Europa (City Spies #7) by James Ponti, - ADVISABLE

Europa (City Spies #7) by James Ponti, 378 pages. Aladdin (Simon and Schuster), 2026. $19

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The City Spies are trying to stop bombs from targeting high level targets in Europe. Their key suspect is behind bars, but insists that he can stop the threats if he is released from prison. Clementine's name appears in secret communications, implying her involvement. The team has to pool its resources to figure out clues to where the next bomb sites might be.

City Spies always has a lot of action and fast-thinking kids. Outguessing the clues is like outguessing a Jeopardy champion, so that's not going to happen much. While the story is good, I'm getting ready for some closure before the kids start shaving and paying taxes. If you like the City Spies, you'll know what you're in for, though the storyline doesn't advance the Clementine thread much. The City Spies come from a variety of ethnic backgrounds.

Michelle in the Middle 

Absent by Rex Ogle and LJ-Baptiste - SEVERAL

Absent by Rex Ogle and LJ-Baptiste, 304 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, NOVEL IN VERSE Norton YR, September 2026. $18

Language: R (19 swears 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Physical bullying, threats, taunting, menacing)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Liam, Manny and Cal are all in middle school and serving detention together because of attendance problems. Cal is responsible for getting his little brothers to school, but it’s not close to his, and when his bike gets stolen, he just can’t make it on time. Manny just hates school; he feels like it’s a waste of time and that he already knows all he needs to. Manny would rather just write poetry (rap lyrics) - so when he’s caught sluffing at the skate park, he also ends up in detention. And Liam is bullied, Grady and his 2 minions are ruthless, and so he hides in a closet in the library for a few days, but eventually is caught by a teacher he skipped when headed to lunch.

Ogle’s perspectives are brilliant. Liam tells his story in prose, Manny’s story is poetry - mostly rap, but even when it’s not structured like a poem it still reads like poetry somehow (Ogle - what the heck?), and Cal illustrates his story with Cartoon panels. A truly middle grade novel, rated optional because of the singular f bomb. Absenteeism is a big problem in schools today. 

Manny is Hispanic (his interactions with his grandparents are often Spanish) Cal is illustrated black, and Liam defaults white.

Lisa Librarian 

When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller - ADVISABLE

When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller, 266 pages. Random House, 2026. $18

Language: G (0 swears ) 'f's'); Mature Content: PG (Sexting picture shared, in bra); Violence: PG (classroom altercation)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Arthur, Violet and Nomi found a book they think contains prophecies - vague things that, if you are looking for them, you will see them come true. But the final prophecy seems to predict a fire and the destruction - of what? Their town, their friendship, something else? Now that they are in 7th grade and more mature than when they originally found the book, they've changed. Is it still OK for girls to be friends with boys? Arthur is worried that his feelings for Nomi might change everything, so he steps away from the friend group, and Vi has troubles of her own with her mom and a boy on Arthur's track team, while Nomi is frantic, hoping to find a sequel to their book and maybe prevent prophecy from happening, but it might be happening already.

The kids each tell their stories in alternating chapters, which I liked. A nice perspective, especially as the friends were keeping secrets from each other. The multiple perspectives and the tree narrated sections (commentary? something else, I wasn't sure about this) gave a lot to unpack. This is a book about unraveling friendships, growing up, and social media. There's a lot that can be discussed in a class or in a book club. Arthur has 2 dads, Vi and Nomi are Asian.

Lisa Librarian 

The Totally Awesome World of MrBeast by Neal E. Fischer - MANY

The Totally Awesome World of MrBeast by Neal E. Fischer, 128 pages. BIOGRAPHY Quarto, 2025. $15

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Facts and statistics about MrBeast, the man who went from a disinterested student and college dropout to one of the most viral YouTube stars on the planet.

The layout is bright and colorful and makes the text engaging. There are not only facts about Mr. Beast, but interesting side notes, like how the term computer bug was coined after a moth got into a main frame and caused it to fritz. MrBeast's story may inspire wanna-be YouTubers and his work ethic is impressive, which is important for aspiring YouTubers to understand.

Mr. Beast is white.

Michelle in the Middle 

10 Ways to Fight Misinformation by Gregor Craigie and Bithi Sutradhar - ADVISABLE

10 Ways to Fight Misinformation (Sticking to the Facts) by Gregor Craigie and Bithi Sutradhar, 52 pages. NON-FICTION Orca, 2026. $20

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In an age of misinformation, especially on the internet, this book is a handy reference tool. This is a short, well laid-out book that has short, easy to read chapters covering various topics, such as checking sources and authors. There are also great side bars about real incidents of fake news.

I only intended to skim through this, but read it cover to cover. This would be a great resource for teachers and students as they begin navigating source material for reports, and also for anyone who is wondering whether or not to share a story on social media.

Michelle in the Middle 

Real Life Disasters (Danger Files) by Anna Crowley Redding and Robbie Cathro - ESSENTIAL

Real Life Disasters (Danger Files) by Anna Crowley Redding and Robbie Cathro, 208 pages. NON-FICTION Candlewick, 2025. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

5 real life disasters told from the perspective of a child (in most cases). Includes The Great Chicago Fire, The Titanic, The Spanish Flu, The Great Molasses Flood and The Hindenburg. 

There is so much to like about this book (series). Information is presented referencing primary sources, each story contains a “try this yourself” experiment relative to the story and the telling is engaging and quick with illustrations, and side bars. I’m getting the whole series.

Most of the characters are presumed white

Lisa Librarian 

Mexikid Dreams by Pedro Martin - ESSENTIAL

Mexikid Dreams (Mexikid #2) by Pedro Martin, 320 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Penguin, SEPTEMBER 2026. $25

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (sibling fights and pranks, also guard violence at a prison)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

10yo Pedro (who is about 13 by the end of the book) is back from Mexico with his family (8 brothers and sisters) Their restaurant has been damaged by an earthquake and so the family has moved to California where they are sharecroppers, picking strawberries. Everyone helps, all hands are needed to make ends meet. But when the oldest brother gets a job at a lumberyard, Pedro starts making a plan to get out of working too - he wants to draw (and watch cartoons). But when a friend at school encourages Pedro to join the band, he rethinks his plan. Now he wants to plan the trombone!

Pedro Martin is so funny, and this series is delightful. I love how he shows the sibling interactions, funny names for the outhouse and the way they work in the fields. I also loved how he really showed the plight of the share croppers, the difficulty making a profit and a danger experienced by undocumented people (in 1977) who were desperate for work so they could send money home. A great companion which can stand alone to Mexikid. The family is Mexican with some of the children first generation American

Lisa Librarian 

Midsummer Sisters by Niki Smith - SEVERAL

Midsummer Sisters by Niki Smith, 270 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Scholastic, 2026. $15

Language: PG (14 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: PG (divorce, same sex crush, contention); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Stepsisters, Kenzie and Quinn have never known life without each other, but that may change as their home life begins to crumble. They spend the summer with their grandmother on the marshy coastal islands where they discover a herd of wild ponies and a new foal, and try and navigate the uncertainties the futures might bring.

The girls are between 9yo and 12yo, though age is never specified. The girls' problems are legitimate and difficult, and there are no easy answers when parents fall out of love. There is a lot of arguing and angst in the book, which made me slightly anxious, but it rings true. This might be a good way to build empathy or an opportunity to explore troubled feelings and relationships. I like that the sisters are so different, yet love each other. The girls are drawn white, though no culture is specified. 

Michelle in the Middle  

A Glimmer of Change by Elle McNicoll - ADVISABLE

A Glimmer of Change (A Kind of Spark - prequel) by Elle McNicoll, 207 pages. Random House, 2025. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Keedie is neurodivergent. Her twin sister is not, and unfortunately, lately has become one of the leaders of a peer group who bullies kids who may be different, or shy, or poor, or whatever they want to pick on them for. Keedie isn’t having it, and after standing up for a friend at a party, she’s asked by another classmate to be their champion as well. Keedie starts an anti-bullying agency and takes on clients, for a fee. But when the bullies claim Keedie is targeting them, her plan begins to unravel.

Elle McNicoll writes neurodiversity so well, and in this story Keedie, who I loved in A Kind of Spark a year or two ago, really shines. I love that she isn’t afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes, even when she’s standing up to teachers and the headmaster. A definite recommend, stands alone although it’s a prequel.

Keedie is Scottish as are all the characters

Lisa Librarian 

The Bug Bandits by Jenni L Walsh - ADVISABLE

The Bug Bandits by Jenni L Walsh, 224 pages. Zonderkidz, 2025. $19 Language: G (0 swears 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (mild pranks to deter a robbery, slime, honey, hot doorknob, pranks described but not presented on page)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Liberty lives with her dad in an apartment in his Bug Museum. When her friend overhears what might be a plan to steal and sell some of the rare bugs, Liberty, Cam, and Ellie need to put their heads together to figure out how to foil the bad guys.

The Bug Bandits was a fun mystery. Good twists, Liberty is inventive and smart, I also like that she had an old friend and a new friend and it didn't cause drama. Kids will like this one.

