Everything Amplified by Sarah Lippett, Ziggy Hanaor. - OPTIONAL

Everything Amplified by Sarah Lippett, Ziggy Hanaor. 270 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Cicada Books, 2026. $26

Language: R (40 swears, 17 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (drinking, vaping, kissing, joke mentioning "vagina"); Violence: PG-13 (bullying, self-harm)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

15yo Nel feels overshadowed by her twin brother Ludo, but she finds comfort in her passion for music, her friend Kit, and her aunt Jan who plays in a band. Then, Ludo does something Nel hasn’t had the courage to: he forms a band. After an encounter with one of her bullies, Bea, and after Ludo gets in trouble, Nel starts hanging out with a new group of friends. Life seems to be going better, but being a teenager is filled with ups and downs and everything is amplified. 

I applaud this graphic novel for its authentic portrayal of being a teenager. Nel's character development is well-done, but I wish it explored Bea’s character arc more. Because it was originally published in the UK, some of the slang may be unfamiliar to readers, but it's easily understood in context. The $26 price tag makes it a spendy purchase; however, it may be worth it for some libraries serving older teens who enjoy graphic novels. A tale of teenage trials, being yourself, and finding comfort in music. 

Nel and Kit are LGBT+. Secondary characters and background characters are diverse. 

Ms. Megan, HS Librarian

Puddles and Potions by Kara Lareau and Ariane Moreira - ADVISABLE

Puddles and Potions (Witchycakes #3) by Kara Lareau and Ariane Moreira. 65 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Random House, 2026. $16

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

It is almost the Spring Festival.  Blue is helping her mother run their cafe and prepare for the festival.  Blue and her mother are able to use magic.  Blue sees a potion bottle that is labeled Perfect Potion.  Could this potion help her save the day?

Puddles & Potions is the third book in the Witchcakes series.  It would appeal to readers that have recently started reading chapter books.  The story is sweet with eye-catching illustrations.  There are illustrations on every page.

Blue is in the 3rd or 4th grade.; Blue and her mother are presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

The Skull by Jon Klassen - OPTIONAL

The Skull by Jon Klassen, 101 pages. Candlewick, 2023. $20. 9781536223361

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Otilla has run away and finds a grand castle in the forest which is occupied only by a skull.  The two enjoy their day, but when night falls, a skeleton comes in pursuit of the skull.  Otilla has an idea. 

Not quite a picture book, not quite a novel. While based on a traditional Tyrolean folktale, Klassen has given this his own spin, so it doesn’t really fit with folklore either. I would personally place this with the Halloween books as it is sufficiently creepy.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

In Case I Go Missing by R. N. Swann - OPTIONAL

In Case I Go Missing by R. N. Swann, 400 pages. Viking Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $21.

Language: R (93 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use including underage drinking, illegal activity, kissing, partial nudity, innuendo, and mentions of drugs and condoms); Violence: PG13 (assault, mentions of child abuse, blood and gore, gun use, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Thick as thieves since elementary school, Sarah, Sam, and Fenris are infamous around town. Sarah cares about the truth, and loyal Sam and Fenris help her to expose secrets regardless of the cost. But when Sarah goes missing, Fenris tries to fill Sarah’s shoes and discover what has happened to her best friend.

A convoluted mystery in the best way, Fenris and Sam have to untangle years of lies to figure out what happened. While this kind of mystery doesn’t give the reader enough information to make an educated guess at the culprit, the mess and suspense were still enjoyable to read.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Sheine Lende (a prequel to Elatsoe) by Darcy Little Badger - ADVUSABLE

Sheine Lende (a prequel to Elatsoe) by Darcy Little Badger, illustrated by Rovina Cai, 400 pages. Levine Querido, 2025. $20. 

Language: PG (17 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, injuries) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

17yo Shane is a member of the almost extinct Lipan Apache tribe. Her mother has a special talent for finding lost people, and Shane has special skills too, and she helps her mother when she can. When a brother and sister go missing in the woods, and then Shane's mother disappears, too, Shane may have to rely on her unpredictable grandfather to help her. It seems there's some fairy magic causing the trouble. Shane has inherited a gift for temporarily raising the dead, but so far she keeps it to small things, mostly bugs. She has a ghost dog who is excellent at tracking, and Shane's mother has taught her well. 

