A Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti - ESSENTIL

A Kid Like Me by Norm Feuti, 272 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL HarperCollins, 2026. $25.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Ethan is just starting middle school, and his biggest worry was getting lost in the new big school, until his friend Ricky starts talking about all the social stuff. Ethan and Ricky live in a trailer park, but lots of kids at their middle school live in the rich part of town, and now Ethan is worried he will be going to school with a bunch of snobs. Ethan recently started playing a retro card game called Bio Battle, and finds some friends who are in the after-school club, but Ricky has found different friends who prefer wrestling. Can Ethan and Ricky's friendship survive the 1st month of middle school? 

Fitting in, making friends, wearing the right clothes, and being cool - doesn't everyone worry about that in middle school? I loved how easily frustrated Ethan and Ricky got with each other, and how their new friends mirrored what they were looking for in middle school. Feuti's illustrations are realistic, and his story rings true. I hope this is a hit in my library; I'll certainly be recommending it. The characters are white. 

Lisa Librarian  

Mixed Feelings by Sara Amini and Shadia Amin - ADVISABLE

Mixed Feelings by Sara Amini and Shadia Amin, 240 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Scholastic, 2026. $15. Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

11yo Sarita has recently moved - not out of the school boundaries, but several streets away from her best friend, Monica. They are excited for school to start again, but find, to their dismay, they don't have any classes, or even lunch together. To make matters worse, Monica and Sara decide to twin on the first day, and Sara notices she can't wear shorts - suddenly her legs are so hairy, and her mom won't let her shave! She puts on sweats instead. Her day goes from bad to worse - Monica has a new friend. Sarita doesn't know what to be - she comes from a mixed-race family, speaks 3 languages, and tries to please everyone. At least in drama club she can be herself. 

Gosh - I loved this story; Sara is beside herself most of the time (typical for a rising middle schooler) but the mean kids and her own self-esteem issues don't help. I think kids will relate; a definite purchase. Sara's family is mixed - Persian/Columbian 

Lisa Librarian  

Mexikid Dreams by Pedro Martin - ESSENTIAL

Mexikid Dreams (Mexikid #2) by Pedro Martin, 320 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Penguin, SEPTEMBER 2026. $25

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (sibling fights and pranks, also guard violence at a prison)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

10yo Pedro (who is about 13 by the end of the book) is back from Mexico with his family (8 brothers and sisters) Their restaurant has been damaged by an earthquake and so the family has moved to California where they are sharecroppers, picking strawberries. Everyone helps, all hands are needed to make ends meet. But when the oldest brother gets a job at a lumberyard, Pedro starts making a plan to get out of working too - he wants to draw (and watch cartoons). But when a friend at school encourages Pedro to join the band, he rethinks his plan. Now he wants to plan the trombone!

Pedro Martin is so funny, and this series is delightful. I love how he shows the sibling interactions, funny names for the outhouse and the way they work in the fields. I also loved how he really showed the plight of the share croppers, the difficulty making a profit and a danger experienced by undocumented people (in 1977) who were desperate for work so they could send money home. A great companion which can stand alone to Mexikid. The family is Mexican with some of the children first generation American

Lisa Librarian 

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 

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 

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 

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 

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 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 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 Bletchley Riddle by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin - ESSENTIAL

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

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

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

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

Lisa Librarian 

Eva to the Max by Rebecca Caprara - ADVISABLE

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

(pb).

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

but her spot on the podium.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

of women’s motocross is included at the back.

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

Reviewer: Heather Robinson, Elementary School Librarian

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

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

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

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

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher

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

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

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

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

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

Michelle in the Middle 

Who's Got the Best Medicine? (Survival of the Fittest #2) by Rebecca Donnelly and Misa Saburi, - ESSENTIAL

Who's Got the Best Medicine? (Survival of the Fittest #2) by Rebecca Donnelly and Misa Saburi, 112 pages. NON-FICTION GRAPHIC NOVEL. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2025. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Animals and insects in this graphic novel compete in a game show to see who can present the best medical innovation based on their own anatomy.

The book is full of interesting animal and insect facts presented in a fun approachable way. I  found it to be very informative and creative in the way it presented information. The illustrations are also great. 

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Last Chance Live! by Helena Haywoode Henry - OPTIONAL

Last Chance Live! by Helena Haywoode Henry, 544 pages. Penguin, 2025. $22

Language: R (91 swears, 4 ‘f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: R (gruesome ways to kill someone mentioned, detailed murder scenes committed by characters, rape mentioned, capital punishment)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY

Eternity is 18yo  and on death row for aiding the murder of some extended family members and is desperate to be chosen to compete in a reality show in hopes of winning her freedom. Getting cast on the show could win her clemency from her sentence and give her the opportunity to live the life she always dreamed of outside of prison bars.   The only catch, she must convince America to vote off the other 9 competing death row inmates and guarantee her freedom.  

The story is told in both present and past tense, helping the reader truly understand Eternity's heart and life.  The novel is full of powerful narratives that plague Eternity's mind and soul.  Readers will cheer for, cry for, and become endeared to this main character and her plea to be given a chance to prove she is worth something.  Every reality TV binge watcher will love this deeply human teen novel.  Henry does a masterful job getting the reader inside of Eternity's head and heart. The self-talk doesn't excuse Eternity's actions, yet the truth about race and socioeconomic status is such a defining reality.  I did think that the violence was a bit to bear with the age suggestion being 12-17, but I am protective of what my children read.  The real world really is a tough place for a lot of people! I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down.  The concept of a reality show freeing a death row inmate was a unique and controversial idea for sure.

Eternity is a black girl from Dallas. 

S. Lewis

Sleepless by Gordon Korman - ESSENTIAL

Sleepless by Gordon Korman, 240 pages. Scholastic JULY 2026. $19

Content: G (mild threats)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

They are all 12yo and all five of them don’t need any sleep.  None. Instead, each of the five is using that extra time to perfect talents and interests - until they start discovering each other.  Now there’s a bigger mystery for them to solve.  Why are they all sleepless? They have an idea of what has happened to them and who did it, but do they want this sleeplessness turned off? Maybe they won’t be so special any more. 

Korman has such a knack for taking these little ideas and making them so compelling to read all the way to the end.  It would be great to read aloud and then discuss what kids would pursue in those extra hours and would they be willing to give them up or not.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Burn the Kingdom Down by Addie Thornley - ADVISABLE

Burn the Kingdom Down by Addie Thornley, 428 pages. Sourcebooks, 2026. $20

Language: G (3 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (passionate kissing and implied sex, drinking tea with drug-like properties); Violence: PG-13 (gruesome deaths, descriptions of dead bodies, attempted sexual assault)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Indira has always been content to be the younger sister, peacefully growing the bagrava that's essential to her people's survival. But, when her older sister's body is returned after only a year of marriage to the Vanzadorian prince, Indira is sent to take her place. Her plan to avenge her sister's death and destroy Vanzador starts to fall apart when she discovers that there's more to Vanzador than meets the eye. Nothing Indira sees in Vanzador adds up to what she had been told. As Indira digs deeper into Vanzador's secrets, she discovers her own abilities to lead and becomes the queen her new country needs. 

Overall, I liked the book and the twists and turns kept me guessing. Both Indira and Prince Alaric's character arcs are well done. I also liked the love story because it was authentic and wasn't the primary focus of the story. The magic system was a little strange and could have used a little more explanation. The ages of the characters are only implied - but I feel they are between 18 and 21.

There isn't a specific race or ethnicity for any of the main characters, but Indira is described as having golden skin and freckles, while many of the Vanzadorians have blond hair. 

Andrea R

Three's a Crowd (Sweet Valley Twins #7) by Nicole Andelfinger, illustrated by Claudia Aguirre - ADVISABLE

Three's a Crowd (Sweet Valley Twins #7) by Nicole Andelfinger, illustrated by Claudia Aguirre, 204 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2026. $22 

Language: PG (7 swears, 0 f);  Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Twins, Elizabeth and Jessica, are both stressed out with schoolwork involving typing, so when their friend, Mary, offers to help, they quickly take her up on it. Jessica starts to get suspicious though, when Mary seems to want to hang around their mom more than them. 

Great art and easy to follow. The twins make good literary foils for each other, but manage to resolve their differences and make those differences work. Though the endings are no big surprises, it's always an enjoyable ride. Fans of the series won't be disappointed. The twins are white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

These Vengeful Gods by Gabe Cole Novoa - OPTIONAL

These Vengeful Gods by Gabe Cole Novoa, 432 pages. Random House Children's Books (Penguin Random House), 2025. $20.

Language: R (122 swears, 36 “f”); Mature Content: PG (some kissing, no underage drinking or drug use); Violence: R (repeated bloody, graphic violence, with the on-page & off-page death of several minor characters)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

In the sci-fi fantasy dystopian world of Escal, 16yo Crow is one of the Deathchildren, a minority that was nearly wiped out 10 years earlier by the Gods, and has had to grow up hiding his true nature. He wants to save his uncles, who have been arrested for helping Deathchildren escape the city, but with no money or political sway as he grew up in the wretchedly poor Shallows ghetto, Crow chooses to compete in the Tournament of Gods for the slight chance to save his uncle's lives. It’s quite literally a fight to the death in the gladiator-style combat competition, but in between matches, Crow and his friends begin to uncover a greater conspiracy that the Gods and the government are trying desperately to keep hidden.

I was fully invested in Crow’s story almost from the beginning and by the end of the novel, I just wanted to watch the whole world burn with him. Novoa excels at worldbuilding, establishing a setting where Crow is isolated at first, not by his queer identity, but rather by the systemic inequalities and prejudices directed by the government against his minority population. I thought the book was an interesting mix of sci-fi, dystopian, & fantasy elements. It was kind of like Percy Jackson meets The Hunger Games meets the Fifth Element. It is incredibly violent and contains strong graphic language, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. Teens who love dystopian worlds will devour this one.

Reviewer: Kiera Beddes, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes