can see him.

Bob, by Wendy Mass, Rebecca Stead, and Nicholas Gannon
It’s been five years since 11-year-old Livy left Bob—a short, greenish, zombielike creature dressed in a chicken suit Livy made to disguise him—in a closet at her grandmother’s house in Australia. Bob doesn’t remember who he is or where he’s from, but he does remember Livy’s promise to help him find his way home. Authors Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead come together to create an unforgettable and perfectly paced tale of friendship. This Barnes & Noble–exclusive includes a funny bonus chapter written from Bob’s point-of-view.