Additional titles (A through M)
Abby Tried and True by Donna Gephart
A quiet, poetry-writing, nature-loving tween learns to cope with changes and challenges during a difficult year. Twelve-year-old Abby Braverman does not feel brave. Her best friend, Cat, is moving away to Israel, and her older brother, Paul, is diagnosed with testicular cancer. Abby and Paul have their two moms, Mom Rachel and Mama Dee, for support, and Abby has her turtle, Fudge, to talk to, but with Cat gone, she doesn’t have anyone else to turn to. She suffers from social anxiety at school and finds it difficult to make new friends; however, when a cute boy moves into Cat’s old house next door, Abby finds herself making tentative steps toward a new friendship with him. The whole family pulls together to support Paul through surgery and chemotherapy, which is hard on all of them. With each new challenge Abby surmounts, she learns that being anxious and sensitive doesn’t mean that she can’t also be other things: a supportive sister, a good friend, and a brave person too. This quiet, steady story especially shines when destigmatizing Abby’s social anxiety and Paul’s particular form of cancer. The Bravermans are Jewish, and, as the school year goes on, they observe holidays like Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Hanukkah, and Passover. This representation of a close-knit modern Jewish family is authentic and warm. A touching story about finding inner strength during a challenging time. Realistic fiction LGBTQI+
Sixth to eighth grade
Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year by Nina Hmaza
Narrated by Ahmed when he’s slightly older but still sarcastic, this debut novel is an affecting reflection on the boy’s tumultuous sixth-grade year. His story begins with a sudden move from Hawaii to Minnesota, where his father can get the risky but life saving medical treatment he needs. Compounding an already stressful situation is the fact that Ahmed is the newest target of his class’ bully, the white and überpopular Jack, which Ahmed assumes is due to his brown skin, courtesy of his Indian heritage. Hamza has a lot of nuanced plotlines in play—and she does an admirable job of keeping them all relevant to the main narrative and following them to completion—some of the themes of which are family, finding yourself, faith, dealing with hate crimes, and friendship. A particular touchstone will be the language arts class where Ahmed has a bit of a breakthrough while studying classics many readers will be familiar with. As for Ahmed, he is a kind, intelligent underachiever whom readers will feel for as he struggles and perseveres.
Realistic fiction
Sixth to seventh grade
Air by Monica Roe
Twelve-year-old Emmie loves the fast and exhilarating world of WCMX (wheelchair motocross) and spends most of her free time popping wheelies and speeding down the hallways of her middle school. After an accident at school involving a poorly designed ramp, the school administration decides, much to Emmie’s dismay, that she needs an educational aide, who can help her get around. And the interference doesn’t end there. When the school principal finds out that Emmie is saving up for a new wheelchair, he plans a surprise fundraiser to help her reach her goal. However, the well-intentioned generosity of her community leaves Emmie frustrated, especially since she feels more than capable of buying a chair on her own. With the help of friends and family, Emmie finds the perfect way to assert herself. Though sports feature heavily in Air, the larger lessons on disability advocacy and finding your voice make this story especially powerful. Highly recommended for young daredevils and those looking for stories with a strong female protagonist.
Realistic fiction
Fifth to seventh grade
The Anti Book by Raphael Simon
Mickey is absolutely sick of everything: his annoying dog, his absent older sister, his divorcing parents, his bully-filled school—everything. The only thing that he still likes is bubblegum, and when his recently purchased pack includes an offer for a mail-order book, he immediately sends away for it. Of course, the prize turns out to be disappointing, like everything else in his life—it’s just a notebook of empty pages—but after noticing a brief instruction (“To erase it, write it”), Mickey lists everything that has been bugging him, and whatever he writes disappears from existence. At first this seems like a dream come true, but he soon realizes that his new world may actually be a nightmare. Simon offers wacky, inventive sidekicks and plenty of humor, but it’s also weirdly refreshing to adventure with a grumpy protagonist truly wallowing in his misery. On the flip side, it’s heartening to watch Mickey grow in self-love and self-awareness and ultimately realize that he has been papering over deeper emotions with surface complaints. A sweetly silly but satisfying concoction.
Realistic fiction
Fifth to seventh grade
The Beautiful Something Else by Ash Van Otterloo
In this moving tale of growing into yourself, Van Otterloo gives upper-middle-grade readers a relatable, imperfect nonbinary protagonist who struggles to make their way in a new school when an overdose sends their mom off to rehab. Sparrow, who has always bristled at their birth name and gender norms, is nervous about going to Windy Hall, her mother’s old home. According to her mom, it was “a palace of horrors,” but in the care of Sparrow’s estranged aunt, Mags, it’s a warm and accepting place. Against the backdrop of the rainbow-painted house and in the halls of a new school, Sparrow gets the chance to discover who they truly are with the help of some maybe-magical boots. While it occasionally feels a bit more pedantic than others in the genre, this story of overcoming internalized beliefs, learning to admit when you need help, and standing up for yourself as much as for your friends features a unique character in Sparrow, whom many children will appreciate spending time with. For fans of David Levithan and Kyle Lukoff.
LGBTQIA+ nonbinary fiction
Fifth to eighth grade
Cameron Battle and the Hidden Kingdoms by Jamar J. Perry
From a young age, Cameron Battle was fascinated with the stories told to him from the Book of Chidani, a book passed down by his ancestors. It tells tales of the mythical country of Chidani and the Igbo people, who have hidden themselves from the world as a way of protection. When sneaking around one night to take a glance at the book, Cameron and his friends are transported to the Kingdom of Chidani. They learn that Chidani is in turmoil because Queen Ramala’s sister, Amina, is seeking to take over the kingdom and break the barrier hiding Chidani from the rest of the world. The secrets of Cameron’s family history and his role in Chidani are revealed to him when he is told that the only person who can stop Amina is the Descendant. Perry has written an action-packed fantasy with Igbo and other African mythology, and his world building creates an immersive experience. This title is a must-read for fans of Kwame Mbalia’s Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky.Fantasy/mythology
Fifth to seventh grade
A Ceiling Made of Eggshells by Gail Carson Levine
In 1483, the Inquisition cast a shadow over many living in Spain. Born into a powerful Jewish family, young Loma becomes a traveling companion and, increasingly, caretaker and advisor for Belo, her ailing, autocratic grandfather. For years, she watches and learns as he uses his wiles, his family’s wealth, and his long standing relationships with the Spanish monarchs and archbishops to protect the Jews. As she matures, Loma aches to marry and raise a family, but she must set that dream aside. And by 1492, when the Jews are expelled from Spain, her experiences on the road have brought her the wits, wisdom, and determination she needs to survive and help her people. Inspired by family history, Levine’s latest novel offers a fascinating portrayal of Loma as a shy, conciliatory, intelligent child whose unusual upbringing leads to broad understanding and insights into power. The first-person narrative uses details of daily life to bring the period more sharply into focus for readers, while the appended author’s note offers further information. A well-researched historical novel from an accomplished storyteller.
Historical fiction
Sixth to eighth grade
City Spies: Forbidden City by James Ponti (series)
The third volume in the City Spies series features five well-trained secret agents between 12 and 15 years old, whose current mission for MI6 is to enable the defection of a North Korean nuclear scientist and his son, a brilliant chess player, before a sinister, criminal network abducts them. Nigerian-born Paris, accompanied by his adoptive father, a British intelligence agent with the cover name Mother, travels to Moscow and Beijing ostensibly to compete in chess tournaments, but he’s actually planning to leave with the scientist and his son. Meanwhile, Paris’s brother and sisters carry out related assignments calling for sharp wits, skills, and courage. The settings are colorful and the carefully plotted stories are suspenseful, but it’s Ponti’s characters and their relationships that draw readers back to the City Spies series. Fast-paced action scenes are interspersed with conversations that are sometimes unrelated to the mission. In this novel, 15-year-old Paris steps into the spotlight while confronting questions about his identity, and Mother reveals his pre-MI6 backstory. An appealing mixture of espionage, action, and personalities in a contemporary setting.
Mystery fiction
Fifth to eighth grade
The Civil War of Amos Abernathy by Michael Leali
Thirteen-year-old Amos Abernathy, who is white and has been out as gay since fourth grade, is a volunteer historical reenactor at the Chickaree County (Illinois) Living History Park. There he meets new volunteer Ben Oglevie, and they become friends. Along with Amos’ best friend, Chloe, who is Black, the kids soon become a close trio, and when the opportunity arises to submit a proposal for a new exhibit at the park, they choose “Forgotten Voices: LGBTQ+ Stories of the Nineteenth Century.” Meanwhile, Ben has sorta kinda come out to Amos, but when Ben’s homophobic parents learn about this, they forbid him to see Amos. Worse, when Amos attempts to see Ben again, the boy rejects him. Flash forward to the following August. Amos and Ben are still not speaking, but Amos and Chloe are now secretly planning a way to tell the stories of all people who have been marginalized and erased from history. Will they pull it off? And will Amos and Ben reconcile? In his first novel, Leali has done an excellent job of telling an exceedingly timely story. The book will resonate with readers who will enjoy the story’s intrinsic drama and empathic characters. It’s a valuable addition to the still-slender body of middle-school literature with queer content.
LGBTQI+
Fifth to eighth grade
Chester Keene Cracks the Code by Kekla Magoon
Chester is quiet. Methodical. A bit of a loner. He’s also a spy-in-training, just like his father, whom he’s never met—and who must be a spy, since he only contacts Chester occasionally with a super-secret message. Then his classmate Skye approaches with a set of scavenger hunt clues that complement the ones Chester just received from his dad. Skye is his exact opposite, yet as they bond over their love of puzzles, having separated parents, and the experience of being biracial (Chester’s parents are Black and white, while Skye’s are white and Japanese American), Chester realizes that they make a great team. Magoon’s portrayal of a bullied boy who doesn’t understand how to sort through or communicate his feelings is touching and at times frustratingly realistic. Watching him push his mother away as he navigates the complexities of adolescence while yearning for his father’s advice is heartbreaking; you can’t help but wish for his happiness while also bracing yourself for the life lessons he learns. For fans of scavenger hunts, puzzles, and stories of building new family.
Mystery fiction
Fifth to seventh grade
Coming Up Short by Laurie Morrison
Seventh grader Bea stars on her suburban New Jersey softball team until news spreads of her lawyer father’s one-year suspension for professional misconduct and the emotional stress takes a toll. Suddenly, she can’t play. Not only was Bea unaware of her dad’s misuse of funds, she soon finds out other family news that’s been kept from her, something that is especially hurtful when she thought her parents shared everything. To get away from her friends and their gossip about her personal situation, she arranges to stay with a maternal aunt she barely knows and attend a softball camp on the Massachusetts island where her mother grew up. Bea has never understood why her mother hated the island and seems to dislike her own sister. During the two-week summer camp, she regains her confidence, makes new friends, and gets to know her Aunt Mary, who has always wanted them to have a closer relationship. She also learns about the impact that mental health struggles have had on her family, knowledge that is tied to long-held secrets. There are lots of sports scenes for softball fans, but this is also a novel that realistically explores deeper psychological truths around friendship and family relationships. There’s even a bit of sweet budding romance. Bea’s family is white; Aunt Mary is cued as lesbian. A tween girl explores changing relationships in this sincere, character-driven story. Realistic fiction
Seventh to eighth grade
The Crossover by Kwame Alexander
This adaptation of Alexander’s Newbery-winning novel in verse brings each character and event to life through Anyabwile’s dynamic line work and portions of Alexander’s beautiful poetry. The artwork, in a palette of black, white, gray, and orange, evokes the imagery of the basketball, ensuring that readers feel Josh Bell’s experiences come to life. Josh and his brother, Jordan, sons of a basketball legend, rule the court, especially when they cooperate. But when the two find themselves growing further apart, as hormones increase and a girl enters the picture, life on and off the court falls into chaos. Although larger portions of the text in this adaptation exist in prose form, the poetry of the novel still exists at various stages to bring readers back to Alexander’s original lively style. An energetic and lively re-envisioning, this transformation of the original text into a combination of visuals, poetry, and changing font styles will be sure to engage young readers who are both familiar and unfamiliar with Alexander’s original work.
Graphic novel
Fifth to eighth grade
Dark Tomorrow by Alex Seguro
Two Latinex superheroes in the Spider-Man multiverse team up to face time travel, parallel universes, and scary villains. Brooklyn high schooler Anya Corazon, aka Araña, has only recently been imbued with spiderlike superpowers, but she already feels the weight of the responsibility of being a superhero and using her abilities for the good of those around her. But keeping up with schoolwork and friends while doing good in secret so Papi doesn’t find out is taking a toll—especially since her mentor and teacher was killed. When a near-death encounter with a new supervillain strands Araña, who is Mexican and Puerto Rican, on a futuristic Earth with her powers on the fritz, the only person she thinks she can count on is another Spider-Man. Billionaire CEO Miguel O’Hara was Spider-Man in the year 2099, but he retired after tragedies that killed people he loved. Now a kid from the past needs his help, and together they confront Judas Traveller, the villain who haunts them both. With a narrative that follows both Anya and Miguel, this funtastic novel sees both protagonists face their internal demons and struggle with what it means to be a superhero. Despite some repetitive beats in the main characters’ inner monologues, this is an exciting entry into the Spider-verse for newcomers and old fans alike that features other delightful Spidey cameos. Two friendly neighborhood Spider-Heroes save the multiverse with the usual Spidey flair.
Science fiction
Seventh to eighth grade
The DC Book of Pride by Jadzia Axelrod
Written and curated by DC expert Jadzia Axelrod, The DC Book of Pride profiles more than 50 LGBTQIA+ characters in detail, including Harley Quinn, Superman, Nubia, Robin, Batwoman, Aqualad, Dreamer, Green Lantern, and many more. Discover their fascinating origins, amazing superpowers, and key storylines. This title is an indispensable and celebratory companion to the DC Pride comic books. With stunning comic book artwork and an exclusive cover artwork by renowned DC comics illustrator Paulina Ganucheau, this book is a perfect addition to the collection of any DC fan.
Nonfiction
Sixth to eighth grade
Different Kinds of Fruit by Kyle Lukoff
This coming-of-age story is told from the perspective of a sixth-grader named Annabelle, who attends a small-town school that runs a different program from the traditional public school. When a new student joins her class, which is composed of the same kids she’s known for years, it’s a big deal. The bigger deal? Her new friend Bailey is nonbinary, and just like that, her world expands tenfold. Through her friendship with Bailey, Annabelle learns to navigate all the new things she’s learning about queer communities while also finding names for her own identity and totally crushing on her new friend. Meanwhile, Annabelle learns that her own dad is trans, and his attitudes about gender cause friction with Bailey’s more fluid understanding. Lukoff offers a story with vivid, well-rounded characters that never talks down to kids; Annabelle’s teacher attempts to instruct the class in some different perspectives on history, but pushback from the administration (and one very vocal member of Annabelle’s class) will likely resonate with plenty of middle-schoolers and encourage them to consider who has power in their own classrooms. Themes of inclusion and privilege in today’s society are seamlessly integrated into the familiar plot of a kid’s first crush, and the focus on the great ways that communities can come together to keep everyone within them safe is a gratifying through line. Pair this title with Lukoff’s Too Bright to See.
Realistic fiction LGBTQIA+
Fifth to sixth grade
Doodles from Boogie Down by Stephanie Rodriguez
In this semiautobiographical novel, readers follow Steph, a girl from the Bronx who has dreams of becoming an artist. She has her heart set on attending LaGuardia, an arts-focused high school in Manhattan, and with the support of her teacher Ms. Santiago, she feels like she has a real shot at being accepted. The only problem is that her mom doesn’t want her to attend a public school, and hasn’t been very supportive of her art. Even without her mother’s support, Steph decides to move forward with the process of applying and hatches a plan to convince her mom to let her attend. As she carries out her plan, she learns that to live the life she wants, she must be truthful to those closest to her. Rodriguez’s coming-of-age comic is full of vivid, expressive, and colorful cartoon artwork that depict what it was like growing up in the early 2000s. Tweens who are feeling the pressure and challenges of school, friends, and family will find Steph’s story especially relatable.
Graphic novel
Fifth to eighth grade
Dragon Hoops by Gene Luen Yang
There’s a line between sports and American comics that is seldom crossed. Leave it to Yang to take the crucial step, capturing not only the excitement of basketball but something deep and universal about it, even as he parallels it with his own journey. Yang teaches at California’s Bishop O’Dowd High School, home to the Dragons, a basketball team with a hallowed and, as it turns out, complicated history. Over and over again, the team almost wins State. Pursuing material for his next graphic novel, Yang surprises himself by latching onto the team and its long-time coach, Lou Richie. Yang traces the team’s high-stakes season through the players but also delves into the history of basketball itself, touching on the sociopolitical forces that shaped it and—to no surprise for Yang’s readers—the way race figures into both. Yang is an extraordinary cartoonist; his clean, clear, deceptively simple figures and compositions transmit emotions both subtle and powerful. Combining visual flair, like speeding backgrounds, with nearly diagrammatic movement, he creates pulse-pounding game sequences. Most important, through recurring visual motifs that connect a champion basketball player to a self-questioning artist to a Russian immigrant with a new idea, he illuminates the risks that every one of us must take and has, once again, produced a work of resounding humanity.
Graphic novel
Seventh and eighth grade
Dragon Mountain Dragon Realm Book 1 by Katie Tsang and Kevin Tsang
A group of friends find themselves in the middle of a war threatening both Dragon and Human Realms. Instead of surfing waves at home in San Francisco, Billy Chan’s parents have sent him to a summer language camp in China, led by an elderly man nicknamed Old Gold. Billy’s dad is from Hong Kong and his mother is White and American, and his Mandarin skills are limited. He quickly makes friends with campmates Dylan from Ireland, Southern belle (and martial artist) Charlotte—both of whom are White—and Ling-Fei, a local Chinese girl. Before long Billy notices some paranormal activity around the camp. The plot quickly progresses as the group experiences an earthquake—apparently the children inadvertently opened a mountain populated by four dragons who tell them that they are their matches. If the kids agree to bond with them, their combined powers can defeat the evil Dragon of Death, who threatens to conquer both Dragon and Human Realms. The kids agree, with varying levels of trepidation, but upon entering the Dragon Realm, they encounter seemingly impossible obstacles. The Dragon Realm features magical elements drawn from Chinese and European folktales, including winged dragons and rock trolls.. A high-interest read. Perfect for Tui Sutherland fans and a favorite new series with her family according to Ms. Lovaas Ishihara.Fantasy
Fifth and sixth grade
Drew LeClair Gets A Clue by Katryn Bury
Seventh grader Drew is a true-crime buff who idolizes Lita Miyamoto, a criminal profiler and author. Hoping to follow in her hero’s footsteps, Drew spends time observing and profiling her fellow classmates. But when her mom runs off—seemingly for good, this time—with the school guidance counselor, Drew wonders how she could’ve missed all the signs. Despite attempting to keep this news a secret, even from her boy best friend (who tried to kiss her the week before), Drew’s hope is dashed when a cyberbully spills the news through her school’s social media. Drew decides her main priority is to protect her father, which means stopping the anonymous bully before things escalate. Though frustrating at times, Drew remains relatable as she navigates the painful and confusing events of her life—her mother’s abandonment, her father’s sadness, and questions of identity and friendship—all while wondering if anyone would love her for who she truly is. This book touches on issues of bullying, racism, sexuality, fat-shaming, consent, and more, but it never feels heavy-handed. Because Drew profiles everyone around her, each character’s race is clearly stated in Drew’s notes, so while Drew is white, her world feels inclusive. Highly recommended for fans of Nancy Drew (Drew’s namesake) and those who appreciate the blending of realistic problems and mystery.
Mystery fiction
Fifth to seventh grade
Duet by Elise Broach
Mirabelle, a goldfinch who sings beautifully, enjoys listening from a branch outside Mr. Starek’s window when he plays the piano. A former concert pianist, the elderly man occasionally gives lessons to exceptionally gifted students such as Michael, an 11-year-old boy who is preparing to perform at a Chopin Festival. Unhappy to leave his former teacher, Michael initially refuses to play for Mr. Starek. But one day, the boy begins playing a piece by Chopin, and Mirabelle, perched near the window, begins to sing along. The spontaneous duet fills them both with awe. Now eager to learn from Mr. Starek and determined to play Chopin’s music well, Michael is also intrigued by the mystery of the composer’s missing Pleyel pianos and sets out to find one with help from Mirabelle. The story involves a treasure hunt, but it revolves around the characters’ love of music and the sense of wonder that it inspires. Black-and-white art illustrate the book. Mirabelle’s lively, accessible first-person narrative offers a fresh perspective on the lives of birds and keen perception of the human characters. A companion book to Broach’s Masterpiece, this captivating chapter book is perfect for readers who, like Mirabelle, are sometimes spellbound by music.
Mystery/music
Fifth grade
A Duet for Home by Karina Yan Glaser*
After her father’s death, 11-year-old June, her little sister, and their mother, who has withdrawn into a cocoon of grief, move from Chinatown into Huey House, a homeless shelter offering social services for residents. Tired of looking after herself and her sister, June resents her mother’s inability to cope. Her initial outrage with the shelter’s rules (musical instruments are not allowed in residents’ apartments) subsides when she finds both staff and residents conspiring to ensure that she can not only play her viola but also take lessons from a professional violinist living nearby. June values her growing friendships with a boy named Tyrell and the shelter’s staff, who are quietly helping her mother take responsibility for her family again. Drawing on her experiences working in a New York City homeless shelter, Glaser excels in her vivid, individual portrayals of the characters and their relationships. While the conclusion is not entirely convincing, the novel offers readers a heartening story as well as a memorable vision of homeless shelters as complex, supportive communities working toward positive change. *Author of the famed Vanderbeeker series- N.B. The conclusion to the Vanderbeeker series will be published on September 16th 2023 and is titled The Vanderbeekers Ever After.
Sixth to seventh grade
Each Tiny Spark by Pablo Cartaya
A nuanced novel about a neurodiverse preteen’s political and social awakening by a Pura Belpré Honor–winning author. Sixth grader Emilia Rosa Torres sometimes has a hard time keeping up with schoolwork and concentrating on one thing at a time, but her software-developer mother and super involved abuelita help her keep on task. Days before her father’s return to their Atlanta suburb from his most recent deployment, her mother goes on a business trip, leaving the middle schooler to juggle his mood swings, her friend troubles, and her looming assignments all on her own. When a social studies project opens her eyes to injustices past and present, Emilia begins to find her voice and use it to make an impact on her community. Writing with sensitivity and respectful complexity, Cartaya tackles weighty issues, such as immigration, PTSD, and microaggressions, through the lens of a budding tinkerer and activist who has ADHD. The members of this Cuban American family don’t all practice the same religion, with Emilia’s Catholic grandmother faithfully attending Mass multiple times a week and the protagonist’s mother celebrating her culture’s Yoruba roots with Santería. Conversations on race and gender crop up through the narrative as Emilia’s grandmother likes to emphasize her family’s European heritage—Emilia can pass as white, with her fair complexion, light eyes and auburn hair. All of these larger issues are effortlessly woven in with skill and humor, as is the Spanish her family easily mixes with English. A pitch-perfect middle-grade novel that insightfully explores timely topics with authenticity and warmth.
Neurodiverse fiction
Fifth and sixth grade
Everything Mythology by B.A. Hoena
This comprehensive and engaging book on all things mythological lives up to the expectations set by other entries in the National Geographic Kids series. Hoena emphasizes the commonalities between myths of different cultures, including the Iroquois of North America, the Norse of Europe, the Hawaiians of the Pacific, and the Hindus of the Indian subcontinent. Gods and stories are organized topically, covering a range of concepts such as mythical tricksters, stories of love, natural disasters, and creation and the underworld. The eclectic layout is colorful and lively, full of iconography, infographics, photographs, and illustrations. Mayor serves as our expert guide and is represented by a reoccurring avatar, popping up in the text to highlight and explain certain concepts. Sidebars include recipes using fruits that were favorites of the gods, images of sacred places, and diagrams of celestial constellations. This compendium is highly successful in bringing to light the ways that myths across time and place relate to one another and to modern culture and language.
Nonfiction/mythology
Fifth to seventh grade
Falling Short by Ernest Cisneros
From Pura Belpré Award–winning author Cisneros comes a touching new novel about expectations. Marco and Isaac are best friends who are complete opposites. Marco is short, excels academically, and is bad at sports. Isaac is tall and athletic, but he struggles in school. Now that they’re starting middle school, Marco decides to join the basketball team in the hopes that it will draw his father back into his life. Isaac wants to improve his grades so his parents will have one less thing to worry about during their separation period. Together, the boys will attempt to navigate middle school and their own personal family issues, all while trying to avoid falling short of their goals and success. In this novel told through the alternating points of view of both protagonists, readers will closely follow the struggles and insecurities both characters experience while also observing a beautiful and endearing friendship. Cisneros has once again written an inspiring story that will have an immense emotional effect on all who read it.
Sports fiction
Fifth to seventh grade
Finally Seen by Kelly Yang
A Chinese girl moves to America to be reunited with her family. When she was 5, Lina’s parents and baby sister left her in Beijing with her grandmother. Now she arrives in Southern California as a 10-year-old stranger to her own family. And what of the American dream? Her scientist father toils (sans green card) for a villainous, bigoted organic farmer, while her mother, unemployed since the pandemic put the nail salon where she worked out of business, makes bath bombs to sell online. They live in a one-bedroom apartment whose back rent is due in six weeks. Why isn’t Lina in any of the pictures displayed in their home? School is worse. Bullied by mean girls for her English, she vows never to speak again. But with the help of her ELL teacher, the school librarian, and a new friend, Lina begins to find her confidence and her voice through reading. Yang covers a lot of ground, from immigrant experiences and socio-economic inequities to climate change and middle school angst. The plotline that really stands out, however, is when Lina discovers that books can comfort the struggling, link people together, and create changes both internal and external. This theme propels the action through the book’s satisfying climax when she must decide whether to use her voice to stop a book that she loves from being banned in her classroom. Timely and pointed.
Realistic fiction
Fifth to seventh grade
Fox Point’s Own Gemma Hopper by Brie Spangler
In a family where baseball is life, how do you keep swinging for the fences when life throws nothing but curveballs? Seventh grader Gemma Hopper is used to standing out in a crowd. She can’t help it—she’s 6 feet tall. Everyone knows her older brother, Teddy, the 14-year-old slugger on his way to Florida with an exclusive travel team. But even though Gemma pitches his batting practice every day, she feels like she’s little more than his shadow. Home life is not much better: Since their mom left, Gemma cares for her younger twin brothers and picks up all the household chores while her dad works. Feeling abandoned by her mother, used by her brothers, and ignored by her father, Gemma already has three strikes. Middle school social turmoil adds to the personal turmoil, and Gemma takes out her frustrations during one of Teddy’s daily batting practices, pitching her hardest and striking him out. It’s recorded by an onlooker, going viral overnight and giving her a chance to reimagine possibilities for her life. Spangler’s mix of paneling and full-page spreads creates a visual tone that’s both cohesive and dynamic. The black, white, and blue-green palette fluctuates only once, adding a contrasting reddish-brown anti-Gemma during the poignant penultimate scene when the titular character is duking it out against her inner critic. Gemma’s resilience and realism will have readers rooting for her. Main characters are White. A sensitively told story about the power of self and sports. (Takes place in Providence RI.)
Graphic novel
Fifth to seventh grade
Freestyle by Gale Galligan
Cory Tan is an eighth grader and part of a break dancing crew called Eight Bitz. There’s a big competition coming up, and the team captain is going hard on the choreography, but the team is getting out of step. Meanwhile, Cory’s grades slip, and his parents get him some tutoring sessions with one of his classmates, a quiet Hijabi girl named Sunna. Cory discovers that Sunna has a secret: she has amazing yo-yo skills. As his relationship with Sunna develops, his other friendships fall by the wayside, until he’s forced to find ways to be himself and also keep all his friends. Galligan adeptly depicts a large cast of characters and lots of break dancing in a narrative that focuses on taking responsibility for one’s actions, including when people at home have high expectations, as well as the impacts of the rumor mill and how people are not always what they seem. Fans of Galligan’s Babysitter’s Club comics will find similar themes of friendship and community in this engaging story, beautifully colored in candy hues by Czap.
