Stops Along the Way by Anna Sortino - ADVISABLE

Stops Along the Way by Anna Sortino. 256 pages. Putnam (Penguin), 2026. $20.

Language: PG (15 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

17yo Iris has recently graduated from high school and is looking forward to college in the fall. Her sister, Amelia, is coming home from college so Iris can have the car. Iris has flown to Amelia's to road trip back with her. Iris loves board games and belongs to a gaming group that meets weekly. She always seems to have to play with Declan. She finds him irritating - he's always recording all her moves in a notebook and thinks he knows everything about board games. They are even competing against each other in an upcoming Board Game creation competition. So, when Iris arrives to pick up Amelia, she is shocked to find Declan there, too, to drive home with his brother, who happens to go to the same college as Amelia. Now it looks like the 2 sets of siblings are driving home together. 

This was a sweet love story. Sortino tends to weave in hearing-impaired characters into each story, and I love that, even though Iris is losing her hearing and wears hearing aids, that's not the focus of the story. The romance is a slow burn with a lot of "Stops Along the Way". There's a long afterward, which would have been a nice book two - I think it covered too much time - but with it, it wraps up nicely and is a standalone. The characters are white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Gingerbread Bones by Lindsay Lovise - OPTIONAL

Gingerbread Bones by Lindsay Lovise, 368 pages. Entangled Teen, 2026. $16

Language: R (228 swears, 111 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kiss); Violence: PG-13 (bloody injuries and off-page stabbing death)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A group of eleven delinquent teens is sent to a remote area to learn survival skills and improve their behavior. A counselor, psychologist and two cameramen accompany them to keep them safe and film the transformation to make a documentary for an influencer. The influencer is Ashley, the toxic stepmother of 16yo Georgie and 17yo Hamish. Georgie and Hamish are in the group and know they have to rely on each other to get through the camp together because they are cut off from the rest of the world, unplugged. Soon the adults go missing and strange things start to happen. When they discover a dismembered, bloody hand of one of the supervising adults, they wonder if any of them will survive.

The Hansel and Gretel retelling makes the tale even creepier. Great character development. The characters have different but interesting backgrounds. I appreciate the content warning before the story begins. Social media posts or emails start each chapter, giving readers information and insight to what’s happening elsewhere.

Ava is Korean American. Talia has frizzy hair and freckles. Madison has brown skin. Alicia is white. Georgie and Hamish are white. One of the cameramen is Latino.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Christmas Wish by Lee Heart - ADVISABLE

The Christmas Wish by Lee Heart, 130 pages. Simon, 2026. $8 (pb)

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Joy Holly Rudolph was not only born on Christmas Day, but it is her favorite holiday. However, this year for her birthday she wants a day and place that is not decorated for Christmas. And she wants to invite Kris, the boy she has a crush on, who happens to be born on Christmas Eve - how perfect! However, her fixation on her birthday and on Kris is having a negative effect on her relationships and her Christmas spirit. 

A nice little first romance book for our young readers. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

How to Lose Yourself Completely by Peter Bognanni - ADVISABLE

How to Lose Yourself Completely by Peter Bognanni, 337 pages. Balzer + Bray (Harper), 2026. $21

Language: R (77 swears, 1 ‘f’); Mature Content:PG-13 (suicide mentioned, crude joke, mentions of drinking, smoking, and of marijuana use) ; Violence: PG ( dead body, another death)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

16yo Case was used to being in his older brother’s shadow. Now that Sean is dead, Case is spiraling out of control. His parents suggest wilderness therapy. Who should also be there? Diana - Sean’s girlfriend and the girl Case can’t forget. When the kids’ guide and counselor disappears, the group is left flailing in the wilderness - nature’s version and within the wilderness of their problems. 

Kind of like an updated, more psychological version of Hobb’s classic Downriver. I was very glad that no one was a murderer, or that the program wasn’t trying to kill the teens, though murder mysteries seem to be where my readers’ attention is right now. The narrative takes us from Case’s present day and back before Sean’s death and his downward spiral.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Invisibles by Holly Kowitt, - OPTIONAL

The Invisibles by Holly Kowitt, 195 pages. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), 2026. $19.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

7th grader Jimmy ruined his chances of laying low at his new school when he made an enemy of the BMOC within a few days. Then a couple of odd occurrences put Jimmy back on the social radar. 

