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 

Because of Our Student Teacher by Rob Buyea - ADVISABLE

Because of Our Student Teacher (Mr. Terupt #5) by Rob Buyea, 352 pages. Random House, September 2026. $18 

 Language: G (0 swears 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (practical jokes - some mean, verbally abusive patent) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Mr Dwyer’s 5th grade class is boring. Some of the kids call him Do-Nothing Dwyer, because he just doesn’t seem to care. So when the opportunity for a student teacher comes along, there’s hope for everyone - even Mr Dwyer. Through projects, discussions and relationship building, Mr J is just what these kids need.

I loved Because of the Student Teacher. Told in the same format as the Mr Terupt books, the use of seeing the perspective of several students in the class gives the reader great rounded characters without making anyone the main protagonist. I love the message, there were positive adults and those having a hard time, and the kids grew and learned life lessons. It’s been 15 years since I read Mr Terupt and want to read it again now. Buyea cleverly reminded us of plot points without giving away anything, and if the books aren’t still in your library you don’t need to buy the whole series, but kids might be asking for book 1.

The kids default white.

Lisa Librarian 

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe by Mahogany L. Browne - OPTIONAL

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe by Mahogany L. Browne, 150 pages. Crown (Random), 2025. $20

Language: PG (3 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (COVID deaths - not graphic but talked about, fear, policies unfairly applied, foster parents sell teens medications, teens in prison)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

New York City is in lockdown because of the Corona Virus. Teens are trying to adjust to online learning, caring for elderly grandparents, being responsible for younger siblings because parents have left or died or are unavailable, coming out, and missing the social experiences in-person school provides. Some are continuing to live their regular lives in an irregular way. A Greek chorus comments intermittently, and some characters re-occur.

An accurate and poignant snapshot of life during COVID. My experience was much different, and I feel for these children - many of them of color - who are growing up quickly and parenting themselves and their grown-ups. As we get further removed from the shared trauma of the pandemic, we will need books like A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe to teach, inform, and remember. Like the city of New York, the characters are a mix of cultures and races.

Lisa Librarian 

Oh Brother by Georgina Chadderton - ESSENTIAL

Oh Brother by Georgina Chadderton, 286 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $22

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

This is a graphic memoir about the author's experience growing up with a severely autistic brother in Australia. The timeline focuses largely on her 8th grade year. Gina has to contend with her brother, Rob, stealing her treats and getting into all her stuff, as well as pinching when he gets upset, because he is nonverbal. With everything going on at home, Gina is worried her brother might scare off her new friend.

This was a fascinating look at how a family deals with an autistic child. I loved how the parents roll with it, and Gina loves her brother, even when he is difficult. This is great insight into what it takes to have to deal with chaos daily, but in such a positive and supportive way. Other community members, like the dentist and hair stylist, also help with Rob. A great way to discuss family relationships and friendship and defining normal, this will help build empathy in readers in an engaging format. Gina and Rob are white Australians.

Michelle in the Middle 

Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave by Ally Russell - ADVISABLE

Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave (Mystery James #1) by Ally Russell, 320 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2025. $16

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (supernatural suspence/horror)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Mystery James has an unusual gift – the ability to smell ghosts. Only smell! Despite being found as a baby in a cemetery and raised in a funeral home, Mystery has never actually seen a ghost. That is, until the ghost of the deceased Ellis family matriarch, Lady Ellis, appears to Mystery and screams, “CEMETERY,” THREE NIGHTS FROM NOW,” STOP.” Now Mystery has to add "decipher cryptic message” to her growing list of concerns including sleep paralysis demons, a grave robber, potentially cursed family heirlooms, and convincing her ex-best friend, Garret, to help her take on a sinister supernatural creature. All of which are becoming oddly normal in the life of Mystery James.

I feel Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave carries many of the same strengths from Ally Russell’s It Came From the Trees: A small but memorable cast, quick and engaging chapters, and a balance between mystery and horror. Sprinkled throughout the short chapters, readers see “pages” from Mystery’s notebook which contain information on last wills and testaments, heirlooms, embalming, etc., providing context for readers who might not be familiar with funeral home practices. While this is the first in a duology, readers are not left on a cliffhanger (book 2 is expected 15 September 2026). An excellent addition where readers enjoy It Came From the Trees (Russell), City of Ghosts (Schwab), Grin (Gillespie), Small Spaces (Arden), or Scritch Scratch (Currie). Mystery is a 13yo female with "bronze-brown" skin.

Tía Lucy is Mystery’s Puerto Rican adopted aunt.

