My Tokyo Summer by Abby Denson and Utomaru - OPTIONAL

My Tokyo Summer by Abby Denson and Utomaru, 208 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL, memoir. Graphix (Scholastic), 2026. $17

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Art connects two college age art students from different countries. Abby loves making zines, comics, and punk music. When Yuuko, visiting from Japan, sees her zine in a New York store, Yuuko writes Abby a letter and they become pen pals. Abby takes a summer university art course in Japan and they get to meet each other and collaborate on a comic to sell at Comiket, one of the largest comics conventions in the world. My Tokyo Summer is a memoir of their friendship and how it changed them.

Though not big on plot, this memoir has a lot of information on zines and Japanese culture. The art is great, though the illustrations make the girls seem more like 12yo instead of university students. This book would appeal to anyone who likes manga and likes to draw. The themes of friendship, creativity and exploring cultures is fun and universal. May be a good impetus for readers who want to make their own zines.

Abby is white American and Yuuko is Japanese.

Michelle in the Middle 

Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls by Cynthia Murphy - OPTIONAL

Paint Me Like Your Dead Girls by Cynthia Murphy, 252 pages. Delacorte Press (Penguin Random House), 2026. $13.

Language: R (63 swears, 2 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (drug and alcohol use including underage drinking, illegal activity, scary elements, kissing, innuendo, and mentions of condoms, prostitution, sexual harassment, nudity in art, and of rape alarms); Violence: PG13 (corpses, blood and gore, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The day before her dad goes with his new wife on their honeymoon, Felicity (17yo) goes with them to an estate sale. There she happens upon a painting that her father buys immediately and takes straight home—despite the rumors of how it was originally discovered at a crime scene and is cursed. Felicity can’t help but be interested in the painting and its origins as people start turning up dead.

Serial killers and murder are not light subjects, and Felicity’s story is not for the fainthearted. The last third of the book became more gruesome than I was expecting from the level of the content leading up to it—I still enjoyed all of the story, I was just taken aback by the climax. And it’s not all blood and gore. Felicity’s story also includes navigating complicated relationships, forgiveness, art, and crushes.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Landing in Place by Sherine Hamdy and Myra El Mir - ADVISABLE

Landing in Place by Sherine Hamdy and Myra El Mir, 320 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Kokila (Penguin), 2026. $18

Language: G; Mature Content: PG (death, revolution, politics) Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Anisa Mustafa is applying for college and her mother wants her to go into med school. Though Anisa is Egyptian and Muslim, her mother doesn't want her to stand out and has her check "White" on her application forms. After flunking one of her courses, Anisa takes a break by visiting family in Egypt where she tries to figure out what being Muslim really is.

I wasn't prepared to like this book as much as I did. Anisa's journey to figure out how she fits in with her faith and her family is compelling. I learned more about the Muslim faith, and the quotes from the Holy Qur'an were beautiful. Anisa's decision to wear hijab and her reasoning are interesting and enlightening. I learned empathy and history of a group I don't know much about. This would be a great read for anyone practicing the Muslim faith, those who want to understand that faith, or anyone going through the angst of finding their own way and figuring out where they belong.

Michelle in the Middle 

If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle - ADVISABLE

If Books Could Kill by Kate Eberle, 368 pages. Penguin Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $19.

Language: R (147 swears, 43 “f”); Mature Content: R (alcohol use; illegal activity; kissing; innuendo; mentions of drugs, pornography, orgies, and genitals; nudity; and fade-to-black sex); Violence: PG13 (assault, gun use, blood and gore, mentions of cannibalism, suicide, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

While on the phone with her best friend, Roxie accidentally engages with a wish-granting street performer who then puts Roxie into her favorite author’s next book. Problem is, Anna Matthews isn’t writing a rom com this time; she’s writing a crime thriller. Neck deep in serial killers and amateur sleuths, Roxie wonders if she’ll make it to the last page of this book alive.

First of all, my favorite part of the book is all of Roxie’s inner monologue commentary. She, as a character and a narrator, is absolutely hilarious, and I laughed out loud several times. Eberle leans into and pokes fun at classic the tropes for both rom coms and crime thrillers as Roxie’s reality moves in and out of the plotline being written for her. If Books Could Kill is a delightful read for fans of either—or both!—genres.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Harper Sharp: Kid Detective #1 by Jarrett Williams - ADVISABLE

Harper Sharp: Kid Detective #1 by Jarrett Williams, 296 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $22

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Fifth grader, Harper Sharp is a gamer, an artist, and a detective. When mysterious signs show up threatening the Young Inventor's Fair, Harper is on the case. His principal is counting on him to solve the case before the fair so none of the inventions will be in danger.

Vibrant colors and fun art make this an inviting read. Harper is a great character, and his problem solving will draw in would be sleuths to figure out who-done-it along with him. The plot should appeal to young kids, and Harper's friendships and adventures at school are relatable.

Harper is Black and his friends are a variety of backgrounds.

Michelle in the Middle 

Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by Debbi Michiko Florence - ADVISABLE

Just Be Cool, Jenna Sakai by Debbi Michiko Florence, 304 pages. Scholastic Press (Scholastic Inc), 2021. $9.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Jenna (12yo) refuses to talk about her ex breaking up with her just before Christmas break, her parents’ divorce, or anything else that involves any of her emotions. Her best friend is hurt by being shut out, but that’s all that relationships do—hurt. And Jenna is done with hurting and done with people. She is a serious, objective, truth-seeking reporter who is going to win this newspaper article writing contest no matter what.

Starting from the position of believing that truth means being heartless, Jenna’s transformation over the course of her story is done beautifully. Jenna learns about friendship and vulnerability, and she comes to understand how holding on to anger only hurts herself. Florence, through Jenna, teaches readers how to actually be happy. Jenna is Japanese American (and so are other prominent characters).

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest by Chris Grabenstein - ADVISABLE

Ms. Pennypickle's Puzzle Quest by Chris Grabenstein, 266 pages. Random House, 2025. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

12yo Benji and 18yo Ethan are brothers that don't get along very well. Ethan is getting ready to leave for college and loves sports, while Benji loves video games and puzzles. The boys are forced on a road trip by their parents. On their way to the Grand Canyon, they find themselves in a massive treasure hunt put on by Ms. Pennypickle, an eccentric puzzle master. They have to beat out six other teams to get the prize, which they can only achieve by working together.

Delightful read, especially for fans of "Mr. Lemoncello's Library." This is a witty and fun road trip puzzle that readers will want to solve along with the Broderick brothers. I read the book in one sitting because it was so fun. Great characters and plot. Grab a soda and the audio book and hit Route 66!

The Broderick brothers are white.

Michelle in the Middle 

Queen’s Shadow by E. K. Johnston - ADVISABLE

Queen’s Shadow (Star Wars) by E. K. Johnston, 345 pages. Disney Lucasfilm Press (Disney Book Group), 2019. $15.

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (drug and alcohol use, kissing, nudity, innuendo, illegal activity, and mentions of trafficking); Violence: PG (gun use, battle scenes, and mentions of murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

After two terms as Queen Amidala of Naboo, it’s time for Padmé (18yo) to let the democracy vote in a new queen. Most of her handmaidens already have plans for their next phase of life, but Padmé is still trying to figure out what she wants. And then the new queen offers her the position of senator, keeping Padmé in the middle of important change—and deadly secrets.

Johnston explains enough for the story to make sense, but it also assumes a background knowledge of Star Wars events that deepens understanding of significance. It also felt like there were so many characters to keep track of between all of Padmé’s handmaidens and the senators she meets with, and sometimes I put the book down to take a break from the work of keeping them all straight. Nevertheless, I was impressed that Johnston made politicking enjoyable action to read—it helps that there were also body double switches and space battles. The gap between movies that this book fills by showing Padmé’s experiences in her transition from queen to senator makes me love her all the more. Padmé is depicted as White on the cover.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

False Starts by Carl Brundtland and Claudia Davila - ADVISABLE

False Starts (A Nansi Graphic Novel #2) by Carl Brundtland and Claudia Davila, 164 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Kids Can Press, 2026. $17

Language: G (2 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

The summer before 8th grade, Ayesha lands a big part in the festival play. Nansi is running track and trying to beat her nemesis. Though Ayesha is a good actress, she is terrified of having people look at her, so when Nansi accidentally posts a video of Ayesha to the track team group, their friendship might be on the line.

The art is colorful and the layout makes the story easy to follow. I love that Nansi is loosely based of the West African folktale trickster, Anansi. Relatable themes of insecurities, false assumptions, and friendship help out the story. This is a fast read that can be finished in a few hours. This is a multicultural group of characters. Nansi has ties to Jamaica, and the culture is fun to follow.

Michelle in the Middle 

Breakout by Christina Wyman - ADVISABLE

Breakout by Christina Wyman, 304 pages. Farrar, Straus & Giroux (Macmillan), 2026. $18

Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Ellis is dealing with a lot. Her relationship with her mother has changed; they seem to fight all the time, especially about Ellis' acne. No matter what she does, her mother tells her she's ungrateful, and her dad, whom she only visits every other weekend, is taking her mom's side. She's also having trouble with her best friend, things are just not the same, but she's so anxious about everything else going on that she keeps putting off talking to Aggy about it. And of course, her Capstone project is due soon, and she's still having trouble with the topic. But Ellis's Aunt Lydia is the voice of reason, and she's a service dog trainer - can Rocco help ease the tension?

I think we all experienced what is happening to Ellis to some degree or another. - acne, friend trouble, parents. Wyman's novels are so relatable - Slouch and Jawbreaker are already popular in my library, and I think Breakout will find its audience as well. I like the author's note at the beginning (rather than at the end), so the reader is aware that not all of the adult voices are mature and appropriate. Ellis is white.

Lisa Librarian 

Because of Our Student Teacher by Rob Buyea - ADVISABLE

Because of Our Student Teacher (Mr. Terupt #5) by Rob Buyea, 352 pages. Random House, September 2026. $18 

 Language: G (0 swears 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (practical jokes - some mean, verbally abusive patent) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Mr Dwyer’s 5th grade class is boring. Some of the kids call him Do-Nothing Dwyer, because he just doesn’t seem to care. So when the opportunity for a student teacher comes along, there’s hope for everyone - even Mr Dwyer. Through projects, discussions and relationship building, Mr J is just what these kids need.

I loved Because of the Student Teacher. Told in the same format as the Mr Terupt books, the use of seeing the perspective of several students in the class gives the reader great rounded characters without making anyone the main protagonist. I love the message, there were positive adults and those having a hard time, and the kids grew and learned life lessons. It’s been 15 years since I read Mr Terupt and want to read it again now. Buyea cleverly reminded us of plot points without giving away anything, and if the books aren’t still in your library you don’t need to buy the whole series, but kids might be asking for book 1.

The kids default white.

Lisa Librarian 

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe by Mahogany L. Browne - OPTIONAL

A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe by Mahogany L. Browne, 150 pages. Crown (Random), 2025. $20

Language: PG (3 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (COVID deaths - not graphic but talked about, fear, policies unfairly applied, foster parents sell teens medications, teens in prison)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

New York City is in lockdown because of the Corona Virus. Teens are trying to adjust to online learning, caring for elderly grandparents, being responsible for younger siblings because parents have left or died or are unavailable, coming out, and missing the social experiences in-person school provides. Some are continuing to live their regular lives in an irregular way. A Greek chorus comments intermittently, and some characters re-occur.

An accurate and poignant snapshot of life during COVID. My experience was much different, and I feel for these children - many of them of color - who are growing up quickly and parenting themselves and their grown-ups. As we get further removed from the shared trauma of the pandemic, we will need books like A Bird in the Air Means We Can Still Breathe to teach, inform, and remember. Like the city of New York, the characters are a mix of cultures and races.

Lisa Librarian 

Oh Brother by Georgina Chadderton - ESSENTIAL

Oh Brother by Georgina Chadderton, 286 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $22

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

This is a graphic memoir about the author's experience growing up with a severely autistic brother in Australia. The timeline focuses largely on her 8th grade year. Gina has to contend with her brother, Rob, stealing her treats and getting into all her stuff, as well as pinching when he gets upset, because he is nonverbal. With everything going on at home, Gina is worried her brother might scare off her new friend.

This was a fascinating look at how a family deals with an autistic child. I loved how the parents roll with it, and Gina loves her brother, even when he is difficult. This is great insight into what it takes to have to deal with chaos daily, but in such a positive and supportive way. Other community members, like the dentist and hair stylist, also help with Rob. A great way to discuss family relationships and friendship and defining normal, this will help build empathy in readers in an engaging format. Gina and Rob are white Australians.

Michelle in the Middle 

Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave by Ally Russell - ADVISABLE

Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave (Mystery James #1) by Ally Russell, 320 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2025. $16

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (supernatural suspence/horror)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Mystery James has an unusual gift – the ability to smell ghosts. Only smell! Despite being found as a baby in a cemetery and raised in a funeral home, Mystery has never actually seen a ghost. That is, until the ghost of the deceased Ellis family matriarch, Lady Ellis, appears to Mystery and screams, “CEMETERY,” THREE NIGHTS FROM NOW,” STOP.” Now Mystery has to add "decipher cryptic message” to her growing list of concerns including sleep paralysis demons, a grave robber, potentially cursed family heirlooms, and convincing her ex-best friend, Garret, to help her take on a sinister supernatural creature. All of which are becoming oddly normal in the life of Mystery James.

I feel Mystery James Digs Her Own Grave carries many of the same strengths from Ally Russell’s It Came From the Trees: A small but memorable cast, quick and engaging chapters, and a balance between mystery and horror. Sprinkled throughout the short chapters, readers see “pages” from Mystery’s notebook which contain information on last wills and testaments, heirlooms, embalming, etc., providing context for readers who might not be familiar with funeral home practices. While this is the first in a duology, readers are not left on a cliffhanger (book 2 is expected 15 September 2026). An excellent addition where readers enjoy It Came From the Trees (Russell), City of Ghosts (Schwab), Grin (Gillespie), Small Spaces (Arden), or Scritch Scratch (Currie). Mystery is a 13yo female with "bronze-brown" skin.

Tía Lucy is Mystery’s Puerto Rican adopted aunt.

E. Powell, Junior High Librarian 

Someday Perfect by Kat Schneider - OPTIONAL

Someday Perfect by Kat Schneider, 288 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Penguin Random House, 2026. $25

Language: PG (3 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (kissing, silhouettes of nude statues (no genitalia visible), gender roles); Violence: PG (name calling)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

High schooler Meg is excited to return to a Christian summer camp with her old friends, but she is also worried. She is struggling to figure out who she is and where she fits in, especially after she attended a non-Christian school for the first time last year. At camp when Meg and her friends start developing crushes on the boy campers, Meg’s anxiety and self-doubt spikes as she questions the lessons that she has been taught in church. How can she follow the rules and expectations while feeling this way?

The author was very respectful in tackling this tough subject. The graphic novels include gender expectations, such as women having to wear long skirts or dresses, men being the heads of households, and tampons being impure, while letting the main character explore her thoughts, questions, and doubts. Nonetheless, I felt that Meg's self-reflection could have gone further and been more developed. The art style is interesting with flashbacks in all blue tones. It could be an impactful novel for some students, but other graphic novels may reach a broader audience. Some secondary characters are diverse.

Ms. Megan, HS Librarian 

Paradise Coast by Suzanne Young - SEVERAL

Paradise Coast by Suzanne Young, 320 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2026. $20

Language: R (100+ swears, 54 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kissing, drinking); Violence: PG-13 (fighting, harassment, description of dead body)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Noa and Jamie are in Cape Hope, part of the Florida Everglades. But Noa is a Chaser, one of the locals struggling to make a living, and Jamie is a reluctant member of the Collective, the rich resort owners/guests who are trying to drive out the Chasers. After Noa and her friends Tech and Shawn are harassed by a group of Collective teenagers, they decide it's time to act. They begin investigating an old accusation at the heart of the feud between the groups: that a Chaser started a hotel fire and murdered a Collective. But first they need to find the hotel which disappeared off the map, and they need a boat. Thankfully Jamie is back in town after a two year absence and happens to have one.

The murder mystery aspect is slow to start and not as prevalent as readers may expect. However, the relationship between Noa and Jamie and the disappearance of Noa’s brother kept the pace going. I enjoyed the novel’s shifting points of view between Noa and Jamie, allowing each character to develop. The lush descriptions of the setting places readers in the Florida Everglades. Furthermore, the tension between the Chasers and the Collective brings up issues of classism and identity as the teenagers work to figure out what they will stand for and against. Noa and Jamie’s ages are not specified, but they are written as older teenagers. Two secondary characters, Shawn and Jordan, are LGBT+. Tech is described as having dark skin, and Jordan has olive skin.

Ms. Megan, HS Librarian 

Jin Young In Between by Ellen Oh - ADVISABLE

Jin Young In Between (Colliding Worlds #2) by Ellen Oh, 248 pages. Crown (Random House), 2026. $20

Language: PG (19 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: G (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

High schooler Mina is back in her world, but while everyone else has forgotten her, Jin remembers everything. Then one day he crosses over to Mina’s world, unknowingly starting a chain reaction that may have devastating consequences for his world. But Jin’s heart can’t stay away from Mia. The pair hopes that with the help of a physicist from Jin’s world that they can figure out how to be together.

I had no idea there was going to be a sequel! Oh mixes in the interdimensional physics with a deft hand - you can tell she did her research. The danger from a rogue scientist who wants to capture Jin for study was also a great addition. Jin and Mina’s Asaian culture doesn’t add any plot points.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Traitors in Space by Tim Collins and Steven Wood - ESSENTIAL

Traitors in Space: A Pick Your Own Path Adventure by Tim Collins and Steven Wood, 176 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2025. $9.

Language: PG (A few crew members fight aliens who have inhabited other crew members bodies. Crew members that are inhabited by aliens are pushed out the air lock and left to die in space)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

A group of young scientists are traveling back to earth after visiting a distant planet. They are awake from cryo-sleep when an alarm goes off signaling that an alien life form is on the ship. After finding no sign of alien life, the young scientists deduce that one or maybe more of them have been inhabited by an alien. Can you pick the right path and figure out who the alien is?

Traitors is Space is a fresh take on choose your own adventure stories. Even though the plot is predictable, students will enjoy reading and choosing their own path. Black and white illustrations are scattered throughout with 20 illustrated puzzles that the reader will enjoy solving. I think students will really enjoy this book! Many different ethnicities are represented in the crew on the ship.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman - ADVISABLE

Red Star Rebels by Amie Kaufman, 269 pages. Knopf (Random House), 2026. $20

Language: R (67 swears, 6 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (kisses); Violence: PG (some gunshots, threats)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

17yo Cleo has escaped the goons after her on Earth and made her way to Mars, but she has been stuck in the UN facility now for months, as she was an illegal stowaway. When the base is evacuated in an emergency, Cleo stays behind, as there is no place for her as undocumented, in any of the escape pods. Hunter may be the son of the family that owns most of Earth and Mars, but he hasn’t spoken to his mother or twin sister in years. He snuck onto Mars and before he can register, the evacuation leaves him behind too. When a team of infiltrators arrives with nefarious purposes, Hazel and Hunter team up - not realizing the danger is even more extreme than they could have imagined, with Hunter’s family being at the heart of it. The differences in their social positions and Cleo’s lies could tear them apart before they ever have a chance to be together.

While the romantic tension adds a nice undercurrent to the narrative, I loved the Mars based danger and machinations. I read one review that compared the antics to Home Alone, and I agree. Cleo, especially, is very resourceful and creative. Kaufman has just become better as she continues to write science fiction.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Leader of the Pack (Scrapper #1) by Cam Higgins and Ariel Landy - ADVISABLE

Leader of the Pack (Scrapper #1) by Cam Higgins and Ariel Landy, 119 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Little Simon, 2026. $8

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Scrapper is a puppy that loves to play fetch with his owner, Hank. When Hank goes to school, Scrapper explores the woods near his home. One day Scrapper sees a monster in the forest. He decides to create a monster hunting pack. Will any of the animals want to join? Scrapper-Leader of the Pack is a spinoff from the series Good Dog. Scrapper is Bo's best puppy friend. Leader of the pack features easy to read language with illustrations on almost every page. It would be a good read for emerging readers, especially if they like the series Good Dog. Scrapper is a puppy; his owner Hank is presumably white.

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian 

The Chismosas Only Book Club by Laekan Zea Kemp - ADVISABLE

The Chismosas Only Book Club by Laekan Zea Kemp, 319 pages. Penguin, 2026. $10 (pb)

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

14yo Cat’s family owns the best bookstore in the world, or at least in their small town. As their freshman year of high school begins, she and her three best friends form a book club wit the group members taking turns choosing the book, sharing one copy so that they can write notes in the margins for each other. But 9th grade is a chaotic time for each girl in different ways and they start to lose their group cohesion as each of them feels they have secrets that are too tender to reveal.

While I needed to take notes about each girl, their family, and their drama to keep them straight, I still enjoyed reading about their journeys and their friendship. We need books about friendships weathering rocky times just as much as we need books about friendships that don’t make it. Reminds me a little of the Mother-Daughter Book Club series in flavor, but still this is a unique book. ONe of the girls is into Wicca and the girls feel like the spirit of Cat’s grandmother is guiding their choices. I really liked that all the books mentioned within are modern offerings. The girls are of various ethnicities.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

The Fairy Fashion Show by Bea Jackson - ADVISABLE

The Fairy Fashion Show (Ready to Read, Level One) by Bea Jackson. EARLY READER. Simon Spotlight, 2025. $19. 9781665941129

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

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Lilly and her fairy friends love fashion and especially love their summer fashion show. When Lily's human friend, Willow, wishes to dress like a fairy, Lilly and the other fairies work together to create the perfect fairy fashion for Willow.

The illustrations are whimsical. I can see this being a popular book with my students who love fairies. This series would be a great addition to an elementary library. Willow and the fairies are Black.

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Rebel Heiress by Amalie Howard - ADVISABLE

Rebel Heiress (The Diamonds #3) by Amalie Howard, 347 pages. Joy Revolution (Random House), 2026. $20

Language: G (4 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (passionate kissing); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Lady Rosalin desperately wants the same kind of chance at an education that her cousin, Lord Ansel, is happy to throw away for a year of travel on the continent. Since the two of them are so similar in features, Rosalin convinces Ansel it is in both their best interests to trade places of a sort. Ansel can roam Europe, while Rosalin spends her weeks at Cambridge learning from the best and brightest, and her weekends please her mama at the balls and parties of her fourth London season. What she doesn’t bank on is a college tutor who is also devilishly handsome and has progressive views of a woman’s place in society - someone she is quite willing to fall in love with despite the obstacles.

Howard finishes off the Diamond series with a classic plot device with some fun twists thrown in. You also see the characters from the first two books. While post-Regency in time period, all of the glitter still exists, too.

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 

Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce - ADVISABLE

Rolls and Rivalry by Kristy Boyce, 358 pages. Delacorte (Random), 2026. $14

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

As the color guard captain, Hazel is looking forward to a great school year. She’s even toying with finally starting her own D&D campaign like the weekly one her parents have run for years. Who shows up at the first day of band? Max! Her former best friend and now a hottie member of the drumline - the same drumline which causes the color guard so much grief every band season. Hazel has a lot of disparate pieces to fit together if she is going to salvage her senior year.

Boyce’s D&D related romance series is a solid choice. This one is heavy on the band drama and less so the the D&D, but still a good romance.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Platform Decay by Martha Wells - ADVISABLE

Platform Decay (The Murderbot Diaries #8) by Martha Wells, 256 pages. Tor Books, 2026. $25.

Language: R (84 swears, 92 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (illegal activity and for mentions of drugs and nudity); Violence: PG13 (assault, gun use, blood and gore, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

On a rescue mission, Murderbot intends to find its clients and get away as quickly as possible. However, it does not anticipate the stupidly complicated transportation—or lack thereof—on the giant space torus nor being forced to promise to extract more humans than it had planned for. Humans make everything complicated.

As usual, Wells drops the reader into the story just after the beginning of the action, which hasn’t been as smooth in the last couple of books as it was at the beginning of the series, but the confusing bits are eventually explained. Then readers get to follow along with Murderbot’s mission while it is still adjusting to its new mental health module that asks it to check in with its emotions at inopportune times. The humor is as spot on as always, making me want to reread the journey so that it doesn’t have to end.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Dragon Girl and the Awakened Flames by Jenny Moore - ADVISABLE

Dragon Girl and the Awakened Flames (Emba Oak #1) by Jenny Moore, 307 pages. Sourcebooks, 2026. $10 (pb)

Content: G (mild danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Young Emba has always had scales on her arms and she knows that she was hatched from an egg, but she loves her stepmother, the witch Fred. Fred did a reading from the Tome of Terrible Tomorrows for Emba, but when Fred is kidnapped, Emba throws all caution to the wind to save Fred. WIth the help of Odolf, Emba marches straight towards danger and the evil sorcerer who wants to harvest Emba’s dragon blood. 

Originally published in England, there are four books in the series. I like Emba - her friend Odolf is a bit of a humorous sidekick. Moore goes with unlikely and funny details that play against normal fantasy tropes. a good paperback series for young dragon lovers.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Thornbird by E. Kennedy - SEVERAL

Thornbird by E. Kennedy, 448 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2026. $21.

Language: R (189 swears, 36 “f”); Mature Content: R (alcohol use including underage drinking, mentions of drugs, kissing, innuendo, nudity, and sex); Violence: PG13 (assault; blood and gore; mentions of guns, rape, and murder; and suicide)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Ten years ago, her father killed her mother and confessed that his wife wasn’t his first victim. With one parent in the grave and the other in prison, her name was changed to Ryan, and she went to live with her grandmother. But then her grandmother dies (of natural causes), and Ryan has to finish out high school in the town where her father committed his crimes, hoping that no one discovers who she really is.

Ryan is a deeply troubled protagonist, struggling to find a way to live her life in the limbo between pretending to be normal and being convinced that her father’s actions have stained her—her past, her present, and her future. As a result of this perspective, Ryan can’t see past her own dark life to realize that no one is all light. Everyone has secrets. As secrets around town start to be revealed, Kennedy shows readers that peace can be found in the space between full dark and full light.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Forgotten War: A World War II Battle on American Soil by Candace Fleming - ADVISABLE

The Forgotten War: A World War II Battle on American Soil by Candace Fleming, 272 pages. NON-FICTION Scholastic, September 2026. $20

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (war violence, descriptions of trench foot and battle injuries - not graphic)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Charlie Groth was drafted into WWII in October of 1943. Initially trained as an infantryman, but his winter driving skills - he's from Michigan, got him moved to the ambulance corps and he was assigned to be a litter carrier - one of the soldiers who take the wounded from the battlefield. When he's finally deployed into the war, he finds himself on Attu, part of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. After Pearl Harbor, this and another island were taken over by the Japanese, and Charlie has been assured that taking them back will be quick and easy. But constant terrible weather, and a series of miscalculations by the American Commanding officers make for a very bloody battle and an embarrassing part of WWII the American Military would rather hide and forget.

Well researched and I love that Fleming told both sides of the story - there's a Japanese doctor with the Japanese troops whose experiences are also recounted. Besides the few stories she knew from her father, Fleming combed the National Archives and Records Administration for primary documents, utilized the Park Service and National WWII Museum for interviews, and even found more information about her father. She begins the book with an author's note, and ends with well-organized source documentation. Includes photographs throughout.

Charlie is white.

Lisa Librarian 

13 Little Love Stories by Elise Bryant and co - OPTIONAL

13 Little Love Stories by Elise Bryant and co, 336 pages. SHORT STORIES. G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $13.

Language: R (114 swears, 16 “f”); Mature Content: R (alcohol use (including underage drinking), kissing, innuendo, illegal activity, sexual harassment, nudity, and mentions of drugs, STDs, and sex); Violence: PG (assault and mentions of murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In this anthology, thirteen authors each offer readers one short love story based on different Taylor Swift songs. Most of them are realistic fiction, though there is a little magic thrown in for good variety, and all of them center around matters of the heart.

Each chapter starts by naming the song the author took inspiration from, and I enjoyed listening to the song and reading the lyrics before diving into each story. The possibilities of interpretation are endless, and it was fun to see which words and feelings from each song got incorporated into the stories. They range from cute and funny to heartbreak and betrayal, from platonic to romantic, from one great night to years of longing.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Omnibird: An Avian Investigator's Handbook by Giselle Clarkson - ESSENTIAL

Omnibird: An Avian Investigator's Handbook by Giselle Clarkson, 96 pages. NON-FICTION. Gecko Press, 2025. $25. 9798765670514

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Birds come in all shapes and sizes and are warm blooded vertebrates. All birds have beaks, feathers, and lay eggs. You can recognize the different specie by their wings shapes, beak shapes, feather colors, and whether they have combs, caruncles, spurs, or talons. Many bird names come from a description of feather areas such as a yellow-crowned parakeet. You can recognize the different specie by their wings shapes, beak shapes, feather colors, and whether they have combs, caruncles, spurs, and talons. Birds are good for many things, such as: singing, pollination, making eggs to eat, fertilizing, spreading seeds, cleaning up dead tissues, being food for other animals, and pets. Birds evolved to fit their environment such as growing log legs for walking in the water. People can learn to interact with birds in safe ways since some birds are prone to attack.

Although not a comprehensive book on birds, Clarkson wrote a book well fitted for the average person, including adults. The book covers most aspects of ornithology. In between pages of information, she inserts some comic relief such as “how to pick up a chicken”. The illustrations show the characteristics of different birds clear enough to distinguish groups in a species. Clarkson uses both common and scientific names for the birds to inform the reader.

MOMMAC 

The Endless Game by J.D. Amato and Sophie Morse - OPTIONAL

The Endless Game by J.D. Amato, art by Sophie Morse, 244 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Simon and Schuster, 2026. $25

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Fred Townsend has had to move a lot, so it's been hard for him to make friends. When he moves to Lakeside, Illinois, Fred finds that he has been inducted into a never-ending game of capture the flag that pits kids from the two opposing sides of town against each other. Though the stakes are high, Fred discovers that there might be something amazing about having teammates and friends.

The characters are in the 8-12 age range. The art is well done and makes the book easy to follow. The premise of a never ending steal the flag game is a little like an adult sanctioned "Lord of the Flies." Some of the kids make good kings, and others do not, and they are totally self-governed. Themes of friendship and fitting in, help. I was just hoping the town would come to its senses and become friends all-around. It's a fast read, and the ending leaves it open for a sequel. No culture or race is specified, but characters are depicted from various backgrounds.

Michelle in the Middle 

The Trouble with Leo by Michele Assarasakorn and Nathan Fairbairn - ADVISABLE

The Trouble with Leo (PAWS #5) by Michele Assarasakorn and Nathan Fairbairn, 172 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Putnam (Penguin), 2026. $13

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Gabby and the PAWS girls are doing well with their dog walking business. However, when Gabby refuses to let her former friend, Leo join the group, he decides to start his own dog walking business: SCAMPS. Gabby is incensed, and does everything she can to sabotage Leo and his friends' business. Both groups get drawn into a turf war that threatens both of their businesses.

The main characters range in age from 10-12 maybe. The illustrations are bright and colorful and easy to follow. Gabby is a flawed character who thinks she is always right, but readers can learn about listening and communicating from her. While there aren't a lot of surprises, the story will hook young readers, especially dog-lovers. No culture or race is specified, but the illustrations reflect various ethnic backgrounds.

Michelle in the Middle 

The Water You're Swimming In by Rachel Schwartz Fagan - OPTIONAL

The Water You're Swimming In by Rachel Schwartz Fagan, 186 pages. Orca, 2026. $15

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 f); Mature Content: PG (same sex attraction from two secondary characters); Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Noah is an 8th grader whose life feels like it has fallen apart. His older brother, Jaime, has run away to Halifax, and it has torn his family apart. When Noah learns that the prize for an upcoming swimming competition is a trip to Halifax, he is sure that if he wins, he will be able to find his brother and bring him home.

This is fairly long for an Orca book. The plot is predictable, but kept me hooked. A good read for anyone who is experiencing family conflict or friendship issues. Danger: after reading this, you will want chocolate cake for breakfast. Culture or race isn't specified, but the characters live in Canada.

Michelle in the Middle 

Female Heroes of Greek Mythology by Megan Duvarney Forbes and Meel Tamphanon - OPTIONAL

Female Heroes of Greek Mythology by Megan Duvarney Forbes, illustrated by Meel Tamphanon, 214 pages. NON-FICTION Calisto Publishing, Sourcebooks, 2026. $17

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Fifty-one stories from Greek Mythology, featuring goddesses, warriors, thinkers, princesses, and even monsters. This is a beautiful and accessible reference book about the women in Greek mythology. There is a full-color illustration for each entry, and the colorful layout makes it engaging. This is an introductory book, so there isn't tons of detail. Readers may want to use this as a jumping-off point and do more research for entries they find the most fascinating.

Michelle in the Middle 

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