Why do most books about middle school boys either have to be a sports book or a comical farce? The over the top reactions of Jimmy (his constant self-affacing protests are so nauseating) and the harmless but constant bully antics - it all feels fake. I think the author’s idea was to imagine school as a 30 minute sit-com episode.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Nature Poems to See By illustrated by Julian Peters, - ESSENTIAL

Nature Poems to See By illustrated by Julian Peters, 141 pages. Plough, 2026. $30. 9781636081748

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Peters gives us a fresh new round of poems which he has interpreted, or enhanced, through his illustrations.  I love that he illustrates both short poems and longer poems, most of which are familiar to poetry readers already. His style differs, depending on the poem.  And in some cases, he brings a modern eye to a classic, bringing in refreshing relevance. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Double Crossed by Rebecca E.F. Barone - OPTIONAL

Double Crossed by Rebecca E.F. Barone, 187 pages. NON-FICTION. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2026. $20.

Language: G (o swears, o ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (war deaths mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

During World War II one of the most important groups to the success of the Allies and such maneuvers as D-Day was the XX - double agents who had the ears of the Germans, but actually were loyal to England. These men and women risked their lives to feed false information to Germany.

It's too bad the writing doesn’t feel more intimate and engaging for such a potentially interesting topic. As an adult I loved learning about this dimension of WWII.  I don’t think most students will stay locked in long enough to absorb the information.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Silenced by Diana Rodriguez Wallach - ADVISABLE

The Silenced by Diana Rodriguez Wallach, 384 pages. Diana Rodriguez Wallach, 2025. $20

Language: PG (40 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (ghosts, supernatural beings); Violence: PG-13 (fantasy of murdering someone, slapping, choking, beat someone with a rock, death)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

On her visit to the site of The Oakwell Farms School for Girls, 17yo Hazel brings home more than expected. Where is this desire for revenge and the violent urges she is feeling coming from? It turns out that Hazel has a familial link to the old school for "disturbed" girls. As her investigation develops, more secrets begin to surface, and what initially seems like a straightforward case becomes much more complicated. Friendships are tested, family relationships are strengthened and the suspense of the events keeps you quickly turning pages for more! The story moves between Hazel’s present and the disquieting past.

The ghosts weren’t simply there to make the book scary—they represented the trauma and injustice that had never been properly acknowledged. That gave the horror a purpose and made the story more emotional. The subject matter was also difficult at times. The abuse is important to the story, but there were scenes that were genuinely upsetting. I wouldn’t recommend this book to someone who is uncomfortable reading about abuse of children or institutional mistreatment.

Hazel is of Puerto Rican and Polish descent, and her identity is part of who she is without becoming the only thing that defines her. 

S. Lewis

The Doll House by D.W. Gillespie - ADVISABLE

The Doll House by D.W. Gillespie, 271 pages. Delecorte (Random House), 2026. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL -ADVISABLE; MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13 yo Garrett and his mother have inherited a mansion and a fortune, but in order to claim it, they must spend a week living in the mansion.  Garrett’s mom hasn’t talked about her parents much in all the years Garrett can remember, except he knows that she hates her father. When Garrett finds out that his grandfather was a famous author, though , Garrett wants to know more - which could be his undoing. Together with Wes, the caretaker's son, Garrett dives into the mysteries surrounding him.

Gillespie gives us creepy, but spends too much time working up to the big bad reveal and leaving us with very little time to enjoy the villain and the hero (hint - it isn’t Garrett). This slow burn annoyed me.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Brady Mason’s Perfect Fit by Nicole Melleby - ADVISABLE

Brady Mason’s Perfect Fit by Nicole Melleby, 318 pages. Little Brown, 2026. $18

Language: PG (13 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (mild inappropriate touching); Violence: PG (touchee gets fist to face)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Yesterday 12yo Brady Mason was one of six living in a poor group home in New Jersey.  Today she’s with her birth mom, a famous fashion editor, in a four-story apartment in New York City near Central Park. Both women have a lot to learn about each other, themselves, and about building a family. 

While not quite finding out that she’s the secret daughter of royalty, Brady’s story is still pretty Cinderella.  But Brady won’t succumb to princess-pressure or her fashionable mother. Their groping towards understanding and family is heart-felt and adorable.

