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 

Sisters Alone by Shifa Saltagi Safadi - ADVISABLE

Sisters Alone by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, 336 pages. NOVEL IN VERSE Penguin, 2026. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: Peril, near drowning, injuries 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Rama and 11yo Leena are dealing with the recent death of their mother. The family is struggling, and the sisters fight all the time. When their father is out of town during what should have been a school trip, the sisters are trapped by a terrible storm that tears through their town and even their house. No power, barely any food and unable to call or go for help, Rama and Leena must depend on each other for their very survival. 

Dealing with the death of a parent is unimaginable, but the added emotional issues - Leena feels responsible for her mother's death, Rama hears voices telling her she's a monster; the conflict between the sisters, and Rama is having friend issues fills this novel in verse, which is told in alternating - and sometimes split page - perspectives. There's a lot to unpack, the poetry reflects the girls emotions and was a really nice read. The sisters are Muslim. 

Lisa Librarian  

The Secret to Belonging by Megan E. Freeman, - OPTIONAL

The Secret to Belonging by Megan E. Freeman, 330 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2026. $20 

Language: R (30 swears, 8 f); Mature Content: PG-13 (off page sex, drug use, drinking) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Told in second person by an anonymous junior in high school who simply goes by "you." She struggles with her identity because she is overlooked by her parents as they struggle to deal with her older brother's drug addiction. When her college fund is used by her parents for her brother's rehab, her dreams seem dashed until she is offered a scholarship as an exchange student to Norway where she hopes to find a place to belong. 

Told in free verse, it reads fast. The protagonist's anonymity adds to her story, and even though you will totally dislike her family, you will fall in love with Norway in the 80's. This is a coming of age story where sometimes you have to leave your home to find it. No race is mentioned, but the protagonist is from California. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Formula Fast by Matt Ralphs and Dragan Kordic - ESSENTIAL

Formula Fast by Matt Ralphs and Dragan Kordic, 64 pages. NON-FICTION. Phaidon, 2026. $20. 9781837291243

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Learn many exciting, interesting facts that go into our modern Formula One racing.

Though picture book sized, Ralph’s book is much more in depth and oh so fascinating. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday by Kelsey B. Toney - OPTIONAL

The Unexpected Consequence of Bleeding on a Tuesday by Kelsey B. Toney, 304 pages. Random House Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2025. $20.

Language: R (86 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (two separate doses of medical marijuana, intense periods, several references to the female reproductive system but not sexual in nature, a handful of kissing scenes); Violence: G (some bullying & insensitive comments due to a character’s chronic illness);

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

17yo Delia Bridges is a senior in high school in Dallas, TX, on the fast track for a prestigious premed mentorship and early acceptance to an Ivy League college, and has debilitating period pain. She has gone to doctor after doctor and no one believes her, so she wants to become a gynecologist herself and finally get some answers. So when she wakes up on one of the significant days of her high school career in a pool of menstrual blood, she panics because she can’t miss this day of all days. In desperation, she takes some medical marijuana that her sister grew & prepared from scratch. She gets caught with it at school and it spectacularly torpedoes her future plans. Can she figure out her next steps and who she is beyond her period?

Oh, how my heart ached for Delia’s plight! The lack of care from her doctors and her schools’ administration was infuriating, but that was the point. I thought it was a compassionate perspective on chronic illnesses, with both the main character’s endometriosis and her friend’s IBS. I loved reading this book and even if you don’t have period pain as bad as Delia’s, learning how to advocate for yourself and your friends is always going to be a positive takeaway.

Kiera, ELA teacher #BookswithBeddes

Hand-Me-Down by Damian Alexander - ADVISABLE

Hand-Me-Down by Damian Alexander, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Macmillan), 2026 $16 

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 f) Mature Content: PG (depression, grief, foster home) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Damian is going through his middle school years dealing with the loss of a mother he never knew, since she died when he was a baby. His grandmother is the only mother he and his older brother have known, and Damian tries to piece together his mother's life from other people's memories. When Damien feels out of place and alone at school, his grandmother's stories about her childhood in foster care and his daydreams help him cope. He comes to feel closer to the mother he lost and begins to see the mother he found. 

This memoir captures the difficulty of dealing with loss, loneliness, fitting in, and growing up poor. Damian's voice is authentic and readers will be able to either identify with his feelings or gain empathy. There are some nice life lessons here and it's a quick read. The graphic art is laid out well and easy to follow. Damian is white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Wump by Tony Diterlizzi - ADVISABLE

The Wump by Tony Diterlizzi, 316 pages. Dial (Penguin), 2026. $19 

Language: PG-13 (15 swears, 0 f) Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Timothy is an 11-12yo boy who loves bugs and all things entomology. He is the resident school nerd and good student. That begins to change when he is faced by bullies and his overbearing mother, who wants him to be a "normal kid," and give up his bug collection. Timothy starts to notice a black shadow in his reflection, and when he gives himself over to it, or the Wump, it takes control of his life and Timothy lashes out in ways he never would have before. With the help of the Wump, Timothy stands up for himself and takes control, but at what cost? 

The black and green illustrations help add to the creepiness of the book and Timothy's involvement with the Wump. For those readers who are dealing with uncontrollable anger, lashing out, or Wumps of their own, this might be a helpful read. Tony has to find a better way to deal with the stresses of his life than merely getting revenge and giving himself over to his dark side. A fun way to deal with the balance self-control and standing up for oneself. Timothy is white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Travelers by Greg Howard - ADVISABLE

The Travelers by Greg Howard, 320 pages. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2026. $10 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: PG (same sex attraction, death) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

12 yo Ben Turner has lost his mom to a drug overdose. The only other family he has is a grandmother he's never met, who turns out to be cold and distant. Her home, Clifton House, is creepy and old and possibly haunted. There are strange sounds in the walls as if people are present, and the house seems to hum with a weird energy. Ben is alone and still grieving, but discovers a secret of the house and hopes to use it to save his mother. 

The plot morphs from a possible ghost story to time travel and dealing with grief. Ben discovers he is not the only person grieving his mother. Good story for those dealing with grief or trying to move on, especially when we wish we could go back in time and change the past. Interesting premise. I would read other books by this author. Ben is white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

I’m Gonna Get You Back by Eva Des Lauriers - ADVISABLE

I’m Gonna Get You Back by Eva Des Lauriers, 342 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2026. $21

Language: R (100+ swears, 25+ ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (steamy kissing, pants removed, drinking); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A few months ago Gwen’s life was ruined when her Legacy scholarship was yanked when someone sabotaged her documentary film showing at the final banquet. While she faced consequences for the compromising footage, the principal’s son, also a scholarship recipient, lost nothing. In the months since, Gwen has barely held it together - icing out even Reid, who might have been the love of her life. Now it’s time for Legacy weekend; Reid and the others are on their way home and everyone is keeping secrets. Gwen is determined to figure and expose whomever it was who hurt her.

Chapters alternate between Gwen and Reid, and between Then and Now. Everything is clearly labeled, so it is ebay to follow along.  The Then chapters do drag a bit, but it was refreshing to see a mystery that doesn’t involve murder. The romance is quite heartfelt and full of misunderstandings and angst. I appreciate the double entendre in the title, too. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Killing Rules by Bree Despain - OPTIONAL

The Killing Rules by Bree Despain, 416 pages. Entangled Teen, 2026. $13 (pb), $29 (hc)

Language: R (123 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (passionate kiss); Violence: PG-13 (bloody deaths, child abuse)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Harper enjoys most parts of her life. She’s a cheerleader and has good friends but she suffers from the Blood Bound curse which changes her, every three months, into a killing monster. Harper uses this curse to rid the world of evil, harmful people but she hates that she ends people’s lives and struggles with constant guilt. Harper really likes Grayson and the feeling is mutual but her Nana insists she stay away from him, as part of the set of rules to keep Harper safe from hunters and to keep her curse a secret. Grayson’s father was Harper’s first victim but his death is a mystery to Grayson. He’s actively investigating his father’s death and he keeps getting closer and closer to the truth.

I enjoyed the humor, mystery, and character development! Harper’s internal struggle gave her character depth and maturity. The twists were great and the story kept me hooked! Twisty! A perfect October read!

The ethnicity is mixed.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Blightfall by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson - ADVISABLE

Blightfall (Riftwake #1) by Brandon Sanderson and Janci Patterson, 496 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2026. $22

Language: PG (16 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (hand holding, chaste kiss); Violence: PG (people dying, alien shot down, bloody injury)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

18yo Arturo is building a flight crew for a covert mission to Blightfall. He and his crew have been assigned to explore this planet and guard diplomats as they try to reach settlements and make contact. Before they land, the crew is attacked and some perish. Those left are terrified that they might never find cooperation or be able to return home. When they do land they discover that the planet is as inhospitable as their welcome was.

I like the wise quote on page 273, “If one is offended by questions, one might be revealing the weakness in one’s own rhetorical position.” The awkwardness between Arturo and Alanik is adorable! They like each other but are unsure if the other one likes them. Cute humor throughout the book. Fun sci-fi adventure with a bit of a mystery.

Crew members are described with a variety of skin colors, including purple.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Flutterfly Effect by Hannah Fay and Mag Takc - ADVISABLE

The Flutterfly Effect (Fairy Scout Friends #2) by Hannah Fay and Mag Takc, 117 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Little Simon, 2026. $8

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Flutterfly is an elementary school aged fairy. With her antennae and round wings, Flutterfly does not look like your typical fairy.  She is a member of the Fairy Scout Friends, a group of fairies that work on earning their magic.  The scouts latest challenge is to grow a seed with magic.  Can Flutterfly complete the challenge?

The Flutterly Effect is a great book for readers that are new to reading chapter books.  With illustrations on every page and easy to read language, The Flutterfly Effect will draw in even reluctant readers.  I enjoyed the plot and the lesson of resilience it teaches. Flutterfly is a fairy that is presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Rootbound by Margaret Owen - ADVISABLE

Rootbound: A Tangled Novel by Margaret Owen, 316 pages. Random House, 2026. $19

Language: G (0 swears, though a couple of slant swears are used; 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE; HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Newly found Princess Rapunzel, 18yo, is invited to a neighboring country, Astera. This country usually doesn't allow visitors past the harbor, so the move is suspicious, but Rapunzel wants to prove herself as fit to be a princess. Eugene accompanies her, but he is worried that Rapunzel's parents will tell him that he isn't good enough for a princess. They arrive in Astera and find that according to Asteran traditions Princess Verette should have been given the throne years ago, but her father refuses to abdicate for her. The two princesses form an alliance and discover that King Enver has been sapping magic from the land to maintain control for years. This has led to a famine causing King Enver to decide to invade Rapunzel's home. 

The showdown between King Enver and Rapunzel, Eugene and Princess Verette is fast paced and showcases all the good qualities in our heroines and hero. As a bonus, the book ends with a cliffhanger about Eugene's own backstory. "Rootbound" is an exciting continuation of the Rapunzel story from the Disney movie. Rapunzel and Eugene are fleshed out even more as characters with personal motivations. It is a fun adventure story, but Rapunzel and other characters are used to show the lasting affects of trauma making this a deeper story for many readers.

It is a make believe world, so there are no actual ethnicities, but some characters are described with different skin, hair, and eye colors. Some characters are LGBT.

Janae S., Reading Teacher

Shadow Over the Pumpkin Queen by Megan Shepherd - ADVISABLE

Shadow Over the Pumpkin Queen (The Pumpkin Queen #3) by Megan Shepherd, 409 pages. Random House, 2026. $21

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G ; Violence: PG (Mad scientist experiments, kidnappings, Halloween characters, some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MS - MANY, HS - SOME

Even though Sally has saved Halloween Town and discovered her own lost family, she still feels insecure and carries the trauma of having been held captive and experimented on by Dr. Finkelstein. When characters, including Jack, start disappearing during storms, Sally has to find a way to protect Halloween Town. The Shadow Prince is too powerful, and Sally must enlist the aid of all her friends and the famous Night Mare. Constantly putting herself in danger and accepting help from former enemies, Sally must overcome her fears and accomplish the impossible.

"Shadow Over the Pumpkin Queen" is the third installment in the Pumpkin Queen series focused on Sally, the rag doll who married Jack. There is enough background provided that this can be read as a stand alone novel. Fans of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" will love the continuation of the story. Sally becomes a role model for all students feeling insecure and wondering if their past will always hold them back.

Janae S., Reading Teacher

Gone Forever? by Erin Silver and Xulin Wang - ADVISABLE

Gone Forever? by Erin Silver and Xulin Wang, 84 pages. NON-FICTION. Orca, 2026. $27. 9781459840980

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Silver gives a very detailed, but engaging look at the different threats around the world because of human-created climate change. 

Silver is even-handed and matter-of-fact about the challenges being faced all over the world, and looks into the causes of and possible solutions for at least some of the problems. I was fascinated and read everything from cover to cover. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Terror From the Cave by Jeff Strand - ADVISABLE

Terror From the Cave by Jeff Strand, 192 pages. Sourcebooks, 2026. $9 (pb)

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (broken bones, creature eating a victim mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

12to Bryan has no desire to be on the school ski trip, but his crush Danielle is going, so off he goes. What he and the others don’t know is that Spoon SLopes, already a pretty crummy “resort” area, is also plagued by a deadly beast that is about to wake up and be VERY hungry. 

Strand puts the couple of adults in the book out of commission pretty quickly, so the kids have a chance to step up and shine as they do (or do not) step up to help each other. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Yule Be Sorry by Christopher Krovatin - ADVISABLE

Yule Be Sorry by Christopher Krovatin, 208 pages. Scholastic, 2026. $9 (pb)

Language: PG (6 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (danger, a death mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Farrah just wants to have their family's traditional Christmas celebration, but everyone around her is on edge this year. Now she’s being dragged to her grandmother’s home in the woods for an extended family gathering, but all of her relatives seem to be grumpy too. One night she and her cousin find a hidden box of ornaments and when they use them to decorate the tree, they have no idea that they are about to unleash a variety of angry Nordic spirits upon their families. 

It takes a bit to really build up to the most dangerous parts of the yule creatures attacks. But I think a reader drawn in by the cover will enjoy the anticipation. Farrah is younger than older 16yo sister, but her age is not specified. The characters cue white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson - OPTIONAL

 The Christmas Yes List by Melissa Ferguson, 352 pages. Thomas Nelson (HarperCollins), 2026. $19.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (illegal activity, mentions of alcohol, and a joke about incest); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Chloe’s people-pleasing tendencies have led her to where she is now: jobless and single. So Chloe (25yo) is returning home with a determination to use rejection therapy to cure herself before Christmas. What she wasn’t counting on was a man who continues to say yes to every ridiculous suggestion.

The main characters exhibit the extreme ends of a spectrum of not caring what people think to the point of not caring about being rude versus people-pleasing to one’s own detriment. Obviously, the best answer is a balance somewhere in the middle, and the story is about Chloe’s silly journey to find her own balance. I was really worried about a dramatic climax and cringy third-act breakup, but I was pleasantly surprised that Ferguson took the characters through a much more modest response. Overall, a cute romance for the holidays.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson