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| Mihi Ever After by Tae Keller; illustrated by Geraldine RodriguezWelcome to: the Rainbow Forest, the magical land that Mihi and her friends discover through their school librarian's fridge. There, Mihi can finally live out her princess dreams -- unless maybe they're not the happy ending she's been looking for?
Why you might like it: The Rainbow Forest's talking animals and familiar fairy tale characters are sure to grab fantasy fans, while Mihi's journey -- the 1st in a series -- will appeal to readers who love not-so-typical princess stories. (Ages 8-12.) |
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The Secret Letters
by Margaret Peterson Haddix
What it's about: Although Colin's mom runs a decluttering business and Nevaeh's dad owns a rival junk removal company, the two middle schoolers team up when they each discover intriguing old letters pointing toward a long-buried mystery.
Read it for: a page-turning puzzle mystery that weaves together the past and the present.
Series alert: This is the 1st in the Mysteries of Trash and Treasure series from popular author Margaret Peterson Haddix. (Ages 8-12.)
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| The Greatest in the World by Ben ClantonWhat it's about: To figure out who is "the greatest," mutant potato brothers Rot and Snot take on a series of challenges, judged by their little sister Tot.
Why you might like it: Part chapter book and part graphic novel (some of the art is made using real potatoes!), this offbeat, silly story is fun to look at and fun to read.
Series alert: This is the 1st in a series from popular Narhwal and Jelly author Ben Clanton. (Ages 7-9.) |
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| Just Harriet by Elana K. Arnold; illustrated by Dung HoStarring: third-grader Harriet, who sometimes tells lies and gets what her mom calls "out of hand."
What happens: Harriet and her cat Matzo Ball are sent to Marble Island for the summer to stay with her grandma, Nanu. Harriet isn't too happy to be there, but things get a lot more interesting after she finds an old-fashioned key that might lead to a mystery.
For fans of: perfectly imperfect chapter book heroines like Clementine and Ramona Quimby. (Ages 7-10.) |
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| Sydney & Taylor Explore the Whole Wide World by Jacqueline Davies; illustrated by Deborah HockingWhat it's about: Fast friends and burrow-mates Sydney (a skunk) and Taylor (a hedgehog), who decide to explore the world beyond their cozy home and see what it's like to be "wild and fearless and free."
You might also like: the equally devoted animal duo in Laurent Castillo's Our Friend Hedgehog.
Series alert: Go on another adventure with these besties in the sequel, Sydney & Taylor Take a Flying Leap. (Ages 6-9.) |
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| Harry Versus the First 100 Days of School by Emily Jenkins; illustrated by Pete OswaldWhat it's about: Worried first-grader Harry starts school feeling nervous about everything. But during the first 100 days, Harry learns that he's up to the challenges of new friends, strict teachers, scary classroom guinea pigs, and the tricky silent "e".
How it's told: in short, easy-to-read sentences and chapters.
Try this next: Kevin Henkes The Year of Billy Miller, another feel-good story about a school year that you can read by yourself or out loud with someone older. (Ages 5-9.) |
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| Catastrophe by Sherri Winston; illustrated by Gladys JoseStarring: young sleuth Walia (you can call her Wednesday), who has juvenile arthritis, and Woof, her trusty service dog and fellow detective.
What happens: When their opera-singing neighbor can't find her beloved cat, Wednesday and Woof take the case.
Why you might like it: Both the words and the art in this fast, funny mystery give you clues so that you can follow the twists and turns as Wednesday and Woof sniff out the truth. (Ages 6-9.) |
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Two Degrees
by Alan Gratz
What it's about: Climate crisis hits home for four North American kids: Natalie is swept into a hurricane storm surge in Florida; Akira and her horse try to outrun a wildfire in California; George and Owen are stalked by hungry polar bears in Manitoba.
Why you might like it: The desperate, dangerous, all-too-real situations in this survival thriller will make you think even as they get your adrenaline pumping. (Ages 8-13.)
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Sparrows in the Wind
by Gail Carson Levine
What it is: the story of the Trojan War, told from the point of view of two girls trying to stop the war and save the city of Troy.
Starring: Trojan princess Cassandra, cursed to have nobody believe in her gift of true prophecy, and Amazon princess Rin, the powerful friend who might help prevent a grim fate for Troy...as well as for herself and Cassandra.
Read it for: a fascinating, vivid blend of mythology and history. (Ages 10-13.)
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Hummingbird
by Natalie Lloyd
Starring: 12-year-old Olive, a new student at Macklemore Middle School after finally convincing her parents that brittle bone disease doesn't mean she's too fragile for public school.
What happens: Even with her coolest wheelchair, middle school is rough. Joining up with the theater kids helps, but Olive wonders if things could be easier with a wish from the magical hummingbird living nearby.
Read it for: sweetness and quirky small-town magic, plus a realistic disabled main character written by an author with the same disability. (Ages 8-12.)
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Let the Monster Out
by Chad Lucas
Starring: newcomer Bones Malone and homeschooler Kyle Specks, baseball teammates who are both treated like misfits by the other kids in their tiny Nova Scotia town.
What happens: Bones and Kyle bond when they realize they've been having the same creepy dreams, and together they investigate the suspicious tech company that might be turning the local adults into zombies.
You might also like: Paolo Bacigalupi's Zombie Baseball Beatdown, another smart, offbeat mystery with paranormal atmosphere. (Ages 10-13.)
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Lemon Bird Can Help!
by Paulina Ganucheau
What it's about: When round, yellow Lemon Bird and her puppy/pumpkin friend Pupkin find themselves lost in the city, they face a long journey back home to the farm. Luckily, they find plenty of new friends to help them along the way.
Why you might like it: Bright rainbow colors and adorable fruit characters fill the pages of this easy-to-read graphic novel.
For fans of: Brian Smith's Pea, Bee, & Jay series and Andy Runton's Owly books. (Ages 6-9.)
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| Freestyle by Gale GalliganLast dance: Eighth-grader and just-okay student Cory has one final competition with his dance crew, the Eight Btiz, before they head off the different high schools.
New moves: The crew isn't as strong as it used to be, and neither are Cory's grades. Enter Sunna, Cory's peer tutor and new friend whose incredible yo-yo skills spark fresh creativity.
For fans of: realistically messy friendship stories and the energetic cartoons of creator Gale Galligan's Baby-Sitter's Club graphic novels. (Ages 8-13.) |
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Play Like a Girl
by Misty Wilson; illustrated by David Wilson
What it is: a graphic novel memoir about the summer when athletic middle schooler Misty joins a boys' football team, finding herself in the sport while growing apart from best friend Bree.
What's inside: exciting play-by-plays on the field, as well as Misty's struggles to be herself when people make her feel like she doesn't fit in.
For fans of: the determined sports action and shifting friendships in Victoria Jamieson's Roller Girl. (Ages 9-13.)
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Willodeen
by Katherine Applegate
Welcome to: Perchance, a town where animal-loving orphan Willodeen protects the despised screechers -- imagine stinky, spiky warthogs -- while puzzling over the disappearance of the adorable, winged hummingbears.
Why you might like it: This fantasy from the author of The One and Only Ivan combines imaginary animals with the very real connections between humans and nature, resulting in a story that will tug on your heartstrings and make you think. (Ages 8-12.)
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Focused
by Alyson Gerber
What it's about: Impulsive and easily distracted seventh-grader Clea feels like she's constantly messing up. Even her place on the chess team in danger if she doesn't improve her grades. It's not until she's diagnosed with ADHD that Clea gets some support...but can it change things the ways she hopes?
Why you might like it: Written by an author with ADHD, Clea's story is honest and encouraging, and sure to be relatable for many readers. (Ages 8-13.)
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Pawcasso
by Remy Lai
It starts small: After lonely Jo meets Pawcasso, a clever, speckled pup doing weekend shopping on his own, she lets the new friends Pawcasso attracts believe she's his owner.
And gets big: When the town's debate over leash laws turns fierce and Pawcasso becomes a target, Jo has to face up to her lies to protect her furry friend.
Why you might like it: zany humor and bright, cartoony artwork keep this graphic novel feeling upbeat. (Ages 8-12.)
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The Mysterious Disappearance of Aidan S. (As Told to His Brother)
by David Levithan
What it's about: After vanishing for six days, 12-year-old Aidan suddenly reappears. He claims he was in Aveinieu, a magical land he never wanted to leave. His parents and the police assume he's lying, but his younger brother Lucas isn't so sure.
Who it's for: A realistic story twined with threads of mystery and fantasy, this tale of truth and belief will grab fans of mind-bending fiction such as Rebecca Stead's When You Reach Me or Mark Oshiro's The Insiders. (Ages 9-13.)
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Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch
by Julie Abe
Introducing: 12-year-old witch Eva, who hopes to use her unique repair magic to shield a seaside town from a terrifying storm. If she succeeds, she'll finally earn the rank of Novice Witch. If she fails, she'll lose her magic forever.
Series alert: For more of clever, resourceful Eva and her whimsical world, try the sequel, Eva Evergreen and the Cursed Witch.
For fans of: Eiko Kadono's Kiki's Delivery Service (or the movie based on it). (Ages 8-12.)
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The Mighty Heart of Sunny St. James
by Ashley Herring Blake
What's new? Following her heart transplant, 12-year-old Sunny starts her New Life Plan: do cool stuff, find a new best friend, kiss a boy, and maybe even let her long-absent mom back into her life.
What happens: Sunny finds a new best friend in blue-haired girl Quinn -- and realizes that Quinn's the one she'd like to kiss.
You might also like: Lisa Jenn Bigelow's Drum Roll Please, another sweet story about family and middle school romance. (Ages 9-13.)
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Dungeon Critters
by Natalie Riess and Sara Goetter
The challenge: to learn the truth about the Devil's Thorn, a wicked weed invading the kingdom.
The adventurers: a group of animal friends including nervous plant expert June (a dog), wisecracking firebug Rose (a cat), strong and steady Goro (a snake), and bold, quick-tempered Prince Chirp (a frog).
Read it for: imaginative fantasy artwork, quirky humor, and a bit of romance. (Ages 8-13.)
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Moonflower
by Kacen Callender
Starring: nonspeaking 12-year-old Moon, filled with a sadness that nothing in this world can shake. Their only comfort is visiting celestial beings in the spirit realm.
What happens: A threat from the world's Keeper sends Moon on a mission that could open them up to new possibilities for love and understanding, in both the spirit realm and in our reality.
How it's told: from Moon's first-person point of view, pulling you into hurt and hope right along with them. (Ages 9-13.)
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Holler of the Fireflies
by David Barclay Moore
What it's about: At STEM camp in the mountains of West Virginia, Brooklyn kid Javari encounters the same old racism in a different setting. But he also meets local kid (and agent of chaos) Cricket, who introduces Javari to Affrilachian culture and expands his ways of thinking.
You might also like: Jason Reynolds' As Brave As You, another moving, thoughtful story about a city boy whose summer in the country helps him see how the past impacts the present. (Ages 10-13.)
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