Graphic novel
Fifth to eighth grade
Frizzy by Claribe lL. Ortega
Every Sunday, Marlene must go to the salon, and she hates it. It’s a lengthy process to get her hair to look “good.” Her mother says that she needs to keep her curls under control and looking presentable, but hearing her mother constantly say that straight hair is “good” hair has started taking its toll on Marlene. If Marlene is continually being told that straight hair is beautiful, then what does that mean for Marlene and her curly hair? With the help of her aunt Ruby, who has curly hair like Marlene, she learns that her hair can be beautiful, too. Frizzy touches upon the impact that hurtful beauty standards can have on children and how they can be perpetuated across generations, and an educational conversation on the connection between these beauty standards and anti-Blackness is neatly woven into the story. Bousamra’s illustrations use a warm color palette, with shades of pink and purple to help create a lovely read about individuality and self-love that is perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier.
Graphic novel
Fifth to seventh grade
The Gauntlet by Karuna Riazi
In the Mirza family, games are a serious business. Ever since Farah’s little brother, Ahmad, was diagnosed with ADHD, Farah’s expected to perform her older-sibling duty and lose to her brother every time they play. This is annoying enough, but Farah’s family has recently moved from Queens to the Upper East Side, and Farah’s worried about the sudden distance she feels growing between her and her best friends, Alex and Essie. When a beautiful, old-fashioned board game called the Gauntlet of Blood and Sand shows up on Farah’s birthday, she’s intrigued—until Ahmad is sucked into the game. Farah, Essie, and Alex follow, landing in a colorful desert city where they must play the game to find Ahmad and rescue themselves. Jumanji meets Spy Kids in this action-packed story that features a Muslim heroine. Secondary characters read a bit flat—Farah is much more lifelike than either of her friends—but creative, intricate world building and the interesting mythology behind the game itself more than make up for that. An exciting, clever debut. Recommended by Ms. Lovaas Ishihara.
Fantasy
Fifth to eighth grade
Get a Grip Vivy Cohen by Sara Kapit
Eleven-year-old Vivy has been pitching knuckleballs ever since meeting her baseball hero, VJ Capello, at an Autism Foundation event. When a Little League coach sees her practicing, he recruits Vivy onto the team, but not everyone is as happy about that as she is. Her overprotective mother refuses to believe Vivy can handle being the only girl on a competitive baseball team, and the coach’s son—the team’s star pitcher—bullies her mercilessly. Vivy’s roller-coaster journey through the season is related exclusively through a series of letters, as what begins as fan mail to Capello becomes a regular correspondence between the young girl and the renowned pitcher. While the epistolary form stretches the bounds of believability—Vivy’s messages are more first-person prose narrative than letter—the story is so undeniably charming, the sports so exciting, and the protagonist so sympathetic that readers will get sucked in. Kapit’s debut is an exceedingly rare #OwnVoices account of an autistic girl—centered on that character—that gives a clear, authentic, and universally relatable representation of autism while still telling a positive, upbeat, feel-good story about a girl’s fight to play the game she loves. Vivy’s Jewish background, gay brother, and Latinx best friend bring an intersectionality to the novel that only adds to its appeal. A must for all collections.
Neurodiverse fiction
Fifth to sixth grade
Goodbye Stranger by Rebecca Stead
Starting seventh grade means lots of changes for Bridge and her best friends Em and Tabitha. The most obvious is Em’s sudden curves, which grab the attention of pretty much everyone. Other changes are more subtle, like the way Bridge starts looking forward to seeing her classmate Sherman Russo, or Tabitha’s growing interest in feminism and social justice. With diverging interests and gently simmering jealousies among the threesome, it would be easy for Stead to tell an all-too-familiar tale of a crumbling tween-girl trio. But she doesn’t: rather, she offers a refreshing story of three girls whose loving friendship survives fights, accepts odd habits, and offers ample forgiveness. Unfolding over a series of vignettes that alternate among Bridge, an unnamed high-school girl worried about the consequences of her betrayal of a friend, and letters Sherm writes to his absent grandfather, Stead’s latest gradually teases out the nuanced feelings and motivations that guide her characters’ sometimes unwise—but never disastrous—actions. Bridge and her friends are all experiencing a quietly momentous shift toward adulthood, and Stead gracefully, frankly, and humorously captures that change. Though that change is often scary, Stead shows how strongly love of all kinds can smooth the juddering path toward adulthood. Winsome, bighearted, and altogether rewarding.
Realistic fiction
Fifth to eighth grade
Grasping Mysteries: Girls Who Loved Math by Jeannine Atkins
In this companion book to Finding Wonders, Atkins presents the lives of seven girls who excelled in mathematics and later, often after overcoming significant obstacles, made significant contributions in related fields. Caroline Herschel discovered a comet, and Vera Rubin provided evidence of dark matter in the universe. Inventor Hertha Ayrton became the first woman electrical engineer. Meticulous statistical records were key to Florence Nightingale’s success in changing hospital care and Edna Lee Paisano’s progress in gaining significantly greater representation for Native Americans in Census Bureau reports. Marie Tharp turned a mountain of data into maps of the Atlantic Ocean floor, while Katherine Johnson calculated trajectories to the moon. Written in free verse, the text is welcoming, informative, pithy, wry, very readable, and occasionally haunting: as Florence Nightingale carries her lantern through the hospital wards at night, soldiers “reach out to touch the shadow she leaves behind.” Still, doctors resentful of her authority refer to her not as the “Lady with the Lamp” but as the “Lady with the Hammer.” A heartening celebration of mathematically gifted women.
Biographical verse novel
Fifth to eighth grade
The Great Texas Dragon Race by Kacy Ritter
Thirteen-year-old Cassidy Drake enters a dangerous race to save her family’s dragon sanctuary. Cassidy lives on her family’s dragon ranch in Texas with her Grandma Lynn and her Pa; her mother, the first woman to win the Great Texas Dragon Race, was killed by a Texas coral viper. When a representative from massive energy company FireCorp, who cruelly use dragons for oil production, offers to buy their ranch, Cassidy seizes her chance to save it—and their rescue dragons—by entering the race. With hospitalized Gran’s signature on the application (but without Pa’s permission), Cassidy and her dragon, Ranga, become the 51st team to enter, joining some corporate-sponsored riders. The sponsored riders are similar to the Careers in The Hunger Games. Cassidy and her allies, Laura, Colt, and sisters Rose and Viv, are as scrappy and motivated as Katniss Everdeen—and they face equally high stakes as they fight powerful forces that abuse dragons for profit. “Our choices reveal our character” reads the inscription on the compass, a family heirloom, that Gran gives Cassidy. And this proves true of Cassidy and the other riders—especially FireCorp-sponsored competitor Ash—as the tasks become ever more dangerous. Cassidy is a take-action hero with a strong moral compass, and Ranga, though small, is equally tough. Cassidy and Colt, who is gay, read White; Laura is Latina, and Rose and Viv are cued South Asian. A high-stakes, fast-paced, dragon-filled underdog story. N.B. Available August 1, 2023 but worth the wait.
Adventure fantasy LGBTQIA+
Fifth to eighth grade
Hoops by Matt Tavares
Tavares’ debut graphic novel is a historical fiction inspired by true events, following a girls’ high-school basketball team in Wilkins, Indiana, as they defy expectations on their way to a state championship. Judi always dreamed of being a basketball star, though her best friend assumes they’ll be star cheerleaders instead. When, thanks to Title IX, the school announces a new girls’ basketball team, Judi jumps at the chance. We follow the team as they find early success despite the lack of support from their school, and the tension comes less from their on-court competitions—which are brief but nonetheless enjoyable—and more from the question of whether or not they’ll change the patriarchal perspectives of their peers and administrators. The story is delivered with a wonderfully light touch, mirrored by Tavares’ soft, inviting illustrations and their simplified features; clean, bold linework; and solid color fills. Although it’s technically set in high school, grade-school readers will have no problem connecting to the friendship drama or rooting for Judi, her dream, and her epic ’70s bowl cut. Highly recommended.
Graphic novel
Fifth to sixth grade
Horse Country Can’t be Tamed by Yamile Saide Mendez
The daughter of a horse ranch’s manager and accountant feels her special place with the horses is threatened when the new owner and her daughter move in. Sixth grader Carolina Aguasvivas loves everything about growing up on a horse ranch in Idaho. She doesn’t even mind cleaning up horse poop when she mucks horse stalls to earn riding time. She’s also excited that the ranch has been sold to a new owner, Ms. Whitby, who aims to start a riding school. Unfortunately, Ms. Whitby’s daughter, Chelsie, appears stuck up, initially balking at her mother’s insistence that she help muck stalls and befriending the girls who’ve made fun of Carolina in the past, calling her a “pooper scooper.” Worse, Velvet, a beautiful new Thoroughbred mare who might just be the horse of Carolina’s heart, belongs to Chelsie. Eventually, though, a moment of danger bonds the two girls: Each of them overcomes their insecurities, and they learn to work together in order to help both the ranch and their community. The book’s descriptions of ranch life are immersive and realistic. The thoughtful protagonist, who brings heartfelt passion and dedication to every aspect of caring for horses—even the messiest parts—will especially appeal to young animal lovers. In their mostly white area, Carolina is of Irish, Mexican, and Argentine descent; Chelsie’s Argentine father lives in Buenos Aires, and her mom is white. An enjoyable read about horses, friendship, and second chances. Recommended by Ms. Lovaas Ishihara
Horse fiction
Fifth to eighth
If You’re a Kid Like Gavin: The True Story of a Young Trans Activist by Gavin Grimm and Kyle Lukoff
A celebratory and empowering story from young trans activist Gavin Grimm, two-time Stonewall Award-winning and Newbery Honor-winning author Kyle Lukoff, and illustrator J Yang follows the true story of how a young boy stood up for himself--and made history along the way. A Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Best Book of the Year!
Picture book
Fifth grade
The Insiders by Mark Oshito
When his mom lands a new job, Héctor Muñoz leaves San Francisco—and his best friends and beloved neighborhood—for a town near Sacramento. The Mexican American 12-year-old starts Orangevale Middle School with optimism, hopeful that new friends will appreciate his flair for fashion and confident that he will find fellow musical theater–obsessed peers. His optimism wanes when he finds out there is no drama club or theater program; Ms. Heath, the head of school security, seems to have targeted him for harsh discipline; and the Table of Misfits, a ragtag group of outsiders, is the only place for him to sit at lunch. Matters get worse when Mike, a relentlessly homophobic bully, and his so-called Minions target Héctor. When a janitor’s closet magically appears whenever and wherever Héctor most needs to hide, he finds a respite from the bullying. The room not only offers him safety, it also connects him to other outsiders who find their ways there from their own schools when they need escape: Black and Chinese Juliana from South Carolina and Filipino and White Sal from Arizona. With compassion and humor, Oshiro creates a fantastical scenario that holds deeper implications for three outsiders who face struggles as queer and biracial youths. Reading this heartwarming blend of Realistic fiction and fantasy, young people will appreciate Héctor’s brave and earnest quest for happiness and belonging set among a richly diverse cast of characters. Sweet and full of heart.
Fantasy LGBTQI+
Fifth to eighth grade
Karthik Delivers by Sheela Chari
The summer before entering high school, Karthik makes deliveries for his family’s struggling Indian grocery store in Boston. He befriends some of the customers, stopping to visit with elderly ones who need a little company as well as food. When a graduate student notices his uncanny memorization skills, she offers him the lead in the one-act play she’s written, which is to be performed later that summer. With no acting experience, Karthik is doubtful but intrigued, hopeful that theater could become an alternative to a career in medicine, his mother’s unwavering choice for him. Karthik’s older sister and several classmates round out the list of characters. Levelheaded and smart, though sometimes reluctant to let others know what he’s thinking, Karthik narrates the story with a winning combination of wit and angst. From his tight-knit, immigrant family to the girl he admires to the grad student/playwright, the characters are convincingly portrayed. Changes come when Karthik and his equally reticent family members become more open with one another. A perceptive, enjoyable novel of self-discovery within expanding circles of family and community.
Realistic fiction
Seventh to eighth grade
A Kind of Spark by Ellie McNicoll
An autistic girl campaigns to memorialize women branded as witches. Eleven-year-old Addie knows what it’s like to be different. Her acute hearing makes loud sounds painful. Hugs, eye contact, and certain textures are hard to tolerate, and she can’t always understand people’s expressions. Her prickly older sister Nina is hard to read. Addie’s mean-spirited teacher publicly scorns her work, dismisses her capability, and even joins her classmates’ taunts. Only Addie’s other older sister, outspoken Keedie, who’s also autistic, really understands her fascination with sharks or the fatigue of “masking” her natural behavior to appease neurotypical people. So when Addie learns that her Scottish village once killed nonconforming women accused of witchcraft, her keen empathy compels her to petition for a memorial. But how can she convince a committee that doesn’t believe she can think for herself? Though exposition is occasionally heavy-handed and secondary characters somewhat one-dimensional, the author, herself neurodivergent, imbues Addie’s unapologetically autistic perspective with compassion and insight. Addie’s accounts of constantly second-guessing herself ring painfully true, and her observations are diamond sharp; she scrutinizes people’s faces to ensure they’re “never confused or offended” but wonders, “Are any of them ever doing the same for me?” The bullying Addie endures will leave readers’ stomachs in sympathetic knots, but Addie’s nuanced relationships with her sisters and a new friend, Audrey, infuse humor and heart. Most characters default to White. Earnest and perceptive.
Neurodiverse fiction
Fifth to eighth grade
Kwame Alexander’s Free Write: A Poetry Notebook
From the Newbery-Medal winning author of The Crossover and The Undefeated comes an exciting, interactive, poetry notebook, empowering kids to express themselves in verse. Discover the power of poetry! Have you ever written a poem? How about rap lyrics or a letter or even a list? ‘Cause those can all be poetry too. Wanna give it a try? Bestselling author and poet extraordinaire Kwame Alexander created this super-fly notebook just for you! It’s bursting with cool activities, sizzling poetry starters, inspirational quotes, and lots of space to create. So grab your pen or pencil ‘cause it’s time to give your words flow and rhythm and rhyme!
Nonfiction
Fifth to eighth grade
The Last Fallen Star by Graci Kim
This opening installment in the Gifted Clans series interweaves Korean mythology and modern times to create a wholly unique world worthy of the Rick Riordan Presents imprint. Debut author Kim spins a fascinating tale of six witch clans, all of which hearken to their own respective patron gods and special powers, with readers following Riley Oh, a saram (nonmagical person) who more than anything desires to find her place in both the magical world and within her own adoptive family. After Riley’s sister, Hattie, suggests that they concoct a spell to share her magic with Riley, that forbidden magic goes badly awry, and Riley must find a way to use her own strengths to set things right and rectify the past the present and assure the future of everything she holds dear. From a compelling and endearing supporting cast to the rich and tantalizing Korean cuisine explored in its pages, this pays homage to traditional Korean magic and mythos while infusing it with a contemporary storyline and characters readers will fall in love with in an instant. Riley’s unmistakable voice and her relatable search for and exploration of her identity will connect with readers at their cores, offering a truly promising start to a fantastical series.
Fantasy fiction
Fifth to eighth grade
The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat
Though 12-year-old Sai is playing the role of an upper-class girl fulfilling her year of service as an apprentice to Paiyoon, master mapmaker for the Mangkon Royal Navy, she has actually led a hardscrabble life. Wanting nothing more to do with her con man father’s schemes, she leaps at the chance to join Paiyoon on a voyage that might discover the legendary Sunderlands. Once she’s aboard, Sai avoids a crew member who might recognize her, while ingratiating herself with dashing Miss Rian. Meanwhile, she discovers a stowaway, a boy named Bo, and secretly helps him survive. When disaster strikes, their only option is to escape the ship and seek shelter on a small, desolate island. The novel touches on many themes, from class structure to the effects of colonialism to the bond between children and their parents. Action drives the narrative forward, creating a real page-turner with intriguing characters whose individual goals lead to inevitable, sometimes violent clashes. Blending Age of Sail historical fiction, adventure, and fantasy within a Thai-inspired setting, this original novel will leave readers hoping for sequels. A favorite of Ms. Martindale especially recommended for dragon lovers and Wings of Fire fans.
Fantasy
Fifth to eighth grade
The Leak by Kate Reed Petty
When Ruth, a thirteen-year-old aspiring journalist, stumbles upon some strange black goo at her local lake, she’s sure she has a story. After some investigating, she lands on a culprit: the lake-adjacent country club that’s already been cited for EPA violations. But is she right? Amid the tension of Ruth’s investigation and classic middle-school experiences, like dealing with a new crush and the pressures of fitting in, Petty folds in a thorough exploration of key journalistic concepts. Ruth consults with experts, interviews sources, faces pushback, and—this is key—makes some instructive mistakes along the way, all of which help her recognize the dangers of confirmation bias and rushing a story. As her newsletter gains some notoriety, she starts to recognize her responsibility to be accurate and fair, especially when powerful adults push her to change her story. The lessons of her investigation nicely parallel some of her friendship troubles, and the emphasis on water pollution, politics, and propaganda will strike a chord with kid activists. Bell’s rounded figures, sun-dappled scenes, and warm palette of colors are in striking contrast to the rather serious stakes of the story, and that approachable look will help give this an even wider audience. Grounded in tween concerns, this is a surprisingly deep dive into investigative journalism that will appeal to fans of classic middle-school drama.
Eco graphic novel
Fifth to eighth grade
The List of Things That Will Not Change by Rebecca Stead
When Bea’s father decides to get married for the second time, this time to another man, she is overjoyed, not only because she loves Jesse, her father’s partner, but also because he has a daughter her age, and the thing Bea wants most in the world is a sister. This tale of ten-year-old Bea is narrated by her twelve-year-old self, who often flashes back to earlier episodes of her life, brilliantly depicting the nonlinear storytelling mechanics of a tween mind. Indeed, Stead’s greatest strength may be her understanding of the middle-grade psyche. Her work shows great respect for the complexity of children’s feelings, and this remarkable book is, more than anything, about feelings. As Bea prepares for her father’s wedding, attempts to forge a connection with her future sister, and worries over her single mother, she meets intermittently with a therapist, who guides Bea in self-reflective exercises describing what emotions feel like (a narrative tool used frequently, to great effect) and helps her unearth her own terrible secret, which lands in a hard-hitting twist ending. So much is tackled in this slim volume: a courteous divorce, Bea’s incidental case of eczema, friendship, mental health, sisterhood, and a beautiful model of gay marriage in the face of adversity. An emotional character journey from a middle-grade master.
LGBTQ+ Realistic fiction
Fifth to seventh grade
Little Monarchs by Jonathan Case
For a post apocalyptic survival struggle, Little Monarchs is nothing short of a romp, vibrant with a sense of exploration, adventure, and discovery. Ten-year-old Elvie is an irresistible combination of precocious knowledge and competence, childlike obstinacy and longing. Ever since a disaster apparently claimed her parents, she has been on a perennial road trip with scientist Flora—part guardian, part big sister—searching out monarch butterflies. From the monarchs, they extract (non-lethally) an element that allows Flora to synthesize a medicine that counteracts the sun’s shifted radiation, which has decimated Earth’s mammal population. Their ongoing quest is complicated, though, by the discovery of a young boy and, eventually, his adoptive family, creating difficult and dangerous dilemmas, both emotional and practical. Case exalts science and its meticulous application and brings it to life through Elvie’s journal, in which she discourses on various real-life survival necessities, like which plants are safe to eat and how to survive a snakebite. At the same time, slightly exaggerated facial features express depths of emotion, and the painterly, nuanced palette supports the story’s measured complexity as it considers how and when we should put our faith in other people. It is a romp, but one that acknowledges tragedy and sacrifice and still ends on a pitch-perfect page of imminent joy.
Graphic novel dystopian
Fifth to eighth grade
Lizzy Legend by Matthew Ross Smith
Eighth-grader Lizzy Trudeaux falls asleep beneath a poster of LeBron James every night, and she never dreamed in a million years that she’d ever be able to actually play against him. But when a strange phone call prompts her to make a wish, she’s suddenly trading the blacktop near her home for the bright lights of a real basketball arena. She can’t miss a single shot—not even if she tries. Debut author Smith firmly roots this story of wish fulfillment in the contemporary basketball world, with all of the fast-paced excitement and chance for individual glory. Though tales of fame and fortune all too often pit BFFs against each other, Lizzy’s best bud Toby is instead along for the ride, nearly stealing every scene he’s in with his comic banter. Documentary-style cutaways to interviews with key players, along with short chapters and a balance of well-paced action and heart, give this sports story wide appeal.
Realistic fiction
Fifth to eighth grade
Love in the Library by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
Tokuda-Hall recounts the moving story of how her grandparents, Tama and George, fell in love at a Japanese incarceration camp in Idaho. Among the 120,000 Japanese Americans forced into incarceration after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Tama and George managed to find hope amid racism, injustice, and terrible living conditions. While serving as the camp’s librarian, Tama would run into George every day as he returned the “stack of books he’d checked out only the day before.” Over time, Tama and George grew close because of their shared experiences. They fell in love, married, and had a son, even while surrounded by a place “built to make people feel like they weren’t human.” As Tama notes in her journal, “The miracle is in us . . . as long as we believe in change, in beauty, in hope.” The author’s gentle text captures the resilience of human dignity and optimism even during times of immense challenge and adversity. Imamura’s stunning gouache and watercolor illustrations convey both the setting and the emotions of the characters. Artwork in mostly earth tones with select pops of color evokes the time period and tone, while meticulous details, including careful use of light and shadow as well as clear facial features, channel the story’s compelling message. Tokuda-Hall’s author’s note discussing her grandparents, Japanese incarceration camps, and the continuing impact of racism caps off this powerful must-read.
Picture book
Fifth to eighth
Maya Rising by Rena Barron
Twelve-year-old Maya loves her papa and the wild stories he tells about orisha gods and mystical West African creatures he “encounters” while away at work. But after a series of strange occurrences, including a brief freeze in time and space, and an attack by a pack of werehyenas from the Dark (think Stranger Things’ Upside Down), Papa reveals to Maya that there’s more to these old folktales than meets the eye. Though to Maya he is “Papa,” her father is also a celestial being called Elleguá—the Guardian of the Veil (between Maya’s world and the Dark). The veil that he’s created and maintains has killed beings from the Dark, making Elleguá the target for the Lord of the Shadows’ revenge. Together, Maya and her best friends Frankie and Eli journey through the Dark in their effort to save her papa—and Earth as they know it. This opening installment of what will be a much-anticipated series is fast-paced and adventurous, offering a fresh blend of culture, community, and folklore rooted broadly in the African diaspora.
Fantasy fiction
Fifth to seventh grade
Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte, artwork by Ann Xu
Newly transplanted to Seattle, twelve-year-old Cici does her best to blend in at her new middle school, even though she misses her beloved A-má, her paternal grandmother who she left back in Taiwan. Cici is desperate to bring her grandmother to America for a visit, but how to pay for it? A local cooking contest with a $1,000 grand prize might be the answer, but will her favorite Taiwanese dishes be enough to win over the judges? This sweet, family-oriented graphic novel celebrates cultural traditions and new beginnings in equal measure. Cici is good at making friends and adjusting to American culture, but she also celebrates her Taiwanese roots, finding joy and balance in both. First-time author LaMotte brings an obvious love of food and cooking to a positive story that aspiring young chefs will devour. Xu’s manga-influenced full-color illustrations set a gentle tone to this highly appealing story of new beginnings.
Graphic novel
Fifth and sixth grade
Merci Suarez Can’t Dance by Meg Medina
In this sequel to the Newbery-winning Merci Suárez Changes Gears, twelve-year-old Merci takes on growing responsibilities both within her family and as a seventh-grader. With her brother Roli away at college, she is now seen as the oldest child and often finds herself taking care of her younger cousins while Tía Inés is working, and Merci also struggles to come to terms with the way Alzheimer’s affects her beloved grandpa Lolo. At school, after an unexpected accident at the Hearts Ball—and after working together with friends, new and old, to promote her tía’s new dance studio—Merci and her friends come together to show Seaward Pines the beauty of other cultures, and she discovers a strength within her that, together with the love and support of friends and family, assures her everything will be OK. Filled with the familiar, laugh-out-loud humor from the first title, this sequel will quickly pull readers, both returning and new, into Merci’s world. The struggles and worries that occupy her thoughts—from seeing the changes in Lolo to losing her tía Inés and the new, uncertain feelings she might be having for a fellow classmate—will all be relatable to readers young and old. Fans of Merci will root for her as they are immersed in her vibrant world full of unique characters and heartfelt surprises.
Realistic fiction
Fifth to eighth grade
Midnight on Strange Street by K.E. Ormsbee
Avery, Bastian, Lola, and Dani make for an interesting team. The four neighbors live on Cedar Street (sometimes called Strange Street), and they glowboard together on a team called the Sardines. Every week, they meet to play games and discuss how to beat their rivals, the Grackles. But as the biggest glowboarding event of the year approaches, strange things start happening to the Sardines: they’ve discovered they can communicate telepathically with one another and can move things with their minds. These powers, which are out of control at first, slowly become manageable and seem to have come from some alien force. But are these aliens peaceful or dangerous? The story, interspersed with government reports from a mysterious group called the DGE, serves up adventure and intrigue in a near-future world. Equal parts Animorphs and Jake Maddox Sports Stories, this is a fine contemporary middle-grade sf story. Recommend it to sports lovers and fantasy readers alike.
Science fiction
Fifth to seventh grade
Mirror to Mirror by Rajani LaRocca
Twelve-year-old identical twins Maya and Chaya enjoy playing classical piano, challenging each other, and being best friends. But while Chaya can accept small imperfections in herself, Maya cannot, leading to much stress and anxiety. In an effort to lessen competitive pressure, Chaya changes all her activities, but rather than growing closer, the girls become increasingly estranged. Things finally change at summer camp, where they attempt the ultimate challenge: trading identities for the entire six weeks. LaRocca, who received a Newbery Honor for Red, White, and Whole, offers readers a new novel in verse, employing ghazels (a poetic form popular in Arabia and South Asia) alternately narrated by Maya and Chaya. This form enables readers to fully understand Maya’s intense anxiety as well as the mirror-related incident that led to her fears. Secondary themes involving their parents’ marital discord and the twins’ best friends (who each have their own issues) are also well handled. Although Maya’s recovery without therapy or medication feels a bit unrealistic, this likable South Asian family is sure to draw in readers. Realistic fiction
Fifth to eighth grade
My Life in the Fishtank by Barbara Dee
Everything in twelve-year-old Zinnia’s life was great—until it wasn’t. Now that her brother is receiving treatment following a car crash precipitated by what his family now knows is his bipolar disorder, it seems everything is about Gabriel. Zinny is sick of it and just wants things to go back to the way they were before, but she must first learn to address what’s going on in her own head. Dee writes endearing characters that are varied and flawed, allowing readers to easily identify with one or multiple characters. Instilled with humor, the plot offers a layered narrative with occasional verse, perfect for readers looking for something a little extra special. Realistic and sympathetic, this demonstrates a successful, meaningful, and responsible discussion around mental health for all ages. Meanwhile, readers will delight in Zinny’s interest in science and in the secondary plotline involving a crayfish named Clawed. Fans of A Mango-Shaped Space will devour and adore this novel.
Realistic fiction
Fifth to eighth grade
My Own Lightning by Lauren Wolk
Barely do readers return to 1944 Wolf Hollow before Wolk strikes down her protagonist with a bolt of lightning, swarming Annabelle with stinging pain and snuffing out her consciousness. It’s one heck of an opening, and it serves as the impetus for the story that follows. When Annabelle awakens, she is back home, relatively unscathed, save for some burns and bruises; but her senses return incredibly heightened, now allowing her to perceive the feelings of animals. While she delights in this newfound ability, she ponders whether it is a gift bestowed by the lightning or something already inside her that was simply jolted awake. Regardless, the ability comes in handy when Annabelle notices that several local dogs have gone missing, and a surly new neighbor seems a likely culprit. Annabelle’s introspective nature remains prominent in this sequel, set a few months after the events of Wolf Hollow. Her feelings toward Andy Woodberry, one of the bullying perpetrators of the earlier tragedies, are put through the wringer here, as she unexpectedly gets to know him better and sees his personal struggles and kindness toward animals. Both characters experience personal growth while coming to understand the complexity of the world around them, and it gives them strength to change themselves and their circumstances for the better. A powerful story to electrify the soul.