Brady is white and LGBT.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Welcome to Weird Street by Stephen Mangan - OPTIONAL

Welcome to Weird Street by Stephen Mangan, 318 pages. Scholastic, 2026. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

When a girl finds a lost cat, she goes to each home on Weird Street hoping to find its owner. Along the way she encounters, hears, or we as the reader discover, strange goings ons inside each house.

While the girls and cat create the framework and excuse, the odd happenings in each house are the point to the short story collection. Decidedly odd. I could see a teacher reading one story a day out loud.

Audiobook provided libro.fm. Narrated by the author.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Tales from the Territory by Travis Baldree - OPTIONAL

Tales from the Territory by Travis Baldree, 224 pages. SHORT STORIES. Subterranean Press, 2026. $40.

Language: R (24 swears, 2 “f”); Mature Content: PG (alcohol use and mentions of illegal activity); Violence: PG13 (corpses, assault, blood and gore, and mentions of murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Baldree has compiled five short stories focusing on a variety of favorite characters in the Legends and Lattes series. Laugh, cry, and enjoy an extra peak into the lives of Zyll, Thimble, Viv, and Tandri.

Seeing these characters again was a joy! I was thrilled to get Thimble’s backstory, so that tale was my favorite. The stories here about Thimble, Zyll, Tandri, and Viv all occur before readers meet them in their respective books of the series. I was a little disappointed that I had already read the prequel story about Viv (“Pages to Fill” was previously published at the end of the Legends and Lattes book), but it’s a fun one if you haven’t read it before. The final story is about the whole Legends and Lattes crew two years after book one.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Trust Fall by Lynn Painter - OPTIONAL

Trust Fall by Lynn Painter, 416 pages. Simon & Schuster, 2026. $22. Kiss me

Language: R (719 swears, 137 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (drug and alcohol use, including underage drinking, illegal activity, kissing, innuendo, and mentions of sex); Violence: PG (assault and for mentions of guns and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Julia and her family only learn that their friend Lou was a rich man from New York when the executor of Lou’s estate informs them that Lou left them an inheritance. The catch is that the family must move to the home Lou left in New York and Julia and her brother must attend the local exclusive academy for at least six months or else the millions of dollars will no longer be theirs. Sounds easy, but Lou’s great-nephew, Damion, has other plans.

Painter writes well, and the story is sure to be enjoyable for those who are fans of the tropes Painter chose to use. Damion hides a lot of truths from Julia, and it’s easy to empathize with him when readers get his thoughts and point of view. However, his actions towards Julia were very irritating, and I found myself more stressed reading their story than not. It all works out with a happy ending that is satisfying only because I know it is in the fictional world—I would not be as okay with the ending if Julia was a real-life friend.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Move it or Bruise It by V. P. Anderson and Tatiana Hill, - OPTIONAL

Move it or Bruise It (Blood City Rollers #2) by V. P.  Anderson and Tatiana Hill, 153 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Random House, 2026. $22

Language: G (1 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Roller derby fights)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Humans Mina and Swan (13 yo) miss their roller derby teammates the Blood City Rollers, who also happen to be vampires. After spending the summer searching for them, they finally track them down at a creepy abandoned asylum. But if the Blood City Rollers want to keep their new home, they must compete in a sudden death scrimmage against another roller derby team made up of misfit monsters who are also searching for a place to belong. Along the way, Mina learns that being part of a team means supporting one another rather than always trying to compete.

Because I had not read the first book in the series, I spent the beginning of the story feeling a little lost and confused. I kept wondering why two human girls were playing on a vampire roller derby team. However, as the story progressed, I was able to piece together the background information and better understand the characters and their relationships. The book delivers a positive message about friendship, teamwork, and learning to put the success of the group ahead of individual competition. The characters are a mix of ethnicities.  

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Nando by McCall Hoyle and Keven Keele - ADVISABLE

Nando (Best Friends Dog Tales #4) by McCall Hoyle and Keven Keele, 153 pages. Shadow Mountain, 2026. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Nando is a hardworking border collie that has many responsibilities on a sheep ranch.  He expects perfection from himself at all times.  A situation arises that Nando can't control.  He is separated from his family after a storm turns a creek into a raging river.  Will Nando be able to save all of those that he cares for?

