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 Flappers and Doughboys – Turn of the Century, Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression in American historical fiction Yes

Beinoni by Mari Lowe - ADVISABLE

Beinoni by Mari Lowe, 274 pages. Levine Querido, 2025. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (fight between boys, destruction of monsters - not gory) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

12yo Ezra is the Nivchar, the chosen one, a special child born to fight the gurya and continue the current golden age - no wars, no terrible illness, no crime. But, as his bar mitzvah approaches, he notices things are changing - he's not the top of his class anymore, his best friend won't talk to him, and his strength is diminishing. Also, the peace they've been experiencing is at risk, and someone even tried to kidnap him. His father thinks he's just disrespectful - as do the rabbis at the yeshiva, but Ezra worries that someone is trying to stop him. Few know about Ezra's mission, but his bully, Aryeh, does, and relentlessly mocks him, calling him the chosen one and deriding him for his basketball skills. But when Aryeh becomes his only ally, the unlikely pair team up. 

What a gripping story! Very rooted in Jewish culture, I appreciated the thorough glossary. I loved the moral dilemmas faced by Ezra and others, and the hard choice of deciding what the right thing to do was, as well as how to best do the right thing - or even if to do the right thing at all. Mari Lowe writes for a special audience; your Jewish middle schoolers will relate and really like Beinoni. The characters are Jewish. 

Lisa Librarian 

A Love Most Daring by Joanna Barker - ADVISABLE

A Love Most Daring (Bow Street #3) by Joanna Barker, 320 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2026. $19.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (alcohol use, illegal activity, partial nudity, mild innuendo, and kissing); Violence: PG (assault, gun use, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Returning to London, Beatrice (24yo) is determined to enjoy all the excitement of the city she can before her past catches up to her. Beatrice’s good friend arranges an outing for them with a suitable man to escort Beatrice—unfortunately, Mr. Rawlings takes that man’s place. When the couple is nearly murdered on their outing, they are forced to flee London together until the suspect can be apprehended, illustrating that Mr. Rawlings can ruin not only a fun evening but an entire trip.

Beatrice is a damsel in distress to be saved, yes, but she is not useless. This protagonist is realistically panicked by the stressful situations she finds herself in and also gets to contribute to catching the bad guy in reasonable ways. Everything comes together a little too perfectly in the end in order to give readers their happily ever after, but the conclusion is still satisfactory. Characters from the previous two books in the series are present, but their stories are not required to enjoy this one.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

A Wheelie Awkward Romance by Tess Campbell - ADVISABLE

A Wheelie Awkward Romance by Tess Campbell, 288 pages. NONFICTION. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2026. $28.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (kissing, nudity, and discussion of sex); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL, ADULTS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Tess didn’t date much—she was much more excited about calculus than school dances. When Tess finds Corby on a dating site, she is thrilled to find someone who correctly uses capitalization and spelling when they type. Corby is very open about being in a wheelchair and enjoying physical touch. Are those things Tess can handle?

The journey of any relationship is racked with difficulties such as self-doubt, confusion, and miscommunication—which make the joys of figuring out how to fit together with another person that much more amazing! While Tess and Corby have to navigate the very obvious obstacle of Corby’s wheelchair, the more treacherous trial is communication. Tess’s stream of consciousness style of writing is so relatable because of the genuineness it highlights as she works through pros and cons and questions and hopeful solutions.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Puggleton Park by Deanna Kizis, illustrated by Hannah Peck - OPTIONAL

Puggleton Park by Deanna Kizis, illustrated by Hannah Peck. CHAPTER BOOK. Penguin, 2024. $7 (pb). 9780593661246

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Penelope the pug just had to chase the squirrel but after the squirrel escapes, she realizes she has lost her Lady.  After a few days of living in the Park and looking for her, he is taken in by a lovely new Lady who is determined to help Penelope find her mistress, even though the new LAdy’s best friend thinks Penelope should be sent out of the city to a farm.

