Asterwood by Jacquelyn Stolos - OPTIONAL

Asterwood by Jacquelyn Stolos, 259 pages. Delacorte (Random), 2025. $18

Language: G (0 swears,  0 ‘f’); Mature Content: g; Violence: PG (cannibals and eating mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

10yo Maddie loves her life with her single father, even though she misses growing up without a mother.  Then one day in the woods Maddie encounters Calle, who is from the other side of the Glimmer. There she finds that she and her family are well known, but the children she falls in with, the New Hopefuls, are skeptical about what Maddie can actually do to help them save the Violet Aspens, which are the life force of their realm, from the greed of the Tree Eaters, who harvest the roots of the aspens in ever growing quantities. 

Add in a group of cannibals, who get their strength from eating the flesh of children, and you have a mess, which this book is. Maddie flits from danger to danger in a world that has a confusing structure. It would be a much better book without the cannibals. The environmental messaging is clunky.

Calle uses they/them pronouns; the characters cue white

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups by Gail Jarrow - ADVISABLE

White House Secrets: Medical Lies and Cover-Ups (Medical Fiascos) by Gail Jarrow,  288 pages. NON-FICTION Astra, 2025. $25.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (descriptions of surgeries, injuries, and illnesses, also, an assassination attempt and assassinations)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

If the President of the United States is sick, injured or dying, does the American Public have a right to know? Many of the people surrounding the President get to decide what information is told to the press, and it's not always accurate or even truthful. What will other countries think if our President is incapacitated? Through the stories of 9 American presidents, including Grover Cleveland, Woodrow Wilson, Ronald Reagan, and John Kennedy, we learn about cover-ups, misinformation, disinformation, and medical fiascos. 

Gail Jarrow is one of my favorite non-fiction authors. The first presidential story, about James Garfield's assassination, is also the subject of her book Ambushed, but told in a different way. Full of pictures, headlines, and mini bios of each president, including a chapter about who takes over, this well-researched non-fiction spills so much tea! Includes websites, source notes, a bibliography, and picture credits. I loved the author's note because she talks about her process. I'm sure adults will love it, and I think kids who like medical or political non-fiction will too. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Witch Who Stormed the Palace by Ryan Graudin - ADVISABLE

The Witch Who Stormed the Palace (Girl Who Kept the Castle #2) by Ryan Graudin, 335 pages. Quill Tree (Harper), 2025. $20

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

12yo Faye has defeated the Shadow Queen’s attempt to destroy Castle Celurdur and free herself, but she is not guaranteed to become the new Witch of the West. Summoned to Retnec, the capital city where the four quadrants meet, Faye must undergo three challenges to prove her worth.  And she must undertake the challenges at the same time as three other candidates put forth by the other Wizards.  Adding to the melee - the Shadow Queen has a new plan to free herself and a willing confederate to help her plan.

I loved Faye’s first adventure and Graudin manages to keep up the interest with book #2. Old friends and new friends await. I did find it odd that one of the castles is called Ghibli, but none of the other names mean anything.

The characters cue white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dragonborn by Struan Murray - ESSENTIAL

Dragonborn by Struan Murray, 320 pages. Dutton (Penguin), 2026. $20.

Language: G (0 swears, 0  ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bullying, dragon fighting, battle)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

12yo Alex feels suffocated by her overprotective mother - especially since her dad died in a violent storm. Then one day while in her favorite woods actual fire comes out of her mouth.  Soon Alex is swept off to the remote island of Skralla, a hidden haven for young dragons to learn how to use their powers. Alex is having a hard time learning to shift from her human form to her dragon form and she is also still mourning her dad.  When she hears about a special artifact, the Phylactery, which can help find the spirits of any dragon, she pursues it, even knowing that it is also a possible tool for Drak Midna, the evil dragon who has existed for centuries and who has no need for humankind.

Murray sets up the tension so well. He manages to keep the myriad of surprises well-hidden, but logical. I also became so frustrated with Alex’s inability to change forms, so he was great at engaging my emotions. THe only thing I don’t understand is his use of “phylactery” as the name of the artifact - seems an odd use of a Jewish religious word. Other than that, though - loved it. Gorgeous end papers also.

The characters cue white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory - ADVISABLE

By the Book by Jasmine Guillory, 320 pages. Hyperion Avenue, 2022. $16

Language: R (85 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (alludes to sex); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

25yo Isabelle takes a leap of faith when her boss is wrestling with getting a memoir out of a high profile client.  She is quickly on her way to California to meet with Beau, the handsome, but very grumpy author. Izzy inserts herself into the author’s reclusive life and together they work out ways to get Beau to do the work - and as he confronts the hard parts of his life, the sparks between Izzy and Beau also start to fly.

The references to Beauty and the Beast are nicely subtle, but still there for someone looking for a modern take on a fairy tale. While the characters are older, and sex is alluded to, everything is off page. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Alkrem by Marta Palazzesi - ADVISABLE

Alkrem by Marta Palazzesi, 372 pages. Red Comet, 2025. $19 

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Negato beast attacks) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Theo has been raised for twelve years as the adopted son of respected Alchemist Brenock Chimius. At midnight on his 13th birthday, his Mutolo shows up, a fierce Fire Fox, which means that Theo is not an Alchemist, but an Alkrem. The Alkrem are persecuted and hunted by the Archemists. Theo and his father attempt to flee, but only Theo makes it to safety. Theo's father is wounded and taken prisoner, and the only thing that might save him is a mysterious weapon that has incredible power, including the ability to heal. Theo is desperate to find this weapon to save the only family he knows. Suddenly he finds himself thrust into a world of power, conflicts, magic, and secrets. 

I was drawn in by Theo's mysterious past and his desperate attempt to save his father. The world building is solid, but not overwhelming, and the size makes it readable. The story wraps up well after one book, though there is another one coming, which I am down for. There is plenty of action, which is nicely paced, and there is sufficient tension to keep the reader hooked. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Red Bird Danced by Dawn Quigley - OPTIONAL

Red Bird Danced by Dawn Quigley, 166 pages. NOVEL IN VERSEHarperCollins, 2024. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (mention of #MMIW - missing and murdered indigenous women) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

11yo Ariel and her 13yo neighbor Tomah are Ojibwah children living in an inner-city tribal housing project. Tomah is in Ariel's class - he struggles with reading and has been held back. Ariel loves ballet - she was inspired to dance by a beloved aunt. Ariel's Aunt has recently disappeared, so, Ariel chooses as her school project to learn more about #MMIW. 

What a heavy topic for an elementary read! The content is perfectly age-appropriate, and the author's notes indicate that there are currently over 500 missing and murdered indigenous women, so, many indigenous children must be experiencing this crisis. Written in verse, the text isn't sad, it's hopeful. I liked this tender book, especially the author's notes, which tell children that they are strong and to have hope. The community is Ojibwa 

Lisa Librarian 

The Story of My Anger by Jasminne Mendez - OPTIONAL

The Story of My Anger by Jasminne Mendez, 328 pages. Dial (Penguin), 2025. $20. 

Language: R (34 swears 13 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (girl fight) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

High school junior Yulieta wants to be the first black girl at her school to get a lead in her school play. She's been practicing all summer with her best friend Aleeya - the two make up the only black girls in the drama club. But when the cast list for Our Town is posted, the part is given to someone else, and Yuli is angry. When she asks her teacher, Mrs. Hoffman says "Lana was a better fit, you were not quite right for the part". Yuli knows that means "You aren't white enough." In the meantime, her favorite teacher Mr. G is in trouble with the school board - a parent group doesn't like his Ethnic Studies class and gets all the books he uses removed from his classroom. One of them is the play "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf" by Ntozake Shange. This was the first play Yuli could identify with, the first time she saw a cast of people who looked like her. Yuli is mad, and is ready to organize a protest. 

Racism, book bans, guerilla theater, a Texas high school and Our Town. This novel in verse should be so much more complicated than it is, but I found it to be an engaging read with good poetry and a timely message. I loved the sprinkling of Spanish throughout, her text interactions with her college age brother (also an activist) and the slow reveal of her mother's story.  This would be a great book to teach to the right class. Yuli is Afro-Dominican. 

Lisa Librarian The Show Must Go On – Drama class, dance and band – fiction about the performing arts, Undaunted - Despite their obstacles, these teens will not be stopped Yes 

Under the Neon Lights by Arriel Vinson - OPTIONAL

Under the Neon Lights by Arriel Vinson, 384 pages. Penguin, 2025 $20 

Language: R (10 Swears 5 'f'); Mature Content: PG (Kissing); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

16yo Jaelyn goes to the Westside Roll every Saturday night. It's a part of her life, her parents met there, she learned to skate there, and her friends are all the regulars. One skate, she was crashed into by the cutest guy she's ever seen: Trey. But the gentrification of the community is causing changes everywhere, even to institutions like Westside Roll. So when she hears that the skating rink is closing down, Jaelyn feels like she's losing a part of herself. 

This coming-of-age, slice-of-life story was nostalgic and heartfelt. Jaelyn is dealing with the typical teen issues of friend trouble and divorced parents, as well as more societal issues like raised rent, closed stores and restaurants, and increased police presence. I liked the teen perspective of dealing with things out of your control. 

The characters are black 

Lisa Librarian

Madsi the True by S. J. Taylor - ESSENTIAL

Madsi the True by S. J. Taylor, 295 pages. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon), 2024. $18

Violence: G (peril, danger, fights with mythical beings)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

12yo Madsi and her older sister Lisbet love telling and hearing stories. But a year earlier, Lisbet was snatched away by the Northern Lights from their small Norwegian village. When Madsi demands that the lights return her sister, another girl—Torin—falls from the sky instead. Lisbet was always the brave one, but now Madsi must find her own courage. Along with Torin and a boy named Espen, she sets out into the forest to find Lisbet and help Torin return to the lights. As the three unlikely friends battle harsh elements and monsters Madsi once thought existed only in stories, they discover that some stories are true, some are wrong, and that true friendship can be just as important as family."

A beautifully written, fast-paced adventure set in 1750 in a small Norwegian village. Many of the villagers have rarely, if ever, left their home, and because of that they have developed superstitions about the outside world. As Madsi and her friends journey together, they discover true friendship and bravery. I really enjoyed the story and this small glimpse into Norwegian folklore and history.

A. Snow, Librarian

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin - OPTIONAL

How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin. Dutton, 2024. $28.

Language: R (30 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (mention of under-age sex, teenage pregnancy, marijuana use, underage drinking); Violence: PG-13 (two off-page murders, discovery of a corpse (bloody), discovery of a corpse (historical), attempted murder, domestic violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS-OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

In 1965, seventeen-year-old Frances Adams, while attending a country fair, receives a concerning fortune. According to the fortune-teller, Frances will one day be murdered. Throughout her lifetime, Frances will become obsessed with doing everything she can to avoid this fate. In present day, Frances’ great niece, Annie Adams, is surprised to be summoned to Frances’ estate for a meeting. Curious to meet her reclusive great aunt, she is horrified to discover that the fortune finally came to fruition and Frances is dead. Faced with a murder that was predicted decades ago, Annie is determined to solve the mystery; however, will she survive the revelation of so many secrets and past misdeeds on her way to the truth?

For fans of the English murder mystery genre, this is a solid entry. Well-developed characters and an intriguing dual timeline catch the reader’s attention and hold on until the resolution of not one, but two mysteries. The only aspect that detracts from the story is a large cast of characters, which at times can be hard to keep track of.

Reviewer: AEB

The Red Car to Hollywood by Jennie Liu - OPTIONAL

The Red Car to Hollywood by Jennie Liu. Carolrhoda Lab, 2025. $20.

Language: R (6 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (underaged drinking and smoking); Violence: PG-13 (attempted sexual assault, racist abuse)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS-OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

16-year-old Ruby Chan is making her way in Los Angeles, 1924. She is a modern American girl with modern ideals. However, everything changes when her secret relationship with a white boy is revealed, threatening her future as her traditional Chinese parents decide her modern behavior needs to be tamed with traditional restrictions. 

The story of Ruby is overly ambitious as it tries to do too much in too few pages. Racism, feminism, and modern vs. traditional ideals all battle for space in the story without any of them making a lasting impression. Serious problems are presented throughout the book, however, the final resolution is rushed and much too convenient.

Reviewer: AEB

A Queen's Game (Queen's Game #1) by Katharine McGee - ADVISABLE

A Queen's Game (Queen's Game #1) by Katharine McGee, 355 pages. Random House, 2024. $21

Language: PG (11 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (intense kissing and non-descriptive sex); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

In the late 1800’s, amidst the courts of Queen Victoria, three royal princesses  are trying to find their own destiny.  Alix is beautiful, shy and Queen Victoria's favorite granddaughter.  She is also prone to panic attacks, a secret she hopes to keep hidden.  Helene is the daughter of a banished French king.  She has a wild streak and does all the things a royal princess shouldn't do until she catches the eye of a powerful royal.  Lastly, there is May, who is living on the outskirts of court and is mostly invisible to everyone.  Her parents squandered their fortune so she knows she will have to do whatever is necessary to find a good match. All three are desperate to secure their futures, but in royal courts it is sometimes hard to tell if someone is friend or foe. All three princesses are in their early 20's.

The story takes place during the later years of Queen Victoria's life and includes actual historical figures, but it's more about romance and palace intrigue. It was a bit of a slow start setting up characters and events of the time, but it morphed into an intriguing story with secrets, misunderstandings, lying and blackmail.  I was surprised to find the characters so likeable and thought the author did a good job bringing historical figures alive.  I would have liked a more settled ending, but with a sequel, I'm sure there is more intrigue to come.   

The characters are mostly English or French.

RBenson - Librarian

The Storm Crow by Kalyn Josephson - ADVISABLE

The Storm Crow (The Storm Crow #1) by Kalyn Josephson, 352 pages. Sourcebooks Fire (Sourcebooks), 2019. $11.

Language: PG13 (24 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use, illegal activity, kissing, mentions of whore, and innuendo); Violence: PG13 (assault, self harm, blood and gore, mentions of suicide, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

On the night of a kingdom-wide festival for the hatching of new elemental crows, Princess Anthia (17yo) starts the day with joyful anticipation of finally getting her own crow. And ends the night burned and broken by the Illucians who attack and kill all the crows. Anthia is debilitated by depression while her older sister becomes queen and does everything she can to protect their people—including arranging a marriage between Anthia and the son of their enemy, the crow killer.

Anthia’s frustrations with herself, her enemies, and her impossible situation are palpable—so real that it makes her story difficult to read sometimes, especially since this is only book one and everything has to get worse before solutions can be found to make it better. The timeline often felt impossibly fast, and I don’t particularly enjoy the love triangle trope, but, with the constant action and fun magic, I still think I’ll end up reading the sequel. Anthia and the other people from Rhodaire are described as having brown skin. Kiva is queer.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Wendy's Ever After by Julie Wright - ADVISABLE

Wendy's Ever After by Julie Wright, 272 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2025. $20

Language:  G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

It has been years since 17yo Wendy Darling's adventures in Neverland, but she has never stopped thinking about it or about Peter Pan.  She has grown into a beautiful,  independent, and intelligent young woman with many suitors, but is not interested in any of them.  That is until she meets handsome Liam Blackwell at a Masquerade Ball.  Wendy is instantly twitterpated by Liam and as they get to know each other throughout the night, Wendy picks up on subtle phrases and details that make her wonder how he is connected to Neverland and Captain Hook.  When Liam leaves the Ball, Wendy's curiosity gets the best of her and she ends up following him, only to find herself back in Neverland and facing a dilemma about who she can really trust and where her loyalty lies. 

Wendy's Ever After is a charming Fantasy read that moves quickly without dull moments. Peter Pan brings back nostalgic memories of my childhood and I appreciated the different perspectives of each character that the author adds to the story.  Background knowledge of the story of Peter Pan may be helpful but not necessary. Julie Wright includes book discussion questions in the back of the book for those interested in using this as a book club read. 

Ethnicity is not mentioned although Wendy has light, fair skin and Liam has very dark hair and blue eyes.  

Alissa Loves Books

Difficult Girls by Veronica Bane - OPTIONAL

Difficult Girls by Veronica Bane, 336 pages. Penguin Random House, 2025. $20

Language: R (100+ swears, 27 f');  Mature Content: PG-13 (Drinking, kissing, sexual references); Violence: PG-13 (Murder, attempted murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Seeking a new start and new friends after an incident at her school, 16yo Greta Riley Green gets a job as an usher at Hyper Kid Magic Land, a theme park that has several short shows each day. Gretta is thrust into a mystery as one of the park's stars, Mercy Goodwin, schedules a meeting with her but never shows. In addition, the theme park has a history of tragedy as Hailey, a previous performer, was murdered 20 years ago. Greta begins investigating Mercy’s disappearance and Hailey's murder as she treads a careful line, trying to fit in, attempting to gain her crush's attention, and seeking what's going on behind the scenes.

For a thriller, this novel has a pretty slow start. But Gretta’s character may keep readers entertained. She is painfully awkward, self-doubting, and obsessive, which gets a little much for me at times, but some teenagers may find it relatable. The setting of the novel is fun and unique as are some of the secondary characters. It’s a character-driven mystery that also tackles redemption and relationships. Several secondary characters are diverse: 

Liam is Filipino Mexican American, Ivy is Columbian American and LGBT+

Megan, HS Librarian

Main Street: A Community Story about Redlining by Britt Hawthorne and Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by David Wilkerson - ADVISABLE

Main Street: A Community Story about Redlining by Britt Hawthorne and Tiffany Jewell, illustrated by David Wilkerson. PICTURE BOOK. Kokila (Penguin), 2026. $19. 9798217002672

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL; MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A young black girl, Olivia, is upset when her white friend, Alison, can't come to her neighborhood Block Party because Alison’s mother says it isn’t safe. At home, Olivia’s neighbor, Ms. Effie, explains the history of redlining, a secret practice historically used by banks to deny funding loans to people of color. 

Hawthorne gives us a succinct, honest look at the practice of redlining, a proven historical practice that kept people of color out of “good, white” neighborhoods. This is the first picture book that I can remember tackling the issue. Though Hawthorne has written a picture book, I am not sure that elementary students are the right audience - I would proudly show this to any middle school or high school teacher who touches on the subject in any way.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

How to Survive the End of the World by Katy Doughty - ADVISABLE

How to Survive the End of the World by Katy Doughty, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Candlewick Press, 2026. $15.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (handful of male characters drawn shirtless, syphilis mentioned once and an amorous hetero couple depicted on page behind a bedscreen); Violence: PG (examples of major peril in each chapter featuring catastrophic disasters like climate change or asteroid impact).

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In her debut graphic novel, author & artist Katy Doughty uses illustrations, infographics, and wry humor to explore humanity's chances of surviving various apocalyptic scenarios, ranging from climate change to alien invasions. By blending historical data with interviews from current experts in fields like artificial intelligence and infectious disease, the book provides a research-driven look at how we might endure catastrophic events as a human species.

I think I enjoyed it. It was at times a very stressful read, if only because we can see the effects of climate change or resource exploitation impacting our world negatively right now. But I appreciated the author’s point of view and ultimately positive spin on the future of humanity. I could see this book being used as a supplemental material to a post-apocalyptic novel unit or part of a nonfiction unit.

Reviewer: Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes 

Tall Water by SJ Sindu and Dion MBD - ADVISABLE

Tall Water by SJ Sindu and Dion MBD, 248 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL (Harper Alley) HarperCollins, 2025.  $19.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG13 (war violence, peril) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

17yo Nimmi was born in Sri Lanka to an American father and Sri Lankan mother. But she's lived all her life in the United States with just her dad. He's a news reporter and hasn't been back to Sri Lanka. But when he gets an assignment to return to Sri Lanka to write a story on the ongoing civil war, Nimmi comes too - against her fathers wishes, it's just too dangerous! Nimmi has never met her mother and this may be her only opportunity. 

Full color illustrations, but the color palate is very dark. Not a lot of dialogue in the panels so it is a quick read. Illustrations that progress the story are often expressing the war violence or the destruction caused by the tsunami. Nimmi is headed to college, so I think Tall Water is mostly intended for a high school audience. What I really think? This graphic novel isn't for everyone, but it may connect with your east Asian population. 

Lisa Librarian  

The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Florez - OPTIONAL

The Pecan Sheller by Lupe Ruiz-Florez, 250 pages. Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2025 $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

13yo Petra is a good student. She especially loves reading and writes her own stories. But after the death of her father, her step-mother cannot make ends meet and requires Petra to leave school and come to work with her in as a pecan sheller. In Texas, during the 1930's the pecan factories were terrible workplaces with poor ventilation. Many of Petra's co-workers coughed all day, making them more susceptible to tuberculosis. The factory management paid the workers hardly anything, required long hours, and fired people on a whim. Petra just wants to go back to school, but her siblings are starving. 

Based on the Pecan Sheller strike in Texas in 1938, The Pecan Sheller is a heart breaking story. The poverty of the family was unbelievable. I kept wondering when the US government would swoop in and help - but this was before there were laws like minimum wage and safe work environments. Petra's family are Mexican American 

Lisa Librarian