Book picks similar to
The Wonder Worm Wars by Margie Palatini


5-middle-grade-readers
abandoned
found-for-others
grades-4-6

Mamba Point


Kurtis Scaletta - 2010
    embassy in Liberia, twelve-year-old Linus Tuttle knows it's his chance for a fresh start. Instead of being his typical anxious self, from now on he'll be cooler and bolder: the new Linus. But as soon as his family gets off the plane, they see a black mamba--one of the deadliest snakes in Africa. Linus's parents insist mambas are rare, but the neighborhood is called Mamba Point, and Linus can barely go outside without tripping over one--he's sure the venomous serpents are drawn to him. Then he hears about kasengs, and the belief that some people have a deep, mysterious connection to certain animals. Unless Linus wants to hide in his apartment forever (drawing or playing games with the strange kid downstairs while his older brother meets girls and hangs out at the pool), he has to get over his fear of his kaseng animal. Soon he's not only keeping a black mamba in his laundry hamper; he's also feeling braver than ever before. Is it his resolution to become the new Linus, or does his sudden confidence have something to do with his scaly new friend? From Kurtis Scaletta, author of Mudville, comes a humorous and compelling story of a boy learning about himself through unexpected friends, a fascinating place, and an extraordinary animal.

Kaleidoscope


Brian Selznick - 2021
    A garden. A library. A key. In Kaleidoscope, the incomparable Brian Selznick presents the story of two people bound to each other through time and space, memory and dreams. At the center of their relationship is a mystery about the nature of grief and love which will look different to each reader.

The Golden Acorn


Catherine Cooper - 2009
    Just an ordinary boy, Jack has been chosen for a hugely important task, and enters a world he believed only existed in legend. Full of twists and turns and featuring characters such as talking ravens and mischievous Spriggans, The Golden Acorn is a hugely entertaining and exciting tale from a very talented new author.

The B-58 Blunder: How the U.S. Abandoned its Best Strategic Bomber


George Holt Jr. - 2015
    This work is a case study on how the B-58 supersonic bomber came to a premature death in the U.S. military, largely because of infighting among military and civilian leaders, who failed to understand the value of this fantastic airplane. It was a technological marvel for its time and the very best pilots and navigators were chosen to fly this unique aircraft. At its maximum speed of 2.2 Mach (1,452 mph) it was 2½ times faster than the muzzle velocity of a .45 caliber bullet. It could fly faster and out turn must fighters of its day and was also capable of flying close to tree top level just below the speed of sound. It was nearly undetectable by enemy radars due to its speed and low radar cross section and was better at flying through heavy turbulence due to its solid delta wing design. It had a highly accurate navigation and bombing system. It had a capsule ejection system for the safety of the aircrew and was capable of getting airborne in only half the time required by other bombers. Told for the first time, this is the inside story that dispels the unproven myths surrounding the demise of the B-58 and why this magnificent airplane should have been saved. Its loss from the nuclear armory was a severe blow to our “Cold War” deterrence strength. The B-58 was a bomber that set the standard for fear in the heart of an enemy. Its loss was a strategic mistake. The author provides lessons learned and recommendations for military and civilian leaders, going forward, to hopefully prevent future blunders—like what happened to the B-58.

Still Ain't Dead (The Ex Wife Odyssey Book 1)


J.T. Harrington - 2019
    He's used to waking up with hangovers that leave most people curled around a toilet. But that all changes after one drunken night of revelry. Instead of a bathroom floor, he wakes up to find he's been dead for 500 years. And if that ain’t enough, the earth he knew is long gone. Zombies, cataclysmically evil robots, and techno-demons seem to be the least of his problems, as they all pale compared to his crazy immortal ex-wife! Disclaimer: Book has graphic violence, adult language and situations. Recommend reading is 18+ A TRUE ADVENTURER by Munch from Royal Road Rory Quinn literally crashes into a post apocalyptic world, divided between local fiefdoms full of terrible, strange, and also just ordinary people. Where most litrpg-esque characters are brainy nerdy types, Rory fits well into the archetype of the accomplished jock. Full of valuable experience in fucking women, beating up scum, and power dynamics. And of course, playing baseball. Watch him as he murderhobos his way across the former southern united states, violently not giving a shit about the lives of slavers, psychos, and loud mothed amoral narcissists and their followers. Walking into legend with a louisville slugger on his shoulder and a big dick swinging between his legs. ACTION, ADVENTURE WITH COMEDIC RELIEF by Wise_Fool from Royal Road TL:DR Why the hell didnt i read this sooner?! Honestly, I cant be bothered to spend the time on a more in-depth review, cause i wanna get back to reading this. Here's the bottom line up front: good action. dark, casual humor. enjoyable. It's written well. The first chapter was a semi-well-used plotline, but it was written well, preventing me from being bored. It was an odd feeling tbh, wanting to get to the story, but enjoying the filler and background. If you dont have a bit of a wild side to you, then you may not enjoy this as much as others, but with all things ymmv. I personally find this to be great.

