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

No Way Never Sisters by Chantel Acevedo and Natalia Sylvester - ADVISABLE

No Way Never Sisters by Chantel Acevedo and Natalia Sylvester, 276 pages. Aladdin (Simon), 2026. $19 

Content: G (mild pranks, family tension) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Sure 12yo Roxy and Meli know each other from school, but they are definitely in different crowds. Roxy is sporty and popular, while Meli is artsy and has her own crown, thank you very much. Now Roxy’s dad and Meli’s mom are getting married? And they are all, including their little brothers, moving into the same house which needs major renovations before the wedding in August! Meli and Roxy need to cooperate and scuttle this relationship pronto, if they want to maintain the lives they already enjoy. Their Disaster Plan has a good chance of succeeding - so what if it hurts everyone around them. 

Acevedo and Sylvester juggle a lot of moving parts, but they do it well. The two younger brothers are the cutest, but different from each other. The girls each have a health problem and the dynamics between each girl and the adults plays out differently. The middle grade crowd is perfect for this. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller - ADVISABLE

When Tomorrow Burns by Tae Keller, 266 pages. Random House, 2026. $18

Language: G (0 swears ) 'f's'); Mature Content: PG (Sexting picture shared, in bra); Violence: PG (classroom altercation)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

Arthur, Violet and Nomi found a book they think contains prophecies - vague things that, if you are looking for them, you will see them come true. But the final prophecy seems to predict a fire and the destruction - of what? Their town, their friendship, something else? Now that they are in 7th grade and more mature than when they originally found the book, they've changed. Is it still OK for girls to be friends with boys? Arthur is worried that his feelings for Nomi might change everything, so he steps away from the friend group, and Vi has troubles of her own with her mom and a boy on Arthur's track team, while Nomi is frantic, hoping to find a sequel to their book and maybe prevent prophecy from happening, but it might be happening already.

The kids each tell their stories in alternating chapters, which I liked. A nice perspective, especially as the friends were keeping secrets from each other. The multiple perspectives and the tree narrated sections (commentary? something else, I wasn't sure about this) gave a lot to unpack. This is a book about unraveling friendships, growing up, and social media. There's a lot that can be discussed in a class or in a book club. Arthur has 2 dads, Vi and Nomi are Asian.

Lisa Librarian 

A Glimmer of Change by Elle McNicoll - ADVISABLE

A Glimmer of Change (A Kind of Spark - prequel) by Elle McNicoll, 207 pages. Random House, 2025. $18

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Keedie is neurodivergent. Her twin sister is not, and unfortunately, lately has become one of the leaders of a peer group who bullies kids who may be different, or shy, or poor, or whatever they want to pick on them for. Keedie isn’t having it, and after standing up for a friend at a party, she’s asked by another classmate to be their champion as well. Keedie starts an anti-bullying agency and takes on clients, for a fee. But when the bullies claim Keedie is targeting them, her plan begins to unravel.

Elle McNicoll writes neurodiversity so well, and in this story Keedie, who I loved in A Kind of Spark a year or two ago, really shines. I love that she isn’t afraid to speak her mind and stand up for what she believes, even when she’s standing up to teachers and the headmaster. A definite recommend, stands alone although it’s a prequel.

Keedie is Scottish as are all the characters

Lisa Librarian 

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

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

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

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

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

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

The Chismosas Only Book Club by Laekan Zea Kemp - ADVISABLE

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

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

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

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

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

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

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

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

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

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

Michelle in the Middle 

Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner - ADVISABLE

Last Day Pool Party by Emma Steinkellner, 170 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Labyrinth Road, 2026. $22

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

It's the day of 8th grade graduation. Dustin is throwing a pool part that he is pretty sure nobody wants to come to. Rose just wants to make a friend before she starts high school. Juhi has to tell her best friend, Liv that she is moving to London in three weeks. Maya, the popular girl, is being forced to go to Dustin's party when she'd really rather be with her friends. And Paul, Maya's cousin, is just along for the ride; he'd rather be gaming with his online friends. When all the characters come together at Dustin's house, will they be able to put aside their differences and see that what they really need is each other?

I love realistic middle-grade graphic novels, and this was no exception. Pre-teens will relate to the struggles each of the characters face. I liked that the characters each had their own arc, and each learned how to be a friend. This would be great for upper elementary and middle school. Dustin and Liv are white; Paul, Maya, Rose, and Juhi are BIPOC. Characters have diverse body types and families (Maya has a single mom and Rose has two moms).

Rachel, elementary school librarian 

Checking You Out by Jennifer Chen - OPTIONAL

Checking You Out by Jennifer Chen, 320 pages. Wednesday Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2026. $15.

Language: R (55 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG (kissing, mentions of alcohol, partial nudity, and mild innuendo); Violence: PG (discussions of bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

When Lizzie finds a book receipt at the library showing that someone else has checked out her three favorite fantasy books, she and her friends set out to discover the identity of her new book crush. Dylan left the nerdy book part of his personality back at his old school, determined not to let the teasing follow him to the end of senior year and his last summer before college. Becoming closer through anonymous notes but resistant to each other in person, Lizzie and Dylan wonder if they should even bother figuring out their complicated relationship when they’re both about to leave LA for different colleges.

The characters are over-the-top in their love for books and cats in mostly endearing ways. By making them obsessed with their passions, Chen drives home the point that no one should be afraid to be themselves and shows the beauty of friends that accept you and your quirks as is. You are not alone; there are people out there who are like you and will love you for being yourself. Lizzie and Dylan are Asian American.

Reviewer: Carolina Johnson

Wrong Friend by Charise Mericle Harper, illustrated by Rory Lucey - OPTIONAL

Wrong Friend by Charise Mericle Harper, illustrated by Rory Lucey, 254 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Macmillan), 2026. $15 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Casey and Charise have been best friends for years even though Casey is 13 and Charise is 11. But when Casey moves on to high school, she dumps Casey. Casey thought her friendship was forever, so she is in the uncomfortable position of searching for a new BFF with all the angst that goes with it. 

Charise's story is relatable and seems true to her age. There are a lot of unwritten rules in middle school about friends, and Charise fields that. Charise's grandmother moves in and only speaks French, but there are translations with it, which is nice. The plot was predictable, but will appeal to girls with friendship problems. Charise is part French. 

Michelle in the Middle

Some of Us are Brave by Saadia Faruqi - ADVISABLE

Some of Us are Brave by Saadia Faruqi, 324 pages. Quill Tree (Harper), 2026. $20

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (bullying by parent)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SOME

12yo Mona has to care for her little brother while their parents are away on yet another conference trip. 12yo Yasir doesn’t have money to go to soccer camp this year, but if he coaches the littles, he can attend camp as payment - even if that means playing with 12yo Cody, who bullies Yasir. Cody, meanwhile, goes through life with a huge chip on his shoulder because his father bullies him and is constantly telling him to “man up”. When Hurricane Harvey hits land and causes major flooding in Houston, all four kids are caught and must figure out how to work together to survive. And maybe learn some great lessons about what being a friend means and how to speak up for themselves.

Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, but this isn’t about the history of the hurricane - it is definitely a vehicle for a diverse trio of kids to learn about each other and that they can be friends. Both Cody and Mona’s lives make the biggest changes - Mona learning to find her voice with her parents who have given a young girl way too much responsibility, and Cody recognizes that his father’s viewpoints are based on hateful opinions, not facts and that Cody does not have to act the same way.

Yasir and Mona are from the Middle East.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Three Blue Hearts by Lynne Kelly - ADVISABLE

Three Blue Hearts by Lynne Kelly, 288 pages. Random House, 2025. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Everybody knows 12yo Max. Either because his father is a prominent politician, or because he seems to make dumb mistakes, like running the wrong way on the field losing his team the game. This summer, his mom has rented a beach house, and Max would love a fresh start. He wants to be called Milo, and hopes he can be himself, and make some friends. On his first walk on the beach, he discovers an injured octopus, meets a boy who knows a nature center nearby, and offers to help around the place to help care for the octopus.

Much of Three Blue Hearts revolves around caring for Ursula - making engaging enrichments to keep her active (and in her tank - she's an escape artist), and learning about caring for wildlife in general. Max's two friends are a great dynamic - befriending Max right away, but not giving away too much of their stories too quickly.  The family dynamics are also great, Max has grandparents from a former step-parent, and parents with much different expectations for Max. There isn't a whole lot of action which makes for a slow plot, but waiting for an octopus to grow back a leg takes time.  Fans of Lynne Kelly's other books, including Song for a Whale will appreciate Three Blue Hearts as well. 

The characters default white

Lisa Librarian

The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang By Stan Yan - ADVISABLE

The Many Misfortunes of Eugenia Wang by Stan Yan, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Atheneum (Simon and Schuster), 2025. $25 

Language: G (0 swears 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (dream depictions and graphic art representations of falling and fire) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

When 12yo Eugenia receives a mild concussion in PE, she starts to experience random daytime (and nighttime) nightmares full of fire and death, the images mysteriously appearing in her artwork - a graphic novel she is working on. She is worried her friends and family are in danger, and is desperate to stop the nightmares. But her mother is more concerned about Eugenia getting good grades in math and has forbidden her from drawing. Sometimes, you have to break the rules to save the ones you love. 

Yan’s depiction of the energy between a child and their mother, who has very high expectations, was both tragic and hilarious. His illustrations are great! Her drive to get into Art Camp, a distraction from her studies, also drew the attention of her crush, which was so sweet. OI love the study of the different relationships, her interactions with her sibling, who seems to have turned into a tattle tale, as well as the shifting relationship with her best friend (told mostly in the illustrations)as she is worried Eugenia’s crush might displace their friendship. I thoroughly enjoyed the little bit creepy, very funny graphic novel. Eugenia and her family are Chinese Americans 

Lisa Librarian 

Dive by John David Anderson - ADVISABLE

Dive by John David Anderson, 325 pages. Walden Pond Press (Harper), 2025. $20

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (mention of adults drinking and smoking, but no reference to kids using substances); Violence: PG (Kass is chased by two homeless men and is terrified by the incident; off page beating)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Kass is a diver who has transferred to a private Catholic school so that she can be on a prestigious diving team and improve her skills. But nothing seems to be working as it should and Kass desperately misses her old school, her friends and struggles to find her way at her new school. Until Kass meets Miles, a 17yo boy who dives in a completely different way... scavenging and dumpster diving on the posh side of town for things he can salvage or sell to help take care of his Dad. Miles understands what it means to feel trapped and Kass starts to wonder what would happen if she starts breaking out of the boxes that she feels forced to live in... until she and Miles are trapped and struggling to find a way out.

I loved the unexpected connection between two divers - one who dives in a pool and one who dives in a dumpster. The friendship between the two kids is unexpected and unsettling and yet compelling. I love the way that Kass explores  and pushes boundaries as all teens and tweens do, but knowing that she is loved by her family and where she can turn for safety. The story felt very unpredictable, yet most kids will connect with the feeling of not fitting in and struggling to find their "spot" in the world. Kass is dealing with parents who have money struggles, missing her best friend who goes to her old school, trying to make friends at her new school and the challenge of connecting both worlds. All of these challenges slam up against her fascination and friendship with Miles and the clash of their two worlds. The story is compelling and curious and familiar all at the same time. I think kids will find it fascinating.

Jen VanHaaften, Middle School Librarian

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny by Matthew Swanson, illustrated by Robbi Behr - ADVISABLE

Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Destiny by Matthew Swanson, illustrated by Robbi Behr, 314 pages. Knopf (Random House), 2025. $14 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Ben Yokoyama is NOT moving to California, especially since it means giving up his best friend, Janet. Ben is devastated when Janet is not there to say goodbye to him, but it turns out she has stowed away in the family camper. The cross-country drive is filled with Janet and Ben scheming to stay together, as they try to figure out ways to make a fortune before they get to California and Janet will have to fly home. 

This is the last book in this series. Though the cover and the format look fairly juvenile, the authors address complicated emotions and situations, but in a gentle and understanding manner. Ben's issues with moving, losing his friend, money issues, and his grandmother's health, and family stress are universal problems. This is a great way to wrap up the series, and fans will not be disappointed, as Ben rises to his challenges. Race or culture is not specified, but the last name suggests Ben may be of Asian descent. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Safe Harbor by Padma Venkatraman - ADVISABLE

Safe Harbor by Padma Venkatraman, 157 pages. NOVEL IN VERSE. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin), 2025. $18

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

12yo Geetha and her mom have moved to the United States after her parents’ divorce. Moving is not easy for Geetha, especially because she is having a very hard time finding anyone friendly at her school.. Instead, she has people like the shiny-smile girl who seems to be Geetha’s personal bully, hiding behind a  supposedly friendly face. Then one day Geetha is at the beach when she and a boy, Miguel, find a stranded harbor seal pup.  This chance encounter leads to a new friendship and a cause to support, giving Geetha things to look forward to and some courage to address some things in her life which are out of balance.

As much as I enjoyed Geetha’s story, I will always be disappointed by a novel in verse which is not poetic. Had I listened to this as an audiobook I would have had no idea it was supposed to be poetry. I like the environmental messages that are present without being in-your-face.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

How to Lose a Best Friend by Jordan K Casomar. - OPTIONAL

How to Lose a Best Friend by Jordan K Casomar. 324 pages. MTV Entertainment Books, 2024. $20

Language: R (317 swears, 64 ‘f'); Mature Content: R (kissing, off page sex, sex dreams mentioned, sexual references, underage drinking, racial slurs, underage vaping, references to genitals); Violence: PG (fighting, bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

16yo Zeke and 15yo Imogen have been best friends since they were children. Everyone expects them to get together as soon as Imogen turns 16 and is allowed to date. While Imogen deeply cares for Zeke and treasures their friendship, she’s recently found herself developing feelings for a new student, Trevor. At her birthday party, in front of all their friends, Zeke unexpectedly announces his feelings for her and declares his intentions—putting Imogen on the spot. When she rejects him, the backlash from their peers unfairly falls on her. Imogen is left hurt and confused, especially by the realization that her best friend seems more focused on what he wants than on how she feels. As Zeke struggles with the rejection, he begins taking extreme measures to try to sabotage Imogen’s relationship with Trevor, hoping to make her choose him instead.

This story, told in dual perspectives, is about a boy who mistakenly believes that liking a girl means she’s obligated to like him back—that his time and attention entitle him to something in return. Zeke is a good kid: he works hard at school and baseball, and he supports his family while his dad undergoes cancer treatment. But in chasing the one relationship he believes he deserves, he nearly ruins all the others that matter most. Fortunately, Imogen chooses to forgive him and encourages their friends to do the same. I appreciated the story’s message about the value of healthy relationships built on mutual respect and understanding—an important lesson for teens. What I didn’t enjoy, however, was the excessive and distracting use of foul language. Imogen is black, Zeke is black, Manny and Cara are Puerto Rican American

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian

Severe and Unusual Weather by Jessie Ann Foley - ADVISABLE

Severe and Unusual Weather by Jessie Ann Foley, 272 pages. Harper Collins, 2025. $20

Content: PG (bullying)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL; MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Back in 2011, a freak tornado hit a trailer park in Centralia, Illinois, killing four. Francis was only a baby at the time - he survived, but not his mother. 12yo Natalie has just moved to Centralia to live with Grandma while her mom is in drug rehab. She wants to keep her head low, but can;t keep quiet when she sees how the others at school relentlessly bully Francis. It is Centralia’s bicentennial, and their class has been ordered to make history projects - Francis and Natalie pair up to research the tornado, but someone has secrets and they don’t want the tornado scrutinized. The enemy will take drastic measures to ensure their secrets stay hidden, but Natalie and Francis also have friends who are willing to help them succeed. 

Foley adds a touch of magical realism to her story, which I am not going to give away. I love Natalie’s bravery and the adults who rallied around to help her.  Francis is not as brave, but also realistic.

The characters cue white.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Outfoxed by Elise McMullen-Ciotti - ADVISABLE

Outfoxed by Elise McMullen-Ciotti, 256 pages. Scholastic, 2025. $8 (pb)

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

12yo Cherokee Skye is spending the summer with her aunt and uncle. Her older cousin Braeden has just landed her dream job as a Park Ranger.  When Skye finds an injured baby fox, she meets Ivy at the local vet’s office.. Together the two girls are determined to find the poacher, even if it hurts people close to her.

The Wish books are all so good - a variety of stories and characters, well-written, and fun. While the page count seems long, it didn’t read long - the story flowed quickly, with nice moments of tension and mystery.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Wolf Club by James Bird - ADVISABLE

Wolf Club by James Bird, 272 pages. Feiwel and Friends (Macmillan), SEPT 2025. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

13yo Okan, the racoon; Sara, the Skunk, and Marcus, the moose may be classmates, but they are certainly not friends. Until, however, a white wolf with antlers is spotted in their Minnesota forest and Okan and Sara feel called to find and save the wolf from rogue hunters. Marcus? He comes along because he demands to be included. The trio will go on a journey of steps and of spirit as each of them wrestle with where their hearts and loyalties lie.

Reminiscent of Touching Spirit Bear, Bird brings us skillfully into Native American lives and customs. I enjoyed the dynamics between the three characters and action and feeling of danger of the story. The resolution was a lovely surprise I wasn’t able to predict, that felt genuine.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Okan and Sara are Native America; Marcus is white.