A Sky Full of Dragons (The Wand Keepers #1) by Tiffany McDaniel - NO

A Sky Full of Dragons (The Wand Keepers #1) by Tiffany McDaniel, 338 pages. Simon, 2024. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - NOT RECOMMENDED

APPEALS TO: SOME

Spella Cauldroneyes was found by her “Aunt: in a purple cauldron on a stormy night.  Eight years later she is invited to enter a school for wizardry - that night her Aunt is kidnapped! Spella will need to juggle school, protesting crowds, and finding her aunt.

I usually love the odd - I have purple hair myself - but I tried several times to settle in to enjoy this book - but I could not. The oddities and quirks did not gel for me - causing confusion instead of enhancing the promise from the cover. I’m not going to try again.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Flashtide by Jenny Moyer - OPTIONAL

Flashtide (Flashfall #2) by Jenny Moyer, 368 pages. Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan), 2017. $18.

Language: PG13 (17 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Dram (19yo) and Orion (17yo) made it past the flash curtain, but it only compounded their problems. They are still on the run from the Congress, and they can’t escape the effects of the curtain. The pair set out to save their people, and yet it looks like everything they do only puts their people in more peril.

Moyer’s style of writing was choppy, which often made it difficult to follow what Orion was doing; sometimes it felt like I was missing parts of the story, and I know some of the science and magic of their world went over my head. The path that Dram and Orion forged to freedom included tragedy and heart-wrenching consequences, hope and trust that the other still had the same end goal—even when their paths weren’t the expected ones. I loved watching them repair the cracks in their relationship over and over, making each other more important than their mistakes.

Characters with shades of skin from pale to brown are described. The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol, kissing, innuendo, and partial nudity. The violence rating is for blood and gore, gun use, assault, mentions of cannibals, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally - OPTIONAL

No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally, 272 pages. Sourcebooks Fire, 2025. $11 

Language: R (263 swears, 143 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (underage drinking, kissing); Violence: PG-13 (death)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Brooke is an overachiever who comes from a long family history of overachievers. She’s determined to get into Yale and has pushed herself into all work and no play since the lake party where a classmate drowned months ago. The investigation ruled it as accidental, but Brooke is being harassed by an unknown person who’s been calling her, slashing her tires, leaving lake water in her locker, and covering her car with newspapers featuring the article about the incident. Her friend Jena wants her to attend another lake party to blow off steam and celebrate reaching her goals. A seemingly harmless party quickly turns into a horrific nightmare for Brooke.

Lally wrote a suspenseful thriller that I couldn’t put down. Twisty fun. I love how the author portrays the characters and how everything spirals to the ending. It was also a quick read at 272 pages.

Jena is Black. Brooke is white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Van Buren Sisters vs the Pants Police by J. F. Fox and Anna Kwan - ADVISABLE

The Van Buren Sisters vs the Pants Police by J. F. Fox and Anna Kwan. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2023. 9781525302480

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

ADeline and Augusta, the granddaughters of President Martin Van Buren, were raised by their widowed father to be independent and adventurous. As WWI broke out, the sisters wanted to prove they could be of value on the battlefield as messengers ON MOTORBIKES! Dressed in particle leather pants they set out to cross the United States on their bikes.  But most towns didn’t allow women to wear pants in those days, so they were harassed by law enforcement all along their way.  Not that the sisters would let that stop them!

A wonderful book that clearly shows the changing force of women’s roles and expectations in the early 1900’s in America. I love their spirit and independence. Really good backmatter - though I wish it were another set of pages, instead of crammed onto one set. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Chasing Eternity (Stealing Infinity #3) by Alyson Noel - OPTIONAL

Chasing Eternity (Stealing Infinity #3) by Alyson Noel, 496 pages. Entangled Teen, 2024. $19

Language: R (56 swears, 18 ‘f'); Mature Content: R (on page sex); Violence: PG-13 (bloody hitting and bloody death)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO:  SEVERAL

18yo Natasha and Elodie travel back to 1998 to meet Natasha’s dad before she was born. Natasha is able to convince her father that she’s really his daughter from the future. He shows her the generations’ old Timekeeper rooms that take up a floor in the building where he resides as a struggling college student to hide who he truly is. He also trains her as much as he can in the short time they’re together so she can handle her Timekeeper abilities and use them to stay safe and continue the mission of her ancestors. Natasha realizes why Arthur is determined to remake the world- he lost the love of his life. Arthur will do everything it takes, including murder, to get what he wants and Natasha will do whatever it takes to stop him.

I enjoyed the quotes from historical intellectuals. The character development is well done. I enjoyed learning about real artists and their work throughout history. The story kept my attention and it is action packed. Mason, Natasha's best friend, is Black. Natasha is white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson - ESSENTIAL

The Color of a Lie by Kim Johnson, 325 pages. Penguin, 2024. $20

Language: G (1 swear, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG (Fight between characters resulting in an accidental death)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS, ADULT - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

16yo Calvin, a black teenager, passes as white in 1955. His family moves to an all-white suburb for a safer life, but maintaining their secret is exhausting. Calvin seeks solace with new friends and Lily, his crush, while uncovering the town's dark racist history. Torn between safety and truth, Calvin faces dangerous choices about identity and morality. The novel powerfully connects historical realities to personal struggles with race and belonging. This was an extremely powerful book which had me very tense and emotional throughout - at first because of Calvin trying to "pass" and later when the boys were on their "mission".

