The Keeper of Night by Kylie Lee Baker - OPTIONAL

The Keeper of Night (The Keeper of Night #1) by Kylie Lee Baker, 393 pages. Inkyard Press, 2021. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Reapers serve Death by collecting and delivering human souls at their death—but Ren is only half-Reaper. Ren’s mother was a Shinigami from Japan, and Ren’s less than ideal pedigree has made her a target for Reapers for centuries. When it gets bad enough that Ren has to flee for her life, her half-brother, Neven, leaves with her to go to the only place Ren might belong: Japan.

The various mythology around death, and especially for Japanese monsters, was fascinating as Baker introduced Ren and readers to dark planes that are parallel to ours. Ren faces a hundred difficult decisions as she struggles with who she has been and who she wants to be, which makes a mess of who she is. The ending was not at all what I expected, and I’m interested to see where the sequels takes us.

Ren is British-Japanese, Neven is British, and Hiro is Japanese. The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol, prostitution, and nudity; kissing; innuendo; and scary elements. The violence rating is for corpses, death, assault, murder, fantasy violence, and persistent blood and gore.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Peruvian Express by Tom Phillips - ADVISABLE

The Peruvian Express (The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves Book 3) by Tom Phillips, 368 pages. Middle Grade Pixel + Ink, 2024. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISOR: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

John Boarhog has found himself stranded in the mountains of Peru following the crash of a luxury airship. He has been separated from his guardian, Toadius McGee. Desperate to find him, 12 yo John battles through the rainforest only to discover the Peruvian Express-an amazing train hauling gold and it's enigmatic owner, Oro del Rey, who offers John and his friends passage to their destination. John soon finds he doesn't know who to trust or believe as he searches not only for Toadius but a mysterious Object of Doom. 

Fast paced with likable (and fairly odd) characters, readers will be trying to figure out the mystery along with John. There were some great twists and turns. While this resolved itself satisfactorily, there is still room for more adventures. Culture or race of main characters are unknown. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Valentina Salazar is Not a Monster Hunter by Zoraida Cordova - ESSENTIAL

Valentina Salazar is Not a Monster Hunter by Zoraida Cordova, 353 pages. Scholastic Press, 2022. $10. 9781339039534

Content: PG (Some fantasy violence but it is not described graphically)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Valentina Salazar's family are monster protectors.  Her family travels the country finding mythical creatures and sending them back to the world that they belong in.  After 10yo Valentina's father is killed during one of their missions, everything changes.  Her family tries to live a normal life and no longer works as monster protectors.  Valentina misses her father and her old life desperately.  Can she find a way to get her family to be monster protectors again?

This book was quite a page turner!  I really enjoyed the fast-paced story with plenty of action.  It reminded me of the Fablehaven series.  I will definitely be recommending this book to students at my school! Valentina and her family are Hispanic.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Into the Dark (Star Wars: The High Republic) by Claudia Gray - ADVISABLE

Into the Dark (Star Wars: The High Republic) by Claudia Gray, 425 pages. Lucasfilm Press (Disney), 2021. $12.

Language: PG13 (23 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Jedi Padawan Reath (17yo) is more of an academic than an adventurer, so, when Master Jora tells him that she’s taken an assignment at Starlight Beacon, he’s less than thrilled. Master Jora goes ahead, and Reath takes a later transport with several other Jedi—all of whom are hiding something. But when they get stuck in a random part of space on their journey, it’s hard to keep anything completely hidden from each other—and from themselves.

The Force can be used for good or evil, and, while all the Jedi are trying to be good, each Jedi has to find that balance of how to work with the Force personally. Not all Jedi can be adventurers, and not all can be academics, just as each of us are going to live our lives differently. Each of us can be good in our own ways and in our own spheres of influence. I love all these different perspectives that Gray gives as she switches points of view between different characters. Also, the battle scenes are as fun to read as they would be to watch in a movie.

Reath is depicted as White on the cover, Affie and Leox are described as having “tan” skin, Dez has “golden” skin, and Orla is “stark pale.” One side character is lesbian. The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol, illegal activity, drug use, and mentions of sex. The violence rating is for assault, battle scenes, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson - ADVISABLE

This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson, 400 pages. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), 2023. $10

Language: PG-13  (25 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content:PG-13 (implied sex, off page) ; Violence: PG-13 (bloody death)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

17yo Mikira secretly races her horse to earn money for her father and sisters and to save their business of raising strong racing horses. Rezek makes a bargain with her; if she wins the dangerous race coming up, he will leave her family in peace. 20yo Damien sponsors Mikira because he hates Rezek and will do almost anything to spite him. Damien hires 18yo Ari to create a racing horse golem that has speed, endurance, protective instincts and strength. It’s against the rules of the race to use an enchanted horse so they must keep the fact that the horse, Atara, is a magical golem a secret. The race is dangerous and everything is on the line for Mikira, Ari, and Damien.

Jewish mythology adds an interesting factor to the story. I like that Damien wants to help others even though he could use his money and power for anything he wants. Reid is unusual and I want to learn more about his background.

The ethnicity is a variety including dark, alabaster, olive, light brown, tawny, pale, brown, fair, deep bronze, and golden-skinned people.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

S.O.S. by Tom Phillips - ADVISABLE

S.O.S. (The Curious League of Detectives and Thieves Book 2) by Tom Phillips, 346 pages.Middle Grade Pixel + Ink, 2023. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

12 yo John Boarhog and his mentor board a luxury cruise liner airship to to intercept the criminal, Mauve Moth. In addition to trying to catch a criminal, John is also undergoing a trial to join the S.O.S. (Society of Sleuths). John falls in with some dubious teens who use social media for fame and there is a lot more than meets the eye happening on the airship. John will have to think fast to save the day and be a sleuth. 

John is on a grand adventure, albeit an unbelievable one. But if you can suspend belief over a mastermind monkey criminal, you are in for a fun ride. There are a lot of characters to remember, but they all have unique characteristics and the themes of friendship and belonging add to the story. What kid wouldn't want to solve a mystery on an airship? The culture or race of the main characters is unknown. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor by Aubrey Hartman - ADVISABLE

The Lion of Lark-Hayes Manor by Aubrey Hartman, 320 pages. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2023. $17

Content: G (There is some bullying. Poppy is injured twice.)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

6th grader, Poppy moves with her family to Oregon because her parents have taken a job to restore a once grand manor house. Poppy has to start at a new school where she feels invisible. She takes solace in her favorite books. One night, while exploring the manor, Poppy frees a trapped water Nymph. She is excited to encounter real magic, just like in her books. In exchange for her favorite book, the water nymph grants Poppy a flying baby lion. Soon Poppy realizes that when she gave the book the nymph it erased its existence from everyone's memories. The nymph takes a new book each night so the lion can continue growing. Poppy must learn to find her voice, make new friends, stand up to bullies, and restore the stolen books to save her family.

I enjoyed this story of a shy girl learning to be courageous and strong and find her voice. I enjoyed the references to some of my favorite childhood books.

All of the characters are assumed to be white.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Adventures of Mary Jane by Hope Jahren - ADVISABLE

Adventures of Mary Jane by Hope Jahren, 423 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2024. $20.

Content:  (Being honest - it’s summer.  I didn’t keep track of any content issues and don’t remember anything being egregious or of note - I don’t have an ebook version, so I can’t search for any content)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

When their trading post burns down again, Mary Jane, her mother, and her grandfather head south early for the summer.  When they arrive at Fort Snelling, 500 miles south, Mary Jane’s Ma has a letter from her sister, asking for help, so Ma decides to send Mary Jane farther south to Fort Edwards. Mary Jane’s journey is fraught with a roller coaster of bad deals and unexpected kindnesses - and things at her aunt’s home are a disaster. The mix of kindness and scoundrels continues - and Mary Jane uses her brains and wits to tackle each new challenge.

Adults who have read Huckleberry Finn and who love historical fiction will admire Mary Jane and enjoy the story. Mary Jane fleshed out reminds me of the most heroic of heroines.  The part where it crosses paths with Huck I found to be the least satisfying.  Because of its size and being historical fiction, I believe that only a handful of high school students will be attracted to it.  But, it will find its audience with older women who know and love their classics. On a personal note - I found the parts about historical antagonistic attitudes towards Mormons (being one myself) to be spot on, but tempered with Jahren showing the generosity those hated people showed to Mary Jane’s family when they were in dire need. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

All the Ways to Go by Jessie Janowitz - OPTIONAL

All the Ways to Go by Jessie Janowitz, 368 pages. Sourcebooks, 2024. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Before he knew it, 12yo Milo, chess prodigy, has thrown his recent tournament and ruined his mother’s plans for him to attend chess camp this summer. Now Milo and mom are headed to New Jersey to spend the summer with Mom’s friend Neva and her free-range pre-teen Roxie.  The new summer camp Milo is at with Roxie is obviously for little kids.  Escaping outside, Milo is drawn to a pair of Go players - who reluctantly teach Milo and Roxie the game. This is the first time in a long while that Milo has been excited about a board game and soon the whole camp is drawn into playing - teaching Milo much about himself along the way.

Is there another novel about GO for children?  Do we need a novel about Go for children? I do see this as an alternative activity for kids who don’t want to play chess. Janowitz does a good job of weaving game theory into the narrative without being boring. And she brings out the mental and personality aspects as well. But will kids brag about this to each other? It will take selling to the right teacher as a class read aloud.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Code Name Kingfisher by Liz Kessler - ADVISABLE

Code Name Kingfisher by Liz Kessler, 322 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2023. $19.

Language: G (0 swears, 0  “f”); Mature Content: G ; Violence: PG (alludes to round ups and deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Present day - First middle schooler  Liv is abandoned and ridiculed by her best friend.  Then she is assigned a family history project - but her family consists of only four, and her grandmother refuses to talk about her history. Then as they are cleaning the attic, she finds a precious little box that supplies a few clues.  Amsterdam, 1942 - The Nazis are rounding up Jews, so 12yo Mila and 16yo Hannie are sent to live with a non-Jewish family near their former home in Amsterdam. Mila tries her best to acclimate to the new situation, but Hannie is angry and needs a way to fight back - even if it means putting her life in danger.

Having lived in the Netherlands, I am always interested in the topic.  I wish I had asked more questions while I was there.  But Kessler gives us another side of the Amsterdam story (bless Anne Frank, but she was not the only Jewish person in the city) and a powerful Holocaust story. I hope your school is also intrigued about the topic and interested in learning.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Riley’s Ghost by John David Anderson - OPTIONAL

Riley’s Ghost by John David Anderson, 384 pages. Walden Pond Press, 2023. $10 (paper)

Language: G (0 swears,  0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (some scares)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Riley and Emily aren’t friends anymore, but did Emily have to conspire with her new “cool” friends to look her into the science closet and leave her? Stuck in the school overnight, with no way out (the doors and windows won’t open and won’t break; phones are dead), Riley realizes that she is not alone. A mysterious presence has occupied a frog cadaver and they are not the only ghostly presence.  Riley must confront the ghosts and the ghosts of her own making before she can find a way out.

Anderson tries to weave a multi-dimensional plot into his story, but spends about 150 too many pages doing it. I am all for a more tightly plotted book.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Life After Whale by Lynn Brunelle and Jason Chin - ESSENTIAL

Life After Whale: The Amazing Ecosystem of a Whale Fall by Lynn Brunelle, illustrated by Jason Chin. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Neal Porter (Holiday House), 2024 $19. 9780823452286 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A blue whale leaves for nearly 100 years, but when it dies, it sinks to the bottom of the ocean and becomes an ecosystem of its own, feeding and providing for the sea life for another 100 years or more. 

Oh, Jason Chin's illustrations are gorgeous! Lynn Brunelle's text, which tells the story of 1 blue whale, is accessible, engaging, and just enough. There is occasional italicized text with more information as needed. Backmatter includes a bibliography, online sources and other books about whales. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Day I Fell into a Fairy Tale by Ben Miller - ESSENTIAL

The Day I Fell into a Fairy Tale by Ben Miller, 240 pages. Children's Fiction Simon and Schuster, 2024. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, talk of eating children) 

BUYING ADVISORY:, EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

9yo Lana discovers a book of fairy tales in a new discount supermarket. Although the strange man who seems to manage the store tells her they are too scary for her, her mother buys the book and Lana hears the first part of the story of Sleeping Beauty. Her mother agrees that it is probably too scary, and takes away the book - so on her next trip to the store, Lana tries to find another, but instead the odd little man pushes her through a candy bin and Lana finds herself in the story of Sleeping Beauty. She also discovers that there is some real-world danger going on, and now must convince her 12yo brother Harrison to come back into the story with her, as there is a witch to defeat. 

I absolutely loved The Day I Fell into a Fairy Tale. I listened to the audiobook as I read along and found the author's narration delightful. Ben Miller is an actor (he was in Bridgerton) and his reading is so entertaining. With just 22 chapters and lots of plot twists and turns, it would be a perfect bedtime read aloud, a great introduction to fairy tales or even an exciting independent read. Buying and recommending! The characters are British 

Lisa Librarian 

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now by Jason Reynolds - OPTIONAL

Twenty-Four Seconds from Now by Jason Reynolds, 242 pages. Caitlyn Dlouhy Books, Simon and Schuster, October 2024. $20. 

Language: R (34 swears 1 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 ( Descriptive making out, discussions of sex, references to genitals, bras and condoms, bragging boys etc.) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

17yo Neon Benton has been with his girlfriend for 2 years. They've decided they are ready to have sex, but Neon's nerves get the best of him, and he ends up stressing out in the bathroom instead. Told in a series of flashbacks that run from seconds ago to hours, weeks, months, and years, back to the day they met, Neon is open about his plans with Aria (his girlfriend), his sister, his mother, his friends, and even his dad. 

This is an interesting example of what happens when the adults are willing to talk about sex (beyond the birds and the bees) and the teens feel supported and loved when they are making this important decision. A good read to open/foster discussions. Definitely about the feelings, thoughts and decisions to have sex. Mature content is not graphic but certainly implied. The characters are black. 

Lisa Librarian 

Hum by William David Thomas - ADVISABLE

Hum by William David Thomas, 199 pages. Charlesbridge, 2024. $18. 9781732213722

Content: G (danger, mild violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE; MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

11yo Allen’s nightmares have been occurring more frequently. In order to help him, his grandmother, who has been his guardian since  both of Allen’s parents died when he was six, decides they should move back to her hometown - hoping that Allen will be able to make some human connections. In that village, Allen finds Zach and Birdie, two new friends at school and an eccentric, but kind mentor in Max, a senior. Unfortunately, he also draws the ire of the town bully, who is not hesitant to punch when he is annoyed. When Allen goes to a local fair and meets a llama, memories come flooding back and Allen is sent immediately on a desperate flight into the high mountains to save the llama, whom he seems to remember from his early childhood, and to escape the bully and his brute of a father who are out for blood.

I know that any adult reading this will love it. The cover doesn’t reflect the anger and danger within the pages, so perhaps add this to a display of survival books to draw attention.  I would highly recommend reading it aloud to a class. The main character is a little young for some middle schools. The main characters cue white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Whales to the Rescue by Adrienne Mason and Kim Smith - ADVISABLE

Whales to the Rescue: How Whales Help Engineer the Planet by Adrienne Mason, illustrated by Kim Smith. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2022. $19. 9781525305375

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

A fascinating, fact-filled book about how helpful and necessary whales are to planet Earth. Complete with a table of contents, glossary, and index, this book would be a fantastic resource for students doing research or students simply wanting to learn more about oceans, whales and ecosystems. The book is text heavy, making it perfect for upper elementary or middle school students, but has gorgeous, detailed illustrations that support the text and make the book enjoyable for younger children as well.

I learned quite a few facts that I didn't know before reading this book! There's a lot of text but the book is written in a simple-to-understand way and I never felt bored or anxious to be done with the book as I read. While I was a little squeamish reading the detailed bits about whale waste (did you know a fin whale pees 257 gallons a day!?), I'm confident that students will be utterly fascinated and morbidly delighted by the sections titled "Living on Sunshine" and "A Poop Pump".

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian

Bad Princesses Perfect Villains by Jennifer Torres - OPTIONAL

Bad Princesses Perfect Villains by Jennifer Torres, 166 pages. Scholastic, 2023. $8. 9781338833140

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Dalia and Dominga are not happy to be attending the Fine and Ancient Institute for the Royal (FAIR). They would rather be attending the Bewitched Academy for the Dreadful (BAD). After discussing and rejecting a few ideas, together they come up with a villainous scheme to ruin the first day of classes for their other classmates. They are certain the plan will get them kicked out of FAIR and admitted to BAD. Some things go according to plan and some do not.

Dalia and Dominga recognize right away that they do not fit in with the other princesses at the school. I am glad that they were able to find kindred spirits in each other. I like that that book has Spanish words sprinkled throughout. It is a fun story, with a simple plot perfect for kids just starting to get into chapter books.

The princesses are implied Latina.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Friend or UFO by Julie Buxbaum - OPTIONAL

Friend or UFO (The Area 51 Files: Book 3) by Julie Buxbaum, 268 pages. Children's Fiction Delacorte (Random House), 2024. $15 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Middle schooler, Sky, calls Area 51 home because everyone she loves is there. Except one, her grandma. Sky gets a mysterious VHS tape where she discovers her grandma is a secret agent for the FBAI (Federal Bureau of Alien Investigations) and may have been kidnapped. Sky is beside herself and she and her friends will have to solve secret puzzles, codes, and find clues in Area 51 to rescue grandma. 

This is a fun read. Lots of emphasis on family, which is nice. Lots of puns and plays on words. The illustrations help the story along. This is like CSI for elementary kids and who wouldn't want to live with aliens and solve mysteries? Sky is of Indian descent and her friends are a wide variety of cultures and aliens.

Michelle in the Middle 

The Big Flush by Julie Buxbaum - OPTIONAL

The Big Flush (The Area 51 Files Book 2) by Julie Buxbaum, 252 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Delacorte (Random House), 2023. $15 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Sky Patel-Baum's middle school is bizarre. She lives in Area 51 where there are aliens everywhere. Sky is learning to love her new home when it looks like it will be destroyed by space junk in the form of a giant toilet heading straight for her home, which could also take out all of Nevada. Sky and her friends race to figure out who on base is giving out coordinates to angry aliens before they are wiped out. 

 This book in the series is heavy on potty humor, especially when the town gets sprayed by human feces. Don't eat while reading this book. There are a lot of puns and it's nice to see people and aliens get along despite their differences. Nice themes of friendship and family. And fighting poop. Sky is of Indian descent and the other characters are a diverse collection of cultures and aliens. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Power Button: The First Invasion Zack Soto - OPTIONAL

Power Button: The First Invasion by Zack Soto, 202 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphic Universe (Lerner), 2023. $23.

Language: G (1 swear, 0 "F"); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Kaz Savage is 10yo when his 11yo cousin Truly is dropped off at his home in Oregon. Kaz uses a walking stick because he has a degenerative eye disease. The two of them stumble upon some space relics that summon a space knight, Trinn Cyclo, who must may be able to save earth from an invasion by a 15yo space alien who has family issues of his own. 

The art is done all in blues, purples, and greens, which seems to work with the story. The plot is fairly straightforward, though there is a strange uncle who is a cat. The robot space knight saves the day and will most likely be back in subsequent books. I liked that Kaz has a disability he copes well with. Kids will probably like it but I was hoping for more tension in the plot. Truly is black and Max is white. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Life Log by Lea Redmond, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi - OPTIONAL

Life Log by Lea Redmond, illustrated by Andrea Tsurumi, 96 pages. NON-FICTION. Chronicle Books, 2022. $15. 9781452166247

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - GIFT - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

This is an interactive book meant to be personalized by writing and coloring in it, so it would NOT be a recommended purchase for a library. It teaches ways to collect data and log observations, patterns and details using different infographic techniques. The first ten pages are very wordy in describing various infographics. Once you make it through the text-heavy intro pages, the book is filled with about a dozen fun data-collecting activities like "Bubble Gum Contest - which brand blows bigger bubbles?" and "The Life of a Pencil - how long does my pencil last?"

I think the data-collecting activities in this book are a fun way to encourage non-digital activity and could be enjoyed by a child on their own or with family or friends. Some of the activities require documenting over time, while others can be done in one afternoon. I think the book does a good job of showing that observation and collecting data can be interesting and fun, and some of the activities are things I'd enjoy doing with my own kids.

Angie Campbell - EL Librarian https://www.kingsenglish.com/book/9781452166247

Jacob’s Missing Book by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, and Chris Case - ADVISABLE

Jacob’s Missing Book by Sarah and Ian Hoffman, illustrated by Chris Case. PICTURE BOOK. Magination, 2024. $18. 9781433844584

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Jacob wants to read the penguin book during library time, but the book isn’t anywhere in the library. The next day Emily mentions that she has two dads and that she likes the penguin book too. AFter their teacher can’t talk about why the school no longer has the penguin book, at recess the kids pretend to be penguins hatching eggs in their nests of rocks and explain the book to the kids who haven’t read it.

The Hoffman’s remind us that kids are not as uptight about books as much as some adults are. And if one kid has read and loved a book that is now missing for some reason, they will happily share the story with the curious minds around them, And there is nothing wrong with that. If a teacher at any level wants to talk to their students about the history of banned books, here is a great place to start.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The World's Loneliest Elephant by Ralph Fletcher and Naoko Stoop - ADVISABLE

 The World's Loneliest Elephant: Based on the True Story of Kaavan and His Rescue by Ralph Fletcher, illustrated by Naoko Stoop. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Little Brown, 2022. $18. 978031636459

 PG (Animal cruelty- elephants in chains without proper care; no graphic images)

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

APPEALS TO: SOME

Kaavan became the loneliest elephant in the world after he was taken from Sri Lanka and moved to a zoo in Pakistan where he did not receive proper care for a very long time. After more than thirty years in a small enclosure, kept in chains, and not receiving veterinary care, Kaavan was rescued by a veterinarian from Egypt, Dr. Khalil. With the help of people from all over the world, Dr. Khalil worked to move Kaavan to an animal sanctuary in Cambodia where he could be happy and healthy.

The illustrations, which are painted on wood, are gorgeous! I loved that this was a recent event (Kaavan was moved to his new home in 2020). The humans illustrated are from different countries and are illustrated with various ethnicities.

Rachel, Elementary Library Specialist 

Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters by Wendelin Van Draanen - ESSENTIAL

Mr. Whiskers and the Shenanigan Sisters by Wendelin Van Draanen, 196 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Random), 2023. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY 

When fake FBI agents kidnap 10yo Misty and 11yo Zelda's Nanigan's dad, a stray dog named Mr. Whiskers jumps in to help them find him. The girls do not always understand him and don't always believe him but Mr. Whiskers does not give up. There are clues to find, high-speed dog chases, secret rooms, help from friends, and gold coins to add to the adventure.

I loved that the book was narrated by the dog, Mr. Whiskers. The book is full of dog puns and observations on humans from a dog perspective. This is a fun adventure that will appeal to many. It is assumed that all of the characters are white.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

 

Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur - ADVISABLE

Farrah Noorzad and the Ring of Fate by Deeba Zargarpur, 336 pages. Labyrinth Road (Random House), 2024. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Once a year on her birthday, Farrah (12yo) gets to see her dad. Their climbing trip this year is a little rocky, and then it takes a sudden turn for the worst when Farrah’s dad turns blue and disappears right before her eyes! Her family doesn’t believe her, so Farrah sets out by herself to find her dad, no matter what kind of magic trouble he’s involved in.

Zargarpur’s fantasy world is based in some Islamic mythology, specifically about jinn, and it was fun to see these mythical beings brought to life in a new way. Farrah’s whole story revolves around a wish to change her fate and her journey that reveals her true power—a power each of us could wield in our lives. Wishes sound great in theory, but we don’t need wishes to make our world better.

Farrah and Arzu are Muslim Afghan Americans. The violence rating is for fantasy violence and mentions of execution.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon - ADVISABLE

The Flicker by H.E. Edgmon, 288 pages. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), SEPT 2024. $20.

Content: G (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Millie and Rose are only step-sibling, but share a baby brother.  With their parent figures now gone and supplies rapidly dwindling, they make a bold move to strike out in search of Millie’s maternal grandmother - an Indigenous person. Walking their way in what they hope is the right direction, they happen upon a school bus of kids from a summer camp who are also trying to find their ways home. Danger lurks, however, in a group that calls themselves The Hive - a corporate conglomerate that has been hoarding supplies.

A decent upper elementary, middle grade post-apocalypse book.  The danger is palpable without being bloody and graphic. There are not a wide variety of this genre for this age level - so could be a good choice for them.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Weird But True-The Middle Ages by Michael Burgan and Carmen Sanchez - ADVISABLE

Weird But True-The Middle Ages by Michael Burgan, illustrated by Carmen Sanchez. 192 pages NON-FICTION. National Geographic (Disney), 2023. $13. 9781426373299

PG (Because this book is about the Middle Ages, there are several pictures and facts about fighting with swords and war)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Jousting knights, peasants, Vikings and more! This book contains so many facts about The Middle Ages! Weird But True-The Middle Ages teaches students about the world during this time period in a fun and exciting way.

This series is very popular with elementary students. I don't know why this book would be any different. Brightly colored illustrations and photos are on every page. Small paragraphs describe the pictures and keep the reader engaged.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Just Keep Walking by Erin Soderberg Downing - ESSENTIAL

Just Keep Walking by Erin Soderberg Downing, 256 pages. Scholastic, 2024. $25.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

For Jo’s 12th summer, she was supposed to hike 100 miles of the Superior Hiking Trail with her dad, but this year he is too busy with his new insta-family to bother with Jo, so she is hiking with her mom instead. After the first .6 of a mile, Jo is about ready to give up, but she refuses to let her dad “win”. And thankfully she persists, because adventure, a bit of danger, and heartfelt talks coupled with a lot of growth await her.