So many twists and turns, traditional Indigenous culture along with Fairy rings and ancient wizards with some modern science thrown in as well - I had no idea where it was going, but I loved where it took me. I have not read Elatsoe, but now I need to, as I would love to return to their world. What a great adventure. Illustrations were pencil and interesting, they weren't always obviously representing something from the following chapter, but I bet they do, I will certainly take another look. 

Lisa Librarian 

Who's Got the Best Medicine? (Survival of the Fittest #2) by Rebecca Donnelly and Misa Saburi, - ESSENTIAL

Who's Got the Best Medicine? (Survival of the Fittest #2) by Rebecca Donnelly and Misa Saburi, 112 pages. NON-FICTION GRAPHIC NOVEL. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2025. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Animals and insects in this graphic novel compete in a game show to see who can present the best medical innovation based on their own anatomy.

The book is full of interesting animal and insect facts presented in a fun approachable way. I  found it to be very informative and creative in the way it presented information. The illustrations are also great. 

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

River of Spirits (The Underwild #1) by Shana Targosz - ESSENTIAL

River of Spirits (The Underwild #1) by Shana Targosz, 416 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2025. $19

Language: G (6 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, some fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

12yo Senka is the ward of Charon, the Ferryman of the Underworld. Together they live between the realms of the Living and the Dead, where Senka dreams of one day becoming an assistant Ferryer. She has memorized all of Charon’s Rules for guiding the recently deceased from the shores of the living to their final afterlife and follows them carefully. But when a living girl named Poppy arrives searching for her ghost brother and is accidentally swept into the river of the dead, Senka is forced to break the rules to save her. Together the girls journey through the Underworld in a desperate race against time. If a Living person remains there too long, they risk becoming trapped forever. As Senka and Poppy travel through the dangerous realm, they encounter demigods, monsters, and strange inhabitants of the underworld. Along the way, Senka begins uncovering secrets about her own existence and realizes that Charon may have been hiding the truth from her all along.

A story about the power of love and learning to accept the loss of those we care about, woven together with elements of Greek mythology. I really enjoyed this book. It was a grand adventure that was both exciting and emotional, and the writing drew me into the world of the Underworld and its characters.

Senka and Poppy present white.

A. Snow, Librarian

Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore - OPTIONAL

Lady Flyer by Heather B. Moore, 416 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024 $28.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (sexism, smoking, of-age drinking); Violence: PG-13 (war, plane crashes)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Nancy Harkness fell in love with flying at an early age when she watched Charles Lindbergh's transatlantic flight successfully land and then later at the age of 16 when she paid for a stunt plane ride. She achieved her flying licenses and advocated for women to become ferrying pilots during WWII. She faced an uphill battle of administrative red-tape, skepticism about women's abilities to fly larger aircrafts, and a rivalry with Jackie Cochran who is advocating for her own vision of women pilots. 

Moore based her story on a real story, so it reads more like a biography with imagined dialogue. There is no shortage of books set during WWII; however, this one does contain information on a little discussed topic. It’s also easy to follow, but it has some repeated words and flowery language that can be distracting. For example, the utterances of “golly” in intense situations took me out of the moment. All in all, it presents interesting information about the struggles and triumphs of early women flyers, but its slower pace and phrasing may dissuade some readers. 

The main characters are white. 

Ms. Megan, High School Librarian 

Last Chance Live! by Helena Haywoode Henry - OPTIONAL

Last Chance Live! by Helena Haywoode Henry, 544 pages. Penguin, 2025. $22

Language: R (91 swears, 4 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: R (gruesome ways to kill someone mentioned, detailed murder scenes committed by characters, rape mentioned, capital punishment)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

Eternity is 18yo  and on death row for aiding the murder of some extended family members and is desperate to be chosen to compete in a reality show in hopes of winning her freedom. Getting cast on the show could win her clemency from her sentence and give her the opportunity to live the life she always dreamed of outside of prison bars.   The only catch, she must convince America to vote off the other 9 competing death row inmates and guarantee her freedom.  

