No Purchase Necessary by Maria Marianayagam - ESSENTIAL

No Purchase Necessary by Maria Marianayagam, 256 pages. HarperCollins, 2025. $19

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Bullying, fight which draws blood)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Ajay is a very good student. Ajay's parents have very high expectations and the family has many rules, including As only, no friends, and school comes first. But when Jacob a popular boy who bullies AJ asks him to steal a candy bar from the convenience store, Ajay hopes Jacob will finally stop bothering him and others will think he's cool if he does. When the stolen candy bar is not accepted by Jacob, and Ajay opens it to find he's won the grand prize, a million dollars, Ajay is morally conflicted and, for the first time, lies to his parents. Ajay is always striving to be the best, the best son, the best brother, the best student - it's a lot of pressure.

I loved No Purchase Necessary. A wonderful coming-of-age story with some poor choices mixed in. I couldn't put it down. The premise - what if you won a million dollars and couldn't claim it or even tell anyone - was original, and the story was heartfelt.

Ajay's parents are immigrants from Sri Lanka, he and his sister are first-generation Americans

Lisa Librarian 

Little o Wanted to Know by Rhea Sarason and Barroux - OPTIONAL

Little o Wanted to Know by Rhea Sarason and Barroux, 112 pages. HarperCollins Children's Books, 2026. $14. 9780063446199

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Lowercase o is so tired of always being in between n and p in the alphabet. She decides to escape and go off on her own. She meets shapes and numbers but still feels like she is too much or not enough. Will Little o ever learn to be ok with who she is?

Little o Wanted to Know is a rhyming story about self esteem. However, Little o Wanted to Know has a great message that is important for kids today. I just wonder if the length will deter students from checking it out because it looks like a picture book.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel by Michael Rex - ADVISABLE

The Tunneler Tunnels in the Tunnel (Ready to Read, Level One) by Michael Rex.EARLY READER. Simon Spotlight, 2025. $19. 9781665962100

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

The tunneler tunnels in the tunnel to the gardener who gardens in the garden and the farmer who farms on the farm. The penguin tunneler keeps tunneling and leaving notes for a surprise ending.

The text is repetitive and full of alliteration which will appeal to early readers. The illustrations have some surprises hidden in the dirt. And, who doesn't love penguins doing human things? The characters are all penguins. 

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

The Girl Who Couldn't Lie by Radhika Sanghani - ADVISABLE

The Girl Who Couldn't Lie by Radhika Sanghani, 338 pages. Carolrhoda Books (Lerner), 2024. $20 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

12yo Priya has a lot on her mind. Her parents are constantly fighting, she's being bullied at school, and the demands of competitive gymnastics leave little time for anything else. Determined to convince everyone that she's fine, Priya lies to her parents about school, hides the problems at home from her friends, and pretends to her coach that she's fully committed to the sport. The one person she could always be honest with was her grandmother—but she passed away a year ago. When Priya puts on a bangle left to her by her grandmother, she discovers that she can no longer tell a lie. Sometimes the truth is embarrassing, and sometimes it gets her into trouble. As Priya navigates the challenges of family, friendship, and gymnastics, she must learn that honesty is about more than simply telling the truth—it's also about being honest with herself while finding ways to care for the people she loves.

I appreciated the book's message about the importance of truth and learning how to share it in ways that are honest without unnecessarily hurting others. Navigating honesty in relationships is an important skill, and Priya's journey highlights both the challenges and rewards of being truthful. Her inability to lie leads to several funny and relatable situations that add humor to the story. While I enjoyed the characters and themes, Priya and her friends sometimes handled complex situations at home and school with a level of maturity that felt a bit beyond what most 12-year-olds would realistically demonstrate. Priya is Indian, Mei is Chinese and LGBTQ+ and Sami is Jewish.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian 

The Last Dragon House by Liv Mae Morris, - OPTIONAL

The Last Dragon House by Liv Mae Morris, 336 pages. Amulet Books, 2026. $20

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Dragons have been driven almost to extinction, except for the few who find a safe place in the Dragon House. Olly was looking for a job that wasn’t in the local factory, and instead finds himself working for Dr. Lady Abernathy at the house. When Dr. Lady is poisoned, Olly has to take off ona desperate journey to save her.

While the book was a lot of fun to read, I didn't like all of the different forms and kinds of dragons that Morris creates - like the magical creatures we know aren’t good enough, they all actually have to be dragons. The edition the publisher sent to me has beautiful sprayed edges.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Destiny of the Diamond Princess by Sherri Winston - OPTIONAL

The Destiny of the Diamond Princess by Sherri Winston, 240 pages. Bloomsbury, 2026. $19

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Zahara-Grace has always known that she’s adopted. For her 12yo birthday, her mother and G-Pop give her a DNA kit. Surprise! She is the granddaughter of the king of a small African nation, Maliwanda. As Zahara-Grace reunites with her former best friend Persephone, she is also excited about a Maliwand exhibit that includes a rare diamond, the Tear of Amun. Someone has dire plans for Zahara-Grace, however, plans that involve an ancient curse.

I found the villain in the story to be fairly obvious. Even accounting for the young age of the intended readers, I don’t find it compelling. Our young readers probably have not read The Princess Diaries nor seen the movies, so that easy comparison won’t interfere with their enjoyment.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

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

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

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Elvis and Romeo are back, and it's their first day of dog school! The playful Romeo already knows how to "stay," but is nervous about learning how to catch a ball. Now, it's up to Elvis to help his young friend learn something new. This is a great addition to the original Elvis and Romeo picture book. The text is a mix of speech bubbles and traditional narration. I wish there was a bit more of the dogs' fun personalities, but that would be hard to do with a low-level early reader.

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

The Magic of Someday Soon by Michelle Lee -ADVISABLE

The Magic of Someday Soon by Michelle Lee, 288 pages. Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Macmillan), 2026. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

12yo Zoey and her mother have been traveling the country for eight years, since her father died, watching her mom, The Upcycle Magician, create sculptures from recycled pieces. Zoey has contrived a can’t-pass-it-up job for Mom, which takes them back to her Dad’s hometown, to the grandmother she doesn’t remember. 12yo Teddy meanwhile, is desperate to save her great grandparents’ Fossil Garden, a neglected sculpture garden. Both girls are looking for belonging and closure and they need each other.

The magic in the title is not really literal, though there is a slight touch of wonder. Teddy and Zoey are a good support for each other.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Loss of the Burying Ground by J Anderson Coats - OPTIONAL

The Loss of the Burying Ground by J Anderson Coats, 288 pages. Candlewick, 2024. $19

Language: PG (24 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

When the Burying Ground ship goes down, so do the hopes of two nations to forge peace. The only survivors are Vivienne, the lady’s maid to the princess of Ariminthia, and Cora, the daughter of a reporter who was randomly picked to join the voyage. When the two girls discover each other, sparks fly and they reluctantly work together when pirates are attracted by Cora’s signals, instead of the rescue she was hoping for.

There are more complications in the narrative, but I don’t want to give too much away. Suffice it to say the best parts of the book are when the girls are on the island, not caught up in the political drama on land. Looks to be the first in a series, as we are left hanging. I am mystified by the name of the boat - I found it off-putting.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Steve L. McEvil and the Twisted Sister by Lucas Turnbloom - ADVISABLE

Steve L. McEvil and the Twisted Sister (Steve L. McEvil #3) by Lucas Turnbloom. 237 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Crown Books (Random House), 2025. $15

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Some fantasy violence, mild fighting, name calling)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE; MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Steve and his friends are trapped on an alien planet with no portal to get back to Earth. Now, it's up to his sister, Eve and Gramps to rescue them. Will Eve, her cat Mrs. Cuddles, and Gramps be able to build another portal and rescue Steve and his crew? Will Steve and his friends find a way to rescue themselves and save a planet from the evil Perses before Perses finds a way to destroy Earth?

This book would have made more sense if I'd have read the previous two books. I didn't love it, but I'm not the intended audience. Middle grade readers who love funny sci-fi graphic novels will enjoy this series. To me, it read like a Cartoon Network show.

Steve and his family are white; Steve's friends are illustrated with various skin tones

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Anne Hadu - OPTIONAL

The Ordinary and Extraordinary Auden Greene by Corey Anne Hadu, 336 pages. $20

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

About to turn 12yo, Denny is being dropped by her former best friend, Runa, with whom she spent years creating the magical, fictional world of Sorrowfield. Auden is the princess of Sorrowfield, about to turn 12yo. Her parents and sister were stolen by dragons and when she does turn 12yo, the whole kingdom depends on her to defeat the dragons and make things right and safe. When the two girls exchange lives and lands, they each learn strengths they never had.

Both girls are in situations where they are being manipulated by more than one person. Denny’s parents treat her like the adult, with her dad burdening her with her mom’s alcoholism. Auden is isolated by her guardian and his daughter. It was fine. For over 300 pages, I didn’t feel invested.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Medicine Wheels by Byron Groves - OPTIONAL

Medicine Wheels by Byron Groves, 352 pages. HarperCollins, 2026. $20

Language: R (200+ swears, 90 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (kissing, teen drinking); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

After 15yo Bryce’s mom walks out on her abusive boyfriend and she then gets arrested for breaking probation, Bryce finds himself back on the Ojibwe Wolf Creek Reservation living with his grandmother. It's been a few years since he was back to a place he considers home. He picks up his dad’s old skateboard and reconnects with old friends. As he struggles to find his own path, he finds solace in riding the board and learning new tricks as he works towards a skate competition with a prize purse that could really help his family and his self esteem.

Groves packs a lot of storylines and problems into Bryce’s summer. I appreciated a modern look into rez life - it felt real in a way most Native stories haven’t felt for me before.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner - ADVISABLE

Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner, 170 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Labyrinth Road, 2026. $22

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

It's the day of 8th grade graduation. Dustin is throwing a pool part that he is pretty sure nobody wants to come to. Rose just wants to make a friend before she starts high school. Juhi has to tell her best friend, Liv that she is moving to London in three weeks. Maya, the popular girl, is being forced to go to Dustin's party when she'd really rather be with her friends. And Paul, Maya's cousin, is just along for the ride; he'd rather be gaming with his online friends. When all the characters come together at Dustin's house, will they be able to put aside their differences and see that what they really need is each other?

I love realistic middle-grade graphic novels, and this was no exception. Pre-teens will relate to the struggles each of the characters face. I liked that the characters each had their own arc, and each learned how to be a friend. This would be great for upper elementary and middle school. Dustin and Liv are white; Paul, Maya, Rose, and Juhi are BIPOC. Characters have diverse body types and families (Maya has a single mom and Rose has two moms).

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Rising Thunder by Neal Shusterman - ESSENTIAL

Rising Thunder (Scythe prequel, First Blades #1) by Neal Shusterman, 560 pages. Simon and Schuster, DECEMBER 2026. $25

Language: PG-13 (55 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (deaths mentioned, some bloody)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Who created Thunderhead? Who were the first Scythes and why did they start their gruesome business? How did humankind create immortality?

Welcome back to the beginnings of the world of Scythes where you will find as many questions as you do answers and love every minute of it. Shusterman crafts interesting, complicated, and thoughtful narratives and he does not disappoint as he unveils the first scythes and how they “got the job”. I can’t wait for others to read this so that I have people to talk to about it!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Romance Rewind by Sarah Everett - OPTIONAL

The Romance Rewind by Sarah Everett, 304 pages. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $13.

Language: R (120 swears, 24 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use including underage drinking, kissing, innuendo, and mentions of drugs and sex); Violence: PG (assault and mentions of murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When Jason (18yo) takes Zadie (18yo) out to dinner for their one-year anniversary, she is expecting a promise—not a break up. To make matters worse, they get into a car accident on the drive home that leaves Jason in a coma before he can explain what she did wrong! Now Zadie has more questions than ever and little idea how to find the answers in her past.

Struggling under the weight of the expectations of those around her, Zadie has a difficult time knowing herself, her wants, her loves. It takes a drastic change for her to step back and gain a new perspective—admitting that she was right about some things and wrong about others. Goals and working hard to become your best self are good things to do in life, but making sure that you love fully—familially, platonically, and/or romantically—are great things. Zadie is Black, and Jason is White.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Flip by Ngozi Ukazu - OPTIONAL

Flip by Ngozi Ukazu, 314 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Macmillan), 2025. $26

Language: R (57 swears, 3 f) Mature Content: PG-13 (sexual references, secondary characters same sex attraction, suicidal thoughts)) Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Chi-Chi Ekeh is in her senior year at a prestigious boarding school. Black, and from Nigeria, Chi-Chi is drawn to white boys, and when her private proposal to ask her crush, Flip Henderson, to prom ends up in a public rejection, she switches bodies with him. Chi-Chi is a shy, nerdy, scholarship student, and Flip is the most popular boy in school. While switching helps them see each other's point of view, the switching episodes are lasting longer, and they need to be able to switch back before graduation.

This is the Freaky Friday version of switching bodies, but a male/female switch is much more complicated. Think periods. The themes of accepting and liking yourself ring true, as well as the need to be seen. I liked that both characters have issues, and that no one's life is easy. The K-pop fanning is fun and art works well. This is an engaging, fast read.

Michelle in the Middle 

Last to Leave by Teresa Richards - ADVISABLE

Last to Leave by Teresa Richards, 331 pages. Charlesbridge, 2026. $19

Content: PG (fake murders mentioned, adult gets drunk)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Fallon is ecstatic; she has the chance of a lifetime to participate in a live-streamed 1920’s themed murder mystery with a million dollar prize. What she didn’t bank on was her best friend, fellow influencer, Dante, also taking part. In the race for answers and the money, can Fallon trust Dante to have her back or will this ruin their friendship before it has a chance to blossom into something more? Ulterior motives, backstabbing, and shady business abound.

Richards gives us a romp of a mystery that doesn’t rely upon blood or sensationalism to make it interesting. I was surprised by the end to realize the lack of content issues. I breezed through this one in the very best way.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Checking You Out by Jennifer Chen - OPTIONAL

Checking You Out by Jennifer Chen, 320 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2026. $15.

Language: R (55 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (kissing, mentions of alcohol, partial nudity, and mild innuendo); Violence: PG (discussions of bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When Lizzie finds a book receipt at the library showing that someone else has checked out her three favorite fantasy books, she and her friends set out to discover the identity of her new book crush. Dylan left the nerdy book part of his personality back at his old school, determined not to let the teasing follow him to the end of senior year and his last summer before college. Becoming closer through anonymous notes but resistant to each other in person, Lizzie and Dylan wonder if they should even bother figuring out their complicated relationship when they’re both about to leave LA for different colleges.

The characters are over-the-top in their love for books and cats in mostly endearing ways. By making them obsessed with their passions, Chen drives home the point that no one should be afraid to be themselves and shows the beauty of friends that accept you and your quirks as is. You are not alone; there are people out there who are like you and will love you for being yourself. Lizzie and Dylan are Asian American.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Love in 280 Characters or Less by Ravynn K. Stringfield - OPTIONAL

Love in 280 Characters or Less by Ravynn K. Stringfield, 320 pages. Feiwel & Friends (Macmillan), 2025. $20.

Language: R (25 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (partial nudity and alcohol use, including underage drinking); Violence: PG (harassment)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Starting freshman year at a different college from her best friend means that Sydney has to find out how to make new friends on top of figuring out her classes, extracurriculars, and what she wants to major in. Sydney’s online presence is a natural part of her life and a solace when everything else has changed, but she isn’t expecting the spectrum of responses, from love to hate to questioning who she even is anymore.

When I started reading, I expected all the conflict to be about self-discovery, as life goes in college. I loved the anonymous pen pal trope that got sprinkled in, and then I was surprised by the addition of discussing activism and digitalism that exploded into being in the last third of Sydney’s story. Stringfield communicates all of this exclusively through Sydney’s digital content: blog posts, emails, texts, and tweets. While the format was sometimes confusing, the content is worth pondering and discussing.

The majority of characters, including Sydney, are Black. Sydney also describes herself as being queer.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Drowning Game by Dusti Bowling - OPTIONAL

The Drowning Game by Dusti Bowling, 288 pages. Union Square, October 2026 $19

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG13 (kissing; girls stop Christian from taking it further, teen alcohol use); Violence: PG13 (drownings off-page, description of dead body, talk of forensics, self harm, description of murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

It's the end of Christian's summer before his senior year, and his best friend James, invites him to come back to Arizona for a river rafting trip. When he gets there, he finds James has two other friends and a girlfriend there. Christian does not approve of the amount of alcohol the boys are consuming, and he gets on the river despite James "forgetting" to bring life jackets. When the inevitable happens, and Freya - the girlfriend drowns, the police rule it an accident and Christian returns to Minnesota. But he can't get Freya out of his mind, and the drowning becomes an obsession.

Usually Bowling's books are middle school appropriate; this one is solidly YA even though the content is mild (no swearing, no sex other than kissing) but James is a bad dude, and Christian is messed up by all of this and is making some really bad choices. About midway through the book, I didn't even like Christian anymore. The twists were unexpected, and the suspense was maintained, so it's a good mystery. I prefer her books for the younger readers, I guess. 

Christian is white.

Lisa Librarian 

The Cartoonist's Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud - ADVISABLE

The Cartoonist's Club by Raina Telgemeier and Scott McCloud, 288 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Scholastic, 2025. $15

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Middle schoolers Makayla and Howard find a common interest. She likes making up stories, and he loves drawing pictures. Maybe they should start an afternoon Cartoonists Club! Lynda sits on the outside for a bit, she loves to draw but feels it's personal and worries it's not good enough, and Art joins too - he's clever and inventive - and his dad is an animator, so he has lots of good advice. The Librarian, Ms. Fatima, has some cartoon experience as well. This club has a lot to teach each other, about being brave, creative, and putting yourself and your art out there for others to enjoy as well.

Not your typical Reina Telgemeier graphic novel. It's definitely a how-to for someone wanting to try their hand at drawing or writing comics. I loved how supportive the kids were, and how the librarian didn't overreach, letting the kids learn from their own experience. I'm not sure the best place to shelve it - while it's a fictional story about a group of kids in an after-school activity, it's more a guide to drawing comics. The children and librarian are a mix of races and cultures.

Lisa Librarian 

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin - ESSENTIAL

The Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin, 400 pages. Penguin, 2024. $19

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, civilian war violence - bombs, injuries)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

It's 1940, and Germany's invasion of England is imminent. 14yo Lizzie is being evacuated by her grandmother to the United States, and she's not going. She evades her grandmother's agent and sets out to find her 19yo brother Collin. Their mother was working for the US embassy and is missing (and presumed dead) in Poland. Lizzie can't believe her mother is dead. There's no body, no one saw her die; she just disappeared. All Lizzie has is hope, and she's going to find out the truth. Collin is working in the town of Bletchley, and can't talk about what he does. He's a mathematician and has signed the Secrets Act. When Lizzie joins him, she signs the Act too. Now they are both very busy, trying to stop Hitler - and looking for clues to find out what happened to their mother.

These two powerhouse authors are the perfect team! Told in alternating chapters (more or less), the two teens' stories are exciting, suspenseful, and age-appropriate both for the characters and the intended readers. I know Historical Fiction is a hard sell, but I'll be recommending The Bletchley Riddle whenever it's back on the shelf. Collin and Lizzie are English; their mother is American.

Lisa Librarian 

Isabel in Bloom by Mae Respicio - ADVISABLE

Isabel in Bloom by Mae Respicio, 364 pages. NOVEL IN VERSE Random House, 2024. $18.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

11yo Isabel has recently moved to California from the Philippines to finally live with her mother. To provide a better life, Isabel's mom has been working in the States for the last 6 years and sending money back to Isabel and her grandparents. When she left, her grandfather told her to look for things in America that are familiar, but even her mother is no longer familiar. Joining a cooking club at school and helping revive the school garden may be just the thing Isabel needs to finally feel at home and make some friends. 

Isabel is a darling girl with grit - her grandparents have prepared her well for her move to America, including a bottle full of the smell of home. While I enjoy novels in verse, sometimes they tell a story that lacks depth; I felt that with this one. There was so much I didn't know, relationships that could have been better developed with more text, particularly Isabel's relationship with her mother.

Lisa Librarian 

Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom by Allan Wolf - ADVISABLE

Junius Leak and the Spiraling Vortex of Doom by Allan Wolf, 522 pages. Candlewick, 2025. $19 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Junius Leak, who is almost 13yo, is being exiled to stay with his Uncle Spot on his rickety houseboat while his parents work on their marriage. Junius has a love-hate relationship with water: he is writing his own book about water bodies, but he is terrified of being in the water. Junius discovers that he comes from a long line of Junius Leaks, who are tied to pirate treasure, and that there are a lot of surprises in Delcambre, Louisiana, where he was born. Junius wants to learn why his mother left town when he was just a baby and how to overcome his fear of water, all before an impending real-life disaster waits in the wings.

The narrative alternates between Junius and the lake. The lake has a great voice and the story spans 100's of years, involving pirate treasure, family feuds, and a mysterious and cursed Siren's Flute. I loved this book. The only thing keeping it from an essential rating is its length. I didn't pick it up at first because it looked like a huge investment of my time. However, it was an investment I was happy to make once I got going. This a fictionalized story around the real-life bizarre lake disaster in 1980, where an entire lake disappeared. Junius is a great character who is highly sensitive and he is both likable and relatable. The writing style makes every character seem real, even the lake. Indeed, the lake makes a great metaphor for "the way life can stir us up, disorient us, and leave us forever changed." Readers will want to read Wolf's graphic novel, "The Vanishing of Lake Peigneur," for more of the facts behind the story. They make a great companion set. The culture is white with plenty of Creole thrown in.

Michelle in the Middle 

Good Boy by Andy Hirsch - ADVISABLE

Good Boy by Andy Hirsch, 206 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Macmillan), 2025. $15

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Middle schooler Charlie is anxious. He was so worried about going to camp he threw up before he even got on the bus. So when his parent surprise him with a rescue dog, Charlie is determined to be more responsible and less worried about everything. Ralph is going to be his forever friend. When he follows Charlie to school, the main office secretary suggests he get involved with agility training. But Charlie listens to the voices in his head, he thinks he'll never be good enough.

A fun graphic novel for dog fans and the kids who need a confidence boost. The illustrations were marvelous!

Charlie is white.

Lisa Librarian 

What If You Fall for Me First? by G.F. Miller - ADVISABLE

What If You Fall for Me First? by G.F. Miller, 368 pages. Aladdin (Simon & Schuster), 2025. $10.

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (kissing, mentions of tampons and alcohol, and partial nudity); Violence: PG (mild assault)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Sofia (13yo) has been crushing on Mark for a year, but he hardly ever looks her way. Knowing she needs to change to get his attention, Sofia asks Holden for help to make her fierce. Holden agrees—on the condition that she won’t fall for him in the process.

While the secondhand middle school embarrassment is so real, I enjoyed reading Sofia’s story with all of its She’s All That vibes. Sofia and Holden both have difficulties with being themselves and finding the line between changing to fit in and changing to be better. The beautiful thing about their story is that becoming the best friend they can be to the other is what causes the most positive changes in their lives.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

An Illustrated Treasury of Dragon Tales by Theresa Breslin and Kate Leiper - OPTIONAL

An Illustrated Treasury of Dragon Tales by Theresa Breslin and Kate Leiper, 161 pages. Floris Books, 2025. $25. 9781782509103

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Not all dragons in folklore and mythology are evil, and not all are good. Some dragons look like serpents, and some can shapeshift. This book contains 10 diverse dragon stories from around the world. The stories come from China, Scotland, Egypt, Poland, Mexico, Norse and Greek mythology, Russia, Japan, and India.

I was a bit leery of this book to begin with. It is over 150 pages, and its reading level is very high. I read the first two stories with an 8-year-old dragon-obsessed girl, and while they held her attention, she was ready for a break from the overly-wordy folklore. As I read through the stories, I was reminded of my love for folklore and fairytales. The international stories were fascinating. So, it's not for everyone, and I can't see many young children reading it by themselves, but I did enjoy it.

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Cocoon by Machiko Kyo - OPTIONAL

Cocoon by Machiko Kyo, 226 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. VIZ Media, 2026. $15.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (partial nudity and mentions of rape); Violence: PG13 (assault, gun and bomb use, war, corpses, suicide, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

When her father and brother go to join the fighting, San continues to go to class until she and her classmates are asked to become a nursing unit. San and the other girls are excited to do their part for the war, even though conditions in the cave where they are helping wounded soldiers are difficult. But the longer it goes on, the worse everything becomes.

Discussing war brings to mind distant battles and enemies, and it is easy to forget that war also impacts those who stay home and those who are teammates—or are supposed to be. San’s story highlights the heartbreaking effects of war on the young, with illustrations that manage to be ambiguous in form and still communicate the horrors the girls witness. While the information is interesting and the story is emotional, the ending felt abrupt, especially San’s change in the last chapter after all that she had experienced. The characters, including San, are Japanese.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Twice Enslaved: Liberty and Justice for Henrietta Wood by Selene Castrovilla and Erin K. Robinson - ESSENTIAL

Twice Enslaved: Liberty and Justice for Henrietta Wood by Selene Castrovilla and Erin K. Robinson. 80 pages. NON FICTION. Calkins Creek (Lerner), 2026. $20

Language: PG (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (Henrietta has a son, but doesn't reveal who the father is); Violence: PG-13 (slavery, vicious floggings, and describes her situation as being "in hell")

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

At the beginning of the novel, Henrietta Wood is 14. At the end of the story, she is 58 years old. This is a true story about Henrietta Wood's amazing life. She was born into slavery, eventually given freedom papers, and then kidnapped and sold back into slavery. On June 19, 1865, she was emancipated and was determined to seek justice. She sued the man who kidnapped her, Zebulon Ward. His lawyers stalled, but in the end, she was awarded $2,500 by an all white jury. This is still the "largest financial award granted by an American court as reparations for enslavement." 

I liked this because it was written in prose. It was extremely interesting and it showed how Henrietta didn't give up during very hard times of her life. It helps young readers understand how unfair and terrible slavery was. Henrietta Wood is African American.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Love Makes Mochi by Stefany Valentine - SEVERAL

Love Makes Mochi (Love in Translation #3) by Stefany Valentine, 320 pages. Penguin Random House, 2026. $13 Language: R (21 swears, 1 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kissing); Violence: PG (body shaming)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Lilyn Jeong has the opportunity to study abroad in Tokyo with a famed tailor, which will be just what her future college applications need. However, she almost loses her mentorship before it starts, is experiencing a creative slump, and must design a collection in 10 days. She needs to focus, and her mentor’s daughter Yua offers to help. But once she starts spending time with Yua, Lilyn finds herself falling for her even though Lilyn has sworn off summer flings.

Initially, I found Lilyn’s often critical character hard to like, but I warmed up to her as the story progressed and her character developed. The inclusion of Lilyn’s gothic and Japanese inspired fashion designs and Yua's tattoos are fun. The novel also tackles topics like self-doubt, taking chances, first-romances, and being yourself. While it is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone novel. A fun fashion-forward travel romance for upper middle school and high school students.

Lilyn and Yua are LGBTQ+. Lilyn is Japanese, Taiwanese, and Korean American. Yua is Japanese. 

Ms. Megan, HS Librarian 

Eva to the Max by Rebecca Caprara - ADVISABLE

Eva to the Max by Rebecca Caprara, 400 pages. NOVEL IN VERSE. Dial Books (Penguin), 2026. $10

(pb).

Language: G (0 swears, 0 "f"); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Some intense motocross racing accidents, realistic physical injuries like chipped teeth)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Motocross is everything to 12yo Evelyn Rae (known on the track as "Eva Knievel"). She

loves the thrill of competition and pushing herself to get better and faster. But after

some bullying at her old school, Eva is determined to keep her passion completely hidden

from her new classmates. Her father, a former racer who now uses a wheelchair

due to a stunt accident, helps her train, but the sport is draining her family's tight budget,

and her mom disapproves of her racing. When a reckless mistake wrecks her bike

and threatens her shot at qualifying for the AMA National Championship, Eva has to

face the steep physical and financial costs of her dream. Making matters more complicated,

a new girl named Cam arrives at school, threatening not only Eva's secret identity

but her spot on the podium.

Rebecca Caprara delivers a fast-paced novel-in-verse that captures the grit and intensity

of dirt bike racing. Eva’s fierce competitive drive and hot temper feel authentic to

the tween experience, and readers will empathize with her complicated relationship

with her mother, who is understandably terrified of her daughter getting injured.

The story does a great job of breaking down stereotypes about what it means to be a

"sporty girl" and handles themes of sportsmanship, economic privilege, and shifting

relationships without being overly preachy. While the book leans on a few familiar

tropes—such as the "secret passion" and the classic rivalry turning into teamwork—the

unique subject matter makes it stand out. There is a shortage of sports fiction specifically

highlighting female athletes, making this a good option, particularly for reluctant

readers drawn to high-speed action. An informative historical note about the real trailblazers

of women’s motocross is included at the back.

Eva and her family default white. Eva's father is a wheelchair user.

Reviewer: Heather Robinson, Elementary School Librarian

Amina Banana and the Formula for Making Money by Shifa Saltagi Safadi and Aaliya Jaleel - ESSENTIAL

Amina Banana and the Formula for Making Money (Amina Banana #3) by Shifa Saltagi Safadi and Aaliya Jaleel, 128 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. G.P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin), 2026. $7 (pb)

 Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

3rd grader Amina and her family immigrated from Syria. Amina is quickly learning that her new home is very different than Syria. For example, America uses inches and pounds, while Syria uses centimeters and kilograms. Her parents are struggling to save enough money so that her mom can take an English test; the last step preventing her from practicing as a doctor in America. Amina decides to help out her family using some creative ways to earn money. Will her ideas work? Will she be able to save $500 for her mom to take the test? 

 I liked this plot because it integrated critical thinking skills as well as real world math situations. It helped show different cultural perspectives. Amina and her family face ignorance and bigotry from people working at a grocery store. It shows how her family deals with this and stands up to bullies. Amina and her family have immigrated to America from Syria.

 Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

Amina Banana and the Formula for Fairness by Shifa Saltagi Safadi and Aaliya Jaleel - ESSENTIAL

Amina Banana and the Formula for Fairness (Amina Banana #4) by Shifa Saltagi Safadi and Aaliya Jaleel, 112 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. G.P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin), 2026. $7 (pb). 

 Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Right now, many things seem unfair to 3rd grader Amina. The Science Fair has arrived at Amina's school. Unfortunately, she is partnered with Tara, not her friend Lana. Her grandmother has come all the way from Syria to visit, but gave a gift to Amina's brother, instead of her, that she had really wanted. She also has to miss playing with her friends during recess because she is working with a teacher to improve her English. Everything seems so unfair! Amina has to learn how to think of things differently. She might even make a new friend along the way. 

Safadi shows common struggles that young immigrant students face while they are adjusting to their new home. She does a good job showing problems from multiple perspectives. She also shares cultural food recipes at the back of the book that Amina makes during the novel. Amina and her family have immigrated to America from Syria.

 Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher 

What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat? (Class Pet Ghost Detective Case #1) by Akeem S. Roberts - ADVISABLE

What Happened to the Naked Mole Rat? (Class Pet Ghost Detective  Case #1) by Akeem S. Roberts, 123 pages. Kokila (Penguin), 2025 $10.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Everyone in Carter's third grade class takes turns taking their class pet, Mr. Pebbles, home for the weekend. This weekend it was Carter's turn. After the weekend, he brought Mr. Pebbles back to the school, but sadly Mr. Pebbles passed away shortly upon returning to school. Everyone blamed Carter, but he knew that Mr. Pebbles was alive when he dropped him off in the classroom. Oddly enough, Carter is able to talk to Mr. Pebbles' ghost, so they go around the school trying to clear Carter's name.

My 7 year old daughter really enjoyed this book. She liked the humor and the illustrations. This was an easy graphic novel for her to read and enjoy. She is looking forward to reading more in the series. Carter is African American.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Milkshake The Disappearing Milk Snake (Class Pet Ghost Detective ) by Akeem S. Roberts - ADVISABLE

Milkshake The Disappearing Milk Snake (Class Pet Ghost Detective #2) by Akeem S. Roberts. 90 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL CHAPTER BOOK. Kokila (Penguin), 2026. $10. 9780593856727

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Carter, and his ghost detective Mr. Pebbles, have to solve another mystery at Creek Elementary. Milkshake, a milk snake has escaped! JJ, Carter's older brother, doesn't believe that Carter can speak to animal ghosts, but they must listen to the ghost for help. They look in classrooms, the cafeteria, and even the teacher's lounge. They must use clues to help them figure out where Milkshake has slithered off to. This is the second book in this graphic novel series.

My daughter, who is 7, really enjoyed this book. She thought that the characters were funny and loved the idea of a ghost animal as a character. She chose to read this on her own, and was able to read it in one sitting. I liked the illustrations and the mystery behind the disappearing snake. All characters in the graphic novel are African American.

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

Justice Ketanji : The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson by Denise Lewis Patrick and Kim Holt - ADVISABLE

Justice Ketanji : The Story of US Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson by Denise Lewis Patrick and Kim Holt. NON-FICTION BIOGRAPHY PICTURE BOOK. Orchard Books (Scholastic), 2023. $19. 9781338885293

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ketanji Brown Jackson grew up with the mantra, you can be anything; you can do anything. She carried that perseverance through her life as she applied for and attended Harvard, graduated from Harvard Law, became a US district judge, and eventually became the first Black woman to be a US Supreme Court Justice.  

I liked that the text was written on an elementary level and outlined her life and accomplishments without being overly complex. While it would probably not circulate a lot in a library, it would be a good addition to a picture book biography collection.  Justice Ketanji, her family, and many of her friends are Black

Rachel, Elementary school librarian 

Sometimes the Girl by Jennifer Mason-Black, - OPTIONAL

Sometimes the Girl by Jennifer Mason-Black, 294 pages. Carolrhoda Lab (Lerner), 2025. $20

Language: R (41 swears, 43 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (drug use, kissing, sex mentioned); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

18yo Holi is struggling to find her footing after the death of a friend, her brother’s suicide attempt, and a painful breakup with her girlfriend, Maya. Hoping to earn enough money for one last trip with Maya, Holi takes a job organizing the attic of Elsie McAllister, a reclusive author in her nineties who published only a single celebrated novel. As Holi sorts through decades of letters and forgotten artifacts, she discovers there was far more to Elsie than her carefully crafted public image. When one of Elsie’s children offers Holi $10,000 to find the missing original manuscript of the Pulitzer Prize-winning book, Holi becomes caught between money, loyalty, and larger questions about art, legacy, and ownership. In uncovering Elsie’s hidden history, Holi begins to understand herself differently, finding solace in nature, music, and the possibility of moving forward after loss.

A thoughtful and emotionally insightful novel about grief, creativity, and self-discovery. While I appreciated the writing and themes, the overuse of strong language detracted from the overall experience for me.

Holi is white

A. Snow, Librarian

If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Kim Choyeop - OPTIONAL

If We Cannot Go at the Speed of Light by Kim Choyeop, 192 pages. SHORT STORIES. Saga Press (Simon & Schuster), 2026. $27.

Language: PG13 (14 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (drug use and mentions of alcohol and sex); Violence: PG13 (corpses, assault, and suicide)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

In seven short stories, Kim visits the perspectives of the uncelebrated in futuristic space exploration. The main characters are those whose discoveries were overshadowed, those who were left behind, and those who don’t understand why these new fads are rooting themselves into society.

Not only are Kim’s scifi settings creative in new ways, she also fills her stories with characters that aren’t on the forefront of everything that is new and exciting. In these characters, readers can better see themselves in what the future may hold because these stories are about everyday people. Each story unfolds slowly. There is no quick action here. And in that space between reading and understanding, I have come to sit in awe of Kim’s beautiful imagination.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson - OPTIONAL

The Reimagining of Thornwood House by Jaleigh Johnson, 400 pages. Ace Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $30.

Language: PG (10 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (alcohol use and kissing); Violence: PG (animal abuse and mild fantasy violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Attempting to escape her contract with the ECRA through a loophole is a desperate move, but Evelyn (25yo) can’t find any other way to make herself a more suitable candidate to adopt her ward, Ruby (11yo). Evelyn is allowed a short trial period to successfully bond with a sentient house and assume the responsibilities of caretaker for the house, the wood, and the village, or else she will have to return to the ECRA and Ruby will be taken from her. No pressure.

The magic system described by Evelyn is colorful and whimsical, and, while there is a little mystery and a little magical battle in the woods, the book’s overall feel is cozy fantasy. I expected the climax to include bigger conflicts from the antagonist and from the ECRA, but it’s more about trust and friendship than battling out good versus evil—or good versus bureaucracy.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Praying with the Enemy by Steven T. Collis - OPTIONAL

Praying with the Enemy by Steven T. Collis, 299 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022. $27.

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13 (nudity and mentions of alcohol, drugs, prostitution, brothels, and rape); Violence: PG-13 (assault, gun and bomb use, chemical warfare, battle scenes, blood and gore, and mentions of suicide)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Ward only has to perform 100 flights in the Korean War in order to go back home to his wife and new daughter, but he might never get to see them again after he’s forced to eject from his plane over enemy territory. Jae Pil was arrested in North Korea for refusing to give up his Christian faith and then forced to fight for them, but he hopes to reunite with his family and flee south. Desperate, these enemies have the same impossible goal: surviving escape.

The points of view shift not only between Ward and Jae Pil but also their antagonists and Ward’s wife Barbara, left home in America. Ward, Jae Pil, and Barbara share a faith, though their faith journeys look very different under these stresses. Based on a true story, these lives get tangled up in each other even across great distances, unaware of how their actions impact the others—and whether any of them will get a happy ending. Ward and Barbara are American, and Jae Pil is Korean.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown and Melissa Castrillón - ADVISABLE

The World Entire: A True Story of an Extraordinary World War II Rescue by Elizabeth Brown and Melissa Castrillón.  NON-FICTION, PICTURE BOOK Chronicle, 2025. $20. 9781452170985 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Aristides de Sousa Mendes was a Portuguese diplomat who saved thousands of people fleeing France during WWII. In less than a month, Mendes issued thousands of visas against his government's wishes, saving refugees fleeing the Nazis in France, and allowing them to enter into Portugal. 

The back matter gives more details including that his visas saved Salvador Dali, H.A. and Margret Rey - who created Curious George, and countless others whose lives are just as important, and that it came with a great price to his family who lost everything because of his actions - he knew it was worth it. This is a magnificent story - I had no idea! The picture book itself is a standard length for a non-fiction and would work as a read aloud in the classroom. Back matter includes and authors note, timeline, bibliography and source notes. 

Lisa Librarian  

Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple (Bibsy Cross #1) by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho - ADVISABLE

Bibsy Cross and the Bad Apple (Bibsy Cross #1) by Liz Garton Scanlon, illustrated by Dung Ho, 128 pages. Knopf (Random House), 2024. $17.

Content: G 

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Bibsy Cross has loved all her teachers until now - but her 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Stumper, she doesn't love. Although Bibsy likes to share with the class, and is plenty smart, Mrs. Stumper calls it going on and Bibsy often finds herself driving the teacher to distraction. On the bulletin board is a tree with apples representing each student in the class, and when Bibsy has gone too far, her teacher moves Bibsy's apple from the tree to the ground.

Bibsy is adorable, Ho's illustrations perfectly accompany the story and make this short novel perfect for young confident readers. I love how Bibsy bounces back after a rough day, which seems to happen often. I'm sure Mrs. Stumper has the best of intentions, but Bibsy's spirit is easily crushed, and she sees herself a bad apple. Book one in a series of what looks like 4 so far. Bibsy is white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Song of the Yellow Dragon by Ying Ping Low - ESSENTIAL

Song of the Yellow Dragon by Ying Ping Low, 278 pages. Putnam (Penguin), 2026. $19 

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (murder, attempted murder) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Two children, two wildly different dreams; and time is running out for both of them. Mengyao dreams of becoming a Divine Healer for her village. Young emperor Kai wants to find the fabled magic of the Dragon's Pulse to help him defeat his enemies. Thrust together, they must find their answers before their 13th birthdays, when children forget about magic and only remember it as make-believe. 

Beautifully written, this book effortlessly pulled me in with its Asian lore and magic. The two children are engaging characters who grow throughout the story. The interweaving of the magic of childhood and its inevitable loss, paired with the children's journey to hold on to that magic, was compelling. The culture shines through and the lesser characters are also interesting. This has all the elements of an old-fashioned, well-told fairytale. I loved it. 

Michelle in the Middle 

First Place (Sweet Valley Twins #8) by Francine Pascal, adapted by Nicole Andelfinger, illustrated by Knack Whittle - ADVISABLE

First Place (Sweet Valley Twins #8) by Francine Pascal, adapted by Nicole Andelfinger, illustrated by Knack Whittle, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $22 

Language: PG (11 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: PG (same sex attraction); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Elizabeth Wakefield will do anything to ride a horse, even befriend her sister's friend, and one of the snobbiest girls in school. Elizabeth soon finds out that she isn't being true to herself or those around her, and she may have to choose between a horse she has grown to love, or people she loves. 

Elizabeth and her twin sister, Jessica, play off each other well, showing off family dynamics and how to work through conflict. Horses and school intrigue - what's not to like? The story is good and has enough twists to keep it moving, and the art is bright and colorful. Fans of the series will not be disappointed. The twins are white. 

Michelle in the Middle