I love a good man vs nature story that is as much about conquering self as it is about surviving nature. Downing gives us an authentic look at long-trail hiking while helping Jo complete her own journey of the soul.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Mysterious Life of Dr. Barry by Lisa Williamson - OPTIONAL

The Mysterious Life of Dr. Barry by Lisa Williamson, 137 pages. Pushkin Books, (rerelease) 2024. $

Content: G (minor arguments, c-section mentioned, main character spends her life disguised as a man)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE; MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Margaret wanted more than living at home caring for her mother, so when the chance came, she reinvented herself in the guise of a man and enrolled in medical school in Edinburgh. For the next 50 years, Dr. Barry pursued a career as surgeon - battling against society’s perception of him as just a boy, keeping most people at arms-length, having only few close friends, and always dealing with politics in the towns and military units in which he was placed. While a few may have suspected, it wasn’t until Dr. Barry’s death that their secret was revealed.

Williamson manages to avoid any pronouncement about whether Dr. Barry was just disguised as a male, or whether they were transgender. The author had to create dialogue and embellish a bit to flesh out the few details known of Barry’s life; thus, this is fiction, rather than a biography. Regardless of Barry’s origins, they are important for performing the first successful C-section - both mother and baby survived despite the non-existence of anesthesia. The illustrations make the book feel very young.

Dr. Barry is from Scotland.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Paige Not Found by Jen Wilde - ADVISABLE

Paige Not Found by Jen Wilde, 256 pages. Scholastic, 2024. $19.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

12yo Paige already struggles to deal with the world through the lens of her autism.  When she finds out that her parents enrolled her in a study that implanted a device (The Dot) into her brain in order to assess her and control her, she is livid. Along with her best friend, she needs to track down the other kids from the study - because their data is about to be sold to a company that has a very poor track record about data privacy.

The near-future setting doesn’t feel that far down the road, but does put this into science fiction. Paige is queer (possibly non-binary, but she hasn’t changed her pronouns yet), which she just is - it is not a plot point. A decent book about body autonomy, data privacy, and consent. The action is just enough to keep some students interested once they catch on to the plot.

Paige cues white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Wrong Way Home by Kate O’Shaughnessy - ADVISABLE

The Wrong Way Home by Kate O’Shaughnessy, 322 pages. Knopf (Random House), 2024. $18.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

12o Fern loves her life with Dr. Ben and all of the others on The Ranch. When her mother sneaks away with her in the middle of the night, Fern is very confused. They’ve traveled for days and landed in Driftaway Beach, California, where Fern is surrounded by all of the toxic things of the world that Dr. Ben has always warned them about. As she tries to find a way back to what she considers to be home, she has much to learn - not just school stuff (which she totally does), but also about herself, her mother, and what real family and home look like.

O’Shaughnessy’s lovely book is the definition of bildungsroman - a young person goes from believing what others tell her about the world to a place where she now knows she doesn’t know everything and that trust needs to be earned. Powerful stuff that I devoured in an afternoon. The only reason I didn’t rate this ESSENTIAL is that it isn’t the romantic, or sports-centric, or action-packed, or spooky books that my students have been gravitating to on their own. The cover is uninspiring and confusing once you now the story, so you will probably need to spotlight and hand sell to the first students.

Fern and the other characters cue white.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS

Hearts That Cut by Kika Hatzopoulou - OPTIONAL

Hearts That Cut (Threads That Bind #2) by Kika Hatzopoulou, 336 pages. Razorbill (Penguin Random House), 2024. $17.

Language: R (43 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Io and Bianca have been following Thais’s thread to the gods for weeks, needing to understand the reason for all the deaths they witnessed in Alante. But the gods and their followers continue to stay one step ahead—and their adversaries aren’t the only ones misleading Io’s power.

There seemed to be more expository sections in this book than in the prequel, which were cumbersome to read but important to the conclusions Io makes to unravel the antagonists’ plan. With betrayal, reconciliation, and more of the amazing magic system, the non-expository parts were action-filled enough to make the reading worth it. I am satisfied by the climax and conclusion, though I would not say no to more stories set in Io’s world.

Hatzopoulou’s main and side characters are diverse in skin tone and sexual orientation. The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol, illegal activity, partial nudity, and an intense make out scene. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, fantasy violence, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Night Ends with Fire by K. X. Song - OPTIONAL

The Night Ends with Fire (The Night Ends with Fire #1) by K. X. Song, 432 pages. Ace (Penguin Group), 2024. $21.

Language: PG (8 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: R; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In order to save her family, Meilin (18yo) needs the matchmaker to arrange a betrothal to a wealthy suitor. The matchmaker does her job, but Meilin is unable to do hers. Instead of marrying the merchant chosen for her, Meilin calls herself Ren and joins the army, determined to be the best and force everyone to acknowledge her.

This retelling of Mulan focuses on the gray areas between ambition and greed, between equality and pride, between duty and mercy. Meilin struggles with herself and how she fits into the new situations she has placed herself in, which is the focus of the majority of the internal conflict and becomes repetitive since she struggles with the same issues again and again. Readers feel this struggle as well, trying to fit Meilin into either the box of hero or villain—but few things are that simple.

Meilin is described as having “dark” skin, and Sky is described as having “pale” skin, though the overall impression is that the characters are implied Chinese as it is a retelling of Mulan. One significant side character is lesbian. The mature content rating is for drug and alcohol use, innuendo, sexual harassment, mentions of concubines and prostitutes, rape, and sexual touching. The violence rating is for assault, child abuse, war and battle, murder, and mentions of suicide.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Crashing into You by Rocky Callen - OPTIONAL

Crashing into You by Rocky Callen, 288 pages. Henry Holt and Co. (Macmillan), 2024. $20.

Language: R (96 swears, 56 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Street racing is something that Leti (16yo) is good at, and she’s determined to prove that she deserves to be there by getting invited to the underground races. Her crew is fully behind her, even if her father isn’t supportive. But when Leti and Jacob become friends, she gains another reason to win—and so much more to lose if she doesn’t.

I love the metaphors that come to life from Leti’s view of the world, from how she describes Jacob as an entire forest in one being to how her car feels like a rocket to how the entire ocean can come between people. Leti’s and Jacob’s interest in flying and in the stars are different, and yet Callen uses imagery to bring them together in a beautiful way. The street racing is exciting and the aforementioned figurative language is amazing, but the core of this book is about grief and promises—when to let them define your life and whether any good can come from letting them go.

Leti and her family are implied Latinx, Jacob is Jewish, and a couple of side characters are gay. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, mentions of drugs and sex, illegal activity, innuendo, groping, and sexual harassment. The violence rating is for assault.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Skip by Sarah Burgess - OPTIONAL

Skip by Sarah Burgess, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Andrew McMeel Publishing, 2023. $15 

Language: G; Mature Content: PG (questioning gender); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Jay is shy, feels invisible, and questions whether they are a boy or a girl. Jay feels like a nobody and struggles with friendships. Beah, on the otherhand, knows what she wants and is a force to be reckoned with. Beah is all about Double Dutch street skipping. Jay's friendship with Beah is a game changer for Jay, but Jay and Beah still need to understand themselves. 

 Jay is trying to understand themselves and how they fit into the world. Jay's insecurities can resonate with middle school readers. Sometimes the text is difficult to read because it gets super small in places. I'm not sure if Jay and Beah are just friends or are becoming something more. Beah is black and Jay is nonbinary white. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Shiny Misfits by Maysoon Zayid, illustrated by Shadia Amin - ESSENTIAL

Shiny Misfits by Maysoon Zayid, illustrated by Shadia Amin, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphix (Scholastic), 2024. 415 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Bay Ann is in middle school and she wants to shine. She wins the school talent show with her tap routine, but when her classmate, Alyee Maq, steps up to accept his second place trophy, she wobbles and almost falls and Alyee catching her goes viral. Bay Ann has cerebral palsy and doesn't want to be seen only as her disability but as the best. She does everything in her power to beat Alyee at his attention seeking game. 

The characters are great. Bay Ann is flawed, but her angst about getting clicks and going viral is relatable. Bay Ann talks to her cat who answers in rhyme. My favorite character is the teacher, who makes me smile. It is interesting to see how Bay Ann deals with her disability and even works it to her advantage. I love the diversity of the characters and their situations, the humor, the art, and the divorced parents. It all works together to make a fun and compelling read. The two main characters and their families are Arab American. 

Michelle in the Middle School 

The House of the Lost on the Cape by Sachiko Kashiwaba and Yukiko Saito - OPTIONAL

The House of the Lost on the Cape by Sachiko Kashiwaba, illustrated by Yukiko Saito (translated from Japanese by Avery Fischer Udagawa), 224 pages. Yonder, 2023. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (attempted kidnapping, monster violence, some pets and people injured - not gory) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Yui and Hiyori are strangers on a train, but when an earthquake followed by a tsunami destroys the town they have stopped in, they find themselves together in a shelter. When an old woman, Obächan, mistakes them for her daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Yui goes along with it and they begin a new life as a family. Renting a house near the sea, Hiyori, is enrolled in the 5th grade at the local school, and although she has been silent since the death of her parents, she quickly makes a friend. But the twin disasters have opened a portal that may have released a dangerous monster. Good thing Obächan has connections to the magical world and knows a thing or two about protecting her community. 

I struggled to keep track of all the characters, as The House of the Lost on the Cape was obviously written for a Japanese audience who would be familiar with the mythology. There's not much world-building, and my digital copy didn't have a glossary. I'm certain a Japanese reader, or someone with more cultural knowledge than I would find it engaging and exciting. The suspense was well delivered, and the battle with the Sea Snake was satisfying, but I was painfully aware I was missing a huge part of the story. The characters are Japanese 

Lisa Librarian 

Unstoppable Us: Why the World Isn't Fair by Yuval Noah Harari and Ricard Zaplana Ruiz, - ADVISABLE

Unstoppable Us: Why the World Isn't Fair by Yuval Noah Harari and Ricard Zaplana Ruiz, 181 pages. NON-FICTION. Bright Matter Books, 2024. $25. 9780593711521

CONTENT: PG (The book discusses wars, discrimination, and more)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

"Unstoppable Us" follows humanity for thousands of years. We learn about the beginnings of civilization, farming, inventions, discovery, and more. With this, we also learn about oppression, unfair systems, world events, disasters, etc. In this book, we can learn about the good and bad about humanity and remember it. This book is a funny, interesting choice for older kids that want to learn more about the world around them and appreciate a darker sense of humor.

This book was a funny perspective of human civilization and how we've evolved and learned. By covering almost every topic, we learn through illustrations and fun facts about how humans have come to be. This book covers inequality and discrimination in a way that's respectful but funny. The book addresses homosexuality, different cultures, and more.

Bryant Baird, Librarian

15 Secrets to Survival by Natalie D. Richards - OPTIONAL

15 Secrets to Survival by Natalie D. Richards, 376 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2023. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Baxter, Turner, Abigail and Emerson have known each other since pre-school. Their parents are friends, but they are not - more like frenemies. So when the group starts arguing with each other and saying mean things on a group chat during a school competition, they are disqualified and given an alternate assignment. As a team building activity, the children are delivered to Baxter's great Uncle Hornsby - a survivalist - in the mountains of northern Montana (and it's December). But what they think is survival training turns into life and death as Uncle Hornby disappears and the kids find themselves alone in the wilderness. 

Wow, so much peril - winter, snow storms, collapsing shed, frozen rivers, an avalanche, dangerous wildlife, oh, and they have an 18 month old little sister with them. It felt like a bit much for the 2 days? they were together. Uncle Hornsby is portrayed as super elderly - so many wrinkles - and I puzzle at the wisdom of the parents just dropping the kids off and heading to Aruba. All in all, exciting, as the action never stops - they go from one dangerous situation right into the next, I'm not sure some of them might have permanent injuries. A bit long for middle grade, nearly 400 pages. The author gives us hair colors, but races are not defined, so the characters default white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Kaya and the Lizard Riders by Wes Craig - ADVISABLE

Kaya and the Lizard Riders, Book 1 by Wes Craig, 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Image Comics, Inc. 2023. $10 

Language: G (2 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: PG (fighting, death, destruction) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Kaya is a young girl who must take her 8yo brother to a safe haven after their village is destroyed. He is a prince and may be the answer to a prophecy. The siblings have not grown up together, and while the prince still thinks he can give orders, it is Kaya and her magic arm that keep them alive while fleeing the empire and battling monsters. 

If you like comic books, this one is for you. Kaya has just enough attitude and moxie to make her an unlikely, yet interesting hero. The plot is fast-paced and the subplots, about a possible relationship and having honor are intriguing. This is book one of five, and readers will want to find out what happens to Kaya and her brother. Kaya may or may not be black, and her love interest is a lizard man. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Next Stop by Debbie Fong - ADVISABLE

Next Stop by Debbie Fong, 268 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024. $22 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: PG (death, mental breakdown) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Pia is on a desert bus tour with a bus full of interesting characters but no family. Pia is drawn to the tour because of a chance to see a mystical underground lake that is supposed to grant impossible wishes. Pia has a deep secret she's been hiding from her new friends on the bus and is searching for healing. 

 The bus ride is an adventure in quirkiness. Think of all the weird things one could possibly see on a road trip, and they're probably included. Pia's secret is revealed in flashbacks and by the end your heart will break for her. The text type is small but readable. The issues of grieving and loss are identifiable and touching. Pia is most likely Taiwanese. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Arthur the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland and Chris Riddell - OPTIONAL

Arthur the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Chris Riddell, 237 pages. Candlewick, 2023. $30. 9781536212655

CONTENT: PG-13 (The book has blood, death, war, and violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

"Arthur the Always King" follows the story of King Arthur. Through war, love, light, and darkness, we learn about the impact King Arthur had during his life. The tales of these journeys have been passed down for generations, which are still adapted and retold today. While some are violent and gruesome, some are romantic and kind. 

Arthur’s story is perfect for kids who have a darker sense of humor, love fairy tales, and love knights in shining armor. Riddell has filled the  stories with great illustrations to match about countless stories throughout the years. The art and stories themselves are very violent, with blood and more. This book might be difficult for many readers, especially younger ones. 

Bryant Baird, Librarian

Choosing Sides (Sweet Valley Twins #3) by Francine Pascal & Nicole Andelfinger and Claudia Aguirre - ADVISABLE

Choosing Sides (Sweet Valley Twins #3) by Francine Pascal, illustrated by Nicole Andelfinger and Claudia Aguirre, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024. $22 

Language: PG (3 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Elizabeth's best friend, Amy, is trying out for the new cheer squad. Unfortunately, the Unicorn's cheer squad only wants the most popular girls and are actively working against Amy. Elizabeth gets caught in the middle between her twin and the Unicorns, and friends who want to have a chance no matter the odds. 

 Pretty much a standard plot line with good twin vs. demented twin caught up in the popular universe. Elizabeth finds a way to make things right and stave off the mean girls. If you like Sweet Vally Twins, then you will like this book. The art captures the spirit of the books well and helps advance the story. The twins are white but there are different skin tones in the book. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Undercover Latina by Aya De Leon - OPTIONAL

Undercover Latina by Aya De Leon, 336 pages. Candlewick, 2023. $9 (paperback) 

Language: PG (8 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (brief fight against a terrorist) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

14yo Latina Andrea and her family are part of an undercover international group called the Factory, which helps governments around the world extend protection to people of color. Andrea and her mother are activated to infiltrate a suburban Arizona school to befriend the estranged son of a white supremacist - but Andrea and her mom have to pass as white to do so. Add complications from Andrea getting her first crush and perhaps her first kiss. 

As fun as the book was to listen to (major Gallagher Girl vibes here), SPOILER - I hated that Andrea’s cover was so thoroughly blown at the end that she might get little chance in the future for the spy work - I was really hoping for a whole series. Also - book #2 is now out, but both books need major cover redo’s - the first is too cartoony and the second too dark (at first glance it looks like Amani has a beard). At over 300 pages, most of my students will pass it up for something tighter. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS