2024 Texas Bluebonnet Award Book Selection
By Varsha Bajaj Thirst The riveting story of a heroic girl from the poorest part of Mumbai who fights for her belief that water should be for everyone. Minni’s life is filled with chores, school, and trips to the community tap for water. After an accidental encounter with the water mafia, she must decide whether to fight and risk losing it all, or look the other way. |
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By Mac Barnett The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza Look up! Something terrible is occurring on the moon! What? Rats are eating the moon! Who will save the day? Can one bioengineered cat be the world’s hero and save the moon? Read this lunar adventure to see if Cat, the Moon Princess and a toenail-clipping robot will be able to save the world! |
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By Nanua Ekua Brew-Hammond; illustrated by Daniel Minter Blue Blue is more than just a color! Blue explores the historical significance of the color blue from Ancient Egypt to modern times; its cultural impact in fashion and language; and its importance in science and agriculture. Bold illustrations by Daniel Minter complement the vivid text. |
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By Meghan P. Browne, illustrated by Carlynn Whitt Indelible Ann The story of Ann Richards. Richards was larger than life with her big hair, big personality and big voice. She was a champion for all, a small-town girl who became Travis County Commissioner, Texas State Treasurer and the 45th Governor of the State of Texas. Bright, beautiful and bold illustrations depict her inspiring story. |
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By Pablo Cartaya, illustrated by C. V. Aguilera The Last Beekeper Facing a world altered by climate change and those who profit from it, Yoly must prove that she belongs in a world where only the smartest and most useful are welcome. She learns the survival of her and her family rests in her ability to save the last known beehive from extinction. |
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By Dhonielle Clayton The Marvellers Floating in the sky, safely away from the non-magical world, the Arcanum Training Institute for Marvelous and Uncanny Endeavors brings together magical practices from around the world, teaching young Marvellers to discover and control their powers. Change is now coming to the institute with the admission of 11-year-old Ella, the first Conjuror to attend the institute. |
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By Kate DiCamillo The Beatryce Prophecy In a time of war, a mysterious child appears at the monastery of the Order of the Chronicles of Sorrowing. Gentle Brother Edik finds the girl, Beatryce, curled in a stall, wracked with fever, coated in dirt and blood and holding fast to the ear of Answelica the recalcitrant goat. As the monk nurses Beatryce to health, he uncovers her dangerous secret – one that imperils them all. |
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By Stuart Gibbs, illustrated by Stacy Curtis Once Upon a Tim Tim is a peasant who seeks more than the life his parents have provided. He longs to be successful and journeys through treacherous situations, facing wicked beasts, angry ogres, and humans who cannot be trusted. This fun-filled adventure demonstrates that you don’t have to be born a prince to be a hero. |
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By Christina Diaz Gonzalez, illustrated by Gabriela Epstein Invisible Five students who are sure they have nothing in common are forced together for a school community service project. When they meet someone truly in need they must decide if it’s worth exposing their own secrets to help, or whether they want to stay invisible to survive middle school. A brightly illustrated graphic novel written in both Spanish and English about friendship, community and teamwork. |
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By David Harrison, illustrated by Kate Cosgrove The Dirt Book: Poems About Animals That Live Beneath Our Feet What is dirt made of? What makes dirt and who lives in dirt? Stuff such as chipped rocks, decaying animals, decaying leaves and sticks, fungi and of course, germs are all in dirt. Fifteen informative and funny poems about dirt will tell you everything about the subject of dirt. |
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By Megan Lloyd Haven: A Small Cat's Big Adventure Haven has always lived a safe and comfy life in a small house out in the country with beloved owner, Ma Millie. But when Ma Mille gets sick, Haven must adventure out into the dangerous wilderness to find someone who can help. Can this small house cat find the courage and strength to survive in the wild and make it to town? Will she escape the fierce predator following her? |
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Edited by Kwame Mbalia Black Boy Joy Black Boy Joy contains seventeen short stories from acclaimed & award-winning authors that offer something for everyone. Readers will discover science fiction and poetry, along with other genres. The wide range of topics include funerals, first dances, baking, and skateboarding. Just like the cover & the title, this book will inspire you and bring you joy. |
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By Charly Palmer The Legend of Gravity When playing basketball on the blacktop in the projects, everyone needs a playground name. Names like Liquid, SkyHigh and Left2Right. Enter the awkward new kid with no name who seems to float in the air when he takes the ball to the hoop earning himself the name Gravity. With Gravity on their side, the Eagles feel unstoppable. A fun tall tale for every reader. |
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By Matt Phelan Leave it to Plum! Young Plum is one of the peacock ambassadors for the Athensville Zoo, a responsibility the kind and curious Plum takes very seriously. When a small mammal with an oversized ego tries to take over the zoo, Plum steps in to save the day! |
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By Dan Poblocki Tales to Keep You Up at Night Amelia is cleaning out her grandmother's attic when she stumbles across a book: Tales to Keep You Up at Night. But when she goes to the library to return it, she's told that the book never belonged there. Curious, she starts to read the stories: tales of strange incidents in nearby towns, of journal entries chronicling endless, twisting pumpkin vines, birthday parties gone awry, and cursed tarot decks. And at the center of the stories lies a family of witches. And witches, she's told, can look like anyone… |
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By Adam Rubin, illustrated by Adam Rex Gladys the Magic Chicken Hear the legendary tale of the magic chicken, Gladys! She granted wishes to a shepherd boy, a brave swordsman, and a princess! Or did she? Find out if Gladys is truly the stuff of legend in this magical tale. |
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By Pam Muñoz Ryan Solimar: The Sword of the Monarchs Solimar loves watching the butterfly migration, and on the brink of her quinceanera, she crosses her kingdom’s border to get a closer look. There she finds a magical shawl that will help her when she needs it most. Can Solimar find the courage to help when the kingdom is overthrown by a neighboring king and he holds her family hostage? A fun and action-packed adventure. |
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By Joyce Scott and Brie Spangler, illustrated by M. Sweet Unbound: The Life and Art of Judith Scott A moving and powerful introduction to the life and art of renowned artist, Judith Scott, as told by her twin sister, Joyce Scott and illustrated by Caldecott Honor artist, Melissa Sweet. Judith Scott was born with Down syndrome. She was deaf, and never learned to speak. She was also a talented artist. Judith was institutionalized until her sister Joyce reunited with her and enrolled her in an art class. Judith went on to become an artist of renown with her work displayed in museums and galleries around the world. |
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By Christina Soontornvat The Last Mapmaker Sai is an assistant to the most celebrated mapmaker in the kingdom and she must play the part of a well-bred young lady. However, Sai’s background must be kept secret or the truth could ruin her. She gets the opportunity to chart the famed Southern Seas. When Sai learns that the ship might be heading for the fabled Sunderlands- a land of dragons, dangers, and riches beyond imagining- she must weigh the cost of her dreams. A magical story about finding your place in the world. |
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By Betsy Uhrig The Polter-Ghost Problem Best friends Aldo, Pen, and Jasper are braced for a boring summer. And equally dull summer journal writing assignments. That is, until they see a slightly transparent boy with a bad haircut appear by the soccer field and then disappear into the woods beyond. The boys follow him and discover the long-abandoned Grauche Orphanage for Orphans, a house in the woods that is most definitely haunted. |