Time Travel for Beginners by Jaclyn Moriarty - OPTIONAL

Time Travel for Beginners by Jaclyn Moriarty, 544 pages. Berkley (Penguin Random House), 2026. $28.

Language: R (50 swears, 9 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use and mentions of drugs, nudity, pornography, and sex); Violence: PG (assault, gun use, self harm, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: OPTIONAL - ADULTS

APPEALS TO: SOME

Getting hit by a car on her way to work was just what Anna needed. The incident gave her a legitimate excuse for being late and became the impetus for a career change, leading to a new job at the Time Travel Agency. Which has to be fake. Right?

Despite all the time travel that occurs, Anna’s story reads like a slice of life piece rather than a scifi. The story is told by Anna, Teddy, and Jade as they try to figure out how to be the best parents, siblings, and partners, making mistakes and learning to forgive. I was surprised to realize I like the story as much as I do because there was hardly ever anything going on up until the life-or-death climax, and yet I kept reading and rooting for Anna as she tried so hard to live well. Anna and the majority of characters are Australian.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Killing Sadie by Rachel Peterson - OPTIONAL

Killing Sadie by Rachel Peterson, 304 pages. Simon Pulse (Simon & Schuster), 2026. $20.

Language: R (210 swears, 12 "f"); Mature Content: PG13 (drug and alcohol use including underage drinking, illegal activity, kissing, innuendo, and mentions of nudity, STDs, masturbation, and sex); Violence: PG13 (blood and gore and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Authorities bring in Sadie’s twin, best friend, and boyfriend for questioning after Sadie and Mason are found dead at a party. Between the three teenagers with things they want to hide, the police hope to uncover the truth of events that brought about this tragedy.

The whole story is told to readers in a series of biased flashbacks as each of the three high school seniors are interviewed about the day before. Attempting to figure out which version of the truth is the most factual was the most enjoyable part of the book. Unfortunately, while the end included answers, it lacked a satisfying conclusion.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Hardest Ones to Fool by Christina Li - OPTIONAL

The Hardest Ones to Fool by Christina Li, 256 pages. Penguin Workshop (Penguin Random House), 2026. $13.

Language: R (49 swears, 18 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (drug and alcohol use including underage drinking, illegal activity, innuendo, and mentions of nudity and sex); Violence: PG13 (assault and mentions of suicide and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Amelia goes by many names—specifically Amy, Ellie, and Mia, depending on which one of her boyfriends she’s around at the time. Having artfully dealt with all three unexpectedly showing at the same party last night, Amelia is feeling good about how well everything is going. Until she learns that her best friend died last night, and the only person who agrees about the suspicious circumstances is Jackie, the nosy girl on the school newspaper vying for Amelia’s spot as valedictorian.

Just when you think you know it all and are wondering why there are still pages left, Li hits you with another sharp turn. It’s a rollercoaster of lies, betrayal, tragedy, and an irrational need to believe that each new explanation is the actual truth. Amelia’s story is one of those where I still wonder if I have all the answers or if I’m just paranoid enough now to be reading too much into every word choice. Overall, it was a wild ride that I would absolutely do all over again. Amelia is Chinese American. Jackie is lesbian.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Invisible: The (sort of) True Story of Me & My Hidden Disease by David Soren - ADVISABLE

Invisible: The (sort of) True Story of Me & My Hidden Disease by David Soren, 256 pages. Penguin, 2025. $18. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

When 9yo JJ was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease, a "monster" that only he could see, named Norm, became his companion. The more his disease was affecting him, the larger Norm would grow. Norm's purpose seemed to be to make JJ feel bad about himself. Norm would eat foods JJ couldn't and was loud and boisterous. Good thing he was invisible to everyone else. JJ was also an artist. From a young age, he would delight his friends with his skills, making trading cards of the principals and teachers. So JJ worries that his disease and Norm will keep him from becoming an animator. 

Soren is an animator, so Invisible is also illustrated. It was a fun read, which surprised me, because even though JJ is in and out of the hospital and has to be careful about what he eats and can't do a lot of things other kids his age do, it's not a "poor me" book. JJ is resilient, his family grows through this as well, and Norm is extremely entertaining. JJ ages from 9-13 during the course of the story, so it's perfect for middle school. Might be a tough sell though, due to the subject matter, but what a great mirror. JJ is white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Casting April by Wendy Lu - OPTIONAL

Casting April by Wendy Lu, 288 pages. Random House, 2026. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (slap) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

12yo April wants to be an actress. So far her only experience has been through an app where she is cast in virtual shows. Now that she's in 6th grade, she tries out for the middle school fall show. She feels like she nails her audition, but is cast as a tech - stage assistant. What went wrong? When she overhears the drama teacher talking about her to some other teachers, April discovers she wasn't cast because she has a tracheostomy tube, and the teacher was worried there might be problems. April is angry and embarrassed, and when her mother asks if she got a part, she lies and says she got the lead. 

I am so torn about this story. I liked that it was about a child with a trach tube trying to get everyone to see it's not a disability, but on the other hand I hated the representation of middle school theater so much. Mrs. Rooney, the drama teacher, was terrible and not in a funny way; too much responsibility was put on a very small (3-person?) tech crew of mostly 6th graders; bad behavior of cast members was allowed to continue that should have been stopped the first time, and a friendship was nearly lost because April was too busy with the show. There's more, but I don't want to rant. I don't feel the school theater community was fairly represented, and it really bothers me. 

April is Chinese American 

Lisa Librarian 

Carlotta's Special Dress by Carlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier Page, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Carlotta's Special Dress: How a Walk to School Changed Civil Rights History by Carlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier Page, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown, 2026. $19. 9780316572545 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

It's 1957 and Carlotta is one of the "Little Rick 9." She and other Black high school students would be the first integrated into Central High School. Her Uncle had given her mother money for Carlotta to buy a new dress, and she was excited to go wearing the beautiful store bought dress. But, that first day of school was not to be. Angry crowds and soon the National Guard prevented Carlotta and her classmates from going to school. 

An interesting twist on the story of Central High school. I like that it made it personal, giving not just a face but a story to one of the students. I loved the illustrations, and the amount of text was just right. Includes an author’s note (Carlotta is the author) and so we learn a bit more to her story. Also includes a timeline and captioned photographs - yes, one is of Carlotta in The Dress. 

Carlotta is Black. 

Lisa Librarian 

A Queen's Match (A Queen's Duet #2) by Katharine McGee - ADVISABLE

A Queen's Match (A Queen's Duet #2) by Katharine McGee, 383 pages. Random House, 2025. $21

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (intense kissing, off page and non-descriptive sex); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

There's a lot of drama going on in Queen Victoria's kingdom.  Alix loves Nicholas, but ended their secret relationship because his parents will not approve their marriage, and now,  she is looking for another match.  She is also trying to keep her brother's relationship with his valet a secret.  Helene broke off her engagement to Eddy without telling him why, fearing her blackmailer would tell him about her past indiscretions.  She knows the Queen will never allow their marriage if she finds out.  And May, for the first time in her life, seems to have everything she wants, but what has the lying and blackmailing cost her? Will the three princesses be able to secure their futures and find happiness?

The sequel to The Queen's Game was as enjoyable as the first book and will appeal to readers that like romance, a little intrigue and historical fiction.  The characters are well written, engaging, and with a few exceptions,  seem to be true to the time they lived.  The author ups the intrigue and the secrets, moves everyone around,  and then gives the series a nice resolution.  An added bonus are the notes at the end connecting  the characters to current British Royalty.     

The characters are mostly English with some being French or Russian.

RB - librarian

A Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti - ESSENTIL

A Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti, 272 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL HarperCollins, 2026. $25.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Ethan is just starting middle school, and his biggest worry was getting lost in the new big school, until his friend Ricky starts talking about all the social stuff. Ethan and Ricky live in a trailer park, but lots of kids at their middle school live in the rich part of town, and now Ethan is worried he will be going to school with a bunch of snobs. Ethan recently started playing a retro card game called Bio Battle, and finds some friends who are in the after-school club, but Ricky has found different friends who prefer wrestling. Can Ethan and Ricky's friendship survive the 1st month of middle school? 

Fitting in, making friends, wearing the right clothes, and being cool - doesn't everyone worry about that in middle school? I loved how easily frustrated Ethan and Ricky got with each other, and how their new friends mirrored what they were looking for in middle school. Feuti's illustrations are realistic, and his story rings true. I hope this is a hit in my library; I'll certainly be recommending it. The characters are white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Mixed Feelings by Sara Amini and Shadia Amin - ADVISABLE

Mixed Feelings by Sara Amini and Shadia Amin, 240 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Scholastic, 2026. $15. Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

11yo Sarita has recently moved - not out of the school boundaries, but several streets away from her best friend, Monica. They are excited for school to start again, but find, to their dismay, they don't have any classes, or even lunch together. To make matters worse, Monica and Sara decide to twin on the first day, and Sara notices she can't wear shorts - suddenly her legs are so hairy, and her mom won't let her shave! She puts on sweats instead. Her day goes from bad to worse - Monica has a new friend. Sarita doesn't know what to be - she comes from a mixed-race family, speaks 3 languages, and tries to please everyone. At least in drama club she can be herself. 

Gosh - I loved this story; Sara is beside herself most of the time (typical for a rising middle schooler) but the mean kids and her own self-esteem issues don't help. I think kids will relate; a definite purchase. Sara's family is mixed - Persian/Columbian 

Lisa Librarian  

The Spectacular Space Loop by Javi De Castro, - ADVISABLE

The Spectacular Space Loop by Javi De Castro, 64 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Flying Eye Books Ltd. 2025. $13. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, monsters, lost in space) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

A young astronaut named Cosmo is testing a new rocket backpack and is launched into space. Unfortunately, his team didn't tell him how to get back. So he goes on an adventure, meeting aliens, monsters and making a friend or two. 

The fun of this graphic novel is that it reads both ways, the book flips over at the ending and reads back to finish the story. The first read follows white speech bubbles, the flipped read is yellow speech bubbles. I loved how the illustrations work both ways. A cute story and an engaging gimmick. Cosmo is drawn white. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Case of the Scarlet Snakebite by Christyne Morrell - ADVISABLE

The Case of the Scarlet Snakebite by Christyne Morrell, 257 pages. Delacorte Press (Random), 2026. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

12yo Amber's life was turned upside down when her father left and her mother decided to buy a bed and breakfast called the Cozy Koi.    Amber now shares a bedroom with her mother and has many jobs to do at the Cozy Koi.  She is a huge fan of Agatha Christie and loves solving mysteries.  When an ultra-rich family comes to stay, something very valuable is stolen.  Can Amber solve the mystery and possibly get her father to come back?

The Case of the Scarlet Snakebite is a great book for mystery fans.  The plot was interesting and the ending was unexpected.  I did feel that the dialogue was a bit cheesy at times and for that reason would not recommend this book for junior high students.  

Amber is presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Nothing to See Here by Barbara Dee - ADVISABLE

Nothing to See Here by Barbara Dee, 304 pages. Scholastic, October 2026. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (kiss) Violence: PG (Boy fight, online bullying, mean kids) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Everyone seems to be really into these two new social media apps that all the kids are using at Gossett Middle School. Unfortunately, no one uses their real names and a lot of the things gaining the most interest are mean or embarrassing. 8th graders Winnie, Gia, Levi and Mateo have noticed that a lot of what is being said is gossip, and they also notice that kids seem to not care who they hurt because they are anonymous. So, the friends decide to teach everyone a lesson by starting a rumor of their own. 

I love Barbara Dee’s books about teen problems. The characters each have their own issues and Dee tells their story with multiple voices - Winnie has lost her phone (to her parents), Gia's life has been documented on social media by her mother, Mateo is cool and popular but doesn't really care about the popular crowd - he likes Gia, and Levi, who is really hurt when he finds himself on the who's NOT hot list, and whose only real friend is Mateo. I worried about these kids making poor decisions throughout and wondered how Dee was going to resolve all the issues. A great study on the problems with social media. The kids default white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Lucha of the Forgotten Spring (Lucha Moya #2) by Tehlor Kay Mejia - OPTIONAL

Lucha of the Forgotten Spring (Lucha Moya #2) by Tehlor Kay Mejia, 403 pages. Make Me a World, 2025. $20

Language: R (34 swears, 3 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (kissing, implied off page sex); Violence: PG-13 (killing, sword fighting, death, hand to hand combat, skin eating blight)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

16yo Lucha Moya has unfinished business in her hometown of Robado. Determined to destroy the drug olvida, which devastated her family, and bring down the powerful kings who produce it, she returns home ready for a fight. Instead, she finds a city in ruins, its surviving residents struggling to endure desperate conditions. Joining forces with four young leaders who have stepped up in the city's darkest hour, Lucha sets out to accomplish her mission. Among them is Cruz, a girl who awakens unexpected feelings in Lucha and complicates her lingering love for Paz, the girl she left behind when she first departed to save Robado. But destroying olvida is only the beginning. The forest that serves as the region's sole food source begins to die, a consequence of events Lucha set in motion in the first book. Faced with a growing disaster, Lucha and her friends must form an uneasy alliance with the acolytes devoted to the goddess Almudena. As the fate of humanity hangs in the balance, they must decide whether these mysterious followers can be trusted—or whether they pose an even greater threat."

The story dragged at times and took several winding detours on its way to the conclusion. Since I had not read the first book, I occasionally felt lost, as some events, relationships, and world-building details were not fully explained for new readers. However, the novel's inspiration from Latin American folklore adds a unique and intriguing element to the story, helping to create a rich and distinctive setting.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Salvación by Sandra Proudman - ADVISABLE

Salvación by Sandra Proudman, 336 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martins Griffin), 2025, $21. 

Language: PG (8 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; (kissing); Violence: PG13 (knife fight, death, torture, magical violence) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

17yo Lola wears a mask and dresses like a man when she takes on the persona of Salvación - an angel who rids their town of bad men. Lola's mother is a healer - helping the people of their town with Sal Negra, a magic healing salt. But when Hernandez, leading a small army, comes to their town, promising to win back Alta California from the Yankees, Lola and her brother discover he has an alter-magic, Sal Roja, which may cause the death of everyone and everything. 

A high-stakes fantasy with a nice love story in the background. I was cheering for Lola from the first page. Taking place just after the Mexican-American War and the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, I loved this story of the displacement of the Mexicans who lived in what is now California. A great Latinx Western, with adventure, magic, danger, and even an environmental message. Most of the characters are Mexican. 

Lisa Librarian 

A Sea Monster Conundrum (The Misfits #3) by Lisa Yee, art by Dan Santat - ADVISABLE

A Sea Monster Conundrum (The Misfits #3) by Lisa Yee, art by Dan Santat, 272 pages. Random House, 2026. $15 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The RASCH gang is at it again. There's been a ghost sighting at the school and crowds are coming to see, even unexpected visitors. Could that be a Sea Monster? Our clever group of sleuths and spies are out to solve another mystery. 

Similar to the other two - gadgets and friend drama and a fun case to work on. I'm not tired of the characters yet - sometimes with such quirky personalities the characters can get silly, but Dan Santat's illustrations keep them fresh and funny. The group is a mix of races and cultures 

Lisa Librarian 

The Lion's Run by Sara Pennypacker - ADVISABLE

The Lion's Run by Sara Pennypacker, 288 pages. Balzer/Bray (HarperCollins), 2026. $19.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (reference to unwed mothers, Nazi baby breeding); Violence: PG (peril, military police violence on citizens, animal cruelty) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

13yo Lucas has lived at the Abbey all his life. He was found as a baby abandoned in a nearby forest. Now, he goes to school and has a job delivering for the green grocer. But, there's not much to deliver. Chantilly, like other cities in France, is occupied by Germans, and the French people are starving and afraid. Except the girls at the Lebensborn, the maternity hospital, who are well fed and healthy. Soon their babies will be taken away from them and given to good German families. Lucas meets Claire, one of the mothers, who believes she will find her baby and be reunited one day. No one can convince her otherwise. And when he sees what the Germans do to a family who may have been hiding Jewish children, Lucas decides to do something about them. 

I really enjoyed this gripping story of a French community during WWII. Action packed throughout - does this boy sleep much? - this coming of age historical fiction was a real page turner. I loved the themes of found family, bravery, perseverance, and courage. With so many great historical fiction books of late, I'm praying for a resurgence in interest, as kids will love this if they'll pick it up. The characters are French 

Lisa Librarian  

Auntie Q's Golden Claws Nail Salon by Van Hoang - ADVISABLE

Auntie Q's Golden Claws Nail Salon by Van Hoang, 272 pages. Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2026. $19

Language: G (2 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE; MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: EL - SEVERAL; MS - SOME

12yo Domi has made a costly mistake, and instead of spending summer with her friends and going to art class, her parents are sending her to to stay with her aunt in New Mexico to work at her nail salon. Domi feels out of place with Auntie Q and her employees at the nail salon. They are all older than her and mostly speak Vietnamese, and some of them are not happy that Domi is there. Domi must earn money to pay back her parents if she wants to get home before summer is over, but the more time she spends at the salon, the more she is learning about the business and herself, the more she wants to stay and find ways to help her Aunt's struggling salon, as well as discover why her aunt and mom aren't close anymore.

Hoang gives us  a fun read that explores family dynamics, making friends in a new situation, and learning how to be yourself when there are a lot of parental expectations. Domi must navigate her cultural expectations of filial respect while wanting to do her own thing and develop her own talents. The look behind the scenes of a nail salon will be fun for tween girls as well as Domi being a relatable character who sometimes makes mistakes.

Main character is 2nd generation Vietnamese, but many of the salon employees have recently arrived from Vietnam and speak no English.

Heather Robinson

Girls Who Play Dead by Joelle Wellington - OPTIONAL

Girls Who Play Dead by Joelle Wellington, 416 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2025. $22

Language: R (100+ swears, 91 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Vaping, drinking, sexual references, passionate kissing. mental health discussion;) Violence: PG-13 (Murder, bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

17 yo Mikky left home after struggling with his mental health freshman year, but now he  returns to Prophets Lake to support his younger sister Kyla after her best friend Erin is murdered. Meanwhile Kyla, who works at their family’s struggling funeral home, has to prepare for her best friend's funeral. After they both return to school, Mikky questions how much he knows his sister as he watches her take up Erin’s mean girl mantle. Trying to help his sister, Mikky begins investigating who killed Erin. But underneath the typical small town atmosphere, the Cook Cosmetic company has a major influence. Plus, Erin’s mom is a director, and Erin was a brand ambassador. As he investigates, Mikky knows that Kayla is keeping secrets, and he wonders how much she knows about the night that Erin was murdered.

Most of the novel is from Mikky’s point of view, but the occasional chapters from Kyla’s point of view adds nice tension. I struggled to like Kyla’s character and her bullying even though the novel does well describing her struggles and grief. The overall pacing was good, and it kept me reading. More than just a murder mystery, the novel explores a range of themes including being yourself in a small town, the bonds of friendship, wealth inequality, mental health and therapy, and issues with the beauty industry.

Mikky and Kyla are Black. Mikky and his friends Rowan and Nasim are LGBT+. Nasim is Iranian.

Ms. Megan, High School Librarian

Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi - ADVISABLE

Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi, 208 pages. Kokila (Penguin), 2026. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (Mariam has her period); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

12yo Mariam has recently transferred from public school to a private Catholic school. Mariam is the only Muslim child there. Although she has always done well in school - in fact she's often the "teacher's sunshine" she's finding it more difficult at the new school, because math is harder and nice handwriting wasn't an expectation in public school. She makes a couple of friends right away and by Christmas is even given the role of Mary in the class Nativity play (her teacher thought it would be nice to have a middle eastern child in the role). But when Mariam's 8yo sister becomes ill, she starts to worry if prayers won't be answered because of her perceived conflicts with religion. 

Mariam is a great example of a good kid, she tries so hard and is shocked when she does get in trouble for something. Her parents' high expectations aren't unrealistic. I loved that her friends were supportive and that there weren't bullies to contend with. I also loved how Al-Marashi continued to connect the religious communities, rather than always showing the differences. Not just for Muslim kids, I enjoyed Hail Mariam very much. 

Lisa Librarian 

Diamond Fever! A True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin, comics and art by Jon Chad - ADVISABLE

Diamond Fever! A True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin, comics and art by Jon Chad, 256 pages. NON-FICTION Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2026. $19. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

In 1872 Philip Arnold and John Slack started an interest in a supposed diamond mine somewhere in the old west. Some of the richest men in America get involved and want to become investors, but is the promise of unbelievable wealth blinding them to the fact that this mine may become The Great Diamond Hoax? 

A real true crime adventure! I loved the added comics to bridge some of the sections, providing movement and a fresh voice - or rather the voices of the characters rather than just the narrator, I especially loved the comic about how diamonds are made. I loved how Sheinkin added context chapters, talking about what was happening back East at the same time, like who the president was and what happened with his buggy race. There's an author's note which shouldn't be missed, as well as source notes, a bibliography and an index. 

The main characters are white 

Lisa Librarian