I really appreciated the historical references such as Emmitt Till and Martin Luther King Jr. which grounded the story in its time period and highlighted the relevance. I also appreciated the author's ability to educate readers, especially white readers, on the Black experience in America. I highly recommend this book to all readers of any color, race, young and old. Robert is Calvin's brother and he is black. Eugene and Harry are brothers who are black. Ben, Mary, Alex and Darin are white.

Jessica Nelson CTHS Librarian 

Ruling Destiny by Alyson Noel - MANY

Ruling Destiny (Stealing Infinity #2) by Alyson Noel, 393 pages. Entangled Teen, 2023. $14 

Language: R (83 swears, 25 “f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (implied sex, off page, and underage drinking); Violence: PG-13 (bloody fight)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

18yo Natasha has been planning on visiting Renaissance Italy with Braxton but when she gets to the portal, Arthur shows her she’ll be tripping with Killian; Natasha is angry but Killian is thrilled. Braxton seems to be keeping something from Natasha and Killian keeps making remarks alluding that Braxton is hiding a terrible secret from her. She has strong feelings for Braxton but she doesn’t know if she can trust anyone. When Mason is recruited to Gray Wolf, she’s happy to see him, her trusted best friend, but worried that he’s blaming her for taking him away from his life. She’s struggling to understand her new life but now she’s even more worried on Mason’s behalf.

I enjoyed learning about the true history mixed in with the time traveling events, like the Italian Bonfire of the Vanities in 1497. The quotes from Shakespeare and other intellectuals and historical figures are awesome. The author notes at the beginning of the book that all artwork and ancient artifacts mentioned in the novel really piqued my interest. The ethnicity is mostly white. Mason, Natasha’s best friend, is Black.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah 

Santa’s Workshop by Design Eye (Quarto) - ESSENTIAL

Santa’s Workshop by Design Eye (Quarto), 2023. $30. 9781836001027

BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT  - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

The elves at the North Pole have come together to write a handbook about the goings-on in their workshop and home. And because they are elves, they have made things extra special by including an interactive workshop with a large cast of characters to make-up your own stories with.

Being as I am, I put the workshop together without seeing the instructions on the last page of the booklet - and I did just fine.  I can think of three little ones (besides myself) that I want to gift this to this Christmas. I will also be buying a set to add to my personal Christmas decorations!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Story Fold Classics) - ADVISABLE

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (Story Fold Classics), 263 pages. Design Eye (Quarto), 2024. $15. 9781836001423

BUYING ADVISORY: GIFT - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Design Eye has taken the classic Christmas story and published it in a very beautiful cover, with illustrated and colored pages.  What makes this version really special, and best suited as a gift, is that as you read the book you fold each page (lines provided), so that by the time you finish the book you now also have a Christmas display piece.  

I haven’t finished the book, so I haven’t seen the final product, but I have my suspicions.  As someone who is book-folding-challenged, I appreciate the guiding lines. This seems to be the first in what I hope is going to be a series of collectable foldables. It would be fun to read this aloud at bedtime together and mark your progress with the folds.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

Finlay Donovan Knocks ‘Em Dead (Finlay Donovan #2) by Elle Cosimano, 357 pages. Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2022. $18.

Language: R (128 swears, 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULT - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

On an online forum, FedUp has called for a hit on Finlay’s ex, and Finlay (31yo) and Vero are doing everything they can to stop anyone from completing the job—Finlay might want to kill him sometimes, but she doesn’t actually want him dead. Trying to stay one step ahead of the hitman and write another manuscript for her demanding agent, Finlay entangles herself further with both the police and the mob.

The antics escalate, Finlay’s love triangle unbalances, and shootouts turn into car chases. Continuing Finlay’s story is not a rewash of the first, which I expected. Finlay and Vero have new obstacles to overcome, building on the experiences they had and also branching into new illegal territories. The last chapter tied up most of the plot points satisfactorily (all of them except the romantic strings to pull readers into the next installment), leaving readers with a hook in the epilogue.

Finlay is portrayed as White on the cover, Veronica and her cousin are implied Hispanic, there are Russian mobsters, and the majority of other characters are implied White. Georgia is part of the LGBT community. The mature content rating is for alcohol use; illegal activity; partial nudity; kissing; groping; sexual harassment; mentions of drugs, pornography, human trafficking, sex toys, orgasms, and sex; and persistent innuendo. The violence rating is for assault, corpses, blood and gore, gun use, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Beat I Drum (Life of a Cactus 3) by Dusti Bowling - ADVISABLE

The Beat I Drum (Life of a Cactus 3) by Dusti Bowling, 272 pages. Union Square, 2025. $17.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G (2 G rated kisses) Violence: PG (Connor has Tourette syndrome and experiences a couple of intense episodes) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Connor has moved across town and is starting High School without his friends. He's worried because his Tourette syndrome makes him tic and bark sometimes, that he will struggle to make friends, but right away, Amanda steps up and invites him to eat with her and her friends. His music teacher, Mrs. Chen, has offered to teach Connor to play an instrument, and he's amazed when he discovers that playing the drums might help settle his tics. 