The story is told in both present and past tense, helping the reader truly understand Eternity's heart and life.  The novel is full of powerful narratives that plague Eternity's mind and soul.  Readers will cheer for, cry for, and become endeared to this main character and her plea to be given a chance to prove she is worth something.  Every reality TV binge watcher will love this deeply human teen novel.  Henry does a masterful job getting the reader inside of Eternity's head and heart. The self-talk doesn't excuse Eternity's actions, yet the truth about race and socioeconomic status is such a defining reality.  I did think that the violence was a bit to bear with the age suggestion being 12-17, but I am protective of what my children read.  The real world really is a tough place for a lot of people! I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down.  The concept of a reality show freeing a death row inmate was a unique and controversial idea for sure.

Eternity is a black girl from Dallas. 

S. Lewis

No One Leaves the Manor by Kelly McWilliams - ADVISABLE

No One Leaves the Manor by Kelly McWilliams, 393 pages. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2026. $20

Language: PG (9 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (rape, brief descriptions and language used to briefly mention sexual paintings; Violence: PG (peril from supernatural sources)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS  - OPTIONAL; HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

It's 1921. Four 15yo debutantes are invited to spend a weekend at Greystone Manor in rural New Hampshire for the chance to compete against each other and become the heiress to the multi-million dollar estate. Each girl comes with a different motivation. Dorothea wants to find out what happened to her mother that disappeared here; Elspeth was sent by her mother to save her family from financial ruin; Vaughn is pampered and spoiled and determined to win the inheritance; and Birdie is a polio survivor and just wants an adventure. The manor is dark, mysterious, and menacing. Dorothea, Elspeth, and Birdie form a friendship, but Vaughn stays aloof as she feels she is above the others. As each debutante encounters strange and supernatural events and rooms in the manor, they quickly realize that the Manor keeps its victims and that they will not be able to escape. A monster lurks behind the walls and in the bowels of the Manor.

McWilliams has created engaging characters with the chapters alternating between the different characters and their experiences, both from their past and in the present at the Manor. This was a Gothic Horror genre, which is not my typical choice of genre; I was happy to see that it was not too creepy, but creepy and weird enough for those lovers of the Horror genre. The final showdown between the characters and the force of evil was intelligently handled and satisfying, especially for those who like an ending with resolution. The novel also had thought-provoking ideas on society and human nature that did not have any agenda attached. As an English teacher, I was also happy to see great vocabulary word building. The one negative I would say is that there were shocking descriptions of paintings of a sexual nature, somewhat perverted, in one of the bedrooms. The description was brief and not dwelt upon. Afterward, the pictures were called 'filthy paintings' by the characters.  Personally, I thought this particular detail was totally unnecessary and did not have any connection to the storyline. Considering this is aimed at Middle School and High School youth, the painting descriptions should have been left out completely. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Rebecca Jo  Hansen, HS Language Arts teacher

Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee - ADVISABLE

Heiress of Nowhere by Stacey Lee, 381 pages. Simon & Schuster for Young Readers, 2026. $20

Language: PG (16 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing, drinking); Violence: PG (murders, peril)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

18 years ago a newborn baby girl drifted in a canoe to Nowhere on Orcas Island in Washington. She was given the name of Lucy and taken in by a local ship-builder and estate owner, Dakon Sanders, living as an employee of the estate. Just as she plans to leave Nowhere to attend university on the mainland, she discovers her employer's severed head on the shore. Then, unaccountably, she is named the heiress of Nowhere and the owner of Mr. Sander's shipping company. Now 18yo, Lucy discovers that her father was the Can Man, who was murdered in the same way as Mr. Sanders 18 years earlier. Lucy now knows that she must discover who murdered her father and Mr. Sanders before she is the next victim.

The mysterious happenings are an engaging way that keeps the reader anxiously following the trail of clues. Lucy is a likeable protagonist and the setting in the Northwest islands off of Washington enhances the storyline.  As an English teacher, I was also happy to see great vocabulary word building. The main drawback to this story is that Lucy looks at everyone as a suspect and can find a motive to kill each of them.  This became a little tedious as she tried to unravel the mystery.

Lucy's father was Chinese, a childhood friend, Kai, is Hawaiian.