Diverted


Lori Matthews - 2021
    Now, too hurt to return to his former position and not wounded enough to be benched, he’s assigned as the new Coast Guard team leader in…Panama. They’re there as part of a drug interdiction unit, but really, they’re Team RECON. Recon as in reconstructed. Each of the four men is like him; a Humpty Dumpty. Except they were trying to put themselves back together so they could do what they loved best, kicking ass, and taking names.Dr. Carolina Alvarez had moved on from research and was working for Doctors Without Borders. A chance meeting with her old boss set her on a dangerous mission to deliver much-needed medicine to South America. Her failure would mean the sure extinction of a tribe clinging to their ancient traditions.Nick should have realized from the instant Carolina walked back into his life things would not go according to plan. But harbored resentment still clouded his vision. Now they were on the trail of the missing vaccine, and the assignment just turned deadly.

Tricky Twenty-Two: A Romance Mystery (A Stephanie Plum Novel) by Janet Evanovich | Debrief


J. Morgan - 2016
    She started her career writing as Steffie Hall. She mostly worked on contemporary romance novels. She gained her fame when she wrote the Stephanie Plum’s series. Most of the novels in the series have been bestsellers and almost all of them had made it to the top of the bestseller lists. Her other notable works are the Wicked series, the Fox and O’Hare series and the Barnaby and Hooker series. The Stephanie Plum series is a romanticized mystery novel. The first book of the series, “One for the Money”, was written in 1994. “Tricky Twenty Two” is the 22nd book of the series and it was released in November 2015. Columbia Tristar bought the movie rights of the Stephanie Plum series, with Katherine Hiegl playing the protagonist. Read more.... Download your copy today! for a limited time discount of only $2.99! Available on PC, Mac, smart phone, tablet or Kindle device. © 2015 All Rights Reserved by Unlimited Press Works, LLC

Rocked by the Bear Complete Collection


V. Vaughn - 2017
    But with the very first song they discover their voices are magic and Nessa falls hard when she find’s Andre’s touch is too. There’s only one problem - he’s not human. Andre knew Nessa was his true mate the first night they met. Reintroduced to the human world after years in the wild his communication skills are rusty, fortunately, his music is not. When Nessa helps him write the song of their hearts, they must decide if their love is more than beautiful music. Adrian - Ginny thinks playing keyboards in a garage band is just for fun. But when a talent scout offers her a recording deal, the prospect of fame is too good to resist. There’s only one problem — Ginny just became a werebear and mated to Adrian. Signing the contract means playing on human terms, and that risks exposing what they really are. Adrian can’t believe his good fortune. Moving to Maine led him to his true mate and a music opportunity of his dreams. But Ginny is a new werebear, and the stress of a rock star career is testing her control. He has to decide if the chance of a lifetime is worth endangering an entire kingdom. Aleck - Noel loves her job as talent scout’s assistant. Traveling and searching for the next big star with her boyfriend is the perfect mix of business and pleasure - until they land in Brunswick, Maine. Sent to scope out an underground sensation, Noel meets a Nordic god of a man that rocks her world beyond her wildest dreams, and all she ever wanted is no longer good enough. Aleck lives life behind the scenes. As a talented composer and lyricist, it’s not often he has to deal with more than a few people at a time. But when his brother is thrown into the limelight, fame shines on Aleck too. He’d turn it down in a heartbeat if the deal didn’t include time with the sexy brunette who happens to be his true mate. Now he’ll do anything to convince Noel she’s the one. Aaron - Olivia might have a little problem with control. She maintains a perfect GPA, has a flawless wardrobe and can bend people around her to fit her needs - until she meets the guy that throws her off beat with one glance. When the sexy drummer flashes his crooked smile her way, she comes undone at the seams and struggles to regain order. Fate has other ideas, making Olivia question everything she ever knew. Aaron was drawn to the fiery redhead, Olivia the first time he laid eyes on her. Her good girl appearance didn’t fool him for a minute. One touch of her hand was all it took to make sparks fly between them. But as his polar opposite, she refuses to let her animal out. Jared - Courtney has had a crush on Jared Vachon since they first met. She may have painted a few images of him too; so when she sees him jogging she takes a moment to notice his - ahem - artistic lines. The flash of a gun interrupts her muse and makes her take action to save his life, using a side of herself she didn’t know existed. Once Courtney discovers what lurks within, she’s not so sure she wants it to break free. Jared is in love with Courtney the human and Courtney the bear. But his true mate fears her animal side will ruin everything, except that’s not the real danger…. Jax - Sasha is an assassin with one thing on her mind -- eradicate werebear at all costs. When she's captured and held as a prisoner, she's rescued by Jax Vachon. Her savior wants her for something, and the truth she finds out might be worse than death.