Lisa Librarian 

My Tokyo Summer by Abby Denson and Utomaru - OPTIONAL

My Tokyo Summer by Abby Denson and Utomaru, 208 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, memoir. Graphix (Scholastic), 2026. $17

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Art connects two college age art students from different countries. Abby loves making zines, comics, and punk music. When Yuuko, visiting from Japan, sees her zine in a New York store, Yuuko writes Abby a letter and they become pen pals. Abby takes a summer university art course in Japan and they get to meet each other and collaborate on a comic to sell at Comiket, one of the largest comics conventions in the world. My Tokyo Summer is a memoir of their friendship and how it changed them.

Though not big on plot, this memoir has a lot of information on zines and Japanese culture. The art is great, though the illustrations make the girls seem more like 12yo instead of university students. This book would appeal to anyone who likes manga and likes to draw. The themes of friendship, creativity and exploring cultures is fun and universal. May be a good impetus for readers who want to make their own zines.

Abby is white American and Yuuko is Japanese.

Michelle in the Middle 

Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls by Cynthia Murphy - OPTIONAL

Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls by Cynthia Murphy, 252 pages. Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House), 2026. $13.

Language: R (63 swears, 2 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (drug and alcohol use including underage drinking, illegal activity, scary elements, kissing, innuendo, and mentions of condoms, prostitution, sexual harassment, nudity in art, and of rape alarms); Violence: PG13 (corpses, blood and gore, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The day before her dad goes with his new wife on their honeymoon, Felicity (17yo) goes with them to an estate sale. There she happens upon a painting that her father buys immediately and takes straight home—despite the rumors of how it was originally discovered at a crime scene and is cursed. Felicity can’t help but be interested in the painting and its origins as people start turning up dead.

Serial killers and murder are not light subjects, and Felicity’s story is not for the fainthearted. The last third of the book became more gruesome than I was expecting from the level of the content leading up to it—I still enjoyed all of the story, I was just taken aback by the climax. And it’s not all blood and gore. Felicity’s story also includes navigating complicated relationships, forgiveness, art, and crushes.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Landing in Place by Sherine Hamdy and Myra El Mir - ADVISABLE

Landing in Place by Sherine Hamdy and Myra El Mir, 320 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Kokila (Penguin), 2026. $18

Language: G; Mature Content: PG (death, revolution, politics) Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Anisa Mustafa is applying for college and her mother wants her to go into med school. Though Anisa is Egyptian and Muslim, her mother doesn't want her to stand out and has her check "White" on her application forms. After flunking one of her courses, Anisa takes a break by visiting family in Egypt where she tries to figure out what being Muslim really is.

I wasn't prepared to like this book as much as I did. Anisa's journey to figure out how she fits in with her faith and her family is compelling. I learned more about the Muslim faith, and the quotes from the Holy Qur'an were beautiful. Anisa's decision to wear hijab and her reasoning are interesting and enlightening. I learned empathy and history of a group I don't know much about. This would be a great read for anyone practicing the Muslim faith, those who want to understand that faith, or anyone going through the angst of finding their own way and figuring out where they belong.

Michelle in the Middle 

If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle - ADVISABLE

If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle, 368 pages. Penguin Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $19.

Language: R (147 swears, 43 “f”); Mature Content: R (alcohol use; illegal activity; kissing; innuendo; mentions of drugs, pornography, orgies, and genitals; nudity; and fade-to-black sex); Violence: PG13 (assault, gun use, blood and gore, mentions of cannibalism, suicide, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

While on the phone with her best friend, Roxie accidentally engages with a wish-granting street performer who then puts Roxie into her favorite author’s next book. Problem is, Anna Matthews isn’t writing a rom com this time; she’s writing a crime thriller. Neck deep in serial killers and amateur sleuths, Roxie wonders if she’ll make it to the last page of this book alive.

First of all, my favorite part of the book is all of Roxie’s inner monologue commentary. She, as a character and a narrator, is absolutely hilarious, and I laughed out loud several times. Eberle leans into and pokes fun at classic the tropes for both rom coms and crime thrillers as Roxie’s reality moves in and out of the plotline being written for her. If Books Could Kill is a delightful read for fans of either—or both!—genres.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Harper Sharp: Kid Detective #1 by Jarrett Williams - ADVISABLE

Harper Sharp: Kid Detective #1 by Jarrett Williams, 296 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $22

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Fifth grader, Harper Sharp is a gamer, an artist, and a detective. When mysterious signs show up threatening the Young Inventor's Fair, Harper is on the case. His principal is counting on him to solve the case before the fair so none of the inventions will be in danger.

Vibrant colors and fun art make this an inviting read. Harper is a great character, and his problem solving will draw in would be sleuths to figure out who-done-it along with him. The plot should appeal to young kids, and Harper's friendships and adventures at school are relatable.

Harper is Black and his friends are a variety of backgrounds.

Michelle in the Middle 

Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by Debbi Michiko Florence - ADVISABLE

Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by Debbi Michiko Florence, 304 pages. Scholastic Press (Scholastic Inc), 2021. $9.

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Jenna (12yo) refuses to talk about her ex breaking up with her just before Christmas break, her parents’ divorce, or anything else that involves any of her emotions. Her best friend is hurt by being shut out, but that’s all that relationships do—hurt. And Jenna is done with hurting and done with people. She is a serious, objective, truth-seeking reporter who is going to win this newspaper article writing contest no matter what.

Starting from the position of believing that truth means being heartless, Jenna’s transformation over the course of her story is done beautifully. Jenna learns about friendship and vulnerability, and she comes to understand how holding on to anger only hurts herself. Florence, through Jenna, teaches readers how to actually be happy. Jenna is Japanese American (and so are other prominent characters).

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest by Chris Grabenstein - ADVISABLE

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest by Chris Grabenstein, 266 pages. Random House, 2025. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

12yo Benji and 18yo Ethan are brothers that don't get along very well. Ethan is getting ready to leave for college and loves sports, while Benji loves video games and puzzles. The boys are forced on a road trip by their parents. On their way to the Grand Canyon, they find themselves in a massive treasure hunt put on by Ms. Pennypickle, an eccentric puzzle master. They have to beat out six other teams to get the prize, which they can only achieve by working together.

Delightful read, especially for fans of "Mr. Lemoncello's Library." This is a witty and fun road trip puzzle that readers will want to solve along with the Broderick brothers. I read the book in one sitting because it was so fun. Great characters and plot. Grab a soda and the audio book and hit Route 66!

The Broderick brothers are white.

Michelle in the Middle 

Queen’s Shadow by E. K. Johnston - ADVISABLE

Queen’s Shadow (Star Wars) by E. K. Johnston, 345 pages. Disney Lucasfilm Press (Disney Book Group), 2019. $15.

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (drug and alcohol use, kissing, nudity, innuendo, illegal activity, and mentions of trafficking); Violence: PG (gun use, battle scenes, and mentions of murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

After two terms as Queen Amidala of Naboo, it’s time for Padmé (18yo) to let the democracy vote in a new queen. Most of her handmaidens already have plans for their next phase of life, but Padmé is still trying to figure out what she wants. And then the new queen offers her the position of senator, keeping Padmé in the middle of important change—and deadly secrets.

Johnston explains enough for the story to make sense, but it also assumes a background knowledge of Star Wars events that deepens understanding of significance. It also felt like there were so many characters to keep track of between all of Padmé’s handmaidens and the senators she meets with, and sometimes I put the book down to take a break from the work of keeping them all straight. Nevertheless, I was impressed that Johnston made politicking enjoyable action to read—it helps that there were also body double switches and space battles. The gap between movies that this book fills by showing Padmé’s experiences in her transition from queen to senator makes me love her all the more. Padmé is depicted as White on the cover.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

False Starts by Carl Brundtland and Claudia Davila - ADVISABLE

False Starts (A Nansi Graphic Novel #2) by Carl Brundtland and Claudia Davila, 164 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Kids Can Press, 2026. $17

Language: G (2 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The summer before 8th grade, Ayesha lands a big part in the festival play. Nansi is running track and trying to beat her nemesis. Though Ayesha is a good actress, she is terrified of having people look at her, so when Nansi accidentally posts a video of Ayesha to the track team group, their friendship might be on the line.

The art is colorful and the layout makes the story easy to follow. I love that Nansi is loosely based of the West African folktale trickster, Anansi. Relatable themes of insecurities, false assumptions, and friendship help out the story. This is a fast read that can be finished in a few hours. This is a multicultural group of characters. Nansi has ties to Jamaica, and the culture is fun to follow.

Michelle in the Middle 

Breakout by Christina Wyman - ADVISABLE

Breakout by Christina Wyman, 304 pages. Farrar, Straus & Giroux (Macmillan), 2026. $18

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Ellis is dealing with a lot. Her relationship with her mother has changed; they seem to fight all the time, especially about Ellis' acne. No matter what she does, her mother tells her she's ungrateful, and her dad, whom she only visits every other weekend, is taking her mom's side. She's also having trouble with her best friend, things are just not the same, but she's so anxious about everything else going on that she keeps putting off talking to Aggy about it. And of course, her Capstone project is due soon, and she's still having trouble with the topic. But Ellis's Aunt Lydia is the voice of reason, and she's a service dog trainer - can Rocco help ease the tension?

I think we all experienced what is happening to Ellis to some degree or another. - acne, friend trouble, parents. Wyman's novels are so relatable - Slouch and Jawbreaker are already popular in my library, and I think Breakout will find its audience as well. I like the author's note at the beginning (rather than at the end), so the reader is aware that not all of the adult voices are mature and appropriate. Ellis is white.

Lisa Librarian