E. Powell, Junior High Librarian 

Someday Perfect by Kat Schneider - OPTIONAL

Someday Perfect by Kat Schneider, 288 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Penguin Random House, 2026. $25

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (kissing, silhouettes of nude statues (no genitalia visible), gender roles); Violence: PG (name calling)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

High schooler Meg is excited to return to a Christian summer camp with her old friends, but she is also worried. She is struggling to figure out who she is and where she fits in, especially after she attended a non-Christian school for the first time last year. At camp when Meg and her friends start developing crushes on the boy campers, Meg’s anxiety and self-doubt spikes as she questions the lessons that she has been taught in church. How can she follow the rules and expectations while feeling this way?

The author was very respectful in tackling this tough subject. The graphic novels include gender expectations, such as women having to wear long skirts or dresses, men being the heads of households, and tampons being impure, while letting the main character explore her thoughts, questions, and doubts. Nonetheless, I felt that Meg's self-reflection could have gone further and been more developed. The art style is interesting with flashbacks in all blue tones. It could be an impactful novel for some students, but other graphic novels may reach a broader audience. Some secondary characters are diverse.

Ms. Megan, HS Librarian 

Paradise Coast by Suzanne Young - SEVERAL

Paradise Coast by Suzanne Young, 320 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2026. $20

Language: R (100+ swears, 54 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kissing, drinking); Violence: PG-13 (fighting, harassment, description of dead body)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Noa and Jamie are in Cape Hope, part of the Florida Everglades. But Noa is a Chaser, one of the locals struggling to make a living, and Jamie is a reluctant member of the Collective, the rich resort owners/guests who are trying to drive out the Chasers. After Noa and her friends Tech and Shawn are harassed by a group of Collective teenagers, they decide it's time to act. They begin investigating an old accusation at the heart of the feud between the groups: that a Chaser started a hotel fire and murdered a Collective. But first they need to find the hotel which disappeared off the map, and they need a boat. Thankfully Jamie is back in town after a two year absence and happens to have one.

The murder mystery aspect is slow to start and not as prevalent as readers may expect. However, the relationship between Noa and Jamie and the disappearance of Noa’s brother kept the pace going. I enjoyed the novel’s shifting points of view between Noa and Jamie, allowing each character to develop. The lush descriptions of the setting places readers in the Florida Everglades. Furthermore, the tension between the Chasers and the Collective brings up issues of classism and identity as the teenagers work to figure out what they will stand for and against. Noa and Jamie’s ages are not specified, but they are written as older teenagers. Two secondary characters, Shawn and Jordan, are LGBT+. Tech is described as having dark skin, and Jordan has olive skin.

Ms. Megan, HS Librarian 

Jin Young In Between by Ellen Oh - ADVISABLE

Jin Young In Between (Colliding Worlds #2) by Ellen Oh, 248 pages. Crown (Random House), 2026. $20

Language: PG (19 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: G (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

High schooler Mina is back in her world, but while everyone else has forgotten her, Jin remembers everything. Then one day he crosses over to Mina’s world, unknowingly starting a chain reaction that may have devastating consequences for his world. But Jin’s heart can’t stay away from Mia. The pair hopes that with the help of a physicist from Jin’s world that they can figure out how to be together.

I had no idea there was going to be a sequel! Oh mixes in the interdimensional physics with a deft hand - you can tell she did her research. The danger from a rogue scientist who wants to capture Jin for study was also a great addition. Jin and Mina’s Asaian culture doesn’t add any plot points.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Traitors in Space by Tim Collins and Steven Wood - ESSENTIAL

Traitors in Space: A Pick Your Own Path Adventure by Tim Collins and Steven Wood, 176 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2025. $9.

Language: PG (A few crew members fight aliens who have inhabited other crew members bodies. Crew members that are inhabited by aliens are pushed out the air lock and left to die in space)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

A group of young scientists are traveling back to earth after visiting a distant planet. They are awake from cryo-sleep when an alarm goes off signaling that an alien life form is on the ship. After finding no sign of alien life, the young scientists deduce that one or maybe more of them have been inhabited by an alien. Can you pick the right path and figure out who the alien is?

Traitors is Space is a fresh take on choose your own adventure stories. Even though the plot is predictable, students will enjoy reading and choosing their own path. Black and white illustrations are scattered throughout with 20 illustrated puzzles that the reader will enjoy solving. I think students will really enjoy this book! Many different ethnicities are represented in the crew on the ship.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman - ADVISABLE

Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman, 269 pages. Knopf (Random House), 2026. $20

Language: R (67 swears, 6 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (kisses); Violence: PG (some gunshots, threats)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Cleo has escaped the goons after her on Earth and made her way to Mars, but she has been stuck in the UN facility now for months, as she was an illegal stowaway. When the base is evacuated in an emergency, Cleo stays behind, as there is no place for her as undocumented, in any of the escape pods. Hunter may be the son of the family that owns most of Earth and Mars, but he hasn’t spoken to his mother or twin sister in years. He snuck onto Mars and before he can register, the evacuation leaves him behind too. When a team of infiltrators arrives with nefarious purposes, Hazel and Hunter team up - not realizing the danger is even more extreme than they could have imagined, with Hunter’s family being at the heart of it. The differences in their social positions and Cleo’s lies could tear them apart before they ever have a chance to be together.

While the romantic tension adds a nice undercurrent to the narrative, I loved the Mars based danger and machinations. I read one review that compared the antics to Home Alone, and I agree. Cleo, especially, is very resourceful and creative. Kaufman has just become better as she continues to write science fiction.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Leader of the Pack (Scrapper #1) by Cam Higgins and Ariel Landy - ADVISABLE

Leader of the Pack (Scrapper #1) by Cam Higgins and Ariel Landy, 119 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Little Simon, 2026. $8

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Scrapper is a puppy that loves to play fetch with his owner, Hank. When Hank goes to school, Scrapper explores the woods near his home. One day Scrapper sees a monster in the forest. He decides to create a monster hunting pack. Will any of the animals want to join? Scrapper-Leader of the Pack is a spinoff from the series Good Dog. Scrapper is Bo's best puppy friend. Leader of the pack features easy to read language with illustrations on almost every page. It would be a good read for emerging readers, especially if they like the series Good Dog. Scrapper is a puppy; his owner Hank is presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

The Chismosas Only Book Club by Laekan Zea Kemp - ADVISABLE

The Chismosas Only Book Club by Laekan Zea Kemp, 319 pages. Penguin, 2026. $10 (pb)

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

14yo Cat’s family owns the best bookstore in the world, or at least in their small town. As their freshman year of high school begins, she and her three best friends form a book club wit the group members taking turns choosing the book, sharing one copy so that they can write notes in the margins for each other. But 9th grade is a chaotic time for each girl in different ways and they start to lose their group cohesion as each of them feels they have secrets that are too tender to reveal.

While I needed to take notes about each girl, their family, and their drama to keep them straight, I still enjoyed reading about their journeys and their friendship. We need books about friendships weathering rocky times just as much as we need books about friendships that don’t make it. Reminds me a little of the Mother-Daughter Book Club series in flavor, but still this is a unique book. ONe of the girls is into Wicca and the girls feel like the spirit of Cat’s grandmother is guiding their choices. I really liked that all the books mentioned within are modern offerings. The girls are of various ethnicities.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Fairy Fashion Show by Bea Jackson - ADVISABLE

The Fairy Fashion Show (Ready to Read, Level One) by Bea Jackson. EARLY READER. Simon Spotlight, 2025. $19. 9781665941129

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Lilly and her fairy friends love fashion and especially love their summer fashion show. When Lily's human friend, Willow, wishes to dress like a fairy, Lilly and the other fairies work together to create the perfect fairy fashion for Willow.

The illustrations are whimsical. I can see this being a popular book with my students who love fairies. This series would be a great addition to an elementary library. Willow and the fairies are Black.

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Rebel Heiress by Amalie Howard - ADVISABLE

Rebel Heiress (The Diamonds #3) by Amalie Howard, 347 pages. Joy Revolution (Random House), 2026. $20

Language: G (4 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (passionate kissing); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Lady Rosalin desperately wants the same kind of chance at an education that her cousin, Lord Ansel, is happy to throw away for a year of travel on the continent. Since the two of them are so similar in features, Rosalin convinces Ansel it is in both their best interests to trade places of a sort. Ansel can roam Europe, while Rosalin spends her weeks at Cambridge learning from the best and brightest, and her weekends please her mama at the balls and parties of her fourth London season. What she doesn’t bank on is a college tutor who is also devilishly handsome and has progressive views of a woman’s place in society - someone she is quite willing to fall in love with despite the obstacles.

Howard finishes off the Diamond series with a classic plot device with some fun twists thrown in. You also see the characters from the first two books. While post-Regency in time period, all of the glitter still exists, too.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Elvis & Romeo Go to Dog School by Jacky Davis and David Soman - ADVISABLE

Elvis & Romeo Go to Dog School (Ready to Read, level one) by Jacky Davis and David Soman. EARLY READER. Simon Spotlight, 2025. $19. 9781665947978

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Elvis and Romeo are back, and it's their first day of dog school! The playful Romeo already knows how to "stay," but is nervous about learning how to catch a ball. Now, it's up to Elvis to help his young friend learn something new.

This is a great addition to the original Elvis and Romeo picture book. The text is a mix of speech bubbles and traditional narration. I wish there was a bit more of the dogs' fun personalities, but that would be hard to do with a low-level early reader.

Rachel, elementary school librarian