If your young readers are dog crazy, they might enjoy this.  It is sent in the London of high society parties filled with Lords and Ladies - out of touch for today’s readers.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Cassini’s Mission by Kate Venit, illustrated by Julia Blattman - ESSENTIAL

Cassini’s Mission by Kate Venit, illustrated by Julia Blattman. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. MIT Kids Press, 2025. $19. 9781536232325

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When the Cassini spacecraft was sent towards Saturn to explore the tiny moon Enceladus, the scientists thought they had packed it with every needed tool.  As the team had more questions to answer and challenges for Cassini, the little spacecraft responded beautifully, until they discovered the one question Cassini couldn’t answer - is there life on Enceladus.

I love this look at space missions and scientists finding out their hypotheses were incorrect and then changing their trajectory both literally and figuratively. Excellent for all levels of science teachers. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Rock and Roll by Ruby Amy Thompson - ESSENTIAL

Rock and Roll by Ruby Amy Thompson. PICTURE BOOK. Tiger Tales, 2026. $19. 9781664300927

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

While the differences between a rock and a roll are pretty obvious, could they also have similarities?

Thompson gives us a quick, yet profound look at the idea of compare and contrast. I am very impressed and will be showing this to lots of secondary teachers. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Reach by Celesta Rimington, - OPTIONAL

Reach by Celesta Rimington, 190 pages. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2026. $18.

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

12yo Denver is not happy with his summer.  His mom recently remarried and his new 8yo stepbrother is always in his face or causing trouble wherever they go.  And they are taking over the summer management of a resort, so Denver has no chance of hanging with any friends. Along the shores of the beautiful lake, however, Denver can hear the voices of the trees.  One tree in particular seems eager to talk and even offers to turn young Harlan into a tree so that he can feel what it’s like. Now the tree, Spiro, can’t change Harlan back. Denver is going to have to learn a lot of things very quickly if he has any hope of restoring Harlan.

The summary may feel a little weird, but Rimington writes a lovely book that delves into our need for connection versus our propensity to retreat when we are deeply hurt. She injects humor, wonder, and a bit of danger. I would encourage elementary teachers to read it out loud to their classes.  

The characters cue white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Enola Holmes and the Clanging Coffin (Enola Holmes #10) by Nancy Springer - ESSENTIAL

Enola Holmes and the Clanging Coffin (Enola Holmes #10) by Nancy Springer, 336 pages. St. Martin's Press, 2026. $24

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (attack and kidnapping)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO:  SEVERAL

17yo Enola is at the graveyard and hears a chiming bell. She finally pinpoints the sound at a burial site and when it’s dug up, a young woman is inside. Trevina doesn’t remember her name or how she ended up in the burial site. Enola takes Trevina to her helpful acquaintance Florence Nightingale to nurse her back to health and hopefully recover her memory. While Enola helps Trevina regain health and memories, she also wants to help Sherlock with his nemesis, Moriarty.

I love how the reader is introduced to Florence Nightingale and we get a glimpse of her home. Enola is as persistent and intelligent as always. The whole Moriarty mystery is interesting and ominous.

The ethnicity falls to white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Library, Delta, Utah

The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes - OPTIONAL

The Hawthorne Legacy (The Inheritance Games #2) by Jennifer Lynn Barnes, 384 pages. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2022. $10 (pb)

Language: R (37 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (passionate kissing); Violence: PG (bloody cow heart with a knife stuck in it; kidnapping; a bomb that killed two security guards)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Three weeks after being taken away from her regular life and being named heir in billionaire Tobias Hawthorne’s will, 17yo Avery is telling Jameson how she met Harry, aka Tobias Hawthorne II. Xander’s letter from his grandfather left him a clue to find his son Toby, so off they go on another riddle solving journey that’ll take them to Colorado searching for a compass and a ring and show them discoveries they might wish were left alone. After a professional hit and a bomb exploding, Avery is pretty shaken. The Hawthorne household is shaken too. It’s always an unpredictable ride when Hawthornes are involved.

 I love all of the puzzles that the characters work on and solve!  I like how a mystery is always in the background of The Inheritance Games books.  The characters are complex and the author has given them unique personalities. 

The ethnicity falls to white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T. by Abby White - OPTIONAL

D.J. Rosenblum Becomes the G.O.A.T. by Abby White, 344 pages. Levine Querido, 2025. $20.

Language: R (60 swears 11 'f'); Mature Content: PG (High School couple kissing in the halls, teen party w/alcohol); Violence: PG (Mention of suicide, not graphic)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo DJ and her mother move to a small town to be close to her aunt's family after the suicide(?) of her older cousin. She’s determined to figure out what really happened, without upsetting the family, which is understandably a hot mess, or upsetting the pecking order at school, because kids will talk to her, and they don’t know Rachel was her cousin. So with Char - a budding journalist, Tori - the most popular girl at the middle school who seems to have connections and can hack into things,  and a boy athlete whose grandma works at the library, the team undertakes a murder investigation. 

What I thought was going to be a whodunnit quickly evolved into a sensitive look at grieving, coping, and coming to terms with a family tragedy. Because the Jewish religion is so intertwined in the family's life, a good portion of the story involves D.J. preparing for her Bat Mitzvah and struggling with questions. It ties so well into the story. I'm certain a Jewish child will see so much more in this story than I did. DJ Rosenblum is the G.O.A.T. is a special book. I am certainly purchasing a copy for my library. DJ and her family are Jewish 

Lisa Librarian  

The Adventures of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari, Dasha Tolstikova and Antony Shugaar - OPTIONAL

The Adventures of Cipollino by Gianni Rodari, illustrated by Dasha Tolstikova and translated from Italian by Antony Shugaar, 244 pages. Enchanted Lion, 2025, originally published in Italy in 1980. $30 

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (imprisonment of innocent vegetables, threats of hanging, peril, capital punishment) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

In a world of sentient fruits and vegetables, onion-headed boy Cipollino witnesses the arrest and imprisonment of his father (because he smells bad), along with the rest of the adults in the village who tried to defend him. Cipollino leads the other children - including a royal boy named Marichino - in a grand adventure to rescue the villagers and ultimately, hopefully save his father. 

I liked this more than I expected. It's a bit odd, but the story is charming, and I found myself reading passages aloud. The translation is probably the best part. Shugaar has somehow translated Italian into wonderful English wordplay that makes Cipollino so much fun to read. I don't see a kid picking it up - it's a heavy and long book (from the cover, I thought it was a picture book, while illustrated, it is a lengthy children's novel). But I would absolutely recommend Cipollino as a read-aloud bedtime story for an older reader - it would be fun to share. 

Lisa Librarian  

The Ribbon Skirt by Cameron Mukwa - OPTIONAL

The Ribbon Skirt by Cameron Mukwa, 192 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Scholastic, 2024. $13. (paperback) 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

10yo Anang would like to wear a ribbon skirt at the next powwow. Their grandma will help them, but asks Anang to ask the spirits about it. Anang is two-spirit and non-binary, and is concerned if people will treat them differently if they do this. After an incident at school - where they were told they used the "wrong bathroom" Anang needs confidence. At the water, the spirits (talking turtles) speak to Anang and tell them to be themself, and that the spirits will help them. 

Anang has two friends, one who "broke off" with them after the bathroom incident and another who is supportive and kind. I liked that there were both of these perspectives, with the goal to both make the ribbon skirt and to enlighten Sherry (with the help of the spirits). The Ribbon Skirt is certainly written for an indigenous child who will relate to the powwow and all its associated activities. Includes an author's note on ribbon skirts, powwows, and two-spirits, and a recipe for berry salad, along with a bibliography. Anang is Anishinaabe. 

Lisa Librarian 

Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival by Trina Rathgeber and Alina Pete - ESSENTIAL

Lost at Windy River: A True Story of Survival by Trina Rathgeber, illustrated by Alina Pete. 91 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, NON-FICTION Memoir Orca, 2024 $20 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, illustrations of frostbite, talk of amputation) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Ilse was checking traplines in 1940's Canada with her brothers when a storm came upon them. Her dogs were younger and less experienced, and in the storm, they were separated. Ilse was alone on the tundra with no provisions, no supplies, and no idea which way was home. But Ilse was smart, her father and brothers had taught her how to survive. 

A gripping graphic novel true story! Written by Ilse's granddaughter, her story had been part of Farley Mowat's People of the Deer, but Rathgeber knew her grandmother would rather tell her own story. I loved how she was set up as a guest speaker in a classroom, telling the true story of the fictionalized account they had just read. I was on the edge of my seat. I loved the illustrations and the info boxes which popped up occasionally to fill the reader in. Its length would be better suited for an elementary library, but the content is perfect for middle school. Ilse and her family are Cree and of German descent from her father. 

Lisa Librarian 

Octopus Moon by Bobbie Pyron - ESSENTIAL

Octopus Moon by Bobbie Pyron, 310 pages. Novel in Verse Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2025. $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL,  MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

10yo Pearl should be excited to start 5th grade, but she's not. Her friends Mia and Rosie certainly are, but something is different this year, and Pearl can't tell what's going on. It seems she's not 4th-grade Pearl, who loved to sing in the choir, tell jokes, and was a good student. This year, she pretends to sing, is sad for no reason, and isn't turning in her homework. Her parents talk to her teachers, and soon Pearl (unwillingly) visits a therapist. Pearl has depression. 

A well-written story with age-appropriate situations. I loved Pearl's connection with the Octopus at the aquarium, an animal that is completely connected to its environment, while Pearl struggles to make connections. It was heartbreaking to see Pearl, so young, experiencing depression. 5th graders need to see themselves or build empathy for their classmates in Pearl's shoes. I hope I can get my middle schoolers to read Octopus Moon as there are so many valuable lessons and life connections. Pearl is white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Jo Jo Makoons: The Super-Scary Sleepover (Jo Jo #5) by Dawn Quigley and Tara Audibert - OPTIONAL

Jo Jo Makoons: The Super-Scary Sleepover (Jo Jo #5) by Dawn Quigley, illustrated by Tara Audibert, 63 pages. CHAPTER BOOK Heartdrum, 2025. $7. 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Jojo Makoons is a precocious 1st grader. She lives with her mom and her kokum (grandmother). Jojo has been invited to her first sleepover, and she doesn't know what to expect. Her friend Ferris scares her when he tells her to be careful of puppets at the sleepover because at night they try to steal children's eyes. Now Jojo is really worried! 

Book 5 in a fun series, Jojo is a bit too much for me, but I bet readers her age find her adorable. She has big feelings, big ideas and wants everyone to play along. Jojo is Ojibewe, and I'm sure Indigenous children will see themselves.  Many of Jojo's antics are universal, so other children will enjoy her as well. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Greatest Heist in Joviala by Adi Alsaid - OPTIONAL

The Greatest Heist in Joviala by Adi Alsaid, 277 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2024. $9 (pb)

Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (danger, peril, fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Four 12yo kids travel from their kingdom of Nefaria to the cheerful kingdom of Joviala for a school trip. In Nefaria, they’re used to dealing with constant evil schemes, but Joviala is a land of happy, trusting people who rarely expect trouble. While there, the four meet Shmebecca, who is devastated to learn that a company plans to move her favorite mountain, Mount Saint Helenhunt, and replace it with an amusement park. She’s especially worried that relocating a volcanic mountain could lead to serious consequences. Determined to protect it, Shmebecca teams up with the Nefarian kids and enlists her friends Shmayden and Shmelix to help stop the project and save the mountain.

Will they be able to stop the plan and save Mount Saint Helenhunt in time?

The goofy names and quirky characters didn’t quite land for me—maybe it’s just been too long since I was in middle school. At times, the story felt wordy and dragged a bit. That said, it was still a fun adventure-heist with some meaningful lessons woven in. It explores how the line between good and evil can be complicated, highlights the importance of protecting natural resources, and emphasizes the value of friendship and forgiveness.

None of the characters were described.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

How to Get Away with Murder by Rebecca Philipson - OPTIONAL

How to Get Away with Murder by Rebecca Philipson, 368 pages. Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2026. $30.

Language: R (75 swears, 36 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: R

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Suspended detective Samantha from Scotland Yard has declined to follow the suggestion of both her therapist and her boss to start going back to work part time. Until she comes across the murder scene of a 14-year-old in the park on her way home, and Sam changes her mind. On scene, a book titled How to Get Away with Murder is found with the victim, a clue that could lead to the killer—or reveal that there is more than one killer walking free.

Sam’s story is told side by side with chapters from How to Get Away with Murder, mostly in time with how much Sam herself has read at the time. The careful combing of clues from the murder scene and the book is exciting and distressing as theories—suggested by the characters and by readers’ own minds—suggest bad guys lurking everywhere. The clever twists made by Sam and her enemies blew me away, making the last third of the book impossible to put down.

The majority of characters are English, and there are a couple of minor characters in homosexual relationships. The mature content rating is for alcohol use; kissing; illegal activity; innuendo; nudity; groping; and mentions of drugs, abortion, condoms, genitalia, pornography, incest, and sex. The violence rating is for assault; blood and gore; domestic violence; sexual assault; mentions of guns, animal cruelty, torture, and rape; suicide; and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

On the Wings of la Noche by Vanessa L. Torres - ADVISABLE

On the Wings of la Noche by Vanessa L. Torres, 352 pages. Knopf Books for Young Readers (Random House), 2025. $20

Language: G (4 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG ( kissing, partial nudity); Violence: PG (death scenes)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Noche Villanueva  lives in Duluth, Minnesota and secretly shifts into an owl-like being known as a Lechuza, escorting souls of the dead to the afterlife. After her girlfriend Dante drowns, Noche refuses to release Dante’s spirit, creating emotional and supernatural consequences. As she navigates grief, friendship, cultural identity, and a new romantic connection with Jax, a boy awaiting a heart transplant, Noche must confront whether love means holding on or letting go.

I liked the way this author handles love and loss in this book. Torres doesn’t treat grief as something simple or quick to fix, instead, she shows how messy and confusing it can be. The mix of Mexican folklore and modern teen life makes it feel unique, and the Lechuza mythology adds a cool supernatural layer.  I also appreciated how all of the relationships felt genuine and layered, not just surface-level drama. That said, the pacing slows down in the middle, and some of Noche’s inner thoughts repeat before the story really moves forward. I also would have liked a little more explanation about how the supernatural rules work. Still, for high school readers who enjoy emotional stories with romance, identity struggles, and a touch of magical realism, this book offers something meaningful and memorable.

Noche and Dante are Latina/Mexican American.

Jessica Nelson CTHS Librarian

The Big Mess and other stories by Greg Pizzoli. - ADVISABLE

The Big Mess and other stories by Greg Pizzoli. (Earl and Worm #2) CHAPTER BOOK Random House, 2025 $11.00 9780593649701 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Worm loves to clean so she helps Earl with his big mess - but many things he doesn't want, she does, and soon her house is messy again. Earl finds a lucky penny which seems to bring him anything but, and Worm wants Earl to stay up all night with her so she can finally see a sunrise. 

Oh, such cute stories and adorable illustrations. The friends are so nice to each other, even with things are not going their way (see The Lucky Penny). A good amount of text, it will be a fun book that young readers will enjoy and re-read. 

Lisa Librarian