Rebecca Jo  Hansen, HS Language Arts teacher

Where Ella Went by Laurie Morrison - ADVISABLE

Where Ella Went by Laurie Morrison, 288 pages. Amulet (Abrams), 2026. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G (kiss mentioned); Violence: G (soccer aggression)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

One day Ella was there and the next day she wasn’t.  The adults are telling the 8th graders that Ella is fine and she just wants privacy.  But Pug, her soccer teammate, and Sadie, the new soccer girl that Ella befriended, can’t just let it go.  The girls are determined to find out where Ella is and why she left so abruptly. Even if along the way they stir some other things that people just wanted to forget.

I have to agree with Pug and Sadie - the adults should know better than to tell them just to drop it. I would have done the same thing in middle school. I liked their determination - I did not like one odd coincidence in the story.  I’ll say that I did not like how things ended up for Ella in her new school; Sadie deserved better. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt and K Woodman-Maynard - OPTIONAL

Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt and K Woodman-Maynard, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

10yo Winnie escapes her very strict house and into the woods, where she finds a boy and a mysterious spring, which he won’t let her drink from. Taking her home with him, he introduces her to his family, all of whom drank from the spring more than 80 years ago - since it turned them immortal. 

Babbitt and Woodman-Maynard reimagine the classic as a graphic novel. Seeing this in graphic form brings some parts which had faded in my memory to the forefront. I am not in favor of turning every classic into a graphic novel.  There is a lot of depth of language that is lost and now I’m stuck with someone else’s pictures in my mind. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

I Don't Wish You Well - OPTIONAL

I Don’t Wish You Well by Jumata Emill, 400 pages. Delacorte Press, 2026. $20

Language: R (89 swears, 16 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (Off-page underage drinking and drugs, Off-page consensual sex); Violence: R (historic child sexual abuse, off-page sexual assault and rape, off-page murder with descriptions, off-page murder-suicide)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Five years ago in the small town of Moss Pointe, Louisiana, four members of the local high school team were murdered. One of their teammates is believed to have committed the horrific crimes, but there are those who believe that the authorities got it wrong. Freshman in college and resident of Moss Pointe, Pryce Cummings, is a journalist in training and decides to spend his summer break creating a podcast to investigate if, in fact, the murderer is still roaming the streets of his hometown. As he starts to ask questions, there are those who do not want buried secrets revealed or the truth to come out and will do anything to stop him.

Using the creation of a true crime podcast as the plot for a contemporary thriller works well as it plays into what is incredibly popular for many readers. As the story unfolds, readers should be aware that there are triggering plot points throughout in regard to LGBTQIA+ issues and sexual abuse, assault, and rape. At times, the social issues can become a bit much as the reader has to keep straight numerous characters and the ways in which they fit into the story and how they are affected by one or many of the topics. The plot twist at the end is clever and well paced moments of suspense will leave thriller fans satisfied.

Reviewer–AEB

The Dance of the Dolls - OPTIONAL

The Dance of the Dolls by Lucy Ashe, 352 pages. Union Square & Co., 2023. $28

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: R (on page sex); Violence: PG-13 (stalking, kidnapping, threat of death)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

London, 1933. Identical twin sisters, Olivia and Clara both dance for the acclaimed ballet company, Sadler’s Wells. Olivia is talented and dedicated to dance and works hard to rise in the company. However, Clara, also supremely talented, is less interested in the intense competition of the company and dreams of leaving to see the world. Both young women will come into contact with men who become obsessed with their beauty and talent. One of those obsessions could turn deadly.

For readers interested in ballet and what it means to be part of a competitive company, this book will intrigue them until about three quarters through. At that point, the “thriller” aspect of the synopsis kicks in leading to a rushed and unbelievable ending that seems incongruous with the beginnings of the story. Too often the unrealistic aspects of the plot take the reader out of the story as they find themselves questioning how certain situations have come about and why the characters are making typical thriller trope choices that don’t fit with the overall book.

Reviewer–AEB

The Fangirl Project by Beth Reekles - OPTIONAL

The Fangirl Project by Beth Reekles, 350 pages. Delecorte (Random House), 2025. $13 (pb)

Language: R (39  swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (kiss, some drinking); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

16yo Cerys has never watched the tv shows, hasn’t read the books, done none of the fan stuff, but she is determined to stay best friends with Jake, who moved to a new school and has way less time for her now. Plus, she’d like to unfriend-zone herself and move to girlfriend status.  Thus here she is on  sSaturday, headed to Worlds Beyond fantasy con to join Jake in his love of the Of Wrath and Ruin sphere. But she also has to put up with his new friend and soccer teammate, Max, who is way into all of this fandom stuff.  But Cerys is determined to persevere and joins an online chat group where she and Jake really seem to be connecting, or should she say @runicrascal, his online name. 

I don’t want to give things away here - you’ll have to figure out the truth I did.  There is some great interplay between Cerys and her new group of friends also - very much kicking against the stereotypes. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer by Paige Classey - ESSENTIAL

Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer by Paige Classey, 387 pages. NOVEL IN VERSE. Random House, 2026. $ 18

Language: G (1 swears, 0  ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (ghost story about a drowning, mild threats of violence, gun and knife threats)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

13yo Anna-Jane always looks forward to her summer sleepaway camp.  Even though she and her mother can’t afford the tuition, a camp scholarship helps. As she settles in, something strange happens in the outside world - a trip to the nearby town is derailed because almost no one is around and almost nothing is open.  Back at camp they discover that a country wide emergency has been declared. A mysterious illness is spreading rapidly.  Some kids' parents come to take them home, but a lot of campers are stuck there.  Then the director leaves in the middle of the night.  The camp nurse is now the only adult and a few counselors also remain. Otherwise, the whole group is on their own. As fall comes and winter approaches, food is getting short, and so are tempers. 

While I normally am not a novel in verse fan, Classy paints vivid pictures with her words. And the book is long enough that I never felt cheated. However, if you listened to this as an audiobook, you would never know that it is written in verse. If your students enjoy Alone by Freeman, they will be ready to devour this next. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Sleepless by Gordon Korman - ESSENTIAL

Sleepless by Gordon Korman, 240 pages. Scholastic JULY 2026. $19

Content: G (mild threats)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

They are all 12yo and all five of them don’t need any sleep.  None. Instead, each of the five is using that extra time to perfect talents and interests - until they start discovering each other.  Now there’s a bigger mystery for them to solve.  Why are they all sleepless? They have an idea of what has happened to them and who did it, but do they want this sleeplessness turned off? Maybe they won’t be so special any more. 

Korman has such a knack for taking these little ideas and making them so compelling to read all the way to the end.  It would be great to read aloud and then discuss what kids would pursue in those extra hours and would they be willing to give them up or not.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford - ADVISABLE

Werewolf Hamlet by Kerry Madden-Lunsford, 248 pages. Charlesbridge, 2025. $19

Language:  G (4 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (mentions of underage drug and alcohol use); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Angus is a quirky fifth grader who loves Shakespeare, costumes, and stage makeup. There is a lot going on in Angus’s life. His family is struggling financially and may lose their home, and Angus also needs to come up with a fifth-grade Legacy Project. Angus has a brilliant idea: stage Hamlet with werewolves as his project. First, though, he has to convince his teacher that it’s actually a good idea. To make matters worse, Angus’s older brother Liam is not acting like himself. In fact, Angus thinks he is about as unpredictable as a werewolf. Angus hopes that if Liam watches the play, he might understand that acting like a werewolf all the time is not the best way to handle things.

The story is fun and engaging while also dealing with the difficult topic of how a teenager’s addiction to alcohol can affect an entire family. I liked the way Angus’s friends supported him and how his family worked together to help one another through their struggles. Angus and Connor cue white. Zora is black

A. Snow, Librarian

Escape From Nuggetville by Jenine Pastores and Josh Jackson - ADVISABLE

Escape From Nuggetville (The Adventures of Tubby Nugget #1) by Jenine Pastores and Josh Jackson. 105 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Penguin Workshop, 2026.$12

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL; EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Tubby is a soft, nugget shaped creature who lives on the planet Nug.  He has great friends and wonderful parents.  It is almost time for him to participate in the Dunking Ceremony where he will be dipped in gold.  After he becomes golden, he has to act more like an adult.  He can only eat gold and can't have fun like he used to.  Is Tubby ready to be golden?

The Adventures of Tubby Nugget will appeal to students who enjoy graphic novels that are a little silly and not full of intense content. I would compare it to the Hilo series.  I think that students will like reading about Tubby's internal struggle to grow up. 

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian