Bigfoot (Is it Real?) by Candace Fleming - ADVISABLE

Bigfoot (Is it Real?) by Candace Fleming, 192 pages. NON-FICTION Scholastic, May 2027. $9. (paperback) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

You are an investigator and have been given the assignment to see if Bigfoot is real! Your case study includes all the information we know up to this point, including the first sighting of footprints by a construction crew in California, the famous Gimlin/Patterson footage, and even information obtained in a 2026 documentary about Bigfoot. As you work your way through the resources, your handbook reminds you about good investigative tools including the different kinds of evidence, the reliability of witness statements, and Occam's razor - a rule used by scientists to help find the truth. What do you think? Is Bigfoot real? 

Oh wow! I learned so much about this Cryptid, and also about investigative processes. Fleming's info is right up to date - there's so much more than we knew in the 1950's and 60's - a whole Cryptid society and modern testing to examine evidence collected decades ago. Now I want to read Is it Real? The Loch Ness Monster. Kids who like real-life mysteries will devour this book. 

Lisa Librarian 

Pushing Hope: An Illustrated Memoir of Survival by Raymond Santana and Keith Henry Brown - ADVISABLE

Pushing Hope: An Illustrated Memoir of Survival by Raymond Santana and Keith Henry Brown. 288 pages. BIOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC NOVEL. Calkins Creek, 2025. $18

Language: R (1 swear, 2 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (mention of rape and fondling breasts; brief non-sexual rear nudity); Violence: PG-13 (discussions of police violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULT - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

In 1989 14yo Raymond Santana moved to Harlem from the Bronx. Harlem's art and fashion scene is fresh and inspiring to Santana. He talks about the change in scenery and hanging out with friends. While hanging out with friends near Central Park on April 19, 1989 where Santana was arrested, underwent a violent and prolonged police interrogation, and eventually received a wrongful conviction of rape and assault. While the events of April 19, 1989 are central to the story, Santana's memoir also looks at his adjustment after being released, subsequent prison visits, the 2002 exoneration, and the launching of his own fashion brand (Park and Madison NYC) with Rasheed Young.

Santana’s memoir is moving and powerful. The book is pretty light on text, occasionally taking up a two-page spread for one sentence or a full illustration. The art style is bright, unique, and punchy - much like Santana’s own clothing line. If a student is unfamiliar with the Exonerated 5, this novel will still be interesting, but it will not provide a comprehensive overview or deep dive into the legal side of the event. The main focus is on using hope and creativity to overcome obstacles. “To never give up. To motivate. To inspire.” (pg 276). I feel it is an important and unique memoir to add to high school collections. 

Raymond Santana is Afro-Latino

E. Powell, Junior High Librarian

https://www.kingsenglish.com/item/MexlWhzwbd94iTAhIVQVQwx

Formula Fast by Matt Ralphs and Dragan Kordic - ESSENTIAL

Formula Fast by Matt Ralphs and Dragan Kordic, 64 pages. NON-FICTION. Phaidon, 2026. $20. 9781837291243

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Learn many exciting, interesting facts that go into our modern Formula One racing.

Though picture book sized, Ralph’s book is much more in depth and oh so fascinating. 

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

 

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space by Catherine D. Hughes

National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Space 2nd Edition by Catherine D. Hughes, 128 pages. NON-FICTION. Random House, 2026. $17. 9798217225477

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

Explore the universe and learn everything about space form Earth to the moon, dwarf planets, galaxies, black holes, and more.  You'll find 150 illustrations and photographs of things found in outer space,  and the latest developments in space exploration.

Hughes has created a colorful interactive guide to our universe, with very interesting facts.  The text is simple for reading aloud or for beginner readers.  I loved the awe-inspiring illustrations and photographs.

PGPowers

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 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 

America's Founding Myths ... and What Really Happened by Christy Mihaly, illustrated by Marta Sevilla, - ADVISABLE

America's Founding Myths ... and What Really Happened by Christy Mihaly, illustrated by Marta Sevilla, 40 pages. INTERACTIVE, NON-FICTION Barefoot Books, 2026. $20 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

How much of the history we learn in school is really a myth? Apparently a lot of it. Mihaly looks at 15 myths surrounding the founding of the United States - from the people who lived here before Columbus arrived to the Revolutionary War. Includes the story of Pocahontas and John Smith, the First Thanksgiving, Plymouth Rock and who really warned that "The British are Coming". 

Mihaly's introduction is excellent. She tell how written history is just one perspective, and different points of view make the whole thing messy and complicated. It's interactive; you see the well-known myth, then open a flap to "uncover" the truth (ingenious). There are also some opportunities to lift the flaps for other things. There are also interesting "think about this yourself" questions. A brilliant book that doesn't feel political - it explains why many of our stories turned into myths and shows witnesses' statements of the events. Kids who love history will eat this up. Back matter includes ideas to know or discover if something is true, encouragement to write your own perception of events you witness, a glossary and resources for finding out more. Includes a QR Code to access the bibliography. 

Lisa Librarian 

Poop: A (very) Natural History & a Powerful Future by Ben Hoare and Jennifer N.R. Smith - OPTIONAL

Poop: A (very) Natural History & a Powerful Future by Ben Hoare and Jennifer N.R. Smith, 80 pages. NON-FICTION Wide Eyed (Quarto), 2025 $23. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

The history of, and scientific explanation of poop (and in some cases urine). The reader learns how our bodies make poop, what it says about health, animals and poop, toilets through the ages and much more. 

So, this was fascinating - there is a ton of information about poop, stuff I didn't know I didn't want to know - yes a lot of it is gross, but it's about poop so what do you expect. The reader is told throughout not to touch poop, and not to experiment with it, to leave it to the experts. The illustrations are large and artistic, illustrations of people pooping are discreet, and it's funny at times. What I really think? Kids will pick it up because it's called Poop, but I'm not sure how engaged they'll be in reading it. Also, it's one of the oversized books that won't fit on our shelves anyway. 

Lisa Librarian 

America is Wild! by Brad Timm, Jill De Haan and Margaux Samson Abadie - ADVISABLE

America is Wild! A State-by-State Encyclopedia of American Wildlife by Brad Timm, illustrated by Jill De Haan and Margaux Samson Abadie, 208 pages. NON-FICTION Wide Eyed (Quarto), 2026. $23

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

The United States has a very diverse environment, with lots of plants and animals. From each state, the author highlights 4 or so plants and animals that represent their wildlife; some are iconic (I bet you can guess what Wyoming's mammal is), while others are surprising (I didn't know South Dakota had Cactus!) We learn the common name, the Latin name, and some interesting facts about each one. 

America is Wild was a lot of fun. Nice reference book, with great illustrations. The information is concise and accurate, and there's a variety of entries from each state - a bird, a mammal, a tree, a flower, an insect - 3-4 different plants and 3-4 different animals on a 4-page spread. I loved that there was always a "fun fact", not just the general information. An interesting read that I hope will be enjoyed in my library. 

Lisa Librarian 

Manga in Theory and Practice by Hirohiko Araki - OPTIONAL

Manga in Theory and Practice: The Craft of Creating Manga by Hirohiko Araki, 226 pages. NONFICTION. VIZ Media, 2017. $24.

Language: R (11 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG13 (alcohol use, nudity, and mentions of illegal activity and eroticism); Violence: PG13 (assault, gun use, mentions of suicide, and murder)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS, ADULTS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Hirohiko Araki, the creator of JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, shares his beliefs of what makes great and successful manga, referencing not only his own work but other mangas and even other works outside of manga as examples. Going through what Araki calls the four fundamentals of manga (characters, story, setting, and themes), he illustrates how he develops those aspects in his own work so that readers can do it too.

In the introduction, Araki says that, while he uses them for manga, these principles have universal applications outside of the manga version of storytelling. I found some inspiration in what he shared though I don’t create manga and don’t agree with everything he believes about telling a story. At the end of the day, these four fundamentals and the ways Araki uses them for his work are opinions. Araki’s theories and practice are interesting and make sense, but his way isn’t the only way, and he encourages readers to use this book as a starting point and go beyond his outline.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Carlotta's Special Dress by Carlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier Page, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton

Carlotta's Special Dress: How a Walk to School Changed Civil Rights History by Carlotta Walls LaNier with Lisa Frazier Page, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. BIOGRAPHY, PICTURE BOOK Little, Brown, 2026. $19. 9780316572545 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

It's 1957 and Carlotta is one of the "Little Rick 9." She and other Black high school students would be the first integrated into Central High School. Her Uncle had given her mother money for Carlotta to buy a new dress, and she was excited to go wearing the beautiful store bought dress. But, that first day of school was not to be. Angry crowds and soon the National Guard prevented Carlotta and her classmates from going to school. 

An interesting twist on the story of Central High school. I like that it made it personal, giving not just a face but a story to one of the students. I loved the illustrations, and the amount of text was just right. Includes an author’s note (Carlotta is the author) and so we learn a bit more to her story. Also includes a timeline and captioned photographs - yes, one is of Carlotta in The Dress. 

Carlotta is Black. 

Lisa Librarian 

Diamond Fever! A True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin, comics and art by Jon Chad - ADVISABLE

Diamond Fever! A True Crime Story in the Wild West by Steve Sheinkin, comics and art by Jon Chad, 256 pages. NON-FICTION Roaring Brook Press (Macmillan), 2026. $19. 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

In 1872 Philip Arnold and John Slack started an interest in a supposed diamond mine somewhere in the old west. Some of the richest men in America get involved and want to become investors, but is the promise of unbelievable wealth blinding them to the fact that this mine may become The Great Diamond Hoax? 

A real true crime adventure! I loved the added comics to bridge some of the sections, providing movement and a fresh voice - or rather the voices of the characters rather than just the narrator, I especially loved the comic about how diamonds are made. I loved how Sheinkin added context chapters, talking about what was happening back East at the same time, like who the president was and what happened with his buggy race. There's an author's note which shouldn't be missed, as well as source notes, a bibliography and an index. 

The main characters are white 

Lisa Librarian 

The Totally Awesome World of MrBeast by Neal E. Fischer - MANY

The Totally Awesome World of MrBeast by Neal E. Fischer, 128 pages. BIOGRAPHY Quarto, 2025. $15

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

Facts and statistics about MrBeast, the man who went from a disinterested student and college dropout to one of the most viral YouTube stars on the planet.

The layout is bright and colorful and makes the text engaging. There are not only facts about Mr. Beast, but interesting side notes, like how the term computer bug was coined after a moth got into a main frame and caused it to fritz. MrBeast's story may inspire wanna-be YouTubers and his work ethic is impressive, which is important for aspiring YouTubers to understand.

Mr. Beast is white.

Michelle in the Middle 

10 Ways to Fight Misinformation by Gregor Craigie and Bithi Sutradhar - ADVISABLE

10 Ways to Fight Misinformation (Sticking to the Facts) by Gregor Craigie and Bithi Sutradhar, 52 pages. NON-FICTION Orca, 2026. $20

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In an age of misinformation, especially on the internet, this book is a handy reference tool. This is a short, well laid-out book that has short, easy to read chapters covering various topics, such as checking sources and authors. There are also great side bars about real incidents of fake news.

I only intended to skim through this, but read it cover to cover. This would be a great resource for teachers and students as they begin navigating source material for reports, and also for anyone who is wondering whether or not to share a story on social media.

Michelle in the Middle 

Real Life Disasters (Danger Files) by Anna Crowley Redding and Robbie Cathro - ESSENTIAL

Real Life Disasters (Danger Files) by Anna Crowley Redding and Robbie Cathro, 208 pages. NON-FICTION Candlewick, 2025. $18

Language: G (0 swears 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (peril, death counts)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

5 real life disasters told from the perspective of a child (in most cases). Includes The Great Chicago Fire, The Titanic, The Spanish Flu, The Great Molasses Flood and The Hindenburg. 

There is so much to like about this book (series). Information is presented referencing primary sources, each story contains a “try this yourself” experiment relative to the story and the telling is engaging and quick with illustrations, and side bars. I’m getting the whole series.

Most of the characters are presumed white

Lisa Librarian 

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 

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 

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

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

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

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

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

Reviewer: A. Criswell, English Language Arts teacher