Pay Attention, Carter Jones


Gary D. Schmidt - 2019
    And ultimately, when his burden of grief and anger from the past can no longer be ignored, Carter learns that a burden becomes lighter when it is shared.

The River


John McGauley - 2016
    Three decades later the story continues in a thrilling and terrifying convergence of people and events that could never have been predicted.

The Saul Marshall Thrillers: Books 1-3:


Richard Davis - 2018
    All the MENACE of Gone Girl. All the MUSCLE of Jack Reacher. ‘I’m hooked.’ – Oscar de Muriel, author of the Frey & McGray series ‘Hollywood, take note, Saul Marshall is destined for the big screen!’ – Michelle Ryles at The Book Magnet ‘The most chilling book that I've read in many, many years.’ – Henrik Bosman Join Saul Marshall as he locks horns with a chilling host of enemies. A serial-killing cult that silently stalks and torments its victims. A terrorist cell that has infiltrated the Dark Net – the sordid underbelly of the Internet – and knows your darkest online secrets. And a schizophrenic video-game addict who obsessively hunts his prey amid the savage riots he engineers. If you’re a fan of Mark Dawson, Lee Child, and J. B. Turner, you’ll love this gripping new series that takes the shocks and surprises to a whole new level. Over 185 five star reviews across Amazon. * Book 1: False Prophet What would you do if your son was taken by a cult? America’s East Coast has been set alight by three of the most bizarre murders in law enforcement history: in each instance, the victims have been forced to kill themselves. For ex con-artist turned FBI agent, Saul Marshall, it seems like just another day in the office. But when Saul discovers that the victims all have something in common – a close relative who’s been missing for years – he immediately feels a personal connection: his own son is missing, presumed dead. And when out the blue he receives a note from his son, communicating he’s been kidnapped, Saul realizes this couldn’t be more personal. As Saul learns more about his son’s captors – a serial killing cult, run by the psychopathic Ivan Drexler – he's forced off grid to fight back. But not only is Drexler giving his son just a week to live, he’s also got even more shocking attacks in the pipeline. Book 2: Never Forget What if terrorists knew your darkest online secrets? California is witnessing a wave of strange murders: pairs of bodies are turning up under small town landmarks, killed by a single sniper bullet. But ask Saul Marshall – an ex-FBI agent on the run – and he’ll tell you it ain’t his problem. But when Saul rescues a young academic from a kidnapping in Los Angeles, and realizes she was in fact next on this mysterious hit-list, he's thrown into the deep-end. And when Saul learns this woman is an anti-China dissident with a secret online presence, it becomes clear they’re not just facing some workaday serial-killer. As Saul finds himself in the sights of a rogue team of Chinese nationalists ruthlessly targeting enemies abroad, he's forced to respond. But his enemy have a powerful weapon. They’ve found a vulnerability in the Dark Net. Book 3: Riot Could a video game convince you to take someone’s life? Saul Marshall arrives in Atlanta in the wake of a shocking incident: a cop with a pristine record has inexplicably massacred peaceful protesters occupyin

Kimberley Chambers 3-Book Butler Collection: The Trap, Payback, The Wronged


Kimberley Chambers - 2015
    When it comes to family they look after business and make their mother proud. Nothing and no one can bring the Butler’s down.But Vinny seems to have crossed the wrong person and his cards are marked. And with the brothers joined at the hip, Roy may just be in the firing line too… Will the Butlers emerge stronger than ever, or is the East End code of honour as good as dead?PAYBACKThe Butlers are back in this gripping, compulsive sequel to THE TRAP.The Butler brothers are the Kings of the East End, and their motto is ‘what goes around, comes around’.In their world, family counts; so when the truth about Vinny’s cousin’s death comes to light, it rocks the Butlers to the core. One by one, Vinny’s friends and family are turning against him…Then, the unimaginable happens – Vinny’s little daughter Molly goes missing. She’s the one chink of light in all their lives, and the one they’d commit murders to bring back.But is it already too late for that?THE WRONGEDThere are some families that welcome newcomers with open arms, then there are the Butlers. An East End family no good girl wants to marry into…Jo fell for Vinny Butler’s good looks, but she’s stood at one graveside too many and now she’s buried her heart as well.Michael Butler was always the nice one, until he started running the family business. Nancy is desperate to leave, and though she would never turn her back on her children, every step they take in their father’s footsteps destroys her a little more.

Summary: Where the Crawdad Sings | A Comprehensive Summary to the Book of Delia Owens (Epic Summary Books 3)


Epic-Summary - 2019
    Sеvеn-уеаr-оld Catherine “Kуа” Clаrk lіvеѕ іn a ѕhасk іn thе ѕwаmр wіth hеr mоthеr, fаthеr, аnd ѕіblіngѕ. Hоwеvеr, one dау, Kуа’ѕ mоthеr lеаvеѕ thе ѕhасk fоrеvеr іn оrdеr tо еѕсаре thе рhуѕісаl аbuѕе іnflісtеd by Kуа’ѕ fаthеr. Kya’s ѕіblіngѕ ѕооn leave оn thеіr оwn аѕ wеll, lеаvіng оnlу Kуа аnd Pа. Pа ѕреndѕ increasingly mоrе tіmе аwау frоm thе ѕhасk оvеr thе уеаrѕ, аnd whеn Kуа іѕ аbоut tеn уеаrѕ оld, Pа lеаvеѕ fоrеvеr. Kуа hаѕ bесоmе thоrоughlу ѕеlf-ѕuffісіеnt by thіѕ tіmе, lіvіng off of thе land аnd оссаѕіоnаllу trаdіng іn tоwn fоr nесеѕѕаrу ѕuррlіеѕ. Whеn Kya іѕ 14 уеаrѕ оld, a kіnd lосаl bоу nаmеd Tаtе Wаlkеr bеgіnѕ tо vіѕіt Kуа, аnd he teaches hеr hоw tо rеаd. Hе іѕ аbоut fоur уеаrѕ оldеr thаn Kуа. Hе аlѕо gіvеѕ Kуа hіѕ оld tеxtbооkѕ frоm school. Whеn Kуа іѕ 15 уеаrѕ оld, ѕhе аnd Tate fаll іn lоvе, but Tate іnѕіѕtѕ thаt they dо nоt have ѕеx untіl Kуа іѕ оldеr. Tаtе ѕооn lеаvеѕ fоr college, аnd аlthоugh hе рrоmіѕеѕ tо lоvе аnd rеmеmbеr Kуа, Kуа fееlѕ аbаndоnеd. When Kуа іѕ 19 уеаrѕ оld, ѕhе ѕuddеnlу becomes аttrасtеd tо a уоung local mаn nаmеd Chаѕе Andrеwѕ. Chаѕе begins vіѕіtіng her оftеn. Chаѕе ѕауѕ thаt hе lоvеѕ hеr аnd іѕ еаgеr tо hаvе sex wіth hk

Battle Earth - Box Set


Nick S. Thomas - 2017
    The first six (of twelve novels) available here as a box set for the first time! A distress transmission from Mars research colony warns of an advanced and unknown enemy approaching the heavily populated lunar colony. An elite marine unit commanded by Major Mitch Taylor is dispatched to protect the beleaguered civilians. However, the attack is merely a prelude to a massive invasion of Earth. When the vast enemy mothership smashes through Earth’s atmosphere and deploys in the Atlantic, the armed forces of Earth soon realise they are fighting for the very survival of the human race. As cities fall throughout the world, American and European forces rally together to make a stand as they battle an enemy unlike any they’ve ever encountered. Battle Earth is a futuristic sci-fi action adventure that chronicles vast and bloody battles following humanity’s first reach into the stars. The immensely successful ‘Battle Earth’ saga spawned the current sequel series, ‘Battle Beyond Earth’, as well as several spinoffs. You’ll have no shortage of action packed material to read once you get stuck in to this series!

Killer Princesses


Jennifer R. Hollis - 2020
    Before their deaths, the two victims discovered a dark secret about a mysterious local criminal organisation called 'Princesses.'As the body count rises, the police investigation closes in. Many of the surviving friends and acquaintances have something to hide, but only one of them has a secret they were prepared to kill for...