Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen - OPTIONAL

Angelica and the Bear Prince by Trung Le Nguyen, 224 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. RH Graphic (Random House), 2025. $18.

Language: PG13 (21 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Angelica (17yo) could do it all, classes and extracurriculars and friends and helping with her mom’s food truck, until the day she couldn’t. What helped was messaging Per the Bear, the mascot for the local theater. Trying once again to show up, Angelica accepts an internship at the theater, hoping to lean into the good thing in her life—and maybe meet the person behind the bear too.

Obviously, Angelica is the main character, but she is not the only point of view readers get. As we peek into the lives of Angelica, her parents, her new and and old friends, and even the owner of the theater, we find that everyone is dealing with grief in their own ways. The timeline in the first chapter was unclear, but it worked itself out after that, and the illustrations complement the story with lines and curves that somehow manage to feel soft and soothing.

Angelica and her family are implied Asian, and there are various skin tones depicted in the illustrations. Gable is described as nonbinary, and Richard and Phil are gay. The mature content rating is for mentions of alcohol and smut as well as for innuendo.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Victim #8 by Traci Hunter Abramson - OPTIONAL

Victim #8 (Luke Steele #2) by Traci Hunter Abramson, 320 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2025. $28.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

As an FBI agent, Amberlyn is accustomed to being privy to top secret information—though this is the first time the president has given her top secret information personally and the first time she can’t discuss it with her boss. Amberlyn is assigned to work with Luke once more, something she is looking forward to after their last assignment, but Luke isn’t sure if he wants her friendship—or anything more.

While the national threat that Amberlyn and Luke deal with in this book is completely separate from the conflict in the prequel, the first book is necessary for understanding Amberlyn and Luke, as both of them are dealing with grief stemming from events in the prequel. Abramson refers to some current events, lending relevancy to the fictional conflict. The book focuses more on the relationship between Amberlyn and Luke than the imminent threat of nuclear missiles, though there is plenty of action and espionage to keep the pages turning.

The majority of characters are either American, Russian, or Turkish, though characters of other nationalities are included. The mature content rating is for kissing and illegal activity. The violence rating is for assault, gun use, mentions of terrorism and nuclear weapons, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Book of Frights for Spooky Nights by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe, illustrated by Eva Sanchez Gomez - OPTIONAL

The Book of Frights for Spooky Nights by Leisa Stewart-Sharpe and Eva Sanchez Gomez. 54 pages. NON-FICTION BOOK. Wide Eyed Editions (Quarto), 2025. $25. 9780711287679

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Stumbling upon an abandoned house, the reader is locked in the attic with a chest of books - especially the Book of Frights - the last words of research by an intrepid ghost hunter, who followed spooks all over the world.

Stewart-Sharpe has tried to create a book that feels like a ghost hunter who has traveled all over the world, but I just never felt the spookiness. The font tries to look like handwriting, so it is a bit more difficult to read.  And there are a lot of sites covered, most of them in very small ways, so few things are well-explained. I’m sorry that I couldn’t buy into the premise.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/RxEI5wohXcdhshRLnPWuOQ

Every Borrowed Beat by Erin Stewart, - ESSENTIAL

Every Borrowed Beat by Erin Stewart, 352 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2025. $20

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: G (none)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS, ADULT - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

16yo Sydney Wells has spent years waiting on the transplant list for a new heart. Alongside her best friend Chloe, she created a blog called ""The List"" to share the raw realities of living with chronic illness and the endless wait for a second chance. Then, at last, the call comes—Sydney receives her new heart. But life after the transplant isn’t as simple as she imagined. She finds herself fixated on Mia, the girl who died so Sydney could live. Determined to learn everything about Mia, Sydney seeks out Mia’s best friend, Clayton. Together, they make a plan to honor Mia’s memory, but Sydney soon finds her feelings for Clayton growing stronger. Torn between her secret and her heart, she must decide whether to reveal the truth—or risk losing both Clayton and the fragile new life she’s been given."

I really liked this book! Through Sydney’s thoughts and feelings, you get to see what it’s like to go through the struggles and heartache of waiting for—and finally getting—a heart transplant. Even though the topic is serious, the author adds humor and a little bit of romance that make the story fun to read. I also liked how Sydney wasn’t sure if she should tell Clayton the truth, which made her feel real and relatable. Teens will definitely connect with Sydney while also learning what it’s like to face such a big life challenge. The story moves along smoothly and is easy to read—I think a lot of students will really enjoy it!

Sydney, Clayton, Chloe and Mia are all presumed to be white.

Jessica Nelson CTHS Librarian

Death by Whoopie Cushion by Vicki Grant - OPTIONAL

Death by Whoopie Cushion by Vicki Grant, 256 pages. Tundra (Penguin Canada), 2025, $18.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (explosion at school, custodian killed, not graphic, kids in peril, murderer on the loose) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

12yo Manya wants to be a scientist. She loves everything about science. Her parents own a moderately successful prank shop, but when her dad tries to increase revenue by producing artisan pranks, specially made for big tricks and they start to go awry, Manya's parents find themselves in big trouble. They were preparing to show their pranks at a big assembly at the school and an explosion happened in the auditorium killing the custodian, and now they have been arrested and charged with murder. Manya knows it can't be them, but with all the evidence clearly pointing at her parents, Manya may have to solve this crime herself. 

An interesting plot - are there still prank shops? Do people do that? How many chattering teeth and exploding cans of popcorn have we seen in the last decades? I was hoping for a laugh out loud mystery, but the situations and the jokes are not all that funny, and the fact that someone died makes the story not funny at all. Also, I read along with the audio book and didn't love the narrator's character voice choices. I found many way too silly. When I tried to just read the book, I was still hearing the voices. All in all, the mystery turned out OK, a lot of coincidences moved the story along, so I didn't love the resolution.  Manya defaults white. 

Lisa Librarian  

The Dragonslayers by Bruce Coville - OPTIONAL

The Dragonslayers by Bruce Coville, 122 pages. Aladdin (Simon and Schuster), 2025 (originally published by Minstrel books in 1994.) $18 

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

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

There is a dragon that must be destroyed. Unfortunately, none of the knights feel up to it, so an aging squire, promoted to knight and his new young squire, Brian, set off into the forest. Their reward is 1/2 the kingdom and the 14yo Princess Wilhelmina's hand in marriage. Wilhelmina (Willie) is disgusted by the whole thing and sets off in disguise to hunt the dragon herself. It will take all of them to bring down a dragon and the witch who created it. 

The story is predictable, but a nice ride. Readers may like seeing their predictions come to pass. The shortness of the text will appeal to some readers but also doesn't allow for much character development. This is a quick, fun read with some nice black and white drawings that add to the story. Race is unspecified, though medieval royalty is typically white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Schooled by Jamie Sumner - OPTIONAL

Schooled by Jamie Sumner, 218 pages. Atheneum (Simon and Schuster), 2025. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G Violence: PG (a bad sunburn described) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Lenny is starting 6th grade at a new school. His mother has recently passed and his dad has taken a job teaching Latin at a college so they've moved from New Jersey to Tennessee. Along with 4 other children his age, all kids of college professors, Lenny is enrolled in The Copernicus school were his education is primarily self discovery, meditation, observing campus life and auditing college classes. Lenny and his dad are grieving for his mom in different ways and are not getting along. He doesn't want to be part of anything, his dad, this school, or Tennessee. 

Schooled is a bit different from Sumner's usual writing. It took me a bit to get into, and it was an adult connection rather than one kids would gravitate to. Lenny meets a professor on campus who invites him to audit his Fairy Tales class (but then the content of the class is more Mythology). Lenny is stuck unable to grieve his mother's death because his dad is in denial? can't manage his own feelings? unable to see Lenny's needs? What I really think - it's sad and readers picking it may be disappointed it's not like her other books. Lenny is white, his friends are a variety of races including Asian, Black and Hawaiian. 

Lisa Librarian 

Rebel Girls of Rome by Jordyn Taylor - OPTIONAL

 

Rebel Girls of Rome by Jordyn Taylor, 320 pages. Harper Collins, 2025. $16

Language: R (35 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (on page sex); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Lilah, a college student, is still reeling from the death of her beloved mother and her grandfather refuses to open up to her and talk about any of his history. Then Lilah receives a surprise email from a boy who lives in Rome - he has what seems to be an heirloom of Lilah’s family. Together Lilah and her grandfather travel to Rome to discover the connection. Meanwhile, in the past, Bruna is devastated the day her beloved younger brother goes missing and as she is searching for him, her parents are hauled off by the Nazi’s to a death camp. Now in hiding, Bruna joins the resistance, rediscovering Elsa, a crush from before and the two passionately reconnect amidst the horrors of World War II.

I am so disappointed that Taylor decided to unnecessarily graphically describe the girls’ passion. The rest of the book is as good as the author’s Paper Girl of Paris, but less accessible.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The House of Quiet by Kiersten White - OPTIONAL

The House of Quiet by Kiersten White, 304 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2025. $20

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (bloody wounds)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

17yo Birdie was only ten when she left her sister Magpie and their parents. Birdie set out to work as a housemaid, so she could earn money and help her parents pay for Magpie’s procedure. She hasn’t seen them in eight years. Birdie has manipulated her way from house to house, finally being sent to the House of Quiet, hoping to find her sister. When Birdie arrives, she finds more questions than answers.  

I didn’t really understand the concept of the House of Quiet and its purpose or the procedure that kept being referred to. I liked the characters Birdie and Forest and the strength they showed. I also liked the cute crush they have on each other. I would like to know more of what the houses were like that Birdie previously worked at and more of her experiences there.

The ethnicity consists of brown skin, light brown skin, and pale skin.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Blue Dress by Rebecca Morrison - ADVISABLE

The Blue Dress by Rebecca Morrison, 272 pages. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan), MARCH 2026. $19

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Ever since she hit puberty, Yasmin has been gaining weight.  And her mother’s weekly weigh-ins and constant sniping about her size is making Yasmin binge eat in secret and choose to purge to hide her eating - and other drastic dieting choices. Tension at school is not much better.  First there is Yasmin’s personal mean girl, Zoe.  Strangely Yasmin and Zoe have a n interaction that gives them both some empathy, but angers Yasmin’s best friend, Carmen, who has stuck with Yasmin through everything. While everything is so messed up, there are glimmers of hope amongst the set-backs as Yasmin reaches out for help, however reluctantly.

While the cover doesn’t lend itself to insta-attraction, if you can get one girl to read this, I think it will gather a small following. Morrison captures the tension between Yasmina nd her mother, Yasmin and Zoe, and even Yasmin and Carmen so well.  While the issues need to be addressed and somewhat solved within the time of the book, it doesn’t feel like “magic” solutions - the setbacks feel authentic.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness and Julie Murphy - OPTIONAL

Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness and Julie Murphy, 336 pages. Harper Collins, 2025. $23

Language: R (100+ swears, 15 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

When their dream summer internship implodes on the day they were supposed to be leaving their po-dunk town, 18yo Sully is devastated.  As the most out and proud gay person in Hearst, the other being Brad, or “Bread” as Sully prefers to call him, Sully has been proudly waving the queer flag. To console himself he buys a rare and valuable bag at the local thrift store - which comes complete with a ghost. Rufus, the ghost, also grew up in Hearst as a gay man in the 1950’s.  He has no idea how he became tied to the beautiful bag. As Brad drives Sully around town investigating the mystery, Sully begins to learn more about his nemesis and about the secrets hiding in his own town.

Fans of Murphy will probably love the chaos that Sully brings to the page.  I do love how the author’s used Rufus’s history to highlight history and challenges of being gay in the 1950’s. Whether student readers will appreciate the history - I don’t know.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

 

The Queen’s Granddaughter by Diane Zahler, - OPTIONAL

The Queen’s Granddaughter by Diane Zahler, 304 pages. Roaring Brook (Macmillan), MARCH 2026. 

Content: G (mild danger) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: FEW

When 12yo Blanca finds out that her grandmother, dowager Queen Eleanor, is on her way to her home of Castile to choose her older sister Urraca as the bride for Louis the IX, the heir of the French throne, Blanca is devastated.  She is even more devastated when Eleanor instead chooses Blanca to be that bride. Together the two, with an entourage, embark on a perilous journey from Castile to Paris. While Blanca is also accompanied by her maid and friend Suna, a Castilian Jew, danger, in the form of Eleanor’s enemies.

As much as I usually like historical fiction, I was not interested in Blanca’s story.  Historical fiction can already be hard to interest students, but this story lacks a heart and drama that will normally draw them in. I found Zahler’s Wild Bird to be more interesting, but still hard to sell.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Mysterious Virginia Hall: World War II's Most Dangerous Spy by Claudia Friddell - ADVISABLE

The Mysterious Virginia Hall: World War II's Most Dangerous Spy by Claudia Friddell, 160 pages. Astra, 2025. $19. 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Born to a well-to-do family in Maryland near the turn of the 1900’s, Virginia, or “Dindy” as her family knew her, her dream was to become an ambassador for the United States. She loved traveling and was up for any adventure. Even losing a foot after a hunting accident didn’t deter her. When World War II broke out in Europe, Virginia was determined to involve herself in the fight in any way she could.  And she became a prolific spy and saboteur, constantly putting herself into danger. 

at 60 pages shorter than The Lady is a Spy (https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-lady-is-spy-by-don-mitchell.html), Hall’s story is even more accessible in Friddell’s hands, and is enthusiastically endorsed by Virginia’s own family. If you study WWII, or have a curious free reader population, Hall’s story is a great one to add. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Press 1 for Invasion by J.A. Dauber, - ADVISABLE

Press 1 for Invasion by J.A. Dauber, 308 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2025. $18

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (threats of cooking and eating the humans, laser blaster fights, alien deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

10yo Matt is so excited to find the phone on the way to school - so excited that he doesn’t even think about trying to find the owner and return it.  Continuing on his way, he snaps some pictures - leading to a discovery that rocks his world - turns out that aliens have invaded his neighborhood! Not just the kindly crossing guard - but even one of the cafeteria ladies. The cafe alien wants his help - her race is about to conquer Earth as food - because Earthlings are delicious!  But she has come to like Earthlings and doesn’t want them destroyed. Matt will have to get the help of Marleea, a girl he admires, in order to concoct a plan to save the entire world. 

The constant mentioning of cooking Earth people, eating Earth people how delicious Earthlings are is nerve-wracking, not annoying. It really ramps up the tension.  The final solution is full of mis-fired plans and constant danger.  If you have students who will read science fiction, here is a good choice.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Safe Harbor by Padma Venkatraman - ADVISABLE

Safe Harbor by Padma Venkatraman, 157 pages. NOVEL IN VERSE. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2025. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Geetha and her mom have moved to the United States after her parents’ divorce. Moving is not easy for Geetha, especially because she is having a very hard time finding anyone friendly at her school.. Instead, she has people like the shiny-smile girl who seems to be Geetha’s personal bully, hiding behind a  supposedly friendly face. Then one day Geetha is at the beach when she and a boy, Miguel, find a stranded harbor seal pup.  This chance encounter leads to a new friendship and a cause to support, giving Geetha things to look forward to and some courage to address some things in her life which are out of balance.

As much as I enjoyed Geetha’s story, I will always be disappointed by a novel in verse which is not poetic. Had I listened to this as an audiobook I would have had no idea it was supposed to be poetry. I like the environmental messages that are present without being in-your-face.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Into the Wild Magic by Michelle Knudsen - OPTIONAL

Into the Wild Magic by Michelle Knudsen, 355 pages. Candlewick, 2025. $19. 

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

11yo Bevvy has no friends, but she does have bullies.  When she makes tentative overtures to a new girl, she isn’t immediately rebuffed, but it isn't easy going, either. Then Cat, the new girl, is spooked by a strange car cruising by and the two girls end up through a doorway Cat opened into another world. Cat’s world is a brief joy and total mystery for Bevvy - it has magical beings like dragons and unicorns, but the creatures seem to be out to kill humans. The world has been taken over by a man who wants all of the magic for himself - regardless of the cost. While Cat has some skill that may be useful in defeating him, Bevvy also has a special perspective that can help -  if they can convince the rebels to listen and trust.

Bevvy’s story is a lot of book for a small payoff. I found Cat’s world-building lacking in things that really drew me in and feeling invested. Definitely more for a busy fantasy library collection.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Grin by D. W. Gillespie - ESSENTIAL

Grin by D. W. Gillespie, 264 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2025. $18. 9780593814888

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (possession, some blood, lots of tension)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

13yo Danny is so excited to be spending a week with his uncle Bill, who owns a successful video arcade - video games are his jam and now he will be able to play for hours every day. On the way, he is listening to one of his favorite games that is so obscure, it is more of an urban legend - Grin - a game that supposedly brings death along with it.  Imagine Danny’s surprise when Uncle Bill unveils his newest purchase  - Grin. Danny has gotten into a lot more than he bargained for during his arcade week.  He is going to have to gather a few allies if he is going to defeat the evil that wants his Uncle.

I love that GIllespie front loads the possibility of danger and then jumps right into making us afraid - just the kind of scare that builds the most anticipation/anxiety in the reader. I will happily recommend to my students who are craving a good scary book.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Glade by Naseem Jamnia - OPTIONAL

The Glade by Naseem Jamnia, 260 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2025. $18. 

Language: G (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (mild scares)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

12yo Pina is headed to camp with her best friend Jo.  Camp Clear Skies is open for the first time in 20 years - closed after a camper disappeared. The campers have been warned to not go into the woods, repeatedly, but Pina, Jo, and a couple of new friends are drawn to the light they see glowing in the glade. Little do they know that something is out there and it needs a new body.

It is too bad that the danger doesn’t become palpable until almost 200 pages in - the kids’ escapades seem harmless and fun until then. After that, there are only 60 more pages to have something interesting happen. 

The characters cue white; there is lots of LGBT pronoun usage, including a possibly transgender character.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dragon Quest (Dad Rock #1) by Joan Reardon - ADVISABLE

Dragon Quest (Dad Rock #1) by Joan Reardon, 337 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2025. $18. 9781665963367

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Zadie is excited to have some time with her older sister Persephone and her mom has agreed they can visit their park ranger dad.  BUT, they have to take along Mom’s extremely boring boyfriend. Almost as soon as they arrive, things become dangerous - turns out Dad is actually a caretaker for magical animals, and even Zadie, as his daughter, is a valuable commodity.  When Dad and Persephone get kidnapped, it is up to Zadie and Lloyd to work out their differences so that they can charge (carefully) to the rescue.

A good optional choice for a large fantasy collection.  I really appreciated the scene where Zadie and Lloyd really listened to each other; students will love the danger and Dad’s rockin’ lifestyle. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

An Ocean Full of Stories by Angela McAllister, illustrated by Sally Agar, - ADVISABLE

An Ocean Full of Stories: 50 Folk Tales and Legends From Around the Word by Angela McAllister, illustrated by Sally Agar, 127 pages. Frances Lincoln (Quarto Publishing), 2025. $25. 9780711295902

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

An Ocean Full of Stories features tales of mermaids, ocean gods, magical fish, majestic dragons, deceitful animals and more.  It is a rich resource of old and new folk tales centered around rivers, lakes, and oceans.

McAllister captures our imagination with fantastical and humorous stories from around the globe.  Expressive, colorful illustrations bring each tale to life.

PGPowers

Soundtrack: An audiobook Original by Jason Reynolds - ADVISABLE

Soundtrack: An audiobook Original by Jason Reynolds. AUDIOBOOK Audible Audio, 2025. $16. 

Language: PG (3 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Domestic abuse) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

18yo Stuy is an amazing drummer. After high school he moves in with his uncle (away from his mom and her abusive boyfriend), and meets Dunk, a guitar player who lives across the hall. They form a band with Keith, a girl who plays the trumpet and Alexis a boy who plays the bass. Busking on the streets of New York, the band is popular but one rainy night, they move underground, to a Subway Station. They call themselves Soundtrack and are soon a sensation. But along with fame, come choices, and when Stuy makes a choice to not do something, then Alexis makes a different choice, the band finds themselves running from the police. 

A full cast narrates this Audio-only book by award winning Jason Reynolds. It totally needs to be audio book as there's a great score by Justin Ellington, and the reader really needs to hear the kids jam. A well produced recording, and a gripping story. Although the characters are technically adults, one of the band members, Frankie their manager is 13, and I certainly feel there's appeal for middle graders as well. The characters are black. 

Lisa Librarian

North for the Winter by Bobby Podesta, - ESSENTIAL

North for the Winter by Bobby Podesta, 352 pages. First Second Books (Macmillan), 2025 $15. 9781250838230

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Virginia and her dad move to Colorado after her mother’s passing. To her amazement, Virginia spots a flying reindeer. Unsure who else to trust, she confides in her new friend Benny. Together, they set out on a daring adventure to rescue Donner from a hunter and help him return to Santa. Can they do it time to save Christmas?

A heartwarming Christmas graphic novel inspired by the true story of how NORAD began tracking Santa in 1955.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Say It Out Loud by Ashley Schumacher - OPTIONAL

Say It Out Loud by Ashley Schumacher, 352 pages. Del Ray (Random House), 2025. $19.

Language: R (100 swears, 23 “f”); Mature Content: R; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

At the end of her college career, Juniper ended up as a last-minute understudy for Juliet, playing opposite of James Freakin’ Neely—and it was simultaneously the best and worst experience. Ten years later, Juniper (32yo) is still trying to figure out what to do with her life, and she accidentally auditions to be the voice of Arabella in a dramatized audiobook—opposite, once again, of James Freakin’ Neely. Whether this is a repeat best and worst experience of the decade, at least she’s getting paid this time.

Schumacher is gifted at portraying the simultaneous and conflicting feelings of grief and hope in her characters—they are somehow sullen and tormented while still being relatable. The overall heavy feelings from Juniper’s and James’s anguish is offset by the humor of constant Twilight references. I did not realize until I was reading that this is Schumacher’s adult debut, and I enjoyed the story, but I was disappointed that having adult-aged characters also meant inserting a sex scene.

James is described as “fair skinned,” and Juniper is depicted as having a similar skin tone to James on the cover. Serena and Lenora are described as lesbian. The mature content rating is for kissing; mentions of drugs, alcohol, condoms, and pornography; innuendo; nudity; orgasms; and sex.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

School Dance by Sarah Sax - ADVISABLE

School Dance by Sarah Sax, 286 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2025. $22 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Milo comes from a family of dancers. Unfortunately for him, Milo believes he has a dancing curse that makes things go awry anytime he is on the dance floor. The school dance is coming up and Milo's friends want him to go, but Milo isn't so sure. 

Milo has a strong family and his abuela is a great character. He also has good friends, which is refreshing. The message of just being yourself even when you're in an uncomfortable position is affirmative. Great art and layout make a simple story shine. Milo is Hispanic. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Pick the Lock by A. S. King - OPTIONAL

Pick the Lock by A. S. King, 383 pages. Dutton Books for Young Readers (Penguin), 2024. $20

Language: PG-13 (41 swears, 4 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Some physical and emotional abuse, drinking alcohol); Violence: PG-13 (physical abuse)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO:  SEVERAL

Jane 16yo, Henry 10-12yo

16yo Jane Vandermaker-Cook lives in a fancy mansion, but don't be fooled - her dad controls everything.  She's been isolated from the world since the pandemic - homeschooled, watched constantly, and fed a version of reality that just doesn't add up.  Her mom is a punk rock star who travels around the world performing, while Jane is at home with a maze of weird rules, surveillance cameras, and hidden truths, until the day she finds the videos.  They don't match her dad's stories.  They reveal lies, gaslighting, and a past she was never supposed to see.  As Jane begins to piece together the truth, she fights back the only way she knows how, by writing a punk opera, speaking up, and reclaiming her identity.

I really liked how this story was told through songs, letters and video transcripts.  Readers could really connect with this emotionally, especially if they have ever felt stuck or silenced.  But heads up, this is a pretty heavy read and the format can be confusing and the mental abuse can be a lot.  I still really enjoyed the different format of the book. It left me thinking about mental health and the challenges within families.

Jane is presumed to be a white American as well as her dad Vernon and her brother Henry.

Jessica Nelson Librarian CTHS

His Mortal Demise (The Last Bloodcarver #2) by Vanessa Le - ADVISABLE

His Mortal Demise (The Last Bloodcarver #2) by Vanessa Le, 400 pages. Roaring Brook (Macmillan Children's), 2025. $16

Language: PG ( 9 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (bloody gunshot wound)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

How much would you sacrifice for the one you love? When 19yo Nhika gives all of her strength and health to save Kochin from a fatal gunshot wound, she is on the verge of death. Unknown to Nhika, because she’s unconscious, Kochin takes her to her friends to keep her safe while he searches for a cure to bring her back. When Nhika wakes, Kochin is nowhere and the last she remembers is him dying after being shot. While Kochin searches for a way to heal Nhika, she searches for Kochin, retracing his steps. They both realize how much love they have for each other and will do anything to bring their relationship back together, if only war and danger doesn’t get in the way.

The alternating narratives of Nikha in the present and Kochin six months prior create suspense, especially since the last time they saw each other was when Nikha sacrificed her life to save his. Kochin is searching for a way to bring Nikha back and Nikha is trying to find Kochin and this makes a sweet love story. Wonderful character development.

The ethnicity consists of brown, honey and tanned skin tones and is Vietnamese-inspired.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Murder at the Museum (Montgomery Bonbon #1) by Alasdair Beckett-King and Claire Powell - ADVISABLE

Murder at the Museum (Montgomery Bonbon #1) by Alasdair Beckett-King, illustrations by Claire Powell, 288 pages. Candlewick, 2025. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (killer on the loose, murder, attempted murder by blowdart) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Bonnie Montgomery is a 10yo detective. But, even though she's good at what she does, no one will take her seriously, so she has created an alter ego. Montgomery Bonbon, a mustached, beret-wearing gentleman investigator. With her sidekick, Banks (her grandfather), Montgomery Bonbon is trying to find the culprit who killed a guard and stole a stuffed eagle from the museum.  

Slapstick and bumbling and very British, Bonnie is a great character, somehow pulling off her disguise and getting information even from the police who have barred her from talking to them. A great cast of characters, including other amateur sleuths. This may be a fun series, book 2, Mystery at the Manor is already on the shelves. 

Lisa Librarian 

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal - OPTIONAL

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal, 352 pages. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan), 2024. $10

Language:  PG (11 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (bloody gunshot wounds)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

18yo Arthie has been on her own since she was ten. She eventually found another orphan named Jin and took him under her wing. Together they built Spindrift, a tea house by day for proper society and a blood house by night for vampires who want to be civilized and not harm others. When Spindrift is threatened, Arthie tries using her blackmailing skills to keep her place safe. When that doesn’t work, Arthie and Jin recruit other outcasts to pull off a scheme that will knock the threat to its knees!

Arthie is mysterious and keeps to herself but she has fierce loyalty to those she cares about. Jin is a charming, fun character and adds a lot of life to the story. The mystery and scare of the half vampire, the Wolf of White Roaring, is extremely interesting.

The ethnicity is predominantly white with a mix of races as the main characters.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd - ESSENTIAL

How to Stay Invisible by Maggie C. Rudd, 240 pages. Farrar, Straus & Giroux (Macmillan), 2023. $19. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bullying, a fight, some animal violence, injuries, neglect) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Raymond Hurley has been on his own practically his whole life. His parents neglect him, leave him for days on his own, and now they've left town, returned their keys to the trailor park office and abandoned him.  Worried that if anyone finds out he'll be sent back to the children's home, Raymond and his dog Millie set up camp in a hollowed out tree in the woods, but with winter setting in and only a sleeping bag to keep them warm, Raymond must rely on his fishing pole, his wits, and staying invisible, so no one finds out he's alone. 

How to Stay Invisible was recommended to me by a student. She said it was her favorite book. I'm not surprised, and so glad I read it. An edge of my seat story, so worried about Raymond and his terrible situation I could hardly put the book down. Had a good cry, and all the feelings. I highly recommend it too. Raymond defaults white. 

Lisa Librarian 

First Love Language by Stefany Valentine - ADVISABLE

First Love Language by Stefany Valentine, 300 pages. Penguin Workshop, 2020. $20

Language: PG (26 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Catie Carlson feels like she is living between two worlds. Adopted as a baby from Taiwan and raised by white parents in California, she knows almost nothing about where she came from, just that her birth mother left behind a name, a letter, and a whole lot of unanswered questions.

When her summer plans fall apart, Catie finds herself working at a bubble tea shop with Toby, a charming, goofy, slightly chaotic classmate.  He offers to teach her Mandarin so she can finally write to her birth mom.  In exchange, Catie has to teach Toby how to flirt and win back his ex.  What starts off as a deal turns into late-night talks, shared secrets, and maybe something a lot more complicated. As Catie reconnects with her heritage, faces family truths and falls for someone she never expected, she begins to learn that love, in any language, is never simple, but it might just be worth it.

I really enjoyed First Love Language.  It is a very heartfelt and relatable story that I liked because of its mix of humor, romance and real emotional depth.  Catie's journey to reconnect with her culture and figure out who she is could hit hard with readers if they have ever felt caught between identities.  I thought her relationship with Toby was cute and awkward in all the best ways and their fake-dating deal leads to some sweet and funny moments.

Catie is Taiwanese American and Toby is white.

Jessica Nelson CTHS Librarian

Eternal Flame (National Archive Hunters #2) by Matthew Landis - ADVISABLE

Eternal Flame (National Archive Hunters #2) by Matthew Landis, 285 pages. PIxel and Ink, 2025 $19.

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

10yo twins Iris and Ike (Icarus) are fresh off solving their first big mystery for their mother’s museum when the National Archives and the FBI need their help again.  They have six days to track down the location of the original pieces of the flame from the Statue of Liberty, or it could cause an international incident. THey will need the help of Luna, the girl they thwarted in their first case. Can they trust her, though?

I didn’t read the first adventure of the crime fighting twins, but I didn’t need to in order to enjoy adventure #2. The mystery they needed to solve was very interesting and exciting, without necessarily being extremely dangerous.  The only part that I don’t like is that the twins seem to have some super rich, super smart hidden nemesis constantly lurking in the background and pulling their strings - if the adventure is good enough, why do they need this added layer of drama? If the third book, when it comes out, is also all about this mysterious enemy, I will give it a pass.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson - OPTIONAL

The Blossoming Summer by Anna Rose Johnson, 288 pages. Candlewick, 2025. $18. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

13yo Rosemary has been separated from her family for 3 years. Her parents, finding it hard to find regular work, have farmed them out to family. Rosemary in London, and each of her two brothers with other family members. It's 1940, and with the threat of war in England, Rosemary's Father is gathering the family back together and taking them to America, to live with the Grandmother Rosemary has never met. 

A very sweet and nostalgic story. The hardships from living in London and enduring the rations, the fear of bombings and the uncertainty of war were realistic and set the stage for the family's leaving. Includes some racism once they get to Wisconsin, some from Rosemary's father which I didn't appreciate, but was explained near the end. Ties up super neatly though and, as a regular fair enterer, I gotta say, it was weird that everything in their garden became ripe at all at the same time. This historical fiction is a slice of life that I'm not entirely sure today's readers will relate to. The characters are white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Doing Small Things with Great Love by Sharon Eubank - OPTIONAL

Doing Small Things with Great Love by Sharon Eubank, 320 pages. NONFICTION. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2025. $25.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Throughout her life, Sharon Eubank has worked in different careers and capacities to uplift people around the world. Her experiences have led her to write about twelve service principles that act as a guide for every reader with a desire to help people, especially those in their own community.

Eubank uses successful and unsuccessful examples from her own life and other sources to illustrate her principles of service. She writes in a sincere tone that is engaging and feels like a personal conversation and plea for help on behalf of those all around us. Furthermore, Eubank gives readers clear opportunities to apply each principle, ending every chapter with questions to provoke reflection of past experiences and inspire new action.

The mature content rating is for mentions of drugs, alcohol, and sex trafficking. The violence rating is for mentions of bombing, war, and suicide.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Julia by Heather B. Moore - ADVISABLE

Julia by Heather B. Moore, 384 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2025. $28.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Before Julia Child took any cooking classes, the bombing of Pearl Harbor spurred her to move to Washington DC to see how she could assist in the war effort. Before she ever set foot in France, Julia worked for the OSS (a US intelligence agency) in Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) and China, falling in love with the abundant flavors of Asian food. Becoming Julia Child was the adventure of her lifetime.

I knew two things about Julia going into this book: that she cooked very well and that her married last name was Child. So when the Julia of the first couple chapters did not know how to cook and when she experienced familiar uncertainties regarding her crush, Paul Child, I was hooked. With every page of her story that did not reveal the Julia Child I thought I knew, my interest only grew. Her life is full of encouragement and hope, even as it is riddled with difficulties and setbacks.

The majority of characters are American and French. The mature content rating is for alcohol use and mentions of drugs. The violence rating is for discussions of war and bombs, mentions of suicide and murder, and a near-death experience.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin - OPTIONAL

Lovely Dark and Deep by Elisa A. Bonnin, 400 pages. Feiwel & Friends, 2025. $18

Language: R (28 swears 5 'f'); Mature Content: PG (mention of drugs) Violence: PG (deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Spooky and mysterious!  Faith feels at home at Ellery West. She grew up in the Philippines and moved to the island school of magic for her high school years. She loves the school and the island until she ventures into the forest with Sydney but walks out alone after something takes Sydney’s life. Immediately, Faith is pushed into the group of exiled students who are on the verge of losing their magic if they make another misstep. Her new group of friends, known as the Red Stripes, band together and take care of each other. They also want to help Faith find out what took Sydney’s life and put a stop to the continued deaths. They discover a deep, dark secret that, when exposed, will change everything. 

I love how the Red Stripes care about each other and how they help each other. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery behind the story. This book has several interesting characters. The ethnicity is mixed. 

Lynndell Watson, DHS Librarian

Steel & Spellfire by Laura Weymouth - ADVISABLE

Steel & Spellfire by Laura Weymouth, 368 pages. Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2025. $20.

Language: PG (13 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG (bloody gunshot wound)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Magic, murder and mystery!  17yo Pandora’s childhood was taken from her by a patron that warped her powers into an extremely and extraordinary strength to make her dangerous. Her patron always kept their identity secret and Pandora is determined to discover who the person is that changed her power. Meanwhile, someone with similar powers to Pandora’s is murdering young women the same age as her. Once Pandora arrives at court, she meets a guard named Beacon and immediately feels a connection with him. Pandora is determined to solve the mystery of the murderer and her patron but she will struggle to do it alone and Beacon will struggle with loyalty and doing the right thing.

I enjoyed the prose. Beacon fell for Pandora a bit too quickly. Pandora’s friend Winifred is charming and fun. The rivalry between Pandora and Imogen entertains and surprises. Ethnicity falls to white. 

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian

The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel by Maggie Stiefvater - ADVISABLE

The Raven Boys: The Graphic Novel by Maggie Stiefvater, 252 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Viking (Penguin), 2025. $18 

Language: PG-13 (41 swears, 0 F); Mature Content: PG (pentagrams); Violence: PG (sacrificial murder, abuse) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Blue is a 16yo girl who comes from a family of psychics. Her gift is to amplify their abilities. She gets swept away in a quest by a group of high school boys from a private boys school which caters to the rich and privileged. They are looking for a long dead Welsh king buried beneath the neighboring mountains in Virginia. They are not the only ones looking, and there are some dark secrets as well. 

This is the first of four books. The Raven Boys will suck you in. It is an intriguing premise. Stiefvager keeps it moving and the characters are strongly written. Fans of the original novels will welcome the graphic novel. The art fits the mood well and adds to the story. There is a lot happening, and while this version is satisfying, I found it helpful to have read the novel first, and now want to revisit the novel again to read her prose. There are plenty of twists to keep you going, though the subject matter can be dark. Race is not specified, though Blue appears to be mixed race. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Magician Next Door by Rachel Chivers Khoo and Alice McKinley - ADVISABLE

The Magician Next Door by Rachel Chivers Khoo, illustrated by Alice McKinley, 190 pages. Candlewick, 2024. $17.

Content: G (mild danger)

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

10yo Callie would rather be back in London than in the village where she now lives in Northern Ireland with her dad for his new job. Feeling sorry for herself, she is moping at her window when she sees an eccentric house crashland upside down in her backyard. Winnifred the Magician needs Callie’s help, otherwise Winnifred’s bond with her house will be broken. But Callie is mourning the loss of her mom and of her old home and makes an impetuous decision that puts WInnifred in even more danger. Callie will have to think fast and act bravely in order to make the situation right.

Khoo handles Callie's grief in a delicate way, shocking her out of the wallowing she has been doing and showing her how to regain empathy for those around her. The pages have illustrations in black and white, adding to the magical feel. On a scale of rooted in our world to rooted in magic, the book feels more rooted in our world - WInnifred is more in distress during the whole book than doling out wonder. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Whispers of Shadowbrook House by Rebecca Anderson - OPTIONAL

Whispers of Shadowbrook House by Rebecca Anderson, 272 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2025. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Shadowbrook House has never been a happy place for Oliver. He left the crumbling—and possibly haunted—place and his aloof uncle as soon as he could and is only returning now as the heir to convince his uncle to sell it. Oliver (26yo) finds more resistance than expected from not only his uncle but also his dying cousin, a lovely governess, and even an over-the-top spiritualist that comes to visit.

With so many spooky and supernatural touches, Anderson surprised me with an adventurous and tender story. But none of the fun elements take away from the powerful message that healing comes to all kinds of grief—grief for death of loved ones, for illness-ridden bodies, for failed relationships, for unfulfilled dreams. The spiritualist, Madame Genevieve, may be at Shadowbrook House under the pretense of communing with the departed, but she can do a lot of good for the living in the house and for the reader.

The majority of characters are implied British. The mature content rating is for kissing and mild scary elements.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

At Last She Stood by Erin Entrada Kelly - OPTIONAL

At Last She Stood: How Joey Guerrero Spied, Survived, and Fought for Freedom by Erin Entrada Kelly, 208 pages. NON-FICTION HarperCollins, 2025. $20. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (mild war violence, peril, photoes of people with Hansen's Disease)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

At the beginning of WWII, Joey Guerrero, a Filipino woman was diagnosed with Hansen's Disease (formerly known as leprocy) When Pearl Harbor was attacked, so were the Philippines, which came under Japanese control. Joey joined a guerrilla force in Manila hoping to do her part to help her people. She was a spy, a courier, and a brave woman. 

Not much is known about Guerrero, so Entrada Kelly has filled in the gaps with general info about WWII, the war against the Japanese, an internment camp in Manila, sanitariums, racism, other characters, religion, MacArthur and a lot more. After the war, Joey story shifts to her fight to manage and help learn more about treatments for Hansen's Disease as she emigrates to Louisiana, changes her names and continues her life in the United States. So much content NOT about Josephina Guerrero, and so many sides stories about other people doing the same thing. Not entirely biography, only half WWII, I fear it might be a bit much for middle school readers. Includes index, pictures, a bibliography and further resources. 

Lisa Librarian

Witchkiller by Ashlee Latimer - OPTIONAL

Witchkiller by Ashlee Latimer, 336 pages. Scholastic, 2025. $20 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG (romance); Violence: PG (domestic violence, murder) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Gretel killed a witch to save her brother, Hansel. In gratitude, the kingdom has upgraded her family's status, though it doesn't help Gretel, who lives in fear of her abusive father and her brother, who is becoming more and more like her father. In order to avoid a loveless marriage, Gretel engages in a sham betrothal to the local prince. Things are not as they seem when Gretel discovers the witches are healers and that her family may be part of a dark plot to endanger those she loves. 

I always love a fairytale retelling. This one was really dark because of Gretel's abusive father and brother. It may give some readers PTSD. There was a lot of time spent dwelling on the abuse before getting to the meat of the plot. The same sex attraction was jarring, since Gretel seemed in love with the prince she spent increasing amounts of time with, and then goes off with a girl she hasn't hardly talked to. Gretel is most likely European. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson - ADVISABLE

Blood in the Water by Tiffany D. Jackson, 272 pages. Scholastic, 2025 $19.00 

Language: PG (10 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: Violence: PG (talk about shark attack, death - offpage, peril) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Kaylani is spending the summer in Martha's Vineyard with family friends. Her father has recently gone to jail and Lani is certain he's innocent. She wants to learn everything she can about the law and hopes to exonerate him. But this unexpected trip, to stay with people she doesn't know - the girl her age, London, is rich, entitled and rude - is curbing her plans to help her dad. But when the body of an ex-boyfriend of London's sister is found in the ocean, and the police suspect he was murdered, Lani wants to prove Cassie didn't do it. But, what if she did?

Tiffany Jackson can certainly write for middle schoolers.  The mystery was great, with a few twists and turns, great clues and some scary situations.  I liked the tie ins to Martha's Vineyard history and its connection with black history. I kept hoping the Obamas would pop into the story.  

Most of the characters are black 

Lisa Librarian