Skip by Sarah Burgess - OPTIONAL

Skip by Sarah Burgess, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Andrew McMeel Publishing, 2023. $15 

Language: G; Mature Content: PG (questioning gender); Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Jay is shy, feels invisible, and questions whether they are a boy or a girl. Jay feels like a nobody and struggles with friendships. Beah, on the otherhand, knows what she wants and is a force to be reckoned with. Beah is all about Double Dutch street skipping. Jay's friendship with Beah is a game changer for Jay, but Jay and Beah still need to understand themselves. 

 Jay is trying to understand themselves and how they fit into the world. Jay's insecurities can resonate with middle school readers. Sometimes the text is difficult to read because it gets super small in places. I'm not sure if Jay and Beah are just friends or are becoming something more. Beah is black and Jay is nonbinary white. 

 Michelle in the Middle 

Shiny Misfits by Maysoon Zayid and Shadia Amin - ESSENTIAL

Shiny Misfits by Maysoon Zayid, illustrated by Shadia Amin, 256 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Graphix (Scholastic), 2024. 415 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

11yo Bay Ann is in middle school and she wants to shine. She wins the school talent show with her tap routine, but when her classmate, Alyee Maq, steps up to accept his second place trophy, she wobbles and almost falls and Alyee catching her goes viral. Bay Ann has cerebral palsy and doesn't want to be seen only as her disability but as the best. She does everything in her power to beat Alyee at his attention seeking game. 

The characters are great. Bay Ann is flawed, but her angst about getting clicks and going viral is relatable. Bay Ann talks to her cat who answers in rhyme. My favorite character is the teacher, who makes me smile. It is interesting to see how Bay Ann deals with her disability and even works it to her advantage. I love the diversity of the characters and their situations, the humor, the art, and the divorced parents. It all works together to make a fun and compelling read. The two main characters and their families are Arab American. 

Michelle in the Middle School 

The House of the Lost on the Cape by Sachiko Kashiwaba and Yukiko Saito - OPTIONAL

The House of the Lost on the Cape by Sachiko Kashiwaba, illustrated by Yukiko Saito (translated from Japanese by Avery Fischer Udagawa), 224 pages. Yonder, 2023. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (attempted kidnapping, monster violence, some pets and people injured - not gory) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Yui and Hiyori are strangers on a train, but when an earthquake followed by a tsunami destroys the town they have stopped in, they find themselves together in a shelter. When an old woman, Obächan, mistakes them for her daughter-in-law and granddaughter, Yui goes along with it and they begin a new life as a family. Renting a house near the sea, Hiyori, is enrolled in the 5th grade at the local school, and although she has been silent since the death of her parents, she quickly makes a friend. But the twin disasters have opened a portal that may have released a dangerous monster. Good thing Obächan has connections to the magical world and knows a thing or two about protecting her community. 

I struggled to keep track of all the characters, as The House of the Lost on the Cape was obviously written for a Japanese audience who would be familiar with the mythology. There's not much world-building, and my digital copy didn't have a glossary. I'm certain a Japanese reader, or someone with more cultural knowledge than I would find it engaging and exciting. The suspense was well delivered, and the battle with the Sea Snake was satisfying, but I was painfully aware I was missing a huge part of the story. The characters are Japanese 

Lisa Librarian 

Unstoppable Us: Why the World Isn't Fair by Yuval Noah Harari and Ricard Zaplana Ruiz, - ADVISABLE

Unstoppable Us: Why the World Isn't Fair by Yuval Noah Harari and Ricard Zaplana Ruiz, 181 pages. NON-FICTION. Bright Matter Books, 2024. $25. 9780593711521

CONTENT: PG (The book discusses wars, discrimination, and more)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

"Unstoppable Us" follows humanity for thousands of years. We learn about the beginnings of civilization, farming, inventions, discovery, and more. With this, we also learn about oppression, unfair systems, world events, disasters, etc. In this book, we can learn about the good and bad about humanity and remember it. This book is a funny, interesting choice for older kids that want to learn more about the world around them and appreciate a darker sense of humor.

This book was a funny perspective of human civilization and how we've evolved and learned. By covering almost every topic, we learn through illustrations and fun facts about how humans have come to be. This book covers inequality and discrimination in a way that's respectful but funny. The book addresses homosexuality, different cultures, and more.

Bryant Baird, Librarian

15 Secrets to Survival by Natalie D. Richards - OPTIONAL

15 Secrets to Survival by Natalie D. Richards, 376 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2023. $18.

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Peril, injuries) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

12yo Baxter, Turner, Abigail and Emerson have known each other since pre-school. Their parents are friends, but they are not - more like frenemies. So when the group starts arguing with each other and saying mean things on a group chat during a school competition, they are disqualified and given an alternate assignment. As a team building activity, the children are delivered to Baxter's great Uncle Hornsby - a survivalist - in the mountains of northern Montana (and it's December). But what they think is survival training turns into life and death as Uncle Hornby disappears and the kids find themselves alone in the wilderness. 

Wow, so much peril - winter, snow storms, collapsing shed, frozen rivers, an avalanche, dangerous wildlife, oh, and they have an 18 month old little sister with them. It felt like a bit much for the 2 days? they were together. Uncle Hornsby is portrayed as super elderly - so many wrinkles - and I puzzle at the wisdom of the parents just dropping the kids off and heading to Aruba. All in all, exciting, as the action never stops - they go from one dangerous situation right into the next, I'm not sure some of them might have permanent injuries. A bit long for middle grade, nearly 400 pages. The author gives us hair colors, but races are not defined, so the characters default white. 

Lisa Librarian 

Kaya and the Lizard Riders by Wes Craig - ADVISABLE

Kaya and the Lizard Riders, Book 1 by Wes Craig, 160 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Image Comics, Inc. 2023. $10 

Language: G (2 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: PG (fighting, death, destruction) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Kaya is a young girl who must take her 8yo brother to a safe haven after their village is destroyed. He is a prince and may be the answer to a prophecy. The siblings have not grown up together, and while the prince still thinks he can give orders, it is Kaya and her magic arm that keep them alive while fleeing the empire and battling monsters. 

If you like comic books, this one is for you. Kaya has just enough attitude and moxie to make her an unlikely, yet interesting hero. The plot is fast-paced and the subplots, about a possible relationship and having honor are intriguing. This is book one of five, and readers will want to find out what happens to Kaya and her brother. Kaya may or may not be black, and her love interest is a lizard man. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Next Stop by Debbie Fong - ADVISABLE

Next Stop by Debbie Fong, 268 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024. $22 

Language: G (0 swears) Mature Content: PG (death, mental breakdown) Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Pia is on a desert bus tour with a bus full of interesting characters but no family. Pia is drawn to the tour because of a chance to see a mystical underground lake that is supposed to grant impossible wishes. Pia has a deep secret she's been hiding from her new friends on the bus and is searching for healing. 

 The bus ride is an adventure in quirkiness. Think of all the weird things one could possibly see on a road trip, and they're probably included. Pia's secret is revealed in flashbacks and by the end your heart will break for her. The text type is small but readable. The issues of grieving and loss are identifiable and touching. Pia is most likely Taiwanese. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Arthur the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland and Chris Riddell - OPTIONAL

Arthur the Always King by Kevin Crossley-Holland, illustrated by Chris Riddell, 237 pages. Candlewick, 2023. $30. 9781536212655

CONTENT: PG-13 (The book has blood, death, war, and violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

"Arthur the Always King" follows the story of King Arthur. Through war, love, light, and darkness, we learn about the impact King Arthur had during his life. The tales of these journeys have been passed down for generations, which are still adapted and retold today. While some are violent and gruesome, some are romantic and kind. 

Arthur’s story is perfect for kids who have a darker sense of humor, love fairy tales, and love knights in shining armor. Riddell has filled the  stories with great illustrations to match about countless stories throughout the years. The art and stories themselves are very violent, with blood and more. This book might be difficult for many readers, especially younger ones. 

Bryant Baird, Librarian

Choosing Sides (Sweet Valley Twins #3) by Francine Pascal & Nicole Andelfinger and Claudia Aguirre - ADVISABLE

Choosing Sides (Sweet Valley Twins #3) by Francine Pascal, illustrated by Nicole Andelfinger and Claudia Aguirre, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024. $22 

Language: PG (3 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

Elizabeth's best friend, Amy, is trying out for the new cheer squad. Unfortunately, the Unicorn's cheer squad only wants the most popular girls and are actively working against Amy. Elizabeth gets caught in the middle between her twin and the Unicorns, and friends who want to have a chance no matter the odds. 

 Pretty much a standard plot line with good twin vs. demented twin caught up in the popular universe. Elizabeth finds a way to make things right and stave off the mean girls. If you like Sweet Vally Twins, then you will like this book. The art captures the spirit of the books well and helps advance the story. The twins are white but there are different skin tones in the book. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Undercover Latina by Aya De Leon - OPTIONAL

Undercover Latina by Aya De Leon, 336 pages. Candlewick, 2023. $9 (paperback) 

Language: PG (8 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (brief fight against a terrorist) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

14yo Latina Andrea and her family are part of an undercover international group called the Factory, which helps governments around the world extend protection to people of color. Andrea and her mother are activated to infiltrate a suburban Arizona school to befriend the estranged son of a white supremacist - but Andrea and her mom have to pass as white to do so. Add complications from Andrea getting her first crush and perhaps her first kiss. 

As fun as the book was to listen to (major Gallagher Girl vibes here), SPOILER - I hated that Andrea’s cover was so thoroughly blown at the end that she might get little chance in the future for the spy work - I was really hoping for a whole series. Also - book #2 is now out, but both books need major cover redo’s - the first is too cartoony and the second too dark (at first glance it looks like Amani has a beard). At over 300 pages, most of my students will pass it up for something tighter. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS 

Not if You Break Up With Me First by G.F. Miller - ESSENTIAL

Not if You Break Up With Me First by G.F. Miller, 278 pages. Simon and Schuster, 2024. $19. Content: 

PG (no overt content issues, but lots of simmering anger about pranks as the two main characters resolve their issues)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL

APPEALS TO: MANY

13yo Eve has been waiting all summer for her best-friend-for-life Andrew to get home from his family’s all summer trip to Florida. He’s already missed the first week of school! As soon as he steps off the airplane, though, things are weird - their mothers are whispering about what a cute couple they are, and at school all of Eve’s track team friends are sure that they are destined to be a couple - they’ve even started trying out couple names for them. Now everyone assumes they are actually a couple. But neither of them wants to be the one to back out. Eve and Andrew decide independently to be outrageously bad “dates” so that the other will do the breaking up. What can go wrong? How about everything!

Miller has written an awesome what-not-to-do-in-a-relationship book! High on misunderstandings, bad advice, and sheer drama. I would dub this a must-read for everyone entering middle school and hormones. This is everything that a middle school dating book should be. Good to the last drop! All of the characters cue white.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey - ADVISABLE

A Kingdom to Claim by Sian Ann Bessey, 352 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $19.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: ADVISABLE - HS

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Daughter of an ealdorman, Aisley (12yo) watched her sick father leave for battle against the Vikings, his loyalty to King Alfred of Wessex overpowering the pleadings of his family to stay home. And the Saxons lost terribly. The Vikings were happy to be paid off then, but, seven years later, they return—and Aisley braces herself, fearing what more they could take from her if they win again.

While the story is mostly focused on the romance blooming amidst war, the main characters are not the only ones with character arcs. Bessey does her research and shares which parts of the story are true at the end, pointing out fun facts like how King Alfred is the only English monarch to be referred to as “the Great.” The political and religious dealings of the time period are as fun to learn as the story itself is to read.

Most of the characters are Saxons (southern English), and some of the Vikings are implied Danes. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, kissing, and mentions of rape. The violence rating is for assault, battles, war, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Eowulf by Mike Cavallaro - ADVISABLE

Eowulf by Mike Cavallaro, 222 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL First Second (Macmillan), 2024 16 

Language: G (1 swear) Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Eowulf, daughter of Deowulf, son of Ceowulf, descendant of Beowulf, has problems. She is a Dungeons & Dragons whiz with her friends, but when she tries to stick up for a kid who always gets bullied, her friends suddenly seem distant. Besides, Eowulf has a secret she hasn't shared with her friends: she is a monster hunter with her dad. But boring New Jersey may have a monster and secrets of its own. 

 I liked that there is a plot within a plot. There is a story about the D&D campaign that dovetails nicely with Eowulf's narrative. While the premise is pretty bizarre, it's relatable because of common threads surrounding friendship, bullying, misunderstandings, and finding common ground. I ended up liking the story and the bright, colorful graphics. The story wraps up nicely, but there will be a second book. Race or cultures are difficult to assess, but there is a variety of skin tones. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Secret Language of Birds by Lynn Kelly - OPTIONAL

The Secret Language of Birds by Lynn Kelly, 232 pages. Delacorte (Random House), 2024. $18. 

Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG (girls discussing bras and possum nipples) Violence: PG (mention of poaching) 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

13yo Nina has a way with birds. She loves them, and knows a lot about them - she even imagines they are speaking to her. So, when given the opportunity to spend the summer at her Aunt's birding camp, Nina is all in. Although she'll be staying in her Aunt's cabin, she quickly falls in with a group of three who call themselves The Oddballs. On a secret campers' hike to the marsh to investigate a ghost story, the girls are startled by a huge white bird. Nina stays behind. She thinks it might be a rare whooping crane, but they don't live in Texas! Nina wasn't supposed to be at the infirmary, and she's afraid if she tells her aunt about the crane, she'll be sent home. So the Oddballs come up with a plan. 

I expected some magical realism, based on an encounter with a bird in the first chapter, but that sort of thing didn't happen again. I don't feel the characters were all that well developed. I wanted to know more about Nina - she was loner at school, but seemed to fit right in with the girls at the camp - it felt like a disconnect. I learned a lot about bird conservation, especially Whooping Cranes. Cool cover art. While not a sequel or even a companion novel, I liked the occasional nod to Song for a Whale, even including Iris in the storyline. The characters default white - the wildlife official is described as Black. 

Lisa Librarian 

Fun Fact: I Love You by Gina Lynn Larsen - OPTIONAL

Fun Fact: I Love You by Gina Lynn Larsen, 256 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $20.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Nellie (17yo) has a plan, a five-year plan. She is going to be valedictorian in a couple of weeks, go to UNLV, and then go on to grad school to become an astrophysicist. Getting her first kiss is not in the plan, nor is her second, and it definitely doesn’t include her father’s sudden death.

Larsen explores both sides of having a plan and not having a plan, and how life has a way of pushing and pulling us in various directions regardless. While grief is often not in our plans, it can reshape them, and that is not a bad thing. Nellie’s story highlights how our support systems help us through the difficult times to continue moving forward to our dreams—even when those dreams change. Also, the “keeping a secret” trope for the romance side of the story stressed me out, but it was handled well, and I am satisfied with the conclusion of the book.

The majority of characters are implied white. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, mentions of drugs, innuendo, kissing, and partial nudity. The violence rating is for mild assault, death, and mentions of child abuse.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Didn’t See that Coming by Jesse Q. Sutanto - OPTIONAL

Didn’t See that Coming by Jesse Q. Sutanto, 320 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2023. $13.

Language: R (290 swears, 20 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When 17yo Kiki’s parents make her switch Chinese schools, she’s confident that she’ll be able to make new friends and get along with her teachers like she did at her last school, but her first day goes terribly—she becomes known as “Crazy Kiki.” The only bright side is that Kiki’s online gaming friend, Sourdawg, tells her that he also goes to that school. If Kiki can find her friend, then maybe she’ll survive the strict school and her standoffish classmates.

When Kiki switches schools, the shockingly different environment is hard for her to handle, and she loses herself. As pieces of Kiki’s personality fall away in order to fit into the new group, Kiki’s happiness decreases and she isolates herself. This downward spiral is easy to get caught up in—it’s as easy in real life as it is in Kiki’s story. As Kiki gains the courage to reclaim her confidence and sense of self, readers can learn from her strength. The dramatization of this process is entertaining, but it still offers hope.

Most of the characters are implied Chinese Indonesian, Liam is half Singaporean, and Cassie is part of the LGBT community. The mature content is for underage drinking, sexual harassment, innuendo, and mentions of drugs, sexting, sex, and rape. The violence content is for video game fantasy violence and mentions of murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Mapmakers and the Flickering Fortress by Cameron Chittock and Amanda Castillo - ADVISABLE

Mapmakers and the Flickering Fortress (Mapmakers #3) by Cameron Chittock, illustrated by Amanda Castillo, 234 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL RH Graphic Penguin, 2024 $14 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL 

In the third book of the the trilogy, Alidade and Blue reach the land of the Night Coats and discover a sinister power lurking beneath the surface. The magic of the Memris may be extinguished for good if the Mapmakers can't come together to fix the ever encroaching darkness the Night Coats have unleashed. Alidade and her fellow Mapmakers are intrepid and care for the world around them. They are not afraid to use their gifts to help others. Even though there are over arching themes of environmentalism, the mystery of the Night Coats will keep you reading. There is a lot of jumping back and forth between characters and worlds, so that could be confusing, but the page colors help. Nice resolution to the trilogy and it wrapped up before getting too drawn out. Though no culture or race is specified, Alidade and her Mapmaker friends seem largely South American. 

Michelle in the Middle 

The Haunted House by Francine Pascal, Nicole Andelfinger and Knack Whittle - ADVISABLE

The Haunted House (Sweet Valley Twins) by Francine Pascal, illustrated by Nicole Andelfinger and Knack Whittle, 220 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024. $22 

Language: PG (6 swears) Mature Content: G Violence: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

Nora Mercandy has moved into town and lives in the local haunted house, spawning rumors that she is a witch. The school spurns her, led on by the Unicorn Club and their rumors. Elizabeth determines Nora is a nice girl and tries to befriend her. The bullying escalates and Elizabeth is caught between her new friend and her twin. 

The art is great and helps carry the book. The bullying is really mean and I have a hard time liking Jessica's character even if she is a good literary foil for her twin. The ending wraps up a little too easily and not everyone who gets bullied will have a way out as easy as Nora. It's a relatable read though and it's a vehicle to build empathy for those who may not fit in. No culture or race is specified, though the twins are white. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Tryouts by Sarah Sax - ADVISABLE

Tryouts by Sarah Sax (The Brinkley Yearbooks #2), 286 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Knopf (Random House), 2024. $22 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

13yo Alexandra Olsen lives for baseball. She's played on little league teams forever, but has aged out. She wants to be on the middle school team but it's an all boy team. She tries out anyway. With a tenth consecutive championship on the line, her team isn't working together well at all. What's a girl to do? 

Ali is a great character. She's a go-getter and she really just wants to play. Her friends are doing different things at the middle school and this book is really a celebration of what makes students thrive, whether it is sports or something different. Great themes of friendship and that life is not all about winning or losing, but about people. I totally loved the unexpected ending. There is hope for middle schoolers with this book! Race or culture isn't mentioned. Ali has red hair and freckles and there are a variety of skin tones throughout the book. 

Michelle in the Middle 

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim - ADVISABLE

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim, 238 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Random House, 2024 22 

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

BUYING ADVISORY EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: MANY 

12 yo Maya is excited to go to culinary camp, even if it is her dad's girlfriend's idea. Unfortunately, she takes the wrong bus and ends up at a camp for vampires. Maya has never fit in anywhere and she certainly doesn't feel like being the only human at camp will help. 

Even though this is a vampire camp, the issues of friendship and belonging are addressed really well. Maya also struggles with speaking up for herself and telling people what she's really thinking, which is fairly universal. The graphic art is well done and totally adds to the story. The characters are relatable and diverse. I loved it. Break out the blood box drinks! The campers were all a mixed bag of personalities and skin tones. 

Michelle in the Middle