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Santat’s stunning graphic memoir perfectly encapsulates all the middle school feels, brimming with embarrassment, bullies, and awkward first crushes. This ‘80s flashback to his own school trip to Europe will have the adults reminiscing and will inspire middle schoolers to step outside of their comfort zones to discover themselves and the world. So funny and REAL; this is a special one.
Beth
What would you do if your parents took you on an international vacation to a country far away...and left you there? This has been the reality for thousands of 'parachute kids' over the years (including the author of this book!), whose parents sought better lives for their children abroad while they stayed in their home country to earn support money. Set in 1981, Parachute Kids follows three Taiwanese children left alone in the US, who must learn to navigate language, social cues, cooking---all while not getting caught.
Heather
In the two days it took me to read this book, I cried about 4 times. When the main character's best friend and the only other trans boy at school dies, Noah is left feeling alone in many ways. Noah's best friend was an avid Mothman believer and now with him gone, Noah feels it's his responsibility to convince his peers about Mothman's existence. This book is written in a series of heart-wrenching poems and letters to Mothman, exploring the ever-present feeling of grief, his confidence and questions about his trans identity, and new, accepting friendships. This one is for the monster inside all of us.
Tori
A powerful read for anyone who has felt they are too big or that they take up too much space. This book hit home for a lot of reasons including body insecurities, bullying, and an insensitive mother who loves to project her skewed ideas of beauty onto her daughter. This book is written in verse and features a poet main character who feels at home in her swimming pool or dancing with her best friends. A stand-alone, compelling read that touched my tender little heart.
Tori
If you grew up wanting to become a marine biologist then boy, do I have the book for you. This beautiful novel in verse follows Odder the Otter as she navigates ocean life by the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Although Odder is a fictional character, she is loosely based on the real life events of otters who have been rescued, rehabilitated, and set free to live in the bay again. Dive right in to what is sure to be your next favorite middle-grade read!
Jess
This is a gorgeous, introspective story about responsibility and resilience, co-existence with nature, and finding where and what you want to be in life. With beautiful color schemes and art, Anya’s story is told in equal parts through words and images. While she struggles to bear the responsibility of being the protector of the lunar moths that allow her community to survive, she and her community will discover what it means to be in a community: that not only joys and successes but hardships and loss are shared, and that burdens are should never be carried alone.
Jenna
I feel like this middle-grade novel flew under everyone's radar and did not get the love it deserved. It's a fantasy/adventure story, but it's also about compassion, jealousy, revenge, and finding your own worth. Farrey has written something beautiful and poignant, the kind of children's book that adults would benefit from as well. Perfect for kids who loved Kelly Barnhill's The Ogress and the Orphans.
Anna
This book is a stand alone companion to Garlic and the Vampire (you don't need to read them in order!) The illustrations in this graphic novel are so whimsical and made me wish I could live in this little vegetable world. The main character is an adorable bulb of garlic who realizes she will eventually turn into a human to do the magic of the lovely witch who planted her. Garlic goes on a journey with her good friend Count (a vampire) and they discuss her thoughts and anxieties about the transformation from veggie to person. A very cute story with a heartwarming ending!
Tori
The concept of Grounded for All Eternity—what if Hell had family-friendly suburbs for demon children, and what if those children accidentally made their way to Salem, MA with an escaped soul on Halloween—is so silly, but Marks pulls it off with aplomb. For fans of Hocus Pocus and spooky szn kitsch, but also for folks wanting an exciting (and a little bit gay) story about characters finding purpose.
Timothy
A School Library Journal Best Graphic Novel of 2019
A YALSA 2020 Quick Pick for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
A YALSA 2020 Great Graphic Novel for Teens
Sabrina the Teenage Witch meets Roller Girl in this hilarious, one-of-a-kind graphic novel about a half-witch who has just discovered the truth about herself, her family, and her town an
Not every stranger is a monster. And not every monster is a stranger. In this action-packed and emotionally fraught adventure, Omega Morales–with the help of her cousin and her best friend (who happens to be a ghost)–will unravel family history, secrets about the identity of La Lechuza, and might finally learn how to use her magic like her family has for centuries.
Jenna
Calling all anime, Halloween, and Harry Potter lovers: I got the *perfect* story for you. Follow two twin witches as they embark on their magical journey with their charming crew along for the ride. It’s a classic battle between good and evil and my god, it’s done SO WELL! Not to mention the illustrations are out of this world and the relationships between the characters is just so endearing. It ends with the most insane cliffhanger but don’t worry, Hooky Vol. 2 is already out!
Jess
Look no further: this is the mysterious, woodsy, sister drama that I read in one sitting, as will you. Fiona is tired of lingering in her older sister Arden's shadow, especially when she has to leave her life behind for Lost Lake, a small, eerily quiet town. With nothing to do, Fiona finds herself in the local library, drawn to a book titled The Lost One. She quickly begins to see the parallels between this ominous tale and and the history of her new town. As she unravels the truth to Lost Lake's stories, it becomes difficult to distinguish fiction from reality. Spooky, heartwarming, and written by a Minnesota author; what's not to love?
Beth
Raina Telgemeier fans, this one's for you! Sue is ready to spend her summer reading and going to camp with her friends, but her family has different plans: a surprise quinceañera in Honduras. No Internet, a monstrosity of a dress, and giving a speech in front of everyone? Her worst nightmare. Fajardo's debut is a humorous, yet heartwarming look into a family's culture and customs. Better yet, it's available in both English and Spanish!
Beth
I wholeheartedly agree with Rick Riordan. I want to live in this world. The Arcanum Training Institute is a magical academy in the clouds designed to train Marvellers from around the world to harness their unique gifts, such as mind-reading and animal whispering. Ella Durand will be the first Conjuror to attend, which is quite the controversy after the malicious Aces left a stain on Conjuring magic's reputation. Move over, Harry Potter.
Beth
Twins Theo and Alexander are shocked when their parents suddenly drop them at their bizarre aunt's house for the entire summer. When their aunt tells them they'll be spending the week at a waterpark, Theo is thrilled, Alexander concerned, and their older sister Wil could not care less. But when waterpark staff start disappearing and on the third day, Wil is nowhere to be found, Theo and Alexander must combine their strengths to solve the mystery of the "wretched waterpark" before they, too, disappear for good. A thrilling middle grade mystery with a touch of horror and humor.
Anastasia
This beautiful novel, richly illustrated by Iván Rickenmann, knocked me out. I loved Fabio, a 10-year-old who loves flying around his neighborhood of Bogotá, Colombia on his bicycle, until one day he simply... forgets how to ride. In the tradition of the great Latin American magical realists like Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende, but geared toward younger readers. Plus the book itself is gorgeous, and presented in both Spanish and English.
Timothy
Skandar leaves the Mainland to take his chance to be claimed by a hatchling unicorn and train his way with the “bonded” foal into the ranks of the Riders. But these unicorns are like nothing you’ve imagined and training with them is often a life or death experience. It will take everything Skandar can summon to learn from his instructors and his peers and protect the Mainland from an encroaching menace: “The Weaver” and all of the wild, unbonded unicorns who live in a perpetual state of immortal decay. Yikes. You smell them before you can even see them. Full of twists and turns, battles and frenemies, this is a unicorn tale like no other. Don’t go looking for rainbow poop. There isn’t any.
Collette
Ever been magically possessed through your AR gaming headset by the first emperor of China, who may- or-may-not be a power-hungry tyrant? Unfortunately for Zachary Ying, not only has his mom’s soul been captured by demons, he’s also been tasked with helping the infamous Qin Shi Huang prevent spirits from escaping into the mortal realm. This action-packed adventure is a spellbinding blend of Chinese history, struggles of diasporic identity, lively banter, and wholly entertaining villains.
Jenna
Aviva lives with her mother in a small apartment above the mikvah in their Orthodox Jewish community, both mourning the loss of Aviva’s father. Also living in the mikvah is a dybbuk, a trickster spirit that only Aviva can see. A series of anti-semetic attacks shakes their community, and a series of conflicts at school bring Aviva and her former best friend back in contact. But can they repair their friendship? Orthodox author Lowe weaves a universal story of finding friendship and belonging.
Timothy
Soontornvat’s worldbuilding is sensational. In this captivating sea adventure, Sai is eager to leave her past behind and start a new life when she stumbles into an apprenticeship with the local mapmaker. En route to uncharted territories rumored to possess dragons, she meets a myriad of characters, unearths compelling secrets, and realizes one’s past does not have to determine one’s future. For fans of Anne Ursu and Kelly Barnhill–you won’t be able to put this down.
Beth
Adam Rubin presents a collection of six short stories– every one of them about ice cream! This creative new intermediate-level book features aliens, medieval sorcerers, inventors, and so much more. Perfect for reading aloud and for introducing kids to longer chapter books. The coolest part about this unique book: Rubin invites you to write your own seventh story and mail it to him using the book jacket!
Anastasia
I have always loved a good animal story, and Cress Watercress did not disappoint. This is a tale about a rabbit, but also about growing up and about how we handle the changes life throws at us. All the characters are going through their own personal struggles, and Cress learns that there are different sides to everyone’s stories. And if that isn’t beautiful enough, Litchfield’s illustrations are true works of art.
Anna
With stunning artwork, manga vibes, and a hint of romance, Kibuishi has made her beloved webcomic into a fantastic middle grade debut. In search of answers to her father’s mysterious disappearance, Tabby stumbles into Rema, a fantastical realm with a colorful cast of characters, intriguing mythology, and some dangerous secrets. Already looking forward to the sequel!
Beth
Alidade has a way of getting lost, and a way of getting in trouble with the authorities! When she stumbles across a hidden map in the woods, and the magical creature who inhabits it, she realizes there is more to the history of her home than she ever knew, and it might be up to her to set things right. This first book in a new fantasy series is perfect for fans of Lightfall and Amulet.
Claire
Aimée is on an Indigenous Students Association field trip when they wander away from the group—and their homophobic bullies—and end up in a strange world, unable to get back home. The adventure that follows reinterprets Alice in Wonderland through Anishinaabe myths. Oster’s color palette is pastel bright in LaPensée’s version of Wonderland, contrasting with the more muted earth tones of our world.
Timothy
Listen. This is a terrific story by a master storyteller. The Ogress and the Orphans is a fable about solidarity and warns against cultural fragmentation, featuring children who are—like most kids—smarter than the adults around them.
Timothy
With roots in Thailand, Soontornvat builds a world that is fantastical yet relatable. Welcome to Chattana, a city ruled by the Governor, the only citizen who can create light. As we know all too well, with imbalance in power comes division in community. In this story, we get to see both perspectives. Meet Pong. Born in Namwon Prison due to questionable societal structures; all he dreams of is immersing himself in the city of lights. On the other side of town, we meet Nok, the prison warden's daughter, who lives and breathes the law. As light sheds on the Governor's motives (see what I did there?), they realize how much power is in their own community.
Beth
When the four Penderwick sisters arrive at the grounds of Arundel Hall, they're expecting a peaceful summer at a beautiful estate. What they're not expecting is a summer packed with new friends, first crushes, friendly rabbits, and adventure around every corner. This cozy, carefree first book in the Penderwicks series harkens the nostalgia of other timeless classics such as Little Women.
Bo
Imagine an adventure story, full of heroes, villains, and journeys through rough terrain. (Not to mention incredible feasts.) Now, imagine all of that, but the characters are forest creatures wearing clothes and living in a giant brick abbey. Brilliant, right? I have adored the Redwall series since I was young. I still re-read them to this day, which is so easy to do because the series doesn't technically have to be read in a specific order. Do yourself a favor: grab the title that interests you the most and dive on in.
Anna
In The Golden Hour, Manuel Soto is dealing with deep grief, guilt, and anxiety after witnessing a shooting, but Smith handles the issues tenderly and honestly, focusing on one of Manuel’s coping strategies: photography. I hope everyone has friends like Sebastian and Caysha, who lovingly care for their new friend even when he isn’t sure what he needs. Smith deftly weaves in a subtle queer romance, showing readers that even people who have been scarred deserve love and kindness. This book is so patient with readers and was just what I needed.
Timothy
2022 Newbery Medal Winner! I loved this post-apocalyptic sci-fi story inspired by Mexican folklore, about a girl working to remember her family and keep her cultural traditions alive—after crossing the galaxy and spending hundreds of years in stasis. Petra must confront a sinister Collective, a beautiful, but possibly deadly alien planet, memory erasure, as well as her own grief and partial blindness. The Last Cuentista is a tense, edge-of-your-seat adventure about the healing power of stories that has stuck with me for months.
Timothy
A realistic fantasy that feels like Narnia, but with an indigenous twist. Morgan, an independent and brazen eighth grader, finds herself in her fifth foster home, alongside Eli, the shy new foster kid. As they slowly begin to bond, Eli shows Morgan his lifelike artwork. No, really. His art opens a portal into the world of Misewa. Robertson, member of Norway House Cree Nation, brings the world to life with realistic and loveable characters, human and animal alike.
Beth
Scarlett McCain is a thief with a pious side who has just single-handedly knocked over a bank when she stumbles on the wreck of a bus in the wilds of post-apocalyptic Britain. In the wreckage is Albert Browne, a boy who doesn’t seem to know the first thing about anything, but who is more than meets the eye. Scarlett begrudgingly agrees to accompany Albert to safety, beginning a thrilling adventure with flawed but lovable characters that is perfect for fans of Rick Riordan, Chris Colfer, and Phillip Pullman.
Timothy
Bloom is the start of a trilogy that will give you the creeps. After a particularly strong rain, strange black plants start growing all over the world and they grow FAST. They soon choke out all the native plants and farmland, causing a global food shortage and panic. Then they begin to feed. Three teens seem to be the only people immune to all the plants' attacks. With the entire world looking for hope against the plant invasion, will these teens be the key to developing an herbicide?
Anna
My favorite fantasy stories aren’t just about sorcery and monsters but speak to something about our lived reality. The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy is about a powerful sorcerer’s guild, but it is also about so much more. It is about power: who has it, how they got it, how they use it to harm others. It is about people coming together to reclaim the power inherent to them. It is about how we create culture and record history. And it is so good.
Timothy
Jump into this Coco meets Alice In Wonderland world as Clara is taken on a journey of good vs evil. The magical realism storytelling from Valenti paired with the beautiful illustrations by SanMar bring this mythical story to life. This book will pull at your heartstrings and reveal the true message of love, family, and the hardships we have to face.
Jess
I will always be the first to gobble up any retelling of classic fairy tales—I just can’t get enough. So although my opinion may be a little biased, Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales may be one of the best collections I’ve ever read. Chainani turns old worn-out fairy tales into something new and fresh through his beautiful prose and is able to examine the darker and more questionable themes in a modern way. This book was very difficult to put down.
Anna
Miyazaki. Gaiman. Copernicus? In this first-ever English translation of a beloved Japanese classic, with a lovely foreword from Gaiman, we are led on a journey of self-discovery by a fifteen year old boy and his uncle. Copper, aptly nicknamed after the philosopher Copernicus, is remarkably insightful, often looking to his uncle for advice on how to be a good person. This book will not only ground you, it will remind you of your significance in the universe. Oh, and it also inspired Miyazaki’s final film. Enough said.
Beth
Fans of Kate DiCamillo, rejoice! For she has done it again! Her latest book is stunningly illustrated by Sophie Blackall, and what a pair they make. Beatryce is a calm, centered girl who loves reading and writing. She is also part of a prophecy to unseat the king. Alongside a group of strange companions (everyone loves a cantankerous goat sidekick), Beatryce does everything in her power to fulfill the prophecy.
Anna
I will forever love Applegate’s writing because she is able to tell such meaningful stories without talking down to her young readers. She has done this once again with Willodeen, a story about a young girl who is trying to save an endangered species that is mostly seen as an unpopular pest. The book is so full of heart and a strong love for those deemed unlovable—the perfect gift for the child who wants to change the world.
Anna
An action-packed story with vibrant illustrations, magic and myths, and poignant messages about friendship and family, the colorful art of this graphic novel sucks you in and keeps you entertained with Grace’s adventures. Grace is new in Hong Kong, but after accidentally hatching a dragon, making new friends isn’t her biggest concern anymore; it’s up to Grace and her newfound friends to save the dragon from mysterious forces who want to steal the dragon’s power.
Jenna
The Anti-Book hit me right in my twelve-years-old-and-mad-at-everything feelings. Mickey reminded me of myself as a young person, and reminded me that it's okay to feel angry (or sad or confused) as long as it's expressed in safe ways. Pseudonymous Bosch's first book under his real name is a fantastical, funny, queer coming-of-age story that's great for fans of Neil Gaiman and Roald Dahl.
Timothy
The year is 1976, and Sofia Savea has just received a diary for her thirteenth birthday. Life for her is similar to many teenagers growing up in New Zealand in the 1970’s. She writes about her family, the upcoming speech competition at school, and the go-go boot she wants to buy with her pocket money. When her older brother starts talking about protests and injustices towards Pacific Islanders, things begin to change for Sofia and her family. Read along with Sofia’s diary as she navigates changes in her community, new friendships, and learns to find her voice in the movement for Pacific Islanders’ rights in New Zealand.
Claire
Katie has no idea how to take care of a cat! Imagine her surprise when a mysterious neighbor invites her to catsit not one… but 217 extraordinary cats in a Manhattan apartment. What ensues is a suspenseful story of surprising heroes and supervillains, friendship, and absolutely no litter boxes. Perfect for fans of Reina Telgemeier and Victoria Jamieson!
Kara
This story is for the kids who don’t yet know their own power and believe in unseen magic. Twelve-year-old Lily often feels invisible, especially when her mom and her older sister fight. When a tiger appears unexpectedly in her new town that no one else can see, she turns to her halmoni’s wisdom and Korean folk tales to protect her family and find her voice. Every chapter shimmers with magic in this Newbery Medal-winning novel.
Kara
When Effie moves in with her aunt that she barely knows, everything in her life changes. She has a new house, a new school, and new friends. As Effie settles into her new life, she realizes that her kooky aunts might be more than just eccentric. They might be…magical. And to top it off, Effie might have witchy powers of her own! This middle grade graphic novel is a ton of fun, full of expressive illustrations, lively characters, and, of course, magic.
Claire
Piper doesn’t want to spend the summer at a mysterious manor house with family she barely knows, but when her beloved father falls ill, she has no choice but to move to the remote and misty mansion. What happens next is anything but what she expected. This book is full of everything you’d want in a fantasy novel: portals, undiscovered magic powers, secret societies, and enchanted gardens. These wonders do not erase or sugarcoat Piper’s grief, but the delight of discovering a new world balances Piper’s honest emotional journey and make for a compelling read.
Claire
*This book will be available as a paperback on 5/25/21. Pre-order the paperback HERE.*
This graphic novel delivers a Hardy Boys aesthetic (complete with sibling sleuths and a midcentury setting) with a fresh infusion of modernity, a twist of magic, and, of course, a whole lot of mystery!
Claire
After moving to Seattle, Cici finds herself feeling out of place at her new school and wishing she was still with her grandma, A-má, in Taiwan. Her plan is solid: she is going to win the grand prize in a juniors cooking competition and get her A-má a ticket to Seattle for her 70th birthday. This story of family, food, and finding your own way will leave you inspired...and hungry!
Sarah
Bea and Cad are two exceptionally well-developed characters. The comradery between the two and their growing acceptance of each other’s strengths and faults is hugely heartwarming and sure to captivate readers. The absolutely stunning artwork is the frosting on a delightfully well-written cake. With unexpected twists and shining dialogue, Lightfall is a new series to watch!
Anna
A delightful odd-couple story. Badger is a dedicated rock scientist. He likes everything contained and in its proper place. When Skunk arrives on his doorstep, Badger’s life is turned upside down. Skunk and Badger end up on some wonderful adventures involving lots and lots of chickens! The writing is joyful and lyrical, and Klassen’s wistful illustrations make you want to linger in the story. A wonderful book to share and read aloud.
Karlyn
Inspired by the Minnesota author’s travels in Malta and love-hate relationship with museums, this fun and unusual graphic novel tells the story of two stray cats who are searching for a mythical garden. Not only do they walk across several Mediterranean islands, they walk through dozens of famous paintings as well. A lovely fable for young readers.
Linda
This book strikes the perfect balance between fact and fun by including comic-book-style vignettes about three Black heroes from days of yore alongside real photographs of Black, Brown, and Native cowboys and homesteaders. For any child curious about the U.S. history that doesn’t show up in a John Wayne movie, this will perfectly whet their appetite to find out more.
Linda
Khosrou is just a misunderstood refugee kid telling a story in front of his class in Oklahoma (and everyone calls him Daniel). As Daniel begins to speak, he embodies the great Persian storyteller Scheherazade (of One Thousand and One Nights), recounting numerous tales to entertain, distract, and placate an inhospitable audience (including you, dear reader). Woven with threads of vivid metaphors and a few too many (hilarious) poop stories, Daniel’s patchwork (true) story will break your heart and mend it again. Storytelling at its finest.
Kara
Many middle grade graphic novels faithfully depict universal teenage drama, and while Class Act has its fair share of growth spurts, body odor, and budding relationships, it also dives deep into how race and privilege affect all aspects of our lives. Powerful and engaging, this companion to Newbery award-winning New Kid broadens our view of Jordan, Drew, and friends as they navigate their second year of prep school with humor and heart.
Kristen
They wear gloves, and pointy shoes, and wigs. Most of all...they despise children! After meeting the Grand High Witch herself, a boy and his grandmother suddenly find themselves as the only ones who can save all the children from the witches’ evil plot. This contemporary and colorful graphic adaption of the beloved Roald Dahl story had me falling in love with The Witches all over again.
Sarah
All her life, quiet, good Suraya has only needed one friend: her ghost, Pink, who is sworn by blood to protect her. But when Suraya makes her first human friend, Pink’s extreme jealousy sets off a dangerous chain of events that will alter their bond forever. Does fortune favor the bold? In a hair-raising quest across the Malaysian countryside, Suraya is sure to find out!
Katie
Shannon Wright and Varian Johnson combine their talents to create a vivid and witty graphic novel about twins forging separate identities. The pages burst with color and movement while the script is both honest and humorous. Not only do the artists capture the pains of middle school, they celebrate the love of family.
Karlyn
Crowds, loud noises, and physical contact: gentle Lou knows these fears make her different, but a transient life with her mom has helped them avoid Lou’s sensory processing disorder. After an accident reveals their living conditions, Lou is sent to live with relatives. Finally, she has the support she needs to tune out the noise and discover courage! A tender, inspiring, and necessary story that opens a window into the neurodiverse mind.
Stacy
In this tender and thoughtful story, beautifully told in verse, we meet Jude, who has left war-torn Syria with her mother, for America. With her brother, father and so many precious memories still back there, Jude struggles to identify where she belongs. As she adapts, makes friends, and deals with prejudice, she works to discover her own identity, be true to herself – and eventually discover "home".
Misunderstood and negatively labeled, Thelonius and his Special Ed classmates are the main suspects when a gun is found near school. While Thelonius knows that his antics/pranks can be maddening, he also knows that he's not a criminal. Tired of being a usual suspect, he takes on an investigation of his own. A clever read that deftly balances humor with honesty. Great choice for kids who feel unfairly labeled.
Packed with fun, suspense, and real history! After agreeing to a spontaneous road trip with his grandma, Scoob realizes there's a lot he doesn't know about her--like what it was like to be part of an early interracial marriage or where she's taking him. I listened on Libro.fm and loved the narrator, Dion Graham, who did a GREAT job with the voices, conveying Scoob's confusion and G'ma's volatility.
This is a sweet and perfectly funny story about a boy trying to find a field where he can shine and a way to feel comfortable in his skin. Mental health, coming out, and family stress can make middle school a tough time, but this book handles those issues with wit, charm, and an incredibly fun cast of characters to help get Rahul through.
For Gabriel, life is pretty great in his small southern town in the 1940’s. But when he crosses paths with and befriends Mr. Hunter, an older black man, Gabriel’s eyes are opened to racism and the ugly truths of his hometown. Caring, non-judgmental, Gabriel seeks out truth, understanding and ultimately fairness for the oppressed. I LOVED this fantastic heartwarming story about an unlikely and rewarding friendship.
Being an immigrant from Iran is not easy in California in the late 1970’s. For Cindy, trying to reinvent herself, fit in, and shake off traditional Iranian ways is a bumpy path – not helped by the growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. You can’t help but love and cheer for Cindy in this story that brings levity while shedding light on a tense and problematic time in history.
This graphic novel memoir left me in awe of and inspired by a young boy’s struggle, strength and courage in the face of incredible adversity. Against all odds, Omar escapes war-torn Somalia, survives a Kenyan refugee camp and realizes his dreams of America. Victoria Jamieson’s illustrations are perfect and I can’t imagine a better or more powerful way to share this true story with kids.
(Review for Audiobook from Libro.fm) At first, I was skeptical about getting the full experience of this story without the illustrations. But oh my I am glad I listened to WHEN STARS ARE SCATTERED. Narrated by a full cast, I was transported inside this story. Each character’s voice provided inflections I might have missed if reading ink on the page. Plus, the music and sound effects were lush and breathed vibrant life into the audiobook format. This story is powerful and I can’t wait to re-read with the light of Jamieson’s images.
A fun, fantastic murder mystery that introduces us to indomitable, spunky, and tenacious Mo! Washed ashore as a baby in a small southern town, Mo knows what she wants and doesn’t let much get in the way. When she’s not sending messages in a bottle upriver (in the hopes it will get to her birth mother), Mo busies herself with the goings on in town. And when a murder occurs, Mo, along with her reluctant best friend, sets out to solve it.
A beautiful story of determination, survival, and friendship. To escape their cruel father, two sisters run away into the crowded streets of Chennai, India. They soon find themselves hungry and homeless and relying on the kindness of strangers. After stumbling upon two homeless boys - the four immediately band together to survive and in doing so learn to trust and dare and dream. Truly inspirational!
Sometimes you just need a good comfort read, and for me there's nothing more comforting than a sweet story about friendship, family, and finding yourself. This is the book that first made me fall in love with Jen Wang's art and I've been tumbling ever since! Europe's fashion capital has a prince with a secret: while his parents scheme to find him a fiancée, he's lighting up the night as Paris' most fashionable and mysterious legendary lady. With the help of his incredible dressmaker Frances, he'll wear fabulous frocks, face his family's expectations, and learn to love himself--and what more could any of us really ask for?
Linda
This story begins with a group of friends following lanterns from their local autumn festival downriver. Then, there are swirling eyes in the river, a well-dressed bear under a streetlight, and what started as a small-town story becomes so much more. Touching, captivatingly illustrated, and surreal, This Was Our Pact transported me in a way I never expected from the first pages and, well, I never looked back.
Claire
Twelve-year-old Jordan Bank is a funny, smart, and creative kid. He works to understand the many complex layers of friendship, bullying, and race through funny, yet powerful sketches. The pictures in this book are worth a thousand words. One of my favorite middle-grade novels ever. I encourage not only kids to read it, but parents and teachers too.Karlyn
Herbert Lemon is the Lost-and-Founder for the Grand Nautilus Hotel, which means he is in charge of reuniting lost items with their owners. But when a girl comes into his office trying to find her lost parents, Herbie isn’t sure that’s in his job description. And he’s definitely sure tracking down a local legend called the Malamander isn’t. In the town of Eerie-on-Sea, heroes (and legends) come in all shapes and sizes, and Malamander will have you wondering which is which.
Anna
When you feel like you don’t really fit in, the characters of your favorite books can feel like comforting friends. Except when they actually turn up in real life. Matilda Pages keeps running into her favorite storybook characters, literally. When she discovers she can actually go into the stories, she must learn to manage her new ability before the adventures in the books become too real. This debut from author Anna James was impossible to put down, and left me wondering which of my favorite classics I would wander into if I could.
Anna
On the eve of her 13th birthday Fred worries about growing up. Fred navigates a land of impossibility wrought with noodle looping wordplay, confounding creatures, and a rat queen who has banned birthdays. Enchanting salmon toned illustrations complement an unparalleled adventure of daughter-mother love. So clever, this infinitely satisfying timeless story deserves an irrational number of stars. Recommended ages: ∞
Jesse
Family! Corporate corruption! Talking trash cans! Cog tackles all the tough topics in the life of a young cyborg whose cognitive development is thrown for a loop when an accident lands him back at the plant where he was made. There he realizes that he doesn’t want to be a pawn of the sinister company that created him and that he has a special knack for granting other robots free will, which could change everything.
Linda
In this gorgeous story about courage, empathy, and community, life on Sanlagita Island has always been tough, and there have always been stories of a different island, far across the sea, where life is easier. For Lailani, living with her mean step-father is hard, but she also believes that it can get better. When her mother gets sick, Lailani takes fate into her own hands and sets off in search of a cure and of hope.
Paige
Addie’s family has always loved Maple Lake, where they swim, boat, and fish every summer. It’s crystal-blue water inspired her love of science. But when her brother drowns one icy spring, Addie wonders if it’s possible to love a place that took half her heart. Still grieving, she decides to spend the summer as a Young Scientist along its shore. So begins a summer of healing, friendship, and curiosity, as she learns about water pollution and stewardship and sets out to unlock the secrets of the Maple Lake.
Paige
Sweet Pea has a lot on her plate: a former best friend turned bully, a growing distance with her current BFF, the recent divorce of her parents, and helping out her reclusive and eccentric advice columnist neighbor. Navigating middle school isn’t easy and Sweet Pea isn’t perfect but what she also has is confidence, tenacity and desire to fix things. Readers will alternately laugh, cringe and find her utterly relatable.
Stacy
Ellie knows she is so much more than a kid with cerebral palsy stuck in a wheelchair and she’s not up for pity or patronizing treatment. She’s feisty and yearning for independence. When a move to Oklahoma has her starting a new school and making friends for the first time in her life, she sees a way to make her dreams come true. Ellie is a refreshingly spunky character who will inspire all readers.
Stacy