Intermediate School Nutmeg Nominees
Sign up to be a Nutmeg Reader HERE. Read the books, answer some quick questions, and earn badges. Click on the title of the book to access the quizzes. Can you collect all the badges?
Air by Monica Roe
Emmie has a passion for wheelchair motocross and can’t wait to get her new sporty chair. Her dreams are dashed after an accident at school has her local community coming to her rescue, whether she wants their help or not. Emmie has to learn to advocate for herself while accepting help from her friends and community.
The Carrefour Curse by Dianne K. Salerni
Garnet’s mom is secretive about her family, so she is surprised that they would be summoned to her family’s estate, Crossroad House. Garnet learns about her family’s magical legacy as her great-grandfather hangs onto life by drawing on the family’s magic as he tries to find a successor. Will Garnet find that her magic is a gift or a curse?
The Dog Knight by Jeremy Whitley, art by Bre Indigo, colors by Melissa Capriglione
When Frankie saves a dog from bullies, they are chosen to be the Dog Knight, protector of a magical pact. But first, Frankie must prove they possess the six traits dogs value most: loyalty, kindness, honesty, justice, stubbornness, and smell. Can Frankie pass the tests? Do the even want to?
Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko, art by Wallace West
Chance ends up in the Dogtown shelter after his irresponsible dog-sitter abandons him. Wanting nothing more than to be reunited with their families, Chance and his friends, Mouse (an actual mouse) and the robot dog Metal Head, escape the shelter in search of a home where they belong.
Frizzy by Claribel A. Ortega, art by Rose Bousamra
Every Sunday is a nightmare for Marlene as the stylists at the salon force her frizzy hair into a style acceptable to her mom. Unhappy with her appearance, Marlene turns to her own frizzy-haired aunt for advice. With her aunt’s help, Marlene learns to embrace her natural curls and wear them proudly.
Grounded by Aisha Saeed, Huda Al-Marashi, Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, and S.K. Ali
Told in alternating points of view, the stories of four Muslim-American kids stuck in an airport are woven together as they work to locate a missing pet. The group experiences an unexpected and unforgettable night, while forging the bonds of friendship through their adventures.
It Found Us by Lindsay Currie
A game of hide-and-seek in a cemetery reveals a spooky mystery to twelve-year-old Hazel as her brother’s friend disappears without a trace. With the help of her best friend, Hazel investigates the disappearance only to experience increasingly frightening and ghostly situations. Can Hazel learn the truth of the haunted graveyard before someone else goes missing?
Moongarden by Michelle A. Barry
Myra attends one of the moon’s elite boarding schools where students develop their innate abilities. While searching for her own ability, she unlocks a hidden garden that could help both herself and her society. Could this secret save the moon, or will sharing it cast Myra out?
Speak Up! by Rebecca Burgess
Online, Mia is the superstar Elle-Q, but at school she is just Mia, an autistic twelve-year-old who faces bullies daily. Mia has the chance to perform in the talent show as her alter-ego, but will she have the courage to share this part of herself?
Trex by Christyne Morrell
Trex survived the crash that killed his dad by receiving an expensive experimental brain implant and can now shoot electricity out of his fingertips. Tired of moving constantly to avoid detection, Trex convinces his mom to let him attend school like a normal kid. What will happen if his classmates notice his abnormalities? Will he have to move again?