I have loved this series. The Beat I Drum is more of a companion than a book three as the story happens at the same time as Momentous Events. I'm happy that Connor has found his tribe again, and that they are nice kids with issues of their own, as well as strengths to buoy up Connor. He's still having a rough time with his dad. I wonder now if Zion will get his own book? The characters are in high school, but they read younger. That is why it is just recommended for Middle School. The characters default white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Finlay Donovan is Killing It by Elle Cosimano - ADVISABLE

Finlay Donovan is Killing It (Finlay Donovan #1) by Elle Cosimano, 355 pages. Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2021. $18.

Language: R (111 swears, 2 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULT - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

The start of the day is bad with a nanny no-show, a toddler with scissors, and being late to a meeting with her agent, and Finlay (31yo) is just trying to keep her head above water despite how each choice makes the day become worse—and then the worst. She’s desperate. At the end of the day, the question Finlay has to answer is whether she’s desperate enough to bury a body.

The situations that Finlay gets tangled in are convoluted in the best way, and readers get the fun of two stories in one as Finlay uses her new experiences as fodder for her writing project. All of my questions were addressed throughout the book—and I loved that Casimano gives readers the space to form the questions before Finlay does. The story ends with a cliffhanger that leaves even Finlay dumbfounded.

Finlay is described as “pale,” Julian is described as “tanned,” Veronica is implied Hispanic, and there are some Russian mobsters. Also, Georgia is part of the LGBT community. The mature content rating is for alcohol use; illegal activity; kissing; partial nudity; mentions of drugs, strippers, pornography, nudity, human trafficking, and rape; groping; innuendo; and implied sex. The violence rating is for blood and gore, implied domestic violence, gun use, suicide, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Three Little Tardigrades by Sandra Fay - ADVISABLE

The Three Little Tardigrades by Sandra Fay. PICTURE BOOK. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2024. $19. 9781250776099

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

After more than a decade of caring for her three little tardigrades, Mother T kicks them out to find places of their own, with a final warning to watch out for the BIG HAIRY WOLF SPIDER! Each of them eventually chooses a new habitat, and just as they are settling down, the BHWS swoops in for a visit with some unanticipated bad consequences for the spider.

A fun mix of whimsy and scientific information for any science teacher. Unlike the author’s other book about the cryptid Mongolian death worms, tardigrades actually exist.  I will happily share this with the science department to see who touches upon the topic!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

An Animal a Day: 365 Amazing Animals to Take You Through the Year by Miranda Smith et.al. - ESSENTIAL

An Animal a Day: 365 Amazing Animals to Take You Through the Year by Miranda Smith, illustrated by Kaja Kajfez, Santiago Calle, Mateo Markov and Max Rambaldi, 221 pages. NON-FICTION Bright Matter Books 2023 $25. 9780593903353 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

This is one of those books that can be left on the coffee table and opened anywhere for a quick browse. 

The design is to read about a different animal each day for a whole year. I just think it's too much fun to stop at just one a day. I think kids would have a hard time not browsing through it. The illustrations are cute - not terribly realistic, but the kids will get the point and can certainly look up any animal they want more information about. I like that the descriptions are short. Includes statistics about each animal, like how big they are and where they live and whether or not they are endangered.There's also back matter about some conservation successes as well as a quiz for the kid who thinks he already knows everything about animals.

Lisa Librarian

The Gender Binary is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities Around the World by Lee Wind - OPTIONAL

The Gender Binary is a Big Lie: Infinite Identities Around the World by Lee Wind, 316 pages. NON-FICTION. Zest Books, 2024. $20

Language: G (0 swears, 0  “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (gendered body parts and surgeries mentioned multiple times in a clinic way); Violence: PG [mentions non-elective surgeries (castration, intersex reassignment) being forced on people]

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Wind takes us on an historical and international tour through gender identity and biological sex identity. In an informative, not prurient or sexual, manner Wind shows us how many cultures throughout history have accepted different gender identities, while also showing roots of the “traditional” gender binary. 

If your school has the 57 Bus by Dashka Slater, then you will also welcome Wind’s deep dive into gender identities. Very informative (a bit long-winded at times), with extensive source notes for further investigation.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Woe: a Housecat's Story of Despair by Lucy Knisley - OPTIONAL

Woe: a Housecat's Story of Despair by Lucy Knisley, 208 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL RH Graphic Random House, 2024. $17 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, ADULT - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

This is the story of a housecat named Linney and the family she deigns to be a part of. It includes her adventures and misadventures and what she thinks of her world.

 If you are a cat lover, you can probably relate whole heartedly to this book, The story is told mostly from Linney's point of view. Getting into the head of a cat is a tricky thing, but Knisley seems to have mastered it, and her love for this cat shines through. Besides the fact that there is a human child in addition to the cat, the interactions are mostly between the cat and it's owner, so the story seems like it would appeal to adult cat owners more than kids or teens, even with the graphic novel format, though perhaps cat lovers know no bounds. Linney's owner is a white female. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Rise up and Sing!: Power, Protest, and Activism in Music by Andrea Warner and Lousie Reimer - ESSENTIAL

Rise up and Sing!: Power, Protest, and Activism in Music by Andrea Warner, illustrated by Lousie Reimer, 183 pages.  NON-FICTION. Greystone Kids, 2024. $22

Content: G (mentions alternative lifestyles with no descriptions)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Warner takes us on a musical tour of how music has been used for protesting throughout recent history. Focusing on climate activism, indigenous rights, LGBT rights, and human rights, among others, she spotlights famous and less-famous faces in the movements, and gives as a playlist for each topic.

I appreciate that Warner focused on recent history (going back only to the 70’s), as it will help its young target audience relate, while introducing them to older artists. It would be great to curate the playlists on Spotify for student enjoyment.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Goosebumps the Graphic Novel: The Haunted Mask by R.L. Stine, adapted by Maddi Gonzalez - ADVISABLE

Goosebumps the Graphic Novel: The Haunted Mask by R.L. Stine, adapted by Maddi Gonzalez, 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphix (Scholastic), 2024. $13 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Carly Beth is tired of getting teased for being scared all the time. She decides she needs something scarier than the duck costume her mother made her to save face with her friends. Carly Beth goes to a strange costume store and takes home a creepy mask that she is sure will scare everyone. The mask does help Carly Beth feel powerful and scary, but the mask becomes increasingly harder to take off. 

The illustrations work well with the story and are easy to follow. It's an R.L. Stine, so readers know the drill. The graphic novel stays true to its source. Carly Beth could be any student who just wants to get back at people who tease. Relatable and fun, even if the ending is predictable. Carly Beth is white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Hurdles in the Dark by Elvira K. Gonzalez - OPTIONAL

Hurdles in the Dark by Elvira K. Gonzalez, 314 pages. MEMOIR. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2024. $22

Language: R  (30+ swears, 3  “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (strip search mentioned, mentions a girl pregnant at 15yo); Violence: R (grooming, rape by a trusted adult mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

At even a young age, Kristy impressed a high school track coach with her speed. Life as a chica in a Texas border town is not easy, however. Tension between Kristy and her Mama can flare badly - once ending in Kristy spending 2 weeks in custody. And her Mama has never recovered from trauma inflicted on her the time she was kidnapped and Kristy had only 24 hours to raise the $40K ransom. Kristy struggles to find coaches who will believe in her and help her fulfil her dreams of riding hurdles events to a college scholarship - and the coach she does find for her final high school years, grooms her for sexual abuse as he also coaches her to success.  The hurdles Kristy’s life has placed in front of her may be more than she can actually surmount.

Compelling, dramatic, I can see students sharing this book with each other. The parts about grooming by her coach and about the other coaches undermining her because of their jealousy are especially valuable to any young person who wants to understand a little more about what dangers might be out in the wide world. I appreciated Ms. Gonzalez’s bravery in exposing her story to the world. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

A Dinosaur a Day: 365 Incredible Dinosaurs to Take You Through the Year by Miranda Smith et. al. - ESSENTIAL

A Dinosaur a Day: 365 Incredible Dinosaurs to Take You Through the Year by Miranda Smith, Jenny Wren, Juan Calle, Xuan Le, Max Rambaldi and Olga Baument. 220 pages. NON-FICTION Bright Matter Books, 2022. $25. 9780593903339 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

A great resource for the Dinosaur lover, each month is divided into different types or traits of Dinos, like the smallest, flying ones, roof lizards, dinosaur weaponry, giant sauropods. 

I love the bite sized explanations for each dinosaur. Each short entry includes an illustration which I love because it's modern paleo art which includes lots of them with feathers. Also included are Statistics including period, family, diet, how big it was and where it could be found. It would be so fun to have this out in the library and turn the pages every few days - some days have as many as 5 different dinosaurs. Kids will want to check it out. 

Lisa Librarian

Born a Girl: It takes courage by Alice Dussutour - ADVISABLE

Born a Girl: It takes courage by Alice Dussutour, 157 pages. Orca, 2024. $30. 9781459838987

Language: G (0 swears,  0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (menstruation mentioned; drawings with small patches of menstrual blood; clinical drawings of female reproductive system); Violence: PG-13 (inappropriate touching mentioned, female genital mutilation mentioned, violence against women mentioned, femicide mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Dussutour uses five girls from across the world (Mexico, India, Afghanistan, Kenya, France) to illustrate the variety of challenges that just being born a girl brings to life. 

All of it is very well presented in a highly illustrated format that helps it be simple to understand and swift to digest. The only problem I found was that nowhere does the author say whether the “main characters” are real people whose stories she is sharing, or if they are amalgams of the problems many girls in those cultures confront. While there is an index, there is no bibliography; the few resources mentioned are suggestions, without any links. Still powerful, but without the sources, I am unsure how factual I can be sure it is. I do believe that it is a high school level book that girls will talk about amongst themselves.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Very Worst Ever: Happy Gift Day to You by Andy Nonamus, illustrated by Amy Jindra - OPTIONAL

The Very Worst Ever: Happy Gift Day to You by Andy Nonamus, illustrated by Amy Jindra, 122 pages. Children's Fiction, Little Simon, Simon and Schuster, 2024. $18 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL  - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

It's the rich girl's birthday and what to get the girl who has everything? Finding the coolest birthday present presents a lot of challenges, Plus nearly getting eaten by a famous pony just makes the day even more challenging. What's a person to do? 