Nando is a sweet book that takes us back to the world of Stella, Gus and Millie in the Best Friends Dog Tales series.  Hoyle uses her unique writing style to convey how Nando is feeling in an extreme situation.  A great read for animal lovers!

Tracie, Elementary School Librarian

Phone Home by Royden Lepp - ADVISABLE

Phone Home (Jurassic Jeff #3) by Royden Lepp, 211 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL (Random House), 2026. $15

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G (Nerf gun wars)

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

APPEALS TO: MANY

Jeff is loving life on Earth with his new friends. When a robot sent to "rescue" Jeff crashes on Earth, Jeff learns a rescue party from his home planet has been sent for him. Jeff isn't sure if he wants to go home or stay on Earth to finish his mission. Jeff's dinosaur friends are determined to rescue him from the alien space ship. Will the dinosaurs rescue Jeff? Will Jeff want to be rescued, and by who?

Kids who love graphic novels, gaming, and funny books will enjoy this one. I didn't think it was great, but I know the kids in my library will love it.  Jeff is a green alien. 

Rachel, elementary school librarian

Please Pay Attention by Jamie Sumner - ADVISABLE

Please Pay Attention by Jamie Sumner, 249 pages. NOVEL IN VERSE Atheneum (Simon and Schuster), 2025. $18 

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (school shooting, not graphic - sounds, broken glass, aftermath) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Bea is the special friend of one of the littles at school. Josie, who hates school, won’t talk to other children and generally doesn’t participate. But Bea is smart and has great ideas to help Josie come out of her shell. But when her school is attacked by a shooter, Bea isn’t as able to take care of herself. In fact when her teacher tells them to get down, Bea freezes. She has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair and when she finally does get down, the floor is covered in broken glass. Now, Bea can't sleep from the nightmares and is worried about even being inside, let alone going back to school. 

I wondered if a book about a school shooting would traumatize the reader - this topic is hard for me to read about. However, the shooting itself is well handled, and Bea has loving, caring adults who know what kind of help and how much time she needs. A quick read, as it's in verse; the message is great. I love that Bea is writing a letter to someone (Dear Sir), and the reader needs to presume the recipient until the end. I liked it. 

Lisa Librarian 

Gracie Under the Waves by Linda Sue Park - ADVISABLE

Gracie Under the Waves by Linda Sue Park, 176 pages. HarperCollins, 2026. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

6th grader Gracie loves snorkeling. Someday she would love to visit the Maldives and snorkel there, but for now, she's content planning her family vacation for spring break. She's thrilled when her parents accept her plan to fly to Roatán and visit the 2nd biggest reef in the world. But her 6yo brother can be a challenge, and when Gracie is injured and her knee gets cut on a reef, she blames him. Can this family vacation be saved when Gracie might not be allowed to go back in the water? 

A great story about ecology and saving the reefs, and saving your relationship with a little brother. I loved all the descriptions of the fish and the different kinds of coral. Maxine Vee did the illustrations, and they are great - just when we need to see a depiction of the fish or coral or jellyfish, there is an illustration. I do hope, however, that the reader checks out photographs online, because a drawing of a lionfish can't compare to a picture of the real thing. 

Gracie and her family are Korean American 

Lisa Librarian 

Steam by Shaenon K.Garrity - OPTIONAL

Steam by Shaenon K.Garrity, 208 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Margaret K. McElderry (Simon and Schuster), 2026. $15. 

Language: PG (3 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (man in briefs no shirt, kissing) Violence: PG (theme of captive humans in an experiment) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Ruby is one of many humanoid subjects of an experiment conducted by a university. She is remarkably intelligent and has been programmed to solve problems. When she solves a problem of her own, and escapes the lab, Ruby gets a job as a barista and begins to make love matches with the employees and customers. But does she consider that there might be a match for her? 

Definitely a college setting, though only a few of the characters are actual students. The science was cool - Ruby can process so much information and figure out solutions. No wonder she's so valuable to the University. High School students would probably enjoy it, it's not very edgy though. It's almost like it was written for middle schoolers. While not specified, the characters are a mix of races. 

