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Higuera is quickly making a name for herself in the middle-grade sci-fi world, and her books are meaningful, gripping, and full of depth. Leandro’s heart is so big, the reader can’t help but rally behind him. His determination and courage allows his small frame to make a big impact on everyone he encounters. Alebrijes will inspire young readers to fight for a better world, no matter how small they may feel.
Anna
This beautifully crafted novel-in-verse tells the story of six classmates from very different cultures debating one topic: changing their school’s mascot. It’s a timely topic that can be used in real life. Waters and Sorell created a novel that will get kids thinking and be able to see views from all different backgrounds. Middle school teachers, make sure to put this one on your list!
Jess
As someone who grew up reading her earlier series, I was super excited to see Wrede’s name come into the store in the form of The Dark Lord’s Daughter. It is full of the same conversational wit and divergence from “normal” tropes that we’ve come to love from Wrede’s work. When Kayla discovers she’s the heir to the dark throne, her whole family gets transported to another world. Magic and chaos ensue, so buckle up.
Anna
What would you do if your little sister became possessed by the ancient spirit of Death from another realm who causes the apocalypse, aka the end of the world as we know it? Oh, and you have to deal with your dad and his “new” family AND you just came out to your friend/crush who proceeds to ghost you? Creepy, funny, fast-paced, yet so endearing and wholesome. Percy Jackson fans, this one is for you.
Beth
Steinkellner, author of The Okay Witch series, has done it again. Between the engaging format and all the loveable characters, this was the most fun I’ve had reading a book all year! Welcome to Gumbling, a little town with quite a little bit of magic; but when real estate developers attempt to buy everyone out, Nell and her peers embark on a wild adventure to save their home, all while dealing with their not-so dreamy apprenticeships. A hilarious tale of friendship, family, and appreciating what you have.
Beth
JJ and Althea are stuck working their parent’s food truck and listening to their mom’s Filipino folktales during their after school time. Butwhat happens when the folklore becomes a little too real and they find out that they might have to be the ones to save their own family? Will they be up for the challenge? Read on to find out! For fans of Wizards of Waverly Place and Halloweentown.
Jess
In an Italian rennaissance inspired city full of stories—and secrets—Cinzia is taken in as an apprentice by the local printer, Mestra Aronne. When word spreads of the ruling family’s lies, the Lord Magistrate does everything he can to stop them. Yet with ink, paper, and a ton of courage, Cinzia and her newfound friends speak up and demand to be heard, reminding us that even though it’s scary to tell the truth, it makes our communities stronger. In a world of book banning, this is an excellent conversation starter on censorship. Bonus points for the neurodivergence and disability representation!
Beth
School's done, summer is starting, and Maggie is ready to go to Camp Rising Star with her bff, Nora! That is until her parents ruin her plans and send her to Camp Sylvania, a fat camp, instead. If her plan of going to her dream camp with her best friend being ruined wasn't bad enough, then she has a surprise coming for her when she finds out who the camp is being run by. Read on to find out what spooky shenanigans await!
Jess
This is the first book in a series of supernatural field guides (Chilling with Ghosts is the second) and I'm so excited about them! Perfect for readers 8 and up, these books are full of tons of cool facts, pop culture nuggets, and history about the supernatural, while still being fast-paced and funny. Hanging with Vampires includes a delicious garlic bread recipe and great lists of vampire books and movies to check out, so you'll learn something even if you're already a vampire expert—and probably even if you're already a vampire!
Timothy
The TV adaptation was a bit of a bust (sorry), so why not revisit the source material? The Screaming Staircase holds up as an exciting, spooky adventure full of humor, mystery, and action. I just read this for the first time after loving Stroud's new Scarlett and Browne series (and years of pestering by my partner, who loves this series). Lockwood & Co. is Teenage Mutant Ninja Ghostbusters and I'm here for it.
Timothy
This is such a treat of a graphic novel. Follow Milo, a young boy who has the important job of journeying down into the basement on the mission of retrieving his baby sister's long lost pink sock. This job is bestowed upon him from his tired mother, so he takes it very seriously. Little did he know that this mission would contain a sock eating rat and many other kinds of monsters, including some new friends. Deeper and deeper the basement goes, further and further back in time it becomes. A truly extraordinary book about the possibilities of where our lost socks really end up after being washed. Eagerly awaiting the next installment!
Mayah
Sandy’s drawings are stranger than life. They begin as little orbs of light that dance around her room at night, turning into magical beings. And every morning, she plasters her bedroom wall with pictures of her new companions. But who is this mysterious pale girl who keeps showing up, and and why is she so interested? This luscious graphic novel takes you into the realm of creativity, self doubt, and fear as you follow Sandy and the uncanny presence continuing to haunt her.
Heather
Life takes a serious turn for Effie when she is dropped off at her very kooky, but extremely lovable aunts house in Brooklyn. There is a lot to be discovered in this new home, including a magical family secret. Watch Effie get to know her new family and friends, learn about her witch-tastic abilities all while trying to de-curse her favorite popstar. I can't wait to read the next in the series!
Tori
Everyone's family in Dead End Springs! Welp, all except Mr. Halloway's Home for Horrors, a refuge for ghosts, monsters, and demons of all kind. In order to keep them safe, human contact is strictly forbidden; yet Iris refuses to accept the isolation. With high hopes, she devises a plan to attend the town's renowned Harvest Festival. Can horrors and humans coexist? Fans of Another Kind, you are going to eat this one up! *monster pun intended*
Beth
This realistic fiction middle grade novel explores a lot of deep themes in an approachable way for young readers. Sparrow learns a lot about themself and their mother's mostly unknown upbringing as they go to stay with their never-before-mentioned aunt Mags' farm. Throughout this novel, we get to watch Sparrow shed their mother's expectations and find confidence in navigating their nonbinary identity in a binary word.
Tori
Nat is such a lovable character! And this book has so much to admire: inspired by a real artistic swimming team, Nat uses her self-confidence and strong sense of what’s right to tackle fatphobia, racialized microaggressions, homophobia, and even her own parents’ assumptions about what she should believe. Her temper and tenacity sometimes get the better of her judgment, but watching her work hard to get what she wants makes this such a powerful read.
Timothy
Katherine Applegate does it again! I recently ventured into the One and Only universe and was not disappointed. I would even say that Ruby is my favorite out of the trilogy. This quick and lovable story features a wise gorilla, a sarcastic dog, and an adorable little elephant all rescued from a shopping mall. A great book for animal lovers with lots of elephantastic new facts to learn! I have a new found fondness of elephants after reading.
Tori
Ha-ha-hooooo! Johannes is a dog who is fast as light and has the most important job- to observe all that happens within the park where he lives and report everything to the ancient bison. But when strange changes begin occurring and Johannes’ home becomes less familiar, he must reevaluate how he sees the world, and himself. With illustrations you’ll want to live inside, this book of identity, friendship and liberation is a new favorite of mine.
Bo
At first glance, one might say ‘WOW this book is HUGE and will probably take me a year to read!’ and keep walking. But don’t be deceived! You are going to be so glad you picked it up. Brian Selznick is at it again, writing both a beautiful story in words, but also telling it through his signature black and white illustrations, hence the size of this book. I could not put it down and ended up reading it in one sitting (while also tearing up at the end.) Big Tree follows two little seed siblings in the prehistoric world, and how against many odds they work to find a place to grow, all while describing the world in as best of terms as their little seed selves can come up with. A gorgeous and impactful read.
Heather
Stuck indoors? Not sure what to do? Well, the perfect activity just might be reading this book. Join Clay and his special elf hound as they explore the many different worlds hidden inside the woods. Paths that only his elf hound can find. Along the way, we meet owl head beings, giants, and other magical creatures, both good and bad. This book was a page turner for sure!
Mayah
I was hooked from the very first paragraph of this historical novel set on the Silk Road about a boy sold into servitude to a grifter who is trying to buy his freedom by saving his master from being killed by the people he’s swindled. It’s not a fantasy story, but it’s full of storytelling magic, giving it the feel of a classic Scheherazad folktale, with great comedic timing. I wanted to read the whole book out loud.
Timothy
It’s no secret that Rumpians adore Christina Soontornvat, but this new series makes us love her even more. Geared toward readers not quite ready for the more difficult themes or long page counts that can be found in some middle grade books, Legends of Lotus Island has the rich world-building of Le Guin’s Earthsea books, and the charm, comedy, and action of Avatar, The Last Airbender. Book two will be out soon, too, and book three next spring!
Timothy
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
Moth Hush is the dorky, relatable friend every middle schooler needs. Oh, and she just so happens to be a descendant in a long line of witches who fled to Hecate, a safe haven within a portal only they can open. Founder's Bluff has a dark history of witch trials and as Moth begins to unravel the past of her new town, she realizes those in power cannot always be trusted. Cozy up with her pal, a talking cat named Mr. Laszlo, and don't forget to read the sequel!
Beth
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 Garicia Márquez and Isabel Allende, but geared toward younger readers.
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
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
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
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
When you feel like you don't fit in, the characters of your favorite books can feel like comforting friends. When Matilda Pages keeps running into her favorite characters in real life and discovers she can travel into stories, she must learn to manage her new ability before 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 if I could.
Anna