The narrator of the book has a sticker for a face, so it could be anyone, which gives it a universal appeal. The black and white illustrations are fun and add to the story. Readers can probably relate to the narrator's dilemma and their worries about being embarrassed. Sticker face narrator has orange hair and appears to be white. Rich kid, Regina, is black. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Don’t Wait: three girls who fought for change and won by Sonali Kohli - ADVISABLE

Don’t Wait: three girls who fought for change and won by Sonali Kohli, 146 pages. Beacon Press, 2024. $17. 9780807010952

Violence: PG (threats, attacks mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Nalleli, Kahlila, and Sonia, all young people of the global majority, became involved in movements to make life better in their communities. Nalleli and her community were being poisoned by the oil well across the street from their Southern California apartment. Kahlila felt that the police in her school were becoming too militaristic and were viewing every young person of color as the enemy. Sonia wanted more access to arts programs in her school and schools all around California.

Kohli uses the path of each girl’s story to show future activists how they can also work to make a difference. Each girl spent years on their issues - and continue to work into college and adulthood. The focus is right on the girls as they struggle (Nalleli front he age of 9) to get their voices heard over the course of years.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

An Illustrated History of Urban Legends by Adam Allsuch Boardman - ESSENTIAL

An Illustrated History of Urban Legends by Adam Allsuch Boardman, 123 pages. NON-FICTION. Flying Eye Books, 2024. $20. 9781838749101

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Boardman explores a broad range of urban legends from the pre-modern to the meta-modern ages. While he doesn’t do any in-depth looks at any of the legends, he does try in succinct writing to give an idea of where the legends originated and how much of them can be believed. 

I loved reading the snippets - recognizing many of the legends as ones I have heard over the years - and enjoying the illustrations.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner - OPTIONAL

The Sisters of the Winter Wood by Rena Rossner, 464 pages. Redhook, 2018. $11 

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (Jews were killed, raped and injured off page)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

17yo Liba, 15yo Laya, and their parents live a happy life together on the outer edge of town, away from scrutinizing villagers. They enjoy their privacy and freedoms. When their father’s brother comes knocking at the door to request that he returns home, everything the girls have known changes completely. They discover that their parents were shunned by their own families because of their differences; despite that, they’ve made a good life on their own with Liba and Laya. When the girls are left on their own so their parents can travel to see family, danger arrives. It’s up to the sisters to protect each other and remember what their mother told them above all, it’s their choice what they do with their lives and to not let anyone take that choice away from them.

I like how the story is told in alternating points of view and that Liba is strong and her words take up the whole page while Laya’s words are in a thin column, delicate like her. Jewish mythology and Russian culture abounds in this story. I appreciate the Author’s notes about the true history this book is based on.

Ethnicity is predominantly pale skin, Russian and Jewish.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah 

Dust by Alison Stine - OPTIONAL

Dust by Alison Stine, 320 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2024. $20.

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

At first, unschooling was a relief—Thea no longer had to deal with those who made fun of her and her disability. But then unschooling became an excuse for Thea’s father to move the family to a failing farm in Colorado, and living a simple life turned into doing everything the hard way. As Thea (16yo) fights to understand the world around her, she discovers that it may be too late and that the dust storms might kill them all before she ever gets a chance to really live.

The world around Thea is dry and bleak with nothing around, and the feeling of that landscape is felt through the slow-going, expository writing. It isn’t boring per se, but most of the book is not action-packed as the challenges pile up gradually. Thea is hard of hearing, somewhere between hearing and deaf, and Stine gives readers that experience through Thea’s perspective. Overall, the story was well-written, and persistent readers will see that.

The majority of characters are implied White. The mature content rating is for kissing, scary elements, mentions of CBD oil and nudity, and innuendo. The violence rating is for child abuse and mentions of guns and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

So Into You by Kathleen Fuller - ADVISABLE

So Into You by Kathleen Fuller, 336 pages. Thomas Nelson, 2024. $18.

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEAL TO: SEVERAL

Making videos about art from her studio at home—where she still lives with her mother—is the perfect job for socially anxious Brittany (28yo). Her mother, Amy (47yo), is still in pain from her difficult marriage and divorce from Brittany’s father, Daniel (48yo), and resists her friend’s attempts to get her to mingle with other singles. When Hunter (30yo) discovers Brittany’s videos online, he finds a peace he hasn’t felt in years, but his entrance into Brittany’s life brings all their personal and family issues to a head.

The number of ways that these two families are tangled around each other is comical, making the moment of collision when they all come together spectacular. This romance includes two separate love stories—further fueling the melodramatic relationships. Fuller’s characters have difficult pasts, uncertain futures, and all the decisions to make today as they try to make the future different from the past. These relatable struggles ground the story just enough to enjoy the truths within the exaggerated drama.

Brittany is described as having “pale” skin, Amy is described as having “moderately tanned” skin, Daniel is described as having “lightly tanned” skin, and Savannah is implied Hispanic. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, kissing, partial nudity, innuendo, and mentions of illegal activity, drugs, and sex.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley - ESSENTIAL

The Night War by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley, 288 pages. Middle Grade, Dial (Penguin), 2024. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, war violence, rough treatment, injuries, talk of killing people) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Miriam is a Jewish girl living in German occupied Paris. When her neighborhood is rounded up, Mimi escapes with her neighbor's daughter and is rescued by a nun who sends her and little Nora to the Chateau de Chenonceau. Nora is adopted by a family, much to Mimi's horror, and Mimi's name is changed to Marie and she is enrolled in a catholic boarding school. Eager to find Nora and escape, Mimi gets caught up in a "Night War" where she risks not only her life, but the safety of everyone at the school. 

I love Bradley's historical fiction, and I recommend this one as highly as I did "The War that Saved My Life". Well researched, a great location with a gorgeous castle and a gripping story; Historical Fiction lovers won't be able to put it down. I loved the characters, even the friends at school are nicely rounded out. Includes an author's note with a picture of Chenonceau (which I had to look up as my imagination wasn't good enough). Characters are Jewish, German and French. 

Lisa Librarian 

Lady Anna’s Favor by Karen Tuft - OPTIONAL

Lady Anna’s Favor by Karen Tuft, 272 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $18.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

When Anna’s brother is reported as missing in action in France and presumed dead, the entailed estate is set to be inherited by her unsavory cousin. Unwilling to let her cousin ruin their family and drive her out of her home, Anna takes it upon herself to track down her brother—even if it means going to France herself with little knowledge of the language and accepting temporary companionship from a judgmental gentleman.

Tuft has written several books about the Jennings family, and the first few chapters of this book reference the previous stories heavily. After Anna Clifton and James Jennings cross paths, though, the rest of their story is independent of the books. Anna’s story is dramatic, full of desperate hope, underhanded tricks, and whirlwind romance. With a little suspended belief, it’s a fun read.

The characters are all European, mostly English and French. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, kissing, sexual harassment, innuendo, and mentions of rape. The violence rating is for mentions of war and blood and gore as well as for gun use.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Perfect Girl by Tracy Banghart - OPTIONAL

Perfect Girl by Tracy Banghart, 304 pages. Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan), 2024. $20.

Language: R (168 swears, 13 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

High schooler Jessa is the rule following, future lawyer, great student that everyone expects her to be—despite the fact that being that girl no longer makes her happy. Her friend group is drifting apart, but a concession from her parents allowing Jessa to have a sleepover while they’re out of town is going to help. But when Friday night comes, the power goes out, strangers start creeping around the house, and Jessa isn’t the only one who made plans.

A thriller with a game of truth or dare, loss of power and cell service in a haunted house, and two basement locations gives readers ample opportunity to wonder what will go wrong next. With the very real possibility of losing the future before ever having a chance to live it, Jessa will discover that being perfect is not always ideal and that exact obedience is not always safe.

Jessa is depicted as White on the cover, Ryan is Black, and Alexis is bi. The mature content rating is for underage drinking; mentions of drugs, pornography, and trafficking; illegal activity; scary elements; kissing; innuendo; and sexual harassment. The violence rating is for blood and gore, mentions of domestic violence, gun use, assault, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Mismatched: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Emma written by Anne Camlin, illustrated by Isadora Zeferino - OPTIONAL

Mismatched: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Emma written by Anne Camlin, illustrated by Isadora Zeferino, 264 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Little, Brown and Company, 2024. $18.

Language: PG-13 (28 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG (one occasion of underage drinking, several on-page kisses); Violence: PG (unwanted first kiss)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A graphic gender-bent retelling of Jane Austen’s Emma, 17yo white, gay Evan Horowitz is a glamorous instafamous high school ballet dancer with a penchant for matchmaking. He tries to prove his skills with shy new transfer student Natalia, but things keep spinning out of his control. Can he right all the wrongs, and find true love before it’s too late?

I picked this up because I love graphic novels, and I really like the last graphic novel retelling I read (Twelfth Grade Night by Molly Booth), but I should have known better. Emma is my least favorite Austen novel because she drives me nuts. Good news, this version is true to form, because Evan also drove me nuts. One pro was there was a lot of representation in LGBTQIA characters, however some of the pacing was a little choppy.

Miss Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard - OPTIONAL

The Last Boyfriends Rules for Revenge by Matthew Hubbard, 368 pages. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2024. $20.

Language: R (100+ swears, 29 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (frequent references to teenage dating and sex, but nothing on-page); Violence: PG (bullying and homophobia)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Ezra (gay, junior, white), along with his best friends Lucas (fem, junior, latinx) and Finley (bi, junior, black), are just trying to survive under the radar as students in small-town Alabama. All three have boy problems, so they decide they want revenge à la The First Wives Club. Their plans include crashing the largest party of the year, participating in a drag show lip sync competition, and campaigning to be the next Winter Formal King. However, when the school starts censoring queer voices as part of the "Watch What You Say" initiative (think Florida’s Don’t Say Gay law), their plans for revenge blossom into something much bigger.

I loved seeing Ezra’s character growth from just focusing on himself to becoming a leader for his school and queer community. I enjoyed cheering him on as he took on the establishment in his small-town Southern school. It breaks my heart that this is a reality for too many students, but I’m glad that books like this exist to give readers hope. Although I enjoyed the overall message, there was extensive graphic language throughout. I got to 100+ swears within the first 10 chapters. There was also quite a bit of teenage sexuality - mostly off-page, but enough that I would be cautious about adding it to a school library.

Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg - ADVISABLE

The Kingdom by Jess Rothenberg, 352 pages. Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan), 2019. $14

Language: PG (9 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G (innocent kiss); Violence: PG-13 (bloody death)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

16yo Ana is a Fantasist living in the Kingdom with seven of her princess sisters. The Fantasists’ jobs are to blend into the Kingdom park, please the guests and do as they’re instructed. Their purpose is to make dreams come true. When Nia tries to drown a child, the sisters are scrutinized and evaluated and Ana becomes heartbroken but adamant to understand what happened to make sweet Nia commit such a horrible act. When Eve, the first sister, disappears, the park becomes strict and Ana becomes scared. Ana has found a friend in a maintenance worker, 19yo Owen, and he seems to be understanding of Ana’s confusion and wants to help; but Owen has a secret of his own.

Snippets of wisdom can be found throughout the book, such as, “Neutral is best. Neutral is safe.” I thought the book would be a fluff story and I’m pleased with how much more interesting it turned out to be than I expected! I enjoyed the alternating timelines and how they revealed the mystery.

The ethnicity is mixed.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow - MANY

The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow, 464 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2024. $17

Language: R (190 swears, 28 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (drug use and underage drinking); Violence: PG (fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

15yo Bella tells herself she needs alcohol to handle her arguing, demanding parents, school stress and her recent breakup. Her friends see her going downhill and her best friend Amber tries everything she can think of to help Bella. Bella has a job, works hard in school and helps her parents with pretty much everything and the breakup has pushed her over the edge. She tells herself that she just needs this drink to get through the day but one drink ends up being many and when Bella is dropped off and left for dead (overdosed) at 2 AM by people she was at a party with, the addiction comes out in the open. The nurse tells her she’s damaged her liver and that she fell on her porch cracking her cheekbone. Bella is in pain, on an IV and being prepared for rehab. She has a struggle ahead of her and she has to deal with it on her own.

The author’s note and resources, at the end of the book, are insightful and helpful. This story helped me to understand what addicts go through, especially when they’re truly trying to recover and make a better life for themselves. I grew to love Bella and my heart broke for her and opened up to her as the story was told. Other characters’ experiences broadened the scope of addiction and included how their caregivers treated them which helped Bella realize that she can ask for help because we can’t get through struggles all alone. She also learned that she has to protect herself because no one else will be there to do it for her, as we all need to know.

Ethnicity falls to white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Forgotten Founders by Mifflin Lowe, illustrated by William Luong - ESSENTIAL

Forgotten Founders: Black Patriots, Women Soldiers, and Other Thinkers and Heroes Who Shaped Early America by Mifflin Lowe, illustrated by William Luong. 64 pages. NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Bushel and Peck Books, 2022. $20. 9781638190929

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

This nonfiction book is packed full of people of 25 people who made a difference in the Revolutionary War.  Many of them are black or women that are rarely talked about in the history books.  One of my favorites is about a woman named Anna Smith Strong who would put her laundry out in a specific way which would signal a message was ready.  Then the number of hankerchiefs let them know where to find the message.  Another is about a black man Peter Salem that was born into slavery.  He was at the battle of Bunker Hill and was thought to have fired the shot that killed the British leader Major Pitcairn. 

The illustrations bring bring this book to life.  There are several boxes on each page that lists facts about that person.  It also gives good information about how the war started and who was involved.  

Emilee-Teacher Librarian

Library Girl by Polly Horvath - ADVISABLE

Library Girl by Polly Horvath, 256 pages. Middle Grade Holiday House, 2024. $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

11yo Essie has grown up in the public library. She was discovered in a basket on a shelf in the library by 4 librarians. When no one comes to claim the baby, they decide to share mothering duties and keep her. They set up a room for her in an inner office and take turns sleeping there at night. But eventually Essie needs to know more of the world than just the library and it's patrons, so she is given permission to explore the ice cream shop across the way, and the mall and park nearby. But when she meets a friend, questions she had never considered threaten to change her whole world. 

I absolutely adored this story - it was full of library references that a librarian will relate to and love. So I'm biased about the setting. That aside, what a great story! Oh, to be able to ride your bike through the stacks, and read all day with unlimited access to the library. Horvath's characters are great. Will a middle grade reader love this as much as I? Probably not, but I'll still recommend it. A bit of a mystery (who is she?) there's a love story between one of the librarians and a guy at the mall, and a scheme planned between Essie and her friend. Essie defaults white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Like a Boss by Sarah Mlynowski, Hena Khan and Jennifer Bricking - ADVISABLE

Like a Boss (Best Wishes #4) by Sarah Mlynowski and Hena Khan, illustrated by Jennifer Bricking, 192 pages. Scholastic, 2024. $17. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

5th grader Maya Amir is the next recipient of the magical bracelet. She really wanted to be the president of the environmental club, but when her best friend Hazel stepped up and volunteered, Maya didn't want to run against her. But Hazel wanted to plan posters that included a bunch of glitter and plastic and disregarded Maya's idea to recycle. If only Maya was the boss!  But, of course her wish comes true, but being the boss (of everything) isn't what she wanted. 

AJ and I have loved this series. It's fun to anticipate the problems. We love that the girls from the other stories are available for Maya to bounce ideas off of, and to be a support when things get bad. Lots of real environmental ideas as well. We especially loved Maya's grandmother Dadi - she's wise and funny. 

Maya and her family are Pakistani-American. 

Lisa Librarian and AJ (age 8) 

Waist-Deep in Dung by Christine Virnig and Korwin Briggs - ESSENTIAL

Waist-Deep in Dung: A Stomach-Churning Look at the Grossest Jobs Throughout History by Christine Virnig, illustrated by Korwin Briggs, 210 pages. NON-FICTION Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2024. $22 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

A humorous look at the most revolting jobs in history. There are some doozies. Think cleaning up vomit, harvesting saltpeter (poop and pee) and giving royal enemas. There's some jobs no one wants, that's for sure. 

This book is disgusting and sucks you right in. It's hard to put down. The illustrations and insets make you want to keep reading even when you're sure you're going to lose your lunch. This is a fascinating look at what humans used to do with human waste, dead bodies, and medicine. You will find yourself grateful you didn't have to storm a castle by climbing up the poop chute. 

Michelle in the Middle

Finding Harmony by Eric Walters - ADVISABLE

Finding Harmony by Eric Walters, 264 pages. Orca, Feb 2025. $15 

Language: G (0 swears 0 ‘f’); Mature Content:PG (talk of creepy guys, mother works in a strip club, effects of adult drug use) Violence: PG13 (child abuse, assault, bloody injury, scary drug dealers) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Harmony has been placed in foster care several times; her mom can’t keep it together, she dates creepy men, is an alcoholic and she has a drug habit. But she’s still Harmony’s mom, and home is best, right? But Harmony finds herself taking care of her mom, so who is taking care of Harmony? 

I’ve read several of Eric Walter’s short Orca Soundings, and it was exciting to read a full length novel. It was so good! Harmony is a great character, smart and spunky but vulnerable and scared. I wanted to help her but knew I couldn’t. Can't help but wonder how many of my students face troubles similar to Harmony’s. Harmony and her mother default white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Open Wide: Jaw-dropping Mouths of the Animal World by Dr. Letizia Diamante and Ed J. Brown - MANY

Open Wide: Jaw-dropping Mouths of the Animal World by Dr. Letizia Diamante, illustrated by Ed J. Brown. 66 pages. NON-FICTION What on Earth. 2024. $22 9781804661369 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Facts about amazing mouths of the animal kingdom. Find out which animal has the largest tongue, sharpest teeth, and how some animals don't even have mouths but manage to survive. 

An interesting way to find out about animal mouths, a topic I didn't know I was interested in. I managed to learn a lot in a short amount of time. The art and layout make learning about animal mouths interesting and is an easy way to compare and contrast different types of mouths for different functions. I didn't know a great white shark could lose over 20,000 teeth in a lifetime, effectively bankrupting a tooth fairy. 

 Michelle in the Middle

The Haunted Mask R.L. Stine, adapted by Maddi Gonzalez - MANY

Goosebumps the Graphic Novel: The Haunted Mask R.L. Stine, adapted by Maddi Gonzalez, 156 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphix (Scholastic), 2024. $13 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Carly Beth is tired of being scared all the time and getting teased for it. Looking for the perfect Halloween costume to actually do the scaring herself, she runs across a creepy little store that has some fantastic masks for sale. Against the storekeeper's advice, she buys one that literally might transform her and make her scary forever. 

A fun adaptation of Stine's novel, this will appeal to anyone who wants a mild scare. The drawings are well done and it is a fast read. Perfect for reading just before bed! Carly Beth is drawn white and her friend's culture is unspecified. 

Michelle in the Middle 

There's No Way I'd Die First by Lisa Springer - NOT RECOMMENDED

There’s No Way I’d Die First by Lisa Springer, 304 pgs. Delacorte Press, 2023. $19

Language: (100+ swears, 38 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (under-age alcohol use and drug use); Violence: R (numerous extremely graphic bloody assaults and murders on and off-page)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS–NOT RECOMMENDED

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Noelle Layne is obsessed with the horror movie genre and dreams of becoming a famous filmmaker. She has been building her presence online and in a bid to gain more followers, she is hosting an exclusive horror themed Halloween party. However, as the night progresses, the horror begins to become less Hollywood movie and more reality show.

While most traditional teen slasher movies, which this book bases its plot around, do use tired tropes and the audience must suspend their belief, this story makes it impossible to engage in its absurd premise. The violence is off the charts with numerous scenes that are nausea inducing, there are too many plot holes to count, characters whose behavior makes absolutely no sense, a romance subplot where two characters keep taking make out breaks during an all-out slaughter, and a motive for the killers that is stunning in its stupidity.

Reviewer: AEB