Lisa Librarian  

The Moon without Stars by Chanel Miller - ADVISABLE

The Moon without Stars by Chanel Miller, 256 pages. Penguin, 2026. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Rating: PG (description of how to use a tampon; other maturation talk as well and some descriptions of kissing); Violence: PG (bullying) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Luna is starting 7th grade. When a teacher asks the class to describe themselves using adjectives, Luna starts to think about who she really is and how others see her. When a large book donation enables Luna to start a self-esteem help library, she begins to become more well known among her classmates. But when Luna and Scott make a zine that gets shared around, Luna becomes popular - but to what end? Will she need to compromise herself and be someone she's not in order to be in the popular crowd? 

Initially I was going to recommend this to 7th graders, and it's perfectly fine for them, they can totally relate to Luna and her problems, but after finishing it, I realize that it would also be great for 8th graders, because they've been there. Luna makes a lot of mistakes trying to fit in with the popular crowd, including alienating her best friend. 8th graders will look back on that year with her. I loved The Moon Without Stars. 

Luna is Asian American 

Lisa Librarian  

Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic by Patricia Park - OPTIONAL

Ambrosia Lee Drops the Mic by Patricia Park, 304 pages. Crown (Random), 2026. $20.

Language: R (81 swears 9 'f'); Mature Content: PG13 (bits of open mic routines, many containing "dick jokes"); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

16yo Ambrosia was a child actor, cute and talented; she modeled, as well as acted. Until she turned 14. That's when she started to mature and put on some weight - suddenly, parts for her dried up. She even lost an unhealthy amount of weight for an audition, but no part came from it. Now she's done with the business. She meets a boy standing in line for a comedy act and learns he does stand-up- maybe Ambrosia can turn all the child actor trauma into a successful career in open mic comedy. 

Patricia Park really did her homework on stand-up comedy. Everything rang true, from the seedy clubs to the crass routines of the young men talking about body parts to the audition process and cattle calls. I loved the fake-interested conversations among her fellow actor friends and the glimpse into the New York and Hollywood performance scene. Theater kids will like this - many of the jokes were pretty funny, and there's a lot of good advice on negotiating a career in comedy performance. Ambrosia and her parents are Korean 

Lisa Librarian 

Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed by S. B. West - OPTIONAL

Morfran, Dark Lord Reformed by S. B. West, 368 pages. Ace (Berkley), 2026. $30.

Language: R (42 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use, partial nudity, kissing, innuendo, and mentions of sex); Violence: R (assault; blood and gore; battle scenes; mentions of torture, cannibalism, and suicide; and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL, ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Dark Lord Morfran left his evil ex-wife and is trying to enjoy a life of jam making and goat farming.  But his evil ex is hunting Morfran down without telling the kingdom that he left. As he flees his farm, Morfran accidentally finds the rebellion—and they’re forcing Morfran to assist them in beating his former army and taking back the cities he conquered.

The best word to describe this book is ridiculous—mostly in a charming way, though there were a few ongoing jokes that just made me roll my eyes. I enjoyed reading about this villain who is tired of being around evil, taking the first step of his redemption arc by himself, and then is forced to continue what he started with restitution he would not have made without the rest of the characters. While it’s mostly a comedy, the story shows a surprising amount of heart, proving that it’s never too late for kindness and forgiveness to change a life.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Honor by Susan McClelland, Nataliia Mariichyn, and Leon Buchwald - ADVISABLE

Honor by Susan McClelland, Nataliia Mariichyn, and Leon Buchwald, 240 pages. NON-FICTION Astra, 2026. $20 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (The threat of violence against Jews, a father is murdered by Nazis, the aftermath is on page. Peril, reference to work camps, concentration camps and pogroms. Bullets flying by, racist language, Nazi mischief - breaking toys and such, just being mean because they can) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

When Ukrainian teen Nataliia is given a stack of old letters by her grandmother, she reads about a Jewish boy, Eliezer, who is in hiding during WWII. After the murder of his father, Eliezer tries to support his sister and mother and keep them out of the grasp of the Nazis. Told in dual perspectives, Nataliia's current suspension from school over an incident with another girl is put into a different perspective when she is moved by Eliezer's story and wonders how her grandmother is connected. 

This narrative non-fiction is engaging and moving. The modern story takes place in 2010 in The Ukraine. This isn't just another story of a Jewish family hiding from the Nazis. We connect with the families and people who are helping, sharing, hiding, and caring about Eliezer, his mother and his sister. We see how a community can stand by while their neighbors are taken away or even killed, and what turns people to do things they know are morally wrong. There are also examples of people doing good despite the very real chance they could lose their lives for helping. Peppered with pieces of news articles or descriptions of places to help put everything in context. I would not be surprised to see Honor show up on a 2027 YMA list - either for Non-Fiction or a Sydney Taylor. Well written. 

Lisa Librarian 

 

Stitch Head: The Pirate's Eye by Guy Bass and Pete Williamson - MANY

Stitch Head: The Pirate's Eye (Stitch Head #2) by Guy Bass, illustrated by Pete Williamson, 140 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL RH Graphic (Random House), 2025. $15 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Stitch isn't quite sure what to do with himself after Professor Erasmus suddenly abandons the castle. He decides he could well be a pirate due to his blue glass eye that once belonged to a seafaring captain. Stitch and friends build a boat and prepare for adventure, but discover that danger awaits instead. 

Stitch's stories are sweet because he is such a childlike monster. He has loyal friends that add fun and spice to the story. Though I miss the more detailed and artistic prose of the original version, the artwork is beautifully drawn and colored and fits the tone of the story. Kids will identify with the adventure of sailing off to be a pirate, while enjoying themes of loyalty, friendship, and odd families. The main characters are mostly monsters. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Space Race by Kate Messner - ESSENTIAL

The Space Race (History Smashers) by Kate Messner, 214 pages.  NON-FICTION Random House, 2026. $10

 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Busting the myths and misconceptions about the space race between the U.S. and Russia, this book endeavors to correct any preconceived ideas we got wrong, including some of the famous lines we think those in the space program said or didn't say. 

The facts are presented in a highly readable manner, combining text with drawings an actual picture and the occasional graphic novel format. Even though I am familiar with the space race, the book was engaging enough that I read it cover to cover. This is a great way to get facts quickly and succinctly while being entertained in the process. The cover should draw young readers in, and the information will hook them. 

Michelle in the Middle

My Killer Family Reunion by Dinesh Thiru - OPTIONAL

My Killer Family Reunion by Dinesh Thiru, 384 pages. Atheneum (Simon & Schuster), 2026. $20. 

Language: R (50 swears, 5 'fs'); Mature Content: PG13 (talk of making out, a kiss, a bit of vulgar language) Violence: PG13 (instances of domestic violence- on page and referred to, 3 attempted murders) 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

16yo Jayshree's wealthy grandmother owns property worth millions; when she dies, her family will inherit and become rich themselves. But at this family reunion, she announces a change to her will, and by the end of the dinner, the grandmother is in the hospital - someone has tried to kill her. Jay is an excellent sleuth; admittedly, her cousins call her invisible, so she's the perfect one to investigate. Everyone might be a suspect! 

I loved this whodunit. Jay exposes so many family secrets, and there's lots of family drama. The family is Hindu; there are ex-husbands, greed, under-the-table transactions, plenty of danger, and more than one attempted murder. My family reunions are never this exciting. 

Lisa Librarian 

The Sky We Shared by Shirley Reva Vernick - ADVISABLE

The Sky We Shared by Shirley Reva Vernick, 215 pages. Cinco Puntos Press (Lee and Low), 2026. $16

Language: G (2 swears,  0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bombing deaths, blood)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

In 1945, 14yo Nellie and her family are struggling as their father is off to fight in the war. And her former best friend, Joey, has changed since word came that his older brother has died. 14yo Tamiko and her aunt also struggle in a small Japanese village.  When the Emperor calls for girls to volunteer to help with the war effort, she goes despite her twisted hip from polio.  But glueing together endless sheets of origami paper is not what she thinks helping in the war would look like.  Little does she know that the papers she is glueing will have a direct impact on Nellie’s community.

Very few people know about the thousands of bomb-laden giant paper balloons that Japan sent wafting across the Pacific Ocean.  While very few deaths resulted, to the friends and families of those killed, the balloons were very personal. If you have a strong historical fiction collection or a teacher who covers WWII, I would suggest buying.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Our Strange Duet by Erin A. Craig - ADVISABLE

Our Strange Duet by Erin A. Craig, 400 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2026. $20

Language: PG (12 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (kissing in dreams, Off page sex in a dream, over clothes chest touching) ; Violence: PG (off page deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: HS - MANY; MS - SEVERAL

20 yo Christine’s love of music was inspired by her deceased musical father who promised that she would be visited by the angel of music. She believes the angel has come to her to build her singing voice and help her become a great and famous singer. She’s never seen her teacher and only hears his voice as he gives her instructions. Her dreams seem to be coming true when the lead vocalist loses her voice and Christine is thrust into the leading role. Strange, dangerous things start to happen in the opera and Christine begins to doubt whether or not her teacher is truly an angel. The Rosa Josephine is the signature rose of the Phantom. The Phantom tells the story of Josephine creating the rose to emulate her love for Napoleon, which is interesting.  

I like how Raoul stands up to his mother when she belittles Christine.  Beautiful confectionary-like descriptions of costumes. When Madame Giry tells the story of helping a young Erik run away from the carnival, my heart went out to him and I feel like she was very brave to help.  I especially like this retelling of The Phantom of the Opera because of the thorough descriptions of Christine’s thought process helping her to make the choices she made.

The ethnicity is predominantly white with Italian lead singers. 

LynnDell Watson, Delta High Librarian

Zodiac Legacy by Katie Zhao - OPTIONAL

Zodiac Legacy (Descendants of the Zodiac #2) by Katie Zhao. 364 pages. Random House, 2025. $20

Language: PG (18 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (Implied sex mentioned. Opposite sex and same sex kissing); Violence: PG-13 (Monster attacks, sword and hand to hand combat, death by gunshot and stabbing)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO:  SOME

Centuries ago, the Descendants were cursed - transformed into vampires, werewolves, and fox spirits. Their only hope of breaking the curse is to restore the source of their power: 12 zodiac statues. Standing in their way is the Collector, a villain who can turn humans into mindless, vicious Wrathlings. To make matters worse, not all Descendants actually want the curse broken. To restore her people's former power, Evangeline and her crew must battle the Collector, his army of Wrathlings, and the ultimate betrayal from her own brother.

While I enjoyed the first book in the series, this sequel fell a little flat for me. The action scenes were solid, and it was satisfying to see the storyline resolve, but the narrative lacked the rich historical context and mythology that made the first book so engaging. The pacing also suffered from excessive internal monologues, and too many moments where the plot stalled.

The characters are Chinese. Lei and Titus are LGBTQ

Amy Snow, Librarian

Cry Out Loud by Tara O'Connor - ADVISABLE

Cry Out Loud by Tara O'Connor, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2025. $25. 

Language: PG (4 swears 0 'f' - Irish swears not counted); Mature Content: PG (same gender kisses); Violence: PG (human sacrifice is a plotline) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Nell is suspended for a term from high school, and her mother sends her to stay with a distant relative in rural Ireland. Everything is strange from the beginning, but then becomes dangerous when Nell discovers she may be the next victim of a generational family sacrifice. 

Dark and creepy, complete with banshees and a robed cult. A gripping tale of family traditions. The illustrations are full color with just the right amount of detail. I appreciated the pronunciation guide for the names. The characters are Irish. 

Lisa Librarian  

72 Hours of You by Darianne Schramm - OPTIONAL

72 Hours of You by Darianne Schramm, 336 pages. Disney Hyperion, 2026. $20.

Language: R (507 swears, 242 “f”); Mature Content: R (underage drinking; illegal activity; groping; nudity; mentions of drugs, condoms, sexting, and sex; and ad nauseam innuendo); Violence: PG13 (assault; mentions of school shootings, bombs, and suicide; gun use; and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Death is an inevitable part of life—something that Sydney (17yo) is very familiar with. She dreads the pink glow, only visible to her, that follows people in their last 72 hours of life. This ability sets her apart, and that’s the way she likes it. Until a nosy classmate figures out her secret.

One of the most interesting points in this book is that Sydney believes in the beginning that she deals with death better than others do because she has to confront its reality more often and all by herself, without help or support through her grief. The journey Sydney experiences is an inward change that makes this perception a reality, and we don’t have to develop her supernatural ability to make that change in our own lives. The grief is still among the living, but so is life. Sydney is Jewish. Jules is bi.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Record-Breaking USA by Clive Gifford and Paul Hammond - ESSENTIAL

Record-Breaking USA: Celebrating America's biggest, brightest and bravest by Clive Gifford and Paul Hammond, 96 pages. NON-FICTION Wide Eyed (Quarto), 2026. $25. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

A collection of world-breaking records from each of the United States. Each entry includes quick facts about the state, its nickname, a fun fact, and prominent people who live or lived there, and some fun World Records set in the state. 

This was really a lot of fun. Lots of these records are crazy and typical of the state - like Idaho's Biggest Potato sculpture and the speed records broken or made on Utah's Salt Flats. Get this book and leave it out at your library; kids will find their own state first, then read about all sorts of interesting records held by people, things, weather, and history. I really love this! 

Lisa Librarian 

The Ginghams by T.C. Kemper, - ADVISABLE

The Ginghams by T.C. Kemper, 227 pages. Henry Holt, 2026. $19

Content: G (earring ripped out of ear)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

12yo Joni and Tyler are eager to see their best friend May after eight weeks away at summer camp.  May, however, is acting a little bit different; her usual punk rock style has been replaced by a more conservative look.  And May isn’t the only one - many of the moms around town are also looking and acting very differently.  It has to be something to do with May’s new neighbors - the Ginghams. Whatever the Ginghams are doing, it seems to be spreading all over town - far too quickly! Tyler and Joni seem to be the only ones who can stop it, but they are going to need a little inside help from an unexpected source. 

Adults may remember the Stepford Wives movies - Kemper uses more modern technology for her ace in the hole.  The idea is the same but even more insidious, I felt. Loved it.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Team by Daphne Benedis-Grab - ESSENTIAL

The Team by Daphne Benedis-Grab, 256 pages. Scholastic, SEPTEMBER 2026. $9 (pb)

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (threats, bullying, football hits)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Tommy has been struggling with anger management issues, but when one of his fellow teammates is accused of trashing their coach’s office, he decides to investigate.  He finds support from Simone, the accused’s sister, and Ethan, who is also on the team, but doesn’t want to play.  As the trio get closer to the truth, however, someone wants to send them a message to butt out.

I LOVE that Benedis-Grab took a detour from her normal horror fiction and gives us such a solid football book! Can’t wait to share this with the students. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

This Could All Go Bad by Spencer Hall - ESSENTIAL

This Could All Go Bad by Spencer Hall, 256 pages. Bloomsbury, 2026. $21

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

8th grader Jensen is not ready for high school.  He’s barely prepared for middle school graduation tomorrow.  But with his two best friends beside him, he knows he has support. But when Maleek and Cooper talk him into sneaking out that night to perform a set of dares against Maleek’s crush, Jensen is not prepared for all that the night has to reveal - good and devastating.

Jensen’s extreme anxiety was an initial downer for me, but he kept impressing me along the way. And his sister’s high school and life advice near the end is a masterwork. I need more books with male main characters that aren’t just a comedy - this funny book also has a lot of heart.

I assume Jensen and Cooper are white. Maleek and Jenny Chen are other unspecified ethnicities.

The audiobook copy was provided by libro.fm. Narrated by Jay Reum. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Hawk & Sparrow by Ayana Gray - ADVISABLE

Hawk & Sparrow by Ayana Gray, 352 pages. Balzer + Bray (Macmillan), 2026. $21.

Language: PG (10 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use, illegal activity, kissing, and innuendo); Violence: PG (assault, blood and gore, gun use, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

A high society event focused on the unveiling of a world-changing invention turns sour when the inventor is found dead in the botanical garden and maze after his grand demonstration. Vesper (19yo), a reporter for a dying newspaper, had been at the event and saw enough to believe that Maximilian (20yo) is the murderer. Willing to pay her enough to keep the paper alive, Maximilian hires Vesper to find the real culprit and clear his name.

The magic system is simple and, surprisingly, did not feel essential to this fantasy story about an invention that could make magic available to the masses. Instead, the focus was on the murder mystery and the enemies-to-lovers romance. I would even say that the resistance against classism and sexism were highlighted more than the magic; it just all happened to take place in a magical world. All these elements, including the magic, came together in an enjoyable story with a solvable mystery—if readers pay attention to the clues. Vesper is described as having “brown” skin, and Maximilian is described as having “a fair face.”

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson