War Boats by Jennifer A. Nielsen - ESSENTIAL

War Boats by Jennifer A. Nielsen, 304 pages. Scholastic, MARCH 2027. $19

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (war deaths mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

12yo Arthur has lied his way onto a merchant marine ship at the very beginning of the next war in Europe. His father died working to save his shipload of crew and Arthur can’t stand his stepfather. The SS Tairoa is hit and captured by the Germans and Arthur goes through grueling days as a prisoner of war.  After he is released, nothing can stop Arthur from running away and joining another ship.  And if he has to steal a boat and cross the English Channel to rescue soldiers trapped on the beach on Dunkirk in order to help the war effort, then Arthur is going to do just that.

While the opening is a little slower than Nielsen’s normal pace, I liked how she shows us how determined Arthur is and also how everything Arthur does is another dynamic in his relationship with his mother and stepfather. My students, especially the boys, are loving historical fiction, so I am very excited to have another offering for them - especially because they already like Nielsen so much. Arthur is white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories about the Ocean written by Mary Boone, art by Max Temescu - ADVISABLE

Unfathomable: 20 Wild (But True) Stories about the Ocean written by Mary Boone, art by Max Temescu, 192 pages. NON-FICTION. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2026. $20.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: ELEM (4-6), MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Unfathomable details twenty wild-but-true stories about the ocean and the many things that exist inside.

The book, quite literally, started off with a bang about the Florence, Oregon whale bombing in the 70s, which had me in tears. I was laughing so hard. The rest of the book is interesting, gross, or weird in equal measure. Considering that most kids want to be a marine biologist at some point in their lives, you can bet this one will do brisk circulation in your classroom library.

Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher, #bookswithbeddes

 

The Poisoned King by Katherine Rundell - ESSENTIAL

The Poisoned King (Impossible Creatures 2) by Katherine Rundell, 294 pages. Random House, 2025. $12 Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Christopher is awakened by a tiny dragon, precipitating his longed for return to the magical islands of the Archipelago. But his return comes with incredible danger because the treat dragons are mysteriously dying, which would have grave consequences. At the same time that Christopher is summoned back, Princess Anya is facing grave peril of her own. Her grandfather, the king, has been murdered and her father accused of his murder. Her quest to save her father and Christopher's quest to save the dragons intertwine as they face the danger that lies ahead. 

What's not to like? Great storytelling, short chapters, and the occasional line drawing all combine to create a magical world that provides the perfect escape from reality. This is a grand adventure from start to finish and the magical creatures and inhabitants of the Archipelago are villainous and endearing, depending on their role. Readers of book one will not be disappointed. While one story wraps up well, there is a new twist that readers will want to dive into book three for. 

 

Michelle in the Middle 

Perfect Enough by Meg Eden Kuyatt - ADVISABLE

Perfect Enough (Good Different #2) by Meg Eden Kuyatt, 352 pages. Scholastic, 2026. $19 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

13yo Selah now has a diagnosis, sensory tools, and a friend who knows about her autism. Now she's trying something new. A sleepaway writers' camp, where she'll room with her friend Rheya, but also Brooklyn, who is loud, impatient and self-centered. Selah has dreamed about becoming a writer, and this camp is a dream come true - but Ezra is also there - her bully from school. But Ezra isn't the only problem - this is Selah's first opportunity to negotiate all this at once and on her own. An understanding camp counselor gets her, but Selah isn't ready to share. 

A great companion to Good Different, Kuyatt does a great job of filling in the background without feeling like you need to read book one. This writers' camp sounds fun, lots of activities, and kids have many opportunities to be creative. As a teacher, I didn't love that Seleh was able to sleep at night in the library without a counselor noticing and figuring out a solution. Nonetheless, I enjoyed the story and Seleh's opportunities to make hard choices. Selah is white, Ezra and Rheya are black. 

Lisa Librarian  

Titanic by Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne - ESSENTIAL

Titanic (Magic Tree House Fact Tracker) by Mary Pope Osborne and Will Osborne, 134 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $18 

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Jack and Annie from the Magic Tree House books take us on a voyage with the Titanic which is totally factual. 

I've read lots of books about the Titanic, but I couldn't put this one down. The graphic novel makes it easily accessible, and the facts are really interesting. The pictures help place people in the period and show which class they were on the ship. There's even a couple of pages on how to use books for research. This book will help history come alive for younger kids. Jack and Annie are white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

This is a Door by Daniel Nayeri - ESSENTIAL

This is a Door by Daniel Nayeri, 400 pages. NOVEL IN VERSE Sourcebooks, 2026. $20 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Peril, death - not violent nor bloody) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

The boy is alone, the people in the Village call him Nothing because he has no name. But Nana, the old woman who takes care of the junkpile, tells him he is not nothing. So Ing (his nickname) sets out with a dog and a mouse to 1) find his father and learn his real name and 2) find his purpose. 

Daniel Nayeri is a master storyteller. He has written an amazing novel in verse, illustrated with his concrete poems. I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end, and loved every minute of it. I loved the characters - the wise mouse, and oh, Poppy the dog is such a dog. There are two different poems describing grief, and he's spot on. I adored This is a Door and am highly recommending it. I hope readers can appreciate its movement and charm. The characters seem to be from a time (middle ages?) rather than a specific race or culture. 

Lisa Librarian 

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

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

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

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 

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  

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

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