Milkshake The Disappearing Milk Snake (Class Pet Ghost Detective ) by Akeem S. Roberts - ADVISABLE

Milkshake The Disappearing Milk Snake (Class Pet Ghost Detective #2) by Akeem S. Roberts. 90 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL CHAPTER BOOK. Kokila (Penguin), 2026. $10. 9780593856727

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Carter, and his ghost detective Mr. Pebbles, have to solve another mystery at Creek Elementary. Milkshake, a milk snake has escaped! JJ, Carter's older brother, doesn't believe that Carter can speak to animal ghosts, but they must listen to the ghost for help. They look in classrooms, the cafeteria, and even the teacher's lounge. They must use clues to help them figure out where Milkshake has slithered off to. This is the second book in this graphic novel series.

My daughter, who is 7, really enjoyed this book. She thought that the characters were funny and loved the idea of a ghost animal as a character. She chose to read this on her own, and was able to read it in one sitting. I liked the illustrations and the mystery behind the disappearing snake. All characters in the graphic novel are African American.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Justice Ketanji : The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson by Denise Lewis Patrick and Kim Holt - ADVISABLE

Justice Ketanji : The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson by Denise Lewis Patrick and Kim Holt. NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2023. $19. 9781338885293

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ketanji Brown Jackson grew up with the mantra, you can be anything; you can do anything. She carried that perseverance through her life as she applied for and attended Harvard, graduated from Harvard Law, became a US district judge, and eventually became the first Black woman to be a US Supreme Court Justice.  

I liked that the text was written on an elementary level and outlined her life and accomplishments without being overly complex. While it would probably not circulate a lot in a library, it would be a good addition to a picture book biography collection.  Justice Ketanji, her family, and many of her friends are Black

Rachel, Elementary school librarian 

Sometimes the Girl by Jennifer Mason-Black, - OPTIONAL

Sometimes the Girl by Jennifer Mason-Black, 294 pages. Carolrhoda Lab (Lerner), 2025. $20

Language: R (41 swears, 43 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (drug use, kissing, sex mentioned); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

18yo Holi is struggling to find her footing after the death of a friend, her brother’s suicide attempt, and a painful breakup with her girlfriend, Maya. Hoping to earn enough money for one last trip with Maya, Holi takes a job organizing the attic of Elsie McAllister, a reclusive author in her nineties who published only a single celebrated novel. As Holi sorts through decades of letters and forgotten artifacts, she discovers there was far more to Elsie than her carefully crafted public image. When one of Elsie’s children offers Holi $10,000 to find the missing original manuscript of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Holi becomes caught between money, loyalty, and larger questions about art, legacy, and ownership. In uncovering Elsie’s hidden history, Holi begins to understand herself differently, finding solace in nature, music, and the possibility of moving forward after loss.

A thoughtful and emotionally insightful novel about grief, creativity, and self-discovery. While I appreciated the writing and themes, the overuse of strong language detracted from the overall experience for me.

Holi is white

A. Snow, Librarian

If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Kim Choyeop - OPTIONAL

If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Kim Choyeop, 192 pages. SHORT STORIES. Saga Press (Simon & Schuster), 2026. $27.

Language: PG13 (14 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (drug use and mentions of alcohol and sex); Violence: PG13 (corpses, assault, and suicide)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

In seven short stories, Kim visits the perspectives of the uncelebrated in futuristic space exploration. The main characters are those whose discoveries were overshadowed, those who were left behind, and those who don’t understand why these new fads are rooting themselves into society.

Not only are Kim’s scifi settings creative in new ways, she also fills her stories with characters that aren’t on the forefront of everything that is new and exciting. In these characters, readers can better see themselves in what the future may hold because these stories are about everyday people. Each story unfolds slowly. There is no quick action here. And in that space between reading and understanding, I have come to sit in awe of Kim’s beautiful imagination.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson - OPTIONAL

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson, 400 pages. Ace Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $30.

Language: PG (10 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (alcohol use and kissing); Violence: PG (animal abuse and mild fantasy violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Attempting to escape her contract with the ECRA through a loophole is a desperate move, but Evelyn (25yo) can’t find any other way to make herself a more suitable candidate to adopt her ward, Ruby (11yo). Evelyn is allowed a short trial period to successfully bond with a sentient house and assume the responsibilities of caretaker for the house, the wood, and the village, or else she will have to return to the ECRA and Ruby will be taken from her. No pressure.

The magic system described by Evelyn is colorful and whimsical, and, while there is a little mystery and a little magical battle in the woods, the book’s overall feel is cozy fantasy. I expected the climax to include bigger conflicts from the antagonist and from the ECRA, but it’s more about trust and friendship than battling out good versus evil—or good versus bureaucracy.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Praying with the Enemy by Steven T. Collis - OPTIONAL

Praying with the Enemy by Steven T. Collis, 299 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022. $27.

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (nudity and mentions of alcohol, drugs, prostitution, brothels, and rape); Violence: PG-13 (assault, gun and bomb use, chemical warfare, battle scenes, blood and gore, and mentions of suicide)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ward only has to perform 100 flights in the Korean War in order to go back home to his wife and new daughter, but he might never get to see them again after he’s forced to eject from his plane over enemy territory. Jae Pil was arrested in North Korea for refusing to give up his Christian faith and then forced to fight for them, but he hopes to reunite with his family and flee south. Desperate, these enemies have the same impossible goal: surviving escape.

The points of view shift not only between Ward and Jae Pil but also their antagonists and Ward’s wife Barbara, left home in America. Ward, Jae Pil, and Barbara share a faith, though their faith journeys look very different under these stresses. Based on a true story, these lives get tangled up in each other even across great distances, unaware of how their actions impact the others—and whether any of them will get a happy ending. Ward and Barbara are American, and Jae Pil is Korean.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown and Melissa Castrillón - ADVISABLE

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown and Melissa Castrillón.  NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Chronicle, 2025. $20. 9781452170985 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Aristides de Sousa Mendes was a Portuguese diplomat who saved thousands of people fleeing France during WWII. In less than a month, Mendes issued thousands of visas against his government's wishes, saving refugees fleeing the Nazis in France, and allowing them to enter into Portugal. 

The back matter gives more details including that his visas saved Salvador Dali, H.A. and Margret Rey - who created Curious George, and countless others whose lives are just as important, and that it came with a great price to his family who lost everything because of his actions - he knew it was worth it. This is a magnificent story - I had no idea! The picture book itself is a standard length for a non-fiction and would work as a read aloud in the classroom. Back matter includes and authors note, timeline, bibliography and source notes. 

Lisa Librarian  

Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple (Bibsy Cross #1) by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho - ADVISABLE

Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple (Bibsy Cross #1) by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho, 128 pages. Knopf (Random House), 2024. $17.

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Bibsy Cross has loved all her teachers until now - but her 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Stumper, she doesn't love. Although Bibsy likes to share with the class, and is plenty smart, Mrs. Stumper calls it going on and Bibsy often finds herself driving the teacher to distraction. On the bulletin board is a tree with apples representing each student in the class, and when Bibsy has gone too far, her teacher moves Bibsy's apple from the tree to the ground.

Bibsy is adorable, Ho's illustrations perfectly accompany the story and make this short novel perfect for young confident readers. I love how Bibsy bounces back after a rough day, which seems to happen often. I'm sure Mrs. Stumper has the best of intentions, but Bibsy's spirit is easily crushed, and she sees herself a bad apple. Book one in a series of what looks like 4 so far. Bibsy is white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Song of the Yellow Dragon by Ying Ping Low - ESSENTIAL

Song of the Yellow Dragon by Ying Ping Low, 278 pages. Putnam (Penguin), 2026. $19 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (murder, attempted murder) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Two children, two wildly different dreams; and time is running out for both of them. Mengyao dreams of becoming a Divine Healer for her village. Young emperor Kai wants to find the fabled magic of the Dragon's Pulse to help him defeat his enemies. Thrust together, they must find their answers before their 13th birthdays, when children forget about magic and only remember it as make-believe. 

Beautifully written, this book effortlessly pulled me in with its Asian lore and magic. The two children are engaging characters who grow throughout the story. The interweaving of the magic of childhood and its inevitable loss, paired with the children's journey to hold on to that magic, was compelling. The culture shines through and the lesser characters are also interesting. This has all the elements of an old-fashioned, well-told fairytale. I loved it. 

Michelle in the Middle 

First Place (Sweet Valley Twins #8) by Francine Pascal, adapted by Nicole Andelfinger, illustrated by Knack Whittle - ADVISABLE

First Place (Sweet Valley Twins #8) by Francine Pascal, adapted by Nicole Andelfinger, illustrated by Knack Whittle, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $22 

Language: PG (11 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: PG (same sex attraction); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Elizabeth Wakefield will do anything to ride a horse, even befriend her sister's friend, and one of the snobbiest girls in school. Elizabeth soon finds out that she isn't being true to herself or those around her, and she may have to choose between a horse she has grown to love, or people she loves. 

Elizabeth and her twin sister, Jessica, play off each other well, showing off family dynamics and how to work through conflict. Horses and school intrigue - what's not to like? The story is good and has enough twists to keep it moving, and the art is bright and colorful. Fans of the series will not be disappointed. The twins are white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Fast Break by Anjali Joshi - OPTIONAL

Fast Break by Anjali Joshi, 144 pages. Orca, 2026. $11 

Language: G (1 swear, 0 f); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Arjun has just moved to a new school, hoping to make new friends and join the basketball team. His new school is sponsored by OmniBoost, which provides food in the cafeteria and energy drinks as well as  new gym equipment, uniforms, and tech. It seems wonderful at first, but then Arjun starts feeling ill and his teammates become sluggish. Arjun begins to research OmniBoost and discovers their energy boost claims may be false. 

A fast, if predictable read, this book will appeal to teens' sense of justice and their desire to be heard. Arjun is Indian and his friend, Demar, may be black, but it never specified. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Treehouse Trouble (Muk 'n' Honey #1) by Brett Bean - ADVISABLE

Treehouse Trouble (Muk 'n' Honey #1) by Brett Bean, 80 pages CHAPTER BOOK Penguin, 2025. $7 (paperback) 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Honey Bunny and Muk Muk Moose are inventors who like to help their friends. But with their newest invention, the triple decker hunger wrecker, cooking on the stove and the treehouse stairs collapsed, it's a race against time to invent a way to get up there. But friends keep coming by for help, and all they have to make inventions with is the rubble from the stairs. 

The illustrations are clever and advance the story, often showing what happened instead of the text explaining the consequences of Muk's and Honey's hijinks. A picture speaks 1000 words! Several twists and a great list of clues to help the reader think of an idea as well. A fun chapter book. 

Lisa Librarian  

Every Beat After by Sara B. Larson - OPTIONAL

Every Beat After by Sara B. Larson, 384 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2026. $19.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (mentions of drugs and alcohol, kissing, partial nudity, and innuendo); Violence: PG (medical emergencies and discussions of death)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Olivia spent half of her senior year of high school hospitalized, waiting for someone else to die so that she could have a heart transplant. Seven years later, Olivia (25yo) enjoys her job with the family business and spends quality time with her friends, but Olivia is scared that she won’t find her person before her shortened lifespan ends. Then Hunter (28yo) moves in next door, and Olivia admits a new fear—what if she does?

A misunderstanding between the main characters is blown way out of proportion, giving the book an eye-rolling beginning, though it is tolerable due to the characters’ backstories. I enjoyed watching Olivia and Hunter break down their walls and help each other to grow despite the pain caused by their heartbreaking experiences with life and death. And then my least favorite “heart transplant trope” came into play, which I didn’t think was going to be an issue from the initial description of the book. It was written as a big reveal, so I won’t say which one it is, but I wasn’t thrilled about it. However, while it includes tropes I don’t love, Larson wrote the story well, and I enjoyed the characters and their book overall—eyerolls and loud complaints to empty rooms notwithstanding. Olivia has Swedish heritage, and Hunter is described as “tan.”

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Do Not Go out at Night by Francois Gravel & Martine Latulippe - ADVISABLE

Do Not Go out at Night by Francois Gravel & Martine Latulippe, 85 pages. Orca, 2026. $13 

Language: G (1 swear, 0 f); Mature Content:  PG (child murderer); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

14yo Oliver and Maddy are inexplicably drawn to a construction site on their way to a party at night. They find a backpack with a tee shirt and compass before a security guard kicks them out. They find out they may have key evidence that could put their lives in danger. 

The layout, written in case file form, adds to the readability and suspense of the book. Orca books are good at getting right to the heart of a story and this one doesn't waste any time. The premise is interesting and even reluctant readers will be drawn in and able to finish. The characters default white

Michelle in the Middle 

Mrs. Orwell by Andrea Chalupa, illustrated by Brahm Revel - OPTIONAL

Mrs. Orwell by Andrea Chalupa, illustrated by Brahm Revel, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, NON-FICTION 23rd Street Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2026. $30 

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex, smoking, drinking) Violence: R (beatings, executions, killings, war related violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Eileen Blair is a poet who meets and marries George Orwell. This story follows their relationship through the turbulent times they are involved in, such as the Spanish Civil War, escapes from Stalin's agents, and the London Blitz. Life is not easy for them, and while George is struggling to get published, Eileen is also struggling to hold on to herself in her life and marriage. 

The rating for kid appeal may be misleading, because 23rd Street publishes graphic novels for adults, not kids, however,  high schoolers reading George Orwell's books, may enjoy reading about Eileen and getting a sense of their backgrounds. I really liked learning about Eileen Blair. She sounds like a fascinating person, and after reading this book, I want to know more. There is a lot going on in this book, and it would help to have a historical background of the era. Orwell would have been hard to be married to, which makes her life even more interesting. The Orwells are European. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Firefox Moon by Eoin Colfer - OPTIONAL

Firefox Moon by Eoin Colfer, 354 pages.  Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2025. $20 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Juniper Lane is helping to protect a magical forest in the middle of London with her best friend, a flying reindeer. The forest is teeming with more magic than it should because of leftover magical poop. The magic has attracted a variety of magical creatures, some good and some evil, to try and find a mythical firefox that can grant a wish under the Blood Moon. Juniper has to try and protect the forest and perhaps all of Britain, when her reindeer is captured and evil threatens. 

This is the second adventure for Juniper Lane, so readers may want to read "Juniper's Christmas" first. Juniper is a resourceful character, and her relationship with her reindeer is sweet. While there was a lot of action, I had a hard time with poop from magical beings being the cause of so much mischief, but perhaps a younger audience will find that amusing. The Christmas elements seemed a bit out of place, though to be fair, this is set in the summer, not during the holidays. It's a fun story with lots of action, but could have been condensed. No culture or race is specified, but Juniper appears black in the artwork. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Boy, the Father and the Bear by Per Gustavsson and Eva Apelqvist - OPTIONAL

The Boy, the Father and the Bear by Per Gustavsson and Eva Apelqvist,  95 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Aldana Libros, 2026. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A boy lives with his father in the woods, and they have a fun life fishing and practicing soccer together. But suddenly the father grows old (the boy does not age), and eventually the father is so old he has to stay in the house; roots grow from his feet, and he turns into a tree. When it rains, the boy escapes the flood by climbing the tree, and soon finds himself floating on the tree with a bear. 

Originally published in Swedish, this is an odd story. Divided into chapters, the boy's situation goes from bad to worse to weird. There's also a (kindly?) shark. I don't know how American children will take to it. I don't care to read it again. 

Lisa Librarian 

Fifth Grade Top Dogs (Rule the School #3) by Jerry Spinelli and Jennifer A Bell - ADVISABLE

Fifth Grade Top Dogs (Rule the School #3) by Jerry Spinelli and Jennifer A Bell. 179 pages. Scholastic Press, 2026. $1

Content: G (girl pushed off swing)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Suds has been a Third Grade Angel and a Fourth Grade Rat but finally he is a Fifth Grade Top Dog!  Suds and his friend Joey have been waiting for years to rule their elementary school.  They are finally in the oldest grade. But how do Top Dogs act?  Suds learns many lessons in this coming of age story. 

Spinelli captures the angst of growing up and trying to figure out your place in the world. I enjoyed the plot but I am not sure it would appeal to fifth graders, maybe 4th or 3rd. 

Suds and Joey are presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Everything Amplified by Sarah Lippett, Ziggy Hanaor. - OPTIONAL

Everything Amplified by Sarah Lippett, Ziggy Hanaor. 270 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Cicada Books, 2026. $26

Language: R (40 swears, 17 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (drinking, vaping, kissing, joke mentioning "vagina"); Violence: PG-13 (bullying, self-harm)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

15yo Nel feels overshadowed by her twin brother Ludo, but she finds comfort in her passion for music, her friend Kit, and her aunt Jan who plays in a band. Then, Ludo does something Nel hasn’t had the courage to: he forms a band. After an encounter with one of her bullies, Bea, and after Ludo gets in trouble, Nel starts hanging out with a new group of friends. Life seems to be going better, but being a teenager is filled with ups and downs and everything is amplified. 

I applaud this graphic novel for its authentic portrayal of being a teenager. Nel's character development is well-done, but I wish it explored Bea’s character arc more. Because it was originally published in the UK, some of the slang may be unfamiliar to readers, but it's easily understood in context. The $26 price tag makes it a spendy purchase; however, it may be worth it for some libraries serving older teens who enjoy graphic novels. A tale of teenage trials, being yourself, and finding comfort in music. 

Nel and Kit are LGBT+. Secondary characters and background characters are diverse. 

Ms. Megan, HS Librarian

Puddles and Potions by Kara Lareau and Ariane Moreira - ADVISABLE

Puddles and Potions (Witchycakes #3) by Kara Lareau and Ariane Moreira. 65 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Random House, 2026. $16

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

It is almost the Spring Festival.  Blue is helping her mother run their cafe and prepare for the festival.  Blue and her mother are able to use magic.  Blue sees a potion bottle that is labeled Perfect Potion.  Could this potion help her save the day?

Puddles & Potions is the third book in the Witchcakes series.  It would appeal to readers that have recently started reading chapter books.  The story is sweet with eye-catching illustrations.  There are illustrations on every page.

Blue is in the 3rd or 4th grade.; Blue and her mother are presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian