The Seattle Public Library’s 2024 Global Reading Challenge books tell stories about many things, including a Navajo water monster, a magic button, and a rescue Chihuahua with a destiny to rule the world.
Now in its 29th year, the Global Reading Challenge is a reading incentive program between the Library and Seattle Public Schools (SPS). Fourth and fifth graders enrolled in SPS of all reading abilities read the books together and team up for trivia competitions. The semi-finals and City Final competitions, which happen in March 2024, will be in person once again this year! Find out more at spl.org/GRC.
The Global Reading Challenge lineup includes eight wonderful titles that tell stories from a wide variety of ages and backgrounds and are by authors with a cultural connection to the story they are telling. You can learn about the books from our children’s librarians in this video, or read about them below.
The Jumbies, by Tracey Baptiste
Jumbies are creatures that come out at night to steal children or lure them in harm’s way. In this Caribbean fairytale, brave 11-year-old Corinne La Mer doesn’t believe in Jumbies at first. Eventually she must call on her courage and an ancient magic to stop an evil spirit and save her island home.
Our librarian says: “During her journey with her friends, Corinne discovers her true origins. Does she save her father? What is Corinne’s origin? Who is this evil stepmother? Read ‘The Jumbies’ to find out.”
Invisible, by Christina Diaz Gonzalez
Can five overlooked kids make one big difference? Stuck together when they’re forced to complete their school’s community service hours, five Spanish-speaking kids are sure they have nothing in common with one another, even though some people see them as all the same. Then they meet someone who truly needs their help.
Our librarian says: “The five students must decide whether to be willing to expose their own secrets to help or if staying invisible is the only way to survive high school.”
The Button Box, by Bridget Hodder and Fawzia Gilani-Williams
With the help of a magic button, Jewish Ava and Muslim Nadeem go back in time to ancient Morocco. Their mission is to help Prince Abdur Rahman escape to Spain and fulfill his destiny as the ruler of a country in which Jews and Muslims work together to make medieval Spain a center of science, mathematics, music, and poetry.
Our librarian says: “Some buttons are special. Ava and her cousin Nadeem discovered this one day after a tough day of school when they were both bullied for their religions. If you like time travel, adventure, mystery, or conniving cats, you should check out this book.”
Too Bright to See, by Kyle Lukoff
In the summer before middle school, 11-year-old Bug must contend with best friend Moira suddenly caring about clothes, makeup, and boys; a ghost haunting; and the truth about Bug’s gender identity.
Our librarian says: “Bug is used to living with curious cold spots in parts of the house. But suddenly, Bug is experiencing things out of the ordinary. Is someone trying to communicate with Bug? While trying to solve this mystery, Bug discovers the most beautiful truth about who they are. This story may or may not be a ghost story. Read it and decide for yourself.”
A Kind of Spark, by Elle McNicoll
Perfect for readers of “Song for a Whale” and “Counting by 7s,” a neurodivergent girl campaigns for a memorial when she learns that her small Scottish town used to burn witches simply because they were different.
Our librarian says: “This book takes place in Juniper, a small town in Scotland, where the main character Addie learns about her town’s history involving witch trials hundreds of years ago. Addie is autistic, and she sees and feels things that others do not. Addie knows there is more to the story of these witches just like there is more to hers.”
My Kingdom of Darkness, by Susan Tan
For Ember, a rescue Chihuahua and the newest pet in the Chin family, the first step in fulfilling his destiny to rule the world is to defeat the evil neighborhood squirrel, Masher.
Our librarian says: “Before Ember can rule the world, he must first take back the neighborhood from the squirrels and maybe even teach Lucy, the human girl he lives with, how to stand up to her bullies as well. Is Ember up to the task?”
The Secret of the Jade Bangle, by Linda Trinh
A charming early chapter book series that explores Vietnamese culture and identity through the eyes of the Nguyen siblings, with elements of the supernatural, spirituality, and social justice woven in.
Our librarian says: “This book is about discovering who you are, discovering your community, and also food! If you like ‘Mindy Kim’ and ‘Junie B. Jones,’ check this out.”
Healer of the Water Monster, by Brian Water
When Nathan goes to visit his grandma, Nali, at her mobile summer home on the Navajo reservation, he knows he’s in for a pretty uneventful summer. One night, while lost in the nearby desert, Nathan finds someone extraordinary in need of help. Now Nathan must summon all his courage to save his new friend.
Our librarian says: “Nathan decides to spend some time with Grandma Nali because his mom is leaving for a protest against this big oil company and to protect the sacred water for Native people. The water monster that he eventually finds is just like the Navajo creation story that Grandma Nali shared with Nathan. Obviously Nathan wants to help the water monster. How will he do it?”
If you’re interested in reading one of these books, copies are available in many formats. The Library sends paperbacks to Seattle Public Schools’ elementary schools, and the titles are also available at all of The Seattle Public Library locations while supplies last.
In addition to those paperbacks, you can place holds on the books from The Library or access e-books and e-audiobooks with your Library Link account. Check our website at spl.org/grc for more information.
The Global Reading Challenge is made possible by funding from The Seattle Public Library Foundation, Loeb Family Charitable Foundation, McEachern Charitable Trust, the Northwest Literacy Foundation, and Ballard Rotary. We thank our partners at Seattle Public Schools who make this program possible every day.
If you have any questions about the Global Reading Challenge, or anything else, call the Library at 206-386-4636 or contact us at www.spl.org/Ask. Staff are ready to answer questions and direct you to helpful resources and information.
– Elisa M., Communications
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