The Midnight Game by Cynthia Murphy - ADVISABLE

The Midnight Game by Cynthia Murphy, 311 pages. Delcacorte Press (Random House), 2023. $13

Language: R (9 swears, 6 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Paranormal horror, reference to past suicide attempt); Violence: PG-13 (Paranormal activity with a few bloody descriptions)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Six teens between 16 and 18 meet through an online forum and decide to play a ritual called “The Midnight Game” in real life. The game, which is an urban legend, is supposed to summon the Midnight Man, who is an entity that exploits each participant’s deepest fears. What starts as a thrill-seeking dare quickly turns into a terrifying reality when strange events begin to unfold. As the group struggles to follow the strict rules and survive the night, personal secrets and unresolved traumas come to light. Each teen must confront their inner demons, while questioning whether the danger is supernatural or something more. 

I liked Murphy’s book because it was creepy with a supernatural vibe, but had real life dangers at the same time.  I liked how parts of the book were written in chat-style messages and forum posts.  It made it feel super real and current.  I also really liked how it switched between different character's perspectives and was definitely not predictable. It was a little hard to keep track of all of the characters and really connect with them, but I thought it made the book a little more suspenseful because of their different perspectives.

The characters are British and white.

Jessica Nelson CTHS Librarian

Black Star (Door of No Return #2) by Kwame Alexander - ESSENTIAL

Black Star (Door of No Return #2) by Kwame Alexander, 384 pages. Little, Brown, 2024. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Charlene (Charley) is good at baseball. She can pitch with both hands and hits well, too. But except for Cool Willie Green and Henry, called Socks, she doesn't have a team. Being black in the segregated south in the 1920s leaves her few options, so when the town bully challenges Charley and her "team" to a baseball game at the church picnic, Charley accepts, even though 3 kids aren't really a team. 

Black Star is the 2nd in Alexander's novel in verse trilogy, The Door of No Return. Kofi from the 1st book is now Charley's wise and beloved grandfather. I was on the edge of my seat for the last half of the book, loved Nana's stories and the glimpses of his history. Alexander now has a Basketball title (Crossover), a Soccer Title (Booked) and now this one about Baseball. An essential purchase, especially if you have The Door of No Return. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Right Call by Tommy Greenwald - ESSENTIAL

The Right Call by Tommy Greenwald, 253 pages. Amulet, 2025. $19.

Language:  G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (pushing ends up with umpire in coma)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Something has changed in Cal’s pitching and now he is attracting attention from powerful people. All that changes after his Dad injures the umpire in a fit of anger after a game.  Now, with his Dad in serious trouble, Cal has lost his love of the game.  Plus his coach’s incessant training has injured Cal’s throwing arm.  Cal wants to go back to the games that he has always loved, but doesn’t really see a path forward on his own.

Using police transcripts, text messages, news articles, among others, Greenwald again brings us right into the controversies around a sport culture that exploits children at earlier and earlier ages. He shines the light on the anger and competitiveness among parents of “superstar” athletes. I’m glad Greenwald is writing books that are about sports, but that also address them on a deeper level - 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

At the End of the World by Nadia Mikail - OPTIONAL

At the End of the World by Nadia Mikail, 183 pages. Feiwel (Macmillan), 2023. $20. 

Language: G (3 swears, 0  “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Three years ago, Aisha’s sister June walked out. 3 months ago the powers that be announced that the world was ending in a year and that there was no way to avoid it. Aisha decides that it is time to find June and mend fences.  She will need to bring her mother, the one who needs to mend fences.  Plus Walter, Aisha’s boyfriend, won’t let her go without him, which means his parents are coming along. When the group travels through Malaysia, what will happen when they do find June?

Mikail tries to give us a different apocalypse book, one that’s more about families and found families, rather than one focused on the end of the world. Students who enjoy introspective books will enjoy its quiet strength.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Deathly Grimm (Forest Grimm #2) by Kathryn Purdie - OPTIONAL

The Deathly Grimm (Forest Grimm #2) by Kathryn Purdie, 400 pages. St. Martin's Press, 2025. $24

Language:  PG (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); PG-13 (kissing); PG-13 (bloody violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Clara and Axel follow a group of sisters in a trance as they’re being called into the cursed forest. Clara and Axel want to save the sisters from the curse which will cause them to go mad or die. As they follow them, Clara meets Harlan, an enchanted frog, and she frees him with a kiss that turns him back into his human form. Harlan helps Clara have visions which give her clues to the person who murdered a Grimm Hollow villager, causing the curse. Clara and Axel sift through the clues to discover the murderer, which will ultimately break the curse on their village and they need all the help they can get. Harlan seems to be helpful but can he be trusted?

 I enjoyed how the author incorporated fairytales into the story and how she twisted them a bit. I liked unraveling the mystery behind the curse and how the author used Clara’s incomplete visions to create uncertainty about the suspects. Axel is still so kind and caring but he also shows insecurities and frustration.

Clara and Henni have pale skin and Axel has tawny skin. Lila has bronze skin.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Olivetti by Allie Millington - OPTIONAL

Olivetti by Allie Millington, 272 pages. Square Fish (Macmillan), 2024. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (sentient typewriter taken apart) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

12yo Ernie's mother is missing. She left the family and he's so worried. She took their old typewriter to a pawn shop and hasn't been seen since. So when Ernie and his family visit the pawn shop to see if they know anything, Ernie spots the typewriter, who has been with the family since his parents got engaged. The typewriter, feeling abandoned breaks the rules of typewriters. He types a message to Ernie "I can help!" 

I had my doubts, a magical typewriter? But I loved it! The typewriter has been the silent witness to this family's whole life, the good times and the bad, and the mother, who is a writer has poured her life into her writing. Of course the typewriter can help. I loved Ernie's friend Quinn, the daughter of the pawn shop owner, she's quirky and fun, a good yang for Ernie's ying. It might need some hand selling, especially because there are no children pictured on the cover, but if I can get some readers turned on to it, word of mouth could get it some traction. The characters default white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown by Candace Fleming - OPTIONAL

Death in the Jungle: Murder, Betrayal, and the Lost Dream of Jonestown by Candace Fleming, 319 pages. NON-FICTION. Anne Schwartz Books (Penguin), 2025. $20

Language: PG-13 (12  swears, 0  “f”); Mature Content: R (drug use mentioned several times); Violence: R (Rape mentioned, mistresses mentioned, walking around inside in underthings, murders, including of babies and children, some dead body descriptions, gun violence, Beatings mentioned, public urination mentioned, sex mentioned several times)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In 1978, people around the world were stunned when 900+ dead were found in a remote jungle area of Guyana - what remained of the Peoples Temple, aka Jonestown.  Who was Jim Jones, why did he found this place in such a remote area, and why did more than 900 people, including 300 children, follow him to their deaths? 

Fleming uses her deft research skills to dive behind the scenes into Jim Jones and the Jonestown massacre - from his childhood and to the day of the murders. It is a heavy read - it may be more appreciated by those like me who heard about the murders firsthand in the 70’s. Don’t discount Fleming’s work, however - it is also an excellent primer on the mind of a Svengali-like person who is in search of personal power no matter what the cost.  And a peek into why people follow a cult-like personality and remain trapped within.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Liar's Test by Ambelin Kwaymullina - ADVISABLE

Liar's Test by Ambelin Kwaymullina, 258 pages. Alfred A. Knopf (Random House), 2024. $20

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG (physical abuse mentioned, some violent death)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

15yo Bell has spent the last four years living as a captive in the temple of the sun god. She is treated poorly and is sometimes beaten. She has learned to survive by lying. She pretends to accept their religion while at the same time secretly holding on to her Treesinger ways.  Every 25 years, a new queen is chosen to rule through the Queen's Test. Due to some political maneuvering, Bell, along with six other girls, finds herself in the test. Taking the opportunity handed to her, she plans to win to get revenge on the Risen for invading her people and use her new power to help her people. Bell participates in the Queen's Test reluctantly at first. However, through the process, she finds friends she can rely on and realizes she is a leader who can help her own people and also help unite the Risen community. There is also a slow-burning romance.

Aboriginal writer Ambelin Kwymullina builds a complex world, complete with religions, gods, mythologies, and history. The world she created helps bring the story to life and adds depth, but at times, I felt a little confused and had to go back to remind myself of certain details. The story is told through Bell's voice. It is fast-paced and an enjoyable read. I also liked the themes of our connection to nature, the importance of family bonds, and the strength found in knowing our ancestors. 

Bell has brown skin.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Are you a Friend of Dorothy? by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Levi Hastings - OPTIONAL

Are you a Friend of Dorothy? The True Story of an Imaginary Woman and the Real People She Helped by Kyle Lukoff, illustrated by Levi Hastings. NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2025. $20. 9781665931663 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS  - OPTIONAL  

APPEALS TO: SOME 

The LGBT community had many ways of secretly coming out to each other, and outsiders didn't know. Might be a book they were holding or a particular flower. One of these ways was asking "Are you a friend of Dorothy?" It was a hard time to be gay or lesbian because you could be fired from your job, even if it was kept a secret. 

What an interesting piece of LGTBQIA+ history! Kyle Lukoff's explanations are great, and I loved Hastings illustrations. I love the sneaky navy people trying to figure out who this "Dorothy" was. I was concerned that the book is about adults contacting each other, but the cover picture characters look like children. Characters are LGBTQIA or Navy Personnel 

Lisa Librarian 

It's Watching by Lindsay Currie - ADVISABLE

It's Watching by Lindsay Currie, 303 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2025. $18

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (scary, intense scenes)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Seventh graders Josie, Alison and Jackson are investigating the legend of the Lady in White for their school newspaper.  Hopefully the story will be exciting enough to get them on the editorial staff next year as 8th graders.  Of course that means sneaking into Bachelor's Grove Cemetery which has been abandoned for years and is rumored to be haunted.  They sneak in on Halloween night as thick fog rolls in, they see lights, hear noises and almost get caught, but no Lady in White.  Once home, they decide the whole thing was a bust, until they are startled awake during the night to a cold house, muddy footsteps and a text telling them, “I’m watching.”  Scared and nervous, they wonder who or what they brought back with them.

Currie writes a solid middle school ghost story with just the right amount of scary.  I found the characters likeable, realistic and smart.  If your readers are looking for a scary story, this one works.  At the end, the author includes notes about the real Bachelor's Grove Cemetery and efforts being made to restore the cemetery.  She recommends a visit to the cemetery (but not after dark, of course). 

The characters are white.

RB Librarian

 

The Forbidden Book by Sacha Lamb - OPTIONAL

The Forbidden Book by Sacha Lamb, 256 pages. Levine Querido, 2024. $20. 

Language: PG13 (19 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G Violence: PG13 (monsters, peril, stabbings, murder, dead bodies) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

0n the night of 17yo Sorel's wedding, she runs away, into the woods, throws her wedding dress in the river and dresses as a boy - Isser Jacobs. But she soon discovers that there is a real Isser Jacobs, and there are people after him - they want to kill him or at least get a book that is in his possession. 

So much intrigue - friends become enemies, and there's no one she can really trust. Lamb is a great mystery writer, the twists and turns and revelations are amazing. When I wasn't reading, I was thinking about The Forbidden Book. Definitely written for a Jewish audience, some knowledge of Jewish traditions and culture is needed to fully immerse in the book. The characters are Jewish. 

Lisa Librarian 

Time and Time Again by Chatham Greenfield - OPTIONAL

Time and Time Again by Chatham Greenfield, 336 pages. Bloomsbury, 2024. $20.

Language: R (swears 100+ 'f' 8); Mature Content: PG 13 (making out, clothing removal); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

17yo Phoebe is stuck in a time loop. August 6th replays as her everyday - the same blueberry pancakes, the same invite to play scrabble and no matter what she does, she wakes up the next morning and it's not the next day, it's the same day. Then, she reconnects with former best friend (and lifelong crush) Jess who is also now stuck in same loop. They have unlimited time to fix their problems and reunite, this time as more than friends. 

An interesting "stuck in a loop" story where the characters aren't primarily interested in figuring out how to get unstuck. Told from Phoebe's perspective - she is chronically ill with IBS and is anxiously awaiting a future doctor appointment. I love that with so many daily resets, Phoebe gets opportunities to be real about so many personal things, with her friends, her parents and even herself. Phoebe is a lesbian, Jess is non-binary and lesbian. Both are white, their friend group is multi cultural and various genders and sexual preferences. 

Lisa Librarian 

Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier - ADVISABLE

Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier, 368 pages HarperCollins, 2024. $20. 

Language: PG (1 swear 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG13 (gore, violence, killing of dragons, injuries and deaths described) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

18yo Hanalei studies sea dragons. She has a special connection with them - her father once saved her life using a sea dragon egg. Now her father is gone and she is fending for herself, working for scholars at a school - getting them information about the elusive dragons. But when she is captured by a dragon hunter, she escapes back to her home village, where she must face her past, her friends and the dragons. 

An engaging story, more violent than I expected - not a next read for the Wings of Fire crowd as the dragons are hunted and brutally killed, and their eggs stolen. The setting is a Polynesian type archipelago, and tattoos are another magical element to the story. I enjoyed Dragonfruit, plenty of adventure, both seafaring and on land. The characters are islanders. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shante - ESSENTIAL

The Unboxing of a Black Girl by Angela Shante, 160 pages. Page Street, 2024. $19. 

Language: PG13 (13 swears. 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (reference to kisses and kissing) Violence: PG13 (aftermath of a sexual assault) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Black children, especially girls, grow up quickly. Full of vignettes of growing up black, particularly female and black. Angela is resilient and driven. 

Shante is a gifted poet. The Unboxing of a Black Girl is a novel in verse, and, like Anderson's Shout isn't just a collection of poems - this is one readers are going to want to own, to re-reread, to reflect, to connect with and share. The use of footnotes to connect the reader with the culture and history was smart. Includes a reader's guide with discussion questions, music, books and film references, as well as research topics and author "inspirations" Highly recommended. 

Lisa Librarian 

2025 Top 50 for Secondary School Libraries

What are the best dressed middle school and high school libraries wearing this year?  Check out my 50 recommendations for your students.  A great mix of picture books for classroom use, non-fiction, and novels. CLICK HERE

Johnny, the Sea, and Me by Melba Escobar, Elizabeth Builes, and Sara Lissa Paulson - OPTIONAL

Johnny, the Sea, and Me by Melba Escobar, Elizabeth Builes, and Sara Lissa Paulson, 124 pages. Enchanted Lion, 2024. $17. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G Violence: PG (Pirate talk, story about an earring in soup because of a pirate's missing ear) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

10yo Pedro is so excited - his mother is taking him to see the ocean! They are flying to an island in the Caribbean, where he expects the water to be beautiful and to see ocean life he cannot see in Columbia. But when he arrives, and his mother tells him some bad news, Pedro runs, and runs and runs, until he is lost far down the beach. He is discovered by an old man who takes him to his shanty, feeds him dinner and lets him stay the night, where he hears stories of Prirates and adventure, and experiences some adventure of his own. 

Originally published in Spanish, and a Batchelder Honor for 2025, Johnny the Sea and Me contains illustrations, and short chapters. There's an element of magic, both with the old man as well as with Pedro. I wasn't impressed, however, and there were some questionable decisions made by Johnny - like should a lost 10yo willingly go home with a stranger. Johnny and his mother are Columbian. 

Lisa Librarian 

Fault Lines by Janet Sumner Johnson - ADVISABLE

Fault Lines (The Winterton Deception #2) by Janet Sumner Johnson, 368 pages. Candlewick, 2024. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence PG (Peril, injuries, character shot, not graphic) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Hope tries to tell her new extended family her big secret, but no one believes her, in fact they think she's just trying to get attention. But when hope receives a letter, with a cryptic message about how to find James, she doesn't go back to the family for help, instead she tries to follow the clues herself - and it's much more dangerous than she expected. 

More twists and turns than The Final Word. This family keeps so many secrets, it's strange that were so mad at Hope for keeping some important ones. Worth buying if you have Book 1. The characters default white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Novel Threat by Traci Hunter Abramson - ADVISABLE

Novel Threat (Pen and Dagger #1) by Traci Hunter Abramson, 320 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2025. $28.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULT - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

His employers might not know it yet, but it’s Brandon’s last night in the CIA—he’s resigning tomorrow to work for a publishing company. But his last night goes all wrong and his boss won’t let him resign, instead sending Brandon undercover at a different publishing company, Monroe. Kimber works in finance for the CIA and secretly dreams of being a published author one day—one day that the CIA is making come sooner than she ever imagined in order to get close to terrorists at Monroe Publishing.

The rom-com plot points are amusing and add the lighthearted scenes needed to balance out the terroristic acts and suspense in tracking down the perpetrators. Fighting to move forward—professionally to catch the bad guys and also romantically—encourages readers to turn just one more page through to the happy ending we all want. Overall, Brandon’s and Kimber’s story is an action-packed and entertaining read.

The majority of characters are implied White (American and British), and the main antagonist is implied to be Middle Eastern. The mature content rating is for kissing. The violence rating is for assault, mentions of drugs, illegal activity, gun and bomb use, terrorism, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

On the Block, Stories of Home edited by Ellen Oh - ESSENTIAL

On the Block, Stories of Home edited by Ellen Oh, 208 pages. Random House, 2024. $18.

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (There's an angry old man who lives in the apartment) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Lila has just moved to the Entrada from Trinidad, her parents keep telling her that things will be better in America, she doesn't see it that way. Lenny's parents own the building, and makes the mistake of telling that to the kids, now they think he's saying he's better than them. Amira finds a stray dog, Yaniel is making everyone eat popsicles to help him collect enough sticks to build his bridge project. 12 stories that all take place in the same apartment building. 

The children are about the same ages, and many go to the same school. Like Flying Lessons each story is written by a different diverse author, including Ellen Oh, Minh Lê, David Bowles and Erin Entrada Kelly. I loved how, like children interact, they were in each other's stories, and some stories even intersected. Brilliant. A super fun read, I can see this being used in a classroom setting, great themes of family, friendships, and the immigrant experience, along with culture and apartment living. Most of the children are immigrants or from immigrant families 

Lisa Librarian 

Shackled: A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and a Town that Looked Away by Candy J Cooper - ADVISABLE

Shackled A Tale of Wronged Kids, Rogue Judges, and a Town that Looked Away by Candy J Cooper, 192 pages. NON-FICTION Astra, 2024. $20 

Language: PG (8 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (reference to sexual assaults and abuse/mistreatment of children) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

In the early 2000s, 2 corrupt judges in Pennsylvania enriched themselves by sending children to for profit detention centers. Capitalizing on the No Tolerance feelings after Columbine, Judge Mark Ciavarella sent children (as young a 10) to detention for even minor mistakes, like arguing with a teacher, throwing rocks and vandalism. 

A heartbreaking account of the scandal, complete with mob ties, bribery, money laundering and luxury condos. It read like a podcast, and was so shocking, I could hardly believe it was true. Well researched with an extensive author's note and sources. Length and content shows a publisher's recommendation of 14-17, but I would find it more appropriate and interesting for adults. The judges, victims and their families are white.

Lisa Librarian

Dear Manny by Nic Stone - MANY

Dear Manny by Nic Stone, 224 pages. Random House, 2025. $20. 

Language: R (94 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Kissing, frat party, public intoxication) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY 

19yo Jared is running for junior class president at his university, running on an antiracism platform. White, and raised by wealthy parents, Jared has had a privileged life, but after the death of his best friend, Manny, Jared has examined his priorities, and is planning to become a civil rights lawyer. But when Dylan, a black transfer student, enters the race for president, Jared must look past how pretty she is, and do his best to win the election, his other opponent is a racist, outspoken white boy whose platform is to take the college back to the 1800s (practically). 

Nic Stone's final installment in the trilogy is moving and introspective. Jared has reappeared from Dear Martin as a bit different, but still with flaws, which I like. A few of the characters, particularly the racist ones, were a bit over the top. I liked the discussions the class had in the Constitutional Law class - Stone does a good job of bringing in different voices. An important trilogy to have in your school library. I loved the author's notes (throughout) and highly recommend reading along with the audiobook. Jared is white, many of his friends are ethnically diverse. 

Lisa Librarian

The Playmakers by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown - ESSENTIAL

The Playmakers by Chad Morris and Shelly Brown, 256 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2025. $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Jax (12yo) didn’t make the basketball team, Luke (12yo) didn’t make it into the musical, and if Miley (12yo) doesn’t make friends, then her parents will cut her from public school and homeschool Miley with her eye-rolling cousin. These middle schoolers are not friends, but now they each have reasons to need each other—if everyone is willing to be all in.

At first, it’s difficult for these characters to see where they could fit together, and the beauty is that their diverse team is then not confined to any one teammate’s home court. They bring together everyone’s strengths and support each other’s dreams—even when giving support means getting out of their comfort zones. I also love that Miley’s chapters are told through her notes and stick figure doodles.

Most of the characters are implied White, and Luke’s family comes from Estonians that moved to America. Also, there are a couple of characters that are described as Black or as having “dark brown” skin.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett - OPTIONAL

A Drop of Corruption (Shadow of the Leviathan #2) by Robert Jackson Bennett, 480 pages. Del Rey (Penguin Random House), 2025. $30.

Language: R (155 swears, 67 “f”); Mature Content: R; Violence: R

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - NO; ADULT - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Dinios likes the work he does with Ana as her assistant investigator, but he longs to transfer to be a Legionnaire—like the lover he left behind. Those desires get pushed aside in favor of their newest case, though, a victim who disappeared from a tower room and ended up dead in the canals. Din and Ana are constantly five steps behind this murderer, and it could become the first case they leave unsolved.

The world building still fascinates me in this second installment of the series where readers not only get to see another part of the Empire—or soon-to-be-part of the Empire—but also the place where their augmentations are created. Din and Ana, and the other characters they work with, feel complicated and real, even as they do their work with greater-than-human abilities. They somehow straddle the line between relatable and enigmatic. While I remember Ana being crass in the first book, she becomes more so in this one, partially because of the choices Din makes to cope with his personal life.

Race is discussed, but they are not the same races as the ones in our world. The mature content rating is for drug and alcohol use, crude language, innuendo, nudity, and sex. The violence rating is for corpses, assault, blood and gore, mentions of suicide, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop by Joshua S. Levy - ADVISABLE

Finn and Ezra's Bar Mitzvah Time Loop by Joshua S. Levy, 256 pages. HarperCollins, 2024 $19. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Finn and Ezra don't know each other (yet) but their Bar Mitzvah weekend is about to bring the boys together. They are having their events at the same time at the same hotel, but both boys seem to be trapped in a time loop, repeating Friday through Sunday, endlessly. Finn eventually figures out how to contact Ezra and the two work together to try figure out how to end their Bar Mitzvah Time Loop. 

I loved the crazy schemes they came up with, and how naive 13 year old boys can be. Joshua Levy looks at themes of family relationships, religious practices, friend drama, and coming of age in such a clever book. Of course it's far fetched, but a delightful read - I grew to love these guys. Finn and Ezra and their families are Jewish.

Lisa Librarian 

A Song for You and I by K. O'Neill - ADVISABLE

A Song for You and I by K. O'Neill, 240 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2025. $22. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Rosie, who eventually wants to be called Rowan, is training to become a ranger, someone who is dedicated to protecting others. However, when one of Rowan’s decisions hurts their flying horse companion and as part of their restitution they have to go on a long journey by foot with laidback shepherd Leone, they are forced to reevaluate their life goals and even their identity. 

I actually really liked this graphic novel. It’s very slow, but for a reason. I loved seeing the wide landscapes and just the space for reflection that the author/artist creates for Rowan and Leone to think about things. It's a very cozy fantasy, but also just a sweet coming of age story.  

Reviewer: Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

Murray Out of Water by Taylor Tracy - ADVISABLE

Murray Out of Water by Taylor Tracy, 400 pages. HarperCollins, 2024 $20 

Language: PG (0 swears 0 'f' however, pervert and groomer are used to describe a character); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (mild bullying). 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Murray has a special relationship with the ocean. She lives near the beach on the Jersey shore and has a magical power - she can manipulate the water, bringing toys back for children or make the perfect wave for surfing. But when a hurricane hits, her family must relocate to Goshen to stay with her Aunt and Uncle.  Murray is no longer near the ocean and worries she will lose her powers. Murray and her siblings have a difficult relationship with their parents. Her oldest brother Patrick went away to college and didn't return. Murray suspects she may be non-binary and fears her parents will have a similar reaction to her. 

Murray out of Water is a magical novel in verse. I was grateful she could find support at the home of her aunt and uncle. The magical realism was just right, and I liked how the right person could seem to amplify their powers. Murray and her family default white 

Lisa Librarian 

Our Wicked Histories by Amy Goldsmith - OPTIONAL

Our Wicked Histories by Amy Goldsmith, 367 pages. Delacorte Press (Random), 2024. $20

Language: R (23 swears, 30 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Sex is off the page, but a lot of talk about it); Violence: PG (Fighting, death and paranormal activity)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

This story follows Meg, a 16yo who joins her old friends for a Halloween weekend at a crumbling estate full of secrets, tension and eerie local legends.  Things start to get weird fast.  The townspeople say there is a haunted lake, Meg has some disturbing visions, and her chilling past refuses to stay buried.  The twin siblings, Lottie and Seb, are rich, intense and totally unpredictable, keeping both Meg and readers guessing.  As friendships crack and the supernatural creeps in, the line between what is real and imagined starts to blur.  It is suspenseful, mysterious and full of drama in the best ways.  This book is perfect for fans of ghost stories, elite schools, and slow-burn thrillers that mess with your head.

My favorite part about this book was the setting, with the crumbling mansion, creepy woods and an eerie lake.  It was a little bit of a slow start but as the tension built between characters and the supernatural, I was hooked. I liked the dynamic between Meg, Lottie and Seb.  I just couldn't decide who was deceiving who, and I was a little frustrated with Meg's passive behaviors.  If you are wanting a fast-paced horror with a lot of twists, you may be disappointed.  But if you are up for a gothic, moody story with unsettling secrets, you will enjoy this book.

The characters in this story are all assumed to be white.  This book focuses more on class than ethnicity.

Jessica Nelson CTHS Librarian

Joined at the Joints by Marissa Eller - OPTIONAL

Joined at the Joints by Marissa Eller, 330 pages. Holiday House, 2024. $20. 

Language: R (45 swears 8 'f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing, talk of birth control and a sexually active character); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

17yo Ivy was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at the end of her freshman year. She struggles with chronic pain and the effects of the medication, she also has social anxiety. Her mother has Lupus and her older sister Caroline has celiac's disease so the family talks about feeling bad regularly, however, Ivy hasn't told anyone outside her family, not even her best friend. When her mom sees a support group for teens with chronic illness, she encourages the sisters to join. Ivy tries to avoid it, because of her social anxiety, but there's a boy there, Grant, he also has RA and he is cute, and nice and understanding. Maybe it's time Ivy faced this a different way. 

Much of Ivy's behavior in the first few chapters was so irritating - not admitting, even to her mother and sister, what her pain levels were like; wearing heels to a dance because she didn't want to not look normal and then spending most of the night on the floor in the girl's restroom because she could hardly walk. I would say it's more of a disability book than a romance. She and Grant click right away and there's not a lot of tension in their relationship - he's her voice of reason because he understands. I suppose it would be a good empathy read, if you have someone who needs to look at chronic illness. The characters are white 

Lisa Librarian 

Last One to Die by Cynthia Murphy - ADVISABLE

Last One to Die by Cynthia Murphy, 275 pages. Delacorte Press (Random), 2021. $13

Language: PG-13 (12 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (Kissing); Violence: PG-13 (girls are violently attacked, murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

16yo Niamh has just arrived in London from Ireland for a summer drama course. She is excited to be out of her small town and in the big city. But the first two girls she befriends are attacked, and one of them dies. She is beginning to wonder if she made the right decision to come to London. She decides to stay. She starts a volunteer job at a museum, meets a gorgeous guy, and makes some new friends. She begins to feel that she is being followed, and girls that look like her keep getting attacked. She and her friend start to realize the attacks are similar to those from Victorian times by a serial killer named Spring-Heeled Jack. Niamh will have to learn to trust herself and her new friends to stay alive and figure out who is after her.

The book was the right amount of horror and suspense. A little of the supernatural is worked into the storyline as well. I liked the spunky character of Niamh. The plot is a little predictable but overall a very enjoyable read.

Niamh is from Ireland.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

What if You Fall For Me First? by G.F. Miller - ESSENTIAL

What if You Fall For Me First? by G.F. Miller, 368 pages. Aladdin (Simon), JUNE 2025. $20

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

All Sophia ever wants is for Mark Chen to notice her - to see her and like her as much as she likes him. While is hiding herself behind the coats at the school Glow Night, who does notice her -- Holden! The school rich kid bad boy, who loves and leaves girls all over the place. But Holden sees something in Sophia that no one has noticed and gradually Sophia sees something in Holden, too. Even if her friends warn her to stay far away.

I admit it - I didn’t think Miller could continue with a second book that is as heartfelt and lovely as the first.  I was SO WRONG! Not only does she start off where the first book ends, but she weaves a new story that is as good (maybe better) than Not if You Break Up With Me First. Like Not If, What if shows us both Sophia’s point of view and Holden’s.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Forest King's Daughter (Thirstwood 1) by Elly Blake - ADVISABLE

The Forest King's Daughter (Thirstwood 1) by Elly Blake, 382 pages. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2025. $18

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (gentle kissing); Violence: PG-13 (bloody hitting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Zeru is from the underground.  17yo Cassia is a princess from the forest.  Their kingdoms are enemies. When Zeru and Cassia were seven, they accidentally found each other in the forest and became friends. Zeru took a ring from a family jewelry box and gave it to his new friend Cassia, inadvertently creating a bond between the two of them. He also unknowingly started a war between their kingdoms. Ten years later, the battles continue and Cassia is captured by Zeru, so he can recover the ring for the queen of the Cryptlands.

I like how the author placed mythological statements at the beginning of each chapter, giving insight into what would happen during that chapter. I love Cassia with her gentle personality and loving kindness. The realm of Welkincaster was fun to “see” change and grow into a beautiful sanctuary. The ethnicity is full of fantasy creatures.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Prince of Fortune by Lisa Tirreno - ADVISABLE

Prince of Fortune by Lisa Tirreno, 416 pages. Atheneum (Simon), 2024. $20

Language: PG (11 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (fade to black intimate scenes); Violence: PG-13 (many people dead in battle scenes and murders)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Lord Aubrey Ainsley had no idea that it would be love at first sight when he first met Prince Edmund, the future king of Saban.  When Saban is attacked by their neighbors, who wield dark magic and evil to control their world, both Aubrey and Edmund know that their desires take second place to the needs of the kingdom. Aubrey’s foresight as a Seer could be what is needed to turn this war in Saban’s favor.

You should know that I dislike romance books disguising themselves as fantasy. Tirreno has managed to avoid that trap all together.  You will definitely be rooting for Aubrey and Edmond, but their romance takes second place to saving their country.  I hope this book performs so well that other first fantasy writers will follow her lead - if I never hear the word “romantasy” again, it will be too soon!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Bitter End by Alexa Donne - OPTIONAL

The Bitter End by Alexa Donne, 352 pages. Random House, 2024. $20

Language: R (100+ swears,  49 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (off page sex, drinking, drugs); Violence: R (multiple deaths, dead bodies sometimes described)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Eight students have a history - eight students are trapped during their senior trip in a luxury cabin high in the mountains during a snowstorm. Their chaperone heads down the mountain to contact help - then the bodies start piling up. Is there one murderer? A conspiracy? A dangerous stranger? The body count won’t wait for them to unmask the secrets.

Donne takes twisted ulterior motives and then twists them again, leaving the reader breathless - and still highly suspicious at the end. I listened to the audiobook and couldn’t stop listening. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Zero: the number that almost wasn’t by Sarah Albee and Chris Hsu - ESSENTIAL

Zero: the number that almost wasn’t by Sarah Albee, illustrated by Chris Hsu. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Charlesbridge, 2025. $18. 9781623544324

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Follow the timeline and take a trip around the world as you explore the history of the number zero.

Albee does a great job of simplifying zero’s history, letting us see the scope of the concept throughout history and at many different places around the world - including the time when CHristian leaders said that zero was the work of the devil. I showed this to my math teachers and they love it. This might convince a middle school or high school math teacher that picture books are worth reading to their students.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The House No One Sees by Adina King - OPTIONAL

The House No One Sees by Adina King, 304 pages. Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan), 2025. $19

Language: R (53 swears, 21 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (mother using drugs); Violence: PG (death by drug overdose)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When 16yo Penny arrives at her mother’s place and finds her overdosed, she’s thrown back to when her mother was a good parent, before her accident and the opioid addiction that followed. Penny remembers the teasing from classmates when she didn’t have clean clothes or a decent lunch from home. She remembers being taken from her mother and living with her loving grandparents and seeing them giving her mother a chance to do better. Penny’s mother didn’t kick the addiction; it took over her life and Penny’s. Penny learned that she has a light inside that has helped her throughout her life and she meets a kind teen boy and makes good friends. She is finally seen.

Emotionally cleansing. Hotlines for help of many kinds at the end of the book. Words of affirmation, hope and encouragement.

Ethnicity includes white and brown skin characters.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah