The Fast Track by Angelica Cheng - OPTIONAL

The Fast Track by Angelica Cheng, 325 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2026. $21.

Language: R (20 swears, 3 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (under age drinking, hickey mentioned, passionate kissing) ; Violence: PG (non-fatal car collisions)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

17yo Justine Kwong dreams of being the first female to win a Formula 1 championship. Her new contract as a Formula 3 driver for Orbital racing makes that dream feel closer than ever. However, as the only female driver she feels like a diversity hire and the constant need to prove she is just as good as “one of the boys” is starting to wear down her nerves. Not to mention her adorable, British, pain-in-the-neck teammate – Cameron Evans – seems to think she is way out of her league. Before she can beat her “reckless rookie” allegations and prove she belongs, Justine will have to dig deep and decide how much she is willing to let go to achieve her dreams. 

The Fast Track will satisfy the specific desire to read an enemies-to-lovers, Formula 1 themed romance. I found Justine to be rash and a bit annoying at the beginning of the book. However, she becomes more likeable as she learns to listen to others and develops into a stronger, more fully-developed female character. The romance plot is predictable but sweet. I felt Cheng does a great job writing the racing chapters in particular. The action was fast and engaging. Short chapters at the beginning draw you in and help you sit through the longer ones in the middle.

Justine Kwong is Asian American   

E. Powell, South Ogden Junior High Librarian

Survival Show by Juno Dawson - OPTIONAL

Survival Show by Juno Dawson, 368 pages. Simon and Schuster 2026. $21

Language: R (88 swears, 4 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (deaths mentioned, shots)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Taryn is desperate to get her little brother the medication he needs to survive.  The only skill she has to sell is her voice. If she can earn a spot on the StarMaker singing and performance show, she has a chance to become an international star and save her family.  If she makes the Top Ten and then loses, however, she must surrender to the Population Project - where people volunteer for euthanasia to help Earth’s precarious existence. 

American Idol with a life and death twist. Dawson manages to add more depth than I expected (my shortsightedness) to Taryn’s story. Taryn is from England, but the Top Ten come from all over the world. Dawson also gives us tension and drama without being gratuitous. I think my Hunger Games fans or murder mystery readers will have fun.

Taryn is white, one of the other contestants is a transwoman. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

She Drinks the Light by Yasmin Angoe - OPTIONAL

She Drinks the Light by Yasmin Angoe, 336 pages. Macmillan, 2026. $20

Language: R (100+ swears, 5 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Drinking, kissing, racism); Violence: PG-13 (Fighting, graphic descriptions of blood/injuries)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Recently graduated high school senior Addae is next in line to lead Golden Isle, where her ancestors once fled to for safety.  Her grandmother is the current matriarch and a healer who makes elixirs that keep the islanders strong. Addae is waiting to Light, or to take full control of her abilities. But then her friend Nara goes missing in a boat accident. Everyone else presumes her dead, but Addae refuses to give up. Addae also knows that something more must be going on, especially after a body washes up on the beach drained of blood and her grandmother has a strange trance.

This novel is wonderfully rich in West African mythology and Akan folktales.  Nonetheless, I wish the novel would have explored Addae’s powers a bit more throughout, and the ending felt rushed.  Overall, it’s a unique and memorable take on a vampire tale.

Addae is Black and LGBT+.  Nara and most of the islanders are Black.

Ms. Megan, HS Librarian 

The House of Gardenias by Isabel Canas - OPTIONAL

The House of Gardenias by Isabel Canas, 288 pages. Dutton (Penguin), 2026. $17

Language: R (14 swears, 8 ‘f');  Mature Content: PG (off page trysts); Violence: PG-13 (bloody deaths

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When teenager Minerva’s brothers left her behind with their abusive father and hateful stepmother, Minerva knows she has to save herself. She finds a job with a rich older woman, Senora Encarcion, who grumbles about the president and current politics. After the president is killed in the rebellion, Minerva and her employer move to a manor called the House of Gardenias. Minerva doesn’t feel safe though.  She feels something ominous around her and knows in her heart that something dark has happened in this huge house. After she sees a dark figure take the life from Senora, Minerva is terrified. 

The prose flows beautifully through its descriptions of the background of Minerva’s daily life. Senora Encarnacion imparts wisdom on Minerva with patience and kindness to help her become stronger and smarter in the ways of life. Ygnacio’s story intrigued me and I enjoyed reading about his background. Told in two points of view by Minerva and Ygnacio. I enjoyed the spooky atmosphere the author created.

The ethnicity is of two main categories; Minerva and the poor people have brown skin. The viceroy and the rich family Minerva works for have pale skin.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Illuminature: A Spotting Game - ADVISABLE

Illuminature: A Spotting Game. GAME. Kaddo (Quarto), 2026. $25. 9781805702764

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - GIFT - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Young players set up a board of 16 cards and 20 tokens to race to find the animals on the tokens using the colored “magic” lenses provided. The back matter includes more information about each creature in the game. 

I leant this game to a teacher who has kids the right ages and he said they loved it and played it several times that weekend. A good purchase if your school checks out games to students.  Otherwise, think of it as a potential gift.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Hungry Forest by Kaela Rivera - ADVISABLE

The Hungry Forest by Kaela Rivera, 256 pages. Bloomsbury, 2026. $19

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (danger, scary scenes)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Ryan has been angry, ever since his father died, and ever since he blamed it all on his 8yo brother Teddy, especially since Teddy is childish and reckless, and obsessed with going into the Hungry Forest to find their dad. One day Teddy gets his wish and Ryan follows him - if he doesn’t, their mother will blame Ryan for losing Teddy. Inside the forest, it lives up to every rumor about it. Hungry, most of all. Luckily the boys are befriended by Perdida, a ruby encrusted statue that becomes a young girl. WHen Ryan’s anger gets Teddy snatched by one of the cursed creatures within the forest, Perdida and Ryan pursue. Ryan will have to acknowledge the source of his anger and his shame in order to have any chance of saving his brother. 

Whew! Rivera packs in a lot of danger. Her creatures are unique and while they are blood-thirsty, very little actual blood is spilled. That doesn’t make the danger any less scary.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Misdirection of Fault Lines by Anna Garcia - OPTIONAL

The Misdirection of Fault Lines by Anna Garcia, 352 pages. Candlewick, 2024. $13 (pb)

Language: R  (75+ swears, 67 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (mildly inappropriate interactions with coach, pot smoking, bulimia); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Violetta lives and breathes tennis, following in the footsteps of her mother who had to leave a promising career when she had Violetta. Leylah dropped out of tennis two years ago, but now she is back and ready to prove she is still a rising star. Alice is new to this level of competitive tennis, and is still not really sure how she made it here, especially as she is still mourning her Baba (father), who was her coach. Rooming together at Bastille, the most prestigious tennis academy and site of the tournament to win in order to prove yourself to be worthy tennis elite, each girl has secrets and pains that they are trying to hide from themselves and from everyone around them. 

The three girls are all Asian, an underrepresented group in tennis. Worthwhile to have around in paperback for those few students who are interested in tennis. The girls’ struggles are heartfelt, and I enjoyed the insight behind the scenes in tennis.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Famous Anonymous by Morgan Baden - ADVISABLE

Famous Anonymous by Morgan Baden, 240 pages. Candlewick, 2025. $9 (pb)

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Four kids, two sets of siblings,  grew up together, but went their separate ways at the beginning of middle school.  Gus is now a star soccer player, Harper is a theater (read drama) queen, Luke’s autism occupies much of his time and attention, and Sophie has her own friends, but lacks the will to commit to anything. When their parents leave them all together one night, they end up making a video that goes viral. Luckily, they were all anonymous, because their parents would be so mad if they found out.  The group realizes that they like making viral videos. But can the pressure of staying viral also tear the group apart?

A very cute book about the toxic culture of life online and about friendships in general. Baden very skillfully weaves our four very different characters together, giving them each ways to shine. Harper is quite over the top, but she is the drama queen. 

The kids default white. One set of siblings has Moms. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

They All Had a Chance by Michele Leathers - OPTIONAL

They All Had a Chance (They All Had a Reason #4) by Michele Leathers, 272 pages. $13 (pb)

Language: G (0 swears, 0  ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (beer mentioned, brief kisses); Violence: PG (deaths mentioned, mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY:  HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

18yo Jane is about to get kicked out of her aunt and uncle’s house, now that she’s an adult.  She has one last summer as a counselor on Catalina Island to earn some money.  Jane is not very bright, or skillful, or pretty, so she is surprised when her gorgeous roommate, Athena, takes her under her wing, trying to help her be more attractive, at least. What she doesn’t know is that Athena is the renamed Bellany, and her latest target is Shandy, the owner of the summer camp. Well, Shandy has some tricks.  This summer she is having a contest amongst the counselors - and whichever one wins, they also win the whole camp. Athena can work with that - and she has some great ideas for getting rid of her teammates once they help her win Shandy’s contest.

Bellany is up to her old tricks.  She seems to be a very ineffective grifter, though, even though she was willing to kill for what she wants. I don’t know how much longer this series can go on, nor am I particularly interested. Even Bellany is a pretty flat character and she's had four books in which to develop. I would interest students in books like The Inheritance Games instead.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Girls and the Ghost (The Manor Mysteries #2) by Eileen Biltmore - OPTIONAL

The Girls and the Ghost (The Manor Mysteries #2) by Eileen Biltmore, 160 pages. (Simon Spotlight) Simon and Schuster, 2026. $19. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME 

11yo Thea is an heir to a steel fortune and is living on a large estate in Rhode Island. She can hardly wait for her cousin Peggy to arrive from England, just in time for Thea's 12th birthday. The cousins are the recipients of the traditional family necklaces, passed down from their grandmothers, and the two pieces of jewelry haven't been together since their great-grandmothers who were twins,  were separated when Thea's great-grandmother went to America to marry. 

This mystery wasn't quite as engaging as the one in book one - I feel it was setting up for book three, and wasn't much of a mystery. The ghost isn't really a part of the story, except in reference until the last few pages, and there's an oddly convenient 2 day romance. The cliffhanger may propel this series to the next installment, but I'm pretty sure what is going to happen. 

Thea is American. 

Lisa Librarian  

The Void Dragons by Scott Reintgen - ESSENTIAL

The Void Dragons (Dragonships #3) by Scott Reintgen, 455 pages. 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (kiss); Violence: PG-13 (space warfare, some human deaths mentioned, minor blood)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Before he disappeared, Proteus warned of a great threat to come. Distracted by the quintacentennial meeting of the planetary dragons, 15yo Lunar Jones and the other dragonriders almost miss the beginning of the greatest threat to their universe ever. Maya has been given the task of finding and piecing together the other clues Proteus left behind, but even those hints may not be enough to save them from the most horrific enemy they have ever met.

Oh Reintgen. I am going to have to put you up there with Neal Shusterman as one of the great talents of the current times. I pity those who don’t read science fiction, as they can never understand. For me this series is a definite re-read.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Trust Fall by Lynn Painter - OPTIONAL

Trust Fall by Lynn Painter, 410 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2026. $18

Language: R (300+ swears, 60 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (teens drinking and smoking cigars, passionate kissing); Violence: PG (fighting and bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Julia Lowell, high school senior and brand new resident of New York, meets lifetime resident Damion Rutledge and it’s loathe at first sight. Damion believes that the Lowell family swindled his great uncle Remington out of his home. The Lowell family can’t believe that their elderly friend Lou left them his house in his will. There’s confusion and mixed emotions all around as Julia and Damion sort out what’s happening with the house situation. On top of that, Julia is mercilessly bullied by rich teens at her school, since she’s obviously an outsider. Damion ends up tutoring Julia to get her math scores up and he uses that excuse to dig deeper into how the Lowell’s ended up with Uncle Remi’s house. Julia is unsure of Damion because sometimes he’s rude but other times, he sticks up for her when she’s being taunted and she has no idea if he can be trusted.

I love the line from page 136, talking about reading, “Because there was just something about getting lost in another experience, in forgetting all about your life while riding along on someone else’s journey, that was the sweetest escape.” Also, this statement from Damion on page 163, “When it comes to film and books and the arts in general, you’re rewarded when they make you feel…” This is such a fun book! I love the descriptions of New York and Julia’s hometown in Nebraska, as seen through the eyes of the two main characters, Damion and Julia.

The ethnicity cues white.

LynnDell Watson, Delta High Library, Delta, Utah

For No Mortal Creature by Keshe Chow - OPTIONAL

For No Mortal Creature by Keshe Chow, 464 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2025. $20

Language: R (51 swears, 23 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (minor suggestive content, no overt sexual acts, flashback with underage drinking); Violence: R (numerous and graphic scenes of sword fighting and stabbing and spilt blood on page)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

17yo Jia is seemingly powerless in a hidden village where powers are not unusual to have. She wants to save her popo (grandma) from the death realms and to do so she must retrieve a mythical sword that conquers death from the deepest levels of the death realm. However, Jia must overcome many trials, along with managing an angsty love triangle between an old friend and an enemy prince, before she can possibly reunite with her grandmother again.

I’m a dark and spooky loving kind of girl and this book checked off both of those things. It contains elements of death and resurrection as a form of power and includes subtle forms of Chinese mythology with how it describes ghosts and their punishments.

Chow never explicitly says but based off of the setting and description of the characters it makes it feel like Asian ethnicity and architecture (black hair, brown eyes, high cheekbones and pearlescent skin).

Maryn Beddes reviewer

The Adventures of Invisible Boy: Monster Mash by Doogie Horner - OPTIONAL

The Adventures of Invisible Boy: Monster Mash (The Adventures of Invisible Boy #3) by Doogie Horner, 188 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Putnam (Penguin), 2026. $14 

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

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

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Stan and Gene are between 8yo and 10yo and they have the unique ability to turn invisible based on Gene's stain remover. When Stan's sister falls in with some scary teens, Stan will do anything to get her away from them. He and Gene challenge the teens to a competition about who can build the scariest haunted house. It's a bet the boys cannot afford to lose. 

The art is bright and colorful and Stan and Gene are likable enough. The premise is totally unbelievable, which is why elementary kids will probably love it. The plot is pretty straightforward, but it's a fast read. The main protagonists are white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Mythspeaker by Christopher Roubique - ADVISABLE

Mythspeaker by Christopher Roubique, 286 pages. Viking (Penguin), 2026. $19

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (knife and sword fights with minor blood descriptions, ogres eating bad guys alive)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Kyta wants to fulfill his destiny given to him by Deer Mother, so when the guarded egg of the World Turtle is suddenly stolen, he believes his chance at destiny has arrived. He plans to rescue the egg before it’s too late and the world is destroyed.

I enjoyed the world building and inclusion of native american myths and characters (Deer mother). I loved how the atmosphere was described, it made it feel nostalgic beautiful.

Non specific Native American/ First Nations people descriptions (copper skin, black hair)

Maryn Beddes reviewer

House of Horrors by Joe McGee and Teo Skaffa - OPTIONAL

House of Horrors (Night Frights) by Joe McGee and Teo Skaffa. EARLY READER Level 3. Simon Spotlight, 2026. $19 (hc). 9781665984980

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Jessica has a green thumb and her father has built her a greenhouse for her cornucopia of plants. Almost overnight, however, the plants have grown to be gigantic and acting very menacingly.  Except, there is a single spot that they avoid.  Could that spot be connected to the dead, spooky tree on the nearby hilltop?

I’ll be honest - the story doesn’t make total sense to me (yes, I know it is a horror story - but it should still make sense).  Skaffa’s illustrations are great - especially when the plants turn spooky and dangerous. 

The main character is white in the illustrations.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Shapeshifter’s Guide to Gym Class by Kai Cheng Thom - OPTIONAL

The Shapeshifter’s Guide to Gym Class by Kai Cheng Thom, 322 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2026. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears, 0  ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (discussion of transgender); Violence: 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

13yo Maia and her friends live a nice life in the small town of Nor Numinem.  Even if some of them are shapeshifters, all feel welcome and accepted. Then one day one large garden plot withers and dies and some adults around town start talking about The Rot and how shapeshifters are the cause. As the Rot begins to spread, anti-shifter sentiment becomes louder and more violent. And just when they need each other the most, Maia and her friends group split apart.

Thom gives us a thinly veiled look at anti-LGBTQ sentiment in  our modern society. The title is misleading, as very little happens during gym class. I hate to say it, but I was underwhlemed.

Characters on the cover are multi-ethnic, but within the book their actions default white; some are shapechangers. Two characters are transgender, another is mentioned as non-binary

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Don't Wake Up by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez - OPTIONAL

Don't Wake Up (The Doll Island Series #2) by Cassandra Ramos-Gomez, 156  pages. Simon and Schuster, 2026 $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

11yo Diego and his friends, Jandro and Itzel, are closer than ever following their horrifying experience on Doll Island near Mexico City. Things seem to be going well until kids at their school begin to fall asleep and lapse into comas. Diego and his friends, the three amigos, determine that they must save their classmates from a demon called El Cucuy, who steals the souls of sleeping children. The only problem is, El Cucuy doesn't want anyone to wake up. 

I like the interplay of English and Spanish and the cultural elements. The plot is fairly simplistic, but just the right amount horror for grades 3-7. It is also not too lengthy, which is refreshing. The ending wraps up okay, but sets up the next book. 

The three amigos are Mexican. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Pushing Hope: An Illustrated Memoir of Survival by Raymond Santana and Keith Henry Brown - ADVISABLE

Pushing Hope: An Illustrated Memoir of Survival by Raymond Santana and Keith Henry Brown. 288 pages. BIOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC NOVEL. Calkins Creek, 2025. $18

Language: R (1 swear, 2 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (mention of rape and fondling breasts; brief non-sexual rear nudity); Violence: PG-13 (discussions of police violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

In 1989 14yo Raymond Santana moved to Harlem from the Bronx. Harlem's art and fashion scene is fresh and inspiring to Santana. He talks about the change in scenery and hanging out with friends. While hanging out with friends near Central Park on April 19, 1989 where Santana was arrested, underwent a violent and prolonged police interrogation, and eventually received a wrongful conviction of rape and assault. While the events of April 19, 1989 are central to the story, Santana's memoir also looks at his adjustment after being released, subsequent prison visits, the 2002 exoneration, and the launching of his own fashion brand (Park and Madison NYC) with Rasheed Young.

Santana’s memoir is moving and powerful. The book is pretty light on text, occasionally taking up a two-page spread for one sentence or a full illustration. The art style is bright, unique, and punchy - much like Santana’s own clothing line. If a student is unfamiliar with the Exonerated 5, this novel will still be interesting, but it will not provide a comprehensive overview or deep dive into the legal side of the event. The main focus is on using hope and creativity to overcome obstacles. “To never give up. To motivate. To inspire.” (pg 276). I feel it is an important and unique memoir to add to high school collections. 

Raymond Santana is Afro-Latino

E. Powell, Junior High Librarian

https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/MexlWhzwbd94iTAhIVQVQwx

I Am Kylian by Kylian Mbappe and Faro - ADVISABLE

I Am Kylian by Kylian Mbappe, illustrated by Faro, 218 pages. BIOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC NOVEL Rodale Kids (Random House), 2026. $15 

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

This is a graphic memoir of Kylian Mbappe's rise to pro football (aka soccer in the U.S.). He wasn't always great, but he was always motivated. 

A chance to see what a pro footballer looks like on his way to the top, and the challenging navigation it takes to get there. There is a lot of information in this book, but sometimes the small frames of the pictures and text make it tricky to read. That said, the story is well told, highlighting both the funny and the serious. Soccer fans will find this a compelling read and tear through it. Even non-soccer fans will find it intriguing because of the fun anecdotes and colorful art. Kylian is a black Frenchman